Issue 1455 (Varsity 2024)

Team Newcastle takes the win for third year running with a 106 - 38 victory over Northumbria

Read on pages 17 - 20

Funding changes in the North East Combined Authority indicate potential trouble for Adult Education.

Awave impassioned response to funding cuts for adult learners has consumed the North East region, following announcement of the Workers Educational Association (WEA) losing their £1.3m annual grant. Following re-structure with the incoming North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA), preestablished contracts are appearing to change. WEA now must, along with several other associations compete for contracts in the summer in the hopes to re-balance after loss of funding.

The Workers Educational Association have expressed concern over job security, with jobs of 72 tutors in the charity now within flux. Dozens of courses offered by the charity also now appear to be in tumultuous times

As reported by the BBC, Chief Executive of WEA Simon Parkinson, stated the impact will be “devastating for about 1,600 learners across the region.” Parkinson expressed the versatility of

the lessons - “we can do everything from community learning, textiles, history, arts courses and technical skills to help people looking for employment” - and the mark this void will leave on the community.

“Dozens of courses offered by the charity alow now appear to be in tumultuous times.”

“That flexibility and scale we can bring to it will be lost”.

The Courier reached out to NEMCA to receive their perspective on the funding changes.

A spokesperson for NEMCA referred a public statement where NEMCA pledged to “make use of its devolved Adult Education Budget (AEB) to achieve its outcomes and improve local skills; helping residents to improve their quality of life and ensuring that employers have residents with the skills their businesses need to grow and thrive”.

NEMCA stated they are establishing a new provider base, that will allow the delivery of AEB through a new open and competitive procurement processes. They affirmed “the vast majority of providers, such as national providers, will secure contracts in this

way following our well-publicised processed. This year, successful providers will be in place from August 2024.”

The statement also clarified the state of local FE colleges, in receiving grant funding for AEB activity because “of the significant volume of provision they deliver to local residents, including statutory provision and community learning.”

“We are encouraging those providers outside of the grant funding scope to engage with the procurement process and seek to access up to £16m of funding available for academic year 2024-2025.”

In their statement NEMCA recognised “that through any process of change there will be an element of disruption - and we are clear about the need to minimise any detriment to learners as a result of this”.

“We want to ensure that Adult Education provision is accessible to all resident across the North East Combined Authority region and will ensure a full list of providers delivering courses is made widely available once procurement processes are complete”.

Countless learners, tutors and stakeholders within the charity now look towards Summer 2024, with hope the stated “procurement process” will provide funding and clarity for Adult Education within the North East. The Courier reached out to WEA for comment, but was not met with a response.

Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs

Image Credit: Pixaby

Image: NCL Sport Images: David Mellstrom, Chris Bishop

A note from your Editor... Want to get involved? I

Penultimate issue who?!

Welcome to Issue 1455, filled with loads of fun articles and a special Varsity pullout (if you took part - spot yourself!). We won't have another issue for a couple of weeks, so I hope this one will tide you over until then, but if not, there's always our website. If you're a regular Courier website enjoyer, especially on your iPhone, you'll know we've had issues with out logo banner before as well as a few other bugs. I'm here to inform you that the wonderful Anthony Welsh, our Head of Online, has been working super hard on these, and many of them have been fixed for your website-viewing pleasure! Luv

ya Anthony.

Now, you might be thinking...Gabbi, have you and the team been working on this over easter? And yes! We have! It's Good Friday as I am writing this, the day we send off to print, and the wonderful senior editors have been in this week tinkering away to bring you this wonderful paper. I'm so proud of them for showing such dedication continuously this year - we wouldn't have these wonderful papers without the Editorial Team!

Inside 1st April 2024

Current Affairs | Science

Pleurobranchea Britannica: The new species of Sea Slug

A new sea creature discovered off the southwest coast of England has drawn the interest of scientists worldwide| Page 10

Life & Style | Lifestyle

Ozempic: The problem with celebrities

One writer examines the harmful and distortive effects the usage of the 'fashionable' weight loss drug | Page 15

Life & Style | Travel

Sustainability and Eco-Travel: How can you be a more conscious traveller in 2024

A look at how to enjoy the wonders of the world without contributing to the climate crisis| Page 21

Culture | Gaming

End of an Era: MatPat leaves Game Theory

An ode to Gaming's most celebrated theorists as he announces the end of his tenure at the popular Youtube channel| Page 27

Sports| Features

Charity dance-off: Newcastle Come Dancing is back and better off!

On the 18th March, Newcastle University's Dance club hosted their annual Strictly-inspired fundraiser | Page 35

Varsity

Now, I don't have much else to say, so I'll leave you with this cute pic from the Varsity finale that I feel is quite fitting for this issue - clearly the sportiest bunch you've ever seen am I right?!

Ciao for now!

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities

f you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)!

You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer. Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you. If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out! Up-to-date information will be posted to our Instagram.

THE COURIER SECTIONS

Editor

Gabbi de Boer

mediaofficer.union@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Heads of Social Media: Paige Rutter and Jess Bradbury P.E.Rutter1@ncl.ac.uk / J.L.Bradbury2@ncl.ac.uk

Current Affairs

Senior editor:

Sam Norman

S.Norman3@ncl.ac.uk

News

Amana Khan

Izabela Kirschnerova

Tommy Atkinson

Rhys James

Jude Ventress

Campus Comment

Libby Griffiths

Grace Boyle

Mia Dale

Opinion

Adelaide Dodson

Rosie Brennan

Margaux Martinez

Science

Elisabeth Gores

Matthew Barratt

Sport

Senior editor:

Arthur Ferridge

A.Ferridge2@ncl.ac.uk

Mitchell Hall

Castor Chan

Sophie McMillan

Dan Balliston

Adam Tibke

Deputy Editors

Rachael McCreanor and Ross Bennett

R.Mccreanor2@ncl.ac.uk / R.Bennett3@ncl.ac.uk

Website

Heads of Online:

Anthony Welsh A.J.Welsh2@ncl.ac.uk

Life & Style

Senior editors:

Daisy Harrison

D.M.Harrison3@ncl.ac.uk

Samantha Seidu

B.S.Seidu2@ncl.ac.uk

Relationships

Adriana Newbury

Charlotte Burnley-Hnat

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Charlotte Lee

Lifestyle

Zahra Hanif

Jay Barber

Marina Snyder

Fashion & Beauty

Lana Free

Ivy French

Travel

Charlie Reid

Ollie Withers

Avika Sharma

Food & Drink

Roseanna Leconte

Anna Nix

Culture

Senior editors:

Imogen Smillie

I.C.Smillie1@ncl.ac.uk

Lucy Bower

L.A.Bower2@ncl.ac.uk

Music

Poppy Bedford

Madeha Ali

TV

Ella Townson

Jenica Davis Film

Jess McKeown

Olivia Carter

Ned Carter-Owen Gaming

Adam Lovegrove

James Kellett Arts

Sarah Tunstall

Laura Kasongo Puzzles

Katie Siddall

K.E.Siddall1@ncl.ac.uk

Newcastle Vs Northumbria in the battle of the year! Find out what happened in the annual sports clash on our newest pullout: pages 17-20!

Image Credit: Instagram - @thecourieronline

Student Council ceasefire motion echoes international sentiments

Gabbi de Boer

- Editor-in-Chief

Calls for a ceasefire have continued to grow within and without the University.

At Newcastle University Students’ Union’s most recent student council, students voted to back a ceasefire in Gaza with release of hostages. The motion passed with 95.56% voting in favour. The motion was put forward by Ethnic Diversity Officer Jonathan Lee and seconded by Activities Officer Alex Theodosiou, in response to the ongoing crisis facing Gaza. Over the past few months, Newcastle University has seen several protests involving students and staff alike, calling for the University to support a ceasefire amid escalating violence in Israel and Palestine. This motion came as a direct response to both these protests, and what students have voiced at council.

In a statement released by the Union this week, the Sabbatical Officers aim to implement this motion by “make[ing] it

a priority to lobby the University, as well as the MPs of Newcastle-upon-Tyne […] on behalf of our Student Council, for a ceasefire.”. By having a motion with tangible backing of the student body, it is hoped that this evidence will serve to further push the University to acknowledge the loss and grief that many students are facing within our community.

Commenting on this, Activities Officer Alex told The Courier, “I think it’s important that we continue to listen to and support our students in times like these, and I know the Sabbatical officer team will continue to work towards acknowledging what is needed and lobbying the University. We want students to feel that they are being represented above all else.”. This motion echoes further international sentiments surrounding a ceasefire, as seen by the United Nations Security Council decision on Monday 25 March to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire during the month of Ramadan, including the unconditional release of hostages. It is hoped that this will lead to a “lasting sustainable ceasefire”, allowing an increase in humanitarian aid within Gaza, as well as “reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire

Gaza strip.”.

The choice to adopt the resolution was the UN Security Council’s first explicit call for an immediate ceasefire following the actions of Hamas on October 7th 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military offensive.

The Union recognises that this is a difficult time for many, and wants students to know they are there for anyone who needs extra support. Information on services available can be founf on the NUSU website, or help

is available at: The Welfare and Support centre, which is located adjacent to the NUSU reception. Please pop in, call on 0191 2393909 or email wsc.union@ncl.ac.uk for an informal chat and for information on support services.

Speaking to other students may help with bringing you comfort during this time, and Student Societies are one way to find support within communities of students who may also be feeling affected by events nationally and

internationally. There is a full A-Z of societies on the Union website, or alternatively contact the Activities Officer at activites.union@ncl.ac.uk. The Student Advice Centre can help with practical guidance on a range of issues such as finance and academic. Please contact 0191 2393979 or email Student-Advice-Centre@ncl.ac.uk if you would like to book an appointment or take a look at their website pages.

Newcastle City Council braces for £60m of budget cuts

Jessica McKeown - Film sub-editor

Newcastle City Council attempt to find £60m before 2027

Newcastle City Council have signed off on £14.4m in spending cuts, 40 job losses and a tax rise of 4.99% in an attempt to find £60m before 2027.

The 2024-25 budget was voted through at the start of March and the proposals include:

- Cutting 40 council jobs, which includes 20 posts that are currently vacant.

- An increase in charges for wheelie bins and garden waste collection, along with parking permits and car parking.

- The removal of the Intensive Family Intervention Team, which works with families with children at risk of being taken into care.

- Charging schools an extra 50p per meal while reducing a subsidy for the school meal service by £537,000.

- Cutting the budget of a scheme designed to support independence from £475,000 to £100,000. This scheme provided access to basic items, such as cookers and beds, to people in poverty.

- A council tax increase of 4.99% which is the maximum allowed. This includes a 2% precept towards cost of adult social care. which increases it

between £63.85 and £191.55.

- Completely ceasing the council's crisis support service. The service had an annual £100,000 budget to help people in emergencies through situations such as financial abuse and domestic violence.

“The council, which has declared bankruptcy, has sparked discussions of a financial crises in local government.”

The budget cuts to social care and schemes come amid delayed plans to slash the number of emergency beds available for Newcastle's homeless, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Nick Kemp, the Labour leader of Newcastle Council, has said: “Sadly after 14 years of austerity there is no low hanging fruit left and many of the decisions we have taken to balance the budget have been painful."

He warned that local authorities are being plunged into an "existential crisis" by the current model of funding councils which "simply does not work". This budget came the day after Birmingham City Council voted to make £300 million worth of cuts and a 21% council tax hike over the next two years. The council, which has declared bankruptcy, has sparked discussions of a financial crises in local government.

Image Source: WikiMedia Commons

Image: Source: Laura Linceviciute

Newcastle prepares to say hello to a brand new STACK!

After nearly two tears, we anticipate the return of Newcastle hit vendors lot STACK!

For the last 22 months, Newcastle has been without STACK due to a block of offices being built in its place. Many have been wondering about the plans for a new STACK and finally we can say that the wait is almost over!

"The idea is to have... ten various food vendours, six drink venues and great entertainment throughout."

Back in September 2023, Stack were given granted planning permission

to build close to St. James's Park. This means that STACK will now be named: St. James' Stack, powered by Sela. The idea is for this locale to have ten various food vendors, six drink venues and great entertainment throughout the week - similar to that of its predecessor.

"As the new location is close to the Newcastle United FC's infamous ground, it will also be home to the new and upcoming fan zone."

However, as the new location is close the Newcastle United FC's infamous ground, is will also be home to the new and upcoming fan zone. This fan zone will adhere to everyone's age as they plan to incorporate family friendly attractions for pre and post-match antics. The inclusion of a flat screen TV will also add to the venues character and, hopefully, bring in those who were unable to get tickets for matches. The main aim of the new STACK is to complement the other works

Green future unclear due to overspending

Rhys James - News Sub-Editor

Newcastle's green mission looks to suffer following lack in funding for Urban Green charity.

Urban Green, the charity responsible for looking after the parks in Newcastle, is facing a £6.7 million shortfall over the next five years.

In 2019, Newcastle City Council gave Urban Green £7.7 million funding to maintain the city’s parks for a decade.

The charity has already spent all this funding in just 4 years.

Urban Green has said that the overspending was due to the impact of Covid-19 and higher costs because of inflation but has insisted that it is “bringing in more income than expected”.

"Urban Green has said that overspending was due to the impact

of COVID-19."

It was hoped by Newcastle City Council that by handing over control of 33 parks and more than 60 allotment sites to Urban Green, that the council would save £110 million.

The trust has said that two-thirds of its income is now self-generated and that it is "bringing in more income than expected when compared with the original operating model".

"Newcastle City Council are launching a review of the park's future."

Newcastle City Council are launching a review of the parks’ future, as well as giving the charity an additional £1 million to balance the books over the next year.

The Council has previously had disputes with the charity regarding the staging of music festivals in Exhibition Park, but the charity's lawyer argued that restrictions would cut off a key source of income needed to pay for the upkeep of the park.

Councillor Colin Ferguson, leader of the city's Liberal Democrats, called for urgent clarity on Urban Green's future.

The charity and council had previously become embroiled in a dispute in April 2022 over Exhibition Park being used to stage music festivals.

The local authority ultimately imposed strict limits on what events could be held in the park, despite the charity's lawyer arguing that those restrictions would cut off a key source of income.

Following the festivals row, the council said that it still had “every confidence in Urban Green”.

surrounding Strawberry Place; to bring a community together and allow them to have explore different cuisines and experiences that they bring.

"They want to see [local businesses] thrive so are hoping that this new venue will allow people to explore more of the surroundings."

As well as trying to attract people in, STACK are also trying to attract local businesses. They want to see their businesses thrive, so are hoping that this new venue will allow people to explore more of the surrounding area of St. James' Park as well as working with these local businesses as vendors and suppliers to STACK. If that isn't good enough, when the new venue opens around 150 jobs (full-time and parttime) will be created for those in the Newcastle area.

St. James' Stack, powered by Sela will open Spring 2024.

Oxford Students' Union closes for transformative period

Rachael McCreanor

- Deputy Editor

Is Oxford SU's transformation an insight into the future for Students' Unions?

Oxford Student’s Union have announced its closure to enable a ‘transformation period’ following ‘increasing concerns about the SU’s ability to operate and represent the student body effectively’.

The Union announced its temporary closure on March 25 and is set to re-open April 2 after the ‘transformation plan’ is implemented.

"The union has found itself in numerous scandals including the resigning of the chair of Student Council."

The announcement comes after continuous concerns around the ‘unsustainable’ situation the union has found itself in following numerous scandals including the resigning of the chair of Student Council, the blocking of a motion of no confidence in the SU President, concerns over the sabbatical officers'

efficiency and an infamous porn scandal involving Danial Hussain, SU President.

"The shock announcement has raised questions around the effective running of Student Unions."

In a joint statement on behalf of the Trustees of Oxford SU and the University, the Transformation Committee stated that ambitions include providing ‘improved clarity among students about the SU’s purpose, a more responsive student representation system, a structure that better supports the Sabbatical Officers’. The shock announcement has raised questions around the effective running

of Student Unions around the country.

With such a prestigious university transforming the structure and running of its Student Union in such a significant way, whether other universities across the country will follow suit is at the forefront of many students’ minds.

According to Oxford SU, the changes aim to ‘improve the overall experience’ for students, offer better support for sabbatical officers, and to create a ‘fully functioning student engagement system which is fit for purpose’.

Thus the question remains, why was such a prominent Students’ Union allowed to function in its previous state, and which other Unions are currently experiencing similar difficulties in student representation and support.

Image Source :Rawpixel

Katie Sidall - Puzzles Sub-Editor

Image Source :Mark Anderson on Geograph

George Galloway wins Rochdale by-election

Former Labour MP

George Galloway returns to the House of Commons after a landslide win in the Rochdale by-election, taking his seat for the Workers Party for Britain.

Labelled as 'the weirdest by-election ever' by The News Agents, the Rochdale by-election was triggered following the death of it's Labour MP Sir Tony Lloyd who passed in January. Of the candidates standing, three candidates were former members of the Labour Party - George Galloway, Simon Danczuk and more recently Azhar Ali.

Galloway had sat as a Labour MP for Glasgow Hillhead and Kelvin until 2003 when he joined the fledgling Respect Party, a party set up in response to the anti-war movement in early 2000s Britain. He then was elected as an Independent for the Respect Party in Bethnal Green in 2005 and later won a landslide byelection in Bradford West in 2012. His pledges include saving the town's football club from "extinction", to "reopen maternity services and A&E at Rochdale Infirmary without delay", cracking down on grooming gangs,

"bring back big names to our town centre like Primark" and promised a "grand alliance" with independents and others to push the mainstream parties out of the local council.Galloway won 39.7% of the votes, Independent David Tully came in with 21.3%, Conservative candidate Paul Ellison at 12.0%, Azhar Ali - having had Labour's support withdrawn over comments over Israelreceived 7.7% of the votes, Lib Dem Iain Donaldson at 7.0% and Reform's Simon Danczuk - previously suspended from the Labour Party after sending explicit

messages to an underage girl - came in last with 6.3% of the votes.Galloway praised David Tully for coming in second as an independent candidate campaigning on local issues as a "remarkable achievement". Mr Tully, a well-known figure in Rochdale, said he decided to stand in the byelection "to be the voice of Rochdale". In his victory speech, Galloway said: "Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside and they both got well and truly spanked tonight here in Rochdale."

North East tourism climate in turmoil

Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs

How does the pandemic continue to shape the North East tourist economy?

The North East region is being forced to adapt to tourism changes following figures released by Visit Britain that show the lowest number of tourists visiting in 2022 compared to any other region.

Since the pandemic, the landscape of tourism has shifted, and the North East appears to be a region particularly in struggle. The North East tourist board announced in 2022 that they would pilot a £2.25m scheme to boost the tourist economy. However, business continue to report rising energy costs and staff shortages are overriding any attempts to ressurect the industry.The pilot scheme ties together a relationship between Visit Northumberland, the Newcastle Gateshead Initiatve, and Visit Country Durham. The funding follows the announcement in 2022 of visitors droppiing from 73 million in 2019 to 65.6 million in 2022.

An £18 billion Enery Bill Relief Scheme was offered to support

businesses from the department for culture, media and sport. With growing rates and increased costs, business look to relief from the governemnt to ease anxieties over paying bills and not meeting revenue needs.

"With increased costs, businesses look to relief from the government."

Michael Dawson, owner of the Craster Arms in Northumberland, spoke to the BBC stating "although customer numbers are back [to what they were pre-pandemic}, I don't think the spend is what it used to be."

Dawson also referenced the costof-living crisis as an understandable factor leading this situation.

Last years review of tourism boards, that markets areas to business and visitors, concluded having more than 150 different sizes made it confusing for tourists planning breaks and business looking to invest. This led to government plans to streamline tourist boards, now referred to as Destination Management Organisations. Along with £2.25m scheme, the government hopes to increase visitor numbers, create jobs and attract major business, cultural and sporting events to the North East.

Is it the end of the line for Hitachi?

George Brownless - NSR's Head of Tech

Jobs at risk as people call on government to help Hitachi stay on the tracks.

At Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe jobs look to be at risk, as the train firm are coming to the end of their existing orders, with no new ones in sight. The factory first opened in 2015, to create Great Western Railway trains. Now, they’re coming to the end of their order for Avanti West Coast and East Midlands Railway.

With a lack of upcoming orders, that puts the jobs of 750 onsite workers, and a further 1400 at risk, unless they can secure more contracts for new trains.

"A lack of upcoming orders... puts the jobs of 750 onsite workers and a further 1400 at risk, unless they can secure more contracts."

Hitachi over the last few years have bid for contracts for a multitude of services, including Tyne and Wear Metro, which was won by Stadler and the new London Tube trains, won by Siemens.

They did however win a contract, joint with fellow operator Alstom for HS2. However, even despite HS2’s

extension being cancelled, the contracts to work on HS2 trains is only due to start later in the decade, and to keep the factory open until that contract can start..

"Bosses at Hitachi had asked the government if there is any opportunity for a further contract... but to no avail."

Bosses at Hitachi had asked the government if there is an opportunity for a further contract to give them more work and help to save the jobs at the factory, but to no avail, and it does mean that these jobs could well be at risk. Unite union leaders have also met with MP’s in London to press for a contract extension, to keep the work going in the factory, keeping the jobs in the north and stopping them from moving elsewhere, or leaving the country entirely.

Despite this, Hitachi has not requested or called for receiving special treatment, saying “Procurement decisions should be based solely on the basis of who is the best supplier for the job to ensure a level playing field for all businesses”.

The campaign to save Hitaci has being backed by several big name politicans, hoping to lobby the government.

On a visit to the North East the Shadow Health Secretary pledged "100% support" to The Northern Echo in their efforts to help Hitachi. Leader of the Opposition Keir Starmer has also backed the campaign urging the government to "roll up it's sleeves" and help the train firm.

Jessica McKeown - Film Sub-Editor

Image Source :Wikimedia Commons - UK Parliament

Image Credit: Flickr, Department for Transport

Campus Comment 6

Dissertation diaries: it's the final countdown!

Sam Norman - Head of Current Affaris

The dissertation deadline is looming, so it's time to reflect.

Ifeel I have a blessed journey with my dissertation but that’s not to say there still hasn’t been challenges.

To all the English Literature students out there, you know the trials and tribulations of choosing a topic. We are given so much choice, it’s sometimes overwhelming and hard to narrow it down. I think we’re blessed with the Independent Research Project (IRP) in semester two of second year, or at least I was. Fortunately, it actually did its job for me, and I was able to springboard from it to a dissertation idea.

"I enjoy the study of queer theory, especially relevant to the 20th century."

In my IRP I studied Baldwinian literature and the relationship between sexuality and race. I enjoy the study of queer theory, especially

relevant to the 20th century, and wanted to take it further. So after a few chats with my supervisor, I landed on my two texts, the British novel The Line of Beauty (2004) and the American play Angels in America (1991). Being able to actually enjoy the research lightens the blow of a ten-thousand-word essay. Granted, I think I work better with longer projects, and my focus on my dissertation definitely led to me neglecting my other modules in the first semester.

"My style is to always leave introductions and conclusions til the end."

But alas, as we approach Easter break, I feel like I am in a good position, but how does it bloody end?

My style is to always leave introductions and conclusions til the end, as I told my supervisor not long ago “how the hell do I introduce a project this big that I have been working on for so long?”

I also think a part of me is not ready to submit it. My dissertation is undoubtedly the piece of academia I have enjoyed the most at university, and when I submit, it will also be my final English Literature project, so I’m sad to let it go. Then I also have to turn my attention to other modules I have

neglected. I’m sure I will long for the days of arguing why Margaret Thatcher was presented like a drag queen and Reagan was a camp President.

"The one thing we can all co-sign is there will be a weird void once it is submitted."

Approaching the end is a weird experience, and I’m sure we’re all in different headspaces, for better or for worse. There’s still time for us all, so no fear!

However, I think the one thing we can all co-sign is there will be a weird void once it is submitted – whether you’re celebrating the freedom or missing the researching excitement.

Until then, catch me in the Phillip Robbo reading Susan Sontag and trying to understand conservative politics.

The student guide to gaining work experience

Amala Parry

How to use My Careers for opportunties alongside your degree.

As students, we dread graduating as we know that it signifies not only the end of our time at University but also the beginning of our venture into the world of work. However, by building up our employability skills and work experience while we're studying, the prospect of entering into the workplace becomes considerably less daunting...

Most workplaces require their employees to have a certain level of work experience. Though these levels may vary depending on the industry (it goes without saying that if you want to be a paramedic you'd need to have more experience than if you were applying to work in Waterstones), every time you apply for a new job your past work experience is taken into account.

"Work experience accounts for any work outside of your degree."

But what counts as work experience? And how do we go about gaining this experience while we're at University?

Work experience accounts for any work outside of your degree, whether that be a part-time job in a bar or cafe, a placement year working in the industry, contributing to any campus societies, or

taking part in an NCL internship. However, if you're struggling to find work experience or feel as though you haven't done enough during your time at University, don't worry, as it's never too late to start adding to your CV...

"I also reccomend signing up to recieve email updates from MyCareer."

internship, which was super flexible around my studies, gave me some more work experience and contacts within the industry and funded me for a month or so.

"It's important to remember not every graduate job requires tonnes of experience."

I found it rewarding to gain experience and earn money within an industry I'm potentially interested in going into! It's not hard to feel a little stressed or anxious about finding work experience while studying, especially as the end of our time at University creeps nearer and nearer. However, it's important to remember that not every graduate job requires you to have a tonne of experience in the industry. Even if you only have time to do short internships around your degree, every little bit of work you do outside your studies gradually builds up your CV.

Hello Spring! Buh-bye seasonal depression...

Seasonal depression is a very common disorder during the winter months, particularly in colder countries such as the UK. But to what extent does it actually affect the way we act and feel during each season?

It is thought that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around two million people in England and more than twelve million people across Northern Europe, where the winters tend to be the worst. The history of Seasonal Depression can be traced all the way back to cavemen, who hunted and stored food in the summer and then largely stayed indoors and ‘hibernated’ during the winter. The history of illness and death during the winter in the past and present, such as pneumonia, colds and even heart attacks (which are more common in the winter) all point towards humans becoming weaker and more vulnerable during the winter.

"Perhaps a reason why Seasonal Depression is more common amongst students is because of the stress we put ourselves under during the winter."

Most schools or universities have their annual holidays during the summer, the winter takes up most of our workload. The added stress that this gives, alongside increased illness in the winter, takes a toll on our mental health and physical health. There are many ways to tackle seasonal depression for students. Summer allows for more chances of socialising; this keeps us from becoming too closed in, like in the winter, and generally helps

our mental health by keeping us connected to others. It can be helpful to plan meetings with friends or family in advance, so it’s something to look forward to.

Similarly, even just going outside and going on a walk can improve seasonal depression; even though none of us want to admit it, light exercise releases endorphins which can make you feel a lot happier. Even if the weather sometimes makes this impossible it can be refreshing to do something indoors with your housemates. But don’t be hard on yourself if you’re sleeping a lot more in the winter; it’s actually very restorative, especially if you have low energy in the winter. Another way to clear your head, or ease the stress of the winter is to journal, which can help to externalise thoughts and organise any overwhelming stress that you might be feeling.

Athough it may seem unavoidable, seasonal depression is temporary and it is only a few months before spring arrives again. Seasonal depression has been proven to scientifically affect society’s productivity, health and general happiness. Make sure you prioritise your health during the

Scarlet Davies Image

Image Credit: Levan Ramishvili flickr, pixaby, Richard Binhammer on Flickr

Image Credit: Pixaby

Campus Comment 7

How I (just) about manage my anxiety during assignment season Extrovert vs introvert

Imogen Smillie - Head of Culture

How to manage your anxiety during assignment season.

Looking back on my nearly 4 years at university, it feels almost ironic that I am writing about managing my anxiety! However, with this time and experience, I hope I can pass on any advice I may have to calm the deadline day blues…

Just as a quick preface to this piece, my degree has focussed on assessment deadlines and not exam dates. So, the thought of revising ready to sit in a freezing sports hall just takes me back to secondary school, sending shivers down my spine! My advice here focusses on managing anxiety during that wretched countdown as the deadline looms (not to sound too morbid or anything).

My main thing is somewhat a family motto for the Smillie family – keep talking! It seems daunting at first, but just admitting to close family/friends/ colleagues, whoever knows you best, that you are stressed or feeling anxious can feel like a massive weight lifting off

your shoulders. Remember, they will want to know if they can help you - you are not burdening them by telling them your worries. That was a big hurdle I had to gain the courage to leap over, but once I did, I felt more understood and almost validated.

On the other hand, I also understand that talking to people that know you might feel scary. There is wellbeing support on campus for any stressed and anxious worries you may have! Again, feels pretty daunting, right? But I find that speaking to a complete stranger who knows very little about you makes this process somewhat easier at first. They can give you

professional advice on how to manage during these overwhelming times!

For those of us that might need a little extra time on that 4,000-word essay that requires what feels like a million academic references, remember to make use of the PEC system. I tend to avoid these as best I can, personally knowing that I am simply extending these deadlines and therefore extending the period of stress. However, PEC forms are there for a reason.

If you are feeling overwhelmed and need extra time to get your head around things, apply for a PEC and explain this to them – I

guarantee they will understand!

Most importantly, remember to look after yourself. I admit, in my first years at university, I felt awful taking time for myself, binge watching telly and ordering a maccies. But in the long run, that “self-care” time proved important for my overall success in completing these assignments.

"In the long run self-care time proved important for my overall success in completeting assignments."

They give you time to decompress, doing something you enjoy whether that be creative, going to the gym, or just sticking on a show to watch (personally, I’ll be rewatching Modern Family for the millionth time!).

Whether this advice helps or not, this is the way a seasoned professional has managed stress and anxiety whilst living away from home for nearly 4 years. And this is just personal experience, it might not work for everyone, but it has definitely calmed the storm for me on multiple occasions.

Now time for me to stop being an unauthorised therapist, I’ve got an assignment to write!

The RON phenomenon: student democracy Metro mayhem: is it reliable or rusty?

Avika Sharma - Travel Sub-Editor

There are definitely times where I wish I could drive myself around the North East instead of having to rely on the metro.

Many people bring their car to uni, and it does make a difference. Thanks to delays in the metro timetable, or the metro just not running altogether on certain weekends, getting around without a car has become somewhat of a hassle.

Instead of hauling massive bags of shopping around, having to wait for ages in delays, or spending half of your day on public transport, having a car means you can get to your destination in the blink of an eye without having to carry everything around. Also, you can carshare with your friends, saving everyone time and money and allowing for group trips to become a lot easier without the struggles of rushing to get the metro on time.

That being said, I wouldn't advocate for students to use a car over the

metro. I don't have a car, and a major reason for that is I just don't need to be able to drive at uni. Yes, the metro is frequently delayed and can be a pain to wait for if you've missed it, but it's still a very convenient mode of transport. Everyone I know who visits Newcastle mentions how much they love the metro here, as it is a quick and handy way to get around the city without having to pay an extortionate amount on fuel, or spend time trying to find a parking spot. Whether it's commuting to uni or spending a day at the beach, it is so easy to get from place to place on the metro.

Plus, getting the metro is definitely better for the environment. Using the metro over a car heavily reduces CO2 emissions. Especially considering the fact that the majority of students live relatively close to uni, it is definitely less of a hassle getting the metro to uni rather than trying to navigate the busy roads, especially during rush hour.A car is convenient for some people, and I understand that, but I will always choose using the metro over the expenses and pollution of using a car at uni. Since the metro is here and runs all over Newcastle, we may as well make use of it!

Oran Kirby

What should we make towards the trend of RON-ing during the NUSU elections?

This year saw the launch of yet another RON campaign during the NUSU elections, this time against the candidates for Welfare and Equality Officer.

RON stands for Re-Open nominations and is a ballot option for students to select if they do not believe any of the candidates are suitable for the role. If RON is elected, nominations will be reopened for more candidates to put themselves forward in aims to find more suitable applicants for the role.

The campaign was launched via Instagram, after several candidates made offensive comments towards members of the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities during Candidate Spotlights.

When asked how they would support disabled students studying at Newcastle, one candidate responded with ‘disability is just a word, you shouldn’t make them feel they need any additional support’, and another candidate referring to non-disabled students as ‘normal’.

If you’re getting dejavu, that’s because a similar upset occurred last year within the presidential debates. When the all-

male candidates did not mention combatting sexual violence on campus (which had been a priority of previous president, Mady Baugh), a subsequent RON campaign was launched. However, both campaigns have been unsuccessful.

"It seems like students are becoming more aware of RON as an option."

One student, who wishes to remain anonymous, pointed out because RON is unlikely to win, ‘choosing RON just means that if there is a winner, they will have been chosen by a much smaller number of students – so it’s actually less democratic this way’. Others disagreed, with the RON campaign organisers insisting that the trend ‘shows students are actively engaging in their unions and caring about who represents them.

While it’s a concern that students feel RON is their only option, it’s really the bare minimum that candidates understand the experiences of the marginalised students they hope to represent’.

Engagement is an everlasting concern for the Students’ Union, with only about 15% of students voting this year. Nevertheless, in a year which has seen regular protest on campus, busy student councils, and disrupted city councils, it seems like student politics is back in fashion.

Scarlet Davies

How important is your social battery in your uni years?

Introverts are commonly considered to be at a disadvantage to extroverts. With less social battery and a general dislike for small talk, they are much less likely to go out and find opportunity for themselves than their more congenial counterparts. But what skills can introverts hold over extroverts in day-to-day life, and does this counterbalance what has been previously assumed about them?

It could be argued that introverts are at a severe disadvantage when it comes to their social life. While extroverts thrive within most social scenes and enjoy conversation in their free time, introverts find themselves tired and needing time alone in order to ‘recharge’. Introverts also tend to value deeper conversation over small talk, meaning that they tend to surround themselves with less events and support. This tends to result in more loneliness and unhappiness at university, which can be extremely lonely if plans aren’t made to socialise. Contrary to popular opinion, introverts do enjoy socialising at times, and having less options in which to converse can actually affect both their confidence and their relationships with others.

“feeling closer to the the ones you love adds to general happiness and contentment.”

However, while extroverts are more likely to act before they think and make rash decisions, the logical introvert calculates their moves and are therefore able to achieve their goals quicker. Scientific research has also concluded that overall, introverts are more intelligent than extroverts and also tend to have closer (albeit often less) friendships. Feeling closer to the ones you love adds to general happiness and contentment in life, and highlights that having less close friends can actually benefit mentally. Introverts also have an impressive personal drive that extroverts often lack - which can actually be very beneficial for university, where most work is individual.

Despite common opinion, introverts have just as much advantage as extroverts. Although their social life tends to be more lacking, their intelligence and levelled view of the future allows them to plan ahead and achieve personal goals. Whether it be introverts or extroverts, there are elements of university which are difficult for everyone; it’s up to us to recognise how to use our strengths and differences to solve them.

Image Source: Simran Sood, Unsplash

Image Source: pixabay, mohamedhassan

Image Credit: queenbarenziah on Wikimedia Commons

French government set precedent with constitutional abortion freedom

Emma Capdeville

Following France's new legislation, a writer reflects on the worlds view to abortion.

On the 8 March 2024, France officially inscribed the fundamental freedom to abortion in its constitution, becoming the first ever country to safeguard the freedom to terminate a pregnancy. This historic event, initially presented by current French president Emmanuel Macron, is the result of an eighteen-monthold parliamentary procedure before French legislators voted in favour of the constitution amendment a few days earlier with a majority of 780 votes to 72.

"The French government highlighted the importance for this addition."

This is a strong symbol sent out to other democratic countries to follow

the French example, but it is also a message delivered to the world articulating the necessity for women to access safe healthcare whilst engaging in an abortion procedure. Countries in Eastern Europe or the United States of America to only name a few, have been taking drastic measures in recent years to reduce women’s right to abortion.

The French government highlighted that the importance for this constitutional addition was to avoid a similar US scenario for women in France as political groups are aiming to rewind history.

If we focus on the US example, abortion is a deeply divisive topic

but is also fully banned in 14 states and punishable by several years of imprisonment. This sadly has worsened since 2022, when the US Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling recognising women’s constitutional right to an abortion. This appalling decision caused outrage across the international stage for its devastating consequences. Most women seeking an abortion must

this comes with a high cost. Abortions in the US vary between 600 and 2,600 dollars, a price many women cannot afford, therefore increasing inequalities across the country. Anti-abortionists fail to understand that women will keep seeking abortions despite its illegal practice even if they prove themselves to be unsafe and extremely dangerous to their physical and mental health.

Let's talk about sex, baby: the case for improving sex education

Niamh Carlyle

Is it time to revamp sex ed. in our schools?

Like many of you, my experience of sex education in school was sorely limited to the occasional PSHE lesson.

I remember my Year 5 & 6 teacher playing a video from the early 2000s going through the ins and outs of puberty; periods, wet dreams, pubic hair - the works - and that was as comprehensive as it got until year 10. The presiding memory of this was our health and social care teacher sitting us down to watch a video on teenage pregnancy, stopping it every few minutes to comment about how irresponsible the teenagers being interviewed were, with a weary sense of chagrin. That they must be liars, because all of them purported that they HAD been using contraception and it just didn’t work. “Not possible” was her verdict. How insightful.

Sex education in schools has long been a controversial topic. Some parents believe that schools don’t go far enough, preferring to educate their children in conjunction with the school about the intricacies of adult sexual relationships. Others may regard sex as a taboo topic, avoiding it entirely to prevent any awkward conversations. Then there are the parents who feel as though it is a topic that doesn’t belong in schools, often due to religious or conservative backgrounds. They wish to have a vice-like control over what exactly is being taught to their children,

especially on the rare occasion queer sex is touched upon, which can be a source for significant contention between the school and the parents. This means schools may be more incentivised to teach the bare minimum that is required of them in order to avoid unnecessary friction.

This can then lead to complacency, children not being taught about the fundamentals of sex; or even their own anatomy. When sex is taught from a purely biological standpoint, it ignores why many people are having sex - for pleasure. This means that young people are more likely to resort to alternative means of sex education. For some people, this may be porn, social media, friends; but the overriding issue with this is the lack of standardisation.

Knowledge about sex, consent, STIs, and even basic anatomy will vary immensely between young people as a result. It also means that young people are not given the tools they need to be

able to treat their sexual partners with the care and respect they deserve, or to communicate their own needs. This doesn’t even take into account the reality of queer sex and relationships. As a lesbian, sex education that revolves entirely around heterosexual people has very little relevance to me and the relationships that I embark upon. I remember someone in school asking how gay people had sex, immediately being shut down and told that it was “inappropriate”. With a higher percentage of young people identifying as LGBTQ+ than ever, it is only logical that the education system should reflect this. Whilst the current state of sex education is subpar for straight sex, it is non-existent for queer sex. If schools were to provide a genuinely comprehensive, shamefree and standardised approach to sex education then I believe that the longitudinal impact on young people can only be good.

forcing them to resort to perilous and even deadly interventions. According to the World Health Organisation, 4.713.2 % of maternal deaths are caused by unsafe abortions. How many more women’s lives are we willing to risk by sending them to be butchered?

Unsafe abortions can cause infections, haemorrhages but also uterine perforations if the uterus is pierced with a sharp object. Governments banning abortions are not protecting women. They are putting them in dangerous situations,

“Keep faith that one day, women will dispose of their bodies freely and safely.”

In Europe as well, women face harsh regulations surrounding this right. Poland’s strict anti-abortion regulations are amongst the most severe and women can only resort to an abortion if they face life-threatening pregnancies or in the case of rape. On the other hand, Spain has raised the question of amending the right to abortion in its constitution, a suggestion made by farleft party Sumar following the previous events in France.

What we should retain from France’s historical change, is the important message sent out to all women across the globe to never give up on the fight for their rights and to keep faith that one day, women will dispose of their bodies freely and safely.

Activist dreams and capitalist schemes

Zarah Hanif

- Lifestyle sub-editor

Has capitalism taken over marginalised communities' celebrations?

Throughout the year, there are days and months dedicated to marginalised groups, most only having been established over the last century. Think International Women’s Day, Black History Month, or Pride Month. It’s refreshing, after centuries of battling for basic awareness in mainstream society for these groups to now be allowed this kind of visibility, and celebration rather than mere toleration. There is still progress to be made, these marginalised communities do still face discrimination socially and systemically but the establishment of these holidays was definitely, at least once, a step forward, in cementing the presence of once overlooked minority groups and commemorating the resilience of these communities throughout history.

"As soon as the clock strikes midnight all signs of 'allyship' will be wiped clean."

However, the original principles of which these holidays were founded on

has since been overridden by capitalism and commodification, which has become most notable in recent years. For example, each June, when Pride Month comes around, brands plaster rainbows all over their social media accounts in a phenomenon dubbed ‘Rainbow capitalism’. They attempt to depict themselves as allies - often while making no effort to help the LGBTQ+ community in any other way - to secure a profit by putting on a facade of solidarity and support. But as soon as the clock strikes 00:00 on July 1st, all signs of “allyship” will have been wiped clean off their accounts. It’s unfair that the marginalised are turned into markets, once again overlooked and not truly heard over the sounds of corporate greed.

"It's large-scale performative activism, and if anything, proves how essential these are in educating the masses."

Essentially, it’s large-scale performative activism, and if anything, proves how essential these days/ months are in educating the masses on inequality. The commodification of minority groups in this way is upsetting, especially considering that these are groups that have had to face wide-spread injustice over the course of centuries. However, if the proven resilience of these communities throughout history tells us anything, it’s that there is always scope for these periods to be reclaimed and rebranded back to non-branded celebrations.

Image: Flickr, Lorie Shaull

Image: lil_foot_pixabay

The Prime Minister's new budget: fiscal finesse or financial fumble?

Sophie Psaila

Will the Prime Minister's new plan for the economy be successful?

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt sought to impress the British public with their latest 2024 spring budget. However, their poor attempt to alleviate strains on the country’s economy has left people frustrated and underwhelmed. The failure to provide economic relief and offer support to those in need has led many to question the government’s ability to navigate the country through these challenging times.

"It's fair to say the budget was filled with mediocrity and is a half-hearted effort to provide relief."

Despite the unsatisfactory promise of a 2p budget cut in national insurance contribution and a frozen alcohol and tobacco tax, the overall impact on the average taxpayer remains minimal. It’s

fair to say the budget was filled with mediocrity and is a half-hearted effort to provide relief from the cost-of-living crisis. This disappointment is furthered by the fact that Britain’s tax burden is still projected to rise sharply to its highest level since 1948.

"The Tory party canot afford to keep neglecting these services."

The decision to prioritise tax cuts will only further pressures on public services, like the NHS, which are already crumbling at the hand of the Conservative government. After years of ever-growing NHS waiting lists and councils facing bankruptcy, the Tory party can’t afford to keep neglecting these services which the public are dependent on if they hope to secure another term in parliament. This was not the election-defining budget the Conservatives so desperately need. Living standards remain squeezed, and these poorly timed NI cuts won’t relieve the pressures of the recession for most households. Let’s face it, this budget lacked depth and failed to offer a plan to tackle economic uncertainty. The Tory party has overseen years of economic failure, but will this budget blunder mark the end of their reign?

The fabricated fiasco of AI and fake news

The issues and controversy surrounding AI and it's impact on fake news.

In an era where many are more likely to believe people than facts, fake news has become an all-too-common buzz word. But it does still appear to be a very real issue, particularly while many receive their news from social media.

When combined with the increased prevalence of AI, particularly AI generated images, it makes it much easier to manufacture evidence for strategically important narratives.

"The most famous example of fake news in recent years was Trump's claim of electoral fraud."

The most famous example of fake news in recent years was Donald Trump’s claim of electoral corruption following the 2020 Presidential election. This resulted in the storming of the Capitol building on the 6th of January 2021.

While AI images have been used in recent years for more light-hearted political reasons, such as an altered image of Rishi Sunak pouring a bad pint at a beer festival, there are some using them for more damaging purposes.

False information is now increasingly easy to publicise.

Taylor Nelson et al, reported on the quick spread of ideas during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. For

instance, high profile rumours about the internal use of disinfectants had damaging consequences.

"False information is now increasingly easy to publish."

The CDC reported an increase in the use of poison facilities in June 2020, which appeared to be in line with the spread of said rumours.

The danger now is that claims such as these, which have very real

and damaging consequences, can be supported by falsified evidence generated by AI.

"The danger now is that the claims can be supported by falsified evidence generated by AI."

So far, the major concerns are with the potential of AI in assisting fake news. But speaking to Gretel Kahn of the Reuters Institute, several experts stated that with education on fact assessment

for the general public, we will be able to avert an information crisis.

"In the coming years we will need to be increasingly careful about what we believe."

But it is safe to say that in the coming years we will need to be increasingly careful about what we believe and what evidence we let ourselves be convinced by.

Best (and worst) of Bojo

Ranking the weird and wild moments of the former Prime Minister

1. BLOO passport - 7/10

Beautiful? Sure, blue's a great colour. But it's nothing close to the beauty of being able to freely roam through the wonderfulness of Europe.

2. Playing rugby... or just taking out kids left right and centre - 8/10

I'm not sure who thought putting Boris on a sports field with a bunch of kids was a good idea but I thank them. How else would we have gotten one of our best entries in this list - Boris just taking out a kid to win a game of rugby.

3. The bus of lies - 6/10

Emerging from a bus, smug as anything, with the wrong figure on the side? The Brexit campaign feels like a fever dream but I don't think we'll ever quite move on from this.

"The Brexit campaign feels like a fever dream but I don't think we'll ever quite move on from this"

4. "Hands up anyone who's been to Peppa Pig World" - 9/10

Honestly when I heard Boris say this, at a conference no less, I was shocked.

And then I laughed. Althoug I'm sure Peppa Pig World is great (if you're five).

5. Quoting a Batman Villain8/10

I mean talk about setting up expectations. Everyone should have expected it, let's be honest. He's got everything of a villain minus the coolness.

6. That Hair.. - 10/10

Do we really need to say anymore?

Is that thing a wig? A mop? An unfortunate collision with a hairdryer?

Whatever happened there the constant attack of my eyeballs was a little too much for me.

7. Hasta la Vista baby - 8/10

These being the famous last words of big bozza aren't even surprising anymore. He really thought he'd be in TikTok edits with this one. Deary me.

8. Vegan Sausage Rolls - 6.5/10

Who on earth pronounces vegan like that? A terrifying pronunciation from a terrifying man. Apologise to Greggs immediately.

Marcus Williamson

Image: Flickr_deepakpal

Image: Flickr_number10

Saving Sycamore Gap: Cuttings saved from iconic tree set to be replanted

Rhiannon Lloyd

Following the shocking vadalisation of a Northumbrian Icon, the science of sapplings provides a new hope!

It is not yet clear whether a sapling will be replanted at the same iconic location or not, but no matter what, Sycamore Gap will forever remain a symbol of the beautiful Northumbrian scenery and an important cultural monument.

Early on a late September morning in 2023, the famous Northumbrian landmark known as Sycamore Gap Tree was vandalised; felled by a suspected group of four men.

The process of grafting a plant is precise, and various techniques are being used by the experts hoping to save the sycamore.

“Five bags worth of seeds and cuttings were harevsted from the dying sycamore."

Since the events of that morning, the local community has mourned the loss of this great tree, which had held its roots by the historical Hadrian’s Wall

for nearly 200 years. An iconic symbol of the north, Sycamore Gap Tree has been the ritual site of scenic wedding proposals, and a place for families to spread the ashes of their loved ones. This sycamore tree had witnessed life and death for over 150 years, but never was it thought that we might witness its own fall.

While the events of 28th September were distressing to many, the National Trust, who own and maintain the land on which the sycamore had grown, has recently shared some news that could bring hope for the future.

"Never was it thought that we might witness its own fall."

Since the events of that morning, the local community has mourned the loss of this great tree, which had held its roots by the historical Hadrian’s Wall for nearly 200 years. An iconic symbol of the north, Sycamore Gap Tree has been the ritual site of scenic wedding proposals, and a place for families to spread the ashes of their loved ones. This sycamore tree had witnessed life and death for over 150 years, but never was it thought that we might witness its own fall.

As National Trust workers prepared to remove the remains of the fallen tree to a safe place where it could be preserved, Rachel Ryver, a local horticulturist,

sprang into action, knowing that there was a limited window for cuttings to be harvested from the tree.

"A sapling usually takes around 25 years to grow to adult size, another 75 to mature ."

‘apical wedge’ grafting. The age-old practice is like something straight out of a Mary Shelley novel. A section taken from the fallen sycamore is cut into a wedge which is then attached to a healthy rootstock of another plant of the same family, before being bound firmly together.

In the meantime, it will be a while

While we may get to see the Sycamore Gap Tree given a second chance at life, it will be generations to come before we can see it in all its glory. For now, the sycamore saplings sit side-by-side with a copy of the apple tree which inspired Sir Isaac Newton’s theories on gravity. The National Trust hopes to work with artists in the future, incorporating

Pleurobranchaea Britannica: The newest species of Sea Slug

Charlotte Burnley-Hnat - Relationships Sub-Editor

Scientists now believe this species may be migrating north due to rising ocean temperatures.

Amystery sea creature has been discovered off the southwest coast of England.

The new species of sea slug, Pleurobranchaea britannica was identified by a research ship, an article in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution explains.

Although there are around 100 different species of sea slugs found in UK waters, this new species belongs to a group of sea slugs –Pleurobranchaea – usually found in warmer waters: from Spain to Senegal and the Mediterranean Sea. Scientists now believe this group of sea slugs may be migrating north due to rising ocean temperatures, raising concerns over the impact of climate change on marine life. These shellless marine molluscs are celebrated for their astonishing diversity and beauty. Despite their small size, typically reaching only 2 to 5cm in

length, they hold a prominent role as both apex predators and prey within the marine food web.

among the most extensivley researched in the world.”

To defend against predators, several

marine life.

Despite concerns over disruptions in food chains and fish stocks due to migrating species searching for cooler waters, this remarkable discovery brings hope to the science community. Although UK waters are among the most extensively researched in the world, this new species shows there is still much more to uncover about marine life. CEFAS is a world-leading “UK waters are

New Research: IVF Eggs from skin cells

Margaux Martinez - Opinion Sub-Editor

The method will take require a decade of testing before authorisation for human use!

Millions of babies have been born from IVF, allowing millions of families with fertility issues or same-sex families to have genetically-related children.

In the UK, In Vitro Fertilisation, most commonly known as IVF, was first successfully achieved in 1978 by Robert Edwards and Patrick Steptoe.

The IVF technique involves the fertilisation of a woman’s egg in a laboratory which is then returned to the womb to continue growing and developing. It is one of the most common and most successful alternatives to a regular pregnancy.

Scientists are always looking for ways to improve and recent research findings have paved the way for a possible new method; making IVF eggs from a patient's skin cells. This potential method was explored in a paper published in Science Advances. One of the authors of the study, Aleksei Mikhalchenko, recognised the technique’s “potential to revolutionise

IVF and offer hope to many infertile patients”.

“Aleksei Mikhalchenko recongised the technique's potential to revolutionise IVF."

The idea is to remove the nucleus from a donor’s egg – the place where DNA is stored – and replace it with a nucleus extracted from a parent’s skin cell. The egg would then be cultured in order to have it discard half of its chromosomes and reach the desired state to then be fertilised by sperm. They called this technique In Vitro Gametogenesis.

Three live mice were born from the original experiment which suggests high hopes although the success rate is currently less than one percent. This means that the potentially revolutionary discovery would take around a decade of testing and approval before it is authorised for humans, should the conclusions be positive.

If they succeed, this would change many lives. Older women, women whose eggs are damaged, as well as men in same-sex relationships could be granted the opportunity to have children sharing both of the parents’ DNA.

Image: WikiMediaCommons: Gordo Leggitt

Image: Russ BullimoreCentre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)

Relationships

Are you meeting your hug quota?

Paige Rutter - Head of Social Media

Daily hugs benefit you more than you think - and it's backed by science!

You may find this to be a random question, but it is a scientifically backed topic. There are a set number of hugs we should have for our benefit, but how many should we actually have?

Depending on the person there may be varying answers, people with a physical touch love language may want a lot more

compared to those who hate hugs.

“Going a long time without physical touch has the potential to impact our relationships with people.”

Therapist Virginia Satir stated that we require 8 hugs a day, specifically 4 for survival, 8 for maintenance and 12 for growth.

Hugs can improve your mental health, and the connection with another person can boost your dopamine levels. It has also been noted that hugs have the benefit of decreasing stress and anxiety.

Alongside this loneliness levels can also

From this, we can see hugs to be very beneficial forms of connection which can justify the 8 hugs a day we need.

Going a long time without physical touch has the potential to impact our relationships with people. They have the power to improve our relationships with people and to often feel closer to them.

The COVID pandemic was an especially hard time for people, as millions were without the physical connections of others. Many shared their struggles during these times as there was a lack of connection

with people after a hard day, only seeing people's faces on a computer screen. The loneliness epidemic that the COVID pandemic caused is surely evidence enough that physical touch and hugs are essential to our wellbeing and happiness. This can also be a difficult element for those in long-distance relationships, with your loved ones thousands of miles away. Yet technology can allow you to make things easier - FaceTime and phonecalls - it does not compare to physical touch. Long distance often involves a countdown to the next time you can hug your significant other because it’s something people enjoy and look forward to. In these cases, you should look to your friends and family for hugs! Platonic hugs can be just as comforting after a hard day, even if it feels a bit weird at first...

Most people probably do not receive the amounts of hugs recommended in a day, and would most likely consider 8 hugs to be a huge amount. I would personally suggest morning and night hugs as probably the best ones, starting your day off right and finishing it right too.

“Don't feel awkward - if you don't have a significant other to get these hugs from, don't stress and get them from friends [and] family.”

So, having established that hugs are essential to our wellbeing and happiness, stop reading this article and go hug someone! Don't feel awkward - if you don’t have a significant other to get these hugs from, don’t stress and get them from friends, family and even better your pets!

Friend Crush: getting honest about it

Sophie Jarvis

Why not be open and honest about telling someone you want to be their friend?

When you think of the term ‘crush’, it’s hard to remove it from its romantic implications. I'm not talking about having a crush on your friend - that's a whole different debate. Instead I'm talking about when you really want to be friends with someone new.

Maybe the girl that dresses well on your course, or maybe the person reading your favourite book in a cafe. Our brains are wired to assume that if we think someone is cool, we must be attracted to them; so when the term ‘friend crush’ started to circulate, I was delighted.

First and foremost, what is a friend crush? The ‘friend crush’ simply refers to just wanting to be friends with a particular person, whether it be by admiring them or seeing your own reflection in who they are and wanting to connect. It’s completely platonic. And it’s extremely wholesome.

"They are merely just a byproduct of human connection."

You see, friend crushes have been even more prevalent throughout my life than romantic crushes have. They’ve consistently followed me around every space I’ve navigated growing up, from primary school to university and all the spots in between— and ultimately, I can relay the names of classmates, colleagues, friends of friends, and even people I’ve fleetingly met at parties where I’ve thought ‘I would love to be their friend!’ quicker than I can recall any crush on a boy I’ve had. But funnily enough, people seem to talk about the friend crushes they have way less than they talk about romantic crushes, which can seem

counterintuitive given how frightening it is to tell someone that you like them. This quietness led me to think that I was the only one experiencing these friend crushes, making me feel uncool in my social sphere where everyone seemed to be laidback about everyone they met— until my late teens when I heard people talking about also experiencing them, which made me realise how truly natural they are, and how many people silently felt the same. They are merely just a byproduct of human connection.

think that I was the only one experiencing these friend

Now, I consider myself a decorated veteran of telling people I have friend crushes on them, whether I’m stone-cold sober at a lunch date or a few too many pints deep in The Dog and Parrot. Why not be open and honest about telling someone you want, or wanted, to be their friend?

It's undeniably flattering and a compliment to be told by someone that they admire you platonically, and desperately want to be your friend, and this is how I have bonded with several of my now-closest friends!

So if you know someone you’d like to

be friends with, get yourself involved! Find ways to chat with them or compliment them, keeping communication consistent to build up a bond, or invite them to join a night out or even a coffee run; easing into friendships in social or relaxed environments is always the best option to avoid awkward silences and build up a connection. Chances are that if you've already established a friend crush on someone, it's because you know you both share a similar interest or two. Use these similarities to your advantage; they can be an easy way to start an initial conversation.

Meeting the parents: the big stepping stone

James Kellett - Gaming Sub-editor

This is always an iconic step in any relationship, regardless of positive or negative experience ...

Somewhat rite of passage from both your partner and their family, there are several who fear this prospect; multiple reasons can include the implication of a committed relationship, the sheer pressure of ‘the family judgement’, or just even meeting new people.

However, myself as a declared positive mind, I like to think of this experience as a positive one. I personally find it a flattering situation that someone you care about, wants to take another step and introduce you to people they too have a deep relationship with.

It is easy to think that meeting your partners parents is quite simply a case of ‘being in the hot seat’ and the interrogation lamp is firmly fixed on you, but it is essential to think of this as a conversation with people that have heard good things about you, and all they want to do is meet the person that is making their child so happy. Although this meeting will always be tied with the pressures of wanting to represent yourself in the best way possible, it is crucial to remember that you should always represent yourself in your original light. Highlighting on this point further, it is important to detail your likes and interests so you are able to paint an authentic picture of yourself, but you should note that it is the reasons your partner likes you that they have agreed to introduce you to their parents, so embrace this!

Another important tip is to know this is a social meeting, not a job interview. Many like to imagine their partner’ parents barraging you with an assault of questioning, but they simply want to know how you are as a person, therefore one should also get to know their partner’ parents and other family members. By showing an interest in their life, just as they are showing an interest in yours, having a reciprocal conversation with them only makes this meeting the more fun and successful.

One final point to bring attention to is one that goes for any social interaction on the planet, remember manners! There is nothing more unappealing than a person who forgets social etiquette, although they cost nothing, remembering your ‘P’s and Q’s’ can go an extremely long way in the representation of yourself.

Having recently gone through this experience it was always going to be slightly nerve-racking. But I kept in mind that this was one I should relish, getting to this stepping stone in your relationship with your partner will always be in my eyes a flattering one. It shows a new level of commitment and trust that they want you to be apart of

Image: Source (unsplash) @ Hannah Busing

Image: Source (unsplash) Vonecia Carswell

Endoawareness Month: living with the pain

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month: The period to talk about women's health.

Endometriosis is a scary sounding word. I hadn’t even heard of it until I googled ‘Why are my periods so painful?’, as so many women and girls do.

The fact of the matter is that periods are not meant to be painful, not to the extent of vomiting whilst having diarrhoea from the pain (I know, I’ve been there). And endometriosis is one of the main reasons that could be causing this pain - something that we should be taught in school right alongside the fact that periods shouldn’t feel like death. But alas, we are not, and now is the time to learn.

"Endometriosis is something that we should be taught in school, right alongside the fact that periods shouldn’t feel like death."

Endometriosis is a disease that causes tissue similar to the lining of the womb to grow outside of the uterus, in places such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Although I myself do not suffer from endometriosis, it affects one in ten women in the UK, according to the National Institute of Care and Health Excellence, which is equivalent to 1.5 million women - a similar statistic to the number of women affected by diabetes.

According to the NHS website, these are the signs to look out for:

Pain in your lower tummy or back (pelvic pain) – it is usually worse during your period

Period pain that stops you doing your normal activities

Pain during or after sex

Pain when peeing or pooing during your period

Feeling sick, constipation, diarrhoea, or blood in your pee or poo during your period

Difficulty getting pregnant

Heavy periods

Depression

It is a long term issue that, as of yet, cannot be cured despite affecting so many. However, there are treatments to mitigate the impact of endometriosis. The NHS website lists painkillers and hormonal contraceptives as the top treatments, but surgery is also an option. There has also been research surrounding diet and lifestyle changes to help prevent flare-ups in pain and manage the symptoms of endometriosis. Support groups are also available, such as Endometriosis UK, which has a directory of local support groups, a

Endometriosis UK Helpline:

08088082227

Which one came first, the April or the Fool?

Poppy Bedford - Music Sub-Editor

Read all about the history of April Fools!

AFrance in 1563, when they decided at the council of Trent to switch to the Gregorian calendar, the system that we use today. It took until 1582 for it to come into effect and override the Julian Calendar, which saw the year begin around the start of April. This change took a while for the population to get used to, but eventually, after most of the populace had made the change, people who still used the Julian calendar where made fun of and would have pranks and jokes pulled on them on April 1st, which is where this holiday began.

There is also an idea that ancient Rome had a similar tradition around the end of March which translated itself into April Fools. This was because the cult of Cybele would play pranks and jokes on unsuspecting civilians while dressed in costumes. The holiday became

helpline on 0808 808 2227, webchat, and an online community on HealthUnlocked.

The help is out there, and thankfully women’s health is becoming more and more talked about. Endometriosis awareness month should be an opportunity for all of us to recognise and learn about what could be going wrong with our bodies - and that, actually, if our periods are painful, this is more than enough reason to see your doctor.

Endometriosis Diaries:

"When I got my first period, I was told that I'd get used to it. Since then, I've spent 7 years in debilitating pain. I often have to miss a week off of uni or from work, and I often miss out on social events too. For five days I am usually throwing up or almost passing out from the pain and I often spend a lot of my time in bed which is so frustrating. Sometimes I feel as though people don't understand - I've been told from health professionals that the pain is "in my head", "i'm too young" or to just "try a hot bath" despite the fact that even strong painkillers don't seem to have an effect. I once got kidney stones...the pain was a breeze compared to my periods" - Marina Snyder

"Before I had laparoscopic surgery to diagnose and remove endmotriosis, I was in so much pain that I couldn't work or get out of bed. I was unable to move my legs, would be physically exhausted and would pass out from the pain. Mentally, it took a massive toll as I couldn't live life normally as a 22 year old, and even now, a year after my surgery, I get pain flare-ups every few months. As this is a chronic condition, it is likely that it will come back and I will have to go through the whole process again. It terrifies me because I found it so difficult to find the energy to keep trying to get help...I'm unsure how I will do it all again" - Chloe Farmer

Being scared to live, and too scared to die

Dealing with political and climate anxiety.

Being scared to live isn’t something you hear every day. And it’s quite a deep, scary thought. But I’ve realised recently that this is how I feel. Scared to live, scared to die.

Now I know this sounds like a pretty irrational fear, but given the current world we live in, I don’t think it’s that irrational anymore. Naturally, my anxiety heightens my fears and worries, but being exposed to the barrage of news and media coverage has certainly heightened my fear of doing things. My first ever big panic attack was mainly triggered by consumption of overly negative news reports – I remember seeing lots of violent attacks and natural disasters in the media, which, coupled with generalised anxiety, accumulated and led to a big break down. I distinctly remember hugging my mum saying, “I’m just so scared of life”. There is so much that can go wrong, so many horrible emotions to experience, so many harmful people, and I just wanted to protect myself from everything.

At the time, I thought this was just a momentary feeling, but these fears arose again just less than a year ago when I began planning a solo trip abroad. Little did I know that planning for the trip would bring so many anxieties to the surface, causing lots of tears and A LOT of overthinking. For weeks my thoughts were spiralling, trying to envision what the experience would be like and how I would travel for 30 hours entirely alone. The most extreme worrying, however, came from the fear of something bad happening. I was massively catastrophising, with the dreaded ‘what if’s’ taking full control – what if the plane crashes, what if there’s a natural disaster, what if I get ill etc.

When I’m back at home living my day-to-day life as a student, this feeling is kept at bay. However,

there is always an underlying fear of general life, especially when there is so much bad happening in the world. The rise in knife crime, for example, is something that can trigger this overwhelming feeling, as well as environmental crises and political conflict. It’s times like these where I just want to stay at home forever because I fear if I go anywhere then something bad will happen - I guess this fear of living is simultaneously a fear of death.

With the constant threat of war, ecological catastrophe, violent attacks and so much more, it’s hard to maintain a positive outlook on life, especially as a final year student with the big wide world looming. But we are all in it together, and we can’t wrap ourselves up at home forever. feeling, but these fears arose again just less than a year ago when I began planning a solo trip abroad. Little did I know that planning for the trip would bring so many anxieties to the surface, causing lots of tears and A LOT of overthinking. For weeks my thoughts were spiralling, trying to envision what the experience would be like and how I would travel for 30 hours entirely alone. The most extreme worrying, however, came from the fear of something bad happening. I was massively catastrophising, with the dreaded ‘what if’s’ taking full control – what if the plane crashes, what if there’s a natural disaster, what if I get ill etc.

When I’m back at home living my day-to-day life as a student, this feeling is kept at bay. However, there is always an underlying fear of general life, especially when there is so much bad happening in the world. The rise in knife crime, for example, is something that can trigger this overwhelming feeling, as well as environmental crises and political conflict. It’s times like these where I just want to stay at home forever because I fear if I go anywhere then something bad will happen - I guess this fear of living is simultaneously a fear of death.

With the constant threat of war, ecological catastrophe, violent attacks and so much more, it’s hard to maintain a positive outlook on life, especially as a final year student with the big wide world looming. But we are all in it together, and we can’t wrap ourselves up at home forever.

Amelie Baker

Mia Dale - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Image credit: Marina Snyder

To be or not to be: That is the Mandela Effect

Do your memories deceive you?

The concept of the psychological, cultural phenomenon 'Mandela Effect' has yet to be swept under the rug; quite often, it can be the centre of discussion (sometimes without realising it is). Everyone has heard the debate about Curious George and his tail (before you ask, no, he does not).

It's no secret that debate is everywhere, but how often do you hear of why these mindmessing phenomena got their name, and truly, which are the ones that make us go "I was so sure of this…" the most?

The term 'Mandela Effect' was first coined in 2010 by Fiona Broome. However, the concept has existed since (at least) the 1980s. If you were asked the question, 'When did Nelson Mandela die?' what would your answer be? Well, that depends on what you believe. The correct answer is 2013, but that is not the most popular.

The concept of the Mandela Effect came from this very question; the outpour of people who genuinely believe that Nelson Mandela died in prison in the 1980s got people wondering… how? How was it possible that so many people had just… got it wrong?

Often, the plethora of Mandela Effects can be separated into two categories: film/pop culture and business. Some of the titans of pop culture are the belief that Pikachu had a black tip on his tail, which is not true (this one had me fooled). Mister Monopoly man, the expert on money and monocles… right? Wrong. Mister Monopoly man, the expert of money… with no monocle. If you were to wipe the dust off your Monopoly board, you'd be disappointed to find there was never a monocle on the Monopoly man and never will be. Finally, the biggest titan of the Mandela Effect has practically become rewritten history. The legend of Star Wars: "Luke, I am your father." The iconic line… is wrong. Well, it might as well be correct, but as far as scripts go, this was never a line spoken in the film. "No, I am your father" is actually the line hidden from the spotlight. As mentioned earlier, this isn't a concept bound to pop culture; it actually affects businesses more commonly than you'd imagine. Fruit of the Loom, a staple of t-shirts. What does its logo look like? A variety of fruits and a brown cornucopia, but remove the brown cornucopia. If this is too much to grasp, have a break, have a Kit-Kat or perhaps a KitKat since there was never a hyphenation in the brand name. Ultimately, the Mandela Effect serves as a reminder of reality and that not all is as we remember (literally). It's a phenomenon that keeps people talking and likely will for years to come because it is perhaps the only way to truly rewrite history.

Pressures, pains, and pints: student drinking culture

Paige Rutter

- Head of Social Media

"Go on, just have one more"

Apart from degrees and studying, one of the main things associated with the university, is the drinking and nightlife culture. There is a heavy stereotype of students that they drink excessive amounts and go out at least three times a week – much of which isn't true.

When joining the university, many students meet their friends through nights out and social events that involve drinking. Even if social events aren't happening in pubs or clubs, alcohol is somehow still always involved. Whilst there has recently been a 27% decline in 16–to 24-year-olds drinking, there still remains a strong presence of it in uni life.

The first pressure of alcohol at university comes in the first week; 'freshers' bring big expectations that it will be the best and messiest week of your life. For many people, this can be their first proper experience with drinking. Meeting new flatmates who plan to go out can become a form of peer pressure to fit in with the university lifestyle. This can encourage people to go out multiple times, even if it is not something they enjoy.

Why we need to talk about 'digital nomads'

Ruby

Buttolph

Working from abroad might be great for you, but what about the local communities?

Working online from abroad seems great - being on a perpetual holiday whilst earning a wage is a win-win, right?

The digital nomad lifestyle has exploded in popularity since the pandemic turned millions of jobs virtual, above all in countries like the UK, the US and Australia. These countries have some of the most stable economies in the world. The destinations for their online workforce, however, are often parts of Asia or Latin America with much more difficult economic situations.

As a languages student, I met many a digital nomad on my year abroad in Latin America. One Brit in particular was singing the praises of the devastating economic crisis in Argentina that let him buy a new laptop cheaply.

Earning in pounds to live a cheap lifestyle in Brazil or Thailand seems like the best hack to skirt the costof-living crisis, but the truth is that this isn’t equally supporting each economy. Without earning in the local currency or contributing labour to the host country, digital nomads

effectively drive up the prices of rent and local goods while flaunting their lifestyle in the faces of the local people. Bringing foreign money into a new country is no bad thing; there are plenty of economies worldwide who are sustained primarily by tourism.

“Digital nomad culture is gentrification on steroids.”

However, digital nomads are generally millennial or Gen Z professionals, predominantly from middle-to-upper-class backgrounds who are likely to favour a downtown hipster café with Wi-Fi over supporting local businesses in poorer neighbourhoods. It’s a story we’ve seen time and time again: in my eyes, digital nomad culture is gentrification on steroids. Why spend £7 on a latte in the UK rain when you could spend 10p on a

Society Spotlight: getting into the swing of things!

expected due to the drink taking away anxiety I may have had. Constantly feeling more sociable after a few drinks was my downfall – I would wake up the following morning without any idea of what occurred the night before. Most of the events and socials I attended were always centred around alcohol, and I felt the expectation to keep drinking throughout.

"Don't get me wrong, I still have those messy nights- but now I'm a lot more aware of my limits."

Many first-year students can find themselves in the mindset that the year is for fun, as academic grades may not be as crucial as those in their second and third years. This can encourage people to go out a lot more.

I always found myself drinking a lot more than

For people who choose not to go out regularly or drink at all – multiple questions come their way. It is rare to announce you won't be drinking without someone asking why, and if you can't provide them with a valid answer, you may face judgement. This includes being hit with the stereotype that you will struggle at uni if you don't drink or go out. If you have faced this, I'd recommend surrounding yourself with people of similar mindsets. There has been a rise in people drinking less whilst at university, which may make it easier to connect with people alike.

Likewise, it can be helpful to find ways to socialise that don't involve alcohol, including things such as going for food or doing an activity. Even for a night out, allow yourself to recognise your limits.

This was the best thing for me (don't get me wrong, I can still have those messy nights) - but I'm a lot more aware of my limits and less afraid to display them.

If you do find yourself struggling with alcohol at university, reach out to the wellbeing team for support.

Read all about Swing Dance Society!

If you fancied a bit of easy-going dancing, Swing Society is for you. It’s one of many dance societies on campus, but it is definitely unique, and it has a big place in my heart.

Every Thursday evening, the society meets in St Andrews Church in Sandyford, where it kicks off with an intermediates class at 6pm. If you have never done swing or any type of dance, don’t worry because beginners starts right after at 7:30pm. Each hour-long class comes with an hour of social dancing - essentially, you can dance and catch-up with your friends. Lindy hop is the society’s main offering, and it’s such an easy one to pick up, with super fun moves whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer. (Bonus points for all the fun names like swing outs, sugar pushes, mini dips!)

The reason I love the Swing Dance Society so much is because it all feels so casual. The society is open to anyone regardless of gender, age, and whether you want to lead or follow. It’s a such a tight-knit club where friends are easy to make but you are free to give as much

commitment as you want. As I’ve been really busy this year, I’ve been going on and off, but I always feel welcome as soon as I step into the room. Classes are either pay-as-you-go for only £4 for a class and social dancing, or for a little discount, you can buy block passes on the club site so it’s super affordable for when you decide to go. Your first class is also free!

As another perk, Swing Dance Society also runs socials. They have plans for a movie night and circus class, and every month they attend Revolucion de Swing, a social dancing event held by local organisation Swing Tyne. On the second Thursday of every month, there is a taster class of a new style (past months have been Balboa, Charleston, etc) between 6-8pm. Then everyone packs up and heads to Revolucion de Cuba, where tons of people in the local swing dance community meet for a nice night out. If you want an opportunity to dress up and get twirled around, this is your night!

So if you fancy a spin, give swing dance a go as I’m sure it’ll take your breath away. (Literally, it’s a free workout!) I love it because I just get to switch off and have a good time with my friends, and I’m sure you will too.

Megan Grimston

Castor Chan - Sport Sub-Editor

Image credit: Unsplash @mnelen

Image credit: Pixabay @bridgesward

Image credit: Unsplash @clarissemeyer

Fashion & Beauty

Ozempic: the problem with celebrities using it

Rosie Brennan - Opinion Sub-Editor

Ozempic: the new shiny drug creating a new body trend amongst celebrities.

Ozempic's purpose is to treat adults with type 2 diabetes, but the prominent weight loss side effect has made it a new aesthetic for breeding harmful discourse on (primarily women's) bodies on social media. Many people on social media have been speculating an increasing number of celebrities as utilising the drug for extreme weight loss purposes, like Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian and most recently Sharon Osbourne. Ozempic has taken Hollywood by storm, creating *yet another* trend for women's bodies. Not only is using Ozempic probably very dangerous for the celebrities themselves, the consequences are severe. Promoting fast and extreme weight loss as an aesthetic (if I hear the words 'heroin chic' one more time, I will honestly explode) is obviously very dangerous. There is quite literally no safe and healthy way to lose that much weight in that little time.

The issue with this drug and celebrities using it is the discourse surrounding it. We see Kim Kardashian's body looking far different than usual in an interview, we become obsessed with it and we desperately want to figure out how she achieved

extreme weight loss (because there's nothing social media loves more than talking about women's bodies for basically no reason whatsoever).

Star of 'The Good Place' and activist Jameela Jamil took to Instagram last year, saying "Rich people are buying this stuff off prescription for upwards of 1000 dollars. Actual diabetics are seeing shortages. It's a now mainstream craze in Hollywood...I'm deeply concerned but I can't change any of your minds because fat phobia has our generation in a chokehold.

Celebrity bodies should not be seen as the ultimate desirable way to look, but unfortunately, that is the culture we live in. Not to sound anti-feminist, but The Kardashians in particular are well aware of the influence they have on the discourse of body image, and refusing to acknowledge that they have achieved this extreme and sudden weight loss in an unhealthy and non-accessible way is very harmful. Of course these celebrities are not responsible for how young women feel about their bodies, but with their platform and influence comes a responsibility to avoid promoting unhealthy beauty standards. Growing up with films like Mean Girls, Bridget Jones and The Devil Wears Prada meant that early 2000s fatphobia was just a normal part of life for many of us. Personally, since the growth of the body-positivity movement, I am far too tired to go back to those days. Ozempic and the way we're talking about it is pushing us back to the days where making Regina George gain weight was the ultimate form of revenge (because a teenage girl gaining weight was the worst thing imaginable in 2004).

The “Geriatric Starlet”: remembering Iris Apfel

The amazing life of fashion icon Iris Apfel

As an artist, a business woman, and a fashion icon, Iris Apfel has always been an icon to generations of women and fashionistas.

Starting out as an interior designer, Apfel quickly found her way at the top of US politics, consulting on interiors in the White House for 9 presidential runs with her husband, Carl Apfel.

For decades following, they both owned a textiles manufacturing company, travelling the world in order to source antique fabrics, giving them a new lease of life. As her career progressed, she became known in the public eye as a cultural icon, for her unique sense of fashion, particularly in her golden years, often donning her signature glasses and costume jewellery.

"She became known in the public eye as a cultural icon, donning her signature glasses and costume jewellery."

At the age of 93, her status in popular culture was finally cemented, as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosted a showcasing of her wardrobe, something that they had never done before with any fashion.

“You're not pretty and you'll never be pretty, but it doesn't matter, you have something

much better ... you have style"

Apfel was particularly influential, as fashion on the older generation is still something that many of those in the fashion world still cannot get right (or are too afraid to try); her presence legitimised this, however, recognising that there was no such thing as ‘age-appropriate’ dressing. Many designers have paid tribute, with Tommy Hilfiger expressing his condolences to the late star:

“Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent not only as an artist, but as an influencer.”

Tommy Hilfiger

The self-confessed “world’s oldest teenager” may have died, but she will never go out of style. As Iris herself often said, “Get old…but don’t get boring!”

The issue with Ozempic is that is encourages this culture of treating women's bodies as a trend. Our bodies are not something we should shape to meet a certain trend or aesthetic, they are simply a vessel through which we experience life.

I, for one, am exhausted. Let's not go back to the "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" days. Because clearly young Kate Moss had never tasted a Greggs sausage roll when she said that, and has apologised for the harm she caused with the statement since. I don't think it's too much to ask to just let women live and just shut up about our

What fashion means to me

Poppy Bedford - Music Sub-Editor

Is having a personal style the same as being 'into fashion'?

For a long time I was always told I was into fashion. I dressed a certain way and because it wasn't the same as other people around me, it meant I was 'into fashion'. When I got older I think I realised that I didn't really like fashion, I didn't like watching runways or keep up with trends, and I didn't follow people who where 'fashionable'. I think, when you dress a certain way, or have a certain aesthetic people assume you are fashionable because they don't know what else you are. I also think that this is less and less true as fashion cycles speed up to a place where people can't keep up. Instead, developing their own style.

In my mind, fashion is not something I care about, it is always changing and adapting and will dictate what's in the shops but it's not necessary. Style is something we all have, whether you acknowledge it or not, and that's what I care about.

Style doesn't have a size guide, or a price range or limitations in the way fashion does, and I care more about someone's style than I ever will there fashion as it's a conscious reflection of who they are.

The best of the Oscars

One of our writers talks about the best looks in

After any big red carpet event there is nothing I love more than scrolling through Instagram the next day and getting the lowdown on all the latest looks, and this year’s Academy Awards was no different. At last week’s Oscars event we saw all our favourite celebs take centre stage showcasing the creations of the world’s most famed designers. Clad in crystals, corsets, feathers and more, here are my five fashion faves of the night.

Zendaya in Armani Privé

Zendaya never misses when it comes to fashion and this number is no different. The rope-like twist forming the one-shoulder detail elevates the fitted dress to something more, whilst the repetition of the corset’s crystal embellishments through palm tree print on gorgeous rosy pink is a refreshing show of pattern not often seen at these events.

Lupita Nyong'o in Armani Privé

Pretty powder blue with a deep V neckline makes this gown a shimmering stunner. It’s feathered details at the waist and hem add a balanced weight whilst the embellished from head to toe make this piece as glamorous as it is pretty.

This strapless gown with its scalloped edge detail is meticulously embellished with crystals and beading of varying metallic tones to beautiful effect. The detail and craftsmanship in this impressive piece is obvious. Silver tones seem to be in this year with many guests sporting a similar hue, but this was for me, the

Classy and monochrome , this look gives old Hollywood vibes that are perfect for the biggest Hollywood red carpet event of the year. The fabric of the white halter neck continues, skimming the actresses back in a cape-like effect that brings a flowy

Ethereal with floating blue chiffon layers and matching wrist details, this gown saw another beautiful cape grace the red carpet. The gold detailing at the bust and arms is reminiscent of a fantasy princess’ dress in the best possible way in a unique look that stands out amongst other

Kirsty Dow

Olivia Carter

Image Credit: Unsplash @i yunami

Image Credit: Pixabay @kalhh

Image Credit: MiamiFilmFestival, Wikimedia

My experience with 'Paris syndrome': Is social media to blame for its rise?

Charlotte Burley-Hnat - Relationships Sub-Editor

You may want to reconsider that holiday you’re about to book…!

As summer approaches, many of us are in the process of researching travel destinations – and by researching, I mostly mean scrolling through TikTok videos.

Well, if it hadn’t occurred to you yet, planning a holiday to a location just because you saw a viral TikTok video is probably not the best idea. Don’t be offended, I too have looked for flights to Tuscany purely because of a pretty TikTok.

With companies like Airbnb and Booking.com expanding their social media accounts, it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that now more than ever we’re falling into the traps of rose-tinted glasses. Alas, what you don’t know could kill you. Well, not kill you… but could definitely cause a bad headache and some nausea through Paris syndrome.

First and foremost, what is Paris syndrome? 'Paris syndrome' is a term used to describe a state of severe cultural shock, with some experiencing symptoms as severe as hallucinations, dizziness, and nausea.

For the purpose of this article, I’ll be focusing primarily on Paris itself, but it’s worth noting that you can be afflicted with Paris syndrome anywhere. I’ve been lucky enough to visit Paris twice. The first of which was back when I was fifteen on a school trip, with my only real memories being the never-ending steps of the Sacré Cœur and Disneyland Paris. The second time was in 2022

when I was freshly eighteen and had just finished studying A-level French.

Of course, I understood that I was in no way going to be able to suddenly speak fluent French just because I could write an essay on a random French book that I spent two years studying.

What I didn’t expect, however, was how uncomfortable I would feel speaking at all in Paris. I felt as though if I tried to speak French, I’d butcher it and be shamed for obviously being English. But, if I spoke English all the time, I felt like an ignorant tourist who expected everyone to speak my language. I was in a lose-lose situation, and for me, this was the biggest culture shock of visiting Paris.

“What I didn't expect, however, was how uncomfortable I would feel speaking at all in Paris.”

For the most part, my uncomfortableness stemmed from pre-conceived beliefs that French people hated tourists (for good reason, I probably would too). I spent most of my time in Paris trying to avoid speaking at all, afraid I’d be targeted and mugged when walking down the street, like in any major city.

On top of this, it goes without saying that Paris is far different from what you see online. Of course, there are stunning places that leave you truly in awe, with my favourites being the historical sites like the Palais Garnier, the Sacré Cœur, and the Louvre Museum.

But like any major city, Paris is full of people trying to scam tourists, expensive restaurants, and litter. If you want to capture the Eiffel Tower

Being bilingual abroad: found in translation

With National Foreign Language week having just passed, our writer details their experience of travelling whilst being bilingual.

Igrew up in a family where learning another language was rare. You don’t see many English speakers studying in Spain, so learning to talk correctly is a struggle. I’ve been learning English since childhood, and that makes travelling to foreign countries where Spanish is not the main language quite fun.

I didn’t know the importance of being bilingual until I moved to the UK, where almost everyone speaks only one language. Whenever I meet someone who has travelled to South America or Spain, they tell me they wish they had known some Spanish beforehand. It would have helped them create a more local experience since the elderly community doesn’t speak English. They are taking Spanish classes at university, and they try to communicate with me in my native

language, which I appreciate. One of my most cherished experiences being bilingual was last summer when I did interrail with my friends. We travelled through different countries such as Germany, Czech Republic and Brussels. I was the only one who could speak English fluently, so everybody asked me for help during the trip. I learned a lot of things during that trip, and also, thanks to speaking English all day, I improved a lot before coming to Newcastle.

“You can speak with local people and create a unique experience that not everyone can build.”

I always encourage people to learn another laguage because, in that way, they can integrate themselves into the country they travel to. You can speak with local people and create a unique experience that not everyone can build. It can also open up more opportunities, such as attending university in another country and learning about different cultures. If it weren’t for all of these experiences combined (and the cartoons I watched as a child), I wouldn’t

sparkling at night, you will also be surrounded by hundreds of tourists doing the same, and in the summer, it is sweaty, smelly, and rat-centric.

Paris is undoubtedly still one of the best places I’ve visited. The moral of the story when visiting though, is to do your research, lower your expectations, and remind yourself that social media posts are perfectly curated to hide the imperfections of Paris (along with anywhere else you’re planning on visiting).

I myself am guilty of this. Of course, I tried to make Paris look like the best place in the world through my Instagram stories. It seems to be human nature and social media etiquette to romanticise everything and everywhere you visit. So take off the rosetinted glasses when travelling anywhere, because Paris syndrome is real and can ruin the holiday you’ve been planning since March.

Top vegan travel tips

–Research!

It may seem straight forward to some, but I have been caught out a few times having not researched thoroughly enough. If you are travelling to a foreign country, you may find it useful to look into what is typical of the cuisine where you are going, and also some easy phrases to learn. As a languages student, I find this particularly exciting! Even if languages aren’t your thing, you can always rely on phrasebooks to get the message across.

–Check local restaurants:

It's also helpful to use apps such as HappyCow to find vegan food in the area, and also use sites such as TripAdvisor and Google reviews to see if there are other vegans who have had a good or bad experience there. It’s also helpful to try and find menus before you go to places so that you are not wasting time or money.

–Pack plenty of snacks for the journey:

This is also a must – there have been many times when I have not been able to find vegan snacks at service stations in Europe, so bringing enough with you is a good idea, so that you are not left hungry. Personally, I love raw fruit and nut bars as they are really delicious and easy to just carry with you.

–Follow vegan travel blogs:

This helps you to get a feel of which cities and places are great for vegans and others which are not. For example, after travelling to Freiburg in Germany, I found that the city was super welcoming for vegans, with massive sections of supermarkets dedicated to plant-based eating. This was one of the pull factors for travelling here, so knowing which cities are vegan-friendly is super helpful.

–Get in touch with others:

If it’s possible, try and get in touch with other vegans and arrange travel plans. For example, Facebook has many different group pages to meet other vegans and exchange advice and tips for travel. Don’t be afraid to ask others for their experiences and maybe even share a room with someone who is vegan if you are staying in selfcatered accommodation.

Top 9 UK beaches to visit in 2024

Lauren Wilkinson

Uncovering coastal wonders: Our writer explores the top 10 beaches across the UK's breathtaking shores.

1. Bamburgh, Northumberland

The royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Northumbria, Bamburgh beach preserves a screenshot of Northumberland's historic splendour. On view by the iconic Norman era castle, the sandy expanse offers some of the best views in England.

2. Durdle Door, Dorset

Crowned the UK’s first natural UNESCO world heritage site in 2001, Durdle Door’s spellbinding limestone arch and famous sparkling waters of the Jurassic coast bring tourists from far and wide.

3. Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear

This list wouldn't be complete without our very own Tynemouth Beach. Once a popular Victorian holiday destination, it is now adored for its spotless golden sand and fantastic conditions for swimming and surfing.

4. Botany Bay, Kent

The secluded bay offers views of white cliffs and stunning chalk stacks. Famous for fossils and rock pools, the bay offers something for swimmers, sunbathers and explorers alike.

5. Luskentyre, Harris

A slice of heaven, the turquoise and aquamarine waters are nestled away in the Outer Hebrides. This majestic sandy beach is a huge river estuary measuring 3 miles long and 3 miles wide, dispelling the claim that Scotland is not famous for beautiful beaches.

6. Sandsend, North Yorkshire

Whitby, Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay have all earned their recognition, but Sandsend is often missed in the Yorkshire Coast hall of fame. If you’re a fan of wildlife, fossils and stunning scenery, you will love Sandsend. Located within the North York Moors National Park the beach offers a spellbinding afternoon walk.

7. Barafundle Bay, Wales

This jewel of the Pembrokeshire coast boasts golden sands and blue waters that rival the Mediterranean. This secluded bay is backed by dunes and pines offers an escape from modern life and the busy trappings of day to day.

8.Benone Beach, County DerryLondonderry

As far as coastal destinations go, the grandeur of the Giant’s Causeway often overshadows the excellent sandy beaches Northern Ireland Offers. However, this seven miles of sandy shoreline, backed by mountains and cliffs is famous for walks, kite flying, walking and exploring.

9. Isles of Scilly, Nr Cornwall

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago off the Cornish coast, voted the most scenic destination of outstanding natural beauty in the UK. The islands are fringed by stunning sandy beaches with vibrant blue

Noelia Fernández Pérez

Image: @Peggy_Marco, , Pixabay

Image Source: @jairojehuel, Pixabay

Bibi Shanks-Davison

Image Source: PDPics, Pixabay

VARSITY 2024 : POSH SWEEP POLY

Newcastle best Northumbria in 47 of 65 events to claim third consecutive title

NCL Futsal take dramatic shootout win to close Finale

Varsity week couldn't have ended in more theatric fashion as a late Northumbria goal took things down to the wire

The match, held at Northumbria Sport Central, saw a very close game right up until the very end. The final score was 7-7, with friendly penalties at the very end to finish off Varsity 2024. There were many defining moments throughout, both from the dedicated players and the equally dedicated crowd. Initially, Northumbria led the game 3-0 until Newcastle brought it back 3-3, battling it out for the title until the very last second. Northumbria's goalkeeper scored the final goal, much to everyone's surprise, ending the match

“It was amazing to be a part of it, the atmosphere was unreal and the game itself was mental.”

with a draw, rewarding triumph and celebration even from the opposing team. Penalties finished with five goals from Newcastle, and three from Northumbria.

Our team grabbed the Varsity Winners banner and ran straight up to the crowd to jump, cheer, and celebrate. Kimiko Cheng, our Athletic's Union Officer, looked very proud taking a photograph with the boys, and the Varsity 2024 Champions Trophy.

One of the players, Cubby Taylor, said: "Amazing to be part of it, the atmosphere was unreal and the

game itself was mental." It looks as if Newcastle University managed to defend the three-year championship at Varsity. Better luck next year, Northumbria!

Image: NCL Sport

Edited by: Arthur Ferridge

Varsity

Badminton:

Two out of three ain't bad

VARSITY 2024

By George Brownless, NSR Head of Tech at Sport Central

Badminton took place in Northumbria’s Sport Central, hosting the contest between Newcastle and Northumbria’s Men’s 1’s, 2’s and Women’s 1’s. Across the event, there were both singles and doubles sets played, with best of 3 sets for all games.

“Both played a good game, but it was Nayyar who won for Newcastle, two sets to nil."

After the players had finished their warm-ups, one match caught my attention immediately, the M2’s on court 3. Both of which are players I know, Vikram Nayyar and David Short. Every other match I was rooting for team Newcastle, but for that match, I couldn’t choose between them. Both played a good game, but it was Nayyar for Newcastle who took the game, 2 sets to 0.

Nevertheless, Short for Northumbria still played well, and it was great to see those two face off, something I hadn’t had the opportunity to see previously. The train did not stop in the M2’s, with Newcastle taking a full sweep, 8-0 against Northumbria.

“The train did not stop with M2, with Newcastle winning 8-0."

Another highlight was one of the early M1’s games, with an excellent show of skill on both sides, but again it was Newcastle taking the spoils, 8-0 again. I found myself completely enthralled by the doubles matches towards the end, with an intensity I could only have dreamt of reaching when I used to play regularly.

Newcastle’s W1’s didn’t fair quite as well, but they avoided Northumbria taking a clean sweep, their matches wrapped up 7-1 in Northumbria’s favour, giving the overall win to Newcastle, 17-7. It was a lot of fun to watch, so thanks to all the players for providing the entertainment for the afternoon!

NUWRFC 1s break eleven year Varsity curse with narrow win

VARSITY 2024

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

60

50

By Zahra Hanif, Lifestyle Sub-Editor, at Newcastle Uni Sport Centre

At 3pm, Newcastle and Northumbria’s Women's 2s Basketball teams faced off in Newcastle University’s Sport Centre. Newcastle took an early lead, starting with a strong 10-6 lead just minutes into the game.

However, Northumbria quickly caught up, setting the precedent for the first half of the game, as the screen flashed consistently close scores. A combination of countless brick shots and strong defence on both sides meant that neither side was able to claim a strong lead, and so tensions on the pitch remained high. The teams got even right as half-time was called, tying the match at 25-25 going into the break.

The players returned after the break with revived energy, the game was still up for grabs and each side was eager to claim it. This was reflected in stronger performances across the board, with both teams shooting more precisely.

VARSITY 2024

WOMEN'S RUGBY 1

By Maria Pace at Cochrane Park

I10

5

f there were a single team that has cemented history, it would be the epitome of women: NUWRFC women. 11 years of disappointment, hardship, pain, resolved by 22 players who defeated our longest enemy: the Poly. It was a tight game. Hermione Farmer scoring the first try within the first half; breaking their defence so quickly, the poly was quaked. Ellie Howard, who regards herself as a “fluke” disproved that statement with a glorious conversion. We were winning. We got 7 points. They got 0. The poly was quaked. It was constant attack and defence for 60 or so minutes until we were caught

off guard when they scored a try. It was now 7-5. It was a difficult game – at this point, it was unclear which team would win. For 60 minutes the two teams were so close to scoring but both teams kept playing hard; stopping each other in every moment that a try was nearby.

“Eleven years of disappointment, hardship, and pain, resolved with defeat over our longest standing enemy."

Regardless, the atmosphere was brilliant, hundreds of people. NUWRFC refused to back down and 11 years of grief manifested in such excellence in game play, the poly were now really quaked. They were quaked so hard they fumbled within the last minute. We got a penalty within the last minute. Ellie Thompson scored within the last minute. We won. We won 10-5 by the last minute.

But, we truly won with the size of our club. Over 100 members and 3 teams – spectacular for women in sport. Spectacular for women in rugby. In this year’s varsity we not only made the poly quake once, not twice, but three times, winning all our Varsity matches.

Welcome to the jam: Basketball yields mixed results for Newcastle

However, the scores remained tight, as each two pointer was followed closely by one from the opposition.

But this all changed as a string of fouls allowed Newcastle to secure a 6-point lead, the most significant since the game began. Northumbria’s offence tried to catch up in the last quarter, to some success as the gap bridged slightly, but they were quickly deflated by two three-pointers from Newcastle that left the scores sitting at 60-50 and gave Team Newcastle yet another win. This also officially marks an undefeated season for the Women’s 2s, who’ve now come out victorious in Varsity, BUCS, and the WBBL.

VARSITY 2024

By Arthur Ferridge, Head of Sport at

Newcastle University M2 basketball recorded a routine victory over Northumbria University on Friday afternoon, closing their season with an 88-63 victory at the Newcastle University Sport Centre to help the Posh on its way to Varsity 2024 victory.

The match started out with both sides on equal footing. Northumbria won the tip and quickly opened the scoring, taking a narrow early lead as Newcastle struggled for a foothold. They quickly caught up, however, with a string of intercepted passes and fast breaks allowing the hosts to create some breathing space, finishing the first quarter with a 26-17 lead.

A particularly one sided second quarter saw Newcastle add 22 points to their tally, while Northumbria managed just seven, stretching the lead to be close to insurmountable and signing Northumbria’s death warrant.

The Poly looked for a comeback, slightly reducing the deficit in the third quarter, before an increasingly confident Newcastle put the match to bed in the fourth, playing with flair as Northumbria waved white flags. In what was the 2s’ final match of the season, Newcastle bid farewell to its departing players with a comfortable victory in front of enthusiastic support, as Northumbria offered minimal threat beyond the match’s earliest moments.

Newcastle M1 also won 83-81, as did the M3 and W2 teams. W1 and M4 were not so lucky though, affording Northumbria rare pair of Varsity wins.

Images: David Mellstrom

Image: Chris Bishop Image: NCL Sport

Edited by: Arthur Ferridge

Varsity

Posh water polo do the double in the pool

VARSITY 2024

MEN'S WATER POLO

Newcastle

Northumbria

By Sophia Dolan at Sport Central Pool

A26

8

frantic Friday saw the Varsity championships witness a thrilling encounter in Northumbria Central pool, where Newcastle’s Water Polo team emerged victorious, another win to add to the many of a successful 23/24 season.

Varsity, the hotly contested tournament of 52 events, pits all of Newcastle and Northumbria’s sports teams off in a one match showdown

for the trophy. With 2 Varsity wins already under their belt from previous years, it was Newcastle's game to lose.

“This didn't appear to faze the team as they stormed to victory in front of their fans."

However, this competition didn’t appear to faze the Water Polo team as they stormed the men’s game. Despite a couple of near misses, it was clear from the beginning of the game the teams superiority. Undoubtedly, the emphatic support coupled with passioned shouts of ‘shoot, shoot’ coming from the Newcastle side, who were at capacity, helped to secure the win. Such support for the winners emphasised the deep sense of cameraderie and encouragement for talent that embodies Newcastle University.

The match was eventually won by Newcastle, with the final score reading 8-26 in favour of the visitors.

VARSITY 2024

WOMEN'S WATER POLO

Newcastle

Northumbria

18

8

By Olivia Carter, Film Sub-Editor, at Sport Central Pool

NUWPC truly took Varsity 2024 by storm as the women’s team obtained a huge win against Northumbria, with an impressive score of 18-8.

Newcastle truly dominated the pool against Northumbria, leaving the opponents little chance to make any significant mark on their respective Varsity day.

Maddie Harrison scored a brilliant 5

goals, whilst Lauren Carr and Rosie Gallagher scored 3 each.

“The club President got player of the match, a perfect way to end her three years playing at Newcastle University."

As this year's President for the club, Lauren received Player of the Match, contributing to a brilliant game that saw her 3 years at Newcastle University come to an end.

As a team, they have truly had a brilliant season and yet another Newcastle win was just what they needed to finish up such a fantastic season!

After the men's team victory in the morning, this result meant that Newcastle University had secured maximum points in water polo.

NUWRFC seconds rout Poly at Coach Lane to complete devastating Varsity sweep

VARSITY 2024

WOMEN'S RUGBY 2

Newcastle

Northumbria

65

5

By Arthur Ferridge, Head of Sport at Coach Lane

NUWRFC finished Varsity 2024 with three wins out of three over crosstown rivals Northumbria University, completing the feat with a 61-5 rout. The 2s have endured a difficult season in 2024, having to stomach a 0-72 loss to Edge Hill last time out, but rose to the occasion on Friday, coming out of the

gates with energy and ferocity in front of a passionate Coach Lane crowd.

Newcastle opened the scoring after barely five minutes of play, stealing a Northumbria scrum on the five-metre line before scoring in the corner through full-back Flynn, who would go on to score a hat-trick of tries.

The early try set the tone for the match.

Newcastle’s forwards dominated the breakdown, forcing repeated fouls from a seemingly dazed Northumbria squad, who scarcely managed to escape their territory in the first half. Newcastle’s dominance saw them go into half time with a more than comfortable 29-0 lead, despite suffering an early booking.

The second half offered a hint of drama, as Northumbria scored their first points of the match just seconds after the restart. The comeback never came to be, though, as Newcastle coolly carried its first-half momentum through the final forty minutes, bagging a further six tries to put the tie to bed.

Image: Chris Bishop

Images: David Mellstrom

Image: NCL Sport

Edited by: Arthur Ferridge

Varsity 20 Results Rundown

Catch up on all 65 scorelines from a week of intense Varsity action across Newcastle...

American Football

M1 @ Cochrane Park 9-7

Archery

O1 @ Coach Lane 1-3

Athletics

MIX1 @ Gateshead Stadium 4-4

Badminton

M1 @ Sport Central 8-0

W1 @ Sport Central 1-7

M2 @ Sport Central 8-0

Basketball

M1 @ Sport Central 83-81

W1 @ Sport Central 54-63

M2 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 63-88

W2 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 60-50

M3 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 83-65

M4 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 47-59

Climbing

M1 @ Climb Newcastle 1139-1099

W1 @ Climb Newcastle 911-441

Cricket

W1 @ South Northumberland Club 2-0

Dodgeball

O1 @ Sport Central 22-10

Equestrian

MIX1 @ Stepney and West Acres 88.5-37.5

Lacrosse

M1 @ Longbenton Sports Ground W/O-NEW

W1 @ Longbenton Sports Ground 15-5

W2 @ Longbenton Sports Ground 27-0

Netball

W1 @ Sport Central 42-39

W2 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 51-39

W3 @ Newcastle Uni Sport Centre 38-27

W4 @ Sport Central 55-46

W5 @ Sport Central 44-31

Pool & Snooker

A @ Spot

Football

W1 @ Cochrane Park 0-2

M2 @ Cochrane Park 2-2

W2 @ Cochrane Park 0-3

M3 @ Cochrane Park 0-0

Futsal

M1 @ Sport Central 7-7 (Pens: 4-3)

M2 @ Sport Central 9-4

W1 @ Sport Central 3-6

Golf

MIX1 @ Beamish Golf Course 4-4

MIX2 @ Beamish Golf Course 3.5-2.5

Hockey

M1 @ Coach Lane 17-3

W1 @ Coach Lane 11-1

M2 @ Coach Lane 3-2

W2 @ Longbenton Sports Ground 3-0

W3 @ Longbenton Sports Ground 5-0

W4 @ Longbenton Sports Ground 9-2

Weightlifting

Under the influence of TikTok: The changing scenes of online diet culture

Amala Parry

Has TikTok changed the ways we perceive ourselves and what we eat?

Social media's impact on diet culture and body image cannot be understated. From detox teas to nutrition influencers, social media is notorious for promoting unrealistic standards and unhealthy trends, though perhaps it's not all bad...

We spend most of our lives absorbed in our electronic devices, scrolling aimlessly through food TikToks at 2 am or stalking supermodels' profiles on Instagram when we should be working. It's no surprise then, that we are subconsciously absorbing an array of different messages on the daily, some of which can be incredibly detrimental towards our perception of our bodies and diets.

Social media is known for being a breeding ground for diet culture, with the Hollywood elite regularly showcasing their perfectly toned (and subtly photoshopped) bodies and promoting gym culture or dieting techniques.

From Bella Hadid's low-carb, high-protein diet to Gwenyth Paltrow's promotion of fasting and detoxing, we are regularly exposed to celebrity endorsements of diet culture. We've come to accept the fact that to achieve the flat stomach of Victoria's Secret runway models, we must resent processed foods, drink our protein

Rate

I’m not proud to say it, but I LOVE food and drink ASMR. Don’t get me wrong, there is a limit to its watchability, but when you’ve out-watched everything else that you can before bed, it is the perfect thing to end your mindless scrolling with.

Personally, I don’t have any creators that I watch consistently but rather, I love to find Youtube channels such as TeaBang, who throw together compilations of different content creators. I find this to be the best way to consume (excuse the pun) my Mukbang intake as I find myself to be quite specific when it comes to what I am actually willing to watch. ‘Clean’ eaters are my go to as, the messier, the worse, in my opinion.

Despite watching those in front of me eat blinding amounts of noodles and fried chicken, I still feel there are problems within the community that must be addressed. I found that there was a micro-trend some time ago, in which creators were outdoing each other in how crazy what they were eating could get. This sometimes consisted of eating sea creatures whilst alive, which really disgusted me but somehow fascinated countless others worryingly.

Nonetheless, food and drink ASMR will always be my go-to in a time of boredom, and when I hear that first sip of a crisp, cold Pepsi-Max, then I know it’s time to fi nally relax.

shakes and eat an avocado a day.

This has only become more prevalent since the introduction of short-form video platforms, such as TikTok (or the equivalent of Instagram Reels).

“Social media is known for being a breeding ground for diet culture."

As one of the leading social media platforms amongst young people today, Tik Tok is incredibly influ ential and impactful.

With health and nutrition content being one of the most 'widely consumed types of content on TikTok' (Healthline, 2022), it's no wonder the platform holds so much power over our perceptions.

Most of the diet content generated on TikTok is from nutri tion and diet influenc ers, as opposed to certified nutritionists or doctors, so misinformation can easily be

come an issue.

TikTok is unique in that it enables us to absorb massive amounts of content in very small amounts of time, so we become saturated with information. What's more, TikTok uses a very clever algorithm system which monitors the content we interact with and filters our feeds to best match this, meaning those engaging with toxic diet culture will inevitably see more videos of that nature on their profiles.

Despite this, diet culture is not all seeped in toxicity. Some health and nutrition influencers, though perhaps not clinically trained, promote body positivity and healthy diet culture. Many social media influencers aim to celebrate body diversity, encourage selfacceptance and challenge the sometimes harmful narratives of diet culture.

There are accounts on Instagram and TikTok that produce educa-

tional content on diet and nutrition, as well as encouraging and empowering content for those who may be struggling with body image or an eating disorder.

“Social media influencers aim to celebrate body diversity, encourage self-acceptance and challenge the harmful narratives of diet culture."

So whilst there's no denying that while social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have massively influenced the online diet culture scene, the positive or negative impacts of these influences are up for a debate.

I think it's important that we recognise the sometimes toxic nature of online diet culture, which is often fueled by our favourite celebs and their supplement advertisements or workout regimes. You can't trust every bit of information you read on the internet, especially if it doesn't come from an official or medical source.

However, diet culture is constantly shifting, and in today's society, which is intertwined with massive user-generated platforms such as TikTok, there has been a surge in body acceptance and positivity- you just have to look in the right places!

Newcastle Brown Ale: is it worth the hype?

Ijust don't understand the hype surrounding ASMR, especially when it comes to food and drink.

A lot of my friends love food ASMR, and will spend their evenings watching YouTube or TikTok videos of mukbangs (videos of people eating) or storytimes involving people chewing their way through a personal tale. And I, for one, hate it.

Honestly, ASMR, especially food ASMR, just doesn't do anything for me - why would I spend my time listening to people consume their dinner when I do that regularly in my house anyway? I understand why people like cooking videos, but when it comes to actual food or drink consumption, the sounds, sights, and general over-consumerism of it all just puts me off immensely.

Maybe it also has something to do with my misophonia, which is when you have a very adverse reaction to certain sounds. For me, the sound of someone chewing their food loudly drives me mad, which probably contributes to my hatred of food and drink ASMR, but this is only part of the reason why I dislike it.

Either way, I don't see the appeal of someone stuffing their face as a form of entertainment, especially when some reports suggest that these videos are leading people to unhealthy lifestyles or poor relationships with food. But, each to their own, I guess.

Cities are shaped by their cultural contributions to the world, with food and drink being a major contribut ing factor. Philadelphia stakes claim to the cheese steak, Madrid places pride in patatas bravas, and Newcastle is no dif ferent with their consumption of their be loved brown ale.

Following my move to Newcastle, it sim ply felt like a rite of passage to consume the much popular Geordie nectar. At the time of consumption, I was not an avid ale drinker, so my opinions were likely to be negative. I have since changed my opinions on ale as a beverage overall, however my opinions on the locally loved ‘newkie brown’ have not.

As we all know, tastes differ on anything and everything, how ever for a drink I believe to be lifeless and flat, I still see it in the hands of many around New castle upon-Tyne. So, this begs the question of why this drink I loathe so much is this popular?

Well, the easy answer is I am not the divine voice for review ing drinks and my dislike for one drink will not sway the masses, however I do believe many are persuaded through the impactful marketing and branding that is tied with Newcas tle Brown Ale.

Newcastle Brown Ale has typically attracted customers of an older generation, however my experience in pubs, particularly on a St James’ Park matchday, I will see consumers of varying ages opt to purchase this local brew.

Even though I am not a fan of Newcastle Brown, I would like to think I could still open my mind to it as I am still yet to try this drink on tap - the few times I have purchased it was in a bottle - which seems to be the opted method of serving in most bars and pubs around the toon.

The rule of thumb with alcohol is that it is quite simply of a higher quality when served from a tap, however with many other tap options available, Newcastle Brown still powers on as a It is at this point where I will make the claim that consumers are greatly persuaded by the branding and marketing of Newcastle Brown Ale. The drink itself is not one that revolutionizes the taste buds, yet its ties with the city of Newcastle and its cultural icons works wonders for their sales.

One area the drink has become so heavily tied with is football, Newcastle United to be more specific. From 1990-2000 the toon army were sponsored by Newcastle Brown, and it can be said that the Brown Ale logo provides the Geordie faithful with positive memories of high form with Shearer and Keegan.

The unofficial ties Brown Ale and Newcastle United possess provided success for their sales but I feel this cements my point that Brown Ale as a drink is one that is unpleasant.

The symbolic partnership between the two is a clear example of the power of mar-

Newcastle Brown Ale will always be a staple of the city, it is etched into its fabric, it brings nostalgia and happy memories.Their recognisable branding and adoption of Newcastle iconography makes it a drink that may not satisfy the tastebuds, but instils positive northeastern imagery.

Olivia Carter - Film Sub-Editor Avika Sharma - Travel Sub-Editor

Image credit: Pixabay, OpenClipart-Vectors

James Kellett - Gaming Sub-Editor

Image credit: Anna Nix

Image credit: Pixabay, sllmnhyt

Spring Playlist

Zahra Hanif

- Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Spring has arrived, the humidity’s back in the air and the cherry blossoms are blooming again. Thank God. Brighter days are finally approaching, I know I for one can’t wait to walk home from uni in the daylight, even in the sun - this might be a bit more optimistic given the UK climate but a girl can dream.

This however means we need new music to soundtrack our ventures, from the leisurely stroll down to the off license to the power walks to uni when you chose an extra 10 minutes in bed. How else are you meant to romanticise your life? Here’s a playlist for the new season - it’s time to stop listening to Phoebe Bridgers with the big light off, open those curtains to let the light in and rejoice.

This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) - Talking Heads

I can’t think of a song that better embodies Spring than this one. It’s a classic, but for those unfamiliar, it’s a dashingly hopeful, unconventional love song accompanied by a funky instrumental that’ll have your head bopping.

FreefallKAYTRANADA (feat. Durand Bernarr)

Bernarr’s dreamy vocals complement KAYTRANADA’s beat to make for an enchanting song with a sick melody, so smooth it’ll put you in a trance.

Cherry Wine - Nas, Amy Winehouse

An unusual pairing, sure, but somehow they make it work. Amy’s soulful voice intertwines immaculately with Nas’ rap verses for an R&B sound that’s somehow both nostalgic and distinctive.

You Make Loving FunFleetwood Mac

A gorgeous, hopeful love song… just ignoring the song’s back story (look it up if you’re unfamiliar with the Rumours lore, it’s loaded). The song is McVie swooning for three minutes straight, accompanied by heavenly backing vocals. Dreamy and soft as the season upon us.

Cornerstone - Arctic Monkeys

An incredible song to mindlessly bop to. The narrative within the lyrics is hopeless (“she was close enough to be your ghost”...), but when they’re carried by a melody as upbeat as the one at hand, you can easily tune out Turner’s upsetjust don’t mistake it for a love song.

Glastonbury 2024 line-up announced!

Imogen Smillie - Head of Culture

Exciting news as we find out that 2 of the 3 headline acts at Glastonbury Festival 2024 are female, with other big names announced for this year’s line-up!

Get your wellies out and plan what’s going on that massive flag, because Glastonbury Festival is back for 2024! From the 26th to the 30th of June, thousands of music lovers will gather at Worthy Farm in Pilton to see music acts from across the globe. And with the line-up newly announced, this year’s event will be as big as ever.

Big news for Dua Lipa, the first of 3 headliners this year. She has previously played at the festival, but on smaller stages, this year taking to the iconic Pyramid Stage. Reportedly she booked the gig after announcing her new album Radical Optimism, which we can assume will be the

basis of her set, alongside the classic Dua pop hits.

Next up is Coldplay. You can lie all you like, but everyone loves a bit of Coldplay! This news seems surprising after lead singer Chris Martin reported back in 2016 that they would not play this festival again, after reading hateful comments online. However, as veterans to this iconic event, fans are excited to hear some classics coming from this legendary British band.

Our final headline act is SZA. After an incredible year for her, beating out the likes of Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo for Best International Artist at the Brits 2024, there is no wonder why this pop sensation will be hitting the Pyramid Stage. This 3-time Grammy winner will show her fellow headliners some competition for best set at this year’s Glastonbury.

Another star has been announced for the coveted ‘legend slot’ on the Sunday afternoon – Shania Twain! The country/pop icon reports it’s been

difficult to keep the news a secret, explaining the only advice she has been given is to “bring her wellies”!

Glastonbury Festival is one of the biggest music gigs worldwide, and these headliners seem fit to represent it well! I'm excited to see a mix of new and old artists hit the Pyramid Stage for what will be another rainy, yet memorable week!

VielleichtViellichtby AnnenMayKantereit

Spring into the music: Spring Concert by the Music Society

Poppy Bedford - Music Sub-Editor

Friday 15th March saw the Music Society's spring concert, with a multitude of ensembles and a plethora of student talent and dedication, it was a night to remember.

The evening started well with the Voices choir and two gorgeous renditions of All I ask of You and Feeling Good, followed up with the Clarinet ensemble with 4 excellent pieces. My personal favourite being the Flower Duet by Delibes with the arrangement by Kora which was excellently performed by all 4 clarinettists involved. Just before the break the contemporary Orchestra took to the stage and gave a fun recital of Jurassic Park highlights which made the audience excited for what was to come.

After the interval, we were greeted by the flute

group and their great arrangements of Clair de lune and Mr Sandman. This moved quickly into the Chamber Choir who performed three excellent pieces, including a gospel song Precious Lord which was a closing song worthy of their brilliant performance.

Finally came the Chamber Orchestra, which

performed four pieces: Selections from Carmen Suite, Intermezzo, Habanera, Les Toreadors, the world premiere of Cosmic Rhapsody by Newcastle Alumni Caitlin Nolan and Farandole. The chamber orchestra was excellent and a fitting end to what was a wonderful display of talent.

Introducing: Matilda Mann

Laura Marling, Wet Leg and the Juno film soundtrack are amongst the muses Matilda Mann considers most influential. Regardless, the rising musician’s minimalistic yet experimental artistry is what truly sets her apart.

“The mellow Paper Mache World provided my first encounter with the artist.”

Growing up in West London, Mann developed a knack for song writing from an early age and, by 2020, had released her first EP titled If That Makes Sense. Before long, she was opening for the likes of beabadoobee, whose comparable soft vocals and romantically candid lyrics are echoed in the 24-year-old’s growing catalogue. As for her sound, Mann falls somewhere between indie folk and pop, though each story told is distinctive in its production. The mellow Paper Mache World provided my first encounter with the artist, on account of its

feature within hit Netflix series, Heartstopper

“Her blunt but witty wordplay can produce the sharpest song titles.”

For obvious reasons, I have since never been the same. To my delight, there were still countless facets of Mann to explore, postShazam. Bloom quickly rose to one of my favourites, the airy single taken from her third EP, Sonder. The material from this record sounds most fitting for coffee shop playlists whilst the more recent Nice practically begs to be performed before a festival tent packed full of rockers. I can assure you that everyone is covered. For such a delicate voice, Mann displays all the fervour of a powerhouse songwriter. Her ability to paint pictures through lyricism is undeniable, as standout Doomsday reflects simply and sweetly on a failed relationship: “I found us some rings. Unfortunately, though, they're just sweets that I kept from last

Halloween.” Additionally, her blunt but witty wordplay can produce the sharpest of song titles (see You Look Like You Can’t Swim). With four solid EPs behind her, Matilda Mann still has me craving a full-length album. Consider this your alert to catch up before she truly takes off. Believe me, she is bound to.

ImageCredit: Flickr@davekpcv

Dan Finch

ImageCredits: Instagram@jakeseymour_photography

Fallout: atomic drama set for April

James Kellett - Gaming Sub-Editor

Everything you need to know about Prime's upcoming adaptation...

Prime Video prepares for the release of its Fallout drama series, April 12th sees the iconic video game officially branch out into the realm of television.

For those not familiar with the Fallout universe, viewers will be plunged into an alternate timeline which offered a central priority on the use of atomic energy.

This universe portrays an entwisting view of 20th century Americana nostalgia and hitech features such as robots and laser fuelled weapons.

For reasons that the new TV show could potentially include, the atomic driven society found itself caught up with a devilish negotiation between mass consumerism and the scarcity of resources.

Such scarcity would lead to conflict between global superpowers, notably the capitalist USA and the communist China, and in turn mutually assured destruction won the ‘final battle’ with both nations unleashing their nuclear arsenal on their respective ‘enemies’.

The total annihilation that is paired with nuclear warfare, led to the creation of vaults by the experimental driven company, Vault-Tec. Although the masses could not escape to the safety of the vaults, those who did were able

to live on, and were sold the chance to ‘rebuild society’.

The overall premise of Fallout is the navigation of a post-apocalyptic world through an environment the locals opt to dub, ‘the wasteland’.

The TV show appears to follow this same method, as we are shown a vault resident, or as coined in the game vernacular a ‘vault dweller’, named Jean, who is played by Ella Purnell. 200 years after the bombs fell, Jean is seen leaving the comfort of her vault, although the motives of herself and her vault are unclear, she is seen exploring the chaos of postapocalyptic Los Angeles.

The trailer depicts the inclusion of the lore deep factions such as the Brotherhood of Steel, the New California Republic and more.

Other characters include Maximus, a Brotherhood of Steel squire, played by breakout actor Aaron Moten, and the mutated ghoul, Cooper Howard, played by Walton Goggins, arguably the biggest name in this new feature.

The Fallout existed for well over 20 years and it has developed a hardcore fanbase. The Bethesda, have seen great success from their games and it is their skill narrative implementation that has gripped the

minds of many. However, for once the committed players do not have control over the narrative of this Fallout text, with all the games being driven on the idea that the choices of players impact the wasteland, we are left at the hands of the creators to show immersion and wonder that is clearly evident in their video games.

Shows to watch instead of studying

Rosie Brennan - Opinion Sub-Editor

Need a distraction from work? These are the shows to watch!

From someone whose main hobby is rotting on a sofa, here's a comprehensive list of shows to watch instead of stressing about assignments (you can submit a PEC, but you'll never be able to watch Gossip Girl for the first time ever again).

Gossip Girl - Netflix

An immaculate binge full of drama, characters you want to punch in the face, and the escapism of upper-class New York, Gossip Girl is the ultimate distraction. If Serena can get into an Ivy-league collage whilst going to 50 cocktail parties a month at age 15, you can get through your second semester.

This is Going to Hurt - BBC IPlayer

Guaranteed to make you laugh and 100% certain to make you cry, This is Going to Hurt is a British medical comedy-drama set on a maternity ward, detailing the sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes hysterical stories inside our NHS. (Warning- One Day star Ambika Mod will cause you to cry just as much in her role as a junior doctor in this series). P.S- perhaps not ideal for any med students, you'll just get more stressed (sorry).

Benidorm - Netflix

True British culture. If you want to forget about that looming 3,000-word essay you haven't even started yet, instead enter the (concerningly) realistic world of Brits abroad in the classiest part of Spain. I can almost guarantee that Madge's one liners will make you

forget all your stresses.

Everything I Know About Love - BBC iPlayer Based on the best-selling book by Dolly Alderton, this criminally underrated series looks into love, life, friendship and being a complete and utter mess in your 20s. So forget about studying for now, and look forward to what I'm sure will be the messiest decade of your life yet to come, remembering that nobody actually knows what they're doing, so you're not alone.

The Office - Netflix

Whether UK or US, The Office is just a standard classic to sink into the

sofa to. Watch it at 2am ruining your sleeping pattern, not having to worry too much about keeping up with the plot, and becoming obsessed with Jim and Pam. Sitcoms were made to make us feel better about our boring lives and The Office does that in the most perfect way.

First Dates - All4

Let all your uni problems fade away by watching some of the cringiest, funniest and most adorable first dates in the UK. With such a range of people from 18-80, First Dates is a go-to distraction if you need a good laugh watching awkward 20-somethings argue about red flags or a good cry watching an old couple find love again after losing their previous partners.

YOU - Netflix

If you think you're a bad person for submitting an assignment 2 minutes before it's due, YOU's resident serial killer and stalker Joe Goldberg is bound to make you feel better about your life choices. With his inner monologue being so hilarious it genuinely makes his murders feel justified, you'll get hooked on Penn Badgley's psychotic character in a matter of minutes minutes. The 4 (almost 5) series, each having hourlong episodes, serve as a perfect distraction.

Honourable mentions-

Stranger Things (Netflix), Miranda (BBC iPlayer), Friends (Netflix), One (Netflix) and (Netflix).

Period pieces built for the screen

Charlotte Atkinson

Not sure which period drama to watch? Then this list is for you!

There are few experiences as pleasant as binge watching a good period piece on a Sunday afternoon. That warm feeling of comfort invoked by watching two people obviously in love attempt to hide this fact - all whilst wearing gorgeous costumes and frolicking through some stunning locations - is unlike any other, so here’s a comprehensive list of the best period dramas TV has to offer.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1995)

You can’t talk about period dramas without mentioning this absolute classic. A BBC adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, it’s arguably the blueprint for modern period drama television. It’s got everything you could want; angst, enemies to lovers, and of course, Colin Firth in a soaking wet shirt emerging from a lake.

GENTLEMAN JACK (2019)

Another BBC creation, Gentleman Jack follows the landowner Anne Lister on her search for a wife. Based on a true story, it is a departure from the tragic trope that so often haunts LGBTQ+ period dramas, and instead creates a fascinating love story with complex characters. Sadly there are only two seasons, but it is well worth the watch.

“It is a departure from the tragic trope that so often haunts LGBTQ+ period dramas, and instead creates a fascinating love story with complex characters.”

WAR AND PEACE (2016)

A sharp turn away from comfort and cosiness, this adaptation of the classic Tolstoy novel is nevertheless a stunning piece of television. A provocative depiction of imperial Russia, this is not one for the faint of heart; the show is a complex maze of various storylines and can be somewhat depressing. But regardless, the show is full of breathtaking performances and absolutely worth the watch.

“A sharp turn away from comfort and cosiness.”

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL (2020)

Moving away from the Regency Era and straight to the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s, this show follows the character of James Herriot in a little vet practice in the village of Darrowby. Based on an extensive set of memoirs, the show is beautifully filmed in some stunning locations, and is the perfect mix of comedy and emotion.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (2021)

Sometimes all you need is a good adventure story, and this is the absolute original. Adapted from the Jules Verne novel and starring the beloved David Tennant, this 8 part series combines the classic odyssey narrative of it’s antecedent and adds a modern twist. With some seminal performances from the supporting cast, it’s fun departure from the more slow-paced period dramas out there.

Image: IMDB

Image: IMDB

Copa 71 at Tyneside: Film & Panel

Daisy Harrison - Head of Life & Style

The Courier were invited to attend an event at Tyneside Cinema focusing on women's football

Mexico 1971: six countries competing to win the title of football world champion. Why then, has nobody heard of it? Why has this tournament, which attracted audiences of over 100,000 people, been completely erased from history? Because it was the Women’s World Cup.

Copa 71 is the latest documentary film, directed by Rachel Ramsay and James Erskine, following the history behind the Women’s World Cup. In a series of interviews, video clips, and pictures, the film brings the tale of the forgotten World Cup to our screens.

The Courier were invited to Tyneside Cinema on 13 March to view the film and panel discussion, as part of a belated International Women’s Day event. The panel was hosted by Charlotte Robson (True Faith Podcast) and featured Newcastle United (NUFC) captain, Amber Keegan-Stobbs; NUFC manager, Becky Langley; Sunderland (SAFC) head coach, Melanie Reay; SAFC captain, Brianna Westrup; and the ‘token man’, Sports Journalist George Caulkin.

“Inevitably, there is anger and sadness in the womens' stories [...] However, the film

ultimately enscapulates pure joy.”

The beginning of the film shows Brandi Chastain, 2x winner of the Women’s World Cup. She believes that her team were champions of the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991. But a video clip is played, and we see her realisation that she didn’t compete in the first tournament – there were women who had come before her in 1971. This isn’t ignorance on Chastain’s part though, as Copa 71 was hidden from the world for 50 years.

The film includes interview clips with players

from each team. We meet Carol Wilson (England Captain and Geordie!), Elena Schiavo (Italy), Elba Selva (Argentina), Ann Stengard & Birte Kjems (Denmark), and Silvia Zaragoza (Mexico). These women trace their experience in football: from their own backgrounds, to being picked to compete in the World Cup, and the action of the games. We see the highs, the lows, and the drama. The interviews do not hold back in comedic value. Inevitably, there is anger and sadness in the women’s stories, due to the discrimination they faced during their careers. However, the film ultimately encapsulates pure joy, as they recount some of the greatest moments in their lives. Nothing brings people together like shared experience, and even through the camera, the women tease and laugh with one another.

For Copa 71 to come to fruition, Martini & Rossi sponsored each team with kits, travel, and a place to stay during their visit to Mexico (the host city). This was the first time most of the women had ever been on a plane. They were greeted by an overwhelming public reception – the public were throwing gifts into the team buses and paparazzi greeted them off the plane. The reception was so huge that some of the women assumed royalty were on the plane with them! It is clear how grateful the women were (and still

Image:

mass media company, Televisa owned the Azteca Stadium. This meant that Televisa could allow anyone they wanted to play there – the only challenge would be filling the seats. Yet, this proved to be no problem, as over 100,000 people bought tickets to watch the opening and final matches of the tournament. The noise coming from the film alone was electrifying.

“In 1921, the Football Association banned women from playing in grounds it controlled.”

Despite this enormous, encouraging reception, the final match was close to being cancelled, due to objections from FIFA.

Throughout the whole film, FIFA were on the periphery, attempting to ban women from playing football. After the tournament, media outlets in the women’s home countries framed them as figures of insolence. Some of the women stated they were so ashamed that they didn’t speak to each other for years afterwards.

opportunity to play football in a recognised capacity.

In 1921, the Football Association banned women from playing in grounds it controlled, which meant they could not play in most stadiums. However, in Mexico,

Copa 71 recovers the footage of the Women’s World Cup, which was purposefully concealed by FIFA for 50 years. The film captures the pride of the forgotten team members, in being the pioneers of women’s football. They are finally given a voice, to tell their stories, and reveal how they risked their reputations to play the game they truly loved.

Copa 71 is showing at Tyneside Cinema now. Watch the film and support women’s football!

Ricky Stanicky: "Suspend your sense of reasoning."

The bumpy ride with Ricky Stanicky and his fake friends had the proverb, “Every day for the thief, one day for the owner” ringing in my head. Except—here, the thief becomes a hero.

It's a comedy starring Zac Efron, John Cena, Andrew Santino, and Jermaine Fowler. Three childhood friends concoct an imaginary person to deflect suspicions after a Halloween prank gone awry. Years later, this fictitious character has evolved into a convenient escape (friend) for spontaneous trips, and avoiding family obligations.

It's an entertaining and enjoyable watch but for that to work, you need to leave logic at the door.

Throughout the film, I found myself wondering how these friends would get out of this—after all these years. How would their partners and family

react upon discovering Ricky Stanicky doesn’t exactly exist, especially considering the missed milestones? It leaves you torn between willing these characters to confess or keep it a secret. There are moments where the director's approach to character development feels a bit heavy-handed. We get backstory dumps disguised as dialogue, where characters explain their childhood traumas or adult problems. It's like the director is pointing at them saying, "See! They have depth! Look! subplots." They could have been seamless and subtle, or executed with more convincing acting?

The comedy in this movie finally comes in when John Cena who plays Rod the unsuccessful actor, becomes Ricky Stanicky, the flamboyant, largerthan-life friend. We root for him, laugh, and are happy for him.

Despite the occasional cringe moments---in a good way, sometimes--- or forced exposition, Ricky Stanicky delivers a surprising ending. Zac Efron's boss in the movie mirrors my opinion when he says to him, "You got lucky." They did

The ghosts of Oscars past

Multiple Writers

Could the Academy be haunted by these Oscars snubs?

The most prestigious award in Hollywood, everybody wants an Oscar. But with the best of the best competing for Best Picture there have been some spectacular and undeserving snubs. Our writers dig up some of the Ghosts of Oscars Past. Which film do you think deserved to take the golden trophy?

Alex Paine - Whiplash (2015)

Damien Chazelle's extraordinary Whiplash lost out to Birdman as Best Picture at the 87th Academy Awards, which in my opinion is so incredibly unfair. Whiplash remains my favourite Damien Chazelle film as none of his other works, not even La La Land, rival this in terms of the sheer power and drama on display. There are enthralling performances by Miles Teller and JK Simmons, both doing their best ever work, and the emotional journey of Andrew Neiman into an obsessed top-flight jazz drummer is something to behold. The musicianship is electrifying, the cast is commanding, and the film is simply outstanding.

Noelia Fernández Pérez - La La Land (2017)

La La Land was one of the best films to be released in 2016, and everyone expected it to win the Oscar for Best Picture. The movie received 11 nominations, and that night, Chazelle took home the Oscar for Best Director, and Emma Stone won Best Actress.

After a quick break, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway came onstage to present the award for Best Picture. When they opened the envelope, they looked at it confusedly but still declared La La Land the winner even though the real winner was Moonlight. The producers noticed the mistake and quickly told the public, ending their speech with, “We lost, by the way”.

Jessica McKeown - The Favourite (2018)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, The Favourite (2018) was nominated for Best Picture at the 2019 Oscars but Green Book took the trophy home. Starring Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz as cousins vying for the affection and attention of Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, the darkly humorous film is based on the true story of Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill. The performances from all three leading ladies are enthralling to watch, performances that led to critical acclaim, and The Favourite serves as an excellent starting point for those wanting to get into Yorgos Lanthimos's work.

Olivia Carter - Black Swan (2010)

good; they changed a man’s life. It was the perfect definition of a win-win situation. They also tried to convince us they tackled the years of lying. It was too easy; even for the one character who missed his baby’s shower and child’s birth. They can argue Ricky Stanicky is the main plot, and the point of a story is for characters to grow, learn, and become better people. And with the world crumbling, maybe it’s entertaining movies like this, with glossedover issues which require us to suspend our sense of reasoning and squeeze out a few laughs, that make the world lighter.

Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan, really changed the horror genre entirely. Losing out to The King’s Speech, the self-created abyss of madness portrayed on-screen by Natalie Portman is often forgotten as something that instils fear amongst viewers, but manages to scare me every time. Beauty and horror are perfectly balanced, with passion turning into obsession, marking this psychosexual thriller as Aronofsky’s best since Requiem for a Dream (2000). It is a bizarre yet bewildering study of madness and a thrillingly aesthetic piece of cinema to watch. I feel strongly that Black Swan could have won Best Picture and that The King’s Speech was a particularly safe option for them (something that has rung true since, with winners such as Nomadland

Chidera Onyebuchi

Image Credit: Daisy Harrison

Preview: The Crow - will it soar or crash? Dream Double Bills

Anxieties rise to the surface from long time fans of the original movie, will this remake fill the big shoes of the successful first? Or will it be one to forget?

Thirty years after the release of the 1994 cult classic, the trailer for the upcoming remake of The Crow landed and it is safe to say that it has certainly ruffled some feathers…

“The upcoming remake... will mark the latest instalment in this franchise."

Aside from its undeniable magnetism and style, The Crow (1994) gained renown, of course, for a much darker reason. Lead actor Brandon Lee was tragically killed during the film’s production by a faulty prop shotgun at the age of just 28. Despite this, the film was finished using special effects and stunt doubles and has since become a cult classic. With Lee’s untimely death and legendary

“The dark city, the rain, the grit, the gothic atmosphere was a character in its own right."

portrayal of Eric Draven, a remake has always felt a little macabre.

The upcoming 2024 remake of The Crow will mark the latest instalment in this franchise. This year’s

directors, writers, producers, and cast members. Ghost in the Shell (2017) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) director Rupert Sanders has taken the reins of the unstable project. The lead role of Eric Draven has been snagged by Bill Skarsgård, who has become well-known for his unsettling roles. Singer-songwriter FKA Twigs will act alongside him as Draven’s fiancé Shelley

“We can only hope that this isn't just another soulless Hollywood remake."

The new trailer has raised concerns for fans of the original due to stark differences in tone and changes in character design. The dark city, the rain, the grit, the gothic atmosphere was a character in its own right –something that appears to be lacking in this divisive trailer. Many viewers also flag that Bill Skarsgård's version of the character bears almost no resemblance to Lee's portrayal. We can only hope that this isn’t just another soulless Hollywood remake, and with an actor as talented as Skarsgård taking on the lead there may yet be potential. Regardless, if nothing else good comes from the trailer, at least it has hopefully encouraged viewers to go back and watch the timeless original.

The Crow lands in cinemas on 7th June.

Spaceman: new Adam Sandler film leaves you stranded with boredom

See why this writer feels Adam Sandler's newest movie falls flat.

“Let down by the film’s infuriatingly lethargic pacing and overly dour tone.”

Renck can be a good director. He directed some fantastic episodes of Breaking Bad and he turned some of David Bowie’s final songs into visually striking and brilliantly haunting music videos. Maybe he’s unable to stretch the talents he has across a whole feature film, but if that is the case then why did he choose a project set in space that demands a memorable visual flair?

Adam Sandler is great here though, and he’s trying his best to give the film some life. Not by being overly energetic because that wouldn’t be appropriate, but by trying to bring out more emotion from the situation. It works in spots. There’s some great flashback scenes of him falling in love with his wife, played by Carey Mulligan, that are really effective at getting across their romantic connection, and when that’s juxtaposed with the misery and loneliness he’s currently feeling, I did actually find myself caring. The problem is there just isn’t enough of that great character development to elevate the film.

The scenes in the present down on Earth grind the film to a halt, which doesn’t help when the pacing is already far too slow, since the only interesting stuff going on is happening up in space. So why are we constantly cutting back to Carey Mulligan moping around?

There’s a wonderful idea explored here when a spider-like creature comes to give Sandler’s character assistance with his personal problems, which was easily my favourite aspect of Spaceman beside Sandler’s performance. However, these moments between Sandler and the creature are still let down by the film’s infuriatingly lethargic pacing and overly dour tone. Spaceman more, as I love it whenever Adam Sandler gets to show us what a good actor he is, but the director and script do the bare minimum with a great idea, leading to a frustratingly disappointing viewing experience.

Charlotte Atkinson

The double bill: the art of going to see two films back to back that usually, in some manner correspond, whether it be based on vibes, actor or director. This now basically obsolete activity was once beloved by cinephiles everywhere, but sadly there are very few cinemas left that screen double bills. But for a moment let’s imagine we’re in a world where this lives on - once you’ve pictured that, it’s time to think about some dream double bills. Here’s a couple to help you out.

North by Northwest (1959) and Rear Window (1954)

Starting out with some golden oldies, these two absolute classics share the same legendary director in Alfred Hitchcock. His unmistakable cinematic style has left its mark on both films and watching them backto-back would just enhance the experience. With North by Northwest, you have a spy thriller with a case of mistaken identity and a chase across the United States; but with Rear Window, it’s a much slower murder mystery that builds suspense throughout the film, and stars the incredible Jimmy Stewart. The two complement each other incredibly and would definitely make for an exciting night at the movies.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) and Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Not a particularly cheery option, but still two seminal pieces of cinema. These films share the psych ward setting and the unsettling, claustrophobic feeling that comes with that. They feature some truly outstanding performances from the likes of Angelina Jolie (who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2000), Jack Nicholson and Whoopi Goldberg. Whilst they may not brighten up your day, they are a pair of must-see films with compelling plots and characters that will, in some strange manner, find their way into your heart.

Ponyo (2008) and Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)

For those who are looking for something lighter, here’s a perfect pairing. Both of these are the product of Studio Ghibli and are without a doubt two of the most beautiful and most comforting animated films out there. Ponyo follows the tale of a mischievous sea princess who wishes to escape the confines of her underwater palace, whilst Kiki’s Delivery Service shows us the coming-of-age tale of a young witch who works at a little bakery in a seaside town. Gorgeously created by the famed Hayao Miyazaki, this is the perfect double bill for a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and Poor Things (2023)

This may seem like a somewhat nonsensical pairing at first, but the two films share a lot in common. ESOTSM follows a couple through their breakup, whereupon they decide to undergo a procedure to wipe all their memories of their time together. Joel is played spectacularly by Jim Carey, whilst the eccentric Clementine is portrayed by Kate Winslet. Poor Things also features a somewhat eccentric female lead in the form of Bella Baxter, who embarks on a journey to explore and educate her own mind. Both have a surrealist, sci-fi quality to them, and explore the human mind, soul and body – all whilst boasting some beautiful

Sophie Austen

Alex Paine

Dune Awakening: Unreal Engine 5's newest project set in dangers of Arrakis

Sophie Turner

"As it was written", Dune expands into the gaming world...

Following the highly acclaimed release of Dune Part II, the developers of Dune: Awakening, a survival MMO, have recently released a glimpse into the online world of Arrakis, along with previews into the gameplay mechanics. As a part of Dune Direct, Funcom concluded their presentation with the recent gameplay trailer. While the character design still feels slightly underdeveloped compared to recent progress, the game is still in early phases of testing, and I will be anticipating further previews of their abilities to express a range of emotions, and the character customization that has been recently confirmed.

The open world, however, looks magnificent and crafted to perfection, thanks to Unreal Engine 5’s recent release enabling a

more promising future for open world design.

The lighting is particularly impressive. Players are challenged to adventure across the sand dunes, avoid the gigantic, deadly sandworms (which also happen to be immortal, good luck killing that one!). Those beasts are not the only challenges: one must brace the scorching heat, partake in spy missions, combat, and engage with the technological advancements of Arrakis.

One of the most impressive features is the ability to collect supplies and resources to survive the open world of Arrakis, crafting items and upgrading your base to increase your survival rate.

Base building within Dune: Awakening looks to be particularly promising due to being built upon the fundamentals of Conan Exiles, another impressive survival MMO. Crafting and collecting is one of the most vital components to an immersive and fulfilling gaming experience, as most video game completists will agree. Unfortunately, the multiplayer gameplay remains unknown, but this survival MMO has a lot to live up to, being one of the most ambitious projects Funcom has worked on.

While there is currently no release date announced for Dune: Awakening, making fans fear for another incident of Elder Scrolls 6, it has been previously announced to be available on PC, PS5 and Xbox X/S.

Memory Card: Stardew Valley

Marina Snyder - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

A nostalgic celebration of classic farming simulators...

In 2018, many of my friends were playing Stardew Valley, and I vividly remember them yammering on about what a great game it is, the hours they had dedicated towards farming, and, of course, how I just HAD to play it.

I only took their advice four years later, and when I first played the game, I soon became obsessed.

Stardew Valley appears relatively straightforward and simple at first. When it was first described to me as a game where you "have a farm", I didn't think it could be very interesting. But it is not just about creating a farm… it's about creating the farm of your dreams! (So says the official website).

There is, of course, a lot more to the game. At its core, Stardew Valley offers a nostalgic homage to classic farming simulators like Harvest Moon However, there are also opportunities to be creative, experience dynamic relationships with 'quirky' characters, explore new lands, and take on different adventures.

“At its core, Stardew Valley offers a nostalgic homage to classic farming simulators like Harvest Moon.”

The concept seems so simple, almost dull, but the thing about Stardew Valley is that it's such a comforting game to play – you can get lost in the captivating world, drawn to it in a very

addictive way, and yet, it's also a very calming and atmospheric experience. There is a certain charm found in its simplicity as the visuals capture changing seasons, emphasising the cyclical nature of life. A mellow soundtrack also accompanies the graphics' retro, slightly whimsical aesthetic, which aids the game in inducing a sense of tranquillity and solace. These various components thus create a haven for players who often live in a stressful and fast-paced world.

All in all, the game can offer a lot for players, whether it be a sense of self-expression through the way personalities and farms are infused creatively, or through a sense of escapism by placing some comforting simplicity back into the world of technology and virtual realities.

Stardew Valley will always have a piece of my heart, and to this day, if I'm feeling a bit down, overwhelmed or just need a sick day in bed, then I know what game I'm turning to.

Splatoon 3 : Side Order Review

George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

Dive back in to Splatoon's latest update...

Side Order forms the second part of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass released in 2023. Going for a far different style for anything in Splatoon previously, a roguelike, and an opportunity to showcase the events after the final Splatfest in Splatoon 2. For me personally, I’ve never played a roguelike, so I was excited to give this a try and see what it was all about.

The story takes place in “The Tower of Order”, located in what was the lobby for Splatoon 2’s online multiplayer, requiring the player to climb the tower to stop Order, an AI (yep we’re going there), trying to create a perfect world of Order. This all comes back to the final Splatoon 2 Splatfest, asking players to choose between Chaos and Order, which led to the more chaotic theming of Splatoon 3. Marina, one of the characters from Splatoon 2, and the one leading the charge for Order, began creating the Memverse, which led to Order taking over, and needing to be stopped. Splatoon lore gets complicated very quickly,

“Splatoon lore gets complicated quickly, particulary if you've not been introduced to it before."

particularly if you’ve not been introduced to it before, so lets talk about the important bit, how does it play?

“The risk-reward element here adds a lot of pressure to your choices, but it does help to make every run feel unique.”

The gameplay works by going up floor by floor, gaining new abilities to make your weapons more powerful as you head up to fight Order. Each floor

has a selection of levels you can take, with a few different objectives, and a colour chip. These colour chips are how you enhance your abilities, they can add new attacks to your moveset, strengthen your movement and attacks, or upgrade the Pearl Drone that flies alongside you, among others. However, while the objectives are fun, I do wish they could do a few more of them. This is helped though by extra modifications to some floors, being the danger and bonus floors.

Bonus floors give you either an extra challenge, to get extra currency to use at the vending machine, or give you a load of colour chips for one floor only. Danger floors ramp up the difficulty, by making the floor dark, or increasing the strength of enemies for example. These can have a huge impact on your run, particularly as if you avoid picking them early on, you may find there is no alternative but to take a danger floor towards the end. The risk-reward element here adds a lot of pressure to your choices, but it does help to make every run feel completely unique. The enemies, while there are only a few different ones, manage to provide challenge as well, with larger ones giving you knockback if they fly into you, or tiny fish that swarm your feet, making it harder to move. Others can help you by dropping springs to help you fly across the stage, or by causing larger explosions.

“While the objectives are fun, I do wish they could do a few more of them.”

After a run ends, either by beating order or failing to beat a floor, you earn pearlz, which can then be used to make permanent upgrades to your abilities. Plus, with the ability to turn these on and off after unlocking them, they open up a whole new set of challenge runs that are possible. The game also gives you the final time

of your completed run, so racing to get a faster time is also an option, along with times being kept for individual floor types.

Side Order is overall a pleasant surprise. It’s another aspect of the game that completely has me hooked, forcing you to use the best of your skills to survive. Long time players will appreciate the difficulty level, and new time players after enough runs can give themselves the buffs they need to succeed. It feels a lot like the addictive cycle of Salmon Run, the online co-operative mode, but with the added bonus you can play Side Order on a plane, as its an offline mode.

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Source: IMDB

Relaxing games to play over the Easter Holidays

Charlotte Burley-Hnat - Relationships Sub-Editor

EGGCERPT...

Finding yourself at a loss this Easter Break? Whether you’re swamped by deadlines and looking for a relaxing outlet, or free as a bird and looking for a way to pass the time –here are some of the most relaxing games to invest your time in this Easter.

Unpacking

Unpacking is a zen puzzle game that takes you through the process of unpacking possessions and fitting them into a new home. Throughout eight house moves, you witness the character you’re unpacking for grow and evolve, uncovering a story you’re never explicitly told. The game also offers part home design freedom, allowing you to fit items in different places, whilst the soundtrack soothes you.

A Little to the Left

Like Unpacking, A Little to the Left is a cosy puzzle game that involves stacking, sorting, organising, and cleaning household items into satisfying arrangements. Several levels have multiple ways of sorting the objects, each day there is a new puzzle, and there is a Cupboards and Drawers DLC for if you’ve not quite had enough of the game upon

completion.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

There’s a reason this simulation game went viral when COVID-19 locked us all inside in 2020. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you control a character who moves to a deserted island. Upon the completion of assigned tasks from Tom Nook, you can develop the island as you please, celebrate holidays, catch fish, and build houses for new animal residents. If your island has been deserted post-pandemic, it may be worth investing in the Happy Home Paradise DLC, in which you begin working as a designer for homes on a nearby island.

Sims 4

It goes without saying that this simulation game is a fan-favourite, and for good reason. Whether you play with expansion packs, kits, mods, or cheats, the endless possibilities of this game make it the

ultimate personalised game to escape from reality.

Bear and Breakfast

In this laid-back management simulation game, you build, decorate and run a bed and breakfast as a well-meaning bear in the words. Through quests and storylines, expand your BnB and uncover the many mysteries of the wilderness surrounding you.

Coffee Talk

Coffee Talk is a visual novel where you brew coffee and have heart-to-heart talks with customers in an alternative reality of Seattle. 90s anime-inspired visuals and lo-fi music provide the ultimate atmosphere for helping not-so-human customers with their human problems.

A Short Hike

In A Short Hike, you embark on an adventure in a world of anthropomorphic animals, as a bird called Claire who needs to reach the top of a mountain. Your only objective is to get her there, and you can do so as you please, taking in the sights and speaking to other park visitors.

Team 0% - Quest to 100% Super Mario Maker

George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

It's a race against time to complete an iconic Nintendo piece...

Released in 2015 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Maker allowed people to create, play and share with others around the world. Followed up with a sequel on the Switch in 2019, the Wii U game continued to allow players to play and upload levels... Then things changed.

Towards the end of 2020, Nintendo announced the ability to upload levels to the original game would be removed on March 31st 2021. This changed the mindset of the community, as the previous number of levels had been theoretically infinite, whereas after March 31st, the game was finite, and was “beatable”. Beatable in the sense that at least one person should have beaten every level.

“This led to the formation of Team 0%, to clear levels that hadn't been cleared.”

This led to the formation of Team 0%, to clear levels that hadn’t been cleared. When uploads stopped, there were 47,876 levels to complete, so the community began to make their way through the workload. This was until an even more devastating piece of news hit. On October 4th 2023, Nintendo announced that online services for both the 3DS and Wii U would end in April 2024, the exact date has since been confirmed to be April 8th.

This then increased the magnitude of the challenge. As of January 15th, 4,722 levels remained, with less than three months left to wrap things up. As of writing this article (March 15th), that number is down to just one.

“Trimming the Herbs”, the penultimate level fell on March 15th, unfortunately leaving “The Last Dance”, as “The Penultimate Dance”. The community has worked tirelessly to get this close, seeing the Team 0% X account pop up and count down the final levels has been incredibly fun. However, the level that remains is truly the hardest and the biggest threat to the project not being a success. “Trimming the Herbs” should in theory take less than 15 seconds, but in practice, the sheer volume of frameperfect inputs required in that time frame, makes runs look perilous. It is now however the sole goal for the community, with many players throwing the hat in the ring to have the honour of taking the final clear in Super Mario Maker. In fact, bounties had been placed on many of the remaining levels, with “Trimming the Herbs” currently having at least a few hundred dollars on the line for the person who finally takes it down.

final level to fall.

Many runners are currently trying to beat the final level if you’re interested in seeing the work that goes into beating these levels, and to follow the final few days of this challenge, you can check out @team0percent on X. You can also check out Is Super Mario Maker beaten yet? to see the progress on the final level, and who knows, many years down the line we may see Team 0% rise again, to take on the remaining challenges of Super Mario

In contrast, while still incredibly difficult, with a very tight timer “The Last Dance”, was the penultimate level to be beaten. Requiring advanced tech on a tight timer has been the theme for most of the final levels to fall, despite the poetic nature if “The Last Dance” had indeed been the

End of an Era: MatPat leaves Game Theory

Amy Mescus

This was not on our 2024 gaming bingo card...

Arguably the worst start to 2024, MatPat announced his retirement from YouTube in a video titled 'Goodbye Internet' back in January after an incredible 13 years of uploading. Regardless of what your gaming niche was as a child (mine was FNAF), he covered anything and everything in such thorough and innovative ways. Because of this we all grew up watching MatPat's content and developed, what feels like, a parasocial connection to him, making his withdrawal from the channel that much more devastating.

In his video explaining his departure from the channel, MatPat expressed his vulnerability and shared tears about wanting to live a normal yet beautiful life with his wife and son. If we're being honest, we all cried with him whilst watching - it felt worse than a breakup with a lifelong partner. Additionally, he thanks all the people who have helped Game Theory thrive into what is has become today: the people that took a chance on him, the staff who put in endless work behind the scenes, but also a special thanks to all the fans for clicking on each video.

Rather than dwelling on the upset this has kindled, MatPat softly reminded his viewers of all the amazing accomplishments the channel has achieved through the years, his personal favourite memories, and how it has been a great honour for him to be such a significant part of so many people's childhood.

MatPat followed up with another video at the start of March clarifying that he will still be around, occasionally featuring on the Game Theory channel itself, as well as many other content creators' - he just won't be solely devoted to the long days and late nights spent theorising anymore. The landscape of content creation has evolved into something outlandish in comparison to the era when MatPat began uploading. With the introduction of YouTube shorts and other fast-paced videos on the rise, people started to consume content in a much different manner from 2011. It's argued that the video essay and documentary style content that MatPat established his channel upon are no longer what grasps people's interest, despite Game Theory having a record breaking year for itself. This could potentially be a contributing factor to MatPat's decision of taking a lesser role in the production of the various channels.

So, despite it all being very sad, it is also bittersweet. Thank you, MatPat, for the good times.

Image: Source: IMDB

Image: Source: IMDB

Image: Source: IMDB

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons

Celebrating National Poetry Month

Rachael McCreanor

"I think the poets would disagree" about you not celebrating National Poetry Month.

For centuries, poetry has given a voice to what it means to be human. Whether through heart-crushing lamentations of grief, or simply an observation of how beautiful ordinary life can be, the poetic form has functioned as a connective force transcending boundaries of time, culture, and experience for as long as it has existed. With all this in mind, the opportunity to celebrate National Poetry Month this April should not go unnoticed. Poetry is for everyone! And I say this as someone who spent a great deal of time complaining about how I just ‘don’t get it’ and that ‘maybe I’m just not deep and meaningful enough to appreciate it properly.’ If there has ever been a time to dispel some myths around what can seem to be a pretty intimidating art form, April is it!

Where do I start?

If you're dipping your toe into poetry for the first time, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount that exists. The first thing to understand is that poetry can be very simple. For a lot of people, music is their first forray into the poetic world. If you think about it, songs are often just poems put to music, so there you go, you've probably listened

to thousands of poems already! Get you! If you're looking for a more traditional route into poetry, some popular starting points are poets like Wendy Cope, Mary Oliver and Robert Frost. Clear, simple, modern prose which is easy to read and packs an emotional punch. Personally, I can't stop, won't stop reccomending the best poem of all time - 'The Orange' by Wendy Cope as the perfect gateway drug into the poetry world. Once you've got a taste of some mainstream poets, start exploring! The world is absolutely packed with brilliant, talented poets just waiting for you to discover them. A great way to start is by finding poetry anthologies. Often categoriesd by theme, this is an easy way to narrow down the type of poetry you're interested in. If the serious nature of a lot of popular poetry doesn't do it for you, find a comedic collection (Wendy Cope has a fair few of these herself), tailor it to your own interests! Once you've got a grasp of the basics you can start experimenting with different styles, themes and poets. This is when it gets really interesting...

“The

world is packed with brilliant, talented poets just waiting for you to discover them.”

So, you've got the poetry bug? If you've followed all the sage advice above, I can only assume that you are now obsessed. So, how to nurture your new personality trait? Luckily for you we live in the centre of a thriving literary community here in the North East and there are many great organisations to get involved with!

Starting off strong with 'Out of Your Head!' (OOYH), a monthly poetry night based at The Cumberland Arms which boasts an open mic, featured writers and a monthly call-out for poems submitted by local artists. 'Yellow Lines' is another great local organisation, hosting poetry events and regular open mics on and around the metro lines. Even closer to home we have the popular 'Poetry in the North', a relaxed Newcasle-based poetry meet up which takes place in various venues around the city. More information about all these events can be found on their respective social medias and I would very much reccomend checking them all out! On a slightly larger scale, the annual Newcastle Poetry Festival is set to return in May, so watch this space!

To conclude, poetry is for everyone. It's not the elitist art form people once believed it to be, it's a beautiful form of connection and conversation which, if you really think about it, ultimately reminds us of the one thing that connects us all - being human, and wanting to talk about it.

Stop Taking Photos: Sontag's antidote to capitalism?

Are we subjected to over-consumerism via the photographic world?

The consumption of the camera can never be satisfied’ - a truism from Susan Sontag, arguably the most insightful and revolutionary art critic of the twentieth century, taken from her acclaimed book On Photography. Ever since it was published in 1977, it has been the bible of the discipline, packed with enduring ideas about the roles and polemics of the camera in society, from advertising to documentary photography.

“In a digital world , we are constantly surrounded by images.”

In her parting chapter, Sontag tackles the disparate aspects of ‘the image world’ that she recognised in the seventies, notably discussing the insatiable consumption of images within society, ‘to consume means to to use up – and, therefore, to need to be replenished’.

In a digital world, we are constantly surrounded by images. With access to a world of photos in the palm of our hand, we can absorb them at a breakneck speed due to a sweeping attention deficit.

This consumption that we are subjected to is, undoubtedly, a product of late-stage capitalism as the phenomenon relies so heavily on the proliferation of images, emotions and actions they provoke from the viewer. Capitalism harnesses this power through advertising and uses a culture of image consumption to activate the consumption of tangible goods, not only relying on the absorption of images and photos, but also perpetually promulgating this consumerist cycle.

“Would society be less exhausted by consumerist waste?”

This infinity of photographs rely on a limitless number of subjects. Nowadays, everything has been photographed from the microscopic all the way to photos from outer space; from mundane life to harrowing human suffering. Sontag discusses the power dynamic between camera and photographer in controlling the photographic subjects at length and - in a world where everything is a subject - everything has been appropriated for a use and thus a capitalist cause. On a deeper level, the freedom from consuming photographs allows the viewer to equate with freedom itself; especially when everything can be viewed through a lens, and therefore is used to suppress social change.

The book concludes with Sontag calling for the conservation of images to terminate the ‘ransacking of the world for photographic treasures’. It caused me to wonder whether the world would be different if we had heeded her warning. Would society be less exhausted by consumerist waste or would our knowledge be limited and therefore be less advanced? Of course, we cannot go back in time and change the way we have

Phoebe Clark

Image: Source WikiCommons, Flickr

Image: Source WikiCommons, Pixabay

Sometimes

Sometimes I think that you could love me. That the scraps I get fed

Are full meals, A delicious cake made with layers Of us, of the moments we spent Together, glued together

By love - not by mere delusion.

That there’s no tears

But tiers and tiersOf sweet memories brightly coloured, Vivid and exciting, not dull, Ones that won’t melt away if I hold you Too close, too long, Like sugar on my tongue.

That the crumbs of love I accept Aren’t just reminders of what was there, But crumbs I’m not afraid to eat, Not afraid for them to disappear, Not afraid that one day, I’ll never taste it again.

2

6 - Friend (The One With Gunther) @ Northern Stage

Arts Funding Chronicles: Hunting for Theatre and Film industries

number of placements on offer in their South Bank building across a range of disciplines in conjunction with new T-Level qualifications in Production Arts.

A glimmer of hope for the UK Arts scene?

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the Spring Budget at the start of March, which included a £26.4 million investment in National Theatre and a 40% tax relief for films budgeted up to £15 million.

The National Theatre investment, the largest government investment in their history, will be used to provide essential and urgent upgrades to facilities including repairs to the Olivier theatre scenery lift. The investment will support the creation of a National Theatre Skills Centre, which will provide opportunities for skills development, career support and training nationwide for over 5,000 people. The investment will also allow the National Theatre to expand the

“The largest government investment in their history, will be used to provide essential and urgent upgrades.”

Lucy Frazer, Culture Secretary, has said: "For 60 years the National Theatre has been at the heart of British culture, putting on productions which showcase the best of our country’s creativity and hold a mirror up to society. This investment of more than £26 million will allow the National Theatre to continue to deliver world-class theatre and cultural education at their iconic London South Bank home, and reach audiences across the whole country, helping to inspire the next generation of actors, writers and theatre production staff."

“Showcase the best of our country's creativity and hold a mirror up to society.”

The tax relief for UK productions come after years of ongoing calls for support for the struggling independent sector. Pact, a producer's organisation, first proposed the 40% tax relief in 2017. However, the tax credit is not just available to independent producers, but also can be accessed by big studios and streaming if they move towards

smaller budgeted features that comes in under the £15m mark. The tax credit was a key focus of the Culture, Media and Sport (CMS) committee with companies such as the BFI, BBC Film, Film4, Paramount and the Screen Alliance North among those calling for the support. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt also announced more investments in culture across the UK including £100m of 'levelling up' funding for the British Library North, National Railway Museum and National Museums Liverpool. The budget also includes £5 million for village halls and £1.6m for Theatre Clwyd. Despite an increase in investments for the Arts, concerns remain over struggling local governments who are likely to slash budgets for local arts.

Jessica McKeown - Film Sub-Editor

Image: Source IMBD, Flickr

Image: Source WikiCommons, Flickr, Pizabay

Crossword

By George Brownless, Head of Tech

Do you want to create your own puzzle FOR THE FINAL ISSUE?

Scan the QR code below to submit your very own creation.

Also, scan the QR code for more info.

Word Ladders

Down

1. The country with the Northern-most point of Africa (7)

2. An operating system, connected with penguins (5)

3. Actor known for "The IT Crowd" and "Toast of London" (4,5)

4. An online joke, regularly an image (4)

5. The key ingredient for an Omelette (3)

7. Surname of the F2 driver who stood in while Carlos Sainz had surgery (7)

10. Series of RPG, Social Simulator games first released in 1996 (7)

11. A type of number puzzle (6)

12. Genre of electronic music (6)

15. The Latin word for "bear" (4)

16. Middle eastern food popular on a night out (5)

19. An argument (3)

21. A river in North Yorkshire (3)

Across

1. From Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, Great A'Tuin is the Giant Star ____ (6)

3. Hosts an F1 Sprint this season (5)

6. The part of your pen you might be writing your answers to this crossword with (3)

8. A song by Avicii - The ____ (6)

9. Something a musician releases (2)

11. Something used to obtain

metal from ore (7)

13. A bird that can sprint at 50 km/h (3)

14: A Donkey Kong character known for his sunglasses and surfboard - ____ Kong (5)

17. Abbreviation of a Boxing term (2)

18. Richard Hammond used this car brand in the "Top Gear: Africa Special" (6)

20. If Avril Lavigne was lost at sea, she might be looking for a Skater ___ (4)

22. A UK train operator (4)

Colour in the cells in the grid according to the numbers on the sides of the grid to reveal a picture. The individual numbers in each row/column are separated by spaces of 1 or more squares.

Where's Pin's win? Mercedes junior loses race victory after passing finish flag twice

“Pin won both races on track.”

“Maybe they should indicate the finish with lights, too!”

Will Honda be NASCAR's fourth manufacturer?

Sophie McMillan - Sport Sub-Editor

With rumours circulating since 2012, are we getting closer to a new engine on the scene?

While there have been talks of a fourth manufacturer alongside Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota for several years now, nobody has reached the finish line quite yet - though it’s rumoured Honda are getting close!

“There are hopes that a Honda entry would reinvigorate the competition.”

Formula 2 opening rounds marked by disqualification drama and surprise wins

George Brownless - NSR Head of Tech

Two rounds see two disqualifications - what is happening in F2?

The Formula 2 season has already seen its first 2 rounds play out, across Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with plenty of talking points coming out of the opening two races, not least the last minute call up to Ferrari for Ollie Bearman. With the series however, there have been a number of disqualifications for technical breaches through the first 2 race weekends.

Firstly, after qualifying for the races in Bahrain, where Invicta driver Kush Maini took pole position for the Feature race, with teammate Gabriel Bortoleto just behind in 2nd. Maini was subsequently disqualified for the left undertray height being below the minimum allowed requirements. This sent Maini to the back of the grid for both the Sprint and Feature race - the technical delegate report for the incident states “the undertray front external strake was found to be 6.1mm lower than the minimum” and “after taking the tolerance of 5mm into account” it was still 1.1mm below the limit. Maini stated in the meeting with

the stewards that, they thought they hit a kerb during the session, causing some damage. However, like F1, F2’s technical regulations have disqualification as the standard penalty for breaking the technical regulations. Every other driver subsequently moved up one position in the qualifying results, with Bortoleto taking his teammates pole, and Jak Crawford being the biggest gainer, as he moved from 11th to 10th, giving him pole for the Sprint. In Formula 2, the top ten drivers in qualifying have their order reversed for the grid for the Sprint race. Maini took revenge one week later in Saudi Arabia, finishing 2nd in the Feature race, leaving him 5th in the standings with much of the season still to come.

Saudi Arabia saw a pair of technical disqualifications. This time it was Trident teammates Richard Verschoor and Roman Stanek who fell victim. This meant that Verschoor lost his Sprint

incident summoned the drivers and team representatives, although the drivers did not attend the hearing. The throttle pedal mappings get uploaded to the cars engine control unit (ECU) before the race, which is where the problem occurred. The Team Manager confirmed that the incorrect map had been uploaded. As it turns out, the map uploaded was the version from 2023, mistakenly uploaded by one of the engineers - following this the Team Manager apologized and accepted full responsibility.

Fine margins are incredibly common in motorsport, and the smallest of mistakes can have devastating consequences, and ruin weekends. Maini went from a pole position in Bahrain, a huge opportunity to score big points, to only being able to salvage 6 points from his whole weekend. The Trident pair, find themselves much further down the standings - neither scored in

Bahrain, and Verschoor was only able to grab 4 points in the Feature race of Saudi Arabia. It’s not just F2, F1 has had incidents in this vein as recently as Austin in 2023, seeing Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton disqualified for wear on the cars floor being too great. The teams in F2 will be looking to tread carefully, to not be the next one to break the regulations. On a more positive note, Enzo Fittipaldi took victory in the Feature race at Saudi Arabia, a few year on from 2021 where he found himself rearending Theo Pourchaire at the start of the race. He was able to take his maiden Feature race victory, with an audacious 3-wide pass to take the victory. What stands in front of us is potentially an alltime classic F2 season, particularly with the amount of contracts available in F1 next season. Could we see the likes of a title fight like how Russell, Norris and Albon started out in 2018 before

“Negotiations were 'heating up' with a fourth manufacturer.”

There are hopes that Honda entering the scene would reinvigorate the competition, jazz up the standings, and introduce new fans to the racing series. Talks of Dodge re-entering in 2022 after their exit in 2012 were the prelude to the current spike in interest, with the talks heating up again after NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell mentioned negotiations were “heating up” with a fourth manufacturer. According to Marshall Pruett in his latest podcast episode, Honda fans who like NASCAR are “probably going to be really happy here in the future.” There are hopes that this would make up for the loss of Honda from IndyCar, who pulled out due to rising operation costs. As the NASCAR odyssey continues, concern grows around the threat of electrification, or at least hybridization - which would inevitably mean a loss of the iconic, American V8 roar. As well as this, financial issues have become a prominent topic of conversation within racing series, showing the he next few years will be detrimental for the future of the both NASCAR and other racing series.

Images: Flickr @FelineBert

Looming Financial Fair Play charges cast shadow on Leicester City's promotion push

Arthur Ferridge - Head of Sport

Leicester's superb campaign on the pitch enters jeopardy as FFP crisis hits.

Leicester City FC’s promotion hopes have taken a hit this week, as the Foxes are

Fair Play violations.

comfortable season

since their relegation from the Premier League following the 2022/23 season, sitting three points clear at the top of the Championship with nine matches remaining, though their promotion charge may be made considerably more difficult should a points deduction be confirmed.

The news was confirmed on Wednesday as an independent commission confirmed that the club was set to report losses of £83 million over the last three years, though Leicester have not been

“The 2016 Premier League champions could potentially face a second round of charges.”

model outlining plans to mitigate the deficit. The heaviest losses came during the 2021-22 financial year, which ended May 31, 2022, and saw the club lose £92.5 million. This was partly due to the signings of Patson Daka, Boubakary

and down the football pyramid.

The 2016 Premier League champions could potentially face a second round of charges upon the publication of 2023/24’s financial reports.

Leicester’s financial deficits will, of course, be dampened by the clubs’ post-relegation fire sale, which raised £90 million primarily through the departures of James Maddison and Harvey Barnes.

Whether Leicester City will face a penalty is yet to be confirmed, though the timing of such a

return to the top flight already on negative points.

The accusations follow a rash of FFP cases in the Premier League, which have seen both Everton and Nottingham Forest face charges for violating Profit and Sustainability Rules. Everton, who are facing two charges, have already been handed a ten-point deduction which was later reduced to six, though both Everton and Forest are awaiting a verdict on the most recent round of charges.

Chelsea blow Arsenal’s socks off: WSL title race remains wide open as Blues reclaim top spot

Chelsea Women

outclass their north London visitors to climb to the top of the table.

After what can only be described as an eventful London derby between title rivals Chelsea and Arsenal on Friday 15th March at Stamford Bridge, the majority of WSL fans seem to be quite sure now that the league will be Chelsea’s once again. Their vital 3-1 win against Arsenal has kept them firmly at the top of the table, although Manchester City’s 4-1 thrashing away at Brighton puts them on equal points. Could it come down entirely to goal difference to decide between the two?

"The win keeps Chelsea firmly at the top of the table on equal points with Manchester City."

Arsenal fans are putting the woeful loss down to an utterly embarrassing wardrobe error - the match was forced to kick off 30 minutes later than scheduled due to a clash of their white socks. Jonas Eidevall’s

Gunners had no choice but to wear Chelsea’s away socks, shamefully bought from the stadium’s megastore, with the Nike logo taped over because of Arsenal’s sponsorship by Adidas.

"Eidevall's Gunners had no choice but to wear Chelsea's away socks, shamefully bought from the Chelsea megastore."

This all transpired from a rule stating that Chelsea must wear white socks at Stamford Bridge. Would it be rude to say Chelsea blew Arsenal’s socks off? Maybe it’s still too soon for some. Others might go as far to say it was part of Emma Hayes’ distraction tactics and if so, it certainly worked. The Reds were visibly rattled, going 3-0 down in the first half as a result of another Lauren James masterclass, with her 13th goal in 14 games this season, and two scrappy yet crucial goals from Sjoeke Nusken. The victory comes even after an unlucky string of injuries which, to an outsider, might have looked like a final fatal blow in determining the outcome of Hayes' final season with Chelsea.

Manchester City seems to be the only side able to keep up with Chelsea this season, sitting comfortably in second place and currently on a 10-match winning run in the league. Gareth Taylor, the City manager, has just extended his contract until 2027 and so

will be looking to prove himself further by securing the WSL title. Their star striker Khadija Shaw has been key to their success with 16 league goals in 15 games, having netted another against Brighton. City fans are hoping she will make the difference and pull the rug out from under Chelsea’s feet; it’s starting to look like only the Sky Blues are in strong contention to meddle with what could be Chelsea’s fifth title in a row.

Everyone’s certainly watching eagleeyed to see if Hayes’ last season with the Blues will make or break her lasting legacy at the club. Who will come out on top in the end?

Hall, Castor Chan, Dan Balliston, Sophie McMillan and Adam Tibke

Faye Kennedy

Images: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Flickr (Ungry Young Man)

'Newcastle Come Dancing': Charity dance off raises thousands for cancer research

Care to put your dance skills to the test next year?

The 18th of March saw Venue host ‘Newcastle Come Dancing’, Newcastle University Dance Club’s annual Strictly-inspired fundraiser. 11 couples took to the stage to raise money for FACT Cancer Support, ending the night with a whopping total of £2089.48 raised for the charity.

The premise was simple: 11 “celebrities” - members of other clubs and societies, with little or no dance experience - were coached by members of the Dance Club over the course of several months, to perform a routine as a duo on the night. The celebrities who volunteered this year were from far and wide - from members of gymnastics to creative writing, but they all rose to the challenge to put on a fantastic show. Each show was assessed by a panel of

judges consisting of Dance Club alumni, Sabbatical Officers, and the Dance Club President, who all had nothing but praise for the dancers up on stage, a testament to the dancers’ versatility.

“The celebrities all rose to the challenge to put on a fantastic show. ”

Each performance was a spectacle, each one meticulously coordinated

from the outfits to the moves. The range of dance styles meant the next show was always unpredictable and exciting - with everything from lyrical dance to a musical theatre routine being performed. The energy on the stage was infectious as every single couple gave it their all. This paired with the love from the crowd full of friends and family - there was rarely a second without a cheer - made for an incredible and supportive atmosphere.

After all 11 couples had taken the

Clay Pigeon Society host charity rugby tournament and ball

Arthur Ferridge - Head of Sport

Newcastle University’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Society hosted a charity rugby tournament in January to raise money for Yellow Wellies, a non-profit group which promotes farm safety and farmers' mental health.

and happy day which was followed by a group trip to Spy Bar."

The fundraising figures were boosted by a second day of charitable events, consisting of a shooting tournament followed by the Guns and Horses Ball. Attendees could try their luck with a £5 raffle ticket, the proceeds of which supported Yellow Wellies, for a chance to win the flagship prize, a weekend stay at rural Northumberland resort Felmoor Park. A Yellow Wellies-themed cocktail was also available, the profits of which were donated.

The events supported a farmers' mental health charity... “Farmers account for just 1% of the UK's workforce but 18% of worker fatalities. ”

The tournament was contested by both Durham and Oxford Brookes Universities’ shooting clubs, joined by an enthusiastic troop of supporters who were treated to barbecue and beer to bolster fundraising efforts.

The tournament, which took place at Wallsend Rugby Club, consisted of three matches in a round-robin format. Newcastle dominated the day’s proceedings, winning the tournament without conceding a point. The hosts defeated Durham with a 54-0 drubbing and edged out Oxford with just one try, winning 7-0. Oxford walked over Durham in the third fixture, winning 41-0 to send Durham home with a wooden spoon. By the end of the rugby, £550 had been raised for Yellow Wellies, though that number has now passed £1600. Clay Pigeon Shooting Society's President Izzy Walters was thrilled with the successes of the day's events, telling The Courier that, "We had over 80 spectators come watch and donate. Overall it was a very fun

“Durham were sent home with a wooden spoon. ”

The ball's attendees included Newcastle University's polo club, and shooting societies from the universities of Durham, Oxford Brookes, Harper Adams, and Edinburgh.

Yellow Wellies, also known as the Farm Safety Foundation, aims to mitigate the risks of farming in the UK, where farmers account for just 1% of the nation’s workforce but 18% of worker

fatalities, the worst safety record of any British industry. It achieves this goal through educational programs and the promotion of safer farming practices. Their website also offers farmers educational resources.

The issue of farm safety is one that is particularly close not just to Walters' heart, but those of the Clay Pigeon Shooting Society as a whole.

"We chose to support Yellow Wellies because so much of our committee come from farming families," Walters said.

"My dad is a farmer," she continued. "It means a lot to me to support a charity that can improve farm safety and support farmers with their mental health issues, as I understand how lonely the job can be."

Yellow Wellies reports that 36 farmers lost their lives to suicide in 2021, a statistic it aims to mitigate through the 'Mind Your Head' campaign, which educates farmers about mental health issues and encourages constructive conversations on the topic.

The Newcastle Shooting Society have enjoyed a strong BUCS season, finishing sixth overall at national championships and contributing 10 points to Team Newcastle’s total tally.

stage, it was up to the audience to determine the winners. They had half an hour to vote for their favourite routine, with votes priced at 50p and all proceeds going to FACT Cancer Support. The winners were announced by host Maxime Levasseur, with three medals up for grabs: bronze, silver, and gold. After a whole lot of drum rolling, third place was given to couple Aimee and Seb’s street routine, a hip and fast paced performance soundtracked by Afrobeats. Christina and Tom’s swinginspired routine grabbed the silver medal, for its impressive stunts and synchronisation. To much commotion, the winners were then announced as Gabrielle and Tom, for their jazz/ commercial dance to A Little Party. The night was a great success, and couples and club members then went on to celebrate the best way they know howby taking their moves to town!

“They raised a whopping £2089.48 for FACT Cancer Support.”

Gold, silver, bronze, & chrome: Pole Club win national medals

NUPAC spin right round into first place!

We have just passed the bulk of competition season for university pole dancers, and I’m proud to say that Newcastle has brought home quite a few awards. From Edinburgh down to Birmingham, the Pole and Aerial Club have taken medals from every competition that we attended. Edinburgh was up first on the 24th of March, and it saw us leave the city bright and early for the drive up to Scotland. We entered three soloists, a doubles pair and one group, and the day was spent at Edinburgh University’s Pleasance Theatre. The regional competition was host to universities like York, Edinburgh Napier, Stirling, etc, and it was a tough running order full of talented performers. We ended up taking 2nd place for doubles and group, plus 2nd place for overall university!

A couple weeks later, we hosted our very own Angels of the North Pole Competition in Venue. Our guests were Birmingham, Edinburgh and Nottingham Trent, and we had incredible judges and guest performances from FL Mads, Lady G and Toni Deary. We had a team of four soloists and one group this time round, and this comp marked our biggest success so far this year, with our beginners placing 1st and 3rd, then our group winning big with 1st place for a Burlesque-inspired routine. It was an incredible day, shoutout to the helpers who ended up coming and the spectators who watched our brilliant competitors.

On the 17th of March, we headed all the way down to Birmingham in a four-hour drive. Generously, Birmingham hosted our three soloists and secretary, and we got to The Guild with our fingers crossed. There were some incredible routines there again, and the pressure was on. We ended up placing 3rd with our intermediate and advanced competitors, a result that made the long drive worth it. As a highlight, intermediate Kate wowed the judges with her floorwork to Lana Del Rey's National Anthem.

The last competition that NUPAC had this year was Nottingham Trent's University Pole Stars. With tons of universities and talent gathered for the national showing, nerves were high for everyone in that room. The standard was the highest we saw so far, from heels and chairs, to incredible costuming and choreography. The scores were super tight between each competitor as well, making it a complete puzzle over who was going to win. I managed to win third place advanced amongst all the incredible routines, which I was super happy about. As NUPAC’s comp rep, it was an absolute win to end my year and comp season on such a high note, and I’m so proud of our entire comp team this year for their brilliant performances and hard work.

Castor Chan - Sport Sub-Editor

Zahra Hanif - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

Chan

Image: Izzy Walters

Image: Christina Storey

Inclusivity, community, and support: AU Officer elect Alex

Paige Rutter - Head of Social Media

After a hard-fought election campaign, NUWRFC President Alex Duggan was elected as the next Athletic Union Officer. She sat down with The Courier to discuss her involvement with university sport and what she hopes to achieve in the role.

What was it like having to campaign and be elected for the role of AU officer - was it what you expected?

I experienced a blend of stress, enjoyment, and enlightenment throughout the entire process. Engaging with various sports clubs, societies, and individuals provided valuable insights into Newcastle University’s sporting community. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I actively promoted myself across social media platforms and on campus. Despite moments of embarrassment while filming both humorous and serious content, I ultimately relished the campaign process and recognized it as a significant learning opportunity. The experience exceeded my expectations, and the extensive support from my friends, family, university staff, and sports clubs was monumental. It’s reassuring to know that many individuals not only read my manifesto but also rallied behind my campaign and cast their votes in support of me as the next AU officer.

What inspired you to go for the role of AU officer?

My involvement in the university’s sports life, from serving on the AU exec for two years to holding leadership roles within NUWRFC, has fueled my desire to take on the role of AU officer. Additionally, this year, my club’s experiences, along with conversations with friends in other sports clubs, have highlighted the need for enhanced student-athlete support and a more integrated community. Recognizing this gap in the community has motivated me to step forward and advocate for positive change in the role.

Did your experience with NUWRFC make you more aware of issues you wanted to prioritize?

My involvement in Newcastle’s sporting community from 2020 until now has provided me with valuable insights into areas where I believe enhancements are needed. I aim to prioritize transparency within the AU’s processes, regulations, and available resources. This includes implementing more comprehensive training programs

Duggan on her plans for 2024/25

covering crucial areas such as sexual violence prevention, mental health awareness, and active bystander training. Furthermore, I envision fostering increased participation and spectatorship, as well as promoting greater collaboration and communication among sports clubs, societies, and the AU. Recognizing the challenges faced by student-athletes, I am committed to addressing the pressures they encounter and finding ways to alleviate the demands of balancing academic responsibilities with rigorous training and competition schedules wherever possible.

You highlighted mental health support in your manifesto, do you believe this to be a key area?

Absolutely, mental health support is indeed a key area of focus going forward into next year. The well-being of student-athletes and members of the sporting community is paramount, and addressing mental health challenges is essential for fostering a healthy and supportive environment. By prioritizing mental health support, we can ensure that individuals have the resources and assistance they need to thrive both academically and athletically. Additionally, promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing seeking help are crucial steps toward creating a more supportive and inclusive sporting community. Implementing support systems and resources to assist athletes in balancing academics and sports, such as athlete check-ins, peer support networks, and anonymous feedback mechanisms, is something I would put into practice. More support and training for coaches, captains and committee alike needs to be set up so individuals can recognize and understand signs and symptoms and know where to guide their members to the help they need. Being a student-athlete can be stressful, I’ve experienced it myself and recognize the need for development within the university. I hope to implement support mechanisms to alleviate these stresses, such as flexible class schedules, academic tutoring services tailored to athletes’ needs, access to mental health resources, dedicated athletic academic advisors, and comprehensive time management workshops. These measures aim to provide studentathletes with the necessary support and resources to succeed academically while pursuing their athletic goals!

What are your aims when it comes to getting people involved with sport?

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“My experience with Newcastle’s sporting community been valuable.”

make sport accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for everyone, ultimately promoting physical well-being, mental health, and social connection within the broader university community. I hope to put this into practice with three main goals in mind: Enhance student spectatorship - I propose the implementation of a monthly flagship event hosted by a different sports club each month. This event will feature a vibrant atmosphere with a pop-up DJ, professional photographer, bar service, and diverse food truck options. The aim would be to create an enticing and immersive experience that not only celebrates athletic achievements but also fosters a sense of community and excitement among students. I also hope to implement a brand-new yearly event to the sporting calendar: “The Battle of the Clubs”. This thrilling tournament will see sports clubs go head-to-head in a specific sport, showcasing their skills and determination as they vie for victory. This idea is still in the works but would be an incredible opportunity to get people involved with sport. Increased social media visibility – I hope to enhance social media presence through various platforms and oncampus live screenings events. Utilizing NUTV’s sports coverage, Instagram/ TikTok takeovers, commentating reels, and periodic recaps can significantly amplify visibility for smaller and underrepresented clubs. Extending the 2-week free pass for sports facilities – I hope this will offer students more opportunities to explore the gym, attend

classes, and join sports clubs without the financial commitment of the £70 Gym Membership. This extension provides individuals with the flexibility to experiment with various sports or facilities until they find the right fit. University is a time for exploration and trying new things, and it’s important that everyone has the chance to experience and represent Newcastle in their own way.

“My advice for getting involved with sport: just go for it!.”

Lastly, what is your advice to people looking to get involved with sport?

My advice to those looking to get involved with sport is simple: just go for it! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a complete beginner, there’s a place for you in the world of sports. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Explore different sports and activities until you find one that resonates with you. Remember that everyone starts somewhere, so don’t worry about being perfect right away. Embrace the journey, stay committed, and enjoy the process of learning and growing both physically and mentally. Most importantly, have fun and make the most of the incredible opportunities that sports can offer in terms of fitness, friendship, and personal development. Sport has played a pivotal role in shaping my university experience, I can’t recommend it enough!

The WSL title race is going down to the wire

Will Chelsea, Arsenal, or Manchester City top the table?

Kimiko Cheng - Athletic Union Officer

Being AU officer is the gift that keeps giving. I get paid to watch sport. Despite the weekly BUCS fixtures winding down, we had BUCS Big Wednesday and Varsity to enjoy.

In Loughborough in the Men’s National Trophy final Volleyball M1 took the first set after coming back from four points down. Cambridge flipped a switch and won the second set with a string of aces to bridge the gap. After a close match, Team Newcastle came out on top with a 3-1 win. On the water-based pitch Ladies Hockey 1s took on Nottingham Trent in a game that had the supporters holding their breath until the final seconds. The teams were very evenly matched, Trent gave us a scare with their near misses but the Newcastle keeper who went on to receive player of the match showed us why she deserved that accolade. The game remained goalless until the last five minutes when we scored from a short corner! We held the lead until the end and took home the ICG National Vase. On the boggy pitches of Holywell, Rugby Union M1 took on Premier South leaders Brunel. It was a tough fixture resulting in our team taking the silverware but on Wednesday they faced Brunel again and won, giving them the opportunity to face Swansea for a place in BUCS Super Rugby.

Back in Newcastle the city was vibrating with energy, truth be told I was nervous for Varsity. I never doubted the fact that we would win but I wondered if people still cared. I was proven wrong by the supporters. Varsity was more inclusive than ever this year with non-BUCS teams participating such as women’s rugby 3s, volleyball 2s and netball 6s. Newly ratified club judo made their debut at Varsity alongside women’s cricket who convincingly took the win in an indoor tournament. Women’s rugby caused an upset with their treble. At the finale the spectators were restless, the most audible chant was “UTP” (Up The Poly) and some had PTID scrawled in marker on their arms, which was tacky compared to our N tattoos. Across the hall the finest of netball, mens volleyball and mens futsal was on display. Newcastle won the netball and Northumbria won the volleyball. The futsal finished on a draw, but that was no way for the Varsity finale to end, the result came down to penalties and we came out on top! A spirited end to a fantastic event.

Pro tip: get the inside of the trophy coated before you drink out of it or it will taste bad.

Pole and Aerial win medals, while Clay Pigeon and Dance Societies raise thousands for charity

Image credit: Laura Linceviciute

Images: Flickr @FelineBert

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Castor Chan