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UEA’s independent student newspaper since 1992
www.concrete-online.co.uk
Issue 259 Tuesday 25th October 2011
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Concrete UEA
Selling out at the speed of sound
Comment, p9
Comment’s Big Debate addresses the issue of free speech in private institutions
Travel, p13
Sam Langan recounts his time travelling through Eastern Europe
Features, p17 Chloe Hashemi
• Fans were queuing from 12.30pm on Thursday for tickets going on sale at 10am on Saturday • Coldplay paid for pizzas to be delivered to hungry fans in the Hive • An extra 100 tickets were put on sale days later, and snapped up in minutes by those who missed out in the queue Rianne Ison News Reporter On Saturday 15 October, 1,200 tickets for the intimate Coldplay gig at the LCR had been allocated after fans queued for up to 48 hours prior to the sale date. It was announced earlier in
the week that Coldplay would be performing in conjunction with Radio 1’s Student Tour. The tour will see DJs Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe broadcast their shows directly from university campuses. Fans began queuing at 12.30pm on Thursday 13 October, with Phil Deadman at the very front.
At its absolute peak, the queue of approximately 900 people spiralled from the Union House entrance to the other side of campus. Officials from the Union of UEA Students decided to disband the queue to prevent people who would clearly be unsuccessful in purchasing a ticket queuing
overnight. They therefore issued fans with a raffle ticket which entitled them to register their details later that evening. The Hive was opened at 11pm on Friday evening to provide warmth for the lucky individuals who had received a raffle ticket.
Concrete talks to Fearne Cotton ahead of Radio One’s Student Tour
Lifestyle, p18
Continued on page 2
inside venue this fortnight: • Music review Laura Marling’s performance at Norwich Cathedral
>> p4
• Forza Motorsport 4 is put under the microscope in Wired
>> p14
• Film give the lowdown on Real Steel
>> p16
Concrete talks to bus driver Clive Ashcroft ahead of the return of “Clive Cares”
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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comment p8-10
travel p12-13
features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
international p22
turf p23
NEWS
Selling out at the speed of sound Coalition proposes new Continuted from front page As a sign of their gratitude, Coldplay rang the University and organised for pizzas to be delivered to the first 100 people in the queue. Di Anderson, central support and marketing manager for the
Union of UEA Students, stated: “Coldplay contacted us via the promoter and said that the band were so delighted with the loyalty of their fans that they would like to reward them with pizza for waiting so patiently in the cold.” In addition to this, on
Thursday 20 October, 100 more tickets went on sale online. However, all of these had completely sold out very shortly after their release. The gig coincides with the release of Coldplay’s eagerly anticipated fifth studio album, titled Mylo Xyloto. Concrete is published by UUEAS Concrete Society ©2011 Concrete BMc. ISSN 1351-2773
UEA’s Independent Student Newspaper Address Concrete Newspaper Union House UEA Norwich NR4 7TJ
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Letters should be addressed for the attention of the Editor, Chris King. Letters must include contact details, but we will consider anonymous publication. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity as necessary. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the newspaper. No part of this newspaper may be reproduced through any means without the express permission of the Editor, Chris King. Printed by Archant.
Contributors News
Rianne Ison, Susanna Wood, Beth Wyatt, James Dixon, Chris King, Dan Pirozzolo, Catherine Hardy, Michael Drummond, Joshua Resoun, Frances Mckeown, Richard Joslin
Comment
Samantha Rogers, Ciara Jack, Laura Holroyd, Tom Cannon, Sophie Witts, Harry Theaker, Rebecca Goodacre, Joshua Resoun
Travel
Sam Langan, Kimberley Sparkes, Drew Nicol, Jessica Ball,
Features
Wil Hanford, Lauren Cope, Samantha Rogers
Lifestyle
Freya Barry, Hasina Allen, Rianne Ison, Jess Beech, Vicky Cann, Emily Burt, Grace Carruthers, Curtis Goodes, Che Witcher, Ally Kayler, Jennifer Woods
International
Ingrid Kornstad, Isabelle Carty, Robert Norris
Turf
Becky Hazlewood, Simeon Jackson
Sport
Chris Teale, Billy Sexton, Kris Nelson, Chris King, Lewis Dalton, Emma Webb, Matt Scrafton
Copy Editors
Amy Adams, Harry Slater, Beth Wyatt, Andrew Westcott, Alex George, Nikki Cox, Harriet Smith, Matthew Weddig, Rachel Knott, Susanna Wood
A-Level league table Chris King Editor
The Coalition government has floated the possibility of a national league table of A-Level students. The proposal could see up to 90,000 pupils ranked according to exam results, a move which may assist universities in selecting the brightest candidates from amongst a growing number of top-grade passes. Yet the radical proposal, seemingly the brainchild of Education Secretary Michael Gove, has caused parental outrage and may well be interpreted as a further blow to fair and free access to higher education.
Academic Officer of the Union of UEA Students, Megan Evans, commented: “The proposal to rank A-Level pupils is potentially very dangerous. Not only will it make access to top universities even more elitist, it could have serious consequences for future job prospects.” Analysis of the league table idea has revealed that one mark could see potential students drop by 1,000 places in the rankings, a daunting prospect indeed for those hoping to progress into higher education. Other pitfalls of these proposals, were they to be adopted, could include an increase in appeals against exam results, and a culture of inferiority amongst those ranked lowest in the table.
Photographers Chloe Hashemi >> News (p1) Max Hetherington >> News (p3) >> Sport (p27)
Laura Smith >> News (p4, p5, p7) Lizzie Margereson >> News (p5), Sport (p25, p26, p27, p28)
Editorial Editor | Chris King >> concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk Deputy Editor | Hannah Britt >> concrete.deputyeditor@uea.ac.uk News Editors | James Dixon and Susanna Wood >> concrete.news@uea.ac.uk Comment Editor | Josh Resoun >> concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk Travel Editor | Greg Lewry >> concrete.travel@uea.ac.uk Features Editor | Lauren Razavi >> concrete.features@uea.ac.uk Lifestyle Editors | Hasina Allen and Rianne Ison >> concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk International Editor | Rachael Lum >> concrete.international@uea.ac.uk Turf Editor | Becky Hazlewood >> concrete.turf@uea.ac.uk Competitions Editor | Sam Tomkinson >> concrete.competitions@uea.ac.uk Sport Editors | Matt Scrafton and Chris Teale >> concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk Chief Copy Editors | Amy Adams and Harry Slater >> concrete.editorial@uea.ac.uk Chief Photographer | Laura Smith Deputy Chief Photographer | Harriet Jones >> concrete.photographers@uea.ac.uk
Ashleigh Berryman Drew Nicol >> Travel (p12) Hasina Allen >> Lifestyle (p20)
Ally Kayler >> Lifestyle (p21) Gary Neesam >> Sport (p27)
NEWS
Editors: James Dixon & Susanna Wood Email: concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
3am closing proposed for LCR Beth Wyatt News Reporter Plans that could see the LCR’s licence extended have just been announced. The Union of UEA Students (UUEAS) is aiming to secure permission to open the venue until 3am on Saturdays. Currently, the LCR only remains open until that time on special occasions. Attendance at the venue fell dramatically at the end of the 2010-11 academic year, and while the LCR has regained popularity since the beginning of the semester, the move to keep it open longer has been generally well-recieved by students. However, the Union has encountered opposition from local residents, who believe that an extension of the licence would prove disruptive. Tash Ross, Community and
Student Rights Officer of the UUEAS, said: “The Union wants to respond to its members who are asking for the LCR to be opened later on Saturdays,
however, if complaints from local residents regarding noise continue then our application for an extended license may be rejected, and we will not be able
to continue opening until 3am on a Saturday. It is important that students leave the venue quietly and considerately if they want extended opening hours to stay.”
Max Hetherington
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Richard Dawkins set to speak at UEA Eminent scientist Richard Dawkins will speak at the University on Wednesday 26th October as part of UEA’s Literary Festival. The event, which is sold out, will give Dawkins an opportunity to talk about his new book, The Magic of Reality, and field questions from the audience. His visit is not without controversy: Dawkins is a supporter of AC Grayling’s New College of the Humanities, a brand new private university in London. This has led to hostility from some University members, who believe his appearance at a state institution is inappropriate. The Union of UEA Students proposed a motion to boycott the event at Union Council, but a decision was not reached. Susanna Wood
Norwich fights to protect disabled people against cuts James Dixon News Editor On Saturday 22 October, Norwich participated in the Hardest Hit Campaign, a national string of protests against cuts to disabled people. The protest and march started at Chapelfield Gardens, where protestors assembled at 11.30am, with the march beginning at noon. An estimated 450 protestors took part in the protest which saw
them progressing through the city centre and returning to Chapelfield Gardens where a rally was held from 1.00pm onwards. The protest took place in conjunction with 12 other Hardest Hit rallies across the country which were organised jointly by the Disability Benefits Consortium and the UK Disabled People’s Council. The marches were organised in response to the government’s proposed welfare reform bill. Steve Wynard, co-chair of
the Hardest Hit coalition, has stated: “they [the government] are still planning to take £2bn from disabled people receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA). They are also cutting £1bn from contributory Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).” The Hardest Hit campaign focuses on the idea that disabled people are the least capable demographic of society in relation to dealing with cuts. Disability can often prove expensive due to the nature of disabilities, whether
psychological or physical, thus leading disabled people to heavily rely on the DLA. The Hardest Hit Campaign states that they are “particularly concerned” about the government’s consideration of completely removing the “mobility component” of the DLA: a measure that allows disabled people in residential care to receive money for transport costs. The Campaign worries that this could lead to seclusion and isolation from society as some disabled people may be trapped in their own
homes. Whilst UEA is not a stereotypically disabled-friendly campus, there are a number of measures in place to improve travel and access for the disabled contingent of students. A number of UEA students were in attendance at the rally along with Matt Myles, Communications Officer. He stated that “there was a great turnout” to the event and that the “Union was supporting it [the rally] as part of the Stop the Cuts campaign.”
Union Council motion threatens military presence on campus Susanna Wood News Editor A chaotic first Union Council of the year took place on Thursday 19 October, with the biggest controversy surrounding a motion to ban the Armed Forces society. This encompasses the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps (CUOTC), Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS) and Cambridge University Royal Naval Unit, from recruiting at SocMart and other Union-
organised events. The motion, which was not passed, was proposed by Liam McCafferty, one of the nonportfolio officers of the Union of UEA Students. It outlined a number of reasons to prevent the societies from recruiting, including the belief that the Union’s alignment to the Stop the War campaign should also mean it doesn’t support military conscription at its events for ethical and moral reasons. Furthermore, the motion accused the societies in question of
using “economic conscription” to recruit on campus, stating that the society is “deliberately exploiting the fears many students have of increasing fees and low levels of graduate employment, and is both misleading and unethical.” Whilst the army does pay for the higher education of some students wishing to join after graduation, the Cambridge University Officer Training Corps estimates that one in 10 of their members actually join the army after graduating. Whilst trips are supported by military funding,
the OTC offers no financial aid for university courses. Many members of the societies involved were frustrated by the lack of transparency regarding the publication of the motion, with most only finding out through word of mouth. Tensions were raised further in the meeting by the suggestion by Liam Mccafferty that the motion be withdrawn due to the late running of the meeting. This happened at 10.30pm, when many society members had sat through three and a half hours of attempting to put forward their
case. Thanks to the intervention of Community and Student Rights Officer, Tash Ross, the motion was forced to continue, giving the societies a chance to defend themselves. Though it was rejected by the Council overall, the motion was in fact amended to state that the Armed Forces society should only recruit at the Careers Fair rather than the Societies Fair. This has left some members of the society concerned that the original motion will be revived at the next meeting.
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NEWS
Editors: James Dixon & Susanna Wood Email: concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
Youth unemployment reaches record levels Dan Pirozzolo News Reporter The latest figures show youth unemployment is now the highest it has been since records began in 1992. The total number rose by 77,000 in the last quarter to 991,000, and John Philpott, Chief Economic Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, warned that this figure looks set to exceed the psychologically significant one million mark next month. These latest figures mean nearly a million of the now 2.57 million who are jobless in the UK are below the age of 24. While the national unemployment rate is 8.1%, the rate for youth unemployment
has now reached 21.3%. Ian Brinkley, centre director at The Work Foundation, said: “Unemployment among young people between the ages of 18 and 24 is increasing twice as fast as for the workforce as a whole and there has been a dramatic increase in long-term (more than 12 months) youth unemployment.” John Salt, director of totaljobs.com, said: “High youth unemployment is rightly getting [media] attention with the prospect of a lost generation of young people who are unable to get their foot through the employment door.” A recent survey of the UK’s largest companies suggests that youth unemployment is set to increase even further, after two thirds of those who took part
signalled that the situation would get worse before improving for young people. 27 out of the 50 largest employers in Britain, who hire 1.03 million workers between them, completed the Newsbeat survey about jobs and the economy. The most common answer, when asked to name the biggest single obstacle to employing more young people, was a lack of basic skills followed by inexperience. Most felt too many young people were leaving school, college and even university without the basic skills they needed to find work. Susan Anderson, director of skills policy at the Confederation of British Industry, said: “Employers don’t expect young people to leave school “job ready”,
but they do need to have these essential foundation skills on which they can build throughout their careers.”
The identity of the firms involved in the survey were kept confidential to encourage open and honest answers.
Laura Smith
Find that perfect house with... Home Run
the largest provider of student housing in Norwich Home Run is the Housing Bureau run by the Union of UEA Students for UEA Students; it’s recommended by UEA and considered the best and safest way to find your home. Home Run provides a free listing of rooms, flats and houses available throughout the year and compiles the annual housing list released in January.
ueastudent.com/housing
call 01603 592505 or pop into the Union Advice Centre.
NEWS
Editors: James Dixon & Susanna Wood Email: concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @Concrete_UEA
Bus prices going up... again Catherine Hardy News Reporter With inflation on the rise, student bus prices are set to augment at the end of the year. Currently priced at £200, the First Bus UEA Annual Student Ticket will increase to £210 in November. This is £30 more than the cost of £180 offered in September 2010, a significant price jump. The increase comes in response to higher expenses as a result of inflation, particularly the perenially growing cost of petrol. However with a two way return currently setting students back £3.90 a time, the student bus pass does offer students significant savings of approximately 65%.
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
Occupied!
Laura Smith
Olympic architect speaks at university Michael Drummond News Reporter Philip Johnson, the architect behind the new 2012 Olympic Stadium, spoke at the annual Norfolk Association of Architects in UEA’s own Lecture Theatre. Held on October 13 the conference heard about Johnson’s work designing the main stadium for the London 2012 Olympics. The building will form the epicentre of the games and can seat up to 80,000 people. Graduating from the Bartlett
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School of Architecture, Philip Johnson went on to design Greenwich Yacht club as well as directing other residential schemes in London. Following this, he joined Populous Architects where he worked on the new Ascot Racecourse which reached completion in 2006 on budget and on time. The Olympic Stadium is designed to seat tens of thousands of people, but this number can be reduced after the Games. Speaking at the conference, Mr. Johnson described his hopes for the venue’s versatility, imagining
YouTubed News A rather sobering one this fortnight. Coming all the way from China, this video shows a female toddler being hit by two vans, later dying in hospital from her injuries. The worldwide media has reacted with horror to the passersby who clearly ignore the small girl, named Wang Yue, lying on the ground. Judge for yourself by searching the title “Toddler Hit-and-run Sparks Outrage in China” or check out the link on concrete-online.co.uk.
its use for concerts as well as lots of other sports. There has been some controversy over the ownership of the stadium after the games with various football clubs interested. The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has decided that the stadium should remain in public ownership and be rented out. Hugh Robertson, Minister for Sport and the Olympics said: “Ending the current sale process and looking for a leasehold solution will remove the current uncertainty”. With its future secured it looks like the Olympic Stadium will endure for years to come as a reminder of the London 2012 games.
Lizzie Margereson Joshua Resoun News Reporter The Occupy: Norwich protest began on Saturday 22, with an estimated 100-200 people gathering in Haymarket before marching on City Hall. Dozens of individuals have been camping in Haymarket to protest against the inequalities of capitalism. Ian Barker, a protester outside Topshop, said: “One thing that needs to change is the inequality of wealth. The important purpose of us being here is to get people to think about the current system and how we can change that.” The campaign was influenced by Occupy: Wall Street, which
began in New York City on September 17, inspiring similar campaigns across the Western world. Occupy: London Stock Exchange protesters placed themselves outside St. Paul’s Cathedral as part of the movement. Commenting on how long the Occupy: Norwich campaign will last for, Ian Barker said: “We will stay as long as we feel we are being useful”. A spokesman for Norfolk Police said that units had observed the protests but no offences had been committed, it had been “very peaceful.” The campaign for Occupy: Norwich is expected to continue until the end of the year.
University of Wales disbanded James Dixon News Editor The University of Wales (UoW) is to be effectively abolished after a recent BBC Wales exposé on fraudulent UoW diplomas being sold at a partner institution, Rayat London College. Overseas students were offered fast-track MBAs that exempted them from much of the work involved and subsequently allowed them to apply for a UK Visa. Since this revelation, Raylat College London has had its
privilege of recruiting overseas students revoked. BBC Wales also found that a pop star, Fazley Yaakob, had two fake degrees and was fronting a Malaysian college offering UoW degrees, further damaging the prestigious reputation of the institution. UoW, a former umbrella institution with 120 years of history, featured universities such as Swansea Metropolitan, Newport and Trinity St David. These institutions have withdrawn the UoW accreditation from their degrees with Swansea Metropolitan and Trinity St
David seeking a merger that will continue the UoW brand in an almost unrecognisable form. The two merged universities will offer accredited degrees under the royal charter of Trinity St David, which is 190 years old. Vice Chancellor of Bangor University, Prof John Hughes, described the UoW as a “toxic brand”. Meanwhile, Education Minister Leighton Andrews stated that the UoW “probably requires a decent burial”. The UoW has had a proud and honourable history, but it is one which has been blackened in its final moments.
1 0 , 0 0 0 students graduate
An insight into the nerves and
NEWS
Editors: James Dixon & Susanna Wood Email: concrete.news@uea.ac.uk
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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world News from around the world and the past fortnight, brought to you by Concrete Libyan dictator dies
Colonel Gaddafi has been killed, and thus deposed as leader of Libya after 42 years in power. Gaddafi seized power in a bloodless military coup, and was overthrown by the rebel National Transitional Council after a bloody civil war. Gaddafi was killed in Sirte on 20 October 2011, after being found hiding in a pipe. Graphic images of Gaddafi’s death were quickly broadcast around the world in the aftermath.
US to pull out of Iraq
Barack Obama has announced that all US troops will be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year. He stated that the US “leaves Iraq with our heads held high.” Obama added: “The tide of war is receding.” Almost 39,000 US troops remain in the country after nine years since President Bush announced the intial invasion of Iraq. The 2011 deadline was set by the Bush administration which Obama is duly honouring after, 4,408 US deaths in Iraq.
Bristol killer admits guilt
Vincent Tabak has admitted responsibility for the death of Joanna Yeates. However, he has pleaded guilty to manslaughter rather than murder. Tabak stated in court: “I still can’t believe I did that,” referring to his alleged action of discarding Yeates body on a roadside verge. Tabak continued to describe his actions as “something horrendous.” The trial continues, with Tabak having denied that the attack was sexuallymotivated.
thailand
flooded
Thailand has faced the worst flooding for a decade, with 340 lives claimed so far. The Northern provinces were intially the worst hit areas. However, the flood water has begun draining southwards and is endangering the capital, Bangkok. Authorities wish to drain the water to the east and west of Bangkok thus avoiding the central area.
Malaria’s possible vaccine
A possible vaccine for malaria has shown promise after extensive clinical trials in Africa. The vaccine, made by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, has been shown to reduce the chance of infection by half. Annually, 225 million people are infected with the disease.
Man assaulted at Karma Kafe Chloe Smith is new Economic Secretary Frances Mckeown News Reporter A man was left unconscious after an assault at Karma Kafe in Norwich city centre on Sunday. The 26 year old was involved in a confrontation on the stairs, and was knocked unconscious after falling and hitting his head. The ambulance was called at around 3.40am on Sunday 16th October, to the bar on Bedford Street. He was taken to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital but his injuries were described as ”not immediately life threatening” by an East of England Ambulance Service spokesman. He was discharged from hospital the next
day, before returning for treatment to facial injuries. Two men, aged 26 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of causing Actual Bodily Harm, and have been released on police bail until December 8. As the victim lost consciousness the offence is more serious than common assault. The charge of assault occasioning ABH carries a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment. In a post on their website, Karma Kafe stated: “We have very few incidents here at Karma Kafe. We are a late night establishment that has a good reputation and safety comes first”. Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the Police on 0845 456 4567.
Laura Smith
Richard Joslin News Reporter Conservative MP for Norwich North, Chloe Smith, has been promoted by David Cameron to Economic Secretary to the Treasury. The appointment comes in the wake of the Liam Fox scandal, which has forced a minor reshuffle of the cabinet. The twenty-nine year old has been viewed as skyrocketing in position by her party colleagues, but the Prime Minister seemingly gave her the job in the mistaken belief that she was an accountant. Mr Cameron reportedly referred to the post as “Not daunting surely for someone who was a chartered accountant?”, to which the Norwich North MP replied: “Er, well, actually Prime Minister, I wasn’t an accountant. I was a management consultant in an accountancy firm.” George Osborn, the Chancellor, is known to be a friend of Miss Smith and is sure to welcome her appointment. Others may see the move as a response to Ed Miliband’s Shadow Cabinet reshuffle, which included a lot of young and female MPs. Smith garnered some criticism when, in the wake of the London riots, she called for “anti-social families” in Norwich to be evicted from their homes
as punishment. In a statement Smith said that those “who abuse the community they live in, or let their children do so, should know they run the risk of losing their home.” The Union of UEA Students non-portfolio officer, Liam McCafferty, posting on the lookleftnorwich website, scathingly criticised
her comments: “The sheer irrationality of such a statement is a sign of much more than just a plain lack of common sense. It betrays a faltering of confidence by sections of the ruling class in their ability to conceal the real cause of the riots behind populist rhetoric... the hypocrisy at work here is frankly astounding.”
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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news p2-7
travel p12-13
The changing seasons
features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
COMMENT
Response: Boycott Stupidity, Not Israel Laura Holroyd defends the tactic of boycotting Israeli goods
With the chaotic weather that October has brought coming to an end, Samantha Rogers reminds us all about the importance of tackling climate change Global warming has been a prominent issue in society for decades now, with groups of people continuously lamenting about the future of our planet, and the importance of recycling cardboard, plastic, glass and food. Slowly but surely, the effects that the experts have been commenting on for years now are just beginning to surface. Many have been ignorant in the face of global warming, often believing that it will only affect the planet when their great, great grandchildren are alive, and when the current generations have long since died. However, in the past few years it has become noticeable that the effects of a changing climate are becoming an insistent problem. From large blocks of ice breaking away and melting in
the Antarctic, to a huge decline in snowfall high in the Rocky Mountains, it is clear that the effects of global warming have already begun and are occurring faster than previously anticipated. It is important to try and get everyone, not just those at UEA, to understand that their everyday actions are ultimately affecting the planet, not just for the years to come, but in the world today.
“The effects that the experts have been commenting on for years now are just beginning to surface” This October has, if anything, been proof of this. The first weekend of this month was the hottest on record, and the one just gone may well have been the coldest.
Top: Record temperatures hit the UK, some as high as 30C Bottom: Mere days apart, ice and snow blankets some parts of the UK
It is high time everyone realises exactly what is at stake when they use unnecessary amounts of unrecyclable material. Reuse your plastic bags, take the bus, walk, cycle and recycle. Get Green Happy.
Be Werritty quiet, we’ve caught ourselves a Fox With the resignation of Defence Secretary Liam Fox, Ciara Jack looks over the relationship of Fox and his dear friend, Adam Werritty Liam Fox has been no stranger to moral controversy, having bemoaned the increase to the UKs aid budget in light of targets set by the UN. Yet the final kiss of death to his ministerial career was hiring his old friend, Adam Werritty, as his unofficial special advisor. Fox has since resigned, but let’s take a look at the reasons why he jumped off the Conservative ship before Cameron pushed him… Or, no, might have pushed? Let him out
via the kitchen window? Had him round for tea and then asked him to leave? Fox sprouted from the grassroots of the Conservative Party, and is said to have been conducting a “maverick foreign policy”. Perhaps though maverick is a word that sounds a bit dangerous when placed in front of foreign policy. In fact, I would not want maverick put in front of a number of things, including: airline pilot,
electrician, and bomb disposal officer. Speech impediments aside, Werritty had been attending both family holidays and governmental overseas trips with his old pal Fox. Not only that, but he was sporting a business card which listed him as Liam Fox’s adviser. Grassroots Tories bayed for Fox to keep his place as Cameron stated he would refuse to bow to the media’s jeering, and would therefore take his time to establish an inquiry into Fox’s activities. I do agree that our moral code should not be set by the media, but in this instance he has clearly breached a moral code that is already in place. Cameron’s deliberate swanning about may suggest yet another instance of a cosy and biased approach to dealing with the career of a personal colleague. The Fox case highlights one of the coalition government’s serious flaws; that it is still a gentleman’s club. If the best man at your wedding can be your unofficial political adviser, then perhaps the system is not as tight as it should be. That being said, it could make for some humorous after-dinner speeches.
The campaign to boycott Israeli goods was criticised in the previous issue of Concrete. I, however, keep the belief that the tactic of boycotting goods can be an effective way for civil society to express their displeasure with certain practices and policies. When other methods of redressing an injustice, such as international law, have failed, boycotting is the most effective and peaceful option left. Boycotts have been proven to enact change in the past, and have even been attributed to the fall of the apartheid regime of South Africa in the 1990s.
“When other methods of redressing an injustice have failed, such as international law, boycotting is the most effective and peaceful option left” I agree that Israel has the right to exist, and it should be able to participate in the exchange of goods and services. However, they do not have a right to benefit economically from the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories; especially as this is at the expense of the Palestinian’s economic wellbeing.
The West Bank is a prominent example of economic exploitation. Israeli businesses take advantage of a cheap Palestinian workforce who are, on average, paid half the national Israeli minimum wage, work in poor conditions, have no pension plan, do not get sick pay, and do not have the right to form trade unions. Although I do support the boycott of Israeli goods, I also believe that it is extremely important to promote Palestinian goods which give the average Palestinian more economic independence. Buying Palestinian goods can help develop the fragile economies of the Palestinian people. Their products such as olive oil, dates, and soap can be found in supermarkets [they are also being sold by the UEA Palestine Solidarity Campaign]. If you are against the tactic of boycotting goods, then I implore you to take positive action and buy Palestinian goods. Until the day comes when Israel ends its illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territories, I will continue to boycott Israeli goods, and to use the power I have as a consumer to enact political change throughout the world.
What to do with the EU? With Parliament debating the possibility of an EU referendum, Tom Cannon argues that it is time for Britain to forge its own path With the Eurozone on its knees, I believe that it is high time to give the British people a referendum on our membership the EU, and over the next few weeks, Parliament will be debating on whether to do just that. Prompted by a People’s Petition that received more than 100,000 signatures, the British public are, one step closer to being asked how we feel about the European project. Already the political elite appear to be preparing to kick the issue into the long grass, but this is a question Britain can no longer afford to ignore. With cuts in almost all areas of public spending, it is almost maddening that Europe has managed to escape the entire debate unscathed. Moreover, with the rising
diverse economies of Asia and Latin America, it is ridiculous that our politicians still cling to the European ideal. It is time Britain looked further afield for our continued prosperity and reclaimed our democracy from the political encroachment of the EU. No longer should Britain linger in a protectionist bloc that has failed economically and politically. We must seek free trade with all nations and take a global view that suits the 21st century. The next few weeks are going to be some of the most important weeks for the future of Britain. Let’s hope our political representatives have the foresight to give us a referendum and let the British people choose the path of freedom and prosperity.
COMMENT for Sophie Witts
Editor: Joshua Resoun Email: concrete.comment@uea.ac.uk
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
THE BIG DEBATE
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against Harry Theaker
As Trinity College bans the participation of Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, in a public debate, Concrete asks: Should the tenet of free speech be upheld for all, no matter the opinion being expressed?
In a country such as ours, it seems strange to find ourselves debating the democratic values which are the foundations of our society. Yet, the very mention of the British National Party, or its leader Nick Griffin, still serves to ignite staunch protest from even the most vehement supporters of free speech. The latest development for the BNP comes from the decision of Trinity College Dublin, to ban Nick Griffin from attending a debate on immigration, despite the BNP being an antiimmigration party. The argument which supports bans such as this is simple. By giving a public platform to extremists somehow serves to legitimise their opinions. This is not necessarily the case, rather, doing so tends to allow such views to be dissected and debated as they should be. The BBC was widely criticised for inviting Griffin to participate on “Question Time” in 2009, yet the scrutiny awarded to the BNPs policies and its leader exposed both as contemptible. Griffin’s views may be abhorrent, but disallowing such individuals the right to speak freely only panders to his selfprojected “underdog” persona, one of being misrepresented and excluded by the ‘political class’ and the mass media. The BBC invited Griffin to speak on “Question Time” on the basis that he BNP had recently won two seats in the European Parliament, an incident that would warrant an invitation to any small party, regardless of their political views. In doing so the corporation upheld its responsibility of equal representation and undermined the BNP’s claims of media exclusion. Another fear which commonly gives cause to refuse controversial parties to participate in public debates is that it will somehow increase their support. Considering the
example of Griffin, this fear is largely unfounded. Yes, there is a risk, but the views of parties such as the BNP are extreme, and it will take more than hearing Griffin speak to make someone a staunch BNP voter. Allowing such people to speak can have the opposite effect. Admittedly the “Question Time” coverage was overwhelmingly anti-Griffin, yet when given the chance to speak he came across poorly to viewers. Much of the negative reaction to his appearance centred on his uninspiring performance and incredibly distasteful remarks regarding immigration and homosexuality. Though Griffin initially boasted a surge in BNP membership following the air date, this has ultimately failed to translate into anything of significance. The dreaded increase in popularity expected in the 2010 general election never materialised, nor did it in 2011, when the party lost 11 of its 13 local council seats.
“Freedom of speech is a democratic value upheld by the overwhemingly majority of British citizens” The issue of free speech is bigger than Griffin, and that of the BNP. Freedom of speech is an important tenet of democracy, and is a democratic value which is upheld by the overwhelmingly majority of British citizens. It is all too easy to set these values aside when someone expresses an opinion we do not agree with, yet democracy is meaningless if we are so ready to remove the rights of those whose opinions may be too left-wing, or rightwing, for our own taste. By refusing the likes of Griffin their basic freedom to speech we only aid them in undermining the basic, decent, democratic values of our society which they challenge.
THE FACT BOX 27 November 2007
Oxford University Students’ Union hold a debate with Nick Griffin, and David Irving
11 February 2009
Dutch MP Geert Wilders refused entry to the UK
6 November 2009
Nick Griffin appears on the BBC’s “Question Time”
22 July 2010
Nick Griffin has his Buckingham Palace garden party invite revoked
25 May 2011
American radio host Michael Savage refused entry in England
11 August 2011
David Cameron contemplates limiting online communication for those involved in the London Riots
14 October 2011
Nick Griffin banned from a debate atTrinity College
First of all, we must distinguish from past contentious discussions about the liberty of certain controversial politicians to make “public” speeches. Public is the operative word here, we must decide how “public” an organisation is in order to state whether they can legally select who they want to participate in a debate, and whether they are bound by free speech to allow even those who hold opinions that are deemed offensive and inflammatory a chance to discuss their beliefs in a public debate. Nick Griffin, leader of the British National Party, is one such controversial figure whose latest ban from a debate on immigration at Trinity College Dublin, has reignited the free speech debate. In 2009 he appeared on BBC “Question Time”, and I will concede that this was controversial in itself, but his appearance on “Question Time” is different to his proposed appearance in Dublin.
“I may allow someone to say what they want in my house, but I have the freedom to decide whether I let them in” As unsavoury as it is, the BBC is constitutionally and morally obliged to allow Griffin to partake in shows such as Question Time. In fact, I would go as far as to question the BBC’s position in that the selection of the other guests, and the tone of the show did not unfairly bias the debate with the pre-determined aim of shouting down one individual, even if I consider Griffin a hatemerchant. The BBC is funded predominantly by licence fee payers. It therefore stands to reason that they should operate with the unflinching compulsion to represent the views and grievances of the general public, however abhorrent they may
be. If a publicly funded, statesponsored organisation like the BBC begins to ignore opinion polls and selectively represents opinions according to their own agenda, then that is when freedom of speech becomes truly eroded, and people need to start quoting Voltaire. The obligations of universities, however, are quite different. They are not obliged to allow speakers who may provoke disruptive or violent protests to take part in debates. As Peter Knight, Vice Chancellor of Birmingham UCE, states: “[Universities] dangle uncomfortably in the void between the public and private sectors.” However, like it or not, universities are technically private entities. They are of course bound by free speech, but by the same token, condemning an independent body (like Trinity College) for deciding that certain speakers would be inappropriate, and thereby refusing to allow their participation, is itself an infringement of academic freedom. I may allow someone to say whatever they want in my house, but I have the freedom to decide whether or not I let them in at all. This can of course work both ways. The National Union of Students’ (NUS) “no platform’ policy”, aimed at ensuring controversial speakers do not take part in debates at universities, has caused a number of conflicts between the NUS and several institutions. For example, Durham University had to cancel a debate featuring BNP members after threats from the NUS to transport thousands of protesters and to instigate a “colossal demonstration” at the university. My point is that universities are autonomous organisations and should not be bullied by the NUS, the government, or the media when deciding who features in their debates.
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COMMENT
Occupy: the London Stock Exchange As a fresh wave of protests hit London, Rebecca Goodacre looks at the new breed of protester this movement has spawned For many years now the stereotypical anti-capitalist protester has been one of “soap-dodging hippies” who tie themselves to chainsaw doomed trees. Yet, unfortunately for the protesters, these stereotypes do not get taken seriously by those in positions of power or influence. Whether this is fair or not is another matter entirely. Yet what “Occupy: Wall Street”, and protests here in the UK have done is create a new type of protester. The average Joe. This new addition of a mainstream element into the anti-capitalist movement has
made the entire protest scene much more intriguing. These are not extreme left-wingers wanting to revolutionise our society, overthrow the government and banish all forms of capitalism. Rather, they are fighting for a bit more fairness and equality. So how long can our government, and almost every other Western regime, continue to watch their everyday citizens, who pay their taxes and work hard, become so disenfranchised? The government cannot ignore these citizens, as the protests are reaching many
towns and cities across the UK. On Saturday 15 October they reached Norwich, and one of the protesters was UEA Masters student Ella Chappell: “I feel like we are at a turning point globally, and I felt it was vital to be part of that.” The issues raised by the protests seep into the everyday lives of us all. It feels, through the turbulence of the last decade, that things have finally come to a peak. Inflation has hit 5.2%, and 8.1% of the British population are now unemployed. If no repair comes soon, something drastic is bound to happen.
The Libyan revolution is far from over With the death of Colonel Gaddafi, the Libyan civil war has officially ended; Joshua Resoun looks ahead to the challenges that face the country After eight months of brutal conflict, Libyan’s civil war has finally come to an end with the death of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. The National Transitional Council (NTC), recognised by the United Nations as the sole governing authority, has placed the number of deaths at 30,000, and the financial cost in the billions of dollars. Yet despite the jubilant celebrations which erupted over Libya as news of Gaddafi’s death spread, the revolution is far from finished. Several challenges now face the NTC, and the new government will have to move fast if it hopes to create a stable, democratic foundation.
As with any new regime, security becomes the prime concern. Unlike in Egypt however, which has seen the military take a prominent role, the NTC hopes to maintain effective civilian control of all security forces. The main problem is, however, that during the conflict nearly all of the Libyan people became armed after organising themselves into city militias. Convincing these militias to surrender their weapons will not be an easy task, but the NTC executive head, Mahmoud Jibril, has planned to create local security companies which will not only assist the police force in maintaining law
and order, but will also give employment to those militiamen who do not want to disarm. This may sound like a good idea, but the tensions that exist between rival militias may spread over to new security companies. The greater concern though is that creating too many security companies raises the threat of a return to the authoritarian style of law and order reminiscent of the Gaddafi regime.
“The new government will have to move hard and fast if it hopes to create a stable, democratic regime” Security aside, the NTC must also face the costs of rebuilding Libya’s natural resources. Oil wells were damaged, food supplies burnt, gas lines burst and water pipes destroyed throughout the eight month conflict. Major reconstruction work is needed across Libya. Tripoli itself has been stabilised, yet the more rural areas of the country will continue to face rising fuel costs, power outages and water shortages throughout the winter months. Until oil production recovers, financing this rebuilding will prove a problem for the NTC. Before the conflict, Libya was producing 1.3 million barrels a day; current production has
only just hit the 430,000 mark, far short of what is needed to bolster Libya’s economy. There is a role, however, for the international community to play in Libya’s reconstruction, and the United States, benevolent as always, has promised the NTC $11m in aid. This money has conditions attached, one of which means that the majority of the money must be spent on locating and destroying the thousands of shoulder-to-air missiles that disappeared during the civil war. This will assist in stabilising the region, yet it is of little help to the thousands of Libyans who lost their homes and jobs as a result of the conflict. These problems may seem daunting, but the actual construction of a new system of government is the greatest challenge facing the NTC. Libya, unlike its Arab Spring counterparts in Tunisia and Egypt, has never experienced elections, even the mock elections of the aforementioned countries. Building the political and bureaucratic institutions to support the democratic process will be of immense difficulty to the NTC. If you look at any of the ex-colonial states in Africa and the Middle East, Libya suffers from what is known as tribalism. Although it is not as extreme as elsewhere (Somalia, Iraq, and Rwanda amongst others), it could cause problems for the new
government. Tensions do exist between the various provinces in Libya, and in creating a new elected legislative may cause problems during the elections, scheduled for 2013. In these each province will vote for its own local political party. A fragmented legislative body may undermine the new government’s authority, but it could also help protect from the resurgent tyrannical element which threatens any new state. Establishing a stable political process, though, is by far the biggest challenge which Libya has to overcome.
“The actual construction of a new system of government is the greatest challenge facing the NTC” Naturally, the events surrounding Libya are far too numerous to discuss here. Confusion about the death of Gaddafi, the whereabouts of his second son, Saif al-Islam, the role that the international community will play, and so on. What is for sure, however, is that the Libyan people have overthrown a brutal dictator through popular revolution. They now have the power to forge their own destiny. Libya’s problems are not insurmountable, and its people seem committed to democracy. Let us hope that this is enough.
COMPETITIONS1
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Editor: Sam Tomkinson Email: concrete.competitions@uea.ac.uk
Crossword
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ACROSS 1. Novel that has been recently released as a film (8)
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3. Mesoamerican culture infamous for human 2
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sacrifice (5) 4. Edible raw fish (5)
4 5
6. The name of Gwyneth Paltrow’s first child (5)
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13. Discovered of penicillin (16) 7 8
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14. To modify or build according to personal
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preference (9)
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15. Award (8) 16. A baked pasta dish (7)
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18. Communication between minds by some
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means other then sensory perception (9) 20. Third album by UK artist Tinchy Stryder (11)
18 19 20
21. The study of chemical processes in living organisms (12)
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22. A violent, tropical, cyclonic storm (9) 22
DOWN 1. English pianist, composer, presenter and bandleader (12)
Competition
2. Capital city of Oman (6) 3. German sports manufacturer (6) 5. New Zealand try scorer in their World Cup triumph (12)
We are giving away two tickets to see Tinchy Stryder at the Waterfront on Friday 12 November. Doors open at 6.30pm. Those attending will be able to stay on after the gig and enjoy the Waterfront’s Meltdown club night - which lasts until 2am - free of charge. To be in with a chance of winning, bring your completed crossword to the Concrete office by midday on Monday 7 November. You will be contacted by telephone and email if you have won. Name: Telephone number: Email address:
7. Promising but petulant Manchester City forward (14) 8. 1964 war film starring Michael Caine (4) 9. The largest Chinese province in terms of population (8) 10. Austrailian prime
CONTACT DETAILS
minister (12) 11. To disregard (7) 12. Flightless bird of New Zealand (4) 17. A burrowing mammal (6)
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news p2-7
comment p8-10
travel p12-13
features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
TRAVEL
Travelling behind the former Iron Curtain Sam Langan explores Eastern Europe’s occupied past and vibrant present, as well as the benefits and pitfalls of modern day tourism in the region Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, millions of tourists from the West have shuttled across to the east of Europe. A world that for decades was under the tight grip of Communism is also a world of magnificent architecture, iconic scenery and some of the most naturally beautiful locations known to man. Since the Iron Curtain fell some 20 years ago, countries in Eastern Europe have had revolutions, wars, changes of governmental infrastructure and even a dictator or two. This hasn’t put off huge businesses putting
their stamp on cities across the Baltic states and even as far as the Black Sea. Capitals such as Riga, Warsaw and Prague, once dressed and furnished with the red of Russia, are now littered with American fast food outlets, sports shops and other capitalist institutions. However, it is not America that has taken advantage of Eastern Europe’s change of identity and ideology. Latvia and Estonia have become synonymous with British stag weekends. Cheap beer and cheap women is the grotesque image laid upon these idyllic
countries and from personal trips to both countries, it is hard not to agree that it is something of an industry out there. Throughout the week the city is quiet, quaint and tranquil. But, come Friday, the main square becomes a labyrinth of noise and embarrassing public behaviour. Most groups of men behave themselves, but the odd few ruin it for the rest. The Interior Minister of Riga a few years ago voiced a widely-held opinion that tourists from other countries treat the city like their playground. Riga and Tallinn (the capital of Estonia) aren’t big cities, so a
bit of volume and discrepancy can echo throughout their old towns and mysterious, twisting lanes. But looking into the history of such countries you can see why they are so patriotic. Russia, which occupied much of Eastern Europe and the Baltic states for a huge part of the 20th century, saw the people of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia as a lesser people. Uprisings from underground guerrilla groups were common throughout Russia’s reign. In all three countries there are monuments to the many who dedicated their lives to fighting back against the oppressive regime. As a consequence, people from other countries who treat these places with little respect are not going to be looked on lightly, and rightly so. Other countries east and south of the Czech Republic (looked upon by many as the doorway to the rest of Europe) include Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Ukraine. All with their merits and places of interest, the advantage of these countries is the Carpathian Mountains. Travelling in Poland during the summer my fellow backpackers and I explored Krakow for the weekend and after two nights
of exhilarating electro music we were in need of rehabilitation. We journeyed from Krakow to Poprad in Slovakia and enjoyed two days of hiking, fresh air and peace in the Tatra Mountains, the highest peak of Carpathians. It was a perfect alternative to the vibrations and hectic lifestyle of the city. The further east of Ukraine, the further you delve into undiscovered territory. More like Western Asia, Georgia and Armenia are off the tourist trail, and so provide great satisfaction to the independent backpacker. Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, is stunning and Kutaisi, its second city, holds two Unesco World Heritage sites. It would be a crime not to mention Russia as a top destination in Eastern Europe. Although English is generally not well spoken, Moscow and St. Petersburg claim a good number of British visitors each year. These are just two cities in a vast landscape that stretches to the ends of the earth. The TransSiberian Express is one of the only transport systems that lets people see the rest of Russia. Commencing in Moscow, the track runs all the way to Asia.
Getting down in the Dam Wish you were here? Kimberley Sparkes Travel Writer The beauty of being a traveller living in the UK is that Europe is right on your doorstep, eagerly anticipating your next sneaky term time weekend break or a cultural/drinking/beach holiday without the lengthy long haul flights. One of my favourite destinations is the Dutch capital Amsterdam. In February I went to “the Dam” for a two night, three day break with The Cocktail Society at UEA. We went by coach, which is a gruelling 24 hours each way but so much fun at the same time. You get to know everyone, have a laugh and see parts of France and Belgium. We arrived mid-afternoon and dropped off our bags at a very cheap hostel. Four people in a dorm room is a good way
to go if you are on a budget, and if you go on a coach tour they usually arrange everything for you anyway. At first we didn’t really have that much of a plan and just spent the first afternoon walking around getting lost in the maze of beautiful canals, bridges and backstreets. There are trams everywhere which allow you to get around the city easily. We were pretty tired after travelling, so we ended up crashing in one of the many little cafes to have a cuppa and a cookie and soak up the very chilled vibe of the locals. That night we hit the city centre on a bar crawl. We had an awesome time and definitely got to see the well-renowned crazy bars full of stag and hen parties ,and the bright lights of a certain red coloured district. The next morning we built up our Dutch courage to pull ourselves from our hostel beds
to make the most of the day as tourists. There are loads of things to do in the city, but my highlight was exploring Anne Frank’s house. Walking around the actual house where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis for two years, and seeing her actual diary laying open for all to read is a powerful experience. Leaving, deep in thought, I needed some Dutch craziness and fun to lighten the mood. Sitting in a giant clog in the middle of Dam Square and posing for photos on the “iamsterdam” sign (Europe’s answer to the Hollywood equivalent) was just the cure. Plus the Sex Museum, a real eyeopener that you could only truly expect from Amsterdam, just tops the experience off. The trip was just over £100 for coach and accommodation. There are also loads of student tour companies to choose from, so get looking.
This photo was taken looking out over the idyllic and incredibly picturesque area of Rome known as Trastevere. This area in the centre of the city is perfect for a
couple looking for a lively and romantic evening. Restaurants and shops of all kinds line the river bank, and the cobbled streets behind hide no end of charms.
CONTACT DETAILS
Ashleigh Berryman; Drew Nicol
TRAVEL
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Roaming cheaply in Rome
From resort to refugio in Mexico
Student ID when you visit either the Forum or the Colosseum and you will find that they offer a 50% discount, which is a big saving when full price is £15 per person. Saying that you’re a student will also help in haggling with street vendors who always compete for your cash. Local people love the flow of students visiting every year to marvel at the beauty of this ancient city. Remember, your identity as a student can be used to open many opportunities during your stay, and at a more favourable price. If you’re planning on visiting the Vatican, be aware of the time you arrive. The queues during peak times can be several hours. Late afternoon is best, as the majority of tours which clog up the queue will have trundled back to their buses by then.
Jessica Ball explores both sides of the Mexican balneario resort Puerto Vallarta, taking in the beach life whilst volunteering in a local orphanage
Drew Nicol Travel Writer With all the history and culture that Rome has to offer, it has become an expensive holiday destination, especially for students on a budget. Luckily, there are many ways in which a savvy traveller can enjoy all that this magnificent city has to offer without spending a fortune. When it comes to eating out, don’t settle for the first place you find. A lot of the time, restaurants will offer what appears to be a good deal, but the place next door may give you exactly the same for half the price. This is especially true in popular areas such as Piazza Navona. Walk a few yards down a side street and you will see food prices fall dramatically. Remember to flash your
Top five travel tweeters Twitter has become a major haven for travellers across the world to share advice, blogs and news. From airlines announcing their latest cut-price air fares to globetrotters updating where they are in the world, Twitter has become an essential item on the packing list of every traveller off on an adventure. Concrete Travel has scoured the Twittersphere to bring you the top five travel tweeters you should follow. 1. @BootsnAll Indie travel website based in Chicago that does daily “Top 10” articles on a plethora of travel subjects ranging from the best ideas for RTW trips to the “12 of the world’s most fascinating cemetries”. Inspiring travel advice, espceially for those planning long trips abroad. 2. @lonelyplanet “Tweeting and retweeting the best in travel” from the most respected travel guide publishers. Articles and deals from the world of travel tweeted from LP’s offices
in Australia, USA and UK. Half a million followers can’t be wrong. 3. @AndyExplores UEA graduate who is off to the Pacific islands of Tuvalu for nine months to help start up and develop the Scout movement there. Bound to be a fascinating insight into life in one of the most remote locations on Earth. 4. @nomadicmatt American man who has been travelling around the world for the past five years. Links to inspiring articles about breaking out of normal life and exploring the world on his website as well as insights and tips to where he is in the world at the moment. Great advice for inexpensive travel and how to make a living out of travel. 5. @BUNAC_UK Work and volunteer organisation that tweets questions and competitions as well as advice on working abroad. Also tweets great travel stories submitted by participants as part of their “Travel Experiences” blog.
Spending the summer working in an orphanage in Mexico sounded like a dream. As my housemate and I touched down in Puerto Vallarta airport, without suitcases, in the pouring rain and with a particularly sociable cockroach hovering round our feet, it did not appear to be how we had imagined our tropical adventure. Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast is a city famed for raucous spring breaks and wealthy American tourists. As the gay capital of Mexico it boasts a vibrant district which attracts thousands of visitors annually. This area of Vallarta is full of shiny new buildings, towering hotels, top class restaurants and shopping centres. However, just a few streets behind the resorts you will find a very different Vallarta. Locals crowd round taco vans, front rooms are opened to make shops, and old men sit selling horchata from jars. The orphanage, Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza, is a real godsend for the children of Puerto Vallarta, where volunteers are valued and made to feel welcome. After helping in the kitchen moving chicken carcasses into individual bags and sorting the good blueberries from the rotting, it could have been easy to regret coming to Mexico to work, but the staff and children at the Refugio made it amazing. Listening to a little boy who speaks no English sing every word to Justin Bieber’s “Baby” was just one of the more surreal moments. The children were wonderful and it was heartbreaking saying goodbye to them.
Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Los Muertos, the eerily named “beach of the dead”, and Mismaloya, where we spent an hour swimming to an island to find it covered in enormous blue crabs & had to beg a ride back on a water taxi. The local tour operators were incredibly friendly and open to price negotiations, though not always to the seemingly strange needs of delicate English travellers. On one boat excursion a friend got his finger crushed between a boat and the dock. With his finger split open and blood pouring down his arm he was told, whilst pale and shaking, that “In Mexico we do not worry about these things” and asked if, for a few pesos, he would like to pose for a photo with a large iguana. Age old Mexican traditions go hand in hand with the 20th century in Puerto Vallarta. I visited the town of Nogalita twice, once to play on the extreme aerial zip line course spanning the length of the valley and once to take part in an ancient sweat lodge ritual. Both were incredible experiences that could not be more different. This is the charm of Puerto Vallarta; the new sits comfortably next to the old. Men sell traditional huichol artwork in shops next to Señor Frogs, the chain of restaurants, bars and clothing shops. The recently remodelled Malecon is a great area for nightlife in Puerto Vallarta. As well as the obligatory Señor Frogs, there are many clubs and bars, often kitsch and over the top, playing eclectic mixes of music. Vaquita is
a themed milkshake bar, serving up alcoholic milkshakes as clients dance on giant cow-print bunk beds. In between clubs, tequila shops stay open late, offering their wares to tourists. Upon seeing us drinking from bottles of water, we were asked whether we were “on vacation? Or probation?” The locals have adapted to the new market of spring breakers admirably, none more so than the taxi drivers who have been heard to offer “You want a taxi? No? Girls? Men? Do you want to party?” Vallarta has a relatively low crime rate compared to the rest of Mexico, although the police presence is reassuring. My expectations of what Mexico would be like were replaced by something far better than I expected. It was not the stunning beaches or glorious tequila sunrises that made Puerto Vallarta such an incredible place to visit, but it was the life, the experiences, the tastes, sights and sounds. I will always remember swimming in the sea in the middle of the night, the taste of papaya and pacifico beer and sitting on the roof of the apartment overlooking the bay enflamed by lightning bolts.
Essential Puerto Vallarta Population: 255,000
State: Jalisco
Demonym: Vallartense
How do I get there?
Puerto Vallarta’s airport is served by major American airlines flying mainly from Los Angeles and Phoenix.
When to go?
Vallarta is very busy during the College Spring Break period, but this is the best time to go climate-wise as the summer months can be intolerably hot and busy with American families.
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comment p8-10
travel p12-13
FEATURES
Does student politics matter? At a time when the whole nation seems to be losing faith in the British political system, Wil Hanford debates the importance of student politics While the majority of people would agree that political activity is important on some level, when asked “Does student politics matter?” the general response runs along the lines of “hmm... well, maybe, not really.” This feeling was personified by the disappointing turnout in Union elections; the Academic Officer was determined following a turnout of just seven hundred and sixty one votes. Yet when faced with a more specific question such as “Does your sports club deserve more funding?” or “Do you want to be able to trust your landlord?” the response is more positive. This indicates that students care about the issues, but for whatever reason they don’t care about the body whose selfappointed mission it is to solve them. To a certain extent this is remarkably similar to national politics. How often do we hear people claim that they do not care about an election because the result will not affect them, only to loudly complain that they hate the government a few years later? The crucial difference, of course, is that the government is recognised as having power. The role of the Student Union (SU) is primarily to give students a voice, but having a voice is of no use if those you are speaking to have no ears, and it is of even less use if you have no hands to implement what has talked about. This is the fundamental issue with student politics: does it have any impact? Are the policies of the Union Council implemented? Most crucially of all, how are student’s lives now different to how they were before the 109 policies listed on www.ueastudent.com, were declared? Tash Ross, Community and Student Rights Officer of the Union of UEA Students (UUEAS), asserts that SU policy is implemented in the majority of cases, with the only exceptions being where a policy is unworkable or irrelevant. An example of a policy currently being implemented is Hindu worship on campus. It was noted that the Chaplaincy did not have the facilities to accommodate
“Everybody deserves to have their voice heard... the opportunity to participate... and to remember their experience of participating” Tash Ross Community and Students Rights Officer
“Student politics matters because it’s a great opportunity to get involved in shaping your time at university. This doesn’t have to mean being aligned to any political party but rather taking the opportunity to stand up, have your voice heard and shape your experience at university. If there’s something you want to change, getting involved with the students’ union is a great way to do it - whether you want to change something within the university or on a national level, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved” Meg Evans Academic Officer
Hindus, and this is now being rectified. For those involved this has the potential to be very significant, but for those not it will in all probability pass them by. Of more interest to the majority is the issue of tuition fees. In this department, the UUEAS has to be credited for pressuring Simon Wright MP into honouring his pre-election pledge to vote against any increase in tuition fees. This is a unique example of the Union extending its influence beyond the confines of student politics and into the realm of national political debate. These two examples of successfully implemented policy, one concerning only a small minority and the other serving a whole range of people, demonstrate the great variety of Union policy. The UUEAS website provides a complete list of recently approved policies, which range from the mundane to the ridiculous, controversial, and even ingenious. For example, were you aware that the Union now prints its documents in Century Gothic as opposed to Arial? Why? Because this saves £2000 per year in ink costs. This can now be spent instead on subsidising sports clubs and societies, an important development because, for the first time, sports clubs and societies are going to have to start seriously budgeting. UUEAS Finance Officer, Rob Bloomer, explains that the continuous growth in sports clubs and societies, coupled with declining revenue from the LCR, and Union Bar has resulted in less money having to be shared out among more people. When asked whether the cost of running the LCR could be reduced by staging student bands, Mr. Bloomer said that he had no aversion to it, but added that this would be difficult to advertise. The expansion of SocMart into the Hive shows just how popular our sports clubs and societies are, and their importance to students. Mr. Bloomer also argues that involvement in student politics is “The best way for students to have the opportunity to take charge and decide what clubs and societies exist, and what events
take place.” As our beloved sports clubs and societies are funded by the revenue gained from events, his second point is vitally important. It should be clear by now that student politics matter. Whether you have noticed it or not does not change the fact that it affects
you. The houses you live in are owned by landlords approved by the Union, the contract you signed can be checked over by lawyers paid for by the UUEAS, which subsidises the clubs and societies you participate. These issues matter, and student politics allow you to engage with them.
lifestyle p18-21
international p22
turf p23
sport p25-28
Editor: Lauren Razavi
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Editor: Lauren Razavi Email: concrete.features@uea.ac.uk
FEATURES
Student loans and managing your money Lauren Cope looks at the financial costs of moving from halls to a new house, and the expensive nature of university life in general Every student has experienced the ‘loan excitement’; when first laying eyes upon the glistening sum of money Student Finance England has deposited. It seems that anything is possible: no item too expensive, no cost too great. “How could anyone
spend £1200 in three months anyway?” Slowly, it will dawn on you that after a few nights out, an excited shopping trip and the expenses of everyday life, it’s actually quite easy. While most students struggle with money to some extent during their
time at university, it is arguably second years who find it hardest. Moving from comfortable halls to a real house is quite a shock to the system, and comes with a whole new set of costs. Having to calculate and divide money to include rent
and bills can be a culture shock and forces most students to budget for the first time in their lives. While houses are normally a little cheaper than halls, it’s incredibly important not to become complacent and to make sure that monthly rent is saved away somewhere safe! With water, electric, gas and internet bills coming out at different times it’s hard to keep track of your money, especially with a large house. Virgin Media are known as the best for students, offering the cheapest prices and your landlords will have normally sorted out your electricity and gas, so second years aren’t totally alone. Transport prices are hiked up in second year. Gone are the days of waking up ten minutes before a lecture and staggering down to Lecture Theatre 1 or the trek to Thomas Payne. Getting the bus everyday into UEA is a “wake up an hour before you go” routine, and an expensive one at that. A return from UEA to most of Norwich costs £3.90. It soons adds up if you’re paying
for it daily. Buying a bus pass from the Travel Office can feel like an enormous expense, but will without a doubt become invaluable. Textbooks are another shocking expense to challenge the bank account, with some students paying nearly £300 out for textbooks this year… ouch. So do student loans cover this sort of expense? It’s undeniable that the beginning of each year feels like a stretch. Plenty of one off payments can feel like the loan has evaporated before it was even there. Although things will settle down as the year draws on, planning ahead for bills, getting your rent in on time and getting any big one-off payments out of the way when the year begins makes the adjustment a lot less stressful. It may seem as though money from Student Finance doesn’t match the outgoings, even those who get grants and bursaries, but with tuition fees set to rise for the next intake of students and the cost of living on the rise all the time, perhaps this year’s students should consider themselves lucky.
How we approach Halloween today Samantha Rogers examines the increasingly consumerist pattern of contemporary Halloween celebrations and their impact on our society Halloween, or “All Hallows Eve”, as it was formerly known, is a day that has transformed throughout history and different countries. The true origins of this holiday have been unknown for a considerable amount of time. What is known is that it is the day before the Christian “All Saints Day”, and that it was the day of the Pagan Celtic festival known as “Samhain”, the celebration of the last day of summer and approach of darker days. But what does Halloween stand for in society today? These days, it’s traditional for children of all ages to dress up in spooky costumes, and go trick-ortreating. This has been happening since the Middle Ages, albeit it worked slightly differently back then, and actually originated in Britain and Ireland despite it now being more associated with candy-obsessed America. More common with young
adults, on the other hand, is the idea of a Halloween party where guests will dress up and celebrate the evening with friends in their own home. This can entail alcohol and games, such as apple bobbing and pumpkin carving, or could involve a more “relaxed” evening of watching horror movies. It is this fascination with watching horror movies that Hollywood has taken advantage of by consciously releasing new horror movies every single year around the end of October, allowing audiences to get into the mood for the creepy night on the horizon. However, not everyone gets involved with this festive holiday, some refusing for religious reasons, such as certain Christians who believe the holiday is too oriented with pagan worship. Whatever the choice, it’s quite clear that this holiday is an extremely commercialised one,
with confectionary companies, fancy-dress shops, and supermarkets alike all competing to sell the best “scary” products. This generally involves bat-shaped stickers and sweets, skeleton and spider-web decorations, and spooky costumes, the most infamous being witches, devils and vampires. It is due to this that the real origin of Halloween has become lost, but is that really a problem? Does the lack of proper knowledge about the day stop people from celebrating? Even if people did know, would that stop the celebration? After all, we can still bring ourselves to celebrate Guy Fawkes Day, a celebration of a historic terrorist plot against parliament. Halloween may be more of a scam these days but this does not stop us from celebrating in style; spooky, horrifying style. And why should it?
FEATURES
Editor: Lauren Razavi Email: concrete.features@uea.ac.uk
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INTERVIEW: Fearne Cotton Concrete’s Chris King and Hannah Britt discuss music, fashion and Justin Bieber with Fearne Cotton ahead of Radio 1’s Student Tour You’re on the radio. Do you feel pressured to look good in public even though all the public get of you is your voice? Well I love dressing up anyway so whether I was going to the supermarket or to the studio, where there are a lot of paps outside, I absolutely love putting outfits together. Obviously I have my down days where I just whack on a pair of yoga pants and flip flops like I did this morning, but I don’t really feel pressure about what people think of me or what they see of me. I just like getting ready and putting outfits together. If you see a bad picture of yourself does it upset you? Oh God no. I mean, it happens a lot! You just get on with it. Everyone has bad days, when you’ve got greasy hair and toothpaste down your top. Unfortunalty, if I do get photographed in that way quite a lot of people will see it. You can’t untag it when it’s in a magazine can you? Yeah, exactly. Have you ever had a nip slip? No, I’m not one of those girls who’ll wear a top with no bra underneath. Absolutely not. Do you think it’s a good music scene right now or are we in a bit of slump? There seems to be a lot of electro pop out at the moment, whether it be Katy Perry, Rihanna, Cher Lloyd, One Direction, people with the same sort of sound. But I actually think that there’s also a lot of people with really great diverse music out there too that is new and up and coming. People like Ed Sheeran, Noah and the Whale, Bombay Bicycle Club, Kasabian ... there are a lot of people out there making really diverse, different music. So, I think there is a good mix on the whole. The younger end of the market ends up getting swept along with what’s really popular, but people can make up their own mind whether they listen to that or whether they reach out and look to other genres. Radio 1 is really good at representing a good mix of what’s going on. There was a phase a while back, when I was doing
kids TV, when there were a lot of boy bands, and now there’s a more indie movement. There are always these waves, nothing ever sticks around for too long. But, on the whole, I think that the music industry and the diversity of it is looking pretty healthy at the moment. Do you find it hard interviewing a band, or someone you really don’t like? No, because I don’t think there’s anyone in the music industry that doesn’t deserve their place there. I think that whatever their journey is, whether it be through being in a band for years with your best mates, or through a reality TV show, they all have a talent or a skill that’s got them to where they are. I’m not the sort of person who’s going to sit and judge them. There are some people I’m naturally really intrigued to find out about, bands that I love. And, of course there are others that I don’t care about as much but that might mean it’s a surprising interview that something quite interesting will come out of.
“There seems to be a lot of electro pop out there at the moment, whether it be Katy Perry, Rihanna or One Direction. There is some really great diverse music out there too though, that is new and up and coming. People like Ed Sheeran, Noah and the Whale, Bombay Bicycle Club and Kasabian” On the subject of bands and acts that you don’t like ... is there anything you’d like to tell us about your relationship with Justin Bieber? Oh yeah, we’ve got a complex relationship. (laughter) It didn’t start off that great to be honest. At Radio 1’s big weekend, a couple of years ago now, he kind of walked out of an interview because I’d annoyed him by
asking him about a tattoo. I wasn’t meant to know about it, even though it had been published in several national magazines. But anyway, I decided that it would be a great idea for him to come on the show and chat this out with me. So, he came on my radio show and we had a discussion. He didn’t apologise so to speak, he just said “let’s be friends”. And now I think we’re mates. He tweeted “Hello” after the interview and told all his followers to follow me. I think there’s a genuine friendship blossoming there. What a beautiful story. Have you got his phone number? No, we didn’t go as far as to swap the digits. But, then again, that could be slightly wrong considering I’m 30 and he is about 17 ... But he is hot property right now though … it could be a good one to bring out at parties? What, prank call Bieber when I’m drunk? Yes. That’s what Concrete would do. On the subject of age, do you think that you’re still going to be in this business when you’re 40? Is there an ageism on the radio as there seems to be on TV? Well, I’m 30 ... so 40 is actually only 10 years away! I’ve been working in this industry for 15 years so it doesn’t feel like it’s a massively distant time away. I think you go through your own phases during your career, making you want to move on from things. But I don’t think there’s an ageism. If you feel that you’re relevant to the type of music which is being played, and the audience that are listening, then there’s a job for you. I think you expect to move on from projects in TV and radio, that’s just natural. After a certain amount of time, the next person takes over. I wouldn’t want to be stuck doing the same thing for too long anyway, it would get stagnant. Is that why you branched out into your clothing range for Very and, more recently, your
make up range for Boots? Yeah it’s definitely important to do other things and if the opportunity is there, why not branch out, experiment and see if it works? With the clothing line, it has worked and I’ve been very fortunate. I absolutely love doing it; it’s exciting getting to try my hand at other things. How much creative input in the design do you actually have? Complete input. I sketch everything out, draw and make moodboards for quite a long while, a couple of months at least. Then I meet up with the creative team at Very to work out what prints we might use, to see if they’ve found some vintage prints from somewhere, for example. We work through ideas, then technical sketches are drawn out. We get samples made up, then we change things again. I’m right there throughout the process until it hits the website. I am very involved, it’s really fun. Do you still get star struck? The only time I’ve been properly star struck, to the point where i didn’t know what I was doing, is when I went to this exhibition and Jimmy Page was there. He’s my absolute hero. I got introduced to him and I just froze, I had absolutely nothing to say. I was a blithering wreck. We had a photo taken where I looked like an overexcited little gibbon. That was probably my un-coolest moment. Ever. Have you spoken to him since? I haven’t actually no. I sort of want to in a way because, obviously, he’s my hero. But, on the other hand, I’d like to eradicate that moment from my memory forever. Has Leigh Francis given you a complex with all the banter from Celebrity Juice? No, in real life we’re excellent friends. So it’s all said in utter jest, perhaps even with an injection of love. He’s very lovely and it’s all just for the TV show, he’s not like that in real life. We’re very good friends.
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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travel p12-13
features p14-17
international p22
turf p23
sport p25-28
LIFESTYLE
Let’s do the Time Warp again 101 tips Lifestyle writer Freya Barry enjoys an afternoon shopping trip to a bygone era at the Norwich Vintage Fashion fair On October 9th - a sleepy Sunday in Norwich - the UK’s biggest roaming vintage fair hit town. Having already visited over 25 cities and festivals so far this year, the Vintage Fashion event flooded St. Andrew’s Hall with 40 stalls from up and down the country. Each was full to the brim with a vast array of vintage clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, food and homeware. For an alternative day
out filled with eclectic items from bygone eras, events like these are the ultimate indulgences.
10.
Remember to clean your bathroom floor. Wet feet plus a dirty floor equals dirty feet! It’s something often overlooked that can be proper mingin’!
“For an alternative day out, these are the ultimate indulgences” It was a veritable delight for the senses, with the clothing racks bursting with beautifully maintained items ranging from dainty 1940s tea dresses to brash 1980s leather jackets. There was something here for every fashionista with a taste for the unusual. Gone were the racks of identikit high-street items. Instead, every piece was unique with a history and invoked the most wonderful sense of nostalgia. Never again need you be the girl (or boy) who encounters someone else working your look; the quirky vintage elements on show could add an individual twist to any outfit. It wasn’t by any means all about the clothes, however. The homeware and arts and crafts all hailed from a range of eras
-Alex Valentine
11.
First years: keep your keys on you at all times, just in case the cleaner locks you out of your room. - Jess Beech with the emphasis on interesting items that would make excellent gifts or unusual ornaments. For students bored of a simple poster instructing them to “Keep Calm and Drink On”, these stalls offered plenty to spruce up a house at prices even students can afford. The venue itself was perfect for the event, with plenty of space for browsing at your leisure with old-fashioned cakes, macaroons
and tea for fatigued shoppers. There was also live music from a rockabilly band and a vintage party and beauty parlour. The friendliness of the stallholders and their love of all things vintage was definitely contagious and made the day a perfect one for introducing vintage virgins to the scene, as well as those wanting to explore the ever-growing vintage scene in Norwich.
Clive Ashcroft: the man who cares How do you feel about being UEA’s favourite bus driver? I’m sure there are many people with their own favourite bus driver, I’m just one of many drivers who do their best to provide a service. My main concern is the students’ safety and I do feel very privileged and honoured to be liked by so many awesome people. I wish them every success and happiness for the future!
Was the transition from UEA’s favourite bus driver to Agony Uncle difficult? My transition to Agony Uncle was my way of giving something back to the students for all their kindness, so I found it very easy to say yes when asked by students from “Concrete.” I just hope that I don’t bore the reader and
The dos and don’ts of University life
that I can help somebody with their questions.
you received last year from one of the students?
When you’re not working, what would be your idea of the perfect weekend in Norwich?
That’s a tricky one! I only seem to remember the silly ones, like, are you going to the next stop? [Laughs] I would just like to take this opportunity to welcome all the new students and hope they make lots of new friends and have a great future, take care everyone!
When I’m not working my perfect weekend would be some quality time with my family. My son who is a lone parent is raising two children and has done me proud, so I try to help when I can! He still knocks on my door and says; “Daaaad, I’ve run out of petrol!” [laughs]
Special thanks to Clive Ashcroft for taking the time to speak with Concrete. Remember whatever the problem, worry or issue: Clive Cares. Send in your letters and questions for Clive via email to clivecares@gmail.com.
12.
For the love of God, think about whether you’re doing the right course. There is such a thing as “too late to change.” -Duncan Vicat-Brown
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Invest in a good alarm clock, and if you find early mornings a challenge, take regular naps during the day! -Michael Dabner
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If you’re in first year, pay your rent for the term as soon as your loan comes in. That way you don’t have to worry about overspending. -Michael Marren
15.
Never be afraid to just walk up to somebody and introduce yourself, chances are you might make a brilliant new friend. -Nat Matthews-Graves
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Lifestyle Editors Hasina Allen and Rianne Ison
Take a calculator and divide your fee for the year by the number of hours you will spend in lectures and classes over the whole year. When you see how much you’re paying per hour, skipping that 9am session wont seem so tempting.
interview UEA’s favourite bus driver Clive Ashcroft,
- Helen Vicary
in anticipation of the triumphant return of Clive
If you have a tip you would like to share with the rest of campus tweet us at: @Concrete_Lifest #101tips
Finally, what was the most interesting query
Cares
TheHome&GardenSpecial
LIFESTYLE
Editors: Hasina Allen & Rianne Ison Email: concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @ConcreteLifest
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Lifestyle offers you a hand in turning your University accomodation into the perfect second home
Pennies not pounds - personalisation on a budget How to make your room your own without breaking the bank Jess Beech Lifestyle Writer Putting your own stamp on the blank canvas of a student room can be difficult when on a tight budget. The realization of how many VK’s home ware costs makes it even less appealing. When making your room your own on a budget, start with the walls. Fill your wall space with as many snaps from nights out and the family album as possible. A number of online stores offer free prints when you sign up, so it is a great way to make your room feel instantly homely without breaking the bank. Decorating your walls does not have to stop at photos. You can pick up inexpensive posters, bunting and lights from many places. Even pinning up patterned scarves makes for an unusual wall hanging. Try and find things in budget
Create a mood board of inspirations for your ideal room shops that look expensive. Wilkinson sells a fake glass decanter for under £1, instantly
bringing a touch of class to your home. Remember that the little
details count. Items such as photo frames, candles and trinkets do not cost much but can make a real statement. Also, candles and incense are a brilliant way to remove the smell of damp that lurks in so many student houses. If you see homeware that you like, at prices you cannot afford, re-create your own versions of them. You can pick up materials to make items such as pillow cases in haberdashery shops, or even re-work the fabric from unwanted or charity shop clothes. Look in charity shops for real bargains. There are so many places within Norwich, one of them is sure to have what you are looking for. Having a plant or flowers in your room will automatically make it feel a bit brighter, especially as winter draws in. Remember, do not spend too much on homeware as, in the same way as clothes, you may not like it come next year!
Green fingers and fairy lights Vicky Cann Lifestyle Writer Now gardening may not seem like the obvious student pastime, but with minimal effort and a low budget you can discover that wanting hominess which can transform your abode from generic student digs into a personalised new home. One way to do this is to cultivate your outdoor space with things a little more alive than the tired garden furniture and battered washing lines lurking in many student yards. You could either scatter your patio with decorative flowerpots, cheaply purchasable from Wilkinson, or plant a couple of small bedding plants. These not only look beautiful outside, but they can also be picked to brighten up your house if you feel the rooms
are looking a little dingy. Another way to liven up your garden, and your meals, is to plant some basic herbs, such as basil or coriander. These are easy to grow and save you money on seasoning. Like flowers, you can scatter them in beds, or simply nab yourself a plant pot and arrange them by the door, so they are easily accessible. They also provide genuinely lovely aromas to ward off less appealing student house odours, such as week-old takeaway, or, if your housemate had a particularly unfortunate end to their LCR night, the poorly concealed remains of an ill thought-through Corkie’s burger. Planting in your garden will also attract desirable wildlife like butterflies, as opposed to the unwelcome variety consequent of less wholesome garden fillers (ancient pizza boxes, say),
A cheap plant pot can become your one-stop herb garden although from experience I can confirm that these will draw their own ecosystems eventually! To complete the personalisation of your garden, why not grab some scissors, pins and string and rig up some bunting? You could even recycle
old clothes instead of buying material. Fairy lights are also an attractive, affordable way to give the final flourish to your student garden; providing a glowing backdrop and homely atmosphere, guaranteed to make your house a central social hub.
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper @ConcreteLifest
Editors: Hasina Allen & Rianne Ison Email: concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk
LIFESTYLE
How to make your house into your home Shop until Lifestyle writers offer their personal decorating tips and a brief peek into their homes you drop Where to go for stylish student home decor
Top left - Room 1 >> Emily Burt Top right - Room 2 >> Grace Carruthers Bottom left - Room 3 >> Jessica Ball Bottom right - Room 4 >> Curtis Goodes
It is true to say that a student can never have too many posters, although it is also essential that you use white tack on the walls. My posters mostly came from the campus sales, and are interspersed with cardboard props from a charades game. Mirrors are great for decoration because they create an illusion of more space, which is always useful in student halls! The top of the wardrobe is a fancy dress zone, displaying all the LCR essentials and relics of drunken nights out. Try to be inventive with your bedroom- after all; these are four walls you’ll be looking at a lot this year.
As the most sociable room of a house, the lounge requires a homely ambience which is both inviting and relaxing. Comfy cushions and snug throws are essential to compensate for the warmth a student budget simply cannot cover all winter long. Create a more intimate setting by dotting candles around the room and hanging fairy lights as a substitute for harsh, overbearing lamps. Opt for neutral shades such as creams and beiges (remembering that this will no doubt be your place of refuge for the 24 hours following a heavy night), and add splashes of colour to liven things up.
Lengths of interesting material can really make a room feel homely as well as being pretty useful in keeping a sort of boho tidiness when thrown over mess. Pile of dirty laundry? Voila! A chunky looking bean bag that smells of dirty laundry. Baked bean/facepaint/red wine stains on the wall? Hey presto! An artfully draped feature wall. Pillows, posters, fairy lights and a million fliers from all over are a must, as are the photos of family and friends back home. Just make sure you tack the picture of your Nan up over your text books rather than your vodka collection, or you’ll just feel guilty.
Decorate your room based around your interests to quickly make it feel more like your own space. Anything can be stuck to your wall, not just posters. Favourite CD or LP covers, pages cut out from magazines or books, scraps of wallpaper samples and doodles of your own can all be stuck together to make a bedroom feel more personal. Old scarves or blankets can make good wall hangings, and add a nice touch to any room. Charity shops, junk retailers or flea markets have many weird trinkets and peculiar decorations to make any room more individual and enjoyable.
Emily Burt
Grace Carruthers
Jessica Ball
Curtis Goodes
Recycle with Lifestyle: making Concrete bunting Hasina Allen Lifestyle Editor This week’s “Recycle with Lifestyle” shows you how to turn your finished Concrete into chic bunting to spice up any wall. Whether you only whip it out for parties or have decided to jump on to the “kitsch is cool“ bandwagon this bunting is easy to make and an effective home
accessory. Take four sheets of the latest Concrete and paint one side of each sheet yellow. Once that has dried, paint the other side green, then cut into equal triangles. Thread a piece of string or ribbon through the triangles, and once they are all attached spread them along the length of the ribbon evenly. Finally, tie knots at both ends and your bunting is ready to take pride of place!
Wilkinson is new to Norwich this year. This established store really does have it all at extremely reasonable prices. Whether you’re looking for plants, mirrors or some simple candles, this really is the place for you. A definite must is you are looking to decorate on a budget.
Evolution is a privately owned establishment in the heart of the city. It is filled with photo frames, wall hangings and some great art work to brighten your walls. The best bit is that if you buy five items over five pounds you are entitled to a free five pound voucher courtesy of an Evocard. Bargain shopping at its best!
Looses Antique Flea Market takes place every Saturday 124pm on Magdalen Street. Head to Look in this “Aladdin’s Cave” for unique bargains and one of a kind purchases that are likely to stay part of your décor for years past your student experience.
Hasina Allen
Primark is everybody’s favourite high street store and their home section is fantastic. On the, albeit untidy shelves, you will find cushions, shower curtains and throws to personalise your home.
LIFESTYLE
Editors: Hasina Allen & Rianne Ison Email: concrete.lifestyle@uea.ac.uk
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Supper and a sweet snack in seven steps
Ally Kayler
EASY BBQ CHICKEN Che Witcher Lifestyle Writer
Ingredients: Chicken drumsticks 1 Large Onion For the sauce: 5 Tablespoons Soy Sauce 5 Tablespoons White Wine 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar 1 Level Teaspoon Mustard powder 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Puree
FRUIT & CRUMBLE BARS 1. Place drumsticks in square glass dish. 2. Chop onion and sprinkle over chicken. 3. Make sauce in a frying pan over low heat. 4. Pour over chicken. 5. Cook for one hour at around 180 C 6. Turn drumsticks over half way through. 7. Serve with rice.
Tip: Add some roasted yellow or orange peppers for extra flavour!
Ally Kayler Lifestyle Writer Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup hard margarine 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 cups blackberries, cut in halves 3 cups of strawberries, sliced 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Society Spotlight: Drama Jennifer Woods Lifestyle Writer As one of the biggest and most inclusive societies on campus, DramaSoc caters for all students, whatever their background or level of experience in the world of theatre. Our main aim is to offer members as many opportunities to engage in the dramatic arts as possible. DramaSoc continues to make play-making its primary objective. Each semester we hold three to four productions in a variety of venues both off and on campus, including our annual musical in the spring semester,
still yet to be announced. We aspire to choose a wide range of productions that will entertain, challenge, and move our audiences. All productions are entirely student-run, from acting, to directing, from producing to stage-managing or designing. The list goes on. This year we have created even more opportunities for members to get involved. Fortnightly, we host drama workshops where members can learn more about different aspects of theatre through various exercises and games. We will also be running theatre trips to see touring productions at the
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. 2. Base and crumble: in a medium bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in the margarine. Add beaten egg. The dough should be crumbly. Pat half of the dough into the greased pan. Place the pan and the remaining dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling. 3. Filling: place the fruit in a large bowl and pour lemon juice over. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, whisk
various professional theatres that Norwich boasts- as well as socials to its bars and clubs! We hope to continue to offer even more creative opportunities for our members this year, and for all other students, even more opportunities to watch them at work! Get in touch! ueadramasoc@ gmail.com, Facebook: UEA DramaSoc This semester’s line up: >> “Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme” by Frank McGuinness 26th-28th October, 7.30pm Drama Studio >> “The Real Thing” by Tom Stoppard 7th-8th November, 7.30pm
together the flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon. Pour over the fruit and mix gently. 4. Let the fruit mixture sit for a few minutes. 5. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the crust. Crumble the remaining dough over the fruit layer. 6. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is slightly brown. 7. Cool the bars completely before cutting into squares. Tip: Make sure you grease the pan to stop your bars coming out in pieces!
Norwich Puppet Theatre >> “Gormenghast” by Mervyn Peake and John Constable 23rd-25th November, 7.30pm Drama Studio
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features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
turf p23
sport p25-28
INTERNATIONAL
With Halloween and Diwali in our midst, Concrete investigates the cultural intricacies of the darkness and light
Creatures of the Night Ingrid Kornstad International Writer Humans have always been afraid of the dark. It comes upon us every night without fail, and it can hide anything. It's no wonder then, that all over the world, people have populated the night with fearsome creatures. Originating in Eastern Europe, the vampire is wellknown to all: an undead being which drinks blood. But there are other bloodsuckers out there. The Ewe people in Ghana tell stories of the Adze, a creature which takes the shape of a firefly and flies into people's houses to drink their blood. There is also the Colombian Tunda, which takes the shape of a woman and lures people into the forest to eat them. The night is also an opportunity for spirits to gather. In Japan, the Hyakki Yakō would assemble in the summer. The country's demons come together at night to tour through the streets, bringing death to anyone who sees them.
The Nightmarchers of Hawaii are slightly more benevolent. They are the ghosts of ancient warriors who march past old battlegrounds on holy nights. Finally, we have the Norwegian Åsgårdsreia - restless souls who gather on Christmas night and take with them anyone who has not finished their Christmas preparations.
“It’s no wonder, then, that all over the world, people have populated the night with fearsome creatures” Death belongs to the darkness, and its creatures reflect that. In Ireland, the banshee's scream means death. The woman-shaped Ciguapa, from the Dominican Republic, wails outside a man's house if she falls in love with him, foretelling the demise of his wife. And finally, closer to home, the Black Shuck haunts Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, taking the form of a big, black dog. So watch out when walking home at night.
Diwali: the festival of lights Isabelle Carty International Writer Over the years, more and more people have been exposed to the Hindu celebration of Diwali (26th October). Deepavali, as it is also known, means “an array of lights” in Sanskrit and signifies the victory of light over darkness. To Hindus, darkness represents ignorance and light is a metaphor for knowledge. Therefore, lighting a lamp symbolizes the destruction of all negative forces such as violence, injustice, oppression and suffering, through knowledge. Due to this, many may also refer to Diwali as the festival of lights. On Diwali, the goddess Laxmi, a symbol of prosperity, is worshipped. However, Hindus celebrate the festival for different reasons depending on their origins. In North India, Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama, King of Ayodhya, with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana from a 14-year exile and war in which he vanquished the demon king Ravana. It is believed that
the people lit oil lamps along the path to light the royal family in the darkness. The festival is held on the final day of the Vikram calendar. The following day marks the beginning of the North Indian new year. In South India, Diwali often commemorates the conquering of the Asura Naraka, a powerful king of Assam, who imprisoned tens of thousands of inhabitants. It was Lord Krishna who finally
subdued Naraka and freed the prisoners. Diwali does not coincide with the beginning of a new year, as South Indians follow a different calendar. Reasons for celebration aside, the lights that are lit signify a welcome to prosperity and the fireworks are to frighten away evil spirits; so in the coming weeks, keep an eye out for the fireworks that will light up the night sky.
Thai economy bears the burden of floods Robert Norris International Writer Since floods first hit Thailand in June this year, there have been more than 350 deaths and over a third of Thailand’s provinces have been seriously affected. The flooding has now reached Bangkok, with a number of suburbs to the north of the city already submerged in water. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has claimed that the flooding is a national crisis and the authorities are doing all they can to try and solve the issue. Mrs Shinawatra stated: “This problem is very overwhelming. It is a national crisis so I hope to get co-operation from everybody.” It now seems impossible to protect the whole of the capital from the flooding. Currently the government is trying to work out which parts of the city should effectively be sacrificed
to prevent the floods from damaging the whole of Bangkok. The floods have had a
profound effect upon the country’s economy, with Thailand’s central bank claiming
that the damage to industries has amounted to over 100bn baht (£2.1 billion). It has been
reported that 3.5m tonnes of rice paddies have been damaged Thailand is the world’s largest exporter of rice - and that roughly 1000 factories have been shut down. Japanese electronics giant Sony has postponed the launch of many of its products due to the disruption the flood has caused.
“It now seems impossible to protect the whole of the capital from the flooding. Currently the government are trying to work out which parts of the city should be effectively sacrificed” The governor of the Bank of Thailand, Prasarn Trairatvorakul has warned that growth this year may be more than one percent point less than the 4.1% forecast. However, analysts say the loss could be twofold if Bangkok is seriously affected.
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comment p8-10
travel p12-13
features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
international p22
sport p25-28
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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10,000km to Durban in just two months Becky Hazlewood reports on the Greenhouse Trust Café’s virtual journey to raise awareness of the next Climate Change Conference in South Africa Nestled amongst the historic buildings of Bethel Street, from the outside the Greenhouse Trust Cafe seems to be pretty much like any other eatery. Looking past the collection of highly appealing cakes and steaming cups of coffee, you’ll find that first impressions can be deceiving. There are several things which make the Greenhouse Trust a little less ordinary than your average Panini outlet. Beyond the abundance of minimally packaged, local, fairtrade and organic produce, the Greenhouse Trust has gone a few steps further, indeed, several leaps further in reducing its environmental impact and Carbon footprint. From the 200m of recycled paper used for the roof insulation to the photovoltaic panels in the courtyard garden, the whole building is a feat of creativity and structural ingenuity. This has been recognised by the
Sustainable Energy Academy (SEA), which calculated that the top floor of the building has made efficiency savings of 82%. An impressive transformation for a historic building that was bought in a semi-derelict condition back in 1993 Owned by a charitable trust and run by volunteers, this is a fantastic example of achievable energy efficiency improvements.
“The solutions to climate change are available and we in the rich nations need to demand action” The Greenhouse Trust acts as Norwich’s environment centre, hosting many events and local environmental projects. This October and November, a virtual journey taking the 10,000 kilometre journey from Norwich to Durban aims to raise awareness of climate change issues and pressure the government in the
lead up to the next international Climate Change Conference. People will be walking, cycling, swimming and running to meet their targets, raising sponsorship money to go towards supporting the Greenhouse’s climate change education work. So far, it seems to be working. Despite not having started to really publicise the event yet, £500 has already been raised and 2675km travelled. Building Manager “Tigger” from the Trust was pleased with the response so far. “People are signing up, particularly via our Facebook page. Most just want to be part of the journey rather than collect sponsorship, but equally, given how fundraising is getting tougher, it’s been good to see that folks are wanting to engage with this issue.” A regional co-ordinator from the Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, which represents around 11 million people, has even moved
into the Greenhouse, and will be staying there until the end of the Durban Conference. Highlighting the issues at stake in the Durban conference is vital in fighting climate change. The virtual journey is important “because all the major political parties have parked the issue. The solutions to climate change
are available, they can help reboot the economy and we in the rich nations need to demand action. Another ‘Copenhagen’ type disaster promises the stuff of nightmares for us all.” For more information on the Greenhouse Trust and the virtual journey visit www. greenhousetrust.co.uk.
Local organisation still fighting climate change Aiming to move society from oil dependence to a resilient local community, Transition Norwich continues to progress, writes Simeon Jackson Transition Norwich, a community-led response to Peak Oil and Climate Change, celebrates three years "in transition" this month by inviting Rob Hopkins, the movement's founder, to speak here in Norwich. In October 2008, over four hundred people gathered in St Andrews Hall for the group's "unleashing", including former
North Norwich MP Ian Gibson. The event was the start of Norwich's engagement in the international Transition movement, which aims to answer the crucial question: "For all those aspects of life that our community needs in order to sustain itself and thrive, how do we significantly increase resilience (to mitigate the effects of Peak Oil) and drastically
reduce carbon emissions (to mitigate the effects of Climate Change)?" A number of theme groups emerged out of the launch event, targeting each of those "aspects of life”: energy and housing, economics and livelihoods, food and farming, transportation and reskilling. Several of these groups have now evolved into practical projects, such as Norwich FarmShare, a community supported agriculture venture which delivers a locally grown vegetable box scheme to subscribers in Norwich. Transition Norwich has continually evolved since its formation. In the beginning, local neighbourhood groups, known as Transition Circles, worked together to focus on personal carbon reduction. However talking together about issues of sustainability spurned on much more ambitious projects. This includes events such as the the Magdalen Street Celebration, a yearly festival with a low carbon theme, which
this year included a diverse range of events from Japenese drumming to storytelling. Other projects have included a blog “This Low Carbon Life”, which is written by multiple contributors, sharing their unique experiences of low carbon living, and the “Low Carbon Cookbook”, a collaboratively written book of low carbon recipes. The Economics and Livelihoods theme group also renewed itself following a
"gripping" presentation on the financial crisis by internationallyrecognised blogger Nicole Foss in March, and are meeting on Wednesday 26th October to discuss the economic development of St Augustine’s Street and the surrounding area. The third birthday celebration with guest speaker Rob Hopkins will take place on Tuesday 15th November at the United Reform Church on Princes Street at 7.30pm.
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facebook.com/ConcreteNewspaper Editor: Sam Tomkinson Email: concrete.competitions@uea.ac.uk @Concrete_UEA
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
COMPETITIONS2
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Competition In a bumper competition week, we also have two tickets to give away for Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, who visit the LCR on Friday 28 October. Doors open at 7.30pm, and special guests will also be in attendance. Tickets for the event are still available, priced at £19 in advance for NUS card holders. To be in with a chance of winning, just complete the easy and intermediate sudokus and bring them to the Concrete office by midday on Friday 28th October. You will be contacted by telephone and email if you have won. Name: Telephone Number: Email address:
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comment p8-10
Editors’ Column
I had not heard of Dan Wheldon before his tragic death, even though he was regarded as one of the best British drivers in the world. His sad demise highlights some very real safety concerns in the Indy Car series, and will draw inevitable comparisons with Formula One. When drivers Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna both tragically died in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, there were immediate calls for safety to be improved. Since then, changes have ensured that no fatalities have occurred in Formula One. The IndyCar Series can learn lessons, particularly when it comes to track design. Most oval tracks in America are lined by a concrete wall, making for very unforgiving high speed crashes. Runoff areas, using gravel and walls of tyres, would allow drivers to decelerate more effectively, without having the momentum of their car stopped so abruptly. The 15 car pile-up that Wheldon was involved in is also indicative of another problem. There are simply too many teams and cars participating relative to the size of the circuit. Either the number of teams must be limited, or the total drivers reduced. To do this will increase competition for spots in teams, but it would mean that only the very best could compete. These two proposed improvements must happen now. Underneath everything, a human being has died, leaving behind a wife and two children. He did not die in war, or of a serious illness. He died in a sport, while entertaining others. This simply cannot be allowed to happen again. Chris Teale
travel p12-13
features p14-17
lifestyle p18-21
international p22
turf p23
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So You Think You Know Handball?
Kris Nelson Sports Correspondent As new sports clubs at UEA go, handball is among the most upand-coming. Traditionally dominated by Scandinavian nations and played outside, it has evolved into a fast-paced, exciting
indoor sport since making its Olympic debut at Munich in 1972. The game is played between two teams, with seven players each. The objective is for the players to put the ball into the goal of the opposing team using their hands. While it is still relatively niche within the UK, the progressive nature of
www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
handball has been reflected in its selection as a legacy sport for London 2012, and the construction of a permanent handball arena in the Olympic Park. UEA Handball is developing at a fast pace. Formed in 2010, the club has plans in motion to advance after an unlucky 49-27 defeat to the University of Essex on Derby Day 2011. The first step towards avenging that defeat will be a beginners’ tournament on 5 November. This will be Handball’s first national tournament and should serve as a great opportunity to give UEA handball players exposure at national level. This will then be followed up by the National University Championships in February, and hopefully the opportunity to take on Essex again in Derby Day 2012.
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the lookout for new members, especially those who have no experience of the sport. Training takes place on Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1.403pm in the Sportspark, and recently a member has taken coaching qualifications to ensure the training provided is of the highest possible standard. With the society echoing the developing nature of the sport itself, it wouldn’t be at all surprising if one of the lasting memories of London 2012 was the discovery of handball to the general public on a national scale. Why not get involved early and play at UEA?
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BUCS results Wednesday 19th October 2011
Badminton Cambridge I UEA Men’s I
3 5
“The handball club at UEA is developing at a fast pace, and has plans in motion to advance after Derby Day defeat”
Football UEA Men’s II LeicesterII
2 1
UEA Women’s I Nottingham Trent II
6 1
Hockey UEA Women’s I Oxford Brookes III
3 1
As a new club, President Thomas Morgan points out that Handball are always on
Netball UEA Women’s I Birmingham III
Rugby UEA Men’s II Northampton I
8 47
UEA Women’s I Nottingham I
10 34
Tennis UEA Men’s I Nottingham III
6 6
UEA Men’s II Northampton I
12 0
43 46
New Zealand secure Rugby World Cup Sports correspondent Billy Sexton sees the All Blacks end 24 years of hurt in the final in Auckland against France
New Zealand ended their 24-year wait to reclaim the Rugby World Cup, edging out France 8-7. The All Blacks had been favourites since the beginning, but France put in a world-
class performance. While New Zealand certainly held the psychological advantage prior to kick off, having already beaten France 37-17 in the pools, they still had to live up to home
expectation. It was a bright start from France, but Tony Woodcock scored the first try in the 14th minute for New Zealand, and from that point on, they never
looked like relinquishing the lead, despite poor kicking from Piri Weepu. However, France did not lose faith and only trailed 5-0 at half time. Stephen Donald slotted a penalty between the posts for a valuable three points for the All Blacks but France responded immediately with a converted try from Thierry Dusautoir, leaving just one point separating the teams. Trinh-Duc had the opportunity to put the French in the lead for the first time, yet his kick went sailing wide and France still trailed. They persisted in attack, but to no avail, and New Zealand held out to become World Champions for a second time. Although France would have been worthy champions, nobody can deny New Zealand this World Cup victory. They hosted a successful tournament and showcased some splendid rugby. They will undoubtedly put up a strong defence of their crown in 2015.
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
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Editors: Matt Scrafton & Chris Teale Email: concrete.sport@hotmail.co..uk
SPORT
Canary Corner Badminton earn last-gasp win by Chris King Plucky Norwich City upset the odds at Anfield, securing a 1-1 draw against a heavily profligate Liverpool. Captain Grant Holt netted his second Premier League goal midway through the second half to cancel out Craig Bellamy’s opener for the hosts. Goalkeeper John Ruddy was the Canaries’ hero, however, excellently denying Luis Suarez late on. Martin Skrtel and Suarez both hit the woodwork in the first half, where City looked far more akin to relegation candidates than a possible surprise package this season. Holt’s bullet header from Anthony Pilkington’s swinging cross, which left Reina in no man’s land, was a perfect vindication of manager Paul Lambert’s strategy of not being overwhelmed by superior opposition, even when under the most severe of pressure. Against Chelsea, earlier in the season, the Canaries were cruelly denied a point against top four opposition, and at Old Trafford they held their own against title favourites Manchester United.
Lying in eighth at this stage of the season may only fail to surprise Lambert, whose inspirational qualities appear to have seamlessly made the transition from the Championship to the “best league in the world.”
“Lambert’s inspirational qualities have easily made the transition from the Championship to Premier League” The fearless Canaries were at their imperious best back at fortress Carrow Road the week before, easily dispatching Swansea City 3-1 thanks to goals from Pilkington and Russell Martin. Danny Graham replied for the Swans, netting the third goal of the game in the 12th minute, but it wasn’t going to hold back the yellow and green tide. Norwich are fast becoming the wise tip to avoid relegation, with teams such as Fulham, Wigan and Wolves having given no indication that they can match the Canaries’ dominance at home, or tenacity on the road.
Chris Teale Sports Editor
UEA Women’s I Oxford I
5 3
UEA opened their new season in Midlands Divison 1A with a tense 5-3 victory over the University of Oxford at the Sportspark in a tie that went down to the final set of the final rubber. After Oxford conceded two of the singles matches due to a lack of players, the tie opened with two doubles matches and a singles match. UEA’s first doubles pair
struggled in their match, and lost in straight sets to Oxford’s second pair, meaning the away side closed the overall score to 2-1. However, convincing straight sets victories in both the singles and remaining doubles match meant that at the halfway point, UEA led 4-1. In the reversal of the ties, the home side unfortunately could not maintain their momentum, and were under a great deal of pressure almost immediately. The doubles match between the second pairs from both universities ended in a highly efficient straight-sets victory for Oxford, and when the final singles match saw another straight-sets
victory for the away side, there were some nerves in the UEA ranks. However, despite the close 4-3 overall margin, the final doubles pairing managed to hold their nerve in the decisive match. Despite losing a close first set 2624, they then managed to level the match with a 21-13 victory in the second set. It all came down to the final set, but the home pair managed to hold their nerve and win the final set 21-15. This victory secured a 5-3 win for UEA, and sees them make a successful start to life in Midlands Division 1A, where they next face Nottingham Trent I away.
Greg Mann
Rampant Lacrosse run riot against Oxford Lewis Dalton Sports Correspondent
UEA Men’s Lacrosse I 12 Oxford Brookes I 1 UEA began the new BUCS season in Midlands Division 2A with a convincing 12-1 win over
Lizzie Margereson
Oxford Brookes at Colney Lane. The game began with an early face-off win for Brookes which turned into a fast counterattack and an extremely scrappy opening goal for the away side. However, the tables soon turned as almost every face-off was won by the quick hands of Ben Dickson and Peter Fitt for UEA. The clear speed advantage the home team
had was evidently a thorn in the side of Brookes. UEA’s equaliser came from a devastating run through the middle of a dazzled defence by Fitt, who drilled the ball into the bottom left corner. From here on, UEA began to rack up the goals with midfielder Ben Dickson and attackers Rob Gale and Will Rothwell all adding to the score. At the end of the first quarter, UEA were 4-1 up, encouraging captain Lewis Dalton to begin sending freshers out, who all played brilliantly in their first competitive match. The next two quarters saw the goal count increase for UEA, resulting in many of the away side’s players being sent to the penalty box for dishing out nasty blows to UEA heads and necks. However, this increase in aggression and pressure left space at the back, meaning Louis Keveran was able to show a good turn of pace and slip through the defence to score. Two more goals
Lizzie Margereson from Fitt, one from Dickson and two from Gale, made the score 10-1 in the final quarter. This quarter saw fresher Alex Watt, a defender who had moved to midfield, score after moving
into a prime shooting position before letting off an unstoppable side-arm shot that had the keeper beaten from the start. With a final goal from Rob Gale, the game ended with UEA as easy victors.
SPORT
Editors: Matt Scrafton & Chris Teale Email: concrete.sport@hotmail.co.uk
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www.concrete-online.co.uk Tuesday 25th October 2011 - Issue 259
UEA Pirates set sail for new horizons Sports Correspondent Charlie Harris previews the new season for the university’s American Football side
Gary Neesam UEA Pirates begin this season on November 6 against Brighton, looking to make a strong start to the season. Last time around the Pirates finished with a record of five wins and three defeats, finishing
third in the BUAFL South-East division. They subsequently qualified for the National Challenge Cup playoffs. Unfortunately, the Pirates were defeated in the first round of the competition in an extremely
tough and hard-fought game, losing 17 – 8 to their openingday opponents this year, Brighton Tsunami. Over 25 players are returning to the side from last year’s team, giving the coaches a solid foundation on which to build a team capable of finishing in the top two, qualifying for the elite playoffs and challenging for Uni-Bowl glory. With a new influx of talented freshers this appears a realistic aim. The coaching staff itself is extremely gifted, boasting a European cup and multiple national leaguewinning coach in its ranks. Pirates Head Coach, Bobby Kerr, agrees that this season could be special for the Pirates: “I’m really looking forward to this year. We’ve put in more work over the off season than ever before, and have come back stronger than any time than I can remember in my last 10 years with the Pirates as a player
and a coach. We’ve got talent at all positions, and hope to have a successful 2011/12 season. Our first game is at home against Brighton. They’re a tough side, and we’re already preparing for them.” Looking at the season’s fixtures, the obvious highlight is the opening day rematch with Brighton, which gives the Pirates a change to avenge not only last year’s playoff defeat but also their loss by a single point in 2009. Other matches to look forward to include a trip to perennial national title challengers, Hertfordshire Hurricanes, and the visit of the Lincoln Colonials, who were defeated 20–13 in a tough battle last season. Anyone interested in getting involved with the UEA Pirates can do so via the website, www. ueapirates.org.uk, or contact President David Murphy at d.murphy1@uea.ac.uk.
Rugby slump to Colney defeat against Leicester Sports Editor Matt Scrafton watches a 29-10 defeat for the home side in difficult conditions at Colney Lane UEA suffered their first defeat of the season as they endured a disappointing reversal at the hands of Leicester in tricky conditions at Colney Lane. Following last week’s 50-12 victory in the opening league game of the season, against Nottingham, UEA were hoping to build on their positive start. However, things did not go to plan, and the home side could not get a grip of the game in an uncharacteristically lethargic display. A deceptively strong wind heavily influenced the outcome of the game, as UEA were penned in their own half for the majority of the first period. Unfortunately for the hosts, the wind died down in the second half. Leicester thus had an advantage that they were only too happy to pounce upon. The UEA forwards dominated the early exchanges in the pack, and both sides traded missed penalties in the opening 15 minutes as kicking proved difficult in the blustery weather. Despite the influence of the UEA forwards, they rarely had the opportunity to wield their dominance in the opposition
half as they slipped further and further back towards their own try-line before half time. And the pressure from Leicester paid off as the first points of the game were finally scored in the corner of the pitch. Despite a missed conversion, more were soon to follow only a few minutes later as another try was bundled home for the visitors. This time, there were no excuses for UEA. A combination of sloppy play in the midfield led to a simple turnover and a number of missed tackles on Leicester’s cumbersome number 8, who waltzed through the
backline to provide a simple hand-off to a colleague, who notched another five points. However, UEA ended the half in a perfect fashion as they scrambled the ball home during the final passage of play, which ended 10-7 to the away side. This should have been a morale boosting moment to change the game, yet UEA’s untidy play continued in the second half as Leicester worked plenty of opportunities, with the hosts seemingly void of urgency or enthusiasm. It was only a matter of time until the Midlands side scored again, and they duly
obliged, scoring two more tries in quick succession. A Leicester player was sin binned for the final 10 minutes of the match, yet this had little impact on the result. Indeed, Leicester scored again in the dying moments of the game after UEA gave away possession once more. The final score line, 29-10, was perhaps a little harsh on the hosts. Leicester stuck to the basics and did them well, while UEA never really forced them into making mistakes, and it was certainly a bad day at the office for the Sky Blues. Lizzie Margereson
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Marco Simoncelli dies in Malaysian MotoGP race Matt Scrafton Sports Editor Italian MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli has been killed after a disastrous crash during a race in Sepang, Malaysia. The race was postponed only two laps in when Simoncelli’s bike swerved across the track into the path of Valentino Rossi and Colin Edwards. The crucial blow came as the 24 year old was then knocked off his bike, and as his flailing body slid across the track, the two riders failed to avoid hitting the Honda rider. Simoncelli was left stricken before being taken to the circuit’s medical centre, where he was announced dead shortly afterwards.
“The incident comes only a week after British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was catastrophically killed following a 15 car pileup at the Las Vegas Speedway” Initially, race officials were looking to restart before the extent of the incident was fully revealed. Fans were seemingly unaware of Simoncelli’s death, as bottles were seen being thrown onto the track in frustration. The fatality is the first in MotoGP since 2003, when Japanese rider Daijiro Katoh died from injuries sustained at his home GP. However, the incident comes only a week after British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was catastrophically killed after a 15 car pile-up at the Las Vegas Speedway. Simoncelli entered MotoGP for the 2010 season, and won his first pole position at Catalunya in June this year. His first podium came in the Czech Republic grand prix in August, when he finished third. The Italian proceeded to go one better with a second-placed finish at the recent Australian GP. He was seen as a star of the future in MotoGP and a potential champion next season. Now, his death means that the sport mourns the premature loss of a hugely talented young rider, and his potential for future glory.
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concretesport
issue259 25october2011
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ueasport
>> Lacrosse match report | p26 >> So You Think You Know Handball? | p25 >> Rugby match report | p27
Inside concretesport this fortnight:
• Chris King analyses a couple of strong displays from Norwich City, while Charlie Harris previews the new UEA Pirates season • Kris Nelson introduces the sport of handball, as Sports Editor Chris Teale documents an excellent performance by UEA Badminton
Football snatch a late victory over Warwick Emma Webb Sports Correspondent
UEA Men’s I Warwick I
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On a bright but cold day, UEA Men’s I were visited by newlypromoted Warwick for what would be their first game in a new division. Chuka Obi was the real star of the show, winning the game for the hosts a few minutes from time. The game began with great energy and enthusiasm from both sides. The first half was goalless but nonetheless active, hosts and visitors alike enjoying good chances. Shots were mostly wide, but the goalkeepers were very much kept on their toes. UEA ‘keeper Kavi Luchowa made a particularly impressive save midway through the first half, preventing the away side taking the lead. Danger then arose when Warwick were awarded a free kick, but it was defended well by UEA and came to nothing. The rest of the opening period was littered with several dubious handball accusations from both sides, all of which went unacknowledged and unpunished by the referee. After repeated fruitless attempts to establish a lead, the initial good structure and dynamism was beginning to diminish by the break. The second half saw the determination return, and UEA came almost painfully close to taking the lead in the first few minutes through an excellent effort from Chuka Obi, a constant thorn in the the visitors’ side.
Lizzie Margereson Warwick followed suit with a similarly narrow near-miss not long after. The defending from both sides picked up drastically after two such close calls, Warwick in particular coming into the game far more in the final twenty minutes.
A substitution was called for UEA, and followed by a last-minute Warwick reshuffle, where team captain Joe Bloomfield was taken out of position and two other players substituted. These late efforts proved in vain however, as
another close call was followed by Obi’s late strike, which won the game for UEA. There were many missed opportunities on both sides, due in large part to good defending and poor fortune rather than a lack of skill, and the performance
given by Warwick in face of their impending defeat in the dying minutes was admirable. It is clear they have much to gain from promotion, but UEA can certainly build on this early season triumph and carve out a strong season for themselves.