FR
EE
Issue 1 / 27th September 2021
www.mancunion.com
LET’S CALL THE HOLE THING OFF
Major hole on Oxford Road leads to chaos on campus
THE SCIENCE OF FRESHERS FLU
HOW TO FIT IN IN FALLOWFIELD
2 Contents
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
25. Where To Catch Theatre in Manchester
6. Stepping Up Drug Awareness
Photo: Mishal Ibrahim @ Unsplash
31. Creative Submissions
20. Chatting with Wolf Alice Photo: Paul Hudson @ Wikimedia Commons
28. Preserve This Photo: Ellie Campbell Photo: Leonv010 @ Wikimedia Commons
14. Student Art Show
16. Manny On The Map: Our Top Picks
30. The Crystal Maze Experience
Photo: Clementine Lawrence Photo: Twitter @ Billylockett
22. Billy Lockett
Photo: Jeremy Bezanger @ Unsplash
Contact us Editor-in-Chief: Jess Walmsley mancunion.editor@gmail.com Managing Editor News & Current Affairs: Ella Robinson Managing Editor Michal Wasilewski
Culture:
Print Editor: Clem Lawrence Online Editor: Sophie Berkley
Head News Editor: Archie Earle Deputy Editor: Shikhar Talwar news@mancunion.com Co-Science & Technology Editor: Sam Bronheim & Emma Hattersley science@mancunion.com Investigations Editor: Joe McFadden investigations@mancunion. com
Features Editor: Serafina Kenny Deputy Features Editor: Steffie Banatvala features@mancunion.com Opinion Editor: Annie Dabb Deputy Editor: Gemma Brown opinion@mancunion.com Music Editor: Reece Ritchie Deputy Editors: Sarah Taylor & Jack Greeney music@mancunion.com
Photo: The Crystal Maze
Lifetsyle Editor: Erin Botten Film Editor: Benjy KaluberGriffiths Deputy Editor: Alex Harris film@mancunion.com Fashion Editor: Alex Bikard Deputy Fashion Editor: Zahra Mukadam fashion@mancunion.com Beauty Editor: Alice Henderson
Sport Editor: Arsh Asthana sports@mancunion.com Food & Drink Editor:Katie Hourigan Food & Drink Editor: Izzy Langhamer food@mancunion.com Theatre Editor: Jay Darcy theatre@mancunion.com
Books Editor: Aileen Loftus Deputy Books Editor: Ava Innes Sub-editors: Elinor Burt, Katy Bray, Naziha Mardem-Bay, Florrie Evans Design Editors: Emily Turvey, Johnno Hadfield
Marketing Team: Conrad Pope, Eleanor Fisher, Jimena Gonzalez, Martina Ferrara, Camille Garret marketing@mancunion.com
Letters & Complaints: complaints@mancunion.com Legal: legal@mancunion.com
News 3
ISSUE 1/ 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Student dissatisfaction kicks UoM out of top 20 rankings
After a year of rent strikes, fences, and accusations of racial profiling, UoM fell to 109th in the student experience rankings Archie Earle Head News Editor
T
he
University
Manchester
of
(UoM)
Fallowfield halls of residence.
quality,
This
position,
is
the
the
claiming
the
beating
13th
satisfied with the course, with
Warwick,
Drama, Dance and Cinematics
Leeds
and
these events by university
notably.
In
administrators.
was ranked 22nd in graduate
Last year the University of
university, also being ranked
Manchester
119th
teaching
in
fallout from the handling of
has lost its position as a top 20 in
latest
faced
immense
Nottingham addition,
UoM
and
studies
respectively.
prospects beating Edinburgh, Birmingham and Exeter.
American
coming in second and third, Elsewhere, the University of St. Andrews pipped both
quality
criticism for the move to put
and joint 109th in student
The Times are also quick to
up fences around residences.
point out that UoM is the most
the top spot based on their
experience to add to the woes.
They were also criticised after
applied to University in the UK
performance
The Times notes that part
accusations of racial profiling
though and that applications
pandemic.
of the reason for the fall was
from security officers and a
even increased in the last year
Metropolitan University also
student
with
rent strike occurred against
by 12%.
dropped down in the ranking
the response of UoM to the
the response of UoM to the
Covid-19 pandemic, as well
pandemic.
dissatisfaction
Oxford
and
Cambridge during
to the
Manchester
Religious
from 65th to 71st, with The
Studies was the top-ranked
Times also citing a large drop in
Theology
and
as the student backlash to
However, UoM did retain
subject for student satisfaction
student satisfaction being the
the fences put up around the
a high ranking in research
with 88% saying that they were
main reason for this change.
am
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Photo: Canva
UCU announces strike ballot in October, paving the way for nationwide strike action The UCU has decided to take to the ballot over a number of nationwide cuts, meaning possible nationwide disruption to university life. UCU also stated that the results of
The union say that the strikes
employers must address the issues
ed days across 4 weeks in response
the ballot would be discussed on
come in response to ‘pensions cut
that have been raised by universi-
to similar issues. In November and
Monday 8th November and that
of 35%, pay down by 20%, a gen-
ty workers.
December of 2019, staff from 60
he University and Col-
strike action would likely take
der pay gap of 20%, nearly half of
It is unclear yet how this would
lege Union has today an-
place before the end of the year.
teaching staff on insecure con-
affect the University of Manches-
again against cuts to pensions and pay.
Archie Earle Head News Editor
T
nounced that from Monday 18th
UCU
general
secretary
universities
Jo
tracts and increasing workloads.’
ter, or other universities in Man-
October to Thursday 4 November,
Grady said on the strikes: ‘Uni-
As a result, the UCU wants the
chester and if university staff
strike ballots will open at UK uni-
versity staff propped up the en-
employers in these universities,
would take part in the strike action
UCU
versities.
In
took
their said
on
strike
statement the
action,
the
demands:
tire sector during the pandemic,
to come back with better offers
if it were to take place. However,
‘UCU is demanding a £2.5k pay in-
that
but they are now being thanked
for staff and are threatening that,
the University of Manchester has
crease; an end to race and gender
ballots would open on these dates
with huge cuts to their pensions,
if the strikes were to happen, they
been balloted for both pay and USS
pay injustice; a framework elim-
and that in total 152 institutions
unbearably high workloads, and
may bleed into the end of term and
pensions, potentially a strike on
inate the use of precarious con-
would be balloted. It is not clear
another below-inflation pay offer
the following term.
both terms.
tracts, such as zero-hours employ-
how many, if any, university insti-
- all whilst universities continue to
The NUS, national union of stu-
In February and March 2020,
tutions will take up the opportuni-
generate a handsome income from
dents, has supported the move in-
staff from 74 universities across
ty for strike action. However, the
tuition fees.’
dicating that vice chancellors and
the UK took strike action for select-
The
union
announced
ment; and meaningful action to tackle unmanageable workloads.’
4 News
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Let’s call the ‘hole’ thing off Lectures cancelled as Oxford Road floods, closing nine buildings Jess Walmsley Editor-in-Chief
O
xford Road is currently closed between RNCM and Grafton Street after a water pipe burst in the road. The burst pipe caused severe damage to not only the road itself but many University of Manchester campus buildings which suffered flooding. The Student’s Union (SU) and Academy buildings were some of the buildings closed, which led to the planned Sports & Societies fair being postponed until next week, on the 30th. Water flowed down the path between the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Student’s Union and flooded parts of the Main Library
and the Samuel Alexander building. Campus paths were churned with mud and rubble and some pedestrian walkways were blocked. Due to the stop of water flow, the planned societies fair showcasing culture, faith, arts, media and some sports societies went ahead as planned! However, due to the unforeseen hazard in the road, the sports fair was postponed and an unofficial fair was set up at the Armitage Sports Fair. Despite this allowing many sports societies to display their work, members of the UoM Disabled Society commented on the lack of accessibility the last minute fair offered. Daz Skubich, the Diversity and Liberation Coordinator at the Student’s Union, stated that, “
Photo: The Mancunion
The hole also meant that many students who were due to have their first lectures on campus had to either revert to online methods or take a detour around the outskirts of campus. So far, all UoM buildings have reopened as normal with the exception of the Samuel Alexander which suffered the worst flooding in the basement. Student’s have been advised to avoid this building until further notice. Bus travel has also been affected by the road work being done, with travel being diverted down Grafton Street. Emily, the Liberation Access Officer, created a meme that perfectly sums up the catastrophe of the day.
Photo: The Mancunion
Photo: The Mancunion
Photo: Anja Samy @TheMancunion.
Photo: The Mancunion
Sports Societies Fair postponed amidst Oxford Road chaos An alternative, unofficial Sports Society Freshers Fair has taken place in the Armitage Centre
T
he Students Union’s Official Sports and Societies
Joe McFadden Investigations Editor Fair has been postponed to next week, but an alternative makeshift event was set up in the Armitage Sports Centre on Fallowfield Campus. The move comes after a water main burst around 5am near the University of Manchester’s main campus, causing substantial flooding on Oxford Road and parts of the
University Campus. Students have told The Mancunion that they were informed of the fair’s cancellation around 8.50 AM only for it to then be rescheduled for 11.30 AM. Sports societies said they were informed of the event’s new location between 9.30 AM to 10.00 AM. The fair finished at 4.00 PM and was advertised via social media to the student body. No official email communication from the University was sent to students despite the alternative fair being sanctioned by the Senior Leadership Team.
Andrew Miller, the University’s Business Operations Manager for Sports, told The Mauncunion that the University communicated “with the students union as well to make sure that we’re not just supporting the sports teams that UoM sports supports, but also in supporting a range of the activities that obviously are supported through the Students Union”. He went on to say that “the original fair had something like 96 exhibitors and actually we’ve got capacity to accommodate all of those so I know even though they’re
the vast majority of sports, which would have been the case in the Students Union, as well, that there is still a facility for support”. Despite the last minute reschedule, the event was still well attended with a high turnout and most Sports societies having a makeshift stall at the fair. Sports society representatives were mainly positive about the reschedule, saying that they needed to be able to advertise their sports this week due to trials starting next week as well as the fact that when students begin lectures there might
not be time for them to attend such an event. Alex Fish, Chairperson of the Taekwondo society told The Mancunion that he “was glad that the event had gone ahead” because “after 18 months [of no sport] the societies really need it”. The Students Union has said that there will still be an official Sports and Societies Fair sometime next week which will better resemble what today’s planned event was intended to be.
News 5
ISSUE 1 / 27th September2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Disabled students feel “completely dehumanised” by last-minute sports fair This year’s sports and societies fairs were meant to be the most accessible yet, but instead students were left feeling dehumanised as the rearranged fair abandoned all accessibility measures Ella Robinson and Joe McFadden Managing Editor (News) and Investigations Editor
T
his
year’s
and
societies
reading badges available on
it’s not accessible or if there’s
ramps and wide spaces for
request. Students with hidden
no consideration of them.”
wheelchair access. The SU’s
disabilities are encouraged to
feeling Photo: Antonio Ross @ The Mancunion
plans
as all stallholders have been
worlds away from the planned
hidden disabilities, who are
briefed
hard of hearing, or might feel
on
people
with
different
quiet
hour.
Stallholders
access symbols and how to
were
doing
keepy-uppies
fairs
accommodate students with
whilst waiting, whizzing past
therefore make use of the
various impairments.”
students on surfboard shaped
multiple exit points.
They
the
of
were
supportive
are
overwhelmed,
and
could
encouraging
skateboards, and blasting loud
The AU and sports teams
been
left
students with access concerns
music to encourage students
did stress the need for the fair
dehumanised
to come to their stalls.
to take place this week, with
as
to attend the official SU fairs
the fair, rearranged with a
organised on Thursday and
Fran Spink, Head of the
Andrew saying: “The key for
few hours notice following
this week, not the Armitage
AU responded to accessibility
us was to try and support our
the
event last Wednesday.
concerns saying: “we’ve pulled
students to make sure that
Syd, Chair of the Disabled
something together as quickly
they have the opportunity to
Students’ Society said, “The
as we can. It is an accessible
promote their activities and
Disabled Students’ Society has
site, we’ve made sure there’s
get new students involved.
Oxford
measures
Road
flood,
for
disabled
students. Syd King (he/they), Chair
been trying to set up accessible
plenty of room between the
And from a sports perspective,
Students
sport events with the AU for a
stalls and there’s ramps and
timing
Society said, “As a wheelchair
while, and everything today
step free access. The best
critical because actually, a
user and a stallholder, I was
has
this
thing to do is to direct anyone
lot of sports teams will start
actively
against
isn’t working: the AU does
who’s concerned to our fair
trials next week; they’ll then
attending as an inaccessible
not appear to view disabled
next week which will have
start competing in fixtures in
location can actively harm
people as a part of their
way more infrastructure there
October”.
me,
demographic.”
with accessibility.”
of
the
Disabled
advised
and
the
organisers
highlighted
why
is
actually
quite
Fran further reiterated
wouldn’t communicate with
“Ultimately, as a society
the SU about access measures
and a disabled person, I feel
Business Operations Manager
from sport for so long, and
- presumably because they
completely dehumanised - I
of UoM Sport said “obviously
suggested “I think just any
took none.”
actually intended on viewing
we’re
way to get students signed up
some
but
students,
“extensive
they won’t be getting my
students
around
membership now, as I couldn’t
this
even speak to them.”
fully
The fair
original
societies
contained
provisions accessibility
for
disabled
students.”
Daz,
the
Diversity
and
SU’s
sports
not
that students had been away
excluding
any
ultimately
all
to clubs is a positive, we’ve
to
not been
is
able to do
are
fair,
Miller,
and
welcome the
accessible,
fair
disabled
anything in person for
Liberation
was manning the Ultimate
the recommendations of the
absolutely
coordinator explained: “The
Frisbee stand said the lack
Disabled Students Society and
ages so it’s
fair [on Thursday], and the
of
measures
Daz, the SU’s Diversity and
really nice
postponed
will
“discriminates against a lot of
Liberation officer, who did not
to like get
[this]
people who come to university.
see today’s makeshift fair as
people back
week, will have a Quiet Hour
I think it is important to have
fully accessible, and instead
and all clubs
between
[them
encouraged students to wait
are really
for the official SU fair.
excited to be
that
sometime 11am
and
12pm,
Roberts,
Andrew
accessible.” This goes against
fair
Maia
societies,
But
who
happen
Photo: Antonio Ross @ The Mancunion
accessibility
fair at 11.30am was certainly
abandoned all accessibility
Photo: Antonio Ross @ The Mancunion
sports
wear their sunflower lanyards
accessible yet, but instead, have
unofficial
sports
were meant to be the most students
The
accessibility
in
place]
because
large print maps, and ear
people will come to uni and be
defenders, ear plugs and lip-
scared of joining a society if
Accessibility goes beyond
here.”
Manchester residents asked to reduce water use as reservoirs run low United Utilities urges customers to reduce their water usage due to reservoir water levels reaching worrying lows Serafina Kenny Features Editor
U
nited Utilities (UU), the water company serving
Greater Manchester, has been urging its customers to reduce their water usage this week as the
UU sent out an email to cus-
Customers need not worry
tically wet weather here in Man-
across the country for sanitation
tomers this morning which stated
about their water supply being
chester over the summer, the city
and gardening, and people using
that water levels in reservoirs are
cut off, as UU have access to wa-
is still facing shortages caused by
their home water supplies rather
currently sitting at 36%, down 4%
ter sources in Wales and the Peak
unusually dry weather in Cum-
than those of their workplaces or
from last week. This is worrying
District which they can tap into if
bria.
holiday accommodation.
as the expected water level for
the need arises.
this time of year is usually 70%.
This is partly due to climate
The shortages have occurred because
Manchester’s
change
-
with
more
extreme
The shortages have revealed previously
submerged
villages
city faces shortages. The shortag-
They also urged customers
water
weather (either very wet or very
in Mardale Valley, an area which
es come as the water levels of the
to save or re-use water as much
comes from reservoirs such as
dry), comes more problems with
was flooded in the 1930s to create
reservoirs that serve the city are
as possible, encouraging them to
Thirlmere and Haweswater in the
consistent water supply.
what is now the Haweswater res-
44 percentage points lower than
use washing machines once less
Lake District, which experienced
The pandemic also plays a
ervoir. Some of the ruins of the
they should be.
a week and to swap baths for four
a very dry summer. Although
role in the shortage. There has
village are once again visible due
minute showers.
there may have been characteris-
been
to the lower water levels.
increased
water
usage
6 News
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Vaccine Passports: Night out or cop out? Vaccine passes scrapped in England, a month after DofE assured they would not effect universities Shikhar Talwar Deputy News Editor
E
ngland has given up its plan for Vaccine Passports as Sajid Javid told the BBC, “We shouldn’t be doing things just for the sake of it.” However, you can still be asked to show proof of vaccination or a Covid Pass at every venue’s discretion. The government describes the Covid Pass as a method of sharing your vaccine records and test results in a secure way. The government website states that these vaccine passes are needed for: • crowded indoor settings such as nightclubs and music venues • large unstructured outdoor events such as business
events and festivals very large structured events such as business events, music and spectator sport events When this was announced it wasn’t well received by members of the public in the UK. Many felt that the vaccine passports could restrict the rights of people as they may be refused entrance into arenas. This led to an official petition which was called: “Do not roll out Covid Vaccine Passports.” With the petition gaining 375,209 signatures it demanded a debate in parliament. The government responded to this saying that the passports were for ensuring the safety of the people and that they were to be introduced by the end of September. •
However, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid has said that they would no longer be going forth with plans of Vaccine Passes in England. Yet, this announcement was met with backlash by many Lib Dems and Tory backbenchers, with the nightclubs saying the lack of passports may be chaotic. This was a month after the government announced that students will not need the Covid Passes in lecture theatres. The Department of Education had said that it encourages people to get vaccinated, and emphasised the importance of this to ensure that education goes ahead unhindered. But the pass remains accessible through the NHS app, and anyone who requires it can get it for both
domestic and international use. Some places will still continue to ask for a negative lateral flow test or the pass, to ensure the safety of the people visiting the venue. This includes the University’s own freshers fair, as they have also set guidelines for entering the fair based on the Covid status. Therefore, the actual status of the vaccine passports is still rather ambiguous and vague. While the government says they may review their current stance on the passes if the cases surge, it is still unclear what would constitute a surge high enough for the passes to come into effect. The other devolved nations have set out their own ideas for Covid passports, which may differ from those set out in England.
Photo: Mat Napo @ Unsplash
The SU Steps Up to encourage drug awareness The SU and Students on Sustainable Drug Policy are working together to provide drug testing kits Shikhar Talwar Deputy News Editor
utive Team met with the Senior Lead-
measurable success in addressing
wishes to reduce the harm of drugs
ership Team to discuss the University
the real issue at hand.”
and provide education on rather
tion on drug use. In 2018, the National Union of Stu-
than stigmatising them, with Rusailh
dents (NSU) conducted a study, which
saying:
showed that 2 in 5 students have used
of Manchester’s (UoM) zero tolerance
UoM is also believed to provide
he Students Union (SU) has
drug policy. She believes the current
a lack of advice and support to the
announced that they will be
policy is outdated and patronising,
students. Further to this, an article by
“Harm reduction does not con-
drugs. According to the study, stu-
offering free drug testing kits for the
with excessive punishments that stig-
The Tab has previously demonstrat-
done drug taking, it accepts (for bet-
dents have been given sub-standard
first semester of this year. The SU’s
matise drugs. As the policy states:
ed that the university only spends
ter or worser) that legal and illegal
education on drugs and substance
£1000 on awareness, less than 3p per
drug use is part of our world, and
abuse. Given all this, this is why the
student.
takes steps to minimise its effects,
SU feels it’s important to spread more
T
activities and development officer,
“All illicit drugs are banned across
Camila Rusailh, the Activities and
campus, [...] ResLife have no a strict
Development Officer, made this an-
zero-tolerance policy towards drugs
As a reaction to the lack of aware-
rather than ignore or condemn them
awareness on drugs and calls for a
nouncement on Instagram, with the
and the University undertakes ran-
ness and excessive punishments, the
like the university’s current zero tol-
change in the University’s policy.
SU and Student for Sensible Drug Pol-
erance policy.”
Myriam Ziles @ Unsplash kitsPhoto: being handed out along with the
dom checks using canine detection
icy (SSDP) have partnered up. Memi
This comes after MDMA pills test-
help of the Students on Sustainable
support services. Students in the
told Fuse FM that the SSDP are an
ed at Parklife contained no MDMA
Drug Policy (SSDP).
past have been caught with these
organisation “focused on drug educa-
and were twice as deadly.
substances and were consequently
tion, drug harm reduction and chang-
Memi mentions the dangers of
expelled from halls.”
ing the policy to a more sensible pol-
these substances and wants these
icy based less on punishing people
kits to reduce the harm that such sub-
who use drug and more supporting
stances could do to students as they
and rehabilitation.”
could test the legitimacy of the drug
Manuela Memi, the main coordinator of the SSDP, told Fuse FM that the kits will be available throughout the semester on the first floor of the SU building.
Rusailh believes that this policy is sub-par. She said, “Suspensions, evictions,
Rusailh’s post mentioned that on
and surveillance are not the answer
Together they would be provid-
that they have been offered. In turn,
the 13th of September the SU’s Exec-
to a welfare issue, and have had no
ing free drug testing kits to students
she believes that the kits would end
for the first semester. This campaign
up increasing awareness and educa-
Photo: SSDP @ Manchester Students’ Union
Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry: “Emergency services let down victims” Experts have been questioned about the Manchester Arena bombing with the coordination of the Archie Earle Head News Editor
T
he Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry has continued over the summer, with a number of developments looking at how emergency services responded on the night. The inquiry has sought to find an-
swers to questions surrounding the events of the Manchester arena bombing, with revelations on emergency services actions on the night. Since starting over a year ago, the Manchester Arena Bombing Inquiry has attempted to investigate how the events took place on the night and if it could have been prevented, looking at the response of the emergency services most recently. The Inquiry follows
on the Kersalke report, a report looking at the response of the emergency services on the night in question. Assistant fire county officer David Keelan, apologised to the families of the victims saying they had been “let down” by the response time of emergency services. He later went on to describe the response as woeful and unacceptable. The Inquiry was set up in order to
investigate what could have been done to stop the attack before it happened, the arena security, the emergency response and the radicalisation of Salman Abedi. In the last weeks, three terrorism experts, Ian Dickinson, Scott Wilson and Iain Sirrell have suggested that the Greater Manchester Police failed to work effectively with the rest of emergency response to produce a coordi-
nated response. Medical supplies could have been distributed more effectively to aid with the injuries of the wounded, medical expert Christian Cooper has said. Some supplies were even left outside of Manchester Victoria station, failing to make it to those in need. Read more at mancunion.com
Investigations 7
ISSUE 1/ 27th September WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Photo: Freepix.uk
UoM staff expenses plummet during pandemic Restaurant and bar spending via University of Manchester staff purchasing cards totalled just £150 in December 2020, compared to £22,000 in December 2019 Vicky Haines Investigations Reporter
A
Mancunion investigation has revealed that hospitality expenses spending via University of Manchester staff credit cards totalled just £150 in December 2020, compared to £22,000 in December 2019. For the past few years, The Mancunion has conducted an annual investigation into University credit and purchasing card expenses - using data collected through Freedom of Information requests - which has historically revealed some unusual results. According to the University’s General Guidance for staff procurement, University expenditure must: • support the University’s aims and objectives; • comply with any necessary legislative requirements; • demonstrate to stakeholders that controls over spending are adequate; • deliver value for money Despite this, certain controversial University staff expenses in past years have included £5000 spent on two visits to a steak restaurant in New York in 2018 and a meal at the infamous American ‘breastaurant’, Hooters, in 2019. But, after 18 months in lockdown, this year’s Mancunion investigation has revealed a drastic reduction in staff card spending in the hospitality sector, particularly when comparing December 2019 and 2020. In the month of December 2019, University procurement cards covered almost £22,000 worth of meals and drinks out, compared to just £150 in December 2020. Data from 2019 shows that a sizeable chunk of staff expense spending pre-pandemic went to pubs and restaurants, the things we have missed the most during the national lockdowns. Some clear favourites for UoM staff included BrewDog, at which £1770 was spent in December 2019, and almost £5000 in pubs owned by the Stonegate Group, which includes the brands Slug and Lettuce, Yates, and Walkabout, to name just a few. Increased spending during the festive season on Christmas dos and restaurants has been a common occurrence for the University in previous years, and is a common occurrence in
corporate culture as a whole, with around £1bn spent across the UK on company Christmas parties in 2015. However, the almost non-existent hospitality spending during the pandemic appears to be both a direct result of the national lockdown and a University-wide tightening of belts in reaction to major investments in online teaching and a drastic drop in University income from student rent and commercial services. 960 miles of Uber journeys were claimed on University expenses in 2019 - roughly equivalent to driving from Manchester to Milan. Another big cost for the University was money on travel, transport, and accommodation, stacking up to an impressive £15,500 in the 2019 festive period alone. This money was spent on international travel, hotel visits, and cross-country train journeys. The data shows that University staff had a firm favourite in terms of ways to commute around the city. In the month of December 2019, there were 960 miles worth of Uber trips paid for by the University, which is roughly the driving distance from Manchester to Milan. Spending on leisure and transport was next to nothing the following December as we were in the midst of a lockdown, despite a few takeaway pizzas still making an appearance. During the past academic year, the University issued a ‘Coronavirus Buying Update’ saying “Only essential services and supplies are to be purchased until further notice”. Travel was also “restricted to essential trips only.” More infamous company expense spending includes the brand Under Armour, which was criticized in 2018 for “being run like a frat house” with staff regularly expensing limousine rides, gambling, and trips to strip clubs. On the other hand, a well-crafted staff expense policy and benefits can do wonders for a company, such as in the case of Netflix, who made company-wide savings but implementing an expense policy based on personal responsibility which is just five words long: “Act in Netflix’s best interests.” Generous company benefits and expense policies can also be key to attracting employees and increasing staff satisfaction and wellbeing. Starbucks, for example, offers staff
complete tuition fee coverage for an online bachelor’s degree of your choice at Arizona State University. The coffee company also has a forward-thinking health insurance plan which includes “not only gender reassignment surgery
Weird Expenses Guinness World Records: £2469.29 Lego: £364.98 Gaffer Tape: £1386.43 Amazon: £250,510.17
(which had been covered since 2012), but now also a host of procedures for staff in the U.S. that were previously considered cosmetic, and therefore not covered, such as breast reduction or augmentation surgery, facial feminization, hair transplants and more.” Despite the potential benefits of staff expense spending, the fact that the University is capable of spending £22,000 in one month on hospitality has raised some eyebrows within the student body. Students in recent years have faced annual tuition fees of £9000 and upwards, but many have complained that they do not feel they are receiving value for money. Months of online teaching, several lecturer strikes, cuts to modules and cuts to academic staff are just some of the things UoM students have faced in the past 5 years. What’s more, £22,000 equates to almost £4000 more than the annual salary of a University teaching assistant. The major drop in staff hospitality spending of the past year has led some students to question whether it is really a necessary part of university life. A first year University of Manchester student said she did not “understand why this level of spending was necessary, as it doesn’t seem to be directly benefiting student progress or staff research”. English Literature student Celia Hounsell felt that this reduction in staff expense spend-
ing should have been reflected through tuition fees as she felt “the teaching received this year was not at all worth what we paid”. She called for reduced expenses spending, and an alleged poorer student experience to be “rectified through refunds or different allocation of funds to benefit students directly”. When contacted for comment, a University of Manchester spokesperson said: “We understand this has been an unprecedented and challenging year for students. That is why we have invested millions of pounds into additional support measures and teaching and learning. “For example, implementing and delivering our extensive online learning programme throughout the pandemic has actually cost more than traditional teaching. There was also extra spend on everything from improved mental health provision – like our 24-hour support line and app – to additional student financial aid. “There are times when using corporate credit cards is the most efficient way to purchase goods and services. The University has a transparent, robust and proportional expenses system in place for all our staff, no matter their level. “The claims outlined have all been approved and verified for a range of legitimate business-related purposes, such as travel, emergencies, attending and hosting academic conferences and events, student teaching and learning, outreach work, and carrying out and promoting our institution’s research. “Each cost is subject to individual approval and our expenditure is reviewed to ensure money is spent efficiently. This enables us to make these strategic investments into priorities such as student support and teaching.” Expense spending on University procurement cards in December 2020 was worlds away from that of the previous year. But with the student body’s return to campus fast approaching, it remains to be seen whether staff will also return to their former spending habits in the coming academic year. The major drop of the past year could raise the question of whether this sort of spending on staff meals out is necessary for the University to function. This is the second article in a three-part expenses series. The first part revealed UoM spent £250,000 on Amazon in 2020.
8 Sport
ISSUE 1/ 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM Photo: ATILATHEHUN @ WIKIMEDIA
Ro n a l d o’s Re t u r n t o M a n c h e st e r Un it e d Cristiano Ronaldo’s long-awaited return to Old Trafford Arsh Asthana Sports Editor
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ditor’s note: We are aware of the allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo and take them very seriously. Whilst this piece covers Ronaldo’s return to Manchester, this comes with a backdrop of serious allegations which we feel are important to explain. Ronaldo is alleged to have raped Kathryn Mayorga in 2009. She went to hospital at the time but refused to say who had assaulted her. In 2010 she signed a $375,000 settlement deal to never give voice to the accusations, this NDA was discovered by Der Spiegel in 2017, and since 2018 Mayorga has been speaking out. Ronaldo denies the accusations, calling them ‘fake news’, but during his version of events to his lawyers in 2009 he said: “She said no and stop several times.” He is currently facing a civil claim for over £50 million. Cristiano Ronaldo marked his return to Old Trafford with two goals in a 4-1 win against Newcastle. The Portuguese player continued his rich run of form by scoring against BSC Young Boys in the Champions League and against West Ham in their dramatic 3-2 win in the Premier League. There was a sense of excitement and
optimism at Old Trafford, as fans were eagerly awaiting to see the Portuguese player in the famous red of Manchester United, twelve years after he left for Real Madrid. Everything Ronaldo did was greeted by adulation - from when he left the team bus to enter the stadium, walking out for his pregame warmup, to when he made his first touch - there were loud cheers and applause coming from all around Old Trafford. Just before the end of the first half, Greenwood’s shot is spilled by Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, and Ronaldo is on hand to tap in the rebound and break the deadlock. The fans are sent into raptures, as Cristiano runs to the corner flag and hits his trademark celebration. It’s unbelievable, I feel so proud and I’m going to give everything to make them proud of me - Ronaldo, speaking after the game Newcastle found their equalizer from Javier Manquillo, who finished off a brilliant counter attack in the 56th minute which was all started by Miguel Almiron. It didn’t take long for United to issue a response, with Ronaldo firing a low-driven shot past Woodman’s legs after latching on to a through ball from Luke Shaw just six minutes later. Bruno’s long-range strike and Jesse Lingard’s sensational team goal capped off
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effects that go beyond his contributions on the pitch. Since leaving Manchester United, he has won four Champion League trophies, two La Liga titles, two Serie A titles, and the European Championship. His hard work, dedication, and leadership qualities could instill a winning mentality within his team mates, something which has been lacking at United since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. However, the acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t immediately make Manchester United title contenders. While they do have a plethora of attacking options, they are shorthanded when it comes to their full-backs and central midfielders, positions which they did not strengthen during the summer transfer window. United have also struggled for consistency ever since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s appointment as manager, the most recent example being their 2-1 loss to BSC Young Boys in the Champions League group stage after comfortably beating Newcastle 4-1 just three days prior. After falling to Leicester in the FA Cup quarter-finals and losing on penalties to Villareal in the Europa League final, and with the additional arrivals of Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under the most pressure he has ever been since his appointment as manager to deliver his first major trophy.
2021 Italian GP Review
Arsh Asthana Sports Editor he 2021 Italian GP saw Australian Daniel Ricciardo take the win with his teammate Lando Norris coming in second to complete a McLaren onetwo, while Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas rounded off the podium finishing in third place after starting at the back of the grid due to engine penalties. Max Verstappen started at pole position after winning the sprint race on the previous day, but his ex-Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo got off to a flying start in the first lap and took the lead after turn 1 and never looked back. With Max struggling for pace at the start, Lewis Hamilton caught up alongside his Red Bull but was forced off the track at the second chicane after the Dutchman left him no room to overtake. Both Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda had to retire their cars after the first lap, and Italian Antonio Giovinazzi fell to the back of the grid after colliding with Carlos Sainz while attempting to rejoin the track. That wasn’t the last time the two drivers would lock horns either. Max Verstappen endured a horrifically slow pit stop during lap 24 which saw him stationary for more than ten seconds, with Lewis taking the lead from Lando Norris while the Red Bull driver was in the pits.
a strong team display from the Red Devils, sending them to the top of the Premier League. “It was an unbelievable moment,” said Ronaldo. “I was nervous and I was thinking last night what I wanted - to play well, to show that I’m still capable to help the team. But it’s unbelievable, I feel so proud and I’m going to give everything to make them proud of me.” Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 as a young 18-year-old teenage winger, who was eccentric, explosive, and full of pace. It’s clear that now at the age of 36 he isn’t the same player he used to be back then, but what makes him one of the best players in the world is how he is constantly able to adapt and evolve his game. During his three years at Juventus, Ronaldo was deployed as one of two central strikers, where he adopted a more direct play style. This saw the Portuguese player turn into a ruthless goal machine, punishing teams from inside the box. With last season’s Serie A top scorer returning to the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United finally has an out-andout striker that they can deploy in a 4-2-3-1 formation, adding to the attacking prowess already at their disposal with the likes of Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Marcus Rashford. Cristiano’s arrival also brings positive
A look back at the dramatic Italian Grand Prix, as McLaren dominates During lap 26, the seven-time champion also suffered a slow pit stop which saw him re-join the track just in front of Max Verstappen ahead of the first corner. Verstappen tried to go around the outside of Lewis and ended up alongside the Mercedes, which put him on the inside for the second turn of the chicane. After Hamilton left Max with no room, the Red Bull car was lifted above the ground after making contact with the sausage kerb and the car ended up with two wheels on top of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. Fortunately, Lewis was left unharmed after the incident after being protected by the Halo. The incident was reviewed by the FIA after the race, with Max Verstappen being awarded a three-place grid penalty for the Russian Grand Prix taking place on Sunday. Max put the blame on his title rival during his post-race interview: “I didn’t expect him to just keep on squeezing, squeezing, squeezing, because he didn’t even need to. Even if he had left me, just a car width, we would have raced out of Turn Two anyway, and I think he probably still would have been in front. He just kept on pushing me wider and wider and at one point there was nowhere to go, he just pushed me
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onto the sausage kerb. That’s why, at the end of the day, we touched, because the rear tyre bumped up to his tyre.” Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also had his say on the turn 2 incident: “I think in football you’d say it was a tactical foul. He [Verstappen] probably knew that if Lewis stays ahead, that is the race win possibly.” With both title contenders out of the race, this gave McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo the chance to win his first race in over three years. The Australian drove brilliantly from start to finish, leading every lap of the race. He also ended up with an extra point for the fastest lap and was also voted as the Driver of the Day by fans. “To anyone who thought I left, I never left, I just moved aside for a while,” said the McLaren driver. McLaren, who have won their first race
in over nine years since Jenson Button’s Brazilian GP victory in 2012, completed a one-two at the podium with Lando Norris holding onto second place after overtaking Charles Leclerc during the safety car restart. Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas topped off a sensational drive starting from the back of the grid with a third-placed finish. He was moved up from P4 after Sergio Perez was handed a five second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage on Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.
Features 9
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
How to survive in Fallowfield A vital survivors guide to navigating your first semester
Serafina Kenny Features Editor
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o, you’re an incoming fresher and you have no idea how to look cool in front of the veteran second and third years in the Friendship Inn. Thank god for our handy tips!
Y2K Fashion Style Raid your mum’s closet from when she was young and hip in the early 2000s. Failing that, stock up on overpriced Avril Levine outfit dupes from Depop. The baggier the jeans, the better!
Takeaway Tips Form an opinion on a favourite postnight-out takeaway. You need to pick a side in the Kej’s vs. Turkiss feud and be ready to defend your choice to debatetrained private school kids at flat parties.
Sainos vs Lidl Get a Nectar card. You will start out with the best of intentions trying to shop cheaply at Lidl… But as the uni work starts and you get lazier, you will inevitably resort to buying your freezer pizzas and ingredients for pesto pasta at big Sainos.
clientele! Try any club on Canal Street for LGBTQ+ venues, or if you don’t want to venture far from Oxford Road, the Deaf Institute puts on lots of themed nights.
Manchester Icons Wave at Boombox Barry. Barry will perplex you the first time you see him cycling up Oxford Road blaring music from his speaker. But from then on it will fill your heart with joy when you get a wave back from the real BNOC (big name on campus).
Test Your Drugs! Test your drugs. The Students’ Union is now offering free drug testing kits so find out what you’re taking and stay cool by, like, not dying!
Become a DJ Take up DJing. If you want to be a highly desired party guest at Oak House, you’ll need to splash your student loan on some decks and get them out at any occasion - including in the middle of the day when your flatmates are trying to study.
Gaining Fame Join all the student Facebook groups. Manchester Student Group (MSG) is essential for keeping up with uni events, finding housemates or buying/selling festival tickets. And UoMLove and Mancfessions are perfect for ranting, sharing gossip, or confessing your secret love for your new flatmate. If you can get a post on UoMLove, you’ve made it.
Procrastinating? Take up chain smoking. You will need an excuse to procrastinate at the Main Library or Ali G (Alan Gilbert Learning Commons), and what’s a better (or cooler) excuse than a quick fag? It also means you can fit in with the posh girls from Surrey by asking, “Rah, where’s my baccy?”
Know Your Nightclubs Go to clubs other than Factory. Listen, we get it. Factory plays music everyone knows, it’s easy to pick up a fitty, and it means you don’t have to trek into the city centre. But there are so many other clubs with different types of music and
Oak house yay or nay? Freshers go with the flow
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e spoke to third year University of Manchester (UoM) students about what they would and wouldn’t change about starting university. By now you’ve probably read every ‘mistakes freshers should avoid’ article out there. But you will make mistakes and you will probably have regrets that’s what first year is for! Freshers is really a time just to take university as it comes. Disregarding that - here are some things some current UoM third years might have done differently! Most students fiercely defend their halls. Oak House or Owens Park are apparently the social places to be, creating serious FOMO if you don’t live there. But
the reality of the intense party scene and student bubble can be too much for some people. Noah Silvio, a third year English Literature student who lived in Hulme Hall (Victoria Park) in his first year, said that he “doesn’t really have any regrets”. “I was going to move to Fallowfield and I didn’t. If I had I most probably wouldn’t be living with the people I am now. And the people I could have ended up living with could have been wrong for me.” Jade Smith, a third year medicine student, applied for Oak House because it was cheap. She said that “Some people in my flat really had a thing about making friends, going to parties and being the centre but I didn’t feel that pressure” because this was her second
degree. She doesn’t regret it though because although she “got used to sleeping through parties”, she says she “was definitely the boring one in my flat”. So if you do know you’re going to want your sleep, maybe Oak House or Owens Park isn’t the place for you. If money is also an issue, think about Whitworth Park even though it’s outside of Fallowfield. It’s not too late to change.
Check out the rest of our third years’ tips at mancunion.com
10 Science & Tech
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
The science behind freshers’ flu
What is freshers’ flu and how does it spread? The Mancunion explores the science behind the infamous illness that plagues students every September. Photo: @georgiemilena
cells and mucous that lines our mouth, Lara Kenedi nose, and eyes. This tends to make them Science Writer less effective at fending off pathogens. Secondly, students bring many differvery single year, new students ent types of pathogens from all over the from all over the world fill up lecworld. Having never encountered them, ture theatres across the campus. They are freshers do not have a developed immune eager to make new friends, learn more response thereto. about university life, and live through It is thought that the number of differevery experience welcome week has to ent pathogens, as well as the amount of offer. students that are exposed to them during Nevertheless, this exciting period can various events, lead to overwhelming our provide opportunities to make acquaintimmune systems. ances not only to students, but also to How do our immune systems really microorganisms. work then? What is freshers’ flu? There are two types of The famous freshers’ flu is responses of the immune generally caused by virusStudents bring system. es that provoke respiratory many different The faster, innate immune illnesses, such as a sore throat types of pathresponse, does its job in a or a continuous cough, often ogens from all matter of minutes or a few accompanied by a fever. over the world. hours. However, the cells that But despite the name, Having never enare involved have no memory these are not necessarily countered them, and can’t distinguish between influenza (flu) viruses. They freshers do not pathogens. These include are, in fact, uncommon in late have a developed cells able to engulf pathogens September, when freshers’ immune response or infected cells, such as macweek usually takes place. thereto. rophages. Over 150 viruses dominate Macrophages are not the scene at this time, causing pathogen-specific, hence will mild respiratory illnesses that we know digest any foreign cells they encounter. as the common cold. But many of these They are responsible for producing cypersist all throughout the year. tokines, a type of signalling molecule that So what makes freshers’ flu so special? can attract other immune cells. In addition, There are two major factors that cause they display cell-specific surface proteins so many students to get ill at the same of the pathogen, that is its antigens, once it time. is engulfed, which alerts other parts of the First, the incidence of respiratory immune system. infections tend to increase in autumn. This The second type of immune response phenomenon is not exclusive to universiis the adaptive immune response. The key ty students, and is the result of spending players here are T- and B-cells. more time indoors, as well as the weather T-cells coordinate the immune rebecoming colder. The cold air dries out sponse and kill infected cells, while B-cells mucus membranes, which is the layer of mark them to be destroyed by secreting
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antibodies. Consequently, these go on to a result, it takes longer for immune-system attach themselves to the target cells. cells to get to pathogens. It may, however, take days or even Lack of sleep can have a similar effect, weeks for the adaptive immune response as it reduces the number of cytokines. to kick in, as B- and T-cells have to first These play an important role in generating identify antigens to be able to destroy or an immune response, as well as regulating mark specific pathogens. Finally, when the level of antibody response. they recognise a pathogen, T-cells multiply Can you get freshers’ flu more than rapidly and trigger other defensive mechonce? anisms. Freshers’ Week provides the perfect Are there other contributing factors? climate for all ranges of pathogens to mix The immune system of younger people and spread. tends to be stronger than average, and Essentially, freshers’ flu is the result because of how common these respiratory of our body being weaker than usual, and illness-causing viruses are, we have a herd therefore, more susceptible to illnesses. immunity against many of them. Furthermore, it is not caused by just Nevertheless, one reason why they one type of pathogen, but a combination of manage to overwhelm many students’ them, which can make it easy for viruses immune system during the to take advantage of our weakfirst few weeks may just be the ened bodies. elevated number of pathogens Immunity differs between Alcohol is a present in the same place. pathogens. In most cases, it diuretic, or a type There may be additionis unlikely for you to develop of substance that al factors that weaken the symptoms of a disease that makes our body immune system and make you have an elaborated imlose more water students more vulnerable to mune response for. However, than normal, developing symptoms. the existence of different leading to dehyTo no one’s surprise, one strains of diseases implies dration. This can such factor is binge drinking that it is possible to contract further weaken alcohol. Large quantities of the same illness twice from the immune alcohol consumed in a short two different versions of the system... amount of time can temporarpathogen. For instance, there ily reduce the effectiveness of are many strains of coronaviour immune system while the rus, but only one strain causes substance has the most effect on our body. COVID-19. On top of this, alcohol is a diuretic, or Viruses can also mutate so that our a type of substance that makes our body bodies do not recognise them upon re-inlose more water than normal, leading to fection. Thus, it is indeed possible to get dehydration. This can further weaken the infected multiple times. It is, however, unimmune system: it decreases the volume likely for our immune systems to be overof blood and lymph, which carry cells whelmed in the same way again because involved in immune responses. of the unique environment created during By reducing blood volume, alcohol the first few weeks of uni. causes blood and lymph to flow slower. As
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Science & Tech 11
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Manchester’s top 5 science spots Looking for science-themed places to explore? Emma Hattersley gives her recommendations for a scientific tour of Manchester. Annie Dabb Opinion Editor
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As a student who is passionate about science, I know it’s sometimes hard to discover places related to your interests. To help you out, I’ve put together a list of my top five science-themed places in Manchester. Some will help you learn about science, some are more science-adjacent, but all five provide fun opportunities to explore Manchester and hang out with friends.
1. The Alchemist Although now a nation-wide chain, The Alchemist was founded in Manchester, and has still has three locations in the city: New York Street, Spinningfields, and Media City (al-
though this may be a little far for most students). It boasts of bar tenders who are “masters... of molecular mixology”, which combined with its stunning restaurant, should make it a favourite for scientists and non-scientists alike.
2. Escape Rooms Manchester is home to many escape rooms, which are hugely popular for students who love to work together to solve problems. If you’re searching for one with a specific science bent, you may enjoy ‘Zombie Lab’ in Breakout Manchester on Church Street, or the new Cryptic Escape Rooms in Ashton-under-Lyne.
3. The Science and Industry Museum Probably my top pick, The Science
and Industry Museum provides a safe haven for students who love to discover more about how the world works. Entry is free, and their plethora of activities and special exhibitions means you’ll want to return again and again. Currently on show is a new exhibition that delves into the history of Factory Records, one of Manchester’s most famous record labels.
4. Science and Industry, Cane and Grain Hidden behind a door to the left of their ground floor bar lies the stairs to Cane and Grain’s secret cocktail lab, Science and Industry. The bar staff seek a genuine scientific approach to their cocktails, with the original team taking part in workshops with the University of Manchester’s Chemistry Department to learn distillation, filtration and crys-
Photo: Unknown @ Wikimedia Commons
Photo: David Dixon @ Geograph Photo: David Dixon @ Geograph
Photo: clockedindk @ pixabay
tallisation techniques. Although a little pricey, this bar should provide a great night out for special occasions.
5. The Rutherford Building Although not currently open to the public, the Rutherford Building is a great example of the rich scientific history of Manchester. It was in this building that Bohr and Rutherford first developed their model of the atom in 1915, and was where the atom was first ‘split’ in 1919. Go take a look and get inspired, or visit with a geiger counter, as there’s a rumour that the old nuclear experiments have left their trace. Manchester’s important role in world history means there’s always more to see. So get outside, go explore and find out more about the fantastic city we get to enjoy.
Opinion 12
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Poverty Safari:
Fetishising the working class in Fallowfield
‘You think that poor is cool’: Gemma Brown voices her frustrations at the class tourism and poverty aesthetic of Manchester’s middle class students
Y2K fashion, many middle class students downplay their wealth because the working class lifestyle is seen as an t’s that time of year again. Herds aesthetic choice - rather than an unaof young people are filling the voidable reality. They appropriate typstreets with their baggy clothes and ically working class traits and fashion tote bags. There’s an unmistakable trends. Attempting to hide their backsound of DnB coming from every grounds in order to seem just as broke basement window at 3am. Breadcrumb as their less financially lucky peers. trails of Swan filters lead you directly Yet while this ‘poverty aesthetic’ to the front steps of Friendship Inn. is viewed by some as cool and trendy, Yes, it’s a brand new year and the stuchoosing to dress or act as though you dents are back. are down to your last fiver is worlds All of these endearing traits, comaway from the realities of a workbined with the melting pot of different ing-class life. When I was growing up in accents and backgrounds, help to create Blackpool, those who wore the Fallowfield ‘vibe’ that tracksuits, hoodies and big we know and love. We’ve hoop earrings were given the These trends, for all been there. You move derogatory label of ‘chav’. which the working in wearing skinny jeans Now every girl owns a pair class were once and a parka and then two of hoops, and you can buy made fun of, are weeks later you’re cutting a pair of trackie bottoms for now being imitatabout in cargo trousers £90 from Urban Outfitters. ed and applauded and a North Face puffer. These trends, for which the by the wealthy There is, however, an working class were once unfortunate side-effect made fun of, are now being of the urge to conform imitated and applauded by to Fallowfield’s edgy non-conformity. the wealthy. Although it is far from a new trend, the There have always been harmful middle-class contingent of the student associations of laziness and worthbody have a habit or unintentionally, or lessness with the working class. But perhaps knowingly, slipping into ‘playwealthier people don’t have to suffer ing poor’. such damaging stereotypes, when they Poverty is imitate stereotypically working class often glamorised behaviour. Hugo from Surrey will call by the student the group of boys wearing tracksuits in lifestyle in Piccadilly Gardens ‘rough’, but then rock Fallowfield. In a up to his sociology seminar in joggers trend almost as and a hoodie. And Tilly from Chelsea common as
Gemma Brown Opinion Writer
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will claim a working class community party’. This ‘poverty aesthetic’ has been like Fallowfield is a ‘shithole’, but then shoved down the consumer’s throat. It go and trash Platt Fields as soon as the has churned out a generation of young, temperature goes above 20 degrees. middle-class people with a taste for For some rich students, university is class tourism. now an expedition to observe and imiIf I had a pound for every time a tate the poor in their natFallowfield resident has ural habitat. Yet, instead moaned to me about If I had a pound of sporting khaki shorts being so incredibly skint, for every time a and hunting boots, they I probably still wouldn’t Fallowfield resiwear second-hand clothes have as much money dent has moaned with intentionally frayed as they get from their to me about being hems and roll baccy. These parents each week. We’re so incredibly people often complain talking about the people skint, I probably about how skint they are who nick crisps from still wouldn’t have throughout term time. your cupboard and beg as much money Then will soon return to you for a rollie. But then as they get from their huge houses come gets Daddy to send them their parents each Christmas and spend a few hundred quid to week. New Years in a chalet in ‘keep them going’ for the Chamonix. They can pick last two weeks of term. and choose what they like While no one can help from the working class lifestyle without what family they were born into or how facing any of the challenges and social rich their background is. It’s frustrating barriers that go alongside it. to come to university as a working class This phenomenon, also known as the student and see how oblivious some ‘poverty safari’, is one that Pulp pointed people are to their own wealth and out in their 1995 hit ‘Common People’. the advantages they’ve had in life. You They tell the story of a posh student don’t have to say you’re from Brixton who ‘thinks that poor is cool’ and wants when you’re actually from Herne Hill. to slum it with the regular folk: ‘Rent a You don’t need to tone down your RP flat above a shop, cut your hair and get accent and shove working class slang a job, smoke some fags and play some into stories about your gap yah (no pool, pretend you never went to school’. whey). There’s no shame in being from Poverty is fetishised not just in a wealthy background as long as you’re student culture, but in the media and aware of your privilege - and maybe if fashion industries - from designer you give me the odd rollie or pay for the photoshoots in front of council houses, Uber from time to time. to Puma’s ‘council estate drug-dealing
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Opinion 13
ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Open University; Closed lecture theatres Annie Dabb expresses student anxieties about another year of online teaching and questions the probability of Manchester University living up to it’s promises of ‘blended learning’ lessly incapable of doing the same for students and young people. Then again, Thompson does seem to prefer a more hands-on approach than our University’s niversity has only just reSenior Leadership. sumed, post-summer. Yet, with In a Facebook Live interview over the crashing student systems, rapidly summer with The Macunion’s Managing changing module selections, ambiguity Editor For News and Current Affairs, Ella about how much of our content will Robinson, Manchester University staff be online or in-person, and now major claimed their willingness to listen to flooding on campus, the impending student input. However, recent developuniversity stress feels like an emoments regarding the imminent Flexible tional reification equal to Susan Hill’s Learning Plan would seem to suggest ominous fog in ‘The Woman in Black’. otherwise. The Disabled Students’ Given the sense of being ripped off Society issued a statement on their that many university students felt last Instagram in August, revealing that the year, who can blame the tense, trepid University had inaccurately claimed to talk amongst freshers and returning have consulted the society on this year’s students alike, that the same will happen Flexible Learning Programme, a mistake this year? for which the University has since apolA disheartening year of online learnogised. ing, partnered with major Furthermore, fears disruptions to teaching in the It is disillusionabout how truly ‘blended’ past 3 years due to lecturer our learning will be this ing to say the strikes, means that some semester are continuing to students have not sat in a least, to view yet grow amongst my peers as lecture theatre since 2019. more potential their timetables are issued. It is disillusioning to say the disconnect Some students have found least, to view yet more potenbetween staff that the combination of ontial disconnect between staff and students. line and in-person teaching and students. is skewed dishearteningly Of course, it’s new and exin favour of remote learnciting to now be living in an ing, with less than a handful of hours in a actual student house, to ride the 142 to room with staff. campus, and see the crowds of students During the interview in July, April at Welcome Week events. However, in McMahon (Vice President for Teachkeeping with Manchester’s worker bee ing, Learning and Students), told The symbol, I can’t help but feel like a bee Mancunion that students should expect in a hive in which the queen has died. more than 70% of their teaching to be As a result, we’ve been left to nervously in-person: “But I would say that’s [70% flutter around in the hope that someone in person] kind of the minimum that we like TikTok’s resident bee-whisperer, Eriwould be aiming at so the great majority ka Thompson (a.k.a. Texas Bee Works), of teaching next semester, unless we’ve can come and rescue us. It’s crazy that got to put more coronavirus safe stuff in Thompson can read a bee’s body lanplace, it’s going to be on campus.” guage and understand whether they’re But, recently, I have found myself feeling anxious or not, but UK univercalling into question the University’s sities and the government seem hope-
Annie Dabb Opinion Editor
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understanding of ‘blended’, given that decision for them? literally every interaction I’ve had so far Finally, whilst I understand that with the University has been through my ‘guarantees on staff numbers’ can never laptop screen. Unironically, this includes be 100% pertained to at all times, the the interview mentioned earlier. University’s hints that blended learning Of course, none of us have forgotten is here to stay, and the effect this will how, at the beginning of the year, the have on the University’s staff members, move to 100% online learning was only feels incredibly disconcerting. Followannounced once students had officially ing the ridiculous marketisation of our moved into their accommodations. Thus, education, we feel like customers rather many were already tied into contracts. than students - and not valued ones at The timing seems awfully convenient for that. I can’t imagine how the University’s those of us who have now staff are feeling. just signed student housing Asking staff to produce Recently, I have contracts for this year. nothing more than what is found myself Over the last year, Manessentially online content, calling into chester’s student population worth nowhere near £9,250 question the have been scapegoated, a year in my opinion, has University’s profiled, fenced in, and blighted the past academic understanding deprived of the service year. Dissatisfaction has of ‘ blended’... we were led to believe we been expressed on both would, and should, receive. sides of the Zoom screen, What distinguishes our from students and prodegrees from an Open University degree fessors alike, as well as in end of year - aside from the 6 grand price difference module surveys which have seemingly between the two? also been disregarded. I fear that further Quite frankly, I think the student led staff strikes could also be on the cards in protests were the bare minimum level of the coming semester. disruption we could have partaken in. Is I really love this university. The it any wonder that students are unwilling content of my modules (at least the ones to fully trust an institution’s promise of I could actually access, after the shit ‘blended learning’, when that same inshow that was student system enrollstitution has gaslighted all of us over the ment), and the teaching I’ve received, past year? The worst part is, the majority for the most part, has been amazing of us are still desperately clinging to our and thought provoking. I transferred degrees as the government has already into second year here from another landed us in thousands of pounds of institution and, despite the unfortunate debt, and it would be a shame not to see but understandably necessary move to it all the way through. blended learning, I don’t at all regret my Someone at this University needs to decision. However, the idea of seeing be told that things like erecting fences out the rest of my university experience around a student campus, or squanderwithout ever having a lecture in the ing any hopes we may have had of ever actual building seems like a bit of a kick stepping foot in a lecture theatre, needs in the teeth. In no other circumstance to be communicated with us better. would a company get away with such a What’s wrong with consulting students drastic deviation from the service initialbefore making a life or career-altering ly promised to its paying customers.
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Horoscopes 27.09.21 - 03.10.21 Life Predictions from Madam leBus Magique Sagittarius (23.11-21.12)
Capricorn (22.12 - 19.01)
Aquarius (20.01 - 19.02)
You are energetic and passionate about life but
Approach new situations with tact and skill - am-
You want to be strong for the times ahead, but you
feelings of arrogance and worthlessness exist with-
bition comes first for you, but take care not to step
will fail - put your energy somewhere else.
in you. Learn yourself.
over people in your pursuit of power.
Pisces (20.02 - 20.03)
Aries (21.03 - 20.04)
Taurus (21.04 - 20.05)
Don’t justify your relationships. Your life has mean-
You might be nervous about your relationship
Give in to your anger - it gives you strength. Beware!
with your partner - focus on your friends and look
Optimistic people have the furthest to fall.
ing when the universe decides. Don’t trust anyone
towards the future.
born under the sign of Scorpio.
Gemini (21.05 - 20.06)
Cancer (21.06 - 22.07)
Leo (23.07 - 22.08)
Since birth the zodiac has been preparing you for
Learn to look for the sun during times of darkness.
A time of intensive work is coming. Withdraw from
this period in your life. The shorter the better.
Make people happy but be prepared to sacrifice
society - the results will pay for themselves.
them.
Virgo (23.08 - 22.09)
Libra (23.09 - 22.10)
That thing which you most fear - will happen soon.
Your bright and radiant personality is a lie you tell yourself and others - drop the facade and become
Scorpio (23.10 - 22.11) Find the most important figure in your life and learn to let them go - they will leave you.
true to your real self.
Crossword Puzzle Across 2. A place you will experience charity ambassadors, buskers, sweetcorn, salesmen and highstreet shoppers 5. A fresher’s favourite nightclub which hosts three floors and a cheap Monday nightt! 6. Could be mistaken for a tin of beans on Oxford Road 8. Recently introduced into the GCSE Media Syllabus 9. The bus you wish woud arrive at the bus stop, a bargain bus ride 10. This symbol is on all the bins in Manchester
Down
1. You can hear him before you see him 3. Iconic Manchester drag queen with a cheesy name 4. Famous Mancunion band, notorious for their bucket hats 7. You need a pair of these to truly make it as a Fallowgirl
. You need a pair of these to make it as a true Fallowgirl
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ISSUE 1/ 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Ruthless Rafa leads Spain to victory Rafael Nadal was at his scintillating best in an exciting tournament with a new look Iwan Hopkins Sports Writer
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019 saw the 108th edition of the Davis Cup and, with it, a change to the traditional format. While the layout was different, the result was not, as Spain cruised to their sixth title. Coming as a surprise to many, the Madrid-based tournament was overseen by Barcelona’s Spanish centre-back, Gerard Pique. He commented bluntly on the changes which were made, claiming that “sometimes things have to change, or they have the risk to die.” While some ATP players, such as Lleyton Hewitt, came out and criticised the choice to allow Pique’s involvement, some were more accepting. Andy Murray headed into the tournament claiming he was “open to change” and urging his fellow competitors to give the new format “a chance.” In previous years, 16 nations have competed in the World Group’s straight knockout tournament. However, with players often facing distant away ties, this has led to a large number of top players skipping matches. As a result, the Kosmos investment group, fronted by Pique, decided to begin a new era of international tennis. The tournament was staged at the hard
courts of Madrid’s Caja Magica, and followed a similar format to both the rugby and football World Cups. There was an initial group stage, with the top two sides from each then facing off in the quarter-finals. But how did the tournament go? Well, out of the traditional ‘Big Four’ players that dominated tennis for so many years, three competed. Roger Federer’s Switzerland could not make it through the qualifiers, but Andy Murray, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic all represented their nations in Madrid. They played out some very mixed tournaments though. Murray and the British team fought their way to the semi-finals, though the Scot was not as influential as he perhaps might have hoped. Though he defeated Dutchman and world number 179, Tallon Griekspoor, in the opening round, he spent the majority of the tournament on the sidelines. Kyle Edmunds and Dan Evans both carried Britain through a number of games, including a stellar performance against a troubling Kazakhstan. However, their efforts were ultimately in vain, as the latter was easily defeated in the semi-final by Nadal. The Serbian side which contained 16time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic suffered the heartbreak of the tournament. They fell to Russia in the quarter-finals, despite Djokovic and Troicki having three
Charley Hull and Tommy Fleetwood come close to golfing riches
Photo: Yann Caradec @Flickr
match points overturned. However, Rafael Nadal did not disappoint. The world number one was as passionate and determined as he always is, really showing true professionalism throughout. He won all eight of his singles and doubles matches, and led the Spanish team to victory in front of their home crowd. He took to the court after Roberto Bautista Agut sealed his win against Canadian
teenager, Felix Auger-Aliassime. The doubles round was not necessary, as the clinical Nadal overcame Denis Shapolav’s best efforts to battle the Mallorcan. Though the tournament was questionable, with a number of the games going into the early hours of the morning, it was certainly an exciting affair. Emotions reached incredible heights, and they were exceeded by the quality of tennis, which was nothing short of outstanding.
Wojciech Migda@Wikimedia Commons
Charley Hull and Tommy Fleetwood narrowly miss out on millions Harry Deacon Sports Editor
E
nglish golfing stars Charley Hull and Tommy Fleetwood were both pipped to victory by the narrowest of margins in their respective recent tournaments. Hull shot an impressive final round of 66, dramatically closing the gap with the leader Kim Sei-young. The 23-year-old Englishwoman, who entered the tournament ranked at 51 out of the 60 competitors, managed to birdie her final three holes, seemingly forcing a playoff with the South Korean pacesetter. However, an exquisite 25-foot putt on the crucial 18th green gave Kim the birdie she needed to take home the final Tour Championship of the season, and the £1.17m
in prize money. The vast prize pot was the biggest in the history of women’s golf, and not the only sign that the game is becoming increasingly richer. The Ladies Tour Order of Merit is receiving an injection of cash as it will be revamped as the Race to Costa del Sol from 2020 onwards, mirroring the men’s European Tour Race to Dubai. The new format will land the top player an added £107,000, with second and third also receiving bonus funds of £64,000 and £43,000, respectively. As for the men’s already existing Race to Dubai, Jon Rahm sunk a three-foot putt on the final green of the final day to edge victory over Fleetwood. The victory meant that Rahm also beat his English opponent in the seasonlong standings, landing the Spaniard with
both the £2.34m prize for winning the tournament in Dubai and the £1.56m for ending on top in the final Race to Dubai table. The defeat for Fleetwood would have been agonising, but his consistency in the European Tour is commendable. 2019’s
second-place finish means that the 28-yearold has come in the top three for each of the past three years, proving him to be one of the best and set to stay near the top. It seems that English golf, and golf in general, have many more exciting times on the horizon.
Brutal knockout from Deontay Wilder sets up Tyson Fury rematch Joey Millington analyses Deontay Wilder’s most recent victory Joey Millington Sports Writer
I
t was repeat rather than revenge in Las Vegas, as the WBC heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, floored Luis Ortiz in the 7th round on Saturday 23rd November. In doing so, the ‘Bronze Bomber’ became only the sixth man to successfully defend his heavyweight belt ten times, with all eyes now turning towards a clash of the ages with Lineal champion Tyson Fury. Having got the better of his Cuban opponent late on in a New York bout last March, Wilder once again sent shockwaves throughout the heavyweight division with another display of his explosive punch power in the world capital of boxing. This came after the Alabaman fighter was outclassed for much of the encounter. The veteran Ortiz showed every ounce of his experience in the early rounds, causing Wilder problems to the body from his southpaw stance. Wilder was patient, however, and waited until the end of the 7th round when he saw his opportunity to land
his signature right hand straight. He connected explosively and Ortiz could not beat the referees count; this gave Wilder his 42nd win, with a monumental 41 victories by the way of knockout. This was the final test for the ‘Bronze Bomber’ as he readies himself for one of the biggest fights in recent times againgst Tyson Fury. The clash is pencilled in for 22nd February although a venue is yet to be confirmed. Fury, who hails from Wythenshawe, overcame underdogs Tom Schwarz and Otto Wallin to set up the much-anticipated rematch in early 2020. The result of the first fight between the pair proved to be highly controversial. The Mancunian dominated the encounter, evading Wilder with seeming ease, landing more successful shots and winning the majority of the rounds. In the 9th and 12th rounds though, Wilder scored knockdowns, the latter which looked for the world to have finished Tyson Fury off. This late flurry from the WBC champion saw the fight scored as a split decision draw, much to the shock of many leading experts who had Fury ahead on points.
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT @FLICKR
This is what makes the rematch so mouth-watering to the boxing world. There is bad blood between the two and, with neither of the pair content with the outcome of last year’s contest, both have scores to settle. Fury has the superior technique, head movement and footwork, but Wilder is seen as the best finisher in world boxing with power in his right hand that is unrivalled by any fighter in this era. There is also so much on the line, with Wilder defending his WBC title, whilst Fury is seen
as the man to beat in the division as the Lineal champion. On top of that, neither fighter will want to lose their unbeaten record, but as the old saying goes ‘someone’s 0 has to go’. The winner of this fight is expected to go into another world class fight with the winner of the Joshua vs Ruiz scrap, which takes place in December, as the favourite. This fight could see an undisputed heavyweight champion who holds all the available belts for the first time since Lennox Lewis.
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ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
MANNY ON THE MAP : OUR TOP PICKS There’s more to Manchester than just the city centre. We’ve put together your very own map to guide you around our favourite spots in Fallowfield, Withington, Disbury and Curry Mile. 1. Fallowfield Loop
A great escape from the city and Fallowfield’s student life. Within minutes you can feel like you are in the countryside, walking through a corridor of trees, as the sounds of the city fade away. It’s perfect for a quick walk to get a breather, or take your bike and explore the length of the loop and its more varied environments, along Manchester’s longest urban cycleway. It connects green spaces across Manny, Highfield Country Park, and Reddish Vale Country Park (just off the loop) are well worth a visit.
12. The Orion
Nice little pub: plays the football and £2.60 pints.
13. Didsbury Dozen
If you’re feeling brave, tackle the 12 pint pub crawl in Didsbury. Start at The Didsbury by Fletcher Moss and work your way along the route! (You can find it online)
11. Bud Garden Centre
Plants improve well-being and increase creativity, so spruce up your uni room with a houseplant - just try not to kill it! This little garden centre near Ladybarn has a nice selection of plants to choose from.
14. Wilderness Records
An independent record store, bar, music venue and cafe! Great coffee in the morning and even better drinks at night. There’s loads of live music of pretty much every type, DJs, bands, soloists with the place also selling a wide range of records. It’s right next to Fallowfield, so definitely worth making the shuffle down to.
2. Fuel Cafe Bar
Hidden in the heart of Withington, and just a 5-minute bus ride from Fallowfield Campus, Fuel offers a range of open mic and poetry nights, along with regularly hosting live music. It’s a cosy spot serving up some of Manchester’s best vegetarian grub and budget friendly beers too!
10. Fletcher Moss
This slice of the countryside in the city is probably one of the best parks in Manchester. Get the 142 into Didsbury and take a stroll through the botanical garden and stunning tree lined pathways. Whilst you’re walking along the River Mersey, it’s easy to forget you’re in a city at all.
3. Al Zain
Curry mile is full of good munch, and Al Zain is definitely one of the best spots for veggies and meat eaters alike. Big selection of fresh salads and sauces, paired with shawarma meat or falafels, all wrapped up in bread that is made on the spot. You can’t go wrong.
4. Southside
This little place boasts one of the best tequila selections in the country right on your doorstep, as well as frozen margaritas and 3 for £4 on Tacos. It’s happy hour 12-5pm, so get there for then to save some cash.
15. Drink and Draw
Every other Thursday is ‘Drink and Draw’ at Withy Public Hall, an opportunity to have some bevs and do some art with your pals! There’s drawing, painting, and collage, so go along and get stuck in. Check out @indyarts_mcr to find tickets to the next events!
16. XLR
New event space that has recently reopened in Withington, supporting both established and up-and-coming artists . Great for a mid-week night out!
9. Mercado Deli
If you’re feeling fancy, head along to West Didsbury. This area has so many great little cafes, one of them being Mercados. Fusing Italian and Latin American cuisine, this little place has delicious paninis and empanadas, as well as sweet treats like Venzeulean sticky buns and Italian doughnuts filled with pistachio cream
5. Worldwide Foods
Supermarket right at the end of curry mile near Whitworth Park. Endless selection of fresh fruit and veg, spices, snacks, meats, chutneys, sauces, sweet treats, and food cupboard essentials. It’s a great place to go to stock up on everything you would need to make some banging meals.
17. Withington Baths
Community owned leisure centre with an Edwardian swimming pool. They also run a selection of workout classes like yoga, martial arts and zumba.
8. Sanskruti
One of the best vegetarian and vegan Indian restaurants in the whole of Manchester! It is beautifully decorated inside, and there’s seating outside the front for those sunnier days. Would highly recommend the poppadoms and chutney tray starter and getting a dosa for your main - a thin golden pancake stuffed with delicious curry.
18. HAUS
Pint and a pizza for £10! The owners also let their dogs wander about, so even more of an incentive to go!
6. The Coffee House Cafe
No frills cafe with a banging full English to cure your hangover. It’s really popular with the locals so you know it’s got to be good
7. Didsbury Village Bookshop
A really lovely bookshop selling a massive range of second hand books. It’s hidden away behind The Art of Tea cafe, which also does really good food and coffee.
19. Birchfield Park
An alternative to Platt Fields in Victoria Park. Enjoy a crisp winter walk or chill on the grass with some bevs when the summer rolls around.
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ISSUE 01 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Photos: s_herman @ Flickr, travis @ Flickr, Daiki Tomidokoro @ Flickr, bm.iphone @flickr
Inside Culture
Review:The Best Films Albums of the Decade: The Mancunion’s Fave Shows of the 2010s: 19 of the 2010s:20-21 16-17
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ISSUE 1/ 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Wolf Alice chat BLUE WEEKEND, lockdown in Brussels and their favourite new tunes All year Wolf Alice have been kicking up a storm. They announced their return with third album Blue Weekend out 4th June via Dirty Hit Records. ‘No Hard Feelings’, premiered with Zane Lowe on his New Music Daily on Apple 1 , following ‘The Last Man On Earth’ and ‘Smile’, the previous two singles from Blue Weekend. Earlier this year our Head Music Editor Tilda Gratton was lucky enough to sit down with Theo and Joff
Wolf Alice Blue Weekend is coming soon - that’s pretty exciting! Do you wanna tell us a little more about how that came about? Theo: I don’t know if there’s one single story of how the album came about but rather we collected a lot of songs. The name comes from an Uber ride where it was a very Blue Weekend and we were in Brussels as we were recording the record at the time. We were racking our brains for things to do on the weekend and hoping the next blue weekend we were going to go somewhere and do something nice. I heard you went on a road trip to Somerset to start getting writing for the album and then were stuck in lockdown in Brussels or something? What was that like? Joff: Lockdown in Brussels was interesting...usually when you’re making a record it’s nice to have some respite from writing. To kind of be able to also escape from it as well as getting that kind of distance you sometimes need. We weren’t really able to do that properly because we were in lockdown whilst in the studio so it was very full-on and very intensethere was no escape from this big looming blue monster behind us, omnipresent... Yeah definitely a very good decision then. Your first single is out now - last man on earth, how has the reaction to that been? Theo: The whole reaction just watching it online is quite weird cause you know we’re missing the emotional reciprocation of playing gigs. I’m sure we would have been doing some kind of gig at the moment or some form of playing live so we’re missing that but just seeing people enjoying it and having quite emotional reactions has been really moving and happy-making especially in this time. The tour that we put on sale sold out really quickly which has been overwhelming that people were willing to buy ticket for next year and even still wanted to see us play cause we’ve been away for a little while now. Where are you most excited to play? Theo: F*cking everywhere, would play anywhere right now. Joff’s even got a hometown gig on this album! Joff: Yeah the little village called Calstock but it’s a bit scary cause I think that we’ve never played in Plymouth before and the venue is about three times in size of the other venues we’re playing...but I’m super excited! Photo: Paul Hudson @Flickr
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and happy-making especially in this time. The tour that we put on sale sold out really quickly! It is still so overwhelming to us that people are willing to buy ticket for next year. Where are you most excited to play?
Our Wolf Alice Top Picks:
Theo: F*cking everywhere, we would quite literally play anywhere right now..Joff’s even got a hometown gig on this album! Joff: Yeah there’s a little village called Calstock but it’s a bit scary as the venue is about three times in size of the other venues we’re playing.
1. You’re a Germ 2. Beautifully Unconventional
That’s super exciting I’ve got my ticket for the Manchester one so I’ll see you guys there do you guys know Manchester well?
3. Bros
Theo: Yeah we love Manchester! Joff: We had a great time every time we’ve been there. There are a lot of great venues down there: the Ritz, Gorilla, the Apollo and Albert Hall.
4. Don’t Delete The Kisses 5. Lisbon
Let’s hear a bit more about Blue Weekend, would you say there is any particular influences on this album? I can hear some Shoegaze inspired guitars?
6. Soapy Water
Joff: Yeah I love a bit of Shoegaze, love a bit of Kevin Shields and Sonic Youth and all that kind of stuff. In terms of what they contributed to the linkage of guitar, it has opened up a whole new world of possibilities so yeah there are times where I’m very much riding on that wave! Theo: I think I’ve been going backwards rather than listening to what’s going on at the moment lately. I’ve been listening to a lot of stuff that has been out for 40 years and taking influence from that! Joff: I got for Christmas the greatest thing in the world; the original of the Last Waltz on vinyl!
Do you guys have any recommendations for current London bands? Theo: There’s a really good band I’ve just discovered band called high viz I really like them. I was also listening to a lot of this group called army boys which were South London rap collective which sadly split up. I will listen to a lot of rap music I love Pa Salieu...South of the River in the last few years seems to be a flying the flag Joff: The thing that I’ve really been doing at the moment is just playingI’ve been playing so much guitar in the last couple months I really have not been listening to much other than records I have in my collection. I bought ‘This is the Complete Beatles songbook’ every single Beatles song they’ve ever done, the score is there for me to play! I need to get more current albums, I’m really rubbish! I’m sure there are so many great, exciting new things to listen to out there. How would you describe Blue Weekend in 3 words? Joff: Its f*cking great Since catching up with Wolf Alice a couple of months ago, Blue Weekend has been released to widespread acclaim and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. They are set to play Manchester
Photo: badjonni@flickr
Where are you most excited to play? Theo: F*cking everywhere Photo: Paul Hudson@flickr
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Reflecting live in conversation with Billy Lockett Reece Ritchie Music Editor
Northampton native Billy Lockett is set to serenade yet another socially distanced Manchester crowd on Thursday the 27th at the academy in a sold-out show. The singer-songwriter is fresh off of his latest EP release. Dubbed Reflections it is his first project for which he held complete creative control. This is an entirely new avenue for Billy and one well worth exploring. We sat down to discuss the new EP, an acoustic re-recording of Reflections and the socially distanced tour he’s been dying to play.
Lockett is honest with me as he details how his career has been affected by drugs. He mentions his previous addiction to cocaine had altered his behaviour, writing and appearance. This is something he is now proudly clean of and determined to not ignore, rather to be transparent with fans and critics alike. Billy holds great humility and sets a great example with his past. Locket even publicly announced his issues with drugs and has been working on them in the public eye. This transparency has this helped him hold himself accountable it’s also shown the same honesty that purveys through his music. It shows the difficulties of life and the numerous inspirations that have gone towards rendering ‘Reflections’ as personal and heartfelt as it is.
“Don’t mean a thing is my personal favourite played acoustically” It is almost scary how Lockett’s newest work has also translated into an acoustic setting. Whilst piano is his forte not every song can be converted acoustically and still remain as high quality as the original. Billy manages this seamlessly, however, blending electronic and live instruments into beautiful ballads. They are undeniably unrecognisable as having not originally been written acoustically. Set for an August release the acoustic version of Reflections is simply a matter of Lockett moving from strength to strength
Billy’s ten venue tour spans the entire of the UK in style he mentions well suits his style. Often performing alone with a piano, he has enjoyed the atmosphere of smaller gigs. “It still felt like there were thousands of people in there”. Billy’s been ecstatic to be a release for fans that he knows have been ‘bottled up’ for so long. Arenas to Billy feel like he isn’t playing to anyone at all, rather the crowds become one large mass.
Billy and I finish our interview with a mention of our mutual hometown of Northampton and the rejuvenation of a music scene we have both been dying for. Its heartening to see an artist as pleased by the success of others as Billy, who was delighted at the worldwide success of Slowthai and the growing crowds Northampton artists are earning.
Selling out Clapham Ground and the 100 club Locket laments about the joy in selling out legendary venues. Billy has interestingly even played in front of sitting crowds well before the pandemic. With prior experiences Billy emphasises that the most important part of a gig will always is that the set is as good as possible and that the crowd know the songs. The health and safety and covid restrictions to him will always be a small part of the job.
What struck me most about Billy however was his honesty, how aware he is of his own emotion and how he fuels that directly into music. That is no easy task for anyone let alone someone that then uses those emotions to create hit records. I thoroughly look forward to seeing where Lockett takes his greater creative freedom next.
From there we turn to the recent release of Reflections which you can listen to here! The album reached number five in the iTunes album charts. Notably a great success for Locket’s first project after parting with his record label. The project features ballads such as ‘Talk’ and ‘Don’t mean a thing’. Reflections is Billy’s first individual foray beyond the guitar and piano that has previously been the centre of his works. For something so new for Billy this EP is certainly enjoyable and diverse. Heavily set in his emotions and surroundings the whole project is a defiant recollection of difficult events.
“It feels as though I’m playing these songs to you in my living room”
Billy Lockett discusses his newest EP reflections, it’s acoustic release and his current socially distanced tour with editor Reece Ritchie.
ISSUE 1/ 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Gigs picks this week 30th September 2nd October Tusks @ Night and Day Cafe Sports Team @ Manchester Academy
Photo: Twitter @billylockett
30th September Birthday Girl, Bruise Control & Idle Hands @ AATMA
6th October Lauren Hibberd @ The Deaf Institute
7th October Holy Moly & The Crackers
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ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
Books 23
Campus lit:True or False? From Normal People to A Secret History, Aileen Loftus takes a look at which campus novels are an accurate reflection of life at university.
Snowflake by Louise Nealon Louise Nealon’s debut novel Snowflake follows Debbie, a student in her first year studying English Literature at Trinity College Dublin, as she balances her home life with her new university world. Nealon accurately writes about fear of making friends, fear of speaking in lectures and about the culture shock of commuting to Dublin from her family’s dairy farm in County Kildare.
Starter for Ten by David Nicholls Starter for Ten is set in 1985, as protagonist Brian begins his first year at university. As the title hints at, Brian’s ambition has always been to appear on University Challenge. David Nicholls’s debut is funny and effortlessly readable. It also still rings true, even if a few moments feel a little dated.
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True Aileen Loftus Books Editor
Normal People by Sally Rooney While Conversations with Friends and Beautiful World, Where are you both offer glimpses of university experience, it is Normal People that gives the most sustained depiction of student life. Marianne and Connell need little to no introduction. As students, they both experience feelings of loneliness, isolation and social anxiety at times, and Rooney writes this with poignant accuracy. The key lesson any reader can take away, however, is that clear communication with those you love is always a good place to start.
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niversity campuses have long been a favourite setting for authors, from Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis to On Beauty by Zadie Smith. This may be because they are places of learning and ideas. Or perhaps it is because there are so many young people embarking on new adventures away from the watchful eyes of their parents. Campus-based novels are naturally concerned with the lives of lecturers and academics. But how many of these books are an accurate reflection of student life at university? More specifically, would any of them make a helpful read for freshers starting at The University of Manchester? Here’s a (non-comprehensive) list of books to read to get you started, and a list of books to avoid when searching for a reflection of true-to-life experiences.
Photo: The Warehouse Project
nion idson @TheMancu
Dav Photo: Georgina
The Secret Commonwealth by Philip Pullman The Secret Commonwealth is the second volume of Philip Pullman’s planned trilogy The Book of Dust . The story is set ten years after the conclusion of the original His Dark Materials trilogy. Lyra is now a student at St Sophia’s College Oxford. She and Pan are dealing with the student angst of losing the fun and imagination of childhood, and it causes them to drift apart. That’s probably where the similarities with real student life end, and daemons, botany and Dust take over. Manchester may be magical, but if you notice your pet talking to you, perhaps you need to go to bed earlier.
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Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh In Brideshead Revisited in 1923, protagonist Charles Ryder is reading history at Oxford. At university Charles is quickly distracted from his studies by his friendship with Lord Sebastian Flyte, who introduces Charles to his eccentric, hedonistic and rich friends. Friendships at university do often begin in unusual and unplanned ways, and Charles and Sebastian meet after Sebastian drunkenly throws up through Charles’s open window. This wouldn’t be unheard of in Owen’s Park, though the chances of being overwhelmed by flowers and given an invitation to lunch by way of an apology is probably less likely..
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Photo: Jo hnny
Whiting
The Secret History by Donna Tartt Donna Tartt’s debut novel follows a tight-knit group of six students attending a small Vermont liberal arts college. They would seem a little out of place in Manchester, where on the whole you’ll find your fellow students are less exclusive and generally don’t speak much Ancient Greek. Oh yeah, and there is considerably less murder.
False While you can turn to novels for advice, no book can truly prepare you for your own experiences at university, which will be unique, impossible to predict and maybe even novel worthy.
New worlds: Four books to open your eyes Searching for some exciting new non-fiction? Ava Innes looks at four books that offer fresh ways of viewing the world
Ava Innes Deputy Books Editor
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tarting a new year at Manchester, whether as a fresher or a third year, will bring a whole host of new experiences. You will encounter new worlds, new thoughts, and new people. This is one of the brilliant things that university has to offer. To honour this, I have collected a few non-fiction books that have altered mine, and others’, perceptions of the world.
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson The Argonauts is a book about love. It is a warm, open, and tender delve into the personal and political ramifications that loving entails. At the memoir’s core is the blooming of Nelson’s relationship, or ‘nuptial’, with Harry Dodge. Dodge’s non-conforming gender identity provides the focal point for the book, which is largely concerned with how queer families are built, how they exist, and how they are received by society. Nelson interweaves personal stories with a mass of critical theory and philosophy, demon-
strating to us how political the person really is. She invites the reader to consider how her love and family, is shaped by and shapes the world. We also recommended Nelson’s work to help you get back into reading.
A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion Suggested by Alice, third year I picked up A Year of Magical Thinking because people close to me were experiencing grief and I thought a manual would be a good way to help them through it. This book did become a beautiful guide, although not so much in how to deal with grief, but on how to look back on life. The book starts with the surprise death of Didion’s husband John Dunne, and then follows her for the next year. She talks of their lives together, all the wonderful things they did and all the unrealised plans they had for the future. Didion powerfully lays out what it means to be really sad. Grief is usually presented to us in seven stages, suggesting it is a universal process with the end goal of reaching the other side as sanely
as possible. Didion rejects this sanitisation, taking her emotions slowly, letting us move through them with brutal honesty. She makes fun of the awkwardness society feels surrounding death by writing one long, powerful and unavoidable book that forces people to confront her turmoil.
New Dark Age by James Bridle Suggested by Tabatha, recent graduate James Bridle’s New Dark Age explores the covert and cryptic ways we talk and think about technology and the internet. Dissecting elusive concepts such as ‘the cloud’, Bridle argues that our understanding of technology has become increasingly obscured by complex language and computational thinking that seeks to present the digital world as separate from our own. The name ‘the cloud’, for instance, makes us think of our data as immaterial, light, almost floating above us, disconnected from any kind of labour. The reality is, however, one of huge physical storage, taking up resources and exploiting low waged workers. Through bewildering descriptions of vast data stores and
hidden surveillance systems, Bridle calls for clarity and urgency in a new age of technological ambiguity and fear.
Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body, and Primitive Accumulation by Silvia Federici A more traditionally academic book that has opened my eyes to new perspectives on the world is Silvia Federici’s Caliban and the Witch. Federici’s book focuses on the history of the body during the transition from feudalism to capitalism, looking particularly at the female body. Federici argues that the gender divide is the first, and thus the basis, of all class divides. She highlights how the subordination of the female body is not just an accidental product of capitalism, but essential to its very foundation. This book helped me understand the importance of a feminist reading of history. I hope this collection of books offers an exciting glimpse into new worlds and ways of thinking that will mirror this year at Manchester. This is the perfect time to share ideas with others and these books are a great place to start.
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IT’S COMING HOME: A
A look at the new theatre season fter 10 months without live theatre, it's coming home!
Jay Darcy Theatre Editor
Whilst Manchester has an array of fabulous arts venues, there’s no place like HOME - Manchester’s centre for contemporary theatre, film, art, music and more. Live theatre is returning to HOME with an epic line-up. There is set to be over 120 regional, national and international artists appearing across more than 30 shows. Theatres can now operate at full capacity, but several shows will have a mix of socially distanced and full capacity performances, ensuring as many options as possible for audiences now that restrictions have come to an end. Some coronavirus safety measures, including additional cleaning, hand sanitiser stations and queue management, will stretch into the Autumn. HOME has put out some incredible online theatre over the course of the pandemic, so I’m delighted to reveal that there will be more digital commissions - set to be delivered on a new online platform, Homescreen. This comes after HOME launched Homeground, an outdoor space where people could socialise and enjoy great theatre, art, film, music, comedy and more. Homeground provided a safe and fun place to enjoy the best of Manchester’s arts and culture whilst restrictions were still in place.
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“This is a season full of joy, compassion and excitement, that I’m proud to say represents the best of HOME at this exciting moment when – finally – all three of our artforms are live again in our building.”
HOME has dealt with lockdowns and restrictions with dignity and creativity, so it’s wonderful that their main site is finally able to reopen - with such an epic line-up of shows! The new season includes some shows that missed their chance to appear at HOME, thanks to Covid, as well as new commissions from artists all over the UK and even the world. We will get to see the return of HOME favourites, such as Bourgeois and Maurice, Le Gateau Chocolat and Hofesh Shechter, as well as plenty of new artists. Dave Moutrey, Director and CEO of HOME, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce the return of live theatre to our building, following a very long 10 months during which our theatres have been closed to the public due to coronavirus.” “We were absolutely determined to give artists whose work had been cancelled or postponed at the start of the pandemic the chance to bring their shows to the stage, and I’m pleased to say that many of the works appearing this season are among those we were planning to host last year.” “As well as honouring our commitments to those artists, our programming team have also found great new work, which I know HOME audiences will love.” “I’m also really pleased that festivals are back, and that with Push and Orbit we will have the opportunity to showcase some of the most exciting new works from artists in the North West and from across the world.” “This is a season full of joy, compassion and excitement, that I’m proud to say represents the best of HOME at this exciting moment when – finally – all three of our artforms are live again in our building.” HOME’s incredible Autumn/Winter season can be viewed online; there really is something for everybody. There are also some festivals to look forward to! Push is HOME’s annual celebration of the North West’s creative talents, and this year has been reimagined to become a strand across the whole year, allowing work to be seen both live and digitally, despite the coronavirus pandemic. From September, Push Festival will return to the HOME building, with a combination of live and digital works.
The Ripples of Hope Festival, which runs from Wed 15th until Sun 19th September, celebrates the power of people to make human rights a reality for all, over three days of discussions, workshops, storytelling and performances - as well as in conversations on the 15th and the 16th. Events include the unveiling of a new poetic response to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the PEN HG HG Wells Lecture with Elif Shafak, an In Conversation with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, and an award for (and In Conversation with) Marcus Rashford MBE. Black History Month 2021 at HOME begins on Friday 1st October. Throughout the year and throughout all of HOME’s spaces, Black artists continue to be celebrated for their artistic brilliance and talent, bringing a diversity of artistic craft to the building. This October, HOME is back with their annual programme of work, highlighting Black artists across their Film, Theatre and Visual Art Programme, and they’re excited to be celebrating Black History Month with the return of a specially curated programme – a series of special events, performances, talks, screenings and more! Orbit is HOME’s annual festival of extraordinary, awardwinning, international artists. This year’s Orbit Festival, which runs from Thurs 25th Nov until Sat 4th Dec, will combine live and digital work. Christmas at HOME 2021, which runs from Fri 3rd until Thurs 23rd Dec, offers a fabulous festive celebration filled with Christmas cabaret, music, comedy and a reimagined family favourite. And if you’re still searching for that perfect Christmas gift, you can purchase gift vouchers online! HOME’s Autumn/Winter season runs from Wednesday 1st Sep 2021 until Friday 31st Dec 2021. Tickets for the season are on sale to the general public now.
Photo: Pete Carr @ petecarr.net
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MANCHESTER THEATRE
HOME THEATRE 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN
Photo: Leonv010 @ Wikimedia Commons
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THE SHOW MUST GO ON Where to catch theatre in Manchester
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heatre has returned and The Mancunion theatre team couldn’t be happier! Whilst The Mancunion hopes to keep the Theatre section diverse and eclectic, we are thrilled that theatres have reopened so that we can do what we do best: cover and review many of the incredible shows that we get to see here in Manchester.
Jay Darcy Theatre Editor
Palace Theatre and Opera House
Manchester’s most famous and popular theatres are sister theatres, the Palace and the Opera House - both owned by ATG. These theatres get most of the “big” shows, especially musicals. Their upcoming season includes huge shows, such as Heathers and the new musical adaptation of Bedknobs and Broomsticks. They will also be welcoming the return of their annual pantomime - starring none other than Alexandra Burke, who last performed in Manchester in The Bodyguard at the Palace.
HOME
HOME is Manchester’s centre or contemporary theatre, film, art, music and more. As well as two theatres - a theatre and a studio HOME hosts cinemas, a restaurant, a bar, a gallery, and more! HOME welcomes lots of fringe-type theatre as well as smaller professional productions. Their shows are different to most shows across Manchester; they’re often didactic and “alternative”.
Hope Mill Theatre
The Royal Exchange Theatre
Situated in the Royal Exchange building, which was famously bombed not once but twice (first the Manchester Blitz, then the 1996 Manchester bombing) is the futuristic Royal Exchange Theatre. The Royal Exchange (RX) create their own shows, many of which feature notable actors. Maxine Peake has performed their on a few occasions. Every Christmas, the RX welcomes a musical, usually a notable one, but this year’s musical will be The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart - which even I’ve never heard of! But having seen plenty of shows at the RX, I’ve no doubts that it will be fantastic.
Located in the old Hope Mill, Hope Mill Theatre “was the dream of couple Joseph Houston and William Whelton”. Whilst Hope Mill Theatre is one of Manchester’s smallest theatres, they create some “big” productions - elaborate sets, stunning costumes, etc. Hope Mill Theatre’s shows often feature wellknown West End and theatre actors. They also host many smaller and fringe shows.
Contact
The Lowry
The Lowry, which is a relatively recent addition to the Mancunian arts and theatre scene, has two theatres: the Lyric Theatre and the much smaller Quays Theatre. Both theatres welcome a wide array of theatre, from plays and musicals to ballet and opera. The Lowry’s line-up is very diverse. The Lowry is especially good for often underrepresented areas of theatre like ballet and opera. The Lyric is due to welcome some great shows this Christmas, such as Matthew Bourne’s The Nutcracker and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (starring Samantha Womack, who last performed at the Lowry in The Girl on the Train). The latter show is taking the Lowry’s Christmas residency spot. Smash hit gig musical Six will be returning to the Quays Theatre this Christmas, where it played in both 2018 and 2019 and was due to play last year before the virus that shall not be named (anymore) shut theatre down. Six seems to be a fixture at the Lowry during the holiday season. The Lowry also features a studio, which hosts more fringe-type shows.
Contact is “where young people change their lives through the arts, and audiences of all ages experience exciting new shows.” Contact is the leading national theatre and arts venue to place young people at the decision-making heart of everything. Whilst Contact’s building - which is located on the University of Manchester campus - has been closed for sometime, they have continued to create and put on some incredible theatre. 2021 is especially exciting for Contact, not just because it sees the return of theatre but also the reopening of Contact’s actual building! So, there we have it - where to catch theatre in the third best city in the world! Many of these theatres offer discounted tickets for young people and students that you ought to check out. Whilst we’ve taken you on a whistle-stop tour of some of the Manchester theatres that The Mancunion works most closely with, there are plenty of other arts and theatre venues located in both the City of Manchester and Greater Manchester!
So, there we have it - where to catch theatre in the third best city in the world! Many of these theatres offer discounted tickets for young people and students that you ought to check out. Whilst we’ve taken you on a whistle-stop tour of some of the Manchester theatres that The Mancunion works most closely with, there are plenty of other arts and theatre venues located in both the City of Manchester and Greater Manchester! Photo: Rene Böhmer @qrenep @unsplash PHOTO: Rene Böhmer @unsplash Photos: Nehuén Mingote Kisler @ Flickr, Helgi Halldórsson @ Flickr, 22860 @ Flickr
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The Exciting World of Mancunion Film!
Known for its exciting and edgy art scene, The Mancunion introduces you to Manchester’s cinematic history. Photo:iknowUK@Flikr
Benjamin Klauber-Griffiths Film Editor
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t seems you have stumbled upon The Mancunion film section! Welcome! Manchester is one of the UK’s most exciting cities. The cultural hub of the north. The city is home to some of the most diverse and alternative artistic circles in the UK. Known predominantly for its sport and music, Manchester also has a thriving film scene. Home to Danny Boyle, Bernard Hill and even for a time Ben Kingsley. Manchester’s edgy, student-led culture has attracted filmmakers and actors for decades. Manchester also boasts an array of fantastic cinemas, from blockbuster mul-
tiplexes to alternative picture houses tucked away within the city.
counting the UK’s most notorious film critic, Mark Kermode, as one of our alumni.
The city’s cinematic calendar is also packed and full of annual film festivals. Whether you prefer to be terrified by upcoming horror festival Grimmfest or would rather celebrate the beauty of independent film at the Manchester International Film Festival , Manchester is always teeming with cinematic life for you to engage with.
Hence, we urge you to take the dynamic and historical spirit of the city. Engage your critical faculties and immerse yourselves in all that Manchester film has to offer. Are you a budding director, an avid film critic or simply someone with a passion for motion pictures? We are always looking for new writers to help cover everything film-related from Hulme to Hogwarts!
As the largest student film section in the country, The Mancunion aims to capture some of that cultural energy, to review, study and enjoy the array of films coming out around us. An historic part of Manchester student life, the section even has the honour of
Come and join us on our Facebook page ‘Mancunion Film 2021/22’ or turn up to one of our weekly section meetings on Mondays in the SU . We cannot wait to meet you!
Where to Watch: A Guide to Manchester’s Cinemas
Where are Manchester’s best cinemas? The Mancunion answers this question with a cohesive list of the best places to go around the city. Photo:ElliotBrown@Flikr
Benjamin Klauber-Griffiths Film Editor
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ith lockdown easing we finally have the chance to tear ourselves away from Netflix and our TV’s and return to cinemas. However, with that comes a certain anxiety. Where to go? What to watch? Popcorn or pick ‘n’ mix? Big questions for a big occasion. Our job at The Mancunion is to ease that stress. Here we provide a comprehensive list of some of Manchester’s best cinemas. Whether you want the biggest blockbusters, golden oldies or the latest independent releases, there is something here for everyone.
HOME
Did someone say the cultural centre of Manchester? HOME is as vibrant as it is stylish. A modern hub of art, music, film and history, HOME is worth visiting even for a bite to eat. Two years ago, it hosted a fantastic exhibition of David Lynch’s artwork and has continued in that vein since reopening. Showing everything from new releases to classic re-runs, to the most recent independent short films. HOME’s student discount makes it an accessible and rewarding cinema to visit.
Vue Printworks
The ‘local’ spot for many film goers, Printworks’ staunch £4.99 ticket price attracts students on a budget from across Manchester. Comprised of 23 cinemas’, a labyrinthine central escalator system and the only IMAX screen in the city centre, the Vue is a must for any Mancunion reader. Combine that with the host of bars and restaurants surrounding it, and you have an ideal viewing experience.
ODEON Great Northern
Another enormous multiplex cinema, the ODEON , located in Deansgate’s old Great Northern Warehouse, is now a redeveloped cinematic paradise. It shows the latest blockbusters but also has a more alternative history as the host of many of Manchester’s film festivals. The cinema will soon be preparing for the upcoming Grimmfest , the city’s October horror festival. You can buy tickets for that online NOW.
ent film screenings makes a visit an unusual necessity. If you love older films, this is the place to be!
Ducie Street Warehouse
Another mixed medium hub, Ducie Street Warehouse hosts live music and talks, provides tasty food and drinks and importantly a luxuriously cosy cinema. Located next to the Gay Village it is easily accessible and an ideal place to treat yourself (or someone else) one evening. Showing a range of older films, it is currently the only place in Manchester screening Apocalypse Now or, if you want something slightly lighter, Dirty Dancing .
Cineworld, Didsbury
Combining old reruns and the latest films, Cineworld has it all. Budget tickets as well as a cheap membership subscription which gets you into any film free, means this monster of a cinema is not only local, but an ideal place for film loving students. Oh, and it has a Starbucks ! Photo:StephenGidley@Flikr
Chapeltown Picture House Just north of the city centre lies a discreet red brick warehouse. Inside, a small screen shows only cult classics and older films. Founded in 2019 and marketing itself as ‘the home of cult films, video games and cool nerd stuff in Manchester’, the Chapeltown Picture House is an absolute goldmine for film loving students. Cheap tickets, craft beer and screenings that cannot be found anywhere else in the city make the journey worthwhile.
Stockport Plaza
The most beautiful cinema in the Manchester area, The Plaza’s original Art Deco interior has been restored to its former glory. Going there is like being transported back to the 1930s, whilst the host of live events and independ-
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Sundance London 2021: The Sparks Brothers - Interview and Review
Investigations EditorJoe McFadden interviews Edgar Wright at Sundance London 2021 about his new documentary: The Sparks Brothers. Joe McFadden Investigations Editor
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his summer I was fortunate enough to attend the Sundance London Film Festival during the last week of July. Over the course of 3 days, I watched 14 films including the likes of Coda , Zola , and The Nest, and attended multiple press events, notably the Red Carpet Premiere of Edgar Wright’s new documentary The Sparks Brothers . On the red carpet I interviewed Edgar Wright alongside the subjects of his documentary, brothers Ron and Russell Mael of the band Sparks . Below is an abridged transcript of the interview which is also available to watch through The Mancunion website.
the basic facts! So it was important to me to make a film that was as much an introduction as a celebration.
Russell: We’re really just happy that the film does work on so many levels and really works for people that have no knowledge of the band at all. It’s been out for a few weeks in the States and we’ve found that the feedback coming in is that people may have no knowledge of the band at all have come away wanting to investigate more of the 25 album catalogue that we have. And also just being inspired by the story and the perseverance within a creative environment and what you have to do to weed away all the obstacles that might confront you along the way in pursuit of your creative visions. We’re really just happy that those different elements evolve in the documentary.
Photo:JoeMcFadden
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Edgar Wright has not just crafted a great music documentary but has created a truly entertaining and touching piece of cinema driven by personal experiences and memory of the band
Joe: Thank you. Going back to Edgar’s comment about The Beatles in a hundred years time do you think that people will be listening to Sparks in a hundred years time? Ron: [smiling] We’ll still be working then!
Interview
Review Edgar Wright returns to cinemas for the first time since 2017’s Baby Driver with a documentary chronicling 50 years of modern music history. Focusing on the acclaimed yet underrated band Sparks as his subject matter, Wright’s signature style works wonderfully with the idiosyncratic but delightful band. The documentary serves as much as a commentary on art and what it means to be an artist as it does a conventional music documentary. Wright makes good use of a wide range of talking heads. These range from ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic to Joy Division / New Order’s Stephen Morris alongside, of course, the Sparks Brothers themselves, Ron and Russell Mael. Each interviewee is taut and used sparingly but all manage to say a lot in little time. The variety of talking heads makes the documentary more than just an exercise in history, but a celebration of Sparks’ artistry by artists themselves. Wright excels at making a niche subject both interesting and enjoyable to watch. His quirky, fast cutting style immerses the audience in how the brothers were able to reinvent themselves and their music multiple times over the course of their 40 years career and 25 studio albums. The documentary never once slips into pretension or boredom - every minute is full of an insightful comment or fascinating fact. Whether you are a Sparks super-fan or a newcomer like myself there is something here for everyone. Edgar Wright has not just crafted a great music documentary but has created a truly entertaining and touching piece of cinema driven by personal experiences and memory of the band.
Joe: Well it did say in the documentary about advances in medical technology!
Joe : Edgar, so you grew up listening to their [ Sparks’ ] music, how does it feel going from a budding filmmaker and a lover of film and their music to be able to make this documentary about them and also introduce Sparks to a whole new generation?
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Russell: [laughing] You were paying attention! Edgar: Don’t count out the cryo!
Edgar: Well, I think what was really important with the documentary was to make a celebration for fans and an introduction for others. I don’t think any music documentary should presume prior knowledge. Even a Beatles documentary shouldn’t do that because somebody might watch it in a 100 years and need to learn
Photo:andraberila@Pixbay
Gloriously Horrifying: Grimmfest Preview Be prepared to be horrified, disturbed and spooked at this year’s Grimmfest . Benjamin Klauber-Griffiths Film Editor
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anchester’s iconic horror festival returns in all its bloody glory for its thirteenth year. From Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th October, the ODEON Great Northern will be hosting live the best and most exciting independent horror films from around the globe. Now featuring two of the ODEON’s screens, a weekend of thrills, scares and
eye averting is truly inescapable. Recently named one of the top film festivals in the world, Grimmfest is an amazing chance for horror fanatics and film lovers in Manchester to attend their first film festival since lockdown. Once again in person, the festival promises premier after premier and includes both full-length feature films and an array of horror shorts. Whether you prefer gory slasher flicks, tense psychological thrillers or the odd haunted hotel, Grimmfest is bound to terrify.
Best of all, if you miss the array of films on show, Grimmfest will also take to the internet from the 14th-17th October. The festival will happen all over again with virtual access. Leaving no-where to run, the festival not only allows ticket holders to watch films from the terror of their own sofas but also provides numerous interviews with directors, actors, and writers to satisfy us even more. To find information on tickets, screenings, and features, visit grimmfest.com.
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Preserve This ‘Preserve This’ is a new segment of The Mancunion’s Food and Drink section, exploring the art and science of preservation, pickling, and fermentation, how to do so safely and seasonally. Katie Hourigan Food and Drink Editor
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ow to make the most of blackberry season with our preservation guide. A seasonal guide to fermentation Preserve this is a new segment of the Mancunion Food and Drink section, exploring the art and science of preservation, pickling, and fermentation, how to do so safely and seasonally. Blackberries - A Seasonal Glut The hedgerows previously heaving with the weight of blackberries, are now approaching the end of their season. It’s the last chance to make something of this autumnal glut. There is something comforting in preserving food at the end of summer, something primordial in wanting to prepare for the winter ahead. To preserve blackberries is to face up to autumn and the end of summer, but to do something practical about this
fact, to reserve some of this sweetness, keep something tart and bright for future use to brighten a dull plate or a dark January day. Foraging for your self doesn’t need much instruction. Head for anywhere with a hedgerow, the ones that line the Fallowfield loop, or stretch along the Mersey from Fletcher Moss, the borders of parks, beyond Chorlton green. Try to keep a distance from main roads or other sources of pollution such as train tracks, but don’t be too strict, we breathe that same polluted air every day. If you are looking to reduce food miles, foraging for yourself is a watertight way to do so. The volume of fruit needed to make a decent batch of jam can be intimidating due to its expense. So if you are wanting to dip your toe into preserving without committing financially, picking your own fruit for free is the best way to test the waters.
What to make Jam. Add diced apple alongside regular granulated sugar for more of the pectin that will allow it set. Or if you are a porridge eater, leave the apple and heat it to only a simmer, to have as a compote for the mornings. Cordial. Cook the berries on the hob until they collapse. Sieve to strain and weigh the juice. Stir through with half of the weight of sugar. Mix with sparkling or tonic water, and a spritz of orange peel for a non alcohlic drink that is not overly sweet. Steep the berries within a bottle of gin, even the cheapest will do, for a sharp coloured gin that you can be sure has not been coloured artificially. Chutney. Don’t leave blackberries to the realm of the sweet. Their sharpness bites against mild cheeses, ricotta on toast, or can stand up to the hardiness of cheddar in a sandwich.
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Freshers Style O’Clock: The Best Places to Shop in Manchester
Zahra Mukadam Deputy Fashion Editor
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fter 18 months of online teaching, we’re finally back in person and while many of us are not freshers anymore, it kind of feels like it anyways. If you’re new to Manchester, you’re in luck: you’ve just come to the third best city in the world (and therefore the best city in the UK). That means one thing - it’s time to up your fashion game. It’s style o’clock for all you new freshers and we’re here to help. We did the research for you and created the ultimate guide to all the best places to buy clothes in Manchester to make sure you’ll look impeccable.
Manchester Arndale Starting off with an oldie but a goodie, Manchester Arndale is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK with over 200 stores. It’s mainly filled with well-known high street shops but also has a few independent places to discover. Located right in the centre of town, it’s very easy to access and there’s definitely a shop for everyone. Whether you’re into sportswear, the grandad aesthetic, or the standard top and jeans look, the Arndale has you covered.
Our favourite shop: Monki
Market Street Photo: The Mancunion
Afflecks Palace Now we’re getting to the good bits. If you want to release your inner quirkiness, Afflecks is the place for you. Channelling 2016 Tumblr emo vibes combined with random cute fun-ness. It has 3 floors packed with independent shops selling all sorts of fun, unique items from painted denim jackets to 60s style fashion dresses.
Our favourite shop: Hook (everything is £10)
The Northern Quarter Filled with cute boutiques and vintage shops, the northern quarter is THE place to go if you aim to have the best drips in the city. If you want interesting items that you just would not find on the high street, the Northern Quarter is for you.
Our favourite shop: Blue Rinse
Leading up to the Arndale is Market Street. Among other shops you will find the big three: H&M, Primark, and Urban Outfitters. While you could spend a while in these 3 shops, the street also has a few shoe shops and also a Mango (the clothing shop, not the fruit) and a Uniqlo.
Our favourite shop: H&M
Trafford Centre A more boujee version of the Arndale but a bit of a trek to get to from campus. It’s definitely worth it though, for the architecture alone - it’s an iconic building that makes you feel like you’re in a different country altogether. A lot of naked statues too... definitely an interesting vibe. It’s ready made for a full day of shopping as it is the host of the largest food court in Europe. Shops include H&M, Selfridges, John Lewis, Zara and basically any other well-known brand you can think of.
Our favourite shop: Pull and Bear Still wanting more? Head over to the Mancunion.com for more fashion and beauty articles
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ISSUE 1 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
The Mancunion take on the Crystal Maze Experience
The Mancunion’s editorial team headed to the Crystal Maze Live Experience - here’s what we thought Serafina Kenny Features Editor
E
ver watched a game show and thought you could do way better than the contestants? Well, now you can put that to the test! The Crystal Maze Live Experience replicates the fun of the original 90s version of the Crystal Maze right here in Manchester for all your game show replication needs. With gaudy sets, lively hosts, and plenty of staircases to sprint up and down, it’s just like being transported back to 1990 and into the arms of ex-host Richard O’Brien. A small team of The Mancunion editors took on the challenge of the Crystal Maze last week, testing out our puzzling, solving, and physical skills. Based on the original version of the game show, the Live Experience games happen in four different completely immersive locations, themed by time period - there’s the Medieval section, Aztec section, Industrial section, and finally one area set in the future. You’re assigned a guide who tells you their back story at the start and leads your through the maze. Ours was Ned, a Scout who had gotten stuck in the Maze years ago and who was incredibly enthusiastic and energetic. Played by Kyia Kulczyzki-Binnall, Ned encouraged us to shout our support for our teammates, made us run at top speed through the maze, and was an integral and wonderful part of our time at the Experience. Between running up and down stairs, through doors and around corners, the team completed 16 challenges from four different categories: Mental, Skill, Mystery and Physical. The aim is to complete challenges in the time limits to collect crystals. The more crystals your team collects, the more time you have in the last challenge, where you are locked in a big dome and
have to catch as many gold tokens as possible.
Thanks to the Crystal Maze Live Experience Manchester for gifting us the tickets!
Some highlights were Michał, the Managing Culture Editor, managing to get five hoops on one peg in a Mystery challenge, and Jess, the Editor-in-Chief, struggling to lift an egg through a tree (yes, it was as nonsensical as it sounds!). The Experience is all about teamwork, especially with the Mental and Mystery challenges, when teammates who are watching can essentially help the person completing the challenge. This benefitted us as I finally got to use the puzzle solving and mental maths skills I picked up from doing an embarrassing number of puzzle books as a child. One thing we’d recommend is not wearing skirts or platform shoes, as this can make it tricky to go down slides and complete challenges on climbing walls, as we found out a little too late. You’re there for the crystals and the crystals only, not to look good... Certain less easily impressed team members said that they’d have enjoyed it more if they had had a few drinks beforehand, but since this is prohibited (and for good reason I think), the key to enjoying the Experience is definitely embracing the fun and silliness, and just giving it your all. It was a great way to spend an afternoon, and I think the teamwork aspect definitely helped our camaraderie as a team. So essentially, you can thank the Crystal Maze Live Experience for the amazing content The Mancunion is going to put out this year, and if your society or committee also needs to bond, we’d recommend following suit!
Photo: Crystal Maze Photo: courtesy of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People
ISSUE 01 / 27th September 2021 WWW.MANCUNION.COM
CULTURE
Creative Submission
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Black Lives Matter artwork designed by Ellie Campbell Etsy account is https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BathwaterPrints and Instagram is @bathwaterr