Epigram 353 by Epigram

Diana on the big screen

Snake bites: a hidden health crisis?

Grin and 'bare' it in this year's RAG calendar

Film & TV review the latest season of The Crown (2020), which has caused divisions between both critics and audiences

Delving into research at the University of Bristol which is seeking to find an antivenom that may save thousands

Rag's Senior Event Secretary spills all the saucy details on Bristol's annual and infamous naked calendar!

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The University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper Fortnightly | 08 December 2020 | Issue 353

Displays of student solidarity at rescheduled anti-Islamophobia protest Filiz Gurer News Editor

group of 70-100 peaceful protestors gathered shortly after 1pm on Sunday 6 December at College Green to take a stand against Islamophobia. The protest was organised by Khadija Meghrawi, Bristol University student and BME Network chair. The event went ahead on Sunday with official permission, having previously been called off due to coro-

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navirus regulations. Protestors met on College Green and heard speeches from six people including protest organiser Khadija and Bristol alumnus and recipient of the Diana Award, Nasru Ayub. The first speech, made by Khadija, professed that ‘the systemic injustice of racism and Islamophobia leads to the normalization of racial hatred and bullying.’ Speaking on the portrayal of Muslims in the media, Khadija said: ‘Time and time again divisive words

about Muslims are plastered across the headlines, we are made to feel vulnerable, marginalised and unaccepted by society. The conflation of Muslims and Islam with violence has become distressingly commonplace, even in the UK.’ Referring to events abroad, Khadija stated that ‘the recent politics in France have taken this to new heights... the isolated actions of a killer were made the responsibility of an entire community.’ More on page three...

EpigramPaper

Harsh ‘invigilation' from SU as petition takes off against January exam strategy Eve Bentley-Hussey Su Correspondent

he Students' Union have responded to The University of Bristol's plan for the January exam period with a petition urging the University to take further action. In a statement made on the SU website, the Bristol SU Officers criticised the University's Planned Policy for Extenuating Circumstances

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for not wholly protecting students. The SU Officers Team did reference the University's initial response to the pandemic, praising the ‘no detriment and safety net policy' and their treatment of A-level students. Whilst the Officers are not asking for a repeat of these policies, they do not think that the new mitigations protect students in the face of the challenges impacting their education. More on page five...

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Editorial

Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor Deputy Digital Editor The Croft Editor

editor@epigram.org.uk

Robin Connolly Teddy Coward Georgiana Scott Siavash Minoukadeh Orin Carlin

Write for Epigram: ‘This hurried migration of students has forced me to reflect on what ‘home' really means' In the most gloriously middleaged, slightly mum-like way, Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea has always been one of my most very favourite Christmas songs. The opening bars give me that spine tingling, toe tapping, Christmassy feel-good sense of joy that only a cheesy, overplayed seasonal jingle can do. Fortunately for me*, it also feels like a tune that has some relation to the on-going mass exodus of students, as many of us leave our respective university cities in the direction of family and loved ones for the winter festivities. This issue of Epigram comes out on 8 December, one day before the highly anticipated student ‘travel window’ closes. In my head, ever since the government announced their plans for getting students home, this has been a moment I have imagined to be rather like a portal closing in a science fiction novel, or perhaps like a port key leaving in one of the Harry Potter films – rushed, stressful and final. The window itself has left a lingering sense of urgency all around campus, as students hang around in queues outside the Anson Rooms for COVID tests and drag suitcases in the direction of Temple Meads, all while study spaces get quieter (and easier to find spaces to book) by the day. Clifton and Redland are becoming eerily peaceful and Stoke Bishop looks more like a ghost town than the first year-central we know it as. This hurried migration of students has forced me to reflect – as if I haven’t already done enough of that this year – on what ‘home’ really means. Through 2020’s series of lockdowns and tier restrictions, I have come to recognise that home to me feels far more like a collective body of people that it does any particular building.

With family members who have gone un-hugged since before spring and friends who I haven’t seen since last year, I have come to appreciate what it means to really ‘miss’ people – whether that be my Bristolian family while in lockdown in Warwickshire in March, or my blood relations while in lockdown in Bristol during November. So, to those of you who will be making trips homeward in the next couple of days, to whatever and whoever ‘home’ may mean to you, – I wish you the safest of journeys and the happiest of arrivals. May I also take the liberty of recommending a spot of Chris Rea for the trip. And… for those of you needing a little entertainment on the way, then look no further! In this particularly festive issue, our Features section explore the history of Bristol’s Christmas steps, Opinion debate whether other religious festivals have been pushed aside by Westminster in favour of Christian traditions and Arts discuss how these short, wintery days can have an effect on our creativity levels. Music round up their favourite albums of the year (a rather eclectic mix I must say) and Sport speak to the RAG committee about this year’s naked calendar, treating us to some *cake* that even those who hate marzipan will enjoy. Finally, from Epigram to you all, may we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year – here’s to a slightly more, dare I say it, normal 2021. *This fortune may not be seen in the same way by my mother, who will be driving me back from Bristol to the shires, her car jammed with all those items that, ‘yes mum, are essential,’ with me on aux, playing Christmas sing-alongs on repeat for the whole ride

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. Printed by: Newsquest Media Group, 4th Floor, Queens House, 55/56 Lincolns Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3LJ

Each section of the newspaper has a Facebook group where editors post commissions. You can also join our Creatives group where we commission artwork, poetry and illustration. For more information email: getinvolved.epigram@ gmail.com

Subeditors Chief Proofreader Marianthi Baklava News Megan Evans Features Flossie Palmer Opinion Joe Marshall Film&TV Layla Nathan Arts Stephanie Kelly Music Lauren Paddison SciTech Sarah Dalton Puzzles ‘Susan Doku' Sport James Dowden Correspondents and Contributers Climate Correspondent Billy Stockwell BAME Correspondent Tia Bahia SU Correspondent Eve Bentley-Hussey Investigations Correspondents Louie Bell, Guy Taylor, Holly Beaumont, Lily Farrant Features Collumnist Fergal Maguire Opinion Collumnist Lowri Lewis Arts Critic Bamidele Madamidola Business Team Managing Director Edward Fraser Deputy Director Maggie Knox Head of Marketing Olivia Tapper Head of Finance Maduka Karunatilaka Head of Ads and Sales Joshua Ang Head of Alumni Anthony Duncalf

Clarifications & Corrections Epigram strives to be as accurate and impartial on student news as possible. However, should you wish to raise any editorial, commercial or legal issues please email editor@epigram.org.uk with the problem, addressed to the Editors-in-Chief. Please be sure to include the issue number and article headline if the article was in print, or the URL if the article was online. We endeavour to correct any inaccuracies as soon as they are raised with us.

News

Editor Filiz Gurer Digital Editor Emilie Robinson Deputy Editor Molly Pipe

Got a story for the newsteam? Email newsteam.epigram@gmail.com

Bristol protestors march in solidarity with Muslims worldwide

Filiz Gurer News Editor

Continued from front page... ormer Bristol student, Nasru Ayub, spoke passionately about the particular experience of Black Muslims and called upon all people to ‘be sure to be inclusive towards Muslims around you’, also saying how ‘it is time for us to step up and help eradicate Islamophobia.’ Also speaking at the protest was Said Burale, the Vice-Chair of the Bristol Somali Community Forum, who said: ‘there is a lot of institutionalized racism in Bristol... we always discuss the Islamophobia issue

in Bristol.’ Following speeches, the demonstrators marched from College Green to Castle Park, carrying placards and chanting expressions of solidarity with Muslims, such as: ‘March for Muslims’, ‘No to Islamophobia’, ‘Stand for Muslims’, ‘Emmanuel Macron shame on you’, ‘Free Speech is not hate speech’. As they marched, protestors called out the name of Shukri Abdi, the child refugee who drowned in an incident in Bury in 2019. Two days ago, the inquest into her death reached a finding of accidental death which has caused controversy. Describing Shukri Abdi’s case as a ‘complete injustice’, Khadija Meghrawi said Shukri was ‘notgiven justice in her life and now not given justice after her death... we cannot forgive and move on until her and her family have the justice they deserve.’ Addressing the crowd at Castle Park, Khadija spoke again saying that ‘if you stand for Muslims, youmust stand for Muslims everywhere’, before inviting forward members from the protest who wished to speak. Speaking to Epigram after the protest, Khadija reflected on the its hav-

ing to be cancelled last month due to government regulations and said: ‘I still believe it was important to hold even during lockdown, because schools were open, universities were open, this should have been an emergency exception too, but the legislation gotchanged by Priti Patel last minute where I would have been fined £10,000 if I had done so...I couldn’t afford that. But in a way it was like “okay, fine”, we are going to keep the momentum up and we will hold this as soon as we are able to, because it is an emergency and it’s urgent. ‘And by doing it immediately the Sunday post-lockdown,that is the point to highlight it. ‘What I wanted to do with this protest was to make obvious Muslimness and Islamic teachings really present because our religion has so much to be proud of, and we need to feel empowered to talk about that more. ‘And it’s okay, it’s our right in society,just as it is with everyone else. We want to exist and celebrate with everyone - Muslim, non-Muslim. ‘But at the moment we’re not able to do that freely. We’re just being oppressed and marginalised at every stage, and it’s just heart-breaking.'

Epigram / Filiz Gurer

• Speakers addressed the crowd on College Green before impassioned protestors marched through the city centre. • The protest was organised by Bristol University student Khadija Meghrawi

• The students at the Hawthorns Halls of Residence were left unable to use their kitchen as a result of the incident Guy Taylor Investigations Editor

leak has caused the roof of The Hawthorns to collapse inside a kitchen used by several first year students. Some expressed concern over the standard of the accommodation in general, claiming that the issue had continued ‘for weeks.’ According to Bristol Live, one

resident said that ‘the flat has been flooded regularly and we’ve only been living here for about nine to ten weeks.’ The resident also raised concerns about the location of the leak which was above one of the cookers. The incident has caused a backlash from Rent Strike Bristol, a campaign group at the University, who instantly demanded a rent reduction. In a Twitter post, the group attacked the University, asking ‘Is this really the accommodation we’re paying full price for?’ They continued: ‘The roof collapsed in this kitchen and now students can’t use it and Bristol Uni expects students to just accept the crap conditions they’re put in.’

Image taken from video via Rent Strike Bristol on Twitter

Roof collapses inside Hawthorns student accommodation kitchen A Snapchat video showed part of the roof missing, with the debris landing on the cooker below. In response to the collapse, a spokesperson from Bristol University said: ‘The leak was caused by a blocked sink in the flat above. This has been fixed and repaired. ‘To avoid any more disruption to the students in the affected flat below – because it is so close to the end of term – the repairs to the ceiling will be done after the students have left for the holidays.’ Teaching is currently scheduled to go online between December 3 and 9, due to the Governments directive, In light of this, a ten-day rent rebate will be offered for students living in University accommodation.

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epigram 08.12.2020

Another day, another U-turn - Hiatt Baker blanket fine overhauled • The controversial fine was to affect all students in the Halls' C block • The University insists that more must be done to stop restiction breaches Molly Pipe

Epigram / Lucy O'Neill

Deputy News Editor

blanket fine for all residents of Hiatt Baker C block will not go ahead, the University confirmed last week. The measure had been imposed in response to a series of lockdown breaches at the Halls block. The most serious of which, on 21 November, involved 150-200 people and resulted in a staff member being assaulted. Fights were also reported to have broken out. All students living in C block were to be subject to the fine, unless those connected with the event came forward or were identified. The fine for attendees was set at £100, whilst the organisers and promoters were to pay £250. However, no individuals claimed responsibility. The University’s decision to re-

voke the policy followed virtual meetings with Hiatt Baker residents, which were attended by Residential Life, security and senior management staff. Whilst students expressed concern about lockdown breaches, many had criticised the approach to impose a blanket fine to all C block residents. Instead, an increased presence from security staff and the police was agreed upon for the following weekend. However, the University have stressed that restriction breaches are

an ongoing issue at Halls, at Hiatt Baker and Badock in particular, and warned that new measures may need to be imposed to limit them. Controversy surrounded the blanket fine from the moment it was announced in the days following the major lockdown breach. Bristol, Cut the Rent, who have successfully campaigned for a 30% reduction in accommodation fees across a seven week period, condemned it as ‘highly distressing’. The group wrote on Twitter that it ‘threatens financial punishment

time low. We hope that the Uni will withdraw this threat and issue an apology to all affected.’ A trainee solicitor described the move on Twitter as ‘completely irrational and procedurally unfair. What's the point of a route of appeal if you can be fined for following the rules?’ A University spokesperson said that the educational institution ‘felt it needed to take appropriate action, especially as concerns and complaints have been received from students and their families about such behaviour. Some students explained that they were not feeling safe in their own homes, which is just not acceptable. ‘Appropriate disciplinary action

No individuals have claimed responsibility against students who may not have done anything wrong,' which ‘goes completely against what management told us they could hand out fines for, so they've lied to us and not been transparent about punitive action. ‘The encouragement for students to essentially ‘rat' each other out is disgusting at a time when students’ collective mental health is at an all-

has been taken against the student who assaulted the member of staff, but as the disciplinary process is confidential we are unable to share any further detail.’ The overhaul of the blanket fine is the second U-turn the University have made in recent weeks, following the reversal of its decision to use bursary money to offset outstanding payments from rent strikers.

‘This is not enough': 30 per cent rent rebate fails to appease Rent Strike Bristol • Plans for a January rent strike go ahead despite University announcing a seven-week 30 per cent rent rebate from 19 December Emilie Robinson Digital News Editor

lthough claiming victory for the 25 day rent rebate and the additional support for students on bursaries, care leavers and estranged students, the rent strke campaign shows no sign of easing. On 3 December the University emailed students stating that hall residents will receive ‘the 100 per cent rent rebate previously con-

firmed for the 10 days leading to the end of term (up to and including Friday 18 December). ‘Plus, a further 30 per cent rent rebate from 19 December until the end of the Government proposed staggered return period in early February; a total of 7 weeks.’ Responding to the news on Twitter, Rent Strike Bristol said, ‘This rebate only covers the time students aren’t in Bristol anyway. ‘It’s the bare minimum they think they can get away with. We’re gonna [sic] keep striking in January and show them the bare minimum isn’t enough.’ Demands including calls for a full 30 per cent rent reduction for the whole academic year and no-penalty contract releases still stand. Bristol, Cut the Rent have pointed out, ‘Whilst the University use the language 30 per cent reduction, this is strategically done to seem as if they are meeting our demand for

a 30% rent reduction for the whole year.’ Already, the student coalition have secured a 100% ten day rent rebate for the end of term and an individual case-by-case policy for considering contract releases. In a Facebook post Bristol, Cut the Rent reminded students ‘that when we come together, we can win big for students.’

ment’s travel window on 7 February. For this rebate to be meaningful, the University should be giving us 100% rebate until the end of this period as large amounts of students will not have access to their halls.’ Bristol SU continue to stand in solidarity with the rent strikers, stating ‘we still think there’s more the university can do, and we’ll be continuing to work closely with them

Cut the Rent reminded students ‘that when we come together, we can win big for students’ A further extension of the rent rebate, beyond the Government’s proposed staggered return period at the beginning of February, has also been called for by the group. ‘Some students will be away from halls until the end of the Govern-

and the rent strikers to make sure that students are getting the best deal.’ Robert Kerse, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Bristol said: ‘We believe we have gone above and beyond to provide support to stu-

dents during this stressful and challenging period. ‘We do not make a profit from student rent and all accommodation fees are used for operating, maintaining, and improving the residences. This includes 24/7 pastoral support. ‘The overall package of support for students in halls up to the start of next term alone will total over 6.5 million, including rent rebates, the provision of free food boxes to self-isolating students, cleaning supplies and laundry services. ‘We have consistently done right by our students, acting reasonably and providing rental rebates when education has been moved wholly online as part of the government’s efforts to tackle the spread of Covid-19. ‘This continues to be our policy and we will continue to keep lines of communication open with the rent strikers and the Students’ Union.’

News 5

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Bristol SU launches petition demanding University introduce further mitigations for January exams

• The Students' Union have responded to University plans for the January exam period with a petition urging the University to take further action Eve Bentley-Hussey SU Correspondent

Continued from front page... nstead, the Officer Team propose their own mitigations, which include: • Ensure that those who have three or more 7-day exams in a week can automatically apply for extensions on one or all of them. • The same allowances for ECs as in the summer assessment period, which stated there was no need to provide evidence if you did not have any. • As with last year, students should not be required to submit evidence to defer their exams.

• Mitigations should be put in place and publicised for the loss of Alternative Exam Arrangements for disabled students, with extensions being offered to students who want them. On 2 December, the SU Officers launched the petition to lobby the University to consider these changes which they are demanding. Bristol SU’s petition has 582 signatories at time of publishing. The statement and demands set out by the SU came in response to the email sent to all students by Bristol University on 1 December, which explained the changes made to aid students during the exam period. The changes, which the University ‘hope will support’ students, include giving students fewer exams than normal, with nearly all exams this year set to be online.In the university-wide email, Tansy Jessop, The University of Bristol’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, acknowledged that TB1 has been ‘a challenging term’, and urged students seeking support to reach out to the University's Student Wellbeing Service. ‘Notably, there are far fewer exams than normal,’ Professor Jessop

added, ‘and in nearly all cases exams will be online. Some students may have open-book assessments over seven-day time slots, others will be doing more coursework than exams or timed assessments.’ Students have also been asked to visit the extenuating circumstances webpage for further information. In response to the SU’s specific demands, the University have said their approach ‘has been to provide fair and compassionate mitigations for students whose assessment in January has been affected by COVID-19’ and have said their ‘agreed mitigations are not dissimilar to the requests being made by the Students’ Union, balancing fairness, compassion and academic rigour, as outlined in our responses to each of the SU demands.’ The University have also explained the following: • COVID has been explicitly added to the Extenuating Circumstances policy in 20/21. This means that a student can present Extenuating Circumstances (ECs), without evidence if necessary, explaining the impact of any circumstances. This will avoid students taking

multiple resits unnecessarily instead they will be able to focus on preparing for their end of year examinations and assessments. • As with the summer assessment period, whereby there was no need to provide evidence for Extenuating Circumstances if a student did not have any, so too will students not have to provide evidence for the upcoming assessment period, with the University stating ‘we recognise that it is not always available’. • No student has more than three timed assessments (including exams) in any seven-day period. The University have said more than three to ensure that as many students as possible start TB2 without additional TB1 work. If a student’s timetable shows that they have more than three, they should tell their school office, who will make alternative arrangements for them, allowing extra time for one or more of the seven-day timed assessments. • No Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) for students with a disability have been lost, with exams still setting out the AEA time available.

• Seven-day assessments will also guide students as to how much time should be spent onthem. All students with AEAs will have time added to that. There are no extensions for seven-day papers as they count as exams; but these can be deferred, and Extenuating Circumstances submitted if a student encounters problems. • Finally, answering calls for students not to be required to submit evidence to defer their exams, the University have stated ‘it is already the case that students taking exams at Bristol are able to self-certificate which effectively defers their exams without medical evidence.’ On the situation as a whole, the University have said: ‘We can unequivocally reassure students that we will take into account individual circumstances and the impacts of COVID-19, while also operating our assessments in a way which enables students to complete this year’s studies on time.’ The assessment period will run from 18 to 29 January and the University will publish its exam timetables on 15 December.

£800 Brexit fee for first year EU students not in Britain by January • Many students may be unable to relocate due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, critics warn • EEA nationals already residing in the UK will not incur these charges Guy Taylor

Investigations Editor Epigram / Tom Taylor

irst year EU students at Bristol could incur costs of over £800 if they are not in Britain by 31 December, despite many being unable to relocate due to the pandemic. EU students at UK universities who arrive after the transition period will not qualify for pre-settled status, the Home Office has said. Bristol University have stated:

‘EU, EEA and Swiss students coming to live in the UK on or after 1 January 2021 for more than 6 months will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before arrival.’

This could result in some first year EU students having to pay £348 in visa application fees and £470 per year for health charges as part of the Immigrant Health Surcharge (IHS).

EEA nationals already residing in the UK will not incur these charges. However, they will still need to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Critics have said that the corona-

virus pandemic has made it impossible for some overseas students to relocate to Britain in time. Speaking to The Guardian, Luke Piper, Head of Policy at campaign group the3million, said: ‘These students have not been able to come to the UK, through no fault of their own. We should be able to make an exception for this cohort.’ This news follows the revelation that staff hired by UoB after the transition period will be responsible for covering the Immigration Health Surcharge, amounting to £624. Concerns have been raised that these costs could dissuade EU students and staff from applying to Bristol, lessening its status as a ‘truly international University’. This comes amidst growing uncertainty over how the end of the transition period will conclude. On top of increasing costs on individuals, programmes such as the Erasmus+, which provides grants for students to study and work in Europe, may be at risk.

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Five Bristol student groups nominated for Bright Network Society of the Year T

•

The award celebrates societies that create opportunities and support within the student community

Eve Bentley-Hussey

Courtesy of UBWRFC

SU Correspondent

he Bright Network has nominated five different Bristol University student groups for their Society of the Year Awards. The groups nominated are Chaos Bristol Physics, FUZE Bristol, the 93% Club, Bristol Men's Hockey and Bristol Women's Rugby. Chaos Bristol Physics Society has been nominated for the Community Outreach award. This is for the society that has ‘given the most back to the university and wider community, whether through charity work, volunteering or offering support.' FUZE Bristol has been nominated for the Diversity and Inclusion Award. This is for promoting inclusion at the university and supporting members to get ahead and discover future opportunities. The 93% Club has been nominated for the Impact on Campus Award. This award is for using new technology and modern thinking to support the campus community. Posting about their nomination online the 93% Club said: ‘We have been working really hard to deliver great events... winning this award would allow us to do more important projects- introducing a national bursary, developing our podcast and commissioning large-scale research into state-educated experiences.' Lastly, Bristol Men's Hockey and Bristol Women's Rugby has been

nominated for the Sports and Wellbeing Award. This is earned by raising awareness for wellbeing or encouraging greater participation in physical activity. 40 other societies from different Universities are nominated across 10 categories. The Bright Network is a careers network, providing young people with opportunities and advice on entering the workplace. The platform said: ‘The Society of the Year Awards are a celebration of the tireless effort made by societies across the UK, building networks and creating opportunities to support their university community and beyond.' ‘After hundreds of applications, we've whittled down the field to our finalists for each of the ten award categories. Now the power is in your hands - it's time to cast your vote and decide who wins.' Voting allows for one vote in each of the 10 categories, with voting open until 10th December. The award ceremony will be held on Wednesday 20 January 2021 and will take place virtually. The winning society from each of the 10 society categories willl receive £900 to support plans to ‘take the society to the next level.' The overall winner of the whole competition will get a further £1,000 on top.

Legal fund for refugee and asylum-seeker heritage students supports its first Sanctuary

Megan Evans News Subeditor

he Sanctuary Scholarship provides students from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds with the average cost of living for a student in Bristol, roughly £14,500 per year. However, this can disqualify them from applying for legal aid. The fund therefore aims to pay for any legal costs these students may face in order to help them complete

their studies. Students in the past have faced Study Bans from the Home Office or incurred significant fees for ongoing asylum claims. Some have had to drop out, take loans, or crowdfund

The stress of not being able to pay towards the legal fees caused anxiety just before I started my course. ‘The Legal Fund helped me to finance these fees which has been such a relief. I had no one to help me with

‘The Legal Fund helped me to finance these fees which has been such a relief' in order to cover their legal costs. The fund received its first application last month, from a student who needed financial support in resubmitting an asylum claim. The Sanctuary Scholar was facing up to £10,000 in legal costs, so the support was crucial in ensuring they could complete their studies at Bristol. The unnamed student commented, ‘I am not eligible to get Legal Aid.

this matter. I am much obliged to all the donors. Thank you so much.’ The £25,000 fund was set up in partnership with Bristol SU’s Amnesty International and Student Action for Refugees (STAR), and the Bristol Students’ Union. It supports Sanctuary Scholars who don’t qualify for legal aid, for any costs which may impede the completion of their studies.

Bristol Students' Union

• The fund will support Sanctuary Scholars at the University of Bristol with legal costs • It received its first application from a student last month

News 7

epigram 08.12.2020

Student Council votes to lobby for reduced fees at latest virtual meeting • The first Student Council session of the year was held virtually • The most recent Student Council meeting voted to lobby for tuition fee reduction and online tuition in the event of another lockdown Eve Bentley-Hussey SU Correspondent

he most recent Student Council meeting voted to lobby for tuition fee reduction and online tuition in the event of a lockdown. At the digital Student Council meeting on 26 November, SU Officers Jason Palmer and David Ion proposed the motion mandating the lobbying for fee reductions by the Students' Union.

tal health, educational experience and to justify the large financial investment of undertaking a degree.’

The SU will lobby the University to reduce fees for international students Jason Palmer, the Students' Union Equality, Liberation and Access Officer, said that the SU will take the position that on-campus teaching should be scrapped but fee amendments should be made in accordance. Now the motion has been passed, the SU will lobby the University to reduce fees for international students and join national lobbying of the Government to reduce tuition fees for home students. The motion was amended, with the Student Council participating in two separate votes: voting for or against

Jason Palmer and David Ion: motion mandating the lobbying for fee reductions by the SU The second part of the motion proposed that the SU should adopt a position that, in the event of a lockdown, on-campus teaching should be replaced with a digital alternative where possible. The final part of the motion proposed that whenever there is a significant change to local or national regulations the SU should consult with Networks, Course and Faculty Reps and the University's wider student body. In the motion background, the Students' Union Officers defended the SU statement, made 2 November, requesting all teaching be put online. They explain: ‘Bristol SU sought expert advice on how in-person teaching increased the spread of Covid. The outcome of a meeting with epidemiologist Caroline Relton was that, although the risk of spread in the classroom is very small, the movement of large numbers of students to and from campus would likely lead to increased cases. The Government’s Scientific Advisory Group has been advising that in-person teaching should move online where possible since September.’ The SU officers also recognised the backlash to their position: ‘This statement was controversial for many students for whom in-person teaching is important for their men-

is a document of SU policy which society reps, Presidents, sports club captains and other designated mem-

the SU to lobby for fee reductions and then voting for or against the SU stance against on-campus teaching. Members of the Student Council raised concerns over the impact of scrapping on-campus teaching on first year students’ mental health. Ryan Barrett, first year course rep for history joint honours, spoke of how a lot of first year students felt isolated and a complete move to online teaching would worsen this. Harry Manocha, another first-year history course rep, called on the Students' Union for the improving of the asynchronous comparative experience. David Ion, Undergraduate Education Officer, clarified that the Students' Union wanted to replace on-campus teaching with synchronous teaching via Zoom or blackboard collaborate. During the meeting, officers also answered questions from Student Council members. Shamar Gunning and Anna Vause, Chair of the Women’s Network and Feminist Society respectively, proposed another motion called ‘A Better Culture of Consent at Bristol SU.’ This will introduce mandatory consent training for all society Presidents/Club Captains or designated committee members when they begin their role and ensure that there

bers of societies can consult when students bring issues of wellbeing regarding consent. The fourth motion passed at Student Council was on the subject of content notes. The motion, proposed by Tiegan Bingham-Roberts and Ellie Spenceley, was to this effect: ‘Make content notes compulsory on sensitive learning materials across the University.’

Whilst some departments already practice this policy, the motion aims to centralise it to ‘stop students being ambushed by sensitive learning materials.’ All motions and amendments were passed.

Breakdown of votes for Motions at Student Council:

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epigram 08.12.2020

News in Brief

Musicians on their bikes: Save Our Scene demonstration comes to Bristol

Blasting the music from the DJ booth to accompany the demonstrators were the producers and DJ’s GotSome and Pablo Bravas. The Save Our Scene campaign was founded by George Fleming, who started the movement ‘to bring music lovers and professionals together to show the Government how important it is to protect the arts.’ Fleming started protesting because, ‘As instructed by the Government, the music industry is getting on their bike... we will be protesting until we see change, we cannot stop and must stand strong for what we believe in.’ In September, a report by the Musicians’ Union revealed that a third of musicians were considering leaving the music industry due to the financial difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Epigram / Filiz Gurer

emonstrators took to the streets of Bristol on their bikes on 3 December in a display of solidarity with struggling musicians. The group of campaigners congregated on Clifton Down before setting off shortly after 7pm on their campaign cycle through Bristol. With the aim of ‘raising awareness for the music industry,’ attendees of the protest cycled from the Downs to St Andrew’s Square in Bristol. The demonstration was organised by Save Our Scene, a campaign that fundraises for Help Musicians, a charity providing support and opportunities for many in the music industry. Escorting the demonstrators through the city and leading the convoy was a Land Rover with a live DJ set.

Filiz Gurer and Eve Bentley-Hussey

Speaking on the cycle demonstration in Bristol, Fleming said: ‘The first protest in London was so successful back in October... we’re confident that it’s only going to get bigger.

Darth Vader figurine appears on former Colston plinth

Epigram / Robin Connolly

Robin Connolly

n 2 December a Darth Vader figure appeared on top of the plinth which once supported a statue of the 17th Century slave trader, Edward Colston. The figurine was believed to be a tribute to the Bristolian actor, David Prowse, who died on 29 November at the age of 85 and was most famous for playing the character of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy. There was not any light shed on who was responsible for the arrival of the Darth Vader statuette, although it has been suggested that it was positioned on the plinth during the night. Since the fall of the Edward Colston statue in June this year, there has been a history of spontaneous art instalments on and around the plinth, including a figure of Jen Reid, a Black Lives Matter protestor and one of a mystery man in a dustbin. The Darth Vader Figure disappeared from the plinth on 3 December without any explanation as to whether it had been removed by the Council. So far, no plan has been made to officially replace the statue of Colston, although an augmented reality project by the People’s Platform has been set up to invite ideas from the public.

‘I’m excited to take the campaign to Bristol. The city is one of the most musically eclectic in the country. If you love music and have not been to Bristol before, now is your chance!’ The Bristol protest was the sec-

ond of two organised this month by Save Our Scene. The campaign’s first protest of this month took place in London on 2 December, where demonstrators on bikes cycled from Hyde Park to Parliament Square.

University of Bristol received almost £1m in fossil fuel funding over last five years

he University of Bristol has received nearly £1m (£845,234) in funding from the coal, oil and gas sector over the last five years, according to data obtained via freedom of information (FOI) requests by The Independent. Bristol was listed alongside 23 other Russel Group universities due to its financial support from the fossil fuel sector. Dr Ed Atkins, Lecturer at the School of Geographical Sciences, said: ‘It is disappointing that a uni-

Billy Stockwell

versity that prioritises the climate emergency in both teaching and research would see money from these polluting companies as a reasonable source of income in the 21st century.' The University did not provide information on the funding they had received from the entire fossil fuel sector as this was deemed ‘too difficult.’ Instead, Bristol and other recipients gave information on money received from the largest 50 coal, oil and gas companies.

Bristol lead new study into perceptions surrounding COVID-19, vaccines and lockdown compliance Edward Deacon

new study led by Dr Siobhan McAndrew from Bristol University will investigate the public’s trust and perceptions of matters relating to COVID-19 such as vaccines, to inform ‘world-class information campaigns resilient to misinformation.’ Dr McAndrew will work alongside researchers from King’s College London, who will investigate whether public trust and perceptions are stable over time by considering data gathered from surveys over the course of the pandemic. Dr McAndrew from the School of Sociology, Politics and International Relations noted that: ‘With the rise

of social media, it is easier than ever before to discover new knowledge and to exchange views and beliefs with others. We are therefore investigating how beliefs matter for health behaviours - and whether and how misperceptions might be a risk to public health.’ The researchers will also assess whether endorsements of Covid vaccine conspiracies undermines trust and compliance in public health guidance. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) are responsible for funding this research project as part of the UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19.

Features Twitter: @EpigramFeatures

Editor Jack Charters Digital Editor Noa Blane Damelin Deputy Editor Freddie Grover

Epigram / Jack Charters

How does current University-student interaction compare to that of 20 years ago?

the internet’s ability has removed build a close rapport. the higher-education institute’s near Regardless of the desired intenmonopoly on knowledge and contions, the student body shared that tent. the effectiveness The detachment of a ‘personal There is good reason to between student tutor’ is inconbelieve that students are sistent between and university is better equipped than ever departments and projected to grow even further with for independent learning academics. Despite technological admost learning bevancements. The ability to carry out ing carried out as independent study, the marking of assessments through support is necessary for a student’s online systems has proven to be more academic progression, as well as for efficient for the university, meaning their wellbeing. a greater volume of students can be Like the world, institutes and the enrolled – thus deepening the divide. systems within it are ever-changing. Considering mental health has While the relationship between the recently become a recognised issue universities and their students seem in society, it is a growing need for detached, the institutions will always universities to provide the neceshave their own trademarked ‘universary support; personal tutors need to sity experience’ where students can speak properly with their students to live a life of semi-independence.

Epigram / Jack Charters

Currently, universities are more on track’. accessible than ever before. The Some academics mentioned that dramatic increase in the number of students are being ‘prepared for life students attending university has outside academia’ with the transition been enabled with of in-person to onthe development line teaching. The Department of and expansion of There is a growEducation showed that Third Year, Chemistry the institutions. ing influx of re50.2 per cent of people ith the educational Around a third of corded lectures went to University in whilst attendance landscape continuously current universi2017-18 evolving, the relationties in the Uk had has been declining ship between the institute and the not been founded over many years. student is drastically different from until twenty years ago, and a further While it is not a one-size-fits-all sithow it was thirty years ago. It has third twenty years before that. uation, students can excel with onbeen described as a shift from a perThe percentage of unconditional line teaching, allowing individuals sonal and meaningful education to a offers have increased; what was a to work at their own pace. Bearing commercialised and impersonal prorare achievement now guarantees in mind that most learning occurs duction of graduates. the university £9250 annually per during independent study, it's reaIn 1999, the Prime Minister, Tony student. sonable to believe students are better Blair, set a target to send 50 per cent These large institutions invest a equipped now more than ever. of young people to university. While great sum into marketing campaigns The student-university relationthat pledge has recently been reto attract as many potential stuship has tended to drift apart, and neged on by the current Education dents possible. This commercialised Secretary, official figures published approach has led to accusations of in 2019 from the Department for style over substance as universities Education show try to maintain an that 50.2 per cent Significant social change image. of individuals pro- over the decades had added With fewer congressed into higher tact hours and additional pressure to education in the larger class sizes, students and young people it’s easy to feel academic year of 2017-18. that you’re lost in The significant social change over the system - this was not necessarily the decades has added additional the case many years ago. In the past, pressure to young people. In 1980, students received regular tutorials in only 15 per cent of people aged 18smaller classes sizes and around the 21 went to university - traditionally same contact hours throughout their an elite form of higher education. studies. University was considered a privIn the late-80s, senior lecturers or ilege rather than as an in-built soprofessors would have regular tutocietal expectation for someone to rials with only a couple of students obtain a degree. to ‘ensure they were up to speed and

Are universities more detached than in the time of our predecessors? Farhan Khawaja

10 Features

epigram 08.12.2020

Features Columnist

first saw Mya-Rose Craig at Craig. She is the world’s top teen been so slow to act. ‘I’m going to the ‘Youth Strike 4 Climate' birder, becoming the youngest sound very cynical,’ she says. ‘First march in Bristol back in person to ever see 5,369 birds, half of all, climate change is a really February, where - at the age of 17 the world’s species, and has been unpleasant reality for a lot of people. - she spoke before Greta Thunberg ‘birding’ across the globe her whole And one that doesn’t feel very real, to an audience of more than 20,000 life. because it is so intangible. It’s very people. The atmosphere was electric; ‘I wasn’t seeing anyone that easy to put it to the back of your it felt alive. A low hum of excitement wasn’t white. As I got older, I realised mind, or even not believe at all.’ permeated everyone as we listened it was a really big issue. The people ‘Secondly, I think that some to the young speakers make history involved in the climate change issue governments aren’t very in front of us. It was clear the Youth weren’t diverse either.’ motivated to do anything about Strikes were going nowhere anytime ‘It’s more important now than ever, environmental issues, partially soon; in fact, the movement had the that whilst we are trying to build because environmentalism has been fervour of one that was just getting back a greener planet, and deal with overly politicised. It’s seen as a left started. issues like climate issue only, when in reality it’s just 'A lot of campaigning ‘It’s more change and an issue full stop. There has been a has made people feel like biodiversity loss, lot of effort put into making people important now than ever, that they have to solve climate that everyone feel like they have to solve climate whilst we are is involved, and change singlehandedly and that it’s change singlehandedly' trying to build everyone’s voices make or break if they cycle to school back a greener planet, and deal are being heard.’ that day, for instance. When actually with issues like climate change and I spoke to Dr Richard Pancost, it's these massive corporations that biodiversity loss, that everyone is ex-director of the cutting-edge are causing over 70% of climate involved, and everyone’s voices are Cabot Institute in Bristol, and Head change, and I think that getting being heard.’ of School of Earth Sciences at them to change when they have But the message offered by MyaBristol University on this point. He zero motivation to do so is going Rose Craig and Greta Thunberg was said, ‘solving a to be the biggest In the West, it is hard to challenge.’ also bleak. It was a message that for challenge such many was a harsh realisation of our as air pollution see the day-to-day impact She tells me situation. The world they see is a requires an how she went of climate change dark one. appreciation of to the Arctic in I spoke with Mya-Rose Craig to its health and scientific aspects but September. ‘The trip was for scientific explore why she is leading some of also an understanding of its social, research about the sea ice minimum the most important environmental class and often racial dimensions. that was happening during that and diverse projects of our time. Every challenge - and every solution period [the day in a given year when Having been awarded an Honorary - sits in a complex social and natural Arctic sea ice reaches its smallest degree of Doctor of Science earlier system, and failure to consider that extent]. It’s what they use to tell how this year at just 17, been listed on BBC can create new problems for every much climate change is affecting its Radio 4’s Women’s Hour Power list problem solved.’ size. It was the second lowest ever, of 2020 and founded Black2Nature Mya-Rose's mother is a Bengali following the pattern in which they - an organisation that engages the Muslim with family from the Sylhet are getting smaller and smaller and under-represented VME (Visible Division of Bangladesh. How has smaller.’ Minority Ethnic) communities with having family from Bangladesh I wonder what it says about the nature, for whom she is the president impacted her, I wondered? climate change movement that it’s – Mya-Rose has already achieved ‘Going to Bangladesh has had taken young people like Mya-Rose international acclaim. a big influence on me in terms of Craig and Greta Thunberg to become So, what has your latest project my climate change activism. Being its voice. How powerful do you think been? I ask. She mentions how her from the West, it’s hard to see the the youth-led climate movement is? organisation, Black2Nature has just day-to-day issues of climate change. I ask. ‘I don’t think people remember been granted charity status, meaning Whereas in Bangladesh, they are how the climate change movement when she goes to university in being affected by it every day. It was pre-Greta', she replies. It September, the project can gain makes it a very tangible issue; it certainly feels like what used to funding to become sustainable. makes it a lot more real because I be a stagnant movement, has now This organisation, I soon realised, know people that are dealing with it been revitalised and transformed is perhaps the key to understanding right now.’ completely by the very people to the motivations behind Mya-Rose I ask why she thinks the world has whom it matters most: young people.

concept of a pregnancy test. Results should reach students by email or text message within two to three sizeable student body hours. The lateral flow tests were in time for Christmas? first trialled in Liverpool, with results Zoe Glascow available within 15-30 minutes, thus First Year, Politics & International giving hope for Bristol’s testing Relations programme. The tests are voluntary but advised leases ring through the by the University. A gap of three nation for a ‘normal’ days is recommended between the Christmas amid a crippling two lateral flow tests for the most pandemic. Students fear not being accurate results. The travel window able to reunite with their families, home for all university students and Boris’ 5-day Christmas is 3-9 December. Upon receiving a allowance in our strange 2020 has second negative test result, students been hailed as a luxury amid this are recommended to travel home ongoing crisis. University life, for ‘immediately’ within 24 hours. This freshers especially, hasn’t been at all is designed to minimise the chance how we hoped, with Boris' speeches of post-testing contraction and ruining Halloween, wearing further infection. suffocating masks and visors as A statement from the University part of lifesaving ‘new normals’, gave instructions for what to do and horrendously awkward Zoom with a positive test result: ‘If you breakout rooms. receive a positive result to one of Up and down the country, we’re the Lateral Flow tests, you should eagerly anticipating Christmas. The self-isolate and book a standard tree, the lights, the family walks before PCR coronavirus test to confirm the lunch, our own weird and wonderful result of the Lateral Flow test.' festive traditions, and listening If you receive a positive result to the Queen regally praise the to the PCR test nation’s efforts in what has been We all want to see family then you must self-isolate for 10 undoubtedly in what has been one of days. Provided one of the worst years in modern the worst years in modern you have taken British history your tests by 9 British history. December, even Bristol has had if you have had a positive result, a rough time too – especially The you should be able to complete your Courtrooms, whose residents deserve self-isolation and still travel home more pigs in blankets and roast for the winter break. If the PCR test parsnips than anybody. Still, the result is negative, you can travel University promises secure plans home immediately. to get us home to our families for For the purposes of the travel hopefully a very merry Christmas. window, teaching will be moved But how exactly will travelling home online for the rest of term, and a this Christmas happen? ‘blended learning' approach is likely You can now book two Lateral to continue from January, although Flow Antigen COVID Tests with the this is awaiting confirmation. University. These are tests designed For courses where in-person specifically for asymptomatic teaching is essential, the University purposes. The lateral flow tests has assured students that it is are simpler than the standard currently in ‘active dialogue’ with coronavirus test, simply testing for Public Health England to enable COVID-19 antigens. If COVID-19 testing after the national testing antigens are present, they will bind window - this will be confirmed ‘as to a SARS monoclonal antibody and soon as possible.’ provide a fast result: similar to the

Epigram / Filiz Gurer

Fergal Maguire

Epigram / University of Bristol

Mya-Rose Craig's quest for environmental Coming Home for Christmas? How is the University salvation - Conversations with Fergal going to test Bristol's

epigram 08.12.2020

Features 11

Just how Christmassy are Bristol's Christmas Steps? Royalist officer killed at the top of the steps during the English Civil War. However, if we’re looking for a link to match these charming steps to the warmth and joy of Christmas, the stained glass nativity scene in the Three Kings of Cologne Chapel at Third Year, Ancient History the top of the steps fits a much more hether you are a visifestive narrative. tor to Bristol, a fresher While the street is one of the oldventuring down into est and most historically protected the city centre and Cabot Circus for parts of Bristol, with the actual Steps the first time, or a finalist looking themselves being grade II listed, to escape the stress of dissertation there are several fascinating nugwriting, exams and lockdown, there gets of history, from the beheaded are few more picturesque and festive statue of Madonna and Child, to the places to visit in Bristol than our be120-year-old fish and chip shop at loved Christmas Steps. the bottom of the steps. A personal favourite spot of mine, If history is not for you then there this famous stairway sits cosily on are still plenty of unique and ena narrow alley between Colston dearing qualities to the Christmas Street and Colston Avenue, taking Steps, such as the businesses that you quickly from the heights of Park preside there; a friendly barbershop, Row and the Clifton campus down beautiful art galleries, a retro-style into the busy and exciting consumer DVD shop and a small cinema shop, hub of the city. among many others - all established It also lies just a short walk from on a street which used to be home The Bearpit, Stokes Croft, and the to brothels, bars, fancy-dress shops, shopping quarter. However, it is not tobacconists, tailors, and many other the convenient little industries Sadly, there are no location of the that have existChristmas Steps universally accepted links ed and evolved between the Steps and that brings such throughout the appeal to stugenerations since Christmas dents, Bristolians its completion in and visitors alike. Rather, it's the 1669. unique charm coupled with the adA sweet escape from the excitejacent listed buildings, quaint shops, ment and noise of the shopping and tourist spots that bring a sense quarter, the Christmas Steps invites of community and life to the Steps. its visitors to admire its history, The iconic hanging fairy lights browse around the small intimate which, combined with the simple yet businesses, and generally enjoy this striking lampposts, guide the way up pleasant, understated Bristol landthe steep steps and transform this mark. It is certainly worth a visit, street into a scene from a picture whether you’ve been before or not. book or a Victorian novel. Coined ‘a Once you get to the top of the steep real life Diagon Alley’, the Christmas Christmas Steps, the view behind Steps is not only beautiful to look at you is stunning, not in the way that but also holds a massive amount of the Clifton Observatory viewpoint is, historical value; beguiling us with but in a much less impressive, much tales of Bristol merchants, traders, more intimate, Bristolian way. slaves, and politicians. While you may be familiar with the Steps themselves and the local businesses that thrive there, the name of this cute, historical corner of Bristol appears to be a mystery to many. Just what is the meaning behind the name, and just how Christmassy are the Christmas Steps? Sadly, there are no universally accepted links between the Steps and Christmastime. The most common view on how this street got its name is from hundreds of years of language corruption and mispronunciation, eventually mutating from its medieval-era name of ‘Knyfesmyth Street,’ to ‘Christmas’. Its original name was recognised by the traders who worked in the area. There is also evidence to suggest the Steps were previously called ‘Lonsford’s Stairs’, named after a

A tale of conspiracy, murder, and fairy lights down Bristol's infamous steps Alex Berry

Flickr / Ubaian

Epigram / Rosie Angel-Clark

12 Features

epigram 08.12.2020

Epigram / UKRSC

Big changes through small gestures: helping refugees as a Bristol student

port. This is set at around £5.66 per Barnie Hakata, one of the founders, day, and once awarded refugee sta- to find out more about the values tus (granted when the government driving the organisation forward. agrees that an individual meets the ‘There's two parts to it really,’ he definition of ‘refugee' by the Refugee told me. ‘Firstly we feel a moral obConvention) this ligation to alleviSince August 2020, the limited allowance ate the suffering group has amassed 1200 of individuals stops after just 28 days. followers, surpassing its within a society Third Year Liberal Arts Consequently, that has the reoriginal target of 1000. he UK is home to less than independent orsources to help, 1% of the world’s 29.6 mil- ganisations and charities have tak- and secondly as a politically-minded lion refugees. Asylum seek- en responsibility for the plight of group we are driven to be a force for ers make up a very small percentage the refugees in lieu of government political change.’ of overall migrants to the UK, with shortcomings. Some larger organisaSince its launch in August 2020 study and work cited as the main rea- tions, such as Amnesty internation- the group has amassed 1200 folsons why people want to come to the al, condemn government negligence lowers; it continues to gain traction country. Despite surrounding in- online, having recently set up an Inthis, only 49% Covid-19 made it difficult ternational law, stagram page. As a grassroots organof applications whereas other isation, online networking is crucial. to provide important were granted charities focus The group's online presence allows services to refugees. asylum or proon direct refugee for charitable donations and small tection at initial support. acts of kindness by anybody across decision stage since last September. Set up in the summer of this year the country. People claiming asylum in the UK are by eight determined individuals, ‘People need to accept that the not allowed to claim benefits or work. UK Refugee Support Community democratic process won’t provide Furthermore, if they are destitute and (UKRSC) is a network dedicated to the necessary services for this cause. have no other means of support, they providing personalised systems of This needs to be done by the people’, can apply to receive asylum sup- support for refugees. I spoke with Barnie explained.

How the UK Refugee Support Community helps those who need it most during a pandemic Mia Jenkins

As a group established during the and exhaustion. This is just one of COVID-19 pandemic, the charity is the many examples of the group's confronted with additional challeng- direct action. es that make it all the more diffiTo find out about how people in cult to provide these necessary ser- Bristol can involve themselves, and vices. They are the work already not alone - the People claiming asylum done in the city, I United Nations in the UK are not allowed spoke with Mattie High CommisGoddard - a Brission for Refugees to work or claim benefits, tol based organand live off £5.66 a day iser and founder (UNHCR) plan to resettle 5000 of UKRSC: refugees has been suspended this ‘In terms of Bristol, we have just year, creating new uncertainties for donated loads of clothes and essenmany. Nevertheless the growth of the tials. The amazing lot at All Black UKRSC during these times is a tes- Lives Bristol organised this and we tament to those around the country received and sorted so many donawho are willing to respond and help tions and still have more on the way out in their local area. as we ran out of space. As we have The group had aimed for 1000 fol- quite a few members in Bristol and lowers by the end of this year, and the South West, we are looking for have already exceeded that target. organisations to collaborate and ‘The growth has reaffirmed some- work with for donations, whilst also thing I wanted to believe but didn’t raising awareness and education.’ have the proof of,’ said Barnie, ‘which ‘As Bristol is so student-based it’s is people are ultimately willing to be great that there are so many opportuselfless. We don’t live in a horrifical- nities for collaboration with univerly racist country sities and other were people with “It's like showing up to a organisations. If nothing will be you want to get nuclear bombsite with a involved in any left with nothing’. dustpan and brush" Although it reway: social memains an uphill dia, posters, crestruggle, he describes it as ‘showing atively, fundraising, donations etc. up to a nuclear bomb site with a Please let us know! dustpan and brush.’ Unlike most larg‘There are so many amazing orer charities, 100 per cent of UKRSC's ganisations and charities that work donations go directly to the refugees. with refugees and asylum seekers Expertise is also a valuable resource, in Bristol and places you can volas lawyers have offered their advice unteer. There are also a lot of proto help refugees in navigating an es- tests, demonstrations and ways to pecially convoluted legal system. show solidarity being held in Bristol. It is satisfying for the coordina- All Black Lives Bristol are incredible tors and contributors to see the di- and have been holding BLM marches rect impact of their group. Recently, around Bristol. a disabled refugee was left without a ‘This is crucial to our work and wheelchair on arrival to the UK, forc- raising awareness. If you want to get ing him to be carried around by his involved or just know more about brother. UKRSC, please get in touch. Everyone Someone from the group was able can do something and it all makes a to respond and get him a wheelchair, difference even if it seems small; it sparing them both more humiliation creates huge change.’

Refugee Support Resources UK Refugee Support Community Facebook Group UK Regugee Support Community Instagram UKRSC GoFundMe Donation Page UNHCR - UN Refugee Agency British Red Cross - how to help

Opinion

Editor Fiorenza Dell'Anna Digital Editor Jack Crockford Deputy Editor Edward Crowson

Twitter: @EpigramOpinion

The prioritisation of Christmas over other celebrations is unfair

Alice Proctor

days that we’ve seen. The UK Government has gone out on a limb to ensure the testing of thousands of students in a very short period before Christmas, while Hindus, Sikhs and Jains were expected to offer their most religious and community celebrations as a sacrificial lamb for another holiday. Although the Prime Minister Second Year, Spanish and Portuguese praised communities that celebrate Diwali for rising to the challenge s the end of term apand complying with COVID restricproaches, many Bristol tions, it seems unfathomable to imstudents are planning agine a speech of the same ‘keep up their return home for the Christmas the good work’ nature being given to period and looking forward to the those that celebrate Christmas. festivities and food, with the opObviously, it would be unsafe to portunity to partake in these annual have allowed huge celebrations to celebrations providing some sense of go ahead, however the government’s normality to an anything but norreluctance to permit any concessions mal year. For many South Asian stuat all, such as the same small housedents, however, there has not been hold bubble system or conditional the same chance to have their main allowance of students to travel home family get-together of the year. Just that’s being used for Christmas, weeks ago, thousands of families shows the prioracross the UK It was as if Diwali itisation of holicame together to was desepnsable but days with a large celebrate Diwali through new and Christmas had to be Christian and white following unconventional saved over those withways. Not only out. did large public celebrations - like In the words of one particular stuthe famous party in Trafalgar Square dent, ‘it was as if Diwali was dispen- take place online, but the more sable but Christmas had to be saved’. intimate practices of lamp-lighting, Indeed, talks within government on dancing and quality family time how to ensure ‘significant normality’ were also moved on to virtual platat Christmas were reported as early forms. as July, while discussions over DiThe same way Christmas means wali were not reported until months more to many than a chance to later and had resigned to the concluexchange presents or indulge in sion from the start that this endeavmulled wine and mince pies, Diwali our for normality, which seemed is about more than its material elefeasible for Christmas, was simply ments. Its message of the triumph of unfeasible for Diwali. good in the face of evil and a fresh Unfortunately, this is not the first start with the beginning of the new time this double standard has been year is especially poignant at the apparent. As a Bristol student living moment, given the current circumin Manchester during the first lockstances and hardships. Many Bristol down, I was shocked by the sudden students have not spent this holiimposition of strict restrictions proday away from family before and hibiting household mixing on the it is more than fair to say that the eve of Eid in parts of Greater Mansense of community cannot truly be chester, a decision that would unconveyed or captured on an online doubtedly provoke outrage if made platform. with no notice on Christmas Eve. Johnson expressed his gratitude Still, the resilience of these comfor the sacrifices South Asian communities has been put to the test, munities have made countless times and families have persevered to during the Diwali address. However, come together despite these obstathis is precisely the problem with the cles, however unjust they may be. disparate treatment of religious holi-

Many religious celebrations have been sacrificed for COVID-19 this year, Christmas should be no different Eva Gurnani

Epicartoon: ‘The Travel Window'

Christmas adverts bring us closer together Christmas adverts mark the start of Christmas each year and should not be dismissed straight away as a symbol of capitalism Lydia Pazzi-Axworthy

MA, Comparative Literature and Cultures

very year on the first of November, without fail, the season suddenly switches overnight from Halloween to Christmas. Shops change their window displays, Christmas lights start going up around each town, and Christmas adverts flood our TV screens. In the past decade, these adverts have gained an almost cult-like status, getting the nation excited about the upcoming Christmas season from the comfort of their homes and triggering the start of Christmas festivities. But how have these adverts gained so much traction and what has allowed them to dictate when Christmas begins? I could be cynical and put it down to the fact that Christmas has become one of capitalism’s largest contributors, with brands promoting their products through the facade of Christmas spirit, while in fact reeling in large profits. But the Christmas spirit isn’t about being cynical, and Christmas adverts

aren’t just about companies and their monetary gain. Arguably, the more important reason Christmas adverts signal the beginning of festivities, is precisely because they promote families coming together and being with each other for the big occassion. Emanating from these adverts is the cosy safeness that people strive to achieve each Christmas; showing people of all ages sitting round the table sharing jokes; inspiring others to help those in less fortunate positions. This is the essence of Christmas adverts. It is easy to suggest Christmas has become all about receiving, but adverts mainly promote the idea of giving and generosity. For example, we all remember the 2011 John Lewis advert, where the little boy, visibly impatient for the arrival of Christmas Day, isn’t excited about receiving his own presents, but giving a gift to his parents instead. This message inverts the idea of acquiring, and encourages people to seek joy in offering presents instead. These adverts demonstrate how to express your love for someone with a heartfelt present and the wonderful effect it has on a person. This message of Christmas kindness is particularly important this year, after all the trouble that 2020 has caused, as a year of cancellations. COVID-19 saw birthdays, Easter, summer holidays and family gatherings all put on hold. The exciting celebrations that structure every-

one’s year were taken away, and not least, we have been prevented from seeing family and friends. This year, more than ever, Christmas seems to be a sign of hope in a dark year, of no longer feeling isolated, but instead restoring that sense of unity and warmth to the nation. The adverts this year, made from smaller production budgets as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19, have reverted to more simple ideas and messages of spreading love and kindness. There are fewer images of families gathered around the table together, as this won’t necessarily be possible this year, and instead more light-hearted or inspiring ideas. For example, Tesco’s jokes that there ‘is no naughty list’ this year and that everyone should be treating themselves, whilst Amazon shows a young girl arranging a dance recital for her sister to perform in on the roof of their building for the neighbouring flats to look out and watch. This shows a desire for brands to demonstrate their understanding of such a difficult year through their adverts and promote optimism. After the havoc wreaked this year, brands have done all they can to keep spirits high. The adverts seem to say that while Christmas might not be the same this year, we deserve to celebrate it in any way we can. And so with that, I say: ‘Hark, the Herald Adverts sing: time for Christmas to begin!’.

14 Opinion

epigram 08.12.2020

Student rent-strikers will not be intimidated into stopping The New Bristolian: 'Instaactivism' isn't the only solution, organisations still need real activism as well towards solving one of the big problems the world is facing can bring Lowri Lewis some much needed happiness into Opinion Columnist our Covid-stricken lives. Many organisations will be happy any activist organisawith however much time you’re able tions will have seen a to give them - whether that’s a few drop in the number of hours per week, fortnight, or even people willing to volunteer for them per month. It’s difficult to ignore this year. But you wouldn’t think the fact that huge changes could be that from your friends’ Instagram made if the students who posted instories, would you? fographics on their Instagram stories There’s been a noticeable rise would give a little of their time to in the number of students posting just one of the causes they promoted. about important issues on their soOf course, as an individual, it can cial media over the course of this seem like doing a small amount for pandemic. Some even translated that an activist organdigital activism isation wouldn’t into real life action by attending There are few who have make enough of a difference for it to in-person protests actually taken time out of be worth it. between the locktheir week to volunteer But don’t let downs. that put you off. But just beThese organisacause we’re all tions wouldn’t ask for your help if it stuck inside again now, doesn’t wasn’t desperately needed. mean these organisations no longer And lightening the load of work need any help. In fact, they need it that needs to be done is no small more than ever. thing - it can prevent the burnout It’s encouraging to see that there of other activists, who might feel are huge numbers of students who overwhelmed by the large number of care about a whole variety of these tasks that need doing. causes. And it’s clear that many are COVID-19 has obviously affected willing to put these thoughts into one of the most enjoyable parts of practice - the summer’s socially disvolunteering for an important cause; tanced protests are testament to that. meeting like-minded people. MakLong-term, though, there are few ing connections with new people is who have since made the commitmuch harder to do on Zoom, as we ment to actually take time out of all know from our experiences of their week to volunteer for these orblended learning this year. ganisations. As students, time is one One of the few benefits of this is of the few things we’re actually able that you can explore your options to donate to these causes. So why is when it comes to activist groups it we’re so unwilling to give it? you can easily just hop on a Zoom to One of the most obvious reasons see how you like it. And if it’s not for is the levels of stress we’re under at you, leaving a meeting early is much the moment. Doing a degree always less difficult than it is in person. demands a lot of our energy, but doIf you end up finding an activist ing one during a pandemic feels sigorganisation that is for you, it can nificantly more draining. It can seem be surprising how positive of an imlike any additional commitments pact it can have on your life to spend would just be too much, especially some time volunteering for them. if you’ve got a part-time job as well. As students, time is often as much If there is a cause that you’re paras we are able to give. But it’s invalticularly passionate about, however, uable all the same. If you feel able to, helping out can actually be good for volunteering is definitely something your wellbeing. Irrespective of how worth investing it in. small it is, making a contribution

Epigram / Emilie Robinson

The University's recent U-Turn does not fix the damage done by initially withholding striking student's bursaries Alice Clarke Second Year, History

fter weeks of progressive student backlash, the University have once again demonstrated the extent to which they are out of touch with the student body. The decision to withhold bursary payments from striking students encapsulates years of classist University policies, that have left students like myself feeling excluded and out of place. Despite the subsequent U-turn, the fact that the University made a point of following such a policy in the first place, has resulted in the further breakdown of trust between them and striking students. Their initial decision is reflective of Bristol’s grapple with inclusivity. As a striking student who receives a bursary, I felt immense pressure when reading the email warning me it would be withheld if I did not pay my outstanding fees. By taking our bursaries away, our autonomy would have been removed and our right to strike withheld. Such actions reduce those in receipt of bursaries to dependents, forcing students to comply with the University’s payment schedule or risk serious harm to their

own wellbeing. Bursary recipients have the right to control their own money. They have the right to strike if they feel it necessary. Knowing our bursaries were to be used to cover our rent without our consent undermines these rights. Moreover, the University of Bristol Bursary is a means-tested scheme, automatically offered to students most in need. Surely the University was not sacrificing these students’ needs for profit? Bursary recipients are not cannon fodder. Bursaries are a vital tool for many students, who are often surviving on a tight budget. Bristol is a city with higher-than-average rent costs and a minimal selection of affordable University accommodations. Consequently, the bursary acts as an essential safety net for those students who struggle to make ends meet. Personally, my bursary is vital in helping me pay a costly deposit to secure a house for next year. For many, it supplements the extortionate cost of halls. Bristol’s own research notes how bursaries ‘allow those from less advantaged backgrounds to have the same opportunity to participate in university life as those from more traditional intakes’. Does this opportunity to participate not include the right to strike? In their own words, bursaries offer a ‘cushion from unexpected and unplanned expenses’. This news certainly was unexpected. The re-

search goes further, stating that such schemes ‘help to form a positive bond between the student and the institution’. If this is the case, it surprises me that the University is willing to sacrifice such a ‘bond’ with students. Indeed, the damage has already been done. Widening participation students already feel alienated in Bristol. Though perhaps inadvertently, the University has made an example of, and pressured, this part of the student body even more. The threat of additional financial pressures should not be used lightly. One would think the University would be increasingly aware of this issue following the heightened scrutiny of Bristol's reputation as an exclusive University. Clearly this is not the case. Though this does little to make up for the breach of trust, the University now appears to have taken the outrage felt by many on board and will continue to award bursaries. Despite this, it is important to note the strikers won’t be intimidated into backing down. Certainly not for the University to make a profit, prolonging their ability to resist the demands of the strike. I have full admiration of the resilience of striking students, especially those who felt the pressure of having their bursaries used against their will. It is time the University paid those students the same respect.

Opinion 15

epigram 08.12.2020

Epigram / Robin Connolly

Students deserve more transparency about the role of security staff

COVID-19 has altered the powers of the University's security staff and they may have become overlyinvasive Georgia Taylor, Second Year, Politics and Spanish

t is safe to say that this year has not been plain sailing for students in halls of residence. Stories of students being penned-up in flats for weeks on end, with lim-

ited outside contact have been circulating everywhere from Bristruths to national newspapers. However, the allegations of inappropriate conduct by security staff are among the most alarming anecdotes. The allegations, found in an unofficial survey, spanned across multiple halls of residence (both University-owned and private), and included some flats being baselessly threatened with fines, staff bursting into flats without observing social distancing, being overly aggressive, and even one

Hiatt Baker student’s allegation that they were ‘hit in the head by a security guard who refused to give me his name.’ The role of security staff outlined on the University website unsurprisingly paints a different picture than the one alleged by the survey. It states that security services have ‘the power to impose fines for breaches of the local rules or disciplinary regulations in relation to COVID law’ and ‘disperse social gatherings which do not comply with COVID-19 regulations’. However, it also promises an agreement of mutual respect between staff and students, social distancing and the use of face coverings and that staff will ‘communicate appropriately’. It is important to make clear that these guidelines apply only to University-owned accommodation; privately owned halls have their own guidelines for their security staff. It can’t be denied that the debate brought to light by this survey is contentious. Halls are the place where the somewhat difficult and awkward transition between being a

teenager living with parents and becoming a fully-fledged adult occurs. I distinctly remember the frustrations of having to comply with rules of my halls as a first year (I remember once being threatened with a self-funded ‘safety compliance course’ because security staff spotted that I had left my bedroom door on the latch). On the one hand, you are a paying tenant of your room and flat and are entitled to some privacy. On the other hand, security can still burst into your flat on a Sunday morning to investigate a health and safety breach while you’re hungover and eating breakfast in your dressing gown. But let me be clear: it is, and should be, within the powers of the security services to do this. Security guards are enforcing measures that protect the safety and wellbeing of you and other students in the building, and reducing these powers could lead to serious consequences. The situation with COVID-19 has inevitably led to an expansion of the powers of security staff - a necessary annoyance to ensure that students observe the national guide-

lines and, let’s be honest, not being stupid enough to host a 50-person super-spreader rave in their kitchen. The security services need to have considerable jurisdiction to be able to protect and support students as well as police them. That being said, the recent survey should be cause for concern for students in halls of residence. It is obvious that what needs to be made clear is how they are ensuring staff don’t abuse their powers and that staff don’t have a prerogative to abuse those powers on any grounds. Unfortunately, the current environment is one in which some students feel blamed, chastised and patronised by older generations for the increased spread of COVID-19. It adds further fuel to the fire when security staff are accused of not being respectful to students and their personal space. Choosing to ignore these complaints, even if they have not been brought directly to the University, would be a misstep that would alienate residents from the halls support system, which is more crucial than ever in these difficult times.

Anti-bullying week is more important than we think

Charlie Osborne Second Year, History

he penultimate week of November bore witness to the seventeenth annual anti-bullying week across the United Kingdom. The event, hosted by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, seeks to raise awareness of the devastating impact of bullying throughout the British education system. This year, perhaps, it is more prevalent than ever. Whilst the scheme focuses the majority of its attention towards primary and secondary education, the residual effects of bullying often stays with victims long after they leave school and can remain into their adult lives. The British Medical Journal reported in 2015, that up to a third of early adulthood depression was directly linked to

bullying in teenage years. The investigation, conducted in the wider Avon region, found that teenagers who had been frequently bullied (which is counted as more than once a week) at the age of 13 were more than twice as likely to suffer from depression for an extended period of time than those who had not been bullied at all. Five years on, the conclusions of the report are still painfully damning. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has made matters much worse for those reliant on support regarding their mental wellbeing. In March of this year, the Government axed a scheme aimed at eradicating anti-LGBTQ+ bullying throughout the UK, one of a number of setbacks in the campaign to end abuse in the education system. The situation at the University is little different. The recent rent strikes elucidated the fact that lockdown restrictions within halls have prevented many undergraduates from accessing wellbeing services, which can often be a vital line of defence in limiting the psychological impact of bullying.

Services such as Wellbeing Access and the Report and Support system do exist to assist students impacted by bullying, but many feel that they are not doing enough. With long waiting lists and resources spread thin, support schemes are failing to reach all those in need of help, many of whom have reported increased symptoms of depression as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. A study recently conducted by the Cambridge University Hospital, the University of Cambridge and King’s College London revealed that

several major triggers for mental health issues, such as cyberbullying, have been exacerbated by quarantine measures implemented as a result of the pandemic. Whilst the aggravating conditions of a national lockdown can cause us all to act out of sorts, it is imperative that we do not project our irritations onto innocent parties. The consequences of our actions can go a substantial distance further than slight indignation, inflicting long-term mental harm at a time when support is most scarce.

Epigram / Molly Pipe

In a year of lockdowns and restrictions, where feelings of isolation are exwcerbated, we must be kind to one another

In light of the many University student suicides, we must take it upon ourselves to support those most in need. You don’t have to be an active bystander to offset the impact of bullying - providing a friendly face and a means of communication to those you feel could use it certainly goes a long way. Don’t put it off. Reach out to those you haven’t spoken to in a while, catch up, and be there for those who need it. A number of external services also exist if you feel in need of support. Ditch the Label is an anonymous online community that exists to aid those suffering at the hands of bullying and poor mental health. Nightline also offers free support every night from 8PM to 8AM, for those seeking a confidential, impartial conversational service. We must ensure that this Anti-Bullying Week does not slip by unnoticed. We can all do a thing or two, today, to look out for one another during these difficult times. Be thoughtful, be helpful, be a friend this Anti-Bullying Week and beyond.

16 Opinion

epigram 08.12.2020

Maddy Raven

Film and TV Editor

he intention of a ‘2020 achievement’ post on social media is well-meaning, but its negative effects are manifold. Still, that's not to say you shouldn’t be making these posts: there's something to be said for congratulating yourself when congratulations are in order. Many social media posts at the start of our first lockdown gently reminded us that everyone was struggling and that if all you did that day was get up, eat and remember to drink water, that was more than good enough. Surviving, let alone thriving, in a national lockdown, is an amazing feat. Making a post to congratulate yourself for a personal achievement seems innocent enough, until we consider who may see that post. But we seem to have lost the gift of hindsight. Rather than continuing to take care of our mental health and trying to ignore our constant need for productivity, we seem to have once again taken to social media to show the world what we’ve done well this year. It’s difficult to look back on how long this year has felt and to see how

little progress you may have made business or make another huge life with your goals. change despite the pandemic, in Two days before lockdown, I ap- many cases, it’s important to acplied to my dream work placement: knowledge your privilege. now I’m sat in my bedroom every In a society that so relentlessly day, enduring endless Zoom calls encourages productivity, it’s very and somehow still falling behind. I’m difficult to go on social media every going to have to take a gap year to day and see how people, who, on the wait for my chosen industry to resurface, have done incredibly well cover from the devastating effects of this year. I don’t wish for everyone the pandemic. I am no stranger to the to be as miserable as some of us have disappointment this year has brought been during the pandemic. But as down on our heads. someone who already struggled to While I have no issue with an in- stay on task, and with productivity dividual’s post about how 2020 was in general, even before a huge numthe year in which ber of stressors they learned BSL, were introduced, or to knit, or they The joy of seeing other the joy of seebegan to post people succeed has become ing other people pictures of their inextricably combined succeed has bebody after years with self-loathing come inextricably of insecurity, I combined with do have an issue self-loathing. with the boastful nature of many I’d like to encourage us all to of these posts - especially when it congratulate ourselves every day comes from those who are more well- for living through a pandemic - in off than the rest of us. February, it was found that 45% of If you hark back to the start of Bristol students screened ‘positive for the year, and this whole COVID-19 depression. The fact we’re still here, mess, you may remember the incred- completing our degrees, is something ible tone-deaf montage of celebrities of a miracle. singing ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon to Congratulate yourself for getting us via their phone cameras. That’s out of bed. Congratulate yourself for how these kinds of 2020 Achieve- remembering to eat. A culture which ment posts make me feel. encourages relentless productiviI’m not suggesting censorship, or ty and wants you to compare your that you shouldn’t post on Instagram productivity to that of celebrities and at all. Seeing people’s achievements rich people whose lives have barely in the face of adversity is an impor- changed because of their access to tant experience for everyone. resources and support is simply toxBut if you were still able to trav- ic. We should not be embracing it so el the world, continue running a unquestioningly.

Epigram / Molly Pipe

While there is nothing wrong with acknowledging your successes during a pandemic, there is a right and a wrong way to do this

Epigram / Siavash Minoukadeh

2020 Achievement Posts do more harm than good

What the rethink, reskill, reboot compaign means to Arts students

This campaign appears to undermine and dismiss the value of the degrees we are taking Lydia Patrick Fourth Year, French, Spanish and Portuguese

or Arts students, the prospect of University coming to an end has never been more daunting. Along with ravaging the industry I love, the pandemic has caused great career uncertainty for graduating Arts students like myself. Yet it is the UK Government’s complete disregard for us that's made it all the more unbearable to stomach. The resurfacing of the CyberFirst campaign poster demonstrates this perfectly. The now infamous poster encouraged young people to consider a career in cybersecurity. What terrible timing. Amidst a pandemic, where people in the Arts feel forgotten, with youth unemployment skyrocketing, this poster rightfully stirred up a social media storm. The poster in question, showed an image of Fatima- a ballet dancer - with a tagline urging her to retrain in cybersecurity. Fatima is symbolic of the government’s dismissal of home-grown artistic talent and creativity. She embodies dreams that are now seen as unattainable and unimportant. As Fatima is encouraged to pirouette out of a dance studio into a dull, grey and mundane office, she represents a UK devoid of life, culture and soul. Just days before the Chancellor himself urged people to ‘adapt and adjust to the new reality’. If only this were so easy. As Arts students we have dedicated years of our lives to studying and perfecting our craft, just to be told in a matter-of-fact way these skills and passions no longer matter. We deserve more respect. Not only did the industry contribute an enormous £8.5bn to the UK economy last year

but the Arts are among the most heavily struck sectors by this pandemic. In light of Rishi Sunak’s unapologetic speech, the government announced a new quiz to help the newly unemployed or students hoping to graduate, to find their alternative, ideal career path. I thought I’d give the quiz a try. After answering a series of questions on my skills the results were in. It seems after spending the majority of my life studying languages and accumulating over 27k of tuition fee debt, the governments advice was to pursue a career as either a cake decorator or a football referee. It is neither my inability to bake or to dribble a ball that make these suggestions so outlandish, but the complete disregard they seem to have for a degree that I have worked so tirelessly to achieve. I, along with thousands of Art and Creative Arts students, not to mention people already established in the field, are being told that our crafts, dreams and years of hard work have been in vain. If the Arts are no longer important to the UK, should we simply shut up, give up and find another, more attainable aspiration? Surely a lockdown period without films, TV series, music, podcasts, books and radio would be unthinkable. As Arts students, we should not be told by out-of-touch politicians that our aspirations and skills don’t matter simply because there is no room in the current economy for them. Long periods without social interaction and being trapped inside have proven that the Arts have never been more important. We escape isolation through literature, films and music and stay informed with news and the media. Even though finding a job in the Arts may be more difficult now than before COVID-19, it is crucial that Art students continue contributing to creativity and culture and don’t feel disillusioned as a result of the government’s anti-Arts message.

Film&TV

Editor Maddy Raven Digital Editor Katya Spiers Deputy Editor Sam Vickers

Twitter: @Epigramculture

Depicting Diana: The Crown season four ‘Everyone in this system is a lost, lonely, irrelevant outsider, apart from the only person that matters' Tilly Long

Third Year, English Literature

tearful, passive conversation with his mother the night before the wedding emphasises his lack of power in choosing a wife. Episode six even manages to evoke sympathy for the then publicly unpopular Prince, as he confesses: ‘I’ve spent my whole life being unthanked, unappreciated, uncared for… I need encouragement and the occasional pat on the back too.' The coldness of the Royal Family is hinted at as being the root of Charles’ disposition. In direct contrast, Diana’s enthusiasm towards meeting the populace marks a major departure from the assumed role of the crown, which the Queen had made clear in series three: 'As the royal family, the less we do, the better.' Charles and his advisors try to use Diana’s deteriorating mental health as a means of preventing her solo fix Netl

sW / De

Illie

etflix’s series The Crown (2016-) has up to this point focused on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, beginning with a nostalgic and cinematic recreation of her life in the 1950s. The hotly anticipated fourth season however, sees a new female protagonist thrust into the glaring limelight of the early 1980s: Princess Diana. A reception of divided critics is almost inevitable when portraying the short life and untimely demise of the ‘people’s Princess’. As one of the most beloved members of the Royal household, her death remains raw for many who lived through the era. Former University of Bristol student Emma Corrin plays the young Diana with an earnest vulnerability and unawareness of the complexities of the family she is about to join. As the daughter of an Earl, she was born into a privileged aristocratic elite, yet is depicted as a relatable teenage girl, plagued by an eating disorder and mental health issues. Although The Crown tends towards embellishment, Diana’s scenes are consistently poignant, as they manage to give us a plausible

glimpse into what may have taken place behind closed doors. Largely remembered as a tragic victim of an unsuitable arranged marriage by Britain’s oldest institution, the show chooses instead to pay tribute to the playful warmth for which she was admired and adored. She is shown roller skating around an empty palace to Duran Duran’s ‘Girls on Film’, and dancing to Blondie with her flatmates. As opposed to shying away from the infamous adulterous relationship between Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, the series shows cracks in the publicly perceived fairy-tale from the getgo. Princess Margaret (Helena Bonham Carter) warns, ‘Charles loves someone else. How many times can this family make the mistake? Forbidding marriages that should be allowed. Forcing others that shouldn’t. Paying the consequences each time.' Josh O’Connor expertly plays Prince Charles as a helpless pawn of the monarchic agenda; a

trip to America, which she ignores, culminating in one of the most moving scenes of the show.' A modest hospital on the wrong side of Harlem very few American politicians have ever even thought to visit, but today this is the final stop on Princess Diana’s whirlwind tour of New York.' Here she hugs an infant in the AIDS unit. This was seen at the time as a radical act, due to the stigma and fear that surrounded the disease. The breaking of this protocol established her as a praised figure amongst POC and the LGBT community and is framed in recreated interviews with the citizens of Harlem: ‘They don’t want her there – we would love to have her here!' The show also captures the tumultuous events of the early 1980s in Britain under Thatcherism. The Prime Minister is unusually depicted as an underdog of sorts during a stay at the Queen’s Scottish castle, wearing heels to go hunting and failing ‘Balmoral tests’ by not fitting into what her husband refers to as a ‘half-Scottish, half-Germanic cuckoo-land.' The setting certainly positions the royals as an absurdist result of tremendous wealth. However, this representation of Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) as a working-class hero is in itself ironic, when her legacy is marked out as a figurehead of hardright conservatism, whose attacks on trade unionism and the deconstruction of the welfare state led to mass

unemployment. This is brought into sharp focus in episode five, ‘Fagan’, which uses the true story of a man who broke into the Queen’s bedroom to contrast life in a palace with bleak council estates and never-ending queues at the job centre. Fagan (Tom Brooke) is perhaps the only ‘ordinary’ character The Crown has portrayed, telling a terrified Queen (Olivia Colman) ‘I just thought it might be good for you to meet someone normal who can tell you how it is… Save us all from her. She’s destroying the country.' This unlikely encounter leads to the Queen taking an increasingly oppositional stance towards Thatcher, warning her, ‘Shouldn’t we be careful that this medicine, like some dreadful chemotherapy, doesn’t kill the very patient it is intended to heal?' They similarly clash in a later episode over the Prime Minister’s initial refusal to back economic sanctions against South Africa’s apartheid regime. It is doubtful that Elizabeth II would have betrayed too many hints of her private political feelings. Moreover, as a renowned monarchist, Thatcher was not likely to have overtly criticised the royal family, which the show seems to indicate.

Read the full article on the Epigram website!

Hillbilly Elegy is a well-meaning melodrama - but lacks innovation

The exertion and talent of the actors cannot save this film from its own clichéd narrative George Lanigan Third Year, English Literature

on Howard’s directorial record has had a consistently mixed reception, from critically panned films such as The Dilemma (2011) and Inferno (2016), to award-winning efforts such as A Beautiful Mind (2001) and Rush (2013). His new film, Hillbilly Elegy (2020), had attracted award-season hope, but has instead received largely negative reviews. Hillbilly Elegy is not an especially

unlikeable film, but misses the mark, proving emotionally ineffective. Adapted from the 2016 memoir by J.D. Vance, the film tells the story of the author (played by Gabriel Basso) as a Yale law student drawn back to his Appalachian hometown. The use of flashbacks then explores his family’s history, particularly the troubled relationship between his mother (Amy Adams) and grandmother (Glenn Close). The narrative switches repeatedly between the present-day and the past, never truly finding the right balance to evoke the melancholy that Howard is clearly aiming for. The director utilises an orchestral score, written by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming, in an effort to nudge

the viewer into such an emotional engagement that the film never quite achieves. The film also struggles in terms of balancing its tone, which shifts abruptly and unsubtly. Within moments, scenes escalate erratically. For instance, a sequence where Adams’ character begins rollerblading around the hospital where she is working, to the backdrop of Bananarama, feels particularly jarring and unmotivated. Adams is strong in her role of Bev Vance and excels in her portrayal of a sympathetic but deeply flawed drug-addicted mother. The hair and make-up team have done a fantastic job of ageing her, in fact a post-credits sequence highlights how

similar to the real people all the cast are made to look. Like Adams, Close inhabits her role with great aplomb, dealing out brilliant foul-mouthed tirades (‘I wouldn’t spit on her ass if her guts were on fire!'). Yet these roles at times descend into caricature, while certain characters, such as J.D.’s girlfriend, Usha (played by Freida Pinto), remain under-developed throughout. The exertion of the actors does not save the film, as the action becomes desperately repetitive and clichéd, going through the motions of a well-trodden cinematic path of recovery and redemption. Over the course of the film, Hillbilly Elegy simply becomes bland. It is a film that could have easily lost twenty

minutes, if it had been more shrewdly edited and the screenplay stripped further to its narrative core, which becomes more than a little muddled. The screenplay sacrifices subtext for on-the-nose dialogue at times. For instance, J.D. rather clunkily says about his mother, ‘I know she messed up... but she also has a history of being a pretty good person.' The script also features a narration that is ponderous, adding very little. Hillbilly Elegy has a well-meaning redemptive narrative at its heart but falls short of innovation, ultimately proving a dissatisfying watch. It is not a disastrous film overall, but it drifts into a level of mediocrity that is unexpected given the impressive credentials of the cast and crew.

18 Film&TV

epigram 08.12.2020

For your comfort: six films to help you through hard times

I can earnestly say that films have been a shining beacon of hope during the pandemic George Bartram Third Year, Film & Television

s 2020 has progressively grown bleaker and more frustrating, I can earnestly say that films have been a shining beacon of hope. If it weren’t for the escapism of film’s limitless creativity and imaginativeness, I would have really struggled to maintain a sense of optimism in my life. But something fascinating always seems to envelop my film viewing round this time of year.

Paddington 2 (2018)

A few years ago, when this was released, I foolishly wrote this off as a mere children’s film. After all, the original was great but sequels are infamously consistent for one thing: being inferior Courtesy of IMDb to their

predecessors. That’s what makes Paddington 2 such a rarefied miracle; it’s even better. Directed by The Mighty Boosh (2003-2007) alumni Paul King, the film is a whimsical and endlessly charming dessert of a movie. Paddington 2 prides itself on its unwavering positivity, its messages clear and simple. Be kind to one another. Look for the best in people. Be honest with others and with yourself. Suggesting we could learn something from the innocent and pure perspective of a child. With chocolate box visuals, sunshinein-a-can music and a hair raising, watery eyed ending, there’s something to keep revisiting for every time with Paddington 2.

is as John Wayne as ever, Angie Dickinson delivers a fantastic, enigmatic performance as the female lead. Dean Martin is phenomenal as a drunk deputy and even gets his singing shoes on to get you in the mood for ‘that Christmas song’ you’re inevitably going to be inundated with during the festive period. Rio Bravo is a film for those looking for a hang out movie, and even better than that, one brimming with spittoons, harmonica ballads and cowboy hats.

The Night Before (2015)

There are those films that you can stick on and have playing in the background. You know every narrative beat, every quick quip and joke. Rio Bravo famously makes it its mission to eschew absolute narrative satisfaction in favour of immensely gratifying character work. John Wayne

It’s time for the guilty pleasure. I can’t express how in love with this film I am. Maybe it’s because I saw it in the festive season in cinemas with all my friends, but it has become a staple of the Christmas period for me. I must express, this is by no means a masterpiece. That being said, watching this with a group of friends and laughing together at the bizarre and spectacularly stupid hijinks of its characters is always a riot. Taking place over one night The Night Before follows three friends who have slowly grown apart, who come together on Christmas Eve to relive the fun and excitement of their youth. Starring the ever-reliable Seth Rogen, Marvel’s very own Anthony Mackie and the baby-faced allure of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this Christmas caper is a drug fuelled trip of a film that culminates into

three children growing up poor in Trump’s America, and (unexpectedly) in a global health crisis. Neumann worked on Channel 4’s wildly successful Catching a Killer series and his production company ‘Truevision’ makes films to give a voice to populations that might not otherwise be heard (under a dictatorship, in shutdown, etc.) Although practically every documentary (especially those about issues like poverty) can be characterised as ‘timely’ in some way, Neumann’s documentaries are always hyper-relevant; Poor Kids (2011) was mentioned by David Cameron in Parliament. The fi lms have makes films an obvious social a voice objective, and, because of the nature of non-fiction, they have a very real, on-going life that continues after credits roll. Neumann speaks about the impact of documentaries because, while they do make a difference, it could never be in the same way as, for example,

Marcus Rashford’s championing of free school meals. He counters, however, that the only other option is to not tell their stories and from the way he says it, it is clear that he does not really consider this an option. The three children at the centre of the film – Kyah, Shawn, and Laikyen – all offer insights into different aspects of poverty in America. Kyah represents the ‘hidden homeless’ population, having ‘sofa surfed’ with friends and family since March, after her mother was left without an income when her job was hit by COVID-19. As well as safeguarding restrictions, filming with children can be difficult for various reasons. Laikyen has ADHD and it is crucial to handle this tastefully. Neumann adds, however, that this is something that is often only finalised in the edit (the reason being UK documentaries have a ‘fairness and accuracy’ screening, whilst the USA has no such requirement). Addresses are blurred and, in instances of domestic violence,

Rio Bravo (1959)

a spirited journey of support and friendship. And Seth Rogen hisses at a baby. Classic.

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

What if I told you there was a 45-minute silent film that is easily funnier than almost any other film ever made? Or I told you about the genuinely terrifying stunt work by one of cinema’s most iconic early figures. Still not sold? How about if I told you it is one of the most transcendent, mesmerising meditations on form, a true visionary celebration of what cinema is, what it was and what it can be? It’s the easiest watch you’ll have all year.

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

So, this is where I technically cheated. Recommending nine-plus hours of fantasy content may seem daunting. However, amidst a cold winter, centred in the middle of a raging pandemic, there has perhaps never been a better time to be snuggling up for film marathons. Tolkien may never have imagined that a film series could so lovingly recreate his ludicrously complex and Courtesy of IMDb stunning world

for the screen. However, Jackson and his team of magical wizards craft a tour de force of imagination, grandeur and escapism. If you’re ever in need of something wholeheartedly different, a visit or revisit to Middle Earth is always recommended.

Palm Beach Story (1942)

‘Isn’t it romantic' sings one of the many hilariously odd characters in Preston Sturges’ bizarre screwball comedy. I think that encapsulates my feelings towards this film. Granted, I am a lover of all things dreamy and amorous, but this film really steals the show – crammed with hilarious set pieces in equally interesting locations. There’s a train sequence, so if you’re like me and you find trains the most fascinating, cosy and relaxing settings for a film in the world, you’ll love this.

Life on the breadline in Trump's America

Being stuck in the USA during lockdown made this poignant documentary possible Samuel Vickers Film & TV Deputy Editor

oming at a time when a record 2.5 million children are growing up homeless in the United States and 1 in 6 are living below the poverty line, the current pandemic has posed a series of challenges to Trump’s neglected poor kids. On 15 November, I attended the Watersprite Film Festival to take 'Truevision' part in an interto give view with director, Jezza Neumann, about his new film Trump’s Breadline Kids (2020), which tackles these issues. Trump’s Breadline Kids was filmed over four months of lockdown and Black Lives Matter protests in the battleground state of Ohio, tracking

As a documentary-maker, though, sometimes the city is not revealed Neumann seems to understand more either. Neumann talks about how the than most about the opportunity that team begins every project with more unexpected events can offer, such as subjects than they need, anticipating having intimate access to those who multiple people dropping out. And were arguably worst affected during so, in the case of Trump’s Breadline the lockdown. He also spoke Kids, six famiThe crucial step is in get- of the changing lies were actually interviewed, ting engaging characters nature of the relationship bealthough only three of them ended up featuring in tween the filmmaker and the subjects the film. Naturally, they knew the of the film; when it begins the crew election was coming in November seem to be in charge, but by the end and so selected families in the swing the kids understand that they can states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, simply say ‘I don’t feel like filming and Ohio but due to the pandemic today’ and there’s nothing that can were restricted to Ohio, following ad- be done about that. For this reason, vice against interstate travel. British Neumann cites people skills as the Airways encouraged the team to fly most important skill in a filmmakback to the UK, but they decided to er of this kind. He tells an anecdote stay and continue filming. Neumann about forcing his assistant to strike mentions how filming overseas can up conversations with strangers at be a lot more stressful due to the the bus stop to practise talking to fixed departure date and so, in some people. He makes it sound so simways, staying during the lockdown ple, arguing that the crucial step is gave the film crew some added free- in getting engaging characters – everything else then falls into place. dom.

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Java Head shows us Bristol in a different light

nimation inc. es A tur c i P

Maddy Raven Film & TV Editor

nocent English girl who is the appropriate choice of bride for Gerritt, who calls his own wife’s customs ‘barbaric’. The final act of Java Head is highly problematic and frankly insulting, with Taou Yuen suddenly reverting to an extremely damaging Dragon Lady stereotype at odds with her character, and a final shot of Gerritt and Nettie sailing away which seems to exult in her downfall. Still, Java Head leaves an indelible mark on the history of Bristolian film, and Western film at large, with the first-ever depiction on film of an interracial kiss.

Editor's Picks IM

So n

hen one thinks of Bristolian film and television, the 2007 series Skins immediately jumps to mind (although, according to locals, the show is not an accurate representation of the average Bristol teen, who would be doing far more drugs). J. Walter Ruben’s 1934 film Java Head depicts another world entirely. Set in the 1800s, Java Head follows the Ammidon family, the head of which (Edmund Gwenn) is a well-todo and affable owner of a shipping company. His son Gerritt (John Loder) embarks on a year-long sailing adventure, leaving behind his sweetheart, Nettie (Elizabeth Allen); when he returns, to the shock of the town, he is newly-wed to a Chinese woman. The script leaves the viewer in no

the spite of the neighbours and wins over the women of the family with her character. While she respects Gerritt’s culture and religion, she refuses to give up her own. It is a good depiction of a woman facing the consequences of interracial marriage, and unfortunately, one that might ring true for many even today. However, there is an unfortunate implication of equivalence between Taou Yuen and the opium that William is smuggling: both are Eastern, both at odds with ‘proper’ English society, and both inflaming unnatural emotions. Nettie is set up as the in-

Courtesy of IMDb

Third Year, Classical Studies

cerned only with profit and is later on revealed to be smuggling opium. Java Head is a film about racial tension, but, perhaps as a symptom of its time, sends mixed messages about race and foreignness. Early on in the film, there is a ‘funny’ montage of Gerritt’s naval adventures around the world, in which every country is characterised by its passionate, even lascivious, exoticism – a sharp contrast to the stuffiness of England. Taou Yuen (Anna May Wong), Gerritt’s new bride, enters half an hour into the film, prefigured by the shocked stares of the family. She is immediately exposed to the extreme racism of the locals – a scene where they look on, horrified, as she enters the famous St Mary Redcliffe in her traditional dress particularly stays in the mind. The film condemns the intolerance and hypocrisy of the locals, especially as the woman in question is a beautiful, noble princess played by a topbilled star of the era, while the latter are crude and unsophisticated gossips. Wong plays Taou Yuen as serene and graceful enough to rise above

e sy u rt Co

of Netflix

Though it depicts thte first-ever interracial kiss on screen, Java Head is problematic. Shivani Chivukula

doubt that the film is set in Bristol: Gerritt and Nettie are spotted by the bourgeois and gossiping neighbours on Clifton Downs, and later they walk up Brandon Hill together. The film is lavishly produced and plays with a large cast of almost Dickensian stock characters such as the gruff but stern family patriarch, the scampish and charming young granddaughter, Nettie’s fanatical Christian guardian, and her sleazy uncle. But none of these, nor Bristol itself, is the main character: central to Java Head is the sea, which opens Bristol to the world’s splendours and temptations. The opening shot of the film establishes this, showing industrious seamen singing and working. The characters speak in high-handed, and sometimes quite jarring, naval metaphors. Gerritt is a seafaring man, with a rapport with the lower-class sailors, and so the viewer approves of him. By contrast, his brother William (Ralph Richardson) is disapproved of as a ‘landlubber’ with new-fangled, modernising notions which go against the traditional values of his father. He is con-

Samuel Vickers

Film & TV Deputy Editor

Katya Spiers

Film & TV Digital Editor

ie nt

C th

F entury ox

Layla Nathan

Film & TV Subeditor

Arthur Christmas (2015)

A Serious Man (2009)

Klaus (2019)

Die Hard (1988)

Arthur Christmas is a criminally underrated animated Christmas movie with a star-studded voice cast. James MacAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent and Imelda Staunton, combined with a witty script and an answer to the ageold question: how does Father Christmas deliver all those presents in one night? In this film, Father Christmas uses a giant spaceship and an army of elves to complete his annual task, but when his second son, Arthur (MacAvoy) discovers they’ve failed to deliver one of the presents, he embarks on a journey to save a little girl’s Christmas. He is joined by his grandfather, one of the elves and eight overly enthusiastic reindeer. There’s a bit of something for everyone in this film. Childish fun is combined with the time-old message of the importance of kindness and family at Christmas.

Around December time, it’s easy to get swept up in the Christmas spirit (justifiably, I think) but it’s also important to remember other cultures celebrating in December, specifically Chanukah. Unfortunately, the Maccabees don’t seem to have quite the same allure as the Baby Christ and so Chanukah themed films are typically pretty poor quality. Instead, I suggest immersing oneself in a bit of Jewish culture, the Coen Brothers’ classic, A Serious Man (2009). Exploring the complex moral questions of Judaism as a Jewish father seeks the advice of three rabbis, the film is a sublime blend of drama and black comedy. With a standout performance from the lead, Michael Stuhlbarg, the film’s 106-minute run time is a wellpaced romp that centres around his Jewish faith and his son’s imminent bar mitzvah.

Amidst the array of bland Christmas remakes and overblown originals on Netflix is Klaus (2019), a unique animation that’s brimming with nostalgic Christmas magic. It’s the story of Jesper (voiced by Jason Schwartzman), a gawky student scraping his way through the Postman Academy, who is sent to the town of Smeerensburg on a seemingly impossible mission to establish a flourishing postal service. But Jesper’s laziness quickly makes way for innovation, and an unlikely partnership with resident toymaker Klaus (J. K. Simmons) sets the scene for a Christmas origins story like no other. With beautiful, vintage, Disney-style animation and enough festive spirit to warm the heart of even the most sorrowful of Scrooges, Klaus deserves a prime spot on any Christmas watchlist.

Is Die Hard really a Christmas movie? The internet has certainly been debating it. Lets have a look at the facts. Set on Christmas Eve, NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) heads to his office Christmas party and tries to salvage romance with his ex-wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia). (What could be more of a festive name than Holly?) It even features classic Christmas tunes like ‘Winter Wonderland’ and ‘Ode to Joy’! Sure there may be a little more action to the movie than that, but it's all sounding like a very classic Christmas movie, right? Maybe there are more machine guns and explosions involved than the average Hallmark film. And perhaps active hostage situations don’t necessarily invoke Christmas cheer for you. But believe me, nothing brings the family all together like shouting ‘yippie ki-yay motherf****er’ in unison.

Arts

Editor Anjuli Vadera Digital Editor Dulcie Godfrey Deputy Editor Katie Chalk

Twitter: @EpigramCulture

It’s ‘Bleak’, it’s ‘Mid-Winter’, but what does this mean for creativity?

‘

Shakespeare wrote King Lear in Lockdown!’: I am reminded endlessly of this mantra. One that echoed constantly in the summer months, saturating the first lockdown with the feverish desire to use the extra time we all had effectively. Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity was germinating, Edvard Munch painted his Self Portrait With The Spanish Flu (an essential viewing if you’ve experienced COVID-19 and a strange and visceral interaction with 1919). See what I did there? Puns aside, lockdown was shown to be somewhat successful for many, whether it be streaming live per-

creators now have to ask themselves how they can continue their craft sustainably and attract audiences when they can’t provide the traditional performance experiences that we have all grown to know and love.

What is a better artistic stimulant than a global upheaval? and lockdown two sees an increase on this pressure to have something to show for it. Why is this? Is it due to the light disappearing by 3pm? The lengthened hours inside your artiste’s room? Or is it my winter padding that I feel I need to sweat off by getting hot and heavy over a piece of writing? Some of this did come out of necessity. Live theatre, for example, was ground to a halt for the foreseeable, which saw an abundance of internet streams to keep content flowing. It seems that live performance in general has had a fundamental shift,

But what did this mean on a smaller scale, for students specifically? In March I was suddenly faced with an endless expanse of time to fill. On returning to my family home, I had plenty of cause to desire a distraction. When I reflect on this time, it seems the creative version of ‘hustle culture’ infected me. I jumped on multiple Zoom calls with my writing partner, (and flatmate, Tallula White) and an idea that had been a drunken joke manifested into a fully actualised sketch show. Writing ideas I had been sitting on for years were turning in to viable narratives.

Epigram / Dulcie Godfrey

Digital Arts Editor

formances, showcases of art, new hobbies and revival of old passions. What is a better stimulator for art than a global upheaval? Indeed, this energy seems to have continued into the winter months,

But that was with the backdrop of summer, of long days and nights to fill with activities. So what now? I do think there is a special relationship between the arts and winter, Corona present or not. Think of Christmas Hymns! Christina Rossetti got away with saying ‘snow on snow on snow…’ over and over in ‘In the Bleak Mid-Winter’ and is still a revered and a renowned poet. Cold winter nights have been used to stimulate everything from magic (think The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe), horror (think Lewis Caroll’s A Christmas Carol or even Stephen King’s The Shining)

tive-disorder) is a great stimulator of sad poetry. Looking back over what you thought was an incredibly spontaneous and ethereal writing moment turns out to be a lot of cliched references and tears on the page smudging your already bad handwriting (just speaking personally here). In fact, ‘Finding the Funny’ provides a temporary outlet in form of a Burst Radio show while sketch filming is postponed (Coronavirus mandated). It sees me and my partner-in-crime Tallula White talking openly about winter sadness, and how having a lie-in means you miss

Is winter the lockdown of seasons?

Kate Bowie

As the days get colder and the nights longer, does more time indoors increase the pressure to create? Or is this second lockdown snuffing our creative flame? Dulcie Godfrey

and especially romance (would the Bridget Jones’ Diary ending been the same if they hadn’t kissed in the snow at the end of the book?). I too have started using the winter season for inspiration. Suddenly our sketch based on a dinner party in a Gothic mansion has a distinctly wintery landscape surrounding it. Grimly anticipating Christmas meals and the forced family time are becoming more and more like the absurdist sketch of the dinner party from hell we created, a wealth of comedic inspiration about Grandad’s casual racism and Uncle John’s conspiracy theories. Even my S.A.D. (seasonal-affec-

the sunlight altogether. Is winter the lockdown of seasons? Spring, summer, autumn and chilly lockdown. Haven’t we always been stuck in our houses, in a tug of war between the warmth of bed and Christmas crafts and productive creative pursuits? Maybe we need an injection of the stimulating summer ‘hustle’ pressure and should use the winter lockdown months and festive season as starting points. It is time to start afresh with our artistic past times. From this, I hope to see art, literature and more featuring the specific blend of coronavirus life and festive conventions.

Arts 21

epigram 08.12.2020

In defence of Louise Glück’s Nobel Prize

Second Year, English

his year, the ‘unmistakable poetic voice’ of Louise Glück won her the Nobel prize for literature, the Swedish Academy citing her work’s ‘austere beauty’ that ‘makes individual existence universal’. The American poet, known for tackling bleak themes of relationship breakdowns, identity crises, familial and faith-based strife, was perhaps not the comforting choice expected after what can only be called a difficult year. However, the unique challenges of 2020, especially those that faced us as students, drive a need for her voice now more than ever. Born 1943 in New York and raised on Long Island, much of Glück’s early life became defined by her struggle

with anorexia. The condition and its lengthy recovery lead her to take up poetry workshops at Columbia University, instead of enrolling as a full-time student. After her first marriage’s breakdown, Glück published her first

suggested, due to their engagement with political and social issues. Glück’s quiet lucidity, then, departs from the expected. It offers little in the way of social commentary or providing optimism after a year of political and international turmoil,

Chaos was what I saw. My brush froze—I could not paint it. Darkness, silence: that was the feeling. What did we call it then? poetry collection, Firstborn, in 1968. In the years since, Glück’s published another 10 books of poetry, ranging from her most acclaimed work, Wild Irises (1992), where a gardener talks with a deity over images of tomato plants and fig trees, to a response to the September 11 attacks steeped in Greek mythology. After accusations of male, Eurocentric biases, many predicted this year’s winner would be a ‘safe choice.’ Russian novelist Lyudmila Ulitskaya and Antiguan-American writer Jamaica Kincaid were

something critics were quick to pick up on. What her verse does offer, however, speaks to the isolation, loneliness and self-reflection we’ve all been forced to confront recently. Every student has lived through the first few nauseous months of freshers and the simultaneous loss of an old identity. We’ve all felt the isolation of a new city or of being trapped in our old ones for months. Most of us spent quarantine sitting through family conflict and feeling the moment would go on forever. As students face whatever 2021

Wikimedia Commons

Back in the summer, a rather unexpected winner of the Nobel Prize for literature was announced. Kate Bowie explores the continuing relevance of Louise Glück's poetry this year Kate Bowie

brings, what Glück’s work does is to clarify universal moments, which is more vital than ever. In an interview with the Nobel Prize, Glück explained her ‘concern for the preservation of daily life with the people I love.’ This universal and

personal worry summarises what Glück’s work can do for us. In taking her readers to the edge of existential dread, her words guide us back to the daily and momentary, helping find sanctuary in our similarities as human beings.

Stephanie Kelly, Second Year, Liberal Arts

If you would like your art to be featured please email arts.epigram@gmail.com or contact us on Facebook via Epigram Arts Writers 2020/21.

Marianne Willis, Second Year, Liberal Arts

Leah Simmons, Postgraduate, Migration Studies

Student Art Showcase

22 Arts

epigram 08.12.2020

Get ready for the holidays with some seasonal poetry

he eight-line poem follows the journey of the Magi or the ‘unsatisfied ones' in their continual search for meaning. It's poignant, short and the religious im-

Magi

William Butler Yeats Now as at all times I can see in the mind's eye, In their stiff, painted clothes, the pale unsatisfied ones Appear and disappear in the blue depths of the sky With all their ancient faces like rain-beaten stones, And all their helms of silver hovering side by side, And all their eyes still fixed, hoping to find once more, Being by Calvary's turbulence unsatisfied, The uncontrollable mystery on the bestial floor. This poem is suitable for anyone who's always thinking about food. It tells the tale of a bunny's encounter with a snowman, except the bunny is very hungry, so things become interesting.

Katie Bowie

Nyse Vincent

Second Year, French and Russian

h, it's that time of

Before the Ice is in Pools Emily Dickenson

Before the ice is in the pools— Before the skaters go, Or any check at nightfall Is tarnished by the snow— Before the fields have finished, Before the Christmas tree, Wonder upon wonder Will arrive to me!

Black are my steps on silver sod; Thick blows my frosty breath

writing style of the legend himself. Beginning in 1920, Tolkien wrote about Father Christmas's activities throughout each year for his children. Expect Polar Bear, a Cave Bear, the Cave Bear's two nephews, and Santa Claus himself in tales of all the mishaps happening in the North Pole.

Michael Bublé, make a cup of hot chocolate, and curl up with a good book (or two or three!)

this is a great place to start. It's got just about everything you could possibly ask for in a charming, classic novel. The tumultuous relationship between the arrogant yet well-meaning Darcy and high spirited Lizzy Bennet, her vulgar mother, the comical Mr Collins who we love to hate. Typical of Austen's works, the humour runs rampant. If you've read this before- go read it. If you haven'tgo read it... then go read it once more, and again and again.

um, everything, here at Epigram

Waterstones

Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen

f you haven't fallen for Mr Darcy yet, then you're missing out. For those who haven't read Jane Austen before,

Waterstones

Anonymous

1. You believe in Santa Claus. 2. You don't believe in Santa Claus. 3. You are Santa Claus. 4. You look like Santa Claus

Michael Morpurgo

his is a bittersweet story of an old lady named Lizzie remembering life in WWII Germany, and the elephant she rescued before Dresden Zoo was bombed.

Fantastic Mr Fox Roal Dahl

BOOK said.

we believe that sometimes we just

s it too early to talk about Christmas books? Hmm, this book says no. It might as well have been called Letters from J.R.R Tolkien because it has the

The Four Stages of Life

An Elephant in the Garden

here's foxes. They are very clever foxes that steal food from dumb farmers. Enough

us along the way.

This one speaks for itself.

Winter Time

Despite this year being full of...

need a few festive books to help

abroad; And tree and house, and hill and lake, Are frosted like a wedding-cake.

Stevenson is better known for his bestseller Treasure Island. His poem, Winter Time, however, makes us want to snuggle indoors with a dog and think of childhood memories, snow-pine trees and fairytales.

Before the stars have left the skies, At morning in the dark Irise; And shivering in my nakedness,

to whack on some

J.R.R Tolkien

Close by the jolly fire I sit To warm my frozen bones a bit; Or with a reindeer-sled, explore The colder countries round the door. When to go out, my nurse dothwrap Me in my comforter and cap; The cold wind burns my face, and blows Its frosty pepper up my nose.

Late lies the wintry sun a-bed, A frosty, fiery sleepy-head; Blinks but an hour or two; and then, A blood-red orange, sets again.

Anonymous A chubby little snowman had a carrot nose. Along came a bunny, and what do you suppose? That hungry little bunny, looking for some lunch,

the year... The time

Letters From Father Christmas

By the cold candle, bathe and dress.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Chubby Snowman

Festive FeelGood Reads

Grabbed that snowman’s nose Nibble, nibble, crunch Renowned for her poem about mortality Because I Could Not Stop For Death, "Before the Ice is in the Pools" uses evocative imagery to really capture the chill of the festive season.

Epigram / Katie Chalk

Second Year, French and Russian

agery helps explores the themes of desire and dissatisfaction.

Waterstones

Preparing for Christmas can be hectic. It's good to take a moment out to settle. Here's five festive poems to enjoy when you need downtime during the festive season Nyse Vicente

CORNER

Music

Editor Lucas Arthur Digital Editor Greg Evans Deputy Editor Flora Pick

Twitter: @EpigramCulture Spotify: epigram_music

The original jungalist: In conversation with Bristol's DJ Krust

Music Editor ew people can claim to have pioneered a genre of music; fewer still, a genre which is celebrated by successive generations of young people, in the city where it all began. But without Kirk Thompson, drum and bass as we know it just wouldn’t be the same. ‘I’m in Hotwells right now. You?’ ‘Stokes Croft’, he grins. As has become the norm for interviews, I’m speaking to Krust over Zoom, despite us living some 20 minutes from one another. ‘The place where anything happens is on this triangle: Stokes Croft, Ashley Road, City Road – this is where the main parties were, back in the day…’ Krust is Bristol born and raised. I ask him to start from the very beginning, the 1970s, long before Bristolian musicians were filling the charts. He grew up in Knowle West, a council estate to the south of the city. ‘It was a real working class background, real hard going’ – he speaks lucidly; ‘The youth clubs are underfunded and barely open. Kids are walking around the streets and they don’t know what to do. They hear from their older brothers that there’s this thing in America – it’s called house music, or it’s hip hop, or disco, right? And certain people can get involved in it if they want to, but it’s a specialist thing…’ DJing was niche and expensive – to get involved you had to commit, but Krust was hooked from the outset. He left school at 15 and started mixing within the year, playing flat parties and school halls for his mates, charging 2p on the door for entry. Before long, their weekend parties were gaining notoriety, spilling out into abandoned industrial lots and empty fields. The Bristol scene was starting to emerge, headlined by Soundsystem crews like FBI, UD4 and the Wild Bunch. Hardcore, reggae, dub and hip-hop were all the rage, with each weekend drawing a bigger following. Some 150 miles North, a club called the Hacienda was breaking ground. There was something in the water, and it came in pressed-pill form. ‘There was something changing, awakening - the reason we had all those illegal raves was a reaction to

what was going on in society; heavy unemployment, strikes, Thatcher in power - society back then wasn’t catering for everybody. That’s what you’ve gotta remember.’ I digress for a second and ask about the recent illegal raves – could he see a resurgence? He’s flippant; ‘that’s the human spirit – when you shut one door, another one opens! No one’s sitting around waiting for the clubs to open.’ He pauses and clarifies himself – ‘I’m not advocating that people go out there and create

scene. The new genre became known as jungle hardcore – jungle, for short. By now it was lifestyle: ‘You’re like, I’ve tried to get a job, but the only job I can get with my qualification is a shit one – but I love music. The self-employment world that we’re in now didn’t exist back then. But you find people who are doing this stuff, these little pockets of resistance, in these rooms, pressing buttons, learning how to use new technology.’ Now we’re into the early 90s. Krust speaks in cascades: ‘There are people

by itself.’ Along with fellow Bristolian Roni Size, Krust founded Full Cycle Records in ‘93. The duo would release a string of jungle standards, on their own labels and those of friends. They were outsiders, and proud of the fact: ‘Creating a record label, creating something that gives you a sense of self-respect... We weren’t getting’ that from society.’ Soon came the breaking point. ‘You get to places like Castlemorton Common – these were the pinnacles of that era.' In 1992, at the peak of

illegal raves and start taking ecstasy.' There’s a mischievous spark behind his eyes – ‘but that’s what I did, and it changed my life!’ By the late 80s, Krust had started producing. As a member of the Fresh

creating magazines, people doing illegal radio, clothing lines, soundsystems, DJing, club promoting - they were all thinking the same thing… And any weekend, you’d go to Enstone Airfield by Oxford for a 5000

it all, 20,000 ravers descended on a tranquil meadow in the Malvern Hills. Two years on, new laws granted police the powers to stop illegal raves for good. Rave music was forced overground. ‘People don’t give up. They change, they figure out a way to keep going and working within the laws, the parameters of society…’ For Krust, Size and a handful of other Bristolians, this meant founding Reprazent. The group’s debut album, New Forms, took ’97 by storm, winning the Mercury Prize and critical acclaim. Drum and bass was here to stay. I ask how 'Warhead', an unconventional jungle anthem that he released the same year, came into being. He remarks how formulaic he deemed most jungle music to be – ‘I looked at that and thought, I’m gon-

James Hacker

One of the most celebrated figures in drum and bass talks of raves, rebellion and reinvention Lucas Arthur

Society back then wasn't catering for everybody. That's what you've got to remember Four, he co-produced a charting club track, sampling the breaks from James Brown’s 'Funky Drummer' – brooding, sample based, breakbeat dance tracks, soaked in sub-bass, quickly became his staple, diverging from the sunny hardcore and acid house that dominated the rave

rave, and everybody would be there, know what I’m sayin’? And you’d all be raving! And Monday morning, you’d come back, you’d write music about it. Someone would write a magazine article about it, someone would be inspired to make clothes about it… The culture was rising up

na do the complete opposite – I had the bassline in my head for weeks. I said fuck it, let’s go to the studio. The rest just fell into place.’ Going against the grain became his signature, he says. The Edge Of Everything, released in November, brought this mentality to the fore. It’s jungle’s cerebral, voodoo cousin, steeped in murky soundscapes and distended beats, developed over the course of several years. Its complexity makes it ripe for remixing, another jungle tradition – Four Tet, the darling of electronica, recently dropped his take on the lead single ‘Negative Returns.' ‘I tried to think about what different experiences I wanted the listener to have. I looked at Kubrick, Spike Lee, Scorsese. I tried to understand what it is that you do with a film that takes someone from an ordinary world into this underworld, and then back. That’s why the album sounds like that – it’s a film, not a record!’ By now, I’m coming to understand how this enigmatic character became a frontrunner in his chosen field. His creativity overflows: each question opens up new avenues of conversation, his mouth barely keeping pace with his thoughts – it’s little wonder that, while taking a break from music in the 2010s, he lectured employees of major corporations on methods of creative thinking. We talk about the state of Bristol, its venues and the future. ‘Human being are quite resourceful’, he reflects. ‘We’ve created these scenes, we’ve created all this music – This is a great opportunity to level the playing field, to create something new, that serves a purpose for everybody.’ The legacy of Bristol’s imprint on music goes further than one might assume. ‘Its in the vibes!’ he explains. ‘A lot of music that’s being made now is influenced by jungle; the styles, drum patterns, basslines… ‘Back in the day, you had Tropics Club, the Moon Club, the Dugout… these places were like churches; you’d go and hear a selection of music that helped shape a city to become what it is. Iconic sessions were happening – tunes were dropped that people still know, like when Soul 2 Soul played Massive Attack – people draw out the cassette tapes and it brings back floods of memories!’ 'For the size of the city, and the size of the area, we pack more than our fair share in musical punch and power. Bristol’s a great city with a great heritage that isn’t ready to quit right now.’

24 Music

epigram 08.12.2020

Epigram Music: Albums of the Year

KeiyaA - Forever, Ya Girl Lucas Arthur Music Editor

he best things in this world are handmade – it’s the flecked imperfections that create something greater than the sum of its parts. Forever, Ya Girl, written and produced entirely by KeiyaA in the months preceding lockdown, burrows deep into its creator’s wounded ego and emerges all the more luminous and empowered as a result. The project runs as an unbroken stream of soulful R&B; ribbons of vocal harmony drift over velvety synthesisers, ebbing into infectious hooks and skulking grooves. Melodies surface in two to three-minute sections before yielding to the next, interspersed with ad-libs and zany samples of spoken words. Often, these tie into the album’s themes of

femininity, race and identity; every element can be traced back to its creator, Brooklyn’s Chakeiya Richmond, who studied jazz and alto saxophone at the University of Illinois before dropping out to pursue a solo career. In an interview with Pitchfork, she explains how she played studio sessions with genre contemporaries like Noname and Chance the Rapper – ‘She remembers thinking to herself, “Wait a second, I have a voice here! I have things to say and I can sing.”’ Both are true: her lyrics are smart and compassionate, delivered in effortless alto. You get the sense that each line references a tender moment in her life, as they weave through embedded feelings of isolation, rejection and dismissal; embittered cravings for someone (I can barely recall / The last time my phone rang) or something (I want my fried plantain / My pineapple pear juice!). In a year when so much more seems to have been lost than gained, such appeals to close comforts ring clear. Yet, her meditations on personal

afflictions are framed in defiance to those who caused them. ‘Do Yourself a Favour' is a curt ‘fuck you' to an unrequited lover – ‘If you see me / Walk on by / Don’t say nothin’ to me / Now I’m alone and feelin free’. On ‘Every Nigga is a Star,' she bites at racial prejudices with a cool animosity – ‘My speaker knockers bust ya head to the white meat / I could tell when I shook your hand you'd prolly spite me / Long as you respect me, I could care less if you like me.’ Crucially, Forever, Ya Girl proudly bears its lo-fi, self-produced credentials. It embodies the self-love and individualism that it preaches, and it’s hard to imagine a purer assertion of one’s own identity than a debut album of such a calibre. There are glimpses of resemblance to the smoky neo-soul of Puma Blue and Yazmin Lacey, and to the legacies of genre greats - Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, John Coltrane – but KeiyaA’s music exists apart, on an island of her own making. It’s surely worth listening in.

Vulfpeck - The Joy of Music, The Joy of Real Estate Lauren Paddison Music Subeditor

he fifth studio album from the Michigan-based contemporary funk band, The Joy of Music, The Joy of Real Estate marks the best of 2020 for me, in somewhat of a bid goodbye to the previous months. The opening track is noteworthy for its novelty – a classical opening to an otherwise funk-filled LP. You might recognise the pulsing bassline on ‘3 on E’ as the track compiles three of the most ear-catching basslines, all starting with the first three beats

The Microphones Microphones In 2020 Flora Pick

Deputy Music Editor

ashington based indie-folk darling Phil Elverum resurrected his old moniker for the purpose of releasing a 45-minute single-song album of autobiographical reflection on himself, as both an artist and individual. While this one might be a hard sell, never before has the eternal dirge of lightly brushed acoustic sounded so good. There is something so consciously non-ostentatious about this

release, that there is a true sense of reward for you, the listener, as you’re pulled deeper and deeper into the reverberating recounted memories. At once acutely human in its confessionalism, and painfully conscious under the weight of legacy, as Elverum returns to this musical project for the first time in 17 years (he now releases under Mount Eerie), it is fascinating to listen to an older iteration reason with the younger self who made the music that defined him. If there’s a trend to be taken in the ad-nauseum naval gazing, it’s one of the shocking lack of difference in return. After 20-odd years, this ‘Microphones’ release is hardly markedly different than any ‘Mount HUBB Records Eerie’ release, his 20-year-old self no

less, the sun rising, the songs always about the same thing, ‘Standing on the ground looking around, basically.' There’s something comfortingly tongue-in-cheek in this constancy, in the spasm of time that divides release not changing all too much, beyond the frustration of losing the sight of youth, that underlines everything with “significance”. It’s fascinating to listen to the work of the rare musician who has earned the right to construct a mythos. As an endeavour, Microphones in 2020 could very easily be wanky – from the majority of artists, it would be. Instead, it feels a privilege to be swept along the shape of somebody else’s life, a glance behind the curtain of a cult legacy.

on the low E string: ‘Hollywood Swinging,’ ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ and ‘Good Times’ provide the same groove upon which Joe Dart exemplifies his intense skill and ‘chops’ on bass. Antwaun Stanley lends his voice against the crunchy rhythmic guitar of Cory Wong. The music video adds another layer of Vulfpecky folly. ‘Test Drive’ and ‘Radio Shack’ are reminders that the band can still produce airtight tracks that pack a punch. Bluesy progressions and driven guitar riffs dominate with the usual synthy suspects. ‘LAX’ – My personal highpoint, I could have it on repeat for days. The opening ‘I love my baby,’ carried in on such soft falsetto, reverberates

throughout. The descending riff entering in on a Vulfpeck-typical full synth gives way to the slap bass and piano stabs that serve as the build to a chorus of elevated energy. Play this song when in a rush and I can guarantee you’ll get there faster and in a lighter mood. There are some treats thrown in, too; a Beatles cover may seem out of place to first time listeners, but is no real shock to the rest. Similar is their rendition of ‘Santa Baby,’ in which all parts seem to appear through a fuzzy lense, drenched in reverb. The slow grooves and orchestral timbres of ‘Off and Away’ end the album on a sombre tone. It's a melancholy listen, yet uplifting enough to keep going back for more.

Music 25

epigram 08.12.2020

Sports Team - Deep Down Happy Mia Smith

Second Year, English Literature

n just 36 minutes, Sports Team manage to prove themselves indispensable indie favourites with their debut Deep Down Happy, making for one of the best albums of the year. A short fight to cram in as many witty quips as possible, the album wastes no time launching into explosive opener ‘Lander,’ demanding our attention until granted a few breath-catching moments in midway track ‘Long Hot Summer.’ Frontman Alex Rice weaves a unique and exciting stream-of-consciousness lyricism, sometimes clichéd, but in the

best way: ‘Love needs glue/But you bring Pritt Stick' We are lead through political outcry ‘Here’s The Thing’ to an homage to Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore’s love story on ‘Kutcher,’ reaching closing track ‘Stations Of The Cross’ and its quiet revelations: ‘It’s not that you’re unhappy/You’re just happy on and off.' There’s something in the album’s final chord progression that’s unexplainably moving: an unexpected moment hidden between assaulting, noisy guitar riffs; a reward for putting up with Rice’s sometimes annoyingly gobby vocals, bestowing wisdom upon the indie youth ‘So live with your parents for a while/Everyone's growing so nicely/Really coming along.' The album’s tragic effect is to leave us nostalgic for live music, yearning to be covered in sweat (and from my

experience seeing them at Thekla, even blood), its curation the perfect mosh-inducing set-list. With the debut’s release, the band left no room for rest, igniting a twitter war against Lady Gaga’s ‘monsters’ in a bid for the number one chart spot. The race harked back to the notorious Blur vs Oasis rivalry, except this battle wasn’t between two Britpop giants, but Grammy winning pop royalty and a tiny indie band from Kent shifting their album for 99p as the competition tightened. And they lost. But Deep Down Happy is fun, punchy and just perfect. It begs to be played at full volume through your headphones and invites you to mosh with your flatmates, or even your furniture. Any ear damage will be totally worth it, I promise.

Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes - What Kinda Music Lulu Ingram

First Year, Chemistry

ometimes it’s the album that you don’t expect to be interested in that surprises you the most. Over the summer, What Kinda Music seemed to be on a loop: played on car journeys and sunny days lounging in the park, and then there again, humming in the background to the first drinks of an evening. What Kinda Music is a fitting name. A collaboration between Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes, the album spans countless genres. There is a lick of hip hop and electronica mixed in with progressive jazz. Its soul is South East London; a melting pot of influences. The album diverges from Misch’s previous work. Geography (2018)

Fiona Apple - Fetch The Bolt Cutters Greg Evans

Digital Music Editor

iona Apple albums are celestial events; twice a decade if you’re lucky, and when they happen you drop everything else. Fetch the Bolt Cutters isn’t just another good album from an acclaimed artist. It shouts, yelps, hammers, scratches and laughs; each track is a bastion of liberation - an unyielding BANG after eight years of silence. Raw percussion is innate, instinctual to the untamed production. Recorded at her beloved Venice Beach home, the banging of kitchen pots and barking of dogs sing just as loudly as Apple on this 13-track uncaging. Yet, Fetch the Bolt Cutters isn’t an arrival at a destination. It’s an acceptance of a journey, where Apple charges the realities of her life and slams them against the floorboards.

Opening track ‘I Want You To Love Me’ sets a precedent: it’s instantly the song of the year. Apple’s piano is as perfect as ever, her lyrics sharp as she marks out the bittersweet nature of accepting her own iconic 1997 claim - ‘This world is bullshit,’ she sings: ‘And I know none of this'll matter / In the long run / But I know a sound is still a sound / Around no-one.’ Wielding the bow like an axe, the cello drives an arpeggiating piano as Apple’s shrieks fall off the end of the track. Slamming doors are the percussion of choice - obviously. Apple’s music has always been authentically candid, 2012’s The Idler Wheel was as much a hard-hitting wrestle with societal controls as it was a confessional grapple with her own mind. Fetch the Bolt Cutters is liberated but it doesn’t pretend pain doesn’t exist. On ‘Heavy Balloon,’ Apple recounts struggling with the realities of her life and finds safety in being at her most hurt. ‘We get dragged down, down to the same spot enough times in a row / The

bottom begins to feel like the only safe place that you know.’ Apple’s lyricism resonates - it's freeing. But, there’s humour to be found in Apple’s narrative, the agency always lies with her and she uses it. On ‘Under the Table’ she laughs: ‘Kick me under the table all you want / I won’t shut up.’ The piano is tuned percussion, and Apple hammers every note in this takedown of an elite dinner party she didn’t want to be at. In ‘Ladies’, Apple rejects expectations of jealousy, inviting an ex-lover’s new girlfriend to ‘Be my guest / To whatever I might've left.’ It’s a consciousness, a frankness in Fetch the Bolt Cutters that cuts through. Fiona Apple’s music combines lyricism with percussion to articulate her realities with unmatched nuance: her honesty is inspiriting, her poetry slashes through the bullshit, and her sound punches in ways no one else’s can. The album is powerful, it’s cathartic, it’s visceral: fetch the bolt cutters.

feels like a record that might play at a local hipster café in height of June. Its clean, smooth and somehow lacks edge. Misch reconnected with Dayes at the Geography launch party. The two had crossed paths before at a school talent show. ‘I remember going to a local school in my area and seeing this guy play drums — he was about 9 at the time,’ Misch recalls. ‘I remember thinking ‘This guy's amazing at drums!' Fast-forward 15 years, when I'm working on this record, I realize that guy was Yussef.’ Misch and Dayes come from different disciplines. Misch is driven by R&B melodies while Dayes’ work focuses on new jazz. The product of their collaboration is a harmony of Dayes’ buzzing drums, overlaid with Misch’s soft vocals. Perhaps the lyrics lack depth, but the intuitive drum beat allows the songs to gather momentum and drives the tracks forward. Misch says. ‘There was no pressure on the project, so it came

about very organically.' There is a natural feel to this album. The song ‘Kyiv' was the byproduct of a jam session which they happened to tape. Dayes’ and Misch’s excitement about the project is communicated. It’s an uplifting, joyful piece of music. What Kinda Music is accessible in a good way: one doesn’t need prior listening experience, to the likes of Kamaal Williams, Alfa Mist and Thundercat, to get enjoyment out of it. As it plays, the album keeps giving, bringing in other exciting musicians: Freddie Gibbs (who also released a great album this year) raps on ‘Nightrider'; bassist Rocco Palladino features on ‘Lift Off' and ‘Storm Before The Calm', alongside saxophonist Kaidi Akinnibi. This album was released in the midst of the first lockdown. For me, it came out at a time when I needed a fresh listen. Having it on loop somehow resonated the bizarre groundhog nature of 2020.

Discover more music on our Spotify @Epigram_Music

SciTech

Editor Julia Riopelle Digital Editor Edward Deacon Deputy Editor Delhi Kalwan

Twitter: @EpigramSciTech

Bristol University calls on the government to support radical post-COVID recovery The declaration sets out how the government can aid COVID-19 recovery Lucy Mahony Fourth Year, Bioinformatics

he core cities deliver 26 per cent of the UK economy and host almost 40 per cent of UK university students, as well as having significant public research capacity across councils, NHS Trusts, Health Boards and agencies. Together, they are in a position to offer well informed advice and collaborative proposals to the government. Professor Guy Orpen, the University of Bristol's Deputy Vice-Chancellor stated: ‘Our cities and universities have a long and very successful history of working together. Following the national response to COVID-19, these partnerships are stronger than ever. Government now has a clear

and an increase in the Research opportunity to build on this success and Development budget to £22bn and empower our cities and univera year by 2024 to 2025. The decsities to play their part in deliverlaration states that ing the post-COVID Global Britain agenCities and universities ‘innovation built around collaborada.’ have enormous tion between uniThis sentiment has potential to generate versities, businesses, been echoed by the the public sector Chair of Core Cities innovation-led and communities – UK, Judith Blake: economic growth a ‘Quadruple Helix’ ‘Our core cities and – has long been untheir universities derstood as a driver of local econom[…] also have enormous potential to ic development.’ It also states that a generate innovation-led economic proportion of this funding should be growth to benefit towns and comused to support partnerships with munities in their wider regions. But business and community networks, we need the government to work so that barriers to commercialisation with us to realise that potential.’ are reduced, aiding local economies. However, the Government’s willThe declaration also argues that ingness to follow the recommendathe economy would benefit from intions set by the universities and Core creased international trade and exCities, especially when calling for inports, and that universities and cities creased funding, remains to be seen. should be as involved as businessThe declaration request asks for es and governments in identifying spending on regional innovation

growth sectors. This would improve their performance and forge links with continental counterparts. The proposed suggestions highlight how post-COVID recovery will hinge on successful trade negotiations in re-

gards to Brexit. The declaration used Test and Trace data as an example of how local policy could be improved: by disseminating data, it could allow for better mitigation of risk both to public health, and the economy.

Lucy Mahony

The insect mothers that give birth to babies as large as themselves ol ,V ys 42 )

(11

he idea of a baby being born as big as its mother might sound like something out of a science fiction story, but where would science fiction be without science fact? Dr Sinead English and Dr Antoine Barreaux from the University of Bristol’s Evolution and Vector Ecology (EVE) lab, along with researchers from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Universities of Greenwich, Stellenbosch and California Riverside, have examined the unique features of birth in tsetse flies and the implications for the control of these disease vectors. Tsetse flies do not lay eggs like most others, instead givi n g birth to

a ss

Masters, Palaeobiology

lation numbers steady. Luckily, females don’t need to follow the tiring mate-attracting ceremonies. The first time a female tsetse mates, she is able to store enough sperm to become pregnant for the rest of her life. Tsetse flies transfer parasites to humans that cause African trypanosomiasis, known as the potentially fatal sleeping sickness. They can also transmit the disease to livestock and wildlife, which inflicts great economic damage on agriculture and tourism. The slow pace of pregnancies in tsetse flies means that killing four per cent of adult females in a population per day would result in a population going extinct. This is a significantly lower percentage that needs to be killed for egg-laying insects. Methods to reduce numbers of tsetse flies must target adults, as larvae immediately burrow underground, where they remain as pupae until they resurface as adults. Due to the tsetse fly’s constant need to feed on blood, treating livestock with insecticides works well. oE

Alex Lawrence

til when they emerge from their bura single live larva, which immedirow as a fully-grown adult. ately burrows underground to avoid The other key aspect of these gipredation. This one-baby-at-a-time gantic babies is the soft, malleable approach to birth is rare in insects, nature of the larva, allowing it to be as they usually favour high numbers pushed out of the birth canal. Larger of offspring to increase their chancanimals are not able to accomplish es of survival, a similar strategy to this feat due to constraints of their frogs and fish. So why did tsetse flies anatomical structures. evolve in this way? Tsetse flies are Tsetse flies live tough. They are able exclusively in The flies consume up to withstand tempersub-Saharan Africa, to twice their body ature fluctuations of where they feed on weight every few 20 degrees celsius the blood of larger in a short 24-hour animals. Known as days. period. Additionally, ‘little lions on wings’ their blood-based due to their voradiet means that they are not reliant cious appetites, the flies consume on plants, which are easily affected up to twice their body weight every by seasonal changes. Many insects few days. This vampiric behaviour also have to go into a kind of hiis key to the enormous size of their bernation when it is too dry, but not babies and the ability of the mothers tsetse flies. to even carry them. The high protein This toughness and ability to be aclevels in their blood allow them to tive throughout the year is necessary feed their larva with a nourishing for a population’s survival. A female milk-like substance and provides tsetse can only give birth to between them with protwo and four offspring every month, tein and fat far fewer than the average egg-layreserves ing fly. As a result, they have to live to last long enough to produce enough bat h e m bies at this slow pace to keep popufrom birth un-

Researchers shed light on how tsetse flies give birth to gigantic babies

Using artificial bait to resemble the animals on which they feed, as well as colorful, scented traps that play on the attraction of tsetse flies, are simple and economically viable ways to reduce their numbers. The method of releasing sterile males into a population, which has famously been used to control mosquitoes, is not as viable with tsetse flies. The long, single-offspring pregnancies mean it is time-consuming and expensive to create sterile males. Males also spread disease just as effectively as females (male mosquitoes do not feed on blood, and so do not spread disease), making it ethically questionable to breed and release them into the wild.

SciTech 27

epigram 08.12.2020

Scientists in the spotlight

GM viruses could be key chronic kidney disease treatment

Researchers have paved the way for a new treatment for chronic kidney disease Julia Riopelle SciTech Editor

Epigram / Teddy Coward

Highly Cited Researchers

total of 17 researchers from the University of Bristol have been recognised in the Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers list. This year, 6,389 researchers were identified for having published a large number of papers that rank in the top one per cent of the most cited works in their field. The following were those named: Bristol Medical School Professor Jerry Nolan Dr Jane Ferrie Professor David Gunnell Professor Matthew Hickman Dr Stephen Lolait

Professor Craig McArdle Professor Kate Tilling Professor Julian Higgins Professor Deborah Lawlor Professor Jonathan Sterne

School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience Professor Jules Hancox Professor Eamonn Kelly Professor Neil Marrion

School of Geographical Sciences Dr Jo House Professor Jonathan Bamber

School of Psychological Science Professor Marcus Munafo

School of Earth Sciences Professor Philip Donoghue

Bristol-based gene therapy company, Purespring Therapeutics, has received £45 million in funding from their parent company Syncona Ltd, in order to develop a gene therapy, based on the findings of Bristol Medical School. The clinical research has been pioneered by Professor Moin Saleem, a professor of Paediatric Renal Medicine and Dr Gavin Welsh, Associate Professor of Renal Medicine. Syncona establishes, builds and funds companies in innovative areas of healthcare, science and medical research. They focus on investing in promising future treatments which can be rapidly delivered to patients. Chronic kidney disease is a condition where kidney function is gradually lost over time. Amongst other problems, it causes fatigue, muscle cramping and frequent urination. Eventually, it causes a build-up in toxic waste, which increases blood pressure, weakens bones, damages nerves and leads to anaemia. If left untreated, it leads to kidney failure and even death. Kidney disorders are currently only treated via dialysis, where a person is attached to a machine that takes over the role of the kidneys to filter the blood, or a kidney transplant. Due to these limited options, currently only two million people receive kidney transplants or dialysis worldwide, which is only around 10 per cent of the people in need.

duced. AAV has also been observed Thus, the cutting-edge research as able to insert its modified genes into renal gene therapy at the Uniinto the human chromosome 19 versity of Bristol could allow for with 100 per cent certainty. an alternative and more widely The kidney’s role is vital to the accessible treatment option. So far, human body, as it filters out waste, Professor Saleem has been the only as well as regulates water and one to successfully use gene theraelectrolyte levels in the blood. Too py to treat nephrotic syndrome in much water results in overhydraanimals. tion, which can lead to cell and Gene therapy targets genes that even brain swelling. However, decause an illness, either through hydration causes electrolyte imbalreplacing the faulty gene with a ances, hyperventilation, increases normal, healthy one, turning off in heart rate or ‘silencing’ the genes causing Currently only two million and decreases in people receive kidney blood pressure. the problems or transplants or dialysis The kidney also by adding genes worldwide, which is only filters blood in to help fight the around 10 per cent of the order to remove illness. This type people in need. drugs, toxins of therapy would and urea. not require drugs The Purespring gene therapy will or surgery as part of the treatment target the glomerulus, which is plan. where the first stage of kidney filAdding new genes to a cell retration takes place. The glomerulus quires a ‘vector’, a genetically enis a ‘knot’ of intertwined capillargineered unit of DNA which can ies, located in a highly porous sac, carry genes into the cell in order which absorbs most of the waste to be expressed. Viruses are comfrom the blood into the kidney filmonly used as vectors, as they trate. The filtrate later leaves the can transport the healthy gene to body in the form of urine. the desired tissues and are able to The funds granted to Purespring ‘infect’ host cells. They also have could speed up the time to get to the ability to insert their DNA into the clinical trial phase of renal gene their host’s DNA, in order for the therapy. If successful, they could cell to produce the proteins which be treating patients in three to four the virus requires for survival. Sciyears. Professor Saleem commententists disable the virus’ ability to ed, ‘This is an incredible opportuniharm the host, in order to exploit ty. Gene therapy has come of age in this mechanism for gene therapy certain areas, but a major challenge use. in complex solid organs is to preProfessor Saleem and Dr Gavin cisely target the genetic material to Welsh’s research uses Adeno-asthe correct cell type.’ sociated virus (AAV) gene therapy. Combining the expertise of these AAV is ideal because it does not two companies with the expert cause human illness and is unaknowledge of the Bristol research ble to replicate itself in the human group, there is no doubt that huge body, as seen with other viruses. progress is being made in the fight Thus, the patient’s body would to cure chronic degenerative kidnot create an immune response to ney conditions. try to fight the ‘virus’ when intro-

University of Bristol

Dr Raul Santos-Rodriguez

amed after the father of computer science, the prestigious Turing AI Fellowship has been awarded to Bristol University researcher Dr Raul Santos-Rodriguez. Dr Santos-Rodriguez is one of 15 UK researchers to receive the fellowship who will develop AI techniques to support a range of areas such as combatting cancer, better understanding air pollution, and improving cybersecurity. Machine learning annotations will be the focus of Dr Santos-Rodriguez’s work which label information, allowing machines to detect patterns in medical data, identify objects in images, or recommend products in online platforms.

Epigram / Julia Riopelle

28 SciTech

epigram 08.12.2020

Quantum computers get a speed boost from a device made by Bristol University researchers Future quantum technologies could be made rapid by this miniature device

nologies such as optical computers,’ said co-lead author Jonathan Frazer from the University’s Quantum Engineering Technology (QET) labs.

Quantum computers have the potential for computing power that far exceeds regular computers

Edward Deacon SciTech Digital Editor

esearchers from the University of Bristol and Université Côte d‘Azur have created a new device that could improve the speed of quantum computers by 10 times. The new device is a miniaturised light detector made from two siliUniversity of Bristol con chips, and measures the properties of ‘squeezed’ light at record tial for computing power that far speeds, significantly faster than the exceeds regular previous state of the computers. art. Improving the ways Squeezed light Next-generation we can measure – light that has technologies like been manipulated quantum computers squeezed light can using its quantum could use light as the have a big impact properties – can carrier of information be used to carry and have the poten-

measure it can have a big impact.’ The high-speed performance of the device is enabled by its small size, measuring less than one

information in quantum computers, but requires detectors that are very sensitive to the weak features of the light. Until now, such detectors have been limited in the frequency of signals they can measure which has had ‘a direct impact on the processing speeds of emerging tech-

The new detector is still being refined to achieve an even greater bandwidth and as Frazer explains: ‘The higher the bandwidth of your detector, the faster you can perform calculations and transmit information.’ Co-lead author of the study, Joel Tasker from the QET labs, added that squeezed light ‘has already been used by the LIGO and Virgo gravitational wave observatories to improve their sensitivity, helping to detect exotic astronomical events such as black hole mergers. ‘So, improving the ways we can

square millimetre, which makes manufacturing devices on a large scale easier. Professor Jonathan Matthews, director of the project from the QET labs, said that ‘much of the focus has been on the quantum part, but we’ve now begun integrating the interface between quantum photonics and electrical readout.’ This will enable ‘mass manufacture of small quantum devices for communication sensing, and promises the precision and scale of fabrication required to assemble useful quantum computers.’

Bristol University team bite back at snakebites: the hidden health crisis Researchers are creating a treatment to tackle snakebite deaths, a deadly global heath crisis Nicky Kobayashi-Boyd

Generally concentrated in low-income and rural areas of Africa, Asia and South America, snakebites can cause scarring, haemorrhage, paralysis and tissue death. Agricultural workers a n d

million live too far from health services to receive effective treatment. The current state of antivenom treatment has created a destructive cycle.

and deadly global health crisis. The ADDovenom project is a multidisciplinary and international effort to produce a treatment that overcomes the challenges in treating snakebites in all corners of the

Third Year, Biology

n June 2017, snakebites were formally listed as one of the highest priority neglected tropical diseases by the World Health Organisation. The ADDovenom project, coordinated by the University of Bristol, aims to develop a new type of snakebite treatment that may save the lives of the most vulnerable and overlooked communities globally.

children are at the highest risk in these communities. Snakebites are currently treated using antivenom, which has seen little update since it was first developed in the 19th century. The global production of antivenom can only be used to treat 57 per cent of the world’s species of snake.

Snakebites are responsible for the deaths of over 120,000 people globally per year It is suggested that snakebites are responsible for the deaths of over 120,000 people globally per year, according to estimates by the Wellcome Trust. 400,000 are estimated to sustain life changing disabilities.

Current antivenom is expensive and difficult to produce; it must also be kept refrigerated, which can be impossible in many rural areas. Of the 6.8 billion people living in range of venomous snakes, 750

species – chosen as they inflict the most difficult to treat and damaging symptoms in Sub-Saharan Africa. The researchers strive to create a treatment that is easy and cheap to produce and does not require refrigeration. Professor Christiane Berger-Schaffitzel, coordinator of ADDovenom and a researcher in the University’s School of Biochemistry, com-

Flickr / D

ave Scriv

Countries that do not have the facilities or funding to produce high-quality antivenom may resort to cheaper, low-quality, or even fake antivenom. Patients who are administered unsafe or inadequate treatment may suffer adverse effects, and the community lose trust. A drop in demand for antivenom forces prices up further, or results in a complete production halt. These factors have manifested into snakebites becoming a hidden

world. The team have set out to use their pioneering ADDomer nanoparticles as a revolutionary treatment. These protein-based nanoscaffolds act in a virus-like manner. Binding sites on the ADDomer particle could act like jigsaw pieces to the shape of specific snake toxins, and help the body destroy them from the patient’s bloodstream. The EU funded project, due to finish in 2024, aims to be effective against the bites of eight snake

mented: ‘I am very much looking forward to working for the next four years with these leading scientists to address current antivenom treatment deficiencies. ‘Our ultimate goal is to provide a low-cost, easy-to-produce, safe to administer, clinically effective and low dose antivenom that can be stored and used for community treatment.’ The project receives 3.5 million euros under the FET programme by the EU, joining a portfolio of innovative technologies and early stage science research.

Puzzles

Editor Fergus Ustianowski

If you need any help, contact the editor by email or through social media at epigram.puzzles@gmail.com

Festive Anagrams

Crisscrossword

Credit: Patrick Sullivan, Digital Puzzles Editor

Inspired by the New Yorker, this jumbo crossword features an eclectic mix of wintery words and random knowledge. Clues are listed below using their starting grid position with nomenclature 1A for across and A1 for down. Oh, and we've given you a few random letters to get started. Happy Holidays!

The words below are anagrams of festive words, unscramble them to find out what they are. Credit: Fergus Ustianowski, Puzzles Editor

Snob Walls Key Rut She Bills Leg Vis Feet Silent Sidecar Onto Lost Me Tie Gist Conk Scam Shirt Ahoy Lid

Christmas Sudoku

Across

Instead of 1 to 9, place the letters in SNOWFLAKE in each empty cell. Each row, column, and 3 x 3 box must contain only one of each of the letter. Difficulty: Medium Credit: Fergus Ustianowski, Puzzles Editor

W O

W K

N F

E K

E L

N E

1B) Melt ice on river 1G) Moroccan hat 1K) Autoimmune condition causing clots 2B) Chilled beats; not hi 2G) Alt. spelling for Chinese fruit 3C) Jewish festival of lights 3L) Sheeran, Milliband, Balls 4A) Cancel 4J) Llama and camel relative 5A) Teenage response; alright 5H) Exude 5M) Rugby score 6A) Meaningless delay 7A) Spielberg’s alien 7F) Director with his own superhero cut 7L) Bristol green energy supplier 8A) Don’t look at it 8I) Grovel better 9A) House in The Woman in Black 9J) Rope to hang on 10C) Trojan war was set __ ____ 10J) Degree letters for techies 11A) Not raining, not snowing

11J) Work picking crops 12A) Gave birth in a stable 12H) ___ whiz 12L) Hagrid’s favourite wizard 13A) The enterprise of Star Trek 13E) Belittle 13L) Dark and stylish crime film 14A) Eliot’s initials 14E) Pro soccer game 14I) Crafty 14M) Standard numbers 15E) Small 15I) Round organ 15M) National treasure that must be saved

Down

A4) Measure of current A11) Obscene consent B1) Social media homepage (abbr.) B4) Albert’s nickname B11) Young woman C1) Santa’s chuckle C8) Pair of tools D1) Long way away D6) Santa’s entrance E1) Snowy season

As you know Epigram will be online for the rest of the term, this makes puzzles harder. We are putting all these puzzles on the website and there will be extra puzzles just to keep everyone entertained over the next few week. Please go to the website and enjoy :)

E8) Rubbish stuff E13) Cold morning moisture F6) The Italians in sport F13) Night before G1) Funny looking kid (abbr.) G6) Draws energy from G13) Springfield bartender H1) Scared or excited expression H5) You know the rest H9) Scandi cosiness I1) Scientific name for corn I5) Japanese shrine maiden I12) Comfort J2) Comes with the old ball J8) Not done straightly K1) I understand now K4) British tennis body K8) Musical sound K14) Old fashioned article L1) Show with Jez and Mark L6) Downhill snowsled M1) Drugs to ease the pain M11) Inside leg muscle N3) Hates Christmas N11) Celebrates St Paddy’s O4) ___ Rand, writer O11) Meat dish from Taka Taka

Solutions will be posted online at: epigram.org.uk/tag/puzzles facebook.com/epigrampaper If you would like to submit ideas for Puzzles, email epigram.puzzles@gmail.com

30 Sport

epigram 08.12.2020

The rugby players representing both University and city Molly Churchman Third Year, History

pigram talked to current students Phoebe Murray and Georgia Newman about their experience of the sporting partnership and the importance of the long-standing relationship between the two clubs. For the past three years, the relationship between UBWRFC (University of Bristol’s Women’s Rugby Club)

UBWRFC Head Coach Keith Leaker said that ‘UBWRFC very much appreciates the opportunities that Bristol Bears Women afford our most talented players. As possibly the largest Women's University Rugby program in the UK, we attract players from the complete novice to potential and current Internationals. Our extensive and professional program has seen players from all of these entry levels work really hard, improve and grow to become Bears. We are extremely lucky to work with Bristol Bears, who offer the most aspirational of our Performance squad the opportunity to progress their rugby journey into

I played with boys until year eight as there was not a local youth girls' team and Bristol Bears Women has enabled the very best student athletes to train and play at the highest level of women’s rugby in the UK. The partnership has allowed a number of UoB students over the years to combine their university studies with sporting aspirations by playing for Bristol Bears Women at Allianz Premier 15s level. COVID-19 restrictions have suspended training for all adult clubs below Championship and Premier 15s. However, the University has provided over 100 students with high quality coaching and wide-ranging strength and conditioning since September’s preseason, which was adapted under RFU COVID-19 regulations.

a top Allianz Premiership Club.’ Epigram was lucky enough to interview current students and elite Bears players Phoebe Murray and Georgia Newman in-between training sessions. We managed to ask them a few questions about their rugby story, as well as their future hopes and aspirations. So who are these two talented players and what is their story?

Phoebe Murray - Centre

Studying her third year of Medicine, former England U20 and UBWRFC First Team Captain Phoebe Murray has been hooked on rugby since her first ever training session: ‘I was six and I clearly remember it

being impressively wet and playing with boys, but I loved the fast-paced dynamics of the game, so I committed and the rest is history.’ Playing throughout her teens and secondary school, Murray started at Bears after her A-levels because she ‘wanted to take rugby further and try and become a professional.’ Bristol appealed to her ‘because of the offer to study medicine and its links to a Premier League club.’ When asked about balancing a week of intense training and learning, Murray emphasises that ‘Time management is key, but I am lucky that I see rugby as a great stress reliver.’ Murray is aspiring ‘to play for the Senior England team.' She said that, 'The pathway partnership supports me massively in balancing both academics with sporting commitments. The coaches fully support me in my goal of playing for England, whilst also understanding that occasionally I will need to miss a session in order to study. Being a part of the University Performance Squad has also given me added support in areas of nutrition and sports psychology, which I have found invaluable.’

Georgia Newman - Winger

Former Harlequin Ladies player Georgia Newman similarly started playing at a young age. ‘I think I must have been seven or eight; my dad took me along to a local training session where the game made an immediate impression on me. Initially I played with boys until year eight as there was not a local youth

Courtesy of UBWRFC

Students, Bears, Roses: Bristol's rugby stars

girls’ team. I have definitely noticed by; it’s really nice to have an underan increase in interest in the wom- standing from both sides.’ en’s game since coming to university. ‘My rugby aspirations in the shortLoads of girls want to give it a go.’ term is to get in the starting position For those of you also studying law for Bears after a year out of rugby like Newman, you will understand with injury. Long-term, I aspire to that it requires quite a lot of work, play in a Rugby 7s World Series for even without either England or playing for a Britain depending I loved the fast-paced top division what the national dynamics of the game rugby team. 7s set up looks like With regards to in the future.’ this work-game balance, Newman Both Murray and Newman make says ‘I find it really helpful to have clear they have seen a marked inthe support from both sides. The per- crease in the exposure and popularformance squad at Bristol brings to- ity of the women’s game since they gether a group of students who have first started playing as kids. The similar aspirations, and especially development partnership highlights during lockdown, provides a really increased monetary investment in nice support bubble.’ watching women train, play and ‘Because there are stresses in try- hopefully excel in the rugby game, ing to balance both a degree and rug- just like they have.

RAG: Removing attire generously Bristol's societies bare all for this years RAG calendar Charlotte Carver

boxing, Lifesaving, Musical Theatre, societies being photographed had to Pantomime, Pole Fitness, TUBES, and remain in one bubble, whereas the Squash. photographer and The societies being Pritchard said producer were in photographed had to that the response another bubble, Match Day Reporter from the societies two metres away remain in one bubble he time of the year has come has been ‘A lot from the societies. once again, the long-await- of excitement to do something a bit Despite this, the calendar is yet ed release of the 2020 Bristol cheeky to help out in a difficult time.’ again a success. Pritchard said that RAG Naked Calendar is finally upon As well as the societies photo- his favourite thing about the calenus. Eagerly anticipated every year, graphed in the calendar, there were dar this year was the TUBES picture. the 2020 edition does not disappoint. also three photographers used to take They were lucky enough to have Epigram spoke to the senior event the pictures. The team involved in access to a drone to take the phosecretary, Reuben Pritchard – whose producing it have been working on it tograph, allowing them to take two role is to organise and produce the since the beginning of October. bird’s-eye images. calendar – about its creation this The current COVID-19 circumProceeds made from the 2020 calyear. stances obviously meant that there endar will go towards STAR, Student The societies were some new Action for Refugees, and Women for featured in the issue the calen- Women International. There has been a lot of calendar this excitement to do something dar team faced The calendar is available to order year include when it came now from the Bristol SU website, and a bit cheeky to help out FUZE, Men’s Wato creating the available for collection from the SU ter Polo, Womcontent for the building on Thursdays between 10 en’s Water Polo, Snowsports, Kick- calendar. Pritchard stated that the am and 4 pm.

Bristol RAG / Alice Sutton Photography

Sport 31

epigram 08.12.2020

The ninth division English football club with millions of online followers: A conversation with Hashtag United’s Neil Smythe The semi-professional side with a Premier League level social media imprint James Dowden Deputy Sports Editor

ashtag United are no ordinary football team. Nicknamed ‘The Tags’ they currently play in the Essex Senior Football League down in the ninth division of English football and average a little over 150 supporters at their games. What makes them unique however, is their story and online following which has seen them gain a higher number of social media followers than many Premier League and elite European teams. The story of Hashtag United started in 2016 when YouTuber Spencer Owen founded a team that originally played friendly football matches and uploaded their highlights onto YouTube. The club quickly gained a significant following with millions of views on their videos. The club went on tour to America and was also fortunate to be able to play at Wembley Stadium as part of a YouTube football tournament. The club has since expanded with an E-Sports team alongside youth, reserve and womens' teams. In 2018 the club broke barriers, becoming the first ever team to make

the transition from YouTube into the official English semi-professional football pyramid. Former Bristol alumnus Neil Smythe was invited by the founder Spencer Owen to join the club as Media and Operations director as the club looked to take the next step in its journey. Here, he speaks to Deputy Sports Editor James Dowden about his journey from Bristol to one of the most unique football clubs in the world. At Bristol, Smythe studied French and Russian and he happily recalls memories of his time here. ‘I had an amazing four years and I look back on it with great fondness. I went to Goldney Hall in my first year and I captained the Ultimate Frisbee team. I spent most of my time doing drama in DramSoc and Revunions, whether it was acting or directing. I’m told the Highbury Vaults is still going strong which also makes me happy.’ Smythe was recruited to Hashtag United after a fascinating career in the world of digital sports media that had seen him work for the likes of Soccer AM and Copa90. It was during his time with the football-based YouTube channel Copa90 that he met Spencer Owen, who he would later work for at Hashtag. Even nine years ago Smythe remembers how there was the seed for the idea of a Hashtag inspired football club. ‘There was the idea there. In those days it was called Hashtag FC. We even got

Hashtag United

as far as getting a motion graphics designer to come up with a teaser but it was a very different project to how it is now. I think in those days our idea was to turn it into one of these almost user-defined football clubs where the audience decides what happens on the pitch. The reason we didn’t push ahead with it at the time was because our audience wasn’t at scale and therefore we wouldn’t have had the relevant engagement or input we needed.’ Eight years later however and life came full circle when Smythe was offered a job by Spencer Owen in a project that ‘I couldn’t really say no to.’ At the time the club was transitioning from playing exhibition matches online and the attraction of helping the club’s move into playing competitive semi-professional football is one that inspired Smythe. As part of his role, Smythe juggles many hats. ’On a day to day level it’s trying to run the social channels (keeping an eye on the day to day whilst also keeping an eye on the strategy for the future) and then on the operations side it can literally be anything you think. I can be making sure the managers get enough kit, I can be liaising between Adidas and the team, I could be creating branded content for our partners or I could be locking up after a matchday!’ The club has a social media presence that is truly staggering with more Instagram followers than established Premier League side including the likes of Brighton, Burnley, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion – clubs which on a normal Pre-

mier League matchday average tens against higher opposition, including of thousands of fans. The club also a crazy 13-12 win on penalties folhas more YouTube subscribers than lowing a 1-1 draw against Felixstowe some top-class European sides as & Walton United. As part of this run, well, such as Celtic, Napoli and AS Hashtag United were shown live on Roma. the BBC and Smythe highlights the This impressive reach is one that importance that traditional broadSmythe is responsible for managing casters have alongside newer forms and growing on a daily basis and he of digital media. ‘The FA Cup was is very proud of the uniqueness of the fantastic. It’s quite easy to think that club. ‘I still believe what I believed the likes of the BBC don’t have the two years ago - that it’s one of the power they once had but we saw most innovative football clubs in the our best ever month in September in world and I’m proud to work for it.’ terms of view acquisitions because As well as having an impressive we were live on the BBC.’ time off the pitch in digital media, With younger fans perhaps wantin his two years at the club the Tags ing quick results when the discussion have also had a very successful time turns of the future of the club, Smythe on it with a league title in their first remains level-headed with the goals season which Smythe feels was the and ambitions from a club perspechighlight of his time working at the tive. From a content perspective the club. ‘We won the league at possibly club is the only one in the world that the most historic non-league ground is regularly showing its players livesin London which treaming videIt’s one of the most was fantastic. If ogames via the you look back innovative football clubs in online platform at that video the world and I’m proud to Twitch and the against Hackney club also has a work for it Wick the modocumentary in ment that got the works to cast it for me was me stuck in the tini- a light on the behind the scenes of est changing room we’d been in all the club. His final words emphasised season, wedged against the backwall the long-term planning for the future with thirty blokes going crazy. Break- that the club has always had at the ing a camera because champagne had forefront. ‘It’s not a sexy tagline but drenched it and just feeling part of what we want for the long-term is to something. We all feel it as football create is a sustainable local football fans but feeling part of something club. We want to lay roots in our that we’d created was amazing.’ area, wherever that it is. We’d love This current season has also been to have a ground or be permanentnoteworthy so far and the club went ly ground sharing in the heart of an on an impressive run in the FA Cup, Essex football community with our winning three consecutive cup-ties youth teams on a good pathway.’

Sport

Editor Digital Editor Deputy Editor Match Day Reporter

Twitter: @EpigramSport

Eddie McAteer Daniel Dyson James Dowden Charlotte Carver

Wadd a runner! The 400km foodbank fundraiser

Running more than 15 marathons in aid of hungry children

by footballer Marcus Rashford. The organisation distributes surplus food to charities who then turn it into meals for vulnerable people. ‘I just heard about [FareShare] by googAlexander Sampson ling “national UK charities for foodFirst Year, English Literature banks”… it was just one of the first wan Wadd has been runones that came up.’ ning. A lot. Following the Wadd then set up a JustGiving Government’s decision not page and advertised his challenge on to offer free school meals over the Facebook and Instagram. Initially, Christmas holidays, a decision that he expected very little: ‘[I thought] if has now been reversed, the 2nd year half my friends on Facebook donated Mechanical and Electrical Engineera quid then that would probably get ing student decided to take action me up to about £100/£200. I thought himself. He’s raising money for two “let’s be pessimistic” and set the bar charities supporting those without at £100. Even if I could just raise food during this pandemic by run£100, that would be £100 more for ning 402km - the distance between children starving. But within about Bristol and his home in Darlington, two hours it had gone past that point County Durham. – it was incredible to see the amount Wadd’s motivation partly comes of support there was for it.’ from his experiences at the foodSo far, Wadd’s running has raised bank and soup kitchen at the King’s over £750. Former school peers Church in Darhave reached out Once you get into a lington, where he to support him, has been volun- rhythm of doing it every whilst family teering since 14. members he has day it's not that bad ‘From [working] never even met there, I realised that it’s not really have contacted him offering admipeople who are homeless who go ration and donations. Various memthere. It’s more people that can’t bers of the public have donated too; afford to balance bills at home and Wadd works at Cancer Research on food, which shouldn’t really be a Queen’s Road, Bristol and received choice, especially in these times. I permission from his manager to tell just thought that this needs more others about his project. and more help.’ Starting in late October, Wadd beWadd is also running for gan running eight kilometres around FareShare, the charity championed the Downs each day. He took a re-

Ewan Wadd

laxed attitude to the task, training up, [the run is] just a loop around. It the weather is wetter. ‘I won’t say little and following the philosophy has been harder in recent weeks getit hasn’t been difficult… there have of his dad, a keen fell-runner, to ‘Just ting that motivation. Some days I just been times when I’ve gotten up and go out and do it.’ He doesn’t stretch, do not want to go. But [in my head] it’s taken me an hour, going round warm up or warm I say, “you’ve said very slowly. But it’s not about how down, and recyou’re going to fast I do it, it’s just that I do it.’ Family members he has ognises that he’s do it, you’ve got The Government’s U-turn on denever even met have con- to go.”’ ‘Tempting fate’; nying free school meals for children however, Wadd tacted him offering admiWadd checks over the winter holidays has also not ration and donations bred a habit of the weather, starts swayed his task. He is determined to running during with a banana finish and is impressed by the philoslockdown and has continued to run and runs along the road towards the ophy of Marcus Rashford. ‘I wouldn’t three or four times a week during infamous Barnard Castle and back be doing it without him being such term time in Bristol. ‘I was fitter than before he starts his day of work. Ocan activist … he’s raised an issue that I expected and adapted well to docasionally, he’ll run through Hamis so important that wouldn’t have ing a longer distance than before… sterley Forest or been talked about once you get into a rhythm of doing by the River Tees I won't say it hasn't been nearly as much as it every day it’s not that bad.’ with his mum but if he hadn’t.’ difficult Previously, he would take routes most days he goes The money to Stoke Bishop or the Suspension alone; ‘Running helps give me time he raises will be split: two-thirds Bridge but when the challenge startto think and clear my thoughts… for FareShare and one third for the ed, he decided to stick to the Downs. sometimes having that solitude for King’s Church, Darlington. As the He doesn’t mind doing the same 40 to 50 minutes is nice just to think Christmas period approaches with routes again and again – ‘I’m a creaabout things.’ more difficulties than many of us ture of habit’ – and he enjoys avoidWadd is now over 200km into have ever experienced, Wadd's runing Bristol’s hills. his 402km challenge and, in geoning and the donations he has reNow back in Darlington, the rungraphical terms, has just reached ceived will hopefully go some way ning trails are flatter but finding the Nottingham on his way to Durham. to easing those difficulties. motivation is harder. ‘It’s quite borOver halfway through, the running To support Ewan, visit his page ing, I’m not going to lie… it’s seven is harder now that the regularity here in the morning, not many people are of donations has slowed down and