Concrete issue 067 27 11 1996

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Concrete goes Christ111as crazy as our Intrepid experts flncl out the best crackers 111oney can buy

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Ruth Rendell talks gives the low-down on her latest book

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Union defends its actions in face of P-Olice criticism over drug~ P-roblem

THE ROCKY Horror Show returned to UEA last week, and proved to be a resounding success. Over 800 people turned out In kinky clobber to support RAG's biggest money spinning event of the year. RAG President Laura Platts commented, "lt went very well, much better than expected, especially in view of the problems we had last year."

Full story, page 6

A UNION manager has hit back at criticism, after UEA became the target for a police drugs raid which lead to 53 arrests including three charges of intention to supply.

The drugs operation which took By "They are in a responsible place at the Return to the Source • position and they have a lot of club on November 15, was lead Jane K1rby opportunity. " by the Norfolk Constabulary But Union Entertainments drug squad who stopped and needing drugs to do so," she Manager, Nick Rayns defended the Union's position, saying, questioned 200 people before said. they entered the LCR. "There is potential for disas¡ "All the licensee managers are University Police Liaison ter, just because no-one died at quite positive in our desire not to Officer, Inspector Sandra UEA there is this feeling that it have any taking of drugs on the Wilkinson, who was involved in is watertight." premises. the operation, believes that the Inspector Wilkinson then "There is no more of a drugs Union has become complacent attacked the Union for its lack of problem at UEA than there is on the drugs issue. policy regarding drugs. anywhere else in the country."

"I find it disappointing that "It would begin to get through He branded local press coverpeople cannot and enjoy what to people if the Union would age of the raid "irresponsible, was obviously an excellent night stand up against drugs and mean sensationalist and inaccurate", out without one in four people it," she said. continued on page 2

2continued Concrete, Wednesday, N;o:v:e~m~b:e:r~2~7~路~19~9~6~----------------------------------------------------------------------------------, from front page

continued from front page adding that bad publicity "discourages people from coming to UEA for events."

Mr Rayns is now calling for greater communication between the Union, the University and local police in an effort to lessen the drugs problem at UEA. " If the University is going to have a drugs initiative, my argument is that they should do it in conjunction with the Union ," he said. " University security do not tell us as a matter of policy if there is a police operation on campus, but we should be there helping them to do that."

However, Mr Rayns admitted that there was little chance of eradicating drugs on campus.

"There is no conceivable way we can stop people taking drugs and we will never get to that stage," he said.

Union Communications Officer, Nick Robinson added that the Union acted merely as an advisory body and had no set policy regarding drugs. " I'm not sure that there is a policy, we abide by the law," he said.

"What we do is best advise people in the safe use of drugs, it's better to educate people how they can go wrong. " A spokesperson for Return the Source admitted that drug abuse was a problem that could not easily be stamped out.

"The security at UEA is very tough ," he said. " But youngsters by their very nature will always find ways and mean s o f getting drugs into venues."

UEA students P-Ort in boy_c:ott as Uni

staff P-_rotest over ~y UEA STAFF and students joined in the National Higher Education Shutdown last week in the protest against cuts in education funding and low pay increases for University staff of between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent.

Many UEA students were absent from lectures and seminars for the day of action which included a rally in the LCR where students could pledge their support.

However, just 130 students, less than two percent of UEA's student population, were present at the rally.

Union Publicity Officer, Stuart Savage, said the day was a "success" but blamed the poor turnout at the rally on the weather and the fact that students were asked to boycott lectures. " We asked students not to come onto campus so we couldn ' t expect a bigger turnout," he said.

SHUTDOWN A sample survey showed that 61 per cent of academic staff participated in the shutdown, but in some schools lOO per cent of

By Katie Nicholl

faculty staff went on strike.

Said Dean of BIO, Dr lan Gibson, " It was exciting to see people out on the picket lines and getting a feeling of togetherness again. " Clearly many students had stayed away for the day and were supportive of the lecturers and other staff who were taking action," he added.

The picket lines, which blocked the Colney Lane, University Drive and Bluebe ll Road entrances to campus began at 6am and continued throughout the day, despite o ne student being arrested by police.

A RREST DEV student, Edw ard Manningham, was charged with a

public order offence assault towards the President of UEA ' s Conservative Students, Jim Vessey.

Edward received several warnings from police officers prior to the arrest, but defended his actions, saying, "1 think it's absolutely ludicrous that I can' t say these things in public. There wasn ' t even a hint of physical violence."

Jim denied instigating the attack, " I did nothing to provoke the situation. If he wished to shout obscenities, he should face the consequences."

"They made it clear officiall y that it was a sympathy strike and they are not allowed to do that," he said.

accusations.

"Jim Vessey has got the wron end of the stick," he said,

LEGA L ACTION Jim now plans to take legal action against the Union its "promoting of a sympathy strike" in information leaflets handed out by members of the Executive at the rally .

...and UEA students join London demo Otley honours UEA HAS validated Bsc Honours degrees in conservatio n management from Otley College.

Pro- Vice Chancellor, Dr Richard Jones presented graduation certificates to students from the college at a reception 13 days ago.

The degree includes teaching students about countryside and environmental management, and some third year finalists are to present research papers next month at the British Ecological Society Conference.

DESPITE a disappointing turnout of less than 40 students, UEA continued student action by supporting the Campaign for Free Education demonstration in London.

An estimated 5,000 students from across the country marched from Malet Street to Kennington Park to protest against the introduction of tuition fees and further cuts in higher education funding.

Union Internal Officer, Josh KaldorRobinson was pleased with the turnout for the national demonstration. " It was great to see so many students, especially students from UEA, but what is an absolute tragedy is that the NUS didn ' t support us," he said.

NUS refused to support the demonstration on the grounds that the aims of the CFE are in contrast to its policy

which campaigns against tutition fees but does not call for a return to 1979 grant levels.

NUS National Executive Member, Andy Pakes, defended the NUS' decision not to join the CFE. "The CFE demonstration was not about tuition fees, it was an attack on NUS and its policy," he said.

Women's Nevertheless, NUS Officer, Alison Brown assisted in organising the demonstration , despite the lack of NUS support.

"The reason why CFE have organised it and NUS hasn ' t backed it is because we put students at the front of campaigning," she said.

Guest speaker at the demonstration, Tony Benn MP urged students to continue the fight against further cuts in higher education funding. "Organise, don ' t mourn, organise," he said. " I think this is a fight we will win ."

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

1

Students brand residences unsafe following several accidents on roofs 1

THE UNIVERSITY has been forced to consider Its approach to safety following Incidents Involving students InJuring themselves falling from roofs, writes Gwen Truman.

Danger time: Students sunbathing on Norfolk Terrace roofs during hot weather

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Students living m Norfolk Terrace are complairung about the lack of railinb>s and Y.arnmg s1gn on the roof, where everal incidents have occurred this year EA student H nnah Daw fell one floor, havmg not noticed the end of the balcony Hannah suffered concu ion und u fractured kneecap and IS tiU unable to walk Without the a1d of crutches e\en weeks after the mcident.

"The Umverslt' hasn't really come to me and offered m any help,' she said.

"A fluore cent tnp around the top of balconies or some railings would help prevent thts kind of accident.'

EUR first ye r Fabrice Longue al fell from a balcony on orfolk Terrace. everely twi ttng hi ankle ~ hich has prevented him from partic1patmg in variou spore for over a month .

Said UEA Safety Officer, Dr Alan Lloyd Smith "The University etthcr need to pa} to make the balconies afer or stop peopl gomg out on them ' He added I feel that the l niversity simply do not want to pay the mone\ and I am not atisfied that they arc taking the right steps. " AccommodatiOn Manager Clive

Winter pecified that the roofs of No~ olk Terrace 'were not designed to be u ed as balcomes", and added that the Universily has launched an inve tJgatmn mto the accident .

UEA Director Safety, Mr Thomas, who is in charge of the mvestJgatwns aid, "It 1 sllll very much under dlSCu mn and is really a matter of how tudents can have a much freedom as po tble y. ithout o tually putting themselve at n k.

Mr Thoma~ is now waiting for a report to be compiled bv the Norwich C1ty Council Health nd afety team before meetmg early ne 1 seme ter with the Univer ity Health and ufety Advi ory Committee

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Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

Making

COMING OUT

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again

l!gy of student supP..orf announced by LGB EAST MET West, q uite lit era lly o n Wednesday , November 13, writes Chris Jones.

The UEA His tory Society staged "Clash of the Titans 11", a Russ ian History debate on "The Fa ll of the Soviet System".

Visiting Russian scholar, Dr Sergei Ku dryashov, deba ted the question wit h UEA's Professor of Russian and European History.

Edward Acton.

Dr Kudryashov is originally from Moscow and is spending the academic year at UEA's School of I !istory .

A specialist on the Stalin period, Dr Kudryashov is 路 also considered to be one of the most gifted Russia n historians of his generation.

Dr Kud ryas hov began the Russia debate by proposing that the "fall " came from the ' inside', to which Professor Acton reacted by espousing a more Western approach, providing enough points of disagreement and contenti on between the two scholars to fire a lively debate.

Professor Acton commented, "The audience found Dr Kudryashov engagi ng, he is one f the more intellectua ll y interesting young historian~."

LGB President Dan Helier, and LGB Officer Car/a Moore _..unnnn for LGB week

LESBIAN, GAY, bisexual and transsexual loud and proud as possible on a day sexuality, writes Jane Rigby..Jones. ' Coming Out Day' will be held at UEA on November 28 to create a greater awareness of gay issues and raise the profile of gay students on campus and in the community.

There will be a stall in The Hi ve du ring the day and a selection of films will be shown in the evening.

President of the UEA LOB Society, Daniel Helier, believe the day will help to increase awareness amongst students and raise the profile of the LOB in the wider community.

"Obviously that is the priority of the day to get people feeling more comfortable about themselves" he said. " Research has shown that you can be homophobic until you know a gay person," he added.

The day will also allow those who have already come out to reaffirm their status and

students are being encouraged to be as dedicated to the celebration of every encourage others to do the same.

"Tt's offering the opportunity for people to say 'come on, you can do it'", said Union LOB Officer, Carla Moore.

"It's a very positive and enlightening thing to do.''

She added that she believed UEA to be an ''extremely supportive'' environment for gay people, but was aware that homophobia could still exist.

If the event is a success, it's organisers hope it will lead to further campaigns on national issues and regular events are being planned at UEA to integrate all students with the LOB. ''We found beforehand that it had been very much a elect clique of people,., sa id Carla.

"We just wa nt to make it more accessible to everybody."

Aid for AIDS Students attacked in city puh THE UNION is planning a day of activities on December 2 to coincide with World Aids Day. Un io n Welfare Officer, Paul Donnell y is planning to how film in the LCR fo llowed by a candlelit vigil in The Square to remember all those who have died from AIDS. Condoms and safer sex

inform ation will also be distributed to promote l-I lY and AIDS awareness.

A leafl et is also being produced which will reveal the results of a survey conducted last wee k to discover the extent of st ude nt awareness concerning HIV and Al D.

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Happy Xmas

FOUR UEA students suffered a vicious attack in a Norwich pub, resulting in two of them being taken for treatment to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

Hogshead Ale House said The incident occurred at B y - - - that it was the first time the Hogshead Ale House in Jane Rigby-Jones such an attack had taken Queen's Street in the City place on his premises. at 10.45pm on Friday, "lt was just a normal thinking they'd have a bit November 8. fight as far as I'm conThe police believe that of a laugh," he added.

Union Race Awareness cerned, these things hapthe attack was not racially motivated, despite the fact Officer, Ranjit Singh, was . pen, " he said.

Following publicity of that two of the victims shocked by news of the the attack, the police were attack. were Asian.

"The police never think given anonymous informa"We get plenty of fights in the pubs and clubs but that incidents like this are tion and a man is helping there don't seem to be racially motivated", he them with their enquiries. many racial incidents", said. said PC Hood from the "lt's hard to feel there's not a racial element to it, Norfolk Constabularly.

"I think it was more a you do stand out here in case of a stupid bunch of Norwich."

The proprietor of the prats getting drunk and

As Ch ri stmas comes around again, Concrete, in conjunction with the makers of Australia ' s favourite soda, have managed to obtain a case of Sub Zero to give away.

Sub Zero are promoting th eir Christmas menu which incl udes vari ous cockta il concoction : Sub Zero with bl ackcurrant makes Sub-Atomic, Sub Zero with Blue Curacao makes Sub-Marine and there's even Sub Zero with Peach Schnapps Sub-tle.

To win a bott le of this fan tastic drink, call into the Co ncrete Office upstairs in Union House and tell us the recipe for your own cocktail!

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27 , 1996

•

Students Forum votes to ban PeP.si from Union outlets A quorate Student's Forum voted to ban Pepsl from Union outlets last Friday, writes Katle Nlcho/1.

The decision comes after 196 students voted unanimously for a ban at an inqourate UGM on October 21.

The ban is in support of a campaign called by Third World First to boycott Pepsi products due the company's controversial involvement with Burma, .where human rights violations have caused an outcry.

Said Spokesperson for the campaign, Andrew Bennett, "We are asking students not to drink Pepsi and we are asking Student Unions across the country to stop selling Pepsi in Union shops and vending outlets."

There is at present a five year contract between Britvic-Pepsi and National Union of Students Services Limited (NUSSL). A total boycott would violate this contract.

Said Ali on Troughton

5

NUSSL, "If UEA vote to boycott Pepsi, it would lead to disciplinary action and expulsion from us, the purchasing consortium."

Hugh Simms, a member of the Ethical and Environmental Committee of NUSSL commented that because the majority of Student Unions were a part of NUSSL, the sale of Pepsi from Union bars will still have to continue due to the compulsory deal .

A spokesperson for Pepsi said that they were "very concerned" about student feeling on this issue, and added, "Pepsi has done everything legally possible to get out of Burma.

Pepsi has no assets, pays no taxes and has no employers there."

The full extent of the ban remains unclear, however, as it is probable that any ban resulting in significant fmancial loss to the Union or expulsion from NUSSL, would be questioned by the Union trustees and directors.

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A fair chance?

STUDENTS looking ahead to their post-university career will be able to meet prospective employers at a London careers fair in March next year.

THE NUS have got together with Endsleigh Insurance to encourage more students to the ballot box, writes Debbie Marco.

Rock the Vote on November 29 will enable students at UEA to go to a party in the LCR or The Hive, where they will receive preprinted voter registration cards to complete and hand in to the Union or local Endsleigh Branch.

NUS President Douglas Trainer aims to prevent the 2.5 million students who failed to vote in the 1992 election lipping through the net again.

Stressing th e importance of student's rights to vote, he said, "One in five young people are not on the list and with a General Election just around the corner it is really important that students will have the right to vote."

Safety first A NEW publicity campaign has recently been launched by the Health and Safety Commission to prevent deaths from Carbon monoxide poisoning, writes Katle Crockett.

New Gas Safety Regulations which came into force early this month, make landlords responsible for carrying out safety checks on appliances and providing tenants with a copy of the records.

Said HSC Chairman Frank Davies, " Students and young people in rented accommodation are among the vulnerable groups and we intend to ensure that they know how the law now protects them."

Further information can be obtained by calling: 0800 300 363.

AFTER LAST year's controversial ban by the Union for it's 'drunkenness and debauchery', the Rocky Horror Show set UEA alight last Saturday and raised over £1600 for charity, writes Jane Kirby.

Mo re than 800 students dressed to thrill for the Rag event, which included Rocky Horror Picture how film clippings and a stage show.

UEA Rag President Laura

Platts admitted to having experienced stagefright before the event but said she was "very pleased" with the turnout and the money raised.

At least £800 will be sent to

each of Rag's two chosen charities The Norfollk Voluntary Hostels Group and Scope.

Union Finance Officer, 'Ginge' Kaye said, "It was excellent and everybody had a great time."

But he added, "It ju t show how wrong it wa for the Union

'Sounds good to e'...

THE WATERFRONT is to buy a PA system from Norwich City Council for £20,000, writes Philip de Rivaz.

The system, which has resided at The Waterfront since the club first op~ned , will be bought using money from The Waterfront's own account.

Union Communication Officer, Nick Robin on , believes that the purchase will be of benefit to students at UEA. "The PA system will make The Waterfront a more stable place so that it can keep

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putting on events for students and the local community," he said.

Union Finance Officer, ' Ginge ' Kaye also highlighted the fact that buying the system means that money will be saved in the future. " We ' ve got to the stage where we are able to afford the P A system and this i beneficial because we won ' t owe the Council any rent for

Movie Mania

f you've ever used the world-wide web then you will have no doubt stumbled across one of the many film sites, both official and unofficial, that are out there.

However, there is always a wealth of new information as Hype's John Houston found out...

I

The first stop on my travels, and to my mind the best, is the Internet Movie Database (http : /I u k . i m db . c o m!} .

Originally started at Cardiff University the Internet Movie Database went commercial about a year ago when the owners realised how popular the site was (and some might say when they realised how much money they could make from the venture). All of the information on the database has been contributed by visitors to the site and varies

to ban it last year."

Despite complaints from ome students that there was no 'Rocky Punch', many third year student agreed that it "was better than the year before the last."

Union Publicity Officer, Stuart Savage concluded, "I never expected action like tbi !

from film to film, although the new releases tend to have the most information. Using the database you can search for films by title , actor's name, character name, and even by a keyword search in the biographies that have been accumulated. So if you've ever wondered who the set dresser on Trainspotting was then head straight over there and lose yourself in the mine of useless information.

You've seen the movie, read the book (you've probably even worn the T-Shirt) but have you visited the website?

Well, more and more films have their own websites which digitally absorb you into the plot. These range from a virtual tour of the new USS Enterprise (http://www.firstcontact.com/) to selected pictures and clips from the

(http://www.moviecritic.com/).

Just rate 12 films that you've seen and then Movie Critic will tell you which other films you will like. As this is based on the ratings you give the more you rate the better the predictions - but don't expect too much, I suspect that Mystic Meg may be almost as reliable!

UK's top film, Trainspotting (http://www.miramax.com/mov ies/trainspo.html) . JG Films (http://www.jgfilms.com/) have taken this one step further by releasing the short film 'The Man With Two Cigarettes" via the internet, although cinemas are probably safe for the time being.

devoted to reviewing films (http://www.mrshowbiz.com/re views/moviereviewsl) as well as the slightly more personal newsgroups (see, for example, news:uk.media.films) where you discuss all the up-coming features (including a liveaction version of the much loved Mr Benn) .

The only question that the official sites leave to be answered is "Is it worth seeing the film? ". To find this out try reading some of the on-line reviews. There are whole sites

Have you ever thought to yourself "If only I knew if I would like a film before I saw it?" (ok, maybe you haven't), well fret no longer as to your rescue comes The Movie Critic

And finally for all those of you who don't know what's being shown at your local cinema try the UK cinema listings (http://movieweb.co. ukl) which lists most cinemas between End and John Land's O'Groats. Hype's website can be found by going UEA homepage > Student Media > Hype.

Websites of the Week

Suck http://www.suck.com In their words: "an experiment in provocation, mordant

The Graduate Recruitment Fair will take place from March 2-4 at ' the London Arena, and will also allow students to discover which vacancies are available.

Tim Walsh, who is organising the event, claims that it will be "an excellent opportunity for prospective and present graduates to gain that essential next step up the career ladder."

He also pointed out that there will be a number of companies looking to "find candidates to help secure the future of their business."

Interested tudents can gather more information by calling 01823 433933.

Relaxing remedies

THE UNIVERSITY Counselling Service in conjunction with the Health Centre is to launch a series of relaxation workshops and is hoping to encourage students to participate.

The workshops include relaxation techniques, head and shoulder massage and a session covering examination nerves and how to prevent the stress and strain becoming too much. ' Relaxation Skills' will be on November 13 and 27, ' Massage' on November 20 or December 4 and 'Examination Nerves' on December 11 or January 15.

The workshops cost £5 per session and to enrol, simply fill in an application form at the Counselling Services Centre situated behind the Careers Centre, or contact Christine Jape on 592651.

deconstructionism, and buzzsaw journalism". Two new (mainly US) victims every day.

UEA Classified Ads news: uea.classified Want to flog your old guitar, car, leather-effect armchair, etc.? Try this UEA-only newsgroup for size. Also has the advantage that no-one can pin their notice on top of yours.

The Web Voyeur http://pobox.com/- voyeur/ Links to hundreds of surveillance cameras and live images of everything from iguanas in the US to people's feet at QMC in London.

lt's French Fries http :// www. selectware.corn/fries/ Everything you didn't want to know about chips. Includes the riveting "Official US French Fry Color Standard Chart"

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

7

Features ett's one of the year's most unlikely debates, but people are beginning to question the value of mature students in our universities. Ashley Perks investigates the rage against the age s there a generation gap among students that threatens to engulf Britain's finest young brains? Is the presence of older people in seminars bad for your intellectual health? Is your academic ability being undermined by Oldies?

Following my lighthearted letter in Concrete {October 16) concerning mature students, the subsequent edition contained an unexpectedly vitriolic piece of writing, allegedly from a second year EAS student, which suggested that "mature students ... actually get in the way of a traditional higher education for most." lt seems that we have an issue of true debate here.

I have been talking to mature students, students in general {'immature students', anyone?l), lecturers and University Admissions officials about the role and relevance of mature students in higher education. But first, a bit of history.

The idea of recruiting mature students seems to have gained significance in the immediate postSecond World War era, when the need for re-building the economic, social and intellectual infrastructure of the country was self evident.

Men and women who had had their higher education interrupted by the War were re-introduced with concessions being made for their insertion beyond the normal age limit. The sad loss of so many young lives also created a deficiency in potential graduates of education, business, science, law and medicine.

Recruitment of mature students has remained a significant part of university admissions policy ever since.

As far as UEA is concerned, Naomi Perone of Admission confirmed that the University policy on admitting mature students remained unchanged from that stated in this years' prospectus.

This reads as follows: "UEA welcomes applications from mature students - that is anyone aged over 21 when they first register. Their breadth of experience enriches the UEA

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community, and their commitment acts as a positive catalyst in the academic environment. Many achieve excellent academic results."

The prospectus boasts that of those registered in the first year for this academic year

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i rit are often more conscientious becausetheyfeelata disadvantage, having in most cases been out of full time education for as much as 20 or even 30 years.

In most cases, students come to appreciate their 'mature' colleagues for, as time progresses,

all students, I found the first few weeks were very stressful, but I think it is more so for mature students who have been out of a learning environment for some time."

She goes on to point out that the reason why mature students seem to be more confident in class discussions is concerned with them having had to assert

comments, "When I go into the first seminar of a new year, I am always pleased to find a few 'mature' faces.

Mature students bring experience and, dare I say it, maturity to the group and this greatly enriches the debates.

played by mature students, not just in seminars but in the overall social scene at University.

"Contrary to popular misconceptions," she said, "we do know how to enjoy ourselves as the high turnout and constant l~ughter at our social evenings goes to show!"

So it seems that the prospectus is right. Most people feel that the "positive commitment" of mature students is a bonus to the intellectual and social environment of university life.

Far from needing a government health warning , it would seem that mature students can be good for you. Thankfully, along with racism and sexism , ageism has no place in life at UEA.

When I go into the firs sem ar o a new year, I am always pleased to find a few 'mature' faces. Mature students bring experience to the group and this greatly enriches the ebates" - Dr Robert h rt o "I am always amazed to find that there seems to be no upper-age limit on intellectual ability and the functioning of the old 'grey matter'!"

Sue Grimes, President of the Mature Students' Society at UEA, was also keen to highlight the positive role

themselves in the workplace and in society generally.

The feeling among academic staff is that mature students can bring a certain amount of harmony to the seminar group. Or Robert Short {EUR)

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96/97, the number of mature students makes up 34 per cent of the total intake.

So how do people feel about the presence of mature students in the seminars? lt is common to find that mature students generally have no qualms about speaking out in response to lecturer's questions or in general debates. This, understandably, gives rise to a certain amount of negative feeling.

However, we need to be careful not to tar all mature students with the same brush. There are those who are seen as annoying, but at the same time, mature students who are prominent in lecture debates can stimulate discussion which may not have taken place in a class of more reticent students.

Mature students are in exactly the same position as everyone else in so far as the work is concerned, but

friendships are formed, and in moments of panic, mature students can be relied upon to have a good set of notes and some helpful advice about an essay or a class presentation.

EAS third year, lain Hollands, who joined university straight from school, comments, "There are certainly some mature students who can be a little, shall we say, overenthusiastic. But having said that, if you have given up a decent job and made concessions to come to university, then good luck to you .

"When surrounded by 18 to 21-year-olds, mature students can bring a fresh perspective to campus life," he adds.

Fiona Ponikwer, a former mature student, says, "I gave up a really good salary to come here and get the degree I was unable to study for when leaving school. Like

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beef. pepperoni. mushroom, onions Tuna. prawns, sanlines, fresh tomatoes Spil} sam;age, peppcmni. CJU"ihed chilli, onions, fresh tomaltll'S Fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, sweetcorn, onions

Try our home-made pasta dishes: Beef or vegetable lasagne or a generous helping of spaghetti bolognaise - all only £4.75 Or some little extras: Garlic bread £1.25, mixed side salad £1.50, coleslaw 85p, baked potatoes from £1. 75, gateaux or cheesecake from £1.50

Voted Number one bylconcretel(issue 44) Open every evening- Mon- Sat 5- 11pm, Sun 6- 10pm.

Last orders 10pm. Free UEA deliveries to Porters Lodge, VIllage Site or Union House reception only.

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POST OFFICE TORCH AND BATTERY £1.49 GREETINGS CARDS £1.25 CPACI( OF TENJ

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espendlng a frosty mornl~g chopping down t~~rch treeS in the middle of the NorfOlk countryside may not be everybody's idea of a great laugh. However, Scott Tompsett argues otherwise after -an l,_.ndlng diiYS volunteer work for the Broads Authority

W

ednesday morning, 9am, five degrees centtgrade, four

a century • was dominated bY wetland and reed beds, Is now covered by dense woodland, a habitat which of course Is ~to the diverse range of IPede8 which depend on the unique

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and a thennos flalik.

I'm not embarking on a polar expedition (although lt feels like it) • no, I am about to go and work on a

~conditions.

blood ooui'81nci~k thl'lough

Norfolk Broads conservation project for the day.

AftM having set my alarm clock one hour early by mistake I have b$en sitting on the steps outside of the Broads Authority oftlcel for an hour and a hlllf and I am

n.:ao~~

becoming rapidly delirious with the cold.

But just as I give up all hope of ever being able to feel my hands again, a Land Rover rounds the bend and Alan the driver welcomes me lnto the warm car.

lt'a;uat..., mlrMM&by . . . . . . . .. ~a oaanlfy,..,.r-.: .

----~

further Mlf mile walk takM us to the Site. The

scene that confronts me is closer to the set from Apocalypse Now than I had expected: smoke drtfts through a small WOOd surrounded by Mallh, and there In the distance, running along a ten, 11 a strip of waist height atumps, which W8r8, unll~, a small~ of l*ch 1real.

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· 12 Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

eo crete l

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, January 27 to have your letter included in the next issue) at the address below or via our postboxes in the foyer of Union House, marking your correspondence for the attention of the Editor, James Curtis. Anonymity will be respected but you must include both your name and address in the first instance.

[commen~ Rocky's glorious comeback

The long awajted return of the Rocky Horror Show has proyed a great success.

Now that the Union and Rag have finally been able to come to an understanding the students get on with the serious business of partying. The Rocky Horror show combines an evening of top entertainment with a good deed for local and national charities.

Let's hope that the mjnjmum of £1600 raised by the show jn thjs event alone inspires further eyenjngs of charity benefjttjng entertainment

Stop being Dopey Police criticism of the Union can only rajse guestlons about what exactly UEA js dojng to counteract drug abuse.

The 53 arrests at Return to the Source on November 15 undoubtedly highlights the need for increased University and Union action. Union Entertainments Manager, Nick Rayns has commented that the Union needs to increase drugs awareness, and provide more facilities for drugs counselling on campus.

The local press may have sensatinalised the facts. but the Unjon needs to make jt clear where it stands on the drugs guestjon.

Taking it to the Max The decision by Students Forum to ban Pepsj from all Unjon outlets preyents indjyjdual students from hayjng a chojce.

The decision was passed on to Forum from an inquorate UGMwhere just 196 students turned out. Most students are not interseted in the political motivation behind the decision, but do want the choice between Pepsi and Coke.

When will the Unjon become reoresentatjye of student opinion?

Shameful incompetence am writing this letter to point out the shameful way in which the Student Union has run the strike on Tuesday, November 19. lt was passed in an intimidating and biased EGM, with the chair having little or no control over the heckling. My official complaint on the EGM has yet to be heard due to the inefficiencies of the Union.

However, once the motion to strike was passed, I expected the Exec. to run the stall in the Hive, lt, therefore, came as a great shock to find a non-student, who had no connections with the NUS (or any lecturing Unions) sitting behind the stall for a period of time. What was even more worrying, was that this person had approached me earlier in the week and said "I will punch you in the face if you cross the picket line." This is not the type of person who should be helping to run a student campaign.

Not to be deterred, I walked onto campus on Tuesday, November 19. I was faced with a picket (Bluebell Road) who had a large "rent a mob" contingent of non lecturers and nonstudents. Despite their abusive language, I made it to campus.

On the way to my lecture I was given an official Union leaflet.

I

At 1pm, I decided to attend the rally. However, on trying to enter I was told that I was not welcome and should leave. Not wishing to cause disturbance, I decided to stay in the Hive and read the leaflet.

The leaflet stated "We are striking primarily over the pathetic pay offer...made to all University staff in this year's round of pay bargaining." This is the height of incompetence. Does the Union not realise that sympathy strikes are illegal? The Union's primary reason for striking has no retevance to students or the · NUS. So, not only was the day organised in a bullying and intimidatory fashion, it may have tumed out to be illegal. This is total Union incompetence!

The Conservative students are in consultation with their lawyers.

Jlm Vessey SOC 3 Editor's note: The Union was involved in promoting a boycott on November 19, which was carried out by students. No Union employees were on strike on this day.

afriend!

PRIVATE WRITES:• Need M

y name is .

Camille and I am a Barbadian second year student trying to get in touch with other Caribbean students at UEA so we can get together to talk, laugh and eat Caribbean style!!

I am sure that there are more of you than I think so give me a shout and we can set something up.

Address: Norfolk Terrace, Block B, floor 01 Rm 11 email: c.w.m.allevne@uea.ac.

Name and sddrea withheld • uk

re all students aware that their details are available on the internet? Although the details listed are in relation to what courses students are taking, I am concerned that no one approached me for permission to put my name and details on such a list. lt may be that putting someone's name and the means of locating them is not considered as 'personal', but I would have hoped that such information would be regarded as the property of the person concerned, not of those who are able to put these details on the internet.

I am interested to know whether as students we have any say in what 'details' are accessable to the public and/or others; bearing in mind the concern at the moment for the safety of students

A

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concrete UI!A's l ndependene Newspape•

seuc~ent

Listening Not Lecturing

•

Opening Hours: 8pm - 8am every day for drop-in or phone 50~504 confide ntial listen ing and informat ion sen ice

PO Box410, Norwich NR4 7TB Tel: (01603) 250558 Fax: (01603) 506822 E-Ma/1: au.concrete@uea.ac.uk

• Editor: James Curtis • Deputy Editors: Matthew Doyle and Matt Fasken • News Editor: Jane Kirby • Assistant News Editor: Katie Nicholl • Features Editors: Sam Richards and Helen Lovett • Sports Editor: Scott Tompsett • Assistant Sports Editor: Nick Triggle • Picture Editor: Andrew Baile¥ • Contributing Editor: Carolina Jenkinson • Consultant Editor: Simon Mann • Chief News Reporters: Neil Anderson • Editorial Contributors: Gwen Trueman, Rob Lutyens, Jane Rigby-Jones, Philip de Rivez, Carolina Vincent, Emma Newbury, Ellen Dickenson, Adam Aiken, Nick Triggle, Andy Tyler.• Photographers: Scott Tompsett, Kate Crockett, Matt Fasken, Jane Kirby, Chris Loader, Rob Lutyens, Andrew Bailey • Advertising Manager: Ben Maltby • Proofreaders: Anne Undsey, Carolina Vincent, Emma Newbury, Carolina Simms, Tanya Holt, Vik Scales, John Spacey, Marcel Vlietstra • Special Thanks to: UH Stewards, Bonusprint, SASSAF for their sandwhiches, everyone at ECN • DTP Assistants: James Curtis, Matthew Doyle, Matt Fasken, Sam Richards • concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students.

Opinions expressed are those of the Contributor and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name 'The Event' appears by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. • No part of this newspaper may be reproduced, transmitted by any means electronic, stereophonic, diabetic, in a Christmas cracker, misquoted by Gair Rhydd, or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher.

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

(01603) 592505 Monday~ · lOpm (ferm Times) University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ su.lgb@uea.ac.ok .

Confidential listening without prejudice

592505 Monday 8 • 1Opm (Term Time)

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

Give them a drink~ I

am writing to voice my concerns over the recent late license event at the LCR. I am referring to the Return To The Source night on November 15. I felt that the Union acted unwisely in closing the bar at midnight, and making clubbers go upstairs to the SASSAF bar for water. I am sure that you are aware of all the facilities that have been incurred at clubs over the years due to inadequate water consumption in hot and crowded dance floors.

Although security attempted to ensure that no illicit substances made it into

the club, it was apparent that some had been successful in avoiding the bouncers. My worry was that people that had taken drugs may not have taken time to drink water unless it was there, in front of them, and free.

The night was a huge success, with a good atmosphere and friendly faces all round. I am sure that the Union made a substantial profit on the night. I just hope that next time that they are slightly more considerate in looking after people they are putting the entertainment for.

Faz Mallk PHY 3

-1---,- -,--,- -----------------n response to your letter pr nted m Concrete (13/11/96), the ExecutiVe Comm ttee of The Umon of UEA Students would hke to answer your quest1on about what the Students Umon actually does 1 lt supports and represents students to the Umvers1ty, both formally through the Comm1ttee structure and also informally through regular meetings w1th UniVersity staff 2. lt runs the outlets on the Street (The Travel Shop, Bookshop, Papershop, Post Office and UFO) and the Bars on campus 3. lt runs the Ents programme along with the Waterfront 1n the c ty provid1ng excellent concerts at affordable pnces for both students and members of the local commumty 4 lt provides the Advice Unit for advice on welfare related ssues 5. lt prov1des the Education Umt for adv1ce on academ1c 1ssues and the tra1mng of elected representatiVes 6. lt conducts elections for the various bodies which hold the Umon accountable Students Forum and the Execut1ve

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calmbaby down, H

w i t h all the euphoria generated by the decision to have a 'national day of action', the most important questions have been given insufficient thought.

Firstly, what is the objective of the strike? Secondly, will going on strike achieve the objective?

According to the letter issued to all UEA students from Rebecca Colley (Academic Officer), the objective is to "force Kenneth Clarke to announce more funds for Universities in his budget". Apart from the obvious fact that the Chancellor's budget was drawn up and decided on weeks ago , governments tend not to heed the advice of striking students since they produce neither a good nor a service and inconvenience nobody other than themselves.

Student Unions should spend more of their time promoting advances in education.

Name and address withheld

ey who rattled your cage sweetie? we are so very pleased that you are 'a firm believer in higher education' and 'have nothing against the company of older folk' ... Gee thanks.

But what makes you think that a University is a purely 'youthful setting.' The better places have been seats of learning for people of all ages for hundreds of years.

Fora start, the day our teachers stop learning we can all pack up and go home. And, curiously, some of those mature students may have learned a thing or two in the passage of life - least of all to have a wider

---------------0 -------~ :~~ed~~~~~~al·-~ • that you seem to yearn for.

• For one so young to hold fixed views is ! tragic. Maybe UEA can do something for youl

Comm1ttee) 7 lt prov1des soc1al act1v1t1es - we have over 100 Clubs and Soc1et1es the Union funds these clubs and socs from the money 1t makes commercially 8. lt prov1des facilities for educational and soc1al development 9. lt prov·des employment for students both on and off campus through Employability 10. 1t campa1gns on behalf of students on issues affectmg them 11. lt IS here to represent YOUR v1ews We need your mput to function, we need to know what 1ssues you want us to camprugn for and how you want th1s to be done Unless you talk to us we cannot represent you We realise that you may have wanted to attend your lectures on November 19th, but the vo1ce of students has been tgnored for so long that we needed to take some d •ect act1on to make ourselves heard The quorate Emergency General Meetmg you attended decided that the best way for this to happen was to boycott lectures and seminars m protest of the unfa1r cuts wh1ch have been forced on educat1on

• • over the last 17 years Th1s act1on was taken • on the same day the Umvers1ty staff were • strik•ng over a nd1culous 1 5% proposed pay • nse to support them also. This 1s what we • were asked to do by the students, and this s • what we did Th1s was a "fa1r and democratiC • vote for the students" because quoracy was • achieved. lt was not "a means to the Students • Unions ends" as you stated.

• Rebecca Colley, Academic Officer • Magg/e Charnley, Environment Officer • Paul Donnelly, Welfare Officer Usa Eldret, Women's Officer • Ginge Kaye, Finance Officer Josh Kaldor-Robinson, Internal Affairs Officer Kylie Mather, Clubs and Socs Officer Car/a Moore, LGB Officer Marlko Novy, Overseas Officer David Payne, Sports Officer Nick Robinson, Communications Officer Stuart Savage, Publicity Officer Ranjit Slngh, Race Awareness Officer Carol/ne Watson, Disability Officer Tina Wllllamson NUS Officer

• • •

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But remember that 'someone else has got the books' has been a standard student excuse since moveable type was invented.

As for the large numbers in seminars - get real - do you know what it's like in Universities in many countries abroad?

Lectures are given to hundreds at a time .

Enjoy your small groups while the luxury lasts.

And have some goddam compassion.

What God-given right do you have to wish to excommunicate those who may have knocked themselves out to put their own kids through college and have the balls to grab a bit back for themselves while there is still time.

School is a place where children and adults lead separate lives. A University is a place which treats people as equals according to their intellect. When you get there you might just find that the outside world is rather more brutal in its judgement.

So use us - don't abuse us. You might just learn something.

If you want to come down to WAM and debate this over a bottle (or two) of Sanatogen we would be more happy .

• ~ r-------------Would you like to help scientists at the Institute of Food Research find out more about improving people's health?

1would be interested in finding out more about your research study on copper. I understand that responding to this advertisement involves no obligation on my part.

Name

We need you to assist us carry out a research project on copper in the diet.

Address

We will provide free accommodation and food during research periods and recompense you for helping with our work!

To find out more, please contact Or Linda Harvey or Gosia Newman as soon as possible using the return slip (no stamp needed)

•

IMttha Of FOod ReSMI'Ch Dr Unda Haflle't FREEPOST; Norwich Hesearcn ra(l(.

Colney. Nofwkh NR4 lBR

- - - a paid advertisement by your student union - - -

r-

DEAD OR ALIVE FDB ST DINTS FDBUM ILIGTIDNS

THURSDAY 28TH NDVBMBBR 11 路 & IN THB HIVB FDYBR DON'T FDB&IT TD BIUN& YD B 14 BB&ISTUTIDN GAD TD VDTI!

a paid advertisement by your student union

COMING OUT DAY AT UEA, 28TH NOVEMBER 1996 COMING OUT DAY AT UEA, ORGANISfV BY THE lGB SOCIETY Will Will BE A CHANCE FOR All lESBIANS GAYS AND BISEXUAlS AT UEA TO BE MORE HONEST ABOUT THEIR SEXUAliTY AND FOR OTHER STUDENTS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THEIR QUEER FRIENDS. Wt Will BE PROVIDING CONFIDENTIAl SPACE FROM 2PM-5PM UPSTAIRS IN UNION HOUSE FOR STUDENTS TO GET ADVICE AND INFORMATION ON COMING OUT, AND AlSO HOW TO SUPPORT FRIENDS WHO ARE COMING OUT. Wt Will BE HAVING A STAll IN UNION HOUSE FROM f2-2, WHERE YOU CAN PICK UP INFORMATION, CHAT OR FIND OUT MORE ABOUT lGB SOCIETY AND THE CAMPAIGN AS A WHOlE. WHAT IS COMING OUT? AS Wt BEGIN TO ACCEPT WHO Wt ARE, HIDING OUR FEEliNGS MAY NOT FEEl liKE THE BEST OPTION, Wt STOP DENYING WHO Wt ARE AND START TElliNG OURSflVES AND OTHERS THE TRUTH. THIS PROCESS IS REFERRfV TO AS "COMING OUT OF THE ClOSET", OR "COMING OUT. "COMING OUT MEANS MANY DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPlE, WHETHER IT'S HAVING YOUR FIRST SAME-SEX (OR ANY SEX!) EXPERIENCE TO BECOMING INVOlVED IN THE lGB SOCIETY, GOING TO A "GAY NIGHT", OR TElliNG YOUR BEST MATE. NO MATTER HOW EACH OF US DEAlS WITH COMING OUT, THERE ARE THREE BASIC STAGES Wt GO THROUGH: 1J ACCEPTING OURSElVES, 1/J TElliNG OTHERS AND 11/JBECOMING PART OF THE WORLD AROUND US. THESE STEPS VO NOT AlWAYS GO IN ORDER, NOR Will THEY TAKE PlACE THEN BE FORGOTTEN ABOUT. FOR MOST PEOPlE COMING OUT IS A liFElONG PROCESS, AND THERE IS CERTAINLY NO RIGHT OR WRONG WAY TO DO IT. WHY COME OUT?

BY BEING HONEST ABOUT WHO Wt ARE: Wt CAN SHOW THE STRAIGHT COMMUNITY THAT Wt ARE EVERYWHERE, Wt CAN BEGIN TO STOP HOMOPHOBIA, AND CHAllENGE STEREOTYPES, Wt CAN GET THE SUPPORT OF THE QUEER COMMUNITY FOR ADVICE AND INFORMATION. Wt CAN GET THE "SOCIAl NETWORK" OF THE SCENE. Wt CAN BE HONEST TO THOSE Wt lOVE, AND DON7 HAVE TO GO ON liVING A liE. Wt CAN FIND NEW lOVERS, PARTNERS AND FRIENDS. Wt CAN HElP OTHER PEOPlE TO COME OUT. Wt CAN TAKE CHARGE OF OUR OWN UVES. HOW VO I COME OUT? BEFORE COMING OUT TO ANYBODY ElSE YOU MUST MAKE SURrTHAT YOU FEEl COMFORTABlE WITH YOUR OWN SEXUAliTY, THERE IS NO POINT IN COMING OUT UNTil YOU'RE SURE YOU'RE NOT GOING TO RE ET IT. ONCE YOU'RE SURE OF YOUR SEXUAliTY YOU COli D TEll SOMEONE WHO VOESN7 KNOW YOU, JUST SO YOU'RE COMFORTABlE WITH THE IDEA OF SAYING THE WORDS. THIS COUlD BE A TELEPHONE liNE, OR A BEFRIENDING SERVICE (SUCH AS GAYl/NE, RUN BY THE lGB SOCIETY, 92505 MONDAY NIGHTS 8PM-fOPMJ ONCE YOU'RE COMFORTABlE WITH YOUR SEXUAliTY AND COMFORTABlE WITH ADMITTING IT, YOU CAN BEGIN TO TEll OTHER PEOPlE.

THINGS TO REMEMBER ARE: *THERE IS NO RI OR WRONG WAY '0 COME OUT. OUR BACKGROUNDS ARE All DIFFERENT, SO ARE-OUR EXPERIENCES• ..JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE B 1NG TRUT}If(Jl ABOUT YOUR SEXUAli7Y IT DOESN7 MA YOU A DIFFETJE/{T PERSON, SO IF FRiflfl)S WON'1 TAlK TO YOU, WERE THEY REAl FRIENDS? "'THE REACTION MAY NOT BE AS BAD AS YOU THINK! VON7 EXP.ECT THE WORSIFROM-'IOUR FRIENDS, PARENTS OR WORKMATES, YOU'll GAIN MORE AlliES BY AVOIDING A CONFRONTATIONAl APPROACH WHEN COMING OUT. "'YOU ARE WHO YOIJ,ARE, AND YOU DON7 HAVE TO JUSTIFY YOIJRSELF TO ANYONE WHO YOU DON7 WANT10• ..YOU SHOULD HOWtVER RESPECT THE FACT THAT PEOPlE, PARTICUlARlY OF OlDER GENE'RATIONS, MAY NEED SOME TIME TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE lESBIAN, GAY OR BISEXUAL. ..THERE'S AlWAYS SOMEONE TO liSTEN IF THINGS DON7 QUITE GO TO PlAN, WHETHER IT'S AN AllY, A FRIEND, A BEFRIENDER, OR A TELEPHONE liNE. ..COMING OUT IS AliFElONG PROCESS, AND Wt MUST CONTINUE TO liVE AN OUT AND PROUD EXISTENCE TO RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF BEING OUT.

~AT CAN

TH'E lGB SOCiflY DO FOR ME?

THE LESBIAN GAY AND BISEXUAl SOCIETY IS A REGISTERfV SOCIETY WITHIN THE STliDENT UNION AT UEA. IT SERVES MANY PURPOSES AND HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON CAMPUS: -MEMBERS OF THE lGB SOCIETY AND THE lGB OFFICET( ARt AVAILABlE FOR CONFIDENTIAL BEFRIENDING AND ONE TO ONE CHATS. -THE lGB OFFICER IS AVAilABlE TO VEAL WITH ANY PROBLEMS REGARDING HARASSMENT OR HOMOPHOBIA WHICH YOIJ....M~Y HA~.

-REGUlAR MEETINGS (USU~llY ON THURSDAY NIGHTS IN UNiON HOUSEJ WHERE YOU CAN TALK TO OTHER lGB PEOPlE ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES, OR JUST CHAT IN A RElAXfV ATMOSPHERE. -PARTIES AND SOCIAl EVENTS ON CAMPUS, WHERE YOU CAN MEET POSSIBlE PARTNfFS AND FRIENDS. -MEETINGS WHERE Wt DISCUSS lGB ISSUES, FOR EXAMPlE; COMING OUT, SAFER-SEX OR QUEER IDENTITY. -A REGUlAR NEWSlETTER (SENT IN AN ENVElOPE FOR CONFIDENTIAliTY) SO YOU CAN KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT'S GOING ON FOR YOU AT UEA. -SHOUT/, PINK PAPER AND BOYZ ARE AVAilABlE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE lGB OFFICE UPSTAIRS IN UNION HOUSE, SO YOU CAN KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE OUTSIDE WORLD. -GAYliNE THE t;ONFIDENTIAl ADVICE AND liSTENING SERVICE, ON NORWICH 592505 (MONDAY NIGHTS FROM 8PM TO fOPMJ -Wt AlSO EXIST AS A CAMPAIGNING ORGANISATION, SO IF YOU HAVE A BEE IN YOUR BONNET, OR A WORTHY CAMPAIGN YOU'T) liKE US TO SUPPORT, GET IN TOUCH! -Wt'RE YOUR LINK TO THE NATIONAl UNION OF~ /DENTS lGB CAMPAIGN, AND TO THE UNION OF UEA STUDENTS, IF YOU THINK THAT YOUR UNION SHOULD BE DOING MORE FOR YOU, THEN GET IN TOUCH WITH US.

HOW TO CONTACT THE UEA LGB SOCiflY ..COME AlONG TO THE MEETINGS "'DROP A NOTE INTO THE PIGEON HOlE UPSTAIRS IN UNION HOUSE, (NEAR WHERE YOU BUY GIG TICKETS), "'BY INTERNAl MAll (lGB SOC, UNION HOUSE) ..EMAil: SU.lGB@UfA.AC.UK

USEFUL NUMBERS GAYl/NE:(Of603J 592505 (MON. 8PM-fOPM) BISEXUAl HflPl/NE: (0f8f) 569 7500 (TUES. WtVS. 7.30-9.30 PM) lESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD (24- HRS):(0f7f) 837 7324NORWICH GAY MEN'S HEAl H PROJECT(NGMHP):(Of603) 6275f4WOMEN ON WOMEN:(01603 623835 GUM CliNIC: (01603) 286307/8 NORFOlK FRIEND: (01603) 628055 NATIONAl AIDS HflPliNE: (0800) 567f23

HI!! MY NAME IS USA ELDRET AND I AM YOUR WOMEN'S OFFICER IN THE STUDENT'S UNION. I AM HERE TO ENSURE THAT WOMEN HAVE A VOICE WITHIN THE UNION. THE WOMEN'S ACTION COMMITTEE IS FREE TO JOIN AND THERE FOR All WOMEN AT UEA, TO CAMPAIGN FOR EQUALITY ON CAMPUS, LOCAllY, AND NATIONAllY. ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION OF WOMEN HAS IMPROVED GREATLY IN THE LAST 50 YEARS, WOMEN STill EARN ON AVERAGE 25% LESS THAN MEN, 80% OF PART TIME WORKERS ARE WOMEN, AND WE ARE STill UNDERREPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT, AND MANAGEMENT POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE REASONS WHY WE STill NEED A STRONG VOICE WITHIN OUR STUDENTS UNION, AND THE NUS. IF WE WORK TOGETHER WE CAN FIGHT AGAINST SEXISM AND DEMAND EQUALITY. THAT IS NOT HOWEVER THE ONLY FUNCTION OF THE WOMEN'S ACTION COMMITTEE, IT ALSO GIVES WOMEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SOCIAllY AND DISCUSS ISSUES THAT AFFECT US HERE AT UEA, SUCH AS LIGHTING ON CAMPUS AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES SO JOIN THE WOMEN'S ACTION COMMITTEE, AND ENSURE THAT WOMEN HAVE A VOICE AT UEA. IF YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS FOR EVENTS OR CAMPAIGNS YOU WOULD LIKE TO R~N, OR WOULD liKE MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE WOMEN'S ACTION COMMITTEE, YOU CAN CONTACT ME VIAE-MAIL l.ELDRET@UEA.AC.UK, OR MY PIGEON HOLE, UPSTAIRS IN UNION HOUSE THERE Will ALSO BE A STALL IN THE HIVE FROM MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER, FROM f2PM-2PM.

16 Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

Features

Every issue, we take a well-known campus celebrity to the bar, buy them a drink and then ask them a load of random questions.

THIS ISSUE: Union Publicity Officer, 'Big' Stu Savage Do you have any recurring dreams?

Once, when I was in Australia, I was using the toilet and a redback spider crawled within centimetres of my, er, vital organs. lt's a situation that haunts me.

What was the last book you read?

The complete works of Andrew Barton Paterson, the Australian bush poet who wrote Waltzing Matilda .

What's the biggest lie you've ever told?

When I was four-years-old, I told my parents that I stole a packet of crisps. I was bullied by my cousin into covering up for her.

Do you wear boxer shorts or Y-Fronts?

Boxer shorts, definitely. The more tasteless the design, the better.

When was the last time you had a fight?

In a Norwich pub last year. I was wearing nail varnish and

a red feather boa and a guy picked a fight. He probably thought that the green varnish didn't go with my eyes.

made a little boat with wheels and when you pushed it, a man bobbed up and down. lt's now a bookend.

How much can you drink?

A good night is about ten pints.

Which TV programmes do you never miss?

Men Behaving Badly and Billy Connofly's World Tour Of Australia .

What was the last record you bought? lt was either Billy Bragg's new album or the best of The Ruts.

What would you say to Jesus?

Get down off the cross, someone else needs the wood.

Ifs a quote from Prisci/la, Queen Of The Desert, film fact fans.

What was the last thing you made?

In my school CDT class, I

What has been your biggest LCR faux-pas?

I once fell all the way down the steps at the side of the LCR by Piccolo's and ruptured my lip.

Can you tell me a joke?

Two Australian bus drivers took a trip to Darwin In order to go fishing. However, it was the middle of the storm season and after spending three days sheltering in the bar, they decided to go shopping. One of the guys, lan, saw a really nice pair of crocodile skin cowboy boots in a window, but he realised that there was no way he could afford them . So, the two drivers decided to go crocodile hunting and hired two boats. They split at a fork in a river and after a day's hunting, Dave returned to the meeting point but found no sign of !an. After waiting for a few hours, Dave thought he

should go and look for his friend.

Travelling back up the river, he heard a bang and a smash accompanied by a massive shout.

Then he saw lan who had a 25-foot salt-water crocodile in a headlock. "You alright there, lan?" enquired Dave.

"Yeah," replied lan, "but if this bastard's not wearing any boots, I'm going back to the pub."

What makes you cry?

Sad films: Philadelphia, Of Mice And Men , even the Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Right. Now for the trivia section.

What fraction of a second is a nanosecond?

A millionth.

Wrong! it's a thousand millionth.

What's the currency of Turkey?

The Drachma?

Wrong! lt's the Lira.

And finally... Which actor played Tucker in Grange Hill and Tucker's Luck?

(An excruciatingly long

pause) Er ...

1t was Todd Carty of course.

Doh!

Big Stu was drinking a pint of Beamish and talking to Sam Rlchards. Thanks to the GSA bar.

• ...

ember of the European Parliament for Norfolk sends Seasons Greetings to all UEA students You can contact me at: Norfolk Euro Office Norwich Labour Centre 59 Bethel Street Norwich NR2 1NL Telephone: 01603 631802 (also minicom) Fax: 01603 618376 E-mail: clive.needle@ geo2.geonet.de

Peea.3 e get i1t to.aek bOJt i1tb OJttttatio.lt, tulu.iee OJt kee~ w.itk eWto.~ealt tttatteu a1td bOJt 4etaif6 o.b 1teg ae(l)t eo.eae 6Wtg ettie-3

PARLIAMENTARY GROUP OF THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

17

Features

our esteemed taste panel try out a range of, er, things for the benefit of you, the students

This Issue: Christmas Crackers hristmas trees, I can understand.

The festive season wouldn't be the same without the smell of pine and tinsel in the room. lt's important to decorate the house with all manner off tacky baubles too, of course.

Then there's stockings,

C

crackers. lt's just a shame that their crackers aren't much cop. Not only are the jokes ancient, but three crackers contain the same one. Sadly, the plastic hairgrip and the fortunetelling fish (which Jane, bizarrely, eats later on) become

thing," decides Catherine.

Amy is the only fan, largely because she got a yo-yo.

As we move into the more upmarket ranges, a general feeling is discernible among The Connoisseurs - this being, that we would rather pay a little more money to get some decent toys in the crackers. All appear to be

Why d a a a hdn in h1 resignation? There was n C sin h"s ontra t. Gro

turkey, carol services, Santa Claus, chestnuts roasting on an open fire ... all these things are thoroughly necessary to enjoy Christmas. But crackers?

Come on! A thinly disguised toilet roll - which , when pulled, emits a pathetic "bang" - containing a useless plastic toy, a paper hat which rips immediately and a joke you've heard before.

Yes, I think that's just what'll make my Christmas party go with a swing! A bargain at £10 for a box of

a reality. James gets a magic calculator, but is too stupid to be able to use it. "At least they had a good bang," concedes Doyley, objectively.

Woolworth's family crackers are a slight improvement, yielding up a mini-pack of cards and, er, a shoehorn.

James finds the first good joke of the afternoon in the Sainsbury's family crackers: Why did Santa hand in his resignation? There was no Claus in his contract. Groan.

"I've got two whistles," proclaims John. "Does anyone want one?" This is the cue for general cacophony as a plastic harmonica is also

rather more satisfied with their screwdriver sets and giraffe-shaped erasers than the cheaper plastic toys. All it takes is a little imagination and even these great minds can be kept happy.

Top marks also to all the cracker firms who have dispensed with the typical rubbish paper hat and provided classier forms of headgear. I am even able to go into the bar and buy a drink without inducing hilarity whilst wearing my Asda luxury table cracker hat.

The invasion of the cracker market by chocolate companies has not passed · us by. We try out the efforts

by Smarties and After Eight, deciding unanimously in favour of the latter.

They're more expensive, but just what you'd require for that posh

Thee Definitive

12!

So maybe I'm acting a little humbug, but it's about time we took a stand. A plastic hairgrip or a fortune-telling fish is not good enough! Hence, The Connoisseurs are assembled to pull their way through a range of crackers kindly supplied by local stores in order to discover WHO IS THE BEST. And to fight over the best toys.

We begin with the cheapest ranges, often deceptively called "family crackers". Perhaps they think they can fob kids off with old jokes.

Anyway, it's time for an astounding fact: Norwich is actually home to a company, Tom Smith's, whose primary business is the manufacturing of Christmas

discovered.

Congratulations have to go to Asda for breaking the cracker mould by introducing their ingenious cube crackers. Unfortunately, they get the thumbs down from the panel by failing to provide value for money beyond the original novelty. "Asda were just getting off on that whole

dinner party you're always thinking of organising . Doyley articulates our only major complaint: "Well there's no surprise is there? You know you're going to get Smarties or After Eights."

Chaos now reigns supreme. Doyley has lined up all his toys and is desperately bargaining with Kate over a pair of cheap headphones. Half a pint of cider has transformed Jane into a psychopathic toddler and she begins to scream and generally assault anyone in possession of a toy that she wants. The rest of us lie exhausted underneath a mound of sparkly paper.

The only decision we are still able to make concerns our winning cracker, and there is no doubt about the

8The Christmas Cracker Connoisseurs: Sam Rlchards, John Spacey, Carolyn Boyd, Catherlne Jones, Kate Crockett, Jane Klrby, James Curtls, Matthew Doyle, Matt Fasken and Amy Pierce

cean rnfLe .,:attce '~

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tit tit

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tit

1- Tesco Disney

tit

2 • Boots Disney 3 • Teeco Crackers 4 • After Eight 5 • Asda Table 6 • Asda Luxury Table 7- Asda Kids

result. The Tesco Disney crackers, providing us with a whole collection of Mickey and Goofy models, stickers and fridge magnets, are excellent and a bargain at £5.99 for six.

Finally, my seasonal spirit has been restored. You can have crackers which won't ruin your Christmas! So, if you'll excuse us, The Connoisseurs are off to stuff ourselves with mince pies cracking open the Scotch. Merry Christmas!

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18 Concrete, Wednesday, November 27, 1996

Adam Aiken spoke to Mike Walker as he returns to Norwich Ci!J for a second ~pell as manager at Carrow Road r

For those who don't follow the game of football or the fortunes of Norwich City FC in particular, the euphoria that surrounded Mike Walker's return to the Club in the summer must have been hard to understand.

Events over the last three years or so have been well documented and there is not space within these hallowed pages for a full resume.

Suffice it to say, that Walker was not best pa ls with City ' s ex-Chairman and he would not have returned to rescue the Club had there not been sweeping changes off the field.

Certainly, this season has started well - albeit with a recent blip in form - and the atmosphere is far better than last year, both on and off the pitch.

Long gone are the boycotts, demonst rations, arrests and Metropolitan Police horses.

As the national profile of City has risen in tandem --~m~ with the high league position, so has

the interest from the ' big clubs ' in the likes of Darren Eadie, Andy Johnson and Keith O'Neill. Walker has often stated that only "silly money" would attract his attention but the speculation has continued.

So how much of this interest is concrete and how much of it is just rumour fodder from Fleet Street's fi nest? " Everton Football Club never contacted me about Eadie and I've not even had a phone call from Sunderl and about O ' Neill. Apart from the earlier bids from Derby and Leicester, I've heard nothing from anyone. It's all

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absolute rubbish. I don 't know who starts these stoyou are limited to five a searies but it's not our club. " It can be flattering for the players concerned but son. l will leave it whi le it's unnecessary because most bids you read about never come in and those earlier ones were for things are peanuts and were turned down ." going well so I' ve Irrespective of such se ntiments, there must got inevitably be some pressure on the younger players more options later resulting from the constant paper talk. Again, in the season if we need to do that."

Walke r seems Walker's unperturbed, insiststint as boss at ing that there is no Everton ~ enabled him to problem.

"Everyone is reaget to know the likes of Roy sonably level-headed," he says, and Evans and Alex Ferguson, this is borne out by the fact that O'Nei ll has just signed a new three-year so what chance the likes of Michael Thomas or Brian McClair spending a month or two of 1997 in contract despite interest from the likes of, amongst Norfolk? others, Leeds United 's George Graham.

Amongst other things, that would be a sure-fire As well as the more well-known stars, many fans have been de lighted this season with the form shown crowd puller.

What City 's good early-season form hasn't done, by some of the more experienced players- those who though, is provide Walker with any money for are maybe more unsung. r------------.:..~_:__ permanent signings. Despite recent assurances Wa lker agrees, but from the board that says that they ' ve no more players always been admired will be sold for by him . " I think financial reasons, John Polston and the legacy of the Rob Newman, for previous regime has example, perhaps put paid to any forays didn't appreciate the transfer the way they were being asked to play "The fact of the I'm last season. matter is that we were not surprised at left £7 million in debt their form, though at the end of last season they played and that cannot be recagainst the best in tified overnight," he the country last says. time l was here " However, prog-ress so they should be ab le to cope with the First Division. is being made and, "The new players - the likes of (Neil) Adams, whilst I accept that the [Mike) Milligan and [Keith) Scott - that I didn ' t cynicism regarding the ex-Chairman will take a long time to go away, I hope that the fans can see what bring to the Club have also done better than I could have expected." we're trying to do, and that the support that we ' ve already had can be built on."

It is still early days and Walker insists that Canary feet must be kept firmly on their perches. "People As the games pass, as the points are accumulated seem to get carried away, year after year. Last year and as the promised land of the Premiership can be with Newcastle, they stopped taking bets after seen on th-:: horizon, edging ever closer although still a long way away, Christmas because Walker's trademark they thought they ' d won the league. combination of " However, we are infectious enthusi pleased to be where asm and real is tic coolness might just we are and if, when be starting to pay we ' ve played all the dividends. teams once at the turn of the year and we ' re still, say, in the top six, In fact, the feeling cannot be suppressed that if then I think we'll have to reappraise it and say, ' Hold anyone can enable Norwich· to recover, it is the on, we might have a chance of doing something here ' Silver Fox who will do it.

-and I would accept that we probably would."

So, if you fancy a few bob, get yourself down to William Hills and back Mike Walker 's Norwich City Any promotion drive might be bolstered by one or before the bookmaking fraternity latch on to what is two loan players.

"There's been x amount put aside to do that, but happening down at Carrow Road.

11

••,

I

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jo.

Concrete, Wednesday, November 27 , 1996 19

..

UEA ladies 11 have already blasted their way through eight rounds of BUSA competition by remaining unbeaten and Brunei were unable to halt this devastating form.

Meanwhile, UEA Ladles Firsts went Into their final BUSA league pool match needing only a draw to progress Into the cup competition, writes Nick Trlggle.

Despite being forced to play on a poor class grass pitch UEA took early control of the match, and opened the scoring with a textbook goal from Michelle Lawson, who neatly deflected a cross from Claire Gresswell past the Brunei keeper.

Another two goals followed from centre forward Julia Ward, and captain Claire Gresswell who led the way again, with a clear strike from the right wing, to put UEA three up at half-time.

UEA's dominance did not fade in the second half either, as they continued to outclass the opposition, with the midfield battling especially well with a strong performance from Sarah Powlin. Julia Ward added the fourth goal with a crisp shot into the bottom right hand corner, and Michelle Lawson then added the fifth goal to the tally from a short corner opportunity.

This victory was backed up by another close victory against Greenwich, which was decided by a single goal from Michelle Lawson making it look probable that the team will make it through to the second round of the BUSA

After three victories and one defeat, against league leaders Cambridge, UEA were one point ahead of opponents Greenwich.

UEA blasted out from the start and had all the possession for the first twenty minutes, with Louise Barrett creating havoc in a jittery Greenwich defence.

However they could not make that illusive breakthrough, and against the run of play Greenwich scored from a break down the left band side.

This inspired Greenwich into action and they began to put together some neat passing movements, and fmished the half much the better team.

UEA pushed players forward in the second half and in the latter stages began to find space in the overcrowded penalty area, but a combination of poor finishing and good defending meant that UEA were unable to get that vital goal that would have sent them through to the cup competition.

Afterwards captain Alison Roberts said, "I am di appointed, we can play much better than that, but at least we still have the plate to play

UEA on the break, but Greenwich finished up on top in their BUSA battle

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UEA 1st XV, fresh from their recent victory over Brunei University faced up to the tough challenge of a star-studded Diss team which boasted the likes of an U19 Kiwi International.

Tough as it proved Diss eventually ran out comfortable 29-10 winners, a margin that would have been even greater had it not been for the resilient UEA backs.

UEA started off promising] y as they took the lead after some stunning play down the wings, with Rick de Silva claiming two superb tries.

Diss came roaring back at them straight away as their bigger, more powerful forwards bludgeoned their way through the UEA pack.

Hammering UEA into submission Diss soon had control of the scrums and lineouts, giving

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Diss gradually began to pile the points on, and as the match went on UEA lost their organisation, however through the inspiration of captain Nik Cooper and Tom Thoroughgood they never gave up and at times unsettled the intimidating Diss team. ln the end they were well

beaten, but the determination and aggression that was evident in the UEA play bodes well for future games as they will not come up against much stronger opposition than this.

These sentiments were echoed by captain Nik Cooper afterwards when he said, " I was deHghted with the level of commitment shown, especially as we had some players playing out of position."

Luton put the boot in UEA slumped to a 6-1 defeat at home to Luton to leave the first side bottom of the group and without a point to their name, writes Peter Russe/1.

Matt Jelley, along with midfielders Danny Bennett and Rossiter started brightly, but neither team had anything to show for the first exchanges.

Luton scored twice soon after the break, but despite this obvious set back UEA still looked to be in the game until another three goals in five minutes from Luton on the hour, kiled the game off. UEA did well to hold Luton at bay until the closing stages,

when Luton needing a superior goal difference to boost their own league position, scored yet another.

Bennett got a consolation goal in injury time but had yet again succumbed to the opposition and this time in a more dramatic style than before.

UEA now have to play the winners of the second division, in two extra legs of the competition to see if they can progress in the cup.

The seconds had a nightmare game losing 4-0 including one own goal, but also had a player sent off and an injury which left them with a beleaguered nine players still on the pitch.

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UEA men's fencing team notched up their first victory :n two years when they travelled to Brunei University on Wednesday, November 6, writes Robert Holt. ln a thrilling and nerve racking ma tch, UEA managed to pull the mse lves from the brink of defeat in the last bout, with a win that cou ld have been easier had it not been fo r the relati ve inexperience of some of the team.

The foil was fe nced first and even after some dubious decisions from the j udges on ly na rrow ly lost out by one bout at 5-4.

Team captain, Alard von Westarp proved to be the inspiration behind the team's efforts, taking two well deserved victories, which spurred on the rest of the team. Colin Smith, the team's least ex peri-

g

enced fo ilist, with onl y one year of experience behind him , took his second uccessive win this year adding to his wins against Kent the week before.

Making a welcome return to the team was Chris Wi skin, who also won a bout despite havi ng a bad decision rule out another victory.

UEA also lost the Epee round of competition, but in doi ng so unve iled the new talen t of Matt Bu rton, who tro unced hi s left handed opponent 5-0 in his firs t bout aga inst a non UEA fencer.

His co ntribution o f two w ins lifted the tea m's

spirits with Chris making the difficult sw itch from foil to epee look easy taking two wins, but Shaun Meades took the full brunt of the Brunei backlash, losing out an all three o f his bouts.

With the score lin e at 10-8 aga inst UEA unl eas hed their sabre team on the unsuspect ing Brunei defence, fired up by the ir previous victory over Brunei.

Req uiring a 6-3 victory to take the match UEA set about the Brunei fe nce rs with devastat ing resul ts.

Alard claim ed another two victori es to add to those from the the foil tage, whilst Robert Holt fo ug ht dogged ly to take two of his three bouts.

y Rising star John Swindells made a revolution, when he took the silver medal in the infamous Nick o' Pendle hillclimb event in Lancashire last weekend.

The Boat Cl ub Men's squad have gone from strength to strength since winning the Norfol k and Suffolk small boa:s head, writes James Bracey.

Tl:e four went on to move up nearly 200 places in the fours Head of the River along the Oxford and Cambridge boat race course, against national and international opposition, including Britain's only Olympic go ld medalists Steve Redgrave and Mathew Pinsent.

The following day, the team missed out on first place by one second in the Kingston Head, after being obstructed by a cox less boat.

But they still ma naged to beat the Britstol, Newcastle and Oxford universities' teams.

Fi red up by thi s near mi ss the team foc used on the Eights racing at th e Ca mbridge Wi nter Head, where they fina ll y struck gold.

The men's firs t eight stamped their authori ty; not only did they wi n the Sen ior One and Student Senior cla ses but turned in the two fastest times of the day.

Powcnng over the winding 2600m course in

Finally the tas k of dec iding the match fe ll to Shaun.

Luckily hi s nerve held and be won 5-3, making his kill rate th e highest of the sabreurs tbi year, with fo ur wins in s ix bouts.

In addi tion to thi s B USA success, Su nday ove mber 3, saw UEA torrn ing to a 43-35 victory in the orfol k Team foil champi onsh ips, against Norfolk Fencing club to regain the prest ig ious local title that they won last year.

The team which included last year's team members Dom Hagyard and Alard Yon Westarp were joined by Colin Smith who will benefit from the experience of fencing against this higher quality opposition.

ni ne minutes dead the crew beat over fifty ot her me n's eights from Cambridge and Oxford colleges, as we ll as three Cambridge University lightwe ight c rews, who take part in the pre-Boat Race compet itio ns at Henley.

The tall y for this season is now five races entered, three wins and one second place.

The latest result is a mi lestone in the club's history - "This is the first time that UEA has beaten any Cambridge Un iversity team." said lames Bracey. But the class of the perfor-

mance wasn't a shock. "We' re not s urprised by the result, but arc still really pleased."

The crew is now gearing up for a hect ic rest of the season, which include a race against the Oxford lightweight eight and the defence of the Carrow Cup title cli nched from Norwich Rowing Club last year.

"We ' re hoping to do the same to the Oxford lightweight etght at Wallingford as we did to the Cambridge crew, and hold onto the Carrow Cup." said lames.

Wet and windy conditions made the first BUSA event a real te t of skill and peed, but UEA put in yet another storming ride to take two ilver medals.

A self-coniessed lover of hills, J hn stormed up in just four minutes ten seconds, for second place.

"I just hoped to beat five minutes really," he said afterwards.

"Andy Tyler had been aying for weeks that I wou ld beat him, but l didn ' t really believe it."

Andy's defeat w~ his first in three路 years with the club a he crawled up in four minutes 45 sec 路 to sneak a top twenty place.

Despite having fl u l o Tuck, the defending ladies champion. found the allure of competing too great. ft turned out to be a good deci-

sion as he won the ec{)nd ilver medal of the day.

"Luckily I brought my bike with me, so it was just a question of throwing my kit on, and then getting to the start in time."

Newcomer Jesse Baines launched uphill ~ th one of the bravest start of the da) , bu t paid for it later, grinding to the finis h in exactly five minutes.

"I just died with 500 metre to go," he confessed.

Strong individual performances nearly clinched the team competition bronze medal but the UEA squad eventually settled for fourth place. But, UEACC's best ever team result a! o saw gia nts Lo ughborough and Warwick soundly thrashed.