Concrete issue 096 17 02 1999

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UEA bosses want to cram all exams into summer term

BY NIKKI MALLETT

LAW BALL SIT POI BBTUBI. TO BAILBAI BALL?

A radical shake-up of UEA's semester system is underway - raising the prospect of a huge increase in the number of year.end exams.

Tests from both the autumn and spring semesters could be piled together in June after the plans have been imposed by University bosses in the year 2000.

But the scheme, which would force radicaI students to move to two 12-week c hang e s e terms followed by a six week period for a revision , has run into a series of necessary. hitches. " T h e present system has a number of Abolition problems, including the fact that Some schools are fighting the semesters run into each other - the abolition of the post-Christmas exams, second semester starts while teachers insisting that courses depend on are still assessing the first semester, it is not an efficient way of working." regular tests.

And the planned 路12-week spring Lose out semester will often run over into the However, not all school deans have Easter holiday, forcing UEA to break backed the proposals because of fears the term in two. that students will lose out.

Stress Said Professor Alan Dawson , Dean Union Academic Offi cer, Katy Fixter, of BIO, "Students prefer to have their has lashed out at the proposals, exams at th e end of- the semester so accusing the University of putting we need to keep this examining time at the end of autumn." students under unnecessary stress.

"The pressure of finals was Plans something that the introduction of Students themselves have given the semesters was trying to get rid of in the first place," she said. plans a mixed reception.

"Students can't fully maximise their "This is just going to cause more potential if they have all their exams at stress. the end of the year, it's better to have Revise two sets of exams," argued Francine "When you come to revise, if things Naidoo (LAW 1). aren't fresh in your mind it just piles But Rosie Hill (ENV 2) was more optimistic, "lt will be much better, you more pressure on ," she added .

Director of Undergraduate Studies, have exam pressure anyway but this Or Richard Crockatt, has hit back at will mean that we'll only have the the criticism though, insisting that the pressure of exams once a year."

2 News

University bosses under fire as Waveney students forced to cough_ YP- for damage

By NIKKI MALLETT, Chief News Reporter

FORTY WAVENEY Terrace residents have hit out at University bosses, after being stung for the cost of replacing a window they didn 't even break.

The disgruntled Block J students have each been sent a bill for £6.68 after the University failed to find the real c ulprit and instead bill led them for the cost of replacing a window broken in October.

But. biu:arely, campw. damage. I think it is unfair to bosses haven· t even in voiced fine the whole block when obviously not all of the -+0 the students who live on the tloor where the window was peop le were guilty:· she said.

"For some students C7 is a lot broken. of money. It is unfair that some Too dirty ;,tudents shou ld h~11 e to pay for things that they didn ·1 break.'· And the £270 levy also includes the cost of replacing Damage another two windo\\ s in the block that UEA claim they But Accommodation found too dirty to be cleaned.

Manager Lawn:nce Daly has Wm·ency resident Emma defended the decision to make >tudents stump up for the Brcnnand (CHE I) is furious at the Cniversil) ·s actions. damage.

"There were ongoing Smashed prob lems in Waveney Terrace .I "It was the kitchen window Block, with food being thrown of the downstairs bloc h. that was between all floors over a period sm:bhcd. but the) arc not of Lime. causing a di:-.gu:-.ling paying for iL we are." mess both in the kitchens including ceilings and on the "It's total double standartb. wall' and windows outside:· wc·rc gelling fined for somebody else·, broken Blast-clean v. indow, .. she fumed.

"Estates staff were called Fellow resident.

Nikki upon to replace the broken Shariat stormed "It's rid iculou' window and blast-clean the that we should pay for ~itchcns." he said. something we didn't do. the \\hole situati on is unfair."

And he raised the prospect of student s paying for damage Mistake through higher rent charg<." in th e future .

Unio n Welfare Officer Claire "Students must remember White, agreed that that any escalation in cost accommodation bosses had increases pressure to increase made a mistake.

"When no one admits to the student rents." he wamed.

A FAIR few students might have hitch-hiked , but not many attempt 1,600 miles in one go.

But that's exactly what James Bennett (LAW) and Amy Dunning (HIS 2) are planning to do to raise money for educational charity Link Africa.

The pair have already raised £235 with a fancy dress pub crawl, and now they hope their trek to Morocco will bring in even bigger bucks for the charity's work with community schools in South Africa.

Nearly 100 hikers are taking part in the event, which is now in its eighth year.

Hitch patron and accomplished explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, is enthusiastic about the scheme.

"Not only does this event raise much needed funds for educational development, but it also serves to educate a new generation in the pleasures and difficulties of exploring the wider world in which we live," he said.

If you liked to sponsor the pair, phone James Bennett on 01603 627424 or e-mail J:Bennett @uea.ac.uk

Sports park donation CONSTRUCTION OF UEA's new Sports Park came to an abrupt stop last week - to enable University bosses to accept a £35,000 donation.

Barclays Bank, which was founded in Norwich , made the contribution to the development as part of its programme of community action .

"We are delighted to play our part in the local community in this way by contributing to a much-needed and prestigious facility for the University and for all local peopl e," said Barclay's Corporate Banking Director, Andrew Hardman, who visited the site.

"Thi s donation represents Barclays' committment to be a key pl ayer in the resurgen ce of Norwich as we enter the new millennium ,'' he added . Work on the £17.6m Park, which will hold a 50m swimming pool and massive sports hall , is on course for completion next autumn .

Police issue warning as students face court FOUR STUDENTS have been caught up in a police drugs raid after a tip-off from fellow students.

1l1e Nelson Court residents were a rrested when the po lice executed a warrant o n th e building on January 29.

A fellow ;,tudenl had ca ll ed the police. alleging that the students had been selling drugs on campus.

Three of the students have s ince been reponed for >ummons at court and the fourth was cau tioned, all for alleged drugs offcnces.

Police The bust comes just two months after another po lice raid when two UEA st udents were cautioned for can nabi s possession.

PC Di ehl of Norfolk Police has since issued a stark warn in g to drugtaking studems.

Information " If the police have information that drugs are being sold o r used then we will take actio n. so if thi s

situation ari;es again in the fu ture it will he dealt with in the same manner.

Surprise But she ad milled her surprise that fellow students had come forward, ··f think it is interesting in this particular case that the information came from comp laint s from other students, and I think that displays a very responsible altitude."

Unacceptable ··It goes to show that there arc other student s who think thi s behaviour is unacceptable." she added.

Union Welfare Officer C lai rc White also praised the student who had tipped of the police.

"I am surprised that studen ts arc coming forward about others taking drugs, but I think it's commendable that people arc becom ing aware of how ser ious drugs are, and that they will call the police in to deal with it.''

Said Claire " I don't think all st udents are aware of the lega l implicati ons of taking drugs, about what ca n happen if you arc ca ug ht in possession of drugs.'·

Caught "Students don't think they will get ca ug ht , but they do," she ca utioned .

And UEA Security Coord in ator Ran Elliot repeated hi s warnin g that the University wi ll not tolerate student s taking drugs in residences .

"There is a legal responsibility when it comes to drug use in a residential property, it is an offence for any owner of property to permit the use of dru gs."

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Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

Security at UEA "non路 existent" as staff cuts leave CCTV unwatched

By JAMES GOFFIN, News Editor

STUDENTS ARE being put at risk by cuts in UEA's security budget, a rebel porter has told Concrete.

According to official documents, the sa fety of thousands of students and millions of pounds worth of University property is reg ularly being left to as few as five people.

"Security for students is non-existent, it's as simple as that," claimed the angry Porters-lodge leak.

And he warned that it was only a matter of time before students felt the consequences.

Attacked "Can you take the risk of students getting attacked?" he asked.

The source has also revealed that footage from UEA's expensive CCTV system - including new in the cameras fitted Laundrette is going unwatched.

admitted that on occasion shift numbers have been slashed from 12 to five.

"There have been occasions when there have been just five staff on duty, but what we are talking about is a minimum risk level, we've said that at no time can there be less than 5 people on duty," insisted Head Porter, Paul Horn.

And Mr Horn insisted that there was only so much University security could do.

Porters "If the porters could spend all their time walking up and down the campus it would be wonderful, but

we can 't be everywhere," he said.

However, Claire White, Union Welfare Officer, still thinks the University is being short-sighted.

Kick off "While nothing's happening and everything's quiet, you can get away with having five people, but you never know when things are going to kick off."

And she criticised them for making false economies.

"They have spent more money on cameras, so perhaps they need less manpower than 10 years ago, but I don't see how a couple of cameras can compare to having someone walking around," she said.

Slipped And he has disclosed that serious incidents have already slipped through the security net because of the staff shortages.

Only last month a car was overturned in the University car park, but the vandals got away because no one was available to man the cameras.

FIVE STAR

On auto "If we've got someone on, they'll be monitored, but 50% of the time they are not. We just put it on auto, which just flicks through the cameras."

However, the University has denied that student safety has been compromised , although it

WICH

The write stuff

A HISTORIC part of UEA campus is to become an author's paradise, under a new scheme revealed by University bosses.

Earl ham Lodge, si tuated in the Village a nd currently used by the Universi ty's staff association, is to be turned into a write rs' centre, becomin g the new home fo r the Bri ti sh Cen tre fo r Lite rary Translati on (BCLT) a nd visiti ng c reati ve writers.

Or Peter Bush, head of the still some obstacles to the plans praising the BCLT, which this becoming reality - not least that year celehrates its tenth BCLT, is deligh ted at the Earlham Lodge is a listed bui lding, ann iversary. prospect of the centre gett ing a ''A lot of the academic work is new home. making it difficult to get planni ng " I th ink we would be ab le to perm ission for big changes. absolutely fi rst rate, it reall y is have nine or te n writers or superb stuff.

Lottery bid translators in residence because "The BCLT translates work the space there is bigger," he " It 's going to be a long process. whic h is real literature from one e nthused.

We have to put in a bid for a lottery language to another, so it 's real grant, and ex plore whether to have a literature in the new language Atmosphere new build ing or to transfo rm too, not j ust a machine " It would also add a different Earlham Lodge," sa id Or Bush. tra nslation, wh ic h is a very atmosphere to the campus."

Vi ce-Cha nce llo r Vincent Watts skilled thing to do," expl ained But he admitted that there arc has given his backing to the sc heme, the VC.

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4 News

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

~ Law

Soc bid to put ball on top again

A STUNNED couple returned home to find that their hungry puppy Bass had eaten their newly-decorated kitchen.

The puppy, a six-month-old borzoi, had torn down wallpaper with his teeth , devoured three plants- pots and all -and then gobbled down a brillo pad, dish cloth plastic draining rack, nail brush and an electric kettle lead.

Owner, Ruth 23, said " I suppose we shouldn 't be shocked last year he ate our car upholstery"

Boozy Boys A SURVEY has revealed that two-thirds of boozy blokes lie to their wives about sneaking out for a quick pint.

Favourite excuses include putting petrol in the car, popping out for a paper and walking the dog.

Psychiatrist David Lewis said, " Supping for men is like shopping for women - a chance to escape."

Naked Truths IN PROTEST at having their pin-ups banned, a group of sixth form pupils at Eton strung up a life-size poster of a near-naked woman as teachers left a staff meeting.

When the teachers got over the initial shock the poster was allowed to stay up for thirty minutes. An insider said, " Everybody thought the teachers would be in uproar but instead they began laughing and made some very positive comments about the girl's finer points."

A Bug Mac A FIVE year old fan of new insect movie " A Bug's Life" was honoured to find a real bug in his burger when he ordered a Happy Meal from McDonalds.

The fast food outlet have been giving away plastic versions of the the character from the hit film, but little Lewis Bearder hadn't banked on getting the real thing.

By NIKKI MALLET

THE LAW Society have launched a come-back bid to return the Law Ball to its rightful home, Earlham Hall.

But in an effort to win over Norwich's li ce nsing authori ties. the Society arc plannin g to call time at 2am - rather than th e traditi onal 6am fini sh- be1ieving that it 's a sacrifi ce worth making to win bac k Earlham Hall as the venue. the eve nt." she added.

And Society Secretary, Robert Coll cy. prom ised that the queues at the har that marred last year's ball wou Id not be repeated. " Th ere wi ll be three ba r:-. minim um. one of which will be a circu lar coc kt ail bar. We will also have more wine on the tab les.'' he :-.aid.

In the pm.t, plans to hold the bal l in the grounds of the School of Law have been th rown out aft er nearby res idents compla in ed about noise levels.

Best Said Law Soc iety Pre> ide nt.

Sophi e Mauh ew>, "The Law Ball has a bad reput atio n from la>t year. be fore it wa> always the best and wc want it to be the best agai n" " We need to prove that we arc go ing to show the surroundin g area >o mc respec t, orga ni;i ng be uer secu rit y and r eoplc to dean up afte r

Prestige

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Dr Ca rolinc Ball. Dean of Law, has given her full bac kin g to the Law Society's re turn to Earl ham Hall. hoping that the venue will restore the event's presti ge.

Regular Law Ball goer Kir:-.ten Hale (LAW 3) i> delighted that the do could be bad, on campu>. " It wou ld be great if the Law Ball we nt bac k to Earl ham Hall." she excla imed. " I went in my firs t year an d it was j ust so good hav ing the ba ll on ca mpu s - you could arri ve and leave when you wanted."

Early plans for the ball . which has been pencill ed in for Ju ne 5. include a masque theme. an ice rink with a Vienn ese fee l. a 192 0:-. -th emcd cas in o and a Victori an fairgrou nd.

Dinner ticket> will cost O.'i fo r Law Society members and £-10 fo r non-members. and afte r dinne r tickets will he D O for member> and .... . . ._ _ _ __ £35 for non -members.

Boss for £6m centre

By CLAIRE HAMILTON-EDDY

UEA'S NEW £6m Japanese studies centre (SISJAC) is beginning to take shape, with the appo intment of its fi rst director.

But in a surprise move, th e University has a lso announce d that SISJAC wo n't be moving on to campus. strong links to academics and Instead, the cen tre wi ll be located in Norwich 's Cath edral other centres of excellence in Japanese studies," she said.

Close, in the ci ty ce ntre.

She has already been wo rking Or Nicole Rousmani ere, wh o to devel op links with th e cu rrently works in UEA's School Unive rsity of London , who are of World Art, will take on the post acting as a key partner with UEA of Director of the new Sainsbury in th e new ce ntre.

Insti tute for th e Study of Japanese Art s and Cu lture Well-established (SISJAC).

Th e University of London's Or Rousmaniere is excited by School of Oriental and Afri can th e possibiliti es of th e new Studies is al ready wellinstitute. establi shed in the field.

Excellent Th e developm ent is being by supermarket fund ed "The Institute will be unique in millionai res Sir Robert and Lady focusing on the intersecti on Sainsbury, who donated the between Japan ese arts and famous Portrait of Modigliani culture, but will al so play a ro le as painting to UEA to rai se cash for an enabling institution , wi th

Or Nicole Rousmaniere, the centre's new director the centre: it co ntinues th e cou pl e's association wi th UEA. foll owing on from th eir foundation of th e Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, which displays much of th eir private art collection.

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News 5

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

VILLAGE ROUTE GETS LIGHTING. have UNION BOSSES announced new plans to install lighting on a vulnerable stretch of campus- but have come under attack from angry students who claim it just isn't enough, writes Clare Hamilton Eddy.

Years of campaigning have been met by a promise from Welfare Officer. Claire White, to fit two lights at the top of Earlham Park, although the route to the School of Law will remain unlit.

Village re~idents u ed to tramping the unlit path have welcomed the move.

"J think that it's ridiculous that there isn't any lighting," said Village resident, Fiona Cousins (DEV 1).

However, LAW students arc furious that the route to Earlham Hall will still be left in the dark.

"I! is ridiculous that we &hould be expected to walk home in total darkness, it's so scary,"' said Nicky Goodey (LAW 3) And Jennifer Roe (LAW 2) hit out at what she saw a~ pennypinching by the Union and University.

"At the end of the day, is cost really a matter when people's safety is at risk? Why has it been left this long in the ftrst place?'' protested Jennifcr Roe (LAW 2).

But Claire White insists that there just isn't the cash to provide more lights. ''There's not that much money which means that we can't light up the whole area."

And she also claimed it would be pointless to install lighting through Earlham Park.

"The Law School will not necessarily be there forever whereas the Village i quite a recent development"".

ew time table system drOP-P-ed UEA BOSSES have made an embarrassing climbdown and ditched plans to introduce a hi-tech new timetabling system - despite spending 拢50,000 developi ng it.

The plans, which were aimed at easing current problems with room congestion, were shelved after an outcry from part-time and mature students, who claimed the sy~tcm would prevent them from planning their timetables around jobs and children. what their timetable looks like and The scheme would have made it d cumcnted, lectures and seminar impossible to tell when courses where they are going to be taught rooms are overcrowded and often the >ooner than at present," he added. would take place - because, unlike equipment needed for a lesson is not However, mature student, James available. The e problems affect a under the present system, courses great number of students." would only have a timetable slot Livingstone (ENV PG) thinks the allocated after students had made " I don ' t think any of the issues University still needs to do a lot their choice . have been adequately tackled at all." more. she argued .

Overcrowding Insensitive However, Pro- Vice Chancellor, David Baker, has defended the Registry chiefs are now hoping "The Univer ity is insensitive to that a new computerised room system, promising that it i only a part-time and mature students booking system, which they claim first step in solving the problems. where timetabling is concerned. will make better use of room., will "We have an ongoing programme Part-time students put a lot on the solve the overcrowding. line to come to University, and the of development for timetabling and But Union Academic Officer, Univer ity needs to be more room booking to improve efficiency Katy Fixter, has dismissed the new organised to accommodate them." and effectiveness, whilst still taking system - which goes live in on board concerns of the schools, the September - as an unsatisfactory academic community and the student "compromise" which fails to solve committee," he explained. anything. " I hope, amongst other things, that "The current problems are well we will be able to let students know

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6 News

Service is calling on students to help save lives by giving blood.

Staff from the vital service will be visiting campus on March 1, 2 and 8, between 10.30am and 6.30pm each day.

Donors should book an appointment at the Stewards Office in Union House.

Unfortunately, students who have had any body piercing , tatooing or acuptuncture done in past year are unable to donate blood.

Head start in business STUDENT ENTREPENEURS are being given a boost by one of the country 's leading firm of accountants.

BOO Stoy Hayward are offering go-getting students a chance to win a £5,000 prize package and turn their business idea into a fully fledged company. '" We are after an original, winning idea and are wa iting with financial support and expert advice to help the entrepreneur turn that idea into reality," said Adrian Martin, BOO's Managing Partner.

For more details, e-mail your name and address to big.idea@bdo.co.uk or phone 0171 893 2167.

Entries must be in by April

9.

, I

VC announces plan to turn SP-orts Centre into business site

By JAMES GOFFIN, News Ed itor THE UNION 'S hopes of transforming the Sports Centre into a major gig venue look to have been dashed by a new scheme unveiled by ViceChancellor Vincent Watts.

Sabbs had hoped that the building, whi ch will become redundant when the new Span s Park opens next year, could become a regular fixture on the gig circuit. attrac ting acts too big to play the Waterfront or LCR .

Bu t now the VC has announced facili ties,"' he added.

W e dn es d ay he wants to use the prime site as a And the VC has been backed up afternoons and meeting point for big bu siness and

by EA' ~ Careers Centre, who cl aim weekends, which the University. that a lack of space is damaging the '"There are some real the best time:, for University 's relations with business. opportuniti es th ere to make the students or Complaints Sports Cen tre a rea l interface employers,"' added are not between UEA and business," said " We have had complaints from SanJi Drewell, the the VC. Centre's Employee employers such as KPMG and Glaxo, who did not think it was Li a,ion Officer.

Willingness appropriate to use study bedroom' to Conceded ""Whenever l meet a group of interview students."" expl ained bu, inessmen, l <~lways say we need But Mr Walls has conceded that assistant direc tor. Or John Thurman. more help and l always get '"The unavailability of rooms has other people - including the Union volunteers. There's a willingness to led to courses such as the wor~ ­ abo have designs on the Sport'> do it, but we don' t have th e bascd learning units being held on Centre. ··Th e Business Centre i'> my number one candidate. but if you talk to other people. they have all got plan' for it."" he admilled.

~!r!!no YOU RELISH A CHALLENGE?

neces arily ~~!!!!!!~~~~;~!;;;~~~~~~:::::] According to Commu nicati on s Officer. Tom Connors. the Union would still like to use the Centre for concens, but he acknowledged that a number of schemes were being put forward for the site.

Marvellous '" If we had the Spans Centre. it would house 2000 people as a gig

venue . and th at would be marvellous, we'd be able to attract different gigs.""

Gigs ··But then we've also got to look at what it would be used for at other times. All pans of the Uni versity have been a:,ked \1 hat they want to do with it."" he added.

• • • • • __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Dean of Students' Oflic

Resident Thtorships: 1999-2000 Applications fo r Res ident Tutorships are now invited fro m highl ymotivated, enthus iastic and suitably experienced students and members of staff. Registration onl y students and executive officers of the Union of Students are not eli gible for appointment.

•

There will be vacancies for Resident Tutorships for 1999-2000 on

the Plain, in The Village and at Mary Chapman Court.

Resident Tutors form the vital base of a pyramid providing for the welfare and good order of students in University residences. Living in residences de mands that students take a good deal of responsibility for their li ves on a day-to-day basis, but Resident Tutors help to maintain a balance between the ri ghts and interests of individuals and of the community of which they are a part.

The closing date for applications is Monday 23 February 1999.

Interviews for Resident Tutorships for the academi c year 1999-2000 will begin in March and w ill continue after the Easter break.

Candidates who will be spending all or part of the academic year 19992000 abroad should also apply now for appointment in September 2000.

Further parti cul ars are available from the Dean of Students' Office room 0 .108, Ext 2890).

Deputy Dean of Students Janu ary 1999

Nexus tuned in

By ADAM BANHAM

BORED STUDENTS will soon be able to watch tv whilst washing their smalls, Nexus TV has announced.

The Union television station is to be linked up to a new screen in the campus laundrette, in addition to their current link up to The Hive.

And the small-screen stars "Hopefully in the distant producing things and looking have plans to extend their future we will be broadcasting more promising. network further, adding another to people in their very own "But we'd also like to set in the Bowl. bedrooms with any luck," he encourage them to come up Station president Gareth added. with more ideas so other Williams revealed the ambitious Union Communications people could see it as well." plans.

Officer Tom Connors is £300 Upgrade Broadcasting delighted by the new exposure the plans will give to Nexus, but The station has also received "We will be broadcasting in he warned that the station still the go-ahead for a £300 the Bowl and the laundrette: had room to improve. upgrade to its studios in Union definitely the laundrette this "Nexus this year has House, involving work to raise certainly been more active than term and the Bowl sometime in the ceiling to reduce heat-build the near future," he exclaimed. in previous years and they are up.

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News 7

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS ARE BEING GROWN RIGHT ON OUR DOORSTEPS · NADIA EI.GHARMY INVESTIGATES ...

11

GM Food Facts • Scientists have given the thumbs up to GM red lettuce.

If the Government accept their advice the lettuce will become the first GM food approved for direct human consumption. At the moment only processed GM foods are allowed to be sold.

• 4000 to 5000 tonnes of GM maize enter the European Union every week, according to reports.

s'ishow of would like you to view genetically modified foods - In fact they are often portrayed as the next mad cow disease.

AJthough this is undoubtedly how much of the general public see modified foodstuffs, many scientists take a different view and are in favour of the new advances in food technology.

Increasingly, though, figures in the scientific community are coming out against GM foods, claiming that they are unsafe. Last week's revelations of suppressed research work claiming to show the dangers of the foods only widened the split.

As the debate rages on, many of us would like to think that Norwich or UEA has nothing to do with the genetic modification trials. However, the fact is that it is happening right on our doorstep.

UK's largest The concentration of genetically modified plants is currently being grown right under our noses at the Norwich Research Park (NRP), just down the road from the University. The NRP is the largest institute for food research in the UK and it is the leader in its field. As a UEA Graduate School member, the NRP has major research links to the schools of Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Environmental Sciences. The John lnnes Centre, which the NRP shares its site with, is also a big player in the GM world, carrying out cutting edge work in this controversial field.

Nick-named Frankenstein food, genetically modified products first appeared on our supermarket she lves in tomato puree in 1996. Since then,

genetically modified food has found its way into chocolate, biscuits, beer, pies, flour and ready meals. in fact, it is estimated that up to 60 per cent of products for sale in supermarkets contain some genetically modified (GM) ingredients.

And with 60 million acres of transgenic plants under cultivation worldwide it is an issue that simply won't go away. It's not helped by the fact that in the US, unlike in Europe, GM crops can be grown in the same fields as the natural plants, making it impossible to tell whether a particular batch contains GM food or not. Marks and Spencers were recently shocked to discover that their own-brand tortillas contained traces of GM wheat, when they were supposed to be manufactured from conventional American wheat. "We think that the problem arose from crosscontamination from supplies of GM wheat," explained a spokesperson forM&S. Genetic modification is achieved

• Worried scientists believe GM crops could cross-breed with wild plants, making new pests which are resistant to chemicals and destroying large areas of the countryside.

animals which eat GM foods

• Despite significant opposition, the Indian government recently announced that it will encourage the use of GM seeds in agriculture.

some protection against disease. Scientists at the John Innes Institute insist that because of this risk, are normally not those which have medical uses and that, in addition, they are working on alternative types of marker genes altogether. However, fears persist.

The Government insist that GM foods are safe though, with only thoroughly tested products making it through to shops.

But recent research into genetically-altered potatoes has heightened fears that GM foods are best left in the laboratory and out of

• The government of Norway put together panel consisting of a cross-section of the population and asked them to vote on th.e dangers of GM foods - they returned a decision of no confidence. naturally. Furthermore, no medical treatment - whether it involves antibiotics, pharmaceuticals or vaccines - is natural. Crop failures are a natural consequence of bad weather or pest attack.

"Mo~t aspects of modern Western lifestyle are unnatural: humanity has interfered with Nature

"There are issues of public concern which scientific research alone cannot address. Parliament must address the fears of many citizens over genetically modified food" • Joan Walley, MP by bombarding cells with gold particles covered in DNA. The genetic information can come from any biological source - scorpions, pigs and humans have all been used.

Once scientists have worked out what genes provide a particular quality, for instance those in arctic fish which provide protection against the cold, that gene can be transferred to any other species to do the same job. In this case, it was tran sferred to strawberries and tomatoes to guard against sharp · frosts.

There are currently many fears about this gene mixing between species, particularly about how it affects humans, but further worries are also arising over the markerchemicals which are used to identify GM crops. These markers use antibiotics, and there are

the kitchen. A researcher in Aberdeen discovered th~t rats who ate the GM spud developed cancer.

The new gene didn't directly affect the rat, but it seems to have changed the make-up of the potato, making it dangerous . " lt may be that in GM foods, a drug-delivery system has been created, delivering something you didn't want to," said Dr Stanley Ewan, who carried out the study.

But a spokesperson for the John lnnes Institute refutes the allegation that scientists are creating something they don't understand and are playing God by carrying out their research .

"Humans have been interfering with natural processes for thousands of years: selective breeding has produced crops and animals that would probably never have evolved

extensively to increase our comfort and security, and, to avoid the of the natural consequence processes of starvation, disease and death," he said.

Still, the public are terrified of genetic modification, with 57 per cent of people expressing concern about the production of GM foods.

'There are two main issues at stake here: will it affect the environment, and is it afe. Fears over the latter gathered momentum when it surfaced that 37 people died in America and I ,500 people became ill after thet took a diet supplement containing modified ingredients.

The supplement was withdrawn from sale and US officials claimed that data suggests , but doesn't prove, that the GM ingredient was at the heart of the problem.

According to Joan Walley MP, the public need to be told more about what's going on.

"There are issues of public concern which scientific research alone cannot address. Parliament must voice and addre s the fears of many citizens over genetically modified food," she said.

Many in the GM industry agree, arguing that proper labelling of foods is essential if the public are to be put at ease.

"For a variety of reasons, some people do not wish to eat genetically modified material. To be able to make this choice. clear labelling is required," said th:! John lnnes Centre pokesperson.

It 's an issue that the supermarket chains are beginning to wake up to.

Iceland, the frozen food chain, banned GM foods from its ownbrand goods in March last year, and

now Marks and Spencer and Asda are trying to avoid them wherever possible. Market leaders Tesco and Sainsbury are now pledging to label foods that may contain GM crops, which in the former's case means around 800 lines.

GM foods have the potential to boost food production, and help work towards ending famine in the developing world. By increasing the shelf-life of food, we could also see our shopping bill fall.

But there is a more worrying side, too. The science of genetic modification is still fairly new. No one knows its long term effects on humans, or the animals and plants affected.

Through the John Innes Centre, UEA is at the frontline of work on genetics, but whether the scientists there turn out to be playing god, or playing. the devil, is currently unknown.

• GM scientists are experimenting with producing a chip that never goes soggy or bent - by increasing the amount of starch the potato produces.

• Researchers have discovered that by genetically modifying bananas medicines that are usuallyinjected can be eaten as a puree.

• Fish genes isolated from the arctic flounder have been inserted into tomatoes and strawberries to make them more frost resistant.

• Human genes have bet1~ used to modify pigs so that the chops produced are more tender.

& News

Concrete Wednesday, Febraury 17, 1999

1. Why are you standing for the post?

FINANCE 1. The main reason that I want you to vote me in as Finance Officer is simple, I am genuinely interested in the position. This is my chance to make . - - - - - - --------. things better for us all.

2. My policies of 'open house,' and 'fresh ideas' are the most important qualities that I will bring Into the sabbatical team. Twin these with my determination and enthusiasm, and you have a winning formula.

3. I aim to continue the work of Neil Fox by keeping the Union in profit. In addition , my main aim is to shape a more student and Union.

2. What qualities can you bring to the post ?

COMMUNICATIONS 1. I want to represent the views of the majority, that are often overlooked, and act on those views to really make a difference to the way the Union is run and the services it .---------......, provides.

2. I feel that I'm a friendly and approachable person and a good listener, but perhaps most importantly, I'm a typical student, in touch with the needs of others.

3. If elected, I want to keep in as closer contact as possible with you, the student and have an 'open door' policy. I also aim to focus on projects improving communciation within the Union and the University.

MADELINE 1. I am standing because I believe I have the qualities and the motivation to make a good Finance Officer 2. My experience as the Clubs and Societies Officer which has given me a better understanding of how .------------.

Clubs are funded. As the treasurer of the Village People and Beer Wines and Spirits (BWS) society I am used to handling and managing large sums of money.

3. My aims include maintaining competitive bar prices , having more promotional evenings, trying to create more student employment in Union outlets and tightening financial regulation in the Union

1. After more than a year working within the Union, I feel I know exactly what the job entails and that I have ,---------..., the right qualities and sufficient knowledge to be successful.

2. I have confidence in my own abilities to deliver what UEA students want from their Union. I am approachable and openminded to students' â&#x20AC;˘ suggestions and opinions.

3. Essentially to continue to enhance the image of our already impressive Union. I also feel te role of Communications Officer needs redefining to maximise its otential.

CHIJIOKE DOZIE SOC 3 1. I feel the Union has become complacent in its attitude towards students. As Finance Officer I will be able to improve services provided by the Union , giving students more choice and a wider range of facili ties.

2. Through my work in The Graduate Students Association I have gained extensive experience of dealing with . - - - - - - - --, Union and University bureacracy. My openminded and enthusiastic approach makes me the ideal person to work in the best interests of students.

3. As Finance Officer I will work for increased funding and financial support for Clubs and Societies, better, cheaper Union Entertainments Union services. for Students and

1. While I've been at UEA, the availability and accessibility of information has never been as good as it could have been. I mean to change this. The Union needs somebody to listen to students, rather than forcing their own opinions on thein . . - - - - - - -- ---, 2. I am efficient, positive and forward thinking, with extensive experience of running successful publicity campaigns. As a student trainer, I have good organisational and communication skills.

3. Improving communication channels between the the Universtiy and the Union, ensuring the constant availability of information to students, and listening and acting according to the views of all students.

3. What are your aims if you are elected?

1. I want to put right the shortcomings which I and many other students have encountered at UEA. Having worked as Concrete's advertising manager, I understand how the University and Union function .

2. My personal qualities include excellent communication skills. I can make myself heard by shouting really loudly and I will always stand up to represent you (even though I am not very tall!) I am approachable and open to sugeestion and criticism.

3. The main issues to address are campus security, catering facilites, the calendar of social events at UEA, and improving communication between the University, Union and the student

AMY 1. I want to be the strong communications officer that this Union needs. I want to raise awareness of the Union amongst the members by campaigning and improving commercial services.

2. I have been involved in the Union since my first year, I know how it works and how it can be improved. I have a strong background in campaigning on a wide range of issues.

3. To improve our facilities and services so they can cope with the increasing number of members the Union will have. To really communicate with students so they know what the exec and the Union are doing.

- - - TINA WILLIAMSON SOC 3

WELFARE 1. As a non-sabbatical officer this year, I have gained a good knowlege of the Union and seen areas which need improvement.

I have the energy, experience and motivation to carry out this improvement.

2. An understanding of stud ent welfare issues, experience of the Union , knowledge of how to run a large, successful campaign and the motivation to follow through my ideas and really get things achieved.

3. To open up this Union and ensure that it properly represents its membership. I aim to intergrate non-traditional students, press for an expansion of health services on campus and student

TOM HARBERD EAS 3 1. I am standing because I feel it is time that the Union moved to a higher level and also became more in touch with its members. I want to give the students a more effective and efficient Union.

2, The qualities I have are the ones needed to get the Union back in shape and to make it work for its members motivation, organisation , determination and the courage to make tough decisions.

3. Increase money to clubs and socs, make the village bar and shops a reality, make the Union more approachable to students and to stop wasting student money.

1. I want to give the Union a new lease of life. I want to clear it of the old guard. I want to: kick-out the clique and cut-out the cronies, hang-out the hacks and push-out the politicians.

2. Having spent a year transforming the post of Publicity Officer I feel that I have the relevant experience and expertise to modernise the post of Communications Officer and ensure that it works effectively.

3. To place representaton at the heart of our Umon. Review our Union's commercial services to increase standards and ensure prices are competitive. Implement an integrated policy fo r Student Media.

1. Of the various universities I have visited around the country, UEA ranks amongst the best of them but there are some necassary changes that we must make and I beleive that I'm the right man for the job.

2. Essentially I can bring energy, time and commitment and a mixture of fresh ideas and experience 3. To better inform each student about issues relevant to their time at UEA; to make the Fresher's stay on campus more enjoyable (so that we can be comparable with oth er universities) and to generally breathe a breath of fresh air into our Union.

1. Above all to act as a representative of the students, I feel that the Exectutive has lost touch with students and interaction between the two bodies desperately needs to be re-established .

2. Having experience in the financial sector with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, plus good communication skills as a trained Samaritan the most important skill of listening is guaranteed, as is an awareness of student needs.

3. With support from the students I would like to steer the Union into the new millennium by developing a more ethical commitment within the Union and press for the re-establishment of free Wednesday afternoons for sports and societies.

1. I see this as an interactive part, one of listening and reporting. I have good communication skills, a genuine interest in student issues and a desire to see the Union move forward.

2. I am friendly, approachable and resourceful. I have good liaison skills and am prepared to use new initiatives . - - - - - - - - , to achieve goals. I'm persistent, determined and enjoy working with others.

3. To develop channels of communication between the Union and the University, so that student opinion is heard . To get more students involved in the Union , this will ultimately make it stronger, more representative and effective.

1. I am standing for Welfare Officer because I appreciate the valuable work of this section of the Unions' services to its members. I can do the job and secure the best for you, whether housing, jobs, health or whatever.

2. I have many years experience of working with people to solve problems and a commitment to putting people's welfare above any personal bias.

3. If elected , I will not only do the job, but seek to maintain student sovereignity and executive accountability. I will represent ALL students' views fairly and without line interfere.

SARAH MACKEN ENV 9

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News 9

Concrete Wednesday, Febraury 17, 1999

The election takes place on Thursday, February 25 in The Hive

Arms Trade Campaign

A

PILING ON THE PRESSURE

the 96% Of <;JIJinPnJ<; about the Union to regularly vote. .----------, elected, I shall show student apathy by doing nothing except poncing around The Hive.

2. I am excellent at sitting around and not giving a damn about things. I can strut around The Hive, chat to mates and drink with the best of them.

3. If elected, I will be the only Sabb ever to keep all my election promises - and going by many past Sabbs, even doing nothing I shall still achieve more than they ever did.

lt may be just over a year before UEA's New Year exam period vanishes altogether for many students, as exams are moved to the summer to ease the burden on lecturers.

UEA's teaching staff shouldn't be overburdened with work, but what about students?

Many students came to UEA specifically because of the way exams are spread out over ttie year.

Pressure and stress would sky-rocket under the new scheme and going back to year-end exams would throw doubt over UEA's reputation as a progressive University.

ACADEMIC

That cannot and should not be allowed to happen.

post to create a working for UEA students, rather than for NUS introduction of fees, students now deserve an even better education.

2. The qualities I can bring to this post are: initiative, dedication, good communication and a large dose of common sense.

3. My primary aims if elected would be: to increase academic services, such as improving library provisions and calling for smaller class sizes; to improve the accountability of the Union by holding and answer sessions.

a post can practical assistance to the student body of UEA 2. The qualities I can bring to the post are those of enthusiasm, unpoliticised independent motivation, a knowledge of the academic difficulties a student can encounter and a fierce determination to represent the views of UEA students in academic matters.

3. My aims if elected are: - To consider alternatives mandatory fees - To instigate consideration of an independent judicial board for academic appeals -To increase awareness of the assistance the Union can offer concerning academic difficulties

1. I feel there are many aspects of the Union and University that need to be improved. I want to implement changes to benefit students and ensure they get the most .-----------. out of their time at UEA. 2. I am approachable and committe<l to the needs of students. My experience of student fepresentation makes me the ideal candidate to tackle academic problems faced by students.

3. As Academic Officer I aim to make the current academic appeals and complaints process more accessible. I will also fight for better facilities in the library.

1. Because I wish to spend another year at I just love UEA. Concrete so much.

2. I've spent so much time hanging around the Hive, I already feel like I'm a Sabb officer.

3. I refer you to previous answer

s many people will be aware, there is widespread campaigning against the arms trade amongst the Student Movement in Amnesty International, and the UEA AI society has in the past welcomed speakers who have talked about how this trade has affected them personally. Given these facts, it is particularly dissappointing to discover that our own university holds nearly £400,000 worth of shares in GEC Marconi, one of the main exporters of arms to military dictatorships - including Indonesia. lt is sickening to think that UEA is actually helping to finance the oppression of students overseas. In April and May 1998, for example, Indonesian security forces, equipped with British-made tanks and armoured personnel car~iers, quelled student activists and pro-democracy demonstrators, and at least six people were killed. How can UEA possibly justify their investment in companies which provide the tools for the violent suppression of students, who are only protesting to gain rights which UEA's own students hold without question?

Yours faithfully, The UEA AI Society Committee

SILENCING DEMOCRACY A letter in this issue makes reference to the fact that members of Students Forum have been asked not to make comments to Concrete.

With UGMs consistently inquorate, Students Forum is effectively the supreme decision making body in the Union.

Forum is elected by students and is supposed to be accountable to students - the fact that its own members are now too frightened to speak out against any decisions it makes, for fear of reprisals at the next meeting, is surely a very worrying development.

Cash Criticisms

am writing hecau~c I am particular!) concerned about an amount of money that ha;, been spent by a non-sabbatical officer of the Union Executi\C. It was raised at Executive level that money had been spent on Car-net (a lift sharing scheme) without other members of exec knowing about it and without the insurance implications for students being checked. When the matter was queried at Students Fortun the individual concerned was not present. but his friends defended him vigorously (notably the same people that made the most fu-.s about the rugb) club debts) . The amount of money spent was not announced and it appears nothing is being done to prevent such unwarranted expenditure in the future.

Upon leaving the meeting I questioned members of the exec and it appears that over £300 was spent on the project and that it has been unsuccessful. A lot has been said about the Labour Party in the past, but isn ' t it about time the increasing number of Tories got a mention?

If you have tried to meet an exec member recently you will know that the non-sabbatical office in the Union is like Party HQ, and the level of testosterone is overpowering. While these people club together it makes it very difficult for unaffiliated individuals such a.\ myself to hold the Exec to account.

I have endeavoured to find out exactly what the tolal budget is for executive campaigns, but to no avail. Figures have been bandied about that between a quarter and a third of this budget for executive campaigns has been wasted by one person's ill thought out scheme.

His defence, that th e rules were followed, is problematic - if others can find out what the rules are, then they're doing better than I am. ll appears that he wa.' too stupid to realise that the rest of the exec would like to know about this sort of spending.

Forum members have been a.~ked not to make comments to Concrete, and I don't fancy making an apology to all of Forum so I am afraid this is anonymous.

I

• See Co11crete Comme11t, left, a11d V11io11 reply, page 20

lt's no dictatorship would like to reply to the letter entitled "Democracy or Dictatorship" in issue 95 of Concrete. I have worked hard for this Union and its members for the last three years and I object to any suggestion that myself or any of my hard working friends have a "grip" on this union. The very reason the Constitutional Review Committee, of which I am a member, sent our proposals to a referendum is that we wanted to allow students a chance to express their views on the matter. We realise that at the moment our Union is run by a small group of people and decisions can be influenced by party politics, Labour, Tory or otherwise.

Those of us that are criticised by the original letter are trying to change that, firstly by suggesting that we set up a Student Representative Council and secondly by holding a referendum on the principles of what the SRC would be. Any change to the

I

·Editor: James Graham •Deputy Editor: Emma Newbery ·News Editor. James Goffin ·Chief News Reporter: Nikki Mallet •Features Editor: Caroline Jeater • Assistant Features Editor. Carolyn Boyd ·Sports Editor: Mark Edwards •Assistant Sports Editor: Nick Henegan • Distribution Manager. Oliver Polhill

constitution of the Union must be passed by the members and agreed to by the University. So any final draft of our proposals must be voted on again .

Those of us who allegedly "run" the union are not happy with the fact that our work for the benefit of students is seen in this light. I may be a member of the Labour Party, as are many other people, but I do not have a hot-line to Tony Blair. I have been an elected representative here in one form or another since my first year, and not once has party headquartera phoned me up and told me what to do in our Union. I, like many other forum members, do what I do because I want to make the Union stronger and better for students, and one cannot make the Union stronger by encouraging people that had turned up to vote not to.

Name and address supplied

•Editorial Contributors: Chris Brown, Adam Banham, Nicole Russell, Claire Hamilton-Eddy, Darcy Hurford, Nicole Fortmann, Simon Cogswell, Robin Millard, Laura Doherty, James Brown, Stephen Clegg, James Douglas, Owen Thomas, Nadia Elghamry, •Photographers: Chris Brown, Russell Burton, Rob Lutyens, Steve Cullingworth •Ad Manager:Emma Newbery

•Special Thanks to: UH Stewards. everyone at ECN ·Concrete IS published by the Union of UEA Students. Opinions expressed are those of the Contnbutor and not necessanly 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 through a star-like spud •Printed by Eastern Count1es Newspapers Ltd .. Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1RE. ~ Concrete 1999. r •

11

this issue UEA's myths 12 • Hitch hiking 13 • Indonesian students 14 • Plus lots more

•

• Mardis Gras celebrations are well on their way in New Orleans right now · James Douglas looks at what's going on ... arty season might be just round the corner thanks to the approaching millennium, but there is a bash to rival any of the planned celebrations, which happens once a year, not once every thousand - Mardi Gras. In New Orleans, th ere's more to Shrove Tuesday than the chance to stuff yourself with various co mbinations of pancakes , lemon , sugar, chocolate and maple syrup. For New Orleans, Lent means one tning more music, colour and entertainment than you could possibly imagine!

The centre-piece of the Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, when New Orlean's French Quarter plays host to one of the largest and most colourful street parties in the world.

In fact, the festival has been banned on several occasions in the past due to the cavorting, excessive drinking , outrageous costumes and activities it inspires.

P

"The festival has been banned on several occasions due to the cavorting, excessive drinking and outrageous costumes and activities it inspires"

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Although it would be hard to believe it from the type of behaviour displayed annually in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is actually a religious festival. it marks the beginning of Lent and is celebrated across the Catholic world - from Rio de Janeiro to

of such proportions, and the influx of Europeans, especially French and Spanish, has given the event a very multi-cultural flavour . There are over 60 carnival parades in the city between January 6 and Ash Wednesday - each brimming with colours, .noise and revellers.

When we visited New Orleans th ere were about 60 different groups leading different processions during Mardi Gras, all in flamboyant colours and costumes. One of the most historic was the Babylon Krewe. This group, largely made up of physicians, are famous throughout the City for their flaming torches. Another well established group are the Zulus, formed in 1909 when a man mocked Rex, King of the Carnival, by dancing behind his float with a tin can on his head. They now parade in grass skirts and war paint and, odd as it may sound, hand out hand-painted coconut shavings - some of the most coveted souvenirs at the carnival. Each procession group have their own version of these souvenirs, dubbed 'throws', which they liberally distribute on the ground for carnival-goers to collect and display. In fact, the throws are one of the main components of the parades. Groups spend a small fortune on different varieties of them, and they have been known to distribute beads, fake coins and even knickers and plastic cups. Upon attending the

their beautifully preserved shutters

There's a lot going on in New Orleans, but it's well worth taking some time to get way from the City to explore the surrounding area. I rented a car for the day with some friends, hnd drove across th e bay that separates the peninsu la from the mainland. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi, and with the Gulf of Mexico looming to the South, New Orleans is very close to the crocodile-infested swamp country made famous in films such as Live and Let Die. Local boat companies regularly offer crocodile spotting trips around the swamps, and the ferocious animals abound. The trips are also the perfect way to see what lies in the hinterland of New Orleans. it's also worth paying a visit to some of the many plantation homes that surround the city - they stand as a permanent example of Louisiana's wealthy history.

The best way to approach New Orleans is with an open mind, because it is a city filled with surprises. Unlike other American cities, the place has a sense of history and character, as well as a wonderful blend of different cultures. There aren't many places which can boast a huge jazz scene, young children who tap-dance in the streets, old locals who are only too ready to share the ir life stories and so many fine restaurants and bars.

And with temperatures in the high 60's even in February, it's wonderful to feel the early spring sunshine warming your body. You may have just missed 1999's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but it's a place you should definitely consider if you 're searching for the perfect party. Just get ready leave your inhibitions behind!

I

swap them, especially in the French Quarter around Bourbon Street.

In fact, some of these items are so coveted that people will do almost any1hing to get their hands on them - both men and women have been known

"Both men and women have been known to happily flash at members of the opposite sex just to get more trinkets" to happily flash at members of the opposite sex just to get more colourful trinkets! We didn't see anything like that when we were there, but the crowds certainly generated an electric atmosphere. Beads and trinkets flew overhead as we stood shoulder to shoulder with iJI~~~1 the crowds in the streets - quite a unique experience!

Indeed, after the intensity of the carnival it can almost be a relief to escape to some of the many music bars around the City. New Orleans is the home of jazz and gets its reputation from its ever-present passion for rhythm and dance. Many musical greats have played in this City ,.,.,• ..,.\~.11 and they have created a legacy and fervour for the music which --...;.:..:.::~ still stands today. There are hundreds of jazz cafes and bars dotted around, with an eclectic selection of musicians to listen to. If you 're a fan , Preservation Hall is not to be missed - its historical musicians include greats like Louis Armstrong.

There are regular live performances every week.

The French Quarter is also steeped in history - the colonial houses and their twisted metal balconies have been kept in near perfect condition' for centuries.

Factfile • When to go: The main stay of the Mardl Gras Carnival Is the week leading up to Ash Wednesday: February 17th, with main events from the 13th to the 16th.

• Getting there: Flights are priced around £350 return, direct to New Orleans, from Heathrow or Gatwlck, with either Continental or United Airlines.

• Recommended Accommodation: India House Hostel, £10 a night per person.

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12 ln:Focus

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

UEA myths

and legends Have you ever wondered why UEA is a grey monolith? Or where the famous Broad came from? Concrete sorts out the fiction from the fact MYTH: UEA BUILT THE BROAD AS PART . . . . _ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - ; O F A PLAN TO MAKE CAMPUS BEAUTIFUL If you thought that the Broad was designed to provide some scenic views for students in Norfolk and Suffolk Terrace, you 're in for a rude shock. The campus was a 320-acre golf course before the University was built and UEA's first bosses were quite happy for ziggurat residents to look out over the remains of the course.

But then a gravel company, desperate to remove the gravel in the ground promised they would create a beautiful lake if the University would let them mine the building material. Hey presto - a beautiful lake and a great view, all at no cost to the University.

TRUE (PARTLY, ANYWAY!): THE WATERFALL IS TURNED OFF BECAUSE OF SOAPSUD WIELDING STUDENTS

TRUE: THE SQUARE WAS ONLY EVER MEANT TO LOOK NICE IN THE SUN

The wate rfall feature in The Square didn't end up exactly how it was supposed to. lt used to be a lot deeper than it is today, but the floor had to be raised when a student nearly drowned in the pond. And with th e floor raised its capacity is just too small for the water to drain properly - hence it's hardly ever switched on. The other main reason for it never being switched on are the running battl es which have occu rred with Fairy Liquid carrying students. Wh enever the fountain started overflowing with bubbles, campus staff added a chemical to counteract th e washing up liquid - and students often then added even more detergent, starting a rather vicious circle of pond pollution.

There can be fewer uglier places than The Square on a grey, wet day.

However, it wasn't meant to be this way - it's just that the architect who built it got his plans a bit wrong. Sir Denys Lasdun based his design on a Mediterranean piazza, envisagin g that the University wou ld be built in European-style bleached white concrete. Unfortunately, he forgot that England's weather - as illustrated last week - is often more like Siberia than Spain and as a result , th e concrete ended up dull , grey, and covered in moss. Incidentally, landmark architecture has caused problems elsewhere at UEA too. The Sainsbury Centre apparently leaks when it rai ns heavily.

Putt in your foot in it

Following Glenn Hoddle's controversial comments on karma and the disabled1 Concrete investigates some of the greatest gaffes or recent memory...

P

ublic figures - don 't you just love em?

They entertain us, annoy us and lecture us. The media never tires of Informing us about their views on the topics of the day and, amazingly, we never tire of hearing about them. Indeed, publicity hungry celebs are often willing to tell anyone wbo 'll listen about their views on life, the universe and everything. But sometimes, just sometimes, they really should keep their mouth shut. Glenn Hoddle is currently learning this at his own leisure. But the former England manager's controversial pronouncement on how the disabled have only themselves to blame for their own predicament is just the latest in a long line of gaffes by public figures .

was allegedly ready to lead the free world should anything happen to his boss, George Bush , regularly sent the world Into, both fits of laughter and palpitations at the thought of him as President. Firstly, our Dan just had no idea which country or time he actually lived in. Explains Dan, " The Holocaust was an obscene period In our nation's history. I mean in this century 's history.

But we all lived in this century. I didn't live In this century." Secondly, as leader In w·alting of the free world , he seemed rather bizarrely determined to eliminate all human rights. This pearl of wisdom , which refers to the US's humanitarian expectations of it's Latin American neighbour, El Salvador, seems to back up these claims. " We expect them to work toward the Perhaps the greatest sufferer of foot-inelimination of human rights, " pronounced a less mouth disease of recent years has been Dan than forward thinking Dan. Quayle, Vice President of the USA from 1988While many spectators postulated about 1992. The pronouncements of this man, who exactly what Dan was thinking when he came , - - - - - - - - - - - - - , - - - - - - - - - - - . . . - - - , out with these gems, Dan then went and confirmed everyone 's worst fears - he wasn't thinking at all. " What a terrible thing to have lost one 's mind. Or not to have a mind at all. How true that Is." But while he might have been mindless with some of his comments , his fellow Republicans knew there of a topic where no forward thinking was required at all. How could he fall to tell the voters about his party 's commitment to the family? But, alas, poor Dan couldn 't do that either. " Republicans understand

'

UNCONFIRMED: WAVENEY TERRACE'S DESIGN IS BASED ON A SWEDISH PRISON Unfortunately, extensive investigations by Concrete have been unable to verify one of UEA's greatest urban myths: that Waveney's design is based on a Swedish prison. However, campus staff have been able to confirm that Waveney life definitely did bear some similarities to incarceration in the 1960s (and some would argue that little has changed since). Furnishing was minimalist to say the least, with the original carpeting apparently bearing more than a little resemblance to a couple of discarded sacks!

the Importance of bon dage between a mother and child, " he explained to shocked onlookers. Wise words Indeed.

Brooke Shields might not have as many gaffes to her name as old Dan, but she certainly knew how to make a good one from time to time. Her best effort came when she attempted to advise the young women who allegedly saw her as a role model. " Smoking kills, " warned Brooke, quite reasonably, before adding, "And if you are killed, you've lost a very important part of your life".

Hmmm.

Perhaps the only figure In Britain who could possibly rival Dan Quayle 's title as King Gaffe is the well-placed Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen's husband has regularly used his position to inform us about the truths in this world (or at least his world). Invariably though , we just end up cringing with embarrassment. The Chinese are our "Siittyeyed friends" according to the Duke, while the Scottish are a nation of drunkards. Speaking to a Scottish driving instructor, the Duke asked, " How do you keep the natives off the booze long enough to get them past the test?"

Because , as you know, Scots are all raging alcoholics, just as all cricketers are potential mass murderers.

Upon being asked about the banning of handguns after the Dunblane tragedy, the Duke showed his Infinite wisdom by drawing what he thought was a reasonable comparison.

Said the Duke, would the government ban cricket bats If the massacre had been carried out with such sporting equipment?

Insensitivity, as well as truly illogical thinking, has always been one of his strong points.

The Duke should have heeded the advice of that world renowned genius, Albert Einstein.

His theory for a successful life was this: If A equals success, then the formula is A = X + Y + Z. Albert defined X as Work, Y as Play and Z as keeping your mouth shut. By far the wisest words for anyone heading for fame.

ln:Focus 13

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

• Armed with dreams of freedom and travel, Stephen Cl~gg found out that hitch hiking wasn't all open roads and e~sy rides•..

T

he classic American beat nove.l On The Road has probably inspired more hitch hiking journeys than any other book ever written. I was 17 when I first read Jack Kerouac's immortal words and, like many others, I immediately became hooked on the idea of hitching. The book might have beell set in 1940's America, but his images of adventure and excitement could, with a little imagination, be transplanted into 1990's Europe. Or at least I ..thought so. Anyway, Kerouac's dream of freedom was very appealing to a sixth-former stuck in lessons and revising for A-levels.

I thought that with a bit of hitching I could leave behind the rigours and worries of late 20th century living and get back to something more primitive my very own life on the road.

So, a year later, it was with rather romantic notions that a friend and I decided to travel to the south of France. Fuelled on Kerouac and full of enthusiasm, but with little money and even less French, we took the Plymo~,Jth-Roscoff ferry, landed in France and hit the road.

We might have been a little apprehensive as we stood on the road, in the mid-summer heat, thumbs out-stretched, waiting for one of the hoards of cars ploughing past to stop. I myself had little experience of hitching, apart from a couple of lifts

"The knqwledge that a lift could come In two minutes or ten hours is part of the challenge that hitch hiking offers" "around my home town in Cornwall. Standing there, I wondered who, if anyone, would stop. In fact, the knowledge that a lift could come in two minutes or ten hours is part of the challenge that hitch hiking offers.

Indeed, excitement and uncertainty are constant companions when hitching - you don't know where you'll be sleeping each night, or even what country you'll be in: itineraries can always change. With a little luck and imagination you can go anywhere and do anything. And thanks to the people you meet and the occasional difficulty of getting a lift, the journey itself often means more than actually reaching the destination. lt took us two days to get to Bordeaux from Roscoff and, as I had hoped, we met some amazing people. They were incredibly friendly, giving us everything from food and drink to maps.

Some people even drove miles out of their way to help us. We had all sorts of drivers, from punk anarchists and hippies, to young women and elderly couples. The downside was that our poor French made communications a problem, but everybody was eager to try. There were some humorous situations where we ended up in weird games of charades, 'talking' through gesticulating, and drawing

his thighs. He suggested we go to bed, and led me to his bedroom. He gestured to his double bed.

"So where am I sleeping?" I asked. His beady eyes were fixed on mine. He gestured again to the double bed. "And you", I asked. He moved nearer, and hissed, 'We will both sleep here".

As he uttered those words, a sense of dread filled me, and I felt his hand slide up my inner leg.

"Nol Nol No!" I shouted. In fact I L -_ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _...............:..z.;;;;; think I shouted, "Non, Non Non", Bordeaux, France just to truly bring pictures. the point across. I ran for the door, grabbing my bag. He chased after me, following me into the We then spent two sun-soaked weeks in lift.

Bordeaux, and I ended up having to hitch home Squashed together in that on my own. This was where, I suppose, I got a taste of the potentially darker side of hitch hiking. confined space I was convinced he was going to I should have suspected something was up draw a knife, and when when I banged by head on the door frame as I got the doors opened, I into the car and the driver insisted, despite my protests, on caressing my wound. Equally charged off, refusing his worrying was the way that he proceeded to lean offers to drive me back to across me to fasten my seatbelt. the road. He began following me round the town Later, when he offered me a bed for the night, I in his car, repeating his offer, made some ridiculous excuse for having to hitch through the night. He dropped me off and an hour but something told me that later I was alone on the cold hard road in the getting back into the car would not be a good idea. Fortunately middle of nowhere. lt was pitch black, there was little traffic and hardly any hope of a lift before after about half an hour, and much morning. So when a car stopped I was relieved, verbal abuse from me, he left. and opened the car door smiling. But I choked on However, it really was a case of my grin as I realised it was the same man. He'd jumping out of the frying pan and into come back an hour later! He insisted on his another· very hot place, since a gang of original offer and I, perhaps foolishly agreed. local youths then appeared and began Half an hour later I was ten kilometres away in encircling me. Lost in a strange town, in the a poky flat, with a strange French man. I declined middle of France with nowhere to sleep, I his offers of food, and cognac. As I sat on the figured I had nothing to lose, and decided to sofa, he stood a few feet away staring at me, and stroking

explain my predicament to them. In retrospect, I should have suspected something when they offered to drive me to the police station, but I accepted anyway. They then sped off with me, taking the car round various back roads of the ·town and laughing. We arrived, not at the police station, but at a cash machine where they demanded money from me. Fortunat~ly I man~ged to convince them I didn't have a pin number, and they let me go.

"lt was fairly hard to explain that a slea~, 50 year ord citizen of their JIOOd town, had tried to force himself upon me" I eventually found the police station, where there was just one man who spoke any English, and he only knew about ten words. 11 was fairly hard to explain to him that a sleazy, 50 year old citizen of their· good town, had tried to force himself upon me. Still, they let me sleep in the foyer for the night. The next day I got out of that damned town swift as the feet would carry, and carried on hitching, fortunately uneventfully, my merry way home.

But while that night serves a reminder that, if you are especially unlucky, you can have some problems hitching, I would still recommend it as a way of travel.

Jack Kerouac might never had to deal with any perverted Frenchmen, but it hasn't soured my taste for the road. Since then I've got more lifts through France, as well as England and Germany. There are risks, and it is important to take them consideration when deciding on whether to go, but to my ·mind the benefits far outweigh those dangers. As I found out, it's worth sticking with a friend . But, on the plus side, you do get to travel for very little and you certainly meet plenty of people. Just remember to be a bit cautious and pack loads of supplies: when you are stuck out on the dusty road, hitching isn't always as romantic a picture as it might seem.

141n:Focus

ln:Focus 15

When students .led a protest that ended a dictator's 32 year reign, the people of .

Indonesia came one step closer to their dream of democracy. Carolyn Soyd talks to one of the students who made it happen... · · hat would you do if everything you were learning about yqur country was based on a dictatorial regime's propaganda? Would you keep quiet and get on with it, or would you speak out? What if soaring food prices meant that thousands of people were starving?

Would you try and make your voice heard when many of those that have done so in the past have vanished without trace? If you do, how do you get your friends to do the same? These were the decisions many Indonesians students were facing a year ago.

Sandy, a politics student at tt'le University of Indonesia in South Jakarta, describes what he was learning as "rubbish". This was just one of the factors that led him and his friends·to speak out against the military-backed regime in his country.

Indonesia was in ihe grip of economic crisis and the future looked bleak. But, against all the odds, the students, like Sandy, who had the courage to speak out, kick-started a popular movement which has shaken Indonesia's government to its foundations.

Before the events of last year, the thousands of islands which make up lndo~esia had been ruled

by President Suharto for 32 years. He lead a regime which was proud to admit gave preference to economic development over the protection of individual rights. With armies operating in every . town in the country, people went about their everyday liv.es in fear of what may happen to them.

Ten years after his succession to power during a military coup in 1965, Suharto illegally occupied East Timer after the Portuguese colonial rule collapsed. The Indonesian Army wrought havoc and 200,000 people (a third of the population), were killed or starved to death as a result.

Meanwhile, most in the West saw Suharto only as the man who had pulled Indonesia into the late 20th century through his programme of industrialisation. The country's economy advanced hugely, becoming the 23rd largest in the world.

Multinationals from all ov~r the world based factories in the country, and companies·such as Nike and Levi's took advantage of the cheap

W

workforce. But while the standard of living in Indonesia increased thanks to these developments, many of the benefits from this growth went straight into the pockets of Suharto's family and friends, most of whom held governmental positions. The economy was, developing and Suharto and the military - which backed him - had the resources to stand up to anyone who objected. However, when signs that the economy was beginning to falter started to show themselves in August 1997, things began to change. Soon after, the currency went into freefall and the prices of basic goods rocketed while wages were frozen·. By the beginning of 1998, foreign debt stood at $65 billion and Suharto's only choice was to turn to the International Monetary Fund for help. But, in order to pay for the $43 billion IMF bail out, reforms had to be implemented which left much of the population economically ruined. Suharto and his cronies, estimated to be worth $46 billion, were personally untouched by the problems.

"Students have a privileged situation in Indonesian . society, many believe that we ca n be an agent of social change • a nd we believe it as well." lt was at this point that the campaign for change began to spread. Students saw the opportunity for effective protest and seized it. With the population incensed at the economic situation, the students were able to come forward and reach out to the rest of the population - creating a popular movement with a chance of success.

Explains Sandy, "Students have a privileged situation in lndonesia·n society, many believe that we can be an agent of social change - and we · believe it as well." In the past, student protests in Indonesia failed because they did not manage to mobilise th~ wider population. But, as th~ students involved in Paris' riots in May 1968 succeeded in motivating the masses, the Indonesian students' protests of last year managed to reach out to other sections of society. "The student movement became more organised, more radical and developed a network with the industrial workers," says Sandy.

The growth of manufacturing industry in Indonesia had resulted in the working class increasing from 10 million to 86 m illion in just thirty years. Having them on board meant the protest could break new ground.

By visiting neighbourhoods and talking to people, the students managed to bring about a new form of solidarity. But it was not easy at the start. "lt was a very e?<hausting job at the time, these groups just thought we were crazy people ranting on about politics". With the university against them, organising their time was also an obstacle. "We had to arrange our studies around the demonstrations. The government controls the universities so what we learned was far from reality, we had to learn what was really going on."

At first the demonstrations were held in Java, away from the bureaucratic capital in Jakarta. But

by February the· streets were in chaos. In March, ·suharto was re-elected as President in an election which the regime ~ttempted to present as democratic. But, it is believed that the only votes which counted in the election were those of 1,000

delegates hand-picked by the man himself. The students were. outraged and the demonstrations continued. By May, the population had turned violent and riots spread nationwide. Four students were killed by police, leading to an explosion of public anger which set the capital alight. Things turned even uglier as anger was directed at the wealthy ethnic Chinese minority - historically the government's and population's scapegoats in times of trouble. Anarc.hy prevailed throughout and a further six students were shot dead by the military. Banks, buildings, houses and cars belonging to Suharto, his family and friends were ransacked and hundreds of lives were lost.

But while the demonstrations had turned nasty7 the students had not lost sight of their original aim - the removal of the Suharto and the government.

On the 18th May they took th.e massive step of occupying the main parliaQlentary building. Within 24 hours there were 30,000 people in and aro!Jnd it.

Then, Indonesia's main Muslim leader, Amien Rais, came out in support of the demonstrations, promising to bring a million people onto the streets. it seemed as though the end of the government ~as in sight. But one of Indonesia's most powerful military leaders, General Wiranto, pointedly reminded Rais about what had happened in the prodemocracy demonstrations at Tiannamen Square a decade earlier. The Muslim leader appeared on radio and television urging people not to march. lt seemed the crusade to oust Suharto from power had lost momentum.

But that very night, General Wiranto, who had seemed to support Suharto, persuaded the president to step down and hand over power to the vice-president, BJ Habiebie.

At 9am, the next morning, Suharto appeared on television to announce his resignation. His message was short, "I am of the view that it is very difficult for me to carry out my governmental duties, I have decided to cease to be President of the Republic of Indonesia effective immediately." t seemed as though a famous victory had been won, but the students' jubilation was shortlived. Habiebie ordered that the

I

demonstrators be evicted from parliament. This was to be the first of many disappointments about the new leader. Despite initial promises of a new beginning and the release of the many political prisoners, Habiebie failed to address the on-going economic crisis which continued to leave thousands in abject poverty.

Indeed, soon after Habiebie's succession to power, Jakarta seemed to be in turmoil once again. Evidence that the. students and workers were not content with Suharto's right hand man manifested itself in riots. Tne ethnic Chinese were targeted again by angry Muslims in the centre of Jakarta after fighting broke out in one of the neighbourhoods. Many of the attacks on the minority stemmed from rumours that shop-owners were hoarding rice to sell later at elevated prices.

Elsewhere, the frustration of unemployment and hunger led to fighting in which many others lost their lives.

Not only were there ethnic problems, but some sludents began to reject solidaritY with the workers as those in industrial areas began to form their own unions. At the same time, in spite of the divisions and problems, Habiebie has made one huge concession which is mostly thanks to the student-led protests: He has announced that more

democratic elections are to be held in June.

Indeed, Habiebie is only seen as a stop-gap leader with personalities such as Amien Rais and General Wiranto considered potential leaders.

However, Sandy sees the future leadership as something different altogether, "The people will lead, we already have a council for the people.

From this we will pick a provisional government through a democratic general election and they will rule the country for the next governmental term."

For the time being, however, Suharto continues to live in central Jakarta in his upmarket home under a regime not far removed from his own. He is rumoured to be living off the billions of dollars embezzled during his time in power, while half the 'POpulation still live below the poverty line. Many of Sandy's friends are still missing, "dead probably," he shrugs, and the fight to change the system continues. But, considering the state Indonesia was in a year and a half ago, positive change has been made. The students' protests have achieved more than any pro: democracy movement in Indonesia for decades.

And Vlhile there are still problems, the day when ln•jonesia becomes a truly free democracy is in sight because of it.

~~ ~\

P~ES

-

1999

Scientists believe they can create pigs -with human-organs· and harvest them for use in people. Nicole Fortmann finds out whether transplant history is about to be made... · he day when animals could be used to produce tailor made organs for human transplants could be just round the corner. The Department of Health has recerytly been a~ked to license a radical new procedure that would transfer genetically engineered pig tissue into humans. A group called the Genzyme Corporation believe that injecting Parkinsons disease suffers with pig cells could restore the brain function of the sufferer. Meanwhile, another group, called lmutran, are working on a project which they hope will pave the way for human organ transplants using genetically modified animal organs. These scientific experiments, known as xenotransplants follow on from opera_ tions like those that allowed h_ uman ears to grow on the side of mice - and other breakthroughs like Dolly, the cloned sheep. lt is the serious lack of human organ donors and the ever increasing demand for transplants that has lead doctors to consider the possibilities of animal organ transplants. lt is estimated that the shortage of hearts, lungs and livers available

T

for transplants leads to the deaths of more than 200 people in Britain each year. In 1997 alone, there were 5,732 people awaiting kidney transplants but only 1,635 were carried out.

Animal transplants are not a totally new phenomenon - the first major experiment was carried out in 1954 when six patients ir\ the US received chimpanzee kidneys. Most died within days, but one of them actually survived for nine months. In the very same year the very first British pig heart value transplant took place.

Twenty years later, technology had advanced far enough to allow an American baby, named Fae, to receive a baboon heart. She survived for twenty days·. In 1992 another patient in the US received a baboon liver and this time survived seventy days. Three years later, in 1995, the story of jeff Getty hit the world headlines. Baboons are HIV resistant, and so surgery was carried out to transplant the animal's bone marrow into Jeff, an AIDS victim. it was hoped that the marrow would produce enough white blood to fight off the effects of the HIV virus. This was groundbreaking

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surgery. Unfortunately the transplant failed.

As these cases illustrate, the current problem is that there has so far been little success with organ transplants. At the moment, even in ordinary operations, doctors have to find organ matches that are as genetically close to the patient's as possible - this often means asking close relations to donate things like kidneys. This is because the body's natural immune system naturally attacks any foreign material that comes in. Clearly when you are not only using a different organ, but even a different species' organ, there is an enormous chance of rejection. But scientists hope that genetic engineering could allow them to match individual DNA extremely closely.

"Pigs could be specifically breil to meet individual human demands for new hearts kidneys and pancreases" lmutran, the British research company behind the main thrust of transplant trials, believe they can make this match. They have been breeding transgenic pigs, which have been genetically engineered with human genes, to make their organs more acceptable to the human body. In August 1992, a vii'gin sow was given fertility treatment so that she would produce a large number of eggs. These eggs were fertilised and then washed out of her body and injected with human genes - a process called transgenics.

The result was Astrid - a pig with a human heart capable of being transplanted into people. Since then, she has produced many generations of transgenic pigs. lmutran believes that Astrid could provide the solution to the world's organ crisis.

Pigs could be specifically bred to meet individual human demands for new hearts, kidneys and pancreases. Pigs, it seems are the ideal subjects they breed much faster than most animals (such as baboons) and have larger litters, so they can · meet the demand for organs more quickly. Heart valves and insulin from pigs have been successfully used in human operations for years.

And, unless the film Babe is to be believed, a pigs behaviour and appearanc.e are further removed from humans than, say, apes - a difference which is very important. Because these bits of bacon are biologically very different from humans and primates, some scientists believe that

this lowers the risk of a virus passing into the human. However, there is currently an argument raging about this. Many other scientists and researchers are a lot more suspicious, as there is no actual proof that a potentially deadly virus lurking in a pigs liver will not cross the animaVhuman barrier.

We know, for instance that the HIV virus originated in monkeys and somehow crept into humans. What we don't know is whether this happened because we are so biologically close to monkeys (which would_have made it easy for the virus to jump the barrier). But what about mad cow disease which has infected humans? Surely we are at least as biologically close to cows as we are to pigs? Last year, professor Robin Weiss at the Institute of Cancer Research said that under labo.ratory conditions, two pig viruses had been found to replicate in human tissue. Isn't it then possible that such transplants could bring ~nother HIV virus into the population? lmutran are currenily following the progress of over 160 patients who have received pig tissues in operations to find out how realistic this risk is. In a recent test carried out in Massachusetts, a group of 24 patients were given pig cells as part of a treatment for Parkinsons disease - none of them were infected by dormant pig viruses.

But this is not the only issue that has to be resolved before such transplants take place. For example, humans live longer than pigs. How do we know that a pig organ will carry on functioning healthily throughout a human's lifetime? Even if it could be tested, what about the way that a genetically modified heart will work - how dependable would that be?

The biggest problem is that until the experiments take place, nobody will be able to answer to such questions, and even tpen, it will be years before· they know for sure. But by that time, it may already be too late to turn the clock back.

The question that we, and the government must face is whether we should turn our backs on these transplants. They could save hundreds of lives, but the ground is certainly ethically and scientifically unstable. Allowing the recently proposed surgery could set a precedent for the use of transgenic pigs as 'spare parts'. However, with the huge pressure for more organs, the hopes of companies such as lmutran, who wish to farm thousands of human-compatible pigs and harvest their organs, J!lay well come true.

ln:Focus 17

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n Valentine's Day, the nations hottest dance extravaganza ever to hit the UK club scene burst Into the Canal Club for the final "Dance with the Devil". Ten wicked finalists did everything In their power to drive the Devil to distraction and cross the Devll's bridge to success In order to r.-:;; uiio uf three grand prizes of a week In New Orleans for the Mardl Gras carnival. To celebrate, we have five Tla Marla Club Mix COs (featuring stonklng hits from the hottest dance floors of '98 such as Run DMC's "lt's Uke That" and "So Good" from Julla Roberts), five Clubber's Backpacks and five miniature Tla Marla and cola to give away. Simply send your name and address on a postcard to Tla Marla and Cola/Concrete, 5th Aoor, 37 Golden Square, London, W1R 3AA.

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18 ln:Focus

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

Horoscopes

So you think you know about

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Soap operas?

1) Who is t he dead father of Cindy Richardson's ..,.,...,.......,........-------.,.,........,....,....., baby in Holly Oaks?

2) How was Gail Tilsley's first husband killed in Coronation Street?

3) In Neighbours, how many actresses played Lucy Robinson?

4) Who died in Slake's arms on Summer Bay beach?

5) How many did children did East Ender's, Lou Beale have?

6) Who were the incestuous siblings in Brookside?

7) Name three people that Kelly Windsor, from Emmerdale slept with?

8) Wha t is the name of Don Fisher's son in Home a nd Away?

9 ) What c haracter did Jesse Birdsall play in Eldora do?

1 0) What is the name of Mark Fowler's first wife?

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John Etty HIS 2 - Candles Sasha Tiffany EUR 3 - Diary Lucinda Highley EUR2 - Diary

Sandra Doran SOC 2 - T-shirt lsabelle Andrews EUR 3 - T-shirt Marcel Vlietstva EUR 3 - T-shirt Tom Ruffles EAS PG - T-shirt

A Bugs Life : Director was John Lasseter Sionne Thornton EAS VIS My-Linh Ngo ENV MSC Of in Ents Kate Gilbert MGT2 Rebecca Hagerty MGT2 Jessica Amaduzzi EU R4

Meet Joe Black: Bradd Pill played death Fin Walsh WAM 2 - Bow tie set Max Alien ENV 3 - Bow tie set Katie Dunneback EAS VIS 1 Mirror Ame lia Dixon LAW2 - Candles

Across

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I. u,ually hclie\'ed to be guilty (8) 5. Thought Hl 9. A weighty currency? (5) I 0. Land of the free' (7) 11. Act in a guarded manner ( I I) I :l. My,tical Ea,tern fi gure - from suburbia? (6) 14 . Skimpy type of swimwcar (6) 17. To lose one's worries would he thi> ( 12) 20. Viewing figure' (7) 21. Dinner might be here' (2.3) 22. Could be the he't one' of our lives (4)

23. Before time (3.5 J

Down I. Takes 'trength away (.J) 2. Made a noise (7) 3. Final stop (3 .2.3 ,.J) .J. Coaches (6) 6. Opening golf stroke (5) 7. Proce's of examinat ion (8) 8. Moment of choice (8,4) 12. Can not be see n clearly (8) 15. One wit h int erna l con nect ion s (7) 16. Questions (.J) 18. Rodent in a bad mood (5) 19. Not beautiful (.J)

Issue 95: Answers Across I. Perfect 5. Drool 8. Pot 9.

Pammedic 10. Impul se 11. Raven

I :l. Tomboy 15. Stance 17. Agree 18. Odd Jobs 21. Defractor 22. Vet 2.J. Evade 25. Cheer up Down I. Pepsi 2. Rate payer 3.

Ex pel4. Turner 5. Demerit 6. Odd 7.

Licence 12. Vancouver 13. Tea Tree I.J. Operate 16. Poetic 19. Dirge 20.

Set up 22. Flu

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LIVE IN THE HIVE Tho e of you that were in the Hive last Tuesday will have noticed how busy it was and how easy it is to make yourself look tike a plum (no disrespect to those of you who braced the stage to harmonise with your favourite tracks.)

The concept of 'Live in the Hive' was thought up because the Hive bar wasn ' t used in the evenings (even at LCRs) and the Union wanted to give something back to its members. Live in the Hive was granted a ticence for every Tuesday of term time so the bar could be opened until

12.30.

Most events are free but sometimes there is a small charge if the act is fairly expensive. Tuesday nights have generally appealed to students tiving on campus and popularity has varied over time. Some of us have been lucky enough to see the tikes of Audioweb, Mansun, My life Story and · Beth Orton for free before they were quite so well known.

The remaining weeks of this term will see the Union make a big effort to entertain the masses on Tuesday nights, ftrstly we

have Pe~r Zenner the hypnotist and rnindreader followed by a free disco.

We are also still waiting for confirmation from a number of acts, but you can look forward to a 'Dirty Dancing' evening.

Wayne Kennedy and his scantily clad dancers will entertain and involve the crowd.

On the 16th March we have Mambo Combo- 'a night of wild Latin passion ' where you will be taught to dance if you wish, and be able to purchase tequila and receive a free sangria.

Live in the Hive is paid for by the Union so it makes sense to take advantage of these evenings and sample the many promotions that are on offer.

Live in the Hive 23rd February JEAN GENIE Tribute 2nd March BOYZONLY 16th March MAMBOCOMBO

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Welcome to the second issue of Union News, the format this and the following three pages are now in should be the template for future issues. We would like to encourage clubs and societies and Union representatives to contribute so if you have interesting information you _would like to share please get in touch with me at su.comm@uea

Dear Aunt Aggie Whilst watching the football last night an extremely loud noise erupted from the ceiling above, followed by a torrent of water and a crash as the bath landed quarely on top of my TV. Fortunately, my best mate and girlfriend (who appeared to be having a bath together at the time) were not injured. Now we have no bath, no TV and a gaping hole in the ceiling. I know it is not our fault because there has been water dripping from the ceiling for the last 2 months and the landlord has failed to sort it out. The landlord is refusing to repair the damage to the bathroom and the ceiling and denies any responsibility for my TV. This could end up costing me my student loan- what can I do?

Aslie ..,..•• Firstly, perhaps you should spend less time watching the footy and more time paying attention to your girlfriend... ! But seriously, your landlord does have an obligation to both replace the bath and repair the damage. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, heating, hot water, and sanitary installations. You might like to consider that the landlords refusal to repair the damage is a fundamental breach of confract, therefore making it easier for you to move out if you want to. If you do want to stay you need to make an ofjicilll written request for the repairs to be done (always keep a copy). If you would like to pursue this further or would like more deta_iled advice, come and make an af!pointment to see one of our trained advisers in the Student Support and Development Unit, upstairs in Union House.

Dear Aunt Aggie is going to be a regular feature of the Union pages, so If you need some advice, write your problem down and post in the internal mall to Aunt Aggie in the Student Support and Development Unit or deliver to the SAC reception, no names needed. ~~---'

Drugs can be categorised in many Wiif.>, hard

or soft, uppers or downers, addictive or non addictive, most harmful or least harmful, legal or illegal. A category that is often useful is to divide drugs into their effects. Put most simply these are:

STIMULANTS DEPRESSANTS

they increase the activity c:J the a!nlral

they reduce the activity c:J the central

ner.oos~.

ner.oos system.

Examples are caffeine,

1Dbacco, I!Pledrine. amphetamines, ecstasy, ax:aine, 'aack'' poppers, anabolic steroids.

tranquillisers (e.g. ~

....

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..,.. ...

-~;.

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Examples are alcohol. sollleots, minor

--'S · ~·

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HALLUCINOGENS

valium), Codeine, Gees Unctus, pethidine, dislalgesic, heroin .

they alter perceptioiiS rl reality and may

result in hallucinations (seei~ somethi~ that

is rd there).

Examples are cannabis, magic mushrooms and LSD.

TYPES OF DRUG PROBLEMS All drugs can create problems, either for the drug ~r or for other people affected by the actions of the drug user. These problems may be categorised as being either ph)<sical, psychological, social or ltgal.

With some drugs the ~r may become psychologically dependent this means they feel life is impossible unless they continue to use the drug.

With some drugs the user may become both psycholog1cally and physically dependent.

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FURTHER BUDGET CUTS The Library looks set once again to suffer funding cutbacks as part of a niversity consu ltation that may result in all sectors of the University losing funding at a rate of 2% a year for the next five years.

Students' Forum at their last meeting expressed grave concern that the Library will be hit by cuts yet again. and have i~sued a response to the University stating their views that existing funding MUST be maintained. and extended for certain

services which the library provides.

Union Academic Officer, Katy Fixter will be sending out questionnaires within the next two weeks, in order to establish wide student opinions on the library services which currently exist. and iden tify the areas of priority where there MUST be improvement. Please take the time to participate in this consultation and have your VITAL say on the academic resources which the University provides.

BIG JACK REQUESTS THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY The Union Sports Dinner is selling well, but if you want to sit with a group of friends then you 'll have to .fill in a booking form which is available from reception.

f!;

lt is a common myth that some areas have an amnesty for people caught in possession of drugs. As with all crimes the police will handle each case on its own merits. BE WARNED possession can lead to imprisonme nt and heavy

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The Misuse of Drugs Act states the maximum penalties for

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possession (having the drug) and

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supplying (including intending to supply, giving awllf. sidling, sharing, bartering etc.) of certain drugs.

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These drugs are listed as Class A, B or C. Some of them are shov.n

Maxlil1um Pt>nJ/t1es m J mag:srrare-; court for some drugs

~ ~

fines. The 1nterprclal1•" · who is a 'dealer' or ~up;"· of these drugs is madv ,,., the police and the cou1·> and not the individual. f·J•'•J if you are dealmg 'no! lrJJ profit', supplying drugs ca rries heavy pena ltie~

Drug

Possession

CLASS A

6 months 6 months

Sup ply

imprisonment or coca ine, crack; heroin, and other strong opiates such as methadone. Ecstasy, LSD, and hallucinogenic mushrooms fine or both if dried or processed .

rmpn sor"·•e: t or

£5,000

£5,000 fine or both

3 months 6 months

CLASS B

imprisonment or Cannabis leaf and resin, amphetamines, barbiturates, codeine, and mild opiates e.g. fine or both DF118s. Any class B drugs designed for injection count as class A.

imprison ment or

£2,500

£5,000 fine or both

1!;- - -UNION REPLY TO LETTER CONCERNING EXECUTIVE SPENDING: lt is not Student Forum policy for members to be restricted to whom they speak.

CLASS C

3 months* 3 months

Anabolic steroids

rmpnsonment or

impnsonr1ent or

£1,OOO*

£2 500

fme or both

fine or botb

Benzod1azep1nes _ (tranquillisers). e.g. Valium, Temazepam , Rohypnol etc.

1

• Possesston penalty applies only to Temazepam and Rohypnol

If you are sentenced m a Crown Court, the max1mum pena/t1es tor supplyrng class A and B drugs can be ltfe or 14 years 1mpnsonrre": respecttvely, or an unltmtted fine, or both.

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SABBATICAL ·OFFICER CANDIDATES The elections will be held on 25th February 1999 Communications Finance Officer A Marriott Officer C Dozie A Bumette M Williams M Horan G Hopkins S Daryanani S Wright S Macken T Williamson Welfare Officer T Harberd A Kingswell R Bow&kill A Little L McSherry Academic Officer C Kober L Eldret A Laing E Moses I Mackie You may be surprised to learn that it Is. an olfence for the occupier or a person conoemed with the management of any premises, to allow the production or supply of a class A, B or C drug, or the smoklna of cannabis. So if you Invite friends back to your flat, and you know they

are sharina • controlled drug, and you do nothlni to stop them, you have c:ommlttl!lcl an offence.

The maximum penalties In a Magistrates Court for this offence are: Class A or B drui- 6 months Imprisonment or £5000 fine or both.

Class C drui 3 months

In some cases belna In the Slme room as someone taldna 01 supplylna drop e.n 1uc1 to problems. lt is not just criminal records and heavy fines that students need to be aware d when engaging in any activities that Involve drugs. Most Universities and Colte&es will expel students from their premises If caught in possession d, taking 01 supptytna drup.

This can mean that if caught you could be homeless very quickly with no favourable reference for future IICCO!Tlmodation.

Furthermore universities 01 colleges may inform the police, not to mention throw you off your course d study. This apln would make it very hard to apply successfully for a course d

imprisonment or £2 50ll fine or both. If you arl' sentenced in a'Crown Court, the maximum penalties for this offence, for class A and B drugs are 14 years imprisonment. or an unlimited fine or both. For class C drugs, 5 years Imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.

If you are a first time offender charged with possessing drugs for your own use, lt Is possible that you may be cautioned .

Do remember a caution means a criminal record and that has implications for your future career.

applying tOr some travel visas.

Students should be aware that Increasingly employers are introducing mandatory drugs tests for potential employees and as some drugs can stay in

the body for a month or more students should be aware of the Implications of taking illegal drop.

Pfqlles altitudes ID ~ vary and lilt Mf)Qll! may shale your

opinions, ltlJs what some may think is harmless II!Creillional drug use. may be seen by friends or family members as a serious breach ri the law and C1JITY heavy moral ~So it is worth bearing in mind all these factors before you

• un1on news ;X

-advertisement-

'tints

MENINGITIS

There have been a few cases of meningococcal infection in the news recently so we would like to take this opportunity to remind you what to look out for.

Meningitis may develop over one to two days or the patient may become very ill very quickly - sometimes in a matter of a few hours. If a person develops any of the following symptoms the Health Centre (0 1603 592172) or the person's usual GP should be contacted immediately.

• Severe headache that is not relieved by normal pain relievers • Stiff neck i.e. inability to put your chin on your chest • Extreme dislike of bright lights • A rash of red/purple spots or blotches that does not fade when pressed firmly with a clear drinking glass • Extreme drowsiness • The person is difficult to rouse • The person appears to faint on trying to sit or stand.

IF YOU FEEL UNWELL GET A FRIEND TO KEEP AN EYE ON YOU

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

DLSCRIPTION CANNAB IS (BLOW, PUFF, DO PE , HASH, GRASS) I S THE MOS T COMMO NlY USE D Il lEGAl DRUG I N THE

UK. IT

Every student at thi s Uni versity has the ri ght to appeal agai nst a deci sion made on any pi ece of assessed work. [n addition you may also make an Academic Complaint about your programme of study or the academi c fac iliti es whi ch the Un iversity prov ides.

The procedu res exist as your way of holdin g the Un iversity to account and ensuri ng that you are treated fairly and receiving a top qu ality education .

You will all receive a letter from the Academi c Offi cer with in the next week which ex pl ains the Academic Appeal s Procedure and the Academi c Compl aints Procedure, and most importantl y, how to use them. So pl ease don' t throw them away, as they contain a lot of very important informati on.

To see an offi cial copy of these procedu res, you can either visit the Uni versity website, your School offi ce, or the Student Advice Centre in Uni on House

IS USUA LLY SM OKED IN THE FORM OF RESI N, A BROWN SOLID MASS WH ICH IS CRUMBLED AND M IXED W ITH TOBACCO TO FORM A JOI NT OR SPLI FF. AlTUNATIVELY CA NNAB IS CAN BE TAKE N ORAllY

WHlT HER RAW OR MIXED IN CAKES, FUDGE ElC.

CANNAB IS CAH ALSO COME IN JTS OR IGINAL LEAf" FORM (GRASS) ANO AS AN OIL

Cannabis may bring to the surfa~ in some users emotional problems which may ~ad to more severe m~ntal health problems.

Heavy users may become de-motivated in life which can result in lack of interest in academic matters. Users may begin to cha ng~ their lifestyle to fit around taking cannabis and lose in t~rest in their friends, fa mily and social affairs.

ACADEMIC SURGERY The Acade mi c Offi cer has dec ided to prov ide periods in whi ch she will detin itely be avail able fo r di scuss in g academic appea ls. These are Monday between I and 4 and Wednesdays between I0 and I. Katy is usuall y avai!abl e at most other times. Appoi ntments can be made in the Student Adv ice Centre.

like tobacco, long term regular smoking can lead to bronchitis and other lung diseases such as lung canre. Physical de~nden~ does not ocrur, although psychological depende~ may.

INTERNATIONAL DAY DURING LffiERATION'SWEEK (WEEK 11)

N.B. Traces of Cannabis can stay in the body for at least a month. This could be an issue if a user has to

take a pre employment medical examination.

cart:i~ic chemicals. If a joint is made using cannibis and tobacco this will cause e11e11 more damage to the lungs.

The most common bad reactions to cannabis

are a~. ~rn~.~nica~ . ~

swings, sleeping problems, short term memory loss and reduced concentration which can be dangerous ff operating machinery or driving. Furthermore cannabis can resun in a craving for load which could lead to noticeable weight gain with continuous

C<mabis leaf and resil is a class 8 cootroled !tug.

Camabis oi e<r1 be either a class A or class 8 cootroled avg, dependng on hvN the oi is prOO.Jced. lt is legal to possess, supply, prodx;e or etifivate cannabis, (t.rless authorised to do so).

Similarly, it is legal to aRow premises to be used for the supply or prcxiJction or srnokilg of camabis.

We arc planning an inte rn ational day in which we wou ld li ke internati onal studen ts and societies to participate. Some ideas have been put forward wh ich include: Setting up stalls on which societies can display and distribute information on the countries they represent. They could highlight hi:-.torical even ts. tradi tions. cu ltures and music (tradi tional and popular music).

Interna tional fashion show International disco International film shows Encourage debate about relevant i~sues. refugees, rac ism. employ ment. immigran ts and asylum seekers.

If you are interested in participating or have more ideas please contact the Community and International Officer at M.Nikita@ uea.ac.uk

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S p ort 23

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

AMERICAN FOOTBALL British Collegiate League 1.Herts Hurrc 2. Surrey Sting.

3.Kent Falcons 4.UEA Pirates

PLO 5 3 4 5

W 4 2 2 0

D 1 0 0 1

L 0 1 2 4

FOOTBALL

Gallpen press Norwich Business League Div Three PLO 1.Heartsease t3 2.Taverham 16 3.Trowse N'wton 16 4. UEA Mens Ill 14 5. Jarrolds 15 6. Rangers Exiles 14 7. Spixworth Res 16 8.Norwich Un B 17 9.Saxon Eng. 14 10.Drayton Res 16 11 . Thorpe V A 15 12. T'nham SD R. 16

W 12 10 10 8 8 7 7 4 4 4 3 3

Gallpen press Norwich Business League Div One PLO 1.Thorpe Ham . 15 2.Hellesdon 15 3.UEA Mens I 13 4. Spixworth 14 5. T'nhm Sedg 13 6.Jubilee 14 ?.Norwich Union 13 8.Zenith W'shields11 9.Rangers 14 10.St. Andrews 11 11 . Yelverton 15 12. Trowse New. 12

W 11 10 9 6 7 4 4 4 3 3 2 3

D 1 2 3 5 2 4 3 2 2 1 3 0

L 3 3 1 3 4 6 6 5 9 7 10 9

FOR AGST PTS 61 21 34 41 24 32 42 11 30 32 24 23 34 28 23 29 37 16 21 33 15 27 14 26 31 53 11 22 15 10 21 42 9 21 52 9

Gallpen press Norwich Business League Div Two 1.Easton 2.Earlham 3.Costessey SP 4.Drayton 5. S Walsham 6.UEA Mens 11 7. Blofield Utd 8.Wroxham 9.Lodden Utd 10. Marlborough 11 . Red Roofs 12. Bowthorpe

16 14 16 14 15 11 13 14 10 15 13 13

2 4 3 0 5 3 3 4 2 2 1 1

9 8 8 9 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 1

5 2 5 5 4 2 5 6 4 9 9 11

43 55 47 31 36 29 35 31 28 19 24 18

25 23 28 29 33 14 37 39 21 40 44 63

29 28 27 27 23 21 18 16 14 14 10 4

D 1 4 2 2 1 4 1 4 1 1 1 0

L 0 2 4 4 6 3 8 9 9 11 11 13

FOR AGST PTS 12 37 69 42 34 18 51 47 32 26 39 31 25 34 56 52 40 25 48 32 22 27 42 16 32 13 56 26 13 53 20 10 · 55 20 64 9

HOCKEY Premier Holidays Mens East League Division Four Nth 1.Holt Harlequins 2. Bury St Eds 11 3.1pswich Ill 4.Cambs U Ill 5. UEA 6.Nch City 11 7.Camb City Ill 8.Peterbro Tn Ill 9.Gorleston 1O.Long Sutton 11

PLO 12 11 12 11 12 12 12 12 11 11

W 10 9 7 6 5 4 3 2 2 1

D 1 1 1 0 2 3 4 2 1 2

L 1 1 4 5 5 5 5 8 8 8

FOR AGST PTS 47 18 31 11 38 28 43 23 22 18 18 12 27 25 17 25 25 15 22 29 14 13 44 8 22 43 7 14 39 5

Mens North East League Division Five 1.Pelicans 11 2.1ES 11 3.1pswich IV 4.Lowt Railway 5.Harleston Ill 6.Waveney ?.Bury St Eds Ill 8.Broadland 11 9.UEA 11 10.Nth Walsham

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

10 9 6 6 5 5 4 3 2

1 2 3 1 3 3 2 3 0 0

1 1 3 5 4 4 6 6 10 11

72 42 32 23 31 28 20 20 11 8

19 13 22 18 22 26 40 27 48 52

31 29 21 19 18 17 14 12 6 3

FIXTURES & RESULTS BUSA RESULTS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3

ti•I•Ii=l~!t

Shield Cup Shield Cup

2114-

1 5 2 1

Men's 1 Brunei Portsmouth Womens

-=!J•lMI~i,•Ht Cup Cup

Men's 1 6-3 Womens 1 - 8

Imperial Southampton

Womens 49-60

Bath

4i~H31H~ Cup

Reading

Reading Kings Mens 3 UCL Womens

22-5

Mens

5-2 0-3 7-0 4- 1 20-8

Men's 1 Men's 2 Imperial Medics Womens 1 Oxford

~~1Ji:~1!t Cup Cup

UCL Exeter

Brunei Bath Womens

Mens Surrey

4-2 0-6

Portsmouth Womens

63- 18 56-23

Womens 1 Womens 2

Mens 1 5-0 Kings 4- 1 Womens 5-0

1.1pswich V 2.Nch City IV 3.Bury St Eds IV 4.Nch Union Ill 5.Holt Harleq 11 6.Norfolk Nomad 7.Felixstowe 11 8.UEA Ill 9.Lowt Railway 11 1O.Broadland IV

1.Nth Walsham 2.Herlings 3.Buckenham 4.Beccles 5.UEA 6.Norwich City 11 7.Watton 11 8.Dereham Ill

10 9 10 10 8 10 9 10

L 1 4 4 4 5 5 6 7 8 11

FOR AGST PTS 31 52 13 44 22 24 22 19 12 21 15 20 19 39 33 25 17 22 16 31 27 15 22 15 10 28 18 72 1 8

6 6 5 5 5 3 2 0

1 1 2 2 0 3 2 1

22 16 13 13 17 12 15 6

3 2 3 3 3 4 5 9

10 7 11 10 9 17 22 35

19 19 17 17 15 12 8 1

8 10 8 13 8 18 18 15

25 19 14 13 12 9 6 3

6 12 8 19 19 17 21

21 17 15 13 7 6 2

Norfolk Womens League Division Four 1.Yarmouth 11 2.Denver 3.Magpie Colts B 4.UEA 11 5.Buckenham 11 6.Magpies IV ?.Lowestoft Rail 8.Loddon 11

9 9 10 9 10 10 9 10

8 6 4 4 3 2 1 1

1 1 2 1 3 3 4 3

0 2 4 4 4 5 4 6

25 17 10 18 8 10 5 5

-<

Norfolk Womens League Division Five 1.Dereham Fillie 2.Norwich City IV 3.Broadland IV 4.Yarmouth Ill 5.UEA Ill 6.Pelicans Colts ?.Magpies V

7 5 4 4 2 1 0

8 8 8 9 8 8 9

0 2 3 1 1 3 2

33 22 22 7 9 5 4

4 5 4 7

LOCAL LEAGUE FIXTURES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 {i~IIl£1:1 v

Potters 2

(a)

VOLLEYBALL Mixed

V

Tibs

6pm

(h)

'

Womens

TABLE TENNIS UEA

Sands E

(a)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Mens 2 Mens 3

Men's 2 v Reading (a) (If winners of match on Sunday 14/2 v Edinburgh) Men's 3 v Durham or Bath (h) (If winners of match on Sunday 14/2 v Reading)

Sth. Walsham Thorpe Vill.

(a) (a)

V

Long Sutton 2 Broadland 2 Norfolk Nomads Buckenham

(h) (a) (a) (h)

V

Swaffham 1

V V

4H•I3:!:\'I 2pm

1!13;t•fi1t 2pm

Mens 1 Mens 2 Mens 3 Womens 2

Mens 1

V V

2pm

1pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

(a)

fl•1!!Jj:0!11

V

tiiii~:i)

{i~IIht1:1 Nottingham

v

FOOTBALL

(a)

4:t•I3:!D

V

D 1 0 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 1

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18

I:!J·lMia,.u.

Womens

W 10 8 7 6 6 5 5 5 3 0

Martin & Acock Norfolk Womens League Division One

Mens

BUSA FIXTURES WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17

v

PLO 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19

R.Holloway 0 - 3

Mens 1 LSE Men's 2 Sussex

Mens North East League Division Seven

fl•1!!M:t~!ll

UEA v Durham (h) (If winners of match on Monday 15/2 v Reading

{i~I1 ll1:Cup Cup Cup

Ma~ons

WI 0 12- 15 34 - 5

Mens 1 Mens 3

Mens v Nottingham (If winners of match on Friday 12/2 v Bath)

4H•I3:!l)

Shielrl Cup Cup Shield Cup

Shield Shield

Cup

4=~~13~i:~~!~ Shield

Plate Cup Cup

ti3~n,~-t

Exeter Men's 2 Men's 3 UCL

- - --

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

Glasgow (h) ~- -

4pm

---- --··- _ ___ .. _. ..... .,..*

UEA

v

!.:borough Aces !

(h) ~-·~-· -·

1pm . . .

.. .. ~

------·- ---- -------------·--------------------·~---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~

24

s

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

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·on a historic day in Dublin, differences were forgotten as Ulster were crowned EuroP-ean chamP-ions t is now almost a cliche to say that sport can divided uni te communities, but it does sometimes actually

I

Ubtcr\ rugby idc were competing in the Europe<tn Cup llnal agaio~t French side Colomicrs and, signilicantl). both Prote,tant and Catho li Uls termen had travelled ,outh of the border to r-h_a_p_p_e_n_·--------------.. :.land shoulder hy ;,hou Id er on the tcnace-. and the pitch .

All were united by a desire for lster 10 trium ph. as reli gious and politica l differences were di-.carded.

Thi~ was the biggest game in UIMer\ rughy h i ~tory and it ended in a pulsating 21 -6 victory.

T he re»ult ·in iL~c lf was very sign i!'icanl.

But it was the presence of a mixed denomination, albei t a Protestant dom inated

L-----~=====_:.====~ t ·am and the hordes of

One of

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rare c1 cnls took place o n January 30. at the Lansdownc Road stadi um in

supporters who had crossed the border together mto the Republi c tha t '"as more imporwnt.

And it wa; all the mor.: poignalll in the light of the rccem upsurge in

puni,hment beatings nonh of the border that have chcded the progrc · ~ of the Good Friday pcat·e agreement.

E,·cn Gaelic football supporters · "ho arc predominantly Catholic and view rugby as a Protc-,tant spon - were ~>O interested in Ulster's progress to the fina l the) had app lied for tickets.

The vision of the fuwre wa' there for all to sec - Protestants and Cathol ics did not have to be div ided. llugc number of lstenncn travelled along the badly kept road from Belfast to Dub lin to catch the historic match. and the AA had warned before the game that the road would take a real hammeri ng.

30,000 more had tried to get tickets and fa iled. showingj u:,t how

importa nt this game wa-. to so many people in Ubter.

A 13elfa>l publican. named Sydm·y J hn, had even tried to charter a high speed ferry for 750 people to avoid the roads down to Dublin.

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though , bu t only bccause the one boat he could fi nd was so old that it would taken hours

Davit! Trimble and Scamus ·la llon,. orthem Ireland's Unionist leaders and Nat ionalist re~ pectively. were also present at the nmtch , t\.S we re Bertie Ahern and Mo Mowlam, the Northern Ire land Secre tary, further illustrating the ·ignilicance of the ga m\!.

They all witnessed the ex traordinary ~ight of a Lansdowne Road capac ity crowd chanti ng "Ulster, Ulster," and the flying of the red and white Ulster flags.

For two hours on a winter's

\\illiant>.

Colomier< mistakes mounted as the pressure in.:reased. and the French side wel'l; soon t'Cmccding

afternoon in Dubhn, this mulch divertt•d auention aw:t) from the troubles in Uhter, and united C uhohc. and Protestanh in t•heering on a team or indom itable ~piril.

been a fail')-tale vk'tol').

In fact, bter·, remarl.ahle performance bears ">triking similaritie-. to outh Africa\ I 995 R ugb) V. or Id

'Uust occasionally sport ceases c u p to be a peripheral leisurely triumph aCtiVIty and beCOmeS Central tO that saw t h e of a nation's culture" peop le

. The hl~e,l figure-. from J,anuhe.1 A ~lllll.\1 l11timidarioll and Terror

•

record. 158 acts mu tdatt ons. be at 111 g~ . in timidation., and forced exile in the first two months or this ) ea r in Northern Ireland.

ThiS compares to a totnl or five hundred last year. and 388 in 1997. and means that man) in lster still fear for their safety.

A> these statistics of religiously and po litically motivated attacks show, the tides of hatred :m; still running very high , and the

"All were united by a desire for Ulster to win, religious and political differences discarded"

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GET THE JOB YOU WANT!

David Trimble, leader of the Ulster Unioninists, attended the match

perfo rmance came as a ray of sunshine, gi ing hope to many that orthern Ireland 's peace efforts will not crumble.

And if things go as well on the streets a~ they did on the pitch lh..:n Northern Ireland woul d hnvc no reason to worry.

Indeed. the match itself was a grem example or rugby at its best.

The French side initially took the lead. with the number ten, Labit. kicl.ing the 1x·naliy they were awarded after only live minutes.

Yet Ulster came back with all guns blaLing. and they look th e ga me to the French side with huge drives in the forwards followed up by tactical kicking. infamous The Garryowen kick \\as used time and time again hy the

t·ap tain , D a v i d llumphrey~. to put the Co lomiers bac ks und..:r ceaseless pre;,:,ure.

In fact, the Frenchmen weren' t eve n allowed to breathe thanks to Humphreys' fau lile,s of the plan exec ution mn~ terminded by Ulster's Dire tor of Rugby. Harry

•

'

penalties for basic erro rs and infringements, all of which " ere duly converted by imon Mason. l ie didn't mi . s an at tempt at goal all aft 'rnoon, such was his precision. <Uld by half time , Ulster wer· 12-3 ahead , h~wing kicked four penalties to one .

The second half carried on in much the same vei n a~ the fin, t. a, Ulster played with a certai nty the French ~ ide were totall y lac king.

Their lin e out was reliable. the forwards continued to driw well, and the ba ks knew exactly how they wa nted to play against their opposite numbers. nd of cour,c, IVlason just kept on kicking hi · penalties, incl uding a drop goal, after Humphreys hud put up another one of hi s huge upand-unders.

Co lomicr · never seemed 10 rea ll y get out of >econd gear. with Sadourny, the French in ternational , one of the main culprits at fullback. dtnittedly, the Frenchmen did put a lot of pr.:ssure on the Ub tcr c.kfcnce in the final ten minutes , but they couldn't fi nd a way through over the province's line. nd when the final whistle bl ew it triggered a mass pitch invasion of Ulster >upponers. w aving 1 h e i r flags, in a sea of red and wh ile.

I

t

had a

united in celebration - albei t onl) temporarily.

Yet thi; rugby match became more significan t than could have e'er been imagined.

Just occasionally, sport ce~\.ses to be a peripheral, leisurely acth it) ,md becomes cemra l to a nation's culture.

Ma) be the fu ture for the Protesta nts and Catholics of Northern Ireland reall y is as simp le as leam ing to play the same gatnt''> and llnd the same heroes - the J..i nd or heroes that a united Ulster tram can prov ide .

And from the success of the European Cup fi nal it cert ain ly seems as 1hough sport is as good a ca talyst as any to fuel the search for peact'.

Words: J a m I' s

Oo11glas

Sport 25

Concrete Wednesday, February 17, 1999

...

Cap in hand Former England soccer star Mark Hately was "delighted" after police recovered his International caps and medals.

The 20 England caps and medals were stolen four years ago when he was playing for Glasgow Rangers and were only returned to their rightful owner after two men attempted to sell them In Newcastle.

Down and out Stephen Hendry's spectacular loss of form Is showing no signs of ending.

The former world champion and world number one was knocked out of the Benson and Hedges Masters by Malta's Tony Drago, losing 6-4.

In an astonishing press conference following the defeat the troubled star uttered only five words "used to lt", "home" and "OK" before leaving the venue.

Ladies and gentlemen The MCC has finally admitted Its first woman member since the dropping of Its 211 year-old "men only" rule.

Lucy Mullens, a 24 year old PE teacher who plays for Taunton Ladles Cricket Club will take the privileged position.

Lucy hopped a queue of 10,000 men who are eager to join the Lord's based cricket club.

~

Cold shoulder Bradford City football club are being sued by an Ipswich Town fan after Bradford goalkeeper, Gary Walsh, angrily kicked the ball Into the crowd.

Blues fan, Emma Corlett, 23, Is expecting damages after being seriously Injured as the ball hurtled Into tier on the shoulder.

NORWICH MANGER Bruce Rioch led his team into this match with Stockport County hoping to turn around a dismal run of form which had seen Norwich slip to ninth place in the league.

Indeed, with the recalling of Welsh striker Craig Bellamy after injury and Stockport' s dismal away record, the Canary faithful arrived on Saturday, February 6, expecting a comfortable Norwich victory.

However Stockport, fielding new signing Tony Ellis alongside prolific centre forward Brei!

Angell, proved to be far from a pushover, and took the game to Norwich in the opening minutes.

Just nine minutes passed before Stockport opened their account.

Rob Matthews played a clinica~ through ball into the path of Ellis who crossed superbly to Angel!.

The Norwich defence were

nowhere in sight and all Angell had to do was flip the ball home.

Indeed, Matthews proved to be a constant threat for Stockport down the right hand side - it was his run past Darren Kenton and inch-perfect cross which brought the second goal.

Pressure The ball flashed across the six yard box before bouncing off City full back Che Wil on into the back of the net under the mounting pressure of Breu Angel!.

BUSA blow

City's only first half chance â&#x20AC;˘ came by the way of a clever lay off from Bellamy to Peter Grant, who struck a fierce right foot shot just wide of Stockport's left hand post.

Norwich staned the second half much more brightly than the first though, dominating the match for long periods. "}nd the rekindled partnership of Bellamy and Roberts began to cause the Stockport defence mas ive problems.

Awareness Bellamy' pace and awareness always looked likely to prise an opening, but it was

Roberts who created City' best chance - being wrestled to the ground as he attempted to turn in the penalty area.

The certain penalty was awarded and Irish international Keith O'Neill surprisingly stepped up to take it, due to the substitution of regular penalty taker Neil Adam just moments earlier.

Stormy But O'Neill wor ened his tormy relationship with the Norwich faithful as he drilled the penalty wide of the right hand post.

Any chance of Norwich making a comeback vani hed before City's eyes and the Canary front line could not make an impact on the scoreline.

After the match, City boss Bruce Rioch slammed his team 's first half performance, "The manner in which we played in the first 45 minutes

cost us the result, we didn't have enough drive and ftre today, our defending was extremely poor."

Summing up City's display, Rioch stormed, "Overall it wasn't a good performance, today it was a poor effort."

Norwich cannot afford to continue with this dire run of form for much longer if they are serious about winning a place in the Premier League.

DIVISION ONE

P W D L GS Pt 10.Sheff Utd 30 12 8 10 47 44 11.Huddersfd 30 12 7 11 42 43 12.Norwich 29 11 9 9 45 42 13Tranmere 31 8 14 9 41 38 14.Barnsley 30 9 11 10 39 38 NORWICH CITY TOP SCORERS lwan Roberts 17 Cra1g Bellamy 15

UEA fall in fight for the BUSA finals

UEA EQUESTRIAN Club entered this meeting knowing their chance of qualification to the BUSA finals was on the line - and despite a spirited performance they missed out.

The team began the tournament eager to capitalise on their successful runner-up position at Cambridge the previOus weekend, and pull some points back on group leaders Cambridge.

Karen Smith started steadily for well . form with some excellent jumping.

UEA in the dressage, but gave away Indeed, after the dressage section critical penalties after encountering it was clear that UEA had their work trouble getting the horse on the right cut out to catch Cambridge with just But the home side were leg on the counter. the show jumping event to come. consistently outperformed by their Both Pippa Maskell and Grainne It was Smith who started things opponents and finished last with 35 off for UEA with a strong ride and Bennelt had excellent rides. Ma~kell penalty points. in panicular finishing overall second she finished with a clear round.

There was good news on the after the dre sage.

Miranda Forssell was the only individual front though with Pippa rider unfortunate enough to knock Maskell and Miranda Forssell down a fence, and Grainne Bennell finishing seventh and eighth But UEA's last rider, Miranda had trouble finding her horses stride, respectively.

Forssell, had a difficult start and But that was liule consolation to but Bennett took control and held on only managt>d to find her rhythm for a clear round.

UEA, who had missed the chancse towards the end when she fi nished Maskell then continued her good to qualify for the BUSA finals.

Out performed

Rhythm

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26 Sport

Concrete Wednesday, February 17 1999

By MARK EDWARDS, Sports Editor

.-+Jif@il Men 's 1st's 4- UCL 1 I

UEA'S CHANCES of BUSA success could be realised if the sq uash men 's firsts keep up the form they displayed in this victory against University College London {UCL).

The home side's numbe r o ne, J am es Taps fi e ld , cru shed the ir o ppo nents 4-1 las t Wednesd ay.

And victo ry was made all the eas ier by UC L fa iling to even fi eld a full side, g iving UE A a o ne game advantage.

However, the matc h had got off to a bad start for UEA w ith fo urth string Jon Rhodes fall ing behi nd, losin g hi s first game .

But Rhodes managed to turn the game around by playing some amazing squash, combining power and acc uracy to put himself back in the frame.

The UC L opponent looked to have lost the match when Rhodes went 2- 1 up, but UEA's fo urth string began to tire and saw the match sto len from him 3-2.

was o nce again in o utstand ing fonn as the side

Triumph VEA reall y began to wo rry when third string Andy Trimm faltered in his first game but he soo n fo und his fo rrn and triumphed in the second game 9-2.

From then on there was no way back fo r Trimm 's opponent as the UEA player clea ned up to take the match 3- 1.

After Trimm 's d isplay, UEA needed just one mo re match to take the tie and proceed in the BUSA's.

And w ith Mark Bagnall and James Tapsfie ld both playing powerfu l squash there was no chance fo r UCL to get back into the game.

Tapsfi eld destroyed his oppo nent tak ing the first

Jo n Rhodes, despite los ing, played some of his best squash fo r UEA. With an awesome combination of powerful strokes and clin ical accuracy, he cl awed his way back into the ga me. But the long and g ruelling rallies took the ir to ll as Rhodes tired.

Men 's 3rd 's 7 - Imperial Medics

HAT-TRICK HERO Rob Dyer lead UEA's men 's hockey thirds to an astounding 7-0 root of their first round BUSA opponents, Imperial Medics, a fortnight ago.

A n in c red ibl e second hal f goa l ava lanc he buri ed a wea k Impe ri a l side

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HIGHLIGHTS

Men's thirds hit luckY- seven l:t•I33ii ol

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Difficulty Bagna ll also eased th rough his match, despite e ncountering some diffi culty fi ni shing the UC L opponent o ff as bo th pl ayers continually swapped serve.

But Bag na ll fi nall y took control and fi nished off the tic ensuring UEA's qua lificatio n for the third ro und of the BUSA C ha mpi o nship. " it was a good performance," e nthused Jon Rhodes, " We' re now optimi sti c abou t prog ress ing furth er in the Championship ."

ats are off to UEA

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two games 9-0, and faltered o nl y slightl y in w inning the third game 9-5.

as

EA pl ayed w ith the kind of convic tion tha t s hou ld ~cc them go far in

the C u p.

T he first of Dyer's three strikes. sco red inside te n mi nutes of th e restart , kicked off the seco nd half demolition job and from then on there was no way to stop UEA's scori ng habi t - six were pu t past Im peri al in 35 minutes.

But UEA had got off to a more im potent start in t11e first half as th ey missed numerous chances to take the lead.

A goal seemed overdue from the very start and event ua ll y Ch ri s Ho rs ley got in behind the Mcdics defe nce and pushed it past th e keeper.

Thi s was still no t enoug h though to take UEA clear and they were unabl e to get the second past a tough Medics defence before the break.

I

Frustrating But the second half was a different story to the fm strating fi rst, and once Rob Dyer had slam med ho me the second, VEA were scoring for fun .

Dyer added another before Mall Heath scored the fo urth fro m a

superb piece of ind ividual play, off a sho rt corner.

T he home s id e were scori ng w ith prac tically every attack, as Andy Melior, in central m idfield. con ti nued to spread the ball about nicely.

Hat-trick And it was not lo ng before Dyer co mpleted his hat-trick - a fine shot past a packed Medics penalty area and in to the roof of the net.

Impe ri a l Mcd ics coul d not c lear the ir lines and never posed a threat to th e stro ng UEA de fe nce, w ho cont inued to suppo rt the attack.

Dave C rackl cn put in the sixth goal fo r UEA. befo re captain , Pud Dhillon , sco red the last to make a rare appearance on the score sheet.

J ub il atcd Capta in , Pud Dhillo n commented , "After a ti ght, tense first half we pu lled together in UlC seco nd half for a good overal l team perfo rmance."

"We ho pe to go all the way in BUSA th is year, but we' ve got to ug h oppos itio n ahead ," he aoded .

CRISIS IN CUP T H ERE WAS disappo intme nt for UEA\ mens footba ll 2nd XI as they were thorough ly outplayed by their Brunei counterparts. losi ng 5- 1. in th is o ne s ided B USA C up affa ir, ll'rites Mallheu· Porter.

T he tie. which took place on Wednesday, February 3, d id not start well for the home side when they wen t a goa l down in o nl y the th ird minute as an unlucky UEA defender turned a cross into his own net.

Brune i were qu ick ly do mina nt and extended their lead to 3-0 by ha lf tim e w ith a Leigh Middin gto n header and a 20 yard volley by Kev in MacLeod.

The outcome was never in any doubt wi th an individual goal by Garet h Sirnpson and a simple ta p- in by Phi! Cha ne l g ivin g Brune i eve n more cause fo r celebration.

Indeed. the g ul f in c lass between the two s ides was very apparent w it h the visiwrs stroll ing through a lacklustre UEA side.

T he ho me team did manage to get a consolation goal fro m lan l lcc to r tho ug h, w he n, after stro ng pe rseverance , he Brunei' s dis possessed goa lkeeper to sco re.

But it was seam reward for a UEA s id e wh o had at least battled hard thro ugho ut.

Captain, Sam Cawl ey said, " We d id well to get to the Cup , but with important players o ut and against o ne of the best sides, st us".

Sport 27

Concrete Wednesday, February 17 1999

In the mone UEA'S LACROSSE Club has found itself on the receiving end of a huge £4000 cash windfall, all thanks to some nifty note writing by their committee.

Until recently the Lacrosse Club was no different to most other sports teams at UEA - tight finances were something they just lived with. looking up on the pitch as well But thanks to some from companies such as as off it for Lacrosse, with the dedicated fund raising the Marriot Hotels, Morelock Signs, club reaching the last 16 of the club's bank balance is now in a Associated Asphalt and the BUSA Cup. decidedly healthy state.

Stuart Brown Partnership, has The club, one of the smallest already been put to good use at UEA, has received £2,250 in by the club. sponsorship and another Debt £1,750 in donations in recent weeks.

"We have managed to pay off And Club President, lzzy the club's debt and are now Finch, has revealed that it took well in credit," said club captain nothing more than some letter Julia Pearson.

The side have also writing to secure the sum. purchased a new range of club Interest embossed tops and been able "I just wrote off to various to pay for a trip to a companies and thankfully they Manchester-based tournament as an invitation team. were interested," she revealed.

And things have been The money, which has come

I

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Dream is over UEA take a BUSA bruising from Bath

By SIMON COGSWELL

THE BUSA Cup dream of the Mens Rugby Ill XV was crushed by a well-drilled and resilient Bath side on Wednesday, February 3.

UEA side are bounced out of BUSA Shield

By NICK HENEGAN, Assistant Sports Editor 1:1~

UEA WOMENS Basketball team's hopes of bringing home some BUSA silverware for the second year running have been dashed after they lost to a strong Bath side.

Last year's BUSA Shield winners, who had high hopes of emulating that success this year, played with a purpose and poise which would have taken them through agrunst lesser opposition -but couldn't defeat the magnificent Bath.

UEA sustruned a high level of UEA's attacking prowess began to true reflection on the close nature play throughout the first two fade with a number of shots being of the game. quarters of the match, which took missed from promising positions.

And, despite the defeat, it was place on Wednesday, February 3, The Panthers were then left to apparent that the team had learned and were effective in attack and rue their missed opportunities as a lot from the game. solid in defence. the Bath side gruned in confidence Exceptional and fluency the longer the matc.h Spirit went on.

Club president, Nikki Jamie Miller personified this Vanterpool, reflected, "Bath were Flurry spirit and the talented UEA player a very good team and they played made her presence felt in all areas Indeed, it was only a late flurry exceptionally well. of the court. of baskets from the visitors that "We were very evenly matched Miller's valuable defen ive ensured they won by a healthy and it could have gone either interceptions regularly prevented margin, and the result was not a way," she added.

Bath from scoring and the player always seemed to be on hand to boost the Panthers' innovative attacking options.

Such play prud dividends, with UEA entering the half time Jamie Miller's exceptional In a fluent attacking move, interval with a slender 28-25 lead. performance ensured that she after a series of fine passes from However, Bath returned from stood out from the rest of the the defence through the midfield, the break with a new vigour and UEA team. She was ever the ball came out to Jamie Miller. detemUnation, and their defence present in the defence, with Miller shot from just inside the had no intention of being some solid blocks and her three point line to score a overcome by UEA's dangerous attacking vigour ensured that spectacular basket and was offensive line up. she was always a threat to the unlucky not to get the full three And despite some tremendous opposition. points the move deserved. scoring from Alexia Paphiti,

The match, which began in great spirits in front of a partisan home crowd, saw UEA come to the brink of victory before crashing out - with only two points separating the teams at the death.

In fact , UEA were totally restrict Bath to just three points great determination and fought from a converted penalty. back, scoring a magnificent team dominant for long periods of the first half, but tough defending from After the restart UEA managed try in the last minute. to once agrun take control thanks to UEA's forwards drove Bath Bath prevented the home side from converting possession into points. poor handling from the visitors. baclcwards before passing the ball The home side powered forward, out to the back .

Br~akthrough Inspirational captain, Matthew launching wave after wave of attack The only breakthrough· came on the Bath line, but once agrun Lee, powered towards the line and mid-way through the half when found themselves thwarted by their sucked in three Bath players before superb play from UEA's forwards opponents great defensive play. slipping the ball to UEA's fullback on the edge of the Bath 22-yard line who touched the ball down.

And, against the run of play, Bath set up the backs to score. then opened the second half Memorable Quick passing down the line scoring. released outside centre Guy Fuller The Bath forwards capitalised on But the home side were unable to who fully exploited the space left a mistake in midfield by UEA and sneak a memorable victory since by the helpless Bath defence. drove the home side backwards, time ran out immediately after the The UEA player then powered to recycling the ball "Well. try was scored. the line, holding off three Bath The ball was released to the Afterwards, Captain, Matthew players as he touched the ball down. forwards who ran in to score, deftly Lee, heaped praise on his tea'!! for Bath's reply was immediate evading the challenges of the UEA their battling performance. though and they were only held up backs.

"We all did well, we. were under twice as they powered over the The visitors then consolidated a lot of pressure and stood well UEA line. their lead, scoring again to agrunst it, we had our chances, took UEA struggled to clear the ball seemingly take the match out of a couple of them, it was a shame from their own 22 yard line at the UEA's reach. that we didn't go ,on to win the end of the half, but managed to game," However, the home side showed

HIGHLIGHTS

l{tjM;.t.W§f

..

By NICK HENEGAN

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Sports clubs are to lose control of buying and choosing the colours of their kits under new plans annou nced by Union bosses last week.

The move, which aims to bring all club colours in line with the University standard of sky blue and navy blue, means that any teams sporting other colours will have to change their strips.

Mix up

Pirates P-lunder first win over Falcons

By JAMES BROWN

IMHMMUi·NHM' UEA PIRATES may have finally turned their dismal season round thanks to a narrow victory over the visiting Kent Falcons.

Both si des fought hard during the match, sho wing grit and de termination during appa ll ing weathe r conditio ns on Sunday, Febru ary 7.

And after being defeated at the hands of the Kent side earlier in the season, the Pirates were determined to exact their revenge.

In fact, there were nashcs of the form that saw UEA steal a draw from champions Hertfordshire Hurricanes in September.

Agonising However, UEA were hit with an early blow as senior quarterback, eil Morgan, wi thdrew after an agonising ankle injury.

Morgan's rep lacement, !an Burchett. suffered a sim ilar injury in the previous

encounter at Kent and gladly took this opportunity to stake his to the quaterback position.

Burchett made an immediate impact on the game as he threw a glorious pass thirty yard; from the Kent line finding wide receiver Shahariar Shahabaldine.

Shahabaldine fought the ball off an opponent in the air, and after struggling through despairing Kent tackles he dived into the end zone for a cruc ial touchdown.

UEA ' s attempt to convert their first points were hampered by re peated fumb les, which al most resulted in the Falcons return ing score.

But he touch down boosted the Pirates

UEA 6 - 0 Kent Falcons

I

confidence and they pinned the Falcons back for the majority of the half.

Snow Conditions worse ned as the game restarted and both sides had to stand tall to the heavy snow.

But neither side took a back foot and UEA and Kent continued to fight hard for advantage.

UEA ' s defence again had a good match, with linebacker Mark Williams and comerback Rheinhold Konnerth making vital interceptions throughout th e ga me to hold Kent back and maintaining the precious lead.

The Falcons did give UEA a major scare though, when a Kent player took advantage of a mixed up call and raced past the Pi rates defence, but the

opposi tion was called back after the referee j udged he had committed a fo ul.

But as the match progressed the Pirates moved to exploit growing weaknesses and frustration in the Kent side.

Stunning The Pirates continued to pressurise the Kent defence and held out their attacks to end the match with their lead intact to take a memorable victory.

American Football President Andy Laing, sounded a cautionary note, however, commen ting, "We won, but it wasn't pretty, it wasn ' t a very convincing victory."

He added, "I thought !an Burchett filled in well as the team quarterback, in bad circumstances."

Union Sports Officer, Steve Buckingham, hopes that ordering all kits centrally will mean there will be no repeats of the type of strip mix ups experienced by the Womens Rugby Club this year. " At the moment it is a real hassle because all the clubs are ordering their kits from different manufacturers at different t imes and the colours are getting more and more random," explained Steve. " All we want to do is to bring it back to a University standard as opposed to it being random." " We are aiming to set up a scheme so that we replace the kit every 2-3 years depending on the sport. For ru gby it may be every year but for non contact sports probably every 3 years. " UEA Director of Sport, Keith Nicholls, has hailed the plan as long time overdue, coming over seven years after the University handed control of kits back to the Union.

Impression "The very fact that the kits need to be standardised in the first place does not create a good impression, " said Mr Nicholls. "it's an overdue improvement," he insisted.

The response from club captains has been mixed though.

President of the Women 's Basketball club, Nikki Vanterpool, is in favour, saying, " Overall I think it's a good idea."

However, Julia Pearson , captain of the Lacrosse club has expressed some concern. " lt's good for clubs to have their own identities. I just don't see the point," she said.

inside: panthers bow out • page 27 .u.lacrosse in the lolly • page 27 ••• canary catastrophe • page 25 ••••• scorecard • page 23