The Collective Magazine | Issue 02 | Christmas Edition by The Collective Magazine

cover artwork by @majatomljanovic/Instagram

COLLECTIVE

THE

MAG

DECEMBER ‘21

ISSUE 02

CONTENTS cover artwork by @majatomljanovic/Instagram

04 06

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

A POLITICAL PODCAST JUNKIES’ CHRISTMAS SURVIVIAL GUIDE

HEALTH & WELLBEING

CURRENT AFFAIRS

ADVENT OF CHANGE: THE CHARITY ADVENT CALENDAR THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE HEALTH & WELLBEING

TORY SLEAZE IN 2021: THE BEGINNING OF THE END? CURRENT AFFAIRS

WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 12: CAN WE SAVE OUR PLANET BEFORE THE NEW YEAR KICKS IN?

THE BEST CHRISTMAS MUSIC CULTURE

THE BRITISH MONARCHY: A RIGHT ROYAL SHAKE UP? CURRENT AFFAIRS

TOP FIVE CHRISTMAS FILMS CULTURE

WILL IT EVER BE HER GAME TOO? SPORTS

@thecollectivemag_

COMING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS GRADUATE CORNER

28 30

BEST SPORTING MOMENTS OF 2021

the collective magazine

SPORTS

@_collectivemag

CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY: DO’S AND DON’TS

the collective magazine

GRADUATE CORNER

@thecollectivemag

CHRISTMAS CHEER OR CRUELTY: BOXING DAY RACES? SPORTS

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

It feels absolutely insane to be reaching the end of 2021 and for it to be Christmas time already. This year has absolutely flown by and I’m still torn on whether that’s a great thing or not! There’s no denying that Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year, which makes our first Christmas mini zine all the more exciting! We wanted a special way to celebrate the end of another year and what better way to do it! 2021 has been a huge year for The Collective Magazine. Our team has changed and grown, none of this would be possible without all of their hard work. We’ve got a new section - this year we welcomed sports to the magazine and we can’t wait to see it grow as a section in 2022. And we started sharing our digital magazines, which we hope to do much more in 2022!

MILLIE SMITH FOUNDER & EDITOR 04

We have big plans for 2022 - there’ll be some changes and some new faces but the purpose of the magazine remains the same. The Collective Magazine is a space for students, young people and graduates to write and gain experience, expanding their portfolios and we can’t wait to help more people with our platform in 2022. For now, a big thank you to everyone involved with us and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DEPUTY EDITORS zach bishop paige robson EDITORS Caitlin morgan jessamie rattray lauren bromley-bird alycia mcnamara chloe o’keeffe lily newman SOCIAL MEDIA FAYE MINTON HARRIET ALLAN ALICE FROST

OUR TEAM SPORTS NAOMI FINNEN SAM DRAPER ANNA DUGDALE WEBSITE LOWRI HUMPHREYJONES TEAM ILLUSTRATOR AIMEE LEE

A Political Podcast Junkies’ Christmas Survival Guide If you are anything like me, a hopeless political junkie who enjoys nothing more than cosying up with a cup of tea, a big ol’ blanket and some fluffy socks to enjoy a good political podcast, then THIS is the survival guide for you this Christmas! Read along as I guide you through my top picks of engrossing political podcasts which will have you gripped to your headphones on these long winter nights. Now I’d be lying if I said I’d always been an avid listener of podcasts. To be honest, until this year – I found them utterly boring! But if the last twelve months has taught me anything, it’s that there are some bloody amazing podcasts out there (if you know where to look). The first show which got me into the world of podcasts wasn’t actually a political podcast at all, Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, the hilarious and talented host of

Netflix’s Queer Eye, demonstrated to me how podcasts can be anything but boring! Each episode involves Jonathan interviewing a different professional from a certain area of their interest, this ranges from anything like politics, astrology to ancient history. Now of course, this is a political junkies’ survival guide so I would 100% recommend any political episodes where Jonathan has delved into the likes of American politics, Brexit and women’s rights – its simply a must-listen!! If you are someone who is new to the world of politics, then the Bare Naked Politics podcast is for you! The host of this wonderful podcast does an incredible job at breaking down everything that’s going down in the world, without expecting you know every little thing about politics – making politics accessible to the masses!

Fans of the craziness that is American politics like myself simply HAVE to take a listen to two podcasts this holiday season! The BBC’s Americast is a fabulous place to start, breaking down US politics for us Brits and keeping us up to date on everything going on across the pond! Pod Save America also deserves an honourable mention, a show hosted by exObama administration employees, which explores US politics on a slightly more advanced level and is great for anyone who hates Donald Trump as much as myself (I may have slightly outed my political leanings right there – but I promise this is a survival guide for all political junkies of all ideologies!) One massively underrated current affairs podcast which you simply have to check out this holiday season is The Right Dishonourable which is a weekly conversation between two men from completely different ends of the political spectrum;

one a remain-voting left winger and the other a leave-voting tory. Each week they debate and break down everything going on in British politics whilst having a laugh doing so – similarly acting as an example of how people from different political leanings can be friends, have fun and find common ground between them. Finally, Labour MP Jess Phillips has recently started a new podcast which deserves a big mention; Yours Sincerely. Jess’ humour, wittiness and straight-talking views make this show a joy to listen to! Each episode sees Jess talk to a different celebrity and delve into three people who mean the world to them – guests so far have included Benjamin Zephaniah, Alistair Campbell and Charly Cox. written by: Zach Bishop

advent of chan Each year it feels like the supermarkets roll out their advent calendars earlier and earlier. The second Halloween has ended, supermarket shelves are adorned with chocolate-filled calendars at ‘bargain’ prices. In recent years we have seen a rise in high street shops, such as Boots, or the Body Shop, creating advent calendars too. Even designer retailors like Dior have hopped on the hugely profitable trend of Christmas advent calendars. Christmas has rapidly been overtaken with rampant consumerism; the idea that we must purchase extravagant gifts for everyone we know; embellish our houses with ornate decorations, and have a new dress for every Christmas party. Without wishing to sound like a Scrooge, in recent years it seems the true message of Christmas has fallen by the wayside. The altruistic notion of giving to others selflessly has gotten lost amongst the hundreds of Christmas cards littering our mantle pieces. Christmas has become a holiday focused on the self. But it doesn’t have to be that way, and Advent of Change is the perfect example. It’s easy to forget about those less fortunate than ourselves

The Charity Advent Calenda at Christmas, but Advent of Change, a non-profit organisation with a mission to make the world fairer, more equal, and more sustainable, makes giving to others effortless. Started at her kitchen table, founder Kristina, wanted to take a product designed to receive and make it something designed to give instead. Advent of Change sells a multitude of gifts, including a charity advent calendar of change, all designed to make a difference to the people who need it most. The charity advent calendar of change (retailing at £17.95, and available to purchase online, or at retailers such as John Lewis,) has 24 perforated doors, much like a standard advent calendar; but instead of revealing a small chocolate each day, each door reveals a 50p donation to a different charity. As well as revealing your donation, behind each door is a short description of how your donation could be used by that charity. The advent calendar of change donates to charities such as: Hospice UK, a national charity working for people experiencing death, dying or

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ar that Makes a Difference bereavement; Re-Engage, a charity with a mission to combat isolation and loneliness amongst the elderly; and Pathway Project, a Staffordshire based service supporting survivors of domestic or sexual abuse. If an advent calendar isn’t for you, Advent of Change also stock gifts like candles, baubles and pin badges, as well as Christmas crackers, each included information about the charities you’ve helped to support. So why is Advent of Change such a great alternative to a regular Christmas gift? According to www. charitycommision.bolg.gov.uk 60% of charities have seen a loss of income this year due to Covid-19, and 32% have seen a decrease in volunteers. So, whilst 50p a day might not sound like a lot, it still works to help those who are most in need. In fact, in 2018, Advent of Change raised £100,000 for 24 different charities, and in 2019, they more than doubled their donations. Despite the hardships we all faced in 2020, Advent of Change went on to raise a further £235,000. In one of the hardest few years of our lives, Advent of Change is the easiest way to make life better for others, at one of the most difficult and expensive times of year. written by: Phoebe Hurst

TORY SLEAZ

Is this the beginning of the end In December 2019, Boris Johnson led the Conservative Party to a landslide victory in the snap general election. Winning an 80-seat majority, Mr Johnson strengthened both his position as Prime Minister and his mandate to “get Brexit done,” the pledge on which he founded his electoral campaign. While the polls had anticipated a Tory majority, the party’s success exceeded all expectations, leaving Labour to suffer its worst defeat since 1935. Two years and a global pandemic later, Mr Johnson’s political fortune seems to falter. Both the Prime Minister’s and his party’s approval rate have plunged over the last few months. According to Ipsos MORI’s latest report on voting intentions, released on 8th November, the Conservatives have lost 4 points since the previous survey. The two biggest parties are now head-to-head, with Labour actually leading by a 1% margin. The Prime Minister’s own approval rate has been declining steadily over the past few months. Figures published by YouGov reveal that almost two

thirds of respondents currently think that Mr Johnson is doing “badly” at his job, while his popularity hit a record low of 29%. Different factors could explain the Prime Minister’s fall from grace, including the underwhelming achievements of the COP26 UK presidency, recurring tensions over trade and migration with neighbouring EU member states, and above all rising public concerns about the state of the British economy. However, a fatal blow to the voters’ confidence in the Government came from a recent sleaze row that swept Parliament last month. The Owen Paterson affair In October, the Commons Committee on Standards recommended suspending Conservative MP Owen Paterson from office for breaching lobbying rules. The watchdog found that Mr Paterson used his parliamentary office to advance the private interest of two companies he was working for as paid consultant. He also allegedly held private business meeting using parliamentary

ZE IN 2021

d for Boris Johnson's Hey Day? facilities, and admitted to the lesser breach of writing business-related correspondence on House of Commons headed paper. However, Mr Paterson avoided suspension in Parliament thanks to direct Government intervention. The Conservatives pushed through an amendment to overturn the previous report and establish a new cross-party committee to re-assess the Paterson case. The amendment passed by a narrow margin, as 13 Tories rebelled to the party whip and others abstained. The opposition also boycotted the amendment, accusing the Government of corruption. Far from remaining “a Westminster village story,” the vote sparked a public outcry. The national press unanimously condemned the Government’s behaviour, while Tory voters flooded their Parliament representatives with protest messages. In the end, public outrage and tensions within the majority forced the Government to make a dramatic

u-turn. The Prime Minister dropped the plans to change the standards system and publicly admitted that the Paterson case could have been handled “better.” But this did not prevent a significant erosion of public trust. Now, the Standards Committee is considering a proposal to ban MPs from working as paid consultants or advisers. If passed into law, the bill would directly affect over 30 MPs who are currently employed in lucrative side hustles. While MPs are allowed to have second jobs, provided that they are not ministers, opinion surveys suggest that the British public is mostly opposed to the idea. Private employment in businesses and financial institutions is the job category most frowned upon, with over 60% of respondents expressing disapproval. The end of Boris Johnson’s golden age? The Johnson premiership is not new to sleaze allegations. Only in the last year, alleged cronyism in public procurement led to disastrous outcomes. During the Covid-19

national lockdown, a food firm owned by a Conservative party donor was the centre of a scandal over the supply of inadequate free school meals replacement parcels to low-income families affected by school closures. Other scandals hit the Prime Minister personally. Earlier this year, refurbishment works conducted at his private residence came under scrutiny due to the unclear origin of the funds used. Mr Johnson insisted that he covered the costs himself but refused to answer the opposition’s questions about receiving undeclared loans to fund the flat renovations. While Mr Johnson mostly got away with such incidents in the past, the latest sleaze row seems to have made more of an impact on public opinion. This could be because the Paterson case, similarly to the free school meals fiasco, exposed once again the concrete consequences

of undue private influences in public affairs. One of Mr Paterson’s clients, private healthcare company Randox, was involved in a Covid-19 testing failure in August 2020, when 750,000 of its testing kits were recalled due to safety concerns. The company had reportedly obtained the Government contract without a public bidding. Only time, and in particular the next voting rounds, will tell us whether the Tory sleaze row will make a lasting impact on British politics, or if it will eventually die down as just another Westminster village story. Much depends on what the opposition will make of Mr Johnson’s multiple shortcomings as Prime Minister, and whether Labour will be able to regain voters’ confidence, which remains rather underwhelming to date. Whatever the case, the British public has clearly demonstrated to care about ethics in politics, and that in itself should prick up people’s ears in Westminster. written by: Francesca Di Fazio

FEST I VE TUNES Did you know that we’re on spotify? Annnd our Festive Tunes Playlist is now LIVE! You can find us by searching for ‘The Collective Mag’ on Spotify or by scanning the code below! What playlists do we want to see in the future?

Climate change is perhaps one of the most urgent problems facing humanity at the moment. Although there have been periods of natural climate change in Earth’s history, high emissions of greenhouse gases, such as Caron Dioxide and Methane, are causing the most rapid changes ever seen. Here’s a rundown of the biggest culprits: 1. Burning fossil fuels 2. Deforestation 3. Agriculture 4. Steel making 5. Cement production Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists provide a doomsday clock every year measuring the fate of planet earth in terms of time until midnight (doomsday). Although originally made by Martyl Langsdorf to measure nuclear risk, it now includes climate change and other existential threats to humanity. In January 2018 this was 2 minutes from midnight, from January 2020 it’s been 100 seconds from midnight. This is the closest the clock’s ever come to midnight, closer than during the cold war (Mecklin, J., 2021). Why does climate change matter, though? I mean, there have been ice ages and climate changes

w throughout history, right? Well, firstly, climate change has never happened at such an alarming rate. Secondly, the evidence is undeniable that this increase is from human activity, therefore technically preventable. Thirdly, this rapid change in the climate is threatening biodiversity on Earth as well as human life as we know it. Flash flooding, wildfires and other extreme weather is becoming much more common, and Madagascar is on the brink of a climate change induced famine (UN News, 2021). The region has been hit by severe droughts, and climate change has disrupted its usual cycle of a dry season from May to October and rainy season from November. Harvests are failing in the area, and people are even being driven to eating locusts and cactus leaves. Quoting Doctor Who: “never interfere with the affairs of other peoples or planets, unless there are children crying,” well, there are definitely children crying here. Because of having to rely more and more on money-making work, instead of living off the land, families in this region are having to keep their children from school so they

when the clock strikes 12: can we save our planet before the new year kicks in?

can work.

Climate change isn’t just affecting Madagascar; between 1984 and 2015 the number of wildfires in the United States has doubled (Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions).

Okay, so that’s all suitably depressing, but what can we do about it? We all know that recycling, turning off lights and using solar panels and wind turbines for our homes (when possible) are good things. Individuals can also cut out meat consumption, since meat production is one of the biggest producers of Carbon Dioxide and Methane. If individuals who ate meat simply gave it up for one day a week, 70 million gallons of gas, 100 billion gallons of water, and three million acres of land could be spared (Nelson, B., 2021). It’s better for your health, and the health of the planet!

Using single-use plastics is a huge problem as well, since they take 1,000 years to decompose. So having reusable water bottles and Tupperware instead is small change that can make a positive impact. This would also help save the 34% of dead leatherback sea turtles found to have ingested plastics (Armentrout, B., 2021). Something that is lesser known as well, is the impact of the chemicals produced as plastics break down, which impair the growth of the marine microorganism Prochlorococcus, which provides about one tenth of the worlds oxygen. Using less plastics can help preserve this vital bacteria. Something which might have the biggest impact of all is putting pressure on the powers that be to change the systems which create so much pollution. For example, the brilliant documentary Joe Lycett vs. the Oil Giant exposed how Shell invests far more in fossil fuels and oil than it does in renewable energy, despite claiming to be a producer of green power. Our governments and the companies which produce our power have a massive responsibility to use the many renewable energy sources available and stop investing in oil and other pollutants.

For most people, it can feel fruitless to try and tackle climate change when big companies are still fracking and cutting down the rainforest, but as consumers we can try our best to put our money into more ethical companies, and boycott those which contribute to climate change. For example, buying locally sourced groceries not only helps the environment but also supports small business and a sense of community. To see why this is important, check out the Carbon Majors Report, which found that more than half of global industrial emissions since 1988 could be traced to just 25 corporate and state-owned companies, including BP, Shell and Exxon Mobil (CDP, 2017). In addition to being massive pollutants, these companies also risk wasting a ton of money by investing in oils, coal and gas, when renewable energy is advancing so much and people are waking up to the need for change. It is important to hold big business accountable because, not only are they responsible for the majority of climate change, but most lowincome individuals aren’t in a position to search for more responsible

companies or pay the extra money it can cost to buy organic and local products. It has also become a minefield trying to figure out if companies are actually being responsible, or just acting like they are. Openness and transparency from corporations is critical if we’re to stop the climate crisis. It is also important to encourage connection to the earth. In the modern world most of us are so disconnected from nature, where our food is from, what the wildlife around us is doing, that we can forget how important it is. Humans evolved alongside nature, respecting the ecosystem by moving before wildlife was over-hunted, incorporating animals and nature into religions. Communities such as Native Americans will tell you that nature is essential to humanity. The belief that they were born from the Grand Canyon is integral to many tribes belief systems, and by extension so is the responsibility they feel to their environment. So, perhaps a part of tackling climate change is tackling the modern alienation from humanities fundamental tie to the earth. written by: Victoria Lendon

THE BEST CHRI

Christmas is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a bit of Christmas music. There is a festive hit for everyone: from the jolly and cheerful to the more solemn and emotional, here’s a selection of some of the best, most electrifying Christmas songs that are sure to get them festive vibes flowing. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé The perfect symbol that the festive season has finally arrived,

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas is one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time. The track is the picture-perfect soundtrack to passing houses and shops that are flaunting their best Christmas decorations and lights. The track, originally written in 1951 by Meredith Willson, has been recorded by a multitude of artists since then. The likes of Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters, Jonny Mathis (as heard in Home Alone 2), and Andrea Bocelli have lent their talents to the classic. The most popular edition of the song is by the king of Christmas himself, Michael Bublé – and you just can’t go wrong with Bublé at Christmas. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl Love, despair, faith and heartbreak – the Irish folk-style ballad Fairytale of New York is the most-played Christmas song of the 21st century, and understandably has been dubbed the greatest Christmas song of all time. However, the song has come under fire in more recent years due to its use of a derogatory, homophobic slur. Radio stations,

ISTMAS MUSIC edited versions and covers now provide different lyrics, meaning the drunken hymn can still be thoroughly enjoyed. Merry Xmas Everybody - Slade Released in 1973, Slade’s Merry Xmas Everybody is an enigmatic festive banger, which is praised for celebrating the average, workingclass family Christmas experience. The relatability, paired with lyrical simplicity, make the glitter coated track a staple in the Christmas playlists each year. As with most Christmas songs these days, Merry Xmas Everybody has seen its fair share of high-profile covers, but it is clear that the original version by Slade will continue to reign supreme for many years to come. It is an intoxicating hit, and it (quite literally) screams, ‘It’s Christmas!’

Christmas is You is a pop masterpiece that just keeps on giving every Christmas season. The hit has reentered the UK Top 40 every year since 2007, and last year it finally reached the number one spot in UK charts after 26 Christmases of blessing our ears. Maybe the worldwide love for Mariah Carey this time of year has Love, Actually to thank – the movie (which many of us are hooked on at Christmas time) sees the track take up a major role in the plot. Either way, we are hooked: it’s safe to say that all we want for Christmas is Mariah! written by: Lexie Boardman

All I Want for Christmas is You – Mariah Carey Enter, queen of Christmas: Mariah Carey. The iconic holiday classic All I Want for

THE BRITISH MON The British Monarchy: One of the most talked about, adored and controversial institutions to exist today. In a society that is forever evolving - is it finally time for the British public to have their say on whether this archaic institution and family should continue their role within our society? Perhaps they will continue but should it be on the conditions that they work towards becoming more ethical and representing 21st Century Britain to resonate with the younger generation who are so detached from them? The current royal family line is traceable back to 1066. It is not outlandish to assume an institution created so long ago at a time incomparable to now is not going to reflect the country it claims to serve. Once the ruler of the nation, the Monarch adapted to a sovereign rule but has failed to adapt to the ideas and values of many people at present. At this point the conversation must happen about whether they are just a family performing old traditions and public duties to benefit themselves financially or do they really have the nation’s best interest at heart. The Royal Family’s official website states that members of the family support the Queen in her duties by

IS IT TIME F

conducting important work in the areas of public and charitable service to help strengthen national unity and stability. Knowing the huge financial benefits and overall privilege that comes with their positions, it is hard to see their intentions as pure. The website also states the Monarchy supports the idea of voluntary service. Between the Sovereign grant that the Royal Family receives every year and the money from the Duchy of Cornwall, a private estate that funds the family, on top of all the opportunities presented with being born into the family, I think labelling anything they do as voluntary service is misleading and patronising to the British public. The pedestal that some hold them on seems to be unwarranted and it is naive to not assume that a substantial percentage of people would perform the same duties for the same benefits. The Monarchy has been at the centre of news outlets around the world. They have not been short of their controversies and scandals over the years. However, the past few years seems to have taken a particularly big toll on how the public views them. In the age of social media

NARCHY:

FOR A RIGHT ROYAL SHAKE UP? which is allowing news to spread faster and people from within and outside the family speaking on their experiences, the Monarchy has taken heaps of scrutiny over their actions and their lack of. One of the most notorious being the news of Prince Andrews connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Prince Andrew was accused of sexual assault and battery towards a minor whilst having the knowledge that she had been sex trafficked. Prince Andrew has persistently denied these claims and stepped down from all public roles in 2020 due to his connection to Epstein. It’s also important to note this was not Andrew’s first scandal. Countless abuses of his power, decisions that benefited him financially and questionable judgements of his behaviour have been exposed throughout the years. Shockingly, the Queen will be privately funding all of Andrew’s legal bills relating to the ongoing claims against him. In a time where the monarchy has never been more unstable and their reputation is declining, this is a brave decision knowing the backlash that would arise. Maybe it is as simple as them knowing they have the money

and power to continue without repercussions. Having an institution enable the behaviour seen by Prince Andrew and disregard all victims whilst claiming to serve the people is tone deaf and not something that should represent an entire nation.

Easily the most talked about couple of the last few years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, recently announced they were stepping down from their royal duties. After this, in an interview with Oprah, they publicly shared their experiences of racism and lack of support from the Royal Family and the institution itself. The racism allegations amassed a broad range of responses from all over the world with many quickly taking sides. The news hit hard for some people. Given the history of the British Empire, seeing racism still alive within one of the biggest institutions in the world shows how far behind society they are. It further

highlights that the Monarchy does not represent modern Britain or stand for inclusivity and equality as it should. A 2021 YouGov survey showed that 31% of people aged 18-24 thought we should continue with a monarchy, 53% of people aged 25-49, 70% of people aged 50-64 and 81% of people aged 65+ with the remaining percentage voting for an elected Head of State instead to have full political power. With such a divide on the subject, especially by age group, it seems only fair to do the democratic thing and allow the British public to vote on a huge part of this country’s past, present, and future. Or in the case the Monarchy continues, they should consider other avenues to please the public. This could include reducing the size of the institution or the number of members who benefit from it financially. They could

consider stepping down from any political duties and remain partaking in strictly ceremonial and charitable duties to reduce the power and influence they have but keep the tourism that they attract to the UK alive. While the Queen remains popular the reputation of the Monarchy has been shattered, and the trust that once existed between the public and the Monarchy has been broken. Multiple surveys have found Prince Charles’ popularity and support to be far less than Queen Elizabeth’s. Once the Queen dies, is it finally time to have a vote on whether the monarchy continues, changes or simply abolished altogether? No matter what happens in the years to come, one thing is certain: the Monarchy is becoming less popular and losing support overtime and a substantial change is long overdue. written by: Casey Louise Thomas

TOP FIVE CHRISTMAS FILMS

Picture this, snow is falling, you are wrapped up in front of a log fire with hot chocolate and you quite literally feel like you could star in your own Christmas film, But what should you watch. Well luckily for you I have the top five Christmas films that I think you should be watching this festive season.

Firstly, one of my all-time favourite festive film series is the Home Alone series, there are four movies within the series and other remakes have been made. However, there is nothing that beats the first two Home Alone films starring Macaulay Culkin. For those who have not seen Home Alone here is the low down. Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left Home Alone when his whole family leave for a holiday, at first, he is very excited but when a couple of thieves try to break into his family home he puts up a fight. The film is both entertaining and comedic, good for individual watching or the whole family. The film is currently available in some local cinemas so check to see if it is available near you, but if not, you can also watch it online by renting it through Amazon Prime. If neither of

those options works for you Home Alone is often broadcast every year on various channels so you can also keep a lookout on there for it. Secondly, one of my and my boyfriend’s favourites that we have already watched, and will watch again before the festive season is over is Nativity. There are four different films to the Nativity series, but the best is the first one and the one I am recommending. For those who have not seen Nativity, it surrounds primary school teacher Paul Maddens who is asked to produce the year’s nativity play, when Paul lies to his opponent that Hollywood producers would be turning the play into movie things start to turn badly. The film is again very entertaining and always has me in stitches so definitely worth the watch. You can find both Nativity 1 and 2 on Netflix. Elf, if you haven’t seen Elf then it is something you need to watch ASAP. It was always a family favourite when I was younger. It surrounds Buddy, a human who is raised amongst

elves in the North Pole. He discovers that he is not an elf, and he travels to New York to find his biological father. Starring Will Ferell, you can guarantee some belly laughs watching this film. It is currently available at some cinemas so again check and it might be available near you. One of my new favourites is Deck the Halls, now although it was released in 2006, I have only quite recently begun watching it as one of my favourites. For those who have also not seen it or do not know what it is about, it surrounds an optometrist’s Christmas celebration gets upstaged by a new neighbor who wants to create a holiday display bright enough that it can be seen from space. This is an entertaining and again comedic film that will entertain all the family and is worth a watch. You can find this available on Netflix.

binge-watch at Christmas time, and this is the Harry Potter series, I love this film series, I don’t know why but it just really makes me feel very Christmassy, even though it is not your traditional Christmas film. For those who haven’t seen any of the Harry Potter films, it is based on the novels by J.K Rowling surrounding a young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and they face some hard battles whilst trying to protect everyone they care about. All films will be available from this Wednesday the 1st of December via NowTv. There are hundreds and hundreds of Christmas films, but these are just five of my personal favourites if you have any of your favourite Christmas films, that you would like to share with us, then why not tweet us @_collectivemag!

Finally, this is a controversial one, but it is a series that I always personally written by: Georgia Clarke

will it ever be

her game too?

Summer 2021. Glorious weather, a pint in hand, ready to watch England VS Italy in the Euros. With England defeated by penalties the loss was televised across every broadcasting platform. A loss so deeply felt by a nation. Now cast your mind to the last women’s football game you watched. I’m sure most of us can say that any recollection of watching a recent game is sparse. The issue of sexism dominates conversation when discussing the broadcasting of women’s sports. Despite the growing number of people in the UK tuning in to watch women’s football, a new study by researchers in the US highlights a decline in coverage of women’s sporting events, with less being broadcasted NOW than in 1989. Subsequent to a lack of fair funding and inadequate screen time, a cesspit of sexist issues is created. For example, England VS Germany in the 2019 women’s quarter finals attracted 4 million less UK viewers

than the men’s equivalent in the Euros. So, what can be done to resolve the issue? To stop the divide between the broadcasting of men’s sports and women’s sports, the recruitment of more female broadcasters is essential. A familiar, friendly, and female face encourages an audience to listen to a woman’s take on the action, thus driving people to take an interest in women’s sports. Commitment to consistent, high-quality coverage of women’s sports will further build a following. This strikes out a bias towards men’s sporting events, with detailed analysis of women’s games allowing fans to keep informed and up to date. And when moving forward, broadcasters must do more to prioritise the advertisement and screening of women’s games Like an inconsistent story or gaps in an argument, a passionate following cannot be created if the misconceptions surrounding women’s sports are not invalidated. written by: Naomi Finnen

coming home f Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, the time we all look forward to, even as adults. The countdown to Christmas and being able to go home and see all the family is something everyone can get excited about. As a full-time student and a part-time Health Care professional, my Christmas is often a little different to everyone else’s. I work in a nursing home which means, the ‘grind’ quite literally never stops, even at Christmas time. This year my Christmas day will be spent at the nursing home with my residents and I’m not mad about it, some of the elderly people we come across do not have families and I like to class myself as their family, therefore to me it’s like spending Christmas with my family, and it is quite a rewarding experience.

This is my first proper Christmas away from my mum and dad, as last year I worked New year holiday, instead of the Christmas Holiday and I think this has altered the meaning of Christmas for me. When I was little Christmas was all about the presents and Santa Claus, but as I have got older, and I am now providing myself Christmas has become more about making others happy. I look more forward to my Christmas dinner than what gifts I might be receiving. Christmas is one hundred percent more about family time, I don’t often get as much family time anymore, due to adult life taking over. But the time I do get I always cherish. Christmas in a Nursing home is quite special and rewarding, you get to make their Christmas something

for christmas special, there’s always lots of laughter and happiness around Christmas time, we get to have Christmas jumper day which is always nice to come in something other than your work uniform to work. Last year we had an elf day raising money for Alzheimer’s, and it was a lovely day, lots of people wore elf costumes including myself, but it was not very practical, and the trousers were very thin and mine ended up splitting so wasn’t the best end but it was for a good cause and it made everyone laugh so you could say it was worth it. I think the most important thing to remember around this time of the year is that it is about coming together as a family, despite the year you may have had and celebrating and making the most of it. Especially

in the previous year or so with the amount of uncertainty surrounding Christmas and whether we would be able to celebrate properly or in another lockdown it is so important that we make the most of the time we have whether we can celebrate or not it’s always the little things that count. Finally, whether you are going home for Christmas, are already home or still working Christmas I hope you make the most of it and have a very Merry Christmas. written by: Georgia Clarke

BEST SPORTING M This year has been full of amazing sporting moments, ones that have brought us light even in the darkest of times. Sport has been something that has united people across the world. It has brought us tears, laughter, happiness. That being said, here are our best sporting moments of the year. 1.

England’s run at the Euros

For me, this was the highlight of my year. Those few weeks when the country was united in supporting the team was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. From beating Germany 2-0, the controversial penalty against Denmark and the rollercoaster of a final. From jubilation to the lowest of lows, it reminded everyone of why football is called the beautiful game. The way the country pulled together and supported the team in their hardest moments is something I will always be proud of.

2. Emma Raducanu winning the US Open For everyone interested in British tennis, Emma Raducanu was on everyones radar. Her talent was evident and was showcased to the rest of the world at the US Open, only months after sitting her A Levels. For all intents and purposes, she was a rookie. She had never won a WTA Tour match and had only caught the public eye at her first major tournament a couple months ago in Wimbledon. She wrote her name in history winning the US Open, becoming the first qualifier to make it all the way to a grand slam title. She won 10 matches, all in straight sets.

MOMENTS 3. The high jumpers from Italy and Qatar sharing the gold medal This moment was one that made me tear up. High jumoers Gianmarco Tamberi and Mutaz Essa Barshim tied for gold and instead of deciding to do a jump off, they shared the gold. Tamberi jumped into Barshim’s arms in jubilation. History was made.

4. Verstappen wins controversial F1 title The Formula 1 season was jam packed with action, Hamilton and Verstappen vying for the Championship. The final races of the season were filled with on-track animosity between the two and their teams and it all came to a head on the final lap of the final race. After some questionable decisions from the FIA, Verstappen overtook Hamilton and won the race and therefore his first World Championship. written by: Anna Dugdale

OF 2021

christmas o It’s that time of year again. The weather is frosty, the nights are darker, and the festive music is driving retail workers insane once more. (No, seriously, that last one is a sure sign Christmas is on it’s way). Festivities in full swing, your office is likely planning the annual Christmas party with the crew. For most, this is an evening to celebrate successes and enjoy some downtime with colleagues. But for others, office parties can be a daunting evening dodging fellow employees and nervously sipping too much mulled wine. But don’t panic! Here are 8 dos and don’ts to having a successful evening with your colleagues, whether you feel festive or not…

DON’T

1. Get with your colleague Maybe a slightly obvious one, but you’d be surprised to know that it appears a large percentage of the population either ignore this or simply don’t know the rule (somehow, I don’t quite believe that). Just don’t get with that guy from the department you didn’t even know existed until now. Mistletoe did not magically appear, you just put on some beer goggles, OK? Moving on. 2. Gossip We all love a good gossip with our colleagues, especially if there’s some

drama on floor ‘whatever’ of the office. However, gossip just doesn’t have a place at a festive party. Plus, you might accidentally spill some information in front of whoever you’re talking about. And no one wants an awkward journey in the lift on Monday with said colleague, do they? 3. Talk about work all evening The go to chat at a work party might seem like talking about work itself, but Sandra from checkouts doesn’t really want to finish her shift and then start talking about the spillage on aisle two after she left the store approximately 2 hours ago. Tip: talk about anything BUT work. (Although maybe don’t gossip, as discussed). 4. Drink too much Again, maybe a little obvious, but easier said than done. Being nervous at a work party and free for all mulled wine is a recipe for disaster. Sipping too much in awkward silences and wanting to take the edge off being in a room with your boss can be a little daunting. But, just watch what you’re sipping and how much and you’ll be absolutely fine, I think…

office party

he do’s and don’ts DO

1. Dress appropriately What do you wear to an office party when you’ve only been seen in your best suit? There’s plenty of options, just keep it relatively professional! Think Christmas jumpers and jeans – the Christmas work party version of jeans and a nice top for the girlies out there – or maybe if your work-do is more glamorous, then a not-too-revealing jumpsuit. Basically, nothing that your parents wouldn’t let you be seen dead in as a teen. Easy-peasy. 2. Let your hair down! Physically and emotionally, yes. Let yourself have fun and enjoy the chance to be yourself around your colleagues. It’s the true milestone of the year for some, and it certainly gets you in the festive spirit. Unless you’re working in retail, of course, then you’ve probably been seeing Christmas stock for the past two months already. 3. Socialise (with EVERYONE) It’s easy to stick to the side-lines of a Christmas work party, or only speak to your own department. But what better opportunity to network? Get stuck in, roam around the room, and talk to that

person you think you saw in the lift the other day with the nice heels. You never know, you might find a new bestie or make a connection for future internal job opportunities. Two birds with one stone, am I right? 4. Help others socialise too If you’re not new, do you remember being the newbie? Everyone starts somewhere. So, help the new intern or colleague let go of the chair they’ve glued themselves to in the corner by the buffet, and get them to mingle with the masses. Not only will they be thankful for it, but you’ll also feel like you’ve done your good deed of the day, too. So, do you reckon you’re Christmas office party ready? Stick on your festive gear and grab a glass – or plastic cup, depends on what your office budget was – it’s time to sing Mariah Carey’s ‘All I want for Christmas (is a pay rise)’ at the top of your lungs. Maybe I’ll add an additional ‘don’t’ in terms of karaoke, though. Good luck, and let the festivities begin!

written by: Ellie James

Chris Chri

Should we celebrate or crit Christmas is the season of joy, giftgiving, and much needed family time but for many places around the world an aspect to the holidays is seasonal gambling, particularly on horse racing. The ancient sport dates back to the first documented race being in the 1600s, the primitive nature of the sport has provided centuries of some say entertainment but over time the sport has created a lot of controversy. Amongst people it is common knowledge that horse racing is contentious but what is it that causes this dispute. First and foremost, due to the nature of the sport there are risks of injuries and death. Because of its competitive aspect, jockeys become strict and use methods such as a whip to make the horse run faster, there are of course procedures in place to make sure this is controlled and never harming the horses. There are methods used for better control over the mount, including tonguetying which is declared as illegal. This allows the rider to apply pressure on the horse via reins to make it more compliant. Tongue-tying also serves another purpose, preventing the horse from biting its tongue or choking during high-intensity exercise. Throughout their lives these

methods are used, then when horses are deemed too old to race injured or simply uncompetitive are often put down, which in simple terms is incredibly brutal as they deserve a life even if they can’t entertain in their sport. In some cases, horses are provided with improper housing and confinement and are often confined in tight, cramped spaces, which is obviously unnatural for them. Horses are social animals who are meant to forage and graze on the plains. Some experts believe that this has led to behavioural issues in many racehorses, however this isn’t always the case. Regarding all these points horse racing makes many people uncomfortable but there are still positives to the subject. Despite these issues, due to its longevity there has to be positives to the sport. Generally, a horse that is a racehorse leads a good life as the health and welfare of the horses are incredibly important to the racing industry, such as sleeping securely in clean, well-kept quarters, nursing from their well-fed mothers, and eating well-balanced diets ultimately well protected. Plain and simple it gives the horse a purpose for its mental stimulation, racing and training help expand their energy and

stmas Cheer or Cruel: istmas

ticize the Boxing Day Races? activates their brain cells, this releases serotonin making them happy and preventing boredom, anxiety, and stress. Overall, horseracing is a partnership between a horse and a human therefore the sport allows for a close bond between the two, which is one of, if not the most positive aspect of the sport. In conclusion, horse racing is a form of entertainment that has dominated the sporting world for years and for no doubt many years to come. The taboo topic still to this day is one that divides people, however as everything there is validity in each side of the discussion. For some, the sport provides a partnership between a horse and human who work as a team to achieve and generally a positive experience for both to enjoy. On the other hand, the sport is seen as an exploitation of the horse for human entertainment. Ultimately, the issue as to whether it should be accepted even celebrated is one will forever be debateable and disputed due to the emotions connected with the situation. As discussed, there

written by: Paige Robson

is clear issues in the principles and morals in regard to the animal’s safety, however in more cases than not the horse’s health and wellbeing is the jockey’s priority along with many procedures that have been put in place to assure this is the case and most of the time we only highlighted to the negativities within the sport. In regard to horseracing I believe more than anything the subject poses the question as to whether the financial benefits prioritise the wellbeing of animals. Unfortunately I think economical gain hierarchizes many factors in multiple sectors, horse racing being one of them. The industry of the sport generates millions for the economy and believe it or not it is said that without horse racing many horses would be destined for even worst fates. Despite it’s age, the sport is far from dying but has been on life-support after an attack on the sport by animal activists especially in 2019 then as everything was impacted profusely by the pandemic in 2020 however, I believe in spite of its negative connotations the sport will endure many years into the future.

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