ZltOSWZW4
-
= ---=
::"'ii
I I
Union disappointed as Big Noise turn-out drops by 80% in one year THOM SMITH
News Editor The Union campaign against top-up fees had its largest event of the seas o n on October 17. Or would have done, if more people had turned up. The Big noise demonstration was based on a similar event last year which attracted a large proportion of the student body. aro~nd 1000. In order to make as much noise as possible in the square. and show their objection to the planned fees. This year however, the square was far from packed with noisy students. as the pictures show. In fact at best there were about 200 students present. The event was well publicised with articles in Concrete. Rabbit. and e-mails sent to students. With the previous event such a success. it was odd that this year's demo was so poorly attended. given the likelihood of there being a vote on the subject of fees soon . and the seriousness of student and graduate debt. Union Communications Officer Ned Glasier aid that he was disappointed with the turnout. "Obviously I was impressed
with the enthusiasm of those who did tum up. but the numbers where significantly lower than both I and the Union had hoped for." Mr Glasier went on to comment about the necessity of the campaign. saying; "While I appreciate that not everyone wants to get involved with a demonstration of this kind, and would per haps prefer to support the anti-top路 up fees campaign in another way. this sort of demonstration is the only way to get coverage of the campaign. outside of student politics." Students were in the bar and the Hive as the event went on, which led to questions as to why they did not go out into the square. One student who preferred not to be named said "I am against top up fees. but I do not see what good this noise will do". Other students gave their opinions to Concrete as well. To see their answers as to why they didn't go to the Big Noise. turn to page 3. Despite the smaller crowds. it was not just UEA Union offi cers and the students at the campaign. Adrian Ramsey . a City Counsellor for the Green Party and a student at the UEA was there giving his
opinions and those of his pary on the subject of fees. as was Dr !an Gibson MP. the Member of Parliament for Norwich North. and a former member of teaching staff at UEA. Dr Gibson does not support the concept of top up fees. and said that he was prepared to vote against Charles Clarke, and therefore against h is own party, as were a number of MPs if the policy comes before parliament. He also commented on the fact that Tony Blair was one of many members of the govemment who obtained a full student grant and did not have to pay fees. Also present was the area officer for the NUS. Last year. both Doctor Gibson and Mandy Telford. the President of the NUS. were at the demonstration. Mr Glasier concluded by saying that last year's demonstration was a success. and did have an effect. con trary to some people's comments and that this year the threat of top up fees was still there . Mr Glasier also said "the national march in London is on October 26. and I hope more students will turn up to that. " Right: This year and Last y ear