NTU’S AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE BEST OF 2021/22 EDITION SUMMER 2022
ISSUE 26 FREE
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
Our Committee 2021/2022
Our Committee 2022/2023
Matt Lee Editor-in-Chief
Katie Green Deputy Editor
Scarlett Acres Head of Marketing/ Treasurer
Sophie Puffett Head Of Design
Karima Morsili Deputy Head Of Design
Rucsandra Moldoveanu News Editor
Katie Mortimer Travel & Lifestyle Editor
Gianluca Spataro Culture & Entertainment Editor
Adam Eaton News Editor
Will Hugall Music Editor
Alex Brinton Sport Editor
Ellie Daglish Fashion & Beauty Editor
Louise Walt Music Editor
Scarlett Acres Head of Marketing/ Treasurer
Eleanor Lawrence Fashion & Beauty Editor
Helen Dubber Travel & Lifestyle Editor
Jack Proverbs Culture & Entertainment Editor
Helen Barber Creative Corner Editor
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Rucsandra Moldoveanu Editor-in-Chief
Hannah Segar Head Of Design
Will Hugall Deputy Editor
Ellie Ruff Deputy Head Of Design
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CONTENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE
Contents A NOTE FROM 2021/22 EDITOR Hi everyone! That time of year has come around where we find ourselves battling under assignment after assignment and exam after exam. There is just a short while now until our summer holiday arrives and with that, for some of us, comes the closing of a chapter.
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News
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Fashion & Beauty
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Music
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Travel & Lifestyle
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Culture & Entertainment
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For those who, like me, are in their final year at university, this time can be met with trepidation and anxiety about what is to come next. Some of us will be fearful about what the next chapter will include, whether that be straight into employment, a short period of job hunting or even a brief time of relaxing by travelling or some other activity. Regardless of whether you are like me or not, there will almost certainly be moments from the past year that you can reflect on with pride and positivity. Perhaps you started a new hobby, achieved a particularly good grade in a module that you found challenging, or were elected to serve on the committee of a society you are involved in.
This summer will see me hand over the reins of Platform Magazine to Rucsandra Moldoveanu. She was one of the many firstyears to have their first year of university heavily impacted by the pandemic, but Rucsandra has been just one example of the several shining lights in the society, having taken up the role as News Editor during her second year and now stepping up to be Editor in Chief. I have absolutely no worries about handing over to her and, in fact, I am incredibly excited to see how she leads the society. This summer’s edition of the magazine has been led almost entirely by Rucsandra and her new Deputy Editor, Will Hugall.
Just lastly, I’d like to thank those who have helped make this year what it has been. To all the writers for their continued contributions throughout the year, to the editors for their tireless coming up with ideas and getting content online or ready for print, as well as Katie Green who has been a huge help as my Deputy Editor in organising a lot of Platform work on my behalf. If you’ve been involved with Platform Magazine this year - in any form - thank you and I hope you all enjoy reading this final edition for the 2021/22 academic year and have a great summer too! Matt
It is jam-packed with plenty of brilliant content to reflect on the past 12 months as well as some excellent coverage from Varsity 2022, hopefully you will enjoy it all.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
SU PRESIDENT’S NOTE
A NOTE FROM 2022/23 EDITOR Hi everyone, Firstly, I want to say a massive thank you for picking up one of our magazines and reading this, it really means a lot to us. Secondly, I’d like to introduce myself! I’m Rucsandra! I’m a second-year Journalism student and I joined Platform in my first year as a writer, contributing to both our website and print editions, and eventually progressed into my News Editor role for this academic year. When I started uni, I would have never thought I would ever have the chance to lead a society, yet here I am now, taking the reins over from Matt. This has been one of the most important decisions I’ve taken this year, but I am nonetheless happy to have been elected as your Editor-in-Chief for the remainder of my time here at NTU. I am so excited to see our committee take Platform further and cannot wait for you all to find out about all the projects and events we have planned for the coming academic year. This year has been one of the most chaotic and busy years of my life, packed with so many experiences and memories, hence why for this print edition we thought it would only be right if we took a trip down memory lane and reminisce about our favourite moments that have taken place over the last academic year.
of Varsity, and a farewell from your current NTSU Exec Team to the best films and video games of the year and the most exciting gigs Nottingham will host this summer – we have it all covered. Huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this magazine. I really appreciate your amazing work and hope you will be joining us again in September. To Matt and everyone else on our committee departing from NTU this summer – thank you for all the effort you have put into making this print edition possible. I wish you all the best in wherever your careers take you next. It is never too late to join our amazing team, so, as always, if you would like to know more about what we do and what opportunities you can get through us, do not hesitate to get in touch. I hope you all enjoy reading this magazine and have an incredible summer. Rucsandra
In this edition of Platform we wanted to highlight the best of the 2021/22 academic year, so expect a wide variety of content – from NTU’s very own student radio station celebrating 25 years, the return
Starting my time as President of NTSU in the early stages of a global pandemic presented challenges no president had ever faced from the financial risk, ever-changing restrictions to uncertainty around what the experience would be like for students and continued battles with those who tried to attack students at every turn. However, throughout this academic year and the pandemic, NTU students have gone above and beyond time after time for themselves, each other and the Nottinghamshire community from volunteering at local schools and food banks to providing events and initiatives that fostered a sense of belonging and community. Every NTU student should be proud of their outstanding achievements this year and the contribution they have made to so many. Reflecting on this year, I am proud to have led NTSU during and out of the most challenging times of the pandemic, honouring my promise to those who elected me by working with NTU to ensure over 90 per cent of scheduled teaching is in-person (more than any other in the UK). This year also saw the biggest and best Freshers’ Week in the UK. I led the exec and over 250 amazing Freshers’ Team volunteers through 10 days and 10 nights of events, parties and fairs. Additionally, every 2021 graduate will not have to pay for gown hire and can keep their cap, another direct result of my work as President.
I am thoroughly delighted to have served for the last 12 months as VP postgraduate and I am also really excited to start my new position as NTSU President. Over my sabbatical year as part of the executive team, I have achieved a number of personal goals of mine. Firstly, one of the main pieces of work this year which has impacted students is the review of the Student Code of Behaviour, a policy which was unfairly punishing students instead of focusing on educational sanctions - this is not a priority of NTU. Secondly, Fresher’s Week. There’s not much else I can say about the excitement and suspense of moving to a new city and experiencing adult life. However, being a part of the process to ensure all students feel part of NTU is really a special experience. I also really enjoyed learning about different cultures through my interactions with international students in the global lounge. Due to Brexit, visa issues, and culture shift, a lot of international students felt left out of the NTU community.
Reaching out to those students, providing support, and highlighting our outstanding events package has allowed them to really enjoy their university experience, which is something I am keen on getting the officer team to do next year. Lastly, the thing I’ve been mostly interested in this year is just engaging with students and listening to the issues The year ends with the Union in a strong position from we are seeing at NTU. From exam feedback to estates, our engagement with students including a recordimproving courses to planning events, all of this has breaking election turnout, strong financial position, new been done by listening to the student body. Something initiatives like our peer support scheme, an outstanding I am currently and always will be interested in, is the entertainments programme, including new events like our student voice. We cannot be the best students’ union LGBTQ+ event at ICON and so much more. without listening to the students and the impact different factors are having on the student experience. It really is In closing, I am unbelievably proud of where NTSU is, and invaluable and I could not be effective in my role without I depart the Union with a new CEO and officer team in it. place who have been handed an SU in a prime position to go on to even greater things. Benedict Wills NTSU President 2022 - 2023 Thank you to everyone who has made my time as President the honour and privilege it has been. Conor Naughton NTSU President 2020 - 2022
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“I know of someone that we never know what happened to her and that’s the story of thousands of women, thousands of teenage girls who just disappeared because they were trafficked.
Former Platform News Editor wins Soroptimist Award Platform Magazine’s former news editor Olimpia Zagnat has won an award for her university project challenging stereotypes about Romanian women in the UK.
“That’s the reality that I haven’t read about in the media.” Olimpia was born in Moldova but lived in Romania from the age of four before moving to Nottingham in 2018 to study journalism at NTU - her Eastern European background remains a fundamental part of the identity that’s still with her today in the UK. “I love this city, it reminds me of my hometown of Iaşi, in Romania,” Olimpia said. “Coming from a post-communist country, for me, journalism just seemed a tool that can actually save humanity, as we didn’t have freedom of speech during communism.”
Her project, titled ‘The untold stories of Romanian women in the UK’, was commended by the local Soroptimist organisation. The project gives Romanian women a platform to correct the single narrative portrayed by the media and is about two things that Olimpia deeply cares about: women’s rights and her Eastern European roots.
“My family lived through that and they never stopped from speaking out, even though they were beaten up or they ended up in prison. “I just felt like journalism promotes freedom of speech and acts as a tool against censorship. “Journalism is very important to me.”
Moreover, she also wanted to portray the connection between mothers and their children and between women who leave their mother countries for their families. She said: “For me, someone who is passionate about journalism, seeing the coverage and some headlines about Romanians was hurtful.
Having made the UK her home, Olimpia now wants to help make a difference for all the women from her country who move to the UK, wishing for a better life for themselves and their families.
“Growing up in Romania, I saw a completely different image of what Romanians are like and what their motivations are for coming to the UK.” As we live in an ever-increasing globalised society, it is disappointing to know that racial and cultural prejudices are still commonplace, as the student revealed she still experiences racism towards her because of her background.
There are a wide range of reasons why Romanian women want to move away from home, including domestic violence, which is “deep-rooted in the Romanian culture”. Nottingham Soroptimist International, a United Nationslinked organisation, awarded the Platform alumna back in February. “It was so unexpected,” Olimpia said. “I couldn’t be prouder of anything else that I do from now on because it’s just such a personal thing. “It comes from frustration, from the anger that I felt for many years.
Olimpia said: “People just see Romanians as a nation that comes here to steal from English people and destroy this “It’s something that I’m very proud of, and getting country. recognition for something I really, really care about, was incredible.” “It doesn’t make sense to me and I wanted to show the real picture. Olimpia, who now works for Nottinghamshire Live, “The family women who leave the country to send money continues to address these issues in society. back to their families, or the women who are being “Even with the job now, I try to give those with trafficked,” she continued. unrepresented voices a voice, because I feel like there’s still under-representation for Eastern European “I remember when I was a kid, it was a thing that people communities.” would travel in vans outside playing grounds and they would try to talk to little girls or teenagers and get them Written by Yasmin Turner into the van. Designed by Sophie Puffett “And then they would be trafficked. “My parents were very scared. PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 8
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Students return to polls as NTSU Elections Results enjoy Covid comebacks Nottingham Trent students flocked to the online polls in their highest numbers since 2015, substantially surpassing last year’s numbers.
For the last two years, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to the students’ unions elections across the country.
Nearly 8,000 voters participated across all Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU) elections this year, an increase on the 7,015 involved in 2015.
As in-person voting and campaigning were prevented by lockdown, this had an adverse effect on turnout, with many unions experiencing low numbers.
In this year’s elections, Benedict Wills was elected to the Now that in-person campaigning and voting have position of President for NTSU having previously been VP returned, students are more interested than ever in Postgraduate. getting involved in their students’ union elections. This reasoning has been echoed by Cameron Sutton, The 2022 voting turnout was also an improvement on the Vice-President of Opportunities at NTSU and Vice-Chair 6,932 participants last year. of the Elections Committee. The voting increased across the University, with some Schools performing better relative to their representation When asked why he thought the turnout was so high this of Nottingham Trent University’s total population. year, he said: “When the elections were held online, it was very restricting on how to reach students. There was a particularly high voter turn-out for the “Having the nominees come out to speak to students in Brackenhurst School of Animal, Rural and Environmental person is very important.” Sciences, as well as the School of Arts and Humanities. Confetti also saw a high number of voters. He added: “People feel more comfortable being approached by candidates to have a conversation.” Turning to the voter turnout across the University’s Cameron went on to say that the candidates had an different campuses, Clifton saw an increase in its number increased presence at all of the campuses, which also led of voters, while Brackenhurst performed better in relation to the increased turnout. to its representation of NTU’s total population. In regard to NTU’s Confetti Campus, Cameron explained When addressing voter turnout by year group, the number that because there are a lot of further education students, of second, third, and fourth-year students who voted in there are some issues that mean candidates struggle to this year’s elections was also higher. get onto that campus to campaign. However, first-years did not get as involved in this year’s However, there are plans to solve these issues in the NTSU Elections voting, which is understood to be down to coming academic year. a number of reasons. Cameron also praised the Election Committee for running These could include the fact that freshers may not know a well-advertised election. that the elections are happening and may not engage as much with the Students’ Union, meaning they do not know This shows that the 2022 elections have been overall what it offers them. a great success, with the increased number of voters testament to this. However, the involvement of those further up the university system in voting is a positive aspect, as these The positive engagement proves that, after the pandemic, students have spent substantial aspects of their courses students are willing to be more involved with students’ during the coronavirus pandemic, limiting their exposure union elections, which is something that can be built on to election campaigns. even further in the coming year. Their increased engagement shows the benefits of being back on campus.
Written by Kieran Burt Designed by Sophie Puffett
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“Record-Breaking”: Exec Team reminisces on the academic year This year has finally seen the full return of normality, following two years of turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This has meant that students have finally been able to experience uni life, from inperson lectures to clubbing and society activities. This has all been made possible thanks to our wonderful 2021/22 NTSU Exec Team. So, as their time as executive officers is slowly coming to an end, let’s see what their favourite memories and biggest achievements have been this academic year... Conor Naughton, President It’s been a year of continued success and achievement at NTSU and I’m proud to have led the SU through our best year on record. It’s a struggle to pick just one memory! I completed all of my manifesto pledges to students, which I’ll always be proud of, led our most successful election period in history, and worked on several key safety campaigns including ‘Boogie Safe’ and the launch of the Safe Place. I must give a special mention to Freshers’ Week which was the biggest and best in the UK in 2021. I led the exec, the Union and over 250 amazing Freshers’ Team volunteers through 10 days and 10 nights of events, parties, fairs and so much more which gave students the best start to the academic year. Another real moment of pride came in September, December and April, seeing thousands of students graduating in person with gowns and graduation caps free of charge. Finally, I have shared so many unbelievable memories with the exec team throughout this year and I am proud of everything we have accomplished and shared together as a united team. Zoë Mallett, VP Community & Welfare The greatest memory I have as VP Community & Welfare this year is seeing many students succeed through two years of very turbulent times and that we as an exec team have been able to offer incredible NTSU welfare support, events, and in-person offering.
I am also thrilled to say I created and launched Bystander Intervention training for venues of the night-time economy and have facilitated the training to all our affiliate venues, training staff on the skills of how to intervene and deal with harmful situations around sexual violence and harassment. This is part of the long-term ‘Boogie Safe’ campaign Zoe Clifton and I launched as a response to the re-opening of the night-time economy post-pandemic and the spiking incidents. This campaign ensured students know where and who to go to for support in the evening and early hours of the morning, and has also coincided with the launch of the Safe Space across all three campuses. Cameron Sutton, VP Opportunities It goes without saying that it has been nothing short of a fantastic, record-breaking year for both NTU and NTSU. I’m proud that we’ve seen unprecedented society membership numbers, with more than 14,000 total memberships sold and over 9,000 students getting involved this year. A huge well done to our committees who have helped engage their members after an incredibly challenging year previously. We also ran two successful Give It A Go Weeks in term 1 and 2, seeing hundreds of students trying something new and making new friends in the process. As one of my manifesto pledges for this year, I was grateful to be able to bring this to fruition, from a mere idea to a whole host of events and activities. I’m also proud of our two nominated RAG charities, Trekstock and Women for Women, who both do incredible work for their respective beneficiaries. I’m glad to say we’ve raised over £1,000 for them so far this year! It has also been a pleasure to work alongside my fellow Exec Team Officers for the past two years, from bouncing ideas off each other to having productive, meaningful discussions. Kat Fagg, VP Education
My greatest memories in office this year, without a doubt, I am also immensely proud to have worked tirelessly have been where students have come together (in with NTU to introduce educational sanctions as part person!) for a shared purpose. of their Student Code of Behaviour, alongside many other changes, ensuring students are continuing to be One highlight was being invited to the Black Leadership educated, learning, and developing to be great members Programme launch event in February and being asked to of society. PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 10
NEWS co-host the welcome speech; looking out to lots of nervous faces, nobody knowing each other, and then seeing the friendship groups that had been made just an hour later was so fulfilling to see. Other highlights include Freshers’ Week, NUS Conference, Union meetings and Course Rep Conferences.
Conor
It is at these kinds of events it’s easy to speak to students one-on-one, get to know them a little bit better, and answer seemingly minor questions that may have a big impact on their student experience. Lastly, of course, has been the opportunity to work on so many different projects relating to sustainability, data, finance, empowerment, inclusion, and meet so many incredible people, staff and students.
Zoe M
I’ve truly been inspired by everybody I’ve met and the weird and wonderful work I’ve been involved in – I’m certain no other year in my life will match the randomness of this one! Benedict Wills, VP Postgraduate One of the crowning achievements of my time as VP Postgraduate, has to be the privilege of representing student views and improving the student experience. Academically this has been done through countless feedback channels, highlighting the issues and improvements that courses and schools can make, which are helping to educate the next generation of Trent students and to improve various campus facilities.
Cameron
Improving the student experience stretches past the academic representation I have partaken in, but also the holistic support I have been able to provide for students, helping with housing and personal issues. One of the pieces of work I have been focused on this year is improving the Student Code of Behaviour, ensuring that students are not unfairly punished for breaches of the Code of Conduct, and that procedure and policy are followed to provide a just outcome based on education, rather than punishment.
Kat
Aside from this, my other crowning highlight has to be getting elected as President of NTSU. I am thoroughly looking forward to being able to continue to improve the student experience by further advocating for improvements to student safety, integrating the next generation of NTU, and continuing to improve the venues and events we have at NTSU. Zoe Clifton, VP Sport One of my highlights for 21/22 has got to be the full return of sport and Varsity.
Benedict
This year we have successfully brought back a full Varsity series for its 20th Anniversary, which has been something I’ve looked forward to during my term as an officer to celebrate sport in Nottingham. To add to this, we’ve had some amazing successes this year with teams and individuals winning their leagues, trophy and cup finals, and some great performances at BUCS competitions including BUCS Big Wednesday and more. To top this off, we’ve just had a really good election process for sport club committees and this coming year is looking incredibly promising with some fantastic student leadership to follow on from the success of this year’s committees. I’m looking forward to seeing how this continues to grow going into the 22/23 year. Written by Rucsandra Moldoveanu Designed by Hannah Segar Photos by NTSU PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 11
Zoe C
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Fly Live has won over 18 awards at the Student Radio Association over the last 25 years and has been nominated for many more awards during its on-air time.
NTSU’s Fly Live celebrates 25 years with marathon show Fly Live, formally known as Kick FM and Fly FM, celebrated 25 years as Nottingham Trent University’s official student radio station. The celebrations began on Monday, March 14 at 1pm with an epic 25-hour-long marathon show. The show was hosted by 2021/22 Station Manager Harry Briggs, who picked up Silver for Best Presenter at the 2021 Student Radio Awards in London. The show featured multiple Fly Live members every hour, including current presenters and over 25 former hosts, many of whom are now in the professional media industry. The celebratory show included appearances from BBC Radio 1 presenters Jack Saunders, Alice Dale, and Kerrie Cosh, as well as Capital FM presenters Tom Watts, Claire Chambers and Ben Sheppard. Radio 1 Newsbeat presenter Christian Hewgill and Radio X presenter George Godfrey also joined the marathon, among many others. Harry Briggs spoke to Platform Magazine about the 25-hour show and being station manager. He said: “I think it’s an honour and a privilege to be Fly’s Station Manager. “When you become station manager or president, you follow in the footsteps of some big Fly names. “Eddy Jenkins was the first station manager in 1997 and he’s now a cruise director! “I work with a brilliant committee and together we make all the decisions about the day-to-day running of the society.
“It’s busy and hectic but I love it. “This year has been extra busy, but together with a 25th-anniversary special committee, we could plan our celebrations for our birthday.” Fly Live’s committee came up with the idea of hosting a 25-hour show for their 25th anniversary due to its reduced costs, as well as raising money for the Nottinghamshire Mind charity. Over 70 people appeared on air during the 25 hours, with some alumni guests featuring on the show in person or via Zoom, while some elements were pre-recorded. Harry offered to take the lead and present throughout the entirety of the show, with a team of contributors to make the concept more unique. He said: “The 25-hour show flew by! “The constant conveyor belt of guests and having different co-presenters every hour was so refreshing! “By about 6am the radio desk where I press the buttons was starting to blur in front of me but I’m really happy with how it sounded throughout the broadcast.” Founder of Fly Live and former President of Nottingham Trent’s Student Union, Ben Morrison, also appeared on the 25-hour show. He said: “I was so delighted to be asked back on to feature as a part of this. “I can’t believe what it’s grown into! “I thought starting a student radio station would be a vote winner in my bid to become President of the Students’ Union but it’s become so much more than that now.”
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The lengthy radio show proved popular as listeners could also tune in via a YouTube live stream to see the scenes behind the microphone. Harry has been a member of Fly Live for three years, but his favourite memory is the 25-hour show by far, the presenter admits. Some of the show’s highlights were BBC Radio 1’s Jack Saunders sneaking the word waxing into his Radio 1 show, after Harry told him to on Zoom earlier in the day, and talking about mental health with Scarlet Châppell, who produces the Absolute Radio breakfast show.
Photo taken during Fly Live’s 25 Year Anniversary Show
Harry added: “Other standout moments include Will Hollis, who works on GB News, being made to ‘waiter’ a date between Daisy Smith and myself, me running to the local pub, necking a drink, and returning in the length of one long song and having Capital’s Tom and Claire in the studio to talk about their time on Fly! “It was so memorable; I won’t forget the experience - ever. The experience you get to try out working in radio through Fly is second to none. “Looking back, we’ve done outside broadcast from all the campuses, had a go at football commentary for Varsity, and Fly Through the Night, where once a year for a week we broadcast overnight, and anything goes is always fun!
Photo taken during Fly Live’s 25 Year Anniversary Show
“Listening back to the final link, I’m proud of how we finished the show. “I may have been sleep deprived, but the show ended well, and to finish it with some of our members packing out the studio and giving a big round of applause when we finished was a wonderful way to conclude a wonderful event!” Fly Live and the 25-hour show are available to listen to online at flylive.co.uk , via the TuneIn Radio app and by asking your smart speaker to Play Fly Live from Tune In. Written by Shannon Samecki Designed by Sophie Puffett Photos by Meg Atkinson
Photo taken during Fly Live’s 25 Year Anniversary Show
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Mixed opinions as Clifton opens new facilities for Student Medics
The opening of a brand-new centre to help up-andcoming healthcare professionals has been met with mixed reviews.
The construction of the HAP Centre is part of the Clifton Campus transformation, as the centre has formed a focal point of the NTU campus.
Nottingham Trent University’s new Health and Allied Professions Centre (HAP Centre), which is based on Clifton Campus, has recently opened its doors to provide students with the skills needed to get into the healthcare industry.
It has allowed students to have the best possible practice whilst studying for their degree, as the new cutting-edge technology replicates what it is like in the real world.
It is home to NTU’s healthcare, nursing, and paramedicine courses, with over 200 students using the facilities. However, the HAP Centre has sparked mixed opinions among the students who have access to it. The building, which is 34,000 square feet, hosts various facilities, including mock hospital wards and specialist equipment, as well as counselling rooms and two floors of offices and flexible learning spaces. The centre supports students to learn to care for people whilst in a realistic modern setting which allows lecturers to demonstrate different complex skills to a range of students Students at the centre can expect support from experienced healthcare practitioners, as well as educators and researchers, allowing them to feel supported when learning all the skills needed for a career in healthcare. Prior to the centre's opening, healthcare students did not have the state-of-the-art simulations that are now in place at the HAP Centre and many students are very grateful that they have the modern technologies in the new learning space. Chris Johnson, who is studying the apprenticeship Mental Health and Nursing course, said: “Despite being in the building for a short time we’ve already had the chance to experience many of the new facilities it boasts.”
Students need to be able to learn in a safe way, as well as being in a realistic context, so the HAP Centre has been welcomed by everyone in need of its facilities. Chris, who is also the President of the NTU Nursing Society, added: “It provides us with a larger hub area to gather study and engage with the academic team.” The centre opened in January of this year, so the students have been able to make use of it for semester two and it has helped many of them succeed in their medical studies. However, some students are sceptical of the centre as it has been tailored towards specific students, rather than all healthcare students. A Paramedic student who wished to remain anonymous said: “It is a very good building for other healthcare students but as paramedic students, there isn’t much for us.” Other students have felt the same about the new centre, as they were hoping for more support during their studies. Ruth Turner, a Paramedic student, said: “It was advertised as a space for all allied health courses, but we are shoved up on the top floor in a classroom. “We don’t have access to the wards or the VR room, which is frustrating.” The building is one of the first things you see as you enter Clifton Campus and students agree that it is a nice building that seems welcoming and calm.
Ruth finished by saying: “It looks to have a good study space and aesthetically it is really nice, but it just isn’t what He added: “These facilities allow us to engage in far it was advertised as.” more realistic clinical simulations across a wide variety of The centre has a variety of mannequins for students to settings.” practice on, as they replicate men, women, and children, all with varying injuries. Many students have found the new centre a massive help in learning and developing healthcare skills, as it The centre also has a VR simulator which students can aids them to be able to get into the industry easier. use to simulate real-life situations to practice their skills and build their professionalism. The centre serves as a new area for all the specialist medical courses, which include Adult Mental Health The VR wall creates scenarios such as a motorway crash and Learning Disabilities, Public Health, Nursing, and scene or a school playing field, allowing students to build Paramedic Science. their confidence before they deal with it in the real world,
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during placement or in their career after graduating. Sustainability is at the heart of what NTU believes in, so the HAP Centre has been built with the environment in mind. The site was built in line with the Sustainable Construction Policy and it is on track to earn its BREEAM Excellent Post Construction Certificate, which demonstrates the Centre’s sustainable features. These include solar panels on the roof of the building, as well as the energy-efficient air source heat pumps and the mechanical heat recovery system, which is accompanied by waste management and sustainable transport. This is all part of NTU’s Reimagined Strategy Embracing Sustainability strand, which will help to work towards the goal of NTU having Net Zero Carbon targets. NTU has over five different courses in the nursing and paramedicine field, as well as postgraduate options and a variety of degree apprenticeship courses to get students into the medical field. Medical students who are based on Clifton Campus all have access to the centre as it is purpose-built just for them and their lecturers. Healthcare professionals are the centre of society, especially after showing the resilience of the NHS during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals are needed by everyone in the community and this new centre hopes to encourage even more students to study nursing and paramedicine courses, while preparing the current ones for the real world, which can seem daunting. However, this centre should help students feel confident and knowledgeable when sent out to work in communities. NTU’s nursing and paramedicine courses are hands-on and practical, and now offer excellent support for students. Written by Megan Lewis Designed by Hannah Segar Photos by Megan Lewis
Chris Johnson, Mental Health and Nursing Apprenticeship student.
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FASHION & BEAUTY
Why TikTok skincare sensation Glow Recipe has to be at the top of your skincare wish list It’s worth the hype.
The product is a game-changer in every aspect.
The Korean beauty inspired skin care brand is built on the philosophy of ‘taking it day by day, skin by skin’.
The magic behind the product is all down to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
Each collection is based on fruit which range from watermelon to guava to avocado.
They work with each other to prevent breakouts, smooth textured skin, and clarify pores.
The products individually focus on a specific area of your skin and are designed to give an everlasting glow.
The clarifying strawberry serum retails at £36 for 30ml.
Sarah Lee and Christine Chang are the co-founders and CEOs of Glow Recipe. The pair bonded over their Korean heritage while working for L’Oreal in 2014. In an interview for Prestige Online, Sarah Lee said: “My co-founder Christine and I were bonding over sheet masks and wine after dinner one night, and realized that we were the only bicultural, bilingual executives in our positions at L’Oreal.” The brand is strictly cruelty free, clean, and vegan. The product that kick-started their popularity surge was the Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops. There's no need for highlighter when using this product as it's designed to give a magical, healthy glow while using good-for-you skin care ingredients. Unsponsored reviews from beauty gurus Mikayla Nogueira and Stephanie Valentine, professionally known as Glamzilla, put Glow Recipe on the map. Mikayla Nogueira, 23, has over 11 million followers on TikTok and was full of praise for the healthy brand. Mikayla told Stylecaster: “I have been consistently using Glow Recipe products since Stephanie, Glamzilla, first showed me her routine to achieve glowing skin a while back. “I was blown away by her results and wanted to try the routine for myself. “It was love at first application.” The brand’s new clarifying strawberry smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid serum is cutting-edge and innovative for acne marks and fine lines. It is non-drying so your skin will obtain a prolonged, moisturised glow. The strawberry aroma that is released when using this product will also blow you away.
Once I was able to get my hands on any Glow Recipe products, I knew it would be worth the price. The Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA pore-right toner was the first product I splashed the cash on. If you struggle with bumpy or textured skin this toner needs to be in your shopping basket. The toner gently exfoliates the skin while smoothing it, becoming your very own smoothing filter. Additionally, the product aids acne prone skin and a visible difference is noticeable the next day. Another product that works wonders is their Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum. Now, if you struggle with dry skin this one's for you. Avocado contains fatty acids - don’t worry I know that sounds scary but its perfect for the skin. It will hydrate the skin and diminish redness. The ceramides nourish the skin’s moisture barrier, strengthening it. The brand continues to create cutting-edge and effective skin care products. TikTok has definitely given Glow Recipe a helping hand in its recent success but that takes nothing away from the outstanding products Glow Recipe has to offer. You can buy Glow Recipe products at online stores such as Cult Beauty. Written by Maddie Osborn Designed by Sophie Puffett
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 18
FASHION & BEAUTY
The return Of 00’S Kim K
Kim Kardashian, renowned for her iconic and sometimes controversial fashion sense, has recently divorced Kanye West. After seven years of marriage and four children, the once IT couple called it quits where both parties were legally declared single on March 2, 2022. As a pioneering figure in women’s fashion, this has brought a new wave of trends and styles, and will continue to do so. Kim has always been involved in fashion, starting her career as a professional wardrobe organiser to the stars. It also sure helped that she was best friends and wing-woman of Paris Hilton. She was photographed among the right people in the right places, which allowed her to obtain access to the hottest 00’s brands. Kim had everything she needed to become a powerhouse in the celebrity fashion industry, managing to cement herself alongside icons and build her empire. Her bright colours, busy patterns, and tight-fitted clothes made her noticeable and she really expressed herself through her clothing. Her 30th birthday at Tao in 2010 saw Kim shine in a silver, sparkly bandage dress which perfectly embodies a young Kim’s style. Paired with heavy makeup and frosty grey eyeshadow and long sleek hair, this look couldn’t represent the IT girls of the 00’s any better! She was also known for her love of pink, especially after being surrounded constantly by Paris who lives in the colour. Kim’s iconic hot pink velvet matching airport tracksuit is a pinnacle in the naughtiness.
You wouldn’t be able to separate Kim from belts in her 20’s, particularly one cinching the waist of a tunic, paired with jeans and oversized sunglasses. This typical style was highly adopted by Kim as she was coming into the limelight. Many of her paparazzi photos from her early days with Paris would depict her sporting this look. This is how Kim’s iconic fashion looks began. However, her 2014 marriage to Kanye saw his image consume all of her personal style, as she became a walking advertisement for Yeezy. She brought fitted bodysuits, cycling shorts and puffer jackets into the fashion scene, all of which was created and orchestrated by Kanye. This saw all of Kim’s personality taken out of her fashion and this was reflected in her completely covered black Balenciaga Met Gala 2021 look, alongside Kanye. However, Kim K took a solo trip to Rome in 2021, not long after ther public announcement of her separation, and this is when we first started seeing her personality through fashion once again. She was seen wearing a mini leather leopard print dress, along with strappy black heels. Her move back towards 00’s fashion is very fitting to the Y2K trends on TikTok around the same time. Compared to her Yeezy moments, it was a glimpse of what was yet to come, with a breakout look of Kim’s personal style. Since her separation from Kanye, she has been romantically involved with Pete Davidson and her old era fashion has since started to creep back into her wardrobe. In fact, the day she met Pete, she hosted SNL and was seen sporting three separate hot pink looks. A head-to-toe velvet bodysuit highlighted Kim’s recognisable curves. The Met Gala 2022 saw Kim shine in Marylin Monroe’s original ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ dress, which is covered in studded gems.This beautiful and iconic dress brought all the attention towards Kim and reflected the amount of sequins and sparkles she used to wear in her earlier days. Although the circumstances are sad, it’s very exciting to see Kim grasp her individuality and represent her personality and emotions through fashion, like she used to at a younger age. This is only the start and, I, for one, cannot wait to see what more looks Kim displays for us in the future. Written by Eleanor Lawrence Designed by Raashi Khatri PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 19
MUSIC
The Best Albums Of The University Year… So Far
Since the academic year began, the world has been treated to some great albums by a variety of global superstars and emerging talents. No ‘best of’ edition would be complete without reviewing the music that provided the soundtrack to our year, so here are some of our favourites… In early September, Little Simz released the critically acclaimed ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’. The album focuses on Simz trying to manage expectations and being able to fully express her thoughts through music despite her admission of being introverted. The opener, ‘Introvert’, is a soaring orchestral track that maintains a cinematic flavour throughout. There are references to the UK government’s failings, social injustice and a rallying message for unity packed into just six minutes. With a variety of influences like Afrobeats and jazz, as well as exceptional production and profound lyricism, Little Simz provided an album that will be talked about long after this university year has been completed. Then came October, with Sam Fender’s second album ‘Seventeen Going Under’; a coming-of-age record recalling his upbringing and hometown struggles. The title track has exploded to life on social media, with younger generations finding comfort in
the sincerity and rawness of the lyrics, while ‘Spit of You’ – a song dedicated to Fender’s father – is a tracklist standout that never fails to pull on the heartstrings. Politically charged, highly introspective and brutally honest are all accurate descriptions of Fender’s work here, which is backed up by an eye for catchy choruses and smooth, indie-rock tones. Another notable release during the first term was ‘I Don’t Live Here Anymore’ by American rock band The War on Drugs. The band’s psychedelicinfused sound is an experience to get lost in as the album focuses on themes of resilience and refusing to be patient. A final mention from term one goes to Grantham-born singersongwriter Holly Humberstone, who released ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’ in the November of last year. Humberstone collaborates with The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy on her second EP, as she explores romantic tribulations and finding stability in an ever-changing world through her brand of atmospheric, alternative instrumentation. The second term saw the return of The Weeknd with ‘Dawn FM’, which includes a guest appearance from Hollywood icon Jim Carrey as a creepy yet strangely relaxing radio host that guides the listener through a state of purgatory.
Dawn FM will undoubtedly be in the conversation for best albums of 2022 even with its very early January release, as it blends synth-pop and R&B alongside The Weeknd’s renowned tropes of selfloathing, heartbreak, drugs and sex. The Weeknd’s original dark style is still present, but the album offers newfound glimmers of hope and light with 1980s-inspired beats. Elements of Daft Punk, New Order and Depeche Mode help to create an atmosphere that would not be out of place in a sci-fi themed club far away into the future. In February, dreampop duo Beach House released their eighth studio record ‘Once Twice Melody’, a double album presented in four chapters. With their longevity and consistency, Beach House are considered icons of their genre and they deliver again with hazy and pensive waves of lush synths and rippling guitars. The album runs close to an hour and a half, but engagement is maintained through this being their most aesthetically diverse body of work to date. From Sam Fender, Little Simz, Holly Humberstone and The War on Drugs producing major standouts in 2021, to The Weeknd and Beach House kicking off 2022 with two major statements, there has been a huge variety of work to appreciate this academic year. Even better, there’s much more to come very soon!
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 20
Written by Joe James Designed by Beth Trim
MUSIC
Top Nottingham Gigs And Festivals This Summer As summer approaches, there is
Designed by Ellie Ruff Written by Louise Walt
a great selection of festivals worth
Dot to Dot Festival
showcases upcoming musicians from a variety of genres and will take place on Sunday 29 May. The festival – which is hosted first in Bristol the day prior – uses a collection of Nottingham’s best music venues, including Rough Trade and Rock City. This allows festival-goers to tour all the key music locations in the heart of Nottingham for just £27. All venues – including our very own NTSU stage – have capacity restrictions, so make sure to be at the front of the queue! Headliners include Alfie Templeman, who will have the crowd engrossed by his youthful charm and tunes like ‘Happiness in Liquid Form’. Cassia and Priestgate are two bands to watch out for as well, with soft sounding vocals perfect for a blissful summer’s day, while Everyone You Know create groovy beats to produce fan favourites like ‘She Don’t Dance’. Other high-profile artists performing include post-punk band Squid and indie-pop artist Baby Queen, who has quickly gained a following with catchy tunes such as ‘Raw Thoughts’. Music lovers in the city are sure to spot plenty of new talent at the festival, which began in the city in 2005.
Splendour Festival,
meanwhile, brings a family-friendly weekend celebration to Wollaton Hall and Deer Park on 23-24 July. It’s been three years since Splendour was last able to take place, and the wait has been unbearable for some. For those of us newer to the city, it will be a great chance to understand why Nottingham is so highly regarded for its music. Tickets are admittedly on the pricier side, with single-day admission at
£56 and full buying tickets for. weekend Some of the best, we are fortunate tickets priced to say, will take place in and around at £85, but given Nottingham, so let’s have a look at a star-studded linewhat the highlights will be… up, they can be justified. Firstly, there is 1990s band Well-established duo Gorgon City, Supergrass, whose many iconic meanwhile, will have the crowd songs including ‘Alright’ are ideal to going wild with their bass-heavy get the crowd in high spirits. dance tracks, and Andy C’s fastAlso, BRIT Award winner Becky Hill paced drum-and-bass set is one not brings a long list of party hits that to miss. are sure to get the crowd dancing. Another interesting act to check The Human League and Happy out is Chaos in the CBD, who Mondays, meanwhile, will bring a incorporate jazz and house music nostalgic feel ideal for music lovers for a more chilled show. of the 1980s and ‘90s, and modernWith this diversity of artists, day pop stars The Vamps and Anne Detonate is ideal for anyone Marie will also be playing. wanting to dance non-stop for Local representation comes from the day. a recent wave of announced acts including Left Hand Lane, The final festival to recommend is Celestines and Cucamaras, whose indie rock is bound to get the Festival, in park bouncing. Pikehall, Derbyshire. Splendour’s wide-ranging lineBetween 29-31 July, the indieup has something for everyone, focused festival uses its Peak making for a great weekend trip. District setting to provide a truly
Y Not?
For something a little different,
Detonate Festival
takes place on Saturday 4 June at Colwick Country Park. The outdoor event celebrates the best of electronic music in an utterly beautiful setting. Tickets cost £55 per person, with multiple stages including The Meadow and The Pontoon ensuring that there’s a great chance of catching your favourite acts. Wilkinson is guaranteed to get party-goers animated with hits like ‘Afterglow’, while Hybrid Minds will be a refreshing act with their unique, soft-sounding electronic tunes. Jungle-inspired artist Shy FX will maintain high spirits alongside electronic music artists Friction and DJ Seinfeld.
memorable and messy experience. For a weekend ticket costing £129.50, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck. Firstly, there’s Blossoms, whose numerous hit singles including ‘Charlemagne’ will get fans singing along. Modern classics will then be provided by Stereophonics and Manic Street Preachers, while The Kooks’ hits like ‘Naïve’ and ‘She Moves in Her Own Way’ will be reliable in keeping spirits high. From the cutting edge of modern indie, bands such as Sundara Karma and Sea Girls have upbeat songs to get people on their feet. To top it off, there are DJ sets from Nathan Dawe and Sigala. Y Not? is one of the more expensive festivals, however with a line up like this, we can understand why.
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 21
MUSIC
MUSIC
Nottingham Venue Managers On Their Post-Covid Highlights This academic year has been packed full of amazing events, and particularly so on Nottingham’s famed music scene. It’s easy to forget, perhaps, that this time last year, venues were only just getting rid of social distancing and other Covid-related measures at their evening events. The road back to normality has certainly been a rocky one, with financial losses to make up, new audiences to attract and the possibility of positive tests throwing even the best-laid plans into chaos. Nottingham’s venues have mostly all weathered the storm, however, and now that they’re on the other side, we caught up with some of their key figures to look back at their 2021-22 highlights. For Joss Willder, assistant manager at Rescue Rooms, returning to a full calendar of gigs has been massive. He said: “It’s super important financially as we just couldn’t sustain ourselves during sit down sessions. “Table service requires way more staff to serve way fewer people, plus we needed loads of security to keep telling people to sit down. It was exhausting and very tedious.” Willder added: “Emotionally it’s even more important to me. I’m a very sociable person and a serious lover of live music so lockdown sent me slightly insane.
“Being back chatting shit to bands and seeing old and new faces on the touring circuit is fantastic.” Rescue Rooms has hosted the likes of The Reytons, Beabadoobee, Arlo Parks and local star Holly Humberstone in the last year, with a huge number of sellout performances in the 450-capacity main room. For Willder, there were plenty of memorable nights from such a varied line-up. “My highlight was the first time seeing one of my favourite bands, Do Nothing, play after all restrictions were lifted”, he said. “I’d seen a few shows but this was the first one I watched that I was super-excited about.” “I’d [also] say Rolo Tomassi for intensity and it being an all-round perfect show [and] Jeff Rosenstock for sheer enjoyment. I was a fan before but I walked away completely in love. In terms of lessons from the past year, many apply to both business and the human aspect of gigging. Willder said: “We definitely all took live music for granted but I doubt we will again.” Moving from Goldsmith Street to the Lace Market, we find Rough Trade, whose Nottingham store is one of just five in the world. The legendary record store has developed its reputation as a venue for intimate performances by big stars in recent times, with a real who’s who of the music industry arriving to play at Broad Street in the last year. Such scope made the question of highlights a fiendish one.
“Some of our stand-outs would be Yard Act, Wet Leg, Feeder, Kae Tempest, Heir, Johnny Marr, Palace, Green Lung, Miles Kane, Bastille, and heaps more!” The boom in the vinyl market, where year-on-year sales increased by 8% in 2021 for a 14th consecutive year of growth, has been a blessing to the store. Heaton said: “Going from lockdown, where we didn’t have any live shows in store for a year or so, to hosting 5-7 shows a week right from the get-go of opening again has been amazing. “We really hit the ground running and it hasn’t stopped. “In fact, we've been having our best year yet in terms of the numbers and it's down to so many incredible album releases, a ton of live shows and signings, endless efforts from our team and, importantly, all our lovely supporters. “We're really chuffed about it and it's just all going back into releasing more records and hosting fucking great shows.” It’s certainly made the act of walking past the Rough Trade store on an average midweek evening a novelty in itself. Having Yard Act chat to fans from the top floor window and legendary Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr strolling into the store into the last year has added a real sense of excitement. Heaton said: “Our Johnny Marr signing was nuts. [It] sold out in minutes with people queuing right down and round the street all through Hockley.
Take the short walk from Broad Street towards Sneinton Market and, in the shadow of the showier Motorpoint Arena, you’ll find Metronome. The venue, which is affiliated with NTU’s Confetti department for performing arts, is far less in-your-face about its facilities than its noisy neighbour and is perhaps all the better for it. It has curated a calendar with live performances from right across the spectrum of genres, treating locals to countless cultural delights. Kristi Maria, in-house promoter at Metronome, said: “We pride ourselves on hosting a wide range of musical genres but it’s not just music. We have a diverse programme including poetry, spoken word and even e-sports. “We also host Just the Tonic comedy club every Saturday. We’ve had some brilliant sold-out events since we opened in October 2018, including The Comet is Coming, Squarepusher, Self Esteem and even a secret set from Romesh Ranganathan. Metronome was perhaps in the toughest position having to go through the pandemic as a fledgling venue, but after weathering that storm, it has gained plenty of praise for its offerings. Maria said: “It’s hard to pick just one but the sold-out Warmduscher gig was a particular highlight. It was a rescheduled event from 2020 and was definitely worth the wait.
“Though if you won’t let me count that as a live show, then “We also host free entry gigs with BBC Introducing in the [my highlight] has gotta be a tie between Yard Act and East Midlands, which is a night showcasing the best live Wet Leg. and local music. “They were absolutely crazy, sold out and then some, with “After many months of being closed, it’s really exciting to everyone just going for it. Incredible nights for our venue have a number of sold-out events coming up. We really both in numbers, atmosphere and reactions.” hope anyone who hasn’t visited us yet will come along to an event.” With the toughest stretch for the entertainment industry in most living memories over, all of these venues will be looking to continue their momentum. So go along, take your mates, and enjoy the show! Written by Will Hugall, Adam Eaton, Gianluca Spataro and Tom Kitchin Designed by Sophie Puffett Photo by RM Photography, @rebecca_.photography (instagram) and Tom Platinum Morley
Sam Heaton, Bar and Events Manager at Rough Trade Nottingham, said: “There really are too many to choose. “We've been so proud and excited with our listings here at Rough Trade. PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 22
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 23
MUSIC
Albums To Look Forward To In 2022 This year has already seen the release of some incredible music projects from a variety of both established and upcoming artists. However, with half of the year still to come, this breakdown will provide you with all of the exciting information about the most highlyanticipated albums to look forward to. English indie-pop band Blossoms have released their fourth LP ‘Ribbon Around The Bomb’ onApril 29, following up the release of their 2020 number one album ‘Foolish Loving Spaces’. Speaking about the album and lead single ‘Care For’, which was released in 2021, lead singer Tom Ogden has said that the inspiration for the album title came from when he visited Frida Kahlo’s house in 2019, whilst touring Mexico. Ogden explained that while admiring Kahlo’s paintings, “someone had described them as being like a ‘ribbon around a bomb.’” This idea instantly evoked imagery in Ogden’s mind, and he decided to name the album and a song after the phrase. He said: “Lots of things in life could be described as being a ribbon around a bomb, in the sense that, as people, we often dress things up which have darkness lying beneath them”. Blossoms are playing a series of live shows in the UK this summer, including headlining honours at Truck Festival and Y Not? Festival, appearances at Glastonbury and Neighbourhood Weekender and a run of support dates with The Killers. Released on May 13, English indie rock band Florence and The Machine’s fifth studio album ‘Dance Fever’ will be another big soundtrack of the summer.
Described by vocalist Florence Welch as a “fairy-tale in 14 songs”, the new album has been coproduced by Jack Antonoff, as well as Glass Animals’ Dave Bayley. Welch has mentioned how the LP is inspired by ‘choreomania’; a Renaissance-era trend that involves masses of people dancing themselves to exhaustion. To celebrate the album, the band will be heading out on tour in the autumn, which includes a date at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on November 28. Released on May 20, Harry Styles’ third solo album ‘Harry’s House’ is sure to be the soundtrack to summer. When released in April, the album’s lead single ‘As It Was’ became the most-streamed song in one day in Billboard history, having gained 8.3 million streams. Featuring 13 new tracks, Styles states that this is the favourite album that he has made so far. Styles said: “It feels like it’s the first time I’m making music and putting music out from a real place of personal freedom.” The former One Direction member will embark on his first-ever stadium tour named ‘Love On Tour’ in June 2022, playing iconic venues including Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford Stadium and London’s Wembley Stadium which he almost instantly sold out. Nineteen-year-old singer-songwriter Alfie Templeman has released his highly-anticipated debut album ‘Mellow Moon’ on May 27. Templeman reveals that “there’s a loose concept of going through different stages of mental health”
running throughout the album, but that there are also “songs where I let loose and just enjoy myself”. He added that he “dedicates the album to people my age” who have been through similar struggles. No stranger to touring in Nottingham, Templeman most recently played a show at Rescue Rooms in March 2022 as part of his ‘Forever Isn’t Long Enough’ tour. The Bedfordshire-born artist came back on May 29 as he has performed at Dot to Dot Festival. As this performance was two days after the album’s release, we heard a variety of new songs from his newly-public collection. It is also heavily rumoured that English rock band Arctic Monkeys will be releasing an album this year. As one of the headliners for Reading and Leeds Festival this August, it is highly likely that the band will use this opportunity to unveil new music they have been working on. Although no official information about this release has been announced, it is sure to fill long-awaiting fans with suspense and excitement. Fans last got new content from the band in 2018, in the form of their sixth studio album ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel and Casino’. After taking a new direction on that occasion, it will be fascinating to see where Alex Turner and company go next. One thing is for sure, and that is that we are blessed with many great releases this year from all angles. It’s certainly a fantastic summer to be a music fan.
Written by Hannah Adams Designed by Beth Trim PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 24
CLUB NIGHTS
EVERY MONDAY
EVERY TUESDAY
EVERY WEDNESDAY
EVERY THURSDAY
EVERY SATURDAY
EVERY SUNDAY
F
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
ive Things I’ve Learnt From The 2021/22 Academic Year
Design: Ellie Ruff Words: Sophie Newsome
As the end of the academic year approaches, there is a lot of time for some selfreflection. I know for me, being a final year student, that there are definitely things that I am proud of doing and others that, in hindsight, I could have improved on. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of five things that I’ve learnt from this academic year.
1
Starting early
It is easy to be complacent in September - it’s always exciting getting back to uni after a long summer break, and a lot of lectures are introductory and there isn’t a lot of work to be done. But keeping on top of these things does help, it will be beneficial in the long-run, and you’ll thank yourself at the end of the year for keeping on top of lectures and your learning, so you’re not having to catch-up and cram for exams and assignments.
2
Make time for socialising
Life After Uni
If you are a third or final year student like me, as the year progresses it can be hard not to feel the pressure of not only the uni work itself, but also planning what to do after you graduate. It can feel like there are a million and one things to do that take up a lot of time. But do make sure you find time to socialise with your friends
in whatever way is best for you, whether that’s going for a night out, going for drinks or even going for a walk. Make sure you find the balance.
3
Don’t feel peerpressured
From my personal experience, my priorities now are very different to what they were when I was in first year. I used to love going out three to four times a week and drinking a lot. Now that I am in my final year, going clubbing and drinking heavily is not nearly as appealing as it was when I was 18 or 19! If all your friends are wanting to go out a lot, but it’s not for you, don’t feel the pressure to do it just to please them. If it’s not for you, have the courage to take a step back and say no.
4
Exercise regularly
This may come naturally to those who love sports and fitness, but if you’re not one of those people, then taking
the time out to exercise will be massively beneficial to not only your physical health, but mentally too. Even if it is just for an hour once a week. For me, being part of the tennis development team and training once or twice a week just gave me the break I needed from uni and cleared my head.
5
Keeping a routine
Possibly one of the most important things that I have learnt this year, is to try and keep a routine. Being at uni isn’t like working a full-time job, or being at school where there’s continuity. I have found that getting up at a similar time every day and having a plan has really helped ground me and has given me a sense of purpose. I have always been someone who thrives off having a routine, but it can be difficult sometimes when some days you might have lots of lectures and other days you may not have anything!
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 26
Unfortunately, this will be my last summer at NTU! I am curious about where my life will lead me when I graduate. I cannot believe it is spring and that I only have a few months left before graduation. It feels scary at times; I know what I need to do after graduation, but I also question everything. I am honestly afraid of leaving student life behind. It is that stage in your life when you do not have to think about your profession much and are always surrounded by your friends, trying to live in the moment. But I also imagine myself dressing formally and sitting in front of a MacBook, having my corner, teaming up with professionals, discussing new projects every day, getting paid at the end of the month, and feeling self-sufficient. I know it is hard to get there, and the process of achieving what I want is daunting to me. After I graduate in the summer, my friends will be dispersed, bounded by the four walls of our rooms, all scared and worried about our jobs. And even if we get the job after two, three, or six months, we will be under pressure to keep going.
Is it fair? Or is it simply a way of life that this world has taught us? Sometimes I am concerned that if I find a job, will I get bored of the same routine? What happens if I do not get the proper job? Is my degree valuable enough to earn me an outstanding position? Will I be able to meet my commitments now that my family are no longer there to support me? Does it mean that I will have to pay my rent after the summer? Oh no, this is timorous! Do I even know whether what I want to do soon will be a long-term career decision for me? These are the questions that haunt me in my sleep.
period of my life will begin; I will meet new people and explore the professional culture and novel places here in the UK. I know there will be so many hurdles on the way, but I also understand that I do not have any options to stop in the middle. Indeed, this university, Nottingham, and my friend’s circle have provided me with so much optimistic energy and confidence to keep going on with my life. Written by Janta Kumari Designed by Sophie Puffett Photo by Janta Kumari
But then I recall my dreams dreams of working in the media industry, diving into social work, launching my magazine agency and an NGO with my grandparent’s name on it, providing training to all genders and unemployed people to achieve equality by providing them with fair and equal jobs in the future. And on the bright side, I am finally graduating after a year of hard work as an international student adjusting to the different languages, cultures, and environmental challenges. A new
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 27
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE
options too, such as No Homer, Sea & Earth Chippy, Prickly Pear, and 13th Element – all within walking distance from the city centre. P.S. If you order from Sea & Earth between 12-2pm, you can benefit from their lunch deals starting at £1.75!
A Guide To Being A Sustainable Student
N
avigating student life is hard enough, let alone with the worrying pressures of irreversible climate change. Luckily, as society is becoming more aware of the pressures we are putting on the planet, there is an increased awareness as to how we can change. The best part is that most of them are actually moneysaving hacks, so you’re saving the environment and your bank. Anyway, let’s take a look at some of the ways we Nottingham students can be more efficient. 1. Food surplus Did you know that Nottingham is home to multiple food surplus shops? The objective of these mini supermarkets is to reduce food waste whilst simultaneously providing nutritious food at a fraction of the price. Check out Foodprint over in
Sneinton and Affordable up along Derby Road to see the great work these organisations do! Residents of Nottingham can also take advantage of the Too Good To Go app that allows individuals to purchase reduced stock from restaurants at the end of their working day. The app is free to use and aimed at ending food waste + it’s connected to some of Nottingham’s best restaurants, such as Barburrito, Yo! Sushi and Starbucks, to name a few. 2. Zero waste shops The idea of zero waste living has been on the rise for a while now. Following the lifestyle includes reducing your single-use plastic, not investing in fast fashion, and reusing as much as possible that can be found in your house. Shop Zero on Nottingham’s Friar Lane is the perfect place to get started. From
stocking food and drink to personal care and eco-gifting, the shop’s main aim is to get people to make small changes. Home to a wealth of food cupboard essentials, it’s the perfect place to pick up your student meal staples whilst reducing plastic waste and not breaking the bank.
4. Charity shopping This one is pretty much a triple win. It’s environmentally friendly, kind to the wallet, and a percentage of your purchase will go directly to the charities aimed at helping many important causes. Lucky for us students, charity shops are ontrend. Nottingham not only has some specialised vintage stores that stock items at lower prices than retail, but the city centre is home to some great charity shops. White Rose is great for those wanting some handpicked recycled fashion, and their new outlet store sees everything marked under £10. Gander over to Hockley for the charity-run Sue Ryder Vintage store, Oxfam, Emmanuel House and many more. The latter two also accept in-store donations if you’re looking to get rid of some unwanted clothes! 5. NTU Moves+ and Green Rewards apps The Moves+ app allows students to be rewarded for their daily steps, wherein they have the opportunity to
win free food, reusable cutlery, and even NTU merchandise! All you have to do is connect your health app or fitness tracker to Moves+, and every 100 steps equate to 1 point. Imagine being rewarded for simply walking about? We also have the Green Rewards app that encourages staff and students to complete daily goals and monthly challenges to become more sustainable and reduce their personal carbon footprint. As a reward, the top two staff and top two students on the leader board could win a £20 gift card, a book token, an NTU student card top-up, or a donation to a charity of their choice. 6. Kilo Sales / Clothes Swaps Let me put you on to Kilo Sales. They’ve been making the rounds recently but they’re a great way to get some y2k goodies at a reduced price. The best part is that they’re
run by small businesses who handle all the organisation, and you won’t be funding fast fashion brands! They pop up all the time around Nottingham and Trent even hosts a few of the events in the SU so it’s worth keeping an eye out. If you’re looking to participate in the new wardrobe updates but do not want to spend as much, there are a few organisers who run clothes swap events aimed at reducing overconsumption – keep an eye out for the After. Shwop and for Frocks Sake events if you’re interested! As you can see, there are loads of great Nottingham based swaps we can all make. It’s also important to remember the simple things such as making a conscious effort to properly recycle your waste, switching off your lights and plugs when you’re not using them (especially good for students who are sorting their own bills) and reusable cutlery – this is a brilliant money-saving hack too because we all know how easy it is to get a Costa or meal deal during a long day in Boots Library…
Words by Katie Mortimer Designed by Rucsandra Moldoveanu Image credit: Unsplash
3. Vegan food options The majority of chain restaurants nowadays will sell plant-based options that are a quick and easy swap for everyone! If you can’t fully commit to a vegan or veggie diet, not eating meat for one day a week is good enough. Fun fact… if the entire US population took part in Meatless Mondays for a year, they would spare approximately 1.4 billion animals annually, according to Humane Society, 2021. Luckily, Nottingham is home to some excellent independent
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PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 29
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
How Podcasts Became A Key Part Of Our Entertainment Libraries
Top Films Of The Year... So Far
Written by Rose Taylor - Designed by Sophie Puffett - Images from Spotify
Spiderman: No Way Home
The film industry managed to come roaring back after several lockdowns last Autumn. Several films that experienced delays finally got to be released to audiences, who, for the most part, showed up to support the films. It is only right therefore to rank the top five films that have come out since that period. These are in no particular order. It would be wrong not to have the latest Spiderman film on here. This film was one of the most anticipated films of 2021. To paraphrase Uncle Ben: “With great hype comes great responsibility.” Tom Holland gave a truly emotional performance as Peter Parker/Spiderman, and it was great to see so many old favourites return to the screen. Second chances were given to actors like Andrew Garfield and Jamie Foxx to impress, improving significantly on their previous iterations. This was an amazing film, saving the box office as it came out.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
Venom: Let There Be Carnage might be more reminiscent of when comic book films were taken less seriously, but that works to its advantage here. This film hugely improved everything about the first one, making it even more memorable in the process. Tom Hardy’s performance is as humorous as ever, with him and Venom being more like a married couple. It makes the great addition of Woody Harrelson, who gives a destructive energy to both Cletus Cassidy and Carnage. The film is an absolute joy to watch.
Munich: The Edge of War
Munich: The Edge of War is a great film. It can weave tension throughout many of its scenes, despite the fact that its ending is preordained. The two stars, George Mackay and Jannis Niewöhner give stellar performances in their roles as parts of both the British and German delegations. Jeremy Irons gives a more sympathetic take on Neville Chamberlain, giving the audience an understanding of why he took the actions why he did. This film is a great historical and political thriller, well worth the watch.
The Last Duel
Dune
Dune is a visual masterpiece, with stunning shots across the desert drawing the audience into its rich and deep world. It is no surprise that this film won the Academy Award for its visual effects and cinematography. Its story was engaging to even those who hadn’t had the book before, and no doubt inspired many people to read the book before the second part comes out.
Ridley Scott’s historical epic tells a Shakespearean drama, set in 4th century France. It uses three unique perspectives to tell its story, with the help of its main stars Matt Damon, Adam Driver, and Jodie Comer. Its change in structure is also denoted by change in diverse camera angles, which helps the audience tell the the different perspectives apart. The performances by each of the main characters too is strong, but Adam Driver’s is the stand-out. Written by Kieran Burt Designed by Sophie Puffett PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 30
Podcasting dates to 2004 when a program was created that could download Internet radio broadcasts. Adam Curry and Dave Winer invented this before Apple jumped onto the bandwagon in 2005 realising the opportunity they had, and they updated iTunes to support podcasts. Almost 20 years later and podcasts are thriving, with over 850,000 active ones. Podcasts appeal to almost anyone due to how easy they are to download and navigate.
Something particularly appealing is that the episodes can vary from a few minutes to maybe an hour, meaning they can be listened to while doing housework, on the tram to university, or brushing your teeth. There’s nothing you have to look at while you listen, making it perfect for walks, drives and chores. There is truly something for everyone.
I found myself listening to podcasts a lot more when lockdown hit, as I had all this free time and nothing to Not only that but the genre is so diverse, there is fill it with. It also provided a sort of escapism from the something for everyone from true crime to politics, football pandemic and being stuck in my house all day long. to sexual health and everything inbetween. True crime became my go-to genre of podcasts, And That’s Why We Drink hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schulz was one of my favourites. The podcast told a supernatural story and a true crime case while the hosts had enough banter and segways from the actual topics to make it an entertaining and informative listen. True crime is a particularly popular type of podcast with over 200 having been launched between 2014 and 2020, and the genre is regularly seen in the top 20 podcasts on iTunes. These kinds of podcasts always help me get through the academic year as they offer a welcome distraction from the mountain of assignments looming over me, waiting for me to start them.
A recent release, Devils in the Dark, became a quick favourite of mine to listen to, and I find myself waiting for the new episodes every Monday. What a way to greet the week. They tell the story of some of the most horrific criminals in history, such as John Wayne Gacy and Ed Gein. True crime podcasts are not for everyone, but some people do find themselves interested in the inner workings of people who commit such heinous crimes, and perhaps, some people use them to help them stay safe out there.
However, less gruesome podcasts, such as What’sHerName were also getting me through the academic year. What’sHerName tells the story of the women in history who have been overlooked or forgotten. I was learning still but not staring at a screen trying to get an assignment done. Podcasts offer us an intimate space to learn, focus and and girls who hear about these overlooked women, maybe spark our imagination without taking up too much of our it will help them choose a career path. time or removing us from our day, or work we need to do. Podcasts have a lot of potential for what they can be about What’sHerName is an example of a podcast that lets us and what they can do, which is probably why they’re so learn, and perhaps spark the imagination of the women popular. PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 31
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Three Books That Improved My University Year Another book which got me through this academic year is The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. The 2022 academic year was a year of growth and many different experiences, with reading becoming a vital part of my learning and growth as a young woman. This year I have really developed and I am very proud of how far I’ve come academically and personally. I have learned so much - not just through university and my degree - but by reading many different books which I have fallen in love with reading again this year and it has helped me so much. Reading is a vital part of learning and sometimes life can get too busy for many people to sit down, relax, unwind, and read a book. There are so many books which can help selfdevelopment and learning, but I have read so many books and novels this year which have changed the way I think and the way I see society. I have selected three books which have helped me through the academic year, which I would recommend to others for an interesting read for when term is over. One of the first books I would recommend this year is Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given. This is a non-fiction book which is a beginner’s guide to intersectional feminism and being a strong woman. Florence Given is a London based activist and illustrator who published her debut novel, Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, in June 2020 during the pandemic.
It is an incredible book which covers topics which women struggle with, such as sexual assault and sexuality. It is full of pills that are hard to swallow, but it is an excellent read which someone of any gender should read to get a deeper insight into feminism, whilst being easy to understand. This is the book that sparked my love for reading again, as it perfectly captured the struggles and barriers that women face in modern society. As a raging feminist it fuelled my anger and need to create change. It is the ultimate book for anyone who wants to break barriers and bring down the patriarchy. The book is full of gorgeous drawings with empowering messages, famous quotes from inspiring women, and reminders that women are powerful beings. It is the book that my 16-year-old self would have needed when I first became aware of the different adversities that women face, just because of their gender. It highlights that no woman’s experience is the same, as there are other barriers which many women face that put them at a bigger disadvantage than other women. Despite some topics being hard to read (trigger warnings are mentioned when there are topics which someone could struggle to read), it is a novel I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about feminism. It is available in all good bookshops, but I bought my copy from Oliver Bonas for £12.99
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Written in 1963 it is the only novel which Sylvia Plath wrote; it is a semi-autobiographical novel with the names and places changed. It covers topics such as rejection from romantic relationships, mental health issues, suicide, and being a woman hoping for a prosperous career in the late 50’s. It was not common for mental illness to be spoken about during the time the novel was published and it delves deep into the struggles of depression with the main character Esther Greenwood ending up in a mental hospital. Sylvia Plath’s novel speaks to those who have struggled with mental health, understanding how someone can be trapped by their brain and unable to escape sadness. This is a book which can lead to insightful thinking and tends to leave readers unsettled. It creatively displays Sylvia Plath’s own struggle with her mental health as the characters are designed to reflect her brain and show how someone who is mentally unstable has to keep it together in front of people despite being full of despair inside. It is a plunge into the insanity that Plath felt inside her mind whilst being incredibly captivating and extremely well written. I would recommend this to someone who has struggled with their mental health, as it is an amazing fiction novel which has incredibly insightful quotes in and can trigger deep thinking and wonder.
As a student journalist, the ability to write in shorthand is something that I have to master and the Teeline Gold Word List book is helping me with my studies. If you have ever wished you could write as quickly as your lecturer’s speech, then Teeline shorthand is the way to go. It appears to be a series of hieroglyphics or symbols to the unknowing, but it is in fact based on many core principles in which we write in longhand. This book is a journalist’s bible for shorthand which has every word and more that you would need to be able to pick up shorthand and write at the pace people talk. Shorthand is the module I have struggled with the most this year as it is like picking up a new language and trying to learn a new language amongst the rest of the course has been a struggle, but this book has been the holy grail of learning shorthand. Shorthand is a skill that many people struggle with so this book, which I picked up from eBay for around £3 was an absolute bargain for how much I have used it this academic year. Reading should be something relaxing as well as informative and a way to learn about the world, so these three books have been a huge help in this academic year, they have helped me grow as a young woman and assisted me in my degree. Written by Megan Lewis Designed by Sophie Puffett
All Photos ware taken from www.waterstones.com
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 33
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
The Best Video Games To Play In Summer 2022
CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT
Gaming is one of the biggest form of stress relief out there, it takes you from the here and now, transporting you into a virtual world full of story and action. During the pandemic, The Guardian reports 62% of people played video games in the UK with many continuing on this trend ever since.
Heading into the summer, it’s the time to relax and wind down, not stress about essay deadlines or finding a news story – its time that’s all about you. Here are the top games to play this summer:
Saints Row
I know what you’re thinking, and no I am not talking about the Saints Row which released all the way back in 2006. This next entry in Deep Silver Volition’s beloved Saints Row franchise is a reboot of the series as a whole, seemingly ditching (somewhat) the outrageously over-the-top narratives which the last few titles followed. That means no superpowers or aliens this time around. In fact, this new entry feels more on a level with the second and third game combined into one, and I think I can speak for the entire Saints Row fanbase when I say “we’re here for that!” We have only seen snippets of gameplay so far, but the crisp visuals and mechanics look to make this easily one of the strongest games of the year.
Nintendo Switch Sports
Finally, it’s about time, Nintendo announced that the ever so loved Wii Sports will be making a comeback but with a fresh coat of paint. Nintendo Switch Sports is set to encapsulate gamers with the simple but fresh mechanics by introducing loveable and fun games from Badminton to Tennis to Bowling. What makes this so unique is the new games introduced: Volleyball, Badminton and Soccer. The Switch encourages gameplay with other people and this is the perfect game to play with friends over the summer, competing to be the top Switch sports star!
Two Points Campus
Two Point Campus is an upcoming simulation management game and successor to 2018’s Two Point Hospital. If you’ve played Two Point Hospital, then you know what you’re getting into. You simply go around managing your own university campuses and seeing your students through their time in education. There are lots of systems and mechanics in place, so it’s not exactly black and white. Just expect to be building lots of bathrooms, lecture halls, and common rooms as you watch your eager little students blossom into working young adults.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
One of the biggest games to come from the Nintendo Switch – Mario Kart 8 Deluxe showcases the best of the best when it comes to dynamic battle racing. While this game has been out for many years, Nintendo have recently released the first part of a six step DLC release, where eight new tracks will be remade in HD. This DLC includes loveable tracks such as ‘Coconut Mall’ from the Nintendo Wii. These courses will be released in the stages mentioned until the end of 2023 and how can you not get all your friends involved in this loveable racing game. PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 34
This will definitely be one of the more time consuming Summer titles for gamers out there. Written by Jack Proverbs and Adam Eaton Designed by Sophie Puffett Photos by Nintendo and Polygon
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SPORT
SPORT bone dry, forcing riders to contend with clouds of choking dust that hampered breathing and visibility. Instead, it was British team Ineos Grenadiers that took the early initiative, using their strength in depth to set a blistering pace in crosswinds, causing the peloton to split in half before the 50km mark. Many of the pre-race favourites, including van der Poel and Van Aert, were caught out by the move and had to expend some of their domestiques to chase down the lead group.
Van Baarle conquers the cobbles to take Paris-Roubaix Crown Étienne Callaghan attended the famous Paris-Roubaix over his Easter holiday and wrote about his experiences for Platform. The 29-year-old Dutchman, Dylan van Baarle, launched a solo attack to surprise the favourites and win cycling's most famous one-day race. Thousands of fans from across Europe flocked to northern France on Sunday, April 17 to line the 257km route of the ‘l’Enfer du Nord’, which translates as The Hell of the North. The 119th edition of the event lived up to its reputation in a particularly chaotic showdown that saw many of the race’s protagonists pick up punctures at crucial moments. Paris-Roubaix, also known as the ‘Queen of the Classics’, is one of cycling's five ‘monuments’, alongside Milan - San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, Liege-Bastogne-Liege, and Il Lombardia.
Many fans regard it as the toughest of them all, due to the 30 cobbled sections that make up almost a fifth of the overall distance, which is the same as cycling from London to Sheffield. Legendary Irish cyclist and two-time winner of Paris-Roubaix, Sean Kelly, said: “Paris-Roubaix is a horrible race to ride but the most beautiful one to win.”
connerie!” (Paris Roubaix is bulls**t!). The race is one of the most storied in the sport and pre-dates the Tour de France. It has been running continuously since 1896, pausing only for two World Wars and more recently, a global pandemic.
The cruel nature in which victory can be snatched from leaders due to factors out of their control, such as a fall on slippery cobbles or an unfortunate mechanical failure, has led to Oympic gold-medallist Chris Boardman calling it "a circus.”
Despite the name, this year’s route began 60 kilometres north of Paris in the small town of Compiègne, before snaking through France’s traditional coal-mining region to Roubaix, where the race finishes with one and a half laps of the open-air Velodrome André Petrieux. The Hell of the North made a welcome return to its traditional Easter slot for the first time since 2019, after last year’s event was postponed until the autumn.
While, after winning it in 1981, fivetime Tour de France winner, Bernard Hinault, said: “Paris-Roubaix est une
In stark contrast to the treacherously wet conditions faced last October, this weekend’s Paris-Roubaix was
The event holds a mythical status for many, but it isn’t universally popular among riders.
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With over 100km left, Slovenian Matej Mohorič (Bahrain-Victorious) showed his strength by igniting an attack ahead of the first iconic fivestar cobbled section, the Arenberg Trench (one of only three sectors given the highest difficulty rating). At one point, the breakaway group managed to build a two-minute lead on the main field before an elite selection of riders forged together to reel them in. As the race passed 40km to go, a nine-man group including van Aert, van der Poel, Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ), Yves Lampaert (Quickstep-Alpha Vinyl) and Dylan van Baarle battled it out just behind the leading duo of Mohorič and the defiant Tom Devriendt (IntermarchéWanty-Gobert Matériaux).
However, the Dutchman was at one with the cobbles and managed to extend his slender lead in the final kilometres to cross the line nearly two minutes ahead of anyone else. “It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t believe it when I came into the velodrome. I was completely alone”, van Baarle said. His team manager, Sir Dave Brailsford, stood with open arms at the finish to embrace the racewinner as he broke the record for the fastest-ever Paris-Roubaix, notching an average speed of 45.8 km/h along the route. The win was even more special for the Ineos Grenadiers team, who have been in fine fettle this spring, as van Baarle handed them their first win at Roubaix. The Dutchman’s victory comes after teammates Michał Kwiatkowski and Magnus Sheffield won Amstel Gold Race and Brabantse Pijl respectively, in the week prior to the monument. The hugely successful team (formerly Team Sky) have won 11 grand tours since they were formed just over a decade ago but had never emerged victorious on the prestigious cobbles. Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins, heaped praise on Ineos and
Brailsford stating that “they played it perfectly.” Lampaert and Mohorič looked nailed on to round out the podium until a spectator caught Lampaert’s handlebars, throwing the Belgian from his bike with 7km left. Mohorič was soon caught and a bunch sprint eventually saw van Aert claim second and Küng third, with van der Poel rolling across the line 45 seconds later for a ninth-place finish. Van Aert’s result was particularly impressive, maintaining his composure despite having a challenging day that saw him forced to change bikes three times following mechanical issues. Questions were raised over the Jumbo-Visma rider’s fitness in the build up to the race, with doubts over whether he would even start after testing positive for COVID only a fortnight ago. However, he put to bed any doubt with a gutsy performance, declaring at the finish line: “every classic is hard, but Roubaix is utter chaos and a suffer-fest until the finish line.” Written by Étienne Callaghan Designed by Sophie Puffett Photos by Étienne Callaghan
Over the last seven cobbled sectors, countless attacks were launched in the leading group and just as many cruel punctures were suffered. With van Aert and van der Poel too worried about countering each other they missed the chance to clamp down on the decisive move of the race. Van Baarle surged from the group with 19km to go, just before the final five-star section, Carrefour de l’Arbre with Lampaert and Mohorič giving chase.
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 39
SPORT
SPORT
VARSITY
VARSITY
Rainy Skies Couldn’t Dampen Trent’s Mood As They Cruised To 2-0 Win Over UoN Nottingham Trent cruised to victory in their Varsity tie with Uni of Nottingham in front of a raucous crowd at Greenwich Avenue. Goals from Tom Cursons and Tom Jones secured victory for the boys in pink. It’s not unusual for NTU to triumph in the football with a successive run of wins stretching from 2012 to 2018. For the vast majority of players from both sides it was the first time that they had featured in a Varsity fixture and that inexperience showed early on for NTU. Just four minutes into the game UoN had their first chance after a break down the right a cross was stood up, but Isaac Stones’ header could only strike the woodwork. The players contested every ball as if their lives were on the line. You could really feel the tension in the air. Trent grew into the contest and, thanks to some chanting from the crowd and battling in midfield, began to emerge as the better team. The referee - who looked like a student himself - also seemed intimidated by the occasion, from the moment he blew his whistle he looked out of his depth. He had a real decision to make on 33 minutes, when UoN defender Tom Unwin brought down NTU striker Tom Cursons who looked to be clear through on goal.
In most other fixtures an early shower would have been the result but the young referee shirked the difficult decision, awarding a yellow. Just seconds later, Trent thought they had a definite penalty shout turned down by the referee.
aggressive tackles in an attempt to find a way back into the game.
Half-time saw the referee getting an earful from both benches, refilling of pints in the crowd, but unfortunately a lack of cheerleaders due to the slightly damp conditions.
Ocean Wednesday was a heavy one for the boys in pink that night, as they celebrated their Varsity victory.
Three minutes after the resumption NTU hit the front.
As the clock wound down, UoN supporters began to make their way back to Lenton and Dunkirk much to the joy of the Trent fans.
Written by Alex Brinton Designed by Sophie Puffett Photos by Reagan Yip
A penalty, cooly-converted by Gibson, sent one half of Greenwich Avenue into raptures and the other into despair. Just before the hour mark some shocking defending from Joel Valentin laid the ball at the feet of Jones for a simple tap-in. Trent began to seize control of the crunch fixture. Controversy and the referee were firm friends throughout the game as he waved away UoN penalty shouts on two separate occasions in the second half. How Unwin remained on the field is a mystery that only the referee can answer after at least another three challenges that could have easily resulted in a second booking. As the second half wore on, NTU really controlled the contest as their Varsity rivals resorted to increasingly
PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 40
NTU Crowned Kings Of The Ice After Late Varsity Win Over UoN Nottingham Trent University regained their ice hockey Parity barely lasted a minute, though, with UoN captain crown in the classic showpiece event of Varsity with a James Cox forcing Guest to parry to his left and Shaw stunning comeback 5-2 win, reports Will Hugall. picking up possession to slap an easy finish in for 2-1. Though trailing 1-0 at the end of the first period and 2-1 NTU were taken aback by the rapid-fire goal and went into after the second, NTU stormed back with an imperious their shell, but could take heart from having the greater final 20 minutes and clinched a title that hadn’t been theirs number of shots in the second period. since 2017. Whether or not Zoe Clifton’s puck-off victory against AJ With history detailing that the ice hockey has always been Gooden in the second interval was the inspiration behind tightly contested – with seven wins for each uni since its the Trent comeback is to be debated, but it certainly inception – another close contest was expected three coincided with a great comeback. years since UoN took the 2019 title by a scoreline of 9-6. That contest was the highest scoring game Varsity has After Guest made a couple of smart saves, it was Toby ever seen, and it was immediately clear that this match Ryter with the equaliser for Trent, taking advantage of a would follow a different pattern. face-off to smash a finish in. Both teams executed excellent defence in the opening minutes, with NTU goaltender James Guest responsible for three solid stops.
The players in pink went on the charge, and just a couple of minutes later, Ryter got another chance, slapping the puck past Thornton to give NTU the lead.
Guest was busier than his UoN counterpart Luke Thornton Frustrated by a call to send off Gell after a scrap involving in the first period, certainly, but when Thornton copped both teams, Trent were highly motivated and soon put the a puck to the face from Oliver Hooper’s shot, the visitors game out of UoN’s reach. knew that they were in for a game. Working a patient move forward, Yokoyama got his This would mean little for NTU, however, when UoN chance and crashed a finish past Thornton to secure a opened the scoring late in the first period, with Ben crucial 4-2 lead. Marples sticking the puck just inside the post to beat Guest. UoN had no choice but to chase the game with just two minutes left, and by sacrificing Thornton for an extra NTU came out stronger after the interval, but Guest still outfield skater, left their goal completely unattended. had to be alert to stop shots from James Shaw and Leo This allowed Trent’s Bryan Lim to chip a shot from his own Cheng while a late tackle from Aleksander Kozachuck half over the last defender, which skidded all the way in to forced the Trent man into a two-minute penalty. make it 5-2. The adversity drew something out of Trent, however, and Michael Berehowskyj, George Gell and John Revell all soon tested Thornton.
NTU had their first victory for five years, therefore, and regardless of its impact on the final score, the return to the Motorpoint Arena was one of the most memorable nights of Varsity 2022.
This pressure finally culminated in an equaliser in the 35th minute, as the talismanic Zach Yokoyama drove in and Written by Will Hugall fired past the UoN goalie. Designed by Sophie Puffett Photo by Reagan Yip PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 41
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VARSITY
University Of Nottingham Triumph Over NTU In Women’s Basketball Varsity Clash A strong, physical performance from the University of Nottingham saw off Nottingham Trent in the women's basketball at David Ross Sports Village. They ran out 70-57 winners in the end.
closed the gap, thanks to some stellar shooting from Liz Moormann to seven points after half-time.
Amari Price was excellent for Trent, after half time, running the show from the point guard position Uni of Nottingham raced out of the and even forcing UoN's Kenny blocks and opened their account Hamilton into pressing her full with a long two-pointer courtesy of court. Charlotte Redhead. As the third quarter drew to a The hosts held an early 13-5 close Price and Redhead traded advantage and ended the quarter three-pointers which were met up 24-11 as NTU struggled to take with roars from the crowd. the lid off the basket. The gap was ten points as the Trent were incredibly sloppy teams entered the final quarter. throughout the first half, as their only consistent scoring outlet was UoN used their centre Kennedy Mari Stewart whose tireless work Nicholas increasingly well as the in the paint was rewarded with second half progressed and she buckets. was able to dominate the paint on the offensive end. Stewart, who plays for Sheffield Trent seemed to use up all their Hatters in the Women's British energy finding a way back into the Basketball League , has been match in the third quarter and as a big player for the team this the decisive fourth rolled on they year and has showed strong looked flat and struggled on both leadership. the defensive and offensive ends only managing seven points in the UoN were strong from the freewhole quarter. throw line - unlike their male counterparts - which gave them a It became a war of attrition in the decisive advantage. This lead to end and the physical approach an unflattering 42-25 scoreline at by UoN, led by Grace Aston and the end of the first half. Kennedy Nicholas, meant they emerged victorious in the women's They would have been down a basketball and do what the men further three points at half-time couldn't. if it wasn't for a fantastic buzzerbeating three from skipper Ines Written by Alex Brinton Gerreiro. Designed by Sophie Puffett Photos by Reagan Yip That three served as a turning point in the contest as Trent PLATFORM MAGAZINE - SUMMER 2022 - PG 42
WRITERS HANNAH ADAMS ALEX BRINTON KIERAN BURT ETIENNE CALLAGHAN ADAM EATON WILL HUGALL JOE JAMES TOM KITCHIN JANTA KUMARI ELEANOR LAWRENCE MEGAN LEWIS RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU KATIE MORTIMER SOPHIE NEWSOME MADDIE OSBORN JACK PROVERBS SHANNON SAMECKI GIANLUCA SPATARO ROSE TAYLOR YASMIN TURNER LOUISE WALT
DESIGN RAASHI KHATRI RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU SOPHIE PUFFETT ELLIE RUFF BETH TRIM HANNAH SEGAR
WITH THANKS TO THE PLATFORM TEAM PHOTOGRAPHY MEG ATKINSON ETIENNE CALLAGHAN WILL HUGALL JANTA KUMARI MEGAN LEWIS SOPHIE NEWSOME REAGAN YIP TOM PLATINUM MORLEY RM PHOTOGRAPHY @REBECCA_.PHOTOGRAPHY