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Fury as Uni bosses charge for graduation By GRAHAM DIGGINES, Assistant News Editor
OUTRAGED students have s lammed a move by University bosses to charge parents for a seat at graduation.
The fastest man on earth came home to Norwich recently to display his record breaking supersonic car to the public. Thrust SSC driver Andy Green was met with cheers from a crowd who queued for hours at Norwich Airport on
November, 17 to see the first car to break the sound barrier. The Thrust SSC team broke the land speed record on October 15 at Black Rock Desert, Nevada when the car reached a staggering 763.035 mph.
Said Andy, " lt does not matter if anyone else breaks the sound barrier we were the first to do itl " Demand was so great that the queue stretched for half a mile with a total of
Friend and family will be suddenly forced to pay £10 each from next July to attend the ceremony - netting the University at least £40,000 per year. necessary part of the proceedings. UEA's Planning and "We do see attendance at both Development Assistant Registrar, things a~ being as quite a significant Tony Flack, defended the move, but part of the day." he said. admitted that UEA bosses have no However, when Concrete plans to spend the extra cash on contacted I 0 other universities at improving the ceremony. random , only one of them charged And he added, "Graduation costs and most laid on a free party. £80,000. EUR student, Fourth-year "We have not charged in the past Kirsten Pascoe, is disgusted that her but we have looked at other relatives are being forced to pay. universities and many of them "My parents have supported me charge more than we are going to all through my university years and and quite a number of them have if they are then going to be asked to charged for quite a number of pay £I 0 for the privilege of being years." proud parents for a day it is The £10 fee at UEA includes absolutely ridiculous," she said.
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2 Ne\NS
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 199
Planned late night faces axe if bar staff say no
by NICOLE RUSSELL
Plans for another late night event in the LCR could be canned unless the Union gets the backing of bar staff. The Uni o n h ad h o ped to laun c h a regular Friday mght e vent ' 'ith a late bar ru nn ing u n til 2am as a cash-makm g ven ture. iglus could include ' '' 1ng. hiptake n unless we get the back1 ng of ho p. a nd ind1e. o ur staiT, .. he said. "At the end of the day it will on ly be do ne if that is But bar staff have s poken o ut aga in st the move, claim1ng they what the staff. and ulti mately the wo uld be fo rced to work too man y stude nts fee l th at they \van! to do.'· lat e nights . But he adm ined that the Unio n St aff ab o accused the Uni on of was moli,·atcd by cash concern'>. ··Financial conside rations is what prio riti ;,i ng bar profi" . aid mem ber of the bar staff. Stc\ en Dwck. "They has dm·en it throug h." he sa1d. JUS! want to make money out of it. "They co me fro m two sources. one of them being the fac ts that the " Bar staff get abused and it IS not mce to work on cl ub mgh ts. so I grant fro m the Uni versity is hc 1ng cut now, and the second one be ing thi nk we are a ll against 11 prelly m uch." the further reduced capac it y in the LC R." S tudent reacti on to the news wa'> mixed. '·A late ni ght in the LC R on He added that a new Fnday nigh t a Friday ni gh t would be bn lli ant, " bash may appeal more to Norwich res idents than to studems." l don't sa id Andrcw O ' Brien (M US 1). ·' [ thi nk it would result in stude nt s thin k th at it wi ll he students that go goi ng to the LC R on a Frid ay n1ght to it at all. in>tead of going int o the C it}. On pre\ ious club nights. there simply because 11 IS ea>ter." has been abou t a quarter student an endance. it IS ma1nl} local SUFFER people." However. u n1o n Ju ll e Higne ll (DEV I) addeJ. "I! Com m un ica ti ons Off1cer. Andy Watson sa1d that staff would be would be n1ce to ha,·e the opuon ot going to the LCR on a Friday .. consulted be fore any application is But she ma intained, "An made to the courts In e.\ lend the ex tended licen;,e would mean c11her cu n·c nt lice nce. L1ve 111 the ll l\c could also close at 11 pm if the the Friday night will not rea ll y take courts dec1de to rcstnct ULA 10 off. or lcs' people wil l go to the three late night C\enls. LC R o n a T hur\day. ··consultation w 11h staff 1s "En her way one of the mg hts will su ffe r. " paramount. and no dcc i'>lon wil l be
Appeal
himself at the LCR
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Readers shou ld note thm the cars photographed for the article Park111g Lot in i'>,ue 77 were not related to the ;, tory in any way.
Clare Short visits
International Development Secretary , Claire Short official ly opened the new DEV farm last week. The new DEV project will be used in student's studies and will be visited by local schoolchildren . The visit follows the announcement of government plans to end world poverty which include arguing for human rights, holding governments to task and discouraging developing countries from joining the arrns race.
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the door in the ir face say ing g1ve U'> your money or you wi ll no t sec your son or daug hter g rad uate.'· The news o f the fee co me'> fo llowing rows in recent years over where graduation sho uld be held . with UEA sc uppering plans for the
Union Academic Officer. Becka C urra nt , was also furi ous at the plan'>. saying. " If you r pa re ms are on a low income then they arc hc ing discri minated again >l. 'The Uni ,·ersi ty i-, sla mming
Essay writing at The University of East Anglia, Norwich, by Mr I wish I could type ...
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Ang lican Cathedral. despite c hurch leade rs backing a move. !:A c hief;, cla uncd that parking probl e ms a nd rest ri c ted views would make a City graduation imposs ih le. but d isg ruml ed stude nt s fee l that only a change of 'enue wo uldju '> tify the new £ 10 fee. " If they were goi ng to ho ld graduati on 111 a decent hall in the C ity I could understand the cost." s;ud BIO final ist. J ~me Eng li sh. "but not if they j ust do it in the Spa n s Hall and put a tent up out>ide." Norw ic h North MP and ex- Dea n o f BIO. Or lan Gibson, is joining those calling fo r the charge to he scrapped altogether. " I! is inc redibl e o f the Uni vcn. il
to e ven thinJ.. of charg in g for graduati on ... he said . " it is unhclievahle an d student'> shou ld reSist it. "
How other universities compare to UEA leedt Univertity - No charge. Univertity of Kent at Canterbury _ No charge, free party. University of Reading . No charge, free 1 1 lm h. York Univmity _ No charge. le.lcuter University _ No charge, free drlnkt and buffet. Brittol University _ No charge, free party. Euer Univertity - No charge. Bath University _ No charge, free buffet. Hull Un ivertity _ No charge, optional dinner at £6 a hud Aberdeen Un iversity _ £30 cott includu alumn i chargu. '
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Ne\NS 3
Concrete. Wednesday, November 26. 1997
Catering results UNIVERSITY BOSSES have released the results of the campus catering survey held In June. The survey, in which 600 students took part, shows that there is a real demand for changes to be made to the UEA's catering services. Results show that students are crying out for a greater variety of food. Vegetarian students, who made up 25 percent of those questioned, proved to be especially critical of UEA's catering efforts. The survey also highlights a particular demand for more ethnic and fast food. Those questioned said that opening times for the catering outlets were inadequate and should be made longer. The Issues raised in the survey are being addressed as part of a review Into campus catering by new campus consultants Gardner Merchant. Said Director of Residences and Services Jenny Grant, " We are pleased to have a clear indication of what students , staff, visitors and conference delegates want from our catering facilit ies, but we will not be making a decision about how this will be provided until Gardner Merchant have completed their review later this year."
by MATI RAY, News Editor
UEA'S Pro Vice-Chancellor has made apology to Egyptian students after they were issued with a list of rules and punishments by catering staff. The offendi ng notice. addressed to a ll Egyptian students, concerned meal allowances and was put up in the Diner on November 17.
lt detailed the products they are unable to purchase with their £4.50 meal tickets and added, "You must que ue in an orderly manner and keep your place in the queu~ at all times ... The letter also warned against arguing and threatened to axe service, for all. "Ab,olutely no arguing with catering staiT about entitlement "ill be tolerated. "If any arguing takes place, c'pccially if it leads to verbal or phy'i~al abu'e of staff or other customers. Univer-.ity Catering Services re;,erve;, th~ nght to withhold issue of the next
allocation of meal tickets for the entire group of Egyptian Now embarrassed UEA Teachers... bosses have been forced to backtrack and Pro- Vice Chancellor. David Bridge'. has apologised to students, replaci ng the notice with an orticial letter saying "I was appalled".
Insult His apology abo condemned the scathing notice ~Is an insult. "On beha lf of the Uni,er;,tt) I oiler apo logies to all of y1)ll "ho have been mwltcd." he 'aid. "The maller is now the subject
~~-~===--================ of an enquiry which , wit h the cooperation of all panics. will avoid this happening again." Later he added. " If two or three students have been abu\ive then it may be appropriate to take action against them. The gcnerah"ng ol the hlamc to the whole group is qui te clearly unacceptable ." However. the group of student<> .trc 'till disgusted at the way the) 11 ere treated by UEA. SatJ t\lajda~ r.Joussa. "The kller was racist and it was clear that
Egypt ians in particular were treated in a racist "ay. "it ts England and it " almost the year 2000- we do not expect this."
Accept Gcorge '"~le added. "1. on behall of myse lf and my colleagues, thank the Pro- Vice Chancellor for hi' apology. but at the end of the day he i' not the person who servc·;, u' meals in the restaurant s ... Some of the 72 studcnh and 1-+ doctors were so sickened by their
treatment that they have now boycotted campus catering. Said Amal Abdcl Halim. "We are not going there an) more. not the Dinet. not Piccolo;, , nowhere ... But UEA · s Dtrector of Ke idcnce' and St·rvtce, , Jenny Grant, is hoping to persuade students back In the eateric,. "We most sincerely regret what happened . "We arc worktng vcr) hard with reprc-.cntallvc' ol the Eg.: ptian' to put thts matter right."
FASHION TONIGHT!
NORWICH Concrete gives a glimpse of rehearsals for tonight's Autumn Fashion Show, writes Jonathan Heat. This year's glamour-filled spectacular includes collections from eight local stores including Philip
THE TEMPEST WORLDWIDE! THIS SATURDAY. budding UEA actors and actresses are set to perform in front of their biggest audience ever. Society The Drama production of The Tempest is to be performed at the Norwich Playhouse and will
Browne, The Blue Jean Co. and Asylum . The 35 model line-up will be strutting their stuff in front of a UEA and City crowd, with proceeds going towards the Aids Foundation to raise awareness of people living with HIV and AIDS.
Now in its sixth year, tickets for tonight's show are £2.50 and tomorrow they will be £5 when the price includes entry to the LCR disco. Tickets are available on the door at 8pm tonight and tomorrow from the Union Finance Office.
be broadcast simultaneously on the Internet potentially reaching an audience of millions. The show will also be watched via video-link at the CyberTheatre in Brussels by students who cannot come to the UK to watch Shakespearian plays. Producer of the innovative show, Lucie Emerson. said, " Video-links and broadcasts on the internet will open up
access to the theatre to millions of people. "The implications for the theatrical world are huge and can easily extend to opera and ballet." The cast includes members of the local community and the theatre set has been constructed by unemployed adults on the Broadland District Council Art and Craft Community Pr::~jects Programme.
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Concrete, November 26, 1997
Ex·Bio student makes weapon for Saddam By MIKE WENDLING
Porn to watch The British Board of Film Classification ( BBFC ) who censor films released in Britain has allowed hard core pornogr aphy to be sold for the fi rst time. Before this decision flogging these films was illegal and carried a maximum sentence of two years in prison. However the BBFC has been fo rced to backtrack after pressure from the Government and is reviewing its policy.
Clubbed to bed The Youth Hostel Association is opening seven new city hostels in an attempt to revamp its service and attract the hoards of young British clobbers. The new hostels will be open 24 hours a day and will have ensuite rooms, ending the image of single-sex bunkhouses with llpm curfews.
War is hell A Welsh re-enactment of the War of the Roses took a violent turn when a local butcher single ha ndedly took on both armies. The armies of Lancaster and York took refuge in Kidwelly Castle, west Wales, as 24-year-old Leighton Thomas, said to be "fuelled by ale" punched a minstrel, attacked a guard and th reatened to chop the soldiers into little pieces. Thomas admitted three charges of assault and was jailed for six weeks by Llanelli magistrates.
Robbie Coughs Up Pop star Robbie Williams has been ordered to pay a whopping legal bill of £250,000 after a long court battle with fotmer Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith. Robbie will also have to give Mr Martin-Smith commission payments of £90,000, plus interest and VAT, that he is due under a management agreement originally made with the boy band.
TOP SCIENTISTS have expressed shock over news that a UEA graduate killer has c reated biological weapo ns for Iraq i leader, Saddam Hussei n. Rihab Taha, who earned her Biological Sciences Phd at UEA between 1979 and 1984, is the leader of lraq's "black biology" weapons team who have developed a modified crop duster aircraft designed to dump up to one ton of anthrax bacteria within a range of 400 miles. Rihab.'s tutor at UEA. Or John Turner. expressed concern at the news. "lt's worrying, but nevertheles'> a fact that scientists have an individual responsibility for the ethics of what they do." he said. "S he was a really nice person. extremely hardworking, very meticulous in the work she did. "She got along with people of all nationalities."
Specific Rihab applied to UEA in 1978 and although she did not specifically study anthrax or any other human diseases during her time here. her educational background included extensive study of bacteria. "When she came here she had an Master of Science degree in Microbiology,'' said Or Turner. "What she learned here was a bit of plan t sc ience. "She got the best trai ning I could
A current UEA student in Dr John Turner's Bio labs give her in experimental biology. but there was certainly no specific training in toxicology," he said. Anthrax enters the body through the stomach. lungs. or small skin lesions, and once infected. a person can die within 36 hours. Black pustules forn1 on the skin. and fever, vomiting and respiratory failure follows. An infected person will usually die within 36 hours of firM symptoms and the spores are so resilient ihey can survive for decades. Despite the deadly results of Rihab's education. Or Turner does not believe that UEA should
reconsider its open door policy for foreign students. "It is virtually impossible to say which students might use their education for human benefit and which might use it for ethically reprehensible activities." he said.
Danger "I think it is quite difficult to foresee the future as clearly as would have been necessary to predict back in 1978 that Rihab Taha would turn out to be a dangerous individual." Reader in chemical pathology at Leeds University, Or Alastair Hay, added that the new weapon could cause destructi on on a massive scale.
"If you had a plane that was capable of spraying anthrax particles. it would cause an enonnous problem," he said. "A ton of anthrax would go a long way towards wiping out a city. say one the size of Norwich." Recent tensions in the Gulf had resulted from Saddam Hussein 's refusal to let American weapons inspectors into the country. In the past. U mspectors found and destroyed chemical biological weapons, including containing anthrax. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the new weapon on Rihab.
By NICOLE RUSSELL
PLANS ARE underway to slash UEA's water bill by thousands by tapping into an underground water supply.
MONEYII
You can earn it as Distribution Manager for Concrete. The job involves supervising the Concrete delivery team and dropping bundles of the paper to lo cations both on and off campus. You must be over l l . w ith a clean driving licence. Please apply to Simon M ann at Concrete, PO Box 4 1 o, Norwich, N R4 7TJ by Monday, December 8.
If an application to the Environment Agency is successful, then the University could extract gallons every day - that's 80 million gallo ns each year- from the bore hole located in a field off Bluebell Road. All campus wou ld be served by However, the Environment spokesperson. the water supply, including the Agency. who will receive UEA 's "Our chief concern will be the residence blocks housing 3.000 application in December. will only possibili ty of the bore holes having students. let the scheme go ahead if they arc an effect on low flows in the rivers." UEA spokesperson, Annic convinced that the environment will The Environment Agency could Ogden. says UEA is hoping to cut not suffer as UEA lines its pockets. impose rigid restrictions on the thousands from its bill , currently in proposal which would pre\'ent Concerns the hands of Anglian Water. damage to the environment. And she added. ''It is true to say "We have to assess whether the These include pumping that this will make the Univer'>ity proposal by the University is discharged water into the river to more self-sufficient. but the acceptable. so we may require the maintain flow levels. and imposing a substantial savings make th1s applicant to produce an environment ban on extraction when water flow scheme very attractive." assessment report ," said a falls below a certain level.
Ne\IVS 5
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Alaugh a minute -
THE BBC are running a comedy competition to find t1>1 stand-up stars of the 21st Century. BBC Talent 2000 are -asking for budding comedians to send five minutes of wit - the best entries will be offered the chance to perform In clubs around the country. The competition finals will be held at the Edinburgh Festival and will be filmed by BBC 1. First prize Is £1 000 In cash plus a BBC commission and 2 runners up will receive £500 each. To enter phone the hotllne on 0990 116644.
Fly away -
BRITISH AIRWAYS and the Times have thrown down the gauntlet tc- student& to come up with a design for a British Airways tallfln. The competition Is being run to find a symbol for Britain today as the country heads towards the millennium. The winner of the competition will see their design flown around the world on a BA jet for six months. The first prize is two return tickets on Concorde to New York. Contact the Times website at www.4-0.co.uk
A student hard at work By MATT RAY, News Editor
A CAMBRIDGE-BASED company Is offering UEA students cash for answers as 1t sets up an essay bank. The Cambridge Trading Co. has posted notices in EUR and the Computing Centre, asking to buy marked essays from cash-strapped students for £3 each. A similar scheme at Anglia such an essay bank." selling their essays and from Polytechnic University has caused Lists of essays produced by plagiarising other peoples work. fury and bosses there have ripped students will be used by the "We will remove any such notices company to compile a database "as we find and hope our students down ads posted around campus. Said Senior Pro-Vice Chancellor a study and revision aid for recognise the importance of Robin Smith, "A notice was students." engaging fully in the learning displayed at various points around process." Clampdown the campuses advertising payment to Different students for marked essays. At UEA, chiefs are cracking The offer has met with mixed down on campus advertising of these Support schemes and warn students not to student reaction. "The Student's Union does not in plagiarise other's essays. Said Gareth Carroll (Soc 1), " It is fact support this development, Said UEA spokesperson Annie a bit dodgy, what if someone copies recognising the dangers that befall a Ogden, "The University would your essay word for word? The student who purchases essays from certainly discourage students from University should stop it."
Jamie Clemenson (Soc 3) said that he would sell his essays "If I needed the money." He added that a database of work would be a useful tool and that UEA can do little to stop students using it. "You could use it for ideas," he said, "other universities give example essays. "I do not think they could stop it, if it is on the intemet, it is free access."
Angered Union Academic Officer, Becka Currant, has sent a complaint to Cambridge Trading Co. and feels that the service may take advantage of pressured students. "I e-mailed them saying that this really is not on and you are not
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going to get any support from us and please do not do it again," she said. "I think that they have got a cheek coming onto campus, I think that they are cashing in on the fact that everyone wants to get a first or 2.1." She added that the amount of money offered for the essays will not impress students and that people who use essay databases could be caught out by uEA rules.
Refuse "I would not sell my essays for that amount of money, I think that students who come to university have more sense than to fall for this. " It contravenes University regulations on plagiarism." The Cambridge Trading Co. was unavailable for comment.
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STUDENTS are being offered t he opportunity t o raise money f o r The Guide Dogs for the Blind Associati on by trekking t hrough the m o untains of Morocco or cycling across Cuba. The charity is asking candidates t o raise £2000 sponsor money and i n retu rn wi ll provide flight s, bed and board as well as full medical back-up for the trips. Fundraising Project s Officer Nick Chetwood said , " Trekk i ng acros s the Atlas Mountains i n Morocco is a fant astic challenge and certainly not for the faint hearted. " " lt w ill ·i nevitab ly cha nge your life and the lives of m an y others as you w ill be rais ing money for Guide Dogs for t he Blind on the way." Speaking about the Cuba cycling expe d iti on Mr Chetwood said , " Th is is a on e wee k cycling adventure acro ss t he Caribb ean isl and of Cuba." The trek known as " Mountains an d Mules of Mo rocco " w ill b e run f rom June 13, to J une 21 ,199 8, wh ile " Cycl e Cub a" is s c hed uled for November 10, t o No vember 17, 1998. Contact Nick Chetwood at GDBA Holidays, Shap road , Kendal , Cumbria LA9 6NZ for further details.
Concrete, Wednesday: November 26,1997
Survey says students would rather go clubbing than vote By Grah am Dig gines
A UNION survey has revealed that a massive 85% of students have little knowledge of what the Union does and many would rather spend an evening at Ikon than in a general meeting. 500 student, \\ere quia:ed in tb urvey to find Olll why only 180 :-.llldents turned out for the la\l and a mere 91 voted i n the las t referendum. nion Publici!) Officer, James Blower. who "as responsible for the survey, revea led that -.tudcnt:. feel that UGM:. arc too political and formal. "One problem is the way that everything is 'll formal. it i. ; uch a nightmare to get anything sorted out in the 111on.'' he said.
Red tape " If ynu wan t to tli!.CU'' anything in a UG )O U ha,·c to -.ubmit a propo,al 48 hour-. in advance when 111<l'l people just wan t to as ~ a >lmple question nn the da) ... Despite half of thos.: quc.. tionctl knowing nothin g about the last UG M. nion CommuniCations Officer. Andy Watsnn , defended Union publicity. · I think that the fiN UGM anti
AGM wen~ very well organised ... he sa1d. ·· we door-dwpped leanets across campus, put poster:. around n ion l lou;,e and ga \ e l1Ut lea net:-. in the Hive. "As far a:. publicity goe:., I think \\C did all that we pn"ibl) could. We so ld beer at 50 pence a pint hut that ~ till d1d not get people in terested.'. The Union no\\ pLLn' lO mO\ e UGMs from Monda) n1ghts to Tu e~d..l)> m an auempt to attract a bi gger turnout. " The !>Lir\ C) 'how' that Mnnda) i' a night that people want tn do other things like go to Ikon." .,a1d Andy . "That is ind1 cat1VC of the cuiTent student feeling about the way the 111 0 11
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''They probabl) thin ~ that the nion i; tiding along all right o they go off down to l~ on ... Howe, er, tudenh have hH bac ~ at the Union with Garcth (aiToll (SOC I) . a) ing, " I do nnt e'en know what the Union doe,, how can I feel happy to leave it in their hands?""
Promise And Jamie Cl emenMl n ( OC3) added, " I do not kno\\ anyone who is that happy with what the) do. For ex ample. pound a pint - the Execullve promi'>cd that that would -,tay. " James Blower nm' hope, to act on the re;,ults of !.urVC). "I th ink that peopl e would we lco me the opponu nity to ju;, t co me along and question any of U'>. ··he -.aid.
Union Publicity Officer. James Blower
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Wi n our Ginzing competition and you will be guaranteed a very merry Christmas! Concrete, in association w ith United Distillers, is giving away a crate of the new gin drink to one lucky reader. Gmzing's makers describe the drink as a blend of Gordon 's gin witn Eastern and Latin American herbs- fused for a new, refreshing taste. Ginzing contains ginseng, guarana and schizandra which have been used for centuries in the belief that t hey promote a se se of well being. The drink was also recently voted " Bottle of the Week" by the Su nday Times! Si m ly answer the question below to win the whole crate of this ace new drink- entries should be put in he Concrete competitions box in the Hive wi th your name, school and elephone number Q: In the Union Bar, how much does a bottle of Ginzing cost?
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1996
Ne""s 7
UEA poet published
UEA to sink £2m into energy saving scheme By JAMES GOFFIN
A £2M BLUEPRINT fo r generating electricity on campus was unveiled last week by Energy Manager, Mel Pascoe. The plans will help slash the University's £1.5m a year utilities bill and help the environment at the same time. If all goes to plan, the cutting- about the plan 's green credentials. " I' m concerned about the edge gas-powered gener~tors at the heart of the scheme will be up and University's motives," she said. running by November next year, "Gas is a preferable fuel to coal, providing one mega-watt of but it is by no means the best electricity each. alternative. "If they were really interested in Generators the environment they would be At present almost all campus looking at renewable energy like heating needs are met by a central solar panels." boiler house, but the units will now Solar generate heat for the system as well But Mr Pascoe denies that options as electricity. like olar power are viable. Me! Pascoe says there are no "Renewable sources incur drawbacks to the scheme. ''The net result i significant cost significant costs," he said. "While we could use solar, the savings, but there is also a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over cost is not inducive. UEA use so much electric that 30%," he said. ''There is a financial motive, but a we buy it in cheaper than domestic worthwhile environmental reward as electric. "So if we pay half price for the well." However, Union Environmental electricity, it takes twice as long for renewable sources to pay back." Officer, Kathryn Amos, is sceptical
Chrblma Gf~ls ~fiift
fM Cii»V Shii»
A UEA student was surprised to hear recently that one of her poems is to be published in a new poetry anthology. "I just sent a few poems to the publisher and I didn't expect to hear anything from them and a couple of weeks later I was informed that it was ready to print," said Yvette Reader (BIO 2). A chance meeting led to her decision to try to publish some of her work the Hilton House anthology. "This bloke the landlord knew came round to plug in the new washing machine." "While he was round he was saying something about how he'd had some poetry published and we started talking about it and he said 'oh well if you've got any, use this publisher'." The chosen poem is called "Friendship losr and it'll appear in the anthology "Poetic Thoughts", published at the end of this month. The contributors are offered a copy of the book at a discounted · rate. "Because it's an anthology and it's got contributions from probably 100/150 people, the royalties would amount to a few pence each," explained Yvette. She encouraged budding poets to get in touch with the company. "If anybody else thinks that they've got work that they'd like to have published, they' re definitely the people," she said.
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overall responsibility for Union staffing matters:- appointments, disciplinary issues and pay reviews day-to-day running of the Union representation of students' views on University Committees regular and direct contact with students in need of support campaigning on issues identified by the student body
Applicants should be UEA students at the time of nomination. Salary is£ 10. 565 pa. The post is tenable for one year from July 191)8 until June 1999 . Post-holders may. howeYer. stand for a second year.
9 Part-time Non-sabbatical Officers: Sports. Clubs & Societies, Women 's Environment. Internal , NUS , Community and International Liaisons, Overseas, Publicity. Duties will include:
• • •
AIDS AWARENESS DAY 1ST DECEMBER RAISING AWARENESS "RED RIBBONS ARE NOT ENOUGH" INFORMATION, CONDOMS, AND SUPPORT... LIN KING UP WI.TH "POSITIVE PEOPLE" AND "NORWICH AIDS HELPLINE"
campaigning on issues identified by th e student body representation of students' views on University Committees portfolio responsibilities
Applicants should be on course at UEA for the duration of the post. Elected candidates will receive a pass allowing them free entry to all Union Entertainments. The post is tenable for one year from July 1998 unti l June 1999 For further particulars and a nomination fom1 for any of the abo\ e posts. contact the Education Uni t. Union House. Uniwrsity of East Anglia. Norwich. NR4 TfJ. Phone 01603 592181 Email: J Pcel(d}uca.ac.uk Closing date for submission of nominations is 12th February 1998
lfi·' UEA
StU'dsnt.s
UNION CAROL SERVICE
In the Square Thursday 11th December, 8am-9pm Collection for Norwich Homeless Sprowston Silver Band Mulled wine and Mince Pies Xmas drama by Chaplaincy Drama Group
Union of UEA Students
RAISING FUNDS -FASHION SHOW 27TH NOVEMBER IN THE LCR
- SALSA NIGHT DECEMBER 2ND IN THE LCR
STUDENT TRAINER OPPORTUNITIES The Union wishes to recruit 5 students to become student trainers. The appointed trainers will provide generic skills training. using pre-prepared materials, to its elected Officers. Representatives and Clubs & Society Members. The appointed trainers will receive an initial weekend's instruction in how to deliver training, and on-going support and supervision thereafter. They will be ex-pected to organise and deliver approximately 5 training sessions between February and June 1998 at times to be arranged. Benefi ts to student trainers include: improved communication skills, experience of working ·-•-·- -..·groups. and organisation skills. and experience provided should provide a significant boost to the appointees' employment prospects. For further particulars and a nomination form contact the Education Unit, Union House, University of East Anglia, Nornich, NR4 TfJ. Phone0l603 592181 Email: J. Peel@uea .ac.uk C losing date for submission of applications is the lOth December 1997
UNION o UE
Ne\Ns: In depth 9
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Saving the planet from .the effects of global warming is now more important than ever In recent weeks students have been urged to save energy, and to campaign for more environmentally friendly methods of electricity production to help reduce global warming. Though UEA students have already taken action, cutting power bills by £5,000. according to re earch pioneered at the Climatic Re earch Unit on campus. much more needs to be done to stem climate change. Already in Britain we may be seeing the effects of global warming. Three of the five warmest years ever recorded were in the last decade, and 1997 is challenging 1976 as the warmest year ever. The continued dry spell has resulted in water reserves running drastically low. The shortage is now so great that Anglian Water is looking at the feasibility of production plants that convert sea water for domestic use - such expensive solution are currently only used in the driest areas of the Middle East.
Perhaps more dramatically, changes in global temperature are likely to cause sea levels to rise by around one metre over the next couple of hundred years. Over six
the Government's Office of Science and Technology points out, we do need greenhouse gases. "Were it not for these natural greenhouse gases, the eanh would
doubled. Even if we completely halted emissions of the gases, it would take another I 00 years for their levels to begin to decrease. "There are long lags between
I•c; and the extreme of the last ice age 20,000 years ago was just 5"C colder showing that small changes in temperature can have radical effects on the environment. Some of the most important work on global warming took place here in orwich at the Climatic Research Unit, pan of the of Environmental School Sciences. Over the la!.t 25 years, the CRU has checked and collated climate records from all over the globe, providing scientists worldwide with invaluable data. In 1995, by combining climate action aimed at levelling-off be roughly 300"C colder, and we m i ,, i o.n records with computer people m would not be here." The problem carbon dioxide levels and the simulations, researchers at the levels actually Bangladesh and seven million in stabilising," is that the amount of the gases in Unit reversed the view of the Egypt will be severely affected as the atmosphere has built up, explains Sir Robert. United Nations-sponsored coastlines are encroached and low largely due to our way of life. What this all adds up to is that Panel for Intergovernmental lying areas flooded. In Britain such making the earth warmer than it temperature of the earth is rising. Climate Change that the effects of Over the last 120 years the average a rise would add to coastal erosion. would naturally be. increased C02 levels on global global temperature ha ri en by The build-up of greenhouse Over the last I 00 years the temperatures was unproven . The amount of the main greenhouse 0.6"C - a figure which seems gases creates a barrier which traps expert panel. which advises the trivial until put into context. Over heat in the atmosphere and raises gas - carbon dioxide - in the international community on temperatures on the face of the the last 1,000 years the estimated atmosphere has risen by a quaner, climate policy, now believes "that earth. But as Sir Robert May, from and the amount of methane has change in temperature was only there has been a discernible human r-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ influence on global climate." It's research like this that has persuaded people of the need for immediate action. One of the main targets for change is power generation, the cheapest and most popular of which is coal burning. Eco-friendly al ternatives include wind, solar and tidal power. Efforts to reduce pollution at UEA are being spearheaded by University Energy Manager, Mel Pascoe. He recently unveiled a £2m plan to in tall gasburning generators that supply electric and at the same time help heat buildings. Because the units are twice as efficient as conventional coal-burning power stations, they save money but also cut UEA carbon dioxide emissions by a third. For Mr Pascoe, it is an exciting and
"We would have to cover an area the size of the entire campus with mature woodland every year to absorb UEA emissions · Energy Manager, Mel Pascoe
important breakthrough. "When people talk about so many tonnes of C02, it doesn't mean much to me. But in terms of trees, we would have to cover an area the size of the entire campus with mature woodland every year to absorb UEA emissions," he explains. The University is also updating lighting around can1pus to make it more efficient. changes which will pay for themselves over a few years. And new buildings are designed with energy as a prime concern. Says Mr Pascoe. "The Elizabeth Fry Building is undoubtedly the lowest energy building of it · type in the country. The people and equipment provide most of the heating. It is almost self-sufficient. But he added, "We use a great deal of electricity. The University pend around £ 1.5m on power and water a year, and the biggest cost is electric. You can always do more, and do better." Global warming is an issue that is also troubling governments around the world as they prepare for next month's Climate Summit in Kyoto, Japan. At the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, 165 countries agreed a return to 1990 greenhouse gas emissions levels by the year 2000. Since then, the JPCC has reported that if current emissions trends continue, global temperatures could rise by between 1.5" and 4.5"C - a change as dramatic as that between the last ice age and today. Kyoto should see the countries agree legally binding limit on greenhouse gas em1ss1ons. egotiating positions range from a 20% reduction by 2010 to a 5% reduction by 2012, or, in Australia's case a plea to actually increase emissions. The UK' plan is a 20% reduction by 20 I 0. America, which accounts for a fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions, only wants to return to 1990 levels by 2012. Whatever happen at Kyoto, individual efforts - witching off lights, turning down heating, haring cars - will be crucial if attempts to reduce greenhou e gas emissions are to have any succes .
f - - - - - - - - a paid advertisement by your student u n i o n - - - - - -
alCOhOl awareness week Monda 24th - Fri 28th November
An opportunity to stop and think before the festive season. Is your drinking getting the better of you? Alcoholics Anonymous will be here throughout the week with information and advice.
ifyoucan't standup.
All draft soft drinks M~~~~ 20p {half pint) during Alcohol Awareness Week WHY NOT TRY AN OJ TONIGHT?
recycling on campus WHERE?
e
e
Hive and Pub West Car Park
about being green at UEA contact the Union Environment Officer, Kathryn Amos.
C o n o <o t o. w eon gsdov . Nov~em ~oe ~ r 2~ 6. ~ '99~ 7 - --
Features 11, -
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Holocaust victim, Trude Levi talks to Debbie Marco about her experiences
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,12 Features
''I
wouldn't recommend the coffee, mate. They make it like treacle round here." The speaker doesn't really mean it, he just wants to make a friendly dig at one of the workers and he smiles warily as I drink. The maligned coffee maker's name is Cathy. She has been a full time care worker at St Martin's Nightshelter for four months. "The shelter's been here for quite a few years," she says, commencing a guided tour of the disused church. "11 used to be the old puppet theatre in town. Now it's based here. We have up to 24 residents at any one time - 10 double rooms and four singles."
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
cups of tea should they want to. As we approach the television-cc:rne-dining room and there is an awkward silence, which is probably caused by the smell of reheated food emanating from trays in the kitchen area. "lt looks pretty awful now it's been served," Cathy remarks with an embarrassed smile, "but it was much more appealing before it came out of the trays." "This is the Television room," she says, turning to face several rows of seats and a large TV. "it's where the residents ...erm ...socialis3." The embarrassed smile threatens a correback. I ask about tile shelter's funding to avoid another silence. "We rely largely upon charitable donations," she states with a 'it's ne way near enough' tone in her voice. ''We're 1=art of the St
- the government. Everything is aimed at keeping us down. Prison officers, probation officers, the police, the Council: everything. Half the people here can't get a job because they're homeless, not because they're incapable." "P'k the system or the system f**ks you," adds Geoff decisively, leaving the impression b,e's said this before on more •han one occasion. I ask Alien why .he's
the essentials," continues Cathy. People at the shelter are given what they need to stay alive: food, warmth, a relative degree of hygiene, contact with medical supplies and an occasional smile. The only requirements are that residents donate their government housing allowances to the shelter, do not take drugs (or animals) onto the premises, and don't fight or
damage
:..--.:.:....:o11 property. to swing a cat, which is fortunate because pets are not allowed in the shelter. Each contains a bed complete with dirty mattress, blankets, a small bedside table and wardrobe. it's practical but several planets away from luxury - there are showers, toilets, a washing machine, and a kitchen where the residents can get toast and
Martin's housing trust which runs the night shelter and other projects. We don't get a government grant, but we do claim the governm3nt housing benefit for each of our residents. That comes to about £18 a week. Not much really.' St Martin's Nightshelter was set up in 1972 in response to a report the previous year claiming that nearly 50 ----'""!"-..,.P"!!'f'IIIII~~~!P.!~~"P.,.,...,. people were sleeping rough in Norwich. At this time, most were m(ldle aged tramps, the sort that drink cider frcm bottles · wrapped in brown p~er bags. The situation has altered dramatically since then: there has been a vast
...
.,..~-
~~~,~~;;i=-ii~i-~~;lt:jt:J~~i~Jt~1~1~~ increase in the nunber
1
Features13
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Unsurprisingly there are staff shortages. But those who are willing to donate time and energy are unquestionably dedicated.
here. Is it 'the system's' fault? "I'm here because I'm a f..****g d***head. I did wrong, but I was pushed into a corner by the police and told to kiss ass, I told them to kiss my ass. I got myself into trouble, and went to prison. Then I got out a solution to his problem, but in five years I could be a supervisor." and stayed at a mate's place. Tomorrow night will be my first here and I'm f** ..**g it pays for a cup of coffee. He Alien remains vague about his plans for the dreading it." as plans, but they are long ter,m. future, preferring to tell me about the two pairs of . m going over to Holland in Levis jeans he bought recently. "People think that This isn't the first time Alien has been ebruary," he says hopefully, "I homeless. He doesn't go into details, but in the because you're homeless then you're a tramp. it's past he's had jobs, cars and holidays in Spain with going to pick the tulip buds for not the same thing at all. I don't look like a tramp. all the trimmings. He doesn't regard himself as perfumes - I've got a friend over there who's Tramps piss themselves. I went out last week and setting it all up and can get me a job and a place bought myself two pairs of Levis worth 50 quid being the same as the other residents. He regards begging as each. You've have good jeans ,~iJ~jJiijijij];iji(ifJiijiiii.Jiiij"i;"f'; :::tolieiiii~-----., ~ haven't you. I gotta also bought some immoral and trainers. I got them cheap. Hook or by he would crook, that's my motto." But Geoff never do it. "If doesn't have any plans, or Levis. you beg, ,__ _ _ __, And Car! knows that homelessness you've lost is a hard enough cycle to break even your self to stay. I think I can earn a·lot of money doing that. if you want to; "When you've skipped school for a respect," he says angrily as if I'd offended him by raising the subject. "And if you don't respect I'll try and build up some savings. When I get back, day it's quite hard to go back. As time goes on, it yourself, why should anyone efse respect you?" In I want to do an NVQ. I'm trying to set that up now. gets harder. That's what it's like being homeless any case, Alien has plans. The Council have given I want to do electronics and car mechanics so I and trying to get your life sorted. You've got to get out quick, because otherwise you're labelled by him money for a flat. Once he's in a place of his can work in a garage. Or I could get a job in a own, he'll get a job and start again. factory that makes electronic components for cars - society." But Geoff won't. By his own admission he has "lost his heart." He's homeless because he wants to be, he doesn't know what else to do. "I'm happy being homeless. I've been homeless for too long. I couldn't have a house, a car and a mortgage any more. I've done that. Once you've been homeless as long as I have, you need to keep moving around or the walls start to close in on you. I couldn't stay in this place for much longer. The walls will close in on me. I need to keep moving round. I'll be out of here soon." Geoff talks with a slight speech impediment, but he does well considering he has no teeth. He's a tall, thin, mid-forty year-old with a receding hairline. He's the only one of the men I talked to who has no intention of changing any part of his life. While Car! is young, he is also realistic; for now he be~s if he needs to. it's not ~~!j!§I!BI
d
A group of residents from various backgrounds rounded up by Cathy come and sit at a table in a room with a stereo in it which is more like an expanded corridor. Some of them get bored during the course of the interview and wander back into the TV room. One man, who reeks of alcohol, begins to play with my Dictaphone. Bored with that, he falls asleep on the table and later demands £5 for his contribution to the proceedings. Much of the interview is dominated by three of the residents: Car!, Geoff and Alien. At 21, Carl is the youngest of the three, and also seems to be the most willing to talk about his past - the others are more wary about giving away details about themselves. Carl is a big man with peroxide blond hair and scattered facial piercings.
stayed in? "I've been in hostels before, this is a night shelter," he says, correcting the question. "There is a slight difference. In a hostel you can stay in bed all day, here they kick you out at half past nine. You're allowed back into your room at half past twelve. They've got day centres as well. We get breakfast here and some other meals. it's OK - better than being on the streets." he shelter only aims to provide temporary accommodation, but residents who want to get out find the Catch 22 situation hard to break. "The only way to gefa job if you're homeless is to have a mailing address- not a 'care of address but a proper. one," explains one of the residents. And it's hard to get an address without first finding a job. earl uses his mum's address on his bank details. He also uses a MAT (Mancroft Advice project) 'care of' address, but he doesn't think that they are of any use. ''They think
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college and didn't have much time to keep it open. I offered to look after it for him. He said 'Yeah mate, but I'm not sure if I trust you.' lt's always the same thing: because I'm homeless, I'm either a thief or a drug abuser." But Car! doesn't think that everyone behaves towards homeless people in this way, even if they do, they're not stupid, just ignorant of his predicament. ''When you're begging, some people will put their hands in their pockets and hold onto their change so you can't hear it rattling. They walk past you and say 'no thank you.' Others will give you a bit of money and come talk to you - ask you about yourself." After having had his clothes stolen from a squat, earl was on the street begging for money to buy some more. An employee from a nearby army surplus store approached him. The man offered a deal: 'I'm not going to give you any money. But I will give you a
He is wearing a heavy woollen jumper, army surplus trousers and a pair of black leather boots. registered His story is typical. Born in Cambridge, earl's hc:rneless people, family moved around regularly because his father and drug abuse was in the army and had regular postings. He was has increased by sent to public school, but got into too many fights 50%. Since 1989 to stay beyond the age of 16. Life at home was not the number of good and earl's father threw him out at the age of hc:rneless people 16, saying that he should be aged between 18 able to look after himself by 111Sii11iiPi''ilillliiilt:ififiiiiiitlliil611iiiiiii:"l;Pi"llffii'---~ reduction if you get and 25 has now. After doing time in a some money to buy increased fiveyoung offenders' institution for clothes.' "He knew I fold. throwing someone out of a was homeless so he Faced with window for threatening his Jll\JIIJtf~RbJU!IJYJL.GRI!I~t:..!...I.UblmL _j gave me a coat which these threatening sister, earl found himself on should have cost £35 statistics, the the streets. 'how reliable is he going to be if he's homeless or for £18. He gave me the reduction because I maqe shelter aims at ''I used to live in Diss. I've worked in a slaughter lives in a bad area?' If they have a suspicion that the money to pay for some of the coat myself. being an house, and done some factory work, and stuff like you're homeless, or have been, then you're He'd been homeless himself, I think. He wanted to emergency that. Lugging carcasses round - it was pretty hard labelled: 'ah he's a drinker, a drug-addicts', that's give me a c.hance, but not charity." re1uge for those work. I used to have a place. But I lost my job. I what they say. But I don't drink, and I don't do ..._..../ .who have run out sent the money to someone who I think would drugs. My only vice is smoking." t this point, Geoff and Alien join in. They of alternatives. need it more than me." Begging and sleeping As he speaks, Carl sits -casually, but he is agree: some people give and others Aryone can book rough are no longer a big deal for earl. attentive and perceptive. Next to him the drunk don't. But they are not to blame. "No you in, and there is "lt doesn't bother me now if I know I've got to man is slumped over the table, barely conscious. can't blame it on society, that's not fair," says Alien no waiting listsleep on the street. lt doesn't bother me if I need a ''You're not allowed to discriminate against people defensively. boos are given cup of coffee, to ask someone for the money to on grounds of sex, race, creed, or religion," he it's the first time he's spoken. He's in his thirties aVIay as they pay for it. lt used to bother me, I couldn't do it. But continues; "But you can still discriminate against a - smart but casual, clean shaven with greying hair. homeless person. There was a guy I knew who become vacant. not now, I'm to used to this." He has bruises on his knuckles. "We provide all How does this hostel compare with others he's ' had a stall on the market. I said 'I don't see your "Societv's definite!~ not to blame. it's the svstem . .... \ .i • 4 " . . . . . . ,. • • • • • " • ' 4 ' ' ' \ • :. 1 ll.*.•.•l.•l,.•.-•.••••'t/•'•~•'•'t'•'•'•"•'•1•"•••'•'•'•'••••·••••••••"•'••·•••,.t.•. .stall.opeA•M*eWf..te•~fJ.•M. he was at ~
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14 Features
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
e land of tinsel and toys, Father Chri.s tmas jingles ·eh, reindeer and all ... hristma~ is a busy time for me, but I don't get tired, even after all these years. I am the real Father Christmas, and have been for about 500 years. I'm not just a helper; look how real my beard is - children are always pulling it to see if it comes off. At the moment there's a lot going on, so I get up early at about 6am and have some breakfast; cornflakes, toast and milk. We have the Same at home in Lapland but there we have reindeer milk instead. My day at th e moment normally begins at 3 abouta. oam when I leave the
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the big sleigh and four for the smaller one. When I'm at home in Lapland, I live with Mummy Christmas and lots of son and daughter Christmases. I spend most of my time there looking after and feeding the reindeer. I also supervise the toys being made and offer the gnomes and elves who come to help proper training. My ideal day would be for hundreds and hundreds of children to come through the grotto. While I'm here, I have lunch at 1pm; today I ate two ham and salad rolls. The only bad part of the job is after the lunch period when things ease off
am magic but not even I can be in 200 places at the same time or deliver all the presents. So I have
I "On Christmas Eve we w ork out a rota to a rrange what children go to bed earlier a nd which ones :~~se go later, then we know who to deliver to first!"
walk to this grotto. I am staying with a friend who I have known for two or three hundred years and their house is just on the outskirts of Norwich, so that I don't have to travel from Lapland every day. it's only about a 25 minute walk from here, and the exercise is very good for me. To bring the reindeer down to Norwich we had to wait for a cloudy night and then • • • travel over. We have six reindeer to pull
Seen Amsterdam? Done Paris?
Now Hitch to Morocco! Forget Europe, think Africa. Imagine riding camels in the Sahara Desert, trekking in the shadows of the Atlas Mountains, relaxing on the the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Coast and exploring the colourful bustling markets of Casablanca and Marrakesh.
This Easter, students from UK universities will hitch to Morocco to raise money for the educational charity link Africa. Link asks hitchers to raise their own sponsorship, giving them all the information and support they need for the Hitch. Campus Travel will provide prizes for the fastest hitchers, and th.e hitcher raising the most sponsorship.
Hitchers' Meeting Thurs 27th Nov, 6pm Union House Room 131 All Welcome UEA Hitch Rep : Spencer Whalley <s.whalley@ uea.ac.uk> For more info contact: Morocco Hitch Co-ordinator Link Africa, Orwell House, Orwell Road, Cambridge, CB4 4WY Tel: 01223 506665 hitch@ linkafrica.demon.co.uk Reg Charity No: 1048007
Patron: The Most Revd Desmond Tutu
Hitch Patron: Sir Ranolph Fiennes
and I can just be sitting here for 10 or 15 minutes doing nothing.
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he best part of being Father Christmas is definitely ttie children. They come in here not quite knowing what to expect and they go away feeling very happy. Occasionally you get some who are a bit scared but they don't stay that way for tong after they have seen all the presents! Last year the youngest one I had in was seven days old while the oldest person to sit on my tap was 101! You get lots of mums and grandmas in. Nanas especially love to come in and talk to me. I hope I'll be Santa for another 200 - 300 years yet, barring accidents; the children only attack me playfully - trying to pull my beard off. I would like to be here when the little children who have been on my lap today bring in their children and grandchildren. The presents that children want change each year, but the traditional things are always popular. Batman and Barbie are always on the children's list as well as radio controlled cars and mountain bikes. 1t is quite sad when I know a child will probably not get what they ask for. I tell them that I'll try and bring what they want but if I can't, then I'll take them a surprise present instead. I can never say that they will definitely get a particular present because the children have to understand that mummies and daddies have to pay for them, even though it's me that delivers them. All of the children will get a present of some kind. Normally, I leave the grotto at about 5pm and get home at about 5.45pm, but on Thursdays it's late night shopping so I stay here until eight thirty. When I get in I have a cooked meat like a roast; pasta or even a Chinese, and in the evening I usually listen to the radio. I can pick up a Lapland station if I want to, but during the year when I am in Lapland I listen to Radio Norfolk all day long! At the weekends I have to rest. My favourite tipple is a glass of milk and that's what I like to be left on the mantelpiece on Christmas Eve, with a mince pie and a carrot for the reindeer - I promise to leave no crumbs at all! People think that the Father Christmases who don't ha-.:e proper beards are not real but without them I couldn't manage. I
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to have lots of helpers and they are all very good, they have to be kind and have lots of patience. On Christmas Eve we work out a rota to arrange what children go to bed earlier and which ones go later, then we know who to deliver to first! I also have a great big army of fairies who go round and tell me what's what, who's who and of course, who's been good. t never miss a child out though - even if they have been naughty because they often make me a promise that they will try harder in future. The most important thing about being Father Christmas is to love children and to be understanding. I am really looking forward to Christmas Eve, and then having a rest for two or three days afterwards; with lots of steeping and eating. I think about all the pleasure I have given throughout the world with the children, mums, dads and grandparents who all got presents and had a wonderful cheery happy time!
MASSIVE " TACK and FUN LOVING CRIMINALS coming to UEA soon ! After a recent spate of attacks on students and the imminent burglaries to student properties over the Christmas Holiday, the Union of UEA students have teamed up with Endsleigh to launch a 'Safety and Security Awareness Day' on:Wednesday, 26th November in 'The Hive' The Union will be running a security alarm promotion and Endsleigh will be on site to offer immediate in urance cover for your possession with premium from as little as £24 (in Hall ) or £35 (if living off campus).
Automatically included is cover for permanent di ablement eau ed by:Thieves or Fire in your room - up to £50,000;
Mugging or Assault, including in the street or other public place in the UK- up to £50,000; Any Motor Vehicle or Public Transport whilst a passenger or pedestrian- up to £10,000; Any Other Accident - up to £10,000.
Endsleigh Insurance warn that students are twice as likely to be burgled over the Festive Season, as criminals prey on unoccupied property, and have compiled the following security tips:
STUDENT SECURITY TIPS 1. Make sure your possession are insured. If a thief is determined to break into your room, flat or house, then there is very little that is going to stop him! However, if your possessions are insured, at least you will be able to
replace them and continue with your tudies. You may not think that you have many possessions worth insuring, but if your worldly goods are tolen, can you afford to replace them? To make it even easier to gain advice and immediate insurance cover, Endsleigh have in tailed a Freephone in 'The Hive ' with a direct line through to the local branch.
2. Students insured with Endsleigh, who live in a designated Hall of Residence, retain full cover during the Christmas vacation. If living off campus, where po ible, tore your po session away in a locked wardrobe or cupboard, especially electrical items such as TV' , HiFi's, Computer Equipment, etc. Ensure all windows and internal door are locked.
3. Never give strangers access to your Hall of Residence. This is especially important at the end of term when students are being picked up by parents and family. Consequently there are a lot of strangers on campus - the perfect environment for thieves to move in unnoticed.
4. Students insured with Endsleigh, who live off campus in shared accommodation, must remember that they have a maximum of £200 cover only, if their flat or house is left empty for the Christmas vacation.
Not all student return home for the full duration of the vacation, preferring to stay on at the end of term or return early to continue their studies. If you are sharing accommodation, then try and organise your vacation to en ure that your flat or hou e i only left unoccupied for the minimum amount of time.
5. Check to see if your University or College provides a security storeroom facility. Many do, and if o, store your posse sion there during the vacation. Remember, full cover applies for End Ieigh policyholder who store their possessions in uch a facility.
6. Take as many expensive and easily portable possessions home with you as possible. Especially if you brought too much at the start of the year. You won't listen to 200 COs in a term, o take them home, they are asking to be stolen. HiFi' , Computer Equipment, Camera Equipment, TV and Video Equipment, Jewellery, Sports Equipment, etc. -
if you can get it home, then take it with you! Remember, Endsleigh 'Studentplan' cover applies to your posse sions whilst 'in transit ' to and from college, at the beginning and end of each term.
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7. If you cannot take many of your possessions home. Then make sure they ' re as safe a possible. Remember, out of sight is out of mind, so hide your TV's, HiFi ' , Video and Electrical Equipment away from windows and prying eyes!
8. Make sure that all windows and doors, including internal doors, are locked and made as secure as possible. 9 Call the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station for further advice and to get your property checked over. 10. Photograph your possessions or get them security marked by the police for future identification in the event of a theft occurring.
FREEPHONE HOTLINE Endsleigh Insurance have launched a FREEPHONE HOTLINE in 'The Hive' for welfare advice and immediate cover for:
POSSESSIONS • MOTOR INSURANCE INSURANCE
TRAVEL • INSURANCE
Simply pick up the telephone and you will be put through directly to your local Endsleigh Branch.
However, if the property is occupied, then full cover is retained.
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16 Features
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Being on call in an ambula all night can't be easy, fina out if the emergency ervices a e a I tha the ER t 7pm on a Monday night it's time for the crew change-over at the East Anglian Ambulance Service Headquarters in Hellesdon. On the 12 hour shift tonight are paramedics Dave Money and Keith Self. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night. From a single control room , the team of switchboard operators at Hellesdon co-ordinate ambulance services for all the stations in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The call-out area designated for the Hellesdon-based ambulances and paramedics is Norwich city itself, even though at busy times they may be sent as far east as Cromer and as far north as The Wash. Not long after meeting Dave and Keith, there's a call to the crew room with details of our first incident of the night. We take our time finishing our tea, before leisurely climbing into the ambulance for a no-lights and no-siren drive to a house somewhere in the city. I'm slightly confused at the casual response to what is
termed an "urgent" call, so Dave explains. The nightshift ambulance services deal with two kinds of calls - "red" and "urgent". A "red" call is any 999 call and the Service is obliged to provide an immediate response . ''The Government requires the ambulance crews to meet all 999 calls in 9 minutes, or 5 minutes in urban and 19 minutes in rural areas," he says, though there are problems in that, with such a wide area of dispersed villages, the East Anglian crew's response times are reduced. The "urgent" calls, like the one we are on our way to now, are cases where a doctor has seen the patient and requested that they be taken to hospital within a certain time.
informed. The arrival --------------~----~ at the maternity unit is where the ambulance crew's job is done, and the woman is passed over to her commun ity midwife. The next call is a "red", which means lights on for a speedy drive to an overdose case in the west of the City. The details we hear over
This particular case is a lady who the doctor believes will give birth prematurely and he has asked the paramedic team to take her to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital within the hour. The journey to the hospital is as leisurely as before, Dave drives and Keith takes the time to settle the patient, do the paperwork and to keep me
the radio are sketchy - reporting a man who has taken 30 or so paracetamol - so we are left with the journey time to wonder what it will be like when we arrive. I'm pretty anxious by the time we get there. lt was a relief to see that the guy is still walking, though he was clearly not right. lt turns out that Dave has met the patient on a previous occasion in which he had hurt himself. I begin to understand what Keith means when he talks about the 'regular' cases which the ambulance services are forced to deal with . The ambulance crews provide a vital service in a limited area of the healthcare spectrum and, ultimately, their job stops at the A&E, when the patient becomes the responsibility of someone else in the chain. For patients, such as this man , to be returning to the responsibility of the frontline services time and time again there must be a weak link in the chain somewhere. lt frustrates Dave and Keith that they do have "regulars", but what can they do but continue providing their part of the service? "Every 999 call has to be treated as an immediate call for help - but we may be sent out on a wasted job," says Dave. "We have a lot of wasted jobs and we've got our regulars," adds Keith. The paramedics are also forced to deal with abusive and even violent patients. Both Dave and Keith agree that nowadays abuse is pretty standard. "Violence is getting to be a problem in everyone's lives," says Dave. "it's to do with a moral decline, and not being able to recognise people who are there to help you. These days the Police have to be called to Accident and Emergency departments. lt is easy to say the problems are drug and alcohol related, but why do people take drugs and alcohol in the first place?"
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uring a quiet spot later in the evening Keith also talks at length about the problems of violent patients, recalling
numerous actual incidents including one in which he and a policewoman were held at knifepoint by a woman with mental problems. He said he had been called to the same address on more than one occasion. Keith explained how the most harrowing part of the job was, inevitably, cases involving children. Even though he realises there can't always be a happy ending, he still finds it difficult to erase particular cot-deaths and road traffic accidents from his mind. However, Keith and Dave have their own brand of humour which is, undoubtedly, an important factor in dealing with such a stressful job. They warn me not to be offended if I find myself the brunt of their jokes. Both men are clearly devoted to their jobs and Keith says that "the moment you don't have any feelings left for your patients is the moment you should pack the job in." After leaving the hospital, we return to the Hellesdon base to re-fuel, though, we've hardly pulled up when we are sent on another "red" call, this time to Aylsham, about 10 miles north of Norwich. The long speedy drive through the countryside -flashing lights and all - was one of the more exciting parts of the night. There is definitely something exciting about driving through red lights and clearing other vehicles out of your way on your way to a "rescue." This is the real Casualty stuff. My adrenaline really gets going, but Dave and Keith are strangely calm, so I try to be cool too. I suppose the lights and sirens novelty has worn off for them, but I bet they're still wondering what the emergencyis-. Dave ant! Kelth have bottl e
Features 17
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
in the ambulance service for 11 years, a d Keith believes their amazing calmness can be attributed to the fact that they've seen just ut every possible case in their time. Keith became a paramedic five years ago after spending three years doing patient transport services and three years as an ambulance technician. Keith used to be a coach builder, but doesn't think that becoming a paramedic was such a radical career change. He says, "I did body repairs on buses and now I do body repairs on people!"
B
ritish ambulance paramedics have far more responsibility for the patient than ever before. Tj1ey are fully now authorised to administer drugs and to use the cardiac shock equipment, and their front-line vehicles carry everything they could possible need. Keith believes this set-up gives the paramedics better job-satisfaction and provides the public with the best possible emergency service. Dave talks at length about the health services and the obvious pressures which budget cuts place on the front-line facilities. "We're increasingly under pressure to meet Government targets" he says. "But in the last five years the workload has more than doubled, with no increase in facilities - perhaps even a decrease." "Things have been getting busier," agrees Kelth. The specific problem of wasted calls is currently being tackled by the Ambulance Service who are introducing new technology to prioritise the urgency of 999 calls. 11 will be able to pick out the calls which need an immediate response from those which do not, and by using a standardised system it does not rely on human judgment which is subject to error. •At the moment, a cut finger gets the same response as a collapse and it's not on really," says Keith. He, and the rest of the Hellesdon crew have high hopes for the new system which is expected to be in full working order by the year 2000. The Aylsham call-out is a patient with an unexplainable drop in blood pressure which has caused him to collapse. We whisk him off to • the N&N. then head back to base. via the
hospital canteen, for a well deserved break. it's about 1am and so far it's been non-stop all night. The next couple of hours are quiet, so we hang around the crew room for a bit and keep ourselves awake with coffee. I also get a guided tour of the control room before Keith takes me down to the garage for a detailed run-through of all the vehicles and all the equipment In addition to the ambulances which the paramedics use, there are specialist vehicles for large-scale crises - such as football riots, and also a high-tech mobile control centre which is capable of coordinating the entire Ambulance Service in an emergency. These boy scouts are prepared for anything. In the middle of our third cup of coffee a call comes down from the control - we're off out again on a "red" call to a young woman in labour. I'm a bit worried we'll arrive too late ... We don't, but all the screaming makes me think we still might not get to the hospital in time. Dave and Keith are incredibly calm, so I begin to think Dave won't have to deliver the baby there
awake, and the constant anticip,atic•n of what the next call be. The night certainly wasn't --~-~f:.~-;1' I expected it to be, especially for a Monday night. There was a severe lack of drunken students having accidents, and, I'm pleased to say, a severe lack of blood. A lot of sick, maybe, but no blood. As Dave says, we've all seen what goes on in Casualty, but real life is not like that. With Dave and Keith there's no stressing, no shouting at each other and panicking anxious relatives - just a couple of calm and professional paramedics going about their business. lt just happens to be that they're in the business of saving lives.
"I did body repairs on buses and now I do body repairs on people!" and then. "You'll never let him come near you again will you," quips Dave, to his rather preoccupied patient. Though it's urgent, there's no lights, sirens or high speed driving this time - it's just not possible. Keith's careful concentration on his driving is faultless, despite all the screaming that's going on in the back - from both the girl and her mother-inlaw - though it's hard to focus on anything else but that. Being the wimp that I am, I decide the pain must be unbearable, and resolve to demand every possible painkiller on offer when my time comes. Back at the maternity unit, we deliver our patient (no pun intended) and return to the ambulance. Dave has a quick fag break and Keith tells me all the birth anecdotes he can recall. He's also got a story to tell about another patient we picked up earlier - it's pretty funny too. On the journeys between another couple of "urgenr calls we chat about everything from underarm hair (?) to the Barbie song- both pretty horrible.The shift is so long that you've heard views on every possible subject by the end of the night. Talking of the end of the night, 7am is just
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18 Letters & Comment
Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
ABORTION AFFILIATION?
MYSTIC ROD
REVEALS
am outraged at the antics of "a group of students" (Concrete Issue 79 ,) campaigning against abortion rights . The arguments for time limits is th e thin end of the wedge, and has been publicly recognised as such by its proponents. When, in 1979, Tory MP John Corrie introduced his Private Member's Bill to bring the limit down to 18 weeks, Tory Ann Widdecombe spoke in terms of "we will have broken the [1967 Abortion] Act. " They want to tie women down and force them to give birth . Abortion should be available as early as possi ble but as late as necessary. We should have no illusions in the argument for time limits; they weigh heaviest on the most vu lnerable, for example, teenage girls who either, through lack of decent sex education, are unaware of their pregnancy, or who are too frightened to confide in anyone. The decision to have an abortion is never easy but at least the choice is there. Once a woman has made this decision , it should not be made even more traumatic for her by having to obtain the agreement of two doctors, often having to face a Spanish Inquisition of judgmental middle-class men . Abortion should be made available via selfreferral - th at is, on demand. I personally have had to face this decision twice. When I was 17 and studying for A
I
HOROSCOPES
Would you like Concrete's Mystic Rod to cast his cosmic gaze upon your own personality, and share his findings with the entire population of UEA? Or do you know someone might be amused by a little free publicity? If so, just write your (or your friend's) name, time (if you know it) , date, and place of birth on a piece of paper and address it for the attention of Mystic Rod. Please enclose a contact telephone number too, if you can, and a photo of the subject. Drop all this off in Union House, either in the Concrete office upstairs, or in our box next to the Steward's Cabin . • ••••••••••••••••
Competition Winners:
tuden ts have been informed that the Union affiliated to the National Abortion Campaign (NAC) on the grounds that it would allow the advice unit to provide information on abortion. However, the Union has not informed students that it does not need to be affiliated to a campaign such as the NAC to provide information on abortion. If th e Union does want to provi de information on th e NAC , it has to pay for its leaflets, yet it could get this information at the same price without affiliating. So, affiliating to the NAC on the grounds of providing information is a highly questionable reason. Health centres and doctors are not affili ated to cam paigns and yet they stil l manage to provide information on abortion. The Union uses inform ation from many different sources and yet the only organisati on we are affiliated to besides NUS is the National Aborti on Campaign . Would the Union affiliate to the Conservative Party to provide information on politics? No, of course it wouldn't. We are asking the Union to respect the views of all its members and end its affiliation to the NAC. We believe that this affiliation is unnecessary and unrepresentative of all student views. Sarah Macken (ENV 2)
S
Issue 79
was quite surprised and shocked to learn recently that the Students' Union is affiliated to an extreme organisation like the NAC . This seems to indicate that we are all supporters of the organisation and its practices. I thought the Students' Union was supposed to represent all of its students. Many people recognise the sensitivity and complexity of the abortion issue without strongly supporting or opposing abortion. By being affiliated to such an extreme pro-abortion campaign , I really don't feel that the Students' Union is representing me personally, and probably many other students too. I hope that as many people as possible will use their right to vote on this issue on Thursday (27 November) . Ruth Flatman
I
LA CONFIDENTIAL
ANSWER: SEVEN WINNERS: JEZ SMITH ILAW21 SARAH SHUBINSKY IBIO11
WHAT AFEEUNG ANSWER: SONIA PLAYED SANDY IN GREASE THE MUSICAL WINNER: ZOE FELL IART 11
Crossword Across
I. Mr Man. offensively asserti ve (6) 4. Mysteri o us or puzzling ~i tuati o n (6) 9. Making happy (8) 10. Threesome (4) 12. Loaded Reader (3) 13. To make heartfelt (I I ) 14. Offspring (3) 15. Tall story (3) 17. Vegetarian personality (5) 19. Kills germs ( 10) 2 I. Pronoun (2) 23. Mu shroom (5) 25. The season of goodwill (9.4)
Levels living on my own , I was raped . I hope that no one reading this will ever have to understand such a personal tragedy. lt should not be made even harder, to know that you have to face carrying the child of a man who has already destroyed your selfesteem , your sanity and (in my case, almost) your chance of a future . The second time, when I told my (now ex) boyfriend my period was two weeks late , I did not want an abortion, but he made it clear he would feel unable to support me. With the Tories' and now New Labour's attacks on single parents, I felt forced into a decision I did not want to make. Thankfully, on both occasions, it turned out I was not pregnant. If these people were sincere, they would do better putting their energies into campaigning for decent benefits, decent social housing, a minimum wage and affordable housing . They do not. Safe, medical abortion has been a massive advance for women. There must be no return to the days of dirty knitting needles and death. Of course, with a cheque book and the right contacts, the rich could always get safe abortion . Abortion is a class issue and the bottom line is, either a woman has the right to control her own body, or someone else does. Jenny Anderson
Down
I. Lacking personality ( I 3) 2. To preva il or preponderate (I I ) 3. Computer access point (8) 5. Negation (2) 6. Baby noise (6) 7. Helpful hint ( I ,4,2,6)
8. Bill (7) I I. Paintings of inanimate obj ec ts (5.5)
I 6. Thing (4) 18. Chemical symbol for sodium (2) 20. Hairstyle- not temporary!(.+) 2 I. Acronym for re ligious group (2) 24. Greek letter and mathematical symbol (2)
Crossword answers: issue 79 Across 1. Constitutional . 8. Ungrounded 9. Irritated 12. 1ci 14. Aga 15. Emu 16. Lesson 18. Chef 20. Sonic 22. Ostensive 25. Specialisation -Down 1. Counting Crows 2. Negotiate
3. Tropical 4. Tenor 5. Trent 6. Norsemen 7. Loud 10. Imps 11. Agent 13. Musician 17. Social 19. Foe
21 . Nisi 23. Toe 24.EAS
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Letters & Cotntnent 19
Concrete. Wednesday, November 26. 1997
hatever your views on abortion, I'm sure everyone will agree that it is a very controversial and emotive issue, and that great resentment is caused when people try to force their views onto others. This is what has been done here. The Union has failed to respect the beliefs of its students by affiliating to an extreme group - by the way, I am told that the only other official external affiliation of the Union is to the NUS. Many students were not even aware of the original affiliation, which was decided by less than 50 students. Those that attended either the UGM or the Student's Forum , at which the matter was addressed , were not informed about many of the NAG's beliefs, and I believe the affiliation would not have taken place if they had. In my experience, the majority of students are shocked by the NAG's objection to any upper time limit on abortion, which means that they believe that abortion should be allowed - for any reason, not just in exceptional circumstances - at 8 months, 9 months, any time up to birth. They have also stated their belief that medical staff who have objections to participating in abortions should be removed from their posts. People whose jobs would be under threat include gynaecologists, midwives and general practitioners, and this discrimination seems to go against our Union's constitution. Furthermore, there are beliefs that the woman should be allowed to choose anyone she wants to perform the abortion. This could include non-medical personnel. There have been claims that there is value in the affiliation in providing information . The only information from the NAG that the Union has is on some of its own less extreme policies, and even this was only received after (and presumably because) the referendum to disaffiliate was arranged. Any information that was wanted could be gained without actually being affiliated to the NAG anyway. 433 students at UEA have signed a petition opposing this affiliation, which is why a referendum is being held. This includes many people who are pro-choice, possibly because they respect that the beliefs of each individual are the choice of that individual. If less than 4% of students vote in the referendum then it will again be left to a handful of students to make the decision for us. Kevin 0/iver (ENV 2)
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Graduate Tax The University•s controversial decision to charge graduation guests £1 0 for the privilege of seeing students graduate is an insult. Students and parents pay towards their education for all their university years and now, to stand and watch them graduate, parents must pay. Students have been calling for years for a more up-market venue than the Sports hall - there must be somewhere in the City and buses could be laid on from UEA. The new £1 0 fee is objectionable in itself, but to not even change the venue or add any more glamour to usual proceedings is the final kick in the teeth.
Happy Christmas Folks! And finally Concrete would like to wish its readers a very Merry Christmas. Have a good one, and we'll see you in the New Year!
UEA's Independent Student Newspaper PO Box 410,Norwich NR4 7TB Tel: (01603) 250558 Fax: (01603) 506822 E·Mait. su.concrete@uea.ac.uk •Editor: Jane "help" Kirby •Deputy Editors: Matthew "bah" Ray and N1ck "indent" Triggle •Assistant News Editor: Graham "front" Diggines •Chief News Reporter: Katie "rah" Nicholl •Features Editor: Emma "nice" Newbery •Chief Features Writer: Katie "Keith" Crockett •Picture Editor: Rob "thirds" Lutyens •Special Projects Editor: James "slippers" Curtis • Distribution Manager : Simon "miss ya" Mann •Editorial Contributors: Mark Edwards, Susie Townsend, Debbi Marco, lan Elson, Caroline Jeater, Kate Hamilton, Nicole ''top" Russell, Adam Aiken , Sarah Moore, Nadia Edgharmey, James Goffin , Mike Wendling, Sophie Nicholson, Mark Edwards •Photographers: Rob Lutyens, Nick Welsh, Steven Cullingworth, Matt Walsh •Advertising Manager: Amy " Jack" Kingswell • Ad Designer: Paul "pity me not" Gould •Special Thanks to: UH Stewards, everyone at ECN •Copy Editor: Kay " section sheef' Spragg •Proofreaders: Anita Miah, Sarah Harris, Ruth Graham, Nadia Elghamry, Wendy Tse, James Goffm, Liam Slattery, Emma Palmer, Eloise Markwick, Kathy Perry •Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students. Opmions expressed are those of the Contnbutor and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Ed1tor. 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 in a hard xmas pullout or by any means electronic •Pnnted by Eastern Counties Newspapers Ltd .. Norwich, N rf lk NR 1A 97
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SERVING WHO? read with interest of Matthew Costin's surprise at my involvement in the organisation of the NUS day of action against fees for Higher Education (Labour of Love. Concrete. November 12). As far as I am concerned. his comments only highlight the fact that I take my role as a student representative seriously and recognise the importance of getting involved 1n a campaign against policies that are potentially very damaging to the
I
future of Higher Education as we know it. The Labour Government has inherited a Higher Education system in cnsis which has faced spending cut after spending cut from the Conservatives. Whilst I do not fully agree with the proposals that the present Government has put forward . I recognise the difficulty that is faced in trying to remedy this d1re situation.
Iona Wakely. Union Finance
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• National Demo on November ongratulations to
C
Matthew Costin who f1nally highlighted the hypocrisy of a particular member of the exec. This supposedly .. politically-free .. exec has been let down by someone whose career aspirations come before the Interests of students . Not only does Iona Wakely parrot every position of New Labour ('Education. education . education for the privileged ') but is so sycophantic towards Douglas Trainer (our beloved NUS president) that you can·t help doubting her motives. Her systematic attacks on the
26. which could yet again show student solidanty against Blunketrs proposals. are appalling. Why. Iona Wakely. do you oppos e this demo? Perhaps 1t 1s becuase you want a place as NUS President? We have to fight tuition fees in any way possible. so forget your career asp1rations. Iona. Stop brownnosing Douglas Trainer and help promote this opportun1ty for students to show their vo1ce. in the1r own interests.
R. Sibson (SOC 2)
am not against abQrtion but I think the Union's affiliation to the National Abortion Campaign is wrong. Abortion is an issue provoking passionately held beliefs and any Union stance for or against cannot help but alienate and maintain a prejudice against a body of students. The Union should not assume an opinion on such a contentious moral issue. Also, from a practical point of view, disaffiliation would not prevent those who may need information of a pro-abortion nature from getting it. The NAG would provide the same information whether we were affiliated or not. Therefore, I think it is important to support the move to disaffiliate on Thursday. Stephen Wa/sh (LAW 2)
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(01603) 592505 Monday 8 • 10pm (Term Times) University of East Anglia Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7TJ su.lgb@uea.ac.uk
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Pies in the Hive Is it a bird? Is it a plane?No it's a pie, and we're giving them away for free! That's right, for the final week of term8th- 12th December, YOUR Union will be giving students the option of a free mince pie with every hot beverage in celebration of the onslaught of Christmas. Vegetarian of course! Ask your friendly member of Bar Staff to heat one up for you! THEY DRINK A LAGER DRINK, THEY DRINK A CIDER DRINK, THEY DRINK A WHISKEY DRINK, THEY DRINK A VODKA DRINK, THEY DRINK A HOT DRINK, THEY GET A FREE PIE
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• Concrete, Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Sports Feature 21
Robert Fleck lifts the lid on his controversial Chelsea career By CAROLINE JEATER
NORWICH CITY soccer star, Robert Fleck, has exclusively revealed that England supremo, Glenn Hoddle, destroyed his Chelsea career. Hoddle became Fleck's manager when he took over at Chelsea from David Webb. But his hopes to secure a first team place were dashed, and he was unable to get the leading role he wanted as the team challenged for honours . " Foreigners come in and can't attempting to hold onto their He said, " l wasn't prepared for settle down , it is a shame for the younger players it is looking like a Glenn Hoddl e coming and he young English lads who want to go more attainable target. probably ruined my career there." Robert Fleck cite Hoddle's out and impress people." And Robert Fleck feels that On the international front Roben things are settling down at Norwich expectations of his role at the club as the major problem. Fleck has enjoyed mixed success, after a quick succession of managers "When Glenn came he had after he broke into the side in 1990. and boardroom unres'different ideas of me as a striker, he "lt was difficult in the past as we · He went on to win four caps in brought different players and didn't quick succession but then suffered had to sell two of our better players, use me as much as l thought he Ashley Ward and Jon Newsome, the setback of being left out of the would have done. when Gary Meg on was here, and European Champion hip quad for "I didn't really have a role at things began to go downhill. Sweden in 1992. Chelsea in the end and I was not "The board have refused to sell "I was told I would be going if achieving all that l could." someone pulled out, and I felt a little straight away, despite big bids The deterioration at Chelsea and coming in from Premiership clubs bit aggrieved with that, so I vowed the new foreign stars imported at for our player and this can only never to play for my country again." Stamford Bridge meant that his days benefit the club." But his disappointing there were numbered, but the ever international experience hasn't Impossible upbeat former Scottish international dampened his support of the refuses to remain bitter. But while Norwich are still Scottish team. "I don ' t regret my time at Chelsea battling it out to get into the Scotland have funher chances of at all, I thought that the time was Premiership, Fleck fears that it is glory this summer having qualified right when I signed for them. becoming more and more difficult for the World Cup in France, and "I spoke to Ken Bates and he for clubs to break in and survive in Fleck share the nation's optimism showed me all the plans for the the top flight. that they will get past the opening stadium and what it was going to be "We need to be careful that the round for the firs t time in their like. gap between the Premiership and history. first division doesn ' t get any wider Regrets Hope than it already is. "The move didn ' t really come off "As Barnsley are already finding "Our chance are tremendous, we the way that I hoped, but l would out, you need to spend hope to get England in our group still go back and do it all over big to stay there." and we' ll show them! again." And with the "I see thi as being our season and But after the di appointment of influx of foreign for the first time we will get past the Chel ea, Fleck was happy to return first round, and that will be a great stars also blocking to his former club, Norwich during celebration for everyone who is the development of the younger players, the 1995-1996 Scottish." he's worried about But with his contract up at the end the future of our of the season, Fleck has been forced game. to turn his immediate attention to his future at the club. " Hopefully I will find out what is season. going on soon, I hope to stay And because my family are more than while the happy here and Norwich is now very much my home." And, if the high esteem the rest of of the first division he the quad hold him in is anything feels there is still a lot of to go by, he hould have no potential at the club. problem securing his future at "I think that this season the club. As Norw ich and England we have a positive chance of under-21 star, Darren promotion, things aren't Eadie, admitted, " He has going particularly well at the done it all and moment but all we need is obviously his some consistency and we will experience does rub be up there." off onto the other Challenging for the players. chance to get back into the " He trains well Premiership is the main aim for Norwich this season and n~
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22 Sport
Conc rete, Wednesda y, November 26, 1997
"
THE BALL CITY"
Our fortnightly trip to Carrow.Road ... By ADAM AIKEN
Tennis boom ..,_
Tim Henma n and Greg Rus"dski ha ve sparked a boom in Britis h tennis. Rl·search Group RSL ha ve showed th at 53 percent of kids aged between SC\'cn and 17 are inwl vcd in the sport, on ly trail ing footba ll and ath letics.
Davis defeat Steve Da,·is has suffered his most hu milia ting dcf<'at at the UK Snooker Championships. Th e t·hampion had p rev i ous!~· won the title six times but a 9-2 tirst round defea t hy Grra rd Green e shows hi s hetter days a rc hehind him.
Pensioner Penalty
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Newcastle Unit ed had to ditch plans fo r a £90 million superstad ium hy a 69 yea r old granny. P!'nsioner Do lly Pott er lead protests against the 55.000 sea t<'r stadium on nearby grassland. Newcastle no w pl a n to develop St. .lames' ca paci ty from 30,000 to 51,000 .
Money for nothing Boxing promoter Fra nk Warren has asked for £2.5 mill ion in stepa, id e money aft er a judge's r uling threatened to KO Lennox I C\\ is' showd own with Evan nder ll olyli eld.
Out of sorts T hird dh is ion outlit, Swansea we re forced to postpone their league mat ch against Chester last \\cekcnd . The Welsh cl nh were to ld tn make emergency repai rs to their Vet ch Field ground :1fter it was ruled unsafe.
AFTE R WEE KS of disappo inting result s Norwich City have f inally managed to tu rn performances into points. Th is c ha ng e in fo rt une to o k p lace in a n a w ay mat c h w it h B irm in g h am. afl c r a s pree of goa ls in th e firs t ha lf sec ure d a 2-
1 vic to ry. Adri:m Fo rbes c apped his r~c c nt good fo rm w ith the o pe ne r for C it y . a nd it was also Forbc' who nett ed the w in ne r after a pe na lt y had put the Blues back in the game. The second ha lf sa w a ·bac ks to the wall' e ffort by the Ca nari es. an d Ke ilh Scott was supe rb in de fen ce. Un like prev io us ga mes. th e re we re no late goab to bri ng hea rt ac he 10 C it y fa ns and at the fi nal wh istle. a ra re th r~c points \\ere co ll ected . Th e fo ll o wing game was aga im t high fli e rs Mi dd lcshurnugh a t C a lTO\\ Road. Beck. Merson. and Emerson were three pf the players that dr~w the cTO\\tk and lhthe 11·ho turned up 11 ere tre:tted to a marwl lous end to end mat ch.
Greatest 11 "'"" far and awa) the he"t game at C"arnl\\ Road this season For the first 45 mimttes. 's!on\ ich pia) ~d their north ea stem oppone nt s off the pitch. Forbes . St:tltl and lw: tn Ro bcrts in p:trti t:t tl a r were very impress ive. atruciou..., Unfortunate I\.
Darren Eadie goes for goal refereeing kad to Buro ma nager. Rryan Rohson. having In withdr:m ont' vf his full hacks before he 11 as 'en I <'ff. But thi' came too late for the unlortuna lc l'c ler Gra n!. \\ hn was the VIctim of :t horrendous chal lenge :tbovc the knce . Just aflt•r the ha lf hout m.trk . :t Dallll) :-..Jills cross from deep on th,· right \\:ts po11ered inln the R. trcla) nel b) Rnherh- his firs t kague goal lor City. Wi th the crowd full) behind the Rohe rh came to ltlc .tnd team.
almost got a senmd sonn alkr. hut his effort was blocked on the I in~. In between these two attacks. the magic of P:tul Mcrson had enah kd l'vlik ke l Beck to eq uali se for BotP. after the hall had rehtnmtlctluiT bnth posts.
Optimism AI hall time though. there was a general feeling th.ll Nom ich wo u ld
gn on
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win t!1e game.
ll mwvcr the ha lf l ime break prm etl more profitable for the
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111·o goals in the next ten minu tes. Despite this st'lhack Non\ iclt with a battling pcrsi>tetl pe rfonn:mcc thrnut:h<~u t the s~cnntl hal f. Sonn after Fleck pushed the ha ll inches 11 ide after la1d1ing on 1\l a woe ful back pass. hlll it \\'as not (\1 he anti atHllht"r hnme tkkal materialised. These pe r f<~rm :tn n·s co nfirm that the Canaries are in :1 d espe ra ld ) fal se pPs ili o n. and it wi ll not he lo ng before a climb towards the top sis will take place.
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£1.99 £2.25 £1.3S £8.79
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Sport 23 _..
Concrete. Wednesday, November 26, 1997
Leader of the pack
BUSA dream dashed for hockey firsts By CAROLINE JEATER
IUEA 2
Herts
41
UEA MEN'S hockey 1st Xl's hopes In BUSA were finally crushed after yet another disappointing performance at home to Hertfordshire University. The 4-2 loss, on Wednesday, November 12, means that they have only won one match in their last five BUSA ties. Straight from the off, UEA were into the Herts goal to bring the score to 3-1. put under pressure from some probing Herts play. This breakthrough rejuvenated And they soon found themselve UEA and they began to look the a goal down after five minutes, as more dangerous side. But their the away team raii. through the hopes were dashed as Herts grabbed another and extended their UEA defence unchallenged to beat goalkeeper, Sam Kirkham. lead to three goals. This proved to be the decisive On lnUe blow for UEA and although they The rest of the half followed in continued to show a better all round game they were unable to much the same pattern with UEA make up for their poor constantly back-peddling into performance in the fir t half. defence, trying to halt the Alex Wbitkowski stole a opposition's attack. It seemed as if the game was¡ cqnsolation goal for the home side in the dying moments when he over by half time with Herts 3-0 up and UEA lacking the fight that was scored from another short corner, to make the final score 4-2. required. The second half brought renewed vigour from the home After the match captain, Iwan team with Giles Manger having a Topping, said, "I was disappointed long range attempt blocked. UEA began to dominate more of with tht team's performance in the the match with players challenging first half. "We allowed the Herts team to more for possession and pressing the Herts players into their own run at us too much, but I was half. pleased by our response in the This improvement paid off as a second half." second short corner in the space of And he added, "The BUSA minutes proved decisive. results have been poor, but we have Adrian Thff hammered a shot been drawn into quite a tough
C
t
.
Disappointment
I
ol
UEA 3 Kent A BLISTERING start by UEA 3rd XI hockey team a resounding 3-0 victory against bitter rivals Kent. A result which leaves them perfectly poised for the next round the cup, writes Jack Hanauer. The opening minutes saw some this point, and Jim great play and cleru; chances for increased their advantage on both sides to open the scoring, on minutes, neatly tucking the Wednesday, November 19. away from a free bit. But UEA's purple patch midway A revitalised Kent came through the first half saw them fighting after the break, to pile streak ahead, and they never looked pressure on the home side. back. But UEA held firm, assisted by Sam Kirkham scored the opener hat-trick of fine saves in the 15th minute, sweeping in goalkeeper, Andy Mellor. after a neatly worked short corner, After the match captain and Rob Marsh added the second Older, said, "This is our performance so far, against from the spot just four minutes later. toughest opponents, I UEA were
BUSA Fixtures and Results
Wednesday, November 12
Soccer; Men 's I 2 Neoe 0. Men's 2 2 Kent 3, Men's 3 3 Kent 2, Men's 4 Brunei cooc:eded. Ladies IS Bucks 0, JladmiDton; Men's I S Kent 4. Basketball; Men's I 69 N. London 45, Ladies UEA coocaled. Hockey; Men's I 2 Hcrts 4, Men's 2 3 Kent 0, Men's 7 Brunei 0, Ladies I 12 Brunei 0, Ladies 2 4 Kent I. Lacrooot; UEA conceded. Ndba.U; Ladies I 36 Kent 54, Ladies 2 Hcrts conceded. Rugby; Men's I Cnmfield conceded. Ladies Hcrts conceded. Squash; Men's I 3 Hcrts 2, Men's 2 I Brunei 4, Ladies UEA conceded. W'mler Ttnnls; Men 3 CCCC 3.
Wednesday, November 19 Soccer; Men's I Brunei conceded. Men's 3 Brunei conceded. Badminton; Men's I 4 Brunei 5. Baskettball; Men Nene conceded. Hockey; Men's I 8 Greenwich I, Men's 2 I Brunei 2, Men's 3 3 Kent 0, Ladies 2 Brunei conceded. Lacroose; UEA Ponsmooth conceded. etball; Ladies I 47 Neoe 33, Ladies 2 UEA conceded. Rugby; Men's I Middx oonceded. Squash; Men's I 4 Gn:mWicb I, Lad1es 2 Brune13. WlntorTtnnls; Ladies 6 Essex 0.
Wednesday, November 26
Soccer; Men's ( v Essex(a), 2 v Essex(a), 3 v Essex(a). Hockey; Men 's I v Kent(h), 2 v Essex(a), Ladies 2 v Essex(a). Rugby; Men's I v N.London(a). Men 's 2 v N.Loodon(a), Ladies v Kent(b). Baskdba.U; Men v City(b). Badmlntoo; Men v Cambridge(a), Ladies v Kent(h). Ndba.U; Ladies I v Cambridge(a), 2 v Kent(b). Squash; Men's I v Kent(b), Ladies v Cambridge(a), WIDttr TfllDis; Ladies v Kent(a). l..acrosse; UEA v Reading(a).
Wednesday, December 3 Hockey; Men's I v Essex(b). Rugby; Ladies v f.ssex(h). Badminton; Ladies v Essex(b). Netball; Ladies 2 V Essex(h). Squash; Men's I v Essex(b).
Wednesday, December 10 Hockey; Men's I v Bruoel(a). Rugby; Ladies v Brunel(a). Badminton; Ladies v Brunel(a). Netball; Ladies 2 v Brunel(a). Squash; Men's I v Brunei!â&#x20AC;˘! ~; ~ v Sou!(lam~(!l).
Photo: ROB LUTYENS
~-- ·-
Inside this •
I
r.
i.
ISSUe
•.
in BUSA
By KATE HAMILTON
jUEA 47 Nene 331 UEA NETBALL 1st VII recaptured their early season form , brushing aside Nene 47-33. Fo llowing a di sappo inting trail o f away BUSA defeats. UEA blasted the oppos ition with a styli sh and fl ue nt perfo rmance on Wednesday , ovember 19. The home side ·bowed a determination and passion that was to prove too muc h for Nene, domin ating the game from the opening whi stle. An outstanding performance from the UEA defensive pair denied the potentially dangerous Nene attack th roughout the first half. And UEA were qui ck to capitali se on th eir interceptions mo ving the ball .._.. coo lly through the mi dfield with centre, Ju lia Gill , and wing attack, Kate Barl ow, rare ly troubl ed by th e oppos ition. At the attac king end , goa l attack, Sara Harri son, wa on top form, taking all her chances in the fi rst ~HE BUSA competition was hal f. left in chaos last Wednesday,
Blow out
Alert The home side were never allowed to become complacent as the oppos ition kept UEA a le rt throughout the second hal f. And goal shoote r, Hannah Job ling, took cont ro l wi th some im pressive shoo ting to mai ntain UEA ' s lead. A last ditch attempt by Nene to make a comeback in the last quarter came too late as UEA eased to a resounding victory . Captai n, Juli a Gill , was deli ghted witl1 the result, " lt was a brill iant performance by the whole side," she sai d. "W e showed the ki nd o f motivation and drive th at we haven ' t had at the away matches and thi s definite ly made the difference today"
when Brunei pulled out en masse, writes Carol/ne Jester. Two football teams and one ~ockey side were left standing by Brunei who had already secured their BUSA position in those events. But they will not face a backlash from BUSA who changed the ruling this season so that teams who have qualified for the competition do not have to fulfil their remaining fixtures. Union Sports Officer, Slmon Fulbrook, fumed, "lt Is unfair o our teams when they are unable to compete." And UEA Director of Sport, [l<eith Nlcholls, added, "Teams can start to manipulate their position, to get a good draw In the next round."
By NICK TRIGGLE
jUEA 15 Bucks Coli oj UEA LADIES football team rounded the year off in style with a comprehensive 15-0 demolition over Buckinghamshire College. · The result secures the ir place in the BUSA championship after Chri stmas, and comes after a string of impressive results, which completes their ri se from obscurity. The match started slowly, on further goal from Sini Lehtonen defence before fi nally rebounding into their own net. Wednesday, November 12 and it confirmed UEA's dominance. And UEA started the second took UE a while to get into their Best half in a si mi lar fashion with a stride. bea utifull y wo rked goa l whe n, But once Annette ystrom had On the half hour mark, Loui.se after some qu ic k interp lay, Sini opened the scori ng with a 25 yard Hudson scored what cou ld Lehtonen found hersel f in space screamer, after a nice movement arguably have been the goal of the dow n th e left hand side. the and blasted the ball into the net to match. Pi cki ng the ball up on the fl oodgates opened. half way li ne and leaving three leave the opposition's goalkeeper UEA's in tricate passing left Bucks defe nders fo r dead, she helpless. rounded the keeper and slotted the Their momentum was broken Bucks ragged, creating holes in the vi sitors' defence that were ball into an empty net, to make the up after lapses in concentrati on soon further exploited by UEA score 5-0. and a number of substitutions, but attackers. Two goals followed in Another four goals fo llowed the home side were still able to fire qu ick success ion with Lou before the brea k in clud ing an another five goals home before the Hud on Clare Robin son amazing own goal, when the ball final whistle. between the Bucks
Clare went one blasted two goals in the second half, addi ng to her brace of goals in the first. The result caps off a superb run of games, including a tremendous victory agai nst Cambridge, where they came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Victory Team coach, Stephen said. "This was a great result, bu t the benchmark for us was th e Cambridge result. " I now be lieve we can go onto win the competition, if we can stay fit and inj ury free." Captai n, Nikk.i Willi ams, added, "Our fini shing was clinical today: it just goes to show what progress we have made."