Epigram #273

Page 1

Issue 273 Friday 7th March 2014 www.epigram.org.uk University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

Disillusioned?

• 75% students do not trust politicians Flickr: Stuck in Customs

• 71% not involved in student politics Sarah Newey Deputy News Editor Laura Jacklin News Editor While 80% of Bristol students say they care about politics, 75% do not trust politicians, a survey by Epigram has revealed. Furthermore, when it comes to politics at university, 71% of respondents to the survey have never been involved in democracy at the University of Bristol. There has been a lot of discussion surrounding young peoples’ involvement in politics in recent years. In the last general election, only 44% of people aged 18-24 voted - contrasting to about 68% in 1997. Although many political commentators have described this as apathy, as Epigram’s survey reveals it is not so much a lack of interest, but apparent disillusionment with the current political climate. With 75% of the students asked having lost trust in politicians, responses showed that broken promises, scandals and a general feeling that politicians do not identify with the average Briton have pushed young people away from the political arena. Student comments included: ‘Many [politicians] are only interested in furthering their own careers and do not understand the needs of their constituents.’ ‘[Politicians] are guided by short term goals which

means they go back on promises and do not stick to any ideology they might have originally had.’ ‘I would rather a politician stood for what they personally believed in than compromised their beliefs to conform to a party. I find it hard to trust someone that I know to be pushing beliefs that they do not agree with.’ Last November Russell Brand ignited the debate about trust in the political system once more when he appeared on Newsnight. He suggested that the vote is only significant if it had the power to bring about change; because political parties today have become more similar to each other and break promises so regularly, the vote no longer represents this. Epigram’s survey showed that nearly 30% of students asked have not voted when they had the opportunity to do so, again potentially showing disillusionment with the current system and political parties. The case appears to be very much the same when it comes to Bristol’s own student democratic system, with 71% of respondents having never been involved in student politics. The poor turnout at the Annual Members’ Meeting this year arguably reflects this, when fewer than the 1.5% quorate necessary to pass changes were present. This has led to the AMM coming under review at the last Student Council meeting, in order to increase student participation in and awareness of student politics in future years. continued on page 3

Celebrating 25 years Commemorative 25th anniversary supplement - page 29 Past Epigram editors share their most memorable moments

Epigram

07.03.14

News Editorial

Editor: Josephine Franks

Deputy Editor: Alex Bradbrook

Editorial Assistant: Anna Fleck

editor@epigram.org.uk

deputy@epigram.org.uk

anna.fleck@epigram.org.uk

Inside Epigram Features 11 An Arctic ordeal Features catches up with Anthony Perrett, one of the ‘Arctic 30’ to be recently released after two months’ imprisonment in Russia

FREE sausage roll for ever reader ! coupon page 8

Number 156

MENINGITIS OUTBREAK UNDER CONTROL Alice Prendeville

Monday 2 February 2004 Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Monday 26 April 2004

ÂŁ1

ANY sandwich, baguette or roll. See page 22

Spice up Valentine’s Day Four Lovers’ Guide videos and DVDs up for grabs in our sexy competition Head for page 10 to enter

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

a Am

zing bo

o k g i ve a

SEE PAGE 23

REVEALED

THE number of student robberies and muggings has "soared" since the beginning of term according to the police.

BRISTOL STUDENTS are bracing themselves for yet another addition to their debt problems as hall fees are set to rise by 9.9 per cent in time for the 2004/2005 academic year. Students’ Union representatives were powerless to prevent the hike which means that hall fees have increased by 25 per cent over the last two years. TURN TO PAGE 2

Photos: Jeremy Harper

Fashion tip-offs for 2010

in The Mix

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

University of Bristol students held by Danish police without food or water

Conflict sees Conservative Future intervene in BUCA HANNAH STUBBS News Reporter 0 >)*6+0) #0& 57$8'45+10 *#8' 2.#)7'& 6*' 4+561. 0+8'45+6; 105'48#6+8' 551%+#6+10

'8'0 56#46'& +6* # 5%#.'& &190 %1//+66'' 6*' 'A'%6+8'0'55 1( 6*' 51%+'6; #0& 9*'6*'4 14 016 6*'4' 9+.. $' # (70%6+10+0) 105'48#6+8'

551%+#6+10 #6 #.. $; 6*' '0& 1( 6*' ;'#4 *#5 $''0 %#..'& +061 37'56+10 $; &+55'06+0) /'/$'45 10?+%6 $41-' 176 &74+0) 6*' 57//'4 #(6'4 # 5*19&190 $'69''0 6*' *#+4/#0 +/10 .'5 +%' *#+4/#0 ..+5 #0& 176* '56 ')+10#. *#+4/#0 1( 105'48#6+8' 7674' 6*'

30%* 0'#1 !* '+ ,#5 4'!2'+1 2 '**1 **

Film, p.31

105'48#6+8' #46; 5 ;176* 9+0) #/'5 14610 +5#)4''/'06 18'4 ..+5 57))'56+10 1( # %10('4'0%' 10 %105'48#6+5/ 9#5 51 .'0)6*; #0& ('41%+175 6*#6 +6 .'& 61 >456.; =#&8+%'@ (41/ 14610 61 5752'0& &+5%755+0) 6*' %10('4'0%' #0& #016*'4 2.#00'& '8'06 #0 '.'%6+10 $4+'>0) 706+. 6'4/ 56#46'& #)#+0 #%- 1( 4'51.76+10 61 6*' %10?+%6 /'#06 ..+5 %106+07'& 61 14)#0+5'

LUKE BURNS Deputy News Editor 5- 4'-*#,2 0# ) ',1 2 2-)#

'1&-. & **1 & 4# 0#13*2#" ', 2&# *-11 -$ &3,"0#"1 -$ .-3,"1 -$ #*#!20'! * #/3'.+#,2 23"#,2 0#1'"#,21 2 '**1 ** & 4# #!-+# 4'!2'+ 2- 30%* 07 1 2&# 5',"-51 -$ 2&#'0 0--+1 5#0# 1+ 1&#" -.#, ," 2&#'0 4 *3 *#

#*-,%',%1 ',!*3"',% * .2-.1 +- '*# .&-,#1 ," ' -"1 5#0# 12-*#, &# !0'+', *1 0#1.-,1' *# $-0 2&# +-12 0#!#,2 30%* 0'#1 0# 12'** 2 * 0%# -,, '**' +1-, -,# -$ 2&# 0#1'"#,21 5&- & " &'1 %0-3," ; --0 0--+ ', '**1 ** 0-)#, ',2- 2-*" 9 & " +7 ! * .2-. !-+.32#0 12-*#, 2&-3%&2 5 1 .0#227 ! 0#$3* *5 71 *-!)#" +7 "--0 ," 5',"-5 4#, 2&# 1+ **#12

2&',% 5'** *#2 2&#+ ', '2 5 1 2&# *'22*# 2-. 5',"-5 2&#7 1+ 1&#" 2- %#2 ',2- +7 0--+ < &#, 1)#" &-5 2&# ,'4#01'27 -$

0'12-* #!30'27 #04'!#1 0#1.-,"#" 2- 2&# 30%* 07 '**' +1-, 5 1 .-1'2'4# 9 &#7 5#0# 0# **7 %--" &#7 00'4#" 5'2&', 2#, +',32#1 ," 0 ,% 2&# .-*'!# 5 1 0# **7 & ..7 5'2& 2& 2 < ,'4#01'27 123"#,21 & 4# ##, . 02'!3* 0*7 43*,#0 *# 2- 30%* 0'#1 2&'1 7# 0 5'2& , 4#0 %# -$ $-30

0#.-02#" #4#07 +-,2& ,!*3"',% 2&# 25- 0#!#,2 0# ) ',1 2&#0# & 4# ##, ,# 0*7 1 + ,7 30%* 0'#1 ', 2&# . 12 1'6 +-,2&1 1 ', 2&# #,2'0# ! "#+'! .#0'-" &# #!30'27 #04'!# !* '+ 2& 2 1#4#0 * -$ 2&# -> #,!#1 + 7 & 4# ##, !-++'22#" 7 2&# 1 +# %0-3. -$ -> #,"#01 1 2&# 30%* 0'#1 2#," 2- $-**-5 1'+'* 0 . 22#0, &#7 0 ,)

"-!) ," ' 22 )#0 ** -2&

The new UCard system already up and running around the University precinct

Interview: Fearne Cotton talks to Epigram Lifestyle E2 page 3

Film, p.32

•

Monday 10th October 2011

•

www.epigram.org.uk

Alice Young News Editor

Issue 242

"

9<7/< 98=/<@+>3@/ " 88 (3../-97,/ @3=3>/. <3=>96 &83@/<=3>C +> >2/ /8. 90 6+=> 798>2 09< +8 /@/8> 9<1+83=/. ,C >2/ "963>3-= $9-3/>C 8 +8 /B-6?=3@/ 38>/<@3/A A3>2 =2/ +8=A/</. ;?/=>398= 98 >9:3-= <+81381 0<97 >2/ -9+63>398 >9 ,/09</ +..</==381 >2/ :?,63- -980/</8-/

+8. 966/1/= .73==398= $/<@3-/ & $ </@/+6 >2/ 8?7,/< 90 +::63-+>398= </-/3@/. ,C ?83@/<=3>3/= ,C >2/ ./+.638/ 09< !B,<3.1/

./-</+=/ 90 5,

38 -97:+<3=98 A3>2 6+=> #.+8+ =+8+ ' 8+)58* 4;3(+8 C/+< $+<+2 %2A+3>/= /:?>C 23/0 B/-?>3@/ '662/)':/549 ,58 62')+9 ': 8/9:52 ,58 :.+ 90 $" 38+8-3+6 $5366= "+<>8/<=23: =2+</. ')'*+3/) ?+'8 (+-/44/4- /4

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

1000 votes cast in officer elections %2/ /6/->398 <+-/ 09< :+<> >37/ &8398 !H-/<= 2+= -97/ >9 + -69=/ +0>/< 4?=> =>?./8> @9>/= A/</ -+=> 38 >2/ A//5 6981 :966 %2/ =?--/==0?6 -+8.3.+>/= 09< &8398 !H-/<= $/8+>/ #/:</=/8>+>3@/= +8. $>?./8> %<?=>//= A/</ +889?8-/. 09669A381 >2/ 09669A381 >2/ E<=> +88?+6 $>?./8>= 980/</8-/

>2+> A9?6. ,/ =>?./8>= +</ ,/381 ./>/<</.

0<97 +::6C381 09< 0?<>2/< /.?-+>398 ,C >2/ >2</+> 90 ./,> 9A/@/< 9>2/<=

2+@/ -977/8>/. >2+> :+<> 90 >2/ 0+66 38 ÂŁ300,000 awarded for >23= C/+< -97:/8=+>/= 09< >2/ +::63-+>398= AIDS research <3=/ 38 +::63-+>398= 09< :6+-/= 09<

A2/8

& $ =+A 79</ +::63-+>398= >2+8 09<

Lakota loses licence

9@/<87/8> 8//.= >9 ;?3-56C >+5/ >2/3<

-98-/<8= 98 ,9+<. 9< /6=/ <3=5 >29=/ :/9:6/ 0+66381 +A+C 0<97 /.?-+>398 09< 199. !

+8954'2 *+<+2563+4: /9 '22 <+8? =+22 (;: :.+8+ /9

&=381 C9?< /<9>3- -+:3>+6

+59>+ 2+= 98-/ +1+38 2+. 3>= 63-/8-/ =?=:/8./. 09669A381 + 0+>+63>C /+<63/< >23= C/+< %2/ -6?, A23-2 E<=> 9:/8/. 38 2+= ,//8 >2/ =?,4/-> 90 7?-2 -98><9@/<=C >23= C/+< =38-/ >2/ ./+>2 90 C/+< 96. 9/ $3798= 98 >2 :<36

Keep Calm and Curry On

Should women flirt their way to the top? An interview with Catherine Hakim

/+>?</=

Epigram talk to Bombay Bicycle Club - page 23

•

Monday 23rd January 2012

! * '& % +!' "* 2+ #"& % ++ )* "&+' ',) '.& ! & *4 * +! &"- )*"+0 %"&"*+) +"'& .',$ ) +! ) 2 " ('*"+"'&

Photo: Craig Woodhouse

Disruption ensues as cause of ďŹ re is still unknown Union evacuates as canoe equipment is left to be damaged LAURA WALTERS News Reporter 4'3+064 = 3' %#64'& 5*' '7#%6#5+0/ 0( 5*' /+0/ #/& 5*' +/&'= /+5' %-0463' 0( 5*' /+7'34+5: 48+..+/) 100- &#:4 $'(03' 5*' $')+//+/) 0( 5'3. *' %#64' 0( 5*' $-#;' 8*+%* $')#/ 0/ 5*' .03/+/) 0( 6'4&#: '15'.$'3 8#4 6/,/08/ #5 5*' 5+.' 0( )0+/) 50 13'44 *' /+0/ $6+-&+/) 8#4 0/ -0%,&08/ (0--08+/) 5*' = 3' 8*+%*

3'26+3'& 5*' '7#%6#5+0/ 0( #-- 45#@ #/& #/ +..'&+#5' = 7' &#: %-0463' 70/ +3' #/& '4%6' 50-& 1+)3#. 5*#5 # %#-- *#& $''/ 3'%'+7'& #5 5*#5 .03/+/) 50 3'1035 "5*+%, $-#%, 4.0,' 8*+%* 8#4 1063+/) (30. 5*' $6+-&+/) :'8+5/'44'4 3'1035'& 5*#5 5*' $-#;' 8#4 "13'55: 5'33+(:+/) #/& 5*' *'#5 %#64'& )-#44 1#/'-4 #5 5*' (30/5 0( 5*' $6+-&+/) 50 4*#55'3 / 01'/ &#: 8*+%* 8#4 &6' 50 0%%63 0/ 5*' 5* *#& 50 $' 3'#33#/)'& #5 5*' -#45 .+/65' 50 ,''1 105'/5+#- 456&'/54 #/& 5*'+3 (#.+-+'4 065 0( 5*' $6+-&+/) (03 4#('5: 163104'4 /&+' $#/& '5 8'3' #-40 &6' 50 1-#: +/ 5*' $6+-&+/) 4 /40/ 00.4 0/ 5*' '7'/+/) 0( 5*' = 3' #/& +/45'#& *#& 50 #11'#3 #5 5*' #%#&'.: +/ 5*' %+5: %'/53' / #&&+5+0/ 5*' = 3' %#64'& &+43615+0/ 50 .03/+/) 53#? % #4 # 453'5%* 0( 6''/4 0#& 8#4 %-04'& 50 #%%0..0&#5' 5*' = 3' 7'*+%-'4

‘What is the real purpose of our justice system?’ The Lockerbie debate Comment, p17

F**k Buttons album reviewed

Fire service arrive on the scene as smoke billows from the Union on Tuesday morning

ASSIYA KHAN Deputy News Editor

45:-' %*'26'4 #44'34 $: #/& '.1-0:''4 8#5%*'& *'-1-'44-: #4 /6.'3064 10-+%' #33+7'& 0/ *034'$#%, +/ 5*'+3 7#/4 #/& #306/& 50 0? %'34 0/ (005 0/-: 50 $' .'5 $: 1#44+0/#5' 1305'45034 *065+/) <!*'3' 4 :063 .0/': )0/' > #/& 5*308+/) (0#. 1+'4 #/& 1'--'54 #)#+/45 5*' 8+/&084 0( #3%-#:4 #%3044 5*' 26#3' 5*': 5*'/ .07'& 0/ 50 5*'+3 /'95 5#3)'5 *' 0:#- #/, 0( %05-#/& 0/

Music, p30

‘The episodes of torture are ung in almost as an afterthought.’ Inglourious Basterds reviewed

0#. 1+'4 1'-5'& #5 $#/, +/ 3+450- 1305'45 6.$'34 400/ +/%3'#4'& #/& 45#35'& 5*'+3 461104'&-: 1'#%'(6- .#3%* (0--08+/) # 41'%+= % 3065' *' 453''54 0( 3+450- 8'3' 400/ #8#4* 8+5* .#4,'& #/& *00&'& 1305'45034 #3.'& 8+5* 8*+45-'4 (0#. 1+'4 #/& 1045'34 $'#3+/) 4-0)#/4 46%* #4 < #/,'34 10-+5+%+#/4 (#5 %#54 !' 80/ 5 1#: (03 5*'+3 3+4+4> *' 453''54 0( %'/53#- 3+450- 8'3' #7+/) .'5 #5 5*' +110&30.' 5*' (0%#- 10+/5 0( # %-#4* $'58''/ 0/ 5 6)645+/' 4 #3#&' 5*' )3061 1305'45'34 #/& 5*' 10-+%' 0/ 3+&#: .#3%*'& 0/ 50 +/) 53''5 8+5* 5*'+3 '15'.$'3 1045'34 #/& '/03.064 0/010-:

Six arrested as social protestors clash with police

Film, p.31

#-&8+/ 53''5 8*'3' # 1305'4503 )-6'& *+.4'-( 50 5*' &0034 #/,4 #%3044 5*' %'/53' 0( 3+450- +/45#/5-: $'%#.' # 4'%63+5: 13+03+5: #4 1#44+0/ 400/ 563/'& +/50 #/)'3 '%63+5: 5+)*5'/'& #4 10-+%' 0? %'34 $')#/ 50 )6#3& $6+-&+/)4 (30. $05* +/4+&' #/& 065 #3%-#:4 0/ /+0/ 53''5 -0%,'& +54 &0034 #4 10-+%' 8#5%*'& (30. +/4+&' 5*' $6+-&+/) #4 1305'45034 4*065'&

SPORT: page 29-32 Bristol’s successes

Epigram talks to famous designer label PPQ Fashion E2 Page 9

FEATURES: page 7 Accomodation crunch

Issue 236

' ( $) % ) ) %$ " $ %$ % )* $)( '%$ %') ' ( $$%*$ , "" $%) () $ $ $ %# ) $ -) " ) %$ $$%*$ # $) %# ( ) ' )%* , #%$) ( %' Can the media make a %') ' , % ( $ + ". ' ) ( difference to the thousands of . (%# ()* $)( %' ( "*' )% ) other disappearance cases just *' $ ) ()* $) &'%) ()( ) ) $ like that of Joanna Yeates? % " () . ' & ! $ )% ) %') ' ( ) ) ) ' 0 %$( ' " (%*" ( ' $ 2 " + ) $ 0 $+ %' ) $ 2 $ %' ' )% %$) $* )( 1 ) $() , ) James Ashton-Bell responds "" ) 0 # $ # '! ) / ) %$ $ * ) %$2 to criticism of the union’s ( %$)' ()( , ) ) # (( response to tuition fee rises. %' ()* $)( ( %')". ) ' ) ! $ %3 $ *$ + $ ,%$ % ) +%) %') ' ( ) ) ) # 0 # " ) )% " $ $)% , ) , "" '* " . ' %' *') ' Epigram talks to Mike Benton, $ ' * ) %$ , ) $ ' " " ) %$ ( ' + , $ *)( %$ ) the scientist who told us what %' /%$ ) ( #%' + ) " $%, ) $ colour dinosaurs were. + ' ) ) , %# )% ) ' )% &*) %*' ((* ( ) ) )%& % ) $ , ) ' " ' &' ( $) ) + ()* $) +% ( & $ ) %*) %# ( % ) ( & +%) " ) (2

. ) $ % ) . ' %, + ' Epigram’s resident agony %') ' , ( %' )% # ) )% 0(& $ " (( aunt gives her best advice for ) ' $ 2 %$ ) & ') % ) singletons on Valentines’ day %""%, $ ) ' ' *( " )% ! (%# % ) " ' () ()* $) #%$()' ) %$( %' $ ' ) %$ ' ) (# ( ' $ '%# %%! #& $( (* ( 0 ) *$ '( $ " + ) ) '%$ %') ' Was it right to sack Andy Gray ( %*" ' #%+ ( ) %$ " ' ( $) ( ( *$ " )% " ) and accept Richard Key’s ()* $) #%+ # $)2 )% %## $) $ resignation over sexist remarks?

Epigram explores the wonderful world of puppetry

Black Swan, Blue Valentine and Brighton Rock: take your pick of the finest in

Arts p.18

Film p.28

The Arts and Social Sciences Library is due for further work on its upper two floors, to be completed by mid-2011

FEATURES: page 6 The meat issue

Epigram examines how meat eating is having devastating effects on the environment, and how you can help

Monday May 9th 2011

Issue 238

COMMENT: page 11 Arms for Africa?

SPORT: page 30 The BIG Debate

SPORT: page 30 Marathon Man

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Epigram’s top travel tips for the curious

Travel E2 p. 11

UBU ELECTION SPECIAL

A searingly honest look at the ups and downs of running a Marathon for charity.

FEATURES: page 6 A check up down below Does our generation not take sexual health seriously enough? Features investigates the nitty gritty part of SEX.

BE FAMOUS: page 16 The Epigram 40 is back!

FILM & TV: page 27 Hollywood and history

It has been confirmed that the Univeristy of Bristol will charge students three times the current fees from 2012.

What can you expect from next year’s sabbatical team? President-elect Gus Baker puts his promises down on paper.

Interviews, street style and the best shoes: the Fashion section does Bristol’s boys

WHAT’S ON: E2 page 12 Epigram’s new section Bristol’s best pubs, what to do on St Patrick’s Day and the best events this fortnight

A look at the inspiration behind some of the latest blockbusters including Black Swan and Inception

NEWS: page 3 ÂŁ9,000 fees for Bristol

COMMENT: page 10 The new Union team

FASHION: E2 pages 6-9 The male edition

LETTERS: page 12 President Responds

‘Free education’ week involves nine events focused on spending cuts to education

NEWS: page 3 ÂŁ1 million refurbishment

Should Britain export weapons to countries with questionable human rights records?

LIFESTYLE: page 2-3 What would Dolores do

.! + +! ,+* ."$$ % & ') ,*4 - ) $ '+! ) + * .')#*!'(* & $ +,) * ."$$ + # ($ +!)', !',+ +! . # "& ') ) +' $$'. *+, &+* +' ! - +! ") * 0 ! 3& $ % +!' %(! *"1 0 )"*+'$

Our sporting talent is "&*+ , +"'& ,+* "* 2 )+" "( +"& "& +! ." ) *+), $ "&*+ (, $" * +') ,+*4 excelling, from football +, &+* ! - +! ) ') ()'+ *+ "&*+ + / ' "& 0 ) 0 ')(') +"'&* to skateboarding

Death of the jelly baby and other fun experiments Science Page 14

Ex-MP Lembit Opik spoke to the Politics society about Coalition, a run at Mayor of London, and his love life.

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

Issue 234 Monday March 7th 2011

NEWS: page 5 Opik Checks in

SCIENCE: page 15 Jurassic Park professor

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 247

• www.epigram.org.uk

Comment What next for North Korea?

13

Jessica Wingrad News Reporter /#!, 2%3)$%.43 ). )'( ).'3$/7. (!6% %802%33%$ 342/.' /00/3)4)/. 4/ 0,!.3 &/2 ! ,/#!, 05" 4/ "% #/.6%24%$ ).4/ 47%,6% .%7 345$%.4 <!43 (% 05" (% ).'3 2-3 #/5,$ 0/4%.4)!,,9 "% 2%/2'!.):%$ 4/ (/53% ;&49 345$%.43 ).4/ #,534%2 <!43 7()#( 7/5,$ ./4 2%15)2% !.9 2%"5),$).' 4/ 4!+% 0,!#% /. 4(% 3)4% (% )'( ).'3$/7. $%6%,/0-%.4 )3 !. !7!2$ 7)..).' !2%! /& 2)34/, "5),4 ). 4(% 3 7(%2% ,/#!, 2%3)$%.43 4!+% 02)$% ). 4(%)2 6)"2!.4 &2)%.$,9 #/--5.)49 (% ,/#!4)/. )3 %842%-%,9 $%3)2!",% &/2 .)6%23)49 /& 2)34/, 345$%.43 3).#% )4 )3 5.$%2 4%. -).54%3 7!,+ &2/- //$,!.$ /!$ !.$ /4(%2 -!*/2 5.)6%23)49 "5),$).'3 %3)$%.43 &%!2 4(!4 4(% !2%! )3 "%#/-).' ! 345$%.4 '(%44/ 7(%2% 4(% 0%!#% /& 4(% .%)'("/52(//$ 7),, "% $)3452"%$ "9 345$%.43 #2%!4).' !. 5.#!2%$ &/2 !2%! ! -%33 /& ,)44%2 /6%2</7).' 25"")3( ").3 !.$ &2/.4 '!2$%.3 ,//+).' ,)+% 4)03 ./4 4/ -%.4)/. ./)3% !3 ).$! 7,%3 /& 9.$!,, !2+ %73 054 )4 . !./.9-/53 2%3)$%.4 7(/ (!3 "%%. ,)6).' ). )'( ).'3$/7. &/2 9%!23 3!)$ 4().+ )4 )3 /542!'%/53 (%2% !2% !,2%!$9 ! ,!2'% .5-"%2 /& 345$%.43 (%2% 7()#( -!+%3 )4 ! 42!.3)%.4 0/05,!4)/. ()3 $%6%,/0-%.4 7)4( 3/ -!.9 -/2% 345$%.43 7/5,$ 37!-0 4(% 0,!#% 7)4( 4(%- 3 7%,, !3 /"*%#4)/.3 /.,).% &2/- ,/#!, 2%3)$%.43 4(%2% (!6% "%%. #/.#%2.3 6/)#%$ "9 4(% ).'3$/7. /.3%26!4)/. 2/50 4(% 2)34/, )6)# /#)%49 !.$

4(% )'("529 %3)$%.43 33/#)!4)/. !2+ 2)'(4 ! /5.#),,/2 &/2 4(% !2%! (!3 3!)$ 4(!4 (% 3522/5.$).' !2%! /& )'( ).'3$/7. )3 !,2%!$9 7%,, /6%2 345$%.43 !.$ 7(!4 4(% !2%! .%%$3 )3 -/2% "!,!.#% ). )43 $%-/'2!0()# 2!4(%2 4(!. -/2% 42!.3)%.4 2%3)$%.43 /.#%2.3 #/-).' &2/- 2%3)$%.43 !2% &/#53%$ /. !.8)%49 /6%2 4(% .%'!4)6% !4-/30(%2% 4(!4 345$%.43 -!9 "2).' 4/ 4(% !2%! ). 4(% &/2- /& ./)3% 25"")3( !.$ ,!4% .)'(4 0!24)%3 2 5,)% ,!94/. 3!)$ % .%%$ -/2% 9/5.' &!-),)%3 7(/ #!. !44%.$ ,/#!, 3#(//,3 = !.$ 7!,+ 4/ 3#(//, 2!4(%2 4(!. $2)6).' &2/- ! $)34!.#% % .%%$ /7.%2 /##50)%23 7(/ !2% '/).' 4/ #!2% &/2 %!#( /4(%2 !.$ 4(% .%)'("/52(//$ !.$ 3500/24 ! -)8%$ 3534!).!",% #/--5.)49 %30/.3% &2/- 345$%.43 (!3 $%&%.$%$ 4(%)2 2%054!4)/. 7)4( /.% 345$%.4 3!9).' !- 3!$$%.%$ 4(!4 345$%.43 !2% "%).' $%0)#4%$ ). 4()3 .%'!4)6% 7!9 ./4(%2 (!3 #,!)-%$ 4(!4 4 )3 ./ ,%33 $)3#2)-).!4/29 4/ 35''%34 4(!4 345$%.43 -!+% "!$ .%)'("/523 4(!. 4/ 3!9 %4(.)# -)./2)4)%3 /2 4(/3% $%0%.$%.4 /. 3/#)!, 7%,&!2% -!+% "!$ .%)'("/523 (/3% 7(/ $/ ./4 3500/24 ,/#!, /"*%#4)/.3 (!6% !2'5%$ 4(!4 345$%.43 #!. "%.%;4 ! #/--5.)49 !.$ 4(!4 /4(%2 2%3)$%.43 #!. !,3/ "% (%,$ 2%30/.3)",% &/2 ./)3% ,%6%,3 !.$ ,)44%2 . !. /.,).% #/--%.4 /.% 2%3)$%.4 (!3 3!)$ !002%#)!4% 4(% )-0/24!.4 #/.42)"54)/. 345$%.43 -!+% 4/ 4(% #/--5.)49 (% 3(/03 #!&%3 !.$ 05"3 ). 4(% !2%! 7/5,$ #,/3% $/7. 7)4(/54 4(%- ,4(/5'( #/.35,4!4)/.3 2%'!2$).' 4(% 0,!.3 4/ #/.6%24 4(% 05" (!6% ;.)3(%$ 4(% $%#)3)/. 7),, ./4 #/-% "%&/2% 4(% #/--)44%% 5.4), .%84 -/.4(

.4%2)/2 $%3)'. &/2 4(% 345$%.4 (/53%

•

Monday 20th February 2012

• www.epigram.org.uk

TRISTAN MARTIN News Reporter * 0$! /) (( $+1./ +" .% 5 0$ ,.%( 2%+(!* ! .+'! +10 +* 0$! /0.!!0/ +" .%/0+( "+. 0$! /! +* 0%)! %* !%#$0 5/ $! 0.+1 (!/ / +*! .!,+.0!. .!"!..! 0+ 0$!) 8./0 !# * 3!!' !"+.! / 0$! +,!*%*# +" *!3 !/ + /, .'! 0$! 3+./0 .%+0/ /!!* %* .%/0+( /%* ! * $1./ 5 /0 "+((+3%*# 0%, +< 0$ 0 + 1, *0/ +" 0$! !(!, 0$% !%#$0/ /-1 0 +* $!(0!*$ ) + $ !!* +*/0.1 0%*# ,!0.+( +) / ,+(% ! )+2! %*0+ ) '! *

..!/0 0 ,) +; !./ (+/! $!(0!*$ ) + * "+. ! !*0.5 %*0+ 0$! 1%( %*# +1. )!* 3!.! ..!/0! * ,+(% ! /0 0!)!*0 +*8.)! 0$ 0 *1) !. +" %0!)/ 3!.! /!%6! 7%* (1 %*# ,!0.+( +) / 9 3$% $ .! 1..!*0(5 !%*# "+.!*/% ((5 !4 )%*! : *! +" 0$! )!* /1 /!-1!*0(5 ,(! ! #1%(05 0+ ,+//!//%+* +" ,!0.+( +) 10 *+0 #1%(05 0+ /! +* $ .#! +" 0$.! 0!*%*# !/ + !),(+5!! 3%0$ %0 +((+3%*# 0$! $%#$(5 2%/% (! ..!/0/ 0 !(!, 0$% !%#$0/ $1* .! / +" ,!+,(! !# * 0+ +*#.!# 0! %* 0$! .! %0$%* "!3 $+1./ 0$!5 3!.! &+%*! 5 +2!. .%+0 +; !./ ) *5 .+1#$0 %* ".+) (!/

(0$+1#$ 0$! # 0$!.%*# !# * ,! !"1((5 ( /$!/ 3%0$ ,+(% ! /++* !.1,0! * /,%((! +10 %*0+ 0$! /1..+1* %*# .! ..% !/ +" 1.*%*# %*/ 3!.! !.! 0! 8.!3+.'/ .% '/ * +00(!/ 3!.! 0$.+3* 0 .%+0 +; !./ + ( .!/% !*0 (!4 (+ +) ! / 3 7.1**%*# 00(!/ 3%0$ ,+(% ! (( +2!. 0$! ,( ! : 5 .+1* ) %0 /!!)! 0$ 0 ,+(% ! 3!.! *+ (+*#!. %* +*0.+( +" 0$! +,!. 0%+* #.+1, +" .%+0!./ ) * #! 0+ . */ ' 0$! .! !*0(5 +,!*! !/ + 4,.!// 0/ 3%* +3/ 3!.! /) /$! /%#* .%,,! +< * 7 (+/%*# +3* / (!: / . 3(! .+// %0/ " !

Who are the University of Bristol’s most noteworthy students? Nominate now.

LIFESTYLE: E2 page 2 The big student survey Try guessing which nightclub Bristol’s most promiscuous girls go to - or read the answer in E2.

TRAVEL: E2 page 10 Best foreign festivals Epigram takes a look at the best of the foreign music festivals happening this summer.

SPORT: page 32 Bristol’s hidden stars The Women’s Novice Rowing Squad tell us how they are going to annihilate UWE.

Love journalism? Want to be a part of the team that puts Epigram together? Apply now to be a section editor for the academic year 2011-12

All the information on the upcoming UBU elections. Voting takes place 14 - 18 March.

See page 16 for details

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 248

Free stuff! Like us on Facebook and win an iPad 2

Alice Young News Editor 89()287 :38)( 83 -1463:) %'')77 83 6-7830 8,639+, '328)<89%0-7)( 3A)67 %2( %(1-77-327 8%6+)87 %8 8,) 229%0 )2)6%0 ))8-2+ 3* 8,) 89()287 !2-32 8,-7 1328, ,) 138-32 :38)( 83 8,) 834 3* 8,) 46-36-8= &%0038 %2( 8,97 (-7'977)( >678 '%00)( *36 78632+)6 )2*36')1)28 3* '328)<89%0 3A)67 3* 40%')7 83 789()287 *631 92()646-:-0)+)( &%'/+6392(7 63437)6 37)4,-2) 9,)61%2 1)8 6)7-78%2') *631 731) 789()287 ;,3 59)78-32)( ;,)8,)6 8,) 138-32 ;%7 97)*90 ;-8, =0) 90,300%2( %6+9-2+ 8,%8 8,) 138-32 ;390( $6)(9') 8,) 92-:)67-8= 7 46)78-+) %2( 6)(9') 8,) :%09) 3* =396 ()+6)) 9,)61%2 % 8,-6( =)%6 30-8-'7 789()28 6)7432()( 83 8,)7) '6-8-'-717 '311)28-2+ $#) %00 /23; 8,) '%1497 ;390( 033/ :)6= (-A)6)28 -* 8,-7 430-'= ;%7 )2*36')( ,) 138-32 4%77)( ;-8, 3* 8,) :38) (%1 9(03; 7 138-32 '32863:)67-%00= )28-80)( $ 2(-2+ 6-7830 7 -0)28 6-:%8) ',330 -%7 '%00)( *36 8,) !2-:)67-8= 83 49&0-7, >+96)7 6)+%6(-2+ 8,) 4634368-32 3* 78%8) %2( 46-:%8) 7',330 789()287 %8 8,) !2-:)67-8= %2( 7)8 8%6+)87 83 6)(6)77 8,) &%0%2')

The Kings Arms pub, which is due to be turned into twelve student flats

),, %,& ;.$3 ,)44,% 2%!3/. &/2 &!.&!2% %!452%3

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

)<-78-2+ 74368 *%'-0-8-)7 %4463:%0 %2( 31 0-:)6 ! ! "-') ,) $ %14%-+2-2+ 83 %:) 8,) ') 6)7-()28 *36 4368 %2( )%08, ,%( -2/ 138-32 ;%7 4%77)( ;-8, 3* )%60-)6 %22392')( -2 ,-7 %229%0 8,) :38) ;-8, 74))',)7 *631 463437)6 6)4368 8,%8 8,) !2-:)67-8= 43687 %90 ,%60832 %2( 6)7-()28 3* ') 3' )286) ;390( &) -2863(9'-2+ 8)610= %1)7 917()2 -278%01)287 *36 743687 4%77)7 2 ,-7 6)4368 %8 8,) &)+-22-2+ 3* 8,) 97 %/)6 ! ! 6)7-()28 789()287 %88)2()( %073 %22392')( 8,%8 8,) 7%&&%8-'%0 8,-7 =)%6 7 8)%1 ;-00 &) ;36/-2+ 32 % ;-()2-2+ 3* 8,) 789()28 &3(= 4%68-'-4%8-32 %77)771)28 83 %((6)77 8,) %'')77 >+96)7 49&0-7,)( &= -2 '83&)6 ,)7) >+96)7 37)1%6= 691132( %2( %1-7, ()8%-0)( ,3; 6-7830 !2-:)67-8= ;%7 %= &38, 463437)( 138-327 83 ,)04 32) 3* ! -278-898-327 *%-0-2+ 83 136) 789()287 97) 8,) 7;-11-2+ 4330 1))8 -87 3;2 8%6+)87 32 ;-()2-2+ %2( +=1 ;-8, 691132( %6+9-2+ 4%68-'-4%8-32 ?)<-&0) %2( ',)%4)6 743687 4%77)7 ,) )2()( 32 % .3:-%0 238) ;390( 1%/) $74368 136) %'')77-&0) ;-8, % 138-32 83 *36') ! ! )0)'8)( 83 0%6+)6 291&)67 3* 789()287 38, 3@')67 83 ;)%6 79-87 ):)6= (%= 3* 8,) 138-327 ;)6) 4%77)( ;-8, 3:)6 ;))/

•

Monday 5th March 2012

17

• After fierce abortion debate, pro-choice stance remains > page 2 • Sabbatical team announce return of bursaries > page 3 • Editorial - A long way to go for student politics > page 16

• High Kingsdown locals call the area a ‘student ghetto’ • Ice rink closed to make way for student housing amidst protests (see page 2)

e2 Lifestyle

,6-7 9A "-') 6)7-()28 *36 '8-:-8-)7 8,)2 463437)( %2 %1)2(1)28 83 0-1-8 8,) (6)77 '3() 83 6-(%=7 320= %6+9-2+ 8,%8 -8 $6)8%-27 8,) ,-0%6-8= 3* 8,) 138-32 &98 (3)72 8 6)59-6) 1) 83 &9= %238,)6 79-8 38, 9A 7 74))', %2( 8,) 4%77-2+ 3* 8,) 138-32 ;)6) 1)8 &= 63%6-2+ %440%97) ;-8,

3* 8,) -2 %+6))1)28 8,%8 ! ! 3@')67 7,390( &) *36')( 83 ;)%6 79-87 32 6-(%=7 ,) -7 ,)0( ):)6= )&69%6= 83 ()'-() 32 8,) 430-'-)7 8,%8 ! ! ;-00 49679) 3:)6 8,) '31-2+ =)%6 38-327 %6) )-8,)6 :38)( 8,639+, 83 &)'31) 430-'= 36 :38)( 398 ,-7 =)%6 7 %886%'8)( 789()287 8,) ,-+,)78 8962398 7-2') %2( % -2'6)%7) 32 0%78 =)%6 ()74-8) 6)46)7)28-2+ .978 3:)6 3* 8,) 838%0 789()28 &3(=

• www.epigram.org.uk

'$ -(5$12(38 .% 1(23.+ $- 3$ ' 2 //1.5$# /+ -2 3. ".,/+$3$+8 1$2314"341$ 3'$ " #$,(" 8$ 1 2'.13$-(-& '1(23, 2 -# 23$1 '.+(# 82 3. 3'1$$ 6$$*2 3. , *$ 6 8 %.1 #$2(&- 3$# 22$22,$-3 /$1(.# (- -4 18 '$ .1(&(- + /1./.2 + (-"+4#$# /+ -2 3. 1$#4"$ 1$2'$12 $$* %1., .-$ 6$$* 3. 3'1$$ # 82 (- - $?.13 3. 4-#$1,(-$ 3'$ $7"$22(5$ #1(-*(-& "4+341$ 6'("' 3'$ -(5$12(38 1&4$2 (3 $-".41 &$2 .6$5$1 %3$1 231.-& 234#$-3 .//.2(3(.- 3'$2$ /+ -2 6$1$ 2'$+5$# (-#$;-(3$+8 -# %.1 3'$ 3(,$ !$(-& 1$2'$12 6(++ 1$, (- ;5$ # 82 +.-&

,(-.1(38 .% 234#$-32 ' # 24//.13$# 3'$ /1./.2$# 2'.13$-(-& .% 1$2'$12 $$* !$" 42$ 3'$ "+4!!(-& -# #1(-*(-& 6'("' 3 *$2 4/ ,4"' .% 3'$ 3(,$ 1&4 !+8 #.$2 -.3 1$<$"3 3'$ (-3$1$232 .% , -8 .% 234#$-32 .6$5$1 3'(2 6 2 ".4-3$1$# !8 '4&$ ! "*+ 2' %1., 3'$ 234#$-3 !.#8 3 + 1&$ 6'("' +$# 3. 3'$ + 4-"' .% " ,/ (&- 3. , (-3 (- 3'$ 31 #(3(.- + %4++ ;5$ # 82 .% 1$2'$12 $5$-32 34#$-32 #$3$1,(-$# 3. 2 5$ 1$2'$12 $$* & 3'$1$# 24//.13 (- - .-+(-$ /$3(3(.- 2$3 4/ !8 ("$ 1$2(#$-3 #4" 3(.- .2' +%.1# '$ /$3(3(.- "+ (,2 3' 3 1$2'$12 (2 -.3 /$1%$"3 -# ,.1$ 2314"341$ -# 24//.13 ".4+# "$13 (-+8 !$ /43 (- /+ "$ %.1 -$6 234#$-32 #41(-& 3'$ ./$-(-& 6$$* .6$5$1 "433(-& 1$2'$12 $$* 6(++ +(,(3 234#$-32 .//.134-(3($2 /.3$-3( ++8 '(-#$1 !.-#(-& -# "$13 (-+8 6(++ -.3 23./ 3'$ :(11$2/.-2(!+$ #1(-*(-& "4+341$= 3' 3 3'$ -(5$12(38 !$+($5$2 , -8 234#$-32 / 13 *$ (- .,,$-32 33 "'$# 3. 3'$ 2(&- 341$2 1&4$

)88-2+ 83 +6-47 ;-8, 8,) ' ;36( 8,-7 7)%732

33/-2+ %8 8,) ;360( 8,639+, -2()6)00% 7 =)7

e2 Fashion

97-'

Epigram s 25th anniversary commemorative supplement

Writers’ meetings Every fortnight, our editors hold meetings for anyone who wants to write for Epigram. If you’d like to get involved, or simply want to find out more information, come along to any one of the following meetings or contact the relevant editor via their email address below. It’s never too late to get involved - we look forward to meeting you!

19 25 things that make you a Bristol student

Living

News

How many do you score?

Travel

Monday 10th Feb at 12.15pm Hawthorns

Thursday 13th Feb at 1.15pm Hawthorns

Features

Travel

Film & TV

Science & Tech

Music

Sport

Tuesday 11th Feb at 1.15pm The White Harte

Thursday 11th Feb at 1.15pm HIghbury Vaults

Thursday 13th Feb at 12.15pm Tuesday 11th Feb at 6pm The Refectory Highbury Vaults

Comment

Style

Tuesday 11th Feb at 12.30pm The Refectory

Friday 14th Feb at 12.30pm ASS Library CafĂŠ

Olivia Lace-Evans meets up with the worldfamous travel journalist and gets his take on travel

Editor Josephine Franks editor@epigram.org.uk

Deputy Editor Alex Bradbrook deputy@epigram.org.uk

Editorial Assistant Anna Fleck editor@epigram.org.uk

Comment Editor Rosslyn McNair comment@epigram.org.uk

Online Style Online Editor Amelia Impey styleonline@epigram.org.uk

Deputy Science & Tech Editor Sol Milne deputyscience@epigram.org.uk

Deputy Comment Editor What’s On Editor Rob Stuart Josie Benge deputycomment@epigram.org.uk whatson@epigram.org.uk

Science & Tech Online Editor Stephanie Harris scienceonline@epigram.org.uk

Comment Online Editor Jessica McKay commentonline@epigram.org.uk

Arts Editor Claudia Knowles arts@epigram.org.uk

Sport Editors Hetty Knox sport@epigram.org.uk

Letters Editor Emma Leedham letters@epigram.org.uk

Deputy Arts Editor Rose Bonsier deputyculture@epigram.org.uk

Jacob Webster jacob.webster@epigram.org.uk

Living Editor Tori Halman Comment living@epigram.org.uk

Tuesday 11th Feb at 1pm The Refectory

Thursday 13th Feb at 1.15pm Highbury Vaults

Sport Online Editor Arts Online Editor George Moxey sportonline@epigram.org.uk Editor Erin Fox Science Editor artsonline@epigram.org.uk ollie.yorke@epigram.org.uk Tom Flynn Patrick Baker Nick Cork Online Editor editor@epigram.org.uk Deputy Living Editors comment@epigram.org.uk science@epigram.org.uk Music Editor Ciara Lally News Editor Sophia Hadjipateras Mike Hegarty online@epigram.org.uk Deputy Editors Laura Jacklin Letters Editor Deputy Science Editor shadjipateras@epigram.org.uk music@epigram.org.uk Jonnews@epigram.org.uk Bauckham Emma Corfield Emma Sackville Deputy Online Editor: jon@epigram.org.uk Izzy Kerr letters@epigram.org.uk Deputy Music Editordeputyscience@epigram.org Chris Giles Deputy News Editors Hannah Stubbs ikerr@epigram.org.uk Danny Riley deputyonline@epigram.org.uk Joseph Quinlan Culture Editor Sport Editor hannah@epigram.org.uk deputymusic@epigram.org.uk jo.quinlan@epigram.org.uk Calum Sherwood Tom Burrows Living Online Editor Chief Photography Editor e2 Editor Morwennaculture@epigram.org.uk Scott Music Online Editorsport@epigram.org.uk Marketa Brabcova SpencerMcCrory Turner Matthew livingonline@epigram.org.uk Dan Faber photography@epigram.org.uk spencer.turner@epigram.org.uk Deputy Culture Editor Deputy Sport Editor e2@epigram.org.uk musiconline@epigram.org.uk Zoe Hutton David Stone Travel Editor Photography Editors News Editor Sarah Newey Olivia Lace-Evans deputyculture@epigram.org.uk Film & TV Editor deputysport@epigram.org.uk Vivian Lee sarah.newey@epigram.org.uk Alice Young travel@epigram.org.uk Gareth Downs Georgina Winney Music Editor news@epigram.org.uk Puzzles Editor filmandtv@epigram.org.uk News Online Editor Nathan Comer Deputy Travel Editor Lily Buckmaster Chief Proofreader Deputy News Editors Stephanie Rihon Andrea Valentino music@epigram.org.uk Deputy Film & TV Editor Atkins newsonline@epigram.org.uk Abigail Van-West Head SubEdEditor deputytravel@epigram.org.uk Matt Field Deputy Music Editor avanwest@epigram.org.uk Emma Corfield deputyfilmandtv@epigram.org.uk Sub-editors: Features Editor PippaEditor Shawley Travel Online Ciara Murphey Jenny Awford Hugh Davies Sub Editors Emma Frazer Emilia Morano-Williams deputymusic@epigram.org.uk Film & TV Online Editor jawford@epigram.org.uk features@epigram.org.uk Harriet Layhe, Guy Watts travelonline@epigram.org.uk Hannah McGovern Wagg FIlm & TV Editor Alejandro Palekar Kate Moreton, Features Editor filmandtvonline@epigram.org.uk JeremyRosemary Barclay Deputy Features Editor Will Ellis Style Editor Tristan Martin Matt Floyd Sophie Padgett Illustrator Maddy Streets filmandtv@epigram.org.uk Science & Technology Editor Nicholas Irwin features@epigram.org.uk deputyfeatures@epigram.org.uk Sophie Sladen Ryan Maguire style@epigram.org.uk Molly Hawes Deputy Film & TV Editor Sahar Shah Deputy Features Editor scienceandtech@epigram.org.uk Web Designer Features Online Editor Tom Herbert Anthony Deputy Style EditorAdeane Andrew White Michael Coombs Rob Mackenzie Deanne Ball deputyfilmandtv@epigram.org.uk deputyfeatures@epigram.org.uk featuresonline@epigram.org.uk deputystyle@epigram.org.uk

Managing Director Ollie Yorke Editor

Thursday 13th Feb at 1pm The White Bear

Arts

Editorial team

22 Travel meets Simon Reeve

BBC

Film & TV review the third series of the BBC’s hit legal drama

,)+! ) *,((')+ "& +! *+), $ "&*+ *, ! ) *+" 3& & " $ ,+* & % % ) ' )"*+'$ "&*+ , +"'&

ARTS: page 19

Russell Kane reviewed !"& $'* '')*4 +! ) 0 () - &+"& *+, &+* & $ +,) )* )'% ! -"& +! ") Epigram delivers our * 0 "& +! "*"'&* & ()'+ *+ "&*+ +!"* verdict on his stand up *+, &+* !'*+ ( & $ - &+ "% "& +! &"- )*"+0 " ! ) , +"'& ,& "& performance +! + + '$$'. 0 2 ) "* ,**"'& '&

A student protests against the increase in tuition fees proposed by the coalition

Interview: Coco Sumner on CDs and Cheryl Cole Lifestyle E2 Page 2

Flight fears, summer camps and British beaches Travel in E2 Pages 10-11

Julia May

#.+ $4/<+89/:? 5, 8/9:52 .'9 (++4 +>?</ =>?./8>= 38 :+<>3-?6+< </:</=/8>/. '='8*+* ' @ -8'4: :5 9:;*? :.+ *+<+2563+4: 5, :.+ " + =3183E-+8> .<9: 38 +::63-+>398= F >2/</ 2+= '254-9/*+ ,//8 + ./-638/ 90 38 +::63-+8>= +1/. :.+ $4/<+89/:? 5, '3(8/*-+ '4* :.+ ,/>A//8

+8. +8. +::63-+8>= +1/. $4/<+89/:? 5, %/9)549/4 : /9 .56+* +8. 9@/< 2+@/ =//8 + ./-</+=/ 90 :.': 8+9+'8).+89 =/22 (+ '(2+ :5 A4* 5;: %2/ &$ '3-/ "</=3./8> %983 "/+<-/ =+3. =.? :.+ */9+'9+ 542? *+<+256+* /4 :.+ *%2/ =3183E-+8> </.?->398 38 +::63-+>398=

9 +<+4 :.5;-. /: .'* (++4 68+9+4: 0<97 7+>?</ =>?./8>= 3= + A+<8381 =318 +8. /4 :.+ .;3'4 656;2':/54 ,58 *+)'*+9

+7;'22? ' 358'2 8+96549/(/2/:? :5 .+26 *+<+256 :.+ )533;4/:?

Stem cell therapy suceeds for Bristol student Science Page 16-17

Yisan Cheong

&8+7;/8+ /49:/:;:/549 :5 9+: :.+39+2<+9 ': 2+'9: 54+ :'8-+: '85;4* (85'*+4/4- :.+/8 +4:8'4: 6552 ;6 :5 45= /: .'9 (++4 6599/(2+ ,58 /49:/:;:/549 :5 8+9:8/): :.+/8 :'8-+:9 :5 (85'*+4/4- :.+/8 '662/)'4: 6552 54)+84/4-2? :.+ 8+9;2:9 5, :.+ 8+658: 8+<+'2+* :.': 5, /49:/:;:/549 '-8++* :.+? )5;2* ,58+9++ */E);2:/+9 =/:. 3++:/4- =/*+4/4- 6'8:/)/6':/54 :'8-+:9 /4 :.+ ,;:;8+

Flickr: spartacusxx

:5 =/*+4 '))+99 :5 5;8 $4/<+89/:? #.+ /99;+ /9 A4'4)/'2 '))+99/(/2/:? , 9:;*+4:9 ,853 58*/4'8? (')1-85;4*9 )'4 : 'D58* :5 2/<+ /4 8/9:52 :.+4 :.+9+ A-;8+9 =/22 45: -+: (+::+8 .'9 8+9654*+* :5 :.+ A-;8+9 (? '99+8:/4- :.': /4 ,;:;8+ 358+ +36.'9/9 =/22 (+ 62')+* 54 :.+ '(/2/:? 5, ;4/<+89/:/+9 :5 3++: :.+9+ 9+: :'8-+:9 #.+? )2'/3+* :.': ,853

:.+? =/22

Fresh or Mess?

Living

51 Silk reviewed

Ann Widdecombe visits Bristol

$// "+1/

</-3/@/. ,C >2/ =+7/ .+>/ 38

%2/ =>+>3=>3-= :<9@3./. ,C >2/ &83@/<=3>3/=

Record number +::63-+>398= of 31?</= 38 >2/ =9?>2 A/=> =29A >2/ ,311/=> applications 0+66 38 +::63-+>398= 38 9@/< C/+<= A3>2 +

new look e2

Jessica McKay argues that student journalism is still a crucial part of the university experience.

Film & TV

Revolution on the streets of Bristol

23

99. >?<8= +1+38=> 966/1/ <//8 9--?:3/<=

Issue 245

e2

Monday 7th November 2011

News Reporter

Issue 216 Monday 28 September 2009

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

•

#.+ ":;*+4:9 $4/54 .'9 56+4+* /:9 4+= .;( 54 )'36;9 #.+ 4,583':/54 !@/<+66 ?83@/<=3>C +::63-+>398= 09< 5/4: :'1+9 :.+ 62')+ 5, :.+ 52* ':=+9: 2+@/ .<9::/. ,C 38 >2/ 6/+. ?: >9 >2/ (;/2*/4- 4+>: :5 :.+ 8:9 >?3>398 0// <3=/ --9<.381 >9 9H-3+6 E1?</= '4* "5)/'2 ")/+4)+9 /(8'8? : '/39 :5 3'1+ :.+ >2/ 8?7,/< 90 & ,9<8 =>?./8>= +::6C381 $4/54 9 9+8</)+9 +'9/+8 :5 09< '))+99 ,58 ?83@/<=3>C :6+-/= 2+= 0+66/8 ,C

9:;*+4:9 ":'D /4 :.+ )+4:8+ =/22 (+ '(2+ A3>2 =>?./8> +::63-+>398= 09< :5 -/<+ '*</)+ 54 '))5335*':/54 '4* </-/3@/. ,C >2 !->9,/< -97:+</. >9 =+2,'8+ '9 =+22 '9 9658:9 '4* 95)/+:/+9

$4*+8-8'*;':+9 8+)+/<+* (;89'8/+9 '4* 9).52'89./69 /4

,+* '+! )."* #&'.& * ! ,(" )* % )# +! 2 & ' +! 3)*+ ! (+ ) ' %'&*+) +"'&*4 +!)', ! +! "* ' ,( +"'& '

TRAVEL: E2 page 10

How to climb Kili ,+* $" - * +! ) ) +!) % +!' * ' 2+ #"& +! *+), $ '). ) *4 ! 3)*+ "* An idiot’s guide to this ) ,&"+"& +!'* "&-'$- "& +! ) *"*+ & +' summer’s RAG climb of!" ! ) , +"'& ,+* $ *+ + )% .!' ) $"# $0 +' ) $"& )'% +! $'. ' +! -'+ Mount Kilimanjaro ( ** "& ( )$" % &+

*)-#.#)( ' 3 " (! #( &#!". ) ." ) &#.#)( !, ' (. ( " 0 , . ( )(&#( * .#.#)(

#( ), , .) )(0#( #&&# '- .) 5")& 6,' .) SPORT: page 32 ." *& ! /*)( 1"# " " 1 - & . 7 Watersports focus " ( -% # ." # '- 1)/& ' %#(! ./,( )( ." #, *& ! #&&# '- (-1 , 5 ' Epigram catches up with #( 1 %&3 )(. . 1#." #( && , . ,3 the water polo team and ) . . ( 0# #&& .- #(#-. , ), #!" , the Girls’ rowing squad / .#)( )( ")1 ." ) &#.#)( ( ( &

EDITORIAL: page 13

Jamie Corbin

:.+ $4/<+89/:? 5, :.+ %+9: 5, 4-2'4* #.+ 9:;*? '295 9.5=+* :.': 8/9:52 .'9 *+)8+'9+* /:9 96+4*/4- 54 =/*+4/4- 6'8:/)/6':/54 C 5, '**/:/54'2 ,++ /4)53+ ='9 96+4: 54 (;89'8/+9 9).52'89./69 '4* 5;:8+'). '):/</:/+9 /4 :.+ ')'*+3/) ?+'8

C ' *856 ,853 8 %+4*? /':: .+'* 5, :.+ +2/:+ !;99+22 85;6 5, ;4/<+89/:/+9 8+0+):+* :.+ )2'/3 :.': ;4/<+89/:/+9 =+8+ =.522? :5 (2'3+ ,58 :.+ /4'(/2/:? :5 8+'). :'8-+:9 & /9/4,583':/54 2')1 5, )54A*+4)+ '4* 3/9;4*+89:'4*/4-9 '(5;: :.+ )59:9 '4* (+4+A:9 5, ;4/<+89/:? +*;)':/54 )54:8/(;:+ :5 :.+ ;4*+8 8+68+9+4:':/54 5, 9:;*+4:9 ,853 25=+8 /4)53+ (')1-85;4*9 5=+<+8 ":;*+4:9 $4/54 8+9/*+4: ;9 '1+8 8+B+):+* :.+ /99;+ (')1 :5 ;4/<+89/:? 652/)? &#.+9+ A-;8+9 9.5= 8/9:52 /9 9:8;--2/4-

inside The Mix

COMMENT: page 11 Missing persons

& + )''% & + ',* ! 0 %(! *"* Hooters causes concern +! 2 /+) ') "& )0 $ - $ ' *,((')+4 )'% The editor responds to +! &"- )*"+0 "& $, "& * - & &"- )*"+0 ( )+% &+* & 2 ',&+$ ** "& "-" , $*4 our letter of the fortnight ! . # ' ) , +"'& ."$$ !'( +' "&

Epigram picks out the 1#&& 0). ! #(-. (3 #( , - #( - #( ." ( 2. * ,&# ' (. ( 1 1#&& */. *, --/, )( ." film based on facebook )0 ,(' (. .) #(.,) / #, , &. ,( .#0 legend Mark Zuckerberg .) 0 ,# & .)* /* -7 ,#-.)& -./ (.- , in our Film Listings )/., ! ." . ." # , & ') , . * ,.3

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Music

Have Slow Club found Paradise?

Union establishes Sarah Lawson presence on precinct

#.+ $4/<+89/:? 5, 8/9:52 .'9 (++4 4'3+* /4 '4 E)+ ,58 '/8 ))+99 8+658: '9 54+ 5, 4-2/9. ;4/<+89/:/+9 :.': '8+ ,'/2/4- :5 3++: 9+: :'8-+:9 ,58 =/*+4/4- 6'8:/)/6':/54 #.+ -85;6 =./). /4)2;*+9 :.+ $4/<+89/:/+9 5, '3(8/*-+ ;8.'3 '4* %'8=/)1 ,'/2+* :5 3++: 9+2, 9+: 9:':/9:/)'2 :'8-+:9 8+-'8*/4- :.+ 4;3(+8 5, '662/)'4:9 )53/4- ,853 */9'*<'4:'-+* (')1-85;4*9 /4 49:/:;:/549 =+8+ '91+* :5 8+658: 54 :.+/8 :'8-+:9 8+-'8*/4- ;4*+8 8+68+9+4:+* 9:;*+4:9 *+A4+* (? '9 9:;*+4:9 ,853 25= 95)/5 +)5453/) -85;69 25= /4)53+ (')1-85;4*9 953+ +:.4/) -85;69 '4* */9'(2+* 9:;*+4:9 .'9 45: 8+<+'2+* :.+ ;4/<+89/:/+9 /4*/</*;'2 :'8-+:9 .5=+<+8 :.+ 6+8)+4:'-+ 5, 8/9:52 ;4*+8-8'*;':+ 9:;*+4:9 8+)+/</4- (;89'8/+9 '4* 9).52'89./69 /4 9:55* ':

5, :.+ ,++ 6'?/4- 9:;*+4: 656;2':/54 /4 )54:8'9: :5 ': '3(8/*-+ '4* ':

+/ -.#)( 1" ." , ." # '- 1#&& !) % )( ." #, *& ! (). .) #( , - - #&&# '- ( ." - /- .#)(- 5 " *& ! & #'- ." . 1 -")/& 1),% .)1 , - #, , -3-. ' ( ." . - 2 .&3 1" . -#!( /* ), #&&# '-

*,)!, --#0 * 3' (. -3-. ' ." ( 1 " 0 /. #. - )(&3 -. ,.#(! *)#(. & 1 ( ) .. ,

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 240

MAIN DISH

GET ONE FREE

Photo : Tristan Martin

5+0%' 6*' 57//'4 9*'0 %106418'45; '4726'& 18'4 # 241215'& %10('4'0%' +&'# (41/ # %1//+66'' /'/$'4 %.#+/5 10' 1( +65 1$,'%6+8'5 61 $' 4'24'5'06+0) 105'48#6+8' 0+8'45+6; 1( 4+561. 567&'065 #5 9'.. #5 241/16+0) 6*' 105'48#6+8' #46; +0 4+561. 19'8'4 6*4'' %1//+66'' /'/$'45 *#8' 4'5+)0'& 9+6* 6*'+4 215+6+105 56+.. 8#%#06 #0& +%' *#+4/#0 #410 7)* ..+5 4'5+)0'& +6 *#5 $''0 4'8'#.'& $'(14' 6*+5 #%#&'/+% ;'#4 *#&

FULL STORY PAGE 2

BUY ONE

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

Why do Bristol students rush to sort houses so early in the THOM LOYD year- and is it self-induced, orSenior News Reporter even non-important?

LUCY WOODS News Reporter

Photo : Škeith morris

%1/+66'' 5*19&190 5''5 6*4'' 4'5+)0

1#&& -. ,.#(! ." #, 1),%#(! &#0 - 1#." . ) )0 , 4 "#- #- /( *. & ( /(-/-. #( & 7 )1 0 , $/-. -#2 ')(."- & . , #. " - ( #'*&# ." . #&&# '- ' 3 ()1 0). #(

Will Deathtrap be able 0)/, ) to ( #( , - #( ./#.#)( - " ." .) , - 1 ." */ &# .#)( ) ), compete with the London

,)1( - , 0# 1 #- /--#(! ." , ')0 & ) * )( ./#.#)( - "#- " - & ." */ &# .) musical scene?

FILM & TV: page 28." ( ,)1( " - )( &, 3 #&&# '- &)(! 1#." )." , *,)-* .#0 - The Social Network -#!( ." *& ! *, & .#)( -. .#(! 5

Music, p.26, * p.28 /0 < 0 /!/ 1%( %*# !// % . .5 * ,+.0/ /5/0!)/ .! %*0!#. 0! * 0$! *!3 ,$+0+ 1,(+ " %(%05 .! 1 !/ 0%)! * , ,!.3+.' "+. +0$ /01 !*0/ * /0 < $! *!40 ,$ /! %* 0$! ,.+&! 0 3%(( (++' 0 !40!* %*# 0$! "1* 0%+*/ +" 0$! . %*0+ .! / (%'! (! 01.! 00!* * ! .! +. '!!,%*# ,.%*0%*# !4 )/ 10$!*0% 0%+* /$(!// 2!* %*# 0!.%*# , .'%*# * 1/ 0. */,+.0 $!.! %/ ,+0!*0% ( "+. %0 0+ ! 1/! 0+ " %(%0 0! ! 2+0%*# 3$% $ ) 5 ++/0 01.*+10 "+. 0$! 01 !*0 (! 0%+*/

$ # Epigram

ARTS: page 18 West End Thriller

MUSIC: page 25 Festival highlights

We pick the best sets &-) & #' 5 " ,)1( , *),. #- , .. , ." ( #. 1)/& " 0 ( ()1 ." . ." # , & from this year’s festivals

') , .- , #( )9 #. )8 ,- '/ " '),

"+. 1%( %*# !// 0+ ! )+*%0+.! ".+) 0$! $+1. +*0.+( .++) $! . 3%(( %* .! /! ),1/ /! 1.%05 5 1*%"5%*# !// /5/0!)/ ) '%*# %0 ! /%!. "+. 0$! ! 1.%05 !.2% !/ 0+ Epigram /1,!.2%/! */0 (( 0%+* +" !4%0 .! !./ )! */ 0$ 0 . / 3%(( (/+ ! .!-1%.! 0+ (! 2! 1%( %*#/ 9 ! (%*# 3%0$ 0$!"0 .!/1(0%*# ".+) .%)%* (/ 0 %(# 0%*# /+)!+*! %*0+ 0$! 1%( %*# * 0$!* /%),(5 3 ('%*# ' +10 3%0$ /0+(!* ,.+,!.05 $! . %/ (/+ !/%#*! 0+ %* .! /! !; %!* 5 "+. /01 !*0/ * /0 < $! /01 !*0

KissMob takes place on Woodland Road in the run-up to Sexploration Week - page three

FEATURES: page 7

Medical experiments Should students take part in clinical trials?

COMMENT: page 10

)"*+'$ &"- )*"+0 *+, &+* ) * ++"& ,( Monopoly on the media . # ' ) , +"'& - &+* .!" ! & '& Murdoch’s Sky takeover )" 0 +! &, )0 & ) + #"& ($ $$ )'** +! %(,* ! - &+* ) "&+ & * should be blocked on ,)+! ) ()'+ *+ "&*+ '- )&% &+ ,+* +' +! !" ! ) , +"'& , + grounds of plurality & % ) ()'+ *+ )* "&*+ +!

Photo : Tom Wills Photo: Tristan Martin

Film review: Sherlock Holmes

Bristol students frolic in the snow in Brandon Hill, but exams will still go on as planned - page 4

2& 2 !*# ,',% 12 > 0# 9#,130',% 2& 2 ** 130$ !#1 13!& 1 )#7 - 0"1 ," "#1)1 0# !-,2',3 **7 !*# ,#" ," 2& 2 ,7 20 !#1 -$ $--" -0 "0',) 0# 0#+-4#" /3'!)*7 < &# ,'4#01'27 "-#1 ..# 0 2- # 2 )',% &7%'#,# '113#1 +-0# 1#0'-31*7 1 & ," 1 ,'2'8#0 & 1 1',!# ..# 0#" ,#62 2- 1-+# -$ 2&# !-+.32#0 2#0+', *1 ', 2&# *' 0 07 92- #,130# #620 !*# ,*',#11< 32 123"#,21 0# 12'** 0'%&2 2- # !-,!#0,#" 1 2&# *# ; #21 ',$-0+',% 123"#,21 -$ 2&# .#12 .0- *#+ 2& 2 ..# 0#" ', 2&# *' 0 07 -, -," 7 # 03 07 .-',2 -32 92&'1 '1 1#0'-31 + 22#0 1 +'!# 0# 0#1.-,1' *# $-0 2&# 1.0# " -$ + ,7 "'1# 1#1 ',!*3"',% *+-,#**-1'1 ," 120- #,2#0'2'1 ," &-121 2- +'2#1 2'!)1 2 .#5-0+ ," ; # 1 < 2'# '22#, : 012 7# 0 &'12-07 123"#,2 ," *' 0 07 31#0 !-++#,2#" 2& 2 2&# '"# -$ +'!# ', 2&# *' 0 07 5 1 9"'1%312',% #1.#!' **7 1 2&#7 1#** $--" (312 "-5,12 '01<

Panache to close The popular venue faces closure due to allegations of violence and drugs

Goldney JCR and Manor Hall Warden give their HANNAH CASLIN views on Fresher’s Week News Reporter

COMMENT: page 10 . , , ! #(#(! "#- ,#-.)& -. - . #( ." 3

Photo: Tristan Martin

Food banned from study areas as pest control informed about library’s rodent infestation

'1 #,!-30 %',% 2&# $3007 4'1'2-01 &# +'!# 5#0# "'1!-4#0#" ..0-6'+ 2#*7 25- 5##)1 %- ," 0# #*'#4#" 2- & 4# ##, 220 !2#" 7 $--" ," "0',) 2 )#, 2- 2&# : 012 ," 1#!-," ; --01 7 123"#,21 0-*',# * ,!7 ,'4#01'27 .0#11 -= !#0 2-*" 2& 2 2&# ,'4#01'27 '++#"' 2#*7 !-,2 !2#" .#12 !-,20-* : 0+ #,2-)'* 5&- 0# "# *',% 5'2& 2&# .0- *#+ ," ',1'12

Comment, p.14

NEWS: page 2

Future graduates could leave university with debts of over ÂŁ80,000

FEATURES: page 7 Perspectives

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

Issue 230 Monday February 7th 2011

NEWS: page 2 ÂŁ10,000 tuition fees

Ground Zero Conflict ( , & & .#)( )( *& . ),' )**)-#(! #( , - - #( /(#0 ,-#.3 - . *" ( #&&# '- Is a ‘mosque’ blocks #- - . .) , ( ! )( "#- *,)'#- away from Ground Zero ( "#- '* #!( #&&# '- ,!/ 5 &# 0 ." . -./ (. - *). (.# & -")/& (). just too close? &#'#. 3 ." #, #&#.3 .) * 3 (3 -./ (.-

,!."+.) Features, !/,%0! p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

Music, p.26-27

Election run-up:HANNAH STUBBS Head News Reporter 0-"#,2 ',$#12 2'-, ', 2&# 021 ,"

-!' * !'#,!#1 ' 0 07 & 1 ##, !-,: 0+#" ," 123"#,21 0# #',% 5 0,#" 2& 2 # 2',% 5&'*12 123"7',%

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Monday November 8th 2010 Issue 228

HANNAH BRADY

News Reporter

" 5 0$! !* +" 0+ !. (( /0 < * /01 !*0/ 3%(( $ 2! *!3 1*%2!./%05 . 9 0$! . !,( %*# 1..!*0 . / 3%0$ ! " 0$! . %/ 0$! 8./0 ,$ /! +" 5! . ,.+&! 0 !/%#*! 0+ %* .! /! /! 1.%05 * !; %!* 5

! .+// 0$! 1*%2!./%05 5 1*%"5%*# !// /5/0!)/ * 3% !*%*# 0$! "1* 0%+*/ 0$ 0 . / *

Upcoming bands: Epigram

• Government plans dramatic fee hike • Union calls for emergency demo

in The Mix:

BARING ALL FOR CHARITY Page 3

Issue 223 Monday 8 February 2010

Issue 221 Monday 11 January 2010

Photo: Megan Stodel

*' #44'56'& 567&'065 9'4' *'.& $; 6*' #0+5* 21.+%' (14 '+)*6 *1745 9+6* .+66.' 14 01 #%%'55 61 9#6'4 (11& 14 # 61+.'6 *' 21.+%' 75'& 5;56'/#6+% 8+1.'0%' 2'22'4 524#; #0& +0 51/' %#5'5 %#8+6; 5'#4%*'5 61 57$&7' #2241:+/#6'.; 6*4'' *70&4'& &'6#+0'& 2416'56'45

.. 6*15' #44'56'& 9'4' 4'.'#5'& 9+6*176 %*#4)' 14 ,756+>'& ':2.#0#6+10 (14 6*'+4 #44'56

.. 5+: 567&'065 (7.. 2'4510#. &'6#+.5 *19'8'4 9'4' 4'6#+0'& $; 6*' #0+5* 21.+%' '%'/$'4 5 10('4'0%' 10 .+/#6' *#0)' 9#5 2+66'& 61 (14/#.+<' # ).1$#. 4'52105' 61 6*' 019 $41#&.; 4'%1)0+<'& 4'#.+6; 1( &'8#56#6+0) /#0 /#&' %.+/#6' %*#0)' *' #+/ 1( 6*' 10('4'0%' 9#5 61 ':6'0& #0& ':2#0& 5 ;161 4161%1. +65 #+/5 $'+0) 61 %105647%6 # &'#. 6*#6 4'%1)0+5'5 6*' "'%1.1)+%#. &'$6 6*' '56 19'5 6*'

last month and that “figures have soared since last year. Tom Wey, a third year computer science student was robbed in Cotham last Monday at midday. He was walking up Cotham Brow into University when he was hassled by two boys of about 17 or 18 years old. Both boys were riding BMX bikes and wearing big coats and hats and started shouting at him. Tom said: "The two boys started pushing me. I basically did what they said because I didn't know if they had a knife and I didn't know if they were going to beat me up. I couldn't get away anyway as they had cornered me with their bikes." The boys asked him if he had a mobile phone, and when he denied that he owned one, they searched his pockets. When they asked where his wallet was, they took his bag, which held his wallet, CDs and headphones, a folder with university work and a book. Of the 13 students mugged last week, 9 were male and in the majority of cases, it was wallets and mobile phones that were stolen. The attacks have all been concentrated in student residential areas; in Redland area Cotham and Clifton. PC Taylor says usually Tuesday nights are a peak time for attacks because this is when many clubs hold student nights. Sheila Docherty, Welfare Officer said, "Guys think that they are invincible and that they have to look after girls. But more men are likely to be mugged. "Robberies are not just taking place at night. They are also occurring during the day. Students must be careful all the time.�

Monday October 11 2010

BUY ANY COURSE GET ONE FREE

in the Mix

KIRSTY REID JON WILTSHIRE News Reporters

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2002 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - PAGES 6 AND 7

# !

# #

Decoration inspiration Revision poster

By Katherine Hyde

Crime prevention officer PC Martin Taylor says that there has been a "massive growth" in incidents against students in the

Victim: Tom Wey at the scene of the attack

Epigram takesin a lookthe at the Mix: real story behind homelessness in Bristol — Features, page 25

in the Mix:

174 0+8'45+6; 1( 4+561. 567&'065 9'4' #44'56'& #0& 10' &'6#+0'& 10 70&#; '%'/$'4 #6 6*' 0+6'& #6+105 .+/#6' *#0)' 10('4'0%' +0 12'0*#)'0

/10) 6*15' #44'56'& (41/ 6*' 0+8'45+6; 1( 4+561. 9'4' '56'4 '+& +#%1/1 +4+'..1 #0& +-1.#5 17.1).17

5 2#46 1( 6*' 5#/' +0%+&'06 #016*'4 567&'06 10 +.65*+4' 9#5 &'6#+0'& $; 21.+%' #5 9'.. #5 (4+'0& #0& 0+8'45+6; 1( !14- 567&'06 #2*0' #4-5*+4' #.51 #44'56'& 9+6* 6*' )4172

Page 18

GET SET FOR YET FO MORE DEBT

Shortlisted for The Guardian and The Independent Media Awards 2001

Last week there were 13 robberies and muggings against students in the Redland sector alone.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: FOR THE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION, SEE FULL STORY PAGE 3

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

SINGLES FOR THE SINGLTON

Page 13

for every reader

Photo: Jonathan Taphouse

Mustafa Khayat

• The truth behind first-year’s virginity auction media scam • Friends and lover provided ideas for publicity

THE REAL VANILLA SKY

Monday 19 January 2004

FREE COFFEE

Four University of Bristol students have been admitted to hospital over the past two weeks for treatment of bacterial meningitis. The University confirmed the infection as having reached outbreak status on Monday 27 October. Antibiotics were administered to over 3000 students and members of the University within

Number 137

THROUGH THE ROOF UNLUCKY 13 AS ATTACKS “SOAR�

Epigram investigates facts behind international story Students left facing even more debt trouble as hall fees go...

15 What’s the point of student journalism?

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

turn to page 8

Monday 11 February 2002

A CULTURAL EXPLOSION IN THE UNION Page 5

wa y

!

ď?´ď?Żď?ľď?Łď?¨ ď?ľď?° ď?šď?Żď?ľď?˛ ď?łď?Ľď?¸ ď?łď?Ťď?Šď?Źď?Źď?ł

At the time of going to press it seems that the recent meningitis outbreak has been kept under control, largely thanks to the fast reaction from the university and the responsible actions taken by students. With no new cases reported for four days, and antibiotics having been distributed to those at most risk, it is fingers crossed that there will be no further spread of the infection.

SYMPTOMS: Information cards were handed out

Number 160

Number 156

Comment

Monday 3 November 2003

WIN FREE TICKETS ! competition page 9

Photo: ChloĂŤ Banks

Celebrating 25 years 1989 - 2014

Number 153

www.epigram.org.uk

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Four Students Diagnosed – Antibiotics Distributed to all First Year Students

Turn to page 29 for our 25th anniverasary commemorative supplement. Past editors return to Epigram’s pages to share their memories of the paper, from stand-out stories to battles with the Union. James Landale, Epigram’s founding editor, revisits the op-ed that launched his career in journalism and former editors reflect on how their time at the paper has shaped their current career.

www.epigram.org.uk For the latest news, features and reviews

facebook.com/epigrampaper twitter.com/epigrampaper issuu.com/epigrampaper

Epigram is the independent student newspaper of the University of Bristol. The views expressed in this publication are not those of the University or the Students’ Union. The design, text and photographs are copyright of Epigram and its individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission.

Advertise with Epigram! Epigram has a readership of 12,500 and is one of the best ways to advertise to Bristol students. To enquire about advertising, please contact Lucy Rodrick at advertising@epigram.org.uk

News

Epigram

07.03.2014

3

@epigramnews Editor: Laura Jacklin news@epigram.org.uk

Deputy Editors: Spencer Turner; Joe Quinlan; Sarah Newey sturner@epigram.org.uk ; jquinlan@epigram.org.uk

Online Editor: Stephanie Rihon newsonline@epigram.org.uk

Celebrating 25 years of Epigram

• Epigram ball taking place 7th March Camilla Gash News Reporter This year marks Epigram’s twenty-fifth anniversary, and to celebrate the silver milestone, Epigram is hosting a ball that will take place this evening at the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery. Months of planning have gone into the event, and all 250 dinner tickets have sold out. After the three-course meal, guests will be treated to live music from Hornstars, who will be injecting the museum with some swing, funk, Latin and pop. There will also be a DJ and magician, as well as an after-party at Pam Pam. Ollie Yorke, current Managing Director of Epigram, said: ‘It’s not often we get to throw a party like this, and for such a landmark occasion.. It will be an evening to celebrate “all things Epigram”’, says Yorke. ‘Not only is the event about celebrating 25 successful years, it is also about thanking those that have contributed, and hopefully providing the inspiration for another 25 years of success.’ Confirmed guests include the Mayor of Bristol, George Ferguson, journalists from The Times, the BBC, The Guardian and the Daily Telegraph, and the man who started it all, James Landale. The newspaper you are reading today has come a long way from its humble beginnings 25 years

ago. James Landale, the current Deputy Political Editor at the BBC, was founding Editor back in 1989, and describes the first ever issue as ‘a rather awful four page edition...handed out to students at Freshers’ week.’ The publication’s early stages were somewhat dramatic: following a row which saw UBU withdrawing funding from another university magazine, the Union decided to set up its own paper. Under Landale’s leadership, the newspaper gradually grew: ‘slowly but surely we worked our way up from that: got a few ads, a few more pages.’ From a small team with just one computer, Epigram has grown into a huge presence on campus. What started as four pages is now a 56page paper, produced on a fortnightly basis by an editorial team of over 50, with a print run of 5000 and an estimated readership of 12,500. Several of its alumni have gone on to career success, notable examples being William Lewis, former editor of the Telegraph, Krissi Murison, former editor of NME, and Susanna Reid, the BBC Breakfast presenter. The newspaper has also been successful on a national platform, with some of its stories being picked up by The Times and the BBC. Tonight the Museum and Art Gallery will see Epigram teams past and present celebrating the past 25 years.

Phil Bruland

71% not involved in student politics

The 2013-14 Epigram editorial team

Tribute to James Halton James Halton, a fourth-year law undergraduate, passed away on 25 February. Although he was in hospital, he appeared to have recovered and was expected to be discharged when he collapsed suddenly. Those who knew him pay tribute to a bright and promising student.

continued from page 1 There was an overwhelming feeling at the meeting that the AMM does not currently fulfil its aim of representing the student body, with many unaware of the AMM or why it is important. Some also feel that student democracy at the university is inaccessible, with the system being rather complicated and boring, as well as the time change of the AMM meaning it is difficult for those in catered halls to attend because of meal times. Other responses included the feeling that students and UBU do not have the power to change much, and that UBU lacks relevance to students’ lives. Suggestions for improving student democracy at UBU are being put forward, and include more promotion, and using social media

Markéta Brabcová

Voting at the AMM: democracy at UBU is being reviewed to get more people involved

and online polls to improve participation. However with 80% of students caring about politics and the majority of respondents reading the news everyday, it is evident that students are interested in politics. Numerous debates in student media, as well as on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, suggest that students are simply using different means to voice their opinions. This was evident with the discussion surrounding the Officer Role Reviews. Therefore there have been many suggestions that rather than losing interest, young people are simply changing the way they participate. The gap between caring and official involvement has widened, but this does not mean that young people do not want to be heard.

“

He was a genuinely nice student, mature, thoughtful, but also very bright and incisive

Chris Willmore Reader in Sustainability and Law

I had the very great pleasure of teaching James. I understand that he had a very promising career ahead of him, having secured a training contract with a leading London law firm. Although I only knew James for a short period, I will always remember him as a kind, polite and dedicated student. He displayed all of the hallmarks that Bristol University prides in its students. We have lost a good and gracious gentleman. Luke Butler, Lecturer in Law

“

His death is not to be mourned; instead, we should celebrate his life.

”

James and I met in October 2010 and bonded really well. He was one of my closest mates, somebody from whom I was able to ask for genuine, honest advice. He was never one who would shy away from sharing his honest opinion. Therein, lay his greatest quality. I saw him evolve from the quiet, reserved firstyear who didn’t say a word during a whole library tour into the life of the party when I went to visit him in Bordeaux two years later during his Erasmus year. James left his mark on me not only as a friend but also as a lawyer. He was inquisitive by nature, intelligent and charming- a brilliant lawyer in the making. His uncanny ability to question the causes of things marked me from our first few meetings. He would often come to me for a second opinion about his studies. Truth be told, I was learning more from him. Being really passionate, he would constantly challenge himself and raise his standards for exams and for career prospects. His passion for law undoubtedly stemmed from his family. James was a family man through and through: he had great admiration for his parents and was extremely protective of his younger sisters. His death is not to be mourned; instead, we should celebrate his life. He should be remembered for all his amazing attributes and we should cherish the moments we got to spend with him. Varoon Saccaram

Epigram

07.03.2014

4

Leading the fight against FGM • Bristol a ‘beacon of excellence’ • University society engaging students in campaign Olivia Lace-Evans News Reporter

Oliver Zimmermann

Fahma Mohamed’s campaign has led to Michael Gove agreeing to write to schools across the UK about FGM

Layla Ismail is one of the leading members of UK charity Forward, who have a specific campaign dedicated to tackling FGM in Bristol

BAVA

women have undergone the procedure worldwide, and that a further 3 million girls are at risk of the practice in Africa alone. Furthermore, according to a UNICEF report, in half of the countries where FGM is used, the majority of girls who underwent the procedure were under the age of five. In the remainder of countries, most concerned girls between the ages of 5-14. However, despite the estimated number of cases and the fact that FGM has been illegal in the UK since 1985, there hasn’t been a single conviction in the UK. Layla argues that this is due to a number of factors. ‘FGM is a cultural thing, and often isn’t seen as child abuse. For many people FGM is a way of protecting their girls. It’s what they think is best for them and it’s what they know.’ As Layla identifies, there’s also the issue of the children protecting the parents. ‘They love their families and as the experience has only happened to them once, they don’t have any grounds for comparison or the ability to identify it as abuse. They’re also thinking, “if my parents go to prison, what’s going to happen to me?”. Children also grow up with FGM as a common practice. If I think back 20 or 30 years ago, I wouldn’t have spoken up because my parents cared for me and did everything to protect me. I wouldn’t put any child under the pressure of speaking up against FGM, it’s adults and professionals who need to care and should be looking out for them’ One of the greatest issues that FGM campaigners and support networks have to tackle is the psychological or physical impact that affects girls who have had the procedure. Some are more extreme than others.

Chris Conin

Fahma Mohamed, a 17-year-old Bristol schoolgirl, has recently won a campaign requesting the Education Secretary, Michael Gove, to write to schools across the UK to ask them to help protect girls against female genital mutilation (FGM). The campaign called upon the government and British schools to train teachers and parents about the dangers and consequences of FGM in an attempt to curb the number of procedures occurring. Fahma’s anti-FGM campaign,launched earlier this month, was supported by the Guardian newspaper and gained more than 200,000 signatures for the petition requesting better teaching on FGM in British schools. FGM, also known as genital cutting or female circumcision, is a procedure where either part or the whole of the external female genitalia is removed, or where there is injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. A report published by the Bristol Post in early February said around 110 FGM cases were reported in Bristol and a further 2,000 girls are estimated to be at risk. However, Layla Ismail, one of the leading members of Forward, has stated that figures suggest the number of children who are victims of FGM is decreasing. Forward, Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, is an African Diaspora women-led UK-registered campaign and charity dedicated to safeguarding and protecting the sexual and reproductive health and rights of African girls and women. The charity has created a specific campaign and program to tackle the problem of FGM in Bristol and across the UK.

When asked whether there has been an increase or a decrease in the number of FGM cases in Bristol specifically, Layla answered, ‘It’s very hard to say as we didn’t know about FGM five years ago, so you can’t specifically measure whether there’s been an increase or a decrease. What you’re seeing though is more women accessing health services. Many of these women are from different countries; they weren’t born here, so obviously they’ve already had FGM before they’ve come over. But the data that we have and the people we work with shows that there is a decrease of children going through FGM.’ Layla also believes that there’s been a positive and noticeable shift in Bristol’s approach towards FGM. ‘You can see the activity move from a professional level to a community level. When we do workshops, people don’t turn away and say “what are you talking about?”, people really want to come and talk about issues they would never have dared discuss before.’ ‘We’ve tried to work with a variety of communities and organisations. The latest groups we’ve been working with have been from Sierra Leone and Gambia. It seems that East African communities can discuss FGM more easily, whereas for West Africans it’s a taboo. However, we had a big conference with them last summer with lots of different Sierra Leone communities from across the UK to talk about FGM. They were amazed to see other African communities there talking so openly about it, men and women and children all discussing it together. It’s really something’. The NHS estimates that there are over 66,000 women and girls living with FGM in the UK. The issue is not limited to the UK, with Forward estimating that approximately 100-140 million African

Bristol based campaigns have been raising awareness of FGM

Although the practice is ingrained in many cultures, Layla believes that education is the key to curbing the practice across the UK and around the world. ‘We have case studies in Africa which show that when people have been educated about FGM, there has been a drop of about 30% in some countries over the last 15 or 20 years. Laws cannot be enforced, but what really works is education. It has to be part of the school curriculum and they have sessions in primary school about it’. Arresting people and attempting to attack those who practice FGM is not the solution. ‘If someone is arrested, this can lead to broken homes or families. In the long run, you will have children who feel their rights have been taken away as their parents are in prison, and this may lead to other problems. The only people they can accuse is the government, they wouldn’t understand that the government was trying to protect them. So we need to educate children in secondary and primary schools’. It is not only the children who need to be educated on how to tackle and discuss the issue of FGM. Layla recounted an example of a woman whose parents told her they didn’t want her to have the operation, but didn’t explain why. Unfortunately, ‘when she was around 20 she cut herself and when she came back to the UK she immediately became

an FGM activist. You see, it was a missed opportunity for her parents to explain to their child why they were seemingly ‘abandoning’ their culture. They physically protected her for 10 years, and then she did it to herself because she didn’t know’. Charities campaigning against FGM are facing financial strains. As Layla stated, ‘without resources and investment for this program, what we can do is limited and it’s hard to reach everyone in the community. Bristol is seen as a beacon of excellence in terms of working against FGM. It’s the community and professionals working together that makes this work and stands out compared to the rest of the UK’. Forward is working with a society at the University of Bristol, Students Opposing Violence Against Girls. The society is focused upon raising awareness of FGM at Bristol and looks to enable students that may come into contact with FGM, either in their future careers or personal lives, to handle the matter sensitively and appropriately. Sam Hudson, the President of the society said: ‘We hope that Bristol is seen as a leading university in the campaign to eradicate FGM. We feel that it is essential that Bristol students are engaged with the campaign and have knowledge of the issue. FGM is a human rights abuse against women that cannot be ignored

Epigram

07.03.2014

5

‘Goal seeking sugar baby’ Students give back seeks ‘modern gentleman’ to local community Amber Roberts News Reporter

she would recommend the site, stating: ‘I would have a hard time going back to my old life.’ Wade defends the choice of student sugar babies in an interview with GQ magazine, arguing that ‘Calling women “prostitutes” who want something more out of a relationship than just this abstract notion of love is a comment and a stigma that is born of jealousy.’

Flickr Photos

With living costs on the rise and university fees the highest they have ever been, students are finding more ways to fund their way through a degree. A dating website labelled ‘Seeking Arrangement’ was launched in 2005 promising to arrange ‘Mutually Beneficial Relationships’ between ‘The Modern Gentleman’ and the ‘Goal Seeking Sugar Baby’, and is one such way students are earning some cash. Unlike most dating websites, it involves wealthy men or ‘benefactors’, sometimes billionaires, giving up to £3,000 a month to their ‘Sugar Baby’ as part of a ‘mutually beneficial relationship’. It is now the number one Sugar Daddy website and millions of strapped-for-cash students worldwide are beginning to sign up. Nicole, a student of the University of Westminster, who recently signed up, told the Huffington Post she did so because she ‘started to struggle to afford rent’ and became desperate for money. She has two ‘Sugar Daddies’ who treat her to lavish holidays and hotel stays all over the globe in order to spend time with her. Nicole tells the Huffington Post: ‘He’s married and has two children in primary school. We’ve gone to St. Tropez,

Cabo, Singapore and New York together. He has a house in New York separate from the one he has with his wife.’ Nicole claims to have fun with her Sugar Daddy who often takes her shopping, out to dinner and for massages, but she does not disclose whether they have a sexual relationship. Much like the problem of students now turning to prostitution and phonesex to pay for their degrees, ‘Seeking Arrangement’ is rising in popularity among students and unsurprisingly is viewed by many as a form of prostitution. The website has published the 20 British universities with the highest number of students, with the University of Cambridge shockingly coming fourth in its rankings with 46 student sign-ups. The University of Kent is ranked top of the list with a substantial 208 members joining in 2013. The founder, Brandon Wade, tells the Daily Mail: ‘The UK’s new tuition fees have been great for business. We’ve had a huge influx of beautiful, highly educated young women.’ These figures may raise concerns that girls are entering into the ‘Sugarlifestyle’ out of desperation rather than choice, and are pressured into sexual acts. However, Nicole seems comfortable with her sugar lifestyle, stating that it does not distract her from her work and that her Sugar-Daddy is supportive. She continues to tell the Huffington Post that

‘Sugar Babies’ are treated by wealthy men

Hannah Price News Reporter This year’s SVW ran from the 24th of February to the 2nd of March, and was led by UBU and Bristol Hub who both have a strong interest in inspiring students to continue to make a positive difference in their community. Student Volunteering Week is a national initiative designed to celebrate those students who are already involved in volunteering and to enthuse those who don’t show the passion to engage themselves in a cause that interests them. The concept of volunteering that most students have is that it involves travelling to some far flung developing country to help sink a well or helping the young or elderly in their local community. In reality volunteering encompasses a far wider range of activities and most, if not all students, will have been involved in volunteering at some point. From donating blood to repping in halls of residence, many students have involved themselves in a cause or organisation in which they feel interested. Recent NUS research has revealed that 31% of students devote a significant amount of their time to volunteer work. The average student volunteer gives 44 hours a year to a cause they feel passionate about and all this hard work is the equivalent of contributing

a massive £175 million a year to the UK economy. Student Volunteering Week is about celebrating that and about helping students with this kind of drive to turn their passion into social action. Now in its 13th year, Student Volunteering Week joins national charities with student organisations to promote student volunteering as a way to enhance a student’s university experience whilst improving their future prospects. From Thursday evening’s Student Volunteering Fair which featured over 80 local, national and international organisations aiming to attract new students interested in their cause to talks at the careers service focusing on how to sell volunteering on your CV, SVW had something for anyone interested in giving back. A series of smaller activities such as the ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign have also engaged students across the campus by encouraging them to carry out simple good deeds in their everyday life with the recipient then ‘paying it forward’ themselves. Many students who took part said they loved this campaign with one recipient of free Bristol’s Got Talent tickets saying ‘I love this idea. Getting these tickets has made my day and I can’t wait to start paying this forward’. SVW isn’t just about one week of volunteering though. There are opportunities throughout the year for individuals who have considered volunteering before but never got round to it.

Row brewing over 20 Steps for Bristol, Waitrose’s free hot drinks a giant leap for Alexandra Heal News Reporter Heated discussions over the fairness of what is fast becoming a Bristol student staple, the free teas and coffees

being offered by Waitrose, have been recently coming to light. Rows have been consuming local business owners, the Town Council and Waitrose itself, in Nailsea, a town just outside of Bristol. Gilly Chu, the owner of Gilly’s Café on Nailsea High Street, has protested to the nationwide food retailer that their free

Vivian Lee

Local businesses believe Waitrose are unfairly taking their trade

drinks loyalty scheme has damaged her sales by 50 percent. She has complained that small high street businesses cannot be expected to compete with such large companies, and has accused Waitrose of seeing cafés like hers as ‘collateral damage’. Mrs Chu has even resigned from her post as President of the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce, because the Chamber has not acted to resolve the problem. Chairman of the Chamber, Janet Hendey, acknowledged the problem caused to local businesses, but explained that the Chamber does not have the power to protest against promotions being offered at a national level. The principle problem, according to Mrs Chu, lies in the promotion giving free hot drinks to anyone who presents a MyWaitrose card whether a product is bought or not. ‘Loyalty schemes reward purchases,’ she explained. ‘Trade and commerce can only survive where a price is paid for goods.’ Waitrose responded to the outcry, claiming that it tries to support local businesses where it can, and that it aims to trade responsibly. Waitrose has two stores in the Redland and Clifton area, and both are popular student haunts as many make use of the loyalty scheme. The debate continues.

sustainability Alex Green News Reporter UBU’s Get Green and Bristol Hub have launched a new and exciting initiative to encourage students to lead more sustainable lifestyles. The ‘20 Steps’ campaign invites ‘steppers’ to make one change each week over 5 months, moving towards making their habits greener and gradually reducing their impact on the environment. The scheme is guided by research undertaken by NUS Green Impact and will have a positive social impact on both the student community and the community at large. Eleri Dare-Edwards, manager of Bristol Hub describes the scheme as a ‘fantastic demonstration of students taking the initiative to address environmental problems.’ She remarked of the projects accessibility, ‘you don’t have to be a “greenie” to get involved, anyone can take part to make small but impactful changes.’ The ‘20 Steps’ website provides a simple step-by-step account of how to start a blog and get involved in the project. Simple steps such as turning the heating down can be combined with more substantial ones such as up-cycling old clothes or finding creative uses

for potential rubbish. Over 5 months these daily routine changes can add up and make a substantial difference. The Get Green and Bristol Hub, part of the University’s Student Union, has provided 5 distinct themes, each attached to a month, which participants can focus their efforts on. By setting up a blog on the site and sharing tips towards this purpose, students will be in for a chance of winning from a selection of prizes ranging from two weekend tickets to the Love Saves the Day festival in Castle Park to free travel on all Wessex Busses for a year. Contributors with the best and most innovative blogs will also be accredited by NUS Green Impact’s green awards, a useful asset to any students CV. ‘Steppers’ are encouraged to come up with their own steps and share them with others on the site. These themes cover a wide range of environmentally friendly activities, from up-cycling to energy, food, transport and community. Students can check their progress through the sites ‘sustainability sphere’ which gives a clear indicator of the impact they are having. More information on how to get involved can be found on the 20 Steps website where you will find examples of blogs already set up by students in the community.

Epigram

07.03.2014

37

News catch-up Earthquake in Bristol Channel UoB’s Professor Willy Aspinall explains

Adam Bushnell News Reporter

Jenny Jones welcomed home to Bristol Alex Green News Reporter Winter Olympics bronze medal winner, Jenny Jones, has returned home to Bristol. Her homecoming was met with a celebratory mood in response to her efforts on the slopes in Sochi, Russia. Carried through the streets of central Bristol in an open top bus, she arrived at the City Hall for a civic reception for her friends and family, organised by the Lord Mayor. Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol, South Gloucester Council leader Ian Boulton announced that her return would be marked by a procession down Park Street and through the centre of the city. Jones, who describes herself as ‘just Jenny from Bristol’, won Team GB’s first medal on snow in 90 years around a fortnight ago.

Before her return, Jones talked of her excitement to return to her home county. ‘Bristol is a very special city and it is only when you go away that you realise just what a great place it is.’ She is now resting and spending some much needed time with her family and friends. Jones grew up in her parent’s house in Downend, a suburb of Bristol and first snowboarded on a dry slope outside of the city. Since then her ambitions have grown, leading her to her win at Sochi. Jones held the lead in her event after scoring 87.25 in her second run. She then had a tense wait while the final ten competitors attempted to top her score. American Jamie Anderson and Finland’s Enni Rukajarvi scored above 90 placing her in 3rd place, a historic achievement. Her Bronze medal in the slopestyle competition has given the 33 year old a boost in confidence as she stated that she had no plans to retire yet.

For more news stories visit www.epigram.org.uk/news

Flickr: mdavidford

Andy Miah

Jenny Jones, WInter Olympic bronze medallist

An earthquake measuring 4.1 in magnitude on the Richter scale was widely felt at around 13:21 on Thursday 20th February 2014 in the South West. Its epicentre was south of the Gower in Wales and 5km below the water’s surface. According to BBC reports, the quake was felt in Devon, south Wales and Somerset. People in Bristol are also reported to have felt the tremor. The University of Bristol’s Cabot Professor in Natural Hazards & Risk Science in the Department of Earth Sciences, Professor Willy Aspinall spoke to Epigram about the earthquake, ‘earthquakes in the South Wales - Bristol Channel - Bristol area are not unknown.’ ‘The Richter magnitude is a rough and ready surrogate for the energy released at the source of the quake, and a magnitude 4 event is about one-thousandth the energy of a magnitude 6, so the difference in energy release is huge. The hypocentre was well offshore, and so the seismic energy released was dissipated a lot by distance, by the time the shaking reached any built-up areas, and was too low to cause damage - for

comparison, the dynamic loads on buildings would have been lower than those caused by recent gales.’ Many people will query why they did not feel last week’s quake themselves. To this Professor Aspinall answered: ‘People at rest, sitting quietly or lying down are much more likely to feel marginal levels of shaking…[being] out and about, moving and being affected by the wind, for instance, these would mask perceptibility in a small seismic event.’ ‘In the case of Britain, the crust is acted upon by stresses - forces - originating from the opening and spreading of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge - as evinced by Iceland, its volcanoes and earthquakes, - pushing counter to the residual NW-trending stresses from the Alpine building period in southern Europe. In the vicinity of the British Isles, these forces are continuing but relatively small, and accommodated on the population of existing faults.’ Therefore ‘the “most dangerous” quakes - such as Japan 2011 Tohoku magnitude 9 – [will not] occur in Britain, but a damaging and dangerous quake could occur one day, but only up to a magnitude somewhere between 6 and 7’.

Petition response to international student fees Kim Slim News Reporter In response to a campaign launched by the National Union of Students, student unions from across the country have sent a petition to government ministers against the rapidly increasing tuition fees charged to international students. The NUS findings showed that out of 500,000 international students, 1 in 5 found that their fees had significantly increased during their time at university. The research also showed that students whose fees increased by £1000 or more were three times more likely to consider dropping out of university. Unlike home students, international students must pay their fees upfront and are ineligible for government loans and grants, and so often apply for sponsorship to afford to study here. Fees increase in line with changes to the inflation rate, but there is no legal requirement for universities to do this. When students apply for a course at a university, they are often not informed of the fees they will be charged for the entirety of their degree. Some students reported they were unable to travel home to see their families because of the unforeseen increase in fees. In Bristol, the reception towards fixed fees amongst international students seems universal; one first-year engineer described the lack of regulation as ‘an unjust way of getting money

“

from foreign students’ and remarked he would be tempted to drop out of his degree and return home if fees were unexpectedly increased. A first year medic felt any increase in fees would change the amount she spent on a day-to-day basis and would impact how many times she could visit home.

International students should not be treated as cash cows During the launch of the NUS campaign, the international officer, Daniel Stevens, said, ‘international students already pay astronomical fees for the privilege of studying here. They are an important part of the social, cultural and academic make-up of university life and should not be treated as cash cows.’ A campaigner for international and EU students’ rights, Paul Suciu felt that international students are ‘subjected to a monetary view of the world’, and is sceptical about the fixing of fees for international students.

Epigram

07.03.2014

Editor: Hugh Davies

Deputy Editor: Sophie Padgett

Online Editor: Michael Coombs

features@epigram.org.uk

deputyfeatures@epigram.org.uk

featuresonline@epigram.org.uk

flikr: tulensrma

Wikimedia Commons; T. Sulman 1983

Features

@epigramfeatures

Trading places: Bristol built on slavery Following the recent success of 12 Years a Slave, Jon Manning takes a look at Bristol’s own extensive connections with the slave trade Jon Manning Features Writer The history of Bristol is also the history of UK involvement in the slave trade. Recently there has been a revival of interest and publicity regarding slavery, particularly as a consequence of high profile Hollywood film productions. Django Unchained (2012), written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, gave a graphic view of the brutality that existed on slave plantations and in the society in which they were situated. 12 Years a Slave (2013) tells the story of a black man kidnapped from the free North, and sold into slavery in the Southern state of Louisiana. The horrific reality of slavery is an egregious stain on Britain’s historical national character. As with similar atrocities, it is difficult to put a figure on the number of people affected. Some scholars estimate that 11-12 million Africans were trafficked between the 1520s and 1860s. That is equivalent to the population of modern Greece. Despite how central the

UK was to the slave trade, stories and films about the practice tend to focus on slavery as a US experience. Jamie Doward highlights this in a recent article for The Observer, attributing this to the Britain’s role in the abolition of the trade in 1807.

“ The horrific reality of slavery is an egregious stain on Britain’s national character

Britain was not merely a participant but one of the principal architects of the slave trade and, due to the geographical location of its port; Bristol was one of the most heavily involved cities. Between 1698 and 1807, over 2000 slave expeditions departed from Bristol alone. The city benefited from slavery long after its abolition due to the vast and

numerous financial investments held by Bristolians in the still active plantations. In large part, Bristol relied on slave-grown tobacco right up until 1865, when the American Civil War saw an end to the institution in North America. Many of the old Georgian buildings that make up the old city, and have played a large role in creating Bristol’s character, were financed and built by merchants and investors who profited from slavery. Madge Dresser, who has recently coedited Slavery and the English Country House, has commented on the scale of this connection: ‘When I looked at the merchants in Bristol behind the Georgian flowering of architecture, the so-called urban renaissance, they virtually all had either slave-trading connections or connections with slaveproduced foods or government connections with plantation interests.’ One of Bristol’s most revered patriarchs is Edward Colston, who made the majority of his fortune through his involvement with the Royal African Company,

a major player in the slave trade. Dresser has described Bristol as having a ‘cult of Colston’. There are various commemorations: a statue of Colston a few yards away from Bristol’s war memorial; Colston Hall the grade-II listed concert hall; Colston Tower; various schools and street names that also bear the name. Colston’s birthday is still used as a day of civic ritual when school children lay flowers at his tomb. Yet nowhere is there recognition that he was a key player in the barbaric practice of trading humans as slaves. However, the University of Bristol is equally guilty of hiding its own connections to the slave trade. Henry Overton Wills III effectively established the university when in 1908 he offered £100,000 to fund a charter for a university in Bristol. On 24 May 1909, the University of Bristol was established and Henry became its first Chancellor. The iconic Wills Memorial Building was dedicated to Henry by his two sons. Opening in 1925 it cost over £500,000, a vast amount of money at the time. One of

the Wills family homes was Downside House, which now functions as Wills Hall student residence. The Wills family made their fortune through slave-grown tobacco in the American Republic. Consequently, the original donation to establish the university, Wills Memorial Building and Wills Hall were all financed from profits based on slavery. This means that Bristol University was essentially financed on the back of slave labour. While this is understandably an uncomfortable truth, one would expect an academic institution of the prestige that Bristol enjoys to in some way acknowledge this. However, no mention can be found of this fact on the university webpages devoted to the history of the university or the Wills Memorial Building. So, what should be done? First, at the very least, Bristol the city and Bristol the university both need to be more open and honest about their history. The past cannot be altered, but the situation can at least be made better by not deceitfully, or

“

ignorantly, glorifying as heroes figures such as Edward Colston or Henry Overton Wills III; while paying no attention to the true source of their wealth, and thus the source of their power and fame.

The Wills family made their fortune through slavegrown tobacco

Second, on an individual level, perhaps all we can do is remember that behind every national monument, behind every pyramid, temple, country house, royal palace, cathedral, and dare I say university, lies the blood, sweat and tears of the voiceless multitude; the exploited masses whose contributions to the pleasure of countless generations will never be acknowledged, and whose names will not live on.

What does it mean to be ‘working class’ nowadays? Try asking Mum or Dad and you’ll probably be bombarded by tirades about Thatcherism or nostalgic throwbacks to their heydays listening to The Smiths (even David Cameron loves Morrissey!). In the media, the Daily Mail claims to champion their cause but the BBC tends to avoid the term – their recent Great British Class Survey instead talks about the ‘New Affluent’ and the ‘Emergent Service’ worker. They view the traditional 20th century stereotypes as ‘outdated’. In spite of this, almost 60% of British adults consider themselves working class. Moreover, there is a growing feeling that the traditional Prole is being pushed out of the public sphere. From pop to politics, working class representation has progressively worsened over the last few decades – the icons of today have morphed from Michael Caines and Noel Gallaghers to Benedict Cumberbatches and Chris Hoys. And within the government the problem is even worse. So why are the working class disappearing from public life? And what does this mean for the aspirations of children from poor backgrounds? Emmerdale star Stephen McGann recently added his voice to the plethora of actors from

modest backgrounds speaking out against the difficulties poorer children face in making it in theatre and television. ‘If you’re a messy kid from a council estate today,’ he said in an interview in the Independent, ‘I think the chances of you making it as a successful actor are a lot worse than they were.’ This growing concern for the difficulties of ‘making it’ as a successful actor comes just months after Harry Potter and Educating Rita star Julie Walters voiced her disapproval. ‘Back then, it was still possible for a working-class kid like me to study drama because I got a grant,’ said Walters, winner of 7 BAFTAs and a Golden Globe. ‘But the way things are now, there aren’t going to be any working class actors.’ The problems don’t end there; in much the same way that ethnic minorities are shoehorned into stereotypical roles (try picturing a Chinese actor and now ask yourself if he’s a Kung-Fu champion), working class actors are routinely turned down from lead roles. Gavin and Stacey star Sheridan Smith said she struggled to break into highbrow drama. ‘You do get put in a box being working class and in the kind of parts you get given,’ she said in a Sunday Express magazine interview. ‘Chavs and tarts in my case.’ And it’s not just on stage where the middle and upper classes dominate culture. In Beijing, over half of team GB’s Olympic medallists were the

flikr: crazyocopus

Ajit Niranjan Features Writer

product of independent schools. Unlike professional football, one of the few sports where the socio-economic backgrounds are an accurate reflection of society, the Olympics takes its athletes from the places most likely to nurture their talent: namely, the private schools with the facilities and trainers to coach potential Olympians to success. This decrease in lack of social mobility has not gone unnoticed by the government. The widely unpopular Education Secretary Michael Gove warned last year that ‘the sheer scale, the breadth and the depth of private school dominance of our society points to a deep problem in our country.’ His comments were followed up by the ex-Prime Minister John Major in November, who claimed, ‘in every single sphere of British influence, the upper echelons of power in 2013 are held overwhelmingly by the privately educated or the affluent middle class.’ The statistics certainly support their viewpoint: over half our cabinet, civil service, leading lawyers, judges and military officers were privately educated. And that doesn’t even include the high-flying bankers of the City, their routes to the top so often paved by expensive schooling. Both Major and Gove came from humble backgrounds. The former left school in Brixton at 16 whilst Gove won a scholarship to an esteemed private school. Nonetheless both managed to

rise to the highest positions of power within the Conservative Party, traditionally seen as the enemy of the working classes. So is representation any better in the Houses of Parliament? The simple answer is no. A third of MPs went to fee-paying private schools, despite private school students only making up 7% of the population (admittedly, this includes the few MPs like Gove who gained a scholarship). However, this figure frames the divide between working and middle class as purely state-vs-private education. More pertinently, only 25 MPs (4%) formerly worked in manual or clerical jobs – down from 16% when Thatcher came to power in 1979. Put in perspective, the same year nearly 40% of Labour MPs were from working class backgrounds; today it is less than 10%. So what does this mean for young working class kids today? With a dwindling number of role models in the mainstream media, in every area from culture to government, there are fewer sources of inspiration and fewer opportunities for those without money. Whilst the 2010 Equality Act makes provision for racial, gender and disability factors, no thought is given to socioeconomic background: without strong legal directives there will be nothing to turn the tide of this understated gentrification of British life.

9

flikr:iam photography

Working class heroes: a forgotten breed?

07.03.2014

flikr: honeyfitz

Epigram

Epigram

07.03.2014

10

to be seen. Music was not instantly available to download. Instead, a typical student dorm back then would most likely have displayed U2 or Guns and Roses posters throughout, and perhaps in the case of the male student, some homage to Madonna or ABBA. Amongst the tributes to these musical legends, there might have been a closet full of ‘Free Mandela’ posters. Political activity was extremely prevalent amongst students in the late 80s. Support for political causes would regularly be displayed through protests or student clothing and many

students, given Mandela’s imprisonment, opted not to eat fruit from South Africa as an affront to the apartheid regime. Demonstrations would be common and students made their feelings known whether this related to nuclear disarmament, anti-apartheid or the fall of the Berlin Wall. As a first year, I am yet to come across any form of political protests such as the ones mentioned above, and therefore, I can’t help but wonder whether students nowadays are simply unconcerned with domestic and international injustices? Our student body certainly

does not appear overly aware or concerned. Perhaps we are just not voicing our opposing opinions as loudly these days? Or maybe social media such as Facebook and Instagram are simply more compelling than issues like the struggle of millions against oppressive regimes or the continued battle for girls to be educated in large parts of the world. Have we become apathetic to the political issues and the social injustices of our generation? Although in the 1980s there were fewer students at university overall, those who did further their education had

Flickr: bfishadow

In 1989, most of us students weren’t even alive. It was a time when you could grab a beer for 85p, when political demonstrations on campus were the norm and, as unimaginable as it might seem, when contact with one’s parents during term time meant gathering a handful of coins and walking down to the nearest payphone. The first ever issue of Epigram was published in the late 80’s, and on its twentyfifth anniversary, it seems only appropriate to note the changes that have occurred in our society since then. It takes only a cursory glance around Bristol’s state of the art facilities to realise that the ever growing presence of technology is potentially the biggest difference between university life in 1989 and now. Whilst today, the typical Epigram reader might access the paper on their iPhone or their iPad, in the 1980s there was no such luxury. If you didn’t get hold of a print version, then you didn’t know what was going on. This lack of technology meant students had greater privacy, without social media like Facebook displaying their every move for anyone and everyone to see.

In lectures today, tablets PCs and Mac computers are ever present and in some ways this should be viewed in a positive light as it provides students with greater access to information through the internet whilst studying. However, there is a certain ‘sweetness’ in writing our lectures notes the old fashion way and some may even argue that technology is taking away older forms of learning previously used at university. Whilst some aspects of society today differ drastically to those of 1989, fashion, surprisingly, is not really one of them. Ripped denim, doc martins and dungarees are as ever present in student’s fashion trends today as they were back then. In the early nineties dressing down was ‘the thing’ - everywhere you looked you would be bombarded with oversized overalls, plaid and combat boots. Having said this, the uniform amongst the mainly left wing student body would additionally consist of a t-shirt supporting or promoting some form of political cause or a favourite band – something that is rarely witnessed today. Student life remains largely built around Bristol’s vibrant music scene, the nature of which is barely recognisable from back in 1989. Today’s obsession with electronic music was nowehere

Flickr: HelenSTB

Helena Phillips Features Writer

Flickr: brizzleborn and bread

Different worlds: a lot has changed since 1989

their tuition fees paid for. Whilst many of us remain outraged at being burdened with £9,000 worth of tuition fees a year, our counterparts in the late 1980s would not have had to pay a dime for their education. Jealous right? Our society today continues to evolve with new opportunities arising daily due to technological development. Whilst it is handy to be able to watch my lectures on an iPad, I can’t help but feel that there was something desirable about the simplicity of society 25 years ago.

Josephine Elen Features Writer For many students, drinking before a night out seems like a simple way to save some cash whilst still having fun, yet some are discovering a much more radical and dangerous way of doing this. The act of skipping meals before drinking came to light due to the exposure of proanorexia websites in the media. Whilst some do this to save money or to get drunk quicker, for a worrying number it’s to avoid the dreaded “Fresher 15”, an urban myth that many students gain 15lbs in their first year at university. This practice has become known as ‘drunkorexia’. One of the main rules of losing weight is to limit alcohol consumption and exercise more, with Drink Aware advising the calorie conscious to cut back on alcohol, not food. Despite this most students who gain weight claim to exercise less since coming to university whilst drinking considerably more. As with any discussion of this nature, questions of peer pressure and the media come into play. Louise Noble, the Berkshire Healthcare Trust’s chief dietician, argues that the problem of drunkorexia is heightened by photos of

celebrities who are worshipped for remaining skinny despite their hectic social lives. Many celebrity blogs dedicate their time to following skinny party goers such as Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. With the average woman weighing in at 140lbs at 5’4” and the average model at 117lbs and 5’11” it isn’t hard to see why girls feel so pressurised to remain slim. Pair this with the high academic expectations and desire to fit in at university, it’s not difficult to see why girls choose to cut food rather than alcohol. But to what extent can the decision to spend calories on a few pints or vodka lemonades, rather than food, be classed as an eating disorder? Susan Healey, a spokesperson for the charity B-Eat, stressed that while skipping meals in order to be able to drink more does not in itself equate to an eating disorder, such an obsession with food can start to control you. The phrase ‘drunkorexia’ was initially coined by dieticians and therapists who believe there is a link between binge drinking and eating disorders, with 36% of those seeking help for substance and alcohol abuse also admitting to having an eating disorder. The 2001 CASA report estimated that 30-50% of bulimics abused or were dependent on alcohol to enable them to more easily purge their bodies of food

or to give themselves a false sense of control over their eating disorder. The 2006 report found that 20% of university students had suffered from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. This, alongside the added pressures of university life, demonstrates that more needs to be done to address this problem in universities internationally. The problem is, there is very little research on drunkorexia. One of the few studies which exists was carried out by the University of Missouri. It found that 16% of those asked restricted their calories in order to drink, with 67% stating such behaviour was in order to prevent weight gain and 21% to get drunk quicker. A similar study by The Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education from 2010 found similar results, with 14% of first years admitting to limiting calories before drinking. When Epigram asked a few students what they thought about this relatively recent phenomenon the vast majority said they would not skip a meal before drinking, with one participant labelling such behaviour as ‘crazy’ and another stating that instead of eating less to save money they would buy cheaper alcohol and drink more instead of skipping a meal. Both studies mentioned above found that women are

up to three times more likely to limit calories than men and that men concerned about weight gain were more likely to overexercise than under-eat. Men also appeared more likely to skip a meal in order to get drunk faster than women were. Numerous studies have shown that drunkorexia increases the risks of alcohol poisoning, fainting, longer term problems with the heart and liver and premature death. James Kanikole, a young man from Malawi recently dyed after binge drinking on an empty stomach this January. The act of limiting vitamins and nutrients which are consumed by alcohol is more dangerous to women, who possess less body water and metabolizing enzymes than men, causing blood sugar levels to skyrocket when drinking on an empty stomach. While drunkorexia is yet to be considered a diagnosable condition, it is clear that it poses an issue in universities where the stresses of high expectations and the desire to fit in take their toll on everyone. With an estimated million Britons limiting their calories in order to drink, this clearly isn’t a problem which can be ignored and more needs to be done to both research drunkorexia and to provide help to those suffering from it.

Flikr: Margaret Roberta Gray

Dangerous drunkorexia is a growing problem

Epigram

07.03.2014

119

Arctic 30 activist returns after Russian ordeal

At the end of last year, 30 Greenpeace activists were arrested by the Russian coastguard following their particpation in an anti-drilling protest. Max Miller caught up with Anthony Perrett, the first of the detainees to be released, to find out what it was like to be stuck in a Russian prison for over two months.

When you think of Greenpeace activists, your first thought might be of a slightly smelly, dreadlocked, hippy. But when I got to Victoria Methodist church, where the monthly Bristol Greenpeace meeting takes place, I was greeted by a normal looking bloke, who, judging by how he spoke about it, had just happened to spend a few months in Russia recently. This was Anthony Perrett, one of the ‘Arctic 30’ protestors arrested by Russian authorities and jailed for over two months on ‘piracy’ charges after a Greenpeace action on an arctic oil rig was interrupted by the Russian coastguard. When I asked him about how he got into Greenpeace activism, the answet was not what I expected. ‘I got into an argument with him [Greenpeace Bristol Chairman Wilf Mound] about ten years ago at the Bristol Harbour Festival. I can’t remember what I said to him exactly, but it descended into an argument. So I was arguing with this old dude, and he said, “well, if you’re going to argue like that you should turn up to a bloody meeting!” and I asked “oh alright then when’s your meeting?” and he said eight o clock at the church. So I turned up eight o clock in the morning, and was like, so it’s not eight o clock in the morning is it. I went home and came back 12 hours later and went to this meeting. It was a bit weird, but I kept coming, came for a few years and then went on a couple of actions.’ ‘My first action was at Aldermaston research facility for the Orion laser, which is this laser that simulates small

scale nuclear explosions. It’s completely illegal by international treaty standards; it’s basically for making small nukes. So I went to this thing dressed up as a weapons inspector, UN hat, the works, then we all marched around the base. It wasn’t a full-on action, so we didn’t go inside, just marched around and around. People shouted out their cars at us, “Get a job, ya hippies!” and it was great fun, a great first action. And I’ve done an awful lot of actions since then. I do some coordination of these things from time to time, and it’s been good fun. It’s also what I believe in, I don’t only do it for Greenpeace, I do it for all kinds of different groups around the UK. But they’re all non-violent direct action groups with a sort of political standpoint.’

“ They claimed that we were ‘guests’...in locked rooms... with pictures of Putin on the wall

And so on to the action that led to him being in a Russian prison for two months; the attempt to climb onto an arctic oil rig. ‘On the morning we launched six boats and headed off to the oil platform. That didn’t work, mainly because these guys turned up, the coastguard basically.’ By this point the group had two climbers on the

rig, and a number of ropes had been cut down. ‘They started shooting when they got to the point where they really couldn’t do anything to our passive resistance. Every time they came close, we put our hands in the air. This went on for a while. Eventually they arrested two of the activists. It developed into a standoff. They were saying you need to pull over, and we were saying you need to release the two people you’ve just taken hostage, and they said they’re not hostages they’re guests, and we’re like they’re really not guests, and they’re like no no no they’re guests… in locked rooms… with pictures of Putin on the wall.’ ‘They phoned for some help, which arrived in these dudes, all very dramatic, all very good on film.’ These men would turn out to be the ones who would take the Greenpeace boat. ‘They came down on the deck and we came up and were like what do we do in this situation, these guys have machine guns. Hey we’ll do this [arms straight in the air]. So then we did that and as everybody arrived they all started doing that. By the end of it all, there’s 17 people standing on the heli-deck with their arms raised. No coordination, it just all got a bit weird.’ By now the ship was almost theirs. ‘Then they went up to the bridge, expecting to bash the door down, they get to the door expecting the captains like good evening, come on in. They replied we’re taking your ship, he’s like okay don’t break anything… they broke everything as it turned out.’ The ship eventually had to be towed to Murmansk, a nearby city, due to the captain refusing to sail his ship there, this took six days. ‘The guys with the balaclavas stayed on [the ship], never

took those balaclavas off, the whole time, even when they took us back to the prison and took us to the courtroom they still had the balaclavas on.’ Once in Murmansk they thought that the end of their troubles was near. ‘We were glad to get to Murmansk, or at least we were at the time.’ How wrong they were. ‘The Russian guys said to us, right okay, we’re just going to take you off your ship, it’ll be four hours and I was like right okay let’s get off the ship… it wasn’t four hours, it was a hundred and something days.’ Once they were in Murmansk, they finally received some help. ‘You’ll never really hear anything about their efforts, they don’t take curtain calls or anything, but the British government was fantastic, there’s no point slating them, the civil service were amazing. they turned up, and were like “you guys are in trouble.”’The Arctic 30, as they quickly became known, were jailed shortly after. One day in court, Anthony attempted to make a statement by writing ‘save the arctic’ on his arm. It didn’t quite go to plan though. ‘I’ve got a degree in education, I’m a qualified teacher, and I can’t spell arctic. Now the world knows that. I was told by my Russian lawyer. I didn’t realise, I washed it off and was like ‘yeah, I did a great thing today, wrote it on my arm’. Then my Russian lawyer came in giggling, “aahhh you can’t spell arctic’! he shouted.’” Perrett was helped out of jail by his lawyer, Sergei Golubok, a man he describes as ‘generally a bit of a dude’. Golubok was assigned as the lead lawyer for the case as well as Anthony’s own. ‘My lawyer was by far the best lawyer in Russia. He spoke fluent English, which was great for some things but then

“

other things, I mean sometimes he’d turn up after a bad day and say “you’re stuffed, 15 years man, 15, and I’d be like dude!”’

They said to us it will be four hours... it turned out to be a hundred and something days

But thanks to the work of his lawyers and vital international pressure placed on the Russian authorities, Perrett was eventually released and arrived back home just after Christmas. He was the first of the Arctic 30 to make it back to the UK. Now back in Britain, Anthony says that he ‘had one of the easiest rides of the whole situation,’ pointing to his contact with his partner, getting along with his cellmates, and being the first one back. When asked about what his worst moment was, all he could say was, ‘I don’t think I could quantify the worst moment. It was pretty bad watching the TV seeing Colin [another activist] get his appeal refused and then having a broken interpretation from my cellmate, “uhh, maybe you go, maybe you stay? I don’t know.’”And that, in hindsight slightly comedic, situation seems to sum up the whole story. A man, stuck in jail, not really knowing what was going on.

flikr: Bob Ramsak

Max Miller Features Writer

Comment

Epigram

07.03.2014

@epigramcomment

Editor: Rosslyn McNair

Deputy Editor: Rob Stuart

Online Editor: Jessica McKay

comment@epigram.org.uk

deputycomment@epigram.org.uk

commentonline@epigram.org.uk

Should prostitution remain a legal profession? Yes Alex o’Connor conditions where women are subjected to physical and emotional torment. In Nigeria, leaders confiscate the victims’ passport, money and telephone alongside threatening them constantly. The forced development of drug addictions, in order to consolidate the leader’s control is an abhorrent reality of the exploitation that exists in a non-regulated industry. In cases where needles are shared, HIV risks only increase, not to mention the countless instances of rape that only further the development of sexually transmitted diseases. Human trafficking is a simple, low risk and high profit industry that will continue to exist until prostitution is legalised. Paola Monzini’s Sex Traffic presents a very simple argument: ‘Although women may well choose to migrate into the “enertainment’”industry, the tactics used by those who move and organise their labour, at times constitutes nothing more than contemporary slavery.’ I would agree with this assessment and implore others to consider the brutality that vulnerable women, especially in low income countries are subjected to. Once a system of safe and secure regulations are secured, the sexual entertainment industry has the ability to thrive. Non-skilled female workers can earn lots and lots of money. Moral objections aside, legitimate and safe prostitution is a very viable career choice. Employees at Paradise Stuttgart can pay into a pension scheme and demand health insurance, just like any other worker. Set within a wider education program, the legalisation of prostitution will not only teach the general public to respect the rights and equalities of sex workers, but the workers themselves. Proper education about contraception, AIDS and other STIs can only be beneficial to the welfare of society, and the individual. New Zealand provides an excellent example whereby prostitution was legalised alongside an effective system of education that has integrated open discussion about sexual health and respect for women that is desperately needed in areas of the world such as Asia. Prostitution, regardless of whether we think it is right or not, can be a legitimate way of making a living for many women, especially those that are non-skilled and most vulnerable. A model of legalisation points towards a safer and securer industry, where people like Arnold can pump money into a legitimate and prosperous market.

Flickr/Wankerz

Meet Arnold. A relatively greasy man with slick grey hair and a stained white shirt. His round face pleasantly ruddy with an accompanying smell of strong tobacco and even stronger liquor. Tonight, Arnold is off to Paradise. Paradise Stuttgart to be precise. A luxury megabrothel in Germany that boasts of cinema screens, cocktail bars and a spa. He pays hundreds of legitimate Euros in a legitimate workplace. Although Arnold might appear slightly slimy, the German sex trade certainly is not. Does Germany provide the answer to the prostitution industry? I think yes. The debate surrounding the legalisation of prostitution will always experience a moral quagmire. The idea of one group of women being available for men’s sexual access is founded on inequality, disrespect and the industry is often looked upon with abhorrence.But prostitution will always exist regardless of our moral judgement.The conditions for women in the underground industry are unacceptable; we need to start looking for a way in which state regulation can attempt to secure a safer, cleaner and a more positive image for life in a persecuted profession. Legalisation offers security, protection and takes the first steps towards ending the stigmatisation that hounds women who, at best, enter the industry at their own will, whilst other women who are not so fortunate, see it as a possible way out of unrelenting poverty for themselves and their children. The prohibition of prostitution will not eliminate it. The banning of brothels and even advertising do little. Where demand exists, supply naturally follows. Legalisation will help regulate the services that are offered, providing increased protection for women. In the 19th Annual AIDS conference in 2013, it was reported that female sex workers have a 14-fold higher risk of infection as a woman of a similar age in the general population. The rates were especially elevated in countries like Bangladesh, Benin, Cambodia and India. This epidemic is driven by the repression that exists through lack of regulation. Cheryl Overs told a plenary session: ‘Sex workers from Sweden to Singapore all say that the greatest threat to their health and human rights is the law that makes it impossible to find safe places to work, and prevents them from having the same protections as other workers and other citizens.’ Illegal prostitution drives the industry underground. Cartels and gangs create depressing

It might be the oldest profession in the world but prostitution is still as stigmatised as ever. Is this an industry that needs regulating to protect the women involved or would we be legitimising something that should be discouraged?

No Margot Tudor In a survey, over 90% of sex workers said they wanted to escape prostitution immediately. This does not sound like the wish of an autonomous and liberated group of women. Recently, prostitution has had an image upgrade with the popularity of TV dramas such as Secret Diary of a Call Girl presenting an upper class call girl getting into more scrapes with her boyfriend than with her customers. This is not an accurate representation of the large majority of working prostitutes but it has helped to propagate the idea that prostitution is the new era of contemporary sexuality and that it’s fun, exciting and would be better if legal. In reality 85% of commercial sex workers experience some degree of force, fraud and coercion in their dayto-day jobs. That doesn’t sound fun, or exciting. For over three decades the debate about how to address prostitution legally has become a subject of legislative action. Some European countries most notably the Netherlands and Germany - have taken steps to decriminalise systems of prostitution. These ‘systems of prostitution’ involve pimps, brothels, buyers - also known as customers, or johns. Thailand legally prohibits prostitution itself but allows brothels and the purchase of women for commercial sexual exploitation, especially for the sex tourism industry for which it is so famous. Sweden has taken the only step which seems to take the women into account as people rather than as cogs in the economic system; decriminalising the women in prostitution while penalising the buyers. But is this truly a win-win? Legalisation of prostitution leads to an expansion of the sex industry rather than a reduction. It would be largely uncontrollable. For example, when the Netherlands legalised brothels and pimps the sex industry’s role in the Dutch economy rose by 25%. This was also seen in the State of Victoria, Australia where the sex industry became unlimited and integral to the tourism of the area. Casino chips at government-sponsored casinos are even legally redeemed at local brothels, as if Tony Abbott himself is signing off on your ‘happy ending’. Pro-legalisation arguments purport that legislation was supposed to help to take the criminal elements out of the sex industry through strict regulation. This failed. The illegal sector of prostitution has grown immeasurably in places like Australia. One argument for legalisation of the sex trade is that once legal

prostitutes can be moved off the streets and into well controlled and safe environments. This is untrue. Women prostitute off the streets because they want to avoid being exploited by pimps or because they want to avoid health checks - required by law in some countries where prostitution is legal. Therefore, the legalisation of the sex industry actually pushes women onto the street. Esohe Aghatise suggested that brothels actually ‘deprive women of what little protection they have on the street’. In simple terms, legalisation would confine women to small rooms where they have no chance of meeting outreach workers who might help them exit prostitution. The oppression of prostitutes in legalised countries is still very much alive. The stigma of being a sex worker in the Netherlands follows the women everywhere and many point out that even decriminalisation would not help to alleviate this. They must register and lose their anonymity to become legal prostitutes in Dutch brothels and so women are more vulnerable to being stigmatised as ‘whores’. Their identity is forever attached to the sex industry. Therefore, the majority of women in the industry work underground or illegally in the Netherlands. Women’s health and wellbeing is never put first in this line of work. The idea of legalising pimps and johns as third party businessmen and legitimate sexual entrepreneurs is abhorrent. Sex workers are not protected from STDs or HIV/AIDs through a legalised system; the male buyers are. Health examinations and tests do nothing to help the women, they simply act as a method of picking off the women who are no longer on the market. Male customers can and do get away with transmitting diseases to the women they purchase with no consequences at all. Prostitution is not liberating, nor is it a symbol of absolute oppression for all. It is definitely not a trendy new form of sexuality. Women live in a climate of fear even in the legalised brothels and are constantly under the pressures of their pimps, or ‘legitimate third-party businessmen’. Most women in prostitution did not make a rational choice to enter the ‘profession’, it was a survival strategy. Legalisation has done greater harm to prostitutes than commonly thought. Do not assume they enjoy living in fear; recognise the complexity of their choice and compliance and please remember the first statistic of this article.

Epigram

07.03.2014

14

Student journalism: mediocrely marvellous and much needed

is

Jessica McKay

It may seem ironic, or downright ridiculous, that I am writing an article on the questionability of student journalism, as a student journalist and Online Comment Editor for Epigram. However, the time feels apt to address an area of student life that seems to come under fire almost every day. Articles penned by students are regularly branded ‘stupid’, irrelevant or mis-informed. I have often seen smugly sarcastic comments thanking Mr or Ms. X for their views on a global issue; the implicit point in these critiques is that students have no right to comment on ‘big’ stories or, in fact, any story. Who cares about Joe in Bristol’s thoughts on Syria?! Who even reads these petty pamphlets? Epigram

an ‘Epibore’, apparently. Perhaps surprisingly, for a moment, I am going to agree with the naysayers. Some pieces on various media sites are shoddily constructed; interesting topics are poorly explored, facts are badly researched, arguments don’t follow and have dull or, conversely, overly-sensational tenors. My own articles are sometimes guilty of these sins. Yet, it is not all bad; or, rather, there are valid reasons for the sometimes dubious quality of student media. In the most basic way,andyouprobablyanticipated I was going to say this, student journalism is a flagrant, brilliant example of the human right to free speech. Many students come to university never having had a platform for their views, never having even attempted to write an article. Maybe that’s why so many try it, and it is their right to test the water. The piece you turn your nose up at could be someone’s first ‘go’ at expressing themselves: the backlash might mean they never

try to write again. Of course, student journalists want to elicit debate and spark discussions: valid criticism is great, helpful, encouraging. The rudiments of an article are always worth questioning, a person’s right to write, as it were, less so. Student publications find themselves in the binding predicament of maintaining an inclusive stance, and creating a high-quality product. It should perhaps be unsurprising that the latter is, very occasionally, sacrificed for the former. If a ‘student’ newspaper cannot acceptnew,inexperiencedwriters, who hopefully grow into wellversed stalwarts,it will cease to be. In our social-media age, young people often take to Facebook or Twitter to voice their opinions. The brevity of these mediums mean that words are regularly misinterpreted, views not fully propounded and criticism immediate and rife. Arguably, the best way to articulate yourself is via an extended, considered piece of writing: journalism

provides this more adult, progressive way to develop ideas. No student media story will be perfect. The label, ‘student’, quite explicitly implies that we are still learning: ignorant about a lot of things, but gradually coming to a better understanding of ourselves and the world. Ultimately, people do pick up the university’s student paper and view its media sites: Epigram has a readership of over 12,500 and Inter:Mission’s posts regularly go viral. Those readers aren’t all there to slyly mock. Student media is so appealing because it is made by students for students. Nowhere else will you find reports of Hiatt Baker’s disastrous refurbishments, or impassioned arguments about whether the Gromit statue should reside in the ASS or the Wills Memorial Building. It occupies a niche place in the market. At the risk of sounding self-congratulatory, Epigram is arguably something the university community should be immensely proud of. The

paper is manned by a team of individuals who really do care about journalism - trust me, it is too much work to just be a filler to pop on your CV. The team tries hard to produce a publication that looks professional and reads well, while studying too. Epigram is approaching its twenty-fifth anniversary, and has never been better. So there, I said it, student journalists are fallible. Personally, I fully expect to look back in thirty years and knowingly laugh at the things I wrote aged twenty: maybe even this article. That said, student publications - Epigram, Inter: Mission, heck even The Tab - are an integral part of University life. They provide a platform for students to exercise their stilldeveloping views, to engage with stories outside of the Bristol bubble: to find their voice. The alternative to supposedly ‘poor’ student media is silence. I’ll take slightly-misinformed yet passionate, interesting words over that any day of the week.

Epigram

13 13 15

Comment On... ... Dangerous Journalism The price that we pay for information has been made clearer in recent weeks. As news floods in of journalists in Al-Jazeera put on trial for what seems to be nothing more than doing their job, and statistics are released showing that over one hundred journalists have been killed in the Syrian civil war alone, some important questions arise: is the danger in these areas a mere prerequisite of war reporting, or should reporters be given more protection? Journalism plays a vital role by ensuring public awareness of corruption in people, organizations, and perhaps most importantly, governments. This is all the more important in countries with civil unrest, such as Syria, where the lines between the oppression of the government and the terrorism of the rebels are blurred. However, working in such a place naturally entails danger. Organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) afford journalists protection by revealing abuses against the press, and investigating deaths. Unfortunately, even with organisations such as this, without placing severe safety regulations upon journalism, which could compromise their work, the job will always contain risks. On February 21st 2012, Marie Colvin, journalist for The Sunday Times, reported from Homs on the ‘merciless’ shelling and sniper attacks on civilians by the Syrian forces. The next day she was killed by an improvised explosive device filled with nails. Colvin was not some irresponsible rogue reporter, she was an incredibly experienced foreign correspondent who got unlucky. Without these foreign correspondents risking their lives to reveal the disasters, oppression and devastation which takes place around the world, we would be trapped, ignorant to the world, within our western bubble.The journalists job can be life threatening, but it is one we cannot do without. Ben Parr

07.03.2014

...Riots in Ukraine Ukraine’s problem lies in its very name, roughly translating as ‘border lands’. On the cusp of both the rest of Europe and Russia, it lies in a difficult position. So what democracy do we respect? Will the nation split? It would seem it can no longer be allowed to entertain the idea of facing both East and West simultaneously. Russia and the EU represent different ideals, and twinned with this, different financial resources. The pro-West north and western regions in many ways rely on the East’s industry. The body politic in the country has metamorphosed in turmoil over the last few weeks and months, culminating in the deaths of protestors at the hands of a rather authoritarian response from a now apparently impeached Yanukovych, whose legitimacy still has vocal support from Putin. Few will soon forget the harrowing images of the debrisstrewn Independence Square. Yet the image painted by the media has been at odds with itself. On the one hand there has been encouragement of the democratic process of once peaceful protests, and a will to champion a voice against what many have touted a corrupt regime. On the other, demonising of any proRussian territories. Many in the country, especially UDAR are in favour of turning to Brussels. Others, particularly in the southeast and the Crimea, to Moscow. Western media outlets are often quick to criticise anything in which Putin is involved, suspecting foul play. The nation is divided, but it is neither an even split nor bipartisan. The UDAR, Yanukovych and Russia are key players, but equally are the Ukrainian ultra-nationalist militias who appear. Unfortunately, it would appear that Ukraine will remain a case of ‘wait and see’. Although we cannot ignore the democratic and opposing voices of a nation divided, we also cannot and must not tailor them to our own agenda. Oliver Carter-Esdale

... Grad Expectations The 2013 figure for recent graduates in non-graduate roles was 47% marking a 10% increase from 2001. This follows increased overall British levels of employment in low skilled jobs. Expectedly, humanities subjects had the lowest graduate employment rate of 84%. Graduates are more likely however, to be employed than non graduates despite employment not necessarily corresponding with specific expertise. Therefore, prodigious ambition as a principle does not necessarily symbolise naivety or fail to reflect the current inert economy. Surely in times of dejection, you must somehow be more aspirational in order to succeed and maximise your chances of claiming the fewer available positions. However, the dogmatist will flounder if they do not keep one eye upon evolving circumstances. Through pragmatism and a shrewd alteration of your methods, dreams do not have to be forsaken. This equates to minimum wage jobs not being overlooked if they represent entry to an otherwise impenetrable job market. Transferable skills will be enhanced and this position of prosperity can be built upon. Unemployed graduates may be privately wondering where it all went wrong. It seemed that after subscribing to the ideal advocated during the latter stages of secondary education, a degree would inevitably equate to a more auspicious future and the job of your choice. This is not false but there is clearly no ordained rite of passage to favoured graduate jobs, nor a realistic method to avoid repaying your loan. Graduates can be forgiven for thinking that the sole end of university is to gain employment but the value of education extends beyond the job market and the sum of your ambition does not have be measured through employment alone. Amidst the so-called ‘lost generation’, I do not feel lost and nor should you. Ryan Maguire

Flickr: tandalov.com

e2 spring awakening

Artwork by Besiana Sinaraj

Editor: Tori Halman living@ epigram.org.uk

Style

Travel

Living

@e2Living

Online: Morwenna Scott livingonline@ epigram.org.uk

My Mid-term Crisis

Because life can be tough... As a humanities student, supposedly blessed with minimal hours, I have found myself racing through my second term at an unbelievable pace. No longer finding my feet, no longer trying to establish a routine: I comfortably move between reading, writing essays, working evening shifts at a local restaurant and writing for Epigram. Comfortably. And it is this comfort which has driven me into my very own midterm crisis… The immortal question: Am I boring? Having formed close bonds with my flatmates, moved past the awkwardness of freshers, we often spend our evenings lounging in our onesies watching Channel 4

or, worse, dancing wildly around the kitchen to Beyoncé’s greatest hits. And I must confess, I absolutely love it. I am happy. But I often wonder whether I ought to be dedicating my time to more pressing matters: should I be a member of the rowing team, a keen musician- one of those people whose general phrase is “Gotta run, I have swimming/ballet/other sport to which I am deeply and happily committed” .

“We often spend our evenings lounging in our onesies watching Channel 4” The ones who feel sorry for people like me that put reading on their CV because they can’t think of much else

Spring is coming...we’ve had at least two consecutive days without rain, flowers are daring to emerge out of their buds and spirits are lifting.

What’s On

Deputy: Deputy: Sophia Hadjipateras Izzy Kerr shadjipateras@ ikerr@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

To celebrate the (well, hopefully) end of the bleak, dark, desolate winter, e2 this edition is all about spring awakening. So whether you’re celebrating spring with idyllic, sundrenched walks in lush meadows - or in the library, battling an essay - e2’s got everything you’ll need to help you make the most of this time of year.

other than eating and hysteria that they dedicate their time to. If only I had stuck with my various short-lived hobbies as a child then maybe I could have become one of these all-singing, all-dancing students who regularly show me up on the grounds of being a well- rounded human being. Then again, the fact remains that I gave up the clarinet aged eleven, I was thrown out of choir for fidgeting, I had two left feet at dance class and I gave up karate when I realised that it had the potential to cause me injury. And as the mid-term crisis begun to set in, a twenty year old almost second year with no real hobbies, I cursed my younger self for being such a quitter. But then it struck me that despite all the things I’ve given up on, and believe me the list is

much longer I’m just too embarrassed to go on, there are many things that I have stuck with. My three closest friends from home have remained through thick and thin since we were eleven, I have always loved my subject, I write constantly, I doggedly stuck to a long distance relationship which damn near drove me to insanity. When it comes to the things that really matter, when it comes to my greatest loves, I am nothing if not consistent. And to tell the truth, I bloody love Channel 4. I bloody love my cups of tea with my flatmates, my seminar preparation and my day to day life here at Bristol. I never have and never will quit the things that matter.

e2 wants you! Write for us by emailing our section editors or meeting them at the times below

Meet the e2 team!

Living: Tori Halman, Sophia Hadjipateras and Izzy Kerr will meet at The Hawthorns on Thursday 13th March at 1.15pm. Travel: Olivia Lace-Evans and Andrea Valentino will meet at the Refectory on Thursday 13th March at 12.15pm. Style: Maddy Streets and Deanne Ball will meet at the ASS library café on Friday 14th March at 12.30pm. e2 is edited by Alex Bradbrook deputy@epigram.org.uk

07.03.2014

Room 101: Shit hair, don’t care? without a social services intervention, my Mum was taking me to get my hair dyed and the day I found GHD’s to tame that frizzball was when my life really turned around. Maybe this is why I believe so wholeheartedly that the importance of good tresses cannot be underestimated. So why, when I wander around Woodland Road, do I see so many hair abominations before me? One fine day, I thought I saw a mirage. The sun had started to shine through those monsoon conditions that we are blessed with here at Bristol and a wonderful rainbow had appeared. Ridiculous really, as this would never happen. No, it was only the Social Sciences Complex emptying and a vast array of garish dip dyes in a variety of shades greeting me. This is a trend that quite literally is based on the premise of dipping the ends of your hair into a different colour.

It is, without a doubt, the most important relationship in your life. You trust them like no other. Every time you see them, your fate is placed wholly in their hands. Forget your family and who needs friends? The only relationship I truly cherish is the one with my hairdresser. A good hairdresser is harder to find than a seat in the ASS post-9am and when you do find one, you cannot let them go. Moving away to university is absolutely no barrier to your bond. A train fare is but a small price to pay (quite literally as 99% of the student population resides in London) to sort out that lid. The riskiness of venturing somewhere new with an unknown hand on that pair of scissors is far, far too great. Having a haircut, for me and for many others, is one of the most traumatic experiences you can go through. There are just too many dangers and too many decisions. Why is it that when you ask for ‘just a trim’, you return home to find you have been made almost completely bald? An inch in normal person English becomes a mile in hairdressing speak and before you know it you’ve left your entire head of hair on their floor, as well as your entire bank account in their till. Cue minor (read: major) breakdown and a lot of hat wearing for the foreseeable future. I do have a confession. I was born strawberry blonde; with a large emphasis on the strawberry. It was frizzy, it was unruly and quite frankly, it was ginger. As soon as it was morally acceptable,

25

“When did having your whole hair just the one colour become unfashionable?” The equivalent of accidentally sitting on some wet paint for your hair. I just don’t get it, but for all I know I could be the crazy one. I start stressing when my roots make an appearance - giving my ginger game away - but apparently rocking them half way down your locks is now all the rage. Sorry, but when and why has this become a thing? When did having your whole hair, y’know, just the one colour become unfashionable? Boys, it seems you haven’t evaded some exceptionally awful hair trends either. I’m talking about that one where you shave the sides of your head to baby smooth proportions and keep what looks like a larger than average ferret chillin’ on top. Not okay, not okay AT ALL. It’s like the weirder, backwards cousin of the mullet. And I think we can all agree that absolutely nobody wants to see any modification of that style back on the scene. Plus, don’t your ears get cold? All this being said, I do know it’s what’s on the inside that counts. As much as I really, really want to believe that, my Year 9 self just can’t get on board.

Your day has been improved after being handed a free copy of Epigram on Tyndall Avenue Your rent is triple what your friends in Manchester pay and your house is half the size You can’t imagine a Monday without Bunker

You have spent more money on Jason Donervan’s than your actual night

You have complained about the Students Union and can count the number of times you have been there on one hand You have a hilariously original photo of you after a night out on the multicoloured gorilla on Whiteladies Road You have been to the gym at 10am, 1pm and 6pm and all the machines have been taken every time Your day has been improved after seeing Jeff The Big Issue seller You have come out of a night at Motion sweatier than you have after a workout class at the gym You know you have lost your dignity before in Lounge, but you can’t remember how, when or with whom?! Your diet plans have been repeatedly sabotaged by the free sweets and pancakes promotions outside the gym You have a photo with the Suspension Bridge in the background You have inexpicably become a massive house music fan since you’ve been at Bristol

You have taken longer getting to an exam venue than you have actually doing the exam. You own one of the following: a You’ve got in a fight with Lottie, the scrunchie, a Hawaiian shirt or a retro omniscient bouncer who seems to sports jumper work everywhere on the Triangle

The highlight of your week is getting a free lunch/bbq/toastie from Christian Union You’ve sat on the steps of Browns triumphantly drinking in the sun at the end of exams

The Primark in Cabot is the biggest, best and tidiest you have ever seen and you cannot get over this In the process of doing an all-nighter in the ASS you have absolutely depleted the trusty vending machine

Things That Make You a Bristol Student!

You’ve been late to a lecture due to the 2 unnecessary minutes you’ve had to wait at that Tyndalls Park Road-Woodland Road crossing

You’ve discovered Stokes Croft and now act as though have a restraining order from the Triangle You’ve ranted and raved about Za Za Bazaar for months only to realise that novelty is oh so blinding Your calves are the most toned they’ve ever been thanks to St. Michael’s Hill You feel such parental smugness every time you see a Banksy

@e2Living

Dare I say it, but as I write this, we may just be having our first day yet this term with not even a hint of rain; there’s a strong chance we are escaping the trappings of winter and leaving behind the embarrassing one night stands and awkward dates that came with it. This means only one thing - with Spring upon us, it’s time to reassess those failed new year’s resolutions and consider what we are actually doing with our lives. A quick analysis of last year’s events has resulted in a couple of realisations:

1.Uni life is not always just about getting drunk, although it certainly helps. This may be a slightly depressing thought, but has anyone else realised we have to get jobs once this whole uni malarkey is over? Well I hadn’t until now, and that epiphany comes with the sad realization that actually we should be doing something with our lives. That means making it to our lectures even when the last three nights have completely killed us.

much else. Bristol has a never-ending variety of areas to visit from Stokes Croft to Bristol Old Town and activities range from climbing the Cabot Tower to taking a trip to St Nicholas Market. It seems slightly sad that so many Bristol students barely even know these places exist when really we should be making the most of our three years and exploring the culture around us.

What’s On

Style

Travel

2. Bristol is one of the best cities in the country - we should embrace it.

3. Lounge will never stop being a bad night out.

Another thing Bristol students seem to be in the habit of forgetting is that we have such a beautiful and amazing city right outside our doorsteps. Typical behaviour for the students in halls during the weekend seems to be sleeping and not

Lucy Stewart

THE STUDENT NOTEBOOK: As the winter months draw to an uncertain close, it is time to plough into spring filled with the promise of dewy meadows, blossoming flowers and perfect weather. Or, more likely when you realize you don’t actually live in lala land; spring is usually filled with dawning realisations, impending doom and a mishmashed wardrobe – I never could get the hang of the wardrobe season switch. Being a BA student at Bristol means that this month marks the midpoint in my degree, which fills me with dread to say the least. So I couldn’t help but wonder, has anything changed since this time last year? Generally speaking, whether you are a Bristol veteran or your egg is freshly hatched. we have all grown up in the past year. We’ve done things we wished we hadn’t, had a good old soul search on the path of self-discovery (yeah, actually) but along the way bonds have been formed that will hopefully last a lifetime…oh yes, I’m going there. No matter how stupid, irresponsible and ridiculous you have been just look around you.. Even when you were playing catch the projectile spew after a night at Lounge with your bezzie, doing the sprint of pride at dawn or decided to have a chat with your mates while they were in a compromising position

And the most cultural of all this culture? It has to be Lounge. The tourist spot of student destinations, the one club that everyone has been to and, by my admission, the only club where you can never have a bad night. Sure, I think we should embrace our rights as students and appreciate our city, but I’m also about having fun and I am happy to make the declaration that Lounge will just never stop being a good night out. It seems to be the only club where you can never have a bad night; it will always be full of drunk, sweaty students dancing along to the cheesiest music and having the best time. Lounge is, and always will be, the only club that never fails to perform.

because it would be ‘rude to just walk out’ (? – don’t ask) – they’re still there. Maybe that’s what spring awakening should be: the realization that what is right in front of you is more important than the memories you could have or have held onto that really should have vanished into the stratosphere months ago. So let loose, this is the time to truly embrace #yolo as you really do only live once especially in this environment. But before I set you off on a binge path through the Triangle, please do realise that squandering the fees we pay is not good. Fun must be had but once we get out into the big bad world, Mrs Bunker bouncer ain’t gon be there to help you through it. What I’m really trying to say here is that we’ve only got a limited amount of time at this here our lovely institution. So don’t waste it, if something bothers you throw it in the trash and if you love something then jump in the deep end. At this point, I could blast you with the most pithy metaphor plagiarised from one of the greats. However, I shall leave you with something that I coined one fine dinner up in Stokey B in relation to epiphanies surrounded by my fabulous ladies: ‘it is time to release the chickens into the sea’. Take from that metaphor what you will. Pass it on to your partners in crime, maybe it will make it to the big books one day.

Steph Rihon

Write for us! Love food? Love Writing? Want to get involved? Then Epigram Living wants YOU! This term we have launched a new online food section including everything from Bristol restaurant reviews to cheap, student-friendly recipes. If you have a passion for pasta or want to proclaim your love for Falafel King then we want to hear about it. Benefits of writing for Living’s Food section: * Experience some of Bristol’s local restaurants, cafes, markets and more! * Opportunities to eat out for free & try new food! * Enhance your CV & get fun writing experience! Check out the Epigram Living Facebook page for article inspiration, or alternatively you can pitch your own food-related idea. E-mail mscott. epigram@gmail.com if you have any questions or ideas!

Flickr: Aleksandr Slyadnyev

Living

Epiphanies of a Bristol Student

07.03.2014

George Robb

Man Dates

You’ve had a hard day’s work at university. Your mind aches. Your feet hurt. You tried to go to the male toilets on the top floor of the ASS to find one cubicle occupied and another out of order. You then have to walk downstairs even though you’re stationed upstairs. Bloody outrage. You storm to the nearest church/mosque/synagogue/ multi-faith chapel. You begin to fall to your knees and scream to heavens, imploring your preferred deity to give you a break, when suddenly you get a text from your boi: “Hey m8 – up 4 a man-d8?” Everything seems alright again. There’s something very special about the humble man-date. Whether it’s getting a haircut together, eating a pizza, going to Sainsbury’s in tandem or going to Boots on a tandem, you’re sure to have a good time when there’s a bro by your side. But what is it that makes a man-date so special? Some might argue that the mandate’s charm lies in the fact that it is some form of platonic dating, where you can chat to your date without scheming

how to de-robe them. If you believe that, I pity you: you’ve never been on a mandate.

“In such an intimate setting, it’s difficult not to think about homosocial intimacy”

the father, my sister as the mother, and my brother as our child. It doesn’t mean I want to marry her, but the perverse possibility is always at the back of my mind. Sometimes I have to walk a couple of metres ahead because it’s all too embarrassing. Similarly, during man-dates, both parties involved are conscious of how they may be perceived by an observer. Unlike the strange relationship between me and my sister, the

man-daters just don’t care. They do what they want to do and put their insecurities by the way side. As well as being a manly, stoical, pursuit, the mandate is also the cause of great emotional purging. This is very good for the mind. The other day I saw a recruiting agency and it bothered me big time. I won’t go into details, but a combination of Camus, David Foster Wallace and a

hangover left me very unsettled. Imagine recruiting recruits to work in your recruiting firm, where they will then recruit more recruits? I digress. My man, after noticing my irrational state of pique, took me under his wing and led me to The Hill. I confided in him over a pizza, so crisp and tangy. He listened, told me I was overreacting, patted my shoulder and popped me back on the horse. That is what the man-date is all about.

The man-date is primitive and liberating. It is a warm embrace of the essential masculinity we know we possess but are too shy to show. It is a holy union of men, where men can be men. The man-date isn’t wholly platonic either. In such an intimate setting, it’s difficult not to think about homosocial intimacy, even if you have no intentions of acting upon it. When I walk around London with my teenage sister and baby brother, I’m always aware that the by-stander will see us as romantically engaged: me as

Student landlords: are they human? Most of us accept that our years in student accommodation are a downside to the university experience. Though there are miraculous exceptions, a vast majority will grimace at least 3 times a day at the state of their living conditions. Dated furniture is integral – whether its curtains printed with a pattern that resembles the melted faces of clowns, or a sofa that requires a pendulum swing backwards to get out of it. Thin walls are a further expectation, regularly flinging housemates together into a much more intimate environment than is comfortable to discuss over breakfast. And of course, each under-run establishment would be soulless without its relentless patch of mould. All of this I can deal with. However, the winter period in my 7 person house in Redland has been nothing short of torturous.

“I challenge anyone to live in those conditions without evolving into a bitter, emotional-wreck” It all began with the less-than-convenient resignation of our front door. By that, I mean it fully and entirely handed in its notice and ceased to function with one swift click of the latch. Initially hilarious, the issue of not being able to get out of the house quickly led to the more sobering realisation that this also meant not being able to get in. The windows of the ground floor bedrooms took on the role of entrance and exit, and other than offering the neighbours a full view of our arses, also provided a glaringly obvious robbery opportunity, as we were, in effect, showcasing the optimum physical manoeuver to access our

belongings without using the door. If this wasn’t distressing enough, one housemate had to hand cups of tea through the window to her visiting parents, while they sadly perched on a wall, lacking the flexibility that had become like a dress code of admittance to the shambles that is our home. Clearly there was a problem here that someone had the responsibility to fix. The concept of a landlord has become something of an afterthought to me, and their consistently lacklustre attitude resulted in a weeklong gymnastics course as we mourned the functionality of our door. Then came the real fun; the boiler packed in. This suitably happened during the recent week in which all of the elements seemingly decided to hold a battle, of biblical proportions, over which one could make the most people cry. This meant once we were safely through our newly working door, there was no heating, or hot water. Never mind the barrier this created to washing up - the house was bloody freezing. Going to bed as an entirely spherical object as a result of wearing every item in your wardrobe is no more pleasant than being forced to spend your every evening in the one room that could be warmed with a plug-in heater. I half expected to start seeing Sims-style green mist pouring out of us as the collective stench brought about by not showering set in. Of course, over this arduous period, we did wash. We alternated visits to every friend’s house in the vicinity, taunting ourselves with their luxurious existence before running back to our igloo in the rain, eradicating any sense of warmth or cleanliness. There was more than one occasion in which we trekked all the way to use the gym facilities, with absolutely no intention to partake in any physical exercise other than scrubbing off a layer of dirt and defrosting our hair. We alerted our landlord on the day that the problem arose.

Their defence for the previously slothful response to the door issue was that we had not made the ‘severity’ clear enough to them. Taking no chances, we described to them, in detail: the boiler simply does not work and needs fixing. Bafflingly, it took countless versions of this message to be communicated before a plumber arrived to install the necessary components, 11 days later. I challenge anyone to live in those conditions without evolving into a bitter, emotional-wreck, launching loathsome facial expressions towards anyone with a working boiler who claims to be ‘hating the shitty weather’. That first night of heating and hot water was glorious and was spent sweating away the colds we had inevitably acquired. So, my question is: Are student landlords human? I personally struggle to believe so. They were in full knowledge of our situation and seemingly felt it appropriate to test the thesis that boilers are self-fixing before admitting defeat and providing the service they are legally and contractually obliged to do. Was their inactivity a result of a precedent of students who are willing to suck it up and embrace an 11 days of frozen-face syndrome? Or was this a one-off? We are currently in talks with them on how we should be compensated for this undeniable breach of codified standards, but I’m not going to hold my all too visible breath. Going by their previous record, I expect it will take the entrance into their office of a full marching band, playing Laibach’s ‘Now You Will Pay’ on broken components of household appliances, to gain their attention. Alice Bradshaw-Smith

@e2Travel

Editor: Deputy: Online Olivia Lace-Evans Andrea Valentino Emilia Morano-Williams travel@ deputytravel@ travelonline@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

What’s On

It’s difficult to sum up the achievements and adventures that Simon Reeve has experienced over the past decade or so. Simon is a BBC TV presenter - best known for series including ‘Indian Ocean’, ‘Tropic of Capricorn’, and ‘Tropic of Cancer’ – a New York Times bestselling author, adventurer and has achieved the incredible feat of visiting over 110 countries. Across Simon’s travels he has been arrested for spying on the KGB, tracked by terrorists, hunted with the Bushmen of the Kalahari, and played polo with the body of a headless goat. Haven’t we all? In an exclusive interview for Epigram’s 25th anniversary issue, he speaks to Olivia Lace-Evans about Anthrax laboratories, dodging bullets in the Caucasus and the power travel has to change us. When did you first realise that you’d been bitten by the travel bug? SR: I think I was first really bitten by it on the first day I started filming for the BBC, which was more than a decade ago now. It was for a series about central Asia, wittily titled ‘Meet the Stans’. We arrived in Kazakhstan in the middle of the night and it was chaos at the airport, some prostitutes tried to break into my hotel room, and there was a man with a revolver on his hip walking up and down the dodgy hotel we were staying in. We then went to film in this beautiful setting just outside the capital, and we were there to visit an Anthrax laboratory. This was all on the first day. It really opened my eyes to the madness and the magnificence of our planet, and the crazy humans that live on it! People often compare your work to Michael Palin’s. Do you try to emulate his or anyone else’s work or are you conscious of trying to forge your own path? SR: I’ve always tried to take a genuine interest in what’s going on across the rest of our planet, so that means I’ve genuinely enjoyed sitting down with locals and chatting about their lives. In a way, TV can often get in the way of having a natural encounter with people, but I’ve been really lucky that the people I work with often just let me get on with it and let me wander over to someone and just start talking. I think the style we have in the programmes is that we blend travel with issues and proper stories. So, not just ‘oh look there’s a lovely five star hotel over there’, or ‘oh look, that person’s got a sad face’. We try to find out a little bit more, and I genuinely think that if you want to have a more memorable experience or encounter with people, then finding out about the lives they live and the places they’re from only helps with that.

During your recent appearance on Radio 4 you said ‘my travels have been my education’, as you didn’t attend university. Often students are urged to go straight into work and travel later, do you think students should take more time to explore? SR: I feel a weight of responsibility answering that, but I have to go with my gut instinct. People often get sucked into decades of work far too easily. So, if you can manage to get away and learn more about the world, but also about yourself, then you should grab that opportunity with both

Across your travels you’ve met some incredible people, but also seen some horrible and upsetting things. Which experiences have changed you the most? I think there’s not a single day on these journeys where I’m not experiencing something that changes me, and I really mean that. One moment that stands out is when I met a young Somali refugee who was stuck in a camp on the Kenya-Somali border for her entire life, unable to move more than 4 km in any direction. It taught me a

You’ve interviewed terrorists, been arrested by the KGB and been shot at in Somalia. What’s been your closest shave? SR: It’s very hard to tell, because you’re not always conscious of a near miss. There was certainly a moment where I was running from one trench to another along the border in the Caucuses a number of years back. I think there was some sniper fire going on and, looking back, it was actually bloody dangerous. They may have just been firing warning shots, but they were hitting the ground close enough to where I was for me to suspect they were just taking a pot shot. They could have got me, or they could have missed, it was just random chance and how the wind was blowing at that particular moment. In many ways that might be the very closest call, but there have certainly been a few occasions where we have been in situations that are terrifying and where we realise that we might not come out the other side.

‘Travel tweaks and tingles your buttons in a way that nothing else can do, or at least very few other things can do.’

If you could name one person as your travel hero, who would it be? SR: I’d name my grandma actually, who didn’t get to travel very much. She had calipers on her legs as she had polio as a kid, so she couldn’t walk very far. But she had a special mobility car that meant she could go off on these long drives and travel around, explore exotic parts of London like Hounslow. My brother and I would sit in the back of the car going ‘go left, go left’ and she’d take us on these magical mystery tours. I think that was very inspiring as even though she had great difficulties, she was able to get out and didn’t let things stop her. So I’d name her as the person who pops into my head when you say travel inspiration, Grandma Lucy, thank you! If you could recommend visiting one place that you believe will be vastly different in a few years time, what would it be? SR: I would say Cuba is changing very dramatically, and it may not be the same country it is now, or was, in a decade’s time. I think that’s mainly for political and economic reasons, but there are other places that are changing dramatically because of environmental reasons. The Great Barrier Reef, for example, is not what it was 10 years ago, but it’s likely to be better now than it will be in 10 years time. That’s entirely down to human activity and human impact. Bangledesh is also one of my favourite places in the world that’s likely to change. I think it’s a very inspiring place. It’s always packed, but also stuffed with people that adapt and survive and cling to life with great difficulty. We can learn a lot from them when we’re worrying about how strong our wifi is, or whether our trainers are the latest fashion. Travel can really help put your own life into perspective.

catastrophic environmental collapse. It’s going to change the future for your generation, and it’s making the world even worse for my 2-year-old’s generation. It worries me greatly, and I think a lot of young people are being conned by politics, films, and consumer culture. Everything is telling to you live in the moment. I really do fear what that means for decades to come, when the world is going to be a shadow of what it is today. I think it’s an obscenity frankly, and not enough is being done about it and the young are not angry enough about it.

hell of a lot about how bloody lucky I am to come from our island, with fresh water coming out of the tap, and having a British passport. She spoke great English and had a real understanding of the world, as she’d been taught by aid workers. She was stuck in a prison, and I was able to flit in and out just because of this little book and the virtue of being born here. So, I think there’s a thousand things I take away from each and every journey. Hopefully it makes me a more sympathetic and understanding person.

Flickr: Shoot and Scribble

Style

Travel

Living

Epigram meets...Simon Reeve

hands. As you move through your 20s and into your 30s, you’ll regret not taking the chance if you had it. I think you grow up often in a little bit of a bubble as a result of being born and growing up in Britain. You might go on the occasional holiday where you’re sitting by a swimming pool, but you really need to shatter that bubble and go to a crazier part of the world where people don’t have the privileges and luxuries that we do. And yes, of course you’ll learn about what frightens you or what challenges you, and there’ll be moments where you’re nervous and moments where you’re elated. Travel tweaks and tingles your buttons in a way that nothing else can do, or at least very few other things can do. What would you argue is the greatest international issue that students should be trying to tackle? SR: I think, and this might be really boring but it’s absolutely fundamental, it’s the need for somebody to start thinking long term. Everything in our culture is all about short term and immediate gratification. Actually, what we really need is for people to take a longer-term view, and to realise that we’re heading towards some sort of

For those of us who might not be able to travel far away, where in the UK would you recommend for a budding adventurer? SR: I think personally I would love to go to Knoydart, in Scotland, which is supposed to be one of the last great wilderness areas of Britain. You don’t have to go long distances to have an adventure. Get a map of your home area, take an upturned glass, centre it on where you live, draw a circle around the rim of the glass and then just get out and explore that area in proper semi-forensic detail. You’ll find things you didn’t know were there and that will surprise you. This is a really beautiful island and yes, ok, the weather might not be fantastic or guaranteed sun for more than a couple of days in the year, but if you get the right kit you can prepare for it and adapt to it. You can still enjoy absolutely spectacular views in the Lake District, the Peak District and the Highlands. These are places that rank up alongside almost anywhere in the world. You’ve been around the world 3 times and you’ve visited over 110 countries. Which countries or places are on the top of your travel bucket list? I would love to go to Russia. I’ve been to areas of the old Soviet Republic, but Russia is obviously huge and I haven’t been there. Canada, Senegal, New Zealand, Central America... obviously there are dozens more. I would love to go back to some of the places I’ve already been to, you can have a completely different experience going back to the same place a dozen times. I still have a fairly long list of places I’d like to go to, and if the BBC allows me I’ll keep going until my passport is ripped from my cold, withered hands. Simon Reeve is currently filming a new series called ‘Sacred Rivers’. For the full-length, extended interview, make sure to visit the Epigram Travel website! To read more about Simon Reeve’s travel adventures, check out his website: www.shootandscribble.com

07.03.2014

Feeling tired? Here’s the Best of the Rest Waking up in a new place every day is one of the best parts of travelling. Thing is, for those of us on a budget, we are more likely to wake up on a random floor in a crowded hallway than to room service and Egyptian cotton sheets. Polly Johnson’s woken up in a number of bizarre places over the last few years. Some were cold, some hot; some clean, some not; some with exquisite views, and some with very hard concrete floors. Here’s a list of Polly’s top 5 most memorable sleeping locations. Please note that we definitely mean memorable, not greatest (there are few marks for comfort on this list).

5. An airport floor At number five is the backpacker classic, the airport floor. Your flight doesn’t even need to be particularly early to warrant a free night’s accommodation. In fact, in Mexico City I was told by a taxi driver that it was the safest option. Just remember to avoid those airports that actually close at night. I once spent a few awkward hours in the dark at Paramaribo Airport, Suriname. The guard let us stay there after it closed, after much arguing, because he didn’t want to be ‘inhumane.’ He then promptly woke us up and kicked us out at 6am.

From this...

4. A Bedouin tent Now for a slightly more pleasant option, if you ignore the searing 40 degree heat and the sand-flies. No camel trekking trip in Morocco is complete without a night spent in Bedouin tents in the sand dunes. Two rules: keep your mouth closed to avoid unwanted insects crawling in, and tread very carefully when getting up to use the toilet in the middle of the night: camels poo a lot! 3. An Amazonian hammock To the outsider, the lowly hammock may seem like the coolest of all the sleeping arrangements, and yes, for a one hour nap in the shade, they are ideal. After spending over a week on various river boats on the Amazon, hammocks strung every which way, every slight foot repositioning leading to someone being poked in the face, my opinion has changed. Valuable tip: make sure to string the hammock as far as possible from the toilets, believe me, by day 5 you will understand why so much space was left by the locals.

views were so incredible that I could ignore the discomfort. Parque Nacional Tayrona in Colombia makes you feel like you are on the set of Castaway, and if you queue the day before, you can end up in prime position. Built upon a tiny island connected to the mainland by 30-odd metres of rocks, a wooden hut offers 360 degree views of the Caribbean coast – sandy beach one side, open water the other. Hammocks are strung in a circle so no-one misses out on any of the stunning views. Now that’s a sight I want to wake up to every day.

2. A salt hut I’ve always wanted to stay in an ice hotel, but as yet that remains on the bucket list. I have however passed an evening in a hut made entirely of salt, during a tour of the Salt Flats in Uyuni, Bolivia. They even had salt sculptures of llamas to match! However, in terms of mattress material, I’ll stick with pocket-sprung over solidified sea salt any day… 1. A far better hammock... At number one, another hammock, but this time the

...To this!

Rise and Shine : Inspiring sunrises As we enter into the spring term at Bristol, it’s time to start broadening our horizons. On the note of horizons, some parts of the world offer the most incredible places to watch the sun rise. Sure, it’s always nice to end the day kicking back and watching the sun go down. And yes,getting up at 4:30 in the

morning might seem like a rude awakening. However, if you’re in the right place at the right time, then it can definitely be worth sacrificing those last few hours of sleep to experience something truly spectacular. Here are a few of the most breath-taking places to go and watch

the day break. The temple of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap is beautiful at any time of day, but is definitely most striking in the early hours of the morning. The temple site is one of the best preserved and most cherished temples in Cambodia, and is internationally regarded as one of the most significant religious sites in the world. This stunning

ridge located four hours away by train from the city of Cusco. Its first inhabitants were known to have been sun-worshippers, and it’s not hard to see why as the first beams of light gradually illuminate the village below. For the more adventurous among us, take a hike up Huayna Picchu to watch the sun rise from the highest point around – be warned the stairs leading up to this point are

monument is a breathtaking and utterly unique place to watch the sun come up over the lotusfilled lake which lies in front of this Cambodian icon. Another impressive site to try is Machu Picchu, Peru, one of the most inspiring locations in the world. Located almost 2,500km above sea level, this ancient Inca complex is sprawled across a mountain

alternatively called the ‘Stairs of Death’, be prepared to break a sweat. If cityscapes are more your style, you can’t beat observing the high-rise skyscrapers of cities such as New York and Taipei. As the sun welcomes in another day the buildings are silhouetted against the sky and cast their shadows across the city. Wake up early to avoid the hustle and bustle of commuters, and watch the sky

as it transforms into a spectrum of vivid colours. It’s quite the backdrop. If you have the chance, make sure to catch the sun rise over the Grand Canyon where the unique rock formations glow with purples, reds and oranges. However, if you can’t be bothered with a plane ride, then your best bet is to head

into deepest, darkest Wiltshire, home of the fascinating Stonehenge. Sun-chasers gather here every Spring in order to see the Vernal Equinox (which falls on March 20th in 2014) at this mysterious and spitirual destination.

Ciara Murphy

Editor: Deputy: Online Olivia Lace-Evans Andrea Valentino Emilia Morano-Williams travel@ deputytravel@ travelonline@ epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk epigram.org.uk

Bristol’s Stoked...

A FINAL THOUGHT ON... Travel vs tourism

Flickr: Gemma Compton

In this week’s ‘A Final Thought...’ column, Emilia Morano-Williams considers the tension between being the supposedly superior act of ‘travelling’ and ‘merely’ being a tourist. The first thing I wanted to say was that I wasn’t a tourist. See? See! I would proudly open my passport to the page with the visa. It was my badge, albeit one hidden inside my suitcase and cloaked by a leather cover. This slip of paper metaphorically ushered me into a new realm of understanding; though I didn’t know what it was yet. Soon they would understand that I wasn’t just another tourist, I assured myself. After all, I was a traveller, certified by the visa the Italian government had given me. Anyone who travels to or lives in a ‘must-see’ area engages in, what I call, tourist bashing. Tourism is seen as a mixture of cluelessness, ignorance and disrespect that provides local residents with endless entertainment. The tourist is a look, a mindset only of the underground music scene, experienced by the new or naive. As I left the airport - passport stamped, visa approved - I took the thing that put Bristol on my self proclaimed understanding to the streets. My subtle blue the party map and gave it the suitcase rolled efficiently behind me, more so than the oversized hot-pink luggage the person walking behind me dragged. On the reputation - think Skins-style raves - that it stills has today. But bus to the city centre, I didn’t need any help to shove my suitcase into the luggage hold. They did. I sussed out my fellow passengers, when it comes to nights out, us trying to identify who was travelling to awaken their mind and who Bristol students are slaves just wanted the best plate of pasta. As I zoomed through the Italian countryside I pressed my jetlagged nose to the window. I was to the likes of Lounge or about to see Italy, the real Italy. Bunker, and even going

Stokes Croft is certainly one

independent shops and

of Bristol’s most alternative

restaurants which are that bit

areas. It was once a place of

cheaper to eateries closer to

economic, environmental and

campus - it’s also a nice change

social decline that was considered

from another Café Gusto

too ‘dangerous’ for students to

sandwich. The local residents are

live in, but thanks to the area’s

so fiercely proud of this

regeneration, it’s now becoming

independence and the

trendier by the day. And yet,

absence of chain stores,

Bristol students still tend to

that they established

to Dojo’s seems a bit

overlook it when it comes to

their own group - ‘The

‘far’. Yet, as a fourth year,

going out as it’s just that little bit

People’s Republic of

I can guarantee that you

further out from the university

Stokes Croft’ - to protect

*will* at some time fancy

campus, preferring the cosy cafes

the area from further

a change of scene from

along Cotham Hill and the clubs

commercialisation. This

the Triangle. So, when

on the Triangle. Nevertheless,

pride resulted in some of

you reach this point, why

whatever your pre-conceptions of

its residents quasi

not head down to Stokes

Stokes Croft might be, the area is

re-enacting the storming

Croft? From drinks at

definitely worth a visit.

of the Bastille when a

the ultra-cool Canteen

Tesco Express dared to

bar to clubbing at the

street, the graffiti-clad Cheltenham

Just walking down the main

open on Cheltenham

gritty nightclub Lakota,

Road gives you a flavour of the

Road during the riots

area. After all, this is the home

of summer 2011 - an event that

night will certainly be a bit more

of Bristol’s iconic artist, Banksy.

made worldwide news.

exciting than a standard night out

Now it’s home to an increasing

However, it’s not just the

it’s guaranteed that your

Flickr: euqirneto

Style

Travel

Living

@e2Travel

on the Triangle. So much so that,

number of students and young

abundance of independent shops

heaven forbid, you might actually

professionals due to its (fairly)

and restaurants that’s attracting

return to Stokes Croft again.

affordable rents, giving it a rather

young people to Stokes Croft. It’s

Anna Rowley

trendy feel. The area is full of

also the birthplace

What’s On

quirky

ere!

re h Wish you we

Dear e2, osque aditional m This is a tr tan, ish Kurdis rk u T in p e de er. anian bord near the Ir given f the echo o se u a c e B the mountain, off by the heard yer can be ra p to ll a c for miles. lyn McNair Love, Ross

The distinction between being a traveller and tourist should be irrelevant. During every journey the individual jumps between the two identities, alternating them according to which one is more comfortable in the moment. When surrounded by compatriots, you are a self-assured traveller. When in a group of natives, you are a passively observant tourist. Instead of thinking about these imaginary groups as opposing, we should recognise that they simultaneously exist inside of us. After falling asleep on the bus, I entered a new world armed only with a map and my accumulative knowledge of the Italian language. I travelled on the Metro, navigating the system with a city-dweller’s finesse. I toured the city looking for coffee, wanting a simple break from stimulation. Pausing to peruse the newsstand, I was a traveller eager to integrate. Gawking at the Duomo, I became a tourist in awe of a culture I could never possess. Regardless of whether one identifies themselves as a ‘traveller’ or a ‘tourist’, going to an unknown environment awakens the senses. Interacting with the new, even passively, thrusts you into a new worldview. As long as we move with our eyes open and with the will to take everything in, we can exist as both travellers and tourists.

Editor: Maddy Streets style@ epigram.org.uk

What’s On

Style

Travel

Living

@e2Style

Deputy: Deanne Ball deputystyle@ epigram.org.uk

Online Amelia Impey onlinestyle@ epigram.org.uk

Nightwear: too good just for bed As students, our budgets mean that inevitably some things fall to the wayside in favour of extra money for Lounge and a Donervan’s on the way home. Too often, one item is pyjamas. I’m sure countless students are guilty of heading to bed in a pair of holey trackies and that unflattering free T-shirt you got given at Freshers’ Fair; I myself rocked a ‘Killa Disco’ T-shirt regularly during my first few months at Bristol. But when you’re spending so much of your time dressed for bed, whether nursing a hangover, battling a deadline or simply in the mood for supreme comfort, it only seems appropriate that you invest in something you’d be proud to be seen in.

Oysho (Left to Right): Button-up Top (£15.99) and Shorts (£17.99), Dress (£29.99), Floral Top (£17.99) and Trousers (£19.99)

Burberry AW14/15

Paul Smith AW14/15

With the fashion pack months ahead of us civilians as per usual, fashion weeks across the world have been showcasing their Autumn/Winter 2014/5 collections and, for the first time in a while, nightwear is having a moment. Christopher Bailey focused on the comfort aspect of sleepwear by draping some of his models in large, blanket-like ponchos. With cover-ups stealing the limelight, among the cinched trench coats and jackets were fluid capes, whether neutral in a soft camel or bold in a multi-coloured print. Slung casually over one shoulder with all the nonchalance of a Bristol hipster, or more effectively wrapped around the women’s slight shoulders, the capes retained a relaxed, comfortable and wearable feel, which is so crucial when bringing runway to the masses. Although ponchos have very rarely been associated with the stylish, see almost any episode of Ugly Betty, this show reminded us of the appeal of snuggling into a warm cocoon, even when out and about.

Paul Smith embraced his roots in loungewear by dressing his models in a series of tailored pyjamas, with smart stripes and paisley on luxurious fabrics bringing the clothes solidly into acceptable daytime apparel. The silky fabrics are actually perfect as the weather grows warmer, with a range of muted colour tones preventing the looks from being too ‘out there’ – Paul Smith was quick to emphasise that his clothes this season are wearable. A standout look involved a dressing-gown/trench coat hybrid which combined practical layering with unctuous comfort. What’s also great is how unisex this style is, with the outfits retaining an unfussy silhouette. Although the idea of wearing your pyjamas in public is hardly a new one for the student body, this injection of elegance is something we should all take on board – how can someone criticise you turning up to a lecture without getting dressed when you look so damn good? Maddy Streets

When it comes to actually dressing for bed, rather than making a fashion statement, look no further than Oysho, a Spanish retailer specialising in underwear and loungewear. Whether you dream (pun intended) of heading to bed in a ladylike negligee or would prefer a t-shirt and shorts/trousers combo, they offer a range of sets from elegant, minimalist neutrals to pretty, pastel prints and fun graphics. Different silhouettes mean you’re bound to find a style that suits you – who wants to compromise over clothes they’re wearing night after night? It might seem a bit frivolous, spending money on clothes which are designed to be covered up by a duvet and seen by a rare few, but that just means they’re for you and no one else, a cause I can definitely endorse. A good pair of pyjamas encourages a good night’s sleep and can last a long time, making them a worthy investment - so what are you waiting for, treat yo’ self!

Spring Trend: Art Attack

CELINE Campaign SS14

Spring trends of pastels and florals appear to bloom once again each year on the catwalks. It’s a safe go-to for designers wanting to reflect our seasonal environment and a welcome change from the dark wintery palettes of the previous season. It is perhaps for this reason that I was far more drawn to the emergence of Art as the theme for SS14 style success. Including pieces with bold brush strokes, checks, stripes and block colours in the style of Henri Matisse or Kandinsky, this is a trend for girls who have an edgier aesthetic in mind. While the combination of art and fashion would appear harmonious, different fashion houses have approached the idea in drastically different ways. Seen at Celine and Chanel, abstract yet in-your-face prints were key. Meanwhile, Prada

put portraits on their dresses and bags, transforming street art of Mexican artists from the pavements to fabric. The quintessential British brand, Burberry showed at London Fashion week how this trend will then merge into Autumn/ Winter. Childlike, imperfect brush strokes, in more muted tones, formed their signature print on belted, draped shawls; with matching bags and shoes. The only problem with such a trend is that, for someone who isn’t on the front row or doesn’t go to Art school, walking around with gormless faces emblazoned on your arms may mean you receive some rather quizzical looks. There are some easier ways to give the impression that you’ve been in the studio all day, you know, just searching for artistic inspiration. Print bomber jackets with jazzy

80s vibes are both versatile and create that ‘hipster cool’ look almost instantly. The idea is to find something that is one off, unique, creative, and dare I say it, ‘kooky’. Saying this, don’t throw on all sorts of patterns at once just so you can appear artsy. A pared back approach might be more successful- a statement jacket or top with an otherwise monochrome outfit would be a thoughtful nod to style. Another method is the use of bold, colourful eyeshadows, as well as nail art, which gives hints of fauvist levels of creativity. Colourful eyeshadows can sometime scream “12 year old girl discovers make up” though, so don’t go overboard; try to avoid sparkles or ‘little girl’ colours such as baby blue and pink if you want to be safe. The links between art and fashion are so omnipresent

that it seems too obvious to even highlight them. So in what way can this even offer a fresh take on things? I feel this trend is more about creating a persona- you only have to look in the fashion magazines to see that women are constantly aspiring to dress like ‘creative’ types on the street or on Tumblr. Perhaps it’s not really their dress sense we are aspiring to, but the idea of a stress-free, laid back lifestyle where imagination and individuality are the important priorities. Then again, as a History student, my workload isn’t particularly taxing, providing me with several hours of thinking about how I can dress to make it seem as if I’m actually doing an Art degree instead. I just hope it never gets to the stage where I start looking anything like Tracey Emin. Kira Wheeler

Editor: Maddy Streets style@ epigram.org.uk

@e2Style

Deputy: Deanne Ball deputystyle@ epigram.org.uk

Online Amelia Impey onlinestyle@ epigram.org.uk

Travel

Living

Spring Capsule Wardrobe The expectations of a blue skied spring, with a gentle breeze rustling the pink and white cherry blossom on trees, are rarely lived up to in our great British climate. The reality normally comes down to the fact that you wake up to a crisp sunny morning, yet ten minutes after you’ve left the house, you’re desperately scrambling for your umbrella as the heavens open upon you. Even when you’ve overcome this debacle, you often then spend the rest of your day traipsing up and down Woodland Road, in the constant

predicament of whether to leave your jacket on because it’s cold in the breeze or take it off because you’re too hot when the sun eventually shines through. All this can leave you staring aimlessly at your wardrobe declaring to everyone that ‘you quite literally have nothing to wear’. However, before you toss out every garment in the endless search of what to wear, here are 10 fool-proof items that will prepare you for the muddle of spring: Not only does this add an extra layer of warmth but it can also liven up any outfit by adding a touch of colour, for those days when you just want to grab a pair of failsafe jeans and a cosy jumper. Oliver Bonas, £18

For the moments when it isn’t raining, a blazer is a perfect outer layer; try a blue blazer for a fresh preppy look or if you’re feeling more adventurous, go for a brighter hue to bring out a more colourful side to any outfit. New Look, £28

Spring is the perfect time to invest in a smart pair of skinny jeans. They will be your seasonal best friend, carrying you through from day to night in style but yet oh so much comfort. Topshop, £38

For those who love embellishment, a trophy jumper is a brilliant way of staying warm without a jacket, yet making yourself the fashion envy of every seminar group. Topshop, £46

If you want something different from your plain old patterned tshirt, make a swap to a clean cut printed blouse for a fresh spring time look. Topshop, £38

A cream Knit jumper always makes an outfit look fresh and well cut, at the same time as keeping you warm. Topshop, £46

Whether it’s geometric or floral, a printed skirt is a must-have for any spring wardrobe. Printed skirts can often be toned down with a cotton jumper and pumps for a day time look or dressed up with a leather jacket and heels for when you swap the essays for cocktails. Mango, £20

Florals in spring: ground breaking, no, but stylish? Yes! Floral trousers are a great way of reinventing a dull outfit but at the same time not exposing you to the chilly breeze. Go for bold statement patterns that can be paired down with a plain top and a simple pair of pumps. Uniqlo, £15

Last but not least, the trusty parka jacket shouldn’t be put away just because winter’s gone. This key item will see you safely through any sporadic outburst of rain. Alexandra Keates Uniqlo, £15

Spring Trend: Monochrome Carolina Herrera, SS14

Carolina Herrera, SS14

white tailoring was not only refreshing, but visually striking. And herein lies the genius of monochrome: it is universally flattering, meaning that the look is so easy for us mere mortals to replicate. It instantly makes anyone look more put-together, with minimal effort involved (good news for students). It is also timeless, which is why it looks equally good on Audrey Hepburn, back in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, as it does on Olivia Palermo today. So if any of this season’s trends have you feeling a little daunted, I urge you to consider monochrome. Wearable, classic and striking; what more could you want? www.express.co.uk

textures. There were also some quite psychedelic patterns and unusual detailing from many of the designers, such as the optical illusion–esque prints at Ralph Lauren. Some personal favourites were the abstract shapes on flowing garments at Carolina Herrera, and Fendi’s angular

lines and gauzy fabrics, resulting in a very structured look. All of these elements gave the black-and-white look a modern twist, rather than simply recycling previous l o o k s – classic though they may be. S o that was the catwalk, but how did these looks translate to the red carpet? At this year’s BAFTAs, the standout look was, for me, Angelina Jolie in her structured but still very feminine tux. Amidst a sea of rather samey dresses, the black and Fendi, SS14

horses to move his ‘bloomin’ arse!’ However, what makes the entire scene so iconic are Cecil Beaton’s astonishing blackand-white creations worn by the racegoers. As it’s Ascot, everyone is trying to outdo each other with their weird and wonderful hats, all in shades of black and white. Many of these designs wouldn’t have looked out of place on this season’s catwalks, particularly at the Fendi, Celine and Erdem shows, which featured geometric shapes and a variety of

Erdem, SS14

The always-in-style monochrome look has cropped up again on catwalks this season, and I for one couldn’t be happier. I first fell in love with black and white during repeated childhood viewings of My Fair Lady – that Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison classic which sees a lowly flower girl under-go elocution training and a wardrobe transformation, before emerging as a ‘proper lady’. For those of you who haven’t seen the film, there is a classic scene at the races, where Audrey Hepburn memorably slips up and reveals her “guttersnipe” roots, getting overexcited a n d screeching at one of the

Pinterest

What’s On

Style

The calendar may well say springtime but the weather forecast on your iPhone will more than likely say rain. Keep your feet dry and cosy yet still looking great with a pair of black or brown Chelsea boots; the must have for any British spring wardrobe. New Look, £28

Camilla Gash

07.03.2014

AliExpress.com

Coloured Hair Chalk I first discovered hair chalk when Alexa Chung, the Queen of Cool, posted a picture of herself on Instagram styled with a colourful Heidi braid using L’Oreal hair chalk. Since then it has become a big trend. Models at the Ashish S/S14 show in London Fashion Week pulled off multi-coloured stripes, which don’t look half as bad as they sound. Both Bumble and Bumble (bumbleandbumble.co.uk) and L’Oreal (lookfantastic.com) sell a range of sprayin hair chalks for £15, which makes it quite a pricey experiment for a one-day look that comes out in one wash when you’re on a student budget. However, the can is big enough for repeated use and it is easier to resurrect than hair dye if it goes horribly wrong…

Ni Th La e T Clu ght bo ru bs ra e S : to ty rie le s

Spring Hair Tricks!

Night clubs are not for everyone, but there exists very few other places where you can truly let your inhibitions fade- albeit only for a few hours. Clubs provide a rare form of escapism; a fantasy world where friends and strangers of diverse backgrounds are united in the common desire to get lost in an atmosphere, to express themselves through dance and style. Intrinsically, the dance floor has long been the playground for underground subcultures; subcultures which, in their anti-mainstream mentality, have forged their own rules and dress codes over the decades. Mods, Punks, New Romantics and the modern ‘Hipsters’ are just a few examples of anti-fashion youth movements which have, paradoxically, spilled out of the club’s front door and into popular culture. Twenty-five years ago, the first ever Epigram journalists must have remarked upon the sartorial influence of Acid House culture, which, contrary to the minimalist aesthetic of the Calvin Klein catwalks of the time, was epitomised by the gaudy smiley face that came to symbolise it. Perhaps the key to the popularity of this experimental and highly personalised approach to style is its accessibility to the masses; what could be more appealing than participating in a stylistic movement ignorant of class, convention and seasonal transience? Catwalk fashion has never been as attainable or all-

The foolproof guide to hangover make-up We’ve all been there; it started out as a couple of drinks with your flatmates but now it’s 4am and you’re only just crawling in from Bunker with an early morning lecture looming. However, have no fear - with these tips, although you might feel like the walking dead, you certainly won’t look it!

o

eB

H

ti at

m tto

By mixing in a radiance-enhancing primer such as the L’Oreal ‘Lumi Magique Primer’ (£9.99) to your foundation, then sweeping a highlighter over the top of your cheek bones, you’ll quickly fake that inner glow belonging to the well-rested. Soap and Glory ‘Glow All Out’ (£11) is a gorgeous, fine-milled powder with a slight shimmer that’s great for this job. Probably the most revealing evidence of a late night is under eye dark circles, so the next step is to tackle these. Although it might be tempting to pile on the concealer, instead opt for something which is highlighting; this will not only cover up the circles themselves but also brighten the entire area. For me, nothing beats By Terry’s ‘Touche Veloutee’ (£35) but a cheaper alternative is L’Oreal’s ‘Lumi Magique Concealer’ (£8.49). By applying mascara to your top lashes only, attention will be drawn away from any circles left behind after concealing. It might seem a bit fiddly or unnecessary but lining your bottom waterline with a nude or flesh toned eyeliner will do wonders for making it look like you got your full eight hours. The Rimmel ‘Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner’ (£2.99) in nude is a fantastic option. A white

MissBudgetBeauty.co.uk

Try hanging your head down while you plait to make the job easier and why not add a scrunchie or clip a bow just below the bun for a bit of indie style? American apparel sells great bow hairclips between £8-£10 (americanapparel.com) and local to Bristol, BS8 have a spectrum of colourful and patterned scrunchies at £5 each (shopbs8.com).

Deanne Ball

RosyChicc.com

YouQueen.com

This style is so much more interesting than a mundane bun. Plait from the nape of your neck up to the crown of your head and tie into a ponytail, and then twist into a bun. Secure the bun with a hair bobble and two corkscrew hairclips (available from Primark for just £1). I swear by these hairclips; they make perfect topknots so easy!

Fast-forward to 2014 and the influence of club culture upon the high fashion realm is more noticeable than ever, despite the evident plurality of subcultures that we see in today’s society. DJs are now providing the soundtrack to the best fashion week shows and collaborating with the most prestigious brands; Jason Herd is Dolce & Gabbana’s first choice DJ for catwalk shows and after parties, whilst Avicii’s recent collaboration with Ralph Lauren’s Denim Supply label was a triumph. High fashion is increasingly harnessing the power of club culture to boost its own success, and who can argue? After all, there is nothing like a good mix to get the FROW’s heads bobbing in approval, or to flaunt a brand’s cool factor to a young and stylish audience. But one has to ask if the initial anti-fashion appeal of youth subcultures has begun to fade in an era that has seen such a strong connection between mainstream fashion and club culture. If night clubs are the true style laboratories, you’ll find the answer on the dance floor.

The Get Up and Go Guide

When it comes to skin, you want to regain some of the radiance that those Jägerbombs drained from you. Although it might be tempting in your sleepy-eyed state to skip these steps, cleansing and moisturising really will make a difference. A creamy cleanser like Superdrug’s ‘Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser’ (£2.98) is perfect for refreshing your skin in the morning and preparing your face for the day ahead.

Upside Down Plaited Bun

inclusive as the trends you can observe on the hippest streets in town. Take the Punks- all you had to do was rip your clothes and adorn yourself with everyday household items such as safety pins and toilet chains and you could party with the coolest of them. The explosion of London fashion in the 1980s as a result of the creative link between music, club and catwalk, was arguably one of the first times that night club fashion really began to permeate the high fashion world and create an international stir. Designers such as John Galliano were regulars at the top London clubs, sporting iconic New Romantic or High Camp looks which they had fashioned themselves before the weekend. Leigh Bowery, one of the most influential figures of the decade, epitomised the club/catwalk connection with his club promoter and fashion designer status.

liner can be a bit too harsh, but any nude liner you have in your collection will do nicely. Smudging a little bit of this eyeliner or applying a pale eye shadow into the inner corner of your eye is another small trick to brighten up the entire area. Finish off with a bright spring lip colour, and voila, no one will suspect you spent your night dancing away rather than getting your beauty sleep! Bethany Laverack

What’s On

Style

Travel

Living

28

What’s On

Editor: Josie Benge whatson@ epigram.org.uk

The best pick of this fortnight’s theatre, film, music and more.

Theatre& Comedy

Flickr: carbonated

The Caligari Experience Based around the German silent horror film, ‘The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari’, the show is described as a ‘cinematic circus’, combining 3D digital art, music and aerial and movement performance to create a truly immersive experience. Thursday 13th March Motion 7.30pm

Gigs& Nightlife MF Doom In preparation for Boom Bap, the UK’s largest hip-hop festival, Motion is proud to announce a performance from MF Doom, whose unique lyrical prowess has made him a hip-hop superstar since the late eighties. Saturday 22nd March Motion

Soundwave Launch Party In advance of the July festival in Croatia, the launch party showcases some of the most unique artists influenced by Drum n Bass, Jungle, Footwork, Dubstep Hip-hop and more. Friday 21st March Basement 45 Ellen and the Escapades Offering a blend of folk, rock and pop elements alongside enchanting vocals, this is certainly a band to watch. Already they’ve attracted the attention of Radio 2 and BBC 6 music and have supported Paulo Nutini and First Aid Kit. Sunday 16th March The Louisiana

Bristol Improv Festival Week Following on from the success of last year’s festival, Bristol Improv Network are putting on another week of comic improvised mayhem. This will include both local and national acts (including our very own Improv Society) as well as free workshops where you can have a go at improv yourself. 8th – 16th March Bierkeller Theatre Dark Vanilla Jungle An award winning drama about a girl’s craving for family and home, and the lengths she’ll go to achieve them. The play draws on themes of gang culture, female objectification and the impact of trauma on young people. 11th - 22nd March The Tobacco Factory 8.15pm

Flickr: darkmavis

Bombay Bicycle Club Following the release of their globalinspired fourth album, So Long, See You Tomorrow, the prolific North London band have announced their first major headline tour in two years. Wednesday 12th March O2 Academy

3 of the best... Springtime Strolls With the rain finally starting to ease off and the year’s first rays of sunshine breaking through, now is a great time to get a breath of fresh air and explore some of the lovely outdoor spaces the city has to offer.

Film

Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Conveniently located off Berkley Square, this is a great place to go for an al fresco lunch break or a quick walk between lectures. It’s also well worth climbing the stairs up Cabot Tower, as it has a fantastic view across the whole of Bristol.

Flickr: l0vedrunk

Starred Up In this hard-hitting prison drama, Jack O’Connell plays Eric Love, an explosively violent teenager who finally meets his match when he makes the difficult transition from a young offenders institute to adult prison. From Friday 21st March Showcase Cinema De Lux Under the Skin Scarlett Johansson plays an alien seductress who scours the streets of Scotland searching for men to hunt and kill in this stunning sci-fi thriller. The dark cycle is interrupted, however, when she meets a disfigured man and begins to feel compassion. Both visually and aurally ambitious, the film makes for disorientating viewing as it blurs fantasy and reality, realism and surrealism. 14th – 27th March The Watershed Rome Open City The Watershed are screening a new digital restoration of Rossellini’s renowned masterpiece, described by Martin Scorsese as ‘the most precious moment of film history.’ The film documents the Nazi occupation of Rome and the bravery of the Italian resistance. Flickr: Bjorn Giesenbauer 7th - 13th March The Watershed

Castle Park Nestled between the shopping quarter and the harbourside, Castle Park offers a refreshing contrast to the concrete of the City Centre. It has a relaxing view accross the waterfront and many pieces of public artwork, from creative seats and a carved stone throne, to a unique water fountain.

Ashton Court If you fancy getting a taste of the countryside without venturing too far away, the spacious Ashton Court is located just a 10 minute drive away from the university. It has 850 acres of grass and woodland, as well as running routes, mountainbiking trails, golf courses and horse rising.

Number 156

www.epigram.org.uk

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

FREE sausage roll for ever reader ! coupon page 8

Monday 3 November 2003

WIN FREE TICKETS ! competition page 9

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Four Students Diagnosed – Antibiotics Distributed to all First Year Students

MENINGITIS OUTBREAK UNDER CONTROL Alice Prendeville

Monday 2 February 2004 Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Monday 26 April 2004

£1

ANY sandwich, baguette or roll. See page 22

Spice up Valentine’s Day Four Lovers’ Guide videos and DVDs up for grabs in our sexy competition Head for page 10 to enter

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

azing Am

A CULTURAL EXPLOSION IN THE UNION Page 5

SEE PAGE 23

THE number of student robberies and muggings has "soared" since the beginning of term according to the police.

Last week there were 13 robberies and muggings against students in the Redland sector alone.

READ ALL ABOUT IT: FOR THE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION, SEE FULL STORY PAGE 3

BRISTOL STUDENTS are bracing themselves for yet another addition to their debt problems as hall fees are set to rise by 9.9 per cent in time for the 2004/2005 academic year. Students’ Union representatives were powerless to prevent the hike which means that hall fees have increased by 25 per cent over the last two years. TURN TO PAGE 2

Photos: Jeremy Harper

Decoration inspiration Revision poster

in The Mix

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

KIRSTY REID JON WILTSHIRE News Reporters

is encouraging the furry visitors. The mice were discovered Comment, p.14 approximately two weeks ago and are believed to have been attracted by food and drink taken to the first and second floors by students. Caroline Clancy, University press officer, told Epigram that the University immediately contacted pest control firm Rentokil who are dealing with the problem and insist

Film review: “Sherlock Holmes greets us like a donner kebab after a heavy night out.”

Bristol students frolic in the snow in Brandon Hill, but exams will still go on as planned - page 4

Burglaries claim new victims at Wills Hall

BUCA comittee showdown sees three resign Conflict sees Conservative Future intervene in BUCA HANNAH STUBBS News Reporter In-fighting and subversion have plagued the Bristol University Conservative Association (BUCA)

since the summer when controversy erupted over a proposed conference idea from a committee member. BUCA claims one of its objectives to be representing Conservative University of Bristol students as well as promoting the Conservative Party in Bristol. However three committee members have resigned with their positions still vacant and Vice-Chairman, Aaron Hugh Ellis, resigned, it has been revealed, before this academic year had

even started. With a scaled down committee, the effectiveness of the society and whether or not there will be a functioning Conservative Association at all by the end of the year has been called into question by dissenting members. Conflict broke out during the summer after a showdown between the Chairman Simon Iles, Vice Chairman Ellis, and South West Regional Chairman of Conservative Future (the

Film, p.31

Conservative Party’s youth wing) James Morton. Disagreement over Ellis’ suggestion of a conference on conservatism was so lengthy and ferocious that it led to firstly, “advice” from Morton to suspend discussing the conference and another planned event, an election briefing, until term started again. Lack of resolution to the conflict meant Ellis continued to organise Continued

on

page

LUKE BURNS Deputy News Editor Two violent break-ins at Stoke Bishop halls have resulted in the loss of hundreds of pounds of electrical equipment. Student residents at Wills Hall have become victim to burglary as the windows of their rooms were smashed open and their valuable

four

belongings, including laptops, mobile phones and iPods were stolen. The criminals responsible for the most recent burglaries are still at large. Jonna Williamson, one of the residents who had his ground floor room in Wills Hall broken into, told Epigram, “I had my Mac [laptop computer] stolen. I thought I was pretty careful, I always locked my door and window. Even the smallest

thing will let them in: it was the little top window they smashed to get into my room.” When asked how the University of Bristol Security Services responded to the burglary, Williamson was positive. “They were really good. They arrived within ten minutes and rang the police. I was really happy with that.” University students have been particularly vulnerable to burglaries this year, with an average of four

reported every month. Including the two recent break-ins, there have been nearly as many burglaries in the past six months as in the entire 2008-2009 academic period. The Security Service claim that several of the offences may have been committed by the same group of offenders as the burglaries tend to follow a similar pattern. They rank Badock and Hiatt Baker Hall, both

The best of the rom-coms: As Valentine’s approaches, Epigram selects the best cheese from the DVD shelf

•

Monday 10th October 2011

•

www.epigram.org.uk

Bristol fails to meet fair access targets Alice Young News Editor

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

•

UCAS applications for 2012 fall by 9%

Revolution on the streets of Bristol

23

Mood turns against College Green occupiers

News Reporter

Issue 245

e2

Monday 7th November 2011

Ann Widdecombe visits Bristol

See Page 4

The Students’ Union has opened its new hub on campus. The Information Overall university applications for 2012 Point takes the place of the old haveNatwest dropped by 9% in the lead up to the building next to the Arts tuition and Social fee rise. According to official figures, Sciences Library. It aims tothe make the number of UK-born students applying Union’s services easier to for access for university places has fallen by 11.9%, students. Staff in the centre with will be able 52,321 student applications for 2012 to give advice on accommodation and received by 15th October, compared to welfare as well as sports and societies.

Former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe visited Bristol University at the end of last month for an event organised by the Politics Society. In an exclusive interview with Epigram, she answered questions on topics ranging from the coalition to Strictly Come Dancing before addressing the public conference.

59,413 recieved by the same date in 2011.

The statistics, Page 3 provided by the Universities

and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), reveal the number of applications received by universities by the deadline for Oxbridge

Record number applications. of Figures in the south-west show the biggest applications fall in applications in over 30 years, with a

Page 3

decrease ofof11.3% in comparison with last There were a record number year. Sarah Thwaites, Deputy Chief Executive applications for places at Bristol for the of 2011. FSP (Financial Skills Partnership) shared academic year beginning in In her view fees on the situation. light of the threefold rise in tuition people in the south west may see from 2012 many students did‘Young not take gap years in order to beat theapprenticeships mounting as an attractive option due to rising university costs. They can be seen cost of a degree. Bristol retained its as part of the place as one of the most applied forsolution to bridge the so called “skills gap” identified by George Osborne.’ UK universities with an average of 14 The figures have given rise to allegations applicants per place.

Undergraduates received bursaries and scholarships in 2009-10

1000 votes cast in officer elections The election race for part-time Union Officers has come to a close after just 1000 student votes were cast in the week-long poll. The successful candidates for Union Officers, Senate Representatives and Student Trustees were announced following the following the first annual Students’ Conference.

that would-be students are being deterred Page 6 from applying for further education by the threat of debt. However, others

have commented that part of the fall in £300,000 awarded for this year compensates for the applications AIDS research rise in applications for places for 2011, when

Page 4

UCAS saw 6.6% more applications than for

FILM & TV: page 28 The Social Network

”10

Government needs to quickly take their falling away from education for good. (continued on page two)

Using your erotic capital Should women flirt their way to the top? An interview with Catherine Hakim

Features 10

Lakota has once again had its licence suspended, following a fatality earlier this year. The club, which first opened in 1989, has been the subject of much controversy this year since the death of 16-yearold Joe Simons on 30th April.

Page 7

Keep Calm and Curry On Epigram talk to Bombay Bicycle Club - page 23

•

Monday 23rd January 2012

the water polo team and the Girls’ rowing squad

Stem cell therapy suceeds for Bristol student Science Page 16-17

TRAVEL: E2 page 10

Br s o s Mayor

cuts, otherwise known as ‘The Occupiers’, marked the “end of the first chapter of demonstrations” through the dis-occupation of

Photo: Craig Woodhouse

LAURA WALTERS News Reporter A serious fire caused the evacuation of the Union and the indefinite closure of the University swimming pool days before the beginning of term. The cause of the blaze, which began on the morning of Tuesday 15 September, was unknown at the time of Epigram going to press. The Union building was on lockdown following the fire, which

Continued on page four

The Lockerbie debate Comment, p17

F**k Buttons album reviewed

Fire service arrive on the scene as smoke billows from the Union on Tuesday morning

ASSIYA KHAN Deputy News Editor

Numbers soon increased and started their supposedly peaceful march, following a specific route. The streets of Bristol were soon awash with masked and hooded protestors armed with whistles, foam pies and posters bearing slogans such as “Bankers, politicians, fat cats. We won’t pay for their Crisis”. Having met at the Hippodrome on St Augustine’s Parade, the group marched on to King Street with their posters and enormous Monopoly-

style cheques. Passers-by and employees watched helplessly as numerous police arrived on horseback, in their vans and around 20 to 30 officers on foot, only to be met by passionate protestors. Shouting “Where’s your money gone?” and throwing foam pies and pellets against the windows of Barclays, across the Square, they then moved on to their next target, The Royal Bank of Scotland on

Music, p30

‘The episodes of torture are flung in almost as an afterthought.’ Inglourious Basterds reviewed

Foam pies pelted at bank in Bristol protest Six arrested as social protestors clash with police

further support in the struggle against such drastic financial cuts. One member of ‘Bristol against education

A student protests against the increase in tuition fees proposed by the coalition

Russell Kane reviewedbehind closed doors”, thereby preventing students and lecturers from having their Epigram delivers our say in the decisions. In protest against this, verdict on his stand up students hosted a panel event, ‘Reimaging the University! Higher Education, Funding & performance the State’, followed by a “free discussion on

SPORT: page 29-32 Bristol’s successes

Our sporting talent is excelling, from football to skateboarding

Death of the jelly baby and other fun experiments Science Page 14

what the cuts will mean for us”. Several other debates, workshops and lectures will take place throughout the week in order to allow students to have their say. The final method emphasized by ‘Bristol against education cuts’ is “Participating in the wider struggle against public sector cuts”. Students have therefore protested against taxdodging by greedy corporations. [Continued on page 2]

Epigram talks to famous designer label PPQ Fashion E2 Page 9

The President of the National Union of Students, Aaron Porter, has announced he will not be standing again come the next election. The announcement comes after a tough few months for Can the media make a Porter, who has been heavily criticised difference to the thousands ofby some students for his failure to act other disappearance cases justduring the student protests at the end like that of Joanna Yeates? of last year. Speaking to the NUS, Porter said that after “considerable soul searching”, he believed the NUS needed “invigorating” in order to continue its fight against what he James Ashton-Bell responds called the “damaging marketization in education”. to criticism of the union’s contrasts with the message he response to tuition fee rises. hadThis for students shortly after taking office in June 2010. Having won 65% of the vote, Porter said at the time: “I am delighted to be leading NUS into what will be a crucial year for further Epigram talks to Mike Benton,and higher education, with a general election, fees review and cuts on the the scientist who told us whathorizon. It is more vital now than colour dinosaurs were. ever that we come together to put our issues at the top of the agenda with a credible, representative student voice shaping the outcomes of these pivotal debates”. By the end of the year, however, Epigram’s resident agony Porter was forced to admit to “spineless aunt gives her best advice for dithering” on the part of the NUS singletons on Valentines’ day following their refusal to back some of the largest student demonstrations for a generation. Criticism has ranged from Facebook campaigns, such as “We the undersigned believe that Aaron Porter Was it right to sack Andy Gray should be removed as NUS National President as he is unable to lead the and accept Richard Key’s student movement”, to comment in resignation over sexist remarks? [Continued on page 2]

Film, p.31

Baldwin Street, where a protestor glued himself to the doors. Banks across the centre of Bristol instantly became a security priority as passion soon turned into anger. Security tightened as police officers began to guard buildings from both inside and out. Barclays on Union Street locked its doors as police watched from inside the building as protestors shouted Continued on page three

‘Free education’ week involves nine events focused on spending cuts to education

Epigram explores the wonderful world of puppetry

The Arts and Social Sciences Library is due for further work on its upper two floors, to be completed by mid-2011

FEATURES: page 6 The meat issue

Epigram examines how meat eating is having devastating effects on the environment, and how you can help

Issue 238

NEWS: page 3 £9,000 fees for Bristol It has been confirmed that the Univeristy of Bristol will charge students three times the current fees from 2012.

FEATURES: page 6 A check up down below Does our generation not take sexual health seriously enough? Features investigates the nitty gritty part of SEX.

COMMENT: page 10 The new Union team What can you expect from next year’s sabbatical team? President-elect Gus Baker puts his promises down on paper.

FASHION: E2 pages 6-9 The male edition

BE FAMOUS: page 16 The Epigram 40 is back!

Interviews, street style and the best shoes: the Fashion section does Bristol’s boys

WHAT’S ON: E2 page 12 Epigram’s new section Bristol’s best pubs, what to do on St Patrick’s Day and the best events this fortnight

The opening of a new Tesco store in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol sparked riots against police during the Easter break.

FILM & TV: page 27 Hollywood and history

SPORT: page 30 The BIG Debate

SPORT: page 30 Marathon Man

A look at the inspiration behind some of the latest blockbusters including Black Swan and Inception

Porter said that after “considerable soul searching”, he believed the NUS needed “invigorating”

A searingly honest look at the ups and downs of running a Marathon for charity.

TRISTAN MARTIN News Reporter In the small hours of Friday 29th April violence broke out on the streets of Bristol for the second time in a eight days. ‘The troubles’, as one BBC reporter referred to them, first began a week before as the opening of a new Tesco sparked the worst riots seen in Bristol since 1980. On Thursday 21st, following a tip-off that occupants of the ‘Telepathic Heights’ squat on Cheltenham Road had been constructing petrol bombs, police moved into make an

UBU ELECTION SPECIAL

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Epigram’s top travel tips for the curious

arrest. At 9:15pm officers closed Cheltenham Road and forced entry into the building. Four men were arrested, and a police statement confirmed that a number of items were seized “including petrol bombs – which are currently being forensically examined”. One of the men subsequently pleaded guilty to possession of a petrol bomb, but not guilty to a second charge of threatening a Tesco employee with it. Following the highly visible arrests at Telepathic Heights, hundreds of people began to congregate in the area. Within a few hours they were joined by over 160 riot officers, many brought in from Wales.

Although the gathering began peacefully, clashes with police soon erupted and spilled out into the surrounding area. Barricades of burning bins were erected; fireworks, bricks and bottles were thrown at riot officers. Local resident Alex Slocombe saw “running battles with police all over the place.” By around 1:00am it seemed that police were no longer in control of the operation. A group of rioters managed to ransack the recently opened Tesco Express. Its windows were smashed, a sign ripped off, and “closing down sale” scrawled across its facade. [Continued on Page 2]

Who are the University of Bristol’s most noteworthy students? Nominate now.

LIFESTYLE: E2 page 2 The big student survey Try guessing which nightclub Bristol’s most promiscuous girls go to - or read the answer in E2.

TRAVEL: E2 page 10 Best foreign festivals Epigram takes a look at the best of the foreign music festivals happening this summer.

SPORT: page 32 Bristol’s hidden stars The Women’s Novice Rowing Squad tell us how they are going to annihilate UWE.

Love journalism? Want to be a part of the team that puts Epigram together? Apply now to be a section editor for the academic year 2011-12

All the information on the upcoming UBU elections. Voting takes place 14 - 18 March.

Travel E2 p. 11

Film p.28

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Monday May 9th 2011

Violent clashes in Stokes Croft

Should Britain export weapons to countries with questionable human rights records?

LIFESTYLE: page 2-3 What would Dolores do

Black Swan, Blue Valentine and Brighton Rock: take your pick of the finest in

Arts p.18

NEWS: page 3 £1 million refurbishment

COMMENT: page 11 Arms for Africa?

SCIENCE: page 15 Jurassic Park professor

The second method is “taking matters into our own hands”, as the University administration would rather “decide a position

ARTS: page 19

Issue 236

LETTERS: page 12 President Responds

How to climb Kili cuts’ believes there are three methods of the struggle forwards”. The first is An idiot’s guide to this “taking reuniting those involved in the resistance to summer’s RAG climb ofhigher education cuts last term, who are likely to be reeling from the blow of the fee vote Mount Kilimanjaro passed in parliament.

Interview: Coco Sumner on CDs and Cheryl Cole Lifestyle E2 Page 2

Flight fears, summer camps and British beaches Travel in E2 Pages 10-11

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

am your s ave

Issue 247

• www.epigram.org.uk

Student housing plans upset locals

Comment What next for North Korea?

13

ghetto’ • Ice rink closed to make way for student housing amidst protests (see page 2) Jessica Wingrad News Reporter Local residents in High Kingsdown have expressed strong opposition to plans for a local pub to be converted into twelve new student flats. The pub, The Kings Arms, could potentially be reorganized to house fifty students into ‘cluster flats’ which would not require any rebuilding to take place on the site. The High Kingsdown development is an award-winning area of Bristol built in the 1970s, where local residents take pride in their vibrant, friendly community. The location is extremely desirable for University of Bristol students since it is under ten minutes’ walk from Woodland Road and other major university buildings. Residents fear that the area is becoming a ‘student ghetto’ where the peace of the neighbourhood will be disturbed by students creating ‘an uncared-for area, a mess of litter, overflowing rubbish bins and front gardens looking like tips, not to mention noise’ as Linda Ewles, of Tyndall Park Mews, put it. An anonymous resident who has been living in High Kingsdown for 25 years said ‘I think it is outrageous. ‘There are already a large number of students here, which makes it a transient population. This development, with so many more students, would swamp the place with them.’ As well as objections online from local residents, there have been concerns voiced by the Kingsdown Conservation Group, the Bristol Civic Society and

the Highbury Residents Association. Mark Wright, a Councillor for the area, has said that, ‘The surrounding area of High Kingsdown is already well over 50% students and what the area needs is more balance in its demographic rather than more transient residents.’ Concerns coming from residents are focused on anxiety over the negative atmosphere that students may bring to the area in the form of noise, rubbish and late night parties. Dr Julie Clayton said ‘We need more young families who can attend local schools – and walk to school rather than driving from a distance. ‘We need owner-occupiers who are going to care for each other and the neighbourhood and support a mixed sustainable community.’ Response from students has defended their reputation, with one student saying ‘I am saddened that students are being depicted in this negative way.’ Another has claimed that ‘It is no less discriminatory to suggest that students make bad neighbours than to say ethnic minorities or those dependent on social welfare make bad neighbours.’ Those who do not support local objections have argued that students can benefit a community and that other residents can also be held responsible for noise levels and litter. In an online comment, one resident has said ‘I appreciate the important contribution students make to the community. ‘The shops, cafes and pubs in the area would close down without them.’ Although consultations regarding the plans to convert the pub have finished, the decision will not come before the committee until next month.

Home, sweet home Interior design for the student house

•

Monday 20th February 2012

• www.epigram.org.uk

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 248

AGM draws 75% more students

Free stuff!

17

The Kings Arms pub, which is due to be turned into twelve student flats

‘The Olympics suck’ Will Self finds little reason for fanfare Features 11

Monday 5th March 2012

Jessica Wingrad Senior News Reporter

Alice Young News Editor Students voted to improve access to Bristol through contextualised offers and admissions targets at the Annual General Meeting of the Students’ Union this month. The motion voted to the top of the priority ballot and thus discussed first called for stronger enforcement of contextual offers of places to students from underprivileged backgrounds. Proposer Josephine Suherman met resistance from some students who questioned whether the motion was useful, with Kyle Mulholland arguing that the motion would, ‘reduce the university’s prestige and reduce the value of your degree’. Suherman, a third year Politics student, responded to these criticisms commenting, ‘We all know the campus would look very different if this policy was enforced’. The motion passed with 68% of the vote. Adam Ludlow’s motion, controversially entitled ‘Ending Bristol’s Silent Private School Bias’, called for the University to publish figures regarding the proportion of state and private school students at the University and set targets to redress the balance.

•

It sparked a heated debate over the benefits of awarding places based on the type of school attended, with Sophie Mew, the UBU Widening Participation Officer, arguing that it would be better ‘not to end the private school bias but the low-income student bias’. Mulholland, a second year Economics and Politics student, took to the stage again to oppose this motion as well, claiming, ‘Applications from state schools are low in general because state schools are terrible in general’. Ludlow, a third year History student, argued this was not the point of the motion, saying, ‘I don’t agree that state schools are awful’. His motion narrowly passed with 56% approval. A series of motions were aimed at improving availability and access to

The Couture Show

existing sport facilities. The ‘Campaigning to Save the Ice Rink’ motion was passed with 70% of the vote with speeches from proposer Paul Charlton and President of Ice Soc James Lumsden.

414

students attended this year’s AGM, 2% of the student body

Rosemary Drummond and Hamish Hay both proposed motions to help more students use the swimming pool and gym, with Drummond arguing flexible and cheaper sports passes would make ‘sport more accessible to larger numbers of students’. Both motions were passed with over 85%

approval and Dom Oliver, UBU VicePresident for Sport and Health, had earlier announced in his annual report that the University Sports Centre would be introducing termly instalments for sports passes. In his report at the beginning of the AGM Gus Baker, UBU President, also announced that the sabbatical team will be working on a widening participation assessment to address the access figures published by Epigram in October. These figures detailed how Bristol University was one of 25 UK institutions failing to meet its own targets on widening participation. The AGM ended on a jovial note, with a motion to force UBU elected officers to wear suits every day of the week.

Chris Ruff, Vice-President for Activities, then proposed an amendment to limit the dress code to Fridays only, arguing that it ‘retains the hilarity of the motion but doesn’t require me to buy another suit.’ Both Ruff’s speech and the passing of the motion were met by roaring applause, with 64% of the AGM in agreement that UBU officers should be forced to wear suits on Fridays. The AGM is held every February to decide on the policies that UBU will pursue over the coming year. Motions are either voted through to become policy or voted out. This year’s AGM attracted 414 students, the highest turnout since 2001 and a 74.6% increase on last year, despite representing just over 2% of the total student body.

Nicola Roberts

Getting to grips with the c-word this season

Looking at the world through Cinderella’s Eyes

e2 Fashion

Music 23

The University of Bristol Senate has approved plans to completely restructure the academic year, shortening Christmas and Easter holidays to three weeks to make way for a designated ‘assessment period’ in January. The original proposal included plans to reduce Freshers’ Week from one week to three days in an effort to undermine the excessive drinking culture which the University argues it encourages. However, after strong student opposition these plans were shelved indefinitely and for the time being Freshers’ will remain five days long. A minority of students had supported the proposed shortening of Freshers’ Week because the clubbing and drinking which takes up much of the time arguably does not reflect the interests of many of students. However, this was countered by a huge backlash from the student body at large which led to the launch of a campaign to maintain the traditional full five days of Freshers’ events. Students determined to save Freshers’ Week gathered support in an online petition set up by UBU Vice-President Education Josh Alford. The petition claims that, ‘Freshers’ is not perfect and more structure and support could certainly be put in place for new students during the opening week. ‘However cutting Freshers’ Week will limit students’ opportunities, potentially hinder bonding and certainly will not stop the “irresponsible drinking culture” that the University believes many students partake in. Comments attached to the signatures argue that a three-day Freshers’ Week would hold back new students from settling into university life, as well as arguing that new students would only enforce an unofficial five-day Freshers’ Week themselves. More than three hundred students signed the petition which has now closed after the

See page 16 for details

w h

O gan dona on campa gne W Pope has NYE hea ansp an

349

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 249

•

Monday 19th March 2012

• www.epigram.org.uk

Charlton elected UBU President

Fashion The secret agents of style

Which fairy tale character are you?

H a Baker res den s demand ee reduc on o compensa e or work

Jenny Awford Deputy News Editor

decision at Senate on Monday 27th February to maintain the week long series of events. A survey of nearly 2000 students last year revealed that the plans to restructure the academic year in general were favoured, but that the shortening of Freshers’ Week was less well-liked, with 57% of those surveyed opposing it outright. After the Senate meeting, Alford commented, ‘At Senate today the paper passed with the amendment that Freshers’ would not be shortened so we think we’ve managed to negotiate the best deal for students’. A spokesman for the University of Bristol, David Alder, defended the University’s position, maintaining that the proposals were not aimed at spoiling students’ fun. He said, ‘Students need to be inducted over a much longer period than a week,

After a highly competitive fortnight of campaigning and controversies, Paul Charlton has emerged victorious in the battle for UBU President. The eagerly anticipated student election results were announced on Friday 16 March to the captivated crowds in Bar 100. Charlton’s effective ‘Why Gamble?’ campaign made him a visible presence on campus. His election manifesto also stressed his desire that, ‘The Union should be there to help you, not something to battle against’. The new President-Elect emphasised the importance of clarity between University of Bristol students and their Union, saying that ‘everyone deserves to know what is happening at their Union’. In what was seemed to be a surprising turn of events, Presidential candidate Josephine Suherman, was the first to exit the race. Suherman was removed from the running in the second round after only scoring 784 votes. Charlton eventually won with 1,736 votes, compared to Georgina Bavetta’s 1,333 when second and third preferences were also included. Charlton expressed surprise at his victory, saying that he had ‘entertained no expectations’. Immediately after winning, Charlton thanked his fellow Presidential candidates and his dedicated campaign team. The new six member full-time sabbatical team includes four female Vice-Presidents, reversing the usual trend of a male-dominated group. There was as least one female candidate for every full-time UBU position. The new VP for Welfare and Equality, Alessandra Berti, commented that she

Number of signatures on the online petition against downsizing Freshers’ Week

this is absolutely not to do with trying to curtail enjoyment or drinking. It’s to do with the rhythm of the academic year’. Although the motion to shorten Freshers’ Week has been abandoned at this stage, it has not been permanently quashed and the University could attempt to cut Freshers’ Week again in the future. Under the new academic structure which was accepted at Senate, exams at ‘non-standard’ times will be cut back with a view to them being eradicated. This will affect students who currently have exams in the Easter holidays, or during the second semester. The Christmas and Easter holidays will also be shortened by a week to three weeks, in order to make space for an assessment period in January, which the University hopes will ease the pressure of the summer exam period.

Long live Lucian Visiting London’s deathly exhibitions Culture 21

w m

e2

• www.epigram.org.uk

Freshers’ Week campaign success

Like us on Facebook and win an iPad 2

• After fierce abortion debate, pro-choice stance remains > page 2 • Sabbatical team announce return of bursaries > page 3 • Editorial - A long way to go for student politics > page 16

• High Kingsdown locals call the area a ‘student

e2 Lifestyle

Less than half of students satisfied with Union

question whether the Lib Dems will go back on their pledge not to increase fees. Williams defended these accusations, “The pledge claims that we should work towards a fairer system, and that’s exactly what I signed up for’’. Williams also claimed, “The Browne report is far better than it would have been now that the Liberal Democrats are in office, it offers a much more progressive payment system than we have, but it’s only a starting point. I feel we can do better than Browne has done already’’. Williams, along with other prospective MPs signed the NUS pledge pre-election stating, “We will vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament, and we will put pressure on the Government to introduce a fairer alternative to variable top-up fees”. Bristol students are outraged that the Liberal Democrat party position may change in light of the coalition agreement, and have created an online petition in order to convince Williams to “hold firm to the pledge upon which he was elected”. When asked if the Lib Dems would be making a U-turn on their pledge Williams answered, “I am in weekly contact with Vince Cabell, Secretary of State, and David Willets, Minister for Higher Education, on how the coalition can enable.. [Continued on Page 2]

FEATURES: page 7 Accomodation crunch

Julia May

develop the community

Lakota loses licence

Page concerns8 on board or else risk those people

“ Personal development is all very well, but there is equally a moral responsibility to help

Union evacuates as canoe equipment is left to be damaged

required the evacuation of all staff and an immediate five-day closure. Avon Fire and Rescue told Epigram that a call had been received at 9.07 that morning to report ‘thick black smoke’ which was pouring from the building. Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze was ‘pretty terrifying’, and the heat caused glass panels at the front of the building to shatter. An open day which was due to occur on the 18th had to be rearranged at the last minute to keep 11,000 potential students and their families out of the building for safety purposes. Indie band Jet were also due to play in the building’s Anson Rooms on the evening of the fire, and instead had to appear at the O2 academy in the city centre. In addition, the fire caused disruption to morning traffic, as a stretch of Queens Road was closed to accommodate the fire vehicles.

‘What is the real purpose of our justice system?’

Takotsubo tragedy Octopus pots and broken hearts? Science 30

would have liked to have an all female team. Berti continued saying, ‘I hope this year’s example will encourage more females to follow suit next year’. The most hotly contested fulltime position was Vice-President for Activ

Tanya Moulson

Fresh or Mess?

The University of Bristol 2010. has been Maturethe students in particular represented awarded a £300,000 grant to study development of the AIDSa significant alongsidedrop in applications – there has been a decline the University of Cambridge and the of 22.7% in applicants aged 30 and 39, and applicants aged University of Wisconsin. Itbetween is hoped that researchers will be able40 toand findover outhave seen a decrease of 27.8%. The NUS Vice President, Toni Pearce, said why the disease only developed in the ‘The present significant reduction in applications 1970s even though it had been from mature students is a warning sign and in the human population for decades.

Issue 216 Monday 28 September 2009

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

NUS President says change is needed

Ex-MP Lembit Opik spoke to the Politics society about Coalition, a run at Mayor of London, and his love life.

COMMENT: page 11 Missing persons

Senate room, Senate House. They emphasised Hooters causes concern the “extraordinary level of support” from The editor responds to the University, including seven University departments and “countless individuals”. our letter of the fortnight The week of free education will hope to gain

SPORT: page 32 Watersports focus Epigram catches up with

Julia May

new look e2

‘require institutions to set themselves at least one target around broadening their entrant pool (up to now it has been possible for institutions to restrict their targets to broadening their applicant pool)’. Concerningly, the results of the report revealed that 60% of institutions agreed they could foresee difficulties with meeting widening participation targets in the future.

Disruption ensues as cause of fire is still unknown

Issue 234 Monday March 7th 2011

NEWS: page 5 Opik Checks in

Why do Bristol students rush to sort houses so early in the THOM LOYD year- and is it self-induced, orSenior News Reporter even non-important?

LUCY WOODS News Reporter

EDITORIAL: page 13

Epigram picks out the film based on facebook legend Mark Zuckerberg in our Film Listings

Yisan Cheong

to widen access to our University. The issue is financial accessibility. If students from ordinary backgrounds can’t afford to live in Bristol then these figures will not get better’. OFFA has responded to the figures by asserting that in future, more emphasis will be placed on the ability of universities to meet these set targets. They claimed that from 2012-13 they will

Flickr: spartacusxx

the University of the West of England. The study also showed that Bristol has decreased its spending on widening participation – 20.2% of additional fee income was spent on bursaries, scholarships and outreach activities in the academic year 200910 – a 3.2% drop from 2006-7. Dr Wendy Piatt, head of the elite Russell Group of universities, rejected the claim that universities were wholly to blame for the inability to reach targets. ‘Misinformation, lack of confidence and misunderstandings about the costs and benefits of university education contribute to the under-representation of students from lower-income backgrounds’. However Students’ Union President Gus Baker reflected the issue back to university policy. ‘These figures show Bristol is struggling

will be starting their working lives with a debt of over £20,000. This is unacceptable and unsustainable”. However, just six months later it has been implied that Williams may now vote in

Jamie Corbin

17.4%

Issue 242

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

continued on page five

Have Slow Club found Paradise?

Union establishes Sarah Lawson presence on precinct

The University of Bristol has been named in an OFFA (Office for Fair Access) report as one of 23 English universities that are failing to meet set targets for widening participation. The group, which includes the Universities of Cambridge, Durham and Warwick, failed to meet self-set statistical targets regarding the number of applicants coming from disadvantaged backgrounds in 2009-10. Institutions were asked to report on their targets regarding under-represented students, defined by OFFA as students from low socio-economic groups, low income backgrounds, some ethnic groups, and disabled students. OFFA has not revealed the universities’ individual targets, however the percentage of Bristol undergraduate students receiving bursaries and scholarships in 2009-10 stood at 17.4% of the fee-paying student population, in contrast to 12.9% at Cambridge, and 37.8% at

Medical experiments Should students take part in clinical trials?

Bristol University students are setting up a Monopoly on the media week of free education events which began on Murdoch’s Sky takeoverFriday 28th January and are taking place all across the campus. The events are intended as should be blocked on further protest against government cuts to the higher education budget. grounds of plurality In December 2010, protesters against the

Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

Music

FEATURES: page 7

COMMENT: page 10After regaining his Bristol West seat in the May

We pick the best sets from this year’s festivals

The new UCard system already up and running around the University precinct

Students host free education week

COMMENT: page 10

MUSIC: page 25 Festival highlights

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

Issue 230 Monday February 7th 2011

NEWS: page 2

Panache to close The popular venue faces closure due to allegations of violence and drugs

Goldney JCR and Manor Hall Warden give their HANNAH CASLIN views on Fresher’s Week News Reporter

favour Will Deathtrap be able toof an increase in tuition fees. The 12th October saw the publication of Lord compete with the London Browne’s review, discussing the removal of a cap on tuition fees. This has led the public to musical scene?

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Issue 240

FEATURES: page 7 Perspectives

ARTS: page 18 West End Thriller

Interview: Fearne Cotton talks to Epigram Lifestyle E2 page 3

Film, p.32

Future graduates could leave university with debts of over £80,000

Ground Zero Conflict2010 General election, on a platform opposing in university fees, Stephen Williams Is a ‘mosque’ blocks increases MP is set to renege on his promise. away from Ground ZeroIn his campaign Williams argued, “I believe that a student’s potential should not be just too close? limited by their ability to pay. Many students

Bristol band features: Epigram Music looks at Bristol bands, Zun Zun Egui and Fitness Club Fiasco

KissMob takes place on Woodland Road in the run-up to Sexploration Week - page three

MAIN DISH

GET ONE FREE

Photo : Tristan Martin

five

Election run-up:HANNAH STUBBS “A televised debateHead News Reporter will favour theA rodent infestation in the Arts and candidate that isSocial Sciences Library has been rmed and students are being better airbrushed.”confi warned that eating whilst studying

that cleaning staff are “ensuring that all surfaces such as keyboards and desks are continually cleaned and that any traces of food or drink are removed quickly.” The University does appear to be taking hygiene issues more seriously as hand sanitizer has since appeared next to some of the computer terminals in the library “to ensure extra cleanliness” but students are still right to be concerned. As the leaflets informing students of the pest problem that appeared in the ASS library on Monday 1 February point out, “this is a serious matter as mice are responsible for the spread of many diseases including Salmonellosis and Gastroenteritis, and hosts to mites, ticks, tapeworm and fleas.” Katie Bitten, first year history student and library user, commented that the idea of mice in the library was “disgusting, especially as they sell food just downstairs”. continued on page six

£800,000 spent on new UCards

Bristol MP set to break fees pledge

NEWS: page 2 £10,000 tuition fees

Photo : ©keith morris

page

Food banned from study areas as pest control informed about library’s rodent infestation

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Monday November 8th 2010 Issue 228

perform. Features,Despite p.10 vast university cut backs in other areas, £800,000 has been spent on the introduction of the UCard. Jerry Woods, Head of Security, is confident that this is a good investment, stating that “[The new system] will pay for itself in around five years and thereafter will save the University money year-on-year,” although he admits that it does sound like a lot of money. The cost and scope of subsequent phases, however, is still uncertain as it is subject to the University’s approvement of funds. The current variety of access devices that are installed across the precinct make it impossible for building access to be monitored from the 24-hour control room. The UCard will increase campus security by unifying access systems, making it easier for the Security Services to supervise. Installation of exit readers means that cards will also be required to leave buildings – dealing with theft resulting from criminals tailgating someone into the building and then simply walking back out with stolen property. The UCard is also designed to increase efficiency for students and staff. The student Music, p.26, andp.28 staff databases, building access, Library and Sports systems are integrated, and the new photo upload facility reduces time and paperwork for both students and staff. The next phase in the project will look at extending the functions of the UCard into areas like lecture attendance record keeping, printing, exams authentication, cashless vending/catering, parking and bus transport. There is potential for it to be used to facilitate e-voting, which may boost turnout for the Student Elections.

Music, p.26-27

BUY ONE

Poolside fire causes chaos

The streets of central Bristol were the focal point of a clash between protesters and the police on Friday, 18 September.

Photo : Tom Wills Photo: Tristan Martin

on

Rodent infestation in ASS

FULL STORY PAGE 2

in The Mix: Freshers’ fashion Society lowdown Dear Renée

inside The Mix

BARING ALL FOR CHARITY Page 3

Photo: Tristan Martin

Continied

Page 18

HANNAH BRADY

Photo: Megan Stodel

Four University of Bristol students were arrested, and one detained, on Sunday 13 December at the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Among those arrested from the University of Bristol were Kester Reid, Giacomo Ciriello and Nikolas Kouloglou. As part of the same incident, another student, Jon Wiltshire, was detained by police as well as friend and University of York student, Daphne Barkshire, also arrested with the group.

Page 13

One yearNews on: Reporter What By do the end of October 2010, all staff and students will have a new university ID card students think – the UCard. Replacing current ID cards with of last year’s the UCard is the first phase of a 5 year project designed to increase security and efficiency ASS library across the university by unifying access systems developments? and widening the functions that ID cards can

Upcoming bands: Epigram Music give their alternative tips for 2010

The arrested students were held by the Danish police for eight hours, with little or no access to water, food or a toilet. The police used systematic violence, pepper spray and, in some cases, cavity searches to subdue approximately three hundred detained protesters. All those arrested were released without charge or justified explanation for their arrest. All six students’ full personal details, however, were retained by the Danish police. December’s UN Conference on Climate Change was pitted to formalize a global response to the now broadly recognized reality of devastating man-made climate change. The aim of the Conference was to extend and expand 1997’s Kyoto Protocol, its aims being to construct a deal that recognises the ‘ecological debt’ the West owes the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Number 137

Photo: Jonathan Taphouse

University of Bristol students held by Danish police without food or water

SINGLES FOR THE SINGLTON

Issue 223 Monday 8 February 2010

Issue 221 Monday 11 January 2010

Students brutalised in Copenhagen

THE REAL VANILLA SKY

last month and that “figures have soared since last year. Tom Wey, a third year computer science student was robbed in Cotham last Monday at midday. He was walking up Cotham Brow into University when he was hassled by two boys of about 17 or 18 years old. Both boys were riding BMX bikes and wearing big coats and hats and started shouting at him. Tom said: "The two boys started pushing me. I basically did what they said because I didn't know if they had a knife and I didn't know if they were going to beat me up. I couldn't get away anyway as they had cornered me with their bikes." The boys asked him if he had a mobile phone, and when he denied that he owned one, they searched his pockets. When they asked where his wallet was, they took his bag, which held his wallet, CDs and headphones, a folder with university work and a book. Of the 13 students mugged last week, 9 were male and in the majority of cases, it was wallets and mobile phones that were stolen. The attacks have all been concentrated in student residential areas; in Redland area Cotham and Clifton. PC Taylor says usually Tuesday nights are a peak time for attacks because this is when many clubs hold student nights. Sheila Docherty, Welfare Officer said, "Guys think that they are invincible and that they have to look after girls. But more men are likely to be mugged. "Robberies are not just taking place at night. They are also occurring during the day. Students must be careful all the time.”

Monday October 11 2010

BUY ANY COURSE GET ONE FREE

in the Mix

• Government plans dramatic fee hike • Union calls for emergency demo

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2002 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - PAGES 6 AND 7

Valentine’s recipes to woo Storm Model Competition Renee’s Valentine’s advice

Fashion tip-offs for 2010

By Katherine Hyde

Crime prevention officer PC Martin Taylor says that there has been a "massive growth" in incidents against students in the

� Victim: Tom Wey at the scene of the attack

Epigram takesin a lookthe at the Mix: real story behind homelessness in Bristol — Features, page 25

in the Mix:

GET SET FOR YET FO MORE DEBT

Four University of Bristol students have been admitted to hospital over the past two weeks for treatment of bacterial meningitis. The University confirmed the infection as having reached outbreak status on Monday 27 October. Antibiotics were administered to over 3000 students and members of the University within

THROUGH THE ROOF UNLUCKY 13 AS ATTACKS “SOAR”

• The truth behind first-year’s virginity auction media scam • Friends and lover provided ideas for publicity

Bristol University’s independent student newspaper

turn to page 8

Shortlisted for The Guardian and The Independent Media Awards 2001

Epigram investigates facts behind international story Students left facing even more debt trouble as hall fees go...

REVEALED

for every reader

Monday 11 February 2002

book giveaw ay

!

    

At the time of going to press it seems that the recent meningitis outbreak has been kept under control, largely thanks to the fast reaction from the university and the responsible actions taken by students. With no new cases reported for four days, and antibiotics having been distributed to those at most risk, it is fingers crossed that there will be no further spread of the infection.

SYMPTOMS: Information cards were handed out

Number 160

Number 156

Monday 19 January 2004

FREE COFFEE

Photo: Chloë Banks

Celebrating 25 years 1989 - 2014

Number 153

The pains of campaigns Behind the scenes of student politics Features 10

Battle of the botox Which reality soap makes the grade? Film & TV 29

An unAMM cab e even ng

m

n n fi

L e on Mars

Epigram’s 25th anniversary commemorative supplement UBU bans Blurred Lines

NASA ands a UoB

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

1989

James Landale was Epigram’s founding editor. Here he looks back at his first editorial for Epigram, written in 1989 and reproduced below.

Epic - Gram?

James Landale at Freshers’ Fair 1989 Most student politicians are on power trips. That is to be the first comment of this newspaper. Epigram is not for such people, but for students themselves. It does not represent the news, the 3rd floor of the Union, or any specific group of students. In fact, it represents no-one. Its aim is to interest, inform, amuse and stimulate the student body of Bristol University as well as provide a forum for their own views to be expressed. That is, of course, if they have a view to express. Bristol University has a reputation of general apathy and indifference, buoyed up by middle class affluence that excludes concern about grants, loans and the Poll Tax – the sort of issues close to home that a student normally worries about. Epigram does not want to bridge the divide between a self-important Union and an apathetic student body. It merely wishes to engender amongst the student body a knowledge of what it is to be a student. It is not just doing a certain course. It is not just living in London, dashing down to Bristol for a couple of mid-week lectures. It is not just the next stage after A Levels. University is a specific way of life, a communal existence that joins together some very different people, like it or not, by their very student status. Many have lost sight of this. Epigram aims to chage [sic] this, because it believes that students will profit from knowing more about what is going on in the University. A further aim is to act as a watchdog on the Union and University hierarchy. This doesn’t mean endless critical editorials. It means that you, the student, have a letters page in which to voice your opinions, to praise as well as to deflate a few egos. Some student politicians may be on power trips, but that doesn’t mean they cannot further student interest. The Union has a wide range of services (on the whole, very well run) that help and bring together students in an invaluable way. Epigram has set its sights high. It will be a challenge, not only for those who organise it and contribute to it, but also for you, the student. It’s your paper. Read it, write for it and eat your fish and chips out of it. Remember, the editor is on a power trip too. Whether he can also produce a good newspaper depends on you.

25 years on Epigram was born in a different age. Margaret Thatcher was prime minister, the Berlin wall still stood and twitter was something that birds did in trees. The entire newspaper was produced on a single Apple Macintosh computer. There was no email, no internet, no Google. Most contributors wrote up their pieces on university computers and then arrived at the office proudly bearing a floppy disc.. Others wrote their pieces longhand and then laboriously typed them directly into the Epigram computer. We blagged some desk-top publishing software from somewhere and invented Epigram’s style by shamelessly copying from other newspapers. We went out and bought every paper we could find and cut out the headlines, fonts and lines we liked. Our biggest influence was the Independent, the newest paper on the national block and in those days revolutionary in its design. Once the edition was complete, it was saved onto a single computer disc which I would take to our printers somewhere in the south west of Bristol. Reverently I would hand over the envelope containing all our labours and they would casually chuck it onto their to-do pile somewhere between the advertising free-sheets and the smutty magazines. But a few days later we would pick up several hundred bound copies and distribute them joyously but slowly round the halls of residence from the back of a car. Epigram was a child of internal student union politics. There had been a single news magazine called Bacus that served all student bodies in Bristol - the uni, the poly, the technical colleges and so on. But it was hardly a riveting read; it published, for example, minutes of NUS meetings. There was a row over cash and the university union decided to withdraw its funding and set up its own newspaper instead. The first editions were unapologetically strewn with my own caprice and self-interest. The humour is too arch, the copy in need of subbing, and the pictures

The first issue of Epigram came out on 5th October 1989

pretty ropey. But there are some good stories, the listings are comprehensive and the sum is greater than the parts. And it says something that even then the splash was an early suggestion by the then vice chancellor, Sir John Kingman, that universities needed to think about charging students tuition fees. And that was 1989. How things change... The introductory leader column introducing Epigram to its readers is a touch self-important. The arrogance of my youth is undeniable. And the typo stares out at me like an open wound. But the essential point was a good one and one that I think still stands today. And that is that university should be more than just the next stage of life after A Levels, more than just three years spent cramming for the next set of exams. University should be savoured as a rare moment when one can live a communal life of unrestricted intellectual discovery, unencumbered by the responsibilities of family, mortgage and job. As a student, one should be able to go down the pub and talk pompously about truth, beauty and justice; because if you do not do that at university, you won’t do it anywhere else.

“

Students should be able to go down the pub and talk pompously about truth, beauty and justice

At Bristol, I had just that opportunity. The politics department invited visiting speakers to explore issues that ranged far beyond the core syllabus. Seminars would segue into a discussion over drinks that would, in turn, become a pub crawl. It was an opportunity to unleash the mind in a way that wouldn’t have been possible on a more rigid course. The task I set Epigram was to reflect that ambition of university life: to interest and inform the student body about itself; to make students aware of what else they could find and do at Bristol outside of the library. I am not sure we entirely succeeded. There were still many undergraduates who nipped down to Bristol for a few midweek lectures before returning to London for the weekend. And there were some who rarely stirred from their books or Neighbours. But I hope that Epigram can keep working at the same task today, lifting the eyes of students above the horizon to see what else is on offer at Bristol. Just as newspapers play an important role in society, they can do the same within a university.

#celebrating25years

2014

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

Fast forward twenty five years and Epigram has gone from strength to strength. The editorial team now comprises over 50 members and this year has also seen the introduction of a 13-strong business team. Editor Josephine Franks reflects on the paper in 2014.

Jamie Corbin

Throughout its history, Epigram has stood as a publication by students, for students. Along the way, it has brought stories into the national limelight, weathered the storm of potential closure, provoked changes in University policy, and entertained and informed countless readers. From humble beginnings, Epigram has grown to a 56-page publication with a print run of 5,000 and a readership of over 12,000. Over 50 editors and countless writers dedicate hundreds of hours to each issue; over the paper’s history it seems to be a recurring theme that the only ones who really understand how much work goes into it are those at its heart. Shut away in the depths of the union, working unsocaible hours and letting degress slip away into the distance, it can occasionally feel like a thankless task. This feeling disappears, however, at the sight of people leafing through copies on lunch breaks and the sound of heated debates generated by its content. University is a time for trying out new things, and Epigram is no exception to this. Its 50-strong team of writers and editors changes each year, so the paper is continually evolving and relevant to students’ concerns. It also means that writers can experiment knowing that failure will be temporary and success can be consolidated, a vital experience for those who go on to a career in journalism. One major change since 1989 is the shift towards online media. We launched a new website last year to bring the quality of our virtual output in line with the print publication and offer enhanced content. Of course, our competitors also seize the opportunities presented by online media, which challenges us to seek

“

out new angles and ways of engaging readers. But I believe Epigram’s future will be defined by the print publication - at least for a while yet. The prestige of getting one’s name into print has if anything increased as a result of the ease of online publication. Readers may be drawn elsewhere for one-stop entertainment and updates, but Epigram carries an assurance of quality journalism with the authority of a 25-year history.

Epigram’s future will be defined by the print publication

Our core values have remained constant. We are committed to providing a platform for students to discuss issues they feel passionate about. Epigram’s strength comes in part from its independence, and it seeks to uphold James Landale’s vision of the paper as a medium through which students discover what is really going on at the University. That’s not to say that we expect our readers to agree with everything we publish; on the contrary, we encourage them to engage online and by penning their own responses. While Epigram will no doubt have to continue to adapt to the changing world of journalism, I feel confident that its integrity will prevail. Here’s to a future of inspirational writers, engaged readers and the power of the student voice.

The changing face of Epigram Each editorial team has left their mark on the paper in their own way - while some have left a legacy of political concerns or editorial standards, others have left a more physical reminder of their tenure. The annual arrival of a new editorial tema means that over the years Epigram as been subject to numerous redeisgns. This has taken the paper from broadsheet to tabloid and back again, seen emphasis placed on arts over news and introduced e2, the tongue-in-cheek antidote to Epigram’s serious side. Despite these internal changes, Epigram’s masthead remained relatively unchanged until 2010, when the image of Will’s Memorial Building appeared to stand proudly at the top of the page. In 2012, the paper was re-branded in burgundy, a colour which has since become synonymous on campus with Epigram. This year, we decided to take the branding one step further. While Will’s stands for the university, we want Epigram to go beyond this, to engage with the local community and represent not only the university but the city. And what more iconic image of Bristol than Clifton Suspension Bridge? Bristol is an amazing university, but the student experience goes far beyond lecture theatres and seminar rooms - it is also formed from the unique experience of living and studying in this rich, diverse and exciting place we call home. We wanted Epigram to encapsulate this and are proud to have the Suspension Bridge standing above our name, illustrating that the relationship between town and gown need not be circumscribed to misunderstandings and warfare. It can and should be one of mutual appreciation, respect and growth.

#celebrating25years

Epigram team 2013-14

Phil Bruland

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

1992/93

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

Fresh fruit

I meandered around the Fresh Fair only marginally disappointed it didn’t quite mirror the scene from Chariots of Fire. The Society for Putting Things on Top of Other Things was a must, but where else? I didn’t know a soul, wasn’t in hall (at the time being 21 years old meant one was hilariously and oxymoronically categorised as a “mature student” and thereby excluded from sharing accommodation with the balance of the student body) and so wandered wondering if the sense of never fitting in wasn’t just a yoke of adolescence but rather my destiny. It was then my eye fell upon the monochromed majesty of Epigram. A newspaper? I had no idea. Memories of Julia Sawalha in Press Gang merged with Redford and Hoffman meeting “Deep Throat” in the parking lot at the crescendo of “All the President’s Men”. But how to impress? Well, it turned out that what they really needed was copy and quickly. So I returned to my bedsit and wrote my first piece. I knew nothing about news, sport, music or arts, so fell back on that of which I have never been short; opinion. The article was published on 18th October 1991, about the role of Neil Kinnock in the Labour party. The reaction of my peers was sufficiently ego-massaging that I began hanging around the Epigram office, at the time part of the Gen Sec’s room on the 3rd floor. I loitered, hovered, buzzed about and eventually out of pity more than anything I was gifted the title of “Deputy Features Editor”, an honorific that required no work and less input into the paper. However, a few weeks later “differences of style” led to a resignation of the Features Editor proper and there I was, ready and willing to step into her shoes and pretend I had a clue as to what I was doing. In that first year the editor was Joe Samaurez Smith, a brilliant and charming man who has gone onto journalistic, business and poker success. He tolerated my conviction about anything and everything and then made whatever decision he wanted to make without rancour or hubris. On news was Tom Chesshyre, for years now a constant presence in the travel pages of all the broadsheets and many glossies. On sports, Dan McCausland, whose tolerance for Guinness no doubt assisted his later progress in journalism in New England and, more recently, investment management in London. And Arts? Well, that would be Richard T Kelly. He was to be my best man, twice, write Sean Penn’s biography and become a widely-praised novelist and writer. Back then he was simply the most talented wordsmith who exercised his métier by adopting different personae when reviewing film and theatre. One alter ego, Katie Varish, was sufficiently provocative so as to receive various billets-doux from infatuated suitors. Thus began my own love affair with Epigram and being in the right place at the right time, when applications were opened for the Editorship for the following year I was the only staffer of the right generation in a position to apply. So I did.

Michael Gomulka Criminal defence and media crime barrister, 5RB

A good year for the roses

Freshers week: 1992 style as seen on front cover of issue 34

Et cetera

It was of course not all about the paper but the people. So it was that my news editor, Wanda Marshall, and Joe SS ended up together and remain so. After publishing some awful poetry of mine a final year student, a stunning Irish American redhead, took pity on me for months and months. So concerned was I that the only guy standing for Treasurer the year after my Editorship was planning to eviscerate Epigram’s funding and give it all to SCA that I stood, successfully, to protect the paper. In doing so I met and eventually married not one but two Presidents of the Students’ Union (sequentially not simultaneously). Epigram was far from the only thing I did at Bristol, but it was, for two years at least, the most important to me. Whenever I see Jim reporting, or Pete reflecting on his years as the PM’s speechwriter, or the bylines of those who came before and went after I am proud to have been part of the same ridiculous tradition. I was called back into the editorial seat a couple of times later on as various hiccups knocked Epigram off course. Which were great fun, but it was someone else’s turn by then, as it should be. On leaving Bristol I went to the City. It was not a happy choice, albeit a materially rewarding one. One fine morning, five years in, my boss opened the magic bonus envelope to reveal they were paying me enough to leave. So it was I funded a conversion year, Bar school and 18 months of pupilage to fulfill my childhood ambition and become a criminal defence barrister. Over the years, whether it’s murder at the Old Bailey or some speeding case at Crawley Mags, when I sit down to consider what to write, I am grateful for my time at Epigram; the puns; the headlines; the paring down; the beefing up; the message.

My tenure began with a production engineered by the beating heart of such matters in the form of James ‘it has never been done before but it might just work’ Deveson. A new print deal, new computers and his ridiculous combination of talent and effort meant we could go colour, go fortnightly and more than double the number of pages, thereby enhancing our advertising revenues. The year itself was a whirl. We lost an issue the day before print and had to reconstruct the same overnight. A student had been wrongly identified as earning money from entertaining men, but although she was happy for us to report it, her father’s lawyers took a different view, no doubt because it would lessen the damages she would otherwise receive. Joe Saumaurez Smith secured the first postconflict interview with Sir Peter de la Billiere, commander of British forces in the Gulf War of 1991, who suggested that if Saddam had stuck to Northern Kuwait the ensuing conflict would probably have been averted. Hundreds of students contributed to the production of the newspaper, many writing published pieces for the first time and many going on to stellar success. Gideon Lichfield was with the Economist for 17 years, until last year. Adam Speker is a leading media and defamation lawyer. Kirsty Walker, who became Epigram editor herself, fulfilled her Fleet Street ambitions and became a leading political journalist. Barney Wyld, my deputy editor, became first a speechwriter and then highly sought after communications director in both the private and public sector. Tom Morton and James Moody, a fine, fine double act, are now sat atop brand management and advertising either side of the Atlantic. But of course that’s not it. We had no idea what would become of any of us. Some had hopes and dreams, others’ plans were more concrete, but for most it was just fun to be able to contribute, to photograph, kern, design, layout, write and see the product of all of those combined efforts emerge in a 3,000 print run every fortnight. It were gert lush.

1992: shortly after the first Gulf War

#celebrating25years

1997/98

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

”

Andy Dangerfield (BSc 1998), Development Manager, British Heart Foundation

I arrived in Bristol as a raw 19-year-old with ambitions to change the world, and started writing for Epigram immediately. I became Features Editor because my main interest was political debate, and I wanted to encourage students to write challenging articles for the paper.

Epigram 2nd October 1997

1998 was also the year that saw the introduction of top-up fees. Protests swept the university and country as students defended their right to free higher education.

“

Interviewing Goldie was nuts... he gave me the best copy I could’ve hoped for Interviewing Goldie was nuts. We both grew up on council estates in Birmingham, yet here he was, a mega-star dating Björk.

I asked him for his political opinions and he gave me the best copy I could have hoped for. I’d lightened up a touch by the time I became editor, but I still wanted to shake things up. We did ‘radical’ things with the layout, like leading with the arts section rather than news. We even tried a Japanese-style magazine, where you could flip the paper over and read it backwards but, when it came back from the printers, all the adverts were upside down On the whole, I was supportive of the Students’ Union. I believed you needed to use it or lose it. But I wrote an editorial on how an independent student newspaper should be free to ask any questions, and publish anything it wants.

An independent student newspaper should be free to ask any questions, and publish anything it wants. Naz Sarkar of the Union told me I couldn’t publish. I threw him out of the Epigram office. He called security while the Epigram team piled in, and we refused to leave until the Union guaranteed we could go to press unchanged. The deal was that I would resign. I wrote one final editorial outlining my reasons – uncensored, of course – and left.

1998/99

Michael Shaw (BA 1999) Director, TES Michael Shaw was News editor at the time of Andy’s departure and stepped up to take the position of Editor. Here he gives his version of events. I became editor of Epigram under weird circumstances. Basically, the previous editor had punched the publisher, had a fracas with a porter, and barricaded himself in the newspaper office where he painted “F**K THE UNION” in large letters on the wall. At the time I was news editor, so I clambered in through the balcony to try to calm him down, and also to get the issue finished before the union cut the power and telephone line. The editor had got himself worked up over an argument about censorship that was, daftly, hypothetical. It was the punch-up itself that actually led to a threat to Epigram’s future, with union officials warning they might shut it down or – worse – turn it into a union newsletter. On the night of the disciplinary committee, a handful of us gave evidence while the other journalists waited gloomily in the Epi bar for news. Luckily, the committee agreed that the incident should not affect Epigram itself, and let the editor stay on at the university. It probably felt like a closer call than it was, but the team of us who rebuilt Epigram afterwards were mightily relieved we managed to retain the newspaper’s independence. At the union’s request we did repaint the office wall – but only after we added more graffiti to it for a feature inspired by a mystery new local artist called Banksy.

Michael reflects on the rest of his time at Epigram and life afterwards.

Epigram 30th October 1998

An editor once told me that a journalist’s past articles are never anywhere as good, or as bad, as they remember them. I look back at the pieces we ran in Epigram with a mixture of fist-in-mouth embarrassment and happy surprise that we managed to get a newspaper out at all. We certainly attempted serious journalism, on topics such as the introduction of tuition fees. Our reporting on suicides on the Clifton Suspension Bridge played a part in the campaign to add the safety barriers, if only a small one, and a piece by a student who visited his father in a jail in Rio was reprinted by The Guardian. But it was the silly stuff that sticks in the memory. Such as the night we spent in Leigh Woods entirely failing to find the group of Satan-worshippers who supposed to meet there every Wednesday. Or our story about a student who ‘overdosed’ on pesto, a tale quickly picked up by the tabloids.

#celebrating25years

One of my worst experiences on Epigram was being news editor when all three of the big stories the reporters had been investigating fell through on the afternoon we went to press. Left without a front page, I desperately rehashed a story about the palaeontology department. At the time I was mortified, but, looking back now, ‘One Of Our Dinosaurs Is Missing’ was one of more memorable covers that year.

“

A journalist’s past articles are never anywhere as good, or as bad, as they remember them.

Epigram ended up taking much more time than my degree, but it was worth it, not just as a chaotic introduction to journalism but because it was where I

met several of the people who remain my closest friends. After graduating, I became a trainee reporter on the Bristol Evening Post. I’d run an article in Epigram insulting the Post while I was a student, but this had amused the features editor who invited me first to be a columnist, then to work there. This meant I got to spend two extra years in Bristol, seeing a very different side to the city, before I moved to London to write for The Times Educational Supplement (TES). I’ve been with the TES since then, eventually becoming deputy editor. I still see a face from my time at Epigram every day. In the years after university I only rarely saw the student who chaired the disciplinary committee and who also wrote a few music interview pieces. But a decade after we first met she invited me to her birthday party. We got married in 2010.

Number 156 Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

2003/04

Monday 2 February 2004

  Bristol University’s Independent Student Newspaper   Monday 2 February 2004  Spice up Valentine’s Day

    

Spice up Valentine’s Day Four Lovers’ Guide videos and DVDs up for grabs in our sexy competition Head for page 10 to enter

Four Lovers’ Guide international videos and DVDs Epigram investigates facts behind story up for grabs in our sexy competition Head for page 10 to enter

REVEALED

Craig Woodhouse (BSc 2004) Political Correspondent, The Sun on Sunday Epigram investigates facts behind international story Bristol was thrown into the eye of an international media storm during my time as editor when headlines screamed that an 18-year-old science student named Rosie Reid was selling her virginity on the internet to cover her debts. Interest was peaked further by the fact Rosie was a lesbian, and she was quickly appearing on TV shows. As editor I had chosen to take Epigram in a very tabloid direction (a sign of things to come, as it turns out – I’m now political correspondent at The Sun on Sunday) so this was a perfect story for us. We managed to get a meeting with Rosie and her partner, Jess Cameron, who told us the whole thing had been dreamed up as a story to sell, rather than a serious ploy for Rosie to sell her body. We splashed the story as an expose – though Rosie did later claim that she had actually sold her virginity to a 44-year-old man for £8,400. Whether that was just another part of the story to sell to the papers, I guess we’ll never know. But it was certainly the most memorable tale that crossed my desk as editor. A little closer to home, we also uncovered plans to move the Students’ Union from its much-maligned home. That eventually fell by the wayside and 10 years later it’s still in the same place – though I understand debate still rages as to how suitable it is. The general view of Epigram changed during my time at Bristol, not least because of the direction took during my editorship. I took it from being a Guardian/Independent style to a full-blown tabloid in terms of design – mainly so eyecatching headlines would encourage more people to pick it up. On the whole, I think it worked – though I wish I’d know then just a little bit of what I know now, particularly about story-getting. Being involved with Epigram helped my career no-end, not least in getting on to my post-graduate course at Cardiff. It’s vital to show you’ve been interested in a journalistic career and have done something about it, and having Epigram on my CV was a great boost. It also gave me the confidence to manage a team and put together a paper which has stayed with me ever since.

Past Editors 1989-90: James Landale 1990-91: Peter Hyman & Dan Mitchell // Susanna Reid 1991-92: Joe Saumaurez Smith 1992-93: Michael Gomulka 1993-94: Andrew Davis 1994-95: Rachel Kerr & Kirsty Walker 1995-96: Ben Lyttleton 1996-97: Timothy Lewis 1997-98: Andy Dangerfield // Mike Shaw 1998-99: Mike Shaw // Jack Malvern 1999-00: Katherine Freeman 2000-01: Guy Newey 2001-02: Anna Farley 2002-03: Murray Garrard 2003-04: Craig Woodhouse 2004-05: Georgia Howe 2005-06: Katie Quilton 2006-07: Alan Tang 2007-08: Joshua Burrows 2008-09: William Irwin 2009-2010: William Miles 2010-2011: Ellen Lister 2011-12: Tom Flynn 2012-13: Pippa Shawley 2013-14: Josephine Franks

“

REVEALED Epigram can exclusively reveal that the affair is nothing more than a stunt gone out of control

• The truth behind first-year’s virginity auction media scam • Friends and lover providedbehind ideas The truth for publicity

2004 • /05 first-year’s virginity

Georgia Norton (nee Howe) (BA 2004) Strategic Director, adam&eveDDB

READ ALL ABOUT IT: FOR THE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION, SEE FULL STORY PAGE 3

auction media scam • Friends and lover provided ideas for publicity

Upon my appointment as editor, my deputy Chris and I set about re-designing the layout of the paper. We’d cajoled a contact at the Daily Mirror into sending us the assets to create that dramatic ‘rip’ graphic asset (that we overused immensely on our front cover that year) and some exciting new typefaces that transformed the paper to looking more professional and eye-catching, if rather Epigram 17th November 2003 tabloid. Thinking back, there were some excellent headlines - ‘Clifton Pillage’THE about local burglaries, ‘Monster Manch’ about READ ALL ABOUT IT: FOR THE FACTS BEHIND FICTION, SEE FULL STORY PAGE 3 the merging of the universities, and other fun… The most talked-about of our stories was undoubtedly the student who sold her virginity on eBay. It was really provocative because she used the £11k raised for her studies and because she was gay. We’d made approaches for an interview when we first heard rumours but it was deputy editor Chris Colvin spotting her playing pool in the union bar that was the moment we got the story, in person. The Daily Mail picked it up and there was a tailwind when she went through with the prostitution with a man in a hotel in Kings Cross.

“ “

Epigram 27th September 2004

Nothing was better than having students grab the paper just as you put the bundle down and see them leaf through it

My heart was pounding making some overblown speech about freedom of the press in a democracy

Another success involved securing the independence of the paper from the Union. Previously, editorial approval was held by the communications office and we regularly felt that we had been censored or restricted for, shall we say, ‘political’ reasons. I was able to retain a relationship with the Chancellor without going via the Students’ Union following the AGM in 2005 where my motion was passed successfully. My heart was pounding making some overblown speech about freedom of the press in a democracy. There was a good awareness and affection for Epigram I think. Nothing was better than having students grab the paper just as you put the bundle down in a drop-off spot and see them leaf through it. Everyone I talked to knew what it was but I felt that no-one really appreciated how much work went into it unless they were on the paper’s staff.

#celebrating25years

2010/11

Ellen Lister (BA 2011) Lawyer, Linklaters LLP

There are so many stories that have stayed with me. One of the first to spring to mind though is a long editorial piece I wrote in response to the leader of Bristol’s FemSoc trying to get me sacked! Every week we ran a ‘debate’ in the paper’s Comment section - something which was close to my heart as I was Comment Editor for a year before becoming overall Editor. In October 2010 the famous ‘Hooters’ restaurant opened a branch on Bristol’s harbourside. We ran a two-sided piece commenting on whether this was, broadly, a good or a bad thing. I thought this was a fairly harmless piece of journalism, to be honest. However, FemSoc were extremely angry that I had allowed any debate on this subject to be published at all, and I seem to remember them starting a really long petition to get me removed. They said I was anti-women and, I think, compared my publication of the article to supporting terrorism! My response obviously flagged that it was a ‘comment’ piece and that we were in no way supporting the opening of Hooters! It was quite a funny episode in my run as Editor and I enjoyed writing the response. I was pleased actually that something in the paper had made such an impact. I am also particularly proud of all the coverage we did on the University fee increases, around November 2010. The coalition government had just proposed an 80% cut to teaching and research funds and an increase in tuition fees to £9,000 a year. I remember the protests in Bristol on the 24 November when 2,000 student protestors marched from Senate House down Park Street. Epigram covered it all. I also remember our Comment Editor, Luke Denne, being interviewed on Sky TV at the national protests in London. Then there were the violent riots in Stokes Croft in April 2011 that we covered - the worst riots Bristol had seen since 1980. This was, of course, picked up by the national press as well. Not entirely a ‘student’ issue, this was an interesting one for us where we became more engaged with the local community in Bristol.

“ I was always concerned that Epigram was only read by the Englishy boho students inhabiting Woodland Road

Josh Barrows (BA 2008) Sports Writer and Editor, The Times

I will almost certainly never enjoy journalism as much as I did for the two years I was involved at Bristol

I edited the sport section of Epigram in my second year and went on to edit the paper in my third year. Stupidly, I felt I could combine this with captaining the cricket club 1st XI and completing my Classics degree. Of the three, Epigram came first and the other two suffered as a result. The general opinion of the paper certainly wasn’t negative, but was often Cocaine discovered in university apathetic and, in many cases, agnostic. Large numbers of Bristol students buildings (News, issue 203) showed no interest in the Union or Georgia Graham - now working as a political student politics - in stark contrast with correspondent with The Telegraph - bought similar Universities. I didn’t mind this the testing equipment and carried out the especially but I felt that a large part of research. She was cagey about revealing that my task was to demonstrate that there the women’s toilets at Senate House, which are was much more to the paper than the used mainly be staff, were contaminated so the news section. story ran under a pseudonym. Epigram taught me more about producing newspaper than anything I Societies slut awards (E2, issue 203) have done since. I have never learnt so Harry Byford won the Guardian’s Student much so quickly - from newsgathering, Columnist of the Year award for his ‘insights’ to man-management, to page design. into student societies. In the final issue of the I will almost certainly never enjoy year, he recounted his favourites. ‘What did journalism as much as I did for the two I get for my efforts?’ he wrote, ‘Hundreds of years I was involved at Bristol. I still find offensive comments, calls for my “sacking”, myself coming across situations and and countless awkward conversations with realising that I encountered them first people who I’d been mildly rude about.’ - and occasionally tackled them with a reasonable degree of professionalism Revealed: Senior University staff - on Epigram. plot to seize Students’ Union I never regarded working for the independence (News, issue 198) paper as vocational, however. The Looking back, this feels like the single biggest socials - sometimes starting several story we covered. Although Epigram never hours before the print deadline - were felt particularly affectionateUniversity toward the the best I experienced at university of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Union, the idea that the University allegedly and the friends I made are some of my Monday November 22nd 2010 Issue 231 planned to try and take it over to run it as closest.

Top stories of 2007/08

Bristol students join fees march

another department was unpalatable and unprecedented in the UK.

JENNY AWFORD ALICE YOUNG News Reporters Bristol students travelled to Westminster on the 10th of November to join the largest education demonstration in over a decade, in response to the proposed 80% Newspaper cuts and increased tuition University of Bristol’s Independent Student

Monday May 9th 2011

Violent clashes in Stokes Croft

fees introduced by the coalition government. Issue 238 The protest was organised jointly by the NUS and the University and College Union and was NEWS: page50,000 3 students from across attended by over £9,000 fees for Bristol the country. The march initially started in an It has and beenpeaceful confirmed energetic way,that however, a minority the Univeristy of Bristol will attention by of protesters attracted media chargeand students three times storming besieging the Conservative Party the currentHouse. fees from 2012. HQ at Millbank Aaron Porter the NUS President described the pageon6 two levels. Firstly, day FEATURES: as “unprecedented” check up down below the A sheer number of students who attended Does our generation not expected by the more the doubled the number seriouslyan atmosphere NUStake and sexual police health force, creating enough? Features investigates of student protest reminiscent of the Thatcher days.the nitty gritty part of SEX. Secondly he referred to the unparalleled 10 cuts to teaching rise COMMENT: in tuition fees page and 80% and The research proposed newfunds Union team by the Browne Review oncan theyou 12th October. Alan Whittaker, What expect from next UCUyear’s President, expressed his anger at the, sabbatical team? Presi“enormous burden transferred dent-elect Gus Baker puts hisfrom the state ontopromises the students’ shoulders”. The protest, down on paper. dubbed ‘demo2010’ was organised to highlight BE FAMOUS: page 16 of the NUS, “ opposition and in the words The Epigram 40 is back!in favour of to build a counter-consensus Who are in thethe University of emphasising the investment sectors, Bristol’scontribution most noteworthy important education makes to students? Nominate now.role it can play in society, and the important any future economic recovery”. LIFESTYLE: page 2 took a coach The University ofE2 Bristol Union big student of 75The students to join thesurvey protest. Luke Denne, Try guessing nightclub a Bristol studentwhich protester, commented, “it is Bristol’sthat mostBristol promiscuous girls sent so few a disgrace University go to - or march, read theand answer in E2. people to the disappointing that the Union did not do more to mobilize students” . TRAVEL: E2 page 10 on Page 2] [Continued

TRISTAN MARTIN News Reporter In the small hours of Friday 29th April violence broke out on the streets of Bristol for the second time in a eight days. ‘The troubles’, as one BBC reporter referred to them, first began a week before as the opening of a new Tesco sparked the worst riots seen in Bristol since 1980. On Thursday 21st, following a tip-off that occupants of the ‘Telepathic Heights’ squat on Cheltenham Road had been constructing petrol bombs, police moved into make an

arrest. At 9:15pm officers closed Cheltenham Road and forced entry into the building. Four men were arrested, and a police statement confirmed that a number of items were seized “including petrol bombs – which are currently being forensically examined”. One of the men subsequently pleaded guilty to possession of a petrol bomb, but not guilty to a second charge of threatening a Tesco employee with it. Following the highly visible arrests at Telepathic Heights, hundreds of people began to congregate in the area. Within a few hours they were joined by over 160 riot officers, many brought in from Wales.

Although the gathering began peacefully, clashes with police soon erupted and spilled out into the surrounding area. Barricades of burning bins were erected; fireworks, bricks and bottles were thrown at riot officers. Local resident Alex Slocombe saw “running battles with police all over the place.” By around 1:00am it seemed that police were no longer in control of the operation. A group of rioters managed to ransack the recently opened Tesco Express. Its windows were smashed, a sign ripped off, and “closing down sale” scrawled across its facade. [Continued on Page 2]

Best foreign festivals

Epigram takes a look at the best of the foreign music festivals happening this summer.

SPORT: page 32 Bristol’s hidden stars The Women’s Novice Rowing Squad tell us how they are going to annihilate UWE.

Love journalism? Want to be a part of the team that puts Epigram together? Apply now to be a section editor for the academic year 2011-12 See page 16 for details

Epigram May 9th 2011

NEWS: page 5 New science buildings Maths and biology to spend a combined £87 million by 2013

FEATURES: page 9 Arts vs. Sciences

Which students fare Stop better? Epigram re-visits the ultimate debate education cuts: COMMENT: page 11 Student demo turns ugly the 2010 Anarchy or peaceful protest: were students protests right to break the law?

SCIENCE: page 15

Fossils at Cabot Circus How our team found science at House of Fraser

LIFESTYLE: E2 page 5 Ask Dolores Our regular agony aunt answers questions on unmentionables

FILM & TV: page 27

Photo : Alice Young

The opening of a new Tesco store in the Stokes Croft area of Bristol sparked riots against police during the Easter break.

Photo : Tristan Martin

#celebrating25years

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

Photo: Jonathan Taphouse

As an arts student, I was always slightly concerned that Epigram was only read by the Englishy boho students inhabiting Woodland Road. We introduced a Science section which always had a really interesting variety of articles. We also expanded the music section hugely - Bristol being, as every fresher knows, ‘the home of drum‘n’bass’. We ran some great interviews too, including Fearne Cotton, Julian Fellowes and Major General Chris Wilson (ex Head of Defence in Afghanistan). I also loved our Sports section, which had some really funny regular features - like a quote from ‘Ian Holloway - everybody’s favourite Bristolian’, which we featured in every issue. I think people thought the paper was good - I hope they did. One of the challenges for us was getting more people to read it and to get the website up and running, something which I know the team who came after us did even more on. We did start using Twitter though, which I’m pleased to see is still going on.

“

2007/08

Many Bristol students joined the march through central London on 10th November

Keeping it on the Downton Epigram reviews the past fortnight’s television

SPORT: page 29

Gauging wages Can the amount of pay footballers’ take back to their mansions be justified?

On 24 November 2010, 2000 students turned out to protest againstThe the proposed increase inWinning Interview: hills are Foals tuition fees. Epigram was alive: Epigram there to report on it. photos guitarist Jimmy Smith talks to Epigram Music p.23

reviews the Hippodrome’s ‘Sound of Music’ Arts p. 18

from the Year Abroad Photography Competition Travel E2 p. 10

University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

made editor. Epigram was a place where you could try anything. You had licence to wind everyone up, from the self-important pomposities who ran the Union to the University authorities. We made endless mistakes, knew nothing about news values or layout or getting good photographs (most of our pictures were taken with the office Polaroid camera and then scanned in) and worked ludicrously long hours as unpaid volunteers. But screaming round Bristol in a minibus delivering the paper you had scrambled together in the late hours of a Tuesday night and then seeing people pick it up and read it was the most wonderful feeling. And it changed my life.

2000/01

Guy Newey (BA 2001) Head of Environment & Energy, Policy Exchange The story I remember most strongly from Epigram was about a man who kept coming into the Law Library, sitting himself opposite female students and then, er, pleasuring himself. It highlighted the lax security on some of Bristol’s buildings, but it is fair to say we were not the most sensitive in our reporting. We printed the story on the front page with the word ‘Pervert’ in enormous letters (it was something like 180-point font). We got complaints (we usually did). That said, I think security was tightened up. We also campaigned on trying to make Bristol take seriously its woeful record in attracting (or accepting) state school pupils. Again, we received a few letters, mainly from public school educated twits, moaning that they resented being made to feel guilty. The University, to be fair, was starting to take this issue more seriously (and employed some new staff to try and help attract a more diverse set of applicants). It was a small part of a wider national focus on this issue, which has led to some sensible rules being introduced about improving access. Plucking up the courage to step through the door to that poky office and pitch a story was the most important thing I did at Bristol. Within a few months, I was editing the features section and then in my final year I was

“ I must have spent more time on the paper than on my degree

Epigram 8th December 2000

“

2006/7

Alan Tang (MSc 2007) Edit Assisant, Splice TV

“

Seeing people pick it up and read it was the most wonderful feeling...it changed my life

”

It is fair to say that we were not the most sensitive in our reporting

After I left Bristol, I got a traineeship at the Birmingham Mail. I then became a foreign correspondent in Hong Kong, and got to report on the remarkable story that is China, including the 2008 Olympics. I now work in Westminster, critiquing the government’s environment and energy policy and blogging and writing op-eds for any outlet that will take my opinions. I have got to meet world leaders, billionaires and superstars. I have highlighted wrongdoing, asked awkward questions and pointed out when people are wrong. It has been the most wonderful privilege and it is unlikely any of it would have happened if I had not knocked on that grubby door at the end of that corridor all those years ago.

Top stories of 2006-07

• Number of state school students at Bristol fall dramatically. • Epigram exposes the total income from hall fess as £10,329,093. • Masterplan to redevelop Stoke Bishop halls into a student village revealed

I started as Film Editor on Epigram, as I always wanted to work in film and was heavily involved in UBFS, the filmmaking society. Then, all of a sudden, everyone left and the paper needed an editor, so I decided to take it on. Working on Epigram was great fun. In fact, I think I must have spent more time on the paper than on my degree. At first, it felt a little like ITV’s Press Gang, although we did try to maintain a level of professionalism in the office. We all aspired to write well, and design to a high standard. Before us, the paper had taken a tabloid direction, but I was keen to include more features and arts coverage. We started using the centre spread in a more creative way – like including pull-outs for students to pin on their walls – publishing “themed” issues. I didn’t have a political agenda when I started as editor, though I know many of my predecessors were heavily involved in the Students’ Union, and with Students’ Council. We did end up fighting with the Sabbatical Officers though. We’d run some stories that were critical of the Students’ Union, like the reduced shuttle bus service to Stoke Bishop. They tabled a motion at Student Council asking for the right to have the last paragraph in any story concerning the Union. I was livid. I remember giving a speech about freedom of the press, and explaining how Epigram was more than a mouthpiece for the Union. Fortunately, the motion was rejected, and we ended up reaching a compromise by simply extending the coverage we gave them in other places. Students on campus were always very supportive – it was great to see them walking around, with copies of Epigram under their arm or sticking out of their bags.

“

Epigram 23rd October 2006

Epigram was more than a mouthpiece for the Union

Epigram’s history is testament to the power of the student voice. It has existed to entertain and illuminate the student body and has proved integral to student life here at Bristol. Here’s to another 25 years! #celebrating25years University of Bristol Independent Student Newspaper

CULTURE

Illustration by Rachel Mfon. See p.40 for full feature.

1989

2014

‘Military rela tions cut-off b etween U.S. an Obama ‘isolate d Russia as Pre s’ Putin for se sident nding troops in The Daily Mai to the Ukraine’ l, 4th March 20 14

ous ost seri m e h t f e one o vid Cameron’ g n a h c te ys Da ‘Clima face, sa ebruary 2014 e w s t hF threa ian, 26t d r a u G The

Epigram

07.03.2014

Arts

Editor: Claudia Knowles

Deputy Editor: Rose Bonsier

Online Editor: Erin Fox

arts@epigram.org.uk

deputyarts@epigram.org.uk

artsonline@epigram.org.uk

Carl Melegari Throughout Western history, art and artists have held very different positions and purposes – from religious salvation and historical recording, to anti-war statements and revolutionary propaganda. Yet, Bristolian artist Carl Melegari believes the role of art and the artist in our contemporary society is ‘to capture human imagination and engage and reach out on a personal level’. It is clear from his emotive, expressive oil paintings, in which the tactile nature of the medium communicates the very personality of his sitter, that Melegari has effectively achieved this role. Since graduating in Bristol with a degree in illustration in 1981, the Welsh artist has remained in the city where he still lives and works. Melegari has been a practicing artist since 1980, although he has known that his life would take a creative direction since he was 15. After a P.E lesson had been rained off, he had to attend an art class. Melegari explains, ‘I did some drawings and the teacher said ‘I think you should do art as an O-level.’ I knew from that moment it was for me.’ From his origins in illustration, Melegari’s current works retain a figurative nature, often exploring classical subjects such as the portrait and landscape. Still, the work is arguably equally focused on the medium of oil paint itself and its reaction with the surface.

“

The versatility of the medium, through the body of paint, can replicate this sense of spontaneity, of change and fragility in human bodies and subjects

‘The physicality of paint can create a figural imprint of the imagination. I am interested in the textural proprieties of oil paint, how it reacts with the canvas through drips and movement. I find that the versatility of the medium, through the body of paint, can replicate this sense of spontaneity, of change and fragility in human bodies and subjects.’ His fascination with the very surface of the paint is shown through the semiabstraction of the figure created by his expressive handling and application of paint. The thick impasto surface - a technique rooted in French Impressionism where paint is applied thickly to the canvas - is created by the continual amalgamation and subtraction of the oils from the surface through the means of large coarse paintbrushes and various sized palette knives, rags, hands and fingers. ‘I apply

@EpigramArts

The Bristol-based artist tells Olivia Webb about pushing the human form further into abstraction

paint, over and over again, continually scraping back to the surface’, describes Melegari. The result of this technique is a series of works in which the subject emerges from the surface of the canvas in an almost three-dimensional form; the sitter themself becomes enveloped and partly obscured by the energy of the paint.

”

I’ve always had the creative urge... it must be a curse, but a pleasurable one

This sculptural element to his work was influenced by American sculptor, painter and printmaker Manuel Neri, whose abstract plaster figures often emphasise surface texture similarly to Melegari’s paintings through their sanded, chipped and painted exteriors. Melegari himself has also explored the avenue of sculpture whilst attending ‘clay Sculpture from life’ classes, which he believes have: ‘helped inform my knowledge and understanding of the human form’. Melegari began by working ‘en plein air’ - a method of painting directly in the great outdoors ‘exploring colour, but with no exploration of the paint itself ’. He now develops his studies within a studio using live models that often include his son and daughter. The studio environment allows him to feed his imagination with the production of larger, more abstracted paintings, with a reduced monochrome palette. He often exercises grey, blue and brown tones to produce a sense of isolation and seclusion. These concepts echo Melegari’s own working environment: ‘I have always had ‘the creative urge’; I find I am always inspired to paint –‘it must be a curse’, but a pleasurable one. I like to work to emotive music and in isolation with no disruptions, painting to whatever emotions and feelings I have at the time.’ Yet these muted colours have another function, and have also been applied to generate the idea with which the paintings are playing with - the obstruction of form. Melegari explains that these current monotone works begin by firstly painting directly onto the canvas with a light turpentine wash of tone for form, before beginning to layer the paint to continually build the impasto surface of the canvas. The paint is applied freely and energetically, often allowing it to drip and run. After being asked where he saw his work in the future, Melegari replied that he wished to remain focused on the figure, which he is fascinated with, in the hope that he will be able to push his current process into further abstraction.

Above: Francesca . Below left: Melegari at work. Bottom right: Eligio.

WHAT WHO Gertrude Stein Author and literary mastermind (1874-1946)

The bee’s knees of the literary and art scene in the early 20th century. A matriarch of creative advice for the early literati and artistic avantgarde in Paris, sharing ideas with the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound and Picasso. An art collector who also produced her own Modernist pieces of literature; she was a constant pioneer of unique and original artistic expression. flickr: Skyherten

Her first book, Three Lives, was published in 1909, but her greatest work, Tender Buttons, came in 1914. Clearly influenced by her love of modern paintings, her experimental verse form has been described as a ‘masterpiece of verbal cubism’. Wacky, incomprehensible, and extremely bold, Tender Buttons is perhaps now more written about than read.

Epigram

07.03.2014

41

What’s next for art? Andy Holden’s cartoon explanation

“

On Monday 24th February, the artist creating as ‘fakes’ outside of the studio. After giving a sculpture for Stoke Bishop, Andy Holden, us another round of the strange soundscape/ gave what was billed as a ‘Performance Art cartoon combo, he then went onto the bulk of Lecture’, entitled Laws of Motion in a Cartoon the lecture – the laws of motion rewritten as if they came from Landscape, on UoB’s a cartoon world. Woodland Road. This idea lead The first thing New art has to occupy to ten ‘laws’ that occurred to me – each one was the question both states: art and not accompanied ‘What the hell is a by various ‘Performance Art art, meaningful and not classic clips Lecture’?’ But as I from cartoons – read the description meaningful, maximally which included on the content ‘All matter became more and sincere and maximally ironic. falls at a faster more intriguing. So, rate than an I sent a few e-mails, anvil’ and ‘Any secured a few tickets, and when that Monday night came around physical harm done to a feline is reversible’. two friends and I sat down with no real Clips of Sylvester the Cat chopped into cubes expectations and a curiosity that only grew and Tom being lawn-mowered were offered as we were welcomed by a less-than-settling as evidence. After briefly outlining the ‘laws’, Holden would link them back to the world soundscape being played over a of Art, drawing on their influences. slideshow of cartoon footage. This eventually led to the question Holden began by giving us a – What next? What is next for Art and, whistle-stop tour of some of his as Holden called it, ‘the end of Art previous works: Pyramid Piece History’? (pictured right), a huge knitted This concept immediately grabbed rock modelled on a piece of my attention – what is next? If we stone Holden stole from Cairo look back at the artistic movements, as a child, various smaller even just the ones in the 20th knitted rocks he created for century, it could easily be said that an exhibition in Athens, which everything has been done before. all contained speakers inside We’ve had Realism, Social Realism, of them playing recordings Surrealism, Cubism, Modernism, of the rocks trying to ‘explain’ Post-Modernism, Impressionism, themselves to their Ancient Post-Impressionism, Expressionism Greek roommates, and my – the list goes on. With almost every personal favourite – a collection avenue of art being covered, surely called Beer Bottle Stalagmites nothing can be new? This, Holden (pictured right) ; beer bottles said, is where cartoons come in. In with left-over ceramics poured cartoons and through their ‘laws’ we on them which Holden passed off

The Vagina Monologues - facing the problems closer to home

For those of us who’ve decided to hit the library with deadlines looming, you may have noticed some pink tags that have been circulating the ground floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library. On them are printed a sobering statistic: Over 20,000 girls are at risk of Female Genital Mutilation in the UK each year. Although I was aware that FGM is sadly still a widespread practice in some Third World countries, I was shocked that that statistic was so high for women in the UK. According to the NHS it is estimated that there are currently 66,000 women in the UK who are currently living with the results of FGM and, despite the practice being illegal in this country, it is taking place behind closed doors in Britain as well as abroad. Like many acts of violence against women, FGM is a more wide-reaching issue than many would believe. These tags were distributed by V.A.G Soc (students opposing Violence Against Girls) to

WHEN Stein rose to prominence in the early 1900’s, and although now best remembered for her artistic vision, during World War I she served as an ambulance driver for the French. She is credited with coining the term ‘the Lost Generation’ regarding Modernist writers such as Hemingway and Fitzgerald.

raise awareness of V-Day, a campaign which was set up in 1998 on Valentine’s Day by Eve Ensler (author of The Vagina Monologues) with the sole aim of stopping violence against women and girls. The idea is that The Vagina Monologues is performed by groups around the world in February, March and April, with proceeds going to local projects and charities that support women facing violence. Two years ago this campaign was joined by project One Billion Rising, in which women around the world dance collectively in a show of female solidarity. The ‘one billion’ refers to the appalling statistic that 1 in 3 women (roughly one billion) will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. A few weeks ago the Bierkeller Theatre hosted three performances of Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues as part of the annual VDay campaign. Proceeds from the production went to local organisation SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support),

Pyramid Piece, Tate Britain

see an important duality. The laws of cartoons only work because they are both of our world and not of our world. In cartoons, gravity works as it does in real life – but only if the character is aware (that’s rule one). There was a brilliant clip of Walt Disney explaining that the way cartoons are successful is through their exaggeration of the laws of physics found in real life – and Holden brilliantly linked this dual nature to the future of art. New art has to occupy both states: Art and Not Art, Meaningful and Not Meaningful, Maximally Sincere

and Maximally Ironic. We have reached the end of Art History as we know it, and we’re entering into a new territory of artistic duality – a territory where artists will be making pieces that will traverse the traditional boundaries of art and will give, as Holden put it, a ‘zig-zag shape’ to the future of art.

a service which provides help and advice for female victims in the Somerset and Avon area. Originally known as Bristol Rape Crisis, growing demand for these services has meant that they have had to expand to cover a wider geographical area. SARSAS representative, Lisa, emphasised the importance of cultural engagement in tackling these issues, saying that it ‘really challenges rape myths’. When I spoke to cast members about their involvement they were enthused by the project and had been deeply moved by the suffering addressed by the monologues. Chorus member Margot Navellou said, ‘It’s such a good way of making people realise that the problem is really close to home.’ Raynor Taylor (who performed My Angry Vagina) added, ‘raising awareness is the only way. That is what this does.’ One of the directors, Jazz Hazelwood, who got involved after being approached by the Producer, Lau Lear, spoke of the immediate effect on the audience. ‘You really hope someone in the audience will take something away. Given the huge statistics it’s possible that a quarter of the people in the audience will have been affected by these issues themselves, or will know someone who has. It makes it really real.’ On a global scale, the UK may appear to be a comparatively

safe place for women. In reality, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape continue to wreck the lives of many women in this country. According to British charity Women’s Aid, two women a week are killed by a former or current male partner in an act of domestic violence whilst statistics released by Rape Crisis in 2013 show that 85,000 women are raped each year in England and Wales. By putting personal experiences alongside statistics such as these in The Vagina Monologues, Ensler has truly given female victims of sexual abuse a voice. Statistics are essential in understanding the scale of the problem but it is individual testimonies that help us understand the full physical, psychological and emotional impact of this abuse and which will motivate more people to bring about change. www.vday.org

Andy Holden’s current exhibition, Towards a Unified Theory of MI!MS (Maximum Irony! Maximum Sincerity), will be coming to Bristol’s Spike Island from 3rd May - 29th June. www.andyholdenartist.com

Jon Berry flickr: abbasi_ayesha

Lizzie Bower

WHERE

WHY

Born in Pennsylvania in 1874, she is more renowned for her life and works in Paris in the early 20th century, noting ‘America is my country and Paris is my hometown’.Stein’s apartment ‘27 rue de Fleurus’ became the notorious cultural hub of the thriving avant-garde.

Although her writing style is difficult and not liked by everyone, she should be remembered as a pioneering woman of the liberal, progressive art scene. Her contributions to Modernism, Cubism, and some of the most important artistic minds of the early 20th century are not to be underestimated. Feisty, witty and sometimes fearsome, she played a pivotal role in bohemian art world. Check out her character’s portrayal in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris!

Stein painted by Picasso

Rebecca Brown

Epigram | 07.03.2014

42

22

BOV’s blind-cast departure from a traditional Jane Eyre Rehearsals for Sally Cookson’s production of Jane Eyre did not begin with a script. Instead, the company devised their performance directly from Charlotte Brontë’s 1847 novel. They meticulously scanned the lengthy story and managed to condense it into two performances totalling four hours for Bristol Old Vic. One departure from the novel that was noteworthy was the race-blind casting. Melanie Marshall’s performance ultimately held the production together; her stunning vocals and haunting presence around the set made her woman-in-the-attic role very watchable. If anything, I would have liked to have seen more of her.

The race-blind casting highlights a broader phenomenon of contemporary theatre. Simone Saunders’ roles were well-executed, and she was just as compelling a Bessie Lee as she was a Blanche Ingram. At one point in the plot, Blanche has hopes of marrying Felix Hayes’ Rochester, which would have made an interracial couple. Consider for a moment if this production was for the screen rather than stage. The plot would have had to revolve solely around the interracial couple simply because of the phenomenon of an interracial couple in a Victorian (or perhaps any) story. Why has theatre, but not film, moved beyond this?

Edwards who, dare I say, was a more compelling dog than any other human character he played. Whilst these roles showed just how versatile the actors are, they also provided some cheap laughs. For instance, Jane’s train journeys are evoked by the whole cast jogging on the spot at the front of the stage until breathless. Her journey to Lowood gets disrupted by sheep on the tracks, at which point all but Jane take on the roles of sheep. Such inclusions almost seemed as if they sought to impress a younger audience. Moreover, at times I felt as if I were on a school history trip that gave a theatrical insight into the experience of a Victorian orphan, with depictions of the draconian Christianity of school life amongst other points of social commentary. Such earnestness was disrupted by the arrival of Rochester, who (finally) bought the most energy to the play. Despite this, the supporting on-stage band was an inclusion that deserved plenty of merit. The soundscapes often lifted the more dragging scenes and I would dare to argue that above all, the band was responsible for lending the emotional charge of the story to the

Bristol Old Vic

“

Some of the cast had to change swiftly from human to animal, most notably Craig Edwards who, dare I say, was a more compelling dog than human

The gender-blind casting also took significant, but not equal, effect with Laura Elphinstone’s St John Rivers acting as a nice foil to Hayes’ acerbic Rochester. Such dismantling of gender in that way, however, seemed to undermine one of the central themes of the novel: the struggle for female emancipation. St John wants to enslave Jane as his wife and take her to India. On stage, this was not convincing and gave the impression that one woman was taking another captive, and so while the race-blind casting worked, experimentation with gender roles did not so much. That said, Cookson’s use of multirolling helped with the fluidity of the production as the actors moved in and out of their characters with ease. Such dynamic performances supported Madeleine Worrall’s performance as a Jane who rarely left the stage - quite a feat for such a lengthy performance. Some of the cast had the task of t ra n s c e n d i n g the distinctions b e t w e e n human and animal, m o s t notably Craig

contemporary audience. Furthermore, Benji Bower, the composer and musical director, chose a range of music that aligned itself with the scope of the production, yet didn’t feel exhaustive. The company worked from images drawn on paper and put up around the rehearsal room, and such reliance on the visual is translated onto the stage. The visuals are impressive even if overworked at times, and often I would have rather heard more than I saw. All in all, Sally Cookson’s production was a unique and audacious remake of a classic novel. Jane Eyre is on at the Bristol Old Vic until 29th March.

Laura Davis

Arts Introducting: James Collerton James is a third year student studying Maths. Left: Nikon D3200 with Samyang 8mm Fisheye Right: Pentax K1000 with ASAHI Pentax-M 50mm lens.

Epigram

07.03.2014

Film & TV

@epigramfilm Editor: Gareth Downs

Deputy Editor: Matthew Field

Online Editor: Alejandro Palekar

filmandtv@epigram.org.uk

deputyfilmandtv@epigram.org.uk

filmandtvonline@epigram.org.uk

Epigram’s favourite releases from 1989 Notable picks from the year of our first publication

Rain Main (#003)

Back to the Future II (#006)

Parenthood (#009)

theaceblackblog.com

“

“ ”

“

“ ”

“ ”

theaceblackblog.com

into the media giant that they are today. Later that year, on the opening day of June, Rowan Atkinson made his television debut as Mr. Bean; a character that would bring him immense success. Atkinson had a busy year, closing Blackadder on the 2nd November in a moving episode just nine days before Armistice Day. Talking of debutants - but not so much about Mr. Bean - Jeremy Paxman’s introduction as presenter of the BBC’s Newsnight programme is one that obviously impressed as he still holds the role today. It was a sad year for Doctor Who fans, who saw the series finish after a 26 year run. Fear not, Whovians of old, the show did get its reprisal! It is a wonderful thing that 25 years on from our birth as a paper, we are experiencing a similarly phenomenal year in film and TV.

theaceblackblog.com

Epigram celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year and, in celebration, the film and TV Editorial team have searched through the archives for reviews of releases from our inaugral year. 1989 was a staggeringly good year for film, with some of the best featured below and offering quotes fron the original Epigram reviews. In terms of the highest grossing films of that year, we are looking at classics; Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade topped the list with a total gross of $474,200,000 and, somewhat topically - albeit unfortunately so - Harold Ramis starring Ghostbusters II is eighth

on the list, grossing $215,400,000. We also saw Michael Keaton don the mask of the Caped Crusader. facing up against Jack Nicholson’s Joker in Batman which took a whopping $411,300,000. The 62nd Academy Awards that year were largely a celebration of the masterful Driving Miss Daisy and the fantastic My Left Foot. Driving Miss Daisy won four Oscars out of their nine nominations, including the coveted Best Picture statue; and Daniel Day Lewis won his first Best Actor award for My Left Foot, going on to win two more for There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012). Jessica Tandy, at 80, also became the oldest winner of competitive acting Oscar (at the time) for her Best Actress performance as the eponymous Daisy. In the world of TV, there were advances in 1989 which had a vast impact on how we enjoy television today. On the 5th February, Sky Television began broadcasting in Britain and continued to grow

Gareth Downs Film and TV Editor

”

Comedy starring Steve Martin, featuring some good jokes about diarrhoea, vibrators and so on.

Dead Poets Society (#004)

When Harry Met Sally (#008)

Field of Dreams (#009)

An emotional tale with touches of unique humour. The best movie in years.

The Guardian

“ ”

How does a meaningful between sheets experience affect a relationship?

renoisartown.com

Michael J. Fox revives his old role and earns a few more million. OK but not as good as the first.

fanpop.com

A touching, funny film about an unfeeling yuppie who gets to know and love his autistic brother.

”

Field of Dreams is one of those immaculate classic Hollywood movies.

Epigram 07.03.2014

46 30

Nymphomaniac is an acquired taste Lars Von Trier’s four hour sexual journey into hell, Nymphomaniac Volumes I and II, proves devastating yet surprisingly hilarious. Nymphomaniac opens with a camera panning around an unremarkable alleyway during gentle snowfall. The viewer follows its gaze as it delicately looks around the scene, attentively picking up quiet sounds and dropping them, moving on. With films featuring bourgeoisie apocalypses, multiple genital mutilations and talking foxes, one forgets that Lars Von Trier is a serious filmmaker with an attention to detail. During these calm opening minutes, the controversy of Lars von Trier’s misunderstood comments at Cannes festival (“Alright, I am a Nazi”) and the Amanda Bynes-like public breakdown of Shia LaBeouf that surrounds Nymphomaniac is silenced. The camera soon discovers our nymphomaniac narrator, Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg), battered and unconscious on the floor. At once, German industrial metal unabashedly blares out; the camera does not flinch. Such a disorienting move reminds us that we are watching a Lars Von Trier film; brutal, frank and maybe not so serious. Volume I begins with Joe, who has been found by Stellan Skarsgård’s scholarly stranger Seligman, now recuperating in his bed where she explains to him that she is an innately bad person. Seligman believes that he has never met a bad person. To justify herself, Joe begins recounting a life driven by nymphomania. Laced with Gainsbourg’s innately sarcastic English accent, Joe’s narrative is neatly split into different chapters; five chapters in the first film, three in the other. Much like the Kill Bill movies, the indulgent action happens in the first film, the reflection in the second.

By placing Joe and Seligman in a rather fake bedroom setting for the whole film, Nymphomaniac is conscious of the art of storytelling, turning Joe into the Scheherazade of pulpy bad taste. Seligman proves an interesting listener with a tendency to interrupt and digress. His entertaining digressions on climbing ropes, organ music and religion prove he can only relate

Harold Ramis, 1944 - 2014 The late king of comedy On the 24th Feburary, the film world lost an iconic figure. Harold Ramis will always be most obviously recognisable as the bespectacled ‘brains’ of the Ghostbusters, Egon Spengler. However, his impact on the film industry and the comedy we enjoy today was immeasurable. Ramis enjoyed success in front of, and behind, the camera as an actor, director and writer. He was responsible for timeless comedies, including the spectacular Groundhog Day, for which he won a Best Originanl Screenplay BAFTA. It is heartbreakingly unfortunate that in consectuvie Epigrams we are having to publish obituaries. This is made even more upsetting by the fact that both Harold Ramis and Philip Seymour Hoffman inspired actors and filmmakers alike, in a way that only few achieve.

to Joe’s salacious experiences through knowledge acquired by reading. Seligman’s understanding of a story of Joe seducing multiple men on a train journey is an anorak’s explanation of fly fishing. Hardly sexy. However neither is the majority of the film. Honest depictions of hardcore sex have featured in recent films, Blue is the Warmest Colour and Shame, but none have penetrated

hollywoodreporter.com

Ben Driscoll Film and TV Writer

and debated the topic of sexuality as honestly as Joe and Seligman. The duo prove to be an odd couple, played with perfect timing and diction by the actors, the conversation fast and sharp never losing grip of the audience’s ears. In one chapter, a young Joe (newcomer Stacy Martin) begs a lover to ‘fill all my holes, please’, to which he complies. Von Trier also complies by putting Joe in a wide spectrum of sexual experiences, regardless of the viewer’s comfort. During these chapters of differing genitalia, orgasms and fetishes, Joe meets a plethora of great characters played by familiar faces. Uma Thurman briefly appears as the brilliantly deranged Mrs H, Jamie Bell plays a strangely endearing BDSM dominator, whilst LaBeouf does his best with a questionable English accent. Though being the final installment of the director’s ‘Depression Trilogy’, Nymphomaniac’s long journey covers a range of many other feelings. Volume I’s chapters are filled with curiosity, female empowerment and insatiability. Volume II’s are packed with self-loathing, desperation and disappointment. Both volumes occupied by lust, neither by love. Von Trier cannot help but involve in-jokes and amusing visual aids to Joe’s narration - making a four hour film about depression surprisingly light. Disgusting, beautiful, puerile, revelatory, and at times unwatchable, Nymphomaniac is Von Trier’s magnum opus - though some may find this film best viewed between parted fingers.

Nymphomaniac is in cinemas now vulture.com Dir. Lars von Trier Running times: 118 mins and 123 mins

Epigram

07.03.2014

47

Silk returns to BBC

This week saw the return to our screens, for its third series, of Peter Moffat’s six part legal drama Silk. Silk depicts life at the Bar, and what it takes to attain Queen’s Counsel, known as “taking silk”. The series illustrates the demands and dilemmas of the job, alongside the balance between professional and personal; focusing as much on the barristers themselves as their actions in the courtroom. The cast is nothing short of excellent, Maxine Peake playing Martha Costello and Rupert PenryJones as Clive Reader, the leading pair’s fierce rivalry and dynamic relationship lies at the heart of the drama.

“

”

The series bears a striking resemblance to US series The Good Wife

The first episode of this series was a little short of the bar. The script was lacking the depth and

grit of previous series; glazing over the client’s mental health issues, and failing to draw any genuine connection from the audience, leaving the talents of Peake and Penry-Jones somewhat wasted. However the watcher was nevertheless able to witness one of Martha Costello’s famous power speeches and the likeable senior clerk Billy Lamb (Neil Stuke) was back on our screens. The series bears a striking resemblance to the US series The Good Wife, both highlighting the politics of law and featuring a strong female lead. Unfortunately, Silk doesn’t quite match the glam of its US equivalent, and the story lines fail to deliver the fast paced witty twists and turns of The Good Wife. Nonetheless, it has a raw realistic quality, no doubt influenced by Moffatt’s firsthand experience as a barrister. Despite the opening episode’s shortcomings, Silk as a whole makes for an enjoyable watch. The series has previously been very effective at establishing emotional connections between the audience and the case, leaving the watcher engrossed anticipating the outcome of the trial. If Moffat manages to build upon the undisputed success of previous series’, then it’s likely to be another popular six parts… however the Jury’s out for now.

Silk continues this Monday The first episode is available on BBC iPlayer

Hurrah for Jonathan Creek Matthew Field Deputy Film and TV Editor Something wonderful has happened! Jonathan Creek has returned for a fifth series after almost ten years of absence, producing only three special episodes since 2004. Yes it is not exactly serious, not always totally satisfying and largely downright silly, but it does make a pleasant change and a welcome return for all fans of the charmingly British cult detective drama.

Major Winners at the 86th Academy Awards Best Motion Picure 12 Years A Slave Best Actor Matthew McConaughey Best Actress Cate Blanchett Best Supporting Actor Jared Leto Best Supporting Actress Lupita Nyong’o Best Director Alfonso Cuarón

Johnathan Creek has returned to our televisions a detective series that is happy to laugh at itself. While the first episode was hardly perfect the gags are largely amusing, playing on all the detective TV tropes of recent years, which have become so very common and more and more boring since the advent of excellent first season of Sherlock. Creek is played, in a welcome return from his awkward sojourn in Socchi, by Alan Davies. Creek is smart but not exactly your super sleuthing Sherlock. In fact Sherlock is brilliantly parodied by another young budding investigator, Ridley, son of a family friend, who while attempting to assist Creek for ‘work experience’. Ridley constantly makes wild deductions which are hopelessly complicated and always, hilariously, utterly wrong. Jonathan Creek first aired all the way back in 1997 and has come back from time to time for seasonal specials and, until now, had around four series from its original run until 2004. The show has somewhat of a cult following and Davies’s quirky and logical Creek has always had a handful of faithful fans. Between 2004 and the present Creek had only been seen three times for various BBC specials but has now returned for a new ‘series’ (well three episodes but we couldn’t expect too much could we?). The new Jonathan Creek episode ‘The Letters of Septimus Noone’ is full of pleasantly improbable mysteries and comic subplots. Davies remains brilliantly understated and deadpan and he and his wife, Polly (Sarah Alexander), who was introduced in last year’s Easter special, make a pleasant and humorous onscreen couple. The new series doesn’t promise to be as dark and macabre as some of the earlier episodes just yet; the writers seem to be playing it safe for now. But the humour is still there, the darkly comic moments and the sarcastic asides. My personal favourite line coming from an elderly undertaker after Polly tearfully whilst holding her dead father’s hand ‘Oh why is everything so hard…’ to which the undertaker matter-of-factly replies ‘Rigor mortis, I think you’ll find.’ While many of the mysteries in the episode are ludicrous and silly the series manages to poke fun at itself and the detective genre as a whole. It’s good to see Creek back, hopefully it will stay amusing for the next few episodes, but a bit more depth and plot subtlety would not go amiss.

Jonathan Creek continues every Friday The first episode is available on BBC iPlayer BBC Pictures

BBC Pictures

Hannah Price Film and TV Writer

BBC Pictures

The gritty legal drama fails to live up to its high standards as the third series begins.

07.03.2014

@epigrammusic

Editor: Mike Hegarty

Deputy Editor: Danny Riley

Online Editor: Dan Faber

music@epigram.org.uk

deputymusic@epigram.org.uk

musiconline@epigram.org.uk flickr: otterfreak

flickr: andrewrusk

Music

Epigram

Chomsky’s Band: Musicians vs Politics

“

Educate! Instigate! Agitate! Off the back of PJ Harvey’s Morning Show guest edit, our own firebrand Gunseli Yalcinkaya gets stuck into music’s apolitical elite and argues the case for musicians using their platform to open political dialogue. The second of January saw the broadcast of PJ Harvey’s guest edit on the Morning Show, an episode so bizarre that it would leave even the most liberal of Radio 1 listeners questioning their ‘post New Years Eve’ sobriety. The show featured business reports from anti-austerity campaigners, Ralph Fiennes’s - Voldermort’s - recital of ‘Austerities’ by Charles Simic and the controversial ‘Thought of the Day’ led by Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange. Harvey’s contentious edit aimed to fill the programme with ‘people who challenge us and move us to examine our deepest beliefs and feelings’; however it led to extreme backlash from figures such as Labour MP Ian Austin, who denounced Harvey’s edit as the ‘worst ever’. Certainly, Harvey’s implicit disapproval of Western government was enough to put the majority of conservative commuters off their breakfast. Nevertheless, the events of the Morning Show raise a wider issue: is it healthy for musicians to involve themselves in politics, or should the two be kept separate? Indeed, Radiohead front man Thom Yorke, has also spoken out on key issues such as free trade and wealth distribution in an opinion piece he wrote for The Guardian, claiming that the West is an ‘environmental and humanitarian timebomb’: ‘This to me, feels like a bus full of religious lunatics rolling into town singing free trade songs and banging tambourines as war and famine break out and all around them turns to shit. It’s nonsense.’ Yorke’s lyrically inspired argument - ‘the amnesia and hypocrisy is breathtaking’ - fights

against the multinational corporations - ‘who have the ear of our governments [and] are having their free trade cake and eating it’, - defending the ‘poorer countries’ through participation in anti-WTO protests and other activist activites. A self-confessed admirer of Noam Chomsky, Yorke’s leftist stance has found him in direct contention with key figures in British politics, notably refusing former prime minister Tony Blair’s request to meet with him to discuss climate change, claiming that Blair has no ‘environmental credentials’.

“

Thom Yorke: ‘This to me, feels like a bus full of religious lunatics rolling into town singing free trade songs and banging tambourines as war and famine break out and all around them turns to shit. It’s nonsense.’

Though dismissed as ‘mindless lefty jargon’ by some on the right wing, it’s far more admirable and noteworthy in comparison to the media attention

brought on by more ‘superficial’ musicians – Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Pitbull - you know the type. Musicians like Yorke show an incredible awareness for not just those in their immediate circle, but also a concern for the wider population that supersedes both cultural and national differences. Any reading of Yorke’s work leaves one with the impression that he is both politically educated and conscientious. Little can be said for the likes of Kanye West whose self-proclaimed ‘God complex’ disables him from looking much further beyond him and his poorly named child - Seriously, ‘North’ - really? Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha explains his interest in spreading political ideas through the medium of music: ‘I’m interested in spreading those ideas through art, because music has the power to cross borders, to break military sieges and to establish real dialogue.’ Certainly, music, just like any other form of art, has the power to transcend both culture and creed. Take for example the infamous image, ‘Liberty Leading the People’; the image is undeniably striking, its revolutionary message surpasses any periodical or cultural boundaries. Likewise, music can be used as a tool to influence and inspire generations. One may even go as far as to say that music is a product of political thought; the two are inextricably linked; one cannot possibly expect an artist to separate his final piece from his inspiration - it would be as absurd as to expect da Vinci to separate the Mona Lisa from Lisa Gherardini or Orwell’s 1984 from its socialist context. Musicians,

Dylan: ‘There’s no black and white, left and right to me anymore… There’s only up and down, and down is very close to the ground, and I’m trying to go up without thinking about anything trivial such as politics.’ just like any other form of artist, have every right to express their political opinions, whether it be through lyric or the media. Musicians such as Bob Dylan are prime examples of when the guitar is mightier than the sword, his song, ‘The Times They Are A-Changin’ propelled Dylan into being an unofficial spokesperson for the civil rights movement. However, 1963 saw Dylan’s abandonment of his political label and his renunciation of politics completely, the singer raging at a fancy awards ceremony: ‘There’s no black and white, left and right to me anymore… There’s only up and down, and down is very close to the ground, and I’m trying

to go up without thinking about anything trivial such as politics.’ Can politics harm the musician? Maybe so. But that does not devalue the impact it has on the wider population. One’s political message can inspire an individual or a group, whether it be found in a textbook or an iPod. However, this raises further questions: is the political musician a dying breed? Certainly, the newer generation of popular musicians - see those mentioned above -n seem to have found new media interests, interests that, although are loved by Daily Mail online reporters, lack any political weight. Nevertheless, musicians have the same right as anyone else to voice their opinions over political issues. They may even be more informed than some politicians - I’m looking at you, Nick Griffin. Music is a form of expression, and I personally see nothing wrong with a musician using their social position to raise awareness of minority positions. Although this does not necessarily mean a musician is right in their beliefs, their opinion is no less valid than that of the average Jack, Sally, Clegg or Cameron. I for one have more respect for ‘leftist, Chomsky-inspired rants’ than the droning hedonism of MTV and Miley Cyrus’ twerking, plastic-clad ass. As for Harvey’s morning programme? Good on her. Someone had to give those Orwellian O’Briens a shaking, and she did just the job. I’ll have a side serving of revolution with my eggs this morning, sir!

Epigram

07.03.2014

49 flickr: bradenf

Reign in Blood: Drenge Live at The Fleece Sam Mason-Jones experiences a night of violently exhilerating guitar music in the face of inflated alcohol prices.

flickr: thearches

a visceral energy throughout; Rory pummels his kit, ripping out raucous rhythms over which elder sibling Eoin howls, spitting atrocity into the faces of his faithful. His lyrics, at points, are excruciating: on the mid-show highlight ‘I Want To Break You In Half’ he admits, ‘I’ll make you piss your pants, I want to break you in half’, a charming sentiment only exacerbated by the snarled live delivery. They clatter through their set with arresting urgency, interspersing unreleased tracks ‘The Snake’ and ‘Standing In The Call’ with album stalwarts ‘Gun Crazy’, ‘Nothing’ and ‘Backwaters’, pausing only to stop the uncouth throng in front of them from imploding. The boys career into the crescendo of ‘Bloodsports’, a behemoth that undulates beneath a clipped vocal line, swaggering into the grooving lick at its core. The crowd responds, chanting back with a vital glee, the dialogue creating a moment of complete accord between the band and their followers. A heavier darkness clings to penultimate slow burner ‘Let’s Pretend’, as Rory’s drums crash around eight minutes of unfriendly feedback and sparse mic work from Eoin. “Thanks Bristol, we’ve been Drenge.” are the first words spo-

ken by the front-man tonight, coming right before the set closer ‘Fuckabout’. Undeterred by the closer’s more relaxed pace, limbs and liquid continue to fly, as the warm chords build towards a finale that sees both brothers flung from the stage, and into the arms

of fervent fans. The successful reception of their LP dictates that Drenge will go on to taste much grander days than this evening at the Fleece; they have already enjoyed support slots with rock royalty Arctic Monkeys last year. And yet the abrasive, dirty racket

propelled forth by the Loveless brothers has found a definite home on this sticky floor, in the arms of the youthful tumult it commands. And my god is it welcome.

What’s on in March Surgeon @ The Island - Friday 7th An evening of techno terror from the Birmingham pioneer, the The Island providing a fittingly forboding setting for Anthony Child’s jagged synths and punishing low ends.

garage rock in this city centre pub. Hot from an appearance at Austin Psych Fest, The Cult of Dom Keller promise to bring intellect-pummelling riffs to melt ya noggin.

MF Doom @ Motion - Saturday 22nd March

Adrian Utley Guitar Orchestra @ The Trinity Centre - Saturday 8th Portishead’s Adrian Utley leads a group of 19 other guitarists in their take on Terry Riley’s groundbreaking minimalist/aleatoric masterpiece ‘In C’. Celebrating the opening of the Trinity Centre’s new Upstairs hall, this promises to be an evening of immersive drone and patient nuances not to be missed.

The Cult of Dom Keller / Taos Humm @ The Crown - Friday 14th Howling Owl records present a night of ‘genuinely gargantuan’, ‘ball gnarling

flickr: passetti

It is, by all accounts, a very ordinary night in central Bristol. A film of fine, persistent rain - of course - douses the February evening. The Fleece begins to swell with a horde of gig-goers, a youthful babble tempered by the occasional curious, older punter. The beer is expensive; the support, average; Big Jeff, present and correct. The people wait, Drenge’s stage is set. As they tear into album openers ‘People In Love Make Me Feel Yuck’ and ‘Dogmeat’, the room morphs less into a mosh pit than an expansive fight, ebbing persistently back and forth, back and forth. Blows are thrown, kids hit the deck, the surge continues as blokes leap from the pillars in front of the stage and crowd surfing begins in earnest. The whole place violently swarms as an infatuated intent consumes, remaining suitably ballistic throughout the 14 songs. Listening to their 2013 eponymous debut, it is often difficult to remember that Drenge’s enormous power, their awesome rage was captured by just a guitar, drum and vocal, and not a layered four or five piece. This surprise registers tenfold in the live arena, where a duo has rarely sounded so massive. The Loveless brothers bristle with

Questions abound for the appearance of the alt-hop enigma at Motion. Will it be any good? Will it actually be him or one of the Time Bandits stood on another’s shoulders wearing Russel Crowe’s mask from Gladiator? With support from The Four Owls and upcoming Bristol MC Buggsy, we’ll let you be the judge.

Epigram

50

07.03.2014

Reviews Jon Porras

Beck

Light Divide

Thrill Jockey

Morning Phase

March 25th

Capitol Records February 21st it is not elaborated further; this ambiguity compliments Beck’s gentle, velveteen voice, which is itself rather ambiguous. As the artist asserted in an interview with the Guardian: ‘It felt very personal and direct and uninhibited’ In contrast to his lyrically inept counterparts Beck’s ‘Morning Phase’ is a refreshingly honest piece that encapsulates charmingly simple imagery (‘the lemon-tea-sky fell down’) with layer upon layer of rich and complex harmony; Beck’s work is the perfect conjunction of technical supremacy and poetic delicacy. From its vocal complexity to the light peppering of orchestral interludes (‘Cycle and Phase’), even the track order appears to have been carefully crafted: the opening song, ‘Morning’ (‘Woke up this morning’) and the final song, Morning Light’ (‘When the morning comes to meet you/Fill your eyes with waking light’), give the album a satisfyingly circular structure that perhaps symbolises a cycle of emotional recovery (or even, a broader cycle of life?). Beck has once again shown himself to be an extremely versatile artist, his creativity transcending many genres and styles. Whilst undeniably similar to Sea Change, Morning Phase provokes an image of sunrise and future possibility; this album conveys a confident and mature Beck, at the apotheosis of his career. For Beck, having not released a new album in eight years, this is a new morning indeed. Gunseli Yalcinkaya

Tycho

Metronomy

Awake

Love Letters

Ghostly International

Because Music

March 18th

Scott Hansen is the main man behind Tycho who for nearly a decade has been creating blissful ambient sounds, which have evolved again for this new album. The musicians beefing up his electronic compositions now include Zac Brown (guitars, bass) and Rory O’Connor (drums), who both join Hansen on the road towards a new future for Tycho. The idea is to “drive the sound of a live show onto the next album”. With or without the listener being aware that writing began in a cabin near Lake Tahoe last winter - before moving to the hills of Santa Cruz - you are completely enchanted with how ‘Awake’ captures the ever-changing beauty of these natural areas. In particular the appropriately named track, ‘Plains’. Bringing live instruments forward and allowing the synths to take a backdrop, Hansen has created a clearer more concise sound. It instantly transports you into a harmonious trance; focusing very much on the authentic bass and melodic guitar riffs, the trio have managed to recreate Tycho’s recognisable layering arrangement. Awake still echoes ideas from the previous album ‘Dive’ yet allows the listener to delve into the old memories with the promise of a future for this enticing musical journey. Katya Blackledge

Jon Porras has been building instrumental textures for six or seven years now, first with the space-rock drone duo Barn Owl and now moving into his own solo work. Those Barn Owl albums were characterised by lengthy tracks that indulgently took their own sweet time to brood in an abstract nocturnal universe different from ours, infusing low tempo techno with drone metal, obfuscating the boundaries of genre. With Light Divide Porras sheds some of the harsher edges but retains the nihilistic introspection; fifteen minute songs are banished in favour of shorter, more focussed numbers that cut with greater immediacy. The pulsating imagery here is mellower than Porras’s earlier experiments and more refined – there’s a very delicate optimism at the titillating centre of Light Divide. However at its heart it’s a flawed and frail work, though anyone could go on and on about instrumental music because it is without definite signifiers of intentionality (i.e., no lyrics). There is no one single and objective meaning to be discerned. This is music that can be enjoyed both in an ambient capacity and with deep concentration. Barry Horner

Flickr - Michaelz1

Everything changes; everything ends. All we are left with are fragmented splinters of faded memories, fleeting romances and impassioned hearts. Beck’s new album, ‘Morning Phase’, tugs at the fibres of our most basic human emotions: the fragility of relationships, man’s pervading sense of loneliness and the desire to be both lover and loved. Beck’s melodic guitar and pervading string arrangements are only part of his melancholic yet ethereal masterpiece. Although one of his more lonely works, (a far cry from the cocky showman Beck of ‘Loser’) Beck’s new project is a welcome shift in tone from the unease of its companion piece, 2002’s Sea Change. Whereas the latter encapsulates the brooding of a naïve and broken heart, the former depicts a more mature Beck, who is both self-forgiving and welcoming of change: ‘Turn away from the weight of your own past’. Beck’s lyric is dark yet strangely liberating: ‘This morning I let down all my defences’. The ethereal, opulent strings in ‘Wave’ provide a delicate and unsettling undertone to the powerful and pervading one-word refrain of ‘Isolation’; Beck’s varying vocal dynamics, paired with the gradual ebb and flow of semitones, sets a chilling yet raw tone to the piece. The optimistic-sounding banjo solo in ‘Blue Moon’, along with the powerful cry, ‘I’m so tired of being on my own’, reveals a raw Beck who has come to face and accept his own human condition in a most revealing and exposed manner. However,

March 10th

For those already familiar with the work of Metronomy, the expectations when picking up their fourth full length offering Love Letters would be to discover a pop record turned on its head. This is exactly what the new album delivers – a strange take on pop music driven by a weird spectrum of electronic sounds. At the centre of Metronomy’s appeal is their ability to craft simple pop songs but with the invention and imagination of the most alternative artist. Far from a complete departure from the groundbreaking and Mercury prize-nominated The English Riveria, the band return with a piece of work full of varying influences and flavours, from disco to motown and even 60s psychedelic pop. Boasting dreamy, bright soundscapes coated with a pop sheen, Love Letters has many highlights, particularly the devilishly catchy single I’m Aquarius, the idyllic opener The Upsetter, and the wickedly funky Boy Racers. The song-writing craft and phrasing of frontman Joe Mount also reaches a new high, as his matter-of-fact, simple delivery and powerful vocal hooks are an added driving force behind Metronomy’s unique sound. Both quirky and understated, Love Letters is the work of a band at the peak of their powers. Matty Edwards Flickr - wfuv

Flickr - Charlie Bay

Epigram

07.05.2013

25 51

Shut up and play the hits Mike Hegarty considers the curse of the back catalogue Yesterday, on a seldom viewed page in a murky corner of the cyber ghosttown we once called Myspace, I stumbled across some music I made when I was 15. Whilst I’m not treating this event as really worthy of reporting in a reputable publication, it was pretty funny. Musically bereft of course – the four tracks of abortive IDM and clunky MIDI pianos smacked of too much Radiohead listening and too little social life. One four minute track had THREE ambient interludes, and one had a tuba. Young Michael couldn’t be criticised for his eclecticism, but it was a pretty crappy little EP to be sure. Like looking at old photos of your gawky, acne’d teenage self, I expected this music to make my skin crawl…and yet it didn’t. I’d be in no rush to perform these tracks to anyone (a URL will not be posted at the end of this article), but I felt a certain affinity, dare I say affection, with where and who I was when I made them. I’d always wondered how proper musicians – ones who took themselves seriously, had albums, fans, venues willing to pay

them, who maybe met Beck this one time – approach their back catalogue on a personal level. For the majority of bands that value reinvention and pushing their art forward, the idea of revisiting dozens of songs written at various stages of personal maturity and musical inclination sounds fairly excruciating when you really consider it. My current favourite Youtube clip/thing ever is Noel Gallagher’s irate commentary on a DVD of Oasis music videos. The fact that he seems to enjoy each track less and less than the one before it is hilarious, but a little disheartening when you consider he’s assessing his life’s work. My old poster boys Radiohead famously refused to play ‘Creep’ for years, even penning ‘My Iron Lung’ to express their discomfort with the marketable hit that had given their band life, yet felt utterly constrictive. And just a few weeks ago Sheffield lad turned self-styled greasy space cowboy Alex Turner spoke to the Daily Star about how hard he finds it to play old Arctic Monkeys tracks: ‘When you tell the same joke 600 times, you won’t hear what it is any more.’ It’s easy to write off this distaste for one’s own output as precious,

pretentious or ungrateful, and fans often do. Crowds sigh at gigs when bands announce ‘this is a new one’, and scream ever louder for the songs that came out when they were teenagers. Past achievements weigh heavy on bands struggling to remain relevant, even if those lyrics were written when the singer was 18 and the guitarist who wrote that riff converted to Buddhism and lives in Nepal now. And yet, a lot of bands seem to feel no discomfort with playing the music of their younger selves. Or perhaps, they don’t mind putting up with it. The last few years have seen a bumper crop of critically adored acts emerging from hibernation to play the hits from their mostly mid- and late-1990s heydays, much to the joy of those with a ticket to ATP, and much to the suspicion of the rest of us. Pixies, Slint, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pavement, The Dismemberment Plan, even the fucking Verve have crawled out of the gnarly woodwork of postindie obscurity recently. Whether this is born of financial necessity or from a genuine desire to strum out Bittersweet Symphony to a pissed up/disinterested/

seated festival crowd just one last time probably varies on a case-by-case basis, but these bands often attract just as much derision as those that refuse to revisit old tracks, albeit for different reasons. Blogosphere accusations abound of sellout dad rockers rinsing fans for all they’ve got, and even when the songs are still great and the band seem to be genuinely enjoying it, people wonder how the bastards sleep at night.

We all know our own favourite records by our favourite bands, but on reflection, I know shockingly little about how bands really assess their own music. Aside from inflated young frontmen proclaiming in the run up to each subsequent release ‘Ok, this one really is the best thing we’ve ever done.’, self-assessment is often too caught up in the froth of self-promotion that accompanies a release to be taken meaningfully, or comes out explosively when a band implodes under the weight of its own dissatisfaction with the way things are going. Whilst what I think of the silly little beats I made on

my silly little laptop in Year 10 is of little importance, the complexities of a professional artist’s attitude to their backcatalogue is crucial to both their income and how they wassess how well they’ve done at this whole musician thing. The conflict between a sustainable income and worthwhile art is a difficult one to conquer, and we often fail to consider that the way bands feel about their own music adds yet another layer of complexity. Maybe if people were demanding that I play “Untitled” from my Myspace page to packed stadiums and then critics derided me for doing so I’d feel a little torn too.

Epigram

07.03.2014

Letters

occasion. The birthday present. An item of material recompense for safely navigating another turbulent year of existence. Who on earth invented that? Moreover, society has decided that the trickiest years to surmount are those directly preceding your first, 18th and 21st birthdays. These years require particularly great reward, with the events of the period between the 17th and 18th birthdays apparently so harrowing that everyone must be plied with alcohol so as to overcome the trauma (perhaps said trauma is the acne-ridden, croakyvoiced hormone-filled nightmare that is puberty). After the 21st everyone cares a bit less because it looks like you’ve got the hang of life, but people still remember to get you an item of congratulation

letters@epigram.org.uk

every time you reach a multiple of ten years. The social obligations don’t end there, however. Equally as important is the act of gathering as many people as possible to the same place in order to have a celebration to remind them of your successful completion of another 365 days. Much like the present giving, this starts from a young age and the rituals here are no less strange. A cake with small flames on top is awarded to he/she of the birthday whilst at a later point in the evening those who are accessories to the birthday ritual get a bag filled up with a hat that hurts their head, some kind of mouth siren that peculiarly unrolls and rolls back up when you blow into it and an assortment of sweets filed with a lifetime of e-numbers and sugar. By a certain point the numbers at these affairs start to dwindle and so you begin to invite increasingly distant people to do increasingly

random things (paintballing, ice-skating, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and dancing etc.). By the time of the middle years, you realise that no one likes you enough to go to the moon and back to celebrate your ability to exist and so you decide to tone it down and just throw one big party every ten years. In spite of the peculiarity of these rituals, there is something quaintly life-affirming about them. Whether it is that seven other people like you enough to write on a piece of paper and wish you happy birthday or the overconsumption of chocolate cake so as to ensure that type two diabetes will curtail your otherwise impressive efforts at overcoming

the challenges to your being, it makes you feel all warm inside. So that’s probably how the thousands of sheets of paper that comprise this week’s edition of Epigram feel. It probably seems a bit weird to them that everyone made such a hullaballoo about achieving their quarter of a century landmark, particularly given that we’ll be throwing a party for it and famous people will be coming. But at the same time it’s nice to know that everyone cares. Birthdays are a strange old thing. It’s a bit silly that we celebrate our existence every year. But it’s also rather nice. Alex Longley Flickr: landhere

With Epigram celebrating its 25th anniversary a realisation set upon me of the peculiarity with which we annually celebrate the existence of things. It seems to me a highly peculiar occurrence. Nothing changes from one day to the next and yet we some of us will spend mind-blowing figures on facilitating the frivolities. Take my birthday. Not an event implemented with enormous quantities of money but nonetheless a good example. Every year some time around May, I receive the dreaded phone call of birthday present enquiry. In spite of the fact that the actual anniversary of my birth is not until July, it is apparently imperative that my mother has some kind of firm idea of what I may want in order to celebrate the

@EpigramLetters Editor: Emma Leedham

Work with the biggest names Work alongside experts in virtually every sector. Learn from leading figures in the industry. Become someone who’s trusted by some of the world’s biggest businesses. It all starts now. It’s your future. How far will you take it?

www.deloitte.co.uk/graduates &DUHHUV LQ $XGLW ō 7D[ ō &RQVXOWLQJ ō &RUSRUDWH )LQDQFH ō 7HFKQRORJ\

© 2014 Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is an equal opportunities employer. Member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited

Epigram

07.03.2014

58 13

Flickr: DJ-Nike

epAnagram

Can you unscramble the names of these annual celebrations and events?

S

A

V

I

W

H

AF

C

R

A

A

T

S

I

D

S

K

N

IV G MH

U N

O

E

E

H

T

I

W

I

L

D

RF

A

T

S

V

A

W

G

L

M

I

P

N

V

E

A

E

NA

R

A

E

D

Y

O

R

L

S

E

’

S

T

A

D

S

Y

E

Last issue’s answers: Danube, Yangtze, Mississippi, Zambezi, Ganges, Yellow, Volga, Amazon

S

Fortnightly news quiz

Puzzles

@EpigramLetters Editor: Emma Leedham

1) What spectacular solar phenomenon was visible across the UK, as far south as Jersey? 2) US President Barack Obama has warned which country that there will be ‘costs’ for any military intervention in Ukraine? 3) One Direction bandmate Louis Tomlinson made his debut as a reserve for which football team? 4) NASA announced that it had discovered how many new planets (four of which could support life)? 5) The world’s longest aircraft was unveiled in Cardington, England this fortnight. How long is it (in metres)? 6) The Oscars took place last weekend. How many Academy Awards ceremonies have their now been? 7) The plan to cull which mammals in England has been found by an independent assessment to be ‘inhumane’? 8) Royal Mail has announced an increase in stamp prices. From 31 March, how much will a first-class stamp cost? 9) UK Prime Minister David Cameron is believed to be related to which family featured in a Shakespeare play? 10) What caused the transmission

7 9 Flickr: Scismgenie

Sudoku

5 9 2

7 4

1

6 2

Last week’s quiz answers Q1-10: NekNominate, Lizzy Yarnold, Simon Cowell,

2 5 9 4 8

between Ross County and St Mirren the watershed?

3 6

of the Scottish Premiership match to be delayed until after

4

Dawlish in Devon, Copenhagen, 75, Flappy

4

3

8

7 5 6

2

Bird, Smoking, Kentucky in America,

5

letters@epigram.org.uk

Whales

Epigram

07.03.2014

Science & Tech

scienceandtech@epigram.org.uk

Master’s degree; researching how bycatch entanglement in the nets of fishermen is affecting numbers of these dolphins in the area of Bangladesh known as the Sundarbans. Farhana Akhatar is another conservation biologist dedicated to protecting the Ganges River Dolphin. Having recently completed her Masters degree in science and been involved in primate research previously, she joined the BCDP. These young scientists are faced with a predicament with which I am sure many recent science graduates will empathise. The conservation work they do has an important and tangible impact on the local dolphin populations and is of great importance, yet the funding for these projects can be very transient and temporarya common feature of careers in scientific research. There is little job and funding security for long term research and as such there is pressure on these intelligent young scientists to find more stable work in the private sector. Arranged marriages also put an immense pressure on the young conservationists to seek more lucrative employment as they find themselves having to support their family.

In her documentary ‘Who Will Save the River

Dolphin?’ Jennifer Lewis Ph.D., President of the Tropical Dolphin Research Foundation, focuses on the work being done by the Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project to protect the Ganges River Dolphin. It tells the story of the endangered

dolphin species and the struggle faced by the passionate young conservation biologists to stay in the field and the effect of this struggle on the future of the species. The documentary, filmed in Bangladesh, India and Nepal, is due to be released by the end of

Bristol postgrads to show off their research Alex Bradbrook Deputy Editor On Monday 24th March from 2pm-5pm, postgraduates from a broad range of scientific backgrounds at the University of Bristol will come together to show off their research at the Natural Systems and Processes Poster session. The event, which will be taking place in the Great Hall of the Wills Memorial Building, will feature over 100 posters to show off the vast array of research that is taking place at the university. will be the fifth such poster session, is open to all students and staff, both postgraduate and undergraduate. Jon Hawkings, one of the organisers of the event, told Epigram: “we thought it would be nice to engage the wider university community with scientific research, and to invite everybody to come along”. Whether you’re a postgraduate researcher yourself, or an undergraduate looking at ideas for a research project, dissertation or a potential PhD application, or even just someone who wants to see what kind of science is done at the university,

this event is the perfect place to chat to current postgraduate students to gain an insight into their projects and life as an academic researcher.

year. For more information visit: www.tropicaldolphin.org and http://theriverdolphin.blogspot.com

flickr: missud

In Bangladesh, the river dolphin is in danger. The Ganges river dolphin is one of the few in the world to live entirely in freshwater and there are less than 1000 individuals alive today. It is the only dolphin species in the world to be completely blind. The waters of the Ganges are so muddy that light can barely penetrate below the surface. This means it has to rely on its strong sense of hearing and the use of echolocation to communicate with its family and to find prey. Fishing in the region has put a massive pressure on the survival of the species. Firstly, the outboard engines used on fishing boats make a huge amount of noise underwater. For an animal that has been fine- tuned by evolution to bounce sound off objects and detect the subtle frequencies reflected back, the roar of a diesel engine close by makes this sense redundant. Subsequently it is almost impossible for the dolphin to find prey where fishing practices take place. Secondly the nets used by fishermen in the area have a very small mesh size. The nets are meant to catch shrimp fry, but they indiscriminately catch everything from shrimp to juvenile fish. Overfishing reduces the amount of food available to dolphins, and they have to compete with people. Pollution, dam construction and the increasing salinity and raising water level associated with climate change are taking their toll on the dolphins. Gill nets used in the area catch dolphins by

accident; this is known as ‘bycatch’ and is a deadly threat to many species of whales and dolphins across the world. The small, thin nylon mesh is difficult for the dolphins to detect, especially in the presence of noise pollution from outboard engines. The effects of these practices are compounded for the species because they are confined to this particular area of the river. However this is not a black and white issue of callous humans wanting to destroy the environment, even though from the outside that is almost exactly what it looks like. The fishermen work to support their families, and pressure is put on them by the local mafia which takes a portion of their profits, forcing them to increase their catch by using the small-mesh nets. The problems associated with the welfare of local people living along the river and issues of pollution and overfishing are completely connected and a holistic approach must be taken to in order to solve both problems sustainably. In order to improve the situation for both dolphins and people in the region, approaches must be taken by local people- from a grass roots and regional perspective. In 2006 a team of local conservationists formed the Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project in conjunction with the Wildlife Conservation Society to conserve this unique species in the wild. Bangladesh isn’t necessarily a country you would associate with Cetaceans- whales and dolphins- but there are 7 species of dolphins including the Ganges River Dolphin and the finless porpoise and Brydes whales in the Ganges and the coastal waters. It is vital that local conservation biologists undertake this work for a number of reasons. To start with, problems of the environment and the people are inextricably linked and progress can not be made with one and not the other. An inherent understanding of local problems enables the conservation biologists to approach the problems pragmatically and along a realistic timeline. Local conservation biologist Manish Datta is working with BCDP on his

deputyscienceandtech@epigram.org.uk

Online Editor: Stephanie Harris

Who will save the river dolphin? Sol Milne Science Writer

“”

Editor: Molly Hawes

@EpigramSciTech Deputy Editor: Sol Milne

Free chocolate for psychology test participants An experiment investigating people’s emotional responses to videos is being conducted in the Psychology department. The experiment involves completing a very short questionnaire and then watching a video and rating the intensity of the emotions you feel in response to it. The whole experiment will take a maximum of 15 minutes and you will receive payment in chocolate – the best kind of payment. Your participation would be hugely appreciated as it will be contributing to my third-year dissertation. If you are interested in taking part, or would like more information, please email me at jolyonwilson.2011@my.bristol.ac.uk.

Epigram

“

07.03.2014

60

Investigating the mechanics of feeling Suzie Brown Science Writer

Their vision is to

eventually create

robots which can forge relationships with

humans giving them

realistic-looking elastic faces to maximise

flickr: JanneM

But these researchers are not the only ones developing such technology. Founded in 2003, Hanson Robotics builds emotive robots. Currently, their products are primarily for research purposes, but their vision is to eventually create robots which can forge relationships with humans. They are also working on robots designed to support autistic children. They put emphasis on the robots’ appearance, giving them realistic-looking elastic faces to maximise expressiveness. Emotional technology is not a new field - Cynthia Breazeal of MIT was

Flickr: Fadi Basymeleh

If you’ve seen I, Robot or the Terminator, you may have reservations about creating artificial intelligence. In both films, robots with human traits end up endangering human lives. Nonetheless, there are several research groups developing robots with a view to giving these machines emotional capabilities. Hitting the news this week was ERWIN, the ‘emotional robot with intelligent network’, developed at the University of Lincoln. The robot is able to display five emotions and was designed by Dr John Murray. The aim of the research is to investigate how humans can form relationships with robots. The researchers observe people interacting with two robots: ERWIN, an emotional robot which doesn’t look human, and Keepon; another robot which looks human but can’t express emotion. From this study they hope to better understand the roles of appearance and emotion in humanandroid bonding. Although ERWIN can display emotions, it is a far cry from actually having feelings- the best that so-called ‘emotional robots’ can do so far is to react to people’s feelings using facial expression recognition.

responsible for the development of the sociable robot named Kismet in 2002, which can display a wide range of emotions based on external stimuli. Breazeal argues that emotive robots can provide more intuitive user interfaces, and could have a place even in task-oriented machines like household appliances. However, a human ability which continues to elude robotics experts is creative thinking. In essence, robots are programmed to have certain responses according to rules or algorithms inherent to their design. Humans differ in this respect because we are able to imagine and create: we can come up with something completely new. For a robot to be creative, it would have to be built in a completely different way, allowing it to adapt and learn. This type of flexible cognition would be a leap towards making robots human. However is a relationship with a robot really something a human needs? Some might argue that robots are most useful as they are currently used; machines designed to perform difficult, dangerous, or monotonous tasks, such as those employed on vehicle production lines. Maybe creativity and emotional capabilities are best left to humans, and our reckless desire to synthesise humanity simply stems from a misplaced scientific curiosity.

China’s expansion spreads to the stars Tim Bodicoat Science Writer The Jade Rabbit, China’s moon rover, has safely bedded down for its second lunar night, but its journey so far has not been without its hiccups. A month ago, the rover was pronounced dead following a malfunction caused by the complexities of the moon’s surface. But after a miraculous reawakening, it emerged on the other side of its first lunar night alive and well. This triumph of China’s ambitious space program is yet another exhibition of the nation’s position on the world stage; while many countries struggle to keep unemployment down, China have got a space probe that can resurrect itself with biblical flair. The lunar crust is rich in helium-3, which could be mined to fuel nuclear fusion reactors, and the moon’s

flickr: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

“ The first nation

to monopolise the

moon will hold great

power over those still

harvesting a dying Earth

surface would be a prime location for a solar farm. China have recognised the moon’s potential for power generation, and the Jade Rabbit’s findings will bring them a small step closer to utilising it. Despite the barriers that exist between these plans and their fruition, it is refreshing to see countries seeking greener solutions to the looming energy crisis, especially in the wake of the UK’s fracking controversy. And however far into the future such lunar exploits seem, they still beg the question: who owns the moon? According to the Moon Agreement, everybody; since the moon is deemed the common heritage of mankind. However, the agreement has not been ratified by the US, Russia, China, or any other nation with a substantial space program, making it essentially pointless. Though even if it wasn’t, it is lack of technology rather than politics that currently holds back lunar development. But that will change. As terrestrial resources are depleted, we will have to look further afield to satisfy our needs. If the moon becomes a rich and economic source of energy, the first nation to monopolise it will hold great power over those still harvesting a dying Earth. This creates the potential for yet more resource-based conflicts that are so ubiquitous in history. Or, these lunar prospects may give the opportunity for humanity to work together towards solving global problems. In the words of H. G. Wells: ‘Our true nationality is mankind.’

Epigram 07.03.2014

Sport

61

Trampolining spring to success

Suzannah McKee

Suzannah McKee Bristol Trampolining Bristol Trampolining had an extremely successful weekend at the BUCS National Championships held in Sheffield. Weeks of training and preparation had been given to this weekend, as it is undoubtedly the highlight of the trampolining calendar. After a tense and very long day of qualification on Saturday, nine of the team of thirty gymnasts came in the top 20% of their categories giving them a pass to Sunday’s finals. Sunday morning saw a lot of nerves, but also held a lot of hope as Bristol had managed to get competitors into nearly all the category finals. Worries were soon forgotten as Alex Wilson for the BUCS 5 novice category

put in two flawless routines to put him in second place and to be awarded the silver medal, whilst Poppy Brewerthe female in this category, came up some very tough competition in such a large category and placed a fantastic 19th out of 205 competitors. Cheered on vigorously by the rest of the team, Sophie Allan, the most experienced competitor, performed a routine of extreme difficulty in the BUCS 2 Elite category which placed her 9th in a very tough and skilled group of gymnasts. The final of the BUCS 4 intermediate group was extremely tough, with very neat and clean gymnasts competing. Bristol had the most competitors in this category with three girls and one boy through to the final, who all pulled beautiful

routines out the bag to finish in great places. Megan Young came 17th, Maud McCutcheon 23rd and Bethan Donnelly 26th out of 180 students, with Simon Hamlin in 10th for the men. Finally in the BUCS 3 Advanced category Kevin Lind came back from a mistake in his set routine to finish his voluntary routine and was scored highly by the judges to pull him up to 9th. For the women, Suzie McKee competed two beautiful routines despite a back injury to give her an 8th place finish. Her results along with Megan Young and Sophie Allan’s great scores, bought Bristol University two BUCS points in the Women’s Team event, which are usually very hard to get in this sport. All in all it was a great weekend for the club and the university.

Bristol’s Pozzi sprints to national title Hetty Knox Sport Editor

“ My ultimate aim for the indoors is to go to the World Indoor Championships and hopefully make the final there.

that Pozzi was not fully fit but would compete. After clearing the first hurdle it became clear that he had not recovered and immediately clutched his hamstring. Clearly this injury was a distant memory as he powered through the field to add this title to his collection again. After the race he said of his victory, ‘I was hoping for a little bit quicker but it was good for now. My aim was definitely to try and win here after winning a couple of years go. But I need to work on technical things. I feel I’ve got more to give right now and I want to iron out some technical problems. My ultimate aim for the indoors is to go to the World Indoor Championships and hopefully make the final there. I’m racing in Prague this week so hopefully I can keep building and keep improving – I definitely feel like I can go faster.’

Erik van Leeuwen

University of Bristol student Andrew Pozzi set a new national record on his way to his second title at the recent BUCS Gatorade Nationals.Competeing in the 60m hurdles, twenty-one year old Pozzi dominated the indoor field to win in a time of 7.57 seconds, just 0.01 seconds shy of his personal best and bettering his own previous record at these championships (7.64 seconds). Pozzi is coached by Malcolm Arnold, the former coach of Olympic silver medalist and two-time World Championship gold medalist Colin Jackson and 400m Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua. In 2011 Pozzi was named ‘Outstanding Athlete of the Year’ at the UK Athletics

Awards and in 2012 was selected to compete for Team GB after winning the British Olympic Trials in June 2012. However, whilst competing at a Diamond League event in Crystal Palace inJuly 2012 he became injured in the final. By the date of his Olympic debut it was reported

Epigram

07.03.2014

62

Editor’s Why are Team GB so good at sliding on Co l u m n trays and ‘rolling walnuts’ across ice?

Online Sports Editor Guy Barlow looks back at the success of the Great British team in the 2014 Sochi George Moxey Winter Olympics, from curling to slopestyle, and assesses if this can continue discusses the rise of some promising young athletes making team were somewhat considered to be the step up to the ‘Big Time’, including outsiders, meaning their achievement golf’s future shining Dominic Parsons, a student at the was all the more delightful. University of Bath, who finished 10th in Following on from Amy Williams’ light his first Olympics. gold in the skeleton four years ago in

Andy Miah

fever gripped a nation that hung on every end which Steve Cram and Jackie Lockhart described on the BBC. Curling could be considered a national sport in Scotland, with plenty of opportunities to get involved in the sport. There are 30 ice rinks in Scotland, with 15 devoted solely to curling. However, there is a dearth of rinks below the border, with one in Tunbridge Wells and another soon to arrive in Sheffield. Participation levels will surely grow after the success in these Olympics in a sport that was invented in Scotland nearly 300 years ago along with the sport’s funding, which before these Games was just over £2 million. Curling organisers have already reported a huge uptake in the number of people signing up for taster sessions, so the future of the sport domestically looks bright following Muirhead and Murdoch’s respective successes. Muirhead’s team were already World Champions coming into the Games, so a medal was expected from her young team, but Murdoch’s

Vancouver, it was her tenant’s turn to slide on her front at speeds of up to 85mph round the Sochi track. Lizzy Yarnold, a former heptathlete who took up the sport in 2008, was one of the many cross-over athletes competing on the ice in Sochi. Amy Williams herself was a former 400 metre runner who made the successful switch, while Lauryn Williams came achingly close to becoming the first ever US athlete to win a gold medal at both a Summer and a Winter Olympics. Great Britain’s taste for medals in the sport started in 2002, when Alex Coomber won bronze, despite having broken her wrist in training ten days before competition started. Shelley Rudman then won silver in 2006. With funding well in excess of £3 million, the highest possible success soon came, with gold medals in the last two games for Williams and Yarnold respectively. There is also hope for the future, with

Finally, Jenny Jones, who grew up in the Bristol area, prompting some hilarious debates as to who should ‘claim’ her as their own between the South Gloucestershire Mayor and Bristol Council, won Britain’s first ever medal on snow. Alain Baxter did ‘win’ bronze in the 2002 slalom in Salt Lake City, but this was rescinded after he failed a drugs test after using an over-the-counter inhaler. It was Britain’s first medal of the Olympics and arguably an unexpected one for the 33 year old, an anomaly in a ‘rad’ sport dominated by teenagers and twenty-somethings ‘ripping the lid’ off some incredibly ‘sick and gnarly’ runs. Overall, Sochi proved to be a successful games for Team GB’s Winter Olympians, and with funding set to be increased across most sports for Pyeongchang 2018, there is much hope that there will be more medal success in four years’ time.

TeamGB

With Britain having the best Winter Olympics in living memory, winning four medals in total, it does beg the question as to why the medals have come in the seemingly obscure sports that only ever grasp the public’s attention every four years. A second consecutive gold in the Skeleton Bobsleigh arrived along with a silver and a bronze in curling, as well as Britain’s first ever medal on snow, courtesy of Bristol’s very own Jenny Jones in the snowboard slopestyle. In fact, Great Britain can even be considered to be the world leader of women’s skeleton, with two golds, a silver and a bronze since its inception in the Winter Olympics twelve years ago. David Attenborough’s spoof commentary on the enthralling sport that is curling, where he referred to the stones as ‘walnuts’, epitomised the way that skips David Murdoch and Eve Muirhead captured the nation’s attention with their success. Clare Balding had everyone bringing their brushes to their workplaces as curling

Formula One 2014 - a time of change? Adam Becket Sports Writer This season’s Formula 1 is looking to be one of the most dramatic for a long time. With Red Bull falling off the pace, the champions of the previous four seasons look vulnerable. Is it finally time for Sebastian Vettel, the über cool quadruple world champion, to give up his crown? Many certainly think so. At long last the title race might be blown open, as opposed to being the procession it has been for the last couple of years as fans wait for the inevitability of the Red Bull car crossing over the finish line first. Whether you’re a Red Bull or Vettel fan or not, one must be

incredibly excited for the prospect of this season. Formula 1 is experiencing one of the most radical changes in its history as the cars are revolutionised. The most changed part of the car is the engine, which is being changed for the first time since 2006. Instead of a 2.4 litre V8, the engine now has to be a 1.6 litre V6 turbo. Up to last year, teams had become experts with their V8 engines, but with these new regulations there will be a lot more competition when it comes to engines. Look forward to lots of reliability issues however, as the teams try to make sense of the new regulations. This has been seen in the tests as regards to the Renault engines, more of which later.

CaterhamF1

It’s that time of the year. No, I don’t mean Epigram’s Anniversary. I’m not even referring to the shadowy corner of deadlines in which I seem entrapped, neither is it my complete disillusionment at what the future holds after a trip to the World Cup in the summer – assuming I make it back. So although it is all those times of the year, it is not that time of the year. Something else, at the start of April, is going to grip audiences around the world. It is, of course, the new series of Game of Thro- joking. I mean the Masters. Starting on 10th April, it’s looking as good as ever. While Tiger Woods was fumbling around in India recently earning some much needed appearance cash after a poor season last year – ahem – others were knuckling down. Rory McIlory was one such person. In between trotting around the world to watch his wife-to-be get knocked out of tennis tournaments, he seems to have found time to get his eye in over the winter. He impressed in the Middle East swing and, as I write, leads the Honda Classic. Will that collapse of two years ago still niggle away? Unlikely, you get the feeling he’s maturing. Jason Day won the WGC Matchplay, which is a big deal. The Aussie has played well at Augusta in recent years and there’s no doubt that compatriot Adam Scott’s win last year would have removed the veil of fear that perhaps comes attached to finishing the job on that famous Augusta back nine come Sunday. Woods, Day, and McIllroy are joint favourites in my eyes – what Day is doing at 18/1 is anyone’s guess – but there’s one name that workers around the country won’t be guffawing at when his name comes out of the hat for their pick in the office’s Masters sweepstake. Jordan Spieth, unbeknownst to bandwagon golf fans, is a pick to cherish. After following in the footsteps of Woods by becoming only the second person in history to win the U.S Junior Amateur twice, Spieth turned professional at just 19 in late 2012 and the success of his junior days continued at an emphatic rate. After impressing in a couple of sponsor invites early in 2013, the Texan quickly established himself as a PGA Tour regular and his win at the John Deere Classic, after making a play-off by holing out from a bunker on the 72nd hole, was a season defining moment. He went on to pick up the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year award and has already notched up three top-10’s from six events in 2014; including knocking defending champ Matt Kuchar out of the WGC Matchplay on his way to 5th place. Talent aside, this will be his first Masters appearance and the famous Georgian set up is notorious for requiring a particular type of player. You could say Spieth will be looking to last year’s 250/1 surprise package Thorbjorn Olesen for inspiration. The 23-year-old Dane shot a final round 68 to finish as top European on his Masters debut (an unfortunate bogey on the last meant bookies avoided paying out for each way bets) – not that I was so foolish to back a relative unknown… Spieth, the most exciting young talent since Woods, will win a major one day. He may even do it before winter comes.

The whole point in reducing the engine size, and the amount of fuel (from 150kg to 100kg) is to make the car effectively greener and more energy efficient.The new engines will rely on a lot of their power to come from Ers, or energy recovery system. The energy recovery system consists of the now familiar Kers and an electric system which is part of the turbo. The Kers system is now a lot more powerful and can last for longer, taking energy from the rear brakes and supplying the engine with a 30 second burst of power every lap, perfect for zooming past someone up the hill at Spa or around someone on Copse Corner at Silverstone. The extension of Kers is an exciting prospect for any F1 fan, as is the electric motor of the turbo, which gets rid of any lag and also stores up the excess heat from it to be used in the engine. A more aesthetic change involves a radical change to the shape of the nose, to bring the cars in line with the new regulations. This is something that has been received poorly as a result of the interesting noses that have been created, best illustrated by the comical one created by Caterham. Furthermore, Bernie Ecclestone in his infinite wisdom has decided that the last race of the season will be worth double points to the winner, in an attempt to make the end of the season and incentivise drivers. Naturally, drivers are infuriated about this which could

potentially make a mockery of their hard work all year. There would be no Lewis Hamilton overtaking Timo Glock on the last corner at Interlagos to finish fifth and thus win the world championship. Massa would have just won and that would have been that. I think it ludicrous to get rid of all the potential tension of the last race of the season; it is no solution to the ‘boring’ Red Bull dominance, it just gives the end of the season the chance to be ridiculous. At the moment, it does not look like this will be Red Bull’s year. Of course it would be ridiculous to write them off, but the first two pre-season tests have gone very poorly indeed. In the first one Red Bull managed just 21 laps over four days, and in the second 116, a third of Mercedes’ and Ferrari’s laps. On top of this, Red Bull’s fastest lap was six and a half seconds behind Mercedes, just showing how far off the pace they are. Mercedes are quietly confident that this might just be their year, with Lewis Hamilton’s slightly annoying claims of “next year” throughout his tribulations last year perhaps paying off. Ferrari are very much in it with the ‘dream team’ (we’ll see) of Alonso and Raikonnen and McLaren look like they might do a lot better than their disastrous season last year. Don’t write off Red Bull, but I’m going to stick my head above the parapet and say this is the year of Mercedes: step forward Lewis Hamilton.

Epigram

07.03.2014

63

The Cheltenham Festival

Epigram provides the lowdown on all the key horses to keep your eye on during the National Hunt Meeting of the year Charlie Atkin Sports Writer

The week that was... Brian Moore @brianmoore666 See Piers Morgan is acting as Pietersen’s fluffer again - another round of tedious vitriol all about one man.

Joanna Rowsell MBE @JoannaRowsell Over the moon to win the Team Pursuit World Title tonight - a battle to the end with Canada!!! Can’t believe I am Individual Pursuit World Champion!!! What an amazing week! Team GB’s excellent start to the year continued courtesy, in no small part, of the efforts of Joanna Rowsell, who first took gold in the Women’s Team Pursuit, and then followed that success up with a breathtaking personal best time of 3.31.46 in the individual competition to blow away the American defending champion, Sarah Hammer.

Danheap77

Is there a more salient and clear-opinioned man than the BBC rugby union pundit Brian Moore? Cutting down the general thoughts on a story that is beginning to drag on significantly is one thing; doing it in such a beautifully scything way is quite another. Maybe it is time to put the KP saga to bed. And don’t get us started on Piers…

In just over a week herds of equine talent will converge on Cheltenham Racecourse, host to the unparalleled National Hunt meeting that is the Cheltenham Festival. One of the few occasions that competition is ensured between the best from Ireland and Britain, punters struggle to choose between the sport’s most enigmatic and gifted contenders. It is where puzzling questions will be answered and daring champions crowned, while bet slips are torn and ogled alike. The highlight of Day One is without doubt the Champion Hurdle. It is quite possible no less than five horses could start shorter than 5/1, with several outsiders still having decent claims. Hurricane Fly is the returning champion and at 10 years old is still improving according to connections. He will have to fend off the strong challenge from second season hurdlers in Our Conor, The New One and My Tent Or Yours. The latter two are Britain’s best hopes, arriving with excellent form and high expectations. Our Conor has been beaten twice by Hurricane Fly this season, despite being a striking winner last year, but his trainer Dessie Hughes is an expert at priming his Festival runners. What may decide this race though is the participation of Annie Power, the Irish super-mare still unbeaten after ten starts. Her true ability is still unknown having never been fully tested but so is her festival target, connections still torn between the Champion and World Hurdle. Don’t rule out Jezki and Un De Sceaux, who are both great each-way prospects in what will be a fascinating contest. Sadly Sprinter Sacre will not return to defend his Champion Chase crown on Wednesday, having been widely acknowledged as the finest chaser of our generation. In his absence Sire De Grugy holds favouritism but also a preference for softer ground. Arvika Liegionniere is a talented horse with a poor record around left-handed tracks

like Cheltenham so Captain Conan could capitalise on the others’ weaknesses. 12year-old Sizing Europe could yet be a surprising but popular winner, having won the race in 2011. Thursday’s feature race is the World Hurdle, the pinnacle of long distance hurdling. Big Buck’s won this race a remarkable four years in a row before missing out through injury last year. His comeback was far from impressive but he is expected to be much better after that pipe opener. Paul Nicholls is mobhanded in the race with four runners, of whom Zarkandar is expected to run a big race on good ground. Again, the participation of Annie Power is crucial. She has shaped like a stayer and is proven over the track, with Zarkandar behind her twice. An easier race than the Champion Hurdle, it would be unsurprising to see her take her chance here and prevent any difficult jockey decisions on the part of Ruby Walsh. The famous colours of JP McManus do however provide AP McCoy with a tough choice between the undefeated More Of That and last year’s Albert Bartlett winner At Fishers Cross. What’s certain is whichever he plumps for will stand a real chance. The zenith of every year’s festival comes in the shape of The Gold Cup, a gruelling test of stamina and jumping that has immortalised some of the

sports greatest. Bobs Worth returns to defend his title, a horse that whatever he lacks in size makes up for in gameness and endurance. His Lexus victory was testament to this and a repeat of that form will be hard to match. Silviniaco Conti fell three fences from home last year when travelling like the winner and his King George victory sets him up perfectly for another crack. Last Instalment is a controversial runner while his trainer is under investigation for steroid abuse, yet ran an enormous race in the Irish Hennessy with First Lieutenant nine lengths behind him. At the larger prices Captain Chris has been exceptional this year, demolishing all put before him when at full fitness. He has an unfortunate proclivity for jumping right, making Cheltenham rather unsuitable as a left-handed track although he has won at the festival before and may just shock those unable to look past the first two in the betting. The championship races are all set to be enthralling contests, as British and Irish trainers alike fight for the lucrative prize money and eternal glory. The many other races at the Festival will be similarly difficult to call but all contribute to the brilliance of the four days that trump Christmas and birthdays combined for racing fans.

Sum_of_Marc

John Jackson @JohnJacksonGB Now the Winter Olympics are over. Which winter sports would you like to try. Could you be an Olympian in 2018? Carine06

Men’s Bobsleigh driver John Jackson poses the question that is on a number of people’s lips following the roaring success of the Winter Olympics. With so many winter sports now available to try across the country, why not give one of them a go? You never know, you might be the next skeleton gold medal winner.

Epigram

07.03.2014

Sport Bristol sets sail to World Championships Editor: Hetty Knox

Editor: Jacob Webster

sport@epigram.org.uk

jacob.webster@epigram.org.uk sportonline@epigram.org.uk

Online Editor: George Moxey

@epigramsport

Inside Sport Previews of the Cheltenham Festival and the new Formula 1 season Pages 54-55

National sprint hurdle title for Bristol student Page 53 Nigel Vick

Keri McNamara Bristol Sailing A crew of Bristol sailors have sailed into the top spot once again to represent Great Britain at the upcoming University World Match Racing Championships in Italy. Helm Nick Wilkinson and crew of Fred Brown, Robbie Hooper and Fergus Barnham claimed best university team at the FISU world selector event held last weekend, making them an easy choice for the selectors. Match racing is a highly

tactical competition where two boats go head to head in round robin matches followed by a final. Each race begins with tense start with the two teams jockeying for the controlling position over the start line. Once the sailing has begun it is the first around a marker and back to claim the race. Tactics are heavily employed to prevent the opposing team from gaining advantage and small wind speed fluctuations are crucial to the race outcome. During a stormy weekend in February, nine teams ventured

out to sail on Queen Mary’s reservoir near London, seven from universities, and two professionals. The competition was made all the more exciting by the presence of four times world champion Ian Williams. The race was blown off on the Saturday, but on Sunday, as the sun started to shine, so did the Bristol team. They beat all other university teams and narrowly missed out on a victory against Mark Lees, the world number 29. RYA match racing chairman, David Campbell-James said ‘It

was fantastic to see a variety of teams present from aspiring match racers of the future to the well-established sailors which made for some fierce competition from all.’ Helm Nick Wilkinson is a member of the University High Performance Squad and is the 2012 under 25 match racing champion. Nick and his crew have been selected as GBR1, meaning they are Great Britain’s best medal hope. After coming fifth in the event in 2012, they have stepped up their training and the team is aiming for

gold in 2014. Wilkinson said ‘given the improved training plans, my new team of Robbie, Fred, Fergus and I are looking forward to the competition and are hoping to regain the title for Great Britain’. The Bristol team will be joined in training by a team from Loughborough and a female team from Southampton, who will compete in the women’s event. They will go up against university teams from 14 countries for the event in Ledro, Italy, in June.

Featuring...

Chris Stokes ‘Original, intelligent, and - above all - damn funny’

10 March 8.00pm • AR2, Anson Rooms, The Richmond Building

-FestBuzz 2009

‘Very smart material’ -Chortle

FREE ENTRY

Success for Team GB in Sochi Page 54 The sporting world according to Twitter Page 55

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.