Concrete issue 037 05 10 1994

PREVIEW Tom Hanks is back in the film of the Autumn: 'FonestGump'...

Concrete survey shows that 'hundreds' of Village residents have moans about their flats HUNDREDS of students living in the new£11 million University Village development have complaints about the supposedly top-spec accommodation.

By

52 percent ofstudents say their rooms here are not worth £44.25 plw

••• THEY'RE EVEN LOOKING FOR A RENT CUT A GROUP of residents at University Village are to apply for a rent reduction - just one week after moving into the showpiece development.

For some licencees are concerned about paying the same rent as students living in en-suite campus accommodation, but for rooms that are considerably smaller.

And many residents believe a

more realistic price for rooms at University ViDage would be somewhere between that charged at Waveney and Constable Terraces.

This was UEA's original intention, but it seems that the costs of the development forced rent levels up whilst reducing the sizes of the rooms from the original scheme.

But Jennifer Grant, Director of Residences, believes that compar-

ing University Village with on-site residences is too extreme. "There are some differences, but at the end of the day they all supply basically the same accommodation•, she said.

Yet en-suite study bedrooms at University Village lack basic items such as desk-lamps and the rooms themselves are a lot smaller than Nelson Court and Constable Terrace.

The bathrooms are also not as spacious as those on campus and have been dubbed by some students as virtual 'porta-loos'.

Said Bob Scott, a third year, "Unpacking was comparable to holding a barn dance in a telephone box." Another resident remarked, "The rooms are so small that you can s**t, shower and shave all at the same time whilst watching TV. •

An exclusive Concrete survey carried out earlier this week reveals an alarming catalogue of building bodges, and shows that 92 percent of residents think there Is a need for a 'communal area' or bar.

An irate 52 percent say the flats, designed in conjunction with marine engineers, are not worth the staggering £44.25 p/w rent.

Possibly hundreds of students have been left with shower floors which slope away from the plughole, causing floods in their bathrooms.

A site worker told Concrete that around 300 floors have been wrongly-fitted into the bathroom pods, something which newly-appointed Residences Director, Jennifer Grant, was unable to confirm.

The £35,000 a-year boss said, "I haven't been here very long so I don't know all the details, but it's more like 30 students who are affected."

This week Concrete has also un-

I _

Michele du Randt

I _

covered dozens of other beefs from residents who are unhappy with the situation at the supposedly topspec flats.

Their complaints include: •Kitchen windows that do not open more than a few centimetres unless students unscrew the sink's mixertap from its fitting, • Phones that don't work in the flats, •Being woken by building noises at the crack of dawn, • Kitchens which don't contain irons, toasters, or ovens - and the food cupboards aren't lockable, •A brand-new launderette which contained washing machines witho.ut plugs, which 9nly took American currency.

Angry third year, Ben Rolfe, said, "It's disgusting. I think it's outrageous to charge us nearly £45 a week when nothing works, or isn't there in the first place! Even all

Turn to Page 2, Col. 1

1: (01&01)

''

2

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

~~TISFIED? Cont. from Page 1 the blankets and pillows had been used ... they had 'Fifers Lane' marked on them ."

Union Welfare Officer, Jaz lhenacho, told Concrete she has heard many complaints this fo rtnight.

She continued, "The Union are taki ng the issue very seriously, and residents shou ld write to us with their views so we can take steps to improve the situation."

Meanwhile, Jennifer Grant said any gripes were already being looked at: "There are clearly going to be some initial teething problems, but they are in the process of being dealt w ith as quickly as possible."

And Maurice Morson, UEA security boss, had words of encouragement for the Village people, saying: "During the day, you' re better off than at the other residences, since the M anager is on si te."

•What do you thi nk of the problems at University Village? Are you a resident to whom we haven't spoken? Or are you a student who experienced ' inconveniences' at Nelson Court of Constable Terrace last year?

The Ed itor would love to hear from you. Simply write to 'Concrete' , UEA, Norwich, or telephone250558or593466.

out?

0 MY FIRST AWFUL WEEK AT~~~ wa

UEA's UNIVERSITYVILLAGE

Thursday 22 September.

Arrive at the elusive University Village accommodation after an exhausting journey.

Peering into my room , the first word that springs to mind is "compact", after all what did I expect - a double room with a king size bed and TV? Looking at the small wardrobe I had been given , I glanced optimistically at the white door next to it thinking "Ah , extra cupboard space" - only to find that this was the cubicle that held the shower and toilet for which I am paying an extra £1 0 per week.

The plug hole of my wash basin was plastered in bubble gum , there were wood shavings all over the carpet and a muddy stain that refused to move - all left behind as a welcoming present by those caring, sharing builders still working outside.

In a desparate attempt to make myself feel at home, I plastered my walls with posters (the strip of pin board located at the top of my desk being too small) only to find out later that a charge would be made for the infamous blutac marks left behind ..

One week on.

Many students living at the Village are worried about the dangers of inflincting GBH on themselves through using the 'en suite' facilities. The desk and kitchen chairs still look as if they 've been stolen from the nearest school classroom .

The kitchen feels more like a room in an asylum and without a residential common room , the kitchen does not provide a conducive atmosphere for getting to know your flat mates - essential for getting rid of boredom and lonel iness .

The microwave seems to have a mind of its own, the freezer and fridge are too small and the individual food cupboards are without locks , so that when food and utensils go missing, avoidable tension arises .

In comparison , students living in Nelson Court and Constable Terrace have leather chairs in their dining room-cum lounge, stain less steel kitchen tops, two fridges , an extra large freezer , lockable food cupboards and the kitchen and dining room are carpeted.

Th e student bedrooms are

twice the size of those at University Village and the ensuite shower and toilet have adequate walking space. A pinboard covers a wall in these rooms allowing students to establish the identity of their rooms - and at least they have study lamps.

In fact it wou ld be easy to mistake the accommod at ion at Nelson Court for that of a luxuri- L--....;.ous self-catering hotel.

Stuart Campbell - "faced with a prison sentence" In a further comparison, even students living in Norfolk Terrace who are paying the base rent rate of £33.25 have bigger rooms , bigger wardrobes , larger wash bas ins and all are equipped with study lamps.

Both Nelson Court and Norfolk Terrace are located on campus , providing students with easy access to University nightlife. ln contrast, University Village is a ten minute walk to campus, lighting is virtual ly non-existent and with residential security guards walking around in pairs , students who venture out at night do so at their own risk.

There is only one thing to say : We want a rent reduction . Now! Account by Khushwant Sachdave

WHEN IT cametofindingaplace to live for his final year, Stuart Campbell thought he had it all sorted with a place on Norfolk Terrace.

The EUR finalist, who is also President of Nexus UTV, soon decided however that he was unhappy with his room and wanted to move back into the City with friends.

But imagine his surprise when Accommodation chiefs told him that he was liable to pay rent on his study bedroomfortherestoftheacademic year.

No mention was made of the fact that the 'opt out' clause avaialable to freshers is denied to other students. For this allows first years to move out within 11 days if they are unhappy with campus accommodation.

Said Stuart, " I think it's outra-

geous that first years get the opportunity to escape, and just because we've been here a bit longer, the University ties us up in red tape which forces us to stay somewhere we don't want to be." " I feel as though I'm being faced with a prison sentence."

But new Director of Residences, Jennifer Grant, maintains that returning students have in no way been misled by details in Accommodation licences, since these regulations are "normal."

"The option for first years is a bonus in consideration of the fact that very often they don't have any idea of what to expect and will need time to adjust and make up their minds", she said.

"It's assumed that if they are second or third year students then they should know better."

NEW IMPROVED RECIPE SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN _ ...............- - 6 ~:c~~~ ~~c:r:~ £~5~.5;.;0p...:..siipe.ci.aliioffiieriii:£ii2.• 00•o•ffiiian~y2pii zi lizaiisdiiuiirin~g~19iiii9ii4 11

Tel51260

Parmenter Road, South Park Ave, Norwich A delivery service with a difference

Pizzas and Delivery Service only & available Thurs -Sat 5.30 - 10.30pm.

Sorry - we only deliver to UEA campus, Village srte and South city Chips 55 75 area. FREE DEUVERY on orders Plaice 1.30 over £5.00, otherwise 50p.

Scampi 1.60 2.35 Chicken Qtr 1.25 1.40 Battered Burgers 45 Cod 1.25 Rock 1.25 Doner Kebabs 1.95 Onion Rings 60p Jumbo Sausage 55 lOO Garlic Mushrooms BOp Pies Spring Rolls 65 Coleslaw 65p V4 lb Burgers IN A BUN all with salad and dressing Garlic Bread £1.10 Chicken Burger 1.40 Cheese in burger 99 Canned Drinks 40p Beef Burger 99

FISH CHIPS DELIVERY MENU

Side Orders

STAR ·

VALUE PIZZA SPLITZ

·-

Pil:za prices subject to change- ring for conmrmuion

Tel250543

PEPPERONI-RAM-MUSHROOMS-CHICKEN-PEPPERS-TUNA-

DEEP PAN

REG

PRA WNS-ONIONS-PINEAPPLE-SWEETCORN-TOMATO-CHILLIBACON- SPICY- ' BEEF-SPICY CHICKEN-EXTRA CHEESE TRADITIONAL - CHEESE AND TOMATO

9"

12"

9"

12"

3.00

4.50

3.40

5.00

3.50

5.50

3.90

6.00

4.00

6.00

4.40

6.50

4.50

6.50

4.90

7.00

CHEESY BACON- BACON, DOUBLE CHEESE HAWAIIAN - HAM, PINEAPPLE, MUSHROOMS FARMHOUSE- CHICKEN, MUSHROOMS, SWEETCORN SPICY- PEPPERONI, PEPPERS, ONIONS

DIY· ANY THREE TOPPINGS SEAFARER- TUNA, PRAWNS, ONION VEGI- ONIONS, MUSH'S, PEPPERS, PINEAPPLE, SWEETCORN TANDOORI- SPICY CHICKEN, ONIONS, SWEETCORN MEXICANA- GROUND BEEF, ONIONS, PE PPERS, CHILLIES MEGA MEAT- HAM, CHICKEN, PEPPERONI

SPICV BEEF,

Select any two 'pizzas of your choice and · Example: 12" regular pizza V2 Cheesy Bacon =£2.75 we will split them 1 making one 12" V2 Mexicana = £3.00 mouthwatering ·. pizza. 12"pi#as only ·-·-. .

..

·.·.

.·.· .. ·.·.·.·.·.·.·. .

£5.75

~ --~

---Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994 3

TWO NON-SABBS RESIGN FROM UNION EXECUTIVE Socs and LGB Rights OHicers cite ~P-_ersonal reasons• for de~?_arture By--Mark Austin TWO MORE resignations from the Union Executive have followed hard on the heels of the departure of Communications Officer Polly Knewstub.

Although they are unconnected to Polly's contentious exit, the Executive have now lost three members in a single week.

For Polly's resignation as oflast Monday was followed days later by that of Clubs and Societies Officer James Tansey and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Officer Jono Turtle.

James revealed his intention to stand doWn in a letter dated last Wednesday which described his move as being " ... independent of

James Tansey - cited personal problems

any other events that have occurred within the Union itself."

"I do not feel that I can offer the commitment required for the job", it continued, citing personal problems and work pressures as the primary causes for this.

And Jono ' s shock resignation on Friday came for similar reasons.

Said Jono, "Due to the pressures ofwork I no longer have the passion for the job and therefore feel that I'm unable to represent the LGB community in full."

"Recent events seem to have affected the Exec as a whole and seem to be overtaking what we should really be concerned with - the students.

"I didn ' t feel happy with the Executive. It felt like a group of little girls and boys playing at being men and women", he said.

Yet despite this, he stressed that the resignation was not in sympathy with other Union members but was his own personal decision.

Jono will stand down after his successor has been elected internally by the LGB society.

The elections for the Clubs and Societies and Communications Officers will be arranged to take place in three week ' s time.

• Fonner Communications Officer Polly Knewstub has voiced her sadness over standing down from her post last Monday.

"It is with the deepest regret that I give up a job which I was dedicated to and felt I was very good at", she

said.

"Obviously there 's going to be extra pressure on the Executive with one less sabbatical and I' m sure they're doing the best they can to ensure the smooth running of the Union.

"Should I stand for re-election I feel I could bring all the qualities required to the job - these being commitment, dedication and expertise.

Polly's resignation came as a direct resultofa break-in to the GSA Bar last June involving her and the then Communications Officer, Jacqui Mackay.

to celebrate

cultural diversity THE UNION'S Race Awareness Week will run from next Monday, offering a varied menu of events aimed at celebrating cultural diversity, writes Claire

CONCERNS over the ability ofthe Debating Society to publicise its events have led to calls for an increase in its Union grant.

Jono Turtle -didn't feel happy with the present Exec

Race Week

McDona/d.

Debates will be held on subjects

For its current stationery grant of £30 is proving too little for the 90-strong society to effectively inform students of its activities.

The Debating Society has an additional grant which it uses to invite outside speakers to its fortnightly debates, but it has meagre resources to advertise them in the first place.

President, Will Phimester, believes it to be one of the most important societies at UEA, but in order to fulfil this role "we need to publicise to get an audience", he said.

"Our stationary grant is insufficient for this. I believe the Union should recognise our situation and help us financially", he added.

Said Union Finance Officer John Holmes, "I will try to make them as success-

ful as possible , but we are running on a limited budget and we have to act accordingly."

• The Debating Society launch their Autumn Semester programme in Room 1.33 (UH) today (Oct 5) at ?pm with the motion: 'This house believes Prince Charles should expose himself to the media.' Future debates, to be con finned, will cover the abolition of the monarchy, public schools versus state schools, and the threat to world stability posed by China.

ranging from apartheid to the influence ofblack music.

A food quiz will be staged on Tuesday (October 11) with a star prize of a meal for two in Norwich. Two films are being shown, 'A Scent of Green Papya' on Tuesday followed the next day by 'In the Name of the Father'.

Thursday h.as been designated 'Arts Day' , when pictures and sculptures will be exhibited, whilst in the evening funk/hip hop band 'FreeSpeech'wiJibeperfonn.ing in The Hive. The Week also features the tnvolvement of several Union societies including the Jewish,AsianandAfricansocieties.

Said Race Awareness Officer Lola Abayomi, "The Week will pursue the active promotion of the various cultures at UEA with the events highlighting the diversity and richness ofother ways of life."

•Mark Austin examines the recent developments in Northern Ireland. See p./4.

FIVE STAR TAXIS NORWICH

eseeLetterstotheEditor,p. 1~11

SMOKING BAN FOR UH PASSED

CALL US FREE ON FREEPHONE A NEW smoking ban has been introduced in Union House that covers the first floor offices and surrounding corridors, writes Claire McDonald.

But the balcony area has been exempted from the rule and will remain smoker-friendly.

The decision was taken by the Union's Management Committee, which is not democratically accountable to students.

They were responding to Health and Safety Executive laws to protect non-smoking staff in the workplace.

A Union spokesperson maintained it was not a judgemental decision but that they had a"duty toprotectthosewhodon'tsmoke rather than those who do."

ButitisunlikelythatTheHivewill follow the lead and have smoking banned in its popular cafe bar area.

This option was rejected due to commercial implications.

GSA Committee members (L-R) Indira Bedi, Uwe Brunssen, Geoff Williains and Tony Burton.

PlC: PETER HAAT

·GS~ to awa1d sebolusldps

I

Clalre MS: Donald

I

A GROUNDBREAKINGscholarshlp fund for postgrads has been launched by the Graduate StudentsAssoclation(GSA).

The scheme, available to selfflnancing postgrad ~tudents facing difficulties, is available in EAS, EUR and SOC, as proportionately, these schools have the highest number of self-financing students Decisions on who should receive the awards, which cover

(or 664664)

NO EXTRA CHARGE AFTER MIDNIGHT

tuition fees, rest with the School of Study and not the GSA itself.

Money for the scheme will be raised through sales in the Grads Bar, as the GSA is not a profitmaking society.

It is hoping to permanently establish the scholarship scheme, although this decision rests with their present committee.

Said GSA Treasurer Geoff WiJliams, "The scholarships are a significant contribution because the association is providing more services than other organisations.

"It is significant for both the University and the graduates."

.

-

,..-

I

CITY to UEA .

£3

,'

•.t

• , • ' ....... , ••• ,

-

:J

f

•

•

·~-

.

.

. .. _ ,

4

UEA to Station

£3.50-

I

_l

,,

11

•

t

f'f

••

4

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Say•Arribal• with Campus Travel IF THE c haos of Un dergra duation has become all too much fo r yo u a nd those five hours a week are too p re ssing then a Latin Americanchangeofscenecould be just what you need .

For in the latest in a line of "stude nt friendly" package deals , C a mpus Travel offers you the chance to visit Venezuela, Costa Rica a nd Ecuador all for£525 .

The deal gives you the opportunity to clim b the Andes , see the world 's largest waterfa ll and la ze on Caribbean beaches , g ivin g eve ry pote ntial trave lle r now has the opportu nity to "find thems elves ."

So fo r a fa irly c hea p holiday, probably a little mo re c hallenging than yo ur ave rage two weeks in C rete , let in Lati n America.

Experience the Cuban revolution CULTURE, educati on and the experience of Cuba are benefits of the 'December 1994 Internation a l Work Brigade.'

A three-week excursion as part of the C uban So li darity Campaign, it is being organi zed internationally.

For each year a brigade of vo lunteers is sent to Cuba by the CSC to work and live alongside Cubans and to promote solidarity .

The CSC is leading a campaign to help break the US blockade ofCuba and to rai se awa reness of ach ievements stemming from the Cuban revolution .

Thei r trip offers first-hand experience of Cuban soc iety and includes visi ts to educational and political events, places of interest and traditi ona l entertainments. It will cost about £600 and two weekends are set asi de fo r preparation.

'Brigadistas' need to be CSC members and need practical ideas and experi ence of relevant political, trade uni on or so lidarity work.

•Further information can be obtai ned from James Hood (D EV2 ).

Te l: 6 17234. App licati ons must be received by October 25 .

. . - - - By-----, JoPhillips A PEACEFUL protest against the Government's controversial Criminal Justice Bill was staged in Norwich last Saturday.

Over 1,000 marchers followed a gy psy horse a nd ca r t fro m Chapelfield Gardens through the centre ofNorwich, stopping outside C ity Hall and the Law Courts where the ' Bill ' was ceremoni ously burned.

The demonstrati on ended wi th a ' Freedom Fayre' at Cow Tower whi c h inc luded speakers Benny McCall ofthe Romany Ri ghts Association and Alan Waters from Norwic h City Co uncil.

Mr Waters expressed hi s concern over the future role ·or the poli ce within the Norw ich co mmuni ty if the Bill signi fica nt ly extends po li ce power as planned. For proposed legislation tabled in the Bill would

OEnd the right to silence upon arrest O End the right to peaceful protest OOutlaw ra ves andf estivals ODeny tra_vellers and gypsies the right to legal campsites

Th e march passes City Hall last Saturday, a p eaceful protest that could be outlawed pean Court of Human Ri ghts.

Another demonstration is due to be held in London on October 9 aga inst the Government 's 'conform or do tim e' po li cies. Furth er details

So far, the Crim inal Justice Bill has suffered 40 defeats on substantive concessio ns in Parli ament, and some of its proposals are likely to breac h certain arti cles of the Euro-

if the

CJB is p assed.

and the location will be announced short ly .

• A gro up of students at UEA have launched a society to campaign against the introducti on of and im-

plicati ons of the Criminal Justice Bi ll. Those interested in joining 'UEA for Freedom' sho uld contact either Ben Po mfret (DE V3) or Joanna Phillips (SOC2).

Union•s Waterfront deal extended SAFETY ADVICE AVAILABLE THEFuruREofTheWaterfront has been guaranteed for an extra four months following an agreement between the Student Union and t he City Council.

Renewal of the existing contract to operate the top city venue was due to be fin alised in December, but this has now been put back unti l April 1st 1995 .

Reasons for the move include allowi ng the Union to exploit the full potential of the venue over the lucrative Christmas period.

And it also means that the Union are able to appl y for grant aid to help fund the community proj ects they run at the Waterfront. " We look forward to another period ofprod uctive and successfu l partnership with the City Council", said a Union spokesperson, add ing, "We hope that it will

. ...

..

~

fOR STUDENT BEDSinERS

MORE than three people a week die in bedsit fires and a further 68 are injured, writes Martin Plant.

Th e Waterfront, on King Street enable us to demonstrate the full potential of the Waterfront."

A council representative also voiced her approval. "We are delighted that the Union Executive

wants to extend the partnership to the end of this financial year, and look forward to working with them towards a longer term arrangement", she said.

In add ition, nearl y one person is poisoned to death each week by fau lty gas appliances.

These startl ing statistics bring home the reality of the dangers to students living in bedsits.

And the Campaign fo r Bedsit Rights (CBR), having met with the Department of the Environment, say that two mill ion people in bedsits are li vin g in fire deathtraps.

They claim the majority of those being poisoned by gas appliances in England and Wales live in such housing, adding that those li vi ng in bedsits are proportionally 25 times more likely to d ie in a fire than if li ving in a single family househo ld.

Students then are partic ul arly

hour a d ay, 7 days a week clu b

Your 24 • • • •

Hot & cold food 11lw11ys available Satellite TV Licenced Bar (normal hours) 21 snooker tables & 4 pool tables StMa

Plain OFF TOP OF: Duke Street Tel 627478

vulnerable.

So while the Government examines possibil ities of introducing a national man dato ry l ice n sing scheme for bedsits, the CB R are sending out advice to those who need it.

• For fu rther in formati on and an advice leaflet, send a cheque or postal order for £2 (payable to The Campaign for Bedsit Rights), to th e Ca mpaign for Bedsit Rights, 7 Whitechapel Road, London El I DU.

000 The fi rst person from the UK to be fined after being caught sp eeding in a Sine/air C5 was actually a student from the University ofKent at Canterbury.

Snoo\<.er ...

J who\e \o' ~no a more\

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

路HAS ANYONE SEEN THIS AtAT?-URGENTAPPEAL

Graduate Students Association AUTUMN ENTS! Ents have been arranged for FRIDAY nights from 8 pm in the Grad Bar upstairs in Union House. The complete list for the autumn is: 7th Oct COCKTAIL EVENING 21 Oct JAZZ NIGHT 4th Nov TRIVIA QUIZ WITH SPLENDID PRIZES 19 Nov MINI BEER-FEST (OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS) 2 Dec AFRICA NIGHT On Sunday 4th December, members of the Bar Staff will be invited to the bi-annual STAFF PARTY when they'll receive their much prized BAR STEWARD shirts ... so sign up for the rota soon. Next semester they'll be more bands and on Friday 17 March, we'll have our St Patrick's Day IRISH NIGHT!

AUTUMN ADMIN The destination of the four GSA scholarships has been decided. There will be one each for EAS and SYS (computing) and two for EUR. The Schools themselves will decide on the recipients and we'll let you know as soon as we find out.

'One of our mats is missing'...it disappeared during the LCR on September 22

PIC: KEITHWHITMORE

Union to oHer amnesff_for return UNION chiefs have been floored by the theft of a brand new mat designed exclusively to greet students enteringUH. The mat went walkies after the first LCR last week, only a few days after it was brought into use.

It is one of a set of four designed to reduce the amount ofdirt brought

into the building and made specifically for the purpose. They will be cleaned by contractors Initial Services each fortnight.

Union House Manager Julia Orpin has said they are willing to declare an

amnesty ifit is returned voluntarily.

"As well as being decorative, they are there to provide a function and they save the cleaners a lot of time," she said.

"If it is not returned voluntarily and we do find it, it will be treated as a case of theft."

WEDNESDAYS

n

igh1:cl u b

15 DOVE STREET NORWICH TEL 629060

I 483863

Dove Street is off Guildhall. Hill - next to Norwich Market and Tescos

We have more money to give away to Graduate Societies this year. Anyone wishing to form such a society should contact the GSA Treasurer for details.

There are also a series of School Board elections coming up. Graduate Students have influential positions on all of these and we would encourage people to become candidates . Look outfor notices in your School or contact Tony Burton atthe GSA or Daniel Owen at the Union.

AUTUMN ATTIRE -

Our wonderful newly designed GSA T-shirts will be on sale at the Grad Bar from next week priced only 拢5.

This section is written and paid for by the Graduate Students Association

5

f'"

-- -

~- - -

!

6

I

----

-

--- - · - ---

'

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

ORWICH RATED •AVERAGE• IThe •fineLITTER SURVEY fails to Ci~·

clean u~-?_ in UKsurvey!!!. . - - - - By -----.

Mark Austin

THE NATIONAL LO TERY

Thafs yer Lot-tery STlJDE TS now have thechancc to make a fo rtune wi thout navi gating the tria ls of th e Football Poo ls or the risks ofrobbing banks.

For the Nati onal Lottery wi ll soon be w ith us, injecting thrill s into our Saturday evenings and cash into Britain's Charities and Arts projects.

W ith as little as a pound, you will be entered into the National

poo l which will be drawn live on Saturday ni ght prime-ti me telev ision by a top celebrity.

Ava ilable fro m most major retai lers, including the Uni on Paper Shop on campus, yourticket could be worth anything fro m £2 to£ I 0 million. So forget the worri es o f stretchi ng yo ur Grant further than the fi rst two weeks and enter the worlds biggest pri ze draw .. .

NORWICH has been rated as "average" in a national litter survey carried out by the Tidy Britain Group.

The 'Fine Ci ty' was awarded a li tter score of 6 1, wi th the max imum bei ng I 00.

Scores in th e first nati onwid e study to assess the cleanliness of UK cities we re ca lcu lated ac cording to the amount o f litt er prese nt in the assessment area.

All 57 c ity ce ntres we re v is ited during a two wee k peri od in May 1994 and a one kil o metre c ircle aro und C ity Hall was exa mined.

000 Loughborough University warned ils s/udenls /ha/ !hey could f ace seven years imprisonmenlfo r sJealing lraf fi e cones, an amounl of whichhavegone missing in !he area ...

Classic Margherita Extra Toppings Spicy Beef

Spicy Sausage Tuna Anchovies Capers Fresh Tomatoes Mushrooms Crushed Chillies Black Olives

Ham

000 Greenwich Universily 's Rag Society was banned when s/udenls blocked !he Darljord Tunnel wilh !he cannon f rom !he nearby Woo lwich Barracks ...

'Average ' N orwich - scored 61 p er cent

TRADS PIZZA Licensed Restaurant & Take -Away Small £2 .15 35p

Bath and Ripon eme rged as the smartest cities, with a clean liness index of 82, whil e Manchester took bottom place with a lowly 51.

Said Director Ge neral of the Tidy Bri tain G ro up , Professo r Peter Ash wo rth , "This unique s urvey g ives us so methi ng we' ve never had before - a measurem ent of th e standa rds of cl eanliness in every ci ty in the UK. "As well as identify ing particular problems, it al so gives us a standard for future use. " We pl an to repeat the s urvey on a regul ar bas is in order to monitor the progre ss of indi v idual cities and to enco urage higher standard s of c lea nlin ess nationwide ."

Medium £2.95 45p

Bacon Sardines Onions Sweetcom Tandoori Chicken

Large £4.95 75p

Pepperoni Prawns Peppers Pineapple Egg

sa,

PHOTO: KEITHWHITMORE

it with condoms,, Anyone for

counselling?

BIRTHDAY card company Jono Publishing and Durex Condoms have linked up to create a new "say it with a condom" greetings card.

As well as containing a greeting each card will also contain a condom.

They have been described as "risque but never offensive· and foreachcard sold, 15pencewill be donated to HIV and AIDS awareness group Red Ribbon International.

With their aim of spreading the safe sex message,they are prol:>ably not ideal foryourGreatAunt but looksetto liven up your birthday greetings.

Your card could well contain one of these ...

THE Student Counselling Service has recently announced its 48th Associates Programme.

It is devised to help participants develop their self-awareness and their sensitivity to others.

Ten people from UEA and the wider community will be selected from interv iew and will commi t themselves to six weekly eveni ng sessions and a res idential weekend, com mencing from the dates October 26 to November 30.

• Further details are avai lab le from visiting the Student Cou nselling Service or by phoning Michael Da Costa on 592651.

10% discount Try our home-made pasta dishes: Beef or vegetable lasagne, or a

generous helping of spaghetti bolognaise- aU only £4.75 Or some little extras: Garlic bread £1.00, mixed side salad (ring for choice of dressings) £1.50, coleslaw 75p, baked potato £1.75, gateau x or cheescake (various) £1.50 Voted Number one bylconcrete l (issue 20) Book the cellar bar for your party!

FREE DELWERY TEL 615S53 .

53 Earl ham Road, Norwich NR2 JAD. Open every evening- Mon- Sat 5 -11 pm , Sun 6 -10pm . Last orders 30 mins before closing.Minimum order for delivery £6. UEA deliveries to Porters Lodge , Village Site or Union House reception only.

BEAUTY

CENTRE

Facials from £20 Massage from £11 Waxing Manicures Pedicures Electrolysis

with UEA/ NUS or staff ID at our salon at The BUPA Medical Centre Old Watton Road Norwich Tuesday & Wednesday lOam- 6pm

All enquiries: Te/613153

All facilities also available (no discount) at: 6 St Andrews Hill, Norwich, Mon - Sat & some evenings

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

7

My first fe\V

Day_s...

By 'K. Mu/ligan'

Thursday September 22 I arrived at my new home, for some reason called 'Orfol Terrace', to find lots of people in garish blue and yellow shirts proclaiming themselves to be members of the Student Union and being so in-yer-face friendly that I felt part of some selfhelp group.

Spent most of the evening trying to get to the bar at the Ice Breaker in the LCR only to find that when I got there the bar staff got my drink wrong and that there was 15 minutes left before the place shut.

Still managed to have a drunken sojourn with another fresher who I hope I'll never bump into again during the next three years.

Friday September 23 Spent half of today in a queue as well as I tried to collect my NUS card.

The only thing I've learnt here so far is how cold Norwich is and how to make an origami pig out of all the useless leaflets I've been off-loaded with.

They all preached the same message of the student as a drug-laden, sex-drenched, culinary-barren waster.

I'm glad they're so confident in their stereotypes.

A third year on my corridor informed me that The Waterfront was the best night in town so my next doorneighbourandlwandereddown there in the hope of finding some

Concreteâ&#x20AC;˘s alternative view of campus life

"I arrived at my new home, for some reason called 'Orfol Te"ace', to find lots ofpeople in garish blue and yellow shirts"

cheap beer and a soft shoulder to cuddle up to. Sweaty walls were a poor substitute. And the bar staff got my drink wrong. Again.

Saturday September 24 Today was what I have been assured is a normal student's day.

Woke up at three in the afternoon to find the rest of my corridor were playing Cluedo in the kitchen.

Couldn't actually get out to join

them as some joker had nailed my door to its frame during the night in a drunken frenzy of inspiration.

Sunday September 25 Discovered what a friendly bunch they are on my corridor as I spent the afternoon listening to an ad-hoc contest along the lines of'l can play my music louder than you can'.

As my stereo has a whopping 10 watts per channel, I wasn't in a

position to compete. Went to see Aswad in the evening and the bar staff got my drink wrong. Again.

The band were good but the 16 stone guy in front of me who insisted on singing every song at top volume, to the wrong words, detracted from the overall ambience of the night.

Monday September 26 Managed to crawl to Union House

nice and early in time for the start of Soc Mart. Saw lots of people in front of silly stalls - the most interesting being a solitary member manning the Bird Club stall. Don't know what they do because I didn't talk to him.

Joined the Games Society because I used to enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons and anyway they were all so expensive to join that my grant

only stretched to membership of one.

In the afternoon I went to my first lecture and spent an hour watching an eccentric old man at the front talking about something he obviously knew a lot about. It was a pity none of the rest of us walked out any the wiser though.

Tuesday September 27 This was my first supposedly 'normal' day here. If normal constitutes getting up during the early afternoon and stumbling down to the bar with a few newly-made friends then I suppose it was. Normality must be returning because the bar staff got my drinks right.

Paid a quick visit to Sports Mart . to find most of the clubs named after fabled past peoples.

The Trojans and the Pirates seemed too macho for me so I left having pledged my support to the Badminton Club. I remember playing with a shuttlecock once upon a time.

Went to my first seminar later in the afternoon and spent an hour listening to the seminar leader being out-argued by a guy who must be a leading world expert on socio-political anthropology.

Now I see why it's called the University of Easy Access.

- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --··- ------ - -

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Union General Meeting ct~p . the r I Ill naI

1Oth October. You've met your Executive , you've shopped in the Union outlets and you've drunk rather too much beer in the Union pubs. Now is your chance to see how the Union l"un. Come to the first

Union General Meeti ng of the yea r, and even if you never come again it will be an experience! The debate promises to be lively, with topics on discussion being the Waterfront (That top local arts venue)

and Grant Cuts with the heavy probability that there will be some difficult questions for the Executive to answer about recent events. The Union General Meeting is the highest declslon making body In the Un-

ion, so you have the very real ability to change your surroundings. The Meeting will be in the LCR at ?pm so come along , hold your Executive accountable, and hopefully have some fun!

Race Awareness Wee Race Awareness Week this yea r prom ise to be an extraveganza offun, food, film , J\J·t\lli<:om~nt debate and music. The full up has yet to be confirmed highlights include of In The Name Of -r......Ao<.~•'- -=·Cry Freedom a Green Papaya. speake rs a from the A

JusIIce • BI·11

An Emergency General Meeting was called by the Executive on Tuesday to gather support for the abolition of the Criminal Justice Bill. Our rights in Britain {This great model of democracy) are under threat of being eroded even further with the prposed introduction of the Criminal Justice Bill. The Government wants to curb our rights to peaceful protest, and end our right to silence and outlaw raves. If

this Bill is introduced we face the violation of our most basic humn rights. Not only will this make a mockery of the values of our society, but indication s show that it would contravene European Community l aw. As part of the campaign to protect our rights there will be a Natioal Demonstration on Sunday 9th October in London. So please join the campaign, petition your MP and/or come to the Demo.

Upco Elec Due to the resignation of the Sabbatical (Full Time) Communications Officer last week there will be a new election .

There will also be an election for non-sabbatical posts on the Sports Committee , a non-sabbatical Societies Officer and an Overseas Student Officer which is a post created about a year ago an is ex-

eople!

•

Alterna ve Hark back to the days of confusion and caos when you were trying to make your choice of uni ve rsity .

Couldn't you have done with :::~co m pre h en s i ve guide to all

th different places that wasn't writen by departm ent of the sity? Here at the Union we have a1radition of doing just this .

We give a n

Hope u ly we can wo rk out e problems a nd fi a solution.

Ja z (Welfare Of-

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

9

- - - - - - - -·- · - -

~ ..

.

c~r~~~r

>

[comment Growth Problems So the University has again built Itself trouble with University residences.

The problems with Constable Terrace and Nelson Court have not been forgotten; what's more the memory of the rent strike two years ago is still fresh in some students' minds, so the si tuation is not exactly unprecedented.

And as if Norfolk didn 't have enough water already, the showers in the new University Residences seem intent on making up any conceivable deficit. For this, and other reasons outlined on page one, expectations built up over the new accommodation seem to have taken a distinct nosedive.

First there was the rush to try and get the site finished in time for when students returned. Now it has become clear that this has led to a considerable amount of mistakes and resultant extra cost. As we report, the rent levels were originally targeted between that charged for Wavcney and Constable Terraces. But it would seem that the costs of the development operation have forced the prices up while bringing the room sizes down.

Y

last June.

I want to make it clear that I dee pl y regret the incident and, having apologised both to the Union Executi ve and Union staff, would like to us e th is opportunity to apologise to every other student.

I also feel there are a number of issues that need clarifying.

Firstly, and foremost, there was no criminal intent or damage involved.

Nothing was taken and the Police independently determined that they didn't want to take the matter any further.

Secondl y there was never any

Perhaps in future the University's rush to expand should be tempered with a consideration of the students who are a part of that expansion.

There's room for debate A Debating Society should have a fundamental part to play in the life of any University.

Which is why the Student Union's paltry grant to the Society here does not go far enough.

It gets a standard stationary grant of £30 per year which is insufficient to effectively publicise its events and inform its members.

Does this (Union) House believe that there should be no forum for debate?

So the Union Executive has lost two more members this week, following the resignation on Monday of Comms Officer Polly Knewstub.

.N

Although they were unconnected to Polly's resignation, the track record of this year's Exec is looking a touch ragged to say the least.

Better communication and union might be the key to their problems.

And Finally...

------------------------..1 FEEL LIKE YOU DON'T FIT IN?

er reading the last is ue of 'Concrete' and he articles regarding oily Knewst ub and Jacqui Mackay, we felt that it was necessary to respond in our capacity as two of the sabbaticals who were in office at the time of the incident.

There are several points that must be corrected from your article : the police assessed the si tuation and then took their own decisio n not to pursue the matter and this was in no way influenced by Union staff.

Jacqui Mackay did not resign but

50350-1-

SPM-SAl\1 EVERY NIGHT CONFIDENTIAL, NON-JUDGEMENTAL, STUDENT SUPPORT & INFORMATION SERVICE Norfolk Terrace C03-12 Ground Floor, Private Entrance From Road

the well being of the Union and it is this that should be of most importance now.

Should I stand for re-election it will give the student body the opportunity to decide for themselves what is most beneficial for the Union and its members.

My commitment to, and my experience of, the Union is unquestionable.

As is the dedicated hard work that I have put into it, both over the summer and during the proceeding two years when I held non -sabbatical posts.

My involvement in the Union has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I

hope that I have been able to give the Union something of what it has given me, Polly Knewstub, Fx- Comms Of/it.x!r

compl eted her year in office .

Polly had intended to resign since August.

We were both in office at the time and freely admit that the whole thing could have been handled better and accept responsibility for this.

However, what seems to have been forgotten is the actual incident. Instead petty politics and personalities have dominated.

The incident was a very stupid mistake that is deeply regretted by both Polly and Jacqui. It does not prevent Polly from being an excellent Communications

Officer.

Polly has shown over the summer that she is very capable of doing the job.!

Anybody who read the last issue of Concrete and has heard the vicious rumours, will appreciate that for Polly the easiest option would have been to resign at the beginning of the summer.

Instead, Polly recognised how essential it was to produce welcome material for this year's Freshers and all the other responsibi lities of being Communications Officer and worked professionally all summer.

The behaviour of the GSA and others over the incident has been vicious and insensitive.

Not only does the incident appear to have been forgotten - nothing was stolen, broken or damaged, but it also seems to have been forgotten that Polly is a person.

We hope that a clean election campaign takes place and the Union is deprived of an excellent Communications Officer for as short a time as possible.'

Lizzie Watson SOC3 Union Finance Officer 1993-4 She/ley Wright HIS3 Union Welfare Officer 1993-4

or iust blown out of proportion?

•••

e are writing to express the concerns of many UEA students. The recent events surrounding Polly Knewstub have been blown out of all proportion by several people including yourselves, to score cheap points.

We, along with many others, voted to see Polly achieve the position of Communications Officer and are therefore concerned that we were not consulted before the Union was left without the most important member of our Sabbatical team.

We feel this situation would not have arisen were it not for certain people with hidden agendas and axes

W

l1 HO~~~

question of my not resigning.

My decision to remain in office for the summer was made to enable the Union to run as effectively as possi ble over the summer and Undergraduation.

I have carried out my job during the summer diligently and professionally knowing that I was giving the job up.

This in no way effected my ability to carry out my work or my dealings with internal or external bodies.

I have resigned so that it can be acknowledged that I accept I have done something wrong.

It was a childish prank, the repercussions of which far outweigh the original incident.

I feel the issue in hand is that of

Polly: Petty Politics and Personalities?

Incommunicado?

Perhaps people who spend their time trying to get fake letters published should find something more productive to do with their time...

We're sure that if they look around themselves, they'll find plenty of other more constructive things that need doing.

our readers will be aware of the incident co ncerning myself and Jacqui Mackay

tr""'.t? 't. "'%'~_. ;;r~ij',c/. ~ .,. ·'~:"~ ~47 <\.0YH f.t ~ 11 "'~;;;;. a "~,;.

7 _·· "

INCORPORATING

The event PO Box 410, Norwich NR4 7TB

(01603) 250558

to grind.

To draw attention to the event itself, we believe it should be put into the perspective it deserves.

It is not as if Polly were secretly running arms to terrorists and using the funds to support a rightwing guerilla force in Central America.

'Pollygate' amounts to little more than a sensationalist 'expose' of a petty student prank.

Polly has been committed to our Union for over two years and we find it disgusting that she should be publicly humil iated for such a trivial act.

Damon Roddis ENV3 Luke Hargreaves ENV3 Jamie Rea EAS3 Ralph Foulds ENV3 Marcus Morre/1 WAM3 Editor's Note: We must comment on a couple of points raised in your letter.

Concrete's coverage was widely researched and not a "sensationalist 'expose"' as you suggest. Concrete doesn't need to resort to such things, as we don't have

to "score cheap points."

Your use of the ingenious "Pollygate" to describe the whole affair has been noted, even though this term has never appeared in the pages of Concrete.

But thanks anyway for bringing it to our attention.

Finally, if anything, it's not Concrete which has "humiliated" Polly Knewstub, but rather some of those on the Union Executive whom she thought were her friends.

•Editor: Niall Hampton •Features Editor: Joanna Stubbington •Stage & Screen Editor: Caroline Jenkinson •Music Editor: Peter Hart • TV, Radio & Video Editor: Michele du Randt •Listings Editor: Caroline Adlem •Picture Editor: Keith Whitmore •Chief Reporter: Mark Austin •Editorial Contributors: Martin Plant, Vicky Arnold, Claire McDonald, Jo Phillips •Advertising Manager: Sirnon Mann •Production Manager: Stephen Howard eSpecial thanks to: Union House Stewards. •Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students . Opinions expressed are those of the Contributor and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name 'The Event' appears by arrangement with Planet log Ltd . •Printed by Eastern Counties Newspapers, Prospect House, Rouen Road , Norwich NR 1 1 RE . •Concrete is printed on recycled paper using biodegradable inks. ©1994 UUEAS .

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994 11

Letters

Ex~ Communicated?

We, as a society which deals with other student media, feel that the present system of re-election within the Union Executive needs changing.

Polly Knewstub's needless resignation has now left the societies which deal with student

media with a considerable problem.

It appears that the Executive do not realise how important the Communications Officer is.

And three weeks without one leaves more than enough time for problems to arise.

The Committee, Nexus UTv.

Do I Owe You One Pound? mong your readers someone who hinks I've stolen eir £1.

Several thousand freshers have so far applied for an Information Pack on Student Insurance (for their belongings) as recommended by their VI Form or by their College Admission office etc. and as required, have sent me four firstclass stamps (£I) - whereupon they have received the Pack by return.

As far as possible ...

However, about 200 of them have failed to complete one side of the form, so I don't know who

FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF UEA VILLAGE •••

they are or where they live .

In many cases, Admissions have kindly identified them for me, but there are still nearly I 00 'Missing Persons'.

I don't want them to think of me as a con man.

So if you haven't sent me the right details, have n 't got your Pack and are suspecting that I have fled the country with your £I, please get in touch with me at the following address:

A/an Broad MA, PO Box 172, Headington, Oxford OX3 OAL. A/an Broad, Student Insurance Service

ADVISEE PARTY FREE ZONE Sometimes UEA excels itself - even by its own standards.

I went to a party for advisers and advisees the other day, only there weren't any - advisees, that is.

Had a single first year braved the threshold, they would have been snapped up like a can of lager in a heatwave.

So we all advised each other, not wanting to make a crisis out of a farce.

But, never mind.

I would like to offer the following advice.

Don't be fooled by the gushing hypersocial nature of everyone, it doesn't make it beyond September - when essay lists appear, it vanished like dawn mist.

It's the little things which

make you feel you belong, not the great big ones.

I felt a sense of belonging when I paid my very first library fme.

I suppose it is a sort of adult equivalent of being in trouble for rurming in the corridor.

I wonder if we would be if we did.

It certainly gets a raised eyebrow response if one so much as runs up and down the stairs in the library.

Mind you, I can see their point - it's absolutely disastrous for the carpet.

(PS Do I get to shake hands with Bruce Forsyth or anything, as I was the first genuine HIS student to have a letter published?)

Tony Crush HIS2

should perhaps explain that I spent last year in the luxurious if malodor ous comfort of Nelson Court and that this has obviously had a major influence on my first impressions ofUniversity Village.

Returning early, I went through Accommodation clearing and was offered a room - but not until Thursday.

"Where am l to sleep for the next three nights?", I asked.

"There·are a couple of beds in a Common Room in Nelson Court" was the reply ... I left to stay with friends in Peterborough.

A friend (to whom I'm eter-

I

nally grateful but not going to mention as he received more mentions in this paper last year than anyone on the Union Exec) picked me up from the station, waited patiently while I grieved for my key and transported myself and my gear to my new home.

A friendly steward turned a blind eye to our illegal parking and pointed us in the right direction.

Lumbered down with assorted bags, boxes etc. we climbed the stairs, opened the door, and found ..... a broom cupboard.

Having unpacked (an experience comparable to holding a barn

dance in a telephone box), I decided to make my bed - no bedding! " Iron some clothes" I thought -no iron!

Cracks beginning to appear in my usually placid countencance, I went off to make a cup of tea no kettle!

Taking deep, controlled breaths, I opted for an invigorating shower - no water!

After twenty minutes of gibbering incoherently and taking a far from healthy interest in my razor blades, I dashed off to the bar where I promptly complained to anybody prepared to

listen (and quite a few that weren't) that for an extra couple of pounds per week, I have a room half the size of last year's with nowhere near the facilities I'd become used to.

Obviously, the UEA Accommodation Office are unaware of this year's cut in grants.

However, I suppose I should count my blessings; the en-suite unit is so small, it enables me to s .. t, shave and shower simultaneously.

And because the floor slopes away from the drain, I can, if the fancy takes me, have a bath.

Bob Scott EAS2

of UEA S7,500 students 1

l

f

te•

12

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Features

NAME: Gillian Shepherd .

AGE: 54yrs.

Occupation: Secretary of State For Education.

Previous Posts: h Lecturer Education Officer and Se oo 1s Inspector in Norfolk. Local Goo::v..ae . ., . . n ......

'Politician. Chairman of the and Social Services Committe e on Norfolk County Council.

1989- 1990 Junior Minister in DSS. 1990 - April ' 92 Minister of State a t the Treasury.

April ' 92 - May '93 Employment Secretary.

May ' 93- '94 Agriculture Minister.

A ny student who opts out of the Union will lose their ri ght to the democratic structures and rights of thei r student union

Jo Stubbington investigates the effects of the Education Reform Act on students T h e Education Bill received Royal Assent this summer to become the Education Act 1994.

First introduced into the House of Lords on 23 November 1993 it contains measures to increase the quality of teacher training, and to increase the accoun tability of student unions.

According to the Department for Education these refor ms are intended to secure choice, democracy, fairness and accountab il ity.

The Education Act 1994 aims to ensure that these objectives are implemented in all student uni ons.

Under Part 11 of the Act each universi ty and college in the pub licly funded furt her and higher education sector must ensure that its student union operates in a fair and democra tic manner and is financially accountable.

Each institutio n must also ensure that a number of specific requirements are met by its student union, and will need to show how these requirements will be satisfied through a code of practice.

The benefits of the reforms are fivefold.

• All students will for the first time be given the right to choose whether they wish to belong to their student union; • Each institution is required to publish a code of practice governing the conduct of its student union; • Students will be provided with more information about the workings of their student unions;

• Students will be made aware of charity and freedom of speech legislation as it applies to student unions.

• Individual and gro ups of students will be protected from discrimination by their student UniOn .

D Students will for the first time have the right to choose whether they wish to belong to their student union.

The'buzz' words from the Department are choice, fairness, democracy and accountabili ty.

universitys student union that has caused the biggest stir.

Commenting Polly Knewstub, Union Communications Officer said, "Again and again the governme nt tries to attack students.

"This is just another event in a long line of such incidents.

"However we have won the battle against vo luntary membership.

"There arc no advantages to anyone who chooses to opt out - they will lose their right to

The Act clearly establishes the proper purpose of a Student Union is to represent and support students Said Education Secretary Gillian Shephard, "The Act secures that all students for the first time will be able to choose whether to belong to their student union.

"We have put the power into the hands of students not union executives, and increased students' c'ontrol through greater information, transparency and democracy.

"The Act clearly establishes that the proper purpose of a students' union is to represent and support students ."

It is this'choice' that students will now have to'opt out' of membership of their

participate democratically in the way that their student union and environment is run."

She continued, "One year ago students thought that they were to be faced with no National Student Union and no national voice.

"Membership of the student union is free at the point of entry to University.

"Students however will have the ability to opt out of membership of their student union as a resu lt of Education Act 1994 which has just become law.

"This means any student who opts out of the Union will lose

••••••••••••••••• • • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I I I

'I I I I I I I I I I I I I

B

NUSPRI

Bring this ad with you (no photocopies) for:

~i

;J :ij Ji F ILM! ~ i ;J:ij:ij EXTRA SET OF PRINTS! ~ i ;J :ij ?I ALBUM! with one hour processing

I I I I (just 2 minutes from the market) I I I I I Offer Conditions: Excludes Tripleprint, Regular and I Compact services. Valid only with I this ad - no photocopies. Applies to I one hour service only. Expires 30th I November 1994 I

3 White Lion Street Norwich NR2 1QA Tel: (01603) 616831

B ONUSPRINT:

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

-

1

'!I Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994 13

--~--------------------------------~----~~----~~~--~--~F~ eotures

Union supermarket: A Union service, but you are still allowed in pfter opting out -for now out on their rights to the demo- Part applies whose principal cratic structures and rights of purposes include promoting the their student union. .general interests of its mem"Students at UEA can ac- bers as students; or'a repretively change their environ- sentative body {whether an asment in many ways from cam- sociation or not) whose principus or environmental issues to pal purposes include the repthe sale of Nestle products in resenting the generality of stuthe Union shops. dents at an establishment to "We will actively discourage which this Part applies in acaany student to opt out." 'iemic, disciplinary or other Clause 20 of Part ll of the \ ers relating to the govern'lf the establishment.'

Education Act identifies'a student union' as' .. an association c;tudent who decides ofthe generality of students at to •t'of membership at an establishment to which this UE. 1uired to inform in

writing The General Manager of The Union ofUEA Students in Union House.

The decision may however be reversed (on one occasion only within an academic year) by again writing to the General Manager stating your wish to resume your membership, otherwise, any decision to'opt-out will hold good for the remainder of the academic year.

As the relevant section of the Act has only recently come into force the detailed arrangements for provision of services to

------------------

"Students at Ul ~an actively change their environme• 1 many ways from campus or environmental issues to the sale of Nestle products on campus. We will actively discourage any student wishing to opt out"

those who opt out are still being discussed by the University and the Union.

In the meanwhile, however, as an interim measure and until further notice, it has been agreed that a student who opts out of the Union membership will be able to; • Use all commercial services and facilities provided by the union; • Be a non-voting member of Union clubs and societies (the implications of which may be obtained in writing from the Union); • Use the Union's Advice Unit and Education Unit.

A student who opts out of Union membership will not be able to; • Nominate, stand or vote in any Union, NUS or Union club/society election; • Attend any Union meeting and /or any committee meeting of Union Clubs/ societies.

• Hold an NUS card and/or participate in the NUS on behalf of the Union of UEA Students.

As regards' fairness' the

•••••

procedure for allocating resources to groups or clubs should be fair, written down and accessible to all students.

A complaints procedure should also be available to all students or groups of students at the institution dissatisfied in their dealings with the union, or who claim to be unfairly disadvantaged through exercising their right not to belong to the union.

Provision will also have to be made for an independent person to investigate complaints which will be dealt with promptly and fairly and provide effective remedies.

'Democracy' takes the form of a written constitution for each union which is subject to approval and review by the institution's governing body.

Appointment to major union offices should also be by secret ballot in which all union members are entitled to vote during fair and properly conducted elections.

In addition, no one should serve as a sabbatical or paid elected officer for more than two years .

Accountability features heavily in the Act with the emphasis on the proper conduct of the financial affairs of the union with institutional approval of the union's budget and monitoring of its expenditure.

Financial reports of the union should be published, annually or more frequently, and made available to the governing body and all students.

Finally, union affiliations and donations to external organisations and their costs should be subject to annual approval by union members with provision for ballot on any paticular affiliation if called for by a proportion of members to be determined by the governing body (and not exceeding 5% of the membership).

With all these new provisions there is certainly a lot for new and existing students to consider during their time at university.

The question that remains is whether although the Act' .. represents and supports its students' do the students in question represent and support their union?

_____________________________________________

,_,

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

- -

-

.

-·

- ---

14

6eatures

a e

Ulste •• Pfoblem?·

Mark Austin investigates whether recent developments in Northern Ireland could finally usher in a long-awaited peace

I

n the age o f disillusion ment graffiti may be the most authentic vo ice of public opinion that we

have.

Written on the Falls Road in Belfast in the 1980's was the following message: "To those who understand, no explanation is necessary.

"To those who will not understand, no explanation is possible."

While specifically referring to ' The Troubles', as they have become known, the sentiment could also be said to reflect on discrimination, of a racial or any other nature, more ge11era ll y.

The widespread prejudices and misconceptions that bubble beneath the surface of many a decent citizen would no doubt bear thi s out Yet the recent developments in Northern Ireland have shown that with a measure of determination (and the right political climate), such discrimination can at least start to be tackled in a manner that

produces positive results.

The current momentum for peaceful reconciliation in Ulster began just over a year ago on September 25 1993 when Gerry Adams and SDLP leader John Hume revealed that they had been in secret talks for five months and had made 'considerable progress' towards peace.

Coming as so mething of a bolt out of the blue, this was followed in November by the British Government admining that it had contacts with republicans which were established as a result of an IRA peace overture in February 1993 .

On December 15, John Major and Albert Reynolds unveiled the Downing Street Declaration and offered Sinn Fein the prospect of exploratory ta lks within three months of a cessation of violence.

The contemplation of peace by Christmas would have been dismi ssed as churlish only months before and while the talk of peace may not have seeped down to the grass roots of the Catholic and Prot-

estant communities, the potential power of a political commitment to an end of the strife was evident It is becoming common in our fast speed, highly technolo~ical age for news to be forgotten afld taken for granted as soon as it has been devoured and its shock novelty absorbed.

Such complacency over Northern Ireland needs to be balanced with the al isation that the problems have their roots stretching back over the centuries.

The sectarian tensions of Ireland began in the early 17th century duri ng the reign of lames I, when settlement by English and Scottish Protestants reached a peak.

The struggle seventy years later between England's deposed Catholic monarch, Jarnes 11, and the Protestant William of Orange, was played out in Ireland.

Then, in 1690, William and the Protestants defeated the Jaco-

bite forces at the Battle of the Boyne.

Defeats such as this began a long period in which to be a Catholic in Ireland was automatically to be the underdog.

In 1801, the Act of Union made Ireland part of the new United Kingdom and throughout the 19th century demands grew for Irish independence as a result of an organised Home Rule movement emerged.

The issue dominated British politics from 1886 until the First World War, which deferred the problem, but only until the Easter Rising of 1916.

The shooting of republican leaders by the British provided Irish nationalism with the patriotic emotional charge which has sustained it ever since.

Home Rule was eventually conceded and Ireland split in two.

26 counties in the south became the Republic of Ireland and six in the mainly Protestant north became Northern Ireland, staying within the United Kingdom .

But supported by the Protestant majority, the Unionists retained control of the Belfast parliament for 50 years, during which time Catholics were excluded from power and discriminated against in employment and civil rights.

Then in August 1969, Britis h troops were deployed in the province after several nights of serious rioting.

Determined that the Catholics would never be left defenceless, the

provisional IRA emerged a couple of years later as a significant force, resolved to drive the British out of Northern Ireland by armed means, it being felt that th is would never be achieved through the ballot box.

Until now.

The big question on everyone's lips when the provisional IRA announced "a complete cessation of military operati ons" on August 31 was who had won.

What was an issue of political dissent over discrimination back in the 1960's had now become a situation where it was felt that there had to be a wi nner and a loser.

The IRA hadn't won, because there was no prospect ofNorthern Ireland being bundled into the Irish Republic, but then the Unionists with their inflexible, introverted ideology of anti-Catholic Unionism seemed to have few positive aspects to look forward to in an uncertain future either.

Political commentators have pointed towards the IRA's hidden agenda, whereby their objectives remain revolutionary, their weaponry is still intact and they are able to resume operations at any time.

The question of American intervention further complicates the issue.

The ceasefire came immediately after an Irish-American delegation headed by Bruce Morrision had visited Northern Ireland, leading to speculation that Washington needs Gerry Adams rather than v ice versa.

Apparent peace in the province

would be a much needed fillip for Bill Clinton in the mid-term congressional elections on November 8.

As a result the IRA has an unprecedented amount of political leverage at the moment The two week tour of the States that Gerry Adams is currently undertaking demonstrates this.

America is not a country well known for its tolerance and firm stand against discrimination, but political necessity should not be underestimated. But it can work both ways.

Bill Clinton, John Major and Albert Reynolds all stand to gain from a successful resolution of the peace train that is currently rolling.

Margaret Thatcher's manipulation of the Falklands as a political issue reflective on her premiership and George Bush's similar attitude to the gulf war reinforced prejudice for nothing more than a desire to win popularity.

The simple fact that the tactic worked demonstrates the potential power of nationalism.

It is currently hard at work in the former Yugoslavia and has caused 25 years ofbloodshed in Northern Ireland.

Yet it is also the prime mover behind the peace process in the province.

Whatever the agenda behind the IRA's and the Clinton administration 's actions, progress has been made and the killing has stopped.

Tolerance bred of political necessity is the first step towards tolerance bred universally.

UEA: The Time of

Life

Caroline Ad/em reminisces with celebrated writer lan McEwan in the first of Concrete's new ·series of alumni interviews HOW USEFUL HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR DEGREE IN THE WORK PLACE? It was largely an MA in English Literature, and for me it was the most incredibly lucky break. because Malcolm Bradbury had just set up this course.

But nobody had applied so they had closed it down just as the term was about to begin.

So I had a grant to do an MA, but nowhere to go and do it. I applied as I was interested in writing fiction and I was the only student.

I did all the other seminars and wrote short stories like a maniac, and would meet Malcolm Bradbury every now and then in a pub and talk about them. In the summer 1 met Angus Wilson and that was it really, as far as the course goes...

The course really consisted of me writing and them saying "I like this" and "I don't like that."

It didn't really affect what I wrote or how I wrote, but it did give me enormous selfconfidence and I had a great year here and really loved it. I was taken seriously, I suppose that's what was important, and I had real writers reading my work.

Now it's a course and there are 15 people in the seminars, I don't know how it would have been for me. I probably would have enjoyed it as much, but it was great for me to have all the attention.

HOW DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR TIME AT UEA? The place was only sort of a half or a third built and it was

making the transition from the University Village site to the main bit.

The itself campus was very bleak. although it looks rather nice to me now, with all those steps and the pubs and things - there only used to be a coffee machine.

My time at UEA was rather enlivened by a sit-in during my first term here.

I loved it actually • I'd had a rather dull time at Sussex University as an undergraduate and I'd come to UEA with a rather romantic frame of mind - I had decided I was going to write.

I instantly made very good and very close friends; I met my current wife and Malcolm Bradbury who has remained a good friend, and Angus Wilson was also a valued friend until his death.

I got to know the Norfolk countryside and fell in love with it. I doubt if UEA was a better university than Sussex, it's just that, for me, it clicked • I just seemed to find my place here.

I sort of mark the beginning of my adult life as 1970. It was the first real choice I'd made, to do anything - everything else had just been the line of least resistance.

WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES OF UNIVERSITY LIFE?

I lived in Silver Road behind Norwich Cathedral in a two-up twodown with a friend.

I remember once walking walking to the University with my flute tmder my arm - I was going to play in a rock band - and being pursued up a rather long stretch

---------------

ofroad by a gang ofskinheads who were determined to kick the shit out of me. That's my bad memory.

The 60's had hit Norwich by 1970 and it was a very exciting place, there was a real spirit of adventure and pleasure in the airand a lot of talk.

My best memories of Norwich are walking back across the city on a spring morning after a long, long night out drinking with friends.

I have very, very fond memories of the place - renting boats from an old, crazy guy and rowing them up the river, for example.

WHAT NON-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WERE YOU INVOLVED IN?

I had no time for societies, but I did go up in a glider.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU WISH YOU HAD DONE?

I had such a good time here, I wouldn't change a thing about itit was absolutely superb - I read more, wrote more and spent more time with friends.

It was one of the best years of my life, which is partly why I keep up the connection with UEA. It's a locus for me, a place that will always be significant to me.

NEXTISSUE'Time of My Life' talks to comedian

Arthur Smith <~>.'):

fan McEwan pictured at UEA after appearing in 1993-4's Autumn Literary Festival

"UEA's a locus for me, a place that will always be significant to me"

16

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Features

S From the building site to the high street - new from Caterpillar

Wondering what to wear this Autumn? Michele du Randt checks out the High Street's latest offerings this season

N

ot surprisingly, the new Autumn-Win~er range of clothes tncludes a whole host of warm woollies to keep chills away and the fashion police at bay.

1994 sees the return of th~ 'Sloppy Joe ', although thi> year it seems to be 'cropping' up in the most unlikely of outfits.

Teamed with this summer'> infamous slip-dress, woollen jumpers and cardigans are tak· ing the chop, quite literally, and being worn loosely ovej the slinkiest of satin dresses in pastel shades of lilac, lemon, rose-pink and corn· flower blue.

But, unlike its lumpy eight· ies counterpart, the new-look nineties Sloppy Joe jumper is a lot lighter and fluffier and comes in a variety of mohair and angora wool mixes.

Mens' winter fashion also features woolly jumpers in the form of chunky crew necks, heavy casual ribs and V necks in earthy autumnal hues of olive green, claret. wheat and russet.

Enter a fUturistic log filled wasteland equipped wltli state ot lltl art laser ~lrd)Vare. Use ·ste@llh anll cunning, ~··~~~···IU and skill, to score points. Attack lllelr base and defend yours - but look out for tile sentinels. On your nwn or with · your friends. tt•s the ultimate laser adventure.

-f!wg

Wl\11 \IllS ..uclllf Wlllll you lilY stmes Ill rew.Valld tlf s1Jid· anaws 2oeollltla oaegam• 0' : :~.peak oaly, 111 octelllf 1111 ard games. staadalf peak aa

Jersey tops and grandad shirts are the essential basics to build on with textured fabrics in simpie ~hapes coming into their own addmg colour, contrast and warmth.

Heavy overshirts in brushed cottons, waffie weaves and corduroy are styled with simple

complement any wardrobe.

Try a mohair or angora slipdress on its own or wear it over another dress or a short-

dimension to the collection.

A lined, qui lted nylon jacket and fitted bodywarmer work well with the overshirt in jumbo cord and all-American retro while hooded

navy-blue and cream or black and white pinstriped separates in both the mens and womens ranges, ineluding waistcoats, A-line skirts, ankle-length slip-dresses and trousers, as well as single and doublebreasted jackets.

This look follows on from this summer's St.Trinians school-girl

lined je~y are layered over several traditional thermal cotton Tshirts to ensure a chHI-free winter.

Robust lace-up boots provide a perfect fmishing touch to the

:~·········•final ;~loo :kforboth men

17

thewaterfront 139 King Street Norwich

Frl 7 Oct 7.30pm £3.50/£5.00

URBAN STRAWBERRY LUNCH Wed 12 Oct 7.30pm £6.00

HUE &CRY Thur 13 Oct 7.30pm £7.50

THE WEDDING PRESENT +IVY Sat 15 Oct 9.00pm £4.50

LOOP GURU + MELTDOWN CLUB NIGHT Thu 20 Oct 7.30pm £4

TERRY EDWARDS waistcoats or worn over tunic style knits.

This look works particularly well with this season's latest workwear additions in chocolate brown, charcoal grey and biscuit beige.

Accessories in the menswear range such as knitted hats, sheepskin gloves and ribbed wool scarves add the final touches of winter warmth, whilst a range of robust lace-up boots, including brands such as Caterpillar and Dr Martens, echo the rugged qualities of casual dressing this season. And if you hadn't already guessed, mohair is THE fabric this season for everything from cute micro-d resses to hotpants and Top-Shop's new autumn arrivals in the hottest of orange and coolest of blue are sure to

sleeved body for a little less discomfort.

For a smarter alternative and a classic East End look, pinstripes are back in a big way, and the definitive gangster mobstyle three-piece trouser suit is an absolute necessity for any wardrobe this season.

Teamed with a bright shirt in the boldest of colours, a slick leather jacket and a pair of two-tone lace-up shoes, RoMie and Reggie Kray are back on the highstreet.

Top Shop offers choice 0 f

image of short pleated skirts, over-the-knee socks and pigtails and the pinstripes make it more ofa grown-up sixth-former look.

Second-band shops are always a good place to find three-piece suits and items of clothing such shirts, tweed as grandad jackets and kids' school

or anyone wondering how to kit out their wardrobes this Autumn, your best bet may be a visit to the nearest building site to try and persuade one of the workmen to part with his clothes.

Alternatively, you might like to check out the latest high-street brands, since this season's fashion has a strong American workwear influence.

Inspired by last year's everpopular Caterpillar footwear, the name has now recently been expanded to include a choice of individual clothing for the designerlabel conscious.

Available for the first time in the UK and now selling at most branches ofRiver Island, the Caterpillar range of unisex clothing includes a whole choice of padded lumberjack shirts, heavyduty jackets in canvas, corduroy and denim, as well as cotton separates and accessories with a winter feel.

The menswear collection features mainly classic blue and

F

c o I -

& THE SCAPEGOATS + DELTA RADIO + DES LYNAM ALLSTARS various shades of ecru, olive-green and chocolatebrown.

Thick canvas and warm checked over shirts are major key items in the range, while crew and V neck T -shirts in seriously heavy cotton jersey feature in camouflage colours and are layered for extra warmth value this winter.

Jackets offer reefer, carpenter and donkey styles in windcheating nylon, canvas and heavy duty wool blends, all in natural autumnal hues.

Caterpillar womenswear this Autumn/ Winter shares the same rugged dressing concept but some smaller additions add a

Fri 21 Oct 9.00pm £6.00 Trance Europe Express Tour

ULTRAMARINE there is, after all, only one brand name to wear on your feet.

The infamous CAT logo in distinctive black and yellow appears on every item in the range, ensuringm2Ximum comfort and the highest standard ofquality at reasonable prices.

CaterpiUar jeans come in a choice o f coloured denims from navy-blue to deepest claret and prices start at £40.

Boots start at £80, jacket> at £80 and shirts at

E35.

Accessories such as woollen hats and baseball caps start at £17 and feature in both the mens and womens ranges.

+ DJ TONY MORLEY Tue 25 Oct£5

STEREOLAB + special guests Wed 26 Oct£6

ELASTICA +ash • Advance tickets from Finance Office, Union House (11 - 3.30pm, weekdays) or from HMV, Andys, Soundclash, Our Price, City Ticket Shop. Credit card orders from Finance Office (opening times as above ) or by phone on 01603 764764 or 505401 .

For updated information on these shows call the Waterfront Hotline on 0891154240 (calls cost 49p peak/ 39p all other times)

17 - 19 SI Stephens Street Norwich Tel 763403

ich

A

Caroline Jenkinson and Vicky Arnold take a closer look at Norwich's annual arts festival MUSIC THEATRE Well, the highlight just has to be 'Paddington Bear's First Concert', . ,. doesn't it? Davf;;CJ. · .. , .Howells, a ~gtcat entertainer and accomplished pianist, will be guiding the audience through a whisu.stop tour of the world, as well as telling everyone just what did happen at Paddington's first concert.

A classic aftamOQn's entertainment on Qcfober 9 at St And~s ; Hall. "~' Urban Strawberry Lunch also look well worth a look. They make music on everything, from gas pipes to the kitchen sink, with a host of other exotic Instruments lnbetween.

They'll be playing the Waterfront on October 7, but throughouHhe Festival, they'll also be holdIng a number of workshops In percussion skills, and taking part in the Hay Hill Family Fun event on Saturday Octo~

ber 8.

If you fancy something

a little more classical, then you' ll be most impressed with this year's finale to the Festival. , Jacq\.I&S Loussler, one of the great musical legends of the past thirty years, and his celebrated Play Bach Trio, will be playing the Theatre Royal on October 16.

This Is Bach infused With jazz music; something which d08$ not drown out the o.riginal subtleties of the b~tr- . mony, rhythm apd melody, but rathe.r enhances' them. The result Is a cool mould- ed sound which is equally enjoyed by lovers of classical music and ·

M

ention the name 'Norwich' to most people, and

they probably wouldn't thi•iv...,,... the arts. After all, East Anglia's finest city is just a tiny little backwater place, right?

Wrong. OK, it might not have the same resources and cultural diversity as a city such as Lonbut there are oell~f)te~m

being made to break away from that, so we're going to the Waterfront for the first time this year. We're trying.to get a new audience, younger teenagers and like that." , the range of events this year's Festito appeal to Padding~~-t>I ..Jr.,•i'f'ti:t·r "wberry A,.tlr){#~o..vlra-lb!IJ!i-. and corn-

"The Festival is actually an organisation which promotes events all throughout the year,'' said Mr Sanders. "Most people probably think that the Festival is an eleven day bonanza in October, but actually the Festival promotes concerts in the part of the year; we had a arts week this year." organisers are also busy vu 11~u~!'. the rest of the year l!Jk~wq:; that next year's

modem Festival.

Up until five years ago, the Festival was a triennial event, but it was decided that it should become annual - a decisi which has allowed it to expand and diversify.

For years, the Festival has been dominated by classical music. Many well known English composers, including Elgar and Britten, wrllili~:-~e:at;lj~Di;K\l! con1am:~ea at the Festiv"r"" 'u~n there.

The only n~;~~~Wij:f?thl"., though, has bee'n:tbit pie have come to assQCillte""t\le Festival solely with this music, and nothing else. is something that the F organisers are extremely get away from, as Officer, Matthew :sartOeJI~if'ex­ plains.

"I think the r ~~•••""l 1-~·;o-~ ten been seen as a sic music thing, and sort of a bit elitist,'' he "But there are definite moves

Tickets and information on all the festival events can be obtained from the Festival Ticket Shop, Guildhall Hill, Norwich.

Telephone 764764

John Hegley -poet extraordinaire

FILM Cinema City will be showing various films In conjunction With the Fes· tival. These will Include the Oscar-winnlng 'The Piano', which stars Holly Hunter, Sam Nelll and Harvey Keitel; 'Water.tand'• Which stars Jeremy lrolt$.·as an expatriate hlsto!Y teacher; and 'The Bridge' With Joss Ackland and Saskia Reeves.

Also showing will be the classic romantic film

'Brief Encounter'. First released in 1946, this will be shown in the most authentic way possible, with original trailers, newsJ:'Mis and shorts.

NAC are also ~Jetting In on the act; With another of their Reel Love Film Festivals~ · ' ' " These pr()vide an outlet fOr those contemporary film-makers 'who are marginalised by the commercial demands of film and television.

Theri over to Maddennarket, to spend a 'devastatlngly funny' evening w ith Kit and the W1dow. This musical revue takes place on October 9.

If y'ou. fancy some hiph c~~i _!t might be WOf!lj s,emg Com· pact Opera•s 'Giovanni's ·women' at NAC. This combines Mozart's music with exciting, original composition. You can really get Into that Norfolk thaing with ' Norwich 800 - Nought to 2000 IQ Three Oreamscapes', a tragicomedy featuring Queen Boadlcea, Jullan of ·Noniwich and Edlth Cavell. Presented by the Rough as Guts theatre company, this is probably one .of the highlights of the Festiv~l. Ifs on October 12, at NAC. Tbat scarifY funny poet, u~n,Hegley, provides an·excellent endIng to the Festival. He comes fresh from the carabet circuit with his bganeverbalc~y

act, which can be seen on October 14 at NAC.

Tuesday 18 October £6.00 adv · 'ftckets &oa Uaioa Fillcmce Olfic:e, BMv, Oar Price, Soaaclelasla, .Aaclys, City Ticket Shop or caD 01803 7H7H or 501401

-

--

--

t

--

-

t (

-

~

'

..

------ -

"' : I

Euery ffionday n1 ht' Doubles for the pr1ce o s1ngles 20 e off all beers ,

Breakfasts o L1ght Lunches o Snacks Presh Coffee o L1uely ntmosphere nights aweek. nn types of parties catered for.

DJs and mus1c prou1ded plus cater1ng from abuffet to abanquet AserVICe tailored to your needs 0 r1ng for detallsl

~~~oau

0

I

"

..

(

-- - - ~ ---------·

20

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

f ~

t

I Above: Forrest and his unlikely sweetheart Bottom right: The man as a boy

' Tom Hanks may well earn an Oscar for portraying simpleton Forrest Gump, his first·film role since smash hit, 'Philadelphia'. Caroline Ad/em previews the movie

F

arrest Gump is the romantic, rollicking tale of an innocent at large in an America that is losing it's innocence' . Well, it might sound a trifle schmaltzy, but Forrest Gump looks like it might be one of this autumn's big Forrest Gump hits. Forrest USA (1994) Gump stars Comedy-Adventure Tom Hanks in Oir: Robert Zemeckis the title role Cannon· from Oct 7 as a very simple man, who, over the course of 3 decades, leads a most extraordinary life.

The film follows the slow-talking, slow-witted southerner through his many and varied experiences as a war hero, an athlete, millionaire and football star. Following the advice of his mama (Sally Field), who tells him that 'Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get', Forrest travels from the football field to the battlefield, from the company of presidents to the clutches of the media and finally, in true Hollywood style, into the arms of his one true love (Robin Wright).

Forrest Gump star Tom Hanks is already being hotly tipped for an Oscar for his performance.

Hanks, winner of a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for his portrayal of an AIDS victim in 'Philadelphia', has also starred in such smash hits as 'Big', 'A League of their Own'

with Madonna and 'Sleepless in Seattle' alongside Meg Ryan . Director Robert Zemeckis again uses the stunning special effects which were so impressive in his previous films such as 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' and 'Death Becomes Her', as Forrest moves from the company of Richard Nixon to John F. Kennedy to John Lennon. There are some impressive scenes of Forrest meeting JFK, in which the two appear to shake hands. Already a great success in America, Forrest Gump looks set to repeat that success here and might be well worth a look.

O#a11weu"..••••••••••••••••••••

Award-winning British film 'Ladybird, Ladybird' tells a harrowing story. The Event finds out more

8

illed as 'an emotional and harrowing story of a wom an's fight to keep her ch ildren and her relationship intact', 'Ladybird, Ladybird' is the latest Channel 4 film collaboration . Based on a true story, it is a

Ladybird, Ladybird GB (1994) Domestic Drama Dir: Ken Loach

Cannon - from Oct 7 love story about the relationship between the 2 main characters,

Bottom Left: Maggie and Jorge meet the court officer about their baby Below: Ken Loach directing 'Ladybird', Ladybird'.

• Maggie and Jorge, and their struggle to have a family.

Maggie has had 4 children (by different fathers) removed by Social Services because of a previous violent relationship.

When she meets Jorge, a gentle Latin American refugee, she gradually sees her chance for happiness.

But, her history still haunts her, as once entangled with the social work bureaucracy she finds it difficult to break free .

Director Ken Leach is known for TV dramas such as 'Up the Junction' and 'Cathy Come Home' and her only previfilms such as 'Kes' ous experience of and 'Riff-Raff', show business was as a wh~lst writer stand-up comedienne (which she Ran a continues to do) Crissy has already won Munro has the Berlin Film Festival's award for Best " previously Actress for her 'Ladybird , Ladybird' perpenned episodes ,. formance, which they called 'astonishingly of Dr. Who and Casualty. passionate and arresting'. Judge it for yourLadybird , Ladybird stars newCA self when you see the film . comer Crissy Rock as Maggie.

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

Drowning By Numbers UK (1991) Thriller Dir: Peter Greenaway Cinema City· Oct 13

Clear and Present Danger USA (1994) Action-Thriller Dir: Phillip ..oyee Cannon· now showing

Jack's back! Harrison Ford returns to play the CIA's most heroic agent, Jack Ryan, in the follow-up to the smash hit 'Patriot Games'. This time he's taking on the Colombian drugs barons, his superiors and even the President in his search for truth, justice and the American way. Horrendously slow in places, but the action sequences are worth waiting for.

Speed I:JSA(1994) Action-Thriller Dir: Jan De Bont Odeon. now showing

Oh, what have you done to your hair, Keanu? lt used to be really nice, and now it's disgustingly short.... Still, I can forgive you, because you've just made this excellent film. You know, the one where you're this cop whose on a bus that can't go any slower than 50 m ph, otherwise it'll blow up.

Good job the film wasn't set on any Norwich roads really.

Disney lo . et repeat the ccess of 'Aladdin' with their latesf film, 'The Lion King' .

Caroline Jenkinson ta es 'pr1Cie ·n ptev.iewing the movie

I make no bones about including this film in the 'Best of the Rest' section, because it's one of my all-time favourites.

Joan Plowright, Juliet Stevenson and Joely Richardson play three generations of women who decide to kill their husbands by drowning them . The numbers come into it through the virtue of each scene having a number hidden away in it somewhere. I'm still looking for 42, so if you spot it, please let me know....

Brled Encounter UK (1946) Weepiel Dir: David Lean Cinema City· Oct 15 One of the classics of British cinema, and a must for anyone who likes to cry all over their lover in the back row.

Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard play the couple who share an all too fleeting moment of romance together.

Waaaaaaaa ... . Ahem. To

add to the whole experience, Cinema City will be showing the film in its original context, with , as far as possible, authentic trailers , advertisements, rationing information, a newsreel and organ music.

Wonderful stuff - Sob. Wayne~

World 11

USA(1993) Comedy Dir: Stephen Surjlk Union Films • Oct 6 Wayne and Garth in a sequel that's even better than the original?

Noway. Way! Yes, it's the return of everyone's favourite TV hosts from Aurora, who have moved into their own 'babe-loft', and have started 'growing hair in really weird places'.

And that's just the start of an adventure that will include visits to Jim Morrison, encounters with dodgy record producers and murderous lovers, Village People routines and rock concerts. Just awesome dude!

Awwww... it's Simbu as a cub - but will he grow up to claim his rightful inheritance? -

P

repare to be charmed and mesmerised by the magic of Disney once more, as their latest offering, 'The Lion King', comes to British cinema screens. Set against the majestic backdrop of Africa, the film tells the powerful story of a young lion cub named The Uon King Simba and his heroic jourUSA (1994) ney to claim his destined A!'imated Adventure D~r: Roger Allers role as king of the jungle. . .

Odeon • from Oct 14 H1s father Kmg Mufasa, the revered ruler of Pride Rock and the lands that surround it, teaches him about the 'circle of life' - the delicate balance of nature which bonds all animals together -

and cautions him to prepare for the day when the sun will rise on his leadership.

However, Mufasa's evil brother Scar has o.ther plans.

He wants to do away with Mufasa and Simba so that he can assume the throne for his own tyrannical purposes.

He and his hyer:~a henchmen manage to lure Mufasa to his death, and then persuade Simba that it was all his fault, so that he runs away, guilt-ridden and fearful.

Years later, Simba is sought out by his childhood friend Nala , who tells him of the suffering inflicted on the Pride lands by Scar,- and begs him to return .

With the help of Rafiki , the wise shaman baboon, and his friends Pumbaa the warthog and Timon the meerkat, Simba realises that it is time to return to his homeland and reclaim his rightful place in the 'circle of life'.

The stunning animation from Disney veteran Don Hahn ('Beauty and the Beast', 'Who Framed Roger , Rabbit'), combined with music from Tim Rice and Elton John, and voices from Whoopi Goldberg and Rowan Atkinson , can only make 'The Lion King' one of the box-office smashes of the autumn.

You might think that Disney films are just for kids, but believe that, and you could well miss out on a great evening's entertainment.

21

22

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

The

en

,,

I

Caroline Jenkinson reviews Rob Newman's performance at the NA-C, while Jo Stubbington looks at his novel, 'Dependence' Day t the beginning of his show, Rob Newman makes a joke about being able to hear the birds on the Norfolk Broads when a joke falls flat.

Unfortunately, those birds were loud and clear for much of the first half-hour. it wasn 't that Rob couldn't raise a laugh, it was just that those laughs were a bit half-hearted . As he mumbled his way through some new material about drugs and rel ationships , you couldn 't help but wish David Baddiel wou ld suddenly appear on stage beside him . Still , when the audience was clearly less than enthusiastic, Rob was able to make a joke out of it - by doing bird calls .

Things picked up with the arrival of the support act, Ronnie Ancona. Rob introduced her as "one of the funniest women I know", and she sure lived up to that recommendation . With an im pressive range of voices and acute observations , she soon had the audience eating out of her hand. I even heard people in the row behind me whisper, "She's much better than he is!"

"Gosh! " I thought. "Could it be that one of the kings of comedy is about to lose his crown?" Well , I was proved wrong when Rob came back on stage. He suddenly moved up a gear, producing some great one-liners - "Michael Jackson thought Boyz 11 Men was a delivery service" - and some classic impressions of David Bowie and John Major. And when the creepy Jarvis put in an appearance, he got the biggest round of applause all night.

Overall, it wasn't Rob Newman at his comic best, and I could be far more critical of him , but I'm afraid my judgement was somewhat impaired by meeting him and finding out just

REVIEW Dependence Day

H

'Rob'-bed of his comedy crown? Almost, but not quite what a nice guy he is. So sorry Rob , and I'm sure you'll get the act sorted out before you go on your proper tour.

MARK LAMARR: UEA LCR

ft

THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE: THEATRE ROYAL Patricia Hodge portrayed the ro mantic Miss Jean Brodie who , through her own group of personally selected pupils (her "creme de la creme"), attempts to fulfil her own ambitions.

Avoiding the rea lities and responsibilities of her own life and loves , she submerges herself into her career, putting her role as an influential teacher first.

She succeeds in alien ating her two lovers and unmtentionally contributes to the death of one of her pupils, provoking the reven ge of another.

This portrayal of an emotionally demanding character was both convincing and humorous, we ll-suited to Patricia Hedge's haughty exterior.

Jackie Morrison , in the supporting role of Sandy, shocked the audience with her nudity and gave a believable performance.

The versatile set, designed by Robert Jones, enabled slick scene changes.

Atmosphere was maintained during these changes by the use of backg round music and sound effects.

Mick Hughes, light1ng designer, made dramatic use of spotlights and successfully cre ated an impressive rain scene.

Overall , thoroughly enjoyable and witty.

Katie Dyos and Philippa Hudson

Having seen Mark Lamarr just four months ago, I knew he was going to be funny, but was slightly worried his material would be the same. Our pre-show meeting confirmed this when he simply told me "it's the same stuff."

He was lying: much of the material was new. And so gag after gag was reeled off, covering subjects from clef-pallates to student apathy, but the best moment came with a heckle, on which Lamarr thrives. Someone asked about an incident in which Mark "twatted" his eo-presenter on The Word, Terry Christian. Sharp as anything, Lamarr replied: "Twatting is not a word I'd use. Kick the little f'**er to death is more appropriate."

The audience, of course, erupted, and were kept laughing for a full hour and a quarter. Great value sell-out entertainment from Peter Hart a comedi an who is anything but sold-out.

HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES: MADDER MARKET This acute comedy examines the lives and loves of three married couples who are each linked by the work of the husbands. The action takes place at two dinner parties, where rumours of marital infidelity abound and chaos ensues with hilarious results.

The Norwich Players give this ingenious play a wonderfully light touch. Just as Kerensa Harrison convincingly plays the frum pish wife of the frumpish William (right down to the brussel-sprout coloured cardigan), Vince Hadley is superb as the fumbling , bumbling, but oh so endearing director, who bares a strik ing resemblance to the Mayor in 'Fawlty Towers'.

The size of the Madderrnarket no doubt accentuated the play's living-room intimacy, but this should not detract from the production itself.

The Norwich Players were, as usual, both professional and polPaul Grainge ished.

e has already written his Nobel Prize acceptance speech and expects a great reception for his debut novel.

"I want rounds of applause.

"Offers of peoples daughters" enthuses Rob Newman.

"I want the traffic to stop.

"I want people to not go to work because they are all reading the book.路 Well I am not sure if that has quite happened yet but Rob has certainly caused a stir with his book, for which his enthusiasm is overwhelming.

A comedic satire, it tells the tale of the lives of Kate, Kevin and Ortando and Billy Hurley.

Kale witnesses a drug murder in her local; pub and is forced to go into hiding when a contract is put on her life.

Kevin is heartbroken when Romanian highjumper Svetlana leaves him.

But did he love her or just an idea of her?

Their lives are changed as are the lives of Orlando and Billy Hurley when a plot to smuggle drugs from Peru using migratory swallows backfires.

One thing that strikes you about this book is the 'down to earth' quality of the whole thing.

The plot is intricate but Newman chooses not to bemuse us with cryptic literary 'style' rather he somewhat surprises us by offering something that everyone can relate to.

This is however not detrimental to the completed novel and it is refreshing to receive such a skilfully constructed yet unassuming offering especially from this, the man that has become famed as one of the centuries acclaimed masters of comic disguise.

As for value for money, I'm not sure.

At 拢8.99 (Century) the book is quite expensive but considering that it is probably what will go down in history as the catalyst of Rob Newman,'the author's' career it is a definite must.

Jo Stubbington

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

23

TV, VIDEO~~:~a.O~mrm

In The Name Of The Father (15) One of the most talked-about ~msof1994,'1n The Name

Of The Father' is the story of the Guildford Four and the infamous court-<:ase which took place In the late 1970s and Is now available for rental on video. lt tells of one man, Gerry Conlon, and the ongoing struggle through his harrowing ordeal and eventual triumph over injustice.

Academy Award winners Daniel Day lewis and Emma Thompson star in this gripping drama, with lewis as the ever persistent Conlon

and Thompson as Gareth Pelrce, the solicitor In charge of the l:aSO.

Euro-trashedl Jean-Paul and Antoine crack open a bottle Jean-Paul Gaultier and Antoine de Caunes are back on our screens this week to host the first of a new series of 'Eurotrash' on Channel Four.

This, the third series of ' telly's rudest show ever"(The Sun), returns to its regular Friday night slot at 11 .10pm on October 14, promising an even greater helping of everything that is bizarre, sleazy and downright silly about European culture.

Whether it be a male brothel in Germany or a magnetic palm convention in Bulgaria, 'Eurotrash' dares to go where travel brochures fear to tread.

With a dedicated following of well over 2 million viewers, 'Eurotrash' has managed to firmly establish itself as essential Friday night viewing.

High on camp with Jean-Paul Gaultier, low on

political correctness with Antoine de Caunes but always sticking it's neck out (don't forget "pepe and popo"), the show's fun mix of music, film , fashion , food , famous faces , unlikely places and just a little bit of sex has caught the imagination not only of the Brits, but also the Europeans.

In the first show we meet Or Giuseppe Cirillo, an Italian, who has invented 'Anti-Bobbit Underpants' and produced a line of seduction videos, including "How To Make Love In A Tree".

Guests on the show include Sarah Young, Europe's British-bom Queen of Pom , and the world 's top male supermodel and star of the Calvin Klein adverts, Swedish-born Marcus Shenkenberg.

s r------------------------------

1• 1 1

•

Film: CANNONBALL RUN 2: High- speed car-chase action comedy film starring Burt Reynolds Anglia 8.00pm

--------------------------,

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE: Battle of the boffins in 1 the first Oxford vs. Cambridge match of the series 1 BBC 2 8.30pm I

I I I

NEIGHBOURS: Highly dramatic episode in which Philip daringly dives in the river to save Hannah's life BBC 1 5.35pm

DROP THE DEAD DONKEY: Jolly journalists abound in this newsroom comedy Channel 4 10.00pm

CLIVE ANDERSON TALKS BACK: This week Clive's guest on the couch is Melvyn Bragg Channel4 10.30pm

EUROTRASH: Flirty French frolics with Jean-Paul I Gaultier and Antoine de Caunes I Channel 4 11.10pm I

I

RORY BREMNER -WHO ELSE?: First in a brand new series with funny-man Rory and his many fac·es Channel4 10.05pm THE CLOTHES SHOW: The loverly Joan Collins is one of the hosts of the 1994 British Fashion Awards BBC 1 5.25pm

I I I

5.25pm

I I 1

RAB C NESBITT: Rab, Jamesie and their pals enjoy an 'adult education' video 9.00pm BBC 2

Film: DESPERATE HOURS: Chilly thriller starring I Mickey Rourke and Anthony Hopkins I Anglia 9.30pm I

A QUESTION OF SPORT: The quick-fire sports' quiz is back with a new series and sports personalities BBC 1 8.30pm

HALE & PACE: Billy, Johnny, The Management and: loads of comedy characters in the new series 1 Anglia 1O.OOpm I

L------------------------------

--------------------------~

24

Concrete, Wednesday, October

5, 1994

Prev: Manic Street Preachers

UEA

Fri0ct7/£8

The Manics are back on the tour. Caro/ine Jenkinson looks at the glam Welsh rockers' track record ...

resh from two legendary shows in Bangkok, a storming performance at Glastonbury and a spectacular show at the Reading Festival, the Manic Street Preachers come to Norwich covered in glory.

Formed in South Wales during the late 1980s, the Manics came onto the music scene at a time when 'Madchester' was the dominant force. Their obvious desire to be stars, the cheap make-up and tacky Miss Selfridge blouses helped to make them stand out from the rest of the grey British

F

indie scene, and they soon gained plenty of coverage in the music press.

But of course, it wasn 't just the image, it was also the music which got them the attention they wanted. The raw, unpredictable punk-rock sound that they produced on such singles as 'Stay Beautiful', 'Love's Sweet Exile' and their most successful single to date 'Theme from Mash', had

most, if not all of the music press crying out for more. Now they have just released 'The Holy Bible', their most abrasive album yet, which includes the top 20 single 'Faster/PCP'.

Just as before, and despite Richey Manic's recent hospital 'visit' , it puts the Manics well above the hoardes of chart bands.

•Support comes from J former music-press darlings, Sleeper, who recently supported A House at The Waterfront.

Caroline Jenkinson

Urban Strawberry Lunch The Waterfront Fri Oct 7 USL create driving rhythms and pulsating bass lines from the most unlikely sources - gas pipes, kitchen sinks, and many other exotic instruments.

Mention Concrete when you book for this gig and you get 2 tickets for the price of one. Tickets cost £3.50.

Brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll have produced some of the most innovative electronic/machinemusic of the 90s. down a storm at this year - they're to do the same here. cost £8.

res The Slackers & Loafers Tour UEA Fri Oct 14 Take the best from the deConstruction record label (and thankfully Kylie's not one of them), add some top DJ's, and you 've got The Slackers and Loafers tour which hits the LCR this fortnight. In Norwich we'll be treated to music from Techno wizards, The Grid, and K-Ciass, and Sasha will be the man on the decks.

Pop Will Eat ltse" UEA WedOct 19 PWEI released their latest album, 'Dos Dedos Mis Amigos' last month; another great offering from the finest purveyors of chainsaw pop. Make sure you catch them live. Tickets cost £8.50.

Macavity's Cat NAC Sat Oct 15 With their manic mix of jigs, blues, country, swing, skiffie and dustkickin ' hoedown, Macavity's Cat have become one of the few bands who have made three consecutive appearances at the Reading Festival.

Tickets cost £6 .50/£4.50.

- --

---

- ---

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

&NE WATCH OUT FOR Pouting punk rockers, S"M*A*S*H, are certainly a band to watch out for at the

moment.

Controversy seems to foUow them around like a crazed groupie. First there was 1he Top Of The Pops appearance, then there was the single "(I Want To) Kill Somebody".

Now they may well be banned from playing in Plymouth on .

October 18, In light of some of the lyrics on said single. lt calls for the killing of John Major, Gilllan Shepherd, and several other leading Tories, by chopping off their heads and impaling them on stakes.

So far, Norwich City Council don't appear to have taken much notice of the group, and they're still scheduled to play a Wilde Club gig at No!Wich Arts Centre on Monday October 10.

Expect a night of a band who are like •rake That on speed" (again from NME).

•Tickets are £3.50 In advance or £4 on the door,

In our second great competition for this issue, we've again got together with the Union of UEA Students to offer music prizes worth around £90!!

There's two first prizes on offer. One comprises two Wedding Present tickets for The Waterfront on Thursday October 13, along with a copy of the band's new album, "Watusi" (kindly donated by Island Records), while the other is "Pandemonium" (Butterfly) by Killing Joke, plus two tickets for their exclusive warm-up gig at The Waterfront on Tuesday October 18.

DThe Wedding Present's visit to the Waterfront, which is part of their national tour, follows hot on the heels of the release of their latest album, 'Watusi'.

Produced in the States under the guiding hand of Steve Fisk, the album chops between earthy grunge with 'Click, Click', to happy up-tempo pop with 'Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah' - the first single to be taken from the album.

Since the band's inception in 1985, they've appeared at John Peel's 50th Birthday Party, made some bizarre appearances on 'Top Of The Pops' and played the Reading Festival on several occasions. They've also produced a great number of singles; 1992 was definitely their most productive year, with a single being released every month.

This summer, the band undertook a small seaside tour, which took them to such glamourous locations as Southend, Brighton, Gosport and Torquay.

Hopefully, all that sea air will have left them refreshed and ready for their visit to Norwich.

Caroline Jenkinson

We've also got three other prizes to give away: Sugar's new album, F.U.E.L, (in anticipation of their UEA gig tonight (Wednesday), 2 Hue and Cry tickets for The Waterfront on Wednesday October 12, and a limited edition double album package from K-Ciass, titled "Universal".

To stand a chance of winning any of these top prizes, you'll need to answer the simple question below.

Q: What does the acronym title of Sugar's album , F.U.E.L, stand for?

Answers on a postcard with your name, school and year, to Concrete, PO Box 410, Norwich, or place it in the box by Reception in Union House. Please indicate which prize you would like should you win . The Editor's decision is final, and the competition closes on Monday October 10.

Which lemon hasn't got an Apple?

Do you know the feeling? Everyone else is out parrying and you're still hard at it.

Life could be so much easier with an Apple Mac from Norfolk's only authorised AppleCentre.

Call Nuala now on 0603 630252 to talk about special student rates. Then look forward tO a few more nights out.

,_

tl. Jarrold AppleCentre,. Norwich No-one knows more about Macs.

Barrack Street, Norwich NR3 1TH Telephone 0603 630252 AppleCenuc is a savia:madt

or t.pple Compuu:r U.K.Ltd.

Apple and the Apple qoarctrademarluol' t\pplc:Computer, lnc.

25

-·

26

Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

HMV

' f

I

M

f

f

t t

I

t t ~

•

•

i•

SAINr Efti!NNE Hug My SOUl • 4 SOIIgs/I!!P

i f I f t I

So, the 'tienne are back with a four track special, and it's about time too.

'Hug My Soul' is one of the better ones from the recent 'Tiger Bay' album, burbling along at quite a merry pace, with loads of 'JTQ'-Iike flutey bits, plus strings and complex key changes which sound great.

'I Buy American Records' is okay, but the two real stonkers here are the seni-ambient 'Hate Your Drug', a real wave-yourlighters-in-the-air number, and an inspired cover of a French song called , wait for it, 'La Poupee Qui Fait Non (No, No, No)', (don't ask') This is great live, and about a million times better than its title. Interestingly, the inside cover of the CD portrays a woman cooking in her kitchen , obviously a fond reference to the Constable Terrace kitchen the band trashed when they stayed at UEA. Or perhaps not.

•

SHAMPOO Viva La egababes/I!P " Who's the latest teenage dream, on the front of every magazine?" ask Shampoo at the start of their followup to their debut hit 'Trouble'. Erm, well apparently it's Shampoo themselves. For Jacquiand Carrie have joined the ranks of great bands like Nirvana and Blur (they' re on SHU. IIACGOWAN AND ftiE POPU the same label) That woman's cot Me Drlnldnllf,. by appearing on If you're, shall we say, now with The Popes (cunthe front of last slightly inebriated, then this ning, that). Most of the song week's Melody Maker, consists of MacGowan singis the song to get you wavand they're also up there ing your limbs in an alarming ing about bottles of gin in an with Take That and East 17 in that they've been on the 1 manner, if you're not doing extremely slurred manner, cover of magazines like Smash Hits. so which is, I su ppose, a joke. already.

So, is the song by the ! Its frenetic and loud, with Many will love this, purely teenage pop-punk lots of frantic drumming, cos Johnny Depp, the seen by last week's 'Top Of princesses from Plumstead Johnny 'Edward 1 guitar playing and singing The Pops' appearance. Perany cop? from Mr MacGowan, forScissorhands' Depp, guests sonally, I'd rather be down Well, you either love or on guitar (as you might have merly of The Pogues and the pub. loathe the band, so it's okay if you liked 'Trouble' -a lot 1 .---""'1"""'1~-~...., of ('uh-oh') the stylistic Do h! elements are the same - but it's not my thing.

Frisbee!

What's better is the second Although this was originally scheduled for release in track: their hilarious cover early September, the plans were d itched when some S at=e! of East 17's 'House Of of the initial pressings were discovered to be, in Love' record company speak, of "poor qua lity".

They're on tour with the Bad! And so we were all had to wait several more weeks Just Seventeen roadshow for the top tune that is 'I Don't Know Where lt Comes right now, and I think that Sound!

From'. says it all. lt's a mellow number with a catchy, repetitive chorus,

0

I

I

I

••

•

0

8

0

e

and there's not a lot more to say rea lly: v ery Ride, very good - but sadly it's not the best of the fortnight.

For all your music requiremen

••••••••••••••••••

• ••••

M 1. En Vogue • Funky Divas

1J © 1J!} C={](ID\)JUDi)CID[p[h@~ 0\D@ [p\YAY] 0©[}u 0\{] ~~ 1J @dJ D

u®Og

2. Bomb Th' Bass • Boom Bug Powder Dust 3. Sub Sub • Full Fathom Five

And what's not. ..

®~ ©~®©

.. '

..

Whigfield - Saturday Night

. ...

1§1-¥

a "f''*

. ' '' Concrete, Wednesday, October 5, 1994

VARIOUS

Compact Pussycat: Broken Glass

,

Jlacbrataf 'IIINe/IP The Joeys: My Hated Uncle This begins promisingly, all drums and guitars, with a singer who sounds like a cross between Billy Bragg and Damon Albarn.

But the competence is spoilt by the (too) repetitive chorus and some absurd lyrics (which I presume are tongue-in-cheek): "Here he comes, there's someone coming, alii can see is that big nose running.

Shut your mouth and know

27

your station, can this man be my relation?"

I haven't stopped singing it since I heard it though, so it can't be all that bad.

Magoo: Don't Stop To Think Another bunch of good musicians (well, they wouldn't be on this CD if they weren't, would they?) who produce a nice sound, but a tune that is unfortunately quite forgettable.

What is it about some indie bands that makes them think they need a singer who you can't really hear, and a tune you can't remember to make it big? By the sound of this bizarre punk-goth number, it would seem that Compact Pussycat went to the same school as the rest.

There's some nice ideas here, especially the sudden in-yer-face frenzied bits, and the more I hear this, the more I like it. But I'm afraid that on the 'strength' of this that Broken Glass doesn't really leave me purring.

Joy/and: You Are The Sun Oh yes. From the opening chords and bizarre Hawaiiaan guitar moments, when you think Elvis is going to walk in to the room wearing nothing but a grass skirt, I knew I was going to like this. For although the drums and vocalist soon kick in, 'You Are The Sun' somehow maintains its mellow, semi-psychadelic feel, with those very same guitars twanging away in the chorus.

No doubt Steve Lamacq and John Peel will have completely different views to those expressed here (Peely probably spends a quiet afternoon in his slippers listening to Compact Pussycat).

Norfolk and Norwich Festival .

6 - 16 October Around 100 events in 11 days

Free Festival Diary - Tickets - Information ~ The Ticket Shop Tel: 764764 Guildhall (opposite Tescos)

Tel764764

Alexander Balanscu, the star of the Micha~l Nyman band and a stunning composer in his own right, with his own electro-acoustic set. The best crossover music around with live contempory dance including two world premieres. Be there!

St Andrews Hall, Norwich.

Monday 10 October, 7.30pm.

Student Tickets ÂŁ4, from the Ticket Shop

credit card bookings accepted

Acoustic trash dance music for the 21st century. Don't miss this amazing percussion group from Liverpool.

The Waterfront, Friday 7th October, 7_.30pm.

Doors open ?pm, startr STRAWBERRY 7.30. Student tickets LL.I.......,.c: ..... ÂŁ3.50 from the ticket shop.

Mention Concrete when you book Urban Strawberry Lunch and get 2 tickets for the price of one.

(Only valid for adyance tickets from Ticket Shop)

NORFOLK AND NORWICH

FESnVAL

28

Concrete, Wednesday, O ctober

5, 1994

.......

--""'

_,_ ----------

14 day listings in association with the Theatre Royal - Reservations (0603) 630000......

~

:.s::

FRIDAY OCTOBER 7 Cannon Forrest Gump and Ladybird, Ladybird open today, and some or all of the films from Wednesday should be showing - ring for details.

Odeon Some or all of the films listed on Wednesday should be showing - ring for details.

Compiled by Caroline Ad/em

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5

-

Cinema City See Wednesday 5th. Also Rum blefish (18) +short - Matt Dillon stars as a teenage gang member wh o idolises his charismatic but troubled elder brother. Plus a new fi lm noir style pop promo. 11 pm Theatre Royal See Wednesday 5th.

Norwich Arts Centre Forkbeard presents The lndiaRubber Zoom Lens - a mindboggling mix of film and live performance. £6.501£4.50 cone.

UEA Gig: Manic Street Preachers. £8.00 - The unique blend of slogans, glam homo-eroticism and real rock 'n' roll.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9

Maddermarket see Wednesday 5th .

Waterfront Urban Strawberry Lunch acoustic trash dance music for the 21 st century. (Two tickets for price of one with Concrete offer- see ad !)

Ova l Godflesh and Huge Baby. ~

-:r

,;;;·

8os wells 4D Jones. 9pm-Midnight.

<D

-..;;;;;;a.,;;..._ _ _ __. 5

Cannon See Friday.

Hy's Club Night.

Admission £4 all night.

Ritzy Fast Trax. Admission £2 before 10.30pm , £3 after, 9pm-2am .

Peppermint Park Club night. Admission £3 all night.

Manhattans Hyper! 9pm-2am .

Free admission before 10.30pm with an NUS card . £2 members I £3 non-members before 11 pm, £3 members I £4 non-members after.

-,

Odeon Screen One: City Slickers 2 (12) - Billy Crystal returns as the world 's worst cowboy. 1.20pm , 3.30pm, 5.40pm.

Screen Two: When a Man Loves a Woman (15) - Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia in a drama about a perfect marriage rocked by alcoholism. 1.30pm , 5.00pm, 7.30pm.

Screen Three : Four Weddings and A Funeral (1 5) - Hugh Grant stars in one of th is year's biggest hits. 8.00pm Also: Speed (15) - Keanu Reeves plays a LAPD cop on a mission to stop a bus from exploding . 1.15pm, 3.25pm , 5.35pm , 8.00pm .

Cinema City Thirty-two Short Films about Glenn Gould (PG) - an original

fil m about the eccentric canadian classial pianist.

5.45pm , 8.15pm.

Theatre Royal HMS Pinafore - a comic opera fro m Glibert and Sullivan . £3 £19.50 , 7.30pm

Cannon See Wednesday.

Odeon See Wednesday.

Cinema City see Wednesday. Also 2.30pm .

Theatre Royal see Wednesday. Also 2.30pm .

Maddermarket See Wednesday 5th.

UEA Live in the Hive - Stevie Starryou name it and he'll reg urgitate it!

8os wells The Dalling Brothers. 9pmMidnight.

Hys Club Nig ht. Admission £2 , 9pm2am. Happy Hour- midnight to 1am .

Waterfront Boswells Showcase. 8pm - 11 pm.

Ritzy Nth Degree. Entry free before 11 pm with an NUS card , £2 after. 9pm-2am .

Peppermint Park Student Union night. Soap 'n' bubbles night. 5Qp admission with a bar of soap.

Norwich Arts Cent re Compact Opera Giovanni's Women - Lively, accesible adaption of the passionate Don Giovanni legend. £8.501£5.00 cone.

Boswells Jazz and Blues Jam. 9pm Midnight.

Hys Club night. £3 before 10.30pm, £4 after.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12 Gl c

Cannon See Friday.

3

'U

Norwich Arts Centre The Truman Capote Talk Show -winner of a fringe first in Edinburgh 1993. £71£4 con e.

Odeon See Friday.

Cinema City see Monday 1Oth. Also 2.30pm .

Hys Club night. Ad mission £1, 9pm to 2am .Happ Hour - midnight to 1am.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6

MONDAY OCTOBER 10 Cannon See Friday.

Ode on See Friday.

Boswells Lee Vasey Band 9pm- Midnight.

Manhattans Sheer Bliss! Top DJs from around the country present this new club night 9pm-2am .

Norwich Arts Centre Reel Love 5. £3 - Popular underground fi lm festival with live music and DJs. 8-11pm .

.TUESDAY OCTOBER 11

UEA Gig: Sugar+ Puppy Love Bomb. £8.00.

Peppermint Park Happy Wednesday Student Night- all pints £1 .20, spirits £1 .50. Admission discount with NUS card .

Cinema City A Tribute to Benjamin Britten (U) - Rare documentary footage using his specially composed music. 5.00pm .

The Piano (15)- A mute

Cannon See Friday.

Maddermarket How The Other Half Loves - a comedy about a trio of married couples by Alan Ackbourn . £2.50-£6 .50 , 7.30pm.

Ritzy Go. £1 .50 admission before 11 pm , £2 .50 after, 9pm-2am.

Scotswoman travels with her daughter to nineteenth-century New Zealand into an arranged marriage. 7.30pm .

Cinema City The Bridge (1 5). An imagined account of the circumstances surround ing the creation of the famous picture by painter Phillip Wilson Steer. 5.45pm , 8.1 5pm.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 8 Canno n Screen One: Clear and Present Danger (12)- with Harrison Ford and Willem Dafoe .

1.30pm , 4.30pm , 7.45pm.

Screen Two: The Mask (PG)Jim Carrey stars as the comic book hero. 1.30pm , 3.50pm , 6.1Opm , 8.30pm.

Screen Three: True Lies (15) Action adventure featuring big Arnie . 1.30pm, 4.45pm, 8.00pm .

Screen Four: Wolf (15)- Werewolf drama with Michelle Pfeiffer and Jack Nicholson.

2.00pm , 5.45pm , 8.20pm .

Odeon See Friday.

Cannon See Friday.

Odeon See Friday.

Cinema City Sneakers (12) "a high tech children 's adventure movie with low-tech charm" (Time Out).

2.30pm . Also Norwich Archive Show, 1932-1994 (U)I 5.30pm , 7.30pm .

around. 8pm-1am.

UEA Studio See Friday 7th.

Oval Good Company (a tribute to Bad Company and Free) Boswells Beyond the Blues. 9pm - Midnight.

Theatre Royal See Thursday

Hy's Club night. Admission £3 before 10pm, £4 before 11pm and £5 after.

Norwich Arts Centre Steve Williamson - Upbeat, funky dancefloor groove from a man who recently toured with George Clinton. £6.5014.50 cone.

Ritzy Furious Fu n. £3 admission before 10.30pm , £5 after. 9pm2am.

Maddermarket See Wednesday 5th.

Peppermint Park Club Night. £3 before 10.30pm, £4 after.

UEA Gig : Orbital + Pressure of Speech. £8.50. Dance based electronic techno sound

Manhattans Open 9pm-2am. Free admission before 10.30pm with an NUS card .

,.

Odeon See Friday.

Cinema City .

Waterland (1 5) - an expatriot teacher reaches a crisis in his marriage and career. 5.30pm A Tri bute to Edward Elgar (U)a double-bill featuring Elgar's own home movies as well as a Ken Russell documentary on the compose r. 7.30pm.

Theatre Royal Buddy - A smash hit musical celebration of Buddy Holly and his music. £3-£18.50. 7.30pm.

Norwich Arts Centre Rough as Guts Theatre Company in Nought to 2000 in Three Dreamscapes - first performance of a play comissioned by NAC as part of Norwich 800 celebrations. £61 £4 cone.

Waterfront Hue and Cry - the Scottish singers are back on tour with a new album comprising lilting love songs and tuneful ballads.

7.30pm. £TBC Manhattans See last Wednesday. Featuring DJ Jon Da Silva.

Cannon Cinema , Prince of Wales Road. Tel623312 Odeon Cinema, Anglia Square. Tel 0426 932450 Cinema City, St Andrews Street. Tel 622047 Theatre Royal, Theatre Street. Tel 630000 Norwich Arts Centre, St Benedicts Street. Tel 660352 Maddermarket Theatre, Maddermarket. Tel620917 Manhattan Nightclub, Dove Street. Tel629060 The Oval Rock House, Dereham Road. Te1748244 Peppermint Park, Rose Lane. Tel764192 Ritzy Nightclub, Tombland. Tel621541 Boswells/Hy's, Tombland. Tel 626099 The Waterfront, King Street. Tel 632717

Concrete, Wednesday, October

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13 Cannon See Friday.

Odeon See Friday.

Cinema City Waterland (15). 2.30pm, 5.30pm.

Drowning by Numbers (18)Three generations of women murder their husbands by drowning. 8.15pm.

Theatre Royal See Wednesday 12th.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 16

Waterfront The Wedding Present + support - Back after 92's record breaking string of singles. 7.30pm. £7.50pm.

Oval The Joeys.

8os wells The Boogaloos.

9pm - Midnight.

•

Hy's Club night. See last Thursday for prices and times.

Norwich Arts Centre See Wednesday 12th

FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 Cannon See last Friday.

Odeon The Lion King opens today. See last Friday for other films.

Cinema City The Remains of the Day (U) Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson in another MerchantIvory period production .

5.30pm, 8.15pm.

The Shining (18)- Gothic thriller starring Jack Nichcilson as an aspiring writer who takes a job as an off-season caretaker in a huge, isolated Art Deco hotel.

11 .00pm.

Theatre Royal Buddy, 5.00pm, 8.00pm .

Norwich Arts Centre John Hegly in Love Cuts - A Comedy Club Special featuring various tales of amour from St. Valentine himself to somebody

in love with a brown paper bag .

UEA Gig: The Grid, K Klass + Sasha - The cream of the Deconstruction label. Dance, house and techno from chart toppers and trend setters. £8.50pm.

Cannon I Odeon See Friday 7th.

Cinema City The Go Between (15) -a young boy's introduction to the world of adult deception. 5.00pm .

Harvest from Land and Sea (U) - 1920-30's documentaries about East Anglia. 8.00pm.

UEA Australian Doors. £8.50

Theatre Royal Jacques Loussier play Bach trio - the cool moulded sound which continues to catch the imagination of Bach lovers all over Europe.

UEAStudio see yesterday.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY JUNE 18 Cannon See Friday 7th.

Theatre Royal see last Wednesday

Odeon See Friday 7th .

8os wells

Cinema City Shopping (18)- British thriller about two rival gang leaders, both obsessed by ram-raiding.

5.45pm, 8.15pm.

Ritzy Nth Degree. 9pm-2am.

Boswells

Cannon See Friday 7th .

~

The Fat Slugs Blues Band .

9pm-Midnight.

Ode on See Friday 7th.

Hy's Club night. Admission £4 all night.

Cinema City see Monday. Also 2.30pm.

Waterfront Milky Lunch late opening until 4am with 'surprise' national DJ. Ritzy Fast Trax. 9pm-2am.

Theatre Royal see last Wednesday.

NORWICH

Compiled by Caro/ine Ad/em

Oval Purple Haze. A tribute to Jimi Hendrix.

Manic Street Preachers - UEA

Showcase. 8pm-Midnight.

Peppermint Park Toga and Tequilla night. Free entry in a Toga.

TUESDAY JUNE 21 Oval Bruce Dickinson Band. (Tickets £5 in advance)

14

5, 1994 29

Oval Sunset Heights.

Boswells

The Manics come to Norwich with their own blend of raw, unpredictable punk-rock. Famous for such hits as 'Stay Beautiful', 'Love's Sweet Exile' and 'Theme from M*A*S*H' the Welsh rockers play the LCR on Friday 7th. Support comes from former music-press darlings Sleeper.

Jazz 'n' Blues Jam. 9pm-Midnight.

The Lion King - Odeon

Hy's Club night. See last Tuesday for prices and times.

Disney's latest animated feature looks set to be just as successful as it's predecessor Aladdin. The soundtrack features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice, and voices are provided by Whoopi Goldberg, Jeremy Irons and Rowan Atkinson. Check it out at the Odeon from Oct 14.

UEA Live in the Hive - Akwaaba People. Acid jazz I soul sitting between the Heavies and the Young Disciples.

The

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15

...

Cannon See Friday 7th.

Oval Dreamthief and Slam.

Odeon See Friday 7th.

Norwich Arts Centre Macavity's Cat - a night of jigs, blues, cunty, swing and dustkicking' hoeown. £6.50/£4.50 cone.

Cinema City The Secret Garden (U) - film version of Frances Hodgson Bumett's Victorian fable abut a young orphan girl. 2.30pm.

Brief Encounter+ Full Supporting Programme (PG)- A touching love story scripted by Noel Coward and acted wit impeccable delicacy. Wrth authentic trailers, ads, newsreel, rationing information, & organ music.

UEAStudio Nought to 2000 in Three Dreamscapes - Local company production commissioned as part of the Norwich 800 celebrations. £6.00/£3.50 cone, 7.30pm.

8oswells Lena Black Big Band. 9-12am

Waterfront Loop Guru + Meltdown Club Night- combining Asian, African and Western music. Expect a night which sounds like the Aphex Twin for the global generation.

Hys Club Night. See last Saturday for prices and times.

Ritzy Furious Fun. 9pm-2am.

Peppermint Park Club Night £3 84 10.30, £4 after

I

L...

I .

I 11.

I

1

c Large Sliced Loaf Coca Cola (330ml can) Water (2 litre) Flora Margerine (250g) Baked Beans (Large) Tea Bags ( 1 OO's) Cheddar Cheese (lb)

Many other best buys in the oH licence and throughout the store!

BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! Greetings cards from 99p £1.20 A4 Ring Binders 0 A4 Lever Arch File~ £2.20 ~, A4 Refill Pad (200 page) £ 1.75 35p '- A4 Dividers (5 p art) Q) Coca Cola (330ml cans) 29p 6 5p Proiect Files 0... Clearview Binder 49p

a.

§-

BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

(1)

u

tE 0

........

(I)

0

0...

All ele~tri~111 11ppli11n~es liHed with 3 pin plug & 11ll11111rm ~lo~ks lilted with b11tteries

Jug Kettles £12.45 Electric Irons £12.45 N EW! Comb binding and lamination service

Railcard £16 per year

a..

0

Coachcard £7 year or £18 for 3 years

(/)

-

...c

dls~ounls on Nt~lion11/ Exp,ess

ISIC Card £5 per year

• diMounls on sludenlllighls 11nd 11dmlsslon lo museums el~ BEST BUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

CycleD-Locks 50°/o oH

Alt book stocks at low prices

SPECIAl PRICES

L

FREE WHITE SOCKS when

a.

(I)

you buy a pair of trainers

about half p ublished price EXPERTSTAFF ADVICE on course books and put by I search services

BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

_c (I) (I)

0

on selected squash, badminton and tennis racquets

BEER at £1 a pint ...

• diMounls on B,ilish R11il T'11vel

0

BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS! BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!BESTBUYS!

a.

e

Film p11sses £14 (v11/id I tJ weeks} .,

(Flowers Original Bitter)

.y>

0

LAGER at £1 a pint

·C:-

c:

(Heineken)

c

V) ~

..:0

0

·-

All other dr11ughl11nd p11~k11ged produ~ls, soli drinks, sn11~ks 11nd ~oHee pri~es lrozen 11ll11sl ye11rs levels

(1)

0

Thursday LCR disco still only £2 FREE! 'Live in the Hive' events every Tuesday night. Discos or live music in the pub every Saturday night PLUS regular qui:ues, fantasy football and giant screen Sky TV sport

er:.-

31

-

He's the new Sports Officer, and looks certain to make regular appearances in Concrete Sport. Interview by Co-Sports Editor Nik Davy

Although the UEA Pirates results last season were, to say the least, less than outstanding, a great deal was still achieved, writes Matt /ngram.

The American Football club has shown that an organisation can be turned around, and with two thirds of the previous committee still at the University there is no shortage of experience to fall back on.

The only highlight last year was the solitary win over Binningham, which meant that the players could at least retain some pride.

Poor turnouts at training sessions can take some of the blame for this, but combined with a schedule that included five playoffbound teams, the poor results are easier to understand.

Every coach on every team can claim that this is "our year" but the Pirates really feel that this season could provide them with a place in the final and maybe even

winning the college championship!

Among the most positive aspects of the '94 Pirates is probably the biggest and most experienced offensive line to be found in college football in this country.

And in case all the rookies and new members feel they don't have any hope of making the squad, the Pirates can boast one of the most knowledgeable and committed coaching staff in the league - even if you have never played the game before, the club can bring out all those hidden talents and what's more important, use them!

If winning the College Bowl is not enough for you then how about playing for your country?

Three members of last years team were picked to represent Great Britain in the inaugural European College Championship. The subsequent tour of Gennany resulted in a 3-0 record and defeat of the Gennan national student team 42-

0. It also resulted in more than one schnapps induced hangover!

Plans are underway for the '95 Great Britain Bulldogs to host the tournament, which will mean the coaches looking for more talent to replace those who have graduated.

Above all, the emphasis is on enjoyment and people of all standards are more than welcome to come along to training at Colney Lane sports ground, Wednesday afternoons lpm-4pm and Sunday mornings IOam-1 pm.

If you also enjoy a drink, come to one of our social events. Membership of the recently introduced "Buffalo Club" is not compulsory but anyone not entering into the spirit will be given to the linemen for breakfast! Oh and by the way bring a two pence piece with you ... eGo and see the Pirates at Colney Lane on Nov 6 (v Binningham) and on Nov 13 (v Cambridge)

Striking problems at Carrow Road FOLLOWING the big-money transfers of Ruel Fox and Chris Sutton atthe end of last season, Norwich City looked as if they were always going to struggle this year, writes Jane Homer.

Indeed, the side which is in ninth place in the Premiership at the time of writing is a far cry from the team which just a few months ago performed so heroically against some of the top clubs in Europe.

Despite boss John Deehan making a host of new signings- Mike Milligan, Jon Newsome, Car! Bradshaw and Mike Sheron- City have won only two of their opening seven league games, causing the chant of "Where's the money gone?" to resound around Carrow Road.

It is clear that City's main problem lies up front - they have managed to score in only two games so far. Deehan has been unable to decide who to play as his first-

choice pairing, and the constant changing and experimentation has inevitably led to disruption throughout the side.

This lack of goals is underlined by the fact that the highest scorer at present is defender Mark Bowen, with a meagre 23 goals in 322 appearances. Yet even he has been unable to find the net this season ...

However the stonn clouds gathering over Carrow Road parted briefly last week, when Norwich earned their first local derby win at Portman Road for over a decade. Although the Ipswich fans and players claimed that the Cart Bradshaw penalty which decided the match was wrongly awarded, meeting their old rival~ clearly inspired the Norwich players, as the 2-1 winning margin would have been a lot wider had it not been for some rather laclustre fmishing.

Although all may not be going perfectly in the league, City are

almost certainly through to the next round of the Coca-Cola Cup, having beaten Swansea City 3-0 in the first leg of their tie.

And even if things do not improve on the pitch, at least City fans can console themselves with the knowledge that Everton - and Mike Walker - are propping up the rest of the Carling Premiership!

• Norwich City FC are once again offering all first years the chance to become club members for free and to receive two complimentary tickets to a home Premiership match. Further membership benefits include free entry to reserve team games at Carrow Road, free copies of the club magazine, and a discount at the club shop. Second years who took advantage of this offer last year can now renew their membership free of charge.

Membership application fonns are available from the UEA Sports Centre for those who have not yet received one.

Undergraduation is a busy enough time for anyone involved, but when you return to discover that half of the University's tennis courts are no more, that Sports Mart has to be organised, and that the Sports Committee needs reorganising ...

Well, you can be forgiven for feeling a little rushed off your feet.

However, third-year SYS student Alex Bainbridge, fonnerly Secretary of the Trojans Athletics Club, is detennined not to be put off by a rough start.

His first undertaking has been to introduce a scheme for people who missed joining clubs at Sports Mart. Principally for those in ENV away on a field trip, and those OPT students on placement, the scheme will involve completion of a slip listing the clubs on offer.

Names will then be given to relevant presidents who can then contact their members-to-be directly.

Through this scheme, Alex hopes to increase sports club membership, and then to make

sure that people remain active members of their clubs by "cutting down the cliquiness of clubs, so that people who go once every three weeks feel as much a part of the club as those who go twice a week."

Two other matters of pressing concern are those of wheelchair access to the sports centre, and sports insurance, which could possibly be introduced next year.

Present access to the sports centre is by a door on the lower level, and stewards need to be told that someone is waiting to come in, but these are hardly adequate.

As well as having many new ideas, he is also prepared to continue the fight to keep Wednesday afternoons free for sport.

Started successfully last year by then Sports Officer Liz Chard, Alex will be working in conjunction with Academic Officer Daniel Owen to defend sporting students against a "once more poorly organised timetable."

This year, Alex will be assisted on a Sports Committee by Internal Sports Officer Michelle

Hayes, an External Sports Officer to be appointed on October 24, Welfare Officer Jaz Thanacho, and a sports club president to be elected at a presidents' meeting.

This committee will deal with all matters pertaining to the running of sports clubs, as well as more general things such as the arranging ofBUSA (British Universities Sports Association) fiXtures.

So expect to hear a lot from Alex. In his own words, "Up to now, Sports Officers have been forced by time, course and stress constraints to merely react to situations as they have arisen. This _, year, I want to get out there and play an active role, to really work for sport."

46 St. Philips Road, Norwich NR2 3BL. Tel: 0603 621784

Freshers To:Breakfast Mon -Fri 11 - 2.30pm &Saturday 10.30-12.30 "Big Un"- 5al sages, bacon, egg, hash brc:Min, rrushroorns,

beans+ tomatoes- tea or coffee +toast £2.50

Sunday Night Double spirit for the price of a single

~;SUNDAY LUNC-H £ --· _ - 3.50

·A

I choice of 3 roasts and ' L 4 veg~~~ meals ' j

\

\

-

-

UEA's Tennis and Netball teams could be without competition this year following the closure of half the University's courts By----.

Jane Horner UEA TENNIS players have been served a blow by Keith Nicholls, Director of Physical Recreation, with the closure of six tennis courts.

The courts, situated near Waveney Terrace, have been declared un safe by the Buildings Maintenance Officer, as the playing surface has practically worn out, and the perimeter fencing is nearing collaps~:, with rusting ._ posts and dangerous wire netting.

The cost of repairs would be in the region of拢 12,000, even with the use of netting saved when the former sports arena was demolished to make way for Nelson Court. Therefore the courts, which are also used for netball, will remain closed for at least the rest of the academic year, as there appears to be no sign of the necessary funds.

The Sports Department would not be officially responsible for financin g these repairs, even if it had been able to allocate such a .,. large proportion of its budget to them. Instead, the money should come from the University's maintenance budget. However, with several teaching rooms and other facilities also needin g repairs or improve men ts , sport has had to take a back seat, as it is not deemed to be of a high enough priority.

Even an appeal for emergency funding from the Planning Reso urce s Committee was turned

down, leaving a situation which th e Union Sports Officer, Alex Bainbridge, described as "another indication of underfunding in sport".

Due to the lost courts, the Netball and Tennis clubs are unable to play concurrently, which will affect BUSA home fixtures, when several sports teams from another university all compete against UEA on the same afternoon. This means that one of the two clubs will probably have to forego the match points and not play at all.

The alternative would be to try to arrange another date for their match, but thi s would be virtually impossible, as the whole idea of these 'block fixtures' is to reduce travelling expenses.

But, it is not only these matches which will be affected. The si te has the largest concentration of netball and tennis courts in the region, and local leagues for both sports are based there because of this. The loss of half of the courts could lead to the folding of these leagues, leaving many UEA students, among others, without regular competition.

Both clubs are naturally strongly opposed to the deci sio n not to repair their facilities.

Yet with the University unlikely to change its views on the importance of sport, and with the Sports Department unable to finance the repairs itself, the situation may will remain unresolved indefinite ly, which leaves the competitive fu ture of both clubs in jeopardy.

The tennis courts behind Waveney Terrace

' ' r t1s B y - -Nik Davy A SCATHING attac k on British athletes , by UEA spo rts sup rem o, Keith Nicholls , was publ ished in the Daily Telegra ph la st week .

In a letter se nt as a response to a questionnaire, the Direc tor of Physical Recreation said "People in athletics are ruining things for other sports."

He continued , "this scandal after scandal in one sport gives

PHOTO路 KEITH WHITMORE

oss a

ammunition to reduce funding to all s ports ."

Asked later to de fend his views, Mr Nicholls added that, unlike cycling and weightlifting, which have both done much to clean up their acts, athletics 'co ntinues to sweep matters under the carpet.'

He is adamant that athletics should deal more directly with the issues at hand .

So far this yea r, one British athlete was withdrawn from the European Championships following a positive test for ephedrine, two were sent home

from the Commonwealth Games in Victoria following positive tests for steroids, and a further six have been given unpublicised three month bans for ephedrine-related offences.

According to Mr Nicholls, everyone in the athletics community knows what ephedrine is for, and s ince it has no other use but as masking agent to cover-up the use of more dramatically performance-enhancing drugs (ie . ste roid s), it can be assumed that anyone taking thi s drug is also taking others .

Keith Nicholls Therefore the only way to deal with the problem is to ban all takers of any drugs for life .

-

the students' landlord