Concrete issue 061 29 05 1996

THE GUARDIAN/ NUS STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF THE

Concrete's alternative view of cam~us life

1995-6: THE YEAR SO FAR

An Italian

job for Breakers?

A RECENT meeting between the Union and UEA Catering bosses served up proposals for Breakers to go Italian - but only for daytimes and two evenings a week.

Little is known about plans for the menu yet, except that pizza is set to be a featured item.

The new venture has been described as a 'restaurant', but no mention is made of whether this means there \\'ill be table service.

Although the transformation of Breakers into an Italian eatery will only happen twice a week, it looks unlikely that Spudbuns and burgers are on course to return for the other five evenings.

The Diner is set to become a four food-hall outlet - although exactly which foods has not yet been revealed - and will be staying open an extra hour.

In a surprise move, Catering chiefs told the Union that they had 'no objections' to the Union setting up a food service after 8 pm, as the University had no plans to extend its catering facilities past early evening.

But the decision not to offer students any evening services contrasts with the findings ·of an exclusive Concrete survey, detailed on page 6, which reveals that students want more late-night catering services.

'Last orders' for £1 a P-int?

PLANS ARE being 'drafted' for a possible 10p a pint increase in Union bars from next year, to pay for lower Supermarket prices and higher staff wages.

I

GRAB YER GRANT! REGISTRY Finance Office staff have good news for some extremely wealthy, or possibly very absentminded, students.

Some of them have forgotten to pick up their grant cheques.

The move would bring an end to the Union's hugely popular £1 a pint policy, which has helped bar revenues 'top' the £1 million barrier thi"s year.

Outgoing Finance Officer John Holmes said . - - - - - that in his personal opinion beer prices could be 'pumped up'.

"I don't think a lOp rise will affect sales, .__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _., given that it's been £1 for two years, and that His views are in line with those of the there has been no increase in that time. If demand stays the same, profits will go up", he Union's Management Committee, which is set to raise bar prices at The Waterfront, as well as said.

"We 're also working towards paying our bar to consider those charged in other Union bars.

But any hike could leave student drinkers staff significantly more next year. ' frothing ill the mouth' if they feel they are hav"We should be paying £4.15 per hour for full-time staff, and we should bring part-time ing to pay more so that a comparatively small staff up to the same level within two or three number of student bar staff can be paid wages substantially above typical City rates. years."

Any increase at The Waterfront 'bri ngs to a John strongly favours reducing prices in the campus supermarket, which he says would be head' questions about whether the venue is run balanced by the 'lager than life' profits gener- for the benefit of student clubbers, or is just another profit-making City night-spot. ated by Union bars.

JOHN HOLMES: Proposing a 'bitter' an Increase

By

Slmon Mann

I

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2 Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996

Union Exec line-up for 1996-7

completed T il E UN ION Executi ve's 1996-7 li ne-up has been completed following the election of six nonsabbatical office rs two weeks ago.

Current RAG Pres ident Kylie Math er was voted C lub s and Societi es Office r, Kati e Hincs becomes Comm unity and Liaison Officer whilst Maggie Charmley was victorio us in the Environment Officer ballot. candi dates Jos h Labo ur Kaldor-Robinso n and T ina Williamson were elected Internal Affairs and NU S Office rs respective ly; Josh wi ll begin hi s second year in the post in September fo llow ing hi s re-e lectio n.

In addit ion, independent nom inee Eddi e Tay lor - 'Nice Guy Edd ie'- was returned as Publicity O fficer.

The six victors wi ll represent students as voting officers on the Union Exec alongs ide their studies, and although unable to work in Uni on outlets, they will enjoy the benefit s of an pass for ents events - wort h up to £2,000 per year.

475 students turned out to vote in th e elections, an increase on last year's figure.

Smashing ...

FIRST YEAR, Andrew Alien, faces a £450 repai r bill after smashing a window in The Pub during a screening of last week's Eng la nd internat iona l aga inst H ungary.

He was arrested and charged with criminal damage follow ing the inc ident, which took place a fier a scuffle with another student.

Un ion Fi nance Officer, Joh n Ho lmes, stated that the occurrence will not affect the screening of fut ure sporting events.

THE sabbatical officers asked the Union to pay their Council Tax bills ... and then voted for a Students Forum motion which secured their request.

This shock move came as Forum discussed ways of resolving the long running argument over the disputed bills. Following heated debate, the sabbs' request for their council tax to be paid was approved by eight votes to six.

But the three sabbaticals present By----.

Academic Officer Adam Bowden , Comms Officer Stuart Campbell and Joanne Robertson Welfare Officer Esther Jillett - voted in favour of their own proposal.

This action resulted in a complaint to Union sets up a 'Council Tax Fund' the Union 's General Manger, Mike which would be used to pay the sabbs' Hogg, by Sports Officer Colin Wood , bills, both for this year and in the future. supported by four other Forum repreBut Forum representative Simon sentatives.

Mann believes the sabbaticals should at The controversial result was subse- least contribute to the bill.

"The University is mostly to blame, quently declared invalid, following a decision that it was illegal for the sabbs and it should be made to pay", he said. to give themselves a financial benefit.

"However, if it won't, someone else Esther Jillett later admitted that the must. vote had been a mistake, adding, "What "Everyone agrees that the students I did want to do was vote against the who are living with sabbs should not measure of paying something out from pay, but I don't think the sabbaticals are the sabbs' pay packet, which I just can 't in the same boat. afford to do", she said .

"Their current salary already includes Esther has since sent a letter to £300 to cover the old Community Forum suggesting several options to Charge, and their share of a typical full resolve the issue but stating her pre- Council Tax bill would only be around ferred solution is still for the Union to pay £150. all the sabbs' bills, which total approxiHe added : "it's true that this year's mately £2 ,000 . sabbs are unlucky, as their predeces"The amount in question is an sors did not have to pay , but I don't think extremely small amount for the Union to that's sufficient reason for them - or the be considering, given profits made this Registry for that matter- to dump the liayear, reserves etc.", she wrote. bility on the Union and its members.

Esther resisted moves by Forum to "After all , many students are just as deal with the issue by raising sabbatical poor, and probably just as unlucky as salaries , saying : "I am against this the sabbaticals ." because I feel that sabbs are paid eA final decision on the issue is expectenough for what they do". ed to be taken at a meeting of Students Instead , she has suggested that the Forum before the end of term.

\THE SABBS COUNCIL t 1

JANUARY UEA's Auishnt Registr•r Tony Fl•ck, tells the four officers ~e m•de a mistake in issuing Council T1x exemption certific•tes to thetr predecessors. This melftl the ubbs vtill h.ve to P•Y the tu.

But Adam, Stuart, John and Esther - belie~ing they vtould get exemption _ h•~e •lrudy mo~ed in vtith tax-exempt stude~ts.

Under Council Tax rules the ubbs' housemates lose thetr exemption, lu~ing the four ubbs moully liable for • bill of up to £500 each.

FEBRUARY Mr Flack denies Registry li•bility for the ubbs' predic•ment, •nd blames the Union inste•d. But Union stiff bouu revul thlt the tu is 1 persontlliability, and is nothing to do vtith the Union.

Forum is asked by the ubbs to P•Y the bills in full.

Instead, Forum appro~es the iuue of repayable loans to the ubbs, telling them to pursue the Registry for payment.

MAY The ubbs again uk forum for their bills to be p1id in full by the Union, despite ha~ing f•iled to chase the Registry.

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Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996

3

EASTERN COUNTIES TURNAROUND ON CITY BUS PASS ---By----.

Scott Tompsett

ITS THE end of the line for Concrete's two longest-serving staff, Advertising Manager Simon Mann and Editor Niall Hampton (pictured above with Concrete's Guardian/ NUS Student Newspaper of The Year Award). "lt has been an amazing experience, but five years and 61 editions is long enough", said Simon, who has been with the paper since its first edition in January 1992.

Niall joined the paper in October 1992, becoming Editor in September 1994. "Working on Concrete has been one of the best things I've ever been involved with", he said.

And a number of other long-serving staff are also leaving: Deputy Editor and The Event editor Michele du Randt, Assistant Editor Nik Davy, Features Editor Mark Austin and Sports Editor Jane Homer.

The Event's Bookshelf Editor, James Curtis, starts a new era for the paper when he takes over from Niall in September.

UCL students have complained that the picture of Bill Clinton in their dining hall looks more like Popeye the Sailor Man.

Boffins at Glasgow Uni have created an electronic 'nose ' that can detect whether a female cow is on heat or not.

No City Wider bus pass for UEA students until September...

A NEW Norwich-wide bus pass for students has been temporarily shelved due to poor sales.

Eastern Counties Buses' CityWider terrnly pass, available for ÂŁ50, aimed to reduce costs for regular student bus users.

Poor sales at UEA blamed for Autumn P~P.onement

Director, Philip Eden. He refused to be drawn on whether poor advertising was to blame for the inadequate response from students, tating, " UEA is private property and I have no right to put up advertisements there."

Union Communications Officer, Stuart Campbell, felt that a lack of marketgroups. Elitism has no place in a ing may have contributed merltocratlc society. to the postponement but "Places should be awarded on denied that the Union had the ability of the student to ben- a duty to promote the efit." scheme.

NUS President Jlm Murphy "Advertising was not warmly greeted the proposals, my responsibility as ECB which broadly match those passed at Easter's NUS is a private company and all profits go to them", he Conference.

"We want decent funding for said, adding, 'They didn't all students, and an end to the take my advice over the scandal of student hardship", he positioning of posters."

Despite the setback, said last week.

"This Is the only way to both the Union and ECB ensure decent funding for are planning better publicity for next year.

Increased student numbers."

But a lack of interest in it has led to the offer being postponed until the new academic year.

"It was probably due to the tickets only being valid from this term which is quite short", said ECB

BLAIR'S MY GRANT GONE?

MOST higher education students will have to pay for their maintenance costs under a Labour Government, according to policy plans announced last week, writes Matthew Doyle.

Under the proposals, grants will be replaced with a loan system, repayable over 20 years.

The consultation document 'Lifelong Learning' was launched by Labour's education spokesperson, Davld Blunkett MP. lt slammed the current system which has resulted In unprecedented student hardship.

The document outlines a system of student payment for maintenance costs, which would be related to earnings after graduating.

The specifics will be discussed In the ongoing Dearlng Inquiry Into higher education.

Mr Blunkett spelt out the conditions under which such a system would work.

He stressed the Importance of equality of opportunity for all, regardless of personal wealth.

"Access must Improve and be widened for disadvantaged

ORWICH (*for 24 prints)

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4

Concrete , Wednesday, May 29 , 1996

1

fT'S BAD FOR GRADS'

SAYS SURVEY THE FUTURE for graduates is looking bleak, concluded a survey published last week, write

Holly Beevis and Sonya Calton.

It reveals that only a quarter of the 150,000 students graduating thi s summer expect to get a job relevant to their qualifications.

Of the 10,000 students surveyed by market research company High Flyers, 15 per cent pl an to travel after completing their studies, whi le a further 22 per cent have arranged postgraduate courses.

Temporary j obs unrelated to degree programmes seemed the onl y option for 8 per cent of respondents while over 11 per cent said they had no definite plans.

The remaining 27 per cent of the sample hoped they could get a j ob in the field related to their degree and stated they would be looking for permanent work.

In term s of popular workpl ace destinations, the BBC topped the li st of organisati ons gradu ates long to join, followed by British Airways, the United Nations, Marks & Spencer and IBM. But the shortage of jobs is more than evident, especiall y at the BBC where over 2,000 applicants have appli ed for the Broadcast Journalist Graduate Trainee Scheme.

But only I 3 hopefuls have been accepted.

• What 's next f or the class of '96, asks Mark Austin. See page 12.

THE UNION is set to decide on a staggering 100 per cent increase in the cost of admission to the hugely popular endof-year LCR disco.

Commercial bosses are considering changes to admit up to 2,500 revell ers to June 13' s event- some 800 more than usual.

I f the plans are confirmed, there will be a disco and 2am licence in The Pub for up to 500 people.

Admission before 8pm would be free, and £2 afterwards.

Further alterati ons to the tradi format w ould include expanding the usual LCR area to include the whole of the ground floor of UH. Drinking and dancing would be extended to 2am with a live band playing in the LCR - although it is yet to be booked.

With this prospective end of term extravaganza an almost guaranteed sell-out, even at double the usual admission charge, the Union is set to gain a whopping £5 ,000 of

- - - By -----, Simon Mann

extra revenue - and thi s figure does not incl ude extra bar profi ts generated by later opening.

The unprecedented 100 per cent price increase has been justified by Finance Officer John Holmes, who pointed out that the enhanced event will also invol ve extra staff and late-opening licence costs. " I believe there is not one student who will be put off by having to spend another £2.50."

And he added, "If people aren' t happy to pay £5 to go to the LCR, then they won't go, will they?"

But his successor for 1996-7, Nigel ' Ginge' Kaye, disagreed.

"This looks to me like another attempt by the Union to rip off students", he said.

Graduate Students Association SUMMER OPENING In this, the last issue of Concrete before the summer vacation , we want to stress that the GSC Bar will stay open in the summer. During the holiday, evening opening times will be extended by an hour, so that the bar will be open on weekdays from 6 - 11 pm , if enough volunteers will be there! Weekend opening hours won't change: Saturdays from 7-11 pm and Sundays from 7-10.30 pm. Lunch -time opening of the bar will continue for a few more weeks , but again this depends on a sufficient number of volunteers to work behind the bar. Without the invaluable help of our volunteers your bar won 't be there. Thus, if you would like to give us a hand , don't hesitate and let us know. All our volunteers will be invited soon to the GSC Bar for a bar staff 'end-of-the-year party'!! ! We are currently looking for bar assistants for the summer and/ or next year. Those who are interested (undergraduates or postgraduates) in this pai d part time fun ction , which involves looking after the well -being of the bar, should apply by writing to the GSA, closing date 20 June.

BEER FESTIVAL On May 16 the Grad Bar organised a Mini-Beer-Festival in the honour of SASSAF's 30th birthday.

This started with SASSAF's birthday party at lunch time , when a giant birthday cake was cut by various SASSAF volunteers. which is reported elsewhere in Concrete. Then a £50 cheque was pre sented to SASSAF by the GSA president Hamish McKenzie . The Beer Festival continued unti.l11 pm with numerous people sampling mouth-watering pints of Scott's bitters; East Point Ale proved to be the most popular ale.

GENERAL MEETING On Thursday May 30 at 9 pm the GSA will hold a General Meeting in the Grad Bar, concerning several amendments of the constitution , as is being notified in the bar. Members are invited to attend .

FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS Forthcoming events in and around the bar include the following : On Sunday 2 June 1996 a six-a-side mixed football competition is being organised from 12-3 pm, details of which can be found in the GSC Bar. So those graduate students who haven't formed a team yet, seize your chance to arrange one quickly and sign up for this 'sports event of the year'. The winning team will receive a crate of beer, presented in the Grad Bar, as the bar will be open from 3 pm onwards. On Friday 7 June the duo 'Spirits of Africa' will be playing in the GSC Bar, performing Zimbabwean traditional dance, music and song. This is bound to be a swinging exotic night; be there! Finally on Wednesday 12 June a German Night wi ll be organised, with vie! Bier, Music, delicatessen and vie! spal3 . On this special open night members as well as non-members are welcome !

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

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John Cameron gets fins going

Prawn Crackers

OF FIFERS LA E Site demolition OP.P.Osed

SOMETHING fishy was going on in Norwich last week when Christian Aid launched a new fair trade project highlighting the plight of the Third World prawn farmers, writes Scott Tompsett.

Senior DEV lecturer John Cameron got fins going swimmingly when he stood outside Tesco on Guildhall Hill in a rubber prawn outfit, distributing leaflets to local shoppers.

Christian Aid claim that prawn farmers are exploited by low pricing in countries including Britain and are taking their campaign around the country in a cocktail of awareness raising visits.

Before heading for other UK ctUes including Hull, Southampton and Newcastle, Mr Cameron said: ''We want more people to ask their supermarkets to sell only prawns produced without wrecking the environment and the livelihoods of poor families."

The prawn project follows on from Christian Aid's latest publication, aptly titled After the Prawn Rush.

THE FUTURE of the abandoned student residences at FHers Lane hangs In the balance as UEA battles lt out with Norwich City Council to consider the site's fate.

Registry bosses have proposed the wholesale demolition of the buildings in order to make way for redevelopment.

But the council has opposed the plan and has ordered UEA to foot the bill for repairs to the dilapidated site.

In 1993 UEA Accommodation bosses approved plans to build the 750-room University Village at a cost of £2.25 minion, while still facing another 12 years lease on the buildings at Fifers Lane at a cost of £100,000 per year.

Now, nearby residents are concerned for the safety of children who RUINED: the site lies forlorn continue to play in and around the By - - - -... site, abandoned in June 1994.

One man has even written to Education Secretary Gillian Shephard complaining about the defended the University's plans for situation which he has slammed as demolition. "an appalling waste of money."

"We are convinced the buildings VARIOUS companies have Not only have UEA let the site have reached the end of their eco- approached UEA and the to fall into rack and ruin, but many nomic life as they are substandard council to take over Flfer8 of the fiXtures and fittings have both by reference to current leg- Lane, Including local firm Air been left behind- encouraging bur- islative requirements and user UK, who wanted to use one block as a training centre. expectations", he said. glars and vandals.

Most recently the Jubilee Yet despite the ongoing destruc'The buildings are really past it Academy expressed an Intertion, City Council spokesperson and we are sure that it is not a est In using the site for the Rachel Bobbin stated that there viable proposition from anybody' s construction of a 'Fame' was still life left in the buildings. point of view to keep up the main- school for performing arts .

"We are yet to be convinced that tenance on buildings which are tit Director, Vlvlan Jacobs, the buildings are at the end of their for nothing more than demolition." recently commissioned charfull life, given proper mainteAnd he added, 'The develop- tered surveyors to put a nance", she said. ment potential of the site is quite price on the cost of repairs, But UEA's Director of Estates outstanding and we have had par- which they estimated to be In and Buildings, Richard Goodall, ties expressing an interest." the region of £130,000.

K . L

atte ane

Most searching question to OJ Simpson at the Oxford Union: "Do you plan to do any more Naked Gun

'Fame' school for Fifers?

It'll be a

knockout Eurofest

By Ne// Anderson SOC postgrad Elias Skourletos recently suffered at the hands of cleaners who reported the state of his Nelson Court carpet after a wild party.

A specialist carpet cleaner was brought in over the Easter break and UEA invoiced every member of the corridor for £60 but Elias said he and his friend footed the bill because it had been their party.

"We're not disputing that the carpet was soiled, but there was no discussion or notification that professionals were being brought in.

"I don't think that there was any need to invoice us, as such minor damages could be added to our rent charges."

He added: "We pay £50 a week rent and I feel that that entitles us to a little courtesy. We' re annoyed because they didn' t tell us; I don' t think £60 was excessive for the cleaning anyway."

But Accommodation Office Manager, Laurence Daly, stressed that Elias's was an extreme case. ''The state of the carpet was particularly disgusting," he said, "Usually cleaners are very good with such occurrences, but this instance proved worse than usual."

THOSE seeking fun and frolics could soon find them In 'Eurogames', a sports and fun day to raise funds for chlldren's cancer charities, writes Wendy Leech.

Planned for ·June 6, the event has been organised by UEA's French, German, Latin, Morris Dancing and Italian societies, plus the Skan Klan and RAG. Taking place by the Broad, knockout enthuslasts can Indulge In tug-of-war, welly throwlng, sa~k races, egg and spoon sprints; many EUR lecturers are also believed to be taking

part.

•To join In the fun at 'Eurogames', contact Slmon Laycock via the French Society, or any of the other presidents

By Zoe Cutting STUDENTS are being urged to put their eyes to good use and join the Home Watch scheme.

Those living off campus next year can team up with 20 neighbouring dwellings and work with the police, reporting suspicious activities and therefore reducing opportunities for crime by improving property and vehicle security.

Parts of the Golden Triangle already have schemes running where residents have found that Home Watch has reduced burglary in participating neighbourhoods.

Although crime is a problem in the City, it has been reduced on campus, something largely attributed to the introduction of ccrv.

"Crime figures have fallen by 47 per cent over the last eight years", said Maurice Morson, UEA's Superintendent of Portering and Security Services. eFurther information on crime prevention or on joining the Home Watch scheme can be obtained from PC Paul Sankey at Bethel Street police station on (01603) 768769. eUEA's 'Cycle Watch Scheme' is available on campus on Mondays to help cut the chance of theft by coding bike frames.

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EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION By Simon M ann THE COUNCIL for Academic Freedom and Academic Standards (CAFAS) has written to the Vice-Chancellor, Dame Elizabeth Esteve-Coll, requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the case of former Registry PR boss Nina Anstee.

UEA's former Director of Devel opment and External Relations, Ms Anstee, was sacked in June 1994 by the then VC Professor Derek Burke in controversial circumstances.

These included Ms Anstee being refused access to any complaints or appeal procedures, and being banned from contacting colleagues.

UEA subsequently paid Ms How Concrete broke the story in February 1995 Anstee £35,000 tax-free, in an out-of-court settlement now attracted the attention following an Industrial of a BBC producer making a Tribunal case in which she programme on European sex accused the University of discrimi nation cases, and sex discri mination, victimi- CAFAS claim that UEA staff sation , breach of contract have been 'warned off' speaking to researchers. and unfair dismissal.

Ms Anstee is now a fellow " We regard the whole idea of Worcester College, of suppressing free speech Oxford, but still has connec- as totally at variance with the tions with the University and standards expected of a unithe region. versity" , said a CAFAS Her story was exclusively spokesperson. revealed by Concrete and " Ms Anstee was dismissed went on to attract regional without due process, and if and national interest. staff are now being intimidatNow, CAFAS - set up by ed into si lence, this on ly academics concerned with adds to our concern about abuses of power by abuse of power at UEA. University administrations "The Vice-Chancellor is calling for the VC to rein- shou ld provide immediate state Ms Anstee and set up assurance that such intimian independent investigation dation is unacceptable." into the circumstances surCAFAS is determined to rounding her dismissal. pursue the case, and is curAnd following an unpro- rently considering involving ductive correspondence local MPs. Registry officials refused benween CAFAS and Dame Elizabeth, the VC says she to comment when approached by Concrete last considers the matter closed.

But the Anstee case has week.

WHO KILLED TECHNOPOLIS? n a shock move last week, the Millennium Commission rejected Norwich's bid for cash to build a state-of-the-art library and 'virtual heritage' centre in the City centre.

Uncharacteristically, Tristan Roddis left his cosseted haven on the interne! and ventured into the Real World to witness the political in-fighting and to help point the finger of blame ...

I

'Technopolis'. What an awful name.

The very sort of name that sends shivers down traditionalists' spines.

In retrospect, what was an exciting and visionary project was probably doomed from the outset simply because it wasn't called the Millennium Civic Centre or something equally innocuous.

But what else went wrong?

Firstly, it's worth finding out what Technopolis was meant to have contained: OMillennium Library: with more books and facilities than the old dump that was burnt out in 1994, all networked to allow remote access throughout the county.

OExploratory: entertainment based on virtual reality simulations of local history.

ODigital City: providing Information technology training, advice and ser-

AN EXCLUSIVE Concrete survey of 186 students reveals strong views on campus catering - with a whopping 92 per cent demanding that Catering chiefs do some proper market research to find out what food and services students want.

Yet the results may come too late to influence a radical shake-up of campus eateries already decided on by UEA's Director of Residences and Catering Services, Jenny Grant.

But a source on UEA's catering staff claims that the only

lliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiillllillllil•lliliiiiiiiiiiiiill

student-centred market research ordered by Registry bosses happened last July, during the summer vacation/ Concrete 's research reveals that students are insisting on a more imaginative approach to food , but particularly strong feel ings are revealed when it comes to the kind of services students are looking for.

• 75 per cent think Breakers should stay • 81 per cent of respondents voted for a open until midnight, and 2am campus take-away service, • 77 per cent feel that The Diner should • 76 per cent want Sunday lunches have a made-to-order sandwich bar. available in The Diner, When asked which foods they would

vices to individuals and business.

OAgora: a large space housing the tourist information centre, shops, etc.

Sounds a bit fishy? Well I thought so too, until I spoke to David Amold who was seconded to the project by UEA's very own School of Information Systems.

He reassured me about the slippery mix of providing for the public and for commerce.

Namely, that the two would be financially separate.

Also, wouldn't all this fancy virtual reality stuff be obsolete even before it was built? Well, no.

Turns out that these IT types are on the ball and realise just how quickly high-tech equipment can go stale: the business plan included provision to completely replace all hardware every three years, and as all the exhibits would be software-driven, these could be constantly renewed.

I also thought it odd that all the information was being centralised - great for your city-dwellers, but what if you live out in the sticks? lt seems they'd thought this as well: the plan was to develop a countywide network with branch libraries connected by broad band links, plus other remote outposts to enable

like to see served in The Diner, our sample opted for pizzas and a self-service salad bar.

They also felt that kebabs, Chinese cuisine and Indian meals could significantly spice up the menu in the muchmaligned campus outlet Breakers.

Both Jenny Grant and Catering Manager, Roger Hawkes, were unavailable for comment late last week.

GSA HOSTS SASSAF'S30th BIRTHDAY : AFTER 30 years of feeding UEA tudents, SASSAF took a well-earned break to feed on the fruits of its labour in the GSA la t week, writes Scott Tompsett.

DEV lecturer and SA AF supremo, John Cameron, pre ented a group of local councillors to the nack bar' volunteers pa 1 and present.

To celebrate the efforts of tho e involved since SASSAF 's 1966 launch, the GSA laid on a food

access to both the library's contents and IT resources.

So, then, on to the opposition.

I contacted John Lear from the Why Technopolis? campaign.

He objected to the size of the building and questioned whether it would be appropriate for Norwich. Stating that it Involved "lots of technological eggs in one basker, he said that no-one fully supported or understood the project, and also resented the lack of multipurpose hall in the development.

When I put these objections to Professor Arnold, he pointed out that the plans for the building had not been fixed.

He admitted that the aims of Technopolis had been poorly communicated, saying that half of the complaints they had received were from people who had not understood what the project would have involved .

The other half came from people wanting a concert hall, which he personally deemed to be unviable, pointing out that most similar projects

spread and a mini-beer festival featuring pints for£ I, helping the GSA to raise £50 for SASSAF's cause.

The event came to a head with a cake cut by the volunteers who, John Cameron explained, "SASSAF could never have worked witho.ut."

Mr Cameron aid that SASSAF's aims for the next 30 years were to forge better links with the new outh Africa since the fall of apartheid.

require public subsidy, and that it would undermine the existing theatres and halls of Norwich.

Then the news came. The Millennium Commission wasn't having any of it. A terse fax criticised the viability of the project and its funding, despite the Commission granting money to Bristol for another VR tourist attraction.

Certain people find it suspicious that a body controlled by central Tory government should reject a plan by a Labour council for such a high-profile scheme.

Without wishing to be drawn by conspiracy theories, I rnust admit that it is a very good way to leave local government with egg on its face so close to a general election, never mind what's good for the region ...

All that remained , then, was to go to the post-mortem public meeting in the Norwich Playhouse.

As expected, contributions from the floor ranged from the bitter to the barking.

While there was lots of crowing from the city-as-a museum-piece crowd "I want real books, like my ancestors had", "I want a library built from the bricks and flints of Norfolk" - no-one managed to provide was any suggestion as to where any of the money is to come from.

The gutted stump that still stands on the Bethel Street site is still there because the insurers have deemed it structurally sound: any plans for a future library must include it or pay extra to have it demolished. As for a re-appllcatlon to the Millennium Commission, time is running out.

After the first failure, there would never be the public backing for a 'son of Technopolis'.

And the Commission can't contribute money for an improved library alone ... so there you have it.

The project was doomed due to a combination of back-stabbing from central government, heavy-handed marketing from the city council, and the hijacking of the debate by those who wanted a nice new concert hall. lt looks like Norwich is doomed to permanently assume its sleepy backwater status, with visitors remarking on its quaint nature and beautiful but empty concert hall, while never dreaming of investing in a place with such a poor IT infrastructure ...

Hype's website will be providing an extended version of this article, plus a link to the Technopolis pages (for historical purposes only).

Go: UEA lnformation-?Students-7 Campus TV, Radio and Publications-?Hype.

Contact us at su.hype@uea.ac.uk or via internal mail c/o Concrete.

· ·C~r~tf), ~~nesdGy

MO¥. ~?~ ]99(> 7

1

WE REST OUR CASE': LAW SOC President slams allegations corru~tion

1rs

UGHTS cameras and action for one UEA student who's already made the big time In television.

EAS second-year Alberto Lopez caught the eye of Carlton TV bosses Involved In Shift, a programme encouraging young people's acting, writing and directing talents.

And his short script Behind the Scenes has now been made Into a film to be shown next week. " I am very fortunate to have had a script commissioned and made for TV while still at UEA" , he said. " Hopefully I will find it easier to get Industry people to read my scripts now that I have passed the stage of having my work shown on national TV." Yet Alberto, who was paid £60 for his script, Is no stranger to fame.

Two years ago, he was runner-up In the Lloyds Bank Film Challenge • something that Inspired the Idea for Behind the Scenes with Its focus on the dark side of show business. " lt's set In a toilet after an awards ceremony", he said. " I wanted to write about actors thirsty for fame and fortune who were willing to go to absurd lengths to get it."

Alberto also had the chance to star In a cameo role as a man listening to the confrontation of the two main characters whilst sitting on the toilet.

UEA'S Law Soc committee has defended Itself against allegations of corruption and mismanagement made in a letter submitted to Concrete last week, writes Joanne Robertson.

Now, In light of his success, he says that students looking to go Into television production should not get disheartened: "What it's taught me Is that today's TV Industry Is running out of Ideas to put Into programmes.

"The bigwigs are Increasingly tumlng to the younger generation who have the guts and enthusiasm to come up with new excitIng and dynamic material."

He added that there were ways to get a foot In the door. " I don't think the future Is as bleak as many like to point out for future young British film makers and script writers."

Fellow society members have alleged a catalogue of misde· meanours, claiming the committee is a clique which has led the Law Soc into disrepute.

Specific accusations include the committee reserving Law Ball tickets for friends and acquaintances, mismanaging Law Soc finances by using an overdraft to fund the Law Ball, and undermining democratic procedures when electing committee members.

But Law Soc President, Gina Palmer, dismissed the allegations and blamed them on 'sour grapes'.

She confrrmed the society currently has nearly 300 members and explained this would account for the large amount of dinner tickets sold for the Law Ball.

"Most of our members bought dinner tickets which meant that unfortunately there were only a few left", said Gina. 'This is primarily an event for the Law Soc and members must take priority."

She also confirmed that a decision had been taken to allow the unlimited sale of after-dinner tickets to non-members and said that two people bought over 20 each,

Ear/ham Hall although registration numbers were provided.

Answering the charge that her committee had mismanaged society fu nds, she pointed out that the Union had granted the Law Soc an overdraft for a theatre trip in March - for which a loss was incurred - but explained that Law Ball ticket sales had returned their account to credit.

Income from the sale of tickets for the showpiece event - which attracts around 1,200 students each year - will be £34,000 after V AT deductions, she said, adding that 1996's Law Ball will cost just over £31 ,000 to stage.

Gina stated that the profits made would be used to cover the cost of the society's loss-making wi nter Medieval Ball, to partfund a proposed refurbishment of the LAW common room in Earlham Hall and purchase a football team strip.

But Union Finance Officer, John Holmes, feels that the society are "sailing close to the wind" in managing their funds, pointing out that it only had £69.70 in its subscription account before the start of the academic year.

"It's very risky and I don ' t know who would foot the bill if a significant loss was made", he said, adding that it was "staggering" that the Law Ball makes such a small profit.

"I'd be surprised if the Law Ball really cost £31,000; I've seen better value balls in different parts of the country."

Gina remains unconvinced by the recent criticism, however, and vigorously defends both the society's financial activities and the Law Ball.

"It would be easy to make a profit, but we don't", she said.

"We plough it back into the event to make it a really good night."

• See letters to the editor- page 8.

WJII.DEN EXPORT SERVICES AIRFREIGHT I ,

PACKING

SEAFREIGHT INSURANCE

THE PERSONAL EFFECTS EXPERTS TELEPHONE - NORWICH (01603) 766231

8 Concrete, Wednesday, May 29 , 1996

Going Up?

Concrete welcomes your letters on any subject. Whether it is something we've written about that you wish to take issue with, or you just simply want to make a point, we want to hear from you. Write to us (before 1pm on Wednesday, September 11 to have your letter included in the next issue) at the address below or via our postbox at the UH Stewards Cabin, marking your correspondence for the attention of the Editor, Niall Hampton. Anonymity will be respected but you must include your name, address and school in the first instance.

I

Union bosses are soon to discuss pncmg in their licensed outlets both at UEA and at The Waterfront.

As a result , beer prices on campu s could be increased by tenl per cent across the board as the Uni on works towards pay ing its full- lime bar staff £4. 15 per hour, w ith part-t im e sta ff set to fo ll ow.

1 There arc, however, other cons iderati ons behind the Union's coll ective thi nk ing. It points out quite right ly that pints have cost ~ess an d less in real terms over th e las t few years, due to prices ha~ing been kept artifi cially low.

The increased revenue generated behind the bars by a price increase, will also serve another purpose - that of allowing pri ce~ to I be cut in the Uni on Supermark et.

Of course, the Union ploughs its commercial pro fi ts back into. student resources such as welfare and clubs and soc ieties.

What the Uni on has to do is to offse t value for money for its c ustomers agai nst increased benefi ts for the users of its subsidi ed student services.

Some may think th at the Uni on has got the ' price versus pro fit' ba lance wrong in the case ot the pl anned changes to the end-of-yfar LC R di sco. This is intended to be an enhanced event featuring laq?,er capac ity, extended drinking hours and a live band.

I Fina nce O ffi cer John Ho lmes clai ms that the I 00 per cent inc rease in the admi ssion charge on th e ni ght, which shoul d raise another £5 ,000, is justified wi th the inclusion of the live band.

Sure ly for th at much, they could get John Lennon back fro m he dead.

The editorial team would like to thank all our readers for making 1995-6 Concrete's most successful year. We wouldn't have done it without you. Cheers!

f

However you look at it. the move raises the guestibn of whether it is right. or necessary. for the Union ~o increase profits at the expense of stude nts celebrating the end of their university year.

I

Mamma Mia! UEA reckon the 've fou nd a new wa Breakers more popular w ith students.

Registry bosses are supposedl y considering converting the muchma li gned campus eateric into an Italian restauran t on two nightsl a week.

Co ul d this mean th e mighty Spudbu n be ing replaced wi h spaghetti carbo nara, burgers g ivin g way to bo lognese and chic kenburgers making way for cann ell oni?

Sure ly Jenny G rant and her col leagues would be better off taki1g a tip from Concrete's survey, whic h fo und that Sunday lunches, selrservice sa lad bars, made-to-order sandwi ches and popular foods such as Chinese and Ind ian dishes are more tuned to the demands 9f students.

I

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Having pizza and pasta evenings in Breakers may be all very well but it seems that UEA may have had one bottle of Chianti too many ...

Listening Not Lecturing

tr

Opening Hours: 8pm - 8am every day for drop- in or phone 503504 confidential listening and information service

IS LIFE AT UEA REALLY LIKE GOING FOR FIVE ROUNDS WITH TYSON?

hi is the time of year when stude nt s start to fee l like they've just done five rounds with Mike Tyson.

But isn' t language peculiar. Is there a si ngle student who would get in the ring with Tyson?

Does fini shing off one's co ursework and getting into exam mode reall y compare?

Boxin g has in recent years found its mac ho image repl aced with genuine conce rn about its e ffec ts.

But wh at do we rea ll y ex pect the outco me to be? The brain is a de li cate orga n and even minor head inj uries can have long term effects

T

UEA'S

Independent Student Newspaper INCORPORATING

the

event PO Box 410, Norwich NR4 7TB Tel: (01603) 250558 Fax: (01603) 506822 E-Malt.

simon @stuserver.stu.uea.ac.uk

- - - -- - -

upon behaviour, personality and ge neral we ll being. Frank Bruno of cou rse knows what it means to square up to Tyson, but he also does things which are in compari son a bit sissy.

I saw him in London once with Toyah Wi lcox. They made an odd couple - him being so, well big reall y, and her bein g so tin y. It was all part of some kind o f promoti on or other.

Something to do with pre-school education, I think. That's just it with sportsmen. They have as many soc ial engagements as Princess Diana. I'm not so sure about Tyson though; I can't imagine him be ing into charity so mehow.

tony crush·s letter of the fortmght I wonder how he' d react if he was just walking down the street and looking mean and a bunch of sociology student stopped him and asked him if he had any opinions about nappy chang ing faci lities in department stores.

"Excuse me sir, do you have a baby? Would you be so kind as to answer a few questions?"

Tony Crush (HISJ)

•Editor: Niall 'Kelvin McKenzie' Hampton • Deputy Editor: Michele 'Cartoon Capers' du Randt • Assistant Editor: Nik 'Where's me Boddies?' Davy •News Editor: Joanne 'East 17 forever' Robertson •Assistant News Editor: Katie 'NCFC' Lane • Features Editor: Mark 'New Labour, New Me' Austin • Sports Editor: Jane 'No Nik No Nik' Horner • Assistant Sports Editor: Scott 'Tea anyone?' Tompsett • Contributing Editors: Peter 'Pop Tart' Hart, Caroline 'Snap Cazza 'n' Pop' Jenkinson •Chief Reporters: Joanna 'EDP' Emsley, Adrian 'CPFC' Steel • Staff Reporter: Hannah 'Where's Helen?'

Malcolm • Editorial Contributors: Alison Wisely, Zoe Cutting, Wendy Leech , Holly Beevis , Sonya Calton , Neil Anderson , Tristan Roddis, Caroline Wells, Emily Wilson, Sally Rose, Andy Young, Vel Murphy Andy Tyler • Photographers: Katie 'NCFC' Lane , Emily 'Chatan ooga' Wilson, Matthew 'BU PA' Fasken • Copy Editors: Jane '2 K's' Kirby and Kay 'Where's the blue pen?' Spragg • Typists: Jon Dracup, Holly Beevis, Sonya Calton • Advertising Manager: Simon 'Just a swift half .. .' Mann e Special Thanks to: UH Stewards , Bonusprint, Chris Malcolm , John and Stuart for their support this year and everyone at ECN plus George, Norman and Clive at the Thorpe Print Centre • DTP Assistants: Niall Hampton, Michele du Randt, Nik Davy • Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students- cheers!

Opinions expressed are those of the Contributor and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor.

Honest! 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, platonic, histrionic, concealed in an exam paper or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher.

• Printed by Eastern Counties Newspapers Ltd ., Norwich , Norfolk NR1 1RE. © UUEAS, 1996.

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'UNION OFFICERS WERE WRONG TO BACK THE 2.7 PER CENT RENT HIKE'

feel I must comment about UEA's decision to only increase rents by 2.7 per cent next year.

Notice my choice of the words "increase rents". .

This has been welcomed by·certain Student Union officers which I personally think is a disgrace.

The recent Rent Strike was based on appalling rent increases, a reduction in services and the University's gross incompetence in handling ours and their own money.

The action achieved no longlasting reduction in rents, just a rebate for this year's residents.

The burden of last year's increases of up to 13.67 per cent will still be passed on to next year's students in addition to the latest rise.

If students in the future are not going to pay for UEA' s disgusting incompetence, then rents should be coming down, not going up.

Does this university think we are so thick as to welcome yet more rent rises?

Students this year have paid more than £330 and £700 more than students two years ago, and this is going to increase next year.

It's time for students to make a stand and fight back against the University to make swe we do achieve a permanent and substantial reduction in rents.

I hope that next year's Union

I

Do 'lawyers look out only for themselves'? famous philosopher once said: "All power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely."

It is quite apparent the Law Society Committee has taken this quote to heart and fulfilled its prophecy.

They have breached their duties to their members by reserving an unlimited number of tickets for their friends.

They have taken an overdraft with a bank to pay for the Law Ball - something which no society is allowed to do under Union rules.

- It is quite unfortunate that this society has lived up to the stigma that "lawyers look out only for themselve.s" and made it harder for the rest of us to move beyond this stereotype. · Name and address supplied

A

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Law Society has strongly denied these allegations.

Concrete published this fetter as a point of reference ted to fighting for that goal.

Paul Tippk (LA Wl) to a news story In which Law · Soc President Glna Palmer argues against the p oints made by our correspondent.

We understand that anoth· er letter, expanding on the content of the above, has been forwarded to Union Finance Officer, John Holmes. See page 7.

Rents for campus en-suite accommodation Nelson Court will rise by 2.7 per cent for 1996-7, compared to 13.67 per cent last ye.ar.

Executive will build yet another Rent Strike that is totally commit-

·I

t has been interesting to read the recent correspondence concerning the Union sabbatical elections and Esther Jillefs alleged behaviour at the hustings in March. I must reply in particular to Paul Tipple's letter (Concrete, May 15).

Sorry, Paul - I have no recollection of any UEA Conservative standing at any election on an anti-student, anti-immigration, antisingle mother, anti-pensioner ti.cket.

Unlike your Socialist Worters Party, we tackle issues specific to students. All that your letter has demonstrated is that you can only make broad and sw eeping generalisations.

When it comes to particular student issues, you have no cohesive, practical, realistic or appealing policies.

Jlm Vessey (SOC2) President of UEA Conservative Students PS: Students might be interested to know that Paul Tipple is such a true socialist that he has been a member of the UEA Conservative Students during all campaigns this year in which he has stood as a Socialist Worter (NUS delegate, NUS Officpr, Sabbatical Officer).

Confused? Paul seems to be...

F

urther to the replies written in defence of Esther Jillett's behaviour at the sabbatical hustings in March, I would like to clarify my earlier letter ('Hustings Horror', Concrete, May 1).

Firstly, the £40 rebate to students in standard university residences represented a one-off reduction of barely three per cent.

Hardly a significant success considering.the aims of the disruptive and laughable direct ac~ion.

Secondly, it is Jillett's disrespect for university democracy that compromises the elevated position she holds.

The hustings are an opportunity tor constructive questioning and criticism of candidates, not childish foot-stamping.

Finally, it is the Conservatives' education policies that have expanded the number of school-leavers entering university from one in nine in 1979 to one in three today. lt is not the Tories who want to jeopardise this by abolishing the s~4d~~t gr~n_ts thatgi'!e l~ss.~ffl~e(lt ~t4d~p~s.a. foot. il] lhe.dQ9r_.

James A M Phi/lips (EUR 1)

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

Confidential help and .support from people who understand...

592505

Monday 8 -10pm {Term Time)

10

Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996

Concrete•s alternative view of campus life

JUST AQUICK PINT TO GET ME IN THE MOOD FOR SOME REVISION...

HOLD ON! WHO'S SHE?

As we all wave goodbye to yet-another marvellous y_ear at UEA, X-Crete susses out the highlights and lowlights of J995-6...

IT'S BEEN another rip-roaring year at UEA... new Vice-Chancellor, new University - not.

That was well worth it then...

Meanwhile, legendary celeb Richard O'Brien gets shirty with boring Union bosses for not giving the go-ahead to RAG's Rocky Horror Show Party on the excuse that they don't want to see drunken debauchery in the Funny, that's what we thought LCR. Thursday nights were for....

Still, never mind, we're sure that's all to

come in the future, but for those of you who may have missed them, here's a few remnders of the things that made the past academic year so special - all plundered from the pages of that top paper, Concrete.

JANUARY

SEPTEMBE.R There's disappointment for a host of excited Freshers, who discover that the Harvester Res1aurant in The Square is actually nothing more than the refurbished Pub. However, sorrow is evidently drowned as Unicn bars take almost £45,000 in the first week of · undergraduation alone. This may have had a lot to do with further cuts in beer prices. Same again next year fellas?

OCTOBER Probably because everyone has overspent on alcohol, the issue of student poverty raises its head yet again.

UEA Is catapulted into the heady world of revolution, courtesy of 'Rent Strike '95' (is there going to be one every year with a title like that?)

Student apathy temporarily disappears as 650 people vote for the action at a packed UGM and 175 join it in its first week. Wow!

NOVEMBER Don't worry - student apathy isn't quite dead, 'cos the next two UGMs are inquorate.

But wait! What's this? lt's cry for a Registry Occupation - gleefully taken up by the multitudes - possibly in the hope that a little bit of extra dosh for Christmas might be up for grabs.

Union hack Adam Academic declares that the struggle is the victory and there's nothing wrong with using whatever means necessary to get in, only to have his mind changed when he and his fellow sabbs are served writs by Registry rollers eager to spoil all the fun.

In the end, the occupation lasts for less than 24 hours, with Esther Welfare only having time to bum her writ for the cameras before going home sick.

Sadly, the 'flu also stops her going to jail for

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the cause, as she had promised to do.

As it is, both sides eventually claim victory and campus residents get a £40 rebate (although not in time for buying Christmas presents), whilst rent levels remain the same.

Superstore giant Tesco express an interest in taking over the campus supermarket from the Union, but before you can say "Value Baked Beans ahoy", the whole thing goes back on the shelf.

Not so much a case of Supermarket Sweep as Supermarket Swept Under the Carpet.

FEBRUARY Easy listening geezer Mike Flowers comes to UEA, and is promptl~ never heard of again.

Esther Welfare declares that students are extremely hard up and opens a soup kitchen outside UH for a week. But customers say there's no substance to what she's serving up...

Meanwhile, BIO Dean Or lan Gibson opens a canteen which promptly goes down a storm with science students fed up with having to trek half-way across campus for a cup of tea. With prices that severely undercut other campus outlets, it provides University Catering Services with some major food for thought.

MARCH Price-slashing continues... rival bus firms Eastern Counties and Sanders Coaches vie with each other as to who can provide the best and cheapest service to UEA students.

Typical - high fares and shoddy service for years, and then several good deals turn up at once.

MAY Waveney Terrace residents are loo-sers in a situation which sees lJEA bosses refuse to pay compensation for damage caused by a load of blocked and overflowing toilets.

Talking of overflowing, Registry bosses announce that the water supply to the 'eyecatching' fountain in The Square is to be run dry in order to prevent drunken 'revellers' from playing about and having fun after finishing their rewarding spells at UEA. And it's revealed that the absurdly-decorated scrapyard style caff Breakers is to get a major refit, as the structure of campus catering is radically shaken up.

If they make it look like a Berni Inn, then it'll go really nicely with UEA's Harve_ster Restaurant, sorry, Pub...

Exams aren't everything you know. It really is a shame that you didn't get to finish the colossal amount of revision required to pass even the most basic of exams, but you shouldn't be too disheartened. Try to make up for it in your next one.

As far as your carnal exploits are

concerned, J think you managed to do pretty well. Pulling like that isn't always easy, especially in The Pub. If you do cock things up and UEA throws you out, at least feel that you achieved something during your time here.

Having a bit of rumpy to Pan pipe Moods is worth more than any degree.

L11111, X-&1111

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Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996 13

Features dinghy, one may argue.

And now there is talk of restricting the equality of funding. A report issued by the Higher Education Funding Council for England earlier this month declared that money for research should be channelled to a smaller number of universities in order to safeguard standards of excellence, rather than doling it out to every institution.

And next week, the governors of the London School Of Economics will discuss an internal document, arguing that a mass higher educalion funding formula "is not necessarily compatible with the interests of research-led centres of

and then grants are progressively cut over a period of three years.

Thus having allowed all students to go to univarsity if they want, the ground is then cut from beneath their feet. The catchment area is enlarged from being largely the preserves of the middle class, but then funding is immediately removed • meaning that if you are convinced by such conspiracy theories, all that has happened is that a larger proportion of the middle class goes to university.

The reasons tor doing so are looking increasingly unstable.

We are constantly bombarded with reports telling us the level of graduate unemployment, the proliferation of jobs for which we are overqualified and the lack of any secure work anyway. We know this and we accept it.

Contrary to popular opinion, we don't want the world, we just want a part in it.

The current crop of students is often lambasted for its apathy, but perhaps we would prefer to call it pragmatic realism. The time when the world was thought malleable enough to be able to be cast in a new image, such as in the 1960s, is gone and we face a world today where we know it cannot be changed for the bet-

As th e cIass 0 f ,96 prepares to Ieave the haIIowe d academic excelle~c~: concrete of UEA and universities all around the swoop. ter in one feu Excuse me for potnling out th~ obvious, ~ut wasn't the COUntry, We lOOk at the fate Of OUr predeCeSSOrS and We chip away at our ~~~~:~~e ~:~~~ t~~~~:~ glance in weary hope at the threadbare contents of ~~~~~~:~~r~~;·ot~~ meant to be that the sector the careers file gearing ourselves for a year where little patch of the • ' • garden a little was expanded and in the enhanced in intellectual WOrk Will be accepted where lt can be found brighter terms through greater involvement, and hence better debate?

The only debate that appears to be generated at the moment is about how grave the problems looming on the horizon are.

With the course being followed at the moment, the old system will be recreated but with a greater number of second-rate institutions.

The 'old' universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Manchester and Leeds will take greater slices of the budget fn order to safeguard standards while the rest make do as best they can with the resources available to them. ln parallel with this process, students themselves will also increasingly be feeling the pinch.

Indeed, if you were convinced by conspiracy theories, you could believe that it was all a plot on behalf of the Government.

They declare that they want to democratise higher education, allowing one in three 18 year olds to be able to go into it by the year 2000.

In fact, the target is reached in just three years

You go for a good education • the funding is being cut and teaching quality and resources falling.

You go due to the job prospects that open up after graduation - graduate unemployment is running at 12 per cent and even if you find work it is likely that you will be over-qualified.

You go to learn about life - university often tends to be a bubble that is a law unto itself and anyway, there are far cheaper ways of learning about life.

You go to have a good time - good reason, but that is not what university is for, is it?

And so we come to the same question. Why do it? Perhaps this is the end of a millennium zeitgeist, or perhaps it's just part of the general sense of panic that hits third and fourth years as they contemplate the end of student life. After all, it's probably simply a search for meaning.

Our generation is remarkably pragmatic in terms of knowing at what level their expectalions can reasonably be aimed.

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knowledge that everyone else will be doing the same thing.

Such an attitude is reflected in the current political scene, where it is fashionable to talk of how activists tend to be attracted towards single issues such as the Dewberry Campaign or the opposition to the Criminal Justice Act. We accept our fate as individuals and operate within that context, although curlously, the inference that is able to be drawn from this - namely that we have become more self-concerned, is not necessarily true.

Our generation has at least as great a sense of fraternity as any in the past.

Our world has come to be dominated by a set of values that we all recognise and subscribe to.

We know the uncertain world we face and the extent to which we are only small fishes in a very big sea, buffeted by currents beyond our control. This is the common text to which

we all subscribe and read from. For 'apathy' read 'empathy'.

This is why as a generation we don't give up now, throw in the rulebook and wander around waving our hands in despair. We know we are all in the same boat and while it may be imperfect, it is large enough to hold us all. Which brings us back to the leaky state of the good ship Higher Education, from which we are about to disembark.

We sailed in it because we know that we don't live in a Panglossian best of all possible worlds.

We still have to give it our best shot, without being sucked in by the now outdated expectations that formerly accompanied such a voyage. lt may not be perfect but we're realistic enough not to expect perfection.

We don't expect to disembark on the golden shores of the promised land, but it would be nice to be able to be safe in the knowledge that the ship we sail on is seaworthy.

Building a bigger ship and then neglecting to furnish it properly or check its is irresponsible and it is to the Government to ensure that in the r future such

Dining out in style needn't break the bank.

At Lloyd's restaurant, our £1 0 three course menu is available for lunch 12-2pm and early evening dinner before 7 .30pm •

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Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996

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Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996 15

Features

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•Running a trip across the continents may seem like an easy enough job, but as Ray Harte discovered, there's a lot more to it than just getting a vehicle and driving it where you like... that we were committed, the deposits came flooding in. However, we hadn't anticipated the response from people outside the University, and we had to turn down the last few applicants.

Prior to the end of the last term, we organised an extensive array of literature to assist people with what would be required, including detailed dossiers, lists of vaccinations, how much money to take and in what currency, etc. etc ..

When departure day arrived, we were ready. We had decided to run the expedition In the same fashion as other overland companies, along a predetermined route known as the 'Classic Asia Overland Route'. The reason for this was because they follow a set itinerary both to guarantee safety and ensure that all the best sights are included.

The atmosphere was one similar to the beginning of a ~~.._ field trip - people were obviously very excited. We had four passengers to pick up en cle (the hardest task) and legal route, Dave in France, and Sue, Mark requirements all presented themand Helene in Germany. By the time selves as major obstacles to be overthe last two had joined us, we had all come. At the same time we had to overcome our initial reservations and worry about finishing our third year were pulling together as a group. dissertations and preparing for our We then established teams for final exams! cooking, shopping, cleaning the truck We also had to start advertising the and loading tents. Such a structure trip to gauge what interest there was essential for the success of the would be in the venture. Fortunately trip, as it enabled everybody to help out and everyone stay happy. response was good and it quickly became apparent that we would fill There was never a problem when the places, albeit with a little gentle all hands were needed; if the truck cajoling to persuade people to part got stuck, then we would all dig it out or push it, though the driver usually with their money! got an earful of abuse!

We bought an ex-army Bedford As the trip progressed, we discovtruck in April and once people saw he concept of an overland trip to Kathmandu stemmed from my own experiences as a driver for an overland company what seemed like a lifetime before university. After getting together with Dave Goddard and John Dries, we decided to organise and run a similar trip that we could all afford.

We began the serious organisation in February 1995. The problems of logistics, finance, obtaining the vehi-

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ered that we had to deal with situations not normally encountered at home - like shopping in an Arabic country where no-one speaks

Yet although the travelling part of our trip was over (many were obviously reluctant to part company), we did our best to accommodate the

We had to deal with situations not norlike mally encountered at home shopping in an Arabic country where no-one speaks English, whilst being surrounded by curious locals English, whilst being surrounded by curious locals! On occasions, tact, diplomacy and even guile were called for, yet most took to the problems with incredible resourcefulness.

majority by staying In Nepal for four weeks.

Activities there included a wtlite water ratting weekend with a local company down the Bodi-Khosi River,

many group meals, 'beer-nights' out, and even taking the truck back to Pokhara so some of us could go trekking. And so it was not until February 10 that the truck eventually began the journey home.

But that's another story ...

•The Intention Is to repeat the trip every year for as long as there Is sufficient Interest, but this time round, the expedition will be leavIng around October 1. 'Bookings' are now being taken, and If you want to know more about the expedition, then contact Dave Goddard on 01562 66785, Ray Harte on 01702 333392174572 or John Dries on 01473 681787

the benefits of One thereof being three . .- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . drivers was that every third day we each got 24 hours off. This meant we were able to sit in the back and relax, definitely one of the perks, as the back had a certain 'ambience' compared with the hectic cab.

Up front, suitable campsites and rough camps had to be found, along with the day-to-day driving and often impossible navigation.

In addition, the vehicle needed to be checked daily, and future expenses had to be calculated, so that we always had the right currency at the right time.

We also needed to ensure we stopped at suitable locations to shop and eat, but by far the hardest task of all was getting a dozen or so ex-students up in the morning!

Eventually (and surprisingly enough on schedule) we arrived in glorious Kathmandu. Most of the group were filled with a feeling of achievement and perhaps also of sadness, for this was where it was all to end.

NIUY

FLIIT FOR SIILE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION NEII'R CITY CENTRE

£19,950

TEL: JAMES (01603) 617234

~

IN AN attempt to prevent last years catastrophic graduation, this years sabbaticals have finally put their heads together in order to remedy the annual problem!

As with every year, millions upon millions of mummies and daddies come zooming up to Norwich in their Saabs to see us little darlings parade around in silly hats and get fed up with having to wear fake grins for the camera. All we really want to do is get rid of the family and get down to the Pub and have that farewell Union Bar booze up. 'Top Banana'!

Last year, so many mummies and daddies found themselves in such a panic to park, they sought other alternatives. Some parents' plans ended in severe injury and incurred huge costs from UEA maintenance in having their vehicles recovered by the latest high-tech machinery purchased by the University last May. The pond in the Square rapidly became the top spot in which to park. lt was easily accesible from the Pub and Official Graduation photographer, and was out of the reach of the UEA wheel clamp.

However, the spot became so popular fights began to break out between rival parents and blood was spilled.

This year the Sabbaticals have decided to turn off the water and fill it with 3000 litres of out of date beer.

.

Hopefully, this will encourage so many celebrating students to get in it, that mummy and daddy will not be able to get their cars in there at all.

The last person to get out of the pond will receive free entrance to the outdoor LCR at the end of term! The three runners-up will receive a Union Carrier Bag. Adam Bowden will be the judge of the competition as he is the only one daft enough to wear shorts and sandals in this weather.

Anyone wishing to win Adam's sandals at the end of the year should contact the Education Unit before June 6th.

Also on offer is a pair of John Holme~t'"' Y -Fronts, confiscated from his sp~CYfQ.J~1, bi rthda ype rnodch u nderextravagan~at.·. c:r· ,,,, ,. ,.,,..

John's panties will, of course:· come com· plete with all the (un)neces$a& attachl' "' ments.

4 You might find the price high;· but he can be swayed. '* 1

n Graduat\on oay

Utt\e oarbngs o

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This year's Balr is showing signs of being one of the best balls atUEA yell As well as all th~ usua,l goodies includedt' guests ~il( recei~e" a Se>uvenlr Grad Ball brochure corrip1ete with pictures of all yat,fr mates! ,, They will be on a limited print run and wilt , be handed out at the end of the night. Don't miss out on this amazing offer. lt's something we are sure you will want to keep for the r~st of your life, and pass on to your children and grandchildren. _ Congratulations from the Union to all of you who will be finishing this year. We hope your time at UEA was enjoyabfe ~nd you were pleased with what the Unio(l had to offer over. the~past 3~4 years.

Good luck in the future from us all!

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A PAID ADVERTISEMENT FROM YOUR STUDENT UNION - - - - - - - - - - - -

SCH

Teaching Committee Union Academic Officer

Boards of Schools of Study Student Representatives Collect nomination forms from the Steward 'Desk in Union House

Nominations until October 10 1996 Elections October 14-18 1996 For more details contact Louise Peel in the Education Unit, Union House, orE-mail J.Peel@uea.ac.uk

UDENTS' The Student Union exists to serve your needs- but did you know that you can help it to do so by representing students' views on Students' Forum?

holds sabbaticals, non-sabbaticals and the Directors of the Union Committees • forms policy where not determined by General Meetings • elects students to sit on University Committees If you've ever wanted to have more of a say in the running of the Union, why not consider becoming a Students' Forum Representative?

Collect nomination forms from the Stewards' Desk in Union House

Nominations until October 3 1996 Elections October 7-11 1996 For more details, contact Louise Peel in the Education Unit, Union House, or E-matl J.Peel@uea.ac.uk

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18 Concrete, Wednesday , May 29 , 1996

Sport

•Everyone saw Chris Boardman win Olympic gold. Everyone met him. Not everyone met the man behind the bike. Andy Tyler did ... t ' ~ Sat urday morning and I'm sit ting in a cafe in C romer after anoth er harrowing, high speed trainin g rid e with th e lads from VC Norwi c h.

"That 's the great thin g about cyc ling, it tak e' you to 'omc of the nices t cafes." laughs the lyc ra-c.: lad man beside me as he stirs his tea .

Outside is hi ' o ld bike. with far too man y mil es on th e clod . for it' s ow n good . ll e · ~ got 52 )Cars o n his own c loc k. mind. bu t it hasn' t s l O\~e d him dov.n much.

It' s hard to believe I'm shari ng a bowl of suga r with a cyc ling legend. and I' m sun: mo\1 people 111 th e cafe don' t ~ no v. it e ither.

He i ~ talking abo ut aerod) nami cs again and, as eve r. I' m hanging on to every word .

For th is is Mike Burrows, the bloke tha t bro ught the wo rld 'The L o tu ~ Superbike' at the Barcelona O lympics.

I

Tlwt

1111111

on tlwt bike

SUNDAY DRIVERS he fast, f urious saloons of the British Touring Car Championsh ip will be causing in mayhem Norfolk on the weekend of June 15116, writes Sally Rose.

If you are a supporter, take your NUS card with you to Snetterton to half-price claim admission (£7 on Sunday), then sit back and enjoy the "' '"''''"' action.

Newcomers Audl (right) appear to be racing away with this season's title, but Volvo's Kelvin Burt (above), winner of the

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last race, will be among the mob of .drivers clamouring to close the gap.

H you are not a fan, you may find it difficult to avoid following Vectras, Mondeos and Lagunas on your way home from UEA • the meeting is notorious for causing tail-backs on the A11 .

So be prepared for traffic-jams and road rage either way!

PHOTOS: SALLY ROSE

On the Road to Recovery acific Racing has recovered from the financial troubles which forced it to pull out of Formula One at the end of 1995, finally resurfacing with three projects for this season, writes Sally Rose.

Team owner Keith Wiggins explained that, " Having won each of the single-seater cham· pionships under F1, we found that we could not compete there in the way that we would have liked, so we have gone through a restructuring process and have now diversified into other areas.''

The Thetford-based outfit has returned to Formula 3000, which they won in 1991 with Christian Fittipaldi, and came third in with David Coulthard in 1994.

Pacific are running two LolaZytek cars, the first driven by Patrick Lemarie, a 26-year·old Frenchman, and the other by the Brazilian Cristlano Da Matta, aged 22. Neither has raced in F3000 before.

The first round took place at the German Nurburgring on May 12. Lemarle recovered from 2oth on the grid to finish 12th, and his team-mate set the fourth fastest

P

lap-time and ran in seventh posi· tion before a minor off demoted him to ninth place.

Wiggins was relatively satis· fled. " The drivers were suffering from a lack of testing time In the cars. lt was important for them to finish their first race to build up their confidence, and we are looking forward to making fur· ther progress for the next race."

He also has plans to enter the sportscar arena. This season, Pacific are providing support for the American Riley and Scott prototype car at Le Mans on June 15 and 16, while also devel· oping their own design with a BRM chassis. " I see this as an ideal stepping stone into sportscar racing, with a view to running a full programme next year, Including Daytona and Le Mans," said Wiggins.

Although these new ambitions will not ease the di~ppolntment of the team's F1 memories, they are more In keeping with . their budget. Pacific are now under pressure to return to the win· ner's podium and this summer's results could be crucial for their f~re.

led me into motor spon and I raced cars for a while and was actuall y quite good at it. I' ve still got no real ambitions. ex cept to be happy I " I finally pluck up the courage to ask the quc ~ tion that is on most observers' lips. Concerning that Lotus business Mike. Did you make a stack of cash ?

There is an un comfortable sil ence.

Hi s face fa lls and a hint of bitt c m es~ comes in to hi s vo ice .

"No . 11 actuall y cost me severa l tho u'a nd po und s." he sighs. " Basica ll ) . a frie nd of mine was a Lotu s test driver and he sa" the bike hanging up in m) workshop one day and a' ~ed if he coul d take it to show hi s boss. I d id n' t go in to it try in g to make money. Don' t forget. I built the first version of the bi~e way back in 1982 and did the rounds then . telling bike manu facturers: " Hey. look at me , I've rein vented the wheel 1" But they didn ' t know where I was coming fro m. I' d as

" I th ink that recycling is an admission of failure. Why not build something good in the fi rst place and then keep re-using it instead of chucking it away?"

Th e Lotus ~tory is wrapped in myth and lege nd but I caught up with Mike long e nough for him to reveal the truth behind the fai ry tale.

So. what was he doing before Lotus and a certain C hristopher Boardman OBE thrust him into th e media spotlight '1 "Nothi ng exciting, mostl y building machines that made plastic bags, li ke cri sp packets. from a fla t sheet. Most of my busines~ wa~ for the plastic coi n bags that ban ks use, in fact every coi n that you have in your pocket has been through one of my machi nes se veral times.

"Oh yes". he laugh s, " I wa~ once probab ly the onl y blo ke in the world th at Barc lays Bank owed money to 1 I' d bee n mess ing about with bikes as a hobby for the previo us IS years or so. and had built things for other peo ple but I di dn't rea lly have any busin ess interest in them."

I ask him if he co nsiders him se lf to be an in ve ntor and I am qu ic kl y pu t straight.

"I' m an eng ineer!" he in forms me sharpl y. " Inve nt ors always try and sort out other people's problems, whil e enginee rs only try and so lve the ir ow n.

That' s the thing. you see, the bicycle wasn' t des igned for C hris Boardm an, it was o rig inall y fo r me. I needed something to help me go fas ter because I'm so bl oody use lessl I have n' t set out to ' in vent ' anything, I j ust like to improve existin g ideas. I' ve always had a tal ent for working with my hands and so lving real proble ms. T here have bee n thousand s o f attempt> to improve the bicycle, but none o f the m have actuall y tac kled what is wrong with it.''

But what did he want to be when he was at school. A trai n driver, like most kids ? " No, no, an astronaut 1 T he kids used to call me Spaceman - my hero was Dan Dare. I never reall y wan ted to be anythin g. My fi rst hobby was aeromodell ing and then I drifted into motoring and started as a sa les re p for my father's engi neering busin ess. That e ventually

good as give n up reall y, so it was nice to ge t them interes ted .

"The idea was to mass-produce a bike that sa id ' Lotu s' on it, and we' d use the Olympics as a launch pad. I d idn ' t have any great finan c ial expectations eve n then . but shortly afterwards (for reasons I still don ' t understand), things went so ur be tween us. I event ually got offered a design job wi th the bi ke manufacturer Giant, but because I still had a contract with Lot us, I had to ta ke legal adv ice to ge t out of it even though I thought they were the ones who broke things off. ·'After three years. I fin all y got paid the roya lti es on the seve n bikes that were

no-one looking over my shoulder. My major project at the minute is for a carbon fib re town bike for commuters. If it comes off. it'll be the biggest thing ever to hit the cy clin g industry ."

I' m ~udden l y reminded of a recent Ho ri zo n prog ramme and a sc ientist describing how diamond will be the next major breakthrough in material s sc ience.

As someone who brought carbon libre from spacec raft to bikes, what did he mak e of th at? ··In fac t, it 's al ready happening . I think the future li es in composites, you know. di amond fi bres i nstcad o f carbon fibres. Not so lid diamond like they said on the tc lly. that's no n ~e n se rea lly."

Too right - it' s dodgy e nough leavi ng your mountain bike outside Tesco 's, let alone two kil os of diamond. I menti o n thi s to Mike and he lau ghs out loud.

"Oh yes, old bikes have the ir place too. I ride to the pub every Thursday night on a 60-year-old bike and it's great. Funnil y enough, I get a lot of oppos i:ion from the Germans because carbon fibre isn' t recyc lable. I think that recycling is an adm iss ion of failure.

Why not bui ld something good in the first place and then keep re- using it instead of chucking it away? So yes, I make very nice bikes but by and large the world needs old, ru sty ones too!"

He has already ex plained th at he has no real ambitions, but what would he like to be doing in 20 years time, and how would he like to be remembered ? ''I'd love to be remembered as the bloke that improved the bicycle, perhap~ made it go a bit faster. But apart from that, if I ca n j ust keep doing what I' m doing now. that'd be ti ne. I've had I 5 years worki ng on my ideas now, and it ' ll be interesting to see whether they thin down to the point where I'm no longer of any use to any manufacturer. I don' t want to sit in meetin gs dec iding what colo ur nex t year' s bikes will be, which is

Mike Burrows - the man behind the myth bui lt, 25 quid each, but on the same day a so licitor's bill for £1500 landed on the doorm at. It didn' t make me rich, but the publici ty got me the job with G iant, so I' ve no regrets. They give me a lot more des ign freedo m, send me a nice cheque every month , an d the gaffer's 7,000 mil es away - what more could you ask for?"

He gigg les like a schoolboy, then continues. " I go to Taiwan once a year, we thrash out a series of projects fo r the comi ng year, and I co me back here wi th

mostly what designer do these days that' s not me! " I give lots of talks to universities and des ign colleges and I enjoy that. T he way I've acqui red my skill s and knowledge is seen as being very d ifferent from the tradit ional approac h and I alway s get a very posi ti ve response. In fact I' m going to the head office in Holl and tonight and then on to give a talk to some students there . Perhaps that might be a d irection to go in, I don' t know. But like I said , j ust to be happy, that' ll do me ."

Concrete, Wednesday, May 29, 1996

19

Sport

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Historr. made as football Firsts clinch fourth straight league title JUST before the Easter vacation, UEA's first XI suffered their first defeat In the local league, to championship rivals Rangers.

The players departed for their holidays believing that the trophy, which had been theirs for the past three years, might have slipped beyond their grasp.

However, their mood changed when they returned to Norwich to find that both Zenith Windows and Rangers had dropped points the week before, making league victory a possibility once again.

UEA needed to win their six remaining fixtures, and in their next match, against Zenith, they turned in one of their best displays of the season, coming in as convincing 5-0 winners.

"Quite simply that was the turning point," said captain Rob Crane, and from then on there were to be no more mistakes.

Norwich Union, Easton,

FOOTBALL Jubilee, Tuddenham Sedgewick and finally Felthorpe were all brushed aside as UEA clinched the title in style.

Top scorer was fust year Matt Jelly, although goals came from throughout the team, with strikers lan Nundy and Stuart Aetcher both notching up over 20 apiece. Even goalkeeper George Patten tried to get on the score sheet, although his effort was ruled out for a foul!

So another record was set, with UEA's goal difference of plus 115 being the highest in the league's 69 year history.

Crane, understandably over the moon, said "It has been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster

this year, but I always felt we were strong enough to do it. The spirit we've shown since Easter has been tremendous."

The team now aim to equal the current record of five consecutive championship victories, last achieved by the great Trowse Villa sides from 1956 to 1960.

UEA's hard work will be rewarded next week, when an unprecedented five members of the team will play in the league' s representative side.

Crane probably best summed up the feeling of the Firsts, proudly saying "We're as 'appy as parrots!"

Squad: Tomas Amesen, Danny Bennett, Jim Colvin, Rob Crane, Dan Evans, Stuart Fletcher, Adam Godwin, Andy lngharn, Matt Jelly, lan Nundy, George Patten, Kevin Robinson and Steve Taylor.

"As 'appy as parrots"- The UEA first team, plus Seconds' captain Mark Coleman, shows off the club's hard-earned silverware

...and Seconds victory makes it a double Final Offence-ive FOLLOWING the success of the first team, the footballclub was given even more reason to cheer as the reserves won the Division Two trophy.

Probably the best reserve side to ever grace the Colney turf, the Seconds ended up comfortable champions of the division they had been promoted to just last season.

Along with their medals, the players can take pride in being

the only side to remain unbeaten throughout the season, a feat never before achieved in the league's 70-year history.

Captain Mark Coleman remarked "It's been a pleasure to play in such a talented team. I am just glad we realised our poten-

tial and won the league - remaining undefeated was a bonus!"

It was mainly as a result of all the players' commitment and effort that the title came to the University for the frrst time.

However, a special mention must go to the assured defending of Steve Holmes, the exhilarating pace of Darren Malloy on the wing, and the finishing of for-

wards Jim Turner and Steve Taylor, who together scored over 40 of the team's 97 league goals.

Squad: Bobby Ansell, Tom Armstrong, Simon Cockfield, Calvin Dawson, Mark Goodacre, Tim Hodge, Steve Holmes, Andy Ingham, Luke Knight, Darren Molloy, Matt Rossiter, Col in Smithers, Steve Taylor and Jim Turner.

Service for the Serv AFTER another year of trials, tribulations and the occasional trophy, UEA's sporting fraternity gathered on Tuesday 14 to celebrate this year's successes, at the Service To Sport Awards.

Commonwealth Games medalist Wendy Sly presented the Sports Person of the Year Award to ace goalkeeper George Patten, following his prestigious career in the UEA and British Universities' football teams.

At the same time, the men' badminton club received the Team of the Year Award, and eight other students were rewarded for their contribution to the running of their respective clubs.

Martin Airey (Athletics), Jim Colvin (Football), Rachel Cox

George Patten Sportsperson of the Year

..----By----.

Scott Tompsett (Boat), Susie Duncan (Netball and Badminton), Alex Fra er (Rugby and Cricket), Anthony Lythell (Sub Aqua), Phillipe Penstich (Volleyball) and Colin Wood (Sailing) all gained recognition for their work behind the scenes.

A special presentation was made to chemistry lecturer Keith Grasby who voluntarily gives athletics coaching, and whose Tuesday and Thursday circuit sessions have become infamous.

Keith Nicholls, UEA's Director of Physical Recreation, expre sed his pride in the latest sporting developments, which include the first awards of sport bursaries and the appointment of Les Allworthy as the new fulltime ports club co-ordinator.

Nicholls also praised outgoing Sports Officer Colin Wood for his sterling work thi year, giving credit to the way Colin successfully "trod a fine line between the University and the Students Union."

Colin, whilst grateful to

receive this accolade, said he was "embarrassed" when he collected his own award. He added that he hopes "the award is for my efforts in the sailing club and not merely for my work as Sports Officer."

Guest Wendy Sly was very impres ed with the commitment UEA showed to sport by ho ting the evening, and commented: "It brought back the days when I was competing at university."

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CLUB captain Marcos Simpson bid farewell to UEA fencing by leading his team to victory In the recent Norfolk Cup competition, writes Vel Murphy.

The team of Simpson, Steve Pope and Dom Hagyard overwhelmed the opposttton, including local big shots and last year's . winners Great Yarrnouth, to regain the trophy that UEA last won in 1994.

UBA showed that they were psyched up as they destroyed Norwich School, Norfolk and Afondo along the way to the decider against Yannouth.

At first it looked like Yarmouth would secure the win, after UEA had a disastrous start which saw them 15-17 down after three bouts.

Hagyard was put into attack and, using his speed and technique, they managed to close the gap to 20-19.

Simpson managed to establish control of his bout, but then injured his opponent in a freak accident, giving UEA a 25-21 lead. Steve Pope quickly seized on the advantage. increasing the score to 30-21.

Yannouth used their substi¡ tutes in an attempt to fight back, but the UBA trio were uncompromtsmg in their attacks, with Pope having a particularly good match.

Simpson commented: "Pope has determination and flair, and is uncompromising in his will to succeed. l was very happy to win today. After representing UEA so many times. it was great to end on such a high note."

Simpson played an integral part in expanding the club in his second year and, now in his fourth, he has been concentrating on increasing awareness of the sport, whilst implementing techniques he learnt during his year in Spain.

He said: "Dom and Chris Wilkins have been great this year and have helped me to achieve all T wanted to do for the club. It is now up to our suecessors to carry on the work."

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Conc rete, Wednesday, May 29 , 1996

Grand

balls UP.....

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EMBARRASSMENT surrounded the Grand P rix , after a miscalculation d rastically altered t he final standings of the popular annual event. lt was originally announced that Run Sara Over had won the prestigious title for the second year in succession , with The Naked Apes two points behind.

But one vital error slipped into the scoring, when the umpire in the table tennis event inadvertently mixed up the results of a single game.

The subseque nt change in the overall results was enough to make the difference between The Naked Apes comin g second and tying for first place.

The mistake was discovered by members of the swindled team, and was immediately invesigated by Deputy Director of Physical Recreation and Grand Prix co-ordinator Rachel Tome s, who verified the error.

Gareth Rees, team captain of Run Sara Over, sportingly com mented: "There is no reason to be upset, the result was really close anyway."

Captian of the Naked Apes , Pete Jordan, said : "We are delighted with the result. Both team s worked really hard over the year."

Rachel herself said: "In future, problems like this can be avoided by teams reporting innacuracies to me within a week of them being posted rather than months after the event has taken place."

Bee/ford bearers: UEA 's vicrorious boat club members (Back row (1-r): Fran Tippet/, Caroline Jackson, cox Norman Kemp, Shanti Barges, Stephanie Baumann; Frolll row (1-r): Hem)' Chalmers, Andy Young, Bruce Rhodes, Paul Burgess, cox lames Bracey, Oly Ryder, Nick Armitage, 0/iver Robinson, Richard Kelsey) THE MEN ' S and women ' s teams recently c ompeted i n t he Bedford Regatta, touching o ars w ith so m e of the best rowing t eams in the country.

The first regalia of the season drew opposition fro m the Oxbridge Colleges and many of the top English univc r~itic' and clubs. eedless to say the event prov ided an early test for the UEA crews.

By ------...

Having spent the Easter holidays trai ning intensively on Peterborough's multi-lane Andy Young course, the men's first V III put in a superb performance to win the senior 3-eights title senior competition and put in an equally by con\incingly beating Newcastle impre. ive performance, winnmg all of their Un i versity and Christchurch College, three races to take victory in the final against Oxford.

Staincs Boat Club.

The women's novice IV graduated to These successes follow a hard winter of

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training in which the teams have put in up to 20 hours a week often getting to the riverbank as early as 6am.

Part of the training includes long-di stance races (called head-races), which the Boat Club has been very strong in recently.

The men.'s and women's senior 3-fours recently won the Norfolk and Suffolk Small Boats Head and made a clean sweep in the women's senior 3-fours and the novice men's fours at the Norwich Head.

Further afield, the men were in the top eight of the sen ior first crews at the

No!!ingham Trent Head, whilst the women's first eight finished 68 places higher than last year, coming ! 86th out of the 420 teams who competed on the Thames. Amongst these was a throng of national and international standard teams.

More success will undoubtedly follow as this year's crews race nearly every weekend at regattas all over the country.

The biggest test of the season will undoubtedly come in July, when the club sets it's sights on the annual Henley Royal Regatta.

We wish all our tenants a

Happy Holiday!

•

We regret that this year we are unable to rent rooms over the summer

the students' .landlord