Epigram issue 373

'Queer

The University of Bristol's Award Winning Independent Student Newspaper

Autumn strike action cancelled at Bristol

Roya Shahidi and Milan Perera Co-Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

The University of Bristol and the local branch of the University and College Union (Bristol UCU) have reached an agreement confirming no further locally-called industrial action, 'so that discussions can continue openly and constructively.'

In a joint statement issued today (September 21) about the ongoing negotiations, both parties reiterated their commitment to finding common ground in national negotiations between the Universities and Colleges Employer Association (UCEA) and UCU.

The joint statement indicated that: 'The University of Bristol and local branch of the University and College Union (Bristol UCU) have been meeting to discuss the national dispute and opportunities to improve relations at a local level to benefit the whole university community.'

Both parties acknowledged that the ongoing nature of the national dispute is a cause of great concern to the University and all its staff and students.

The UCU and the University of Bristol welcomed the recent agreement

by both sides to carry out a financial review of the sector, which will enable a joint dialogue with the government over the future of the sector.

Among the points agreed between UCU Bristol and the University of Bristol include:

No further locally-called industrial action so that discussions can continue openly and constructively.

The need to find a longer-term

resolution and ask both UCEA and UCU to agree to the negotiation of multi-year pay deals that are acceptable to all parties concerned. To provide a framework that avoids uncertainty and enables good relations between universities and their trade unions.

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This article is continued on page 2.

Sex Education's newest character: UoB

As the fourth and final season of Sex Education (2019) airs, Bristol students may find themselves recognising certain locations as they watch the show. Whilst a lot of the show is filmed in Wales, multiple University of Bristol buildings can also be spotted, including the Wills Memorial Building and the School of Chemistry.

The fourth season of the Netflix comedy drama follows on from Maeve’s shock departure to study in the US, as well as the merging of Moordale High with Cavendish Sixth Form College. The library in Wills is the setting for Wallace University, where Maeve has trans-

ferred to study for a few months. Meanwhile the Chemistry Building has morphed into the new stomping ground for Otis and his sex clinic.

A more colourful and heavily featured Bristol spot, the Palm Temple art installation (created by Luke Jerram) helps to provide the high-tech atmosphere and ‘ultra-modern’ perception that the new Sixth Form strives for.

The Senior Events Coordinator at Bristol, Corey Moore, expressed how 'It is always exciting working on large-scale filming productions across the University estate, but as a fan of Netflix’s Sex Education and knowing how popular it is globally, I was particularly proud to see parts of the University form key filming locations.'

Moore continues, 'with long hours and complex operations, this was

a real team effort with members of Venues and Events working closely with colleagues across the University to be able to facilitate such a high-profile production.'

Lauren Durose Film & TV Co-Deputy Editor

Image courtesy of Roya Shahidi

Image courtesy of the University of Bristol / Netflix

Editorial

ing wake ups and days spent in the Media suite at the SU, but seeing the paper come together has definitely made all the hard work worth it.

The editorial and business teams have pulled together and we are looking forward to an exciting year ahead.

gram. Come along if you want to discuss your article ideas with our team, or just want to have a chat and unwind. We can’t wait to get to know more of you and read your writing.

Editorial Team 2023/24

Shahidi Co-Editors-in-Chief

Hi, and welcome to the second issue of Epigram! It has been a very busy start of term for us, preparing for the Welcome Fair and printing two new issues of Epigram. There have been lots of early-morn-

(cont. from front page)

Sharing a strong commitment to the principles of national pay bargaining and the benefits of commonality.

To help support staff during the cost-of-living crisis and minimise the impact of further industrial action on students.

The joint statement indicated that: 'The real-terms decline in staff pay at Bristol and across the sector is a cause of real concern, particularly in the face of the current inflationary pressures. We also know that government funding for universities continues to decrease, and that there is an uneven distribution of that funding across the sector.'

The statement further acknowledged that: 'The University of Bristol is leading the sector in several key areas such as the greater use of open-ended contracts and its work to eliminate the gender pay gap.'

According to the statement, the University of Bristol will enter into negotiations, scheduled to conclude in December 2023, with its recognised trade unions on the structure of salaries and grading at Bristol within the specific limits set by the national framework.

Bristol UCU is set to fully support the negotiations and participate in them fully.

Thank you to everyone who came to our stall at the Welcome Fair and grabbed a copy of the paper and The Croft. It was so lovely to meet all of you and we hope you like the tote bags! We were very pleased just how many of you were interested in writing for the paper. Remember to join our Writers’ groups to pick up a monthly commission, or pitch to the relevant section editor. We are also currently looking for photographers so if you are a budding photographer, check out page 20 to see how to apply!

If you didn’t get a chance to come and say hello, we will be running fortnightly socials this year. These will be open to not just the editorial team, but all contributors and anyone interested in Epi-

This month is Black History Month and we have a few articles in this issue that address related themes. Following on from our reporting in the previous issue about the Bristol Bus Boycott, we have two thought-provoking articles in Opinion about the renaming of University buildings and the symbolism of Notting Hill Carnival. We also have written about the key updates on the UCU strike, as well as a wide range of feature articles on everything from technology to culture. Again, we post all details of socials, events and editorial vacancies on our Instagram, @epigrampaper_, so make sure to follow us to stay updated. If you have any questions, simply pop us a DM on Instagram or send us an email at editor.epigram@gmail.com.

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Amelia Jacob and Roya Shahidi

Deputy Editors: Milan Perera and Ella Woszczyk

News

Editor: Will Standring

Deputy Editor: Amelia Shaw

Digital Editor: Maud Humphries

Investigations Editor: Ellyssa Ashley Rozahan

News Reporter: Lottie Leigh

Opinion

Editor: Amaan Ali

Co-Deputy Editors: George Jones and India Noon

Digital Editor: Georgia Rowe

Subeditor: Megan Ioannides

Features

Editor: Aidan Szabo-Hall

Co-Deputy Editors: Dan Hutton and Nel Roden

Digital Editor: Annie McNamee

Subeditor: Ellicia Metcalfe

Arts

Editor: Rachel Bronnert

Co-Deputy Editors: Ella Carroll and Isabel Williams

Digital Editor: Phoebe Caine

Film & TV

Editor: Arron Kennon

Co-Deputy Editors: Lauren Durose and Sofia Webster

Digital Editor: Sienna Thompson

Subeditor: Victor Bennett

Music

Editor: Jake Paterson

Co-Deputy Editors: Benji Chapman and Dylan McNally

Digital Editor: Cara Hene

Subeditor: Susie Long

Sci-Tech

Editor: Dhristi Agarwal

Deputy Editor: Lucas Mockeridge

Social Media Managers

Anouk Griffiths

Phoebe Livingstone

Chief Proofreader Zoë Blake-James

Want to write for us?

epigram.org.uk/get-involved/

(cont. from front page) Sex Education became a quick hit and huge success, the first series reaching more than 40 million streams and only growing from there. The show has won awards, most notable the third season’s International Emmy for Comedy. The cast has become more decorated too, many of the protagonists having had their careers launched further whether that’s appearing in the Barbie movie (2023), SAS Rogue Heroes (2022) and of course, Ncuti Gatwa’s new title as the Doctor.

As the last series of the show is released today, and the stories we’ve been watching for the last four years are being finalised, UoB students may get to feel more represented than usual as they spy their own study spots on the big screen.

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Amelia Jacob and Roya

Epigram at the Welcome Fair. Image courtesy of Amelia Jacob

News

Summer of highs and lows for Bristol's leading Labour politicians

Will Standring analyses the recent updates in Bristol politics

Will Standring

News Editor

It was a summer to remember, though not always fondly, for three of Bristol’s leading Labour Party Politicians. Labour Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees’, suffered a major setback in his aim of entering the House of Commons when he lost the Labour selection battle for the new Bristol North East constituency. Meanwhile, Bristol North West’s Darren Jones and Bristol West’s Thangam Debbonaire were both moved to key positions in Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet.Rees, mayorof-seven-years and supposed favourite for the candidacy, was beaten by incumbent Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, in a Bristol North East party members vote in late July. He was aiming to win selection as the Labour candidate for the new Bristol North East seat, which would have provided him with a clear pathway to Westminster. Since his announcement

in November that he would be ‘putting [his] hat in the ring’, Rees racked up endorsements from unions Unite, UNISON and GMB as well as current Bristol East MP Kerry McCarthy and the Bristol University Labour Party. Irish-born but Kingswood-raised Egan is believed to have won the election with 63 per cent of first preference votes from the electorate of just under 700 Labour Party members. The new constituency, established in the 2023 Boundary Review, is expected to be a safe Labour seat having been formed from Labour strongholds in the city such as Eastville and Fishponds as well as left-leaning wards in the old Kingswood seat like Staple Hill. With the role of Mayor being scrapped from 2024, Rees’ failure in the selection battle leaves him with no clear future as a Bristol representative.Thangam

Debbonaire fared better than Rees as she was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport in early September. Debbonaire,

whose Bristol West constituency features university areas such as Clifton, Cotham and Cabot, was previously Shadow Leader of the House where she would have been tasked with scheduling debate and overseeing parliamentary procedure. Her appointment to the new role came under scrutiny when she admitted that she had never attended a rugby or football game, which critics suggested made her unsuitable for a role in which sport is such a large factor. However, her proponents point to her stint as a professional cellist in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra which, they suggest, leaves her more than suitable for the culture role.

Thangam Debbonaire [...] was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport in early September.

Darren Jones has the most to celebrate of the three as he was appointed to Keir Starmer’s shadow cabinet for the first time. MP for Bristol North West, which includes Stoke Bishop, since 2017, Jones was chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) select committee for three years. This role gave him a public platform from which he grew his profile through headline-making in-

terrogations of business leaders and Prime Ministers.His new role is Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, which would place him in charge of public spending if Labour were to enter government. As no.2 to the Chancellor, he will have an increased media presence and you will probably see him on the airways explaining why Labour are unable to com-

mit to one spending package or another.Whether this is the role Jones wanted in the Shadow Cabinet is another matter. He was initially tipped to take the new Science, Innovation and Technology department due to his career as a technology lawyer, degree in bioscience and experience on the BEIS committee.

Image courtesy of Milan Perera

Labour Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees’, suffered a major setback in his aim of entering the House of Commons

Image courtesy of Milan Perera and Ella Woszczyk

Bristol Students occupy council offices demanding bus reform

Milan Perera Deputy Editor

Agroup of Bristol students occupied the offices of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) in Bristol, ahead of their September 9th rally on College Green demanding radical changes to the bus service in Bristol. The protesters, consisting of five Bristol-based students, entered the office complex at 70 Redcliffe Street, the headquarters of WECA, around midday on Friday, September 8.The climate activists were demanding far-reaching solutions to, what they perceive as, ‘Bristol and the West’s broken bus system.'The protesters were refusing to leave the premises until the Metro Mayor agrees to bring a vote on franchising to the next WECA meeting.Of the five activists, three of them are University of Bristol students. One protester who wished to remain anonymous said: ‘We’ve occupied WECA’s offices because we need urgent action to fix our broken bus system.' ‘Since the start of our campaign last June, we have seen lots of talk but little action from politicians, while the situation has gotten worse, with dozens of routes cut. Real people

across the West of England are being affected by these unreliable services and cuts, leaving many unable to access key services, get to work or school, or see family and friends.' 'WECA needs to be bold and take public control of our local buses to end the madness that entirely private control under companies including First Bus has caused.'

‘It’s time for Metro Mayor Dan Norris to get on with the job, and we’re not going to stop sticking up for our communities until he does.’ The occupation comes a day prior to the proposed march on College Green, led by youth groups such as Bristol Youth Strike 4 Climate (BYS4C) and Extinction Rebellion Youth Bristol (XRYB). The protesters assembled at 1pm on College Green, before proceeding to WECA in Redcliffe. Supporters of the Saturday march also include Bristol Green Party, Reclaim Our Buses, Right to Roam, Winterbourne & Frome Valley Environmental Group, Nailsea Climate Emergency Group, and Bristol Students for Transport. Among the speakers who addressed the rally is Councillor Carla Denyer, Green Party co-leader. The demands of the protesters include free travel within the West of England (including North Somerset) for those who are under the age of 25 (all students, and all appren-

tices), reversing the cuts to bus routes and improving working conditions for drivers. The campaigners say that there is a necessity to establish public control of local buses through ‘franchising.’ They claimed that in ‘a franchised bus network, local governments would decide routes, timetables, and fares.' 'Bus companies would compete to operate routes but must meet the criteria set out by the local/combined authority.’ They further stated that franchising is already successfully used in cities such as Greater London, and is set to come into effect in Greater Manchester later this month. The ‘Reclaim Our Buses’ coalition has gathered over 2,000 signatures so far in support of public control. Dan Norris, West of England Metro Mayer commented: ‘The only way to have a thriving, fairer bus network is to increase the number of passengers on the buses to create that virtuous cycle of more fare income in which to reinvest in better services for everyone.' ‘That’s why I’m proud to have brought in new and innovative schemes and offers, such as ‘Birthday Buses’ giving every resident in the West free travel throughout the month of their birthday.' 'Because I want more and more people to try out buses and hopefully go on to continue to use them long term.

Open wide for Bristol's new dental school

The University of Bristol opened the doors of the new Dental School on the 8th September

Ellyssa Ashley Rozahan News Investigations Editor

Bristol University's new Dental School will allow for more student placements, free dental treatments for the local community, and contribute to the local dental workforce. Decorated by the hands of local artists, and overlooking the River Avon, the new School hosts a calming environment for patients and car-

egivers alike. Located at 1 Trinity Quay, Avon Street, and spanning 7,300 square meters, the Dental School can be easily recognised through its art featuring Bristol-based artists.Five sculptures, to be known as 'The Denticles', were brought to life by Aardman’s director and designer Gav Strange. Additionally, two murals by local artist Bex Glover can be found in the main reception area and in the children’s waiting area. The Dental School’s expansion will allow the University to increase student placements by 25 percent. This goes hand in hand with the NHS Long Term

Plan, which was aimed at increasing dental and hygiene training.Dental students coming from Bristol are then expected to contribute more significantly to the dental workforce on both a local and national level.Currently, Bristol dental students cater to the needs of 60,000 adult and children patients annually.

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For the rest of this article, please go to www.epigram.org.uk

Milan Perera reports on the recent transport protests in Bristol by students.

Image courtesy of Milan Perera

Image courtesy of the University of Bristol

University of Bristol to host UK’s most powerful supercomputer

of GPUs, which will facilitate research into large language models, the backbone of AI chatbots like ChatGPT.

Lucas Mockeridge SciTech Deputy Editor

The University of Bristol has been chosen to host a new supercomputer that is expected to be the most powerful in the UK and one of the most powerful in Europe.

The AI Research Resource will be built at the university and serve as a national supercomputer research facility focussed on artificial intelligence (AI). The supercomputer will be powered by thousands

It will be named Isambard-AI after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the 19th-century engineer famous for his work on the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Great Western Railway and the SS Great Britain.

‘AI is expected to be as important as the steam age, with ramifications across almost every area of academia and industry. Bristol’s proud to be at the forefront of this revolution,’ said Professor Phil Taylor, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol.

Isambard-AI will open at the National Composites

Centre next year, as part of a collaboration between the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Exeter. It will join the Isambard 3 supercomputer, which is due to be installed this year

also to support AI research. The Isambard-AI project will be led by Simon McIntosh-Smith, Professor of High Performance Computing at the University of Bristol, who said:

‘We're delighted to be chosen as the site to host the UK's first ever Artificial Intelligence Research Resource.

‘Isambard-AI will be one of the world's first, large-scale, open AI supercomputers, and builds on our expertise designing and operating cutting-edge computational facilities, such as the incoming Isambard 3’. The AI Research Resource is backed by a £900m investment, which the Chancellor pledged in the Spring Budget alongside a £2.5bn plan to support quantum technology. The government aims to make the UK a science and technology superpower by 2030.

Image courtesy of University of Bristol

Bristol's hottest open day

Lottie Leigh reports on the 20,000 prospective students welcome by UoB for a day of high temperatures and university taster sessions.

Lottie Leigh News Reporter

On Saturday the 9th of September, Bristol University welcomed approximately 20,000 prospective students to its wonderful campus spread out across the heart of the city. Although the last open day to be held until term starts, it certainly was not one to forget and that is not just because of the scorching temperature!

The occasion was even noticeable to the general public with Tyndall Avenue, Woodland Road and Priory Road closed off. With tour guides in every direction you look, there was certainly no chance of getting lost throughout the day with plenty of maps provided to guide you throughout the campus! Spread over the campus were an array of stands showing what Bristol has to offer academically including its variety of courses.

Speaking to Professor Tim Osborne of Sociology as to why one should choose Bristol as a place to study, he answered that aside from his love for the South West, Bristol is a lively and welcoming city that really gets to know its students. The hectic day featured various student groups scattered around the campus giving prospective students a taste of the social side of Bristol University. However, these various student groups are open to everyone and not just future students!

There are approximately 350 sports groups and societies in total at the university. Some of these groups at the open day included the University of Bristol’s Swimming and Water Polo Club (UBSWPC) at the Royal Fort Gardens which offers swimming at both competitive and fitness levels as well as Water polo. Committee members Niamh, Charlie and Lucy said the best part of this society is its inclusivity and how it allows students within this society to spend time together and unwind

from studies including going on nights out around the triangle away from the pool! If you are a wethead, this is definitely something to consider; the society is open to all students studying at Bristol. Opportunities to sign up for this society include the freshers fair held on the Downs on the 22nd of September. Another society present was Bristol University’s Music Society (BUMS) which offers over 35 different music groups made up of different ensembles. There is something for everyone no matter your standard. President of the society Matt and Chamber Music coordinator Anna said the best bits of this society include the famous scavenger hunts and various external concert trips. As well as the social and academic side, there were plenty of places to eat including a variety of popup food stalls serving a wide range of foods including Middle Eastern food, vegan food and burgers. Tansy Jessop, the Pro-vice chancellor for Education at the university, said ‘Welcoming excited prospective students and their loved ones to the University is one of

the highlights of the year for us’. Indeed, this open day certainly showed what being a student is all about

Lucas Mockeridge reports on the latest science developments at Bristol.

in Bristol and all the university has to offer to future students as well as current students.

Image courtesy of Lottie Leigh

'Bristol is a lively and welcoming city that really gets to know its students.'

Opinion

Opinion | The Notting Hill Carnival is a symbol of resilience and unity

bias prepetuates a distorted image of the iconic carnival.

Sarah Fakhri Second Year, Law

Icannot help but think that the word 'carnival' in this context is slightly inadequate. True, the Notting Hill Carnival (NHC) is a vibrant celebration filled with colourful costumes, music and dancing. However, it goes much beyond simply being a festive event. It serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and unity for the community it represents. The Carnival was born out of adversity, in response to racial tensions in the 1950s and 1960s when Notting Hill was marred by discrimination and hostility towards communities of Caribbean descent. It began as an indoor Caribbean Carnival organised by Trinidadian-born Claudia Jones and Jamaican co-founder Sam King after the 1958 Notting Hill Race riots. Since then, it has become an annual tradition that takes place every August in London to bring together people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity, cultural exchange and freedom of expression for marginalised groups.

The NHC has witnessed a transformation over the years - similar to the ways in which the indoor Caribbean Carnival had to evolve - to reach where it is today. Nonetheless, when delving into its rich history and evolution, the following question arises: is whitewashing occurring over time at the Carnival and is its essence being diluted in the process?

At its core, the Carnival is an outdoor celebration of Caribbean culture fuelled by reggae and soca music. It is decorated with the colours of the Caribbean flag and the smells of authentic Caribbean cuisine fills the air, with vendors selling traditional dishes like jerk chicken, roti and pepper pot. Its infectious spirit of festivity is a platform for Afro-Caribbean communities to proudly showcase their her-

itage and celebrate their culture, inviting people from all backgrounds to join the festivities. However, as the Carnival becomes more mainstream and commercialised, there is a growing concern that certain elements may get lost or overshadowed as a result. Over the years, the NHC has grown in scale and popularity, ultimately becoming the largest street festival in the United Kingdom. This growth has led to more diverse attention and participation, sparking concerns towards the NHC's authenticity.

In 2017, discussions arose about whether the Carnival should be a ticketed event in response to an article by LBC's Clare Foges, who argued that ticketing could help control crowd sizes and ensure safety. Although this may sound like a reasonable solution, it is, in reality, a form of whitewashing black culture. Carnival is being erased. This is because it would fundamentally change the nature of the event, turning it from a carnival into a festival. The Carnival has al-

ways celebrated Caribbean culture and symbolises inclusivity by being open to everyone regardless of their background or financial means. Introducing tickets could ostracise those who cannot afford them, leading to a loss of the Carnival's diverse and vibrant atmosphere. Ultimately, the decision to keep the NHC free was made. However, the fact that Foges made this suggestion in the first place generates a fear that the authentic traditions and narratives of the Carnival are being erased. Similarly, there has been debate about NHC's supposed 'evolution', with some arguing that it has only resulted in the whitewashing of the music featured. Mainstream music genres have now been incorporated into the Carnival's soundtrack, which some Caribbean attendees feel has diluted the event's authenticity. Surprisingly, other attendees have complained that they do not wish to listen to Caribbean music at the NHC, even though it is a Caribbean

festival that celebrates Caribbean culture. This truly exemplifies how people are slowly forgetting the cultural nuances and history behind the event.

When searching 'Notting Hill Carnival', the first results that appear are often related to crimes and stabbings. The media tends to sensationalise negative incidents and associate them with the Carnival and its attendees. A media bias ultimately polarises such figures and statistics and, as saddening as it is, such crimes happen in all cultures and parts of society. Take football events, for example; although they are ticketed, there continue to be incidents of violence and crime. However, it is essential to note that these incidents do not define the entire football community or culture. Similarly, it is unfair to generalise and stigmatise the Carnival as a whole based on isolated incidents of violence. This immediate association of the Carnival with negative instances, perpetuates a biased narrative that overshadows the positive experiences and diverse com-

munities that come together during such events. Kingsley, a regular carnival attendee, has accused the media coverage of racism, arguing that although similar incidents happen in other festivals, it is 'just not promoted as much in the media as it is when it's a black event'. This truly foregrounds how media bias perpetuates a distorted image of the Carnival, overshadowing its true essence and purpose. It is essential to recognise that most Carnival attendees are there to enjoy the festivities and embrace the vibrant atmosphere rather than engage in violence. By focusing solely on isolated incidents, we risk perpetuating stereotypes and overlooking the overall positive impact of these events on communities. The evolution of cultural celebrations is an inevitable process, because as communities grow and change, so does the way they celebrate their traditions. Adapting and evolving the Carnival ensures its continued relevance and inclusivity .

Media

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Opinion | Bristol University must change its building names — now!

The University must decide whether it will take steps to minimise the presevation of Bristol's history with the slave trade.

Since the fall of the statue of prolific slave trader Edward Colston in the midst of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, debates have continued nationwide as to whether buildings named after controversial historical figures should remain to 'preserve' history, or be renamed to prevent the glorification of their past offences. Whilst Bristol’s official involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade began in 1698, the late 1730s saw the city become Britain’s main slavery port. In fact, according to the Bristol Museums Collections, the year 1750 saw Bristolian ships transporting '8,000 of the 20,000 enslaved Africans' who were sent to the Caribbean and North America. Although Bristol was eventually overtaken by Liverpool in its position as Britain’s leading slavery port, it was still the key form of trade in the city.

Whilst Bristol’s official involvement in the Transatlantic Slave Trade began in 1698, the late 1730s saw the city become Britain’s main slavery port.

The relation that these figures bear to the university can be found simply by walking around its campus and student accommodations. Despite being established as a university in 1876 - nearly 43 years after the 1833 Abolition Act - those that founded it undoubtedly benefitted from the Transatlantic Slave Trade.We are all aware of the 65 ft Wills Memorial Building residing at the top of Park Street, or the grand architecture of Wills Hall, a student hall of residence located in Stoke Bishop. As well as having university buildings named after them, the Wills family ran the tobacco company WD and HO Wills, with Henry Overton Wills III becoming the University’s first ever Chancellor. What is less well known of the Wills family however, is that their success relied heavily on the exploita-

tion of enslaved persons. Even after abolition in 1833, WD and HO Wills continued to import slave cultivated tobacco for their products. Other less obvious examples can be found. According to the University of Bristol’s website, Thomas Goldney II (of which student residence Goldney Hall is named after) funded and benefitted from a number of sea voyages relating to the trade of enslaved Africans. Additionally, the Fry Building on Woodland Road (named due to the donations of the Fry Family to the university) utilised slavegrown cocoa beans from the Caribbean for their chocolate business empire. Much like WD and HO Wills, Fry’s Chocolate continued sourcing its ingredients from enslaved labour post-abolition, utilising the plantations of Sao Tome: a Portuguese island where slavery existed until 1875. Even the university’s logo, of which we have all become so accustomed to seeing, to some extent celebrates these figures: featuring a sun to represent the Wills family, a dolphin for the Colston family and a horse for the Fry family. After publishing the ‘Legacies of Slavery’ report and forming the ‘building renaming consultation’ in November of 2022, the university’s response to this issue has been painfully slow. After releasing a survey in January 2023 (results from which two teams of data analysts have scrutinised), two ‘hybrid consultation events’

were then held and attended by staff, students, alumni and members of the public. A further public event at the Rose Green Centre was also held to hear from underrepresented groups in Bristol. According to the university, the data collected from the survey and events is being summarised into a report, where further 'consultations and meetings will be made’. From this, the University Executive Board will make and implement a decision.

What is less well known of the Wills family, however, is that their success relied heavily on the exploitation of enslaved persons.

Promisingly, the university has made some attempt to celebrate figures without connections to past human rights abuses. Many of us will be familiar with Beckford Bar in Senate House for example, named after civil rights campaigner and founding member of the St Pauls Carnival, Carmen Beckford MBE. Beckford does indeed reflect modern values of inclusivity, yet the campus offers far grander reminders of Goldney, Wills, Fry and Colston. After all, what is one student bar compared to a 65 ft Gothic tower? To some extent, it is commendable that the univer-

sity has sought a wide variety of opinions on this matter. That being said, for a university that claims its values include being 'caring and inclusive', the extensive bureaucracy of the decision making process on this issue is especially puzzling given the simplicity of the answer to many students, staff and members of the public alike. In an article published by the Bristol Tab, a large majority of students agreed that it was 'unquestionably wrong' for buildings to be named after these historical figures. University statistics also show that 20.8 per cent of undergraduate students were from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds in 2022 (a rise of 14.5 per cent since 2016). This does not include international students who make up a substantial 25 per cent of the overall student body.

A large majority of students agreed that it was 'unquestionably wrong' for buildings to be named after these historical figures.

With the university population becoming more and more diverse, it must surely be even more imperative that our buildings reflect this.

When it comes to renaming buildings or bringing down

statues, some become nervous that it represents a form of erasing history. Even before the fall of Colston in 2017, petitions called for the renaming of the Wills Memorial Building were brushed off. The university itself stated that they were unable to enact change as it was ‘highly unlikely’ that the university would have 'flourished' without these individuals’ contributions. After speaking to University of Bristol students about the 2017 decision, I found many to be appalled at the university’s response, with one second-year Economics student expressing that, ‘we can still learn about the history of the university without glorifying it. Having their names on buildings glorifies it’. Whilst we anxiously await the university’s final decision, we must remain positive about the conversations that this issue has spurred in relation to race and social justice. Great change is on the horizon and without the constant reminder of Colston, Wills, Fry and Goldney, the future is exceptionally bright.

Elinor Cole Third Year, History

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Opinion | The Newport Student Village highlights everything wrong with the University of Bristol’s attempts to tackle the housing crisis

As the University increases intake of students each year in a bid to increase profits, can the housing

Fourth Year, French and Italian

This year sees the introduction of Newport Student Village as an official accommodation option, upholding what was always supposed to be a temporary fix and demonstrating the greed in the University’s decision to accept more and more students. Their sub-standard solutions to Bristol’s student housing shortage have done little to alleviate the problems and have had far-reaching effects. From the first-year students who are overcharged for chic new halls, to the second and third years vying for a reduced housing stock and the locals they are pushing out, the University’s greed is indiscriminate in its impact. With universities all over the country hoping to cash in on the ongoing rise in undergraduate applications - projected to reach just shy of 1 million by 2030 - the University of Bristol’s recent attempts to accommodate growing cohorts of first year students have become comically woeful.

Universities all over the country are hoping to cash in on the ongoing rise in undergraduate applications.

The most successful has been the development of expensive city-centre accommodation. Since my arrival in 2020, five new halls have been built in the so-called East Village. Although welcome in reducing demand, the modern decor is tacky, the hallways clinically bright and prices are as high as the tower blocks themselves. Some lucky undergrads are coughing up £900 a month for a room in Campbell House this year. This initial attempt at a sticking-plaster solution has, however, quickly descended into farce with the recent an-

nouncement that halls will be available in Newport, Wales. There’s a history behind this. Students have been housed there to cope with overspill since 2019 – a flatmate of mine in first year had taken an emergency gap year, deferring his place to avoid the inconvenience of his offered accommodation in Newport. This was supposed to be temporary, an emergency measure. The fact that the University is now offering this as a choice is insane. Whilst it does provide a cheaper alternative for those unwilling to fork out for swanky city-centre halls, it just throws up more questions. Why should students on lower budgets be expected to put up with the multitude of downsides that come with living in a different country to their university? How many lectures will be missed from the onehour commute? What happens to students stuck in Bristol if they miss the last bus home? All of this is not to mention the quality of the accommodation in the first place – brand spanking new it may be, but its three nearest sites of interest are an industrial estate, the B4237 flyover and a bingo hall. These inadequacies bring us to the most pathetic element of the University’s accommodation solution: their attempts to mask their sub-par offerings as reflective of students’ desires. A spokesman for the University highlighted the attractiveness of Newport Student Village’s ‘larger, modern rooms with their own bathrooms’ – an aspect which ‘63%

How many times have you heard a proper Bristolian accent in Clifton? It is worth noting that housing is also not an issue exclusive to the University of Bristol.

The already densely packed neighbourhoods of Redland, Cotham and St Pauls have become more and more in demand, with prices rising extortionately.

of students say is important’. I wonder what the results may be of a survey asking students about the importance of living on the right side of a national border. Were I a betting man, I’d put my money on it being significantly higher than the spokesman’s figure. As the amount of first year students rise, and the means to accommodate them - and thus charge them - is made possible through the University’s new developments (in Bristol or otherwise), very little consideration goes into what options are on offer for students leaving halls in second year. Without a similarly expanding housing stock, the already densely packed neighbourhoods of Redland, Cotham and St Pauls have become more and more in demand, with prices rising extortionately. Finding housing has always been a stressful task but the University’s continued policy of accepting oversubscription has exacerbated this stress, flushing the market with des-

perate second years who have already had to pay an arm and a leg in their first year.

Just as the University profits from their outrageous accommodation options, in turn, landlords and letting agencies squeeze students for all they’re worth. I should know: I worked for Digs as a property viewer in my second year. Stories abound of viewings with 10 other potential tenants or deposits even being paid before said viewings. My second year letting agency (not Digs - I may have worked for the devil but I certainly wasn’t going to rent a flat from him) told me and my flatmates at the end of our contract in 2022 that the landlord was upping the rent and wanted to know whether we’d be staying, without telling us the increase.

Student housing is at an impasse on a national scale; the greed of universities in chasing higher admissions and the revenue they bring is largely to blame.

Landlords getting away with murder is not solely a student experience. The more flats we take up, the more locals get priced out of their own neighbourhoods. Of course, the housing crisis is a national issue and much of Bristol’s shortage is also caused by Londoners and those from the South East being priced out in turn, thus finding relative

refuge in Bristol. Regardless, the impact of students in this population turnover is not to be underestimated: how many times have you heard a proper Bristolian accent in Clifton? It is worth noting that housing is also not an issue exclusive to the University of Bristol – first year students at the University of the West of England Bristol will this year be offered accommodation in Cheltenham, even further from the city than Newport is, whilst University of Glasgow students, whose home is within one hour of campus, may not be offered any accommodation at all. Student housing is at an impasse on a national scale, and the greed of universities in chasing higher admissions and the revenue they bring is largely to blame. But not to worry, at least Unite have provided a karaoke room in Campbell House for first years to shriek ABBA songs into the microphone whilst they haemorrhage cash straight into the Universities deep pockets. It’s a rich man’s world indeed.

Adam Johnson

Image courtesy of Unsplash

Features

Making connections: A guide to meeting new people in the first weeks of university

Olivia Loughran walks you through the best ways to socialise during your first few weeks at university.

Second Year, Politics

For many, the prospect of meeting fresh faces is the main draw to university. But whilst lectures guide you through your degree, there is no clear-cut curriculum for navigating your new social life.

We have all heard the classic advice of packing a doorstop to encourage flatmates into your room but while this may break the ice on the first day, what’s next? Fortunately, there are plenty of active ways to put yourself out there during your first few weeks at Bristol.

Social media can be a helpful way for connecting with fellow freshers during your first few of weeks of university. For those living in halls of residence, the university will email the names of your new flatmates a week before you move in. By connecting on Instagram and creating a group chat, the first day feels less like you’re moving in with complete strangers.

On Facebook, join UOB freshers groups and look through posts to see if anyone has commented that they’re your course. If so, ask to be added to a student-made course group chat where you can ask questions or offer to attend welcome talks together.

Make an effort to get to know your flatmates, but remember they aren’t the only people out there. A poll conducted by Epigram revealed that 63 per cent of responding students felt that flatmates and mutual friends were the best way to meet new people. For some lucky students, those placed randomly in their flats will become lifelong friends, but this is commonly not the case. Even if you do not instantly click with your flatmates,

finding common ground and arranging to attend events together will give you the opportunity and confidence to meet other students.

By attending events such as boardgames and pizza at the Richmond Building as a flat, you each might meet people there who you are similar to. Asking questions about people’s interests and courses will also make interactions more memorable and positive.

The sizes of flats in halls of residence vary and if placed in a small flat, don’t be afraid to approach other flats in the building and introduce yourself.

For the students responding to Epigrams poll, joining a society or student group is the next best way to meet new people. For those who commute to university, attending events such as the SU non-halls mingle is a great way to build a community.

When deciding which student group to join, Bristol SU’s welcome fair is a must. The annual event held on the downs will take place on Friday 22nd of September, and you’re guaranteed to leave with free goodies.

From music, sports, religious groups and volunteering, the landmark event showcases over 300 student groups at the university. Don’t be afraid to attend the event alone as committee members on each stall will be happy to chat and answer questions about their group.

Note down societies that interest you, then after the event select a few to attend taster or Give it A Go sessions.

The GIAG event programme demonstrates what each student group has to offer. Tailored towards new members and those joining alone, places can be booked ahead of time on the SU website.

Third-year Economics student, Reese, joined the Bristol Jets Cheer group in her first year. Speaking to Epigram, she said : ‘I met a great group

of people outside of my halls with the same interests as me. The training sessions and fun weekly socials have helped me make friendships for life.’

With Bristol welcoming over 5,000 students per year, it is no surprise that others from your hometown might be making the move with you. It is important to not rely exclusively on friends from home in the first few weeks if your aim is to build new social circles. While it might be useful to check in occasionally with each other for support, try to make an effort to connect with new friends first to avoid homesickness and isolation in the long term. A few weeks in, meet up as a group and you can all meet each other’s new friends. Become engaged with your course Dedicating time to your course and social life are not two separate efforts. Attending contact hours will familiarise you with your all-important coursemates. After one too many the night before, rushing late into the lecture and hiding yourself and your hangover in the back won’t give you the best op-

with new friends first to avoid homesickness and isolation in the long term. A few weeks in, meet up as a group and you can all meet each other’s new friends.

Dedicating time to your course and social life are not two separate efforts.

Attending contact hours will familiarise you with your all-important coursemates.

After one too many the night before, rushing late into the lecture and hiding yourself and your hangover in the back won’t give you the best opportunity for making friends.

Try to turn up to your lectures and seminars a few minutes early so you can strike up a conversation before they begin.

Surprisingly, the poll revealed that no responding students felt that Freshers club events were the best venues for putting yourself out there. Although Bristol is renowned for its incredible bars and clubs, try not to sacrifice the daytime for nights out.

Try reserving some charge in your social battery for

inviting someone you meet in a seminar for a coffee or a study session, as support from coursemates is beneficial.

For non-drinkers, many of the SU Welcome events are alcohol-free, so while the drinking culture at university often gets the most attention, there is still plenty out there for everyone. Spend as much time on campus as possible: exploring study spaces will increase your likelihood of meeting new people. The Global Lounge, on the first floor of Senate House, serves as a social, study and multicultural hub. During freshers week, The Global Lounge is holding events to welcome international students with their Make Friends From Around the World Coaster Design event, and Bristol Orientation Tours. The beauty of university is that throughout your time here, you will be continuously meeting new people. Try to not put too much pressure on yourself, and in no time the friendly faces will turn into friends.o enjoying the very best that Bristol has to offer.

'While university can be an overwhelming time, it offers boundless opportunities to try something different and to meet new people.'

Olivia Loughran

'Spend as much time on campus as possible: exploring study spaces will increase your likelihood of meeting new people.'

Image courtesy of Unsplash

How to navigate long distance relationships at university

Dan Hutton outlines the best methods to maintain a long distance relationship while at university

Dan Hutton Features Co-Deputy Editor

Deciding whether or not to commit to a long-distance relationship during university is a big decision to make. Many couples deliberately break up before university in order to save the pain of being apart for so long, or because they are not sure whether they - or their partner - is ready to commit.

Epigram talked to students in long distance relationships at The University of Bristol to discover how they navigated the complicated parts of their relationships.

Isaac, a third-year student, commented on the difficulty of commiting to a relationship despite the distance, describing how they would both ‘Dance around the topic, worried the other wasn't looking for something that serious.’

Whilst all of the respondents acknowledged the challenges of going long distance at university, they also highlighted how their relationships enhanced their university experience.

Sam, another third-year student, noted that having his partner grounded him and gave him a sense of stability and security, saying ‘Knowing I can confide in her with anything was helpful when everything else is undergoing a pretty massive change.’

One respondent, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that ‘From April onwards, I would have very slow replies during the day when I'm at the library. She always understood, but it doesn’t change the fact the conversation barely flows.’

Relationships can get hard when life is busy; managing your university workload and social life can be overwhelming, and sometimes you’ll have fewer opportunities to speak to your partner. This can lead to communication breaking down and partners feeling as though they are drifting away from one another.

To combat this, frequent and open communication is key. Sam pointed out that checking in and talking to your partner every day was a good idea,

however he emphasised that it was ‘Not in a way that we were tracking what the other was doing, just seeing how we’re both feeling.’ He went on to say that ‘You don’t have any physical interactions to give you signals as to how the other’s doing, so by establishing checking in as just a regular thing it gives the chance for each of us to say when we’re not doing so well and get support.’

When the opportunities to communicate become less frequent, planning ahead can make things easier. For example, during Isaac’s second year, he made sure to revise when he knew that his partner had work to do, or was seeing her friends, so he could align his free time with hers.

During this time, Isaac also emphasised the need for ‘Long, (pre)arranged phone calls’ , instead of shorter ones. Watching TV together, making meals or just staying up chatting can make the distance between two people feel so much smaller.

During term time, one respondent recommended planning online date nights where you can do activities together over a video call. They went on to say how things like virtual escape rooms and quizzes made the periods in which they were away from each other easier.

Another benefit of facetiming each other regularly is that it counteracts the negative aspects of relying on text as the

sole form of communication. Non-verbal cues are extremely important in any form of communication : things like the tone of your voice and your facial expressions make up much of how we perceive and respond to what someone is saying. Unfortunately, none of this can be conveyed through text messages. This can lead to you or your partner misinterpreting messages, which can cause friction over something trivialsomething that wouldn’t have happened if you were with - or even calling - each other.

One student described how even small things, like thinking your partner is annoyed at you, can spiral without proper communication. ‘I thought she was annoyed at me or taking something out on me and then later I learned she was actually going through something tough. Had she not communicated with me afterwards I might’ve said something or had an attitude that would’ve turned us against each other and escalated the situation, rather than making it something we got through together which made us closer as a couple.’

Whilst facetiming is definitely better than text, nothing can beat seeing your loved one in person. Many of the respondents recommended travelling to each other during term time if it’s possible. If your partner

is also at university, exploring a new city with them and planning days out in advance can get you both even more excited about the time you’re going to spend with each other. However, with the government overseeing the biggest increase to rail prices in over a decade this year on top of a transport network that is already 30% more expensive for customers in comparison to railways in Europe, it’s safe to say that the train might not be an option for many students.

Despite coming with longer travel times, travelling by coach can be a more cost-effective option than getting the train. Unidays offer 15% off National Express coaches which can help to save that extra bit of cash.

Whilst there is a unique set of challenges that come with being a couple during University, It shouldn’t be the only reason to break up. All relationships require work, regardless of distance, and learning what it takes to love someone deeply at a young age will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Research has indicated that having high levels of emotional intelligence can increase relationship satisfaction. This type of intelligence (like most) is developed through experience. Going through the hard parts of being long distance with your partner will allow you to improve the way you

communicate, empathise and resolve conflicts – all central parts of emotional intelligence.

For example, Sam described how he navigated the difficult times during his relationship by recognising the importance of setting boundaries. He also drew attention to the importance of discussing ‘Why something matters to your partner so it doesn’t just feel like an arbitrary rule that’s been set.’ He went on to say that he’s had to ‘Learn that someone’s feelings might have a strange cause but they’re always legitimate and should be respected in that way.’

Developing emotional intelligence can also help with the very real problems that can be caused by anxiety over cheating, especially in the context of the hook-up culture which university promotes. For Isaac, ‘Communication plays a massive part in it, especially at university, if you don’t communicate with your partner they could get paranoid and make bad decisions out of pride or just being impulsive in general.’

If you’re thinking about ending a relationship because of the distance that university creates, know that there are ways to make it easier and that there may be a real value in continuing, if you don’t feel ready to break-up.

How to battle homesickness in a new environment

Emily Robson offers advice on how to with feelings of homesickness during the first months of university

Emily Robson Second Year, Politics

Every September, students from across the world - often followed by gaggles of parents, guardians or siblings - drag suitcases through airports, lift potted plants out of cars and carry saucepans and spatulas through Bristol’s many hills and streets.

Starting life at the University of Bristol marks the beginning of a momentous change. The steady certainty of school, old friends and childhood bedrooms are suddenly replaced with seminars, lectures, new buildings, new places and new people.

Family is no longer in the room next door but suddenly many miles away. It is, therefore, only natural that students often experience homesickness in their first

weeks and months of university. In fact, one study suggests that 94% of students reported homesickness during the first 10 weeks of university.

Homesickness can affect people in many different ways, ranging from poor sleep to nausea, headaches and feelings of panic.

In some rare cases, homesickness can lead to depression. In this eventuality, Student Counselling and Nightline are there to support you and your mental health. Bristol university’s Wellbeing Network also operates a buddy system which has an online form for those who are looking for someone to talk to.

Many mental health researchers suggest that socialising can be an incredibly effective way to combat homesickness at university. Joining clubs and societies can be an easy way to meet like-minded people, make friends and curb a sense of lonelinesswith the added bonus of adding a new skill to your CV.

Bristol University is home to over 350 sports clubs and so-

cieties which cater to almost every possible interest and hobby. There are also plenty of volunteering opportunities and sustainability networks that can be accessed through the Bristol Hub - all providing an important panacea to homesickness and isolation. However, the stresses of meeting many new people at once can actually be a trigger for homesickness in itself. Maja Bury, a second-year modern languages student, told Epigram that her first-year homesickness was triggered by anxiety surrounding the pressure to socialise, coupled with missing old school friends.

‘It was mainly because I had to speak to so many new people rather than because I was away from my family,’ Maja said. She also mentioned that being able to FaceTime parents and relatives at any time did greatly help her to reduce feelings of isolation, joking that, 'I did miss my dog a lot since I couldn’t call her!’ When asked about her tactics to alleviate feelings of home-

sickness, she said that she liked to put on comfort films in her downtime to take her mind off the new stresses attached to student life: ‘Honestly, I just watched films and shows I’d seen a million times before because they felt like home.’

International students similarly suffer from homesickness, although this can be more acute due to factors like culture shock and the huge distance from home.

One second-year student from Brazil, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke to Epigram about the difficulties she faced during first year: ‘I used to see a lot of home students going to their parents’ house on the weekends and holidays but I couldn't because of the distance.’

However, keeping in frequent contact with home as well as making an effort to avoid spending too much time in the flat helped her to alleviate her sense of homesickness.

‘I used to video call my friends and family very frequently. Even when I went to

the library, I had study sessions (with my old friends) and I'd call my mom when I was cooking. I also made an effort to not spend too much time in my flat which allowed me to enjoy the university experience with other people and visit new places.’

Exploring Bristol and its surrounding areas, exercising, going for a walk or even just getting out of your room are repeatedly recommended to help homesick students improve their outlook on university.

Whilst university can certainly be an overwhelming time, where one feels a lack of connection with others and pines for home and familiarity, it offers boundless opportunities to explore, to volunteer, to try something different and to meet people from all over the world.

While it may take time to forge a new home at university, acknowledging feelings of homesickness and deciding to actively search for solutions that work for you will place you on the right path to getting the most out of student life.

Study smarter, not harder : Effective study strategies to adopt into your academic routine

In preparation for the new academic year, Georgia Rowe outlines a range of effective study skills.

Georgia Rowe Opinion Digital Editor

studying at university is an entirely different ballgame from studying at school. Suddenly, you're immersed in an environment full of distractions, largely left to your own devices and learning a subject of an ostensibly boundless nature.

As such, you might be putting in eight-hour days at the library, reading all of your mandatory material, attending every lecture and still feeling like you're not on top of things. What you learn early on at university is that you can’t explore every avenue –it’s not feasible and, truthfully, your course isn't designed for that to be the case. Throughout the academic year, thousands of students fall victim to burnout and stress. A

2017 survey reported that the main area of concern for firstyear students was the stress of studying, with almost 60 per cent reporting difficulty coping with their workload.

To curb this overwhelm, students should aim to increase their productivity levels - not the amount of hours they spend working. In other words; work smarter, not harder. By building solid academic practices early on, you'll be able to better enjoy your subject and afford yourself more leisure time outside of study hours.

By keeping a record of essay deadlines and their respective due dates, you'll ensure that when it's time to study you're less distracted by other formalities like, ‘Now where exactly is my copy of The Canterbury Tales?’ Epigram spoke to Third Year Politics and International Relations student, Edie Kenningham Smith, to gain insight into her study practices.

She agreed that planning ahead of time and removing unnecessary distractions

is crucial for productivity levels, stating: ‘When studying, make sure you are in a headspace where you can not just understand things, but form a critical opinion of ‘do I agree with this?’ She emphasised that while undertaking a Humanities degree, it is important to ‘Always read with a critical, personal voice. Don’t just read things passively because you’ll get nowhere.’

She spoke on the importance of building your routine at university and finding a space where you feel you work best. As we continued our conversation, Edie shared her mantra: ‘Doing less well, rather than always working badly.’ She went on to describe how she is able to follow this mantra by developing a personalised routineroworking routine: ‘Personally I find it quite easy to follow a sort of school schedule.

‘Coming off the back of A-Levels, I think it’s quite nice to keep that same structure. For me, that means creating a solid routine. My brain starts to work around 9 am,

so that means I’m in university around that time, either in a lecture or at the library.’

She added that getting into a routine with others, perhaps housemates or course friends, makes this easier: ‘What’s good about my house is that we all go into university to work, none of us really find that working at home yields much productivity.

‘We migrate “en masse” to various study centres across campus and then all journey back home at a similar time to relax together. This really helped me in my Second Year. If I could give any advice to freshers, it would be to go out to do your work and then come home to relax - you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished more.’

Something as simple as having others hold you accountable, or forming a routine with friends, can be very useful.

However, Edie prefaced that in order to avoid academic burnout, she doesn’t always stick to this routine, favouring it more around exam periods. She stressed the im-

portance of allowing herself to spend time doing other things away from her degree.

From speaking to Edie, it is clear that the importance of maintaining a distinction between work and leisure at university is crucial. By separating study and relaxation environments, or choosing not to work on certain days or past certain hours, you can maintain that important separation and prevent burnout.

Although, while separating work and leisure is important, combining your recreational interests with your field of study can also be a great way to engage more with your degree. Unlike in school, many degree subjects offer a broader spectrum of topics to explore. As such, focusing your research on ideas or themes that captivate your interest can be a great way to make studying more approachable.

• Please find the rest of this article at www.epigram.org.uk

Wit & Wisdom

Artwork by Miranda Mercer, Third Year, Veterinary Medicine

Graduate Corner

Bristol in 2022. In Epigram's alumni feature, she describes her fascinating career journey from the BBC to the House of Commons alongisde the career benefits of student journalism.

Filiz Emily Gurer

@FilizEmilyGurer

Reflecting on my time at Epigram, it’s hard to know where to start. My involvement in student journalism while at Bristol, first as News Editor and then as Co-Editor-in-Chief, shaped my uni experience in more ways than I could have imagined. I remember first ap-

plying for a role on the paper’s editorial team around April 2021. I looked through all the roles and applied to be the paper’s Deputy News Editor. After being interviewed by the senior editorial team and getting the happy news back that I would be offered the role of News Editor, I was thrilled and slightly daunted, but most of all raring to get started. Back in Bristol the following September, I got started in my role under the then-Co-Editors Robin and Teddy and alongside a talented news team, with whom I covered everything from Bristol’s student accommodation situation to strikes by the UCU. What stands out were the protests which took hold of the city over the summer of 2022 over the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill (now Act). I believe Epigram’s coverage of these protests truly demonstrates the scope of being involved in student journalism. The protests captured international attention and after covering them for Epigram, I was asked to cover them for the Bristol Cable; this led to the excitement of having some of my footage and photos picked up by national and even international media.

Covering these news events in the city for the Bristol Cable that summer, led to more

freelance work with the Cable, further allowing me to build up my journalism portfolio. By this time, I was sure I wanted to continue being involved in the paper in my final year at Bristol and take on a leadership role in Epigram’s senior team. Indeed, I was thrilled to be appointed Co-Editor-in-Chief with Co-Editor Holly alongside a fantastic senior team. Together we appointed a wider editorial team of over 70 students, who worked tirelessly to maintain an up-to-date news site and produce a regular physical newspaper. Being involved in Epigram was a passion project, but it afforded me the opportunity to develop skills which I otherwise would not have acquired.

My involvement in Epigram and freelance journalism in Bristol motivated me to pursue journalism work after uni. While I was Co-Editorin-Chief in my final year, I had been inspired to apply to a short journalism trainee scheme run by the BBC called ‘BBC Future Voices’. When I applied for the scheme, I had very little expectation of being successful, so was over the moon when I received a call two months into my final year at Bristol in November to say I was being offered a place on the scheme starting in January. The period from January to March was certainly hard work, where I balanced working full time on

the scheme while splitting my remaining time between Epigram and my degree. During the scheme, I spent some time working in the BBC’s Politics team at Westminster and was able to stay on working in the Politics team when the scheme ended. Working at the BBC alongside journalists I had long admired was definitely surreal! Over the 18 months that I worked there, I developed a breadth of experience: working as a Journalist writing news bulletins on Radio 4, to being

a Producer on Politics Live, to working on the political news desk and reading news bulletin round ups for the World Service youth bulletin BBC Minute. Throughout my time at the BBC, I had some amazing experiences and developed a broad range of skills, but ultimately came to the decision to use these to follow a different route in moving into politics. At the end of August, I left my role at the BBC and started in the Civil Service as a Senior Media Officer working for select committees in Parliament: a role which allows me to combine my particular interest in politics with my interest in the news and experience of working in media. Without a doubt, I could not have ended up at this point without my involvement in student journalism at Epigram. Looking back to April 2021, when I was considering whether to apply to Epigram’s editorial team, I wonder how differently everything might have turned out had I not applied. So, if you’re even slightly considering getting involved with student journalism, I would really recomImages courtesy of

Filiz Emily Gurer

Filiz Emily Gurer, Epigram's former Co-Editor-inChief, graduated from the University of

Arts and humanities students hit hardest by the Marking and Assessment Boycott

The marking strikes that have taken place in Bristol have affected students of all disciplines, but Alex Hill explores how arts students have been affected particularly.

Alex Hill

Third Year, English and French

Students lacking marks and feedback face further industrial action as the University and College Union’s (UCU) Marking and Assessment Boycott (MAB) pushes its way into another academic year. Introduced on 20 April 2023, the MAB affects 145 universities across the UK where members of the UCU are refusing to mark exams and assessments until demands on pay, pensions, and working conditions are satisfied. At the University of Bristol, what does this mean for Arts students, undergoing more coursework-based assessments than students in other faculties? Paired with the UCU’s industrial action earlier this year cutting contact

hours, has the sentiment shifted from sympathy to apathy, and is there an end in sight?

According to a BBC article published in July, 40 students at the University of Bristol have been unable to graduate this year due to the MAB. Two of these students interviewed are Violet Allmark and Alice Padgett, both studying Theatre and English. Despite supporting the staff members involved, both reveal they are “sad” and “angry”, having been told they haven’t got the marks needed for a classification.

A spokesperson at the University says they “are offering a goodwill payment of up to £500 to those students most affected”. Many students, including Alice, believe that they should receive a larger refund.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) has said that less than 3% of students will be affected by the MAB. This represents only a small proportion of a widespread problem throughout the entire student body. Although choosing to participate in the MAB is at the discretion of the staff member, almost all students affected have one or more marks withheld, with

many being told that their summative work will not be marked altogether. Third year English and French student Isabella Thathapudi tells us that she is still missing two of her marks for English modules she studied in her second year.

'The boycott hasn’t put me in good stead for writing my English essays as I am not sure where I stand with my progress. Lacking a mark means I don’t have anything to work off.'

She says she remains 'sympathetic with the teachers' but says that 'there is a certain extent to which the boycott can affect students.'

She finds that Arts students have been disproportionally affected by the MAB than those studying in other departments. Each student pays £9,250 for a year’s tuition, regardless of faculty.

Frustration also arises from the expectation for students to perform in a wide range of disciplines across the Arts and Humanities departments whilst teachers are not expected to provide sufficient feedback from which to improve on. This comes after

the UCU announced industrial action in February and March this year which saw staff members walk out for seven weeks over pay, pensions, and workload. This left many students without teaching on content on which they would later be assessed.

'I really enjoyed studying a Linguistics module this year,' says Isabella, 'but without being able to practise with a formative essay halfway through the unit, as well as missing some of my contact hours, I felt I was unprepared for my final summative essay. I could’ve received a higher mark if I had that earlier feedback.'

The University has recognised the MAB’s impact on students in an online statement, saying:

'These disputes are national issues, not ones that we can resolve on our own. We are continuing to work with all the trade unions and with the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) which is negotiating nationally on these issues with UK universities.

MAB will continue until either the disputes are settled, UCU calls off the boycott, or the end of the industrial ac-

tion mandate is reached.

Our main priority is to protect your interests. All school, faculty and departmental managers not involved in this form of industrial action will prioritise marking and assessment work during this time.”

Whilst some Arts students believe the UCU’s industrial action has gone too far, Isabella reveals she is optimistic that the MAB won’t prevent her from studying what interests her.

'It is unfair that students have to suffer for something that isn’t their fault,' says Isabella, 'I still find the course enriching, although it has been annoying at times. It hasn’t deterred me from continuing with what I want to do - I’m more focused on how interesting I find it.'

The UCU announced on the 14 August that their Higher Education Committee (HEC) voted to extend industrial action into the new academic year. The HEC is also preparing to launch a new ballot so that the UCU can renew their industrial action mandate further. Since this article has been written, Bristol University staff members have ended the MAB.

Book Nook: end of summer reads

Seb Davies shares a couple of his end of summer reads.

Seb Davies

Third Year, Philosophy

On the Road by Jack Kerouac is focal novel of the Beat Generation. It is a masterpiece that attempts to navigate a variety of themes within an ever-modernising America. Kerouac is not shy in his discussion of sex and drugs and the way in which they shape the individual’s experiences in their travels across America. We meet Sal Paradise, a young intellectual writer who surrounds himself in his home city of New York with other like-minded intellectu-

als. However, this is abruptly shaken up when we meet Dean, a problematic yet fascinating individual who has spent most of his life in and out of trouble, and ultimately jail. It is this clash of personalities that makes this book such a joy to read, learning how these two very different individuals navigate the scale of travelling the US, and how these experiences come to shape their personalities in very different ways. The experience of reading about Sal, Dean and their many other friends travelling around the country is quite remarkable.

Kerouac is a genius in the way in which he makes you want to just leave everything behind and go explore things you have never seen before. Based on his own experienc-

es travelling with friend Neal Cassidy, Kerouac manages to perfectly capture the unpredictability and freedom that comes with travelling, and places it into a wonderful piece of literature. The erratic nature of the plot is certainly evident and makes it challenging at points to comprehend what is going on, and yet I think that only adds to the beauty of the novel. Much in the same way that I found Dean’s character to be very unlikeable at points, it is how wild he is as a person that really makes On the Road a special novel to read.

Sartre’s first novel Nausea is without a doubt the best book I have read for a very long time. The ability which Sartre has in being able to introduce such a moving

theory, through the means of a fictional diary, is quite remarkable. Set in the fictional town of Bouville, we learn about the experiences of Antoine Roquetin through the means of his diary. Carrying out his day-to-day life, he is plagued by a feeling that he terms 'the nausea', and we learn through the diary what this means to Antoine as well as the way in which he comes to terms with it. This book is without a doubt the perfect introduction to existentialism, the idea that we shape the meaning of our own existence, and yet we also can appreciate a beautiful piece of fiction at the same time. The beauty of Sartre’s writing, and other philosophical novels, is you are free

to take as much or as little meaning from the book as possible, and each time you come across this book, you can take a little bit extra from it. The way in which this novel can be freeing to you as an individual is a credit which you cannot give to many novels. Learning how Antoine comes to terms with what his own existence means, and the way in which he can let that shape his life is no doubt what makes this book a joy to read, and why I tell people that there is no doubt it is one of the greatest novels I have ever come across.

Back to university: How to maintain a love of reading

Honey Ryder explores how to balance reading alongsideyouracademiclife.

Honey Ryder

Second Year, English

During the term, there is little time to read for fun. We prioritise academic reading and resort to audiobooks or a few pages of casual reading a night. We cope by telling ourselves that it is okay to sideline our recreational reading until our workload decreases. After the pressure of endof-year exams, detoxing our brains with light-hearted summer reads is a relief. The first book I read when university ended for the summer was a romance fantasy cheesy enough to make an English student’s skin crawl. Still, it helped me rediscover

the joy of reading as a pastime instead of a requirement for my degree. When the thought of reading one more convoluted page by a literary great was uninviting, that book lifted me from my reading slump.

Eventually, I returned to reading more intellectually stimulating novels. I hoped to feel more prepared for the university-assigned readings by easing myself into more challenging texts. The transition into academics should not be an abrupt change but a development of your summer reading.

This is easier said than done. Reading transforms from an indulgence into a chore in the time it takes to open an Outlook email. I study English Literature, where the lines between reading for pleasure and academic purposes are blurred. This can be a positive thing. Work often feels like play. However, being forced to read a tedious or difficult

book dulls your passion. An innate rebelliousness overcomes you when something is compulsory rather than optional. Also, knowing that the results of your reading will be examined and quantified per a grading system can kill any eagerness.

The key is to shift your thinking. You can learn just as much from the books you do not like as the books you do. Understanding why you dislike a text, if it has something to do with the writing style or the organisation of information, enhances your critical eye and helps you improve your own writing. Lecturers choose the compulsory readings for a reason, so finding the usefulness in something you deem uninteresting will make you a more active, engaged reader. Persisting with a book that you loathe is no mean feat. It helps to see reading as a

competition, wherein you keep trying to outdo yourself. Nothing beats clicking ‘I’m Finished!’ on a book on Goodreads or crossing an item off your reading list. Let the thought of adding one more book to your brain’s infinite catalogue motivate rather than deter you.

I would advise you to start early. Cramming your reading squashes any potential for pleasure. Reading your academic books in a comfortable chair, with a cup of tea, the relaxed way you would read a book of your choice might allow you to discover things you like about them or at least make for an enjoyable experience. Take the pressure off yourself and see what reveals itself on the page.

Resurrecting the critical thinking part of the brain after a summer of passive reading is a struggle. Again, easing yourself into it is the best way forward. I indicate noteworthy

lines and passages in a text so that my future self can return to them and re-examine them in more detail. You do not need to be making nuanced annotations from the get-go. Give yourself time to get back into the rhythm of a university student.

It helps to have a reading routine. Tackling a pre-determined number of chapters or pages per day prevents feeling swamped with required reading. It also fuels that dopamine-inducing sense of accomplishment when you meet your daily target.

We want the changeover from summer to university to be as painless as possible. If you approach your course reading with the right mindset and efficiently manage your time, you will prepare yourself well for the next academic yearand still have time for a guilty pleasure read or two.

Gaze at Edinburgh Fringe

Following the success of her near totally sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe, writer and director Lilly Arianne talks to Epigram about her show ‘Gaze’, imposter syndrome

Isabel Williams Arts Co-Deputy Editor

Earlier this year, over 40 Bristol students geared up to strut and fret upon the stage before crowds of strangers as part of the annual Edinburgh Fringe theatre festival. One of the productions representing Bristol University was the show ‘Gaze’, which was quoted by the BBC as receiving praise for its ‘great acting and sharp dialogue’. The show was initially written as a small piece for the University of Bristol’s Falstaff Society, before Lilly got the chance to take it to the Fringe through her winning a Drama Society competition. She explains to me that, like so many works of art, the show was conceived from a place very close to heart.

'I think all the creative projects I’ve had have stemmed from me being angry” she muses. “It was a short piece and I wrote it on a train. I’d been in quite a

bad argument with a friend and I just needed to channel the anger somewhere.' As somebody who hasn’t had the chance to see the play, I ask her if she can give me a rundown on its content.

'It’s called Gaze because it’s about the male gaze. What I wanted to do is kind of highlight how latent misogyny in friendship groups, in culture, in just your daily interactions can actually be the start of something much more sinister than perhaps we imagine.'

She elaborates on the structure of the play, which consists of two parts: one in which the audience are laughing along with the casual banter of a dinner party and one in which the characters become almost animalistic caricatures of themselves, repeating the same dialogue of the first section with an undertone that makes its misogyny far more explicit; a creative decision that is intended to make the audience feel uncomfortable. 'I wanted the audience to feel complicit in everything that had happened' Lilly tells me, relating to how the central female character breaks the fourth wall in the middle of the play.

The script is keen to recognise the detrimental impact that latent misogyny has on everybody, besides solely cisgender, straight women. Whilst proposing the show to

DramSoc for the Edinburgh Fringe, Lilly added a lesbian couple to the list of characters, 'because I wanted to look at the experience of internalised homophobia and how a lot of queer relationships, especially queer women, are still affected by the male gaze.' She also mentions that, even with the patriarchy’s tyranny as her focal point, she never wanted to paint men as unwavering villains. 'Like, the male gaze impacts men as well', she says, 'Misogyny hurts men as well. It puts them in this box and forces them to be a certain kind of man.'

Fortunately, it doesn’t seem that Lilly’s message was misinterpreted and the run was an undeniable success. 'We were immensely lucky,' Lilly admits, 'we all just got on incredibly well.' She comments on how one of the most rewarding aspects was seeing that 'people were having genuine conversations afterwards about the show', adding that 'it’s just got a conversation started about issues that are very close to, I mean, all of us really.'

As the interview nears its conclusion, I ask if Lilly has any advice for those fresheyed students hoping to pursue her trajectory. 'I think my advice is don’t have imposter syndrome. You’ve

got to believe that you can do it and rely on the people around you. There are so many people who want to support you.' She admits that in her own case there was a level of imposter syndrome that made her feel unworthy, but affirms that with the financial support of an organi-

sation like DramSoc, 'why the hell not take that opportunity?' So, can we hope to see ‘Gaze’ in a theatre near us soon? 'Maybe. Or I might just start writing something new and get bored of it.' Either way, we’re excited to see what she does next.

Image courtesy of Ben Tofan / Unsplash

Film & TV

The best comfort films for starting university

A selection of classic comfort films to help with feelings of homesickness, nerves and all sorts of new emotions.

Alannah Mylechreest Second Year, English and German

If you've recently moved away from home to university for the first time, you may be feeling all kinds of emotions - excited, nervous, lonely, homesick. Films are the best remedy for all these overwhelming feelings and I've put together a list of my top picks for comfort films that you can watch whilst you ease into university life. They're perfect to view either by yourself as you settle into your new room, or with your flatmates as a bonding experience!

Groundhog Day (1993)

Feel-good classic comedies make for excellent comfort films, and Groundhog Day is one of the best examples. The film follows weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray), who is covering the Groundhog Day celebrations in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and wakes up one morning to find he is experiencing the previous day all over again. As he struggles to find a way to escape the time loop, Phil's cynical attitude changes and he learns

to live his life to the fullest. Murray is naturally hilarious, particularly with his deadpan delivery, and Andie MacDowell also shines as the loveable romantic interest Rita. They say laughter is the best medicine, so give Groundhog Day a try if you want a distraction from any homesickness.

Tomatoes and with many shots of a picturesque and idyllic London, accompanied by Dario Marianelli's quirky soundtrack, it's easy to see why. Paddington's consistent positive outlook is inspiring and he spouts many wise aphorisms over the course of the film. There are also so many hilarious moments, particularly during encounters with the prison's chef Knuckles (Brendan Gleeson) or the once-beloved actor Phoenix Buchanan (Hugh Grant). That being said, I challenge you not to be weeping at some point during this film!

Paddington 2 (2017)

The film version of a warm hug, Paddington 2 is best viewed with a hot mug of tea and a marmalade sandwich in hand. You don't necessarily have to have seen Paddington (2014), just simply know that the eponymous Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is an adorable bear cub from Peru that the Brown family finds in Paddington train station and adopts as one of their own. Whilst searching for the perfect present for his Aunt Lucy's birthday, Paddington is framed for robbery and his community bands together to bring justice. At one point, Paddington 2 was the most reviewed film at 100 per cent on Rotten

Legally Blonde (2001)

If you're in need of some motivation at the start of a new academic year, then Legally Blonde is the best solution - at least when it comes to films. Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) has fierce drive and determination to get into Harvard Law School, and subsequently be top of the class,

in order to show up her former boyfriend Warner (Matthew Davis). It will probably make you want to crack open a textbook and start studying. Furthermore, the abundance of pink in practically every other shot is certain to wash away any feelings of sadness.

see how adorable Ponyo is!

The Sound of Music (1965)

Ponyo (2008)

The colourful world of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films makes for excellent escapism and if you've already watched My Neighbour Totoro (1988) and Howl's Moving Castle (2004), I'd suggest giving Ponyo a try!

This heartwarming tale of friendship details the relationship between the magical goldfish-turned-human Ponyo (Yuria Nara, Noah Cyrus in the English-language version), and the five-year-old boy Sōsuke (Hiroki Doi, Frankie Jonas in the English-language version). Like all Studio Ghibli films, the animation is simply gorgeous and if you're looking for a bit of joy, you'll definitely find it when you

All in all, the best comfort films are deeply personal; ones that you have watched so many times you could recite the script by heart. For me that would have to be Robert Wise's adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic 1959 musical The Sound of Music. Free-spirited postulant Maria (Julie Andrews) is sent to look after the seven children of the widowed Captain von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) and helps to bring joy and music back into all of their lives, including the Captain's. Even if you've never watched the film before, you'll probably be familiar with many of its musical numbers, such as 'Do-re-mi', 'My Favourite Things' or 'Edelweiss'. Seeing Maria stride through the gorgeous Austrian hills in the stunning springtime can also be a welcome distraction as winter draws closer.

Past Lives: a modern masterpiece

Celine Song's directorial debut is a modern masterpiece of a love story that will resonate with the past, present and future.

Lara Lippin

Third Year, English

Celine Song’s spellbinding debut Past Lives (2023) explores the relationship between childhood sweethearts Nora (Greta Lee) and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). The South Korean and Canadian playwright and director captures the beauty of life’s interconnectedness and explores whether each encounter is down to chance or fate.

The film opens with a

wide shot of Nora sitting between Hae Sung (Yoo) and her Jewish American husband Arthur (John Magaro), whilst being observed by two unknown speakers. Although we don’t know the identities of these three characters yet, Song makes it clear that they share a complicated history.

Cutting swiftly from this outside perspective, Song takes us back 24 years to Seoul, where Nora (known as Na Young in South Korea) and Hae Sung meet as classmates. The two children grow close quickly, bonding over their grades and shared interests. Their blossoming friendship is quickly cut short by Na Young's parents’ decision to

move to Toronto. The young pair’s final goodbye is beautifully captured by cinematographer, Shabier Kirchner. We watch young Na Young and Hae Sung splitting off separately on their walk back from school, foreshadowing the pair's separation throughout the rest of the film. Song then transports us twelve years later, where Hae Sung is still in Korea and Na Young (now known as Nora) is trying to establish herself as a playwright in New York. Upon interest, Nora reaches out to Hae Sung sparking them to reconnect over Skype. They bond and reminisce over the past, intimately

travelling back in time together. However, much like their childhood, this moment of bliss is abruptly cut short when Nora tells Hae Sung they should stop speaking.

It is clear that Hae Sung has fallen for the Nora he once knew and clings to their past shared life, however Nora is stuck between her past in Korea and her identity as an immigrant in New York. Although they once shared a romantic connection, Nora attaches Hae Sung to her past life and longs for new beginnings in New York.

Nora’s separation from her past life self-echoes Song’s own personal experience of moving from Seoul to To-

ronto at age 12. In conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Song explained how her childhood ‘happened in a different culture under a different name. It’s a silo or a distinctly separated moment in your life that very much feels like a past life.'

Song’s personal experience of separation shines through poetically, capturing both the heartbreak of being in love with the past version of someone else and the conflicting pain of breaking someone’s projection of a past version of you.

Images courtesy of IMDb

At the Cube: The Battle of Chile

To mark 50 years since the events of 1973, the three part documentary film series was shown in its entirety at the Cube on 10th September.

Arron Kennon Film & TV Editor

The Battle of Chile (1975-1979) is a groundbreaking documentary trilogy directed by Patricio Guzmán, capturing the tumultuous and transformative events surrounding the Chilean political landscape in the early 1970s. Comprising three parts – The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie, The Coup d'État and Popular Power – this monumental work provides an intimate and compelling account of the rise, fall and legacy of Salvador Allende's socialist government, with the eventual military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. The existence of the trilogy constitutes a miracle in itself. Once Pinochet’s military dictatorship was established, members of the Revolutionary Leftist Movement were sought out for capture, torture and murder. Guzmán was forced into exile, fleeing Chile and smuggling the footage into Cuba, where he was able to work on the film under the protection of their communist government. Cinematographer for the film Jorje Muller, was not so fortunate. Captured in 1974, he has unfor-

tunately not been seen since.

The first installment of the trilogy, The Insurrection of the Bourgeoisie, immerses the audience in the fervor and anxiety of Chilean society as Salvador Allende's Popular Unity government attempts to enact radical socialist reforms. Guzmán balances archival footage with on-the-ground interviews and insightful narration. The film paints a vivid picture of the deep divisions within Chilean society, where the wealthy elite and the military plotting to undermine Allende's government at every turn.

Guzmán's lens captures the intensity of the period, from the street protests to the heated debates within the Chilean Congress. He exposes the economic sabotage orchestrated by the bourgeoisie and the complicity of foreign powers, particularly the United States who consistently funded and supported the Chilean opposition to socialism. Through the lens of history, viewers witness the challenges of implementing progressive reforms within a hostile environment, making it a poignant commentary on the timeless struggle for social change.

The Coup d'État delves into the harrowing events of 11th September, 1973, when General Pinochet's military junta staged a brutal coup against

President Allende. Guzmán's camera captures the chaos, fear and violence that engulfed Chile on that fateful day. The film is a chilling account of how democracy can crumble when confronted with ruthless authoritarianism.

The documentary excels in its portrayal of the human toll of the coup, with heart-wrenching testimonies from survivors and family members of the disappeared. Guzmán's ability to juxtapose personal stories with historical context provides a powerful emotional depth to the narrative.

In Popular Power, the final installment, Guzmán continues to chronicle the aftermath of the coup and the resilient spirit of the Chilean people. As Chile endures Pinochet's repressive regime, the documentary highlights the grassroots resistance movements that emerged in the face of adversity. Through extensive interviews with activists, students and workers, Guzmán captures the enduring hope and determination that sustained the struggle for democracy.

The Battle of Chile trilogy stands as a testament to

the enduring power of documentary filmmaking as a tool for political education and historical preservation. Guzmán's dedication to telling the story of Chile's turbulent journey toward democracy is evident in every frame. The trilogy remains a crucial resource for understanding the complex interplay between political ideologies, foreign intervention,= and the human cost of political upheaval.

‘Queer Wrongs': Passages is a vitally fresh take on desperate intimacy

Both Ben Whishaw and Adèle Exarchopoulos are a delight to watch in Ira Sachs' latest film.

Jacob Rose

Third Year, Film and English

In Passages (2023), the latest film directed by Ira Sachs, art is ever-present. The first scene invites us into the final day of shooting on a film set. The director Tomas (Franz Rogowski) is intense, stalling production through a never ending hassling of the actors in his pursuit of perfection, all while blaming them for the delay. It’s an intense scene and

one which acts excellently in capturing the tone for the rest of Passages

The film’s premise follows Tomas’ steadily growing desperation to cling onto either one of his two lovers: his husband Martin (Ben Whishaw) and recent fling Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos). As his manipulative traits get him rejected by one, they work on the other, providing an uncomfortably worrying tennis match of toxic desire. Rogowski's performance of Tomas is subtly monstrous, embodying such a twisted realism that is easy to hate and difficult to distinguish from Rogowski himself.

Tomas’ desperation burns through the screen, but who can blame him? Both Whishaw and Exarchopoulos are a delight to watch, as their characters fluctuate between figures of desire - ‘sexy’ is plastered all over the film’s marketing for a reason - to nearly-overflowing vessels of heartbreak. Passages' independence gives it a refreshing freedom,

wherein a chunk of its narrative beats aren’t weighed down by the still-ongoing, still-ridiculous questioning of whether they (Queer people, polyamory, women’s rights) deserve to exist. The Queer Wrongs title is, of course, referencing the subversion of ‘queer rights’, but we legitimately benefit from stories like Passages and their freeing discomforts; in having them, we allow for narratives far more encompassing, real and necessary in the current day. Art, as mentioned, is within every grain of life during Passages: Tomas’ fashion dominates space,

ranging from koi-fish crop tops to puffed up fur coats. Each interior is a 'euro-nouveau' dollhouse, packed with artisan styles, cooking boards, bookshelves and other artworks, giving reality through their gradual familiarity. In showing so many artistic worlds and personal moments of an intimately driven story, Passages becomes much more than a love story, instead encompassing a cultural snapshot of a youthful, queer, uncomfortable but important era.

Image courtesy of IMDb

Image Courtesy of Rebecca Hausner / Unsplash

Reflecting on Forwards Festival 2023

Now a key part of Bristol's festival calendar, this years' edition saw Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu headline.

Susie Long Music Subeditor

In the midst of their unparalleled set at Forwards Festival last week, Ezra Collective drummer Femi Koleoso explains the motivation behind their music: “It’s joy. Joy is so much more real than happiness - it’s what we should all be trying to find.”

I think with this statement, Koleoso summarised not just the recent Mercury Prize winners’ performance, but Forwards Festival as a whole. It was one big bundle of joy.

Local DJ Steve Rice was providing a smooth soul soundtrack as we walked in, soon followed by the mellow sounds of JIM on the East Stage. Neither were artists that I had previously heard of - but that’s what I love about a festival like Forwards: it really is curated to have something for everyone. As we listened, it was lovely to see how much the festival had to offer in a small space, with Information panels and talks, food and drinks as far as the eye could see, and wonderful representation of small businesses like The Fashpack and Longwell Records.

As the day continued and the crowds grew, the magical atmosphere on the Bristol Downs just got better and better. Ezra Collective then took to the West Stage, with a set that - for me at least - was the best of the weekend. The London jazz band brought an almost indescribable energy to their performance, with drum solos, guitar riffs and trumpet parts highlighting just how talented this band really is. Making us all a part of their collective, the band hosted the most interactive live experience that I have ever had the pleasure of being part of. From sing-along sections to jumping over the barrier to dance with the crowd, this group has really nailed the art of engaging their audience with their music. Their setlist, whilst being entirely instrumental, resonated with each individual audience member in such a pure, joyful way; it was definitely a once-in-alifetime sort of experience.

When Erykah Badu emerged for her headline

set, clad in leather, her iconic oversized bowler hat, and the most dramatic neon green leg warmers I think I will ever see, she had the crowd captivated. Almost biblically, everything she did was watched and worshipped; it was genius. As well as extraordinary showmanship, Badu’s vocals were insane - I don’t often use the phrase “jaw-dropping” literally, but this made the cut. Alongside her surprise guests - notably a very exciting appearance by Yasiin Bey (fka. Mos Def) - Erykah Badu put on one hell of a show. As it went on, Badu’s set just got more and more intricate, from her vocals and setlist itself, to the outfit reveals of glittery fringe sleeves and shredded t-shirts. Badu bore her soul for the thousands of us on the Downs that night, and we all lapped it up enthusiastically.

Kicking off Sunday, I then headed over to see Nigerian-born, London-based artist Obongjayar. I’ve been a fan of his music for a while, with strong hip-hop, afrobeat and rap characteristics, as well as clever odes to soul and funk, but nothing could have prepared me for the energy that this man brings to a performance. With the mid-afternoon sun blazing down on the Forwards festival East Stage, it became a true ‘dance like nobody’s watching’ kind of moment: it’s music you can’t help but move to and a very good move from the festival’s organisers to include him in their lineup. Obongjayar is a gem of authentic happiness within the modern music industry, and he was an absolute pleasure to watch live.

We then ran off to get some food and restock on beer, with the beautiful music of Arlo Parks providing our soundtrack for the evening. Wrestling our way through the crowds quickly assembling at the West Stage, Primal Scream was calling our names. With the Saturday sunset framing the stage perfectly, it was obvious exactly why this band is revered the way they are. Whilst, truthfully, I am yet another surface-level fan of Primal Scream, their performance was insane. Bobby Gillespie seemed so at home on stage, such a natural frontman, and the energy was infectious. We screamed along to ‘Country Girl’, moved on up and got

our ‘Rocks’ off with the best of them and I loved every second.

Watching Aphex Twin live was an experience that I’m not sure how effectively I’ll be able to put into words. It was an entirely transformative 90 minutes that felt like it could’ve lasted either 30 seconds or an entire lifetime - it sounds cliché but you really did feel one with the music. We laughed afterwards that this was probably how brainwashing cults started. Clinging onto the barrier and positioned under a giant row of speakers, my senses were completely infiltrated by Aphex Twin: it was undoubtedly the best live music performance

that I have ever experienced and will be hard to beat. In a way, I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did, being an indie-folk/alt. girl to my core, but that didn’t matter. His music feels like it transports you to a different place entirely; he is so much more than just a DJ.

The crowd were in the palm of his hand, hypnotised by his music. With his infamous celebrity sequence playing onto the screens, it was amazing to see how easily and quickly he turned a group of thousands of individuals into one entity - we all seemed to act as one. The reel of celebrities and famous Bristolians continued: King Charles, Mr Bean, JK Rowling,

The Wurzels, Big Issue Jefff... and along with it our bellowing cries (boos, cheers, more boos, cheers, and a thunderous roar of applause in that order). He was the best possible headliner we could have had and I will remember that performance forever.

All in all, I think that Forwards Festival has cracked the code for how to make a perfect weekend. To fit so much talent into such a short space of time - this article barely scratches the surface of what they had to offer - and to have it all so close to home in our lovely city was incredible. I can’t wait to see what they next have in store, where Forwards will return to the Downs for 2024!

'Joy is so much more real than happiness. It's what we should all be trying to find.'

Image courtesy of Giulia Spadafora / Plaster PR

'His music feels like it transports you to a different place entirely.'

Talking 'Teenage Kicks' with The Undertones

Ahead of their UK tour, Pete Doherty talks to Epigram about how the band have lasted forty years.

Isabel Williams Arts Co-Deputy Editor

From the release of their first album way back in 1979 to their compilation album of 2022, The Undertones’ music has always been the sound of carefree adolescent recklessness. Their rough-hewn but upbeat track ‘Teenage Kicks’ has long been a favourite with love-struck teens and indie bildungsroman movies alike. I can vividly remember dancing around a fairy-light adorned bedroom at two in the morning, my friend and I singing in loud faux-whispers to avoid rousing the slumbering parents in the room above us.

Even after the replacement of their original frontman Feargal Sharkey with Paul McLoone, The Undertones haven’t lost their quintessential spark. Their last album ‘Dig What You Need’ featured a compilation of their top tracks, remixed to provide a crisp and highly polished production quality. Even with the band members being well into mid-

Epigram catches up with the emerging Bristol indiepop band as they are set to embark on a new UK tour.

Zoë Blake-James

Proofreader

Sat in my bed, with the lights off and headphones on, a euphonious blend of gritty guitar and soulful vocals wash over me. One song melts into the next and the stories told are so mesmerisingly palpable, that I feel as though I could reach out and touch a fragment of the melancholy poured into the heartfelt words. I hear for the first time the understated power of the lyrics, “And I love you forever but I wish you knew better at times.” ('Girlfriend in the Band'). In the dark of my room, shut off from the outside world and immersed in this new experience, I’ve discovered the magical spin on indie-pop that is HUNNY BUZZ.

It was little intricacies such as these that initially

dle age, the album’s sound maintains a distinct vitality that still channels the teenage angst of their early days.

“I think the drive and the energy have always been there”, Doherty tells me.

“The Undertones sound will probably always be associated with Feargal Sharkey’s wobbly sounding voice, but I think Paul is doing an admirable job, I think he’s terrific and he’s very, very funny. He makes me laugh. For me those kinds of attributes are probably more important.”

It becomes clear throughout the course of the interview just how much Doherty appreciates being able to play as part of The Undertones, both for the joy of the music and for the close friendship of the other band members.

Although members of the band have worked on solo musical enterprises, with Doherty playing as part of a ceilidh band for a while, he doubts that The Undertones will be producing anything entirely new. “I just see them like we’re this kind of force and we just try and get on with it and do the best that we can,” he says. It’s an unfortunate side effect of fame that many bands

grow to detest their most popular songs. Considering the enduring appeal of ‘Teenage Kicks’, I can’t help but wonder whether The Undertones may have garnered some feelings of resentment towards the song over time. Doherty agrees that at the height of their career, they were much less interested in playing the song live, “Which we should have been doing,” he admits, “which was a really bad mistake.”

Nowadays, however, the band’s feelings are much changed. You can practically hear the smile on Doherty’s face as he reminisces about a Spanish festival they played a few years ago: “It was great because I could see everyone, just this big

sea of movement, everyone was getting into 'Teenage Kicks'” he says, before adding “I feel really honoured to be playing these tracks with guys that I like and I get a great buzz from it.” It is this message of easy contentment and appreciation that Doherty gets across to me. “I know it seems very simplistic and kind of idealistic, but just be happy. If you’re happy, everything else will fall into place.”

It’s a warming senti-

Rising: HUNNY BUZZ

drew me in and compelled me a year on to speak with the emerging Bristol band. In particular, HUNNY BUZZ’s latest song, 'Deli Man', is truly a testament to the band’s fun and fresh approach to all things indie-pop; this time with newer elements of country folk, but nonetheless still holding a strong message that we see across all of their tracks. “I write about personal things because it’s my therapy and an outlet for my thoughts,” lead vocalist Lyd explains, as she discusses the vulnerability that can come with touching upon modern struggles. “I also know that lots of people go through stuff too and that that’s just part of life; my lyrics could help someone, or connect with someone.”

The gliding, almost ethereal sound distortions that float in the background of 'Deli Man' alongside the everchanging, driving rhythm of the drums, give the sensation of a tide ebbing and flowing. Lyd’s voice is a current of emotion that pulls you in and challenges you to

stay. Her defiance in the face of modern issues crests with a question that pierces right through to the listener, engaging and reassuring them. Connecting with this message feels easy, as you gradually become swept up by the waves of energy that HUNNY BUZZ exude through their music.

The band’s liveliness and pastel guitar themes perhaps have Andy Ghosh’s (guitarist from Turbowolf) words of wisdom to thank for. Lead guitarist Rowan Barfoot muses on the advice he learnt, such that

the most important thing is to create something new out of the inspiration he takes from music idols and to always keep things fun. This playful and artistic side to the band is reflected in their whimsical music videos which also dual with the melancholic nature of their lyricism, taking you on a journey to the heart of the band’s image. Pastel colours, dynamic melodies and words from the heart; where most would shy from this combination, HUNNY BUZZ flourish under it. Their connection

ment to hear, but does Doherty think of himself as happy now? “Well, I’m sitting here; it’s a gorgeous day and I’ve got Bobby beside me, he’s my dog. I've got the guys- they’re building a little cabin at the back of the house, it all looks absolutely stunningly beautiful and I just took them up some Coca-Cola and some bars of chocolate. And I’m quite happy and I’m quite content.”

as a group is clear to see across this coherence and their strengths most certainly lie in the fact that “there is so much passion and emotion between the four of [them].” “The dynamic between us sometimes feels unexplainable; we are like family. We know each other so well emotionally and musically,” the band continues. “We write songs because we love getting together and seeing what new sounds we can get out of one another.”

The future is certainly bright for HUNNY BUZZ, who continue to channel their fun energy not only into their songs, but also through their fanbase and stage presence, whether it is underground at a sold-out night at The Louisiana by Bristol’s harbourside, or out in the open air of Oxfordshire’s Truck festival. Having just completed their first UK tour, they are absolutely buzzed to announce their next one in the upcoming year, supporting their debut EP Pacific Wax!

Image courtesy of HUNNY BUZZ band

Image courtesy of Rob / Sonic PR

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Editor Deputy Editor Dhristi Agarwal Lucas Mockeridge

Facial recognition: Orwellian tech?

As the government plans to increase its use of facial recognition, SciTech looks at how it works and the threat that it poses to liberty.

Lucas Mockeridge SciTech Deputy Editor

Facial recognition seems relatively benign. No harm comes from using it to unlock a mobile device, or pass through an ePassport gate at the airport. But such technology is also used for state surveillance, even in Britain. The UK police first trialled live facial recognition as a surveillance tool in 2014. Since then, several police forces around the country have gradually adopted it and now, controversially, the Home Office is hoping to expand its use nationally.

Under live facial recognition, footage from CCTV and bodyworn cameras is streamed directly to the police’s facial recognition system in real time. The system finds faces in the footage and compares them with those on a police watchlist. Officers nearby are alerted if there is a match.

Modern facial recognition systems owe their remarkable accuracy to a type of artificial intelligence called deep learning. Deep learning revolves around deep neural networks: algorithms inspired by the human brain that learn to perform tasks by creating patterns from data.

Facial recognition systems often use neural networks for face detection. A network first receives a dataset of images, with the locations of the objects and faces within them. Using this data, it learns a series of filters that can be

applied to an image to find all of the faces that it contains.

Neural networks are also used to recognise faces. For this task, a network is given lots of cropped images of faces. By telling it which faces it must regard as the same person, a network can learn to distil the essence of a face into a vector, which can then be used for comparisons.

To make sure that the network finds important facial features, faces in the data must vary as much as possible, from pulling funny expressions to wearing face coverings. Moreover, the faces must be diverse to prevent the network from being inherently biased.

Britain has around six million CCTV cameras, each of which could be connected to a live facial recognition

Bias has been a huge issue with facial recognition systems historically. In 2019, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology found that many commercial facial recognition systems were 10 to 100 times more likely to misidentify a black or East Asian face than a white one. However, the National Physical Laboratory found that the police’s live facial recognition

had no race or sex bias under certain system parameters. But the chances of a false match was one in 6,000. At that rate, tens of thousands of people could be misidentified on a national scale.

The police believe that live facial recognition helps them to prevent crime from happening and bring criminals to justice. For instance, a wanted sex offender was arrested at the Coronation, after being identified by the technology.

Human rights groups describe the technology as ‘Orwellian’ and compare the police’s use of it to taking DNA or fingerprints without consent or even knowledge. They accuse the police of turning Britain’s streets into police lineups and Britons themselves into walking ID cards.

Campaigners also argue that live facial recognition undermines the presumption of innocence: the bedrock of liberty and justice. They believe that once an individual has been identified by facial recognition the onus is on them to prove their innocence rather than the state to prove their guilt.

Whilst the EU is moving to ban police from using live facial recognition, the UK has no

law that even mentions it. The police are able to justify its use under common law powers, but the public expect the law to be explicit. Research by the Ada Lovelace Institute found that the majority of the British people want police use of facial recognition technology to be restricted, with nearly a third being uncomfortable with it altogether. People's discomfort was often tied to a fear of normalising surveillance in Britain.

This fear may be well-founded. Britain has around six million CCTV cameras, each of which could be connected to a live facial recognition system. The technology has already been used by other countries to stop people from protesting and to persecute minority groups.

An expansion of live facial recognition may irrevocably change the relationship between the state and the individual in Britain. Perhaps this would create more injustice than any set of criminals could ever visit upon society.

Image courtesy of Flickr /Cassowary Colorizations

Somerset app aims to prevent opioid overdoses

Will Smears looks into opioid misuse in the UK and the app aiming to prevent overdoses in Somerset.

Will Smears

Fourth Year, Biochemistry

Somerset has among the worst incidences of injection drug-related deaths in the UK, with Bristol accounting for a large proportion of them. Opioid users often lack access to medication for opioid overdoses, but an app developed partly by University of Bristol researchers aims to solve this problem.

Opioids can be extracted from Papaver somniferum (Poppy plant) or synthetically developed. Codeine, morphine and fentanyl are opioids historically used for pain-relief, but are also used recreationally alongside oth-

er opioids such as heroin, oxycodone and methadone. Opioids attach to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals. They intensify triggering feelings of pleasure and sedation, by stimulating the release of endorphins (happy chemicals).

Relaxation and sleepiness can be induced through slow breathing and a reduction in heart rate. In an overdose, this can cause breathing problems and unconsciousness, which is often fatal.

Opioid prescriptions in the UK more than doubled since 1998. This has been described as an ‘epidemic’. Many public health workers think that opioids are promiscuously prescribed, often in cases of chronic pain, for which they are of little use. Clinically prescribed opioids as well as illegal street opioids, such as heroin, have contributed to

an increase in opioid-related deaths across the UK, despite an overall decrease in the rate of addicts. The increase in mortality rates is largely attributed to an ageing cohort of drug users, with the highest rate of users among the 45-49 year age group. This may be due to the effects of long-term use making users more susceptible to overdose.

In 2021, 4,859 drug poisoning deaths were registered across England and Wales, with a rate of 84.4 deaths per million. The South West had a particularly alarming rate of 91.4 per million. Nearly half of all these deaths involved an opiate, a natural opioid. 49 per cent of opioid users in Somerset did not access hospital treatment compared to the English average of 47 per cent.

Injecting drug use is particularly prevalent in Bristol, an epicentre for ‘snowballing’

– injecting a mixture of crack cocaine and heroine. The statistics clearly show a need for improved medical assistance for opioid users in Somerset, which the ‘Carry Naloxone’ app aims to help fulfil. The app was partly developed by researchers at the University of Bristol and encourages opioid users to carry naloxone: a medication to treat opioid overdoses.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It effectively ‘kicks off’ opioids from opioid receptors and blocks them from generating further effect. Naloxone is extremely effective; either the nasal spray or injection can restore normal breathing within two minutes.

On entering the app, there are several tabs providing information resources. The first outlines the symptoms of opioid overdose and instructions on administering naloxone. It also tells users how to reduce the risk of overdose. With loca-

tion access, the app can show a map revealing the locations of pharmacies stocking naloxone.

Drs Jennifer Scott and Jo Kesten from University of Bristol Medical School, alongside Deb Hussey from Turning Point UK, performed surveys and workshops with victims of overdose, witnesses to overdose, current users and drug service staff. Dr Scott hopes that the app will help provide more ‘engaging’ information material to ‘help raise awareness of naloxone and where to get it and encourage people in Somerset to carry naloxone’.

The app was written by University of Bath computer science student Tom Heaton. Somerset Council funded the project to support the 2021 ‘From Harm to Hope’ Government drug strategy.

• For the rest of this article, please visit www.epigram.org. uk

Science behind the spectacle of reverse swing – skill or manipulation?

Milan assesses the physics of reverse swing bowling ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

Milan Perera Deputy Editor

The ICC Cricket World Cup is around the corner. Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for an enthralling bonanza of cricket which showcases the skills, craft, endurance and experience of cricketing superstars. Among the illusive phenomena of cricket, reverse swing is undoubtedly high on the list. Though it has been around since the 1970s, reverse swing did not enter the discourse until early 1990s, mainly due to the stupefying exploits of bowlers such as Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. Initially dismissed as ‘unsportsmanlike’ dark arts due to the lack of understanding from both the opposition batters and media alike, reverse swing is now considered a key component of a fast bowler’s quiver. Reverse swing in cricket is a phenomenon that involves the principles of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. It's a

skilful tactic employed by fast bowlers to make the cricket ball move unexpectedly in the air, deceiving batters and causing difficulties in making contact with the ball. Here's a breakdown of the physics behind reverse swing.

Ball surface condition: The key to reverse swing lies in the condition of the ball. As a cricket ball is used in the game, it undergoes wear and tear. One side becomes rougher and loses its shine, while the other side remains more smooth and shiny. This differential surface condition is vital for reverse swing. In order to create a contrast between the two surfaces of the ball, fielding sides have always resorted to creative methods instead of the natural wear and tear process of a ball. In order to increase roughness of the surface, players have been using bottle tops, sandpaper or other abrasive agents. This is where sportsmanship comes into question, however the nature of this article is beyond the scope of such discussion.

Magnus Effect: To understand the physics of conventional

swing and reverse swing, we need to first grasp the Magnus Effect. When a cricket ball moves through the air, the airflow over one side of the ball is faster than the other. This difference in airflow speed results in a pressure difference between the two sides of the ball, causing it to move in the direction of the low-pressure side. For instance, a cricket ball with one shiny and one rough side will traditionally swing toward the shiny side, due to the Magnus Effect.

Turbulence and Pressure Differences: In reverse swing, the rough side of the ball disrupts the airflow around it, creating turbulence. This turbulence generates a low-pressure region on the rough side as the air flow escapes the rougher surface of the ball prematurely, while the shiny side produces a high-pressure region. The result is a reversal of the pressure gradient compared to when the ball was new.

Reversed Pressure Gradient: This reversed pressure gradient is the key to reverse swing. When the ball is bowled with the rough side facing

the batsman, the pressure differences cause the ball to move toward the rough side. This is why reverse swing is often more pronounced when the rough side faces leg-side for a conventional swing bowler (for a right-handed batsman). In essence, the ball swings back towards the shiny side, defying the batsman's expectations.

One of the most iconic examples of this is the dismissal of Alan Lamb off the bowling of Wasim Akram in the World Cup final in 1992. Lamb, who was an adept batsman against fast bowlers, was expecting the outswing from Wasim Akram, but instead the ball swung into the right-handed Lamb and crashed his wicket. Lamb could only walk back to the pavilion in complete bewilderment.

Seam Orientation: The orientation of the seam on the cricket ball also plays a critical role in reverse swing. Bowlers deliberately tilt the seam slightly toward the shiny side. This tilted seam causes the ball to wobble unpredictably in the air, making it even more challenging for the batsman

to judge its trajectory. One of the major exponents of this phenomenon was Lasith Malinga, whose side arm slinging action, with an almost horizontal seam position, yielded many a delivery that bamboozled batters and fans alike.

Speed Matters: The speed at which the ball is bowled is another significant factor in reverse swing. Fast bowlers generate turbulence more effectively which, combined with the ball's surface condition, leads to more pronounced reverse swing. At higher speeds, the ball can display exaggerated movement in the air, making it exceptionally challenging for the batsman. Bowlers such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis were early pioneers of reverse swing due to the pace they could generate through the air. Thus, reverse swing in cricket is a result of the interaction between the ball's surface condition, seam orientation, speed and the principles of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics. Skilful bowlers who can manipulate these factors effectively can produce reverse swing—a captivating and often decisive aspect of the game that keeps batsmen guessing and fans enthralled.

WiSTEM: a society closing the gender gap

SciTech puts the spotlight on the Women in STEM Society and its mission to promote gender equality.

Lucinda Hamilton-Burns Fourth Year, Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

The Women in STEM Society (WiSTEM) is an excellent example of a society that places community at the forefront of everything that it does. WiSTEM is focused on promoting gender equality in all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines whilst creating a meaningful support network for women and other genders

that have historically been a minority in these fields. WiSTEM makes an inspiring and invaluable contribution to the university by hosting networking and careers events, such as mentor schemes and black history events with their sponsor KPMG.

The society also organises a range of socials such as boardgames, movie nights and pub quizzes, where women and minority gender groups can meet other STEM students in a safe and inclusive space.

Through these socials, WiSTEM helps to promote a sense of well-being within the STEM community and builds a strong network that will undoubtedly support students throughout their careers.

A particularly enjoyable as-

pect of the society's social media presence is its weekly 'WiSTEM Wednesday' posts, which acknowledge notable female scientists and their contribution to science, both past and present. Female research is so often underfunded and underappreciated. Historically, women have been completely disregarded in awards such as the Nobel Prize, with only 3 per cent of all winners being women since the first prize was awarded in 1901. By highlighting these inspiring women and their work, WiSTEM reminds everyone of the impact that women can, and frequently do, have in a male-dominated field. Moreover, it provides representation for

women from minority groups that have historically been erased from the narrative.

This all has the effect of inspiring the younger generation of scientists, who may have otherwise not been aware of these incredible women and will hopefully go on to create a more inclusive STEM community in the future.

‘We especially love that we are able to reach so many women and young minds to break barriers often faced in STEM disciplines,’ says Isobel Foster, WiSTEM’s Social Media Manager. ‘We love our huge network of support and our amazing community of super smart and powerful women in STEM!'

Although not a subject-specific society, contrib-

uting to the university in the usual way, WiSTEM creates something just as valuable: a network and support system for women and minority genders in a male-dominated arena. WiSTEM’s work to inspire young minds by highlighting the contribution of women in STEM, alongside its frequent career and social events, show what an inclusive, well-rounded and fun society it is. It's very clear why it was awarded Gold Accreditation in 2023. Keep up the good work ladies!

A skillful tactic employed by fast bowlers to make the ball move unexpectedly.

A phenomenon that involves the principles of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics.

Moving far beyond the court: Futsal, UoB Futsal and Futsoul 360

Victor Bennett deep-dives into the various aspects of Futsal , an underated sport that pushes the boundaries of football.

Victor Bennett Film & TV Subeditor

An inside version of football, a professionalised five-a-side or a game which is only played in the most deprived areas of the world? What is futsal and why should students be interested?

I talked to Jonathan Tyrell, co-founder of Futsoul 360, Futsal 360 and head coach of UoB Futsal, Max Mulliri, Vice-President of UoB Futsal, and Elliot Duffau,President of UoB Futsal, in a bid to answer these questions and debunk our understanding of this poorly understood sport.

Futsal is a game played on an indoor court where two teams of five players, using their feet, win by scoring more goals than the other. A game which, in that respect, seems almost identical to five-a-side or ‘a smaller version of football.’ For Duffau, however, ‘it became quite apparent that this is a completely different sport’ in so far as ‘the tactics, the way you play, or even the way you control the ball’ teaches you to ‘unlearn everything you have learned about football.’

Born out of South America in the 1930s, it would be foolish to associate futsal with the over-the-top flair and outlandish skill moves that players from that region are so commonly associated with. Mulliri, rather, describes the game with mathematical precision as to the specific movements that each player is tasked with, placing a huge emphasis on both the importance of patience in build-up play and having an awareness of your teammate's position.

Futsal is widely recognised as fundamental to the development of future football stars. Three of the greatest football players, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pelé have openly spoken about how futsal has given them the necessary transferable skills to distinguish themselves from the rest.

It is very surprising, therefore, that, as of 2020, the Football Association (FA) planned to slash the National Futsal Budget by £75m, citing the lack of success the England national football team has had

at major football tournaments

(The Guardian, 2020). Resources were thought better directed away from futsal, and towards football; this is a decision which chooses to ignore the words of the world's best football stars and England head coach Gareth Southgate. Nevertheless, individuals such as Jonathan Tyrell have taken it upon themselves to establish the necessary infrastructure that the FA has so stubbornly neglected. Tyrell’s story with the sport is both a familiar one and outstanding in execution. Similar to Mulliri, Duffau and most of UoB

Futsal, his interest grew out of small-sided football, where he was recommended by a teammate to go on tour with Christian charity, Ambassadors in Sport, to play Futsal in Spanish prisons. ‘As soon as I played it, I thought this is amazing!,’ leading him to quickly join the University of Sheffield futsal team and sign up for the National Futsal League. Tyrell’s love for the game extends beyond the physical boundaries of the court. He believes futsal to be the solution to a range of social issues within the city. Alongside co-founders Ewan Minter

and Sam Andrews, Tyrell has set up ‘Futsoul 360’, a charity established in Spring 2021 which hopes ‘to bring a diverse range of communities together through futsal […] to ensure that every young person in Bristol can play their part in shaping its future’ (Futsoul 360).

Emulating the effect Futsal has had as the heart of the community in nations such as Brazil, Uruguay, Spain and Portugal, Tyrell has begun to connect the diverse range of voices Bristol offers. The Futsal 360 academy boats 250 kids, connecting Bristol’s most deprived and most

privileged areas together through a shared passion for the sport. ‘The whole point’, Tyrell adds, was ‘to connect people in Bristol that would otherwise never connect.’

Tyrell's prestige as an ambassador for the sport in Bristol soon led him to take up the challenge of spearheading UoB Futsal, for free. Thanks to his guidance and connections, UoB Futsal managed to reach the semi-finals of the National BUCS league and, as a result, qualify for the Split 2023 EUSA Futsal tournament.

UoB Futsal represented the United Kingdom in this international tournament, alongside 16 other countries and 700 participants. An opportunity which few students get to experience, Mulliri felt honoured to represent his country, ‘I felt like an Olympic athlete’, adding ‘How many times do you get the opportunity to represent your country.’ Similarly, Duffau explained, ‘The fact that we had an opening ceremony […] where the Croatian minister of sport and Croatian minister of tourism gave speeches […] made me realise the gravity of the occasion.’

But the story of UoB Futsal and Bristol Futsal is just beginning. Armed with a ten-year plan, coach Jonathan Tyrell and President and Vice-President of UoB Futsal plan to both compete more ferociously on the court and inspire the next generation of Bristol’s future futsal stars off it.

Images courtesy of @daus.pics

Sport

In conversation with Bristol University's Pool and Snooker Club

As one of the university's lesser known sports societies, this year Bristol's Pool and Snooker Club is seeking to break stereotypes of male chauvinism.

Amelia Jacob Co-Editor-in-Chief

Epigram recently had the opportunity to speak to the President of Bristol University’s Pool and Snooker Club, Harley Irwin, and Women’s Captain, Beth Strand, about the society’s achievements and upcoming plans for this year.

Pool and snooker are unusual sports: they are as closely linked to fame and fortune as they are to a casual pint and a chat in the pub. Harley Irwin notes that: ‘The UoB Pool and Snooker Club is a welcoming and social environment for any casual or seasoned pool and snooker players.’

Harley says that the club prides themselves on ‘our competition achievements, social environment, friendly coaching and charity work for Papyrus UK’ [the club raised over £2,000 for the suicide prevention charity in the last academic year and hold a “Snookerthon” in memory of their past treasurer around February each year].

When asked about the so-

ciety’s goals for this year, Harley explains: ‘We won the BUCS Snooker Championship in the 2022/23 academic year. It is essentially the holy grail of University Pool and Snooker achievements.

‘Our goals for this year are to expand our community [...] to compete and retain our BUCS Snooker Championship title and gain more BUCS accolades. Also, to surpass our fundraising efforts of last academic year.’

The society is also keen to appeal to the incoming wave of first year students. Harley emphasises that ‘freshers should get involved, as our memberships are reasonably priced, we have a friendly and supportive community and are constantly looking for more talent.’

It is hard to avoid mentioning the negative stereotypes students may have in mind before joining the club, primarily the attitude towards female pool and snooker players. Harley acknowledges that there are ‘misconceptions’ about pool and snooker, namely ‘that it is not a welcoming environment for women to play in.’

Beth Strand is Pool and Snooker’s Women’s Captain. She tells Epigram:

‘I began attending the society around the end of my first year, encouraged by a male friend whom I often played

with in pubs. I've always particularly enjoyed the social aspect of the game - quaint English pubs with rickety old tables where you can break the ice with a drink and play light-heartedly with friends or strangers.

‘The society is hosted at AllStars, which is a bigger sports club but still has that local 'pubby'-feel to it. It's jovial, loud and busy [...] but it's also not necessarily a place where a woman may feel entirely at ease, and I was a little intimidated at first.

‘However, the society members were incredibly welcoming and kind from the outset [...] I soon became a regular attendee, getting to know names and faces and quickly making friends. I went every Thursday evening without fail.’

The committee are keen to get rid of the misogynistic stereotypes attached to playing pool and snooker, introducing a women’s only session at All Stars, the first of which will be taking place on 4th October from 5:30-7:30pm.

Beth says that the ‘women’s only session this year is simply an opportunity to welcome women who would like to play pool with the club in an environment where they feel entirely at ease [...] I hope the session will show its attendees how fun the game can be, and hopefully make them realise their own skills too!

She also notes that ‘Like chess, for example, pool is a mental sport’. She points out the irony of male chauvinism in this regard: ‘the suggestion that male and female players shouldn't be able to compete with one another really is the suggestion that the female brain is inferior.

‘I think really the main problem is the socialisation of pool as a 'male-coded' activity which kind of implicitly gatekeeps it from women and leads to higher levels of scrutiny towards women that do

want to enter such a space.

‘It's a deeply shared ethos amongst the committee this year to change this perception, and I want to really encourage any women who want to give it a go to come along and bring your mates, as it is hopefully the first of many opportunities for women provided by the club. If nothing else, it's a free evening of pool and an opportunity to meet other like-minded women.’

Harley supports this statement, saying that ‘our Club is committed to expanding options for women to play, socialise and compete in.’

Harley emphasises the benefits of being a member of the Club: ‘I started playing pool and snooker at university and I had no previous experience in playing these, the club has always been so welcoming and committed to building our members’ abilities and knowledge in the sport.’

Regular sessions for Pool and Snooker Club members take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30-7:30pm at All Stars.

Images courtesy of @uob_psc

'Like chess, for example, pool is a mental sport.'

'Our club is committed to expanding options for women to play, socialise and compete.'

'It's a deeply shared ethos amongst the committe this year to change this perception.'