Concrete issue 057 21 02 1996

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c: SHARON

STONE HITS THE JACKPOT WITH DE NIRO

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••• as his new canteen

That's BIO Dean's messag leaves UEA catering chiefs with food for thougbf.

WILY Dean of BIO, Or lan Gibson, has left UEA catering bosses in the stew after the bun-derful success of his school's new canteen.

By ----..

In the space of just one month, the new venture has chalked cup a profit and is sauce-ily undercutting loss-making UEA outlets across the board.

Run by two former UEA staff, BIO's canteen sells real filter coffee at25p a cup- some 23p cheaper than in the University Catering Services fast food outlet Breakers.

Tea is 20p (compared to 35p), hot chocolate 35p (a saving of 25p) whilst scones, pa tries and cakes are also on offer for less dough.

The BIO canteen also sells a wide selection of filled rolls and jacket potatoes - at prices that really take the biscuit.

"I think other schools should follow our lead", said Dr Gibson, "It's a good social place to go, and cheap too."

"I also have plans to extend the canteen in the summer and have chairs and tables outside for barbecues," he added.

Dr Gibson, who is also the prospective Labour parli1mentary candidate for Norwich North, fought for the new outlet in response to his tired customers having to trek across campus for a cup of coffee.

And with over 500 staff and students in the school, Dr Gibson's canteen has proved to be choc-a-bloc with happy punters since its opening early in January.

I Hannah Malcolm I •

•

But the new venture has left Jenny Grant, UEA's Director of Residences and Catering Services, feeling pastry-faced.

Yet she denied that UCS were in a pickle as a result of Dr Gibson's venture, stating, "We are not afraid of competition."

Dr Gibson now ees his new canteen - to be officially opened by the VC on February 29 - as launching a whole new trend in campus catcnng.

"The student and lecturer response has been tremendous and hopes are for an eventual franchise deal with the University or Student Umon," he said.

"At the moment, all profits are being re-mvested but I am also looking into using them for funding student research work experience during vacations."

He urged all students to come and cake a look: " Everyone is welcome."

•BIO's canteen can be found on floor 0 I of the school and is open from I 0 am to 4 pm on Mondays to Fridays.

UEA stirs up trouble with honorary gong for Sa/man Rushdie • seepage3

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2· Concrete, Wednesday, february 21, 1996

Beat those testing

I

times ahead...

IF YO U'RE on the ' Road to Hell ' and the thought of sitting your dri ving test is car-ving you up, then you Astra worry no more,

writes Martin Plant.

i

T wo national dri ving schoo ls are looking to relax the minds o f anxious learners about the introduct ion of a new written theory test.

The AA Driving School say that 63 per cent of a ll learners want more informati on about the new test , to be introduced from Jul y I of th is year.

And BSM has go ne one step furt her, announcing a new frecphone 'Theory Test Advice Line' for all nervou wrecks on freephone 08 00 700 800.

Driving test cen tres around Britain have been inundated with requests for driving test dates, so that learners can try and pass before the written exam is introduced.

'Drive Safe' is the sc heme that has been set up to conduct the wri tten test, which is totall y separate fro m the origina l driv ing tes t; it w ill cost between £ 15 and £ 18.

By January 1997, learners must pass the written test before even th ink ing about ta ki ng to the road.

But they need not fret, as the test is a mult iple cho ice, and the Jaw of averages says th at 25 per cen t can be scored just by guessing the an swers.

Th e tes t will co nsist o f 35 ques tion s and will last for 40 minutes.

Topics to be introd uced into th e test wi ll cons ist of the Hi g hway Code, and broader moto ring subjec ts includ in g hazard perception and understand ing th e ca uses of acc iden ts.

• BS M No m ich can be contacted on 0 1603 624602 and the AA Drivin g Schoo l on free phone m;oo 60 70 8o.

I' '

Union Welfare Officer Esther Jillett plflys down her bid for fOP. NUS j~ and says: 1'm not being careerist' 1

UNION Welfare Officer Esther Jillett has denied any careerist notions in the wake of her recent nomination to stand as NUS President... insisting that she really wants to be a teacher.

By----, Esther joins four other Katie Lane 1.,.,.~~£1a1ist Worker Student (SWSS) members on· for the forthcom ing "I think it's a really sad thing ons and intends to use that a lot of people who stand for the NUS do it as a kind of -\Uiilallll~.opportunity to express her about Labour and the stepping stone to getting a managemen t consultancy ..,:t,;;•, not position ."

-uhoose to stand , but rathe r, it And she added, "For years , was suggested by SWSS. the person who has been NUS "lt was on the strength of President has been doing it as what I've done as Welfare a ca reer move rather than Officer at UEA and because of because they want to do the recent events like the fight something for students. for grants and the Reg istry "I've always thought this was disgraceful." occupation", she explained.

But she played down any The NUS President sits on suggestion that her decision an executive committee with would be a move motivated by six other members: Secretary, career concerns .

Treasurer, Vice-President "I have no political ambitions Education , VP Welfare, VP Despite being a leading light on the S WSS slate. Esth er (top) says in mind by standing as NUS FEUD (Further Education and she I \"O il Id prefer tv he a teacher. But that would be a different National President; I mean, I Union Development) and 11·orld Ji"o m the Rent Strike (aho l'e, left) and soup kitchens (righl) to be English Women 's Officer.

PHOTOS: JEREMY HILL AN D NI COLA DALEY

dents have gone on to forge high-profile political careers , the most notable being Jack Straw MP, Labour's Shadow Home Secretary.

But despite revealing her real ambitions , Esther added that she would be happy to stand at next month's NUS conference and state that SWSS have better ideas on the fund ing of higher education than Labour Students, who she points out form the "vast majority" of the present NUS executive.

"SWSS organise things in a different way and have different ideas about how the NUS should work."

When asked what qualities would make an ideal candidate for the job, Esther said: "lt would be fantastic if the NUS had a President who was really committed to student action, rather than one who thought that graduate tax was a good thing and ignored real action like demonstrations."

A Leeds Uni student was mortally embarrassed after his underpants were displayed on the first episode of The Girlie Show.

not standing for NUS Pres ident for career reasons, the Uni on has nevertheless provi ded the world of polit ics w it h a number of ri sing stars.

Finance Office r for 1993-4, Li zz ie Watso n, is now seek ing re-election as C ha ir o f La bour Studt:n ts. a position she en tered after leaving UEA last summer.

Her colleague, fonner We lfa re Officer Shcllcy Wrigh t, is currentl y N US Treas urer.

And Po ll y Kn ewstub, 1994-S's Comms Officer until an ' inc ident' in the GSA bar forced her resignation two months into the job, has also made her way into the political arena.

Las t week, she started her new ca reer as a resea rcher for Labour MP Ma rgare t 1-l odge ... Li zz ie Watson 's mum .

NOMINATIONS FOR SABB ELECTIONS OPEN THIS WEEK THE UNION have announced the opening of nominations f or 1996- 7's sabbatical officer elections.

They open on Thursday (February 22) and close a week later on February 29. Further information is available from Academic Officer, Adam Bowden, upstairs in UH.

concrete, Wednesday, l=ebruarv 21. 1996. 3

MEMBERS of UEA's Muslim community have slammed Registry bosses for not consulting them before they awarded author Salman Rushdie a top literary gong last week.

Following a recommendation from top EAS academics, Mr Rushdie becomes a of Distinguished Fellow Literature, an honour shared by fellow writers Arthur Miller and Doris Lessing.

UEA is the first British university to bestow such an accolade upon the controversial author, whose book The Satanic Verses led to a Fatwah (death sentence) being pronounced on him by the late Ayatollah Khomeni in 1990.

But UEA's Islamic Society are furious over the decision.

"It is a big insult to us", said their spokesman.

"There are over I 00 Muslims at UEA and I billion all over the world. Salman Rushdie has insulted all of us.

"I believe in Mohammed and Mr Rushdie has written lies

----By--Jess Kiang

about my religion. That is why he should be punished."

Despite the imposition of the fatwah, Salman Rushdie has been a regular visit to the UEA campus.

In 1992, he gave a reading in LT I and was present last November at Arthur Miller's 80th birthday celebrations, held in the Sainsbury Centre.

Former Dean of EAS, Professor Chris Bigsby, said that there was no challenge to the proposal to award Mr Rushdie an honorary degree.

"The decision is made on the grounds of the writer being outstanding", he said.

He added that the two other writers who have been awarded an honorary degree have also

blotted their copy books.

And he added: "People are always capable of offending someone or other."

But the Islamic Society see Mr Rushdie's accolade as the latest in a series of instances when their views have been ignored by UEA's administrators.

"The University has behaved badly", said their spokesman.

"In a few months time, I will get a PhD from UEA and I will then be linked to an institution that encourages Salman Rushdie to join it.

"UEA should have been polite enough to have consulted us over the matter."

He added that the Islamic Society would shortly hold an emergency meeting to discuss the issue and decide what action would be taken.

•Last Saturday (February 17) marked the third anniversary of the Iranian parliament's 2: I vote to retain the Fatwah on Mr Rushdie.

New travel reservations offer available to students LEADING student travel organisation, Campus Travel, have launched a scheme to enable young globe-trekkers to enjoy their trips abroad to the maximum, writes Katie Nicholl.

Their new policy of offering confirmed accommodation reservations before destinations are reached should dispel the common anxiety of arriving at an airport with nowhere to stay.

This option is available in many European countries and the USA and makes available even triple and quad rooms.

Examples of accommodation rates include rooms in New York from only £12 per night.

For the first time, students travelling on a budget can now also benefit from this added security.

•campus Travel can be contacted on O.t71

730 3402.

24 HOUR FREEPHONE

0500 556789

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Concrete , Wednesday, February 21 , 1996 ~------------------------------------------------------------------------~

Snap up cheap beer

with CAMRA BECOM E a student member of CA M RA and s.:c the quality of a pint go up while th.: price comes down. HTites Scoff Tompse/t.

For the past 25 years, the Campaign for Real A le (CAMRA) has been lighting for consumer nghh at the bar as \\ ell as fo r more l iberal l icensing hours. t\m1 it wants students to JOin it 111 its \IOrk, as res.:arch shm1:. that mun: and mon: I X to :>.'I year olds an.: drinking r.:al aks.

And with a 30 per cent female m.:mbership. C/\1\ IRA is also trying to rem me th..: stigma attachcrl to th.: regu!Jr '' 1th the spare tyre. (',\:-IRA organise:; J.JO beer l'esti1 als in the UK (including one in Nun1 ich ). \\ h.:re m.:mbers can get ch.:ap bc.:r.

A (6 joining fee g.:ts member:. a monthly ne11 s pamphlet which works out at costing less than half a pint a month.

• cAMRA can bc contac tc d on 0 1717 86710 1 and their inkmct sit.: can be foun d at http: /ww11 .cam ra.org.uk or via .:-mail at camra a camra.org.uk

~bJDOOooo

.

Barking Mad No 1: A Manc hester student claims that he is so i po or he has to survive . on a diet of Pedigree ' Chum.

Trade and tested FREE tasting session to promote Fair Trade goods will be held in the Hive on Thursday February 22 ,

writes Caroline Jenkinson.

EW

Organi sed by internati onal stu dent assoc iati on AI ESEC, thi s sess ion, along wi th a sim ilar taste test held last week, aims to raise awareness of such produc ts as Cafe Direc t coffee, Clipper Teas, and Maya Gold chocolate. at th e expense of other leading brands.

As the name suggests. all Fair Trade goods are designed to profit those workers whose needs arc often overl ooked by big business.

AIESEC spokesperson Mary 1-Iickford, said: "Even though Fair Trade products are more ex pensive than Ncscafc or Maxwell House. the price is justi fi ed by its result:- fa ir wages and no exploitation of the workers.''

"By buying your jar of Cafe Direct or any of the other products. you arc helping to ensure that the money is going back to the right place."

•The Union Supermarket and th e Hive already stoc k a range of Fair Trade goods .

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UEA CHIEFS have appointed a new director for the Sa insbury Centre,

writes Adrian Steel.

Their choice of ichola Johnson, current Di rec tor of Musco logy in the schoo l of W AM. ind ica tes a stre ngthen ing of links between the public and acad.:mic strands of

~[j[U)ooo the Sainsbury Centre. Ms Johnson. who has been acting keeper of the Galleries si nce Nmcmber. wil l continue to hold both positions. " I 'm delighted to b.: work ing with this fascinating and uni que co llecti on and wit h th e dedicated people who care for it." she said.

Graduate Stude ts ·A ssocia. . ,--OPEN Thi s column kee ps you inform ed of the coming attra ctions and current issues of the GSC Bar. Coming eve nts can also be found o n notice boa rds around campus. Make sure you don't miss our gre at and special events! The GSC Bar opening tim es are sti ll as follows: every week day lunch time from 12 to 2 pm, and every night from 7 to 11 pm (Sundays until 10.30 pm). At lunch time a special range of hot drinks, SASSAF rolls , snacks and daily newspapers are available.

MISSED OUT? We hope you enjoyed th e Jazz Night of last Friday , with the famous band 'Jazza', that once aga in made the GSC Jazz Night a great success . And we hope you liked th e TWO DOGS promotion , that was on from February 14 to 17. We 'll have more promo tion s coming up soon!

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS This Friday February 23 w ill feature the FRENCH CONNECTION, a night full of French 'Musique , Crepes and Vins '. On the 1st of March we will have a special surpri se WELSH NIGHT.. And don 't forge t to write down in you r diary the GRAD BAR'S MINI BEER FESTIVAL on March 7, with plenty of ta sty and exotic bitters for the real ale drinkers, and many price promotions and cheap beers! Finally, there w ill be a brillian t BLUES NIGHT on March 16 , with a Blues Band and BLUES BITTER on promotion .

COMMITTEE The GSA Committee is now complete ; Johanneke Busch (CHE P/G, Email C236) has been elected for th e posi tion of Publicity Officer.

MEMBERSHIP We still have a few assoc1ate memberships available for 'mature' students. Those who wish to apply should do so at the bar during norma l opening hours .

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

'The creati on of thi s new combined directorial post offers us the opportunity to develop and extend the Sa insbury Centre's acti viti es in ways which will. I hope. make a real ly livel y contribution to the academic and cultural li fe and repu tation of th e University."

An artist of the floating world • Hype interviews Heath Bunting "Equality is deceit.· he explains. "The illusion of rightslfairness[justice are only possible due to the enforcement of borders with the violence of our military thought. What we are suffertng now is the shock of real ity.

Shock horror! Not every white body can have a car.'

Iconoclast, subversive, shitstirrer, jester. it is difficult to know how to define the catalyst that is Heath Bunting . The London-based artist uses phones, faxes and computers, as well flyposting, pirate radio, performance and graffiti to twist perceptions and shift paradigms.

Past projects have included an interactive theatre piece in which the performers were controlled by commands faxed in from around the world, and a tin LAN (Local Area Network - such as the ethernet system here at UEA) constructed entirely out of baked-bean cans and steel wire , complete with dial-up access (a mobile telephone placed inside one of the tins).

Heath cites the most enjoyable event as being the one that he arranged at King's Cross station . Then , to achieve the desired effect, he copied down the phone numbers from a whole bank of pay-phones, and distributed them far and wide over the interne!, with instructions for people to ring in at a certain time.

Having thus managed to link ·""the vfrtttal ant! p<nysical wo'tlds,

he stood back and watched as his uncontrolled happening took shape. As an extension of the idea. he's aiming to compile a global public phone directory.

As an ongoing project, he runs a "technology access centre" - a skip in central London where people are invited to upload and download old hardware , with no on-line time charges . Remote access is available by posting any contributions to British Telecom Skip, Bankside, London SE1 .

Heath's methods are not always viewed kindly by Her Majesty's Constabulary, however. As well as being shaken down several times after rescuing a large fax machine from a City skip ("lesson : smile and tell all") , he was nearly arrested while installing home-made stained-glass windows into a derelict building , as the police thought that he was stealing them instead.

He has been using the Internet for several years. When asked how things have changed on the networks, he replied ' lt's harder to believe you're a unique cyber punk hacker when your Dad is on it too."

One of his projects is the Cybercafe, a text-only bulletin board (tel: 0171 439 '3998) that Heath se1 up last year. He also

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Barking Mad No 2: A Leicester bto lecturer planted various trees in his office and on the roof of the Uni building for conservation purposes.

maintains a website of the same name, where he provides photo-art such as his Visitor's Guide to London (billed as an anti-historic psychogeographical tour) , and The Corporate Skip Raider's Manual.

Although he originally intended the on-line version to become integrated with a reallife cafe, he has been unable to find backing for the type of venue that he wanted, stating that it "would only be interesting if it collided the separated elements of the previous media in an explosive fusion."

Instead, his most recent activities have occurred in Tokyo.

After being flown out there, Heath set up a website where readers were invited to submit messages which he then printed out onto flyers and handed to passers-by at train stations.

He also provided a free fax, email and postcard service, as well as a form letter with options to be selected for those too dull or too busy to write their own.

In the bland corporate future that awaits. Jet us hope that there will always be a place for people like Heath Bunting, con tinually dissolving thresholds with their own brand of gentle subversion .

As well as providing links to all of the artist's pages, Hype's website will be providing a transcript of the 3am interview, where Heath discusses everything from cannibalism to cellphones.

R!!BCh us by going: UEA ltlfonnation. > Studanls > Campus TV,

RarfJO and Pub?ications '> Hype,

IUpdate b y l Katie Lane~

L

FOLLOWING the health scare over seven makes of contraceptive pill last November, patients are being advised to return to their GPs for a routine check-up.

Users of one brand were advi ed to temporarily change their pill following research which revealed a slight increase in the risk of blood clots.

Said Melanie Hawes, Nurse Man ager at UEA 's Health Centre, "Following the three month trial, if patients are happy with the brand they are using then they should get a repeat prescription. " If on the other hand they have suffered side effects on the new brand, then they should make an appointment to see a doctor.

And she added, "The main advice we can give after the trial period is to return to the Health Centre for further consultation."

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MYSTERIOU S thefts from SU outlets have led Union bosses to set up a secu rity working party to deal with the problem , writes Adrian Steel.

Thieves have been at work in the Paper Shop on at least two occasions.

A petty cas h tin vanished without trace on January 3 I, and witnesses to ld of a mysterious th ief who was seen di sappea rin g from the outl et with stock two weeks ago.

The Coca Cola vending mac hine in the Uni on House foye r was also targeted and rel ieved of a few pounds, the robber using a key to make the job easier.

And minu tes from committee meetings reveal that a sum of cas h disappeared from the Supermarket before Chri stmas, but Union bosses will not reveal the exact sum.

Said Uni on Finance Officer, John Holmes, "We have set up the working party to see how we can reduce the risks of th is kind of thing happening," adding that such incidents arc rare_ The working party will have a very wide remit, and will also cover issues of student safety, examining issues posed by reported assaults on students at UEA. Following the recent spate of thefts, Union commercial bosses are to ask outlet managers to consider the introduction of CCTV in their outl ets to ac t as a de terrent to any fu ture crime.

• Have yo u got any information about the above thefts?

Call Concrete on 250558 or contact Uni on Finance Officer, John Holmes upstairs in Union House.

Gany: he's the starmaker

Stars in your eyes?

NEXUS TV arc organising a live comedy evening to be screened durin g th e Tyso n vs Bruno match on March 16.

And programme maker, Garry Bonnick, is looking for UEA students to prov ide the necessary talent.

The evening will consist of improvisation and stand-up comedy, so anyo ne who fa ncies a starring role as the next Lee Evans or Jo Brand can contact Garry on 250183.

Laying down the law...

BUDDING lawyers should be able to gain valuable advice and guidance at the Times Law and Finance Fair in Teltord on March 12 and 13 . 1t'rire.1· Sco/1 Tompsert.

The Fair is sponsored by the Law Soci~ty and boasts prestigious exhibitors such as the Teacher Training Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service_ Admission to the even t is free which includes a fre~ seminar prog ramme and a CV clinic.

• Further information on the Times Law and Finance Fair is ava ilable from the UEA Careers Centre.

GOe'JLifie

'e expansion delayed un llt\

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(01603) 592505 Monday 8 -10pm (Term Times) University of East Anglia, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ d.emerson@uea.ac.uk

Confidential help and support f rom p eople who understand...

I

:;ur 592505 Monday 8 - 10pm (Term Time) I

Starting 26 February1

EVERYBODY give three chairs ... the new seating for the Hive's expansion has finally arrived.

But so fa, the Union has no plans to put them in posit ion at the rear of th e LCR (pictu red, abo ve) and they are currently in storage.

John Holmes, Fi nance Officer, said, "We are dec iding th e best time to put th em out,

and once the ex tended Hi ve area is established, we will see what people really want, possibl y includ ing hav ing a no smoking area."

And it looks as though it won' t just be co uch potatoes sitti ng aro und, as the Union ha ve apparentl y tabled talks wit h the University about possibl e new caterin g arrangements in The Hi ve and the LCR, a

move due to lice nsing req ui rements.

The Hive already stocks a range of cold foods, including ro lls, scones and doughnu ts, plus a few hot goodies such as nachos and hot dogs. But the Union's new plans could see a wi de r selection of food on offer.

"We are havi ng talks with the University about the possible introduction of rolls, burgers and pizzas," he said.

Concrete, Wednesday, February 21, 1996

THREE FROM UEA HELD AT NEWBURY PROTEST

Court OP.P._earances loom for student demonstrators

THREE UEA students were arrested and charged with aggravated trespass after they joined the ongoing protest over the Newbury bypass two weeks ago.

Twenty members of UEA's Society for Environmental Action travelled to the Snelsmore common camp and spent the night in tree houses and tents.

They then joined action to break through the security cordon and locked themselves to machinery to delay the cutting and clearing of trees.

But three of the party were arrested and will now face court appearances.

Said SEA member Dominic Schofield, "One of those arrested is having to sign in at Norwich police station every day for the next six weeks, but it's out of proportion to the crimes he was arrested for. " Over 700 security guards are still present at the site, but protesters camped in the trees have yet to be evicted.

"There are many people still in the trees and with lots of underground She lives in a tree, a very big tree in the tunnels now housing more protesters, things are being made as difficult country - Newbury protestor and UEA student Kate Milman for construction to continue as possible," added Dominic.

Fellow SEA member, Angela Hartrnann, SEA are now planning more trips to B y - - - - - . Newbury pointed out that the Newbury protest would to join the continuing action against Staff Reporter continue despite the freezing weather. the bypass, which, Dominic added, "will con"People from all over the country travel tinue until the last piece of tarrnac is laid, there daily, motivated to protect the beautiful February 11 when an 8,000 strong crowd was which should take at least three years." countryside and to press for alternative solu- joined by celebrities such as ex-Tomorrow's â&#x20AC;˘Intercalating UEA student Kate Milman is tions for Newbury's traffic problem", she said. World presenter Maggie Philbin and Animal currently living 80 feet up an ash tree in her A peaceful rally took place at Newbury on Magic host Johnny Morris. bid to hinder the construction of the bypass.

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A guide to being environment any and ethicany sound PARf J- GREEN CON.SUMERI.SM:A C0NIRADIC1IONIN1ERM5? odem capitalist economies have played havoc with the environment, while centrally planned ones have proven to be an anathema as well. Theorists agree that a market economy can function without degrading the environment at least to a certain limit of sustainable development.

Green consumerism, through consumer awareness, will encourage companies to produce more efficiently without harming nature. By choosing on the grounds of ethics and ecological consciousness, as well as price and quality, consumers make it quite clear to companies that these criteria matter.

M

There are several things a green consumer can consider, then effect, according to his or her priorities and beliefs: DBe a friend: Choose recycled, recyclable, biodegradable and ozone-friendly products. Check labels. Prefer organic produce - these are healthier to man and nature.

ODon't be cruel: Choose cosmetics and medication which you know are cruelty-free, but don't endanger your health. Choose free-range eggs over battery hen eggs.

OFair play: Support fairly traded goods, (such as CafeDirect, Clipper Teas and the deliciously smooth Maya Gold bitter chocolate). You can ensure that third world farmers get a fair share for their hard work.

Look at the Fairtrade 'F' mark on future goods.

OGifts galore: Check the Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, Oxfam, Traidcrafty and Survival International catalogues for excellent green gift ideas. Some of them are actually rather good.

OSma// is beautiful: Small producers tend to damage the environment less than huge multi-nationals.

OStay close: Don't go out of your way to shop. Shop in corner shops for friendlier service - there's no driving required and you'll probably buy less unnecessary goods. The con is that what you do buy may be more expensive. Also buy local produce - it's cheaper and there's less transport required.

OBe aware: Keep up to date and on top of things. Tell others.

Talk to the supermarket manager about the issue. Ask him to get the greener products he may not already stock.

So there you have it. Not a complete bible, but guidelines to bear in mind for the Green Consumer. lt is possible with a little effort to shape the economy.

Companies like Bodyshop and Ecover are now realising the true power of the Green Consumer: the power of money. And money, unfortunately in these times, makes the world go round.

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7

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8

Concrete, Wednesday , February 21, 1996

Horoscope

X

andra has been wanting to write celebrity star sign updates for a long time. She felt this Pisces month was the month 1o do it.

The regular horoscopes are a bit curtailed so that there's room for star gossip! This is the first lnstallment of the star update and in two weeks, there will be another one to look forward to.

First up is a celebrity star sign update. The most noticeable signs these days are Aquarians. Uranus has moved into their First house and OVJrlcr·i~rlf'irln a creative

peak, as a result Aquarian John Travolta is getting his fill of good film roles wlth award nominations following close behind . Here is an Aquarius born with the planet Uranus on his ascendent , so he is a double Aquarian in his actions.

Notice how he is always so cool.

Even when he had that gut and wasn't looking in the least bit as suave as he was in his youthful, tight abdomen, Saturday Night Fever days, he still had that amazing aloof sex appeal.

Aquarians are not as overt as Aries or Leo about their sexiness, but it's all in the eyes. Usually cool and distant, their minds somewhere else, suddenly they are focused on you and that's an experience .

Noel Gallagher and brother Liam of Oasis are Virgo and Libra respectively. Usually Virgo and Libra aren't a productive pair, but Xandra has a sneaking suspicion that these two are an exception She can think of one instance in pop history where so close a real

success, and that would be Simon and Garfunkel. A Libra and Scorpio respectively. The difference with Uam and Noel must be that one has his Venus in the other brother's sign, so that their creative ideals are somewhat similar. We see, however, how these signs can rub each other the wrong way, as the two brothers are notorious fo r getting in backstage squabbles and occas ionally fistfights . it's typical of the too-close-for-comfort that two signs next to each other can start to feel.

Alanis Morissette is quite popular in Britain, as well as the United States.

Xandra was not surprised to learn that she is a Gemini with Moon in Scorpio. Her lyrics are Geminian nofrills eloq uence, and her delivery is her Moon in Scorpio's brash, forceful, powerful voice . She is, indeed, a powerhouse of a strong woman who doesn't think twice about dispelling the old "weak, passive" woman myths created by nrtli<>TriV~·Jriii'Of1 female

of the past moaning about losing their men. Leo couple Melania Griffith and Antonio Banderas are what Madonna and Sean Penn used to be - two Leas who are wild about each other, but whal'll happen later?

Xandra doesn't think it's going to last for even one more full year because they are a same-sign couple . Why can't same signs last together? Well , it's as simple as the fact that if you are loud and want attention , you will not be too keen on anyone with such a similar temperament. Perhaps you will be keen on them at first, but not after the initial attraction has been worn out by the realism of this person who acts just like you in most situations. Leos fall in love with each other a lot because Leo has such an affectionate nature and it's easy to see why it'd be nice for one to find these same special traits in another.

However, both are stubborn as a door jam. Both can be VBry selfish. and both believe they are 100 per cent about almost """•n•1rhin.,..

Here's a couple that were doomed to go wrong , astrologically, from the beginning - Uz Hurley and Hugh Grant. Hugh's an everyday kind of Virgo- boyish and simple. His Vir90 conflicts with Liz Hurley's Gemini sign. Liz is smart, sassy and sophisticated . She wants a man who doesn't say, "Golly gee•. She needs to find someone of real adventure and style. Hugh is the kind of guy who folds his socks and arranges them in neat little rows.

One wonders whether he felt he needed to show some kind of bad side to the press, because it is terribly boring to be as onedimensional as he is. His stodgy Virgo-ness is worsened by his Moon in another earth sign. He wouldn' t be as bad just being Virgo, but a Moon in Taurus is the most predictable person alive. Liz's air sign means she needs someone who will sweep her away into the clouds, and Hugh can do nothing but leave her gasping for air in the dust his

Concrete, Wednesday, February 21, 1996

9

Concrete's alternative view of campus life

Ga~ Barlow: ~, won~t be coming to UEA' IT WAS not so much a case of Back For Good as Gone For Good last week, when teenypop idols, Take That, announced that they were splitting up.

As a nation of teenage girlies blubbed openly in the streets and called Childline in sheer desperation, the lads announced their plans for the future. Jason was to go backpacking around the world.

Mark and Howard would continue in showbiz. And as for Gary Barlow, he announced his plans to go solo, to challenge the likes of George Michael and Elton John in the bland adult-pop world.

But does this man really think his best interests lie in attaining premature middleage? With his obvious talents, surely he'd be better off in a place where he could make the most of his potential - like here at UEA, for example.

He could do a music degree, but that might be a bit pointless, seeing as he's already got a cabinet full of

music awards to prove he can write, sing and cut it live. So maybe he should go for a little six-hour-a-week number in EAS, involving Creative Writing. With such lyrics as "it's. gone away/To a town called yesterday" and "it's got to be social, compatible, sexual, irresistible/it's got to be right for life", he could certainly give ol' Andrew Motion and Malcolm Bradbury a good run for their money. Plus, with so much time on his hands, he could actively get involved in student life, like sitting in the Hive during the day, bemoaning the lipstick marks still on his coffee cup.

Chat up And there he'd be, on a Thursday night, propping up the bar with a tear in his eye as they play Could lt Be Magic in the LCR. Either that, or he'd be wandering around asking the girlies "Why Can't I Wake Up With You?", to which he'd probably get the reply "Bog

er." Having said that though, he'd probably have a good chance of copping off with someone - not least because he's incredibly good-looking, incredibly talented, incredibly rich and The Sun would pay a fortune for the gory details on the Friday morning.

If he wanted to be a little more constructive, he could always get into student politics - let's face it, he could handle any sabbatical post he wanted. He's used to handling interviews, photo shoots and pushy PR people; so Comms Officer would be a top choice.

Having to manage a personal fortune of £6.5 million would probably stand him in good stead for Finance Officer too.

But the post of Welfare Officer would benefit the most from his presence. The campaigns he could run using some of his top songs· to get the message across - like Relight My Fire for carbon monoxide awareness. Or . what about Pray (albeit with a few minor lyric changes) to

fight against student poverty?

All i do each night is pray/ Hoping I won't have to repay my loan some day/ All I do each night is think/ I shouldn't have blown all my grant on drink.

Marvellous.

Occupation And just think of the boost to Registry occupations! All he's got to do is enter the building, and, sure as eggs are eggs, several hundred screaming girlies would follow.

Just stick a piano in there, and he could serenade the Registry bosses with this poignant song (written on the occasion of yet another Rent Strike): A million angry petitions later/ Here I am trying to tell you/ That again:/ A million angry petitions later/ Here I AT am A UGM: 'I'd like to dedicate thl Yes, Gary, we here at UEA girls I've loved before• s motion

to all the

would welcome you with open arms.

Could it be magic? You sure can bet it would!

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IN THE BOWL: 'I don Ythink much of this bloke Byrcn's lyrics

·

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10 Concrete, Wednesday, February 21, 1996

...

Concrete, Wednesday, February 21, 1996

11

eooes the 'entente cordiale' extend to students? Mark Austin considers what we t first glance the similarities between French and English students would appear to be irrestistible. Following the doubling of student numbers in higher education in Britain in the past six years, the point has now been reached where the government has had to impose a cap on admittance

things used to be more rosy. 1t was at the s~art of the nineties that Lionel Jospin and Claude Allegre launched the 'University 2000' development plan, by which universities were obliged

to university until the year 2000.

And why? Because there are not the

to present and clarify their objectives and priorities for a four year period. For its part, the

resources to fund this huge increase. John Major claimed earlier this month that funding per student had risen by 23 per cent in the last few years, while omitting to mention that student numbers had risen by over 40 per cent in the same period; thus cunningly gliding over the conclusion that in real terms, funding has fallen by over 20 per cent. This complements a predicted shortfall in funding for 1996/97 of £1.7 million for higher education, in response to which the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals (CVCP) has raised the spectre of exacting a £300 entrance fee for students next year. The inescapable conclusion is that the higher education sector is in grave danger of massive deterioration in standards unless resources are pumped in to help overloaded lecturers and impoverished and ill-equipped students. Does that sound familiar? The widespread industrial and educational unrest in

State would create employment opportunities and financial incentives. Needless to say, the

A

France in the last two ~onths of last year was

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spearheaded by the decision of students across the country to take strike action in protest at the dwindling numbers of lecturers and lecture halls. In common with Britain,

across the board. For a policy in Britain that states as its aim the democratisation of higher education through increased admission, the corresponding emergence of elitist snobbery within the sector is worrying.

The central question has to be whether standards can possibly be maintained across the board when funding is reduced and everyone is theoretically competing on a level playing field. Yet in France the strike action spread right across the country. The University of

Mame-la-Vallee was created in 1991 under the auspices of Jospin's 'University ,, For a policy in Britain that states as its 2000' plan. Now numbering 5,000 . aim the democratisation of higher students, it is one of the richest education through increased admission, universities in the country. Yet it the corresponding emergence of elitist too came out on strike in snobbery within the sector is worrying November in protest at the small ratio of lecturers to students and plan has now become largely defunct. One of the lack of a library and staff for the arts department. its aims was to reduce the gaping chasm This was a comm·on complaint. As well as a between rich universities and poor ones; a division which has only widened and which lack of lecturers, many universities in France prompted Rouen university in early November also suffer from a lack of administrative staff and facilities. to grasp th~ bull by the horns and vote for strike action. They accused the government of reneging on the agreement detailed by the 'University 2000' scheme and failing to inject the cash that was needed. Massive class sizes !,i~ilfiW~'fi~~~ and lack of teaching space have been the result. For example, at Lille university, 600 lecturers are provided for 20,000 students in the arts faculties.

There are further pertinent parallels with Britain. The general view is that the so-called 'red-brick' unversities - predominantly located in the Parisian region and including the Sorbonne - are better funded and given preference over newer, more distant institutions. lt is these newer establishments that have absorbed the brunt of the massive influx of first

:z lt--t

year students while the older, more famous universities sail serenely into the distance. The comparisons with the formation of the Russell Group in Britain last year are easy to make.

Ten universities including Oxford and

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Cambridge announced that they were setting up the Group to safeguard their academic standards and ensure that their valued research budgets were not affected by the cuts in funding that were targeted for the higher education sector. The clear lesson would seem to be that · not everyone can accept equal cuts in funding

At Marne-la-Vallee, it was a regular occurrence for 40 photocopies to be distributed among 250 students in a lecture, simply because there were no personnel to deal with it. The cause is a failing all too familiar in Britain too.

"Since 1991, the number of students has risen nine times at Marne-la-Vallee," explained Pascal Le Poulain, student union representative at the university. "But the number of lecturers has only risen by five times and the number of administrative staff has only risen fourfold."

Overstretched and underfunded lecturers and staff here will find it familiar story. Yet in France there was a solid solidarity between the students and their teachers. At University Paris 7 in Jussieu, lecturers voted to suspend classes in support of the strike at a general meeting held by the studen!s. They vowed to continue to give their support for as long as the students were in favour of the strike. lt was at this time that UEA's rent strike hit the headlines.

Here the two scenarios diverge and perhaps the similarities between the situations in the two countries reveal themselves to be different after all. Protesting against what were seen as excessive rises in rent levels for university

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<;onqete. Weone~oov~ Eebruary 21. 1996, 13

Features

might be able to learn from the experiences of our neighbours across the Channel per cent. Yet hundreds of thousands of them still take to the streets to protect their right to decent learning conditions and teachers . At its height, 21 universities joined the strike in France. The most that has happened in this country so far is the national demonstration that the NUS organised in London in November, which 8,500 people attended .

But when asked, French students generally thought themselves to be more apathetic than their British counterparts . Conversely, British students think more highly of their neighbours.

Whether this self-deprecation holds any clues as to the real reason behind the lack of ~--- mobilisation among students in this country (in comparison with the French) is doubtful, but what is clear is that with swinging cuts in funding likely to lead to similar situations over here before too long, some clear thinking is needed on how to address the issue.

The strikes in France were in the main successful. Many universities gained what they were demanding, if not wholly, then at least in part. Increased budgets, the creation of more teaching and administrative posts and better facilities were all conceded .

The question that is pertinent for Britain is whether similar concessions can be won , without recourse to the massive mobilisation that occurred in France. In the wake of the idea floated by the CVCP to impose a ÂŁ300 levy on

accommodation , the rent strike was based upon reasons that were not an issue in the action taken in France.

If anything , the problems in France should be greater in th is respect due to the fact that there is no selection at the point of entry. This does not allow for such accurate predictions of the funds needed as is the case in Britain. Yet it is here that the greater problem exists and grants are in the process of being cut by 10 per cent a year over three years and funding for higher education being cut generally.

According to a survey carried out by

the prospect of a Labour government after the next election . For its part, the Labour Party is also keeping its cards close to its chest, unsure of what public reception to the policy of a graduate tax might be. On the other hand, the CVCP has made it known that it favours a solution similar to the loans scheme already employed in Australia , whereby the cost of a place in higher education is paid back as and when graduates can afford it rather than a blanket tax as the Tories have proposed. Whatever answer is finally decided upon, whether it originates from the Tories or from Labour, what is most important is that a debate is beginning to take place in earnest. The remedies decided upon in France are little more than a piecemeal measure that may alleviate the situation in the short term but do little to address the more fundamental question of how funding is to be reformed over a longer period .

Looked at in this way, the debate taking place on these shores is a more valuable and decisive one than that achieved by the thousands of French students who took to the streets last year. The problem is a more immediate and personal one than that which presents itself across the Channel ; it also demonstrates that diplomatic pressure can be just as effective , if not as eye-catching , as feet on the street.

ltl.lllllt....o..ii:~IL........i~aWL:ili~~ coming students , at least the question of funding and proposals for its reform and Barclays Bank in associ?tion with NUS refinement have now risen near to the top of Services last year, student debt in this country the Government's agenda . lt was reported this has risen by 14 per cent on last year, if taken month that the Tories are considering introducat the time of graduation. The average student ing "mortgage-style loans" in replacement of debt at this time has been calculated as being grants. These would be funded by private capÂŁ2,293. One in three students work an average ital from pension funds and banks in what

<

of 12 hours per week in part-time jobs along-

would become the so-called graduate tax that would then be paid back 1 ne remeams ev t: lt!Jv tn r ar e a over a number of years and little more than a piecemeal measure th, would be collected through may alleviate the situation in the sho national insurance contributerm but do little to address the mo tions. lt is a proposal that has to be taken seriously. fundamental question of how funding The leadership of the NUS is to be reformed over a longer peric currently declaring itself undecided upon the issue, coming under presside their studies. The proportion of students sure to publicly call for grants to be restored to taking out student loans has risen to 65 per 1979 levels. But the division within the national cent for the academic year '94/95, up from 54 executive demonstrates the increased sense of per cent the year before . All this adds up to a pragmatism that is wafting through the corrisystem where numbers have been increased without the back-up required, as in France, but dors at Nelson Mandela House, especially with where the effects are felt to be more personal if --~~~-:::!li.,.7'-'f.l~rJ anything than those across the Channel. And it may only be a couple of years, at the rate things are going, before the cuts in general funding that we are currently going through are reacted to using similar measures as those employed in France.

Concrete featured on its front page back in December 1994 a story detailing the lack of space in many seminar rooms and the purchas~ of flip-over desks to alleviate the problem of fitting tables into the rooms . The situation further down the road is easy to envisage.

So will the action taken in France really repeat itself here? Unlike in this country, students at French universities do not automatically become members of their student unions and it is surprising to learn that the average level of membership within universities is less than one

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14 Concrete. Wednesday. February 21 . 1996

Have ca ke and eat it

.

Or la n Gibson ' s new canteen in BIO has cle arly been welcomed as a valuable addition to the UEA campus by its customers .

Alth ough it ' s IUcked away at th e end of the teaching wall and seems to be one of the Plain's bes t kept secrets at presen t, the success of th e new vent ure raises ce rtain iss ues.

For example, the BIO cantee n is competing wi th University Catering Services' near-m onopoly, bu t it is able to beller man y UCS prices, as seen in a compari so n of its products with those so ld in Breakers.

Dr Gibso n · venture shows th at a state of ove r-capacity in campus cat ering at UEA has yet to be reac hed. so mething borne out by the fac t that the can teen has registered a pro fi t in j ust its first month of operati on.

Or, as foll owers of Governm en t policy may put it, the marke t ca n stand it, especiall y as there arc now three entities offering catering faci lities at UE /\ : the Uni on, CS, and now, the School of BIO 's ca nteen.

The University's view is that there is noth ing wrong with an clement of co mpeti tion. a point made last week by Residences and Ca tering supremo, Jen ny Grant.

She pre id..:s over a number of loss- maki ng UC S outlets which are currentl y supported by hi gh campus ren ts - a major point of co ntenti on during the recent rent strike.

Last year, Mrs Grant ann ounced an ambitious fi ve-year plan for turning round thi s si tu ation an d returning Uni ve rsity caterin g to profi t.

Tangibl e evidence of this strategy so far includes the UCS charter, a doc um ent "hich makes loud noises but offers very lillle, and th e int roduc tion of name badges for UCS staff.

Inst ead o f bei ng obsessed with as pects of PR - that curse of nineties Bri tain- it seems that UCS could look a bi t nea rer home for inspirati on. a fe w hundred yards dow n th e walkway in fac t.

For Or Gibson's experiment in the school of Biological Sciences is offering some interesting findings for extrapolation.

Giveaway_ gong~ UEA' s decision to recognise Salman Rushdie ' s endeav ours in t he f ield of literatu re ma rks the first award o f its kind from any Briti sh univers ity . l lith..: rt o. cclcbs suc h as Barry No rman, Ruth Rcndell , Jo hn Peel and Arthur Miller have been honoured and have all no doubt helped 10 ra ise UEA ' s extern al profile .

It 's interesting th at th e Registry have now chose n to honour someone wh o i, n·t exac tly a uni\ ersally n:spccted fi gure, nor one in th e public eye.

Could this be the start of a new trend for UEA in the allocation of giveaway gongs?

...

Listening Not Lecturing

•

Openin g Hours: 8pm - 8am every day for drop-in or phone 503504

CARTOON: BEN KLOPSCH

oncern ing a possible Tcsco bid to take over the running of the Uni on supermarket, I would like to rai se several poi nts on behalf of all U !SON staffhere, but in parti cular Union staff who are also UNI SON members.

Firstly, Concrete's editorial which stated th at " taff morale" should take second place when considering the issue has greatl y upset all staff, not onl y those employed in the Uni on Supennarket.

As Uni versit y and Uni on employees we are all commilled to ' the studen t' and all Union reta il ou tle ts are totall y geared to thi s end.

C

CGflCf'Gfe UEA'S

Independent Student Newspaper PO Box 410 , Norwich NR4 7TB Tel: (01603) 250558 Fax: (01603) 506822 E-Mail: si m on@st userv er.s tu. uea.ac.uk

Our Supermarket is a great asset in in vestment term s to the Stude nt Union; prices are indeed dictated by the need to make a profit, an d these profits are not only ploughed back into the company for imp rovements like The Hive [built in 1991], but also provide hard needed cash fo r cl ubs and societi es - money whi ch would not be allocated by Tesco.

The Tesco shareholder must be their pri ori ty, not th e student.

Recentl y, students voted for a boycott of French prod uce wh ich joined an on-go ing boycolt of Nestl e products.

Students are very able to vo ice their opin-

ions on important issues and in the same way, there is no reason why prices on staple diet items could not be drast ically reduced, if this is what the student wants.

We in UN ISON feel that we have a great supermarket; it is a va luable asset to the Un ion.

If it were sold it wo uld be the begin ning of th e end for nati onal student retailing.

Campuses would then echo hi gh streets ac ros the country, wh ere small independent retailers have been "chewed up and swallowed" by the retail giants.

Fran Poole (UNISON Executi1•e)

•Editor: Niall Hampton •Deputy Editor: Michele du Randt •Assistant Editor: Nik Davy •News Editor: Joanne Robertson •Features Editor: Mark Austin •Sports Editor: Jane Horner •Assistant Sports Editor: Scott Tompsett •Contributing Editors: Peter Hart, Ca roline Jenkinson •Staff Reporters: Joanna Emsley, Katie Lane, Adrian Steel •Chief Sports Writer: Andy Tyler •Editorial Contributors: Hannah Malcolm, Julia Bennett , Martin Plant, Katie Nicholl, Jess Kiang , Tristan Roddis, Lucas Psillakis , Kester Hynds, Matt lngram, Nick Robinson •Copy Editors: Jane Kirby and Kay Spragg •Typists: Katie King , Annette Leyssner •Photographers: Nik Davy, Jeremy Hill •Advertising Manager: Simon Mann •Production Consultant: Stephen Howard •Technical Consultant: Chris Malcolm especial Thanks to: UH Stewards , Phi! from Crown Security, Bonusprint. Matt French , everyone at ECN •DTP Assistants: Niall Hampton , Michele du Randt, Nik Davy •Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students. Opinions expressed are those of th e Contributor and not necessarily those of th e Pu blisher or Ed itor. Use of the name 'The Event' appears by arrangement with the copyright holders , Planet Zog Ltd. •No part of this newspaper may be reproduced or transmitted by any means electronic, pneumatic, hydraulic, in a 8 10 buttie, slipmat or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher. •Printed I:Jyi E!(lsJE1rn Counties Newspapers Ltd., Norwich, NR1 1 RE. © UUEAS 1996.

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Concrete, Wednesday, February 21, 1996

15

•••AND SO EMORE A poetic retort am a SOC graduate and, having visited UEA recently, was appalled to read in Concrete (January 24, 1995) that the Student Union is eriously considering giving over the campus supermarket to Tesco. What kind of sad people are there running the Union these days?

Are they not aware that Tesco is one of the largest suppliers of funds to an organisation which has reduced student funding in spite of growing per capita GNP and which is hell bent on making higher education the sole privilege of the wealthy middle-classes - namely the Conservative Party?

Do they not know that the Tesco heiress, Dame Shirley Porter, is the gerrymandering leader of Westminster council, who 'got rid' of troublesome poor voters in marginal wards?

Do they not know that this evil Dame, set to profit from students who she has consistently argued to impoverish, not only has no

l

DAY BY

respect for democracy but is deliberately and knowingly housing poor council tenants in asbestos-ridden flats; demonstrating she has no respect for human life?

Surely saving a few pounds on groceries is a false economy when much of the pounds saved will go to finance a political party determined to abolish all student grants.

If the Union has no moral fibre to inform its decision then it should at least let its collective 'educated' head do so.

Kevin Short (SOC graduate) Editor's Note: Far from "seriously considering giving over the campus supermarket", Union bosses are currently waiting to hear from Tesco, as we reported.

Concrete understands that Tesco officials have until the end of the month to make an offer, a decision taken by the Union at last month's

DA~

hen looking at past events, we ignore something fundamental at our peril: the flow of time itself.

Questions sucb. as the nature of time - its pwpose - or even existence, have plagued thinking beings for aeons.

Was there a word, a glance, which might have prevented World War Two? How many computer errors might have caused World War Three?

• Is time one dimensional or multi-dimen-

W

Ode to the clever dick that said all students suck When God gave out brains, you were out of luck.' let me put you straight on a thing or two That not everyone is as small-minded as ~ou.

True, some live to the tired stereotype, And ru~ to ~ummy with every gripe, They dr!nk ttll they vomit, thinking it's great, Then mtss lectures, by sleeping in late.

But, of many others this is simply not true We don't behave as if we haven't a clue ' We don't eat pizzas late at night, And run around screaming that our money's tight.

We're not all into Blur and Oasis And are not liberal with our kiss ' We don't dress grungey just to fit in We.re comfortable in our own skin. .

trustees meeting.

But dare one ask why the Union's membership - 7,500 UEA students - hadn't even

So let me say, with all respect due That you really haven't got a clue,' Take a lesson from Wisdom's book Open your mind - not All students' suck I

been informed of the Tesco issue except through the pages of this newspaper?

Check that one out...

Name and address supplied

TIME WAITS FOR NO-ONE ••• Bonjour, Gutentag, Hola, Hello! sional? Can we always be sure it flows forward? Much more than a measurement, we 'feel' its ex;istence.

It shapes our lives, we escape its tyranny only in our dreams. It will continue after we do not and forever!

But what of the interplay between time and fate?

Are we the masters of our destinies or is something else involved? What is it that governs the situations we involve ourselves in?

Why do things potentially so beautiful sometimes turn out so awful? Will we ever koow?

What force motivates us to go to lectures and seminsrs? Or even get out of bed?

Why do we continue with a course of action, knowing in our hearts it won't work?

Aren't we in tune with the rhythm of the universe?

Are UEA timetables?

Tony Crush (HISJ)

f you are an international student interested in art, then this message is good news for you!

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts here at UEA has a wide collection of paintings, sculptures and artefacts from all over the world, and we want to create greater links between the centre and you.

We want your ideas and interest to be represented but at the moment we are thinking of things like tours in foreign languages plus special talks and group visits.

If you would like to get involved, please contact me via EUR or by phoning 505793.

Sarah Robson (EURJ)

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ble fpr all academic issues, including the development of

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responsible for academic casework, ·the Union's academic services , • .,P'iijk . training , ffi. .,.• . nsible for the running of elections , and Union repres~rltation, l)ave,[ esponsibility for the Unin 's commercial services. .~ F""'lhli&;mW ji

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Comm yJlications Officer:

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The Co · ~ munications Officer shall:

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raln~llltllti_... ave overall responsibility for a 1 · 1#:f ~. existing media, co-ordinate the Union's corporf ' e id,¥!l!lty,,. li • co-ordinate Executive Commit ,""' have overall responsibilty for t '"a*dmi~stratioripf, Union 's policy, co-ordinate the Union 's campa s, " have responsibilty for the Union' nstitution · d procedures , liaise with NUS, other Unions and er outside · rganisations, • " be responsible for the running of Um · o , ~ · -be responsible for the publication of a U ~i ewsl have responsibilty for the Union's,~IC ;$'3!:

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.

Two new TVs are on their way soon to be installed in the LCR so that all you Hive inhabitants can sup your coffee, tug on your fag and watch telly at the same time (when we sort out the table situation that is).

"

Finance Officer:

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· Finance Officer shall :

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The good news however, is that all the new chairs are now here (very nice too), so with any luck you'll be able to sit in there very soon.

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have responsibilty for the administration of Union ~ n act as the representative of the Executive Commiqe with the Union staff, i, be espQ~a~~wf~n~£1~fi~~d~~m~o~~i,~!~ ommercial services, yersee the running of the Union 's commercial ·

f&MJ~· n·Yl~~·· Links

have been laid for Nexus and · .·· Live wire to entertain you, and now that they have both spent all of thei . booty a big launch date has been set for the both of them. Watch out!

The Welfare Officer: ·~'':

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e Welf~te Officer shall : a. b.

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.

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d. e. f. g. h.

liaise;with the University on all matters non-academi co-ordinate the Union 's welfare services , clu · be respor~sib l e for issues relating to accommodation Un iversit'y' ~e,sidences ;\ , liaise with af\\d 1represent'special needs groups, have overall r&gonsibilty for UnJ.)lersity sjl'prt, be responsible fOirltbe monitoring' of University develo~p::lll~r;llli1\m;r#;:J>-4 ''"·•h co-ordinate Underg'r ation and,_reception , st.. have responsib ilty fo Union's commercial : ervices. "'"

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NOMINATIONS CL . AT 16.3Q~. 9N :J:HURSDAY TION F<9RMS ARE " 29th FEBRUARY. NO AV~ILABLE FROM TH6nIN TION OFFICE IN UNION HOUS .. \,

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If you hav,e apy queries, ~e Adam, Academic Of{ice~,, ir1)" tbe Edlacatiop Uflit, JJH . :')

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to 1,1 yqu know that tlae Constitotian Committ~~are still working on th~t!Onst,lli· lion and uld "be gelling it saan \ ~ n that is!

The "l:onstit .

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a paid advertisement by your student union

the waterfront Kelly, the Waterfront's kettle went on strike last week after sales of teas and coffees during late night events soared through the roof! lt was reported last week that an average of 70 cups were being sold at every event. Either someone really likes to drink tea in a club or there really is a demand for it!

NEW STAFF NEWSLETTER

As you can imagine, one kettle making all of those teas and coffees simply could not cope!

To remedy this situation, a coffee and tea machine, like the ones in the Hive, has been ordered. lt should be ready to use soon. So all you tea and coffee drinkers, hold on, 3am, want tea, want coffee, NOT A PROBLEM Tea and Coffee tastic!

A new staff newsletter is currently being produced in the Communications Office as we speak (or read). As an attempt to improve communication between all of the Union outlets.

Executive and Management, Full On will be produced as often as possible and sent to all Union Departments.

ON THE BUSES AT THE LC

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Talks last week between the Union and Eastern Counties buses may have a promising outcome.

Discussions between Communications Officer Stuart Campbell, Welfare Co-ordinator Janet Peck and the Director of ECB brought to light many ways by which bus services could be improve Eastern Counties were keen to improve their services for students at the UEA. One of the suggestions raised by the Union was to make busses run later into the evening to cater for pub goers and the like. lt was suggested that the smaller busses may start to pull up in

...

If you wish to contribute please feel free. The more feedback and interaction between students and staff the better. Bring anything you want included upstairs to Stuart Campbell.

to the 'old bus turnaround' after LCR nights.

Furthermore, the sale of termly passes at a cheaper rate shaould be reinstated in the travel shop soon.

The beginning of the next academic year should see a big student drive by Eastern Counties. This is a much welcomed move as we like to know that a taxi is not the only option for students to get home late at night!

Keep a look out on these pages and on Livewire and Nexus for more information as soon as we get it.

Artwork by John Holmes!

BETTER BURGERS? The University and the Union are soon to meet to discuss the future of Breakers. The meeting should see the suggestion of ways of bettering the service for students and all those who eat therein!

As for what else will be discussed, who knows!

If you have any burning desires of what you want from Breakers come and let us know by the end of this week.

Drop your suggestions into the Communications office.

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18 Concrete, Wednesday, February 21 , 1996

Sport

•Money-mania is taking over sport. But is this necessarily a bad thing? Nik Davy investigates ...

0 many people's d espair, BSkyB re cently adde d the Endsleigh Football League to its lengthening sports portfolio, ann ouncing a £125m five-yea r deal to screen 60 live games. llo11 0.:1 cr. the uHnpan:y. 11 l11ch a"o plan' ILl screen the first pa~­ p.:r-1 1c11 I\' 'POrtlllg 0.:1 .:nt 11hcn the fight bct11ecn FranJ.. llruno and M1kc T) son goo.:s

frnm llJXX), and the \Vimbkdon finals weekend to remain frc.:ly a1 .tdabk 10 tcrrcstnal channo.:ls. though otho.:r prestigious Cl cnts such as tho.: Ryder Cup and tho.: Fi1c Nations o.:hampionship arc not protected, and Sky may wo.:ll JUmp 111 to cla1m these 11h1k the) arc st1ll on offer.

As1de from the td<.!l'lsion nghts to top 0.:1 ents, the prices of 11 h1ch ha1 c dramatically 1ncreaso.:d s1ncc Sky o.:amc on the scene. mone y IS dominating sport in othe1 11ays.

Only last \\ e e k . i\lanchcstcr n

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announCl'd a .(60111 ki t sponsorship '' ith manufacturers Umbro, after changing their colours 11 llh a f'rcqucm:y 11 hich ha s already been h1ghl} criticised En:n referees and umpires arc 1ncr.:as1ngly cashing in on the money a1a ilablc - in Austra lia, a

~-~~--~~----"""!!~---~~ ru gby league - - - - = - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - officia l ca n ahead later this yea r, faces a setearn up to £5 0.000 per season, back \l'llh the !louse o f' Lonb and the referee> of America's suggest..:d amendment to the ationa l 8a,;kctball Association redrafted Broadca>ting 13ill. net some £200.000 per year eac h.

The Lord.; 11 an i ce rtain 0.:1 .:nts Sollll' Olympi c sports arc gil'such as th e Olymp ics. the FA ing way to financial incentives, Cup final (signed up by ITV 11 11h the cyc ling el'cnts at the

.ifHE exasperated expres~lon of City manager Gary Megson in the postmatch press conference SJJ,mmarised the club's ·?iurrent situation - "The team did everything they didn't do at Oldham, but it wasn't good enough," he sighed.

He claimed th at he has been pressurising Robcrt Chase for I]loncy to spend on new play•· ~ · but this does litt le to - ~uage the fear that Megson is

Games in Atlanta open to prof.:ssionals as well as amateurs, leaving littk incentive for rid.:rs to remain as amateurs (the ambition to win Olymp1c gold was the main reason why Chris Boardman did not turn professional bdorc llJ92).

Yet should th1s practice be co ns1dcred as a weakncss? A l'tcr all, clubs arc attcmptmg to keep up wi th the competition both from w llhin the1r own game and from other sports.

Briti sh rugby umon turned fmm amateurism to professionalism precisely for this reason. a dec 1sion "hi eh was only made after a long period of discussion and argument. In the same way. it is to ensure the best players an: a1 aibble to a football team that clubs are prepared to pay out sums of up to the £8.5m Liverpool paid for Stan Collymore before the start of this seaso n.

"You get \1hat :you pay for'' is a common maxim in any walk of life, so why should sport be any different? After all. 1f clubs and teams han: those amounts of monc; available to them. what is to stop them 1n1 esting it 1n the best way that they sec fit, as any other type of business would? ll011 ever, it is not so much the spending of money to im prove sport that is the problem. Rather. the issue is th e quantit ies, wh ich seem to be spiralling ridiculous ly 011\1 ards and upwards.

I low, for example, can Fcrrari justify th e £30m they are reputed to be offerin g World Champion M ichael Schumacher fo r his scr' ices th is sea on? Gra nted, he has proved himself better than his rivals two years runn ing, and will ded icate the next yea r of his

Pacific Team Lurus- 11·hi/e olhers pale/ clril'ers lens of millions of pound\, 1he1' ll'e/11 bank111p1

32 hours of compet ition ( 16 rao.:es at around two hours each) seems somewhat excessive.

That this is happening in the same sport which has seen the failing of Norfolk's own Pacific Team Lotus after only two years of comp.:tition at the top le1cl must be sickening for the team . who were unable to comment on whether they feel hard done by.

On the bright side. Pacific Racing hope to relaunch into Fonmila 3000.

Ano ther example of thi is the case of former third di1 1sion side A ldcrshot, who went bankrupt

also had to have full-time day jobs.

These problems filter right down to grass-roots levels. and in order to survive clubs of all types hav..: had to m..:rgc. Two of Norwich's athletic clubs, Norfolk Olymp1ads and Duke Street Running Club arc at present considering such a move as a mea ns of de veloping the sport in the city, and to keep up ~~ ith other clubs which arc taking similar steps elsewhere in the country.

The way forward may wdl b~: through the ki nd of rationalisation taking place in 1\ewcastle.

whil st top flight teams we re splashing out massil'c sums on players. Just a fraction of one of these amounts might have saved the Surrey side.

Lower profile sports also suffe r as a whole. One of the country's top basketball sides, the Manc hc tcr Giants, made a loss last year, despite its 12 supposed ly pro fessional players and coach ea rning so little that they

Through owner Sir John l lall, Newcastle Un ited not only own the football club, but also Newcastle Gosfort h Rugby Union Club and Wasps Ice Hockey Club (late of Durham), as well a a health club.

A spokesperson for the club added that their ambition is to create ewcastlc United Sporting Club, which would encompass not only the existing

11 fe to the team, but £30m for JUSt

Another day, another defeat, another position or two down the league. Norwich City are beginning to get a little predictable, thinks Sam Richards ... their sixth defeat of 1996, but they certainly played the ir part in an entertaining. attacking match.

The matter was finally settled

by Don Goodman 16 minutes from time. He slammed a free kick lay-ofT past an unsighted Bryan Gunn after John Polston had been pulled up for a fou l on the li vel y Steve Carica.

Both sides had chances from the start, but it was Steve Bull who opened the scori ng in the 12th minute. Carica dispossessed an over-confident lan Crook, and Bull lobbed the ball over the stranded Gunn from 30 yards.

His error caused both defences to show more caution around the

edge of the box, and Crook himself was almost first to benefit as his 25 yard free kick hit the post.

He was luckier with his next e!Tort, though, curling in another free kick off the right hand post.

A minute later, orwich took the lead as Darren Eadie, returning after injury, knocked the oall between two Wolves defenders and finished well.

The game was levelled before half-time as Steve Bull grabbed his brace, chasing a through-bal I and flicking it home with the outside of his right fooL He even had several chances to make it a hat-trick as the Norwich defence had difficulty marking him.

Goodman had a shot hooked off the line by Bradshaw, and Eadie looked lively up front for Norwich, yet Wol ves' tbird goal deflated Canary hopes and Johnson's sending-off near the end for a second bookable offence, making it two red cards in two weeks, effectively ended their challenge.

City's fading form is eerily reminiscent of last season, and Megson must be fearful for his job. · However, the whole regime at the club needs a good shake-up and, if the fans are to be believed, lh.is must begin with Chase's resignation: -

teams and facilities, but also a hospital. dietary centre. and all the other backup that such a project would need. and to s1te 11 all under one roof. The Club's latest 1enturc is m to lndycar racing 111 America. though it is hoped that the overall project will lum.: more success than did the o.:ar in its first outmg - an early exit following a crash at Daytona.

E1en if clubs arc not prepared to help with those other~ 11 ith 11 hom they may c\·entually be in competition, they may be open to helping other local teams from different sports.

The cross-publicising. silanng of some executive and manag.:mcnt staff, and pooling of resources would work to the benefit of all, and if th<.: >o.:ho.:mc in Newcastle proves an}thmg near to successful, then it will not be long before similar st.:ps an: taken elsewhere.

Anything which can work to spread around the vast quantities of money has to be good for the growth of sports of a\\ types.

This has to be bener than ma intaining the status quo in wh ich the rich clubs are gening richer, and the poor ones getting poorer.

It only remains to be seen how many clubs will have to go to the wall before sport as a whole wakes up to itself.

- - - ----- Cor.~erete. Wednesday, February 21, 1996

19

Sport

PIRATES TAKE STING OUT OF SURREY American Football: UEA Pirates 49-0 Surrey Stingers MAYBE it was the presence of the Cambridge head coach or the rumours of over confidence on the part of Surrey, but whatever the reason, UEA were inspired to their biggest victory of the season and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Fleet footed running back and conversion in his first two Ruchelle 'The Rocket' Peng, plays at the position in his career. who gained 186 yards on the After being defeated by Surrey day, allowed the offence to open earlier in the season and concedup and continue its airborne ing 34 points, the defence were attack. Even backup quarterback able to exact revenge by not Dan Jackson got in on the scorallowing any score, for the secing, throwing for a touchdown ond consecutive game.

By Matt lngram Interceptions by Richard Mortimer, Glynn Harvey and Rob Grant characterised the miserly performance of the unit.

Depending on the result of the team's VISit to arch-rivals Cambridge on February 18, and the result of the match between Bath and Surrey, the team could well be in the playoffs, and maybe even division champions.

Racing for the

Muddy Marvellous!

chequered flag THE race for the Grand Prix title is hotting up, following three more rounds of the competition.

The first event of the new semester was the badminton, followed ter;~ days later by the short tennis and table tennis, and results of these made a considerable difference to the leaders table.

Each team played a total of four games in each discipline.

Some of the matches were stunning examples of skill, with t)le competitors looking like they really knew their stuff, while other participants clearly needed guidance in some of the finer points of the games, namely the rules.

All this added up to three competitions played truly in the spirit of the Grand Prix.

Cross Country

By Scott Tompsett Underlying all the fun was the more serious matter of team positions, and the badminton was won by Suffolk 'n' Wot who, just one point ahead of Run Sara Over, claimed the maximum 100 points for the event.

Third were The Naked Apes, who redeemed themselves with a win in the short tennis, narrowly fighting off Pare Rettu and the ever-present Run Sara Over.

Some interesting matches in the Table Tennis meant the winners were The Knights of Ni, who forced The Naked Apes into second place by just three points.

In third were Pare Rettu who, like The Naked Apes, are showing consistent form .

Despite the latest results, it is Viper's Venom who lead the

All change - the Pirates' solid defence switches with the untouchable offence

Action from the Grand Prix badminton PHOTO: NIK DAVY overall rankings, with 541 points.

They hold an 11 point lead over Barely Legal, with The Wombles in third with 523 .

However, all of the three top teams have already played their 'Joker', which doubles their points total from a specified event.

Those teams hot on their heels have yet to take advantage of this, so some changes in the leadership should be expected in the near future.

MUD and ice proved no obstacles for the UEA Trojans at the BUSA cross-country championships on February 3, writes Jane Homer.

Despite a course which was frozen on the surface, but wet and muddy underneath, UEA's runners put in some fine individual performances, with the men's team Improving five places on last year's showing. e first race around Luton 's ore Valley Park was the wo 's, over a distance of six kilometres.

Unfortunately, although the Trojans have man-

aged to field a complete team in all of the local RAF league fixtures this season, only a disappointing two runners made it to the starting line for the biggest race of the year.

The race was won with a fine display of front-running from Loughborough's British international, and former World Junior Champion Paula Radcliffe, who led from gun to tape to build up a huge winning margin.

Further down the field , UEA's Jane Homer crossed the line in 40th place, and Heather Sears finished !41st.

Next up were the men, running just under twice the distance. The team were led home

The start of the women 's BUSA race in Lwon

by first-year Scott Tompsett , who followed on from his fine tenth place in the Under 20s Southern Championships the week before by finishing 38th.

Hot on his heels came Nik Davy, competing in his third and last BUSA championships, with a best-ever 47th.

The other members of the team, which finished a creditable 13th, were A lex Tate ( 126), Rob Barnes ( 138), Roger Mull ins (154), Andrew Powley (168), and Dan Stevcns ( 181 ).

The club are now looking to maimain this standard of performance in the RAF League, and to retain the men's trophy which they won last year.

PHOTO NIK DAVY

Kicking off at last Lacrosse THE past fortnight has seen some major devel· opments for UEA's Lacrosse club, writes

Nick Roblnson.

An ever-growing band of dedicated players meant that

BUSA Knockout Round 1 UEA score first Football Ml 2-3 St Mary's College (aet) Mll 4-3 Brighton Badminton Ml 3-1 Plymouth W 3-6 Bristol FENCING 4-23 Bristol Hockey 1\11 0-5 Bristol Mll 1-12 Brunei Wl 1-7 Exeter Wll 0-3 Brunei Netball I 16-54 Cardiff 11 8-65 Brunei Rugby Mll 0-40 St Mary's Hospital

not only did UEA enter the Eastern Counties seven-a-side tournament, but that they also became an official Union club.

On February 3, they faced Norwich, Luton, Cambridge University, and regular winners Norwich High School in the tournament, held at UEA.

Mill 0-134 Reading Table Tennis Ml 3-14 Bristol Volleyball M 0-3 Plymouth Winter Tennis M 6-0 Kingston

Being first- time entrants, the University side were favountes for the wooden spoon, but against the skill and speed of Norwich HS they caused an upset. An inspirational secondhalf performance from Captain Caroline Thomlin, who scored a hat-trick, meant that UEA left the court with a 3-2 victory.

Next up were Norwich. A · superb first half saw UEA take a marginal lead, but in the second

BUSA Knockout Round 2 Football Mll1-2 RHBNC Mill 1-1 Surrey (UEA after pens) MIV 3-4 UCL Badminton Ml 7-2 Imperial College Mll6-3 QMWC Volleyball W 0-3 St Mark's & St John's Winter Tennis M 5-1 LSE

This week's sporting superstar is one of UEA's most successful cyclists Jo Tuck. Scott Tompsett talks to her about her road to victory so far and how she is gearing up for future titles.

When did you take up cycling?

half Norwich regrouped, and a spirited fight-back gave them a 4-3 victory.

The University side then faced Luton, and a close game was won 1-0 by the home side, leaving them at the top of the table at this point in the tournament.

The final game was against an ever-more-confident Cambridge side. UEA dominated play in the

first half, but a quick break seconds before the end of the half saw a goal from Cambridge, and despite being bombarded by UEA until the final whistle, they came off 2-0 winners.

Overall, Norwich and Cambridge shared the top spot with UEA in a fine third, and this pleasing performance was followed just days later by the long-

awaited news that the Lacrosse Club had gamed enough BUSA-insured members to become an ofticial Union club.

After this double-boost, the club are looking for further success against local sides in 1hcir weekend fixtures, and if anyone wants to share in the glory, training sessions are at 5pm on Thursdays, on the Astroturf.

As a child , but I only started tak1ng it seriously when I joined UEACC last March.

the country, and the personal challenge of getting better.

What hopes do you have for the future? Do you have any particular ambitions?

To keep on improving, and to win an 'open' t1me trial , one open to all clubs .

What is your favourite discipline?

10 mile or 25 mile time trials , because these are the only ones I've tried! I've got to brave the 50 or 100 mile ones.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

Winning the BUSA hill climb in Lancashire last November, my first .

What motivates you to cycle?

Keeping fit, getting out into

Who is your sporting hero?

Chris Boardman , because he's always set such a good example to other British cyclists.

Who has had most influence on your cycling career?

Andy Tyler - h1s success has been a great inspiration to me .

What other sports do you enjoy?

I like swimming, badminton and tennis - I prefer to take part rather than watch

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20

PHOTO: NIK DAVY

Exce~tion

to the rule •

BANISHED to the Sports Village, the Badminton Club was just about the only squad with two teams left in the BUSA Knockout, writes Andy Pack .

In the second round, they found them selves up agamstthe unknown St Mark's and St John's , in Plymouth, and the eigh t ho ur train journey the day before the match sapped the quads' energy.

Luckily UEA still ma naged to put up a fight, with Dominic Savage (pictured above) and Ric hard Sheldon maintaining their unbeaten record against sti ff opposition, and yet aga in underlining their status as one o f the top pairs 111 the country.

Andy Pack and Andy Ma ther followed suit, a ] o whitewashing their opponents, but the match of the day was undoubtedly between S imon Wing and imo n Martin, and the Plymouth third pairing.

However, unfortu nately the EA pai r ca me out on the losing side of a three et thriller.

Despi te thi , the team came out with an impres ive 8-1 victory, and marched throu gh to the next round, where they faced Imperial College.

UEA had an instant 3-0 advantage wh en only two pairs arri ved from London, and Savage and Sheldon, and Pack a nd Ma th er soon wra pped the matc h up with fou r more vic tories.

Pau l Brill stepped in to fi ll the \ acant spot left by Martin ·s absence, and performed well with Wing. though the pai r were overcome m both matches.

They now tra ve l to Oxford in the nex t round with the second team, 6-3 conquerors of QM\\"C facing RIIB:-iC at the Sports Village.

SHOCKWAVES resounded around UEA's Sports Centre after the news that only a few of the University's sports teams had made it through to the third round of the BUSA knock-out.

In only the fir t round of the University championships econd phase, some of UEA 's top side exited the competition.

Amongst them was the football fi rst team who, aficr building up a 2-0 lead, th rew the game away in the second half and eventually went down 3-2 in extra-time. Fortune was not miling on the hoc key c lub either, with both the men's and women's first and second teams also slipping to defeat.

As if this wa n' t enough, the men were a week later branded as ' cheats!' after fielding first team pl ayers in their third team ' s second round match.

Disgusted Sports Officer Colin Wood has orde red them to e ithe r replay th e tie against the unsuspecting Brunei side, or e lse forfe it the match tota lly.

To increase the sport s clubs' embarrassment, other sides were also flounderi ng.

Last year's star perfo rmers,

By Nik Davy the women's volleyball team, lost out 3-0 at home to St Mark' & St John 's, a far cry from the magnificent fifth place ra nking they ac heived just twelve months ago.

This co llective disaster leave only a handful of teams till in any BUSA competition: the football thirds, who went through a fter beating urrey on penal ties; the men's winter tennis team, who notched up 6-0 and 5-1 v ictories over Kingston and LSE respectively and the two men's badminton teams (see report opposite).

The only other teams still surv iving a rc the wo men 's rugby team in the Plate competitiOn, and the Ptratcs American footba ll team, whose weekend meeting with Cambridge could prove decisive to their play-off hopes.

One sma.ll room available

10 m ins from City Centre Only £34 per week ••

the students' landlord