Concrete Issue 403

OPINION: Return of the Clap - INTERVIEW: Clive Lewis MP

Rising STI cases amoungst Students

“Every Month is Black History Month”

TV: Gilmore Girls - The Perfect Autumn Show

Tuition Fees Set to Soar by 13.5%

Students could face fees of £10,500 by 2029 under government plans to bolster struggling universities

Jamie Bryson Co-Editor-In-Chief

University tuition fees in England and Wales are set to rise with inflation, reaching up to £10,500 within five years, under new government plans to address the financial woes of the higher education sector.

The move, which would mark the first increase since 2017, has sparked concerns about affordability for students already facing a cost of living crisis.

The new Labour government, having inherited a system described by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson as the “worst of all worlds”, is grappling with the long-term impact of fro-

zen tuition fees. With the current £9,250 fee failing to keep pace with inflation, universities have seen their income steadily eroded, with the current rate worth just over £6,000 in real terms in 2024.

To mitigate the impact on the poorest students, government ministers are considering reintroducing maintenance grants, which were scrapped by the Conservatives in 2016.

These grants (which do not have to be re-paid), previously worth up to £3,500, could offer vital financial support to those from low-income backgrounds.

The proposals, currently under discussion between ministers, would see fees rise by

13.5% over the next five years. Any final decision will require approval from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, with an announcement expected before the government’s spending review in April next year.

Asked to comment on the situation, UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Prof David Maguire told Concrete:

“On 30 September, Universities UK launched their blueprint for change, in its report ‘Opportunity, growth and partnership’. It calls for the UK government to stabilise the sector’s finances and increase direct public funding in England so the cost of University is balanced towards government instead of students. The re-

port will inform discussions with Government. The Secretary of state has also said that she recognises that the value of fees has fallen over recent years which places great pressure on Universities and while there has been no policy announcement from Government on this yet – this is a debate that is long overdue. I’ve said that fees need to be index linked to inflation and of course there should also be support for students less able to pay.”

Rebekah Temple-Fielder, UEA SU Officer for Undergraduate Education reflected:

“In my opinion it is evident that the current funding structure for universities

is not sustainable, however it is a shame to see that the costs to rectify the problems are rumoured to be put onto students as opposed to the government re-evaluating the current structure.”

Nathan Wyatt, Welfare, Community and Diversity Officer at UEA SU adds, “It is a shame that, despite a change in party, the government remains as anti-student as it always has been. It is terrible that students will be forced to bear the burden of these costs. We need a system that isn’t reliant on tuition fees, and we need it now.”

As the government weighs its options, students face the prospect of increased debt ...

(continued on page 4...)

UEA Faces Lowest League Table Results in 18 Years

Anna Johnson News Editor

UEA has received its lowest rating in nearly two decades in two highly regarded UK University League Tables.

Dropping 7 places in The Times rating, putting UEA at 33rd, this is the first time in 14 years UEA has been placed out of the top 30s.

The Times says, “in the Graduate Outcomes survey, which tracks how many students have moved on to highly skilled jobs or postgraduate courses within 15 months of finishing their degree, UEA has fallen two places.

The Complete University Guide also noted a lack of graduate prospects but an increase in student satisfaction putting the rating up from 27th in 2023 to 21st currently. They say the key bonuses of the

UEA are the opportunities available it provides, “UEA will help you develop valuable employability and life skills by offering courses that can be taken with a placement or internship.”

The Times also note a large positive of the University that “placement years, study abroad and foundation years [...] are being added to a range of courses” amidst, “more than ten degrees closing”.

The Guardian place UEA from 27th in 2023 to 45th currently. \

The Guardian rating for the Uni has fallen from 72 to 59 since 2023.

Rebekah Temple-Fielder, UEA SU Officer for Undergraduate Education told Concrete:

“It is unfortunate to see the change of the rankings of The Guardian and Times, which is likely due to the changing criteria for

both, and addition of the People and Planets rankings. However, it is important to highlight areas across both surveys where despite our overall ranking we still scored higher than numerous Russell groups, such as teaching quality and student experience.”

In response to the news, UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Prof David Maguire told Concrete: “We are always pushing for improvement and we’re very proud of the excellent experience, teaching and outcomes we deliver for our students. We understand that there are fluctuations in rankings, weighted on a wide range of measures. Maintaining a strong position in key league tables is an important part of our Strategy 2030.

The University is noted by The Times to be succeeding in other

places. A triple silver rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023) highlighted the university’s “outstanding” physical and virtual learning resources “which are tailored and used effectively to

support teaching and learning.”

You can find out more about the league tables discussed, including about specific subject area ratings, on their respective websites.

Image Credit: UEA

Back To October

October is, without a doubt, the best month of the year. I could list a hundred and one reasons why; most rather cliché and almost all relating to Halloween! Yet, moving past the pumpkins and the ghost stories, I’ve also realised my tendency to look on October as some kind of pinpoint for the year. Even if I’ve forgotten March, August and December, I’ll still always be able to tell you what life was like in October. For this reason, it feels pretty important to get October right, or at the very least, to get it interesting! I’m happy to say that October 2024 is one that I’ll look back on with a great deal of fondness. Whether this is due to the darkening afternoons spent in the library, the coffee shop hunting in the Norwich lanes or my total absorption in my folk horror dissertation (fitting I know...), it’s been quite a beautiful time.

That being said, October can also be a bit of a strange month for finding a balance. Astrologically, we’ve just passed the Autumn Equinox, a point in the year where day and night are of equal length. This means that, whilst adjusting to the start of the academic year, our bodies are also acclimatising to a completely different natural world. So don’t be too hard on yourself if you haven’t got the balance quite right just yet and I’ll try to practice what I preach!

Taking a slight detour back into September, I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came to our ‘Open House’ event! For those who know the paper well, this was the first year in over a decade that Concrete has departed from our usual ‘Big Meet’. You can imagine Jamie and I’s relief when we got to see so many of you there and how excited you

all were to get involved! It was also a wonderful way to show off our new office and to open up the Concrete Archives as a way of learning about all who came before us!

We’ve also had a lovely time getting to know the new team. Their endlessly creative takes on such a broad range of topics, as well as their ability to work to tight deadlines makes me so incredibly proud to be a UEA student, as well as a member of Concrete. Adjusting to the paper’s schedule, laying up articles and working as such a large team can take a bit of getting used to and I have to say that they’re doing it brilliantly!

So what does Concrete have in store for you this time? With it being Black History Month we have a range of superb articles including Daisy Lester’s piece on Mary Seacole and Dame Elizabeth Nneka

New Seasons, New Perspectives...

I turned 26 earlier this month.

Yes, I am (technically) a ‘mature’ student. Much like Fiona describes, I also find October to be somewhat of a reflective month. For me, this most likely stems from the prospect of being another year older. It may also have to do with the progression of the natural season - something I admit I tend to struggle with. As we slip into winter, many of us will feel somewhat of a ‘lul’ in our day-to-day mood and focus. Others may struggle with physical or mental disabilities affected by changing climate conditions.

However we face the winter, remember we’re all only human, regardless of the many useful apps, exercise regimes, or other comforting habits we might utilise to support our mental and physical well-being. We can only do our best…we can

only do so many extra hours in the library as the skies darken and the single-glazed windows of the individual study rooms struggle to keep out the cold.

My greatest sympathies this winter, however, lie with anyone and everyone at UEA affected by the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. As several articles in this month’s issue showcase, many of our student’s lives and livelihoods are deeply and often painfully touched by a conflict that may seem merely a distant news item for others.

My thanks go out to Ali Sabba and Mark Etkind for their thoughtful and honest discussions on the very human side of the effects of war in this issue (see Global p12 and Opinion p15), as well as to Naa Yarley Yartey and Grace Mcgonigal for researching and writing their

Middle East-focused pieces with such care, consideration, and respect for all of those involved.

Furthermore, the perspectives and personal experiences of and around Black History Month highlighted in the following pages are extremely valuable to receive. Hearing direct and open discussions from the likes of Clive Lewis MP, our Global Editor Naa (again!), and others is a testament to the willingness of individuals here to champion the value of lived experiences in developing measured and meaningful conversations around deeply human issues.

Lastly, and certainly not least, I’ve been really touched by many of the creative explorations of identity and lived experience expressed in this month’s Venue, our arts and culture supplement. Pieces like these remind me that,

Anionwu in the Science section, as well as Naa Yarley Yartey and Mar Devonport’s insightful feature interview with MP Clive Lewis on his views on Black History Month itself.

Unsurprisingly we also have an array of Halloween themed pieces! Tania Casali’s ‘Haunting Locations to Explore This Halloween’ within her Travel section column and Polly Dye’s ‘Dressing Hot for Halloween: A Guide to the Best Costumes of 2024’ in Fashion make for some brilliant seasonal reading!

So Happy October! And if you see any ghostly editors or ghoulish writers stalking campus- we haven’t actually gone mad (yet)- we’re just having a spooky scavenger hunt!

Fiona Hill Co-Editor-In-Chief Insta:

@fionaconcrete_uea

no matter how automated or digitalised our generation becomes, the power of the pen is never weakened in its impact when describing the intricate emotions of often overlooked individuals among a busy crowd.

Overall, this issue has been a real pleasure to Edit; our Section Editors have settled into their roles so well, and many new, unique, creative, and knowledgeable members have written for us. I find myself learning so much from these words and voices. It reminds me that one of the best parts of the broader university experience is listening to and sharing experiences with a wide range of people from numerous places and perspectives. I hope readers will get a sense of this across the following pages.

Photo Credit: Libby Hargreaves

Students Amongst “primary target for fraudsters” according to Action Fraud

Milla Cartwright Deputy News Editor

Students are at a high risk of being scammed, according to NatWest. They report that over one-third of students were targeted by criminals in the last year. With student loans coming in, autumn-time is especially lucrative for fraud attempts. Scams are getting more elaborate and convincing, even able to replicate the hotline numbers of banks. In 2023, young people in Norfolk were scammed out of a reported £845k.

ActionFraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has recently announced their Student Safety campaign, which they hope will help prevent more students from being scammed. Their Deputy Director has said that “young people can be a primary target for fraudsters,” and their campaign hopes to alert students to the “top frauds to look out for.”

Cybercriminals often use malware or phishing scams, through which they gain access to private information and even bank details. Other attempts can involve fake investments schemes, job fraud, or a major issue amongst students: rental fraud. This can involve a landlord requesting upfront payment to arrange a flat viewing, often due to them living abroad. Once they get the money, they disappear. Online shopping-related fraud is another concern, with fake tickets or non-existent products being advertised.

ActionFraud warns that scams can take place anywhere online, including “banking, browsing, shopping, dating, gaming, or sharing content on social media.” They are warning students to keep their passwords and software updated, as well as to install anti-virus software. They also suggest checking social media privacy settings to know what is out there for anyone to discover.

Students are being advised to be sceptical if they are contacted unexpectedly with a too-goodto-be-true offer. Especially when being asked to take action immediately. The Head of NatWest Student Accounts has said: “It is really important that students remain vigilant and are on their guard when they receive an unexpected text message, email or phone call asking for personal details.” Overall, remain vigilant when giving out information, whether over the phone or online.

For students that have lost money or shared personal information due to fraud, it is recommended that they contact their bank immediately. Students can also report fraudulent activity to ActionFraud, which can advise students of their next steps. Additionally, the Student Life Finance team has resources available to students that have been victims of scams or are struggling financially.

New Tipping Laws for the Worker

Hannah Foley

New tipping laws have come into force from October 1st, ensuring workers receive the tips that they earn.

This new legislation will impact many students, with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to be a huge issue, and over half working alongside their studies. This will primarily benefit those working in the hospitality industry, but does extend across all industries.

A tip or gratuity is payment from a customer as thanks for good service. Some businesses choose to add a service charge, which is a voluntary or compulsory amount added to a customer’s bill.

The newly introduced law requires that employers pass all tips, gratuities, and service charges on to workers, without deductions. It also states these must be shared amongst employees in a fair and transparent way, as well as have a written policy about these tips and keep records of them.

Previously, an employer was entitled to do with tips however they saw fit, and could retain some or all tips staff made and take deductions where they deemed appropriate.

However, from today, if an employer breaks this law and retains tips, a worker is entitled to bring a claim to an employment tribunal - this is the judicial body that deals with workplace justice, primarily resolving disputes between workers and employees.

A UEA student who worked as a waiter within a Norwich restaurant for over a year, told Concrete that “the restaurant would share cash tips evenly but retained those made via card payment.”

They noticed “there are lots of businesses that have a gratuity option on their card machines but have been keeping tips, so the law will definitely be useful for those employed there.”

scammed, according to NatWest.

Unio Enforces Disposable Cup Levy for Sustainability

Fiona Hill Co-Editor-In-Chief

With UEA aiming to reach Net Zero by 2045, the need to make mindful decisions in regards to avoidable waste is as pressing as ever. Unio is no exception in their commitment to the universities’ pledge to ‘support students and staff to make greener choices’, with their introduction of a cup charge on disposable cups. Unio has informed Concrete that,:

They report that over one-third of students were targeted by criminals in the last year. With student loans coming in, autumn-time is especially lucrative for fraud attempts. Scams are getting more elaborate and convincing, even able to replicate the hotline numbers of banks. In 2023, young people in Norfolk were scammed out of a reported £845k.

“In the last two weeks of May 2024, 10,800 disposable cups were used in Unio, equating to 162,000 disposable cups just in UEA term times per yearthat’s rubbish!”

ActionFraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has recently announced their Student Safety campaign, which they hope will help prevent more students from being scammed. Their Deputy Director has said that “young people can be a primary target for fraudsters,” and their campaign hopes to alert students to the “top frauds to look out for.”

Those tips can be easily tracked and owners will need to give them to workers.

The student did however have concerns over smaller establishments, like the restaurant they previously worked at, with models of card machine that do not have a gratuity option when paying.

Customers instead pay the amount that they want to tip combined with the amount on their bill, for example, on a bill for £51.45, they may ask to round it up to £55. Tips are much harder to track under this circumstance, and would be a lengthy process to prove by checking through all bills and receipts.

Regardless, the new tipping laws are taking steps to protect workers and ensure they get the tips they earn, which will be a reassurance for many students and employees alike.

In order to counteract the scale of waste, from August onwards, a 30p levy has been placed upon all disposable cups, with the ability to waive this charge only being possible if students and staff bring a reusable cup. Unio acknowledges the difficulties that may arise in asking the student body to bring their own cups and so has provided an alternative for those who may forget. They state:

“Remembering to bring your reusable cup might be tricky but, if you do forget, we want to help you become more sustainable by introducing Huskup; a reusable hot drink cup made from rice husks (not plastic), sold at cost.”

Huskup is sold in a variety of colours and designs at Unio for £5.70, with customers being able to claim their first hot drink free of cost.

Cybercriminals often use malware or phishing scams, through which they gain access to private information and even bank details. Other attempts can involve fake investments schemes, job fraud, or a major issue amongst students: rental fraud. This can involve a landlord requesting upfront payment to arrange a flat viewing, often due to them living abroad. Once they get the money, they disappear. Online shopping-related fraud is another concern, with fake tickets or non-existent products being advertised.

ActionFraud warns that scams can take place anywhere online, including “banking, browsing, shopping, dating, gaming, or sharing content

Although this practice is being utilised by students and staff already, Unio is keen to spread the word and encourage those who are unaware of the levy to not only save money, but to help make the UEA campus a more environmental place through the aid of those who live and work here.

With 7 million coffee cups thrown away each day in the UK alone, it is a small step towards a more kinder, more sustainable future.

... continued: Tuition Fees Set to Soar by 13.5% Rising Concerns Over Student Nursing Crisis

and uncertainty about the future of their education. The reintroduction of maintenance grants may offer some relief, but the long-term sustainability of the higher education sector hinges on finding a solution that balances the needs of students, universities, and the public purse.

Regarding UEA’s current financial situation, VC Maguire told Concrete:

“The initial picture shows that in our recruitment this year we have been as successful as last year across many

areas and have held our own against very strong competition from highly selective universities in a very competitive round.

“As expected and in line with the position across the sector, we have seen a significant reduction in international students at Masters’ level due to changes in visa requirements and costs.

“Although the final picture will evolve, it appears that we will need

to control expenditure carefully in the next academic year in order to meet our projected financial plan. We will keep all in our community – including our students – updated as plans progress.”

If you or anyone you know has any concerns or questions about your personal finances, you can access advice via The Student Information Zone (SIZ) in The Street AdviceSU online or in person at the SU offices (top floor of The Hive).

UK Govt Invests £22 Billion in Carbon Sequestration and Blue Hydrogen

Jaz Brook Environmental Correspondent

The UK Government has released plans this week, following the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station, for a £22 billion carbon capture and storage industry.

Prime Minister Kier Starmer claims this investment will fund a shift towards clean growth and that “clean energy is a golden opportunity for our country”.

The “carbon capture cluster” extending from North Chester to Merseyside will feature a blue hydrogen production plant and will capture and store carbon from the area, piping it under the sea.

Carbon sequestration (or capture and storage) removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it in underground geological storage. This has significant benefits such as reducing the impacts of CO2 on human health, creating jobs and economic prosperity and mitigating the harmful effects of global warming such as extreme weather and wildfires. There are some drawbacks, from the

“blue hydrogen production plant will capture and store carbon from the area, piping it under the sea ”

time and money needed to create effective technology and infrastructure, to countries and industries using carbon sequestration to “greenwash” their harmful impacts on the environment. Blue hydrogen production is increasingly controversial

natural gas (consisting mainly of methane, carbon and hydrogen) and CO2 and methane are major byproducts.

Campaign groups such as High Not say that the production of blue hydrogen “commits us to using twice as much fossil fuels well into the future”.

Energy Scientist Robert W. Howarth’s work on blue-hydrogen suggests it is not a “low-emission”, clean energy alternative as “the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen is more than 20% greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat.”

Despite significant criticism over these plans, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband argues that rather than “burning unabated gas”, “if we’re going to carry on using gas, we’re going to capture the carbon [and] not emit it into the atmosphere”.

Although many argue that natural gas and abated fossil fuels are an important first step towards Net Zero by 2050, Mark Radka, head of the UN Environment Programme’s Energy, Climate, and Technology Branch, states that natural gas isn’t necessarily a “clean” alternative as

“methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, about 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide measured over a 20-year period, so any emissions undermine its credentials as a better fossil fuel.”

“the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen is more than 20% greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat”

Radka argues that gases “special role in the energy transition is as a backup to a renewable-based power system because gas boilers can be turned on almost instantly”, but “there’s a lot of research and deployment of energy storage technologies so this role for gas will diminish.”

And in addition to this, “the rapid decrease in the cost of solar, wind and other renewable energy technologies makes these an even better alternative than gas in more and more locations.”

Milla Cartwright Deputy News Editor

Nursing course applications have dropped for a third year in a row, according to the latest findings of the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). In the last admissions period, the latest trends show that most subjects have seen an increase in student applications. Despite that, nursing courses have seen a 10% fall in applications over the last year, and a 26% fall in the last two years.

The UEA’s Nursing Society was asked to comment on the recruitment crisis, to which they have responded: “We would probably just say how much of a shame it is, a lot of the media is really off-putting for potential students - the pay isn’t great but it’s such an amazing career that can take you anywhere. A lot of people feel like it’s a lot of work for not a lot of pay off. But it is so worth it!!”

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has shared its concern with this trend, stating that this could lead to “a direct threat to the sustainability of the NHS and patient safety.” They urged for immediate action to address nursing recruitment trends. Voicing their concerns of the healthcare system being left “dangerously understaffed and unable to meet the growing demands of patients.”

A failure to invest in nursing has been pushing the limits of nurses and the NHS, dissuading some from applying for nursing programmes. At the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, England’s former chief nursing officer said that there could have been an additional 5000 nurses working during the pandemic, had the nursing bursary fund not been scrapped in 2015.

The RCN has called for increased funding towards nursing student tuition fees, a loan forgiveness scheme for NHS nurses, as well as a reintroduction of universal living maintenance grants. The hopes are to incentivise registered nurses to remain in the public health system on a long-term basis and attract a wider pool of candidates towards nursing programmes.

However, the NHS trusts are currently cutting costs and there is a shortage of job vacancies, offering a “demoralising” job search for newly qualified nurses. Additionally, the nursing unions recently voted on the government’s pay rise offer of 5.5%, which was rejected in England. The nurses’ union stated the English nurses’ pay fell far more than the pay rise would cover. This came just days after junior doctors voted for a deal that would ensure their pay rise by 22% over the course of two years.

NUA Students Create “Magical and Emotional”Ffilms to save Elm Hill

Anna Johnson News Editor

NUA students are creating short films to save Elm Hill shops while also exploring the emotional impact the historic street has on our city.

Vafa Bagheri and Lauren Charles, Norwich University of the Arts students are creating “poetic documentaries” to support Em Hill shops as they have a decline in sales.

Vafa, the Producer and Creative Director of the project, said “we have travelled to the local sides of the shops but also the magical and emotional layers of them.”

They want to explore the “emotional relationship between the shopkeepers and the shops but also to the community as well.”

Vafa met Richard Eagleton, chairman of the Friends of Elm Hill, who asked him if he could create a series of short films about the shops in the street.

The Friends of Elm Hill aim “to enhance and promote the environment and heritage of Elm Hill and encourage a vibrant street by promoting businesses and encouraging visitors” due to the 16th century street struggling to stay afloat.

eos as a “way for me to give back to the community.”

Lauren, the editor, also explained the project to be “important” to show the history of the street. Elm Hill is known as one of the country’s most well-preserved medieval streets, with it even being the set for some Hollywood films.

“They want to explore the emotional relationship between the shopkeepers and the shops”

But for Vafa the project was more personal, “as an international student from Iran… the first time that I went on a walking tour to get to know Norwich well was on Elm Hill, and that was the first place in Norwich that I felt safe”, after that “Norwich for me was like a warm hug.” He wanted to create the vid -

Within the films, both students wanted to create an identity for Elm Hill with particular colour palettes and “graphics that will present Elm Hill”.

Vafa mentions, “you are going to hear about their emotional connection to the Hill.”

As students, these films have been a great experience for those involved to learn more about filmmaking. For Lauren, she has “never done anything like this professionally” but loves editing and wants to continue it for her future.

However, the process was not perfect . “We have moments

that we panic”, Lauren worries, and asks, “are we going to do Elm Hill justice?” But they say, “its normal

“Are we going to do Elm Hill justice?”

to doubt yourself” and if you “want to go into film

Union Council Report : Slow but

Jamie Bryson Co-Editor-In-Chief

Described by the SU as the “highest democratic decision-making body” within the organisation, Union Council (UC) meetings are held monthly as a platform for elected students to “debate and decide” on proposals for the SU to “support, change or do.”

Student representatives from a range of Clubs and Societies (known as Councillors) can propose changes or initiatives through formal motions. These motions can cover many topics, from supporting national campaigns, promoting sustainability within the union’s facilities, and altering the union’s operational structure. Each motion is debated by the council and put to a vote. If a motion passes, it becomes union policy, and the councillor who proposed it collaborates with the union to implement the change.

In order for motions to be de-

bated, all meetings must have 40 voting members present - this is known as ‘meeting quoracy’.

In recent years, UC has faced substantial criticism over its general structure and operations, as well as some isolated incidents between elected representatives. One former Councillor, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed to Concrete last semester, “It’s a complete joke. It’s just one massive clique, dominated by a few highly political individuals who just want to get their way and who, on occasion, have been really quite rude and dismissive of others’ views and opinions.”

Reflecting on this perception, Campaigns and Democracy Officer, Chris Kershaw, comments: “Union Council has seen some really rocky years recently, with lots of demands being placed on Union Reps, Union Chairs, and wider members of our community that are dipping their toe in the Democratic process for the first time. Democracy can be uncomfortable, but not so much so that members of our community feel they can’t engage with it. One of the things that I

making, just go for it.”

The films themselves will be screened in Cinema City over the next few months but the pair say for any updates check their social media.

For the extended interview with Lauren and Vafa visit Concrete’s social media pages. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

steady start?

hope to achieve this year is to detoxify these institutions; the Democracy Review aims to do this by opening the process to the wider student body and providing more points for people to get involved in the democratic process.”

The Democracy Review

A general review of the democratic roles, procedures, and objectives of the SU has been in development since 2019, having been interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a blog post on ueasu.org in August, Chris explained: “The Democracy Review has been stripped of its jargon, made easily understandable for students of any discipline, and had the kinks and ‘issues’ sorted out. On top of this, the boring behind-the-scenes stuff has all been sorted and updated, with the SU team ready to go if the changes are passed by Union Council. With this goal in mind, I’ll also be launching a “New Democracy” campaign in the first term.” October’s UC, held on Thursday 17th, was brief and uneventful, as no motions were on the agenda. Led by former Deputy Chair Ali Sabba, the meeting

was primarily a ‘tick box’ procedure to elect new members of the Democratic Procedures Committee (DPC), a new Deputy Chair and Chair.

Four new DPC members were elected: Samantha Lewkowicz (Jewish Society), Sam Calenti (Conservative Association), Cody Butler (Conservative Association/ModelUN) and Thomas Cornish (multiple societies). Former Chair Chanel Munroe was elected Deputy Chair. Two candidates applied to run for Chair, but neither were present at the meeting.

Commenting on the meeting, Cody Butler told Concrete: “It was nice to see a quick and efficient Union Council meeting, although unfortunately not long enough for the usual free pizza – not very demure! As a UC representative, I would like to see more discussions around transparency and motions that address more locally oriented issues.”

The next UC meeting will be held on Thursday 7th November from 5pm in Lecture Theatre 3.

Features

My Mum’s ‘Mumentous’ Atlantic Row

Mar Devonport Features Editor

In December, Viv Barclay is going to row 3000 miles across the Atlantic. At 59, she will not only become the 30th woman to cross solo but will become the oldest woman to complete the challenge.

Whenever anyone hears of this challenge, the first thing anyone will say is: “You’re mad!” and as someone who has known this woman for as long as I’ve been alive, I can’t think of anything more fitting for her to do. As the title might indicate, this record-breaking row is going to be completed by my Mum.

For the past 3 years, I have had a front row seat to the ins and outs of this challenge, watching in awe at the strength it takes to just get to the start line. From the stresses of finding sponsors, to the excitement of getting the boat, to the calmness felt on the water; it’s been an intense time to say the least!

But, before I discuss where she is now, let me guide you through how she got here.

In 2015 ‘The Yorkshire Rows’, a team of 4 middle-aged women, broke the world-record being the oldest female team of four to complete the ‘World’s Toughest Row’.

While the feat was inspiring in itself, what truly made my Mum believe she could follow in their footsteps, was their ordinariness. They were not former Olympians or former military; they were middle-aged mums just like her. However, it was not the right time. Not only was she

having to raise me by herself, but she also had to look after my grandma whose health was deteriorating rapidly due to Alzheimer’s disease. My Mum’s menopause symptoms also meant that the family demands on her were increasing at a time when she felt her least capable.

Menopause is something that is barely discussed, especially within a university setting, but it affects us all. While arguably only half the population will experience menopause, the people that struggle though it are our mothers, our partners and our siblings.

It is an experience that not only causes the typical hot flushes, but it causes brain fog, insomnia, and in some instances suicidal thoughts. While some of the symptoms might seem manageable or something trivial that we have all experienced, these symptoms lead to real consequences. Women often leave their jobs or their marriages, are sometimes misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression, and some unfortunately take their own lives.

Despite all of this, as of 2021, 41% of UK universities do not have menopause as a compulsory part of education, leaving half the population in pain or discomfort because doctors themselves do not know how to deal with it.

This speaks to a larger issue of women over50 systemically being disregarded and it is because of this that my Mum chose to row the Atlantic for menopause. Something no woman, and no man, has ever done.

While I could discuss aspects of the row,

such as food and sleep and what the toilet facilities are, which are important I will admit, the reason I won’t is because the race hasn’t started yet. And despite the physical and mental demands of the row, what many find to be the most challenging aspect of the race is getting to the start. The main issue is sponsorship. With a large amount to raise and only so many willing businesses, there are days when it feels like the challenge can’t go ahead.

This is where she is now, just months away from the start date, and the fear that the row might not happen this year weighs heavily on her.

But everything changes once she’s out on the water. All the anxiety built up over the past three years, all the disappointments with sponsorship and all the negativity surrounding her attempt, it all simply fades away. When things are as hectic as they have been, while easily forgotten, at the end of the day, my mum loves rowing! And with each oar stroke, she will be inspiring women to accept that age is no measure of importance.

If you would like to follow my Mum’s story, check out her website here: https://www.mumentous.com/

The Consequences of Privatisation; Are the Government Promises Realistic?

Meg Thubron Features Senior Writer

As we head into the colder months, there will be an increased demand for public services including buses, trains and water. Our dependence on these services has left many wondering, what will the future of these services look like?

Since Margaret Thatcher privatised these public services in the 1980s, the effectiveness of these services has noticeably decreased and it is widely thought that the companies that maintain them, do not have the country’s best interest at heart. Instead, the shareholders of these companies are prioritised, which has led to companies monopolizing on rising bills to support their investors. In so doing, there has been a lack of reinvestment and is perhaps the reason why performance has been on a continuous decline.

Labour’s Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh, has stated that the privatisation of the bus service has

meant that operators have been allowed to pick and choose routes and services that prioritises profitability as opposed to its passengers. Labour has pledged to remove the ban of publicly owned bus companies and has since extended the £2 bus fare cap until December. The move would mean that all local transport authorities would be eligible to run their own bus services.

For train services, Labour have come up with various transformations in the aim of creating a secure and more reliable service for passengers to use. The government has said that a new public body, Great British Railways, will inherit the existing contracts when they expire and take responsibility for running services. It will oversee the rail system across England, Wales and Scotland and continue to lease rolling stock (train carriages) from companies. The first operator contracts to be renationalised could be Greater Anglia and West Midlands in September 2026. In addition, the government has promised a “best fare guarantee” which will ensure people are always paying the lowest fare for their journey.

The Conservatives have responded, questioning where Labour will get the funding for these improvements. On the surface, the plans seem as though public transport will become cheaper, but the Tories have hinted that, yet again, the taxpayers will be targeted to subsidise.

The privatisation of the water system across the country is believed to be an absolute disaster in some places. With investments down by 15% since it was first privatised, water companies have totally disregarded the correct disposal of foul water in recent years, which has led to the pumping of sewage into rivers. Not only does it risk wildlife and human health, but earlier this year, it led to an infectious parasite which broke out in Devon. Southwest Water, as a consequence, was forced to hand out bottled water to mile-long queues of frustrated residents.

The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has stated that nationalising would cost “billions of pounds” and would not solve the sewage crisis. The government are deciding if they need to put failing water companies into what Reed

calls “special administration” and the minister has since been gathering investors in the hope of propping up failing companies. However, for now, the problem remains unsolved, with companies failing after finding themselves in vast amounts of debt.

It is clear that the Labour government have been left to pick up the pieces of a failed privatisation under the Conservative government. Along with the predicament of trying to meet in the middle of protecting both the households and waterways or shareholders, Labours most fundamental issue will be how they fund this task. The nationalisation of the rail and bus network is set to cost billions, but for the first time in years, it could be that those using the services will be prioritised.

One in Ten Knife Crime Offenses in Norfolk Committed by Under 18’s

Emily Pitt-Shaw

Between March 2023 and March 2024, knife crime has reportedly increased by 4% in England and Wales, whilst similar offenses in Norfolk have risen by 8.4% in the same time span, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Knife crime, which encompasses the illegal possession of an offensive weapon or knife, threatening with an offensive weapon or knife, and injuring or fatally wounding someone with such a possession, is increasingly common amongst young people in the region.

The Ben Kinsella Trust – a charity set up in 2008 following the fatal and unprovoked stabbing of then 16-year-old Ben Kinsella – reports that, as of February 2024, ‘82% of homicides among teenage victims [in England] involve the use of a knife or sharp instrument’.

But it’s not just the victims of such crime that are concerningly young. Figures from Norfolk Constabulary show that, out of the 18 offenses involving zombie knives in Norfolk between January and September 2024, a third were committed by under 18-year-olds. Zombie knives and machetes were first banned in 2016 by the then Conservative government in an attempt to reduce youth knife crime. However, a loophole in this law was not corrected until September 2024, meaning that many weapons had avoided such regulations in the 8 years between.

In 2021, Callum – a then local to Norwich and ex-student from the city – experienced this loophole firsthand. Whilst exiting The Waterfront on King Street after a night out, he was confronted by a group of teenagers, one of which wielded a blade so big that he “couldn’t believe he had pockets deep enough to hold the knife”. Although fortunately fleeing the encounter and returning safely home, Callum, now 27, recalls that “I’ve walked through some rough cities… [and] never worried about it, and then it happens to you in Norwich, of all places”.

Norfolk was once described in 2016 by Supt. Dave Buckley as ‘not common place’ for young people to carry knives. But with overall

knife crimes increasing from 269 offenses in 2016 to 522 offenses in 2023, this once secure county is becoming worryingly unsafe.

It is clear that teenagers and young adults continue to be disproportionately affected by knife crime as both victims and perpetrators.

According to data from the Ministry of Justice, of the 154 first-time knife crime offenders processed through the criminal justice system in Norfolk in the year ending September 2023, 29 were children.

Perhaps more shockingly, out of the total 226 knife crime offenses seen by courts in Norfolk so far in 2024, more than 1 in 10 offenders have been under the age of 18.

This comes after two boys, aged 13 and 14, were arrested in connection to the stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Sprowston, Norwich, as recently as Sunday, October 6. Whilst the victim has since been discharged by Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, the incident is yet another in the spate of youth knife crime that has swept the nation and region.

With such shocking statistics, students and parents are left asking why more preventative measures are not being taken to avoid the indoctrination of minors into gang related knife crime. “Unfortunately, it’s never the people who should be prosecuted that get done”, says Ollie, who was held up at knife point on his way to a party in 2017 by someone he “would have considered a friend”. He explained that he believes it’s “often the young people who fear the people they ‘work’ for” that wield the knives and suffer as a result.

However, such knife related violence in Norfolk, although recently increasing, is not new. In January 2022, 18-year-old Joe Dix was fatally stabbed by three teenagers after becoming involved in a County Lines operation where he was ‘criminally exploited by some unscrupulous men’. Although a minimum of 20 years was handed to each of the three defendants, his parents have stated since that they “have been served their own life sentence” as a result of their son’s unprovoked and unfair death. Emma and Phil Dix have since

established The Joe Dix Foundation, which aims to educate people on the dangers of Child Criminal Exploitation and knife crime in the UK.

So what can be done to stay safe and remain aware in light of recent and increasing knife crime in Norfolk?

Trusts and charities, like that of the Joe Dix Foundation, focus on preventative measures within local communities by promoting awareness, talks, leaflets and websites, among both children and adults. Essential bleed bag kits have been distributed throughout Norfolk for public use, and those that feel most at risk are encouraged to seek help from the foundation or similar trusts for guidance and advice.

If you or someone you know has been affected by knife crime, there are resources available and more information listed below. As The Joe Dix Foundation site states, ‘No one should suffer a loss from a knife crime’.

The Joe Dix Foundation - joedixfoundation.co.uk

Norfolk & Suffolk Victim Carensvictimcare.org

Fearless - 0800 555 111

Labour Government’s Honeymoon Period Ends Before the Autumn Budget

Features Editor

As we approach the 30th October, there have been many speculations over what the new budget might bring. How these might affect students and the rest of the population is still unclear, but what is clear is the level of satisfaction with the new government is only decreasing.

Historically, the budget is announced just over a month after the new government comes in. But, the 3-month period between the election and the 30th October has meant the UK is restless to know more. The King’s speech gave the public an idea over what this Labour government’s priorities are, yet the negative rhetoric over the ‘£22 billion blackhole’ and the negative press over Winter Fuel Payments, has left a bitter taste in the mouth. To make matters worse, public opinion has changed; many now believe this government to be ‘sleazy’ after the ‘freebies scandal’, which marks an official end to the honeymoon period.

So, what will this new budget bring? The short answer is, we don’t know. And because of this, much has been speculated and many even believe this new government might have to break a few of the promises made during the election campaign. However, of what has been speculated, there are parts of the budget that could impact students, both positively and negatively.

Firstly, the capping of tax relief. While this might seem irrelevant for students, who do not have to pay tax, many of us have ISA accounts. Currently you can add £20,000 annually, but there is talk that the new government might reduce a cap on how much you can add to reduce the £5 billion tax revenue that has been lost. While this could dissuade people from opening an ISA account, seeing as many who have at least one of these accounts do not maximise the use of them, this might be a smart decision on the government’s part.

Labour are also planning on introducing a 10-year plan for an industrial strategy. While something that won’t affect students directly, the proposed National Wealth Fund (NWF) will invest in key net zero industries and hopefully provide green jobs. The government have suggested that the NWF will unlock £20 billion in private investment, which will not only strengthen the economy, but hopefully allow Britian to lead the way in greener energy and infrastructure.

However, one of the major impacts on students could be the rise in tuition fees. While this has been speculated in other parts of the paper, to keep in line with inflation, universities are calling for higher tuition fees and more government funding. With Labour’s pledge to “break down barriers to opportunity”, the government is stuck between making university more accessible or improving the overall teaching and experience.

While we won’t know what the 30th October will bring, what we do know, is that every new government has teething problems, and how much time it takes for things to improve is unknown. So, while the new budget might bring even more problems

The Founding Of UEA: A Radical Idea Home of the Wonderful

Valentina Vinciarelli

Many will be surprised to find out that the foundations of the University of East Anglia are not made simply of concrete, but of paper, ink, and radical ideas. More specifically, of letters upon letters, of meetings upon meetings, of proposals, appeals, decisions, and revisions.

On the 19th of April, 1960, a letter was sent from the University Grants Commission- the advisory committee for the distribution of grant funding amongst British universities- to town clerk Gordon Greenway Tilley. It read: “We have been authorised by the Government to enter into discussions with your University Promotion Board with a view to the establishment of the proposed University College of East Anglia at Norwich.”

This letter ended up becoming the one of the most important assets to UEA’s history. Not only does it testify to the origins of UEA, but also to the radical nature of such origins. Indeed, as recounted by Michael Sanderson in his book The History of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, Gordon Tilsley immediately telephoned the UGC in order to refute the term “University College” after he received the letter. The name was too inextricably bound to its Victorian definition of a college undergoing the transition into university. Despite all the initial anxieties and tensions, it was most important to clarify one thing: if

UEA was to be instituted, it had to be granted independence and excellence from the very start.

Three years later, in the form of a prefabricated Village located opposite Earlham Park, UEA was officially inaugurated by the chairman of the UGC, Sir Keith Murray. Then, following the arrival of the first students on the 7th of October 1963, UEA finally began delivering its curriculum through progressivist methods of teaching.

Instead of the traditional Oxbridge system of lectures and tutorials, UEA employed and installed a system of seminars and coursework. So far, the traditional methods had created educational environments which were extremely hierarchical, with the lecturer being at the apex to impart knowledge down onto the students at the base.

In a way that seems radical at the time, seminars created environments of participation, collaboration and egalitarianism. The students were no longer to remain silent and passive but were instead encouraged to seek their own learnings through active debate and interaction.

As if seminars weren’t already shocking enough for the 1960s, UEA’s Vice-Chancellor Frank Thistlethwaite decided to build the university’s departments around the practice of multidisciplinary faculties and schools. Informed by his own scholarly experiences of moving between and combining the disciplines of History, English, and Economics, Thistlethwaite wished his students to embark on educational journeys which would be just as exciting and novel.

Except for the School of Chemistry, the other Schools at UEA were officially declared to be multidisciplinary. This meant that students within one School could attend a broad and stimulating array of subjects. To bring a most famous example, a student from the School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing could (and to this day

still can) select modules from any of those three disciplines.

In 1967, the opportunity to combine subjects across Schools was made possible, with UEA’s multidisciplinary ideals developing further still into the interdisciplinary. Not only had UEA opened up trades between sister disciplines, but it also opened up trades between similar and dissimilar Schools. This was truly a most radical and unprecedented event in the British history of curricular diversification.

Like many who “do different,” UEA’s forward-thinking attitudes were not exactly met with universal acceptance. On the contrary, teaching and student bodies both internal and external were quick to criticise, belittle, and vilify UEA’s interdisciplinary and seminar-based education. They believed it responsible for the deterioration of the staff-student ratio, for high costs in faculty time, and for its own graduates’ academic inexcellence.

Today UEA is known as the “Home of the Wonderful,” -of those who amaze, who stun, who upturn expectations. It is the home of all those who are brave enough to reject the educational patterns of hierarchy, conformity, and exclusivity. It is the home of those who speak their minds, who listen, who change opinion, who work hard. Of those who make their own excellence.

Green Initiatives at UEA

Khushi Samtani HOTW Editor

Sustainable Energy Solutions

A fundamental aspect of UEA’s sustainability efforts is its emphasis on incorporating sustainable energy solutions into all campus buildings. The university has made large investments in energy-efficient heating systems and solar panels, among other renewable energy sources. For example, solar photovoltaic panels, which use renewable solar energy, are installed in many university buildings and help lower the campus’s carbon footprint. To further reduce its impact on the environment, UEA uses sophisticated energy management systems to optimise energy usage. In addition to helping the university achieve its environmental objectives, these actions provide a real-world example of how sustainable technologies can be applied successfully in large-scale environments.

Student-Led Environmental Organisations

Environmental change is largely driven by student involvement, and UEA is home to a number of vibrant student-led organisations that are committed to sustainability. The UEA Sustainability Society is essential to promoting and putting green practices into action on campus. This group plans a range of activities and events, including awareness campaigns, sustainability workshops, and clean-up days on campus. They actively work on projects like enhancing recycling programs and promoting sustainable transportation options, so their initiatives go beyond simply spreading awareness. By these initiatives, the UEA Sustainability Society cultivates an environmental consciousness and gives students the tools they need to make their campus greener.

Green Growers Initiative and Community Garden Projects

Apart from student associations, practical endeavours such as the UEA Green Growers project demonstrate UEA’s dedication to sustainability. With a focus on community gardening and urban agriculture, this program gives students the chance to participate in sustainable food production. On campus, the community garden serves as a centre of learning for students interested in organic gardening, composting, and regional food systems. Students who take part in these projects contribute to a greener campus environment while also learning useful skills. The garden’s produce is frequently used in university dining facilities, which encourages the use of sustainable food practices.

Green Flag Award for Environmental Sustainability

UEA has been officially awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award in recognition of their commitment to environmental sustainability. This recognition is a result of the university’s all-encompassing strategy for preserving and enhancing its environmental performance. The honour recognises UEA’s work in areas such as energy efficiency, waste management, and green space preservation. Receiving this award is a testament to the university’s dedication to building a sustainable campus community and sets an example for other organisations looking to improve their green credentials.

Photo Credits:Maggie Read/Concrete

Black History Month At UEA

Khushi Samtani HOTW Editor

Black History Month is a significant time to honour the diverse contributions and histories of Black communities around the world. It serves as an important reminder of the struggles and victories that have shaped society. The University of East Anglia (UEA)’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is especially strong this month, as the campus community comes together to recognise and honour these important narratives. This article will look at the various events and initiatives taking place at UEA to commemorate Black History Month, emphasising student involvement, encouraging academic discussions, and addressing broader themes of race, identity, and inclusivity.

Black History Month at UEA includes a variety of activities that motivate students to reflect on and celebrate Black culture, history, and identity. The following are some key events scheduled for October that aim to promote cultural appreciation, discussion, and community engagement.

Sip, Paint, & Celebrate:

BAME Art Afternoon

Date: 16th October, 3 PM - 5 PM

Location: Blue Bar, Union House This creative afternoon encourages

students to immerse themselves in art while honouring BAME culture. The event offers an informal, relaxed atmosphere in which participants can paint while enjoying refreshments. It’s more than just a casual art session; it promotes meaningful conversations about identity and culture while encouraging self-expression through creativity. Whether participants are seasoned artists or simply there for the experience, the event emphasises the power of art as a tool for cultural appreciation and dialogue. Participants may come together through shared creative endeavours to reflect on the richness of their BAME heritage in a supportive, collaborative setting.

Simone Biles RISING:

Documentary Screening

Date: 18th October, 6 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Bookable Room 6, The Hive

This powerful documentary screening delves into the life and career of Simone Biles, one among the world’s most successful athletes. Biles’ story, as an iconic figure in sports and a trailblazer for Black women, goes above gymnastics to explore themes of dedication, identity, and endurance in the face of adversity. The documentary is not only a tribute to her accomplishments, but also a source of motivation for students. It raises awareness about Black athletes’ broader contributions to sports and society, recognising their ongoing influence

UEA SU Society of the Month:

in breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes.

Busy Being Black | Live Podcast Recording & Film Screening

Date: 24th October, 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Location: Bookable Room 6, Union House

This engaging event combines the production of the Busy Being Black podcast with a film screening, providing a thorough exploration of contemporary Black identity and culture. The podcast, which addresses issues of race, queer identity, and intersectionality, provides a forum for open and honest discussion. Students will be able to witness the podcast live, followed by a screening that delves deeper into related issues. The event’s dynamic nature encourages participants to take part in critical discussions about race and identity, resulting in a better understanding of how these conversations shape the modern world.

African Food Stall Date/s: Check SU page for schedule!

Location: The Hive, Union House

Throughout the month, everyone can enjoy traditional African cuisine at The Hive’s African Food Stall. This initiative provides more than just a culinary experience; it offers students the rich flavours and diverse cuisines of various African regions. The food stall becomes a cultural bridge, providing an environment for students to explore African

traditions through food while also encouraging interactions and cultural exchange. By providing a space for students to gather over shared meals, the stall promotes a sense of community and a way to show appreciation for African heritage.

The University of East Anglia demonstrates its solid dedication to inclusivity by providing significant funding and resources for Black History Month events. From promoting student-led initiatives to partnering with external speakers, UEA ensures that the celebration is spread across campus. The institution also tackles systemic issues through ongoing initiatives such as diversity workshops, anti-racism training, and the Inclusive Education Framework, which aims to integrate inclusivity into teaching practices. UEA broadens its reach by collaborating with local organisations and schools to engage the broader community in discussions about race, identity, and the importance of celebrating Black history all year long.

Celebrating Black History Month at UEA is critical to fostering understanding, openness, and pride among the university community. It fosters meaningful dialogue about race and identity while honouring Black people’s contributions throughout history. As students and staff, we are urged to take an active role in the events, reflect on our own identities, and have these important conversations. While October brings these issues to the forefront, discussions about race and inclusivity are important all year, reinforcing UEA’s determination to promote diversity and establishing a more inclusive academic environment.

Credits 1 and 3: Unsplash 2: Wikimedia Commons

UEA SU Club of the Month:

Taylor Swift Society Ice Hockey and Figure Skating

‘Their 24/25 committee truly set the stage with a dazzling presence at the Societies Fair, complete with gold helium balloons, free bracelets, and stickers for those who followed them on Instagram. Their confession board even caught the eye of BBC News, landing their co-president Tom on national TV! The excitement ytranslated into almost 300 new followers on Instagram. With companies lining up for collaborations [...], Taylor Swift Society is making Waves across UEA.’ -UEA SU

‘We’re proud to honour the club for their incredible strength and compassion during a difficult time. The club faced the heart breaking and unexpected loss of a beloved member of both the Ice Hockey and Surf, Ollie, just before the start of term. The committe responded with remarkable care, ensuring the entire UEA+ Sport community was informed and supported, while maintaining open communication with Ollie’s family.’ -UEA SU

Photo

Home of the Wonderful

Sculpting Time: The Artistic Journey of UEA’s Campus Landmarks

Khushi Samtani HOTW Editor

Taking a walk through the University of East Anglia (UEA) campus, you’ll notice that it’s not only the striking architecture that captures your attention. Bold, thought-provoking sculptures are abound on campus, each with its own distinct presence.

These works of art, from Antony Gormley’s abstract ‘Amphibia’ to the towering Ziggurats, are more than just decorative; they represent history, identity, and intellectual exploration. But what do they mean? Are they symbols of the UEA’s forward-thinking spirit, or do they represent deeper philosophical ideas? This article explores a timeline of the origins, symbolism, and expressive vision of some of UEA’s prominent sculptures, revealing the stories hidden within their stone, metal, and clay forms.

The sculptures at UEA are more than just a visual treat; they are intricately linked to the university’s heritage and transforming identity. Since its inception in 1963, UEA has been committed to creating an environment in which art, architecture, and nature can coexist amiably. The campus, known for its modernist architecture, particularly Denys Lasdun’s icon-

ic Ziggurats, embodies this ethos through the placement of public art throughout its green spaces and courtyards. Over the years, the university developed a collection of sculptures that reinforce and confront its architectural surroundings.

Let’s traverse through a timeline of how these sculptures may have made their way to UEA, and provide some insight into the artistic vision and historical context behind some of the campus’ most prominent pieces:

1960s: The Brutalist Influence

During the early years of UEA’s development, the modernist, brutalist style predominated, reflecting postwar architectural trends in Britain. Sculptures from this period most likely expressed the principles of strength and permanence. The Ziggurat sculpture, for example, stands tall, embodying these ideals. This concrete installation, built in the late 1960s, demonstrates the stark, functional aesthetic of brutalist architecture, representing endurance in the face of time and the persistence of academic life.

1970s: Modernism and Abstraction

As UEA matured, the emphasis on art shifted to abstraction, which was a growing movement in the 1970s. ‘Amphibia’ by Antony Gormley, an iconic sculpture from this era, exemplifies the artist’s distinct style of encompassing the human form in abstract, minimalist ways. Installed in the 1970s, the sculpture would have reflected the university’s forward-thinking spirit by providing a setting for students and faculty to reflect on humanity’s relationship to the academic and natural environments.

1980s: Engagement with Nature

The 1980s saw a growing emphasis on nature and ecological consciousness, which UEA, with its sprawling campus and greenery, effortlessly embraced. Sculptures nearby the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, such as organic and fluid forms made of materials such as wood or bronze, could symbolise the relationship between humanity, art, and nature. These works may also represent a shift towards a more harmonious relationship between UEA’s academic pursuits and the natural world.

1990s-2000s: Artistic Expansion

and Contemporary Installations

As the University of East Anglia’s reputation grew, more contemporary sculptures were commissioned in the late twentieth century. These pieces may reflect the evolving academic landscape and the university’s embrace of more global, diverse viewpoints. Works from this period may be more experimental in form, combining technology and contemporary components such as glass or stainless steel to comment on the fast-changing world of research, science, and innovation at UEA.

2010s-Present: A New Generation of Sculptural Meaning

In recent years, UEA has likely maintained its commitment to integrating art and academic life, possibly commissioning works that address current global issues such as climate change, social justice, or digital transformation. These newer installations may prompt the viewer to consider contemporary dilemmas, encouraging critical thinking in accordance with UEA’s progressive academic philosophy. An example of this is “Echoes of Tomorrow” (2018) by Sarah Hartman.

The sculptures at UEA are far more than simply decorative pieces; they reflect the university’s changing identity, artistic vision, and engagement with current issues. From the brutalist-inspired Ziggurat sculpture of the 1960s, built of solid concrete to represent endurance and power, to the abstract forms of Antony Gormley’s Amphibia, UEA’s public art has always reflected the spirit of the times. The materials utilised, whether durable stone and steel from the modernist era or more organic wood and bronze from later nature-themed works, demonstrate the university’s dedication to balancing human development and environmental consciousness. Recent installations, such as Echoes of Tomorrow, exemplify UEA’s forward-thinking approach, addressing global issues like climate change while encouraging critical reflection.

Concrete Archive: 30/10/2002

Fiona Hill Co-Editor-In-Chief

Through my journeying deep within the Concrete Archives, I’ve always been quick to spot the October issues. Bold, pumpkin-clad and teeming with promises of ‘the best Halloween ever!’, they have a tendency to stand out. Unfortunately for myself, it would seem rather strange if I were to wax lyrical about ghost stories in mid-August, so you can imagine my delight when this month rolled around I was able to get into the good stuff!

Starting with the main event, Concrete presents to us a double-page spread on all things October 31st. Covering everything from LCR ‘devil’ attire to adding grapes in cocktails to look like ‘eyes’, they really have encapsulated the spooky spirit in a way that isn’t too distant from the

atmosphere on campus today. The upbeat tone of the article, as well as the colourful, if not slightly arbitrary photos of witches, conceals all manner of strange advice. A particularly alarming suggestion can be found in the instructions as to how to make dry ice. ‘Why not create a steaming cauldron’ they ask. I would like to think that I could give them quite a few reasons why that wouldn’t be such a good idea. Hopefully, their pitch was unconvincing. That’s not to say that every idea is completely ill-advised. It is worth noting that whilst they advocate trick or treating as a method of obtaining food for the week, they also counsel against ‘resort[ing] to violence in an attempt to score one extra digestive biccie from that old dear who lives next door’.

Not to be completely dominated by the autumn amusements, Concrete maintains its journalistic credibility by

reporting on all the most pressing campus news, namely Andrew Motion’s fancy for Lempsip. Motion, then poet laureate and professor of creative writing at UEA, claimed that ‘Lemsip helps to inspire him by making him feel slightly unwell’. The article is peculiar in both tone and context, leaving the reader undecided on whether they should be amused or concerned. Student Suzie Johnson’s method of gaining inspiration by closing her eyes and putting on some music seems very reasonable in comparison...

Although daily lemsip was seemingly deemed plausible in 2002, Concrete takes a different tone in addressing binge drinking on campus. Placed in the ‘In Depth’ section of the paper, the article is a truly successful, nuanced analysis of student relationships with alcohol. It is a difficult read, covering tragedies spanning

campuses across the UK. ‘Alcohol’ they state, ‘plays a part in 50% of fights, 75% of stabbings and 70% of murders (2002 figures)’. However, by understanding the important social aspects of alcohol in universities, the piece avoids becoming overly patronising, with their final claim that ‘After all, you deserve a drink’.

Despite some rather alarming headlines, the 143rd issue of Concrete manages to provide a pretty commendable balance between the thoughtful and the absurd. This ability to be playful and feature ‘fun’ articles is undoubtedly a common theme across the October issues and something that I hope that we can provide for you in our 403rd issue! So, Happy Halloween- and if you ever need some inspiration for a 90s/Y2K costume, come and check out our archives!

Issue 143: 30th October 2002

Editor: Katie Hind

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Puzzles

Aarohi Deshmukh Puzzles Editor

Auntie G’s Horoscopes

Kasey Campbell

Anne Glia

ARIES

I feel your extra-curricular activities will keep you busy this month, Aries. Sitting in the SU bar does not count towards “research” for your “social experiment” if you’re holding a Snakebite.

TAURUS

You’ll be “fashionably late” to things this month, Taurus. Turning up at 10:45 to a 10am with a coffee is just demure and mindful –no one needs to see you before caffeine, right?

GEMINI

Your well-meaning plans to start your summative assignments will crash and burn this month, Gemini. I can’t blame you, though, there’s so much on Netflix right now.

CANCER

You’re going to get so much reading done this month, Cancer. It’ll just be after a nap – I mean, balance, right?

LEO

You know what’s funny, Leo? You, when you walk into the wrong lecture theatre this week. Just relax, it’s fine – you’re totally a politics student, right?

VIRGO

The outside will call to you this month, Virgo. I suggest a coffee in the Square. Then like, maybe get on with some work or something, you know?

LIBRA

For you, Libra, a warning this month comes. That essay deadline? Do not underestimate the speed with which it will approach. They hit you when you are least prepared.

SCORPIO

The OneDrive autosave button race will be one you lose this month, Scorpio. Beware the 10% battery reminder.

SAGITTARIUS

I predict your duvet to be stronger than your willpower, Sagittarius. You know you have to pay for those extra SportsPark classes if you don’t attend, right?

CAPRICORN

I’m sensing a troublesome group project this month, Capricorn. How are your conflict management skills? Don’t fear, I predict great success (and passive aggressive group texts) in your future.

AQUARIUS

You will turn to the stars for guidance a lot this month, Aquarius. Particularly when someone asks for your lecture notes, and you haven’t made any.

PISCES

I predict a run in with the squirrels this month, Pisces. Keep an eye out.

For more Anne Glia (our Agony Aunt) advice, go to Lifestyle on page 18!

Word Search x Cinema Society

Ginger Snaps Halloween Hereditary Insidious Jennifer's Body

Krampus Midsommar Pearl Saw Scream Sinister Sleepaway Camp Smile Split Suspiria

Thank you to Cinema Society for sharing your horror film recs!

Mini Crossword

Global

A Year Later, Students Confront the Legacy of October 7

Naa Yarley Yartey Global Editor

As the one-year anniversary of the October 7 terror attack on Israel approaches, memories of that harrowing day remain vivid for many. The unprecedented attack by Hamas – a group described as terrorists by the UK government – saw an estimated 1,200 Israelis killed and 251 people taken hostage. It’s understood that 97 of these hostages remain in captivity.

In the days that followed, the Israeli state began a devastating counteroffensive in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza estimates at least 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives as a result.

In the months since, the violence has reverberated far beyond Israel and Palestine, touching millions of lives and fuelling fierce debates across the globe.

Images of destroyed homes, grieving families, and unrelenting bombings continue to dominate the headlines, while the deeper causes of the conflict—occupation, blockade, terrorism, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza—remained unresolved. As tensions simmer, airstrikes and rocket fire continue. In the West Bank (an Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory), Israeli settler violence has spiked, adding another volatile layer to the conflict. For those living far from the violence, the anniversary is a moment to reflect not just on the lives lost but on the enduring complexities that have kept peace elusive.

On university campuses like ours, where global events spark passionate debate, October 7 has left its own mark. As students navigate the political and personal implications of the conflict, many are confronting the weight of their own identities and histories. To better understand how this conflict has shaped campus discourse, I sat down with two students particularly close to the conflict: Ali Sabba, Vice President of the Palestine Solidarity Society, and Mark Etkind, Vice President of the Jewish Society. Their stories reflect the emotional toll this conflict continues to take—far from the battlefields of Gaza and Israel, but no less deeply felt.

For Ali, the past year has been marked by anxiety, grief, and a sense of helplessness. “We might be far from the physical battlefields, but the emotional toll is staggering.” Like many Arab students, Ali’s connection to the conflict is deeply personal. Watching from afar as Gaza endured yet another round of bombings, he has struggled to cope with the constant fear for the Palestinian people.

“Every time a helicopter flies over, we flinch. Our hearts race. It might seem irrational to someone who isn’t connected to the situation, but for us, those sounds trigger trauma.”

The psychological toll has been immense. “Mentally, we are not okay,” Ali confessed, describing the strain of trying to focus on schoolwork while worrying about the escalating violence in Gaza. His words reveal a stark truth: for many Arab students, the conflict isn’t just a political debate—it’s a lived reality that shadows their daily lives. “We’re not just angry; we’re traumatised,” he remarked. “This isn’t just a political issue for us, it’s personal. It’s about our families, our homes, our futures.”

Ali’s frustration extends beyond the emotional toll. He is disillusioned with what he sees as the performative nature of international solidarity, particularly in how the crisis in Gaza is covered by the media, feeling that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is reduced to numbers and soundbites, making it easier to ignore the human toll of life in Gaza. For Ali, real solidarity means more than social media posts. “It requires sustained, meaningful action,” he explained, pushing for tangible change through protests, policy advocacy, and public pressure. Ali also spoke of challenges the Palestine solidarity society had faced, including an instance where, after months of trying, the society managed to secure a meeting with the Vice Chancellor that was abruptly cancelled, as well as the unwillingness of the university

“Images of destroyed homes, grieving families, and unrelenting bombings continue to dominate the headlines”

to speak up on students who had been assaulted for wearing pro-Palestinian memorobilia.

Mark Etkind has faced his own challenges as a Jewish student navigating the aftermath of October 7, expressing, “Everyone was quite shocked because nobody saw it coming...It’s been a very turbulent time”. “Most Jewish people I know have family in Israel,” he explained. “There’s always this fear that something could happen to them.” For many Jewish students, including Mark, the attack was a chilling reminder of the vulnerability their community has long felt. “Every Jewish person has their own complicated relationship with Israel” he acknowledges, adding “being Jewish isn’t just about Israel,

but this conflict makes it a big talking point”. Mark also acknowledged that the conflict has exposed some divisions within Jewish communities, particularly between Zionist and non-Zionist Jews (Cambridge Dictionary defines a Zionist as “someone who belongs to or supports a political movement that had as its original aim the creation of a country for Jewish people, and that now supports the state of Israel”). Yet, within the Jewish Society (JSOC) at the university, Mark and his peers have worked to foster an inclusive environment. “We’ve made it clear: JSOC isn’t a Zionist or anti-Zionist society. We’re here to support Jewish students, whatever their political beliefs.”

Even so, navigating the delicate terrain of identity and politics has been fraught. Mark recalled how the society had planned to hold a memorial for the victims of the October 7 attack but ultimately decided against it, fearing it might spark backlash. “We wanted to commemorate the lives lost, but we were worried it would be too contentious on campus,” he said. “This was very upsetting for us all – we wanted to commorate people who were killed and support our members”, Mark adds, also highlighting how “issues of rising antisemitism” has made some Jewish students feel unsafe on camus over the past year.

Both Mark and Ali are keenly aware of how the conflict has reshaped their respective communities, not just globally but here at university, with Ali adding how their have also been divisions within the Arab student community, particularly around the best way to advocate for Palestinian rights. “Solidarity isn’t always comfortable,” he noted, “but it’s necessary.” As the anniversary of October 7 approached, both Ali and Mark reflected on a conflict that offers no easy answers and no foreseeable resolution. For Ali, the weight of the past year has been unbearable at times, “We’re just trying to survive day by day holding onto the hope that someday, somehow, the violence will stop” but also emphasised it was important for Palestinians to be seen as more than victims of violence: “ activism isn’t just about standing against violence; it’s about standing for humanity, for peace, and for the right to exist without fear.” Mark echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the persistent fear that has gripped his community. “We just want our students, our members, to feel safe.”

One year later, the violence of October 7 continues to shape the lives of students on campus. For Ali and Mark, the conflict is not just a political issue—it is a deeply personal struggle. And as they navigate the intersection of activism, identity, and trauma, one thing remains clear: for all the differences that divide them, there is a sharedhope for their communities to heal.

A Step-by-Step Guide for American Students Voting Abroad

Mckenna Anderson

If you’re an American student worried about casting your vote abroad, don’t be. The registration process, though lengthy, is incredibly important and can be easy to navigate. Though each state does it differently, as an Illinoisian, the regular registration process is pretty easy. You can register online, prove state residency, and wait for your registration card. When I moved to Pennsylvania, there were a few more steps, like party declaration, and providing a signature. Some states also require voter I.D., like Indiana. But, for Americans abroad there is one more hurdle to jump, registering to vote overseas through the Federal Post Card Application, or FPCA.

Locating the FPCA application was not difficult. Search for your local election official’s website, find information on absentee voting, which leads to directions for voting overseas. From there, you should be prompted to apply for the FPCA. Depending on your home state and county, this can be harder than anticipated, as some county’s election information pages can be a maze. This is especially true if you’re in a state like Mississippi or South Carolina, who notoriously make registration or voting information inaccessible.

Filling out the application was essentially the same as regular voter registration, but adding your new overseas address. You then print, sign, scan and send it back to your election officials. Some states, like Arkansas, will only allow you to mail back your FPCA application, so allow time for that as well. In many states the deadline for FPCA submission is October, but some states accept applications into November as well. States like Nevada will say their FPCA registration deadline is on election day which is unhelpful in planning when you should actually submit to give your ballot enough time to arrive. It’s also important to make sure you’re differentiating between “postmarked by” and “received by” dates, as this can change when you need to send back your application, and ballot. Always refer to the FPCA website or your home county’s election information if you’re ever unsure about key deadlines.

Then, it’s the waiting game to receive your ballot. I received my digital copy not long after my FPCA submission, but depending on ballot format, or your county’s absentee voter population, this varies. Then, the most important part. Print your ballot if needed, choose your candidates and send it back to your election officials. Again, make sure to check if there is a specific date that you need your ballot postmarked, or mailed back by. For most states, it must be postmarked no later than November 5th, but most election official’s websites will give recommended mailing dates to get your ballot in by election day.

As a first time voter, this can be a very intimidating process. But this is no excuse. You’re voting for the political climate you’ll return home to, so your vote matters incredibly to your home country, state, county and city. Fulfilling your civic duty no matter where you are is such an important aspect of American democracy, and this process, though overwhelming, is incredibly rewarding.

The Relationship Between Lebanon, Israel & Iran

Grace Mcgonigal

To understand October 7th is to understand the wider complications within the region. While Hamas, as a Shia Muslim group, have implied support from countries like the UAE, Jordan, Saudi, etc. Hezbollah, being Sunni (co-religionist with the Iranian regime), is deemed unpopular. The Saudi Arabian PM, Mohammed bin Salman, essentially forced the Lebanese PM to resign over his anger towards Hezbollah’s participation in the Lebanese government. The Shia in Lebanon, Saudi, Bahrain and to some extent Iraq, are often marginalised and impoverished, even seen by Sunni Muslims as almost heretics. This leaves the Gulf unsure of how to respond to the recent escalation. They don’t like Iran or Hezbollah, and equally, they are troubled by Israel’s mounting attacks. Though Hezbollah wasn’t always unpopular, there was a moment during the civil war when the Druze (a syncretic, Abrahamic religious group) had an alliance with them, as well as a few Christian groups. They are seen as a major player in resistance to Israel, as Israel occupied Southern Lebanon from the early 80’s until 2000. Hezbollah was seen as the group that drove Israel out, much more than the Lebanese military. That popularity has now largely diminished, with The Arab Barometer, a group which carries out opinion surveys in most Arab countries, seeing that only “12 percent of citizens feel closest to Hezbollah”.

There are two key elements in regards to the past 12 months, firstly Hezbollah firing missiles into Northern Israel, their reasoning being a call for a ceasefire in Gaza. The second reason is their importance to the US and its allies in regards to de-escalation, for fear of a wider regional conflict. There has been increasing effort from both Antony Blinken and Joe Biden to not draw Iran in, Hezbollah’s big backer. Despite this effort, there are many people in the Israeli government, like Gallant, who felt the focus should’ve never been on Hamas but always on Hezbollah. The stated Israeli aim militarily in Gaza was to destroy Hamas, in Lebanon, it was to create the conditions for the displaced Northern Israelis to return. The sudden focus on Lebanon is a tacit admission that the war aims in Gaza have not yet been met. Ultimately Deif, who masterminded the October 7th attack, is still alive.

Israel has had much more military success in Lebanon, eliminating Nasrallah, Shukr, Aqil and Wahbi – key Hezbollah figures. This success, alongside Hezbollah’s weak response, has restored Israeli confidence in its intelligence agencies after October 7th.

Despite both sides’ perceptions of ‘success’, civilians bear the brunt of this escalation. If both Israel and Hezbollah continue seeing rocket fire as a ‘response’, rather than an attack, regional tension will continue rising. There is little re-

gard for the lives of the civilians; Nasrallah was hiding underneath an apartment block, which subsequently was bombed in order to take him out, killing 33 and wounding 195. While an obvious point, this is a tactical success for the military but it is not a solution to Israel’s standing in the Middle East, not politically, nor does it deal with the internal problems within Israeli politics. It doesn’t deal with the settlers along the West Bank, not to mention the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel is in an extremely fragile situation in regard to their perception globally, and while the attack was successful from a military perspective, it doesn’t answer the long-term questions for the region.

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Ukraine War: A New Phase of Global Impact

Jamie BrysonCo-Editor in Chief

The conflict in Ukraine has entered a new phase, marked by a shift in military tactics, territorial disputes, and strategies.

Ukrainian and Russian forces have adapted their tactics over recent months, leading to a more unpredictable battlefield. Ukrainian forces, bolstered by Western military aid, have launched counteroffensives, some within Russian territory, aimed at reclaiming occupied territories. Russia, in response, has focused on fortifying its defensive positions and employing drone warfare and long-range missiles to target Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian centres.

The United States and NATO allies have played a crucial role in this new phase of the conflict. Their continued military assistance, including the provision

of advanced weaponry and intelligence sharing, has enabled Ukraine to sustain its resistance and counteroffensive operations. However, this support has also heightened tensions with Russia, raising concerns about potential escalation.

Conversely, Russia faces significant setbacks on the battlefield and has adapted its strategy accordingly. It has intensified its missile attacks on populated Ukrainian cities, aiming to demoralise the population and cripple critical infrastructure. Furthermore, Russia has sought to strengthen its alliances with countries like Iran and North Korea, as evidenced by the increased supply of Iranian-made drones. These developments pose significant challenges for Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts.

To make matters worse, the humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains

dire. The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Access to essential services, such as healthcare and education, continues to be severely disrupted. The situation is particularly critical in occupied territories, where reports of human rights abuses are vast.

Looking ahead, the future of the conflict remains uncertain. As both sides adapt to the new phase of the war, the potential for a protracted and bloody stalemate between the two states looms large. Much of the international community - deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict - continues to call for a negotiated peace settlement. However, with neither side willing to back down, the prospects for peace remain elusive.

The war in Ukraine has entered a new

and dangerous phase. Both sides’ evolving tactics, territorial disputes, and military strategies have created a complex and volatile situation. A continued involvement of Western allies and Russia’s adapting strategy with Iran and North Korea further complicate the conflict. First and foremost, the dire humanitarian crisis on the ground demands urgent international attention. As the war drags on, the potential for global ramifications grows, underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution.

Opinion

The Hidden Fear: How Arab Students Are Coping

With the War on Palestine

Ali Sabba UEASU- International Officer

Content Warning – Contains discussions of suicide, mental health conditions and violence.

The situation in Lebanon and Palestine has reached a terrifying and heartbreaking point. It’s all over the news; bombings, casualties, and threats of more violence to come. The facts and figures are available for everyone to see, but what you don’t hear as much about is how this conflict is impacting the Arab diaspora. We may be far from the physical battlefields, but the emotional toll is staggering.

We, Arab students, are living in a constant state of fear, anxiety, and helplessness. It’s hard to describe the feeling that hangs over us every day. It’s not just about watching the news and being horrified at what we see. It’s something deeper, something that sinks into your bones and affects every part of your life.

Here on campus, every time a helicopter flies over, we flinch. We tense up, our hearts start racing, and we feel an overwhelming sense of dread. It might seem irrational to someone who isn’t connected to the situation, but for us, those sounds trigger memories, trauma, and fears we’ve grown up with. It’s like the violence we’ve seen in videos and heard about from our families has followed us here, even though we’re thousands of miles away. This constant state of hyper-awareness and fear isn’t something we can just shake off.

Mentally, we are not okay. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are rampant among many of us. These are not just labels; they describe our experiences right now. Many of us have completely lost our sense of mental stability. Our minds are constantly racing, and it feels like we’re living in two worlds: the one we’re physically in, where we attend classes, try to focus on assignments, and act like life is going on as normal; and the one where our families and people are suffering, where war is a daily reality.

Personally, I’ve reached a breaking point. Just this week, I’ve been to A&E three times because I couldn’t cope. I even had the crisis team come to my house af-

ter a suicide attempt. That’s how deeply this conflict is affecting us. The weight of helplessness, of watching our people suffer while being unable to do anything, is suffocating. It feels like we’re screaming into the void, and no one is hearing us.

We’re trying to keep up with our studies, but how can we focus when we’re constantly worried about our families and friends back home? How do we write essays or prepare for seminars when we feel like our world is crumbling? It’s impossible to switch off this fear, this grief. We’re not just upset or angry, we’re traumatized. Every day we wake up wondering what new horrors we’ll have to witness, and that fear follows us into every corner of our lives.

What we really want is peace. We want the war, the bombings, the terror to stop. But it’s hard to even imagine peace anymore. Does peace exist, or is it just a dream we keep clinging to in the hope that one day things will change? We don’t know. Right now, it feels like that dream is slipping further and further away.

The longer this ethnic cleansing and occupation continues, the more distant the idea of peace seems. As Arab students, we’re living this conflict emotionally and mentally every single day. We don’t just see it in the news; we feel it in our hearts and minds. The fear, the anxiety, the trauma, it’s all-consuming. We can’t handle it anymore. We’re just trying to survive day by day, holding onto the hope that someday, somehow, the violence will stop.

This isn’t just a political issue for us, it’s personal. It’s about our families, our homes, and our futures. We’re scared, we’re broken, and we’re desperate for something to change. Until then, we’ll keep living in this limbo, hoping that the world will finally see our pain and understand that we just want to live in peace. But right now, peace feels like a dream that’s getting harder and harder to hold onto.

If you or anyone you know have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can seek campus-based help via Student Services and AdviceSU.

All UEA SU Officers write in a guest capacity. Any views expressed are that of the individual and do not necessarily reflect those of Concrete or UEA SU.

More Than a Month: Why Black History Needs a Permanent Space at UEA

Naa Yarley Yartey

As a Black British student at UEA, Black History Month serves as more than just an opportunity for celebration—it’s a call to reclaim the stories, voices, and legacies that are too often neglected on predominantly white campuses.

For me, my identity as both British and Ghanaian informs my perspective on what it means to be Black in a university setting where history feels incomplete and representation is scarce.

Being Ghanaian connects me to a rich cultural heritage, but being Black British means navigating a system that often overlooks or simplifies that history. Here at UEA, the absence of Black stories within the curriculum and campus life reminds me of how crucial it is to not only create space for those histories but to reclaim them actively. Black history is not a sidebar—it is integral to understanding the full scope of human experience, and yet, it remains marginalised. Reclaiming Black history on campus is about confronting that marginalisation and insisting that our stories matter, that they belong in academic discussions and cultural dialogues alike.

Walking into lectures and seeing predominantly white faces can be alienating. The feeling of being “the only one” in a classroom makes you hyper-aware of your identity, and there’s an unspoken pressure to perform perfectly. This experience is not unique to UEA but is exacerbated by the campus’s lack of diversity. While the university is making strides in fostering inclusivity, this alienation is still a reality for many Black students.

UEA has taken steps to promote diversity, with initiatives like the Decolonise UEA initiative and the Black Humanities Project, which provide students of colour with platforms to explore and celebrate their histories.

As a participant in the Black Humanities Project, I’ve seen how these

efforts challenge dominant Eurocentric perspectives. This project isn’t just about academic enrichment—it’s about empowerment. It reminds us that Black students deserve to see themselves reflected in their studies, their Professors, and their university’s culture.

The Black Humanities Project, which emerged from the Decolonise LDC group, addresses the degree-awarding gap between white students and students of colour. This gap is more than just a statistical disparity; it’s symptomatic of deeper issues within higher education. By pushing for a more diverse curriculum and empowering younger students from ethnically diverse backgrounds, we’re saying that Black students should never feel like outsiders in these spaces.

However, while these initiatives are commendable, the day-to-day reality of being a Black student at UEA is still challenging. Even with schemes like the Student of Colour Ambassador program, which aims to close the degree gap and foster a sense of community, the experience of walking into lectures and seeing mostly white faces is still isolating. The lack of representation within academic settings reinforces the sense that Black students are exceptions, not the norm.

The African stalls and cultural showcases held this month are wonderful celebrations of Black creativity, but they should be more than fleeting moments of recognition. The cultural showcase at the Waterfront, featuring artists like Isamya, Taf Royale, and H@wi, highlights Black talent and contributions. Yet, it begs the question: what happens when the month ends? When the stalls are packed away, will our stories remain visible?

Reclaiming Black history means ensuring that Black stories and voices are heard year-round. It means pushing for a curriculum that integrates Black experiences, not as an afterthought but as a central part of academic life. It’s about ensuring that Black students feel seen, valued, and empowered—not just in October but throughout their entire university experience.

Return of the Clap –Rising STI Cases Amongst Students

Young people, aged 15 to 24, are most likely to be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the UK. According to the UK government, approximately 400 young people are diagnosed with an STI each day. The sexual health charity, Brook, has said their data trends show “a concerning reliance in the UK on the withdrawal method” amongst young people. This comes amidst rising levels of STI diagnoses, and in the last decade, there have been large increases of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases throughout the UK. In 2022, the number of reported gonorrhoea diagnoses was the highest it had ever been since records began in 1918.

An STI is “any kind of bacterial or viral infection that can be passed on through unprotected sexual contact.” As with most infections, it can usually be treated rather easily, usually through antibiotics. However, if left untreated, it can cause long-term health problems and complications. Not everyone with an STI experienc -

es symptoms, in fact, 75% of women and 50% of men don’t show any signs of chlamydia. Other potentially asymptomatic STIs can include gonorrhoea, genital herpes and HIV. It is also worth noting that any exchange of bodily fluid or skin-to-skin contact can lead to the spreading of STIs, and they can even be transmitted through the use of sex toys. Which is why it is recommended to get tested regularly and to use protection (such as, condoms or dental dams) with new partners.

STI diagnoses are littered with stigma: that someone is ‘slutty’ or ‘dirty’ if they get a diagnosis. However, this prejudice is unfair and unhelpful, if anything, it acts as a barrier for people seeking proper medical help. In an increasingly sex-positive society, STIs still leave a shameful aftertaste. However, they are a lot more common than people may think, with over 300.000 new diagnoses each year throughout the UK. A diagnosis does not denote anything about someone’s sexual behaviours, nor does it prevent them from having sex ever again.

Condoms are not cheap and when disposable cash is short, it doesn’t always make top priority on young people’s shopping list. However, there are many free condom services available to students at the UEA. If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you can sign up for the C-Card Scheme, through which you can gain access to free condoms and lube from local pharmacies, youth services and selected shops. Additionally, you can get free condoms at the SIZ, the Nightline Offices, or advice(su) – no questions asked.

Moreover, getting tested can seem daunting, but it is the best way to protect yourself, aside from using condoms or dental dams. In fact, Brook recommends getting tested every time you have sex with someone new, particularly if condoms are not being used, or every three months. If you are in an exclusive relationship, then they recommended getting tested once a year.

The UEA’s Medical Centre offers the Nurse B clinic to assist students with sexual health-related matters.

They offer confidential, non-judgemental services to all. However, it is worth noting that men with symptoms of an STI should contact iCash instead. Through these services you can access verified DIY testing kits, or book a consultation.

Your MP is failing Norwich. Don’t let Clive Hide.

At UEA, the colossal task of uniting the student body to form a political consensus has been nearly impossible recently. After a general election, wars, scandals and Westminster sleaze, our little political ecosphere looks like a mangled rabbit; an oozing bloody pulp and torn muscle. But perhaps that can change today. I’m writing a call to arms for Socialists, Conservatives, Liberals, and even Greens.

Clive Lewis, your MP for South Norwich, is failing to do his job. For all his bravado, his ever-so-loud rhetoric about why the King is so horrific, and his almost constant willingness to ‘challenge the establishment’ with his ‘oh-so-brave’ use of explicit language in Parliament, he really does seem to struggle to muster any energy to challenge Keir Starmer. Firstly, a devolution deal for Norwich

was recently scrapped. In the words of the county council, “More than £600m of investment to create jobs, homes, and infrastructure has been scrapped.”

Worse yet, the minister responsible hadn’t had the common decency to tell the County Council leader themselves. So what did our little old MP have to say about it? In fairness, he did respond—just not with a coherent excuse. He backed the minister, stating, ‘devolution works best when local authorities partner up’ along with some other waffle about building on existing arrangements. All this spin translates to practically ‘I’m useless, I have no excuse—don’t look at me!’

That’s not to say he hasn’t done any good at all. Clive Lewis has supported the UEA Dentistry School, and he did challenge the redundancies of staff at UEA in mid-2023. However, respect from the public is not earned

once, it must be continually earned through deeds to their constituents. And sure, Lord Lewis’s local labour underlings shot out yapping that this would no doubt mean ‘...a new and better deal.’

A key reminder, though: the deal was widely supported by over 60% of polled respondents, and the government is already preparing the country for what sounds like austerity 2 electric boogaloo.

Instead, the closest thing Clive has gotten to talking about devolution is pandering to SNP wet dreams of even greater powers for themselves and whatever a ‘federated UK’ is supposed to mean. These are not promising signs of a new devolution deal for Norfolk. Now the matter of the winter fuel payments—a government policy that will mean more pensioners will have to choose between eating or heating. It’s a ghastly thought that our elderly nannies and grandads, who’ve done their bit

for society, could be subjected to such grim cruelty. Often, I don’t give credit to MPs, but Rosie Duffield’s resignation from Labour on grounds such as this is an example of an MP who is principled and willing to put country over party. Another example is the seven Labour MPs who rebelled and lost their whip on the parliamentary bill itself. But where was our rebellious, hard-left, oath-failing MP? Abstaining. Perhaps even shivering at the potential thought of being caught red-handed abandoning the values of his wing of the party.

Considering these failures, we must take a stand. The Students’ Union should distance itself from Clive Lewis. This means no endorsements, no pictures, and no leveraging SU officer accounts for political gain. The Students’ Union is inherently political, and it’s time we harness that power for our local concerns. Clive can’t hide.

Cody Butler

Milla Cartwright

Credit: Unsplash

Interview Clive Lewis MP: ‘Every Month is Black History Month’

Black History Month brings with it a wave of reflections and celebrations, but for Labour MP Clive Lewis, the annual observance sparks a deeper conversation about Britain’s uncomfortable relationship with race, identity, and history. “I have a mixed set of emotions on Black History Month,” Lewis says, leaning forward in his seat as he considers the role of this commemorative period. “Every month is Black History Month. The history of this country is Black history.”

“What are we saying about having Black people in politics? The missing dimension is class.”

Born in London in 1971 to a Black father from Grenada and a white mother, Clive Lewis has never shied away from discussions on race. His journey into politics—shaped by his experience as a mixed-race Brit navigating the intersections of class and race—gives him unique insights. A former BBC journalist and soldier, Lewis eventually found his calling in politics. Today, he is one of the most outspoken voices in Parliament on issues of racial equality, colonial legacies, and class politics. As Black History Month rolls around, Lewis offers a critical reflection on what it means for Black Britons today and, more importantly, what it should mean for the future.

Lewis acknowledges that Black

History Month has its merits—it brings critical issues to the forefront of public discourse. “It comes up once a year, and in that sense, it’s good… sometimes I’m slightly offended by the fact that we have to have a Black History Month that’s kind of put aside… it can act as a tool for people to do very little, to jump through hoops and go through the motions.”

To Lewis, Black History Month too often feels like a symbolic gesture, with politicians and institutions performing their annual duties without real follow-through. He told us of an invitation to a reception at Number 10 but reflects sceptically on its significance. “I wonder, will Keir [Starmer] take the knee when we all walk into the room? I doubt it.” For Lewis, these events serve as surface-level commitments to racial equality, while the deeper structural inequalities remain largely unchallenged. To this end, he spoke of a “hierarchy of worth” where “if you are at one end of that hierarchy, your life is worth so much, and if you’re at the other end, it’s worth a lot less”.

A key theme of our discussion is the role of representation in British politics, and Lewis doesn’t hold back in his critique. “The problem for me is that I have seen Black people in government, and they’ve been used as useful idiots to push and promote” things white people in the Conservative government “could never get away with”. Lewis points to figures like Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly, whose policies, he argues, have not only done little to uplift Black communities, but actually encour-

aged the riots seen in the summer.

“What are we saying about having Black people in politics? The missing dimension is class. There’s no point being a Black person in politics unless you’ve got the right class politics as well.” This, for Lewis, is the crux of the matter. Representation in itself is not enough; it needs to be coupled with a broader understanding of how race and class intersect in maintaining structural inequalities. “Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly, and others represent the interests of a specific class—a class that wants racism to carry on and flourish.”

Lewis’s argument is that race politics cannot be separated from class politics. The true path toward equality, he insists, lies in dismantling the systems that oppress not just along racial lines but also along class lines. “There’s no point in having more Black people in politics unless they also have good class politics as well. That’s been my reve lation from being in politics.”

One of Lewis’s most impas sioned beliefs is the need for reparatory justice—not just as a means of addressing the wrongs of the past but as a way of confronting ongoing sys tems of exploitation. Reflecting on a recent visit to the Caribbean, Lewis shares a powerful exchange he had with the chair of the Grenadian Reparations Commission. When

Lewis questioned how he could ask his constituents to pay money towards reparatory justice, the Chair added that “The story here is the people [who] have exploited them for centuries are the same people exploiting us now in terms of debt repayments.”

“Why, in a democracy, have we never been given a choice or say as to what that [monarchy] looks like?”

For Lewis, reparations are not merely about financial compensation but about dismantling the structures that allow for continued ex - ploitation. The people who should be paying for reparatory justice are rations and the wealthy who have “benefitted tinue to

Naa Yarley Yartey and Mar Devonport in conversation with Norwich South MP

Clive Lewis

benefit from all of us,” he argues.

This then led us to ask about his controversial views on the monarchy, and his belief that it should be abolished, but as discussed earlier, for Lewis, it’s not just about dismantling a symbol of British imperialism—it’s about challenging the entrenched class system that the monarchy represents. “The monarchy is a big flashing symbol” of inequality, he says matter-of-factly. It represents hereditary privilege, which “percolates down into the body politic[…] It basically says that rampant inequality, that handing down wealth and power to your descendants is OK, because the Head of State does it”. His views on the monarchy is also about democratic accountability. “Why, in a democracy, have we never been given a choice or say as to what that [monarchy] looks like?” Lewis questions. He doesn’t advocate for a specific solution, but rather, for a national conversation on the issue. “It might be that it’s a scaled-down monarchy. It might be that there’s no monarchy. It might be that there’s more monarchy, but give people in democracy a chance to have that conversation.” Abolishing the monarchy, for Lewis, is not just about rejecting empire but about rejecting the institutionalised inequality that defines British society today.

The conversation turned to education, a subject that Lewis feels passionately about. He credits his own history teacher, Mrs Hadkins, for giving him a nuanced understanding of Britain’s colonial legacy. “We didn’t just talk about great white people set-

ting Black people free… We actually looked at the horrors of the slave trade,” Lewis recalls.

“The whole concept of Racism is about saying that there is a Hierarchy of Worth of Life”

However, while the current school curriculum is something he doesn’t know well, he imagines it does not provide the same depth of understanding for all students. “I imagine the curriculum has been through a lot of political iterations and changes since my time […] I would say it probably isn’t quite where I’d be happy with it.” For Lewis, the issue with how colonialism is taught—or rather, how it isn’t taught—reflects a broader reluctance to grapple with Britain’s imperial past. “One of the things that people say to me is, ‘Why don’t you just get over slavery and colonialism and empire?’ […] well you show me one multinational corporation that has an impact on your life today that has made its money[…] and is still making money from [the] exploitation […] of those countries […] and I’ll shut up”.

Lewis calls for a more honest approach to education, one that links the past with the present. “We need to show what neo-colonialism and neo-imperialism looks like… it’s happening all around us from the Middle East, across the African continent, the

Caribbean.” On the other hand, he also added that students should hear the opposing arguments too, so that “students can come to a conclusion [themselves].”

As our conversation drew to a close, Lewis’s vision for the future of Britain came into sharp focus. “I love this country and I love what it could be,” he says earnestly. “But I know that it could be better”. For Lewis, confronting the myths that Britain tells itself about its histo ry—whether in relation to em pire, race, or class—is the first step to making the country “a stronger and better place, because a coun try that knows where it’s come from and has a real understand ing of its own history is a country that can go forward confidently”.

“I love this coun try and I love what it could be [...] But I know that it could be better”

This Black History Month, Clive Lewis’s message is clear: the fight for racial equality is far from over and it is not enough to celebrate Black achievement for one month of the year. The real work lies in dismantling the systems of pow er—racial, economic, and polit ical—that continue to oppress. And that, as Lewis makes clear, is a fight worth fighting for, every day.

Image Credit (left): parliament.uk Image Credit (right): WikimediaCommons

Rethinking Social Care Lifestyle

Elle McKinnell-Michael Lifestyle Editor

My aunty is a gardener for older people in my hometown who can no longer look after their gardens. She tolerates lots of them, the bossy, grasping ones; but a few have become important friends and elders. Over the summer, one of these employer-turned-friends had a major health setback. She needed regular care after returning from hospital. My aunt, her partner and mother-in-law, a trained career, took on the role as a collective. One of them will drop in every morning and evening, trusted and capable friends who want the best for a member of their community.

What is the reality of care in the UK? There are around half a million people living in adult social care across the country. Care options are limited primarily by cost and location; the lifetime cost of social care for older people varies greatly depending on their needs, and it is often near impossible to estimate this before entering care. Appropriate care for complex needs can be hard to find in your area; for many conditions it’s something of a postcode lottery.

In 2021/2022, around 818,000 people received publicly funded long-term social care, mostly in care homes or nursing homes. However, many people who receive this type of care must contribute towards the cost out of their own income; in 2022/23 approximately £3.5 billion was spent on these additional costs. The financial burden of

care can quickly become huge, the Department of Health and Social Care estimates that one in seven people entering care will face costs of more than £100,000 in their lifetime.

In Britain, grandparents often play a significant role in raising their grandchildren. According to Age UK, 68% of grandparents look after their grandchildren 2-3 days a week, with 12% looking after their grandchildren every day. So, how can we best care for the older people in our lives when they need looking after?

Many people in Britain like the idea of having a ‘granny flat’ attached to their home, and would love to have the freedom to care for their parents or grandparents as they age. However, the average working person juggling factors like full-time work, childcare and housework often does not have the time or energy to provide adequate care for their loved one, especially those with more complex mental and physical needs. Caring for those with sight and hearing impairments, complex physical and psychological needs, and dementia or Alzheimer’s often requires training and around-the-clock availability.

Care homes and nursing homes are a part of the lives of many families in the UK, but the types of care that these services provide can vary greatly. Many facilities provide short term care for those recovering from health setbacks before they can return home. Others provide long-term care for those who need low-level support such as meals and daily

check ins. Some provide 24-hour support for those with complex needs, often for people who can no longer care for themself in basic ways; these facilities often provide nursing and regular medication alongside care support. Just under half a million people live in these facilities.

Our reliance on care homes is cultural; it is something of an expected last resort. According to WTW’s Financial Wellbeing Study of over 4000 UK employees, 36% of UK workers are living paycheck to paycheck with no emergency savings. There is little wriggle room for the families of those who are beginning to require care. A difficult financial environment means old people are forced into at least partially state-funded care.

What is the ideal situation for those who require care? In the case of my aunty and her employer, a situation arose in which members of the community with no childcare responsibilities and flexible work schedules were able to step in and share the care-workload of a financially independent woman who was able to compensate them fairly.

This ‘ideal reality’ of community care is typically successful in terms of the care provided. However, for this arrangement to take place, stars must align in terms of scheduling, money, and relationships. Factors like an improved state pension, a proper standard living wage for freelance carers and better childcare and flexibility for working people would bring us closer to this ideal situation. On top of this, a cultural shift to bring elderly people into the community would create bonds between older and younger people, squaring the circle of bringing potential community care to those who need it.

We all want the best for the people who have raised us, been close companions or helped us throughout our lives, whether they are family, friends or elders. However, the current social care system is far from optimal. Without proper provisions for those who require it, struggling to find suitable and dignified care is a difficulty we may all face.

Glia Gossip: What’s up with mental health services at UEA?

Hello everyone! I hope you’re all settling into campus life. How accurate were my predictions from the last issue? Any Scorpios missing their laptop? This issue is exciting because it’s the first Glia Gossip! So, occasionally, when I have something special to yap about, it’ll come in a Glia Gossip Article. I hope you’re as excited as me!

Right, so, October 10th is World Mental Health Day, which made me think, what’s up with UEA’s mental health services? What help is available and how do we access it? So, this month I had a chat with Gemma from UEA’s Student Services Team about all things mental health, and the resources available at UEA, so I could give you all the gossip.

The UEA Student Services team has three whole divisions dedicated to student support. The Learning Enhancement, Student Life and Wellbeing teams. Our Student Support teams are amazing because they offer so many resources. But, in my mind, that can be super overwhelming, because where do you even start? Luckily for you guys, I've got the insider scoop. So, according to Gemma, the first thing to do is get in touch with the Student Service Advisors. They’ll direct you to the best team to help you solve your problem and take the worry out of finding where you’ve got to go! It’s easy to reach out to them, you can either do the online referral form (on MyUEA) or contact your faculty’s embedded team. Ask your academic advisor if you don’t know yours!

Once you’ve done that, for mental health stuff, you’ll be put in touch with one of the Wellbeing Advisors. Now, while I give fantastic advice, these guys are all trained mental health professionals. So, you might want to go to them instead of me or, you know, whatever... There’s also the Talking Therapies team who offer one-at-a-time counselling or CBT. I know, I can hear you all saying:

“But Anne, what if I need more than one session?” Relax! Gemma told me you can absolutely have more than one session. The team just offers one at a time so they can see the most students possible, when you need it, rather than having to wait! It’s so good because once you refer yourself, you can be seen in as quick as a week! I’ve literally had online shopping delivered slower than that.

Gemma also mentioned the huge online resource bank the Student Services team have been building. On Blackboard, the Student Services Hub has resources sorted by topic. So, if you’re in your insomniac era and can’t sleep – you'll find resources specifically for sleep hygiene. The Student Services team are also on all the socials, Instagram (@ ueastudentservices), YouTube (“UEA Wellbeing”) and they have a Spotify podcast (UEA Wellbeing Podcast), which I think is so cool. UEA Wellbeing Podcast collab with Anne Glia, anyone?

If you’re an international student (I see you, I got you), there are specific resources for you guys too. On your Student Services Hub there is a section just for you explaining the UK’s attitudes towards mental health, and the language we use when we chat about it. It also addresses some common concerns, such as, will seeking mental health help impact my degree or affect my visa? Spoiler: it does not!

All resources are 100% free for everyone (including internationals!). You high-key pay for them as part of your tuition fee so take full advantage. I also want to say, as much as this has been a gossip session between us, mental health is a serious topic. You should never suffer in silence. It's important to tackle these things while they’re small, so they don’t get too big. However, if they’re already big, seek help now so they don’t get any bigger. You’re never alone, there is always help available. Uni, in all its fun and glory, can be a scary time and a big adjustment, so be sure to reach out if you’re struggling. We’re here for you.

Best

Kasey Campbell

Anne Glia (Agony Aunt)

of luck, Anne Glia.

The Commercialisation of Tarot; A Post-Pandemic Story?

Fiona Hill Co-Editor-In-Chief

Snowshill in the Cotswolds is known for two, albeit distinct, reasons. Perhaps you might recognise it from a few brief scenes in Bridget Jones’s Diary, where you can watch a quaint little car drive through a quaint little road on the way to Bridget’s parent’s house. Or, you may know it from the occultist attic hidden at the top of the village’s manor– although I appreciate that this one might be a bit more of a reach.

I visited Snowshill when I was seventeen, slightly anxious and strangely drawn to anything paranormal. It seemed fitting that, on an evening stroll, I should happen upon a pile of tarot books, seemingly waiting at a deserted bookstall. That I would learn to read tarot, felt obvious.

I tell this story, not because I believe that it is particularly meaningful to anyone other than myself, but to show how fundamentally personal the practice is and how the commercialisation of tarot (and spirituality) in recent years is such a distantly bizarre phenomenon.

To understand Tarot today, it is useful to be familiar with how dynamic the practice has pre -

viously been. Most sources trace the origins of Tarot to a card game in the 15th century, played by members of the Italian court and named ‘Trionfi’ (‘triumphs’). It was not until the 18th century that tarot began to be applied as a tool of divination, with French occultist Court de Gébelin’s theory that behind the symbolism lay the lost ancient Egyptian book of Thoth. It was with these contributions that the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was influenced, with the popular ‘Rider-Waite-Smith Deck’ being created in 1910.

Tarot in the 2020s, although similar in form and use, is as far away from the secret societies of the early 20th century as could be imagined, with elements of the practice moving into the mainstream.

US Games, one of the more popular tarot card manufacturers has seen sales of tarot cards double in the last five years and even triple in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This boom can also be witnessed in the quantity of new decks being created each year, with the market valued at $1.292 billion and projected to rise to $1.589 billion by 2030. Within this, we can see a distinct move-

ment away from decks that might be associated with the occult and towards more secular decks such as ‘Kawaii Tarot’ and ‘A Jane Austen Tarot Deck’.

But why the sudden popularity? There has undoubtedly been an occult revival within the last five years. From the wide array of astrology apps available to the rise of WitchTok, it seems as if occult practices are becoming increasingly run of the mill. This prevalence is not unusual. Revivals of this kind happen frequently, with the 1920s and 1970s being spiritual epicentres in their century. However, what has transformed, is the way that we consume and produce media. As a young person on social media, you are never far away from a short tarot video, claiming to be ‘a sign’. The prevalence of these videos can be attributed in some degree to the pandemic and the need for tarot readers to maintain an income whilst being confined to the home. The isolation and confusion in lockdown also resulted in many searching for a spiritual or simply reflective outlet.

Unsurprisingly, the movement of tarot to social media did wonders for the tarot market. This can be seen in the hundreds of thousands of unboxing videos found on so -

Halloween for Adults

Elle McKinnell-Michael Lifestyle Editor

Halloween is fun for everyone, but lots of Halloween events are catered towards families or children. So, from carnivals to craft workshops to themed nights out, what is there for adults to do in and around

Norwich this spooky season?

Looking for a daytime event? On the 26th of October, Castle Quarter Shopping Centre is hosting a circus troupe for a spooky spectacular carnival! From 12-4 PM there will be stilt walkers, hula hoopers, stunt artists and more, with interactive circus workshops to get involved yourself! During the day on the 31st, Norfolk Wildlife Trust (Hickling Broad) is running a craft session with foraged natural materials; get booked in from 10:30am12pm to create your own spooky woodland creatures! If you’re looking for something walkable, or closer to the city, get booked in at Lush

cial media platforms, as well as the now huge variety of decks found in metaphysical bookstores. It is likely that the secularism of tarot comes from this new level of consumption, with tarot moving away from being a practice for those with spiritual interests and towards becoming a practice for the layperson.

Whether this is a negative outcome is largely debated. Can consumerism and tarot live cohesively or does the drive to buy conflict with the search for spiritual truth?

Most tarot readers have welcomed the greater publicity, with many claiming that the new interest is brilliant in helping a greater number of people reflect mindfully on their lives, as well as allowing readers to be able to

earn a living off their passion.

Thinking back to Snowshill, I’m reminded of one of the books I managed to purchase from the abandoned bookstall. It was a small early 70s paperback named ‘Tarot of the Witches’. Looking at it now in isolation, it’s strange to think that such a small book represents a new movement for tarot at that time; the rise of the cheap paperback ( an ultimately a consumerist pursuit!). Although it’s difficult to the condone mindless spending and waste today, it seems that tarot has been caught in this web a little longer than it seems. Whether this balance between production and practice will remain has become nestled at the centre of the tarot community. In regards to the future? Maybe we should consult the cards...

Photo Credit: Unsplash

at 4pm for an ‘I Want My Mummy’ Halloween bath bomb making workshop for only £4, while you’re there, check out their new Halloween stock, and treat yourselfto some glow in the dark soap, or build your own boo basket...

Do you prefer events in the evening, but clubbing isn’t your thing? PrimEvil is back for their 15th year this October! This year, their attractions include ‘the crypt’, a church haunted by plague victims, and ‘route 666’, a mid-western trail of serial killers! Those and more, all with scare actors, plus themed food and drink vendors! Find their website at primevil-scare.

com for dates and tickets!

Looking for some autumnal themed drinks, or a wickedly fun night out?

Book a table at ‘Be at One’ cocktail bar for some seasonal cocktails! On the 31st, head to Voodoo Daddy’s for ‘Brat Presents: Halloweenies’, a spooky club night with drag and burlesque performers. What’s more, a portion of profits will be donated to trans GoFundMe fundraisers, ‘so some good may come from the evil!’ On the 1st of November keep the Halloween atmosphere going at Propaganda for the ‘scariest new and classic indie/alternative bangers’, and karaoke hosted by drag stars Nia Death Experience and Leyton Stoner!

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Travel Falling in Love with Los Angeles

Lin Vu

I was born and raised in the San Gabriel Valley (yes, the valley next door to the San Fernando Valley). There are a lot of arguments to be made about whether or not the SGV is considered ‘Los Angeles’ but my rule is that, if it’s in LA County and it takes

“Los Angeles is the place so many people dream of, yet I hated it.”

25 minutes (without traffic) to get to downtown LA, then it can be considered Los Angeles.

I grew up surrounded by people like me. People looked like me, spoke like me, ate like me. But I also grew up surrounded by people not so much like me. People looked different, spoke differently, ate differently. And that was the beauty of it: our similarities and differences made Los Angeles into the Los Angeles we know and love — a cultural hub where I never really had to think much about how I presented myself. As long as I didn’t have crazy mannerisms, even if I dressed a little crazy, then I wasn’t really crazy.

I have a very stereotypical Valley Girl accent that comes out a lot stronger than I’d like it to when I have a little too much to drink or as soon as I land back home

at LAX. I never paid much attention to it because people around me spoke the same way. The ‘annoying’ vocal fry and dragged out words were my favorite forms of communication. You could say a whole lot without really saying much, as long as you draaaged out the vowels low and slow, and ended sentences with a question mark (ex: I am soo exciteed for the concert coming uuup?)

Even though Los Angeles is the place of dreams for many, I hated it. Why, I couldn’t really tell you, but I knew I didn’t consider it home. Fortunately for me, an opportunity arose (backed by a lot of money and privilege) and I was able to go abroad to the UK for university. Such a jump, Southern California to southeast of England. But it has been my dream since I was a kid: to go to England.

So many people asked me why I would ever move from LA to Norwich and I simply answered, ‘I wanted a change of scenery.’

Before going to England, I would find people who were in the same graduating year as

me and think about what my university life would look like: making loads of friends, going out every other night (priorities aren’t straight when you’re 18), and most importantly, I wanted to truly find myself. To learn what I liked, who I liked and how to be happy, especially since I wasn’t very happy in LA.

And so it begun, my journey across the globe. I was excited; it was my first time away from home. No curfews, no bumping into people I knew, and I could live my life on my own terms (within financial reason).

It was great. I made new friends, found someone I really, really like, went out a lot, drank a lot, had a lot of fun in fresher’s week. There was a lot to learn, like which Tesco meal deal combinations will get you the most out of your £3.50, which Cadbury chocolate bars are the best and where you get cheap groceries, but I valued my convenience over saving money, so that short, treacherous walk to Aldi wasn’t done many times.

I was living the life I envisioned and frankly, I felt content. But my honeymoon phase was short-lived after three months had gone by. I visited home for the first time since I left for Norwich in September. I originally didn’t plan to, but something in me told me to go home.

It felt different. In three short months, it felt like everything,

yet nothing, had changed. I noticed the deep-set wrinkles on my parents’ faces for the first time. I noticed how the furniture never changed but the pile of hoodies and random bags on top of the chair my dad brought home from the sides on the streets years ago in our living room changed. Even the weather was far from what I remembered; it was very wet. And strangely enough, I felt homesick for the first time since I left.

Suddenly, I yearned to be in the sun again, going to the most beautiful beaches with my friends during the summer, talking about life and our interests and what hiking trail to go on. I wanted to eat the delicious food that home had to offer, my beloved Okinawa purple sweet potatoes and Chobani sweet cream coffee creamer, In-N-Out burgers and the Taiwanese spicy soup from Boiling Point, my mom’s Vietnamese seafood gumbo and spicy beef noodle soup, and the best street tacos the SGV has to offer where I got extra al pastor.

I yearned to not be seen as so different, yearned to not have to neutralize my ‘annoying’ valley girl accent so people would take me seriously and stop making fun of me for it. I wanted to be in the comfort of my people. And there I was, surrounded by the people I dearly missed. I missed the hospitality, the fearlessness of people to come up to me and start conversations. People un-

derstood the slang I grew up with, the different variations of the words ‘yeaah’ and ‘noo,’ and most importantly, people didn’t view me as an outsider.

I started driving two years after I got my license. Driving wasn’t that bad with the exception of a few annoying BMW and pickup truck drivers. I remember my first ‘long distance’ drive: it was to Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach. I sat through countless hours of traffic on the 405, the 5, and the 210. Luckily, car karaoke got me through all those hours. I went to the beach

“Suddenly, I yearned to be in the sun again...”

(and struggled with parking) a little too often and became a regular at Boiling Point and AU79 Teahouse in Arcadia.

It took me leaving home to appreciate my home. I used to write in my journal asking why I don’t feel at home anywhere, even if I try to make anywhere as home-y as possible. I wish I could tell 18-year-old me that I’ll figure out my home in three short years. So, Los Angeles, I’m sorry for ever hating you.

San Gabriel Valley and Laguna Beach

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Haunting Locations to Explore This Halloween

Tania Casali Travel Correspondent

October is the perfect month to engage with spooky films and TV or read a classic horror novel. Why not go beyond the screen and pages by looking into some of the real-life locations that inspired these stories?

Dracula: Transylvania and Whitby

The places mentioned in this 1987 gothic horror are used to encapsulate the novel’s elements of fear and suspense, which build as the protagonists unveil more about Dracula’s powers. The story moves between two settings, Transylvania (modern day Romania) and England.

Transylvania is renowned for being the home of vampire Count Dracula. It is rich with history and dramatic landscapes. Although

there is no evidence that Stoker was inspired by Bran Castle in Transylvania, it has become a popular tourist destination for those visiting the region and is regarded as Dracula’s home. Constructed in 1377, Bran Castle is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and forested areas providing beautiful scenery. It attracted 720,000 visitors in the year 2022, offering a range of events which are accompanied by qualified guides.

The coastal town of Whitby, in North Yorkshire, is another location featured in Dracula which greatly inspired Stoker’s writing. This town sets the stage for Dracula’s arrival in England and enhances the novel’s gothic elements, using the ruins of Whitby Abbey and St. Marys Churchyard. The 199 steps which lead up to the churchyard offer stunning views of the coast and clifftops. Whitby also hosts ghost walks, exploring the locations which inspired Dracula and sharing historical facts about the town.

The Watcher: Westfield, New Jersey

Netflix’s 2022 thriller ‘The Watcher’ drew lots of attention for its unsettling storyline, based on

actual events which occurred in suburban New Jersey. The series is centred around a family who moves into 657 Boulevard, a stately six-bedroom residence. They soon find themselves the targets of a series of threatening letters from ‘The Watcher’ who claims to be in charge of the house. Although the house featured in the series is located in Rye, New York, the actual house tied to the cold case is still standing and has attracted many fans of the show. Built in 1905, the house has a ‘shingle style’ design, a front porch with ionic columns and a gambrel roofline. The family who received threatening letters from ‘The Watcher’ found it difficult to secure a buyer due to its infamous reputation. In 2019, 657 Boulevard was finally sold to a young couple at a significant discount.

The Blair Witch Project (1999) centres around the journey of three film students shooting a documentary on the local Blair Witch legend who leave only their footage behind. Although this movie had a micro-budget, it became an instant sensation, with audience members tricked through its marketing campaigns. Presented as a ‘true story’ before its release, the film had a website which looked like a true-crime page, featuring missing person reports and interviews with “locals”. This chilling film was primarily filmed in Maryland, specifically Seneca Creek State Park which portrayed the haunted forest where the characters searched for Blair Witch. Near the village of Burkittsville, the park is comprised of 6,300 acres, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking and cycling.

The Woman in Black: Osea Island, Essex

This supernatural horror film, released in 2012, was based on the 1983 novel by Susan Hill. In the story, a young lawyer is sent to settle the affairs of a recently deceased woman. While he investigates her isolated mansion, he is haunted by noises and sightings of a woman dressed in black.

Dark Tourism: Trivializing Tragedy?

Jo Gisler Travel Editor

Much like the recent boom in true crime, “dark tourism” has grown to become a multi-billion-dollar industry. It has inspired think pieces, psycho -

interesting questions about how and why we travel. So where is the line between exploitation and commemoration?

I found myself toeing this line on a visit last year to the Alcatraz Federal Petitionary in San

characters. The truth is my visit to Alcatraz was fun! However, writer Chris Hedges has argued the Alcatraz tourist experience represses the reality of the American incarceration system that still affects millions today. Visitors rarely come to appreciate

This movie was filmed entirely in the UK. Osea Island and Colne Valley Railway in Essex was used to create a dark atmosphere, with its surrounding salt marshes offering the perfect landscape. Since the early 2000s it has been owned by Nigel Frieda, a renowned music producer. He has since developed it into a luxury retreat, offering a variety of accommodation such as cottages and grand houses. It has a diverse wildlife population and allows visitors to switch off as they explore its five miles of private beaches. It is even possible to hire the whole island for private events! In the film, this location was used to portray the journey to Eel Marsh House, represented by Cotterstock Hall in Northamptonshire.

sites which are dedicated to respectfully educating the public must also make money to stay in operation. This can sometimes make for initially jarring moments, such as looking in at the store at the 9/11 Memorial in New York and finding Twin Tower keychains. Meanwhile, other sites choose to opt out of this aspect all together. The shop at the Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial Site exclusively sells books that could further educate on Nazism, Jewish history, and stories of the victims. Ultimately, the tension inherent in commodifying these sites is often most apparent in such shops.

Many of the best dark tourist sites are those that work to centre victims’ stories and encourage empathy, reflection, and understanding. Most travellers do not visit a “dark

tourism” site with the intention of disrespect. Yes, we have all seen news headlines about selfies taken at Auschwitz, but that is the minority. But what about when sites intentionally blur entertainment and trauma? Suddenly, it doesn’t feel so simple. After all, who hasn’t excitedly visited an old Victorian prison, delighted in gruesome stories on a ghost tour, or dreamed one day to see to Pompeii? The moments that these places mark are resigned to history, but tourism actively shapes the way we memorialise, experience, and tell that history in the modern day.

The Blair Witch Project: Serena Creek State Park, Maryand

Burkittsville and Osea Island Jetty Holkham Beach Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons Bram Castle Photocredit: unsplash

Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons. Alcatraz and Pompeii.

Food and Drink

Who gets to eat healthy?

Lin Vu Food and Drink Editor

I vividly remember my aunt consistently dropping off fresh guavas at my door for free. She had a few trees in her backyard and there was always an abundance of fruit, so she thought she’d give them to us since she was never going to get through them before they spoilt. My family and I ate like royalty since they were always expensive at the grocery store.

One time, when my mom was dropping off my friend at her house, she stole two pomegranates from a neighbour’s tree. In her mind, it was free since the branches were hanging over the fence. I agreed, but the pomegranates were quite sour so we didn’t think we’d steal someone’s fruit again. It was hilarious to see my mom so eager for free pomegranates.

On a walk with my best friend I noticed the house behind the fence had a nice mandarin tree. We managed to grab one off an overhanging branch and I was eager to eat it. I quickly winced at how sour it was. Sometimes stealing fruit has its consequences.

Growing up in Southern California, there was always an abundance of fresh produce. Oftentimes, fresh produce was cheaper than processed food, so I never had a Dino Nugget as a kid, but I did have jicama slices with chilli salt instead. It’s incredibly easy to eat healthy and I ended up with a stereotypical Californian rabbit diet, needing a mountain of veggies with every meal and fruit as my dessert, otherwise I felt like I would develop scurvy after three days.

When I moved to the UK, I tried replicating the same Californian diet but found it more difficult. Fruits and vegetables I had known and loved back home weren’t as readily available and it was much more difficult to get things to taste ‘right.’ I suppose it’s true that you can’t really eat like a Californian everywhere!

A stereotype that’s quite prevalent is that Americans are ‘fat and lazy’ due to some of the worst food abominations you’ve probably seen online, such as Krispy Kreme donuts being used as hamburger buns (not a true representation of American food!) or a cheeseburger drowned in cheese. I was quite confused, because I always was under the assumption that everyone was able to eat healthy, that everyone had an abundance of guavas and the sweetest strawberries. I, too, boiled it down to people being lazy, but that was my ignorance speaking since I grew up privileged and spoiled with healthy food.

It never crossed my mind that there were people in the United States and United Kingdom that lack access to fresh, affordable produce. Food deserts are urban or rural neighbourhoods that have limited access to affordable, healthy foods. People living in such areas often rely on convenience stores as larger grocery stores are scarce, resulting in high-

er rates of health issues such as obesity and diabetes. According to an analysis done by the Association of American Medical Colleges and USDA, 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts and 54 million Americans experience food insecurity, and according to Kellogg’s in a study conducted in 2018, 1.2 million Britons are living in food deserts.

“According to an analysis done by the Association of American Medical Colleges & USDA, 23.5 million Amer- icans live in food deserts and 54 million Americans experience food insecurity, and according to Kellogg’s in a study conducted in 2018, 1.2 million Britons are living in food deserts.”

But the term ‘food desert’ implies that scarcity of affordable, fresh food is naturally occurring. A new term, ‘food apartheid’ was coined by Karen Washington, a New York based community activist and urban farmer. Food apartheid better addresses the systemic issues that have led to communities, mainly low-income communities of colour, not being able to easily access healthy food, and having to rely on cheap, ultra-processed foods.

One could argue that people could just travel to the next borough or city to do their grocery shopping, but given that places, such as Jaywick, Essex and South Los Angeles are already impoverished, meaning that public transportation isn’t necessarily an option. Having a car is notoriously expensive, and a lot of people don’t have access to a car and can’t simply drive 30 to 40 minutes to Aldi or Walmart in the next city to do their shopping. Instead they’re forced to rely on convenience stores like Costcutter, Dollar General or their local 7-Eleven.

One of my favourite TikTok accounts that highlights the issues of food apartheid and accessibility is @ dollartreedinners. She creates budget recipes using ingredients from Dollar Tree or Dollar General (think of these as the American version of Poundland) while being aware that everyone’s situations are different- after all, we don’t have the same 24 hours in a day.

Eating healthy is a massive privilege that people take for granted. It’s a lot easier to blame disadvantaged people for being ‘fat and lazy’ instead of looking at the bigger picture. Sure, the United Kingdom and the United States both have varying degrees of unhealthy foods, but should we really blame the individuals who don’t have as much agency within their structures instead of the food system that has denied people of colour equitable access to fresh, affordable foods?

Spaghetti Squash: A Simple Autumn Recipe

Lin Vu Food and Drink Editor

Autumn is here. Leaves are falling, it’s getting colder and colder. But with the new season, more seasonal produce is available. One of my favourites for autumn is spaghetti squash. It’s an underrated vegetable and a pretty good alternative if you’re not a fan of pasta, are gluten-free, or want to incorporate more veggies into your diet (I even got my boyfriend to eat an entire half… so I think I built my case).

You can find spaghetti squash at Marks and Spencer, Waitrose, or the Norwich produce stands. The produce stand will run a bit higher, but typically at M&S and Waitrose, they’re £2 per squash.

But how do you cook spaghetti squash? It’s a lot simpler than you think.

HOW TO COOK:

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Cut your squash in half.

Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Drizzle very lightly with olive oil, salt and pepper.

Lay skin side up on a lined baking tray and poke holes with a fork all around the squash halves.

Place the squash in the oven for 30-45 minutes.

Once out of the oven, fluff it with a fork to ‘create’ spaghetti strands.

But then you’re wondering, what do I eat it with?

One of my favourite ways to eat spaghetti squash is to top it with a simple tomato sauce and meatballs. You could just use simple, pre-made pasta sauce and meatballs for this, or if you’re feeling fancy, you could make your own meatballs with some beef mince and seasonings, and fry them on medium-low heat.

SOME EXTRA COOKING TIPS:

If your squash is too hard to cut in half, place it in the microwave for about 5 minutes to soften it up.

Thoughts on Food Science

Lin Vu Food and Drink Editor

Have you ever made a sauce to go with a steak that separates the moment you add butter to it? Only to realise the recipe wasn’t lying when they said to stir the sauce over low heat! So now you’re left with a broken sauce and a boring steak.

Or why a no-bake cheesecake recipe might call for room temperature cream cheese instead of cold cream cheese?

Well, it’s all part of food science. Understanding the basics of food science (flavour, temperature etc.) is essential in improving our cooking techniques, resulting in more confidence to innovate recipes and better dishes.

A fundamental basis of food science is understanding how ingredients work. For instance, when making mango sticky rice, you wouldn’t want to substitute glutinous sticky rice with sushi rice because despite their similarities, their chemical make-up differs, resulting in a different taste and texture (and no, you can’t just reduce it to both grains being sticky).

And by learning flavour compounds, you can enhance dishes with flavour developments utilising balances. You don’t just add salt to make food salty (think of salted caramel) but to cut back against the bitterness and enhance the sweetness of it, which makes salted caramel work so well.

Or do you have a dish that’s lacking something in flavour, but you can’t put your finger on it, despite it already being balanced? Umami is the key component that’s missing to give it the extra depth it needs. Egg fried rice is one of those dishes that needs a bit of umami to give it the signature egg fried rice taste, coming from the soy sauce.

Learning the basics of food science allows you to deeply appreciate the arts of cooking and refine your techniques. Next time, add some mushroom bouillon to a dish for added depth.

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

The Developing Tipping Culture in the United Kingdom

Tom Nicholson

Tipping culture in the UK has sadly evolved from a gesture of gratitude for exceptional, above average service to an expected, and most of the time awkward part of dining out. Once considered a discretionary, rare, and hard-earned reward, tipping is now seen as insinuated and obligatory, with many businesses and service staff depending on customers to subsidise their wages.

We are seeing what our neighbours across the pond have been dealing with over the last decade, the expectation and insinuation of a tip, where service staff often rely on tips to supplement their wages. In the US, federal minimum wage for tipped employees are notoriously low, forcing workers to depend on tips. While here in the UK we have a minimum wage law that applies to all workers, though tipping still plays a significant role in service-based industries.

No doubt many of us have experienced awkwardness and pressure to tip, even for subpar service, because we know it directly impacts our server’s livelihood. This raises a crucial question: shouldn’t service workers wages be included in

the price of our meals on the menu?

No doubt many of us including myself have worked waiting on tables either before or even now during our studies, but our sympathy can only go so far.

“This raises a crucial question: shouldn’t service workers wag- es be included in the price of our meals on the menu?”

Tipping should not be weaponised as an excuse to not compensate service staff properly.

I’m not suggesting we stop tipping in general--tipping is a wonderful thing most of the time. It’s a goal for us to strive for and pursue when waiting on tables, a respectful sign to know we have delivered excellent service and a way for customers to express their gratitude.

What we should advocate for is a return to traditional restaurant service culture,

where once we have paid for our food, we are not awkwardly shown a couple of options of how much we want to tip.

A growing trend in the UK is the addition of automatic service charges to bills. This can sometimes leave customers feeling like were paying more without seeing an improvement in service we receive.

Shouldn’t we be expecting businesses to take responsibility for paying their employees a living wage, rather than

placing the responsibility on an optional extra charge on customers?

A living wage shouldn’t depend on the kindness of strangers.

How Chicken Tikka Masala Became Britain’s Unofficial National Dish

Juan Ladinez Cultural Correspondent

From the curry houses of London’s Brick Lane to the ready-to-eat aisle of your local Sainsbury’s, Chicken Tikka Masala is recognised as a signature of the English diet. While Chicken Tikka and Masala spice blend are staples of Indian cuisine, the exact origin of the dish is hotly contested. Food historians Peter and Colleen Grove have pointed to Bengali chefs as the creators of this signature dish. However, the creation of the dish is most popularly attributed to Pakistani born Glaswegian chef, Ali Ahmad Aslam. According to Aslam, “We used to make chicken tikka, and one day a customer said, ‘I’d take some sauce with that, this is a bit dry.’

Aslam then improvised a sauce made of yogurt, cream, tomatoes and spices to complement the Chicken Tikka. Famed for its distinct flavours unbeknownst to the British palette, news of Aslam’s culinary concoction spread through the isles, eventually being hailed as a “true British national dish” by Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook.

Cook’s speech to the Social Market Foundation in 2001 celebrates the dish as a symbol of Britain’s multicultural success. While Cook recognises the Chicken Tikka Masala as a migrant invention, Cook’s speech fails to recognise the dish as a symbol of migrant resistance. The 1948 British Nationality Act saw the intake of Caribbean and South Asian migrants, with many from the Indian subcontinent seeking refuge from civil war at the end of the partition of India. While Britons relied on the labour of Commonwealth migrants to rebuild Britannia from the rubbles of war, the influx of black and brown migrants posed a threat to many white Britons.

While Cook recognises the Chicken Tikka Masala as a migrant invention, Cook’s speech fails to recognise the dish as a symbol of migrant resistance.

In 1964 a young and eager Aslam open his restaurant, the Shish Mahal on Glasgow’s West End. In Smeth -

wick, Staffordshire, Conservative MP Peter Griffiths takes his seat on Smethwick’s constituency. Smethwick, a town with a significant Sikh and Punjab migrant population, faced many industri al closures. Un derstanding the frus tration of job insecurity amidst growing immigra tion policies, Griffiths appealed to the frustration of many disgruntled Brits. Griffiths infamous campaign involved sporting slogans that would read “If you want a n**ger for a neighbour, vote Labour.” Following Griffiths’ election, a British branch of the Ku Klux Klan was formed with many ethnic minority residents receiving burning crosses in their mail.

the whip hand over the white man.” Powell’s infamous 1968 Rivers of Blood speech provoked waves of racist attacks against Britain’s Desi population in the 60s and 70s. Amidst a history of racial violence and growing anti-immigration sentiment, Aslam proposes a solution to complaints over the dryness of Chicken Tikka.

From this resolution, the Chicken Tikka Masala was born.

Anti-immigrant and racist sentiment persisted in the following decades with MP Enoch Powell sparking fears of “the black man [having]

Taken from the Indian subcontinent, thrown into a heated melting pot under high pressure, doused in indulgent white cream and rebranded as British dish, Chicken Tikka Masala is a ‘true British national dish’ as quoted by Cook. Steeped in Indian culinary tradition and looking towards multicultural ideals, the Anglo-Indian fusion dish represents Britain’s complicated history of colonialism, global displacement and migration.

Credit: Image by Daniel from Pixabay

The Enduring Legacy of Black British Women in UK Healthcare

Daisy Lester Science Editor

This Black History month, we highlight two remarkable Black British women who have made significant contributions to nursing and healthcare and whose lives and legacies are intertwined – despite being separated by over a century. This year’s theme, “changing narratives” provides an excellent lens with which to discuss Mary Seacole and Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu. With these two incredible individuals, we look at the powerful, but often forgotten, legacy of Black women in British healthcare.

Mary Seacole is one of the rare examples of a still celebrated Black woman in British STEM before the 1900s. Born in 1805 in British Jamaica, Seacole learnt traditional Caribbean herbal medicine from her mother, exposing her to medical practices from an early age. Mary did excellent medical work (and business) throughout her life, with her contributions during the Crimean War being what she is most known for. After being refused for a nursing position by the British War Office (for what is likely due to reasons of racial prejudice), she travelled to Crimea with her own funds, establishing a hotel for injured soldiers. For this, she was said at the time to be “as well known as Florence Nightingale”, providing hot meals,

WikipediaCommons

medical attention, and a comforting space to British soldiers. In contrast to the rigid nature of the care for which Nightingale was known, praise for Seacole comes from her warmth and compassion along with the medical care she provided – placing great emphasis on the emotional wellbeing of her residents. She wrote her own autobiography in 1957, whimsically named “Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands”, which documents her medical knowledge and allows her remarkable achievements to be recognised today. However, unlike Nightingale, Seacole’s legacy was almost forgotten for a century after her death, until those like Dame Elizabeth Anionwu pushed for her remembrance.

Born in 1947, Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu has made enormous contributions to the treatment of sickle cell disease and thalassemia (a blood disorder affecting haemoglobin – two diseases which disproportionately impact people of colour –as well as her work to ensure recognition and secure the legacy of Mary Seacole.

Working with haematologist Milica Brozovic, Anionwu founded the first sickle-cell and thalassemia counselling centre in Brent, which proceeded to become the model for many more such centres in the UK, treating countless individuals with

the blood diseases. In 2001 she wrote The Politics of Sickle Cell and Thalassemia, emphasising the conditions’ “importance in gaining recognition of the (healthcare) needs of minority ethnic groups”. She criticized the NHS modernization plans, pointing out that “haemoglobinopathies would have higher priority if they were not seen as ‘black’ conditions”. Through her tireless advocacy, Anionwu has worked to shift perceptions of these diseases, fighting to bring the attention and re sources to those afflicted with them that they deserve.

In 1998 she created the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice at the University of West London to honour Seacole’s contri butions and “enable the inte gration of a multi-ethic philosophy into the process of nursing”. Alongside her scientific writing, she wrote “A Short History of Mary Seacole” in 2005, further securing Seacole’s name in history.

London, which as vice-chairperson of the Mary Seacole memorial statue appeal, Anionwu played a huge role in raising over £750,000 for. The statue stands as a powerful reminder of the often over-looked roles Black women have played in shaping British healthcare today. Overlooking the houses of parliament, Anoinwu mentioned that it plays on her “naughty sense of humour”, imagining the statue is “keeping an eye” on the politicians – reminding them to work “for the people”. Reflecting on what inspires her, she stated this was: “seeing the improvements that have happened so far. But I’m not satisfied until other gaps in service for BME patients and health professionals are addressed”.

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu became a Life Patron of the Mary Seacole Trust in 2016 – a charity focused on the remembrance of Seacole and the promotion of her work.

Even after retiring in 2007, she has continued to advocate for healthcare equality, highlighting the effect of Covid-19 on Black and Asian Communities, and push for greater recognition of underserved communities.

In 2016, the Mary Seacole memorial statue was unveiled at St Thomas’ Hospital in

Looking at these two women and their intertwined work and legacy, we see a snapshot spanning centuries of the fight for healthcare equality, with Seacole’s determination building a foundation for Anionwu to share and address systemic inequalities over 100 years later. Together, they contribute incredible legacies not just to healthcare, but in the work for equality, reminding us that work is far from over.

Creativity Backed By Science

Are you a scientist? If yes, please go to option a, and if the answer is no, and you are a creative, please see option b.

a) It makes sense to see you here, great to have you.

b) I am a creative too… and yet, we meet here?

So, why have scientists and creatives met here, on this page, this month? What if I told you that this very introduction rewired your brain? The informal tone and questionnaire subtly shifted your mental frameworks, altering what you believe a successful newspaper article should look like, and how it should behave. If this is a ‘bad’ newspaper opening, how did it catch your attention? This is the essence of Cognitive Poetics monthly column –this is Creativity Backed by Science.

At its core, Cognitive Poetics is about the brain's interaction with texts. It moves beyond the traditional tools of literary analysis and asks deeper, neurological questions: “why did this text intrigue me?” The answer being mental structures we do not realise we possess.

Unlike classic literary theory, which looks at texts in isolation, Cognitive Poetics begins with the reader. It investigates how our mental processes interact with language – how memory, perception, and emotion are engaged in real-time when we read. It draws on ideas from psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics to decode our expectations and understanding.

Creativity is a two-way street. Authors design language to challenge the read-

er’s cognitive processes, and the reader brings their interpretations to craft new meanings. The brain, far from passively absorbing information, is actively creating meaning as it processes each vword, each metaphor, each unexpected turn of phrase.

Cognitive Poetics isn’t confined to poetry or literature alone: the principles it uncovers apply to all language such as advertisements, political speeches, even everyday conversations. Any speech, or description taps into the same mechanisms of creative meaning-making. If we can understand these, we can reveal how language influences our beliefs, emotions, and decisions.

Cognitive Poetics ultimately shows us that creativity is not the sole domain of

Ella Pamment

the writer or poet; every time we engage with language our brain is engaged in a dynamic, creative act. It’s the unseen cognitive choreography behind every line we read, connecting words to experiences, ideas to emotions, and challenging us to see the world in new ways. It tells us that understanding creativity isn’t just about the artist; it’s about how we, as readers and thinkers, participate in the creative process every time we encounter language.

NEXT TIME…

Next month we will dive into prototypicality—the process by which our brains categorise texts, ideas, and understanding. Discover how these mental frameworks shape our perceptions and how we can deviate from them to create more innovative thinking!

COP29 – 1.5 degrees and what needs to be done

Petra Todd

Plant cover has been found growing on the Antarctic peninsula directly due to the actions of humans causing global heating. As the effects of climate change grow in both number and severity, action to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions is critical. “In just a few weeks, COP29, the annual United Nations climate change conference attended by world leaders, will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, and the need for meaningful solutions is paramount.

The location of this years conference has garnered large criticism, with Azerbaijan’s recently announced plans to increase fossil fuel production over the next decade.

“Asking climate-wreckers for their view on how to fix the damage they caused”

Similar criticism has been launched at the president of COP29, Mukhtar Babayev – a man with decades long ties to the country’s state-owned oil company. This backlash is not unfamiliar to COP, which has a history with fossil fuel lobbyists – outraging scientists and environmentalists. At COP28 in

CREDIT:UEA

Dubai last year, the BBC reported around 2800 people linked to fossil fuels industries were in attendance – a move Amnesty declared “warped” , noting the irony of asking “climate wreckers for their view on how to fix the damage they caused”. But with environmentalists and scientists alike begging for meaningful change – what needs to be done to reduce the worst effects of climate change?

A largely important part of the discussion revolves around the context going into the conference. The figure of 1.5 degrees is thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean? Firstly the number refers to a warming of no more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, with the effects of breaching this threshold having the potential to be catastrophic, with the likelihood of crossing climate tipping points increasing. Climate tipping points are a threshold that when crossed, leads to accelerating and irreversible changes to the climate system –such as a rainforest becoming a dry savannah. Johan Rockström, a climate scientist, referred to the 1.5 degrees as a physical limit beyond which the earth is likely to cross 4 major tipping points. Two of these tipping points are the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, which would lead to unstoppable melting and catastrophic sea level rise. The impacts at 2 degrees are much more severe than at 1.5, despite only half a degree difference. For example, according to the

IPCC, 14% of the global population will be subject to extreme heat waves once every 5 years at 1.5, but this increases to 37% at 2 degrees. Similarly at 1.5 the Arctic ocean will be ice-free one summer per century, but once per decade at 2 degrees. A rise of 3.3-5.7 degrees compared to 1.5 would be completely catastrophic. According to UCL Professor Mark Maslin, a 4-degree rise would cause the Arctic to be ice free every summer. It will also enable 50-degree heatwaves and droughts to become the norm, with potentially 3.5 billion people living in areas where water demand exceeds water availability. Although these impacts will be felt worldwide, less economically developed countries would experience these effects much more severely, despite rich nations being most responsible for warming. So, with the importance of the 1.5 degree target at the forefront of our minds, let’s take a rain check – how much warming are scientists predicting by 2100? The 2023 intergovernmental panel on climate change report says there is a 50% chance of 1.5 being hit between 2021 and 2040, however under a high emission scenario,1.5 could be hit even sooner – between 2018 and 2037 – but when will it be?

World Resources Institute research says that even if countries achieve their current climate pledges, research shows this would only reduce emissions by 7%, from 20192030, when 43% is needed to limit warming to 1.5 degrees – the report indicating that it’s

likely we will hit 1.5 before 2037 – the less optimistic IPCC scenario. Under this high emission scenario, scientists predict we could be on track for 3.3-5.7 degrees.

“Warped”

So what does the world need from COP29?

Fundamentally an extreme cut in greenhouse gas emissions is needed - starting with fossil fuels, but this is not made easy with the huge amount of fossil fuel lobbyists present. A decision from world leaders to immediately phase them out is required, and this cannot be replaced with investment in carbon capture technologies, despite their genuine need in removing current carbon in the atmosphere. More actions to protect precious temperate and tropical forests is also required. At COP26 ,170 countries pledged to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030, but the World Resources Institute recently released a Global Forest review which announced that we are currently not on track to meet this target.

The biggest driver of the climate crisis is fossil fuels - extracted predominantly to increase economic growth. But when the world headed for 3.3-5.7 degrees, causing deadly impacts for people and planet, half-hearted action is not enough at COP29.

Long-Covid Dathathon

Last month, the UEA hosted the “LongCovid Datathon” – an exciting event aiming to use machine learning models to analyse large data sets relating to Covid and Long-Covid. Running from the 9th to the 11th of September, the event aimed to “bridge knowledge gaps and create innovative solutions for managing Longcovid”. Over the three days, people across many disciplines came together to learn about the condition of long covid, large data sets, and machine learning, before working in groups to develop preliminary models with which to analyse the data.

Long-Covid is defined by the World Health Organisation (the WHO) as "the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARSCoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation”. Being vague and a diagnosis of exclusion makes machine learning the ideal tool with which to learn more about

According to the organiser, Dr Saber Sami, Ai has “been used [in healthcare] for a very long time”, with it’s pattern recognition being particularly key in this context. He stated AI “has either reached or surpassed human pattern recognition”. Mentioning

his own specialty, he discussed how the medical school has been using AI to investigate how the brain changes before dementia develops, commenting that “only with AI and machine learning can we do this kind of work”.

When asked about the outcome of the event, Dr Saber Sami said the results were “stimulating”, with some models suggesting some “very interesting” insights regarding age groups and the effects of different covid variants. When discussing the prominence of LongCovid, he emphasised it’s a ‘big public health issue’, which was “threatening the UK economy”, with those of working age some of the most effected, with estimates of 1.9-3.2 million people in the UK currently severely impacted.

The vague nature of the disease criteria also makes it more difficult to perform further research on it, and with most Covid data collection now finished, policies that Dr Sami described as “not really helpful” when “we know it’s a problem”, this makes it all the more challenging to follow up with those effected by the pandemic and the following waves.

“Covid is still rife – still a huge problem” says Dr Sami, discussing a new and troubling variant with varied and severe symptoms. He states that it’s “not taken

seriously enough”, hoping those who have been offered the next round of booster vaccines will take them.

Vaccinations reduce the likelihood of contracting an illness, and the severity of symptoms if the disease is caught, but there is no evidence to suggest it has an effect on the chances of developing long-covid after infection. An interesting question raised in the event during a talk by Dr Paul Hunter on “The Changing Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Infections During the Pandemic”, was how long these waves of booster vaccines were expected to continue, or if they will only adapt with concerning and resistant variants. The current research is aimed mostly towards an inclusive vaccine covering several different and seasonal illnesses (much like the MMR vaccine infants receive in the UK to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella): “watch this space” says Dr Sami.

Dr Sami encouraged interested students to keep a look out for activities which they could get involved with from the medical school, such as a very sci-fi sounding investigation into playing Tetris using your mind! The experiment uses AI to process brainwaves to control the game, which could have huge implications for those with limited mobility. Keep watch for more exciting events!

Sport

The Vikings Halt The Jets From Taking Off In London- 3 Key Takeaways From My Experience

Daniel Freeman Sport Senior Reporter

Picture this, it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon in London, you’ve endured 3 hours of train connections and rail replacement buses and now you’re in North London ready to indulge in pre-match pints and a host of chats with strangers about how bad your fantasy team is doing. You might think oh I’m on route to the footy? You would be wrong. This was my pre match experience before the first edition of the NFL London series for 2024 as the high-flying Minnesota Vikings took on the Aaron Rodgers -led New York Jets. In an intriguing battle dictated by each teams suffocating defence, the Minnesota Vikings held-off a late fourth quarter comeback from the Jets to take a 23-17 win and continue their unbeaten start to the season at 5-0. But what stood out from the game and what can you take away from London’s efforts at hosting the game?

“If you closed your eyes, you could have genuinely believed that you were in the heart of Minneapo-

The first thing that took my notice during the game was how in awe I was of the Vikings supporters. If you closed your eyes, you could have genuinely believed that you were in the heart of Minneapolis at US Bank Stadium, the home of the Vikings. When NFL offences play away from home during a game in America, home fans deliberately use noise to intimidate the offence, and you would often see the quar-

terback using a host of non-verbal cadences to communicate to the rest of the team so they could understand what to do on each play. Usually, in a neutral setting such as London this would not be necessary for the offence as the crowd wouldn’t be loud enough to intimidate them, but Sunday was different. On every third down for the Jets the roar from the Vikings fans became very apparent and Rodgers often had to turn to silent count before each play.

“British football needs to learn a few things from this experience...”

This in comparison to each Vikings drive and the noise from the crowd was distinctly quieter. This showed to me that the UK crowd was clearly very intelligent, and its influence in moving the game in favour of the Vikings helped to make the game feel more like it was in America and not in London. With the Jets struggling on offence all game and Aaron Rodgers ending up with 3 costly interceptions on the day, the Vikings fans would have therefore been pleased by their efforts on Sunday.

Another aspect I took from the game is that British football needs to learn a few things from this NFL experience. Obviously, the support, atmosphere and to an extent tribalism that comes with British football can be an amazing part of the game and the fan experience. However, the reputation football games can get especially with its associations towards violence between home and away supporters can really impact the experience of a matchday for some.

What struck me about the NFL game was the ease for supporters to interact, the lack of fear many people had and best of all, the ability to drink a pint in your seat! No more chugging pints in the concourse, you could sit down and enjoy one during the action. And with NFL games usually lasting upwards of 3 hours compared to the 2 hours of a British football game, there was a lot more time to enjoy the stadium atmosphere and in seat experience. As a result, despite the clear restrictions that come from traditional British football culture, I hope to see British football learn some of the things from the NFL’s experience in London.

Finally, Sunday made it clear to me that London is ready for its own NFL team. Of course there is a lot of logistical, financial and environmental issues with such a statement, but Sunday showed that the NFL has made its mark on the capital. After a celebration of its 17th year of hosting NFL games, at half-time former Giants Defensive End and British NFL celebrity Osi Umenyiora became the first inductee to the NFL London Hall of Fame. In his efforts with

former NFL cornerback Jason Bell, him and Jason have undoubtedly helped to grow support for the NFL from the casual British sports fan. With their efforts on BBC, ITV and other providers throughout the past decade, the NFL alongside its games in London have prospered massively from its rise in British support.

“The next route for the NFL to take is surely to grant London it’s own team...”

With the Jacksonville Jaguars already playing games every year and the NFL only continuing to grow, the next route for the NFL to take is surely to grant London its own team. Yes, logistically this might not be answered for a few more years but with games in Germany and now Madrid as of next year, could we see a European NFL division in the not-so-distant future? What Sunday proved is that the appetite for it from the British crowd and those at the NFL is there for everyone to see.

Credits: Daniel Freeman

“Pure Chaos In The Best Way Possible”: A Guide To Sports Night

Sofia Royal Sport Editor

For some, the start of a new academic year means that motivations are high, coursework is getting done and you’re the epitome of a so-called “academic weapon”. For others, a Wednesday evening takes priority over everything else – “a rite of passage”, claims an undergraduate student. Arguably, the LCR’s biggest night of the week, Sport’s Night has become a popular night out for UEA students. So as freshers begin on their Sport Night journey for the year, an ultimate “how to” seems apt for this time of year.

A great way to really engage in the Sport’s Night festivities is by going to ‘Pres’. If you’ve joined a sport team for this year, it’s likely that your ‘social-sec’ would have put a message out, informing you of where your team’s pres are being held. Whether you’re keen on drinking, or not, pres are the perfect opportunity to get to know your new team. Whilst you may play a few drinking games, it’s the best way to

socialise with the team before you end up in a crowded LCR. Aside from that, for any of you that get anxious on a night out, there is some reassurance in knowing who you’re going to be with all night. Given the fact that teams are now required to have one member as part of the “sober sec” rule, you can always go to this member of your team should you need to talk to someone who is not on their fifth VK.

“Engaging in the themes is a good way of identifying your group in the LCR...”

One of the best parts of Sport’s Night is the themes. Themes differ from team to team, so whether your part of one team, or more, or even none- engaging in the themes is a good way of identifying your group in the LCR, but also getting in on the fun of Sport’s Night as a whole. “It’s an experience”, an undergraduate student tells me on dressing up each week. Lists

for themes get released at the beginning of the year, which gives one the perfect amount of time to go searching for the perfect outfit. If you’re new to a team, your outfit works great as a conversation starter and things can sometimes start to get a little bit competitive if you want to be the best dressed in your group. The themes are important and there for a reason, so if your club has a theme, don’t be shy!

A key part of getting through your Sport’s Night smoothly is knowing your area. As someone very creatively put a floor plan of the LCR on ‘Concrete Confessions’, there are typical areas which each team situate themselves at on a weekly basis. There’s no official area, but the floor plan was an accurate representation of your typical Sport’s Night. If you find yourself hard done by the shots you smashed down at the LCR Bar, knowing the area that your team goes to each week is a good way of not getting lost and wandering into a Rugby team mosh-pit. As the best night of the week for students, Sport’s Night is an occasion that

many won’t pass on. You’ll find your nights escalate from 0 to 100 at record speed and long gone are the days where you turn up to your 9am on a Thursday. One student describes it as “pure chaos in the best way possible. It’s the night where everyone comes together”- that much is true, I’m sure anyone can agree.

Swole Body, Swole Brain: An Ode To The Gym

Zoe Molloy

Growing up, it was always my mum forcing me into sports teams and classes, rather than me begging her to let me join every single one I learnt about. I despised team sports, the competition aspect of them really threw me. I remember pleading with her to take me out of my gymnastics competition as we walked home from school. No, I don’t have performance anxiety (you should see me on Karaoke nights at the bar), it was just every fibre of my being did not want to compete against other people.

Instead I was the girl that did dance, circus (and horse riding) growing up. I found brilliance in the artistic and emotional expression of these sports, being able to merge imagination with athletic strength was exceptional. And I loved it all. I didn’t have to do Saturday sports in the unpredictable Melbourne weather, or worry about tearing my ACL, and especially not (god forbid) being the player that lost the team the win.

But then I stopped circus, and dance lessons, and had to (unfortunately) focus on my school work. Yet in the midst of all this, I went to the gym. During my senior years of high school I went about two days a week, mainly group fitness classes, and the odd attempt at running on the treadmill, which came to a glaring halt at covid… of course. What I didn’t realise back then, was how settled I felt at the gym. Lifting weights lets my brain go calm, and my heart restore itself. Because it turned out, I have anxiety. And the gym soon enough became a remedy.

This all came about during my semester abroad here at UEA last year, I found a lot of peace in the gym. No, not in the music I listen to, or the heft of the weights… or the scary gym bros in compression t-shirts, but in the routine and the discipline it has taught me. Bringing myself to the gym became a reliable coping mechanism to calm my rapidly berating heart and nauseous stomach during any moment of panic. Over everything, through my whole life I wanted, needed, craved, con-

trol. If everything went the way I had planned, life would be golden. But we all know this is not the case. Anxiety is tough in that sense, because so little of life is within our jurisdiction. So I took on finding where I had control in life, and somehow the gym was the biggest factor. The gym is a ‘myself against myself’ competition, I am the only one I am working against, my body vs my brain – the dumbbells are just there as witness. It was hard work, day in and day out, six days a week. But it was bliss, and I started to get some control back.

However, September 2023 threw me through a loop. After my semester abroad and months of travelling, I was home in Melbourne, angry, lonely, sad and confused. My brain was tired, my heart was sore and my body was unwell. I didn’t recognise myself in many ways, my body looked different and my head was conflicted. But I knew that if I had nothing else in those moments of despair and grief, I could at least get my strength back. So I spent 3 months sober and within that time working back

up to my usual weights and routine. I was able to come back from disarray and learnt that if I could push myself, and deal with the pain of weightlifting, than barely anything else could hurt me. I was putting myself through physical and mental challenges, training in a way that I can now say has built me into a well recovered (and relatively buff) person.

Growing up, there was something about competing against other people that I couldn’t bring myself to do – but competing against myself, to challenge my strength and grit is where I have found mental peace. The gym lets my brain go quiet except for the push that I can do more. I am stronger than I realise and I know it is just my mentality holding me back. There was something so impressive to me about being able to build yourself the way people do in the gym. The lifestyle is rigorous and time consuming, but to know how strong you are – and being able to see it as well –is a feat of strength I am proud to say I have a little bit of.

Credits: Jamie Bryson

Ricciardo Takes His Final Chequered Flag

Sofia Royal Sport Editor

Seen as the ‘personality hire’ of Formula One, Daniel Ricciardo was one of the biggest forces for entertainment within the sport. With 8 wins, 32 podiums and 257 race starts, the Aussie driver has drove his final laps around Marina Bay, ending his 14-year F1 career.

With rumours circulating across the paddock that Ricciardo was set to be replaced by Liam Lawson after the Singapore Grand Prix, it was suggested that without another team to turn to, Ricciardo would be exiting from the sport permanently. Given the opportunity to drive for the Red Bull junior team ‘RB’ after a sixmonth hiatus off the back of his tumultuous McLaren career, it appeared that Ricciardo did not have luck on his side.

After 18 race starts at ‘RB’, Ricciardo’s best finish was 8th, and on most weekends struggled to get his car into the middle of the grid positions. Finding difficulty with

his determination to drive over the past two years has made Ricciardo’s exit not a question of ‘if’, but rather, ‘when’.

In respect for a man that has brought such personality to the sport, many drivers and presenters took to social media to congratulate the driver on his career. RB Team Principal, Laurent Mekies released a statement: “Everyone here at VCARB would like to thank Daniel for his hard work across the last two seasons with us… Daniel has been a true gentleman both on

and off the track and never without that smile. He will be missed, but will always hold a special place within the Red Bull family.”

Sky Sports F1 commentator, David Croft took to Instagram, posting a photo of himself and Ricciardo, taking a swipe at RB and their handling of the driver’s exit: “Cheers Danny Ric, one of the best on, and off the track. If this is the end, you deserved a final hurrah. To not be afforded a chance to say farewell was just mean.

You gave us all plenty of great memories and a smile that we all hope continues to shine through. Guys, like you make commentating so much fun!!”

“The past two years has made Ricciardo’s exit not a question of ‘if’, but rather ‘when’...”

Alpine driver, Pierre Gasly also posted a tribute on Instagram, congratulating the driver on his career, regarding him as “one of a kind”.

As unfortunate as it is to see a driver who had the talent in his early career go, his personality gives the expectation the Ricciardo won’t be off our screens for long. If anything, I expect he will be joining Nico Rosberg on the pundit side of the sport in the not-too-distant future. For now, we play the waiting game, anticipating a surprising return.

Will The Number One Get Banned? Jannik Sinner Doping Case Sent To The Court Of Arbitration For Sport

Daniel Freeman Sport Senior Writer

Jannik’s summit to the top of the world tennis has been nothing short of extraordinary over the past twelve months. This time last year in Beijing, Jannik’s career would dramatically change after many tennis fans suggested that an incident in which he threw up inside a bin during a match against Grigor Dimitrov began his rise to number one. Consequently, not only would “post-puke Sinner” be born, but Jannik would go on to win that title in Beijing and start a twelve-month tear throughout the entire ATP tour. After two grand slam titles, becoming Italy’s first ever World Number one and creating new exhilarating rivalries with the great Novak Djokovic and two-time Wimbledon Champion Carlos Alcaraz, the 2024 season has been by far the best of Jannik’s young career so far. But as the tennis season this year begins to reach its twilight, it was the event in Beijing in

2024 where Jannik Sinner’s career would be hit with a different kind of shockwave.

Midway through his last-16 match against Roman Safiullin at the China Open in Beijing, the World Number One as well as the entire sporting world learnt of the news that a potential doping ban could be heading the Italian’s way. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced it would intend to appeal a decision made by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) back in August over Jannik Sinner’s positive test at Indian Wells in March for the performance enhancing steroid Clostebol. Jannik was cleared by the ITIA of any wrongdoing for the incident due to them ruling that Sinner was unintentionally contaminated with the drug by his physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi. The ITIA ruled that Nardi had used a spray containing the steroid, unaware of its performance enhancing affects. This decision enabled Sinner to play both in the months after his positive test but also in the weeks after the decision in August, where he

would go onto win the US Open amid much public backlash against the ruling. However, this recent appeal has the potential to cause huge ripple effects throughout the tennis world. WADA stated, “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ [from the ITIA] was not correct under the applicable rules.” WADA intends to take this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and if successful, WADA’s appeal could hit Jannik with a possible ban of between 1-2 years. Not only could this put Jannik’s titles under question, but also the integrity of the ITIA as an organisation. In response to the appeal, Jannik stated he was, “surprised of this appeal because we had three hearings. All three hearings came out very positively for me.” Therefore, with the ITIA and WADA holding such different views on the situation, does the system need to be changed? As Novak Djokovic argued in a press conference before the Shanghai Masters that, “there is a lot of issues in the system” and argued that “we see a

lack of standardised and clear protocols.” This comes under the gaze of an incident involving British WTA player Tara Moore, who was provisionally suspended for 19 months from May 2022 whilst an investigation took place after her testing positive for traces of an anabolic steroid called Boldenone. As a result, questions will be asked whether tennis is correctly equipped to deal with doping allegations and whether the ITIA and tennis wants to treat players at the top of the professional game in the same way as it does with players of a lower ranking. Therefore, whether Sinner gets banned or not, the eventual decision CAS decides to make in response to WADA’s appeal will undoubtedly have huge ramifications on the future of the game. Will there forever be an Asterix against Jannik’s US open title? Can the ATP cope with the possible loss of its number one? Does tennis have an integrity problem? These questions may soon have their answers.

Credit: Unsplash