Concrete 400

UEA's

inside NEWS

UEA's response to the graffiti on campus

UEA's Labour Society speaks to Concrete on its decision to break formal ties with the national Labour Party

A study has found that more people in their early 20s are out of work than those in their early 40s

FEATURES

The Concrete Story - The history of Concrete since 1992

Revisiting a 2015 investigation homelessnessinto in Norwich

Articles across our sections reflecting on Concrete's history

ARTS

Interview with booksellers from Waterstones, The Book Hive and Dormouse Bookshop

Friends, Wife Swap and Footballers' Wives: What was on TV in 2003?

Film, music and other arts reviews and listings

SPORT

Exploring the sport covered in our first issue in 1992

An investigation into the relationship between documentariesHollywood and sports

STUDENT

GRADUATION COST ANGER

A new charge for guest tickets for the ceremonies has caused concerns.

by Eleanor Radford

On 22nd February, an email sent on behalf of the Graduation Team at UEA announced the cost of graduation tickets. Graduating students will have their ticket free of charge, whilst any guests must pay an additional cost.

Whilst previous years had entitled each graduating student to three free tickets for the ceremony, the university are now charging £20 for these ‘whole event’ guest tickets. The £20 ticket includes a seat in the ceremony hall and admission to the festival area. Each graduating student can purchase up to three ‘whole event’ guest tickets. There are also ‘Festival only’ tickets, costing £10 per head, which include admission to the festival area in the Sportspark grounds with a live screening of the ceremony and live music.

These ticket prices come as part of an already expensive experience for many students. With gown and hat hire coming to £69 for the day and between £40100 for photos, the graduation ceremony last year already came with a £109 minimum price tag. This doesn’t include the price some graduates’ guests may pay for accommodation or travel. The Student Union team calculated that the average student will easily be paying over £150 for their ceremony.

After meeting with the university on 5th March, the SU’s Postgraduate Officer Elise Page posted on Instagram that UEA had explained “They need to save £500k on graduation costs, and expect the ticket charge to raise £180-200k… Even though the event is in a university venue, they have to modify the space a lot, which in turn costs a lot.” They also explained that the university

did not have an answer when asked “why students weren’t consulted,” and “why the poorest students have to bear the brunt of UEA’s cost-saving measures.”

They suggested that while “UEA won’t u-turn and remove the charge… The [SU] officers are currently exploring plans for… a more affordable alternative.”

Many students have taken to the anonymous Facebook submission page: ‘Concrete Confessions Between UEA Seshions’ to raise their concerns with the university. One student said, “I finished my degree last year and have struggled financially since and finding work. I was looking forward to celebrating my achievement at graduation but I’m not sure how I’m going to afford it now.”

Another, highlighting the anger felt by students, said “The university can just... start charging £20 for a graduation ticket with no consequences? No consultations? The mask is off. They do not care about students in the slightest. It is pure greed. We have students offering to pay other students for the tickets. We have plenty of goodwill on our side. What does the university have? Not even an ounce of shame. £9250 is just a number to them. Students are just cash cows.”

The anger continued across social media with a joint officer post by the Student’s Union garnering 1,656 likes and 69 comments on Instagram alone. In their officer statement they highlighted that “We are extremely disappointed by the announcement today of graduation costs for the guests. In a cost-of-living crisis it is irresponsible for the university to place extra cost burdens

on students and families. The Student’s Union will be reaching out to the colleagues at the university to understand the rationale behind this decision and to fight against these changes. It is clear from this decision today that the UEA believes that graduation is only for students that can afford it.”

Some other universities have also started charging for graduation ceremonies, such as the University of Aberdeen charging £13.20 last year and University of London charging £35 overall. These events take place on The Old Campus, and The Barbican Centre respectively.

Speaking to the BBC, Taylor Sounes (Undergrad SU Officer) and Luke Johnson (Activities and Opportunities SU Officer), highlighted this fact once more. “This is going to price out a subset of students and families who will not be able to afford that. We have had students come to us saying ‘£40 is my parent’s food budget for the week’.”

The university stated that the event would not make a profit and the £20 ticket included entry to a ‘festival zone” with live music. They also said that “A charge for guest tickets has been introduced for this year to support some of the running costs and to ensure that we can continue to provide an event of this standard on campus. Charging for guests to attend graduation ceremonies is a standard practice in many universities and we believe that our ceremony offers value for money and an excellent celebration for our students and their guests.”

Concrete Celebrates 400 Print Editions

Today Concrete celebrates the release of its 400th issue since it’s launch in January 1992.

Concrete's Co-Editors-in-Chief

Eve Attwood and Matthew Stothard said, " Happy 400 issues to Concrete! A massive thanks to our team and lovely writers for contributing this issue as we look back at how Concrete has changed from when it first began all the way back in 1992. We hope you enjoy reading as much as us!"

UEA’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Student Experience and Education, Prof. Emma SuttonPavli said, “Since its launch in 1992, Concrete has provided a space for student writers to develop and showcase their skills in investigating, researching, and writing the stories that matter to them and their peers. As the publication reaches its 400th edition, we

look forward to reading and reflecting upon many more articles and contributions from all areas of our study community, building upon an enviable legacy that places Concrete amongst the very best student papers at any university.”

This comes as the paper celebrates 6 nominations at the upcoming national Student Publication Association awards.

The paper is up for Best Science Section and Best Sports Section, whilst Venue is nominated for Best Culture Section and Best Magazine Design.

Additionally, Co-Editor-in-Chief Matthew Stothard is nominated for Best Arts or Culture Piece for his article on The Gloucester exhibition at Norwich Castle in March 2023, while Sports Editor Sofia Royal is up for Best Sports Reporter.

Matthew Stothard

Concrete'sfirstissuebeingprintedin1992(ThuyLa)

Editorial

It's been a long time coming

Matthew Stothard Co-Editor-in-Chief

So here we are at last, issue 400!

It feels like I’ve been working on this forever, but in the best possible way! I started planning it properly back in December, but it’s been on my mind for a lot longer.

Celebrating our 400th issue was in my application for EiC, and as I seem to have made a role for myself as Concrete’s resident archivist this year, I always wanted to go big with it! My interest in the archive actually stems back to our last anniversary issue – the 30th birthday in 2022 – when I wrote about the value of Concrete for future historians, and since then I’ve been hooked!

So much of this issue is in debt to our amazing alumni. I put together our alumni survey before Christmas and launched it in January, and it’s been such a joy to see all the stories and pictures that have been sent in. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed, Concrete couldn’t have happened without you when you worked on it, and it couldn’t have happened without you today either. Thanks too to UEA’s Alumni Engagement Manager, William Stileman, who helped us get the survey to as many people as possible!

A special thanks needs to go to Simon Mann, one of Concrete’s founding members and our Advertising Manager for much of the 1990s, for all of the information he sent across, including the original proposal and contracts for the sale of Concrete to the Student Union in 1994. He also provided lots of pictures which he sent across one email at a time, making my Sunday afternoon far more exciting as I anticipated what would be coming next and what other mysteries

in the hazy story of Concrete’s past would become clear!

At the heart of this issue is ‘The Concrete Story’ (p.8 – 11), giving as comprehensive a history of our paper as we could in four pages!

A massive thank you to Fiona, Eleanor and Eve who’ve really bought into my madly ambitious vision and worked so hard to make it a reality. Thank you as well to all of our section editors who’ve embraced the ‘400’ theme so well across Concrete and Venue.

Don’t think we’re totally stuck in the past! I’m incredibly proud that as we hit this milestone, we have been nominated for 6 awards at this year’s SPAs, and I’d like to wish a massive congratulations to everyone who made them happen! Our entire team is forever making us proud! In other news there is also a new website in the works, so keep an eye out for that soon…

For now though, I’m going to bask in the joy of this issue finally being out there. I’ve got a vague memory from the 30th of Dolly saying it would be our legacy issue – well for me this is definitely ours. I hope years from now, there’s another Editor-in-Chief, maybe as obsessed with the history of Concrete as me, reading this, and I hope we’ve made figuring it all out a bit easier for them!

Happy 400 issues Concrete, and here’s to many more!

Hard work and happy memories

With it being the 400th issue of Concrete, this issue is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and origins of the newspaper, dating all the way back to 1992. Every section has put on their history hats and included articles taking a twist on previous years, and we’ve dedicated a large portion of this issue to looking back at each decade. I found it really interesting to see how Concreteand Venuehave both evolved, the different aesthetics of each era represented in the logos and overall design, and the stories documenting changes happening at UEA and nationally. Hearing the memories of each teams’ time contributing to the paper was heartwarming and inspiring. The hours each team have dedicated over the years to making Concreteand Venuewhat they are continues to amaze me, and each team have brought their own flair to the paper, solidifying their place in Concrete’s legacy. It reminded me why we do this, why we put in so much hardwork and dedication each month: for the memories, for the end result of seeing the paper in its final form. In all honesty, there are times this term that I have thought “Everything is just too much”, but every time I see a finished copy of Concreteand Venue, I feel a huge sense of pride, and I know Matthew does too. So this issue is dedicated to all Concrete readers, writers, former and current team members – thank you all for making Concretewhat it is today.

In other news, several members of our team have been shortlisted for awards at the SPAs, including my Co-Editor Matthew for Best Arts and Culture Piece! Our Sports

Editor Sofia Royal has also been shortlisted for two awards, and so has Rana Dawood’s Science section. On the arts side, Venue has been shortlisted for Best Culture Publication and Best Design (Magazine). I’m extremely proud of everyone and it’s so exciting to see members of the team get the recognition they deserve. We will be travelling down to Bristol for the SPAs in April and will be sure to update you all on the fun that ensues!

Easter is on the horizon and I will admit that the break is thoroughly needed. It has been a hectic term so far and I am actively trying not to think about the future after university, and how our next issue will be our last. It’s a small change, but I’ve been appreciating how the nights are lighter for longer, and the occasional days where the sun actually decides to make an appearance. As a selfproclaimed Autumn/Winter lover, I’ve been surprised at how keen I’ve been for Spring/ Summer to finally arrive, but I think I’m just sick of the dark and rainy days. Being on campus and getting work done is a lot easier when the sun is shining and you’re in a good mood.

In our next issue (our final issue – scary!) you can expect all the details from Derby Day 2024, as well as a few farewells. I’m not going to think about it too much otherwise it will feel a bit too real, so for now, let’s just celebrate 400 years of Concrete and the exciting things yet to come!

The University of East Anglia’s Official Student Newspaper since 1992

Tuesday 12th March 2024 Issue 400

Union House

University of East Anglia Norwich NR4 7TJ

Editor-in-Chief

Eve Attwood

Matthew Stothard concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

News

Molly Warner

Senior Writer: Jamie Bryson

Home of the Wonderful

Fiona Hill

Senior Writer: Linda Vu

Global

Syed Hamza

Senior Writer: Sankavi Naresh

Features

Eleanor Radford

Comment

Sam Slade

Science

Rana Dawood

Senior Writer: Max Todd

Lifestyle

Mia Galanti

Anne Glia: Jadyn Lansana

Travel

Cordelia Gulbekian-Faram

Puzzles

Cal Paul-Moola

Sport

Sofia Royal

Senior Writer: Felix Sumner

Online & Copy Editors

Dan Laughlan

Lisa Melo Konrad

Social Media

Lizzie Bray

Daisi Parker

Ellie Dharamraj

Concrete Photographer

Innes Henry

First Year Rep

Abby Eastwick

Venue Team

Millie Smith-Clare

Tshequa Williams

Lily Glenn

Sara Budzinska

Sophie Handyside

Caitlin Bennett

Will Muncer

Lily Taylor

Ore Adeyoola

Lucy Potter

Photo 1: Simon Mann c.1996-1997

Photo 2: @spajournalism Instagram

Eve Attwood Co-Editor-in-Chief

"Deep concern" expressed over UEA antisemitism statement

Jamie Bryson Senior News Writer

Contentwarning:Discussionof Antisemitism,Islamophobia,and violence.

On Monday, February 19th, gra ti described by UEA as “antisemitic” was discovered by sta on campus. A university spokesperson said the gra ti would be removed, and UEA was working with the police to identify who was responsible.

Vice Chancellor Prof. David Maguire explained in an all-student/sta email, “In recent days, we have sadly witnessed a rise in instances of antisemitism across our community, including gra ti on our campus walls, comments made during a university event, and inappropriate comments on social media. This is unacceptable and we are taking action to ensure that perpetrators are dealt with swiftly. For the most serious o enses this could include disciplinary action and a police investigation. We will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of racism, hate crime, harassment, or discrimination here.”

“The comments made do not reflect the views of the University and do not meet our values.”

“The gra ti on campus needs to be seen in the context of a whole series of incidents which taken together have been intimidatory and on occasions antisemitic. There have been several reports of student and sta intimidation over the past several months specifically related to the Middle East conflict.

“As a university, we have a particular responsibility to create an environment where sta and students can feel comfortable to express lawful opinions and challenge established ideas in appropriate ways.”

The messages wri en in gra ti read as follows:

• “29,000 Gazans killed”

• “Zionism = Colonialism”

• “Judaism opposes Zionism”

• “End Apartied; 26 journalists killed in Gaza”

• “[UEA] Banks with Barclays - finances genocide of the Palestinian people”

• “Macron, Sunak and Trudeau war criminals”

• “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians” - a quote from the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela.

An academic source - who asked to remain anonymous - told Concrete that “Prior to the release of the [ViceChancellor’s] statement, it was agreed at numerous levels of leadership up to the VC’s o ce, that, while the action of gra ti should rightly be

What is 'Zionism'?

According to The Encyclopedia Brittanica, "[Zionism is a] Jewish nationalist movement that has had as its goal the creation and support of a Jewish national state in Palestine, the ancient homeland of the Jews."

Merriam-Webster defines Zionism as "an international movement originally for the establishment of a Jewish national or religious community in Palestine and later for the support of modern Israel."

condemned, it would not be right to label the incident as antisemitic,” adding, “somewhere between this collective agreement and being made public by the VC, the message had been changed for no clear reason”. The university said the VC has not participated in a conversation about saying the gra ti was not antisemitic.

Opposition to the university's handling of the incident has, however, been expressed by a number of students and academics through several university societies, who claim the messages relayed in the gra ti were not “antisemitic” and that the sentiment of the VC’s statement goes against the university’s aim of creating “a safe, inclusive and respectful culture on campus for all”.

A statement responding to UEA’s handling of the issue was released by

by 1331 people as of 4th March) can be found in full on the UEA Palestinian Society’s Instagram page.

The Vice-Chancellor also referred to “comments made during a university event.” Concrete understands this refers to a speech made at UEA’s Innovation and Impact Awards ceremony earlier in February, where the platform was used to say "[UEA] are staying silent” on the Israel-Palestine conflict and its decision to continue banking with Barclays, which, the academic stated “holds over £4 billion in shares, loans and underwriting to 9 companies whose weapons, components, and military technology are being used right now [by the Israeli government] in the current a acks”.

They also used the term “From the river to the sea”, which some - including some members of the current UK Conservative government and the Labour party - claim is antisemitic.

One student who witnessed the speech (who asked to remain anonymous) told Concrete his view that, “This was an impassioned speech calling out the untold and unjustifiable mass human su ering that is going on in Gaza, made by a highly experienced and educated person. [The phrase] is neither antisemitic nor explicitly Islamic; it calls for equality for all that live in historic Palestine and recognises that nowhere - be it Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, as citizens of Israel, or in diaspora - do Palestinians have equal rights with their Jewish neighbours. Quite literally, from the river to the sea, no Palestinian is free.”

The American Jewish Commi ee on the other hand, labels the term “a rallying cry for terrorist groups and their sympathizers, [including] Hamas, which called for Israel’s destruction in its original governing

the UEA Palestinian Solidarity Society and was jointly signed by UEA Labour, Arab, Islamic, Burlesque, Young Greens, Pakistani, Disney, and Dev societies on Monday 26th February.

Beginning, “We wish to express our deep concern at the university’s response to the incident of gra ti on campus last Tuesday,” the tenpage statement was released via an Instagram post. It goes on to explain, “We first want to recognise that anonymous gra ti can be perceived as intimidating. As the Palestinian Society at UEA, we do not endorse this action”.

The statement then expands on its concerns, detailing “several reasons why the university’s handling of this incident was unhelpful, inflammatory, and counterproductive.” The statement (which has been ‘liked’

“It is important to point out the meaning and context of this phrase is contested both between and within Palestinian, Israeli, and global Jewish communities.”

charter in 1988”. Conversely, as detailed by the Jewish Virtual Library, the Likud Party of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu used a similar phrase in the party’s original manifesto in 1977, stating that “between the [Mediterranean] Sea and the [River] Jordan, there will only be Israeli sovereignty.”

It is important to point out the meaning and context of this phrase is contested both between

and within Palestinian, Israeli, and global Jewish communities.

Amnesty International says, “Interpretations might vary, but there’s nothing in the words themselves that suggests antisemitism or calls for racial or political dominance over Israel. The assumption that calling for freedom for Palestinians necessitates the destruction of the State of Israel is a manipulation of this phrase.”

Other Jewish-based groups, for example, use parts of the phrase to call for bilateral peace between Israel and Palestine, such as Jewish Voice for Peace, which includes in its mission statement, “We picture Palestinians — from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea — living with their inalienable rights respected.”

Concrete is unaware of the exact “comments on social media” the Vice-Chancellor was referring to in his statement.

The UEA Jewish Society was approached for comment,

“The university's handling of this incident was unhelpful, inflammatory and counterproductive”

but they declined to respond.

When contacted for further comment on the collective issues, the University reiterated the Vice-Chancellor’s statement, saying, “As a university, we have a particular responsibility to create an environment where sta and students can feel comfortable to express lawful opinions and challenge established ideas in appropriate ways. At the same time, we have an obligation to continue to foster a safe, inclusive and respectful culture on campus. I appreciate that this is a complex and contested space, and that some have very strong feelings, but we must avoid this having deleterious impacts on others in our community.”

If you are a ected or concerned about any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact:

Nathan Wya - Wellbeing, Community and Diversity O cer (SU) Student Services h ps://reportandsupport.uea.ac.uk

Image: graffiti on Norfolk Terrace, Ziggurats. Credit: Concrete

UEA Labour Soc

disassociates from Labour Party

Jamie Bryson Senior News Writer

In a detailed statement on social media, the UEA Labour Society informed its followers that it would be breaking its formal ties with The Labour Party.

Committee members collectively stated, “after careful consideration, we have decided to dedicate our society to the labour movement, not the Labour Party.” The action comes alongside several grassroots organisations affiliated with the political party that have criticised how the Labour Party’s leadership has dealt with issues such as alleged “antisemitism” and other ideological differences between members over recent months.

The statement goes on to describe how “[members] all joined as a result of the pride we felt in the common sense, intuitiveness, and compassion found in the Labour Party” but adds, “over recent years, we have seen much less of these qualities within the party.”

While still encouraging its members to campaign for a Labour government—describing how the party still has “some amazing activists”—the group claims that “Under Keir Starmer, the Labour Party dictate that MPs and councillors follow the ideology set out by the party’s leadership”. Furthermore, if “a foot stepped to the left of this ideology,” the statement describes Labour politicians allegedly risking suspension or being barred from political selection.

In October 2023, the Labour MP for Middlesborough, Andy MacDonald, was suspended from the party as a result of “deeply offensive” comments he made during a pro-Palestinian rally against the current Israel-Gaza conflict. In a speech to attendees, the former shadow minister under Jeremy Corbyn (also no longer a Labour MP) said, “We will not rest until we have justice. Until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea, can live in peaceful liberty.” The phrase “from the river to the sea” refers to the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean and is used as part of a chant that the Labour leadership claims is “antisemitic”.

This was followed by ten shadow cabinet members voting against orders from the party leadership and in favour of the SNP’s amendment calling for an

More people in

early 20s out of work from ill health than early 40s – study finds

Molly Warner News Editor

“immediate ceasefire” (in Gaza) in November; these members lost their cabinet positions as a result. Similar incidents have occurred recently at a council level, with four Labour members of Lambeth Borough Council being suspended in the last week of February for voting in favour of the council calling for an “immediate ceasefire”.

More specifically, the Labour Soc’s statement detailed how “Politicians have so far been suspended for joining workers on picket lines, criticising the Israeli state for its actions against Palestine, or for simply no reason at all”. Also highlighted were the party’s supposed inaction in supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community and accusations that members have “[turned] a blind eye to Keir Starmer’s U-turns on almost all of his eco-socialist policies”.

Speaking exclusively to Concrete, I asked the UEA Labour Society committee why they believed this decision mattered to their members and the wider student community. They told Concrete: "The labour movement is why we have vital workers’ rights like two-day weekends, minimum wage, paid holidays, equality laws, shorter working days and many more which were once considered radical. Under the Conservative Party, we have seen no progress in this labour movement - the current Labour Party leadership have turned a blind eye to thousands of Palestinian civilians being murdered, and show very little promise of leading the country any better. We made the difficult decision to switch from the Labour Party to the labour movement to say, show more compassion; represent us better”.

You can read the Society’s statement in full here on their Instagram profile @uealabour

A report has found that people in their early 20s are more likely to not be working due to ill health, as opposed to those in their early 40s.

The Resolution Foundation has said that this is “radically different from the past”, as typically, the older you are, the less likely you are to work.

According to the report’s findings, poor mental health is on the rise amongst young people, which can affect their education and in turn, lead them into unemployment or low-paying jobs.

In addition, the report uncovered that young people now have the poorest mental health among all age groups, heavily contrasting to 20 years prior, where they had “the lowest incidence of common mental disorders”.

For example, in 2021/22, 34% of young people aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of a mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. In 2000, that figure stood at 24%. As a result, more than half a million of 18- to 24-year-olds were

prescribed anti-depressants in 2021-22.

Louise Murphy, the senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, has said that attention had more often been on mental health in higher education, but "what should most worry us is when poor mental health comes together with poor education outcomes".

need better support services in currently underserved colleges, and much better provision for those resitting exams so that everyone has qualifications to build on."

After discovering the results of the report, the Resolution Foundation, which campaigns for better living standards for those on low and middle incomes, has been demanding for better mental health support in colleges and sixth forms.

“34% of young people aged 18-24 reported symptoms of a mental disorder”

"The economic consequences of poor mentalhealtharestarkestforyoungpeople who don't go to university, with one in three young non-graduates with a common mental disorder currently workless.”

“To address this mental health crisis, we

The research for the report has been produced by the Resolution Foundation, however it is funded by the Health Foundation - a charity which says it aims to “bring about better health and care.”

Jo Bibby, the Director of the Health Foundation, has said that “the Policymakers need to focus on the building blocks of health, such as good employment and education, to ensure young people get the support they need and have the tools to move through the world as adults. Without concerted cross-government action, we risk creating a ‘lost generation’ due to ill health.”

More than half of UK undergraduates admit to using AI to help with their essays

Sunny Driscoll News Writer

According to a recent survey, over half of undergraduate students in the UK are turning to Artificial Intelligence to assist them with their essays.

The survey, conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute, interviewed over 1,000 undergraduates across the UK and found that a significant 53% admitted to using Artificial Intelligence for their academic writing tasks.

One in four are using applications such as Google Bard or ChatGPT to suggest topics and one in eight are using them to create content.

This new finding sheds light on the evolving dynamics of student learning and the increasing role of technology in academia. With the rise of AI-powered writing assistants, students are finding new ways to enhance

their efficiency and productivity when it comes to essay writing.

AI offers a range of tools with benefits to students, including generating content, providing research insights, and offering vocabulary suggestions. For many undergraduates grappling with tight deadlines and demanding coursework, these tools provide a valuable resource to fasten the writing process and improve the efficiency of their work.

However, the widespread use of AI in academic writing also raises important ethical considerations. Concerns about plagiarism, originality, and academic integrity come to the forefront as students rely more heavily on artificial intelligence. Educators and

institutions must work to ensure that students understand the ethical implications of using these AI tools and are equipped with the necessary skills to use them responsibly.

Despite these challenges, the prevalence of AI in academia signifies a significant shift in student behavior and learning practices. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that the use of AI in essay writing will become even more widespread among undergraduates. Making it even harder for universities to detect it.

Photo: Rwendland, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons. org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

House of Commons erupts into chaos

Molly Warner News Editor

The speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has issued an unprecedented apology after a chaotic parliamentary debate on the 21st of February.

A House of Commons vote on the Israel-Hamas war descended into chaos as Conservative and Scottish National party MPs walked out of the chamber in protest at the speaker’s handling of the debate.

The SNP are the third largest party within the House of Commons, meaning that they are entitled to three opposition days in parliament every session, allowing them to choose a topic to be debated on the floor of the chamber.

On this day, it was the IsraelHamas war that the SNP chose to debate, laying down a motion that called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Middle East.

At the start of a debate on a motion, it is the Speaker’s decision whether any amendments to it can be voted on or debated. However, parliamentary convention

says that if the motion has been put forward by an opposition party (like the SNP), it cannot be amended by another opposition party (like Labour), only the government.

“I apologise for how it's ended up. I apologise for my actions”

Sir Lindsay made the decision that both the governments and Labour’s amendments to the SNP’s motion would be voted on, claiming that he wanted to give the House as many options as possible when debating such an emotive topic.

Shortly after the decision was made, Tory MPs accused Sir Lindsay of making an “overtly political decision”, which was to help Sir Keir Starmer fight off a rebellion from his own MPs. In addition to this, Penny Mordaunt, the Tory leader of the House, announced that her party “will play no further

part in proceedings” in protest at the actions of Sir Lindsay.

With the Tory amendment gone, and the Conservatives abstaining from voting –Labour’s amendment passed through government without a vote, which meant that the SNP motion had been changed into Labour’s words, and the Scottish MPs were not able to vote on their own proposal.

Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett explained that “The Labour amendment went through because no Conservatives took part in the vote. The SNP motion, which began the whole story, was not voted on at all; the SNP and Conservatives are furious,” he said. “Keir Starmer and his Labour Party have kind of gotten out of a sticky mess, but it leaves parliament looking extremely compromised. What was a serious debate about this crucial issue about civilian life in Gaza has ended in this procedural nightmare.”

Both Conservative and SNP MPs staged a walkout over the result of what had occurred, demanding Sir Lindsay to explain his actions.

“I thought I was doing the right thing and the best thing, and I regret it, and I apologise for how it’s ended up, I do take responsibility for my actions”, he said.

Labour MP Barry Sheerman has spoken about his anger and disappointment at the behaviour of his colleagues; “It is a f***ing disgrace. We are now in a row with ourselves, among ourselves, debating whether to kick out the speaker of the House of Commons, rather than the issue at hand, which could not be more serious. It is the most depressing day of my life as an MP.”

As well as Sheerman, many other MPs and ambassadors have spoken out about how they feel with regard to the situation; "It's disgraceful, it's very disgraceful. Today we have seen British politics at its worst. Politicians are trying to save themselves, rather than saving an entire nation," the Palestinian Ambassador to Britain, Hasam Zumlot, told LBC radio.

Although more than 70 MPs have signed a motion expressing no confidence in the speaker, it seems that for now, their efforts to oust him have stalled.

"It is the most depressing day of my life as an MP”

Plenty of rightwing Tories have swung behind him, including the veteran Sir Edward Leigh, who said it was time to move on and have another debate as soon as possible on a government motion, with all amendments considered “to restore our reputation as soon as possible”.

The Home Office English test scandal - what happened ten years ago?

Molly Warner News Editor

A number of overseas students that were accused of cheating at English language tests have launched legal proceedings against the Home Office, seeking compensation for their loss of earnings and unlawful detention.

Important new evidence has recently been presented in court, raising new questions about the Home Office’s decision to accuse over 30,000 students of cheating. The accusation led to thousands of students being thrown off their courses, 2500 students were deported, and 7200 left the country after being told that they would be facing arrest and detention if they stayed.

Ten years ago, the BBC broadcast a Panorama investigation, which uncovered widespread cheating in Home Office-approved test centres offering English-language tests that international students were required to pass as part of their visa renewal process.

Theresa May, who was home secretary at the time, described the BBC

report as “shocking” and asked the US-based test provider, Educational Testing Service (ETS) to investigate. ETS then concluded that 97% of its English tests taken in the UK between 2011 and 2014 were in some way “suspicious” and therefore, the Home Office cancelled the visas of around 35,000 students.

The National Audit Office in 2019 stated that the Home Office “did not have the expertise to validate the results” that were provided by the ETS.

The charity Migrant Voice has been publicly working with students since 2017 to make sure that they get compensation for revoking their Visas.

The law firm Bindmans currently represents 23 students who have already won their immigration appeals and overturned the Home Office’s decision to cancel their visas amid cheating allegations.

“2,500 students were deported, and 7,200 left the country”

Alice Hardy, a partner at Bindmans, said; “Our clients have been through hell. The Home Office deliberately concealed from them the fact that they had been accused of cheating, denying them the opportunity to defend themselves, and instead removed their immigration status with no in-country right of appeal. They lost everything as a result; homes, livelihoods, the right to work, study and pay rent. They suffered the shame and rejection of their families, relationship breakdowns, destitution and the torment of seeing everything they had worked for taken away from them.

Nomi Raja was 22 when immigration officers raided his student house in June 2014. "They asked me for my ID. Then this guy had a radio, and he was like: 'Target achieved.'"

It was only when Nomi arrived at a detention centre at Gatwick Airport when an officer eventually explained why he had been arrested: "She's like, 'You've done Toeic (Test of English for International Communication), you have cheated and then we are sending you back to Pakistan'."

These situations persisted for up to 10 years and caused untold suffering. It is now apparent that the allegations were based on thin evidence.”

Nomi managed to delay his deportation and was finally released after 125 days. But like others who protested their innocence, he was banned from working, studying or using the NHS.

An ETS spokesperson has said that the company’s people and practices have changed; “ETS’s work in the UK is focused on supporting those seeking to study abroad in the UK and the universities that host them.”

Image: Unsplash

Features

Types of homelessness:

Depending on what support a person may be getting or why they’re homeless, different definitions can be used.

Rough sleepers:

Rough sleeping is the most visible and dangerous form of homelessness and includes any person sleeping in the open air or in places that are not designed to be lived in. For example, alleyways and abandoned buildings. The longer someone experiences rough sleeping the more likely they are to face challenges around trauma, mental health and drug misuse.

Those living in emergency accommodation:

This is anyone living in short-term accommodation while the council looks at your housing situation.

People can be awarded this housing if they’re legally homeless, meet immigration conditions or are a priority need.

Those living in temporary accommodation:

The length of time people can stay in temporary accommodation can range from a single night to many years. These accommodations can include: night shelters, hostels, B&Bs, women’s refuges and private and social housing. Each type of temporary accommodation has its own rules on access and lengths of stay and may not be appropriate for the individuals staying in them.

Intentionally homeless:

Some people are labelled this due to deliberately doing something to make them homeless. For example, actions such as antisocial behaviour, refusing to get benefits to help with rent or not paying your rent when you could afford to.

Priority need homeless:

A priority need is a special reason why the council must give you more help if you are homeless or facing homelessness. Sometimes it means the council must give you emergency housing. Key reasons someone could fit into this category is that: they’re pregnant or have children, homeless due to domestic abuse or are aged 18-20 and were in care.

Hidden homeless:

Many people who are not entitled to help with housing, or who don’t approach their councils for help, aren’t counted in the official statistics. This is why charities, such as Crisis, carry out annual studies on core homelessness. Many stay in hostels, squats or B&Bs, in overcrowded accommodation or ‘concealed’ housing, such as the floors or sofas of friends and family.

Eleanor Radford Features Editor

Walking around Norwich there is a clear homelessness problem. According to figures by the homelessness charity Shelter, there are an estimated 74 homeless people in the city alone. Following up on a 2015 Concrete article, ‘Homeless in Norwich this Christmas: Dan Falvey looks at what happens over the Christmas period to people in Norwich with nowhere to call home’ (issue 318), I want to investigate how the homelessness situation has worsened throughout Covid and the cost-of-living crisis. To do this, I have listened to student thoughts, and what the council and charities would recommend for those needing help.

Previously the city council have been criticised for their lack of support towards those sleeping rough. Most recently, during the extreme weather conditions in January, the council was called out by the Green Party for their procedure surrounding emergency accommodation. While the Greens labelled it as ‘out of date and would put lives at risk’, the council defended their point saying ‘Norwich City Council follows the current Government Guidance to ensure that rough sleepers are kept safe during extended periods of cold weather. In many cases the council goes above and beyond the government guidance and was recognised in 2018 as a ‘Gold Standard Authority’ – One of only 14 gold standard homeless and prevention services in the country. Norwich is described as a flow city which results in a constant presentation of individuals who end up sleeping rough. This results in services being stretched in order to meet the demands and standards expected in response to rough sleeping in the city. This position is recognised through the funding that we receive from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. We are proud of our proactive approach to rough sleeping in Norwich.’

Talking to students, there is mixed understanding of what is best or most helpful for the homeless population. Speaking to one 2nd year PPL student, she said ‘I believe the best way to help homeless people is for

Revisiting Homelessness in Norwich: A 2024 Perspective

local governments to address the key issues behind homelessness, like a better social state. I think it’s patronising when people say you shouldn’t give them money because they might spend it on drugs. They’re adults in a horrible situation, if they want to use drugs to stop withdrawal or get them through the night, that’s their choice’.

Another couple of students suggested buying or prepacking food for those sleeping rough. ‘Even something as easy as a sandwiches, makes a huge difference. If you ask, they often want food or drinks, not necessarily money.’

However, students can see an obvious crisis deepening in our fine city. ‘During my four years at UEA it hasn’t seemed to have gotten any better and is a clear crisis now. I question what exactly the council are doing! I know there are food banks and charities, but I wonder if they have enough resources’, said a fourth year AMA student. A third year PPL student said, ‘They’re treated so inhumanely, sparing some change, being kind or offering food is important but they aren’t long-term solutions.’

According to government figures, there were five people sleeping rough in Norwich in Autumn 2023. However, according to December 2023 data from the charity Shelter, Norwich had 74 people rough sleeping or using temporary accommodation that could last as short as a night. Within Norfolk, the city finds itself at the lowest of the seven areas. East Norfolk finds itself at the top of the list, with 264 people in just Great Yarmouth. This is followed by:

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Key Facts and Figures

1. According to the charity, Shelter, 139,000 children may be homeless this coming winter, representing an increase of 32.6% since the 2015 article, and the highest number on record.

2. The rate of homelessness in England last year was 1 in 182 people.

3. A rough sleeper is almost 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence than the general public (in 2023 according to Crisis).

4. 157, 640 households in England were given support via ‘relief duty’ in 2022-2023, up 8.6% from 2021-22.

5. From July to September of 2021, there was an increase of 13.7% from the same months the previous year, in terms of people being accepted as homelessness due to domestic abuse.

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Photo: UnSplash

Home oF tHe WonderFul

Home of the Change Makers: UEA Student Entrepreneurs Impress to Invest

Jamie Bryson Home of the Wonderful Writer

The grand finale of the UEA Change Makers programmenow in its third year - returned to campus at the end of February.

UEA Change Makers is a competition run by Student Enterprise and open to all current UEA students. Contestants must create, develop, and pitch business ideas that positively impact people and/or the planet. It brings together up to ten students with ideas focussing on a social or environmental problem.

Designed to help UEA students turn their vision and insights into a reality, the Student Enterprise team brings expertise, funding and support to successful applicants through its vast network of professionals, industry contacts and academic influence.

At the grand finale, each contestant is challenged to pitch to a panel of judges, with the winner receiving a further £3,000 grant to take their social enterprise to the next level.

In addition, audience members can vote for ‘The People’s Winner’, which has a £1500 grant attached to it.

This year’s judging panel included Dr Soraya Jones, the Royal Society’s Entrepreneur in Residence; Kevin Bardwell of Santander Universities UK; Samantha Fox of the Youth Stem Awards; and Dr Nicola Hancock from UEA.

This year’s contestants included (in order of appearance) Adam Syed, with Mello - an app utilising AI to personalise help to manage anxiety; Alex Flude, with Reframe Cycling - a city cycling scheme mapping out safer commuter routes; Carole Taylor, with Taylor books - a range of books giving children the tools to understand and deal with family illnesses and issues; Declan Cobain with reading genie - an app that encourages young children to read; Irene Ferrara with Consciously.

- a coaching-style app to help people shop and eat more sustainably; Jaz Brook with Youth Climate Solutions - a youth education programme to help empower young people and schools to tackle climate change; Dr Muti’ah Badru with SRHEd - a sexual health awareness programme for those living in conservative cultures; Oliver Wanless with Eco Toolkit - craft sets using pre-used materials whilst creating community; and Vanya Chellani with Belly Buddy - an app to help people avoid intolerant foods.

And the winners are...

The Judge’s choice:

● Adam Syed - Mello

Speaking exclusively to Concrete, Adam - a fourth-year medical student - described his highlights and turning points: “The UEA Change Makers programme was a transformative eightweek experience. As medical students or healthcare workers in the NHS, we often identify inefficiencies or areas

of dissatisfaction with the services provided to our patients. However, action is rare - not due to a lack of concern but because we lack the skills to create businesses that could significantly improve our healthcare system. The UEA Change Makers Programme offers a comprehensive crash course in business creation, covering everything from identifying the purpose of starting a business to conducting market research and understanding our customers’ daily challenges. Not a moment felt wasted in these insightful classes. My gratitude goes to Finbarr and Sophie; without their unwavering support and dedication, Mello would have remained merely an idea in a notebook”.

Asked how it felt to win this prestigious award, Adam said, “Being a medical student is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, a clear career path lies ahead, but on the other, it confines us to expected roles (like becoming a doctor). My interest in MedTech and entrepreneurship often faced scepticism, leading to self-doubt - a sentiment likely shared by many non-business students aspiring to start their own ventures. Winning this prize has validated my path and opened numerous doors for further developing my business.”

Having won a £3000 investment with the award, Adam described how he planned to use this money; “Developing our app has been challenging. We plan to use the Change Makers investment to collaborate with

local app developers. We are already working with former Apple employees on app mechanics, such as monetisation and gamification. Another critical investment will be in marketing, as reaching our target audience of individuals with anxiety may pose unique challenges”.

The judging panel noted, “The need for a supportive, accessible intervention for people with anxiety and related issues was very well made”, adding, “Adam presented confidently and had thought carefully about some of the complex challenges involved in developing digital medical interventions. This was an impressive pitch!”

The People’s Choice:

● Vanya Chellani - Belly Buddy

Vanya expressed how “The overall experience of the challenge was incredible”, adding, “We did run into

some challenges, but thanks to the belly buddy team, my mentor and the program, we were able to overcome them”. Asked how it felt to be selected by the audience, Vanya said, “I was really honoured to win the People’s Prize and would like to thank everyone who voted for Belly Buddy. I enjoyed speaking to everyone at the event”.

The judges commented, “Vanya presented a simple and publicly accessible solution to a difficult challenge with positive energy. People were easily able to understand the great potential of this idea; this led to her well-deserved People’s Choice award.”

If you are a current UEA student and are interested in applying to the next UEA Change Makers programme, follow UEA Student Enterprise on LinkedIn/X.

Concrete Archive: 22/01/1992

Matthew Stothard Co-Editor-In-Chief

For our 400th issue there was only really one option for this archive feature – Issue One. Created by an editorial team Shaun Harley (who contributed a UEA football roundup to the issue) describes as “full of ambition,” it was edited by Polly Graham (who went on to work for the Mirror) and self-funded by founder and Publisher Steve Howard who sold the ads (a role later taken on by Simon Mann). Howard also designed the pages (a role he was later joined in by Peter Hart).

The first front page story was ‘Modular Mess Up’ by John Barton. It reported that, from Autumn 1993, UEA planned to move to the modular course structure that we have today. This meant a two-semester academic year, the start of courses comprised of self-contained modules and the end of Finals. The move was largely supported, although the union did have concerns. Barton told Concrete editor Megan Harwood-Baynes in

2016 how he picked up the article at the first Concrete meeting, saying “I was a first year and somewhat starry-eyed – I stuck my hand up and somehow managed to get that first story.” He told us he remains proud of the piece, “not so much the writing but the fact it symbolised the moment when it became real and people had something to read again.”

The second story on the front page was about Radio 1’s plans to bring its Sound City festival to The Waterfront, which had recently been saved from financial difficulty by Norwich City Council (and would be bought by the SU in 1993). This was continued as part of an extensive arts section inside, beginning our long-held dedication to arts coverage. The section also contained an article looking forward to the opening of Norwich Playhouse in 1993.

It was also reported in this issue that the Dean of Biology and Labour candidate for Norwich North, Dr Ian Gibson, had decided to try living on a student budget for a week. After experiencing life on the allowance,

calculated at £14.58 (with bills already deducted), he told Concrete “I’m famished, I’m hungry… My brains are going.” Dr Gibson was elected as an MP in 1997.

Elsewhere in the issue, Anna Worthington reported on the new buildings coming to campus, with construction of Nelson Court having begun in November 1991 and Constable Terrace to follow in February 1992. The two were being estimated to cost £18.3 million. Construction was clearly a theme for this issue, as elsewhere mature student Simon Mann contributed an article marking the start of six years of involvement in Concrete, drawing on his experience as a readymixed concrete plant manager to talk about the benefits of the material. So began the long association of the paper with the building material, most commonly expressed today through the emails about concrete that come into the editor’s inbox, and the many questions at Soc Fairs about whether we’re a society that just loves concrete!

Photo: UEA Change Makers winners: Adam Syed (right) and Vanya Chellani (left). Credit: Alan Bennett

The STory

The 1990S

Concrete was the brainchild of Steve Howard, who had set up Livewire only a few years before. It was started as a private enterprise with no involvement from UEA or the SU and was initially run from the corner of the Livewire office. The paper’s first meeting was held in December 1991.

After Christmas, the team were given an office in the old ARTS building by the Dean of the School of English and American Studies, Professor Chris Bigsby, and the first issue was published on Wednesday 22nd January 1992. Peter Hart, who was Arts Editor at the time, told us how “the first few issues were painstakingly printed out and stuck on A3 sheets, before being taken to [Eastern Counties Newspapers] so that printing plates could be made from them,” whilst Steve recalled “I delivered the master copies for the first issue in a rucksack in the middle of the night on my bike.” These early editions had a print run of 5000.

In a history compiled in 1994, Concrete’s founders recalled how they “had to beg and borrow production equipment, and the paper survived on a knife-edge from issue to issue [only becoming commercially successful from the fourth].” As the paper grew, Advertising Manager Simon Mann funded the purchase of more sophisticated production equipment, being repaid through growing advertising sales (which by July 1994 had accumulated to £58,000). According to the history,

the ‘page make-up process’ was “technically more advanced than that used by the ‘Evening News’ in Norwich.” From September 1992, the SU provided an office upstairs in Union House, with one final move within the building in January 1993.

In May 1993, responding to a campus survey which suggested the need for an entertainment guide, Concrete’s managers (Steve, Simon and Peter) created The Event. Alongside this, the trio formed a company, Planet Zog Ltd., with all three as directors. This enabled them to formalise the business of the paper, which had previously been run through Steve and Simon’s bank accounts, while from September, Peter intercalated and took a student income from the company to edit both publications.

When The Event launched in September, it had a print run of 10,000 and was sold in 150 local newsagents, as well as being distributed on campus and at local colleges. Simon also recalls that at one stage it was included as an insert in the EDP. Whilst Concrete had initially covered arts content within the main paper, followed by a pullout called Happenings from January 1993, it now dedicated 28-pages to the subject! This made Concrete and The Event ‘Britain’s largest student paper!’ Unfortunately, this wasn’t to last, as by March 1994, despite its commercial success, The Event was ended as a separate publication after nine issues and incorporated into Concrete, as the workload was too high for the Planet Zog team to manage alone.

This heavy burden ultimately led to the sale of Concrete to the SU on 27th July 1994. The terms of the transfer made clear the paper would maintain its editorial independence, a status we maintain to this day. It also set out that Steve and Simon would be paid to continue their design and

advertising work respectively. The price paid by the union was £6756.25 (around £17,000 today), which covered the purchase of Planet Zog’s ‘computing equipment, accessories and software.’ As Simon put it, “I think it was greatly to the Union’s credit (and particularly Lizzi Watson, the Union Sabbatical Finance Officer) that it accepted our proposal. Without their foresight, Concrete would have ended at issue 35.”

The relationship with the SU in the period leading up to the late 90s was relatively harmonious, with the union going as far as to fund a Sabbatical Editorial position from 1995, which previously had to be covered solely on revenue from advertisements.

It was at this point that Concrete was gaining attention on a national level, with their win of ‘Student Newspaper of the Year’ in the 1995 Guardian/ NUS Award Ceremony granting them a long-awaited recognition. Kay Spragg (Copy Editor 1995-98) says it “felt like a really great achievement.”

With judge and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian and The Observer, Peter Preston, attributing Concrete’s win

to its ‘brash tabloid style’ that ‘seems perpetually to get up the nose of authority’ we can gain an insight into both the visual and written developments of Concrete over the next few years.

The latter half of the 1990s saw a boom in Concrete’s contact with celebrities, with notable interviews taking place with Arthur Miller (1995), Tony Blair (1996), Tim Burton (1997) and Stephen Fry (1999).

However, it was not just interviewing big names that preoccupied a position as editor, but the steady involvement that went on behind the scenes. Paul Stokes (Music/Arts Editor 1996-99) states, “Production weekends were these rituals where about five of us would be locked in the office for 48 hours – only going home to sleep.” He also describes the introduction of a new system of printing that came about during the decade, recalling “We would then drive down to the EDP in town to take the exported pages in to be printed on these really unstable, old mobile hard drives on Sunday night. We’d then wait three days to find out what would come back.”

It was a demanding process and what with The Event re-expanding and becoming a separate pull-out supplement in January 1996, both writers and editors had to be truly committed.

In January 1997, Concrete decided to lean into the informal nature already present in many articles, with the distinctive purple logo and header being replaced with a tabloid red. This symbolised a new era for the paper, one which was not afraid of a pun for a headline or colourful front page. Sports (and later Deputy) Editor Nick Henegan notes that ‘our red top tabloid approach to news at UEA wound a few people up.’ However, this does not suggest that the news covered was trivial. For instance, that

November, Concrete released a frontpage story titled ‘Tight-Fisted UEA’, an article critiquing the installation of a £10 fee for guests at graduation.

Ultimately, looking back through the 90s it is hard not to be in awe of the people to whom we owe the creation of our newspaper, their incredible resourcefulness and diligence being so evident. However, it is often the mistakes made or the distinctive ‘student’ sensibility that marks their responses as so touching. From Shaun Harley’s (Early 90s Sports Writer) run-in with a Scandinavian rugby player whose name he misspelt to Marcos Simpsons’ (Mid-90s Sports

Writer) anonymous articles about his own sporting prowess, there is a willingness not to take oneself too seriously but to work hard for something bigger than simply one person.

WiththankstoSimonMannforfilling inmanygapsinthestory

FionaHill&MatthewStothard

Photo 1: Concrete's first office in ARTS, Jan 92 (Simon Mann)

Photo 2: L to R: Howard, Mann, Hart, c.1993 (Dominic Russell-Price)

Photo 3: Concrete's office in Union House, c.96-97 (Simon Mann)

Photo 4: Concrete celebrities

Photo 5: The sale of Concrete, from L to R: Hart, Mann, Howard and Watson (Simon Mann)

Photo 7: 1995 'Student Newspaper of the Year' Win - shows 'Bucketful of Tongues' (a UEA mag which won 'Magazine of the Year') on the left, and Concrete on the right (Simon Mann)

Photo 8: Michele du Randt and Hampton in the office, c.Jan 96 (Simon Mann)

1990s Editors

1992: Polly Graham

1992-94: Peter Hart

1994-96: Niall Hampton

1996-97: James Curtis

1997-98: Jane Kirby

1998-99: James Graham

1999-2000: James Tapsfield

The STory

The 2000S

At the start of 2000’s, Concrete fought a lot of battles with the SU and the university itself! For example, an issue covering the BNP was banned on campus; newspapers had to be delivered to editors’ accommodation and circulated as under the radar as possible. It was still following its red top tabloid phase approach to news into the 2000s.

2000 also saw Deputy Editor Nick Henegan interview Arthur Miller for The Event! As Nick recalls, “It was incredible to sit down and chat with such a literary legend for an hour. I still pinch myself about that one to this day.” Towards the end of the year, Concrete was also named the Best Student Newspaper by The Independent, and runner up in the same category by The Guardian!

Nick also recalls how, “by some miracle we managed to get a decent newspaper produced every fortnight, quite often with the thumping of the LCR below the office as we pulled all nighters to get it finished. The internet was becoming a thing and new fangled digital cameras made sourcing pictures - albeit grainy ones - much easier.”

Around this time, Concrete also started to see the union gradually cut back their funding of the paper. While there was still the ability for the Editor to take it as a paid sabbatical year, Editor-in-Chief (2000/01), James Goffin recalls having to sell advertising to pay for the print cost. This could be seen to come along with the rise of the internet, and digital cameras, making photos easier.

James also reminisced on some of his favourite moments from his time at Concrete. “I think my first published article was about a giant inflatable pyramid on campus outside of Nelson Court sponsored by the now defunct Orange mobile phone network. They gave me a free mobile that got me through university, and I still have the same number to this day.”

He also told us how, “One issue we had nothing for the centrespread of The Event - the arts supplement before Venue - and so I drove out some of the editorial team for a film inspired road trip to Norfolk’s own California, a tiny village on the coast. The chance photographs with a police car for a Thelma and Louise parody and the money wasted in the arcades to get a cuddly Gonzo will stay with me forever. I think The Event’s editor Stephen Collins - now an award-winning illustrator - only just survived the stress of that one.”

He spoke to us about how Concrete set him up for his career. “I’d wanted to be a journalist from a young age, but Concrete gave me really strong experience to take to employers- in

my case to the Eastern Daily Press, who had picked up several of our stories. The EDP paid for me to train as a journalist and gave me my first job.”

2003 saw the 150th issue hit the UEA campus on Wednesday 12th March. The team then looked back on the then 11-year stretch Concrete had done, its triumphs, and at just how hard it was for the publication to start up.

2004-05 Editor Phillip Sainty’s editorial from 22nd September 2004 highlights some changes to the paper. After “severe financial trauma” the year before, Concrete had luckily managed to secure a

sponsorship from Optic. He also suggested Concrete had developed a reputation for not listening to the student population. He aimed to change this via restructuring the society and opening positions for more than just writing, such as sales and marketing of the paper.

By mid-2000s the decade was speeding ahead with same sex partnerships being legally recognised, smoking indoors being outlawed and the UEA student’s union boycotting Nestle. The same can be said for Concrete with the first ever ‘MediaBowl’! A three-round competition of a pub quiz, football and pub golf, against Livewire, saw Concrete take home the win.

For Isabel Vincent (News Editor 2005-06) fond memories emerge when looking back on her time at Concrete. She remembers how she, “loved working on the layouts and with so many great people. I lost whole weekends to the Concrete office, surviving on pizza and coffee. I’d spend all day in the Concrete office, then work downstairs in the LCR bar until closing and cycle home in the middle of the night. Good times.”

As the years went on the internet became more of an ever-growing presence however, a Concrete website had still not been created. While it was often discussed,

many at the time thought it would never catch on! 2007-2008 saw the first year that each Concrete was published online as well as in print. It also saw the year Concrete became a proper society, with a bigger number of writers and some social events. This larger group soon saw the need for a bigger office, as Justine Dashwood (Lifestyle Editor 2008-09) recalls, saying “I do remember many conversations about needing a better office than the one we had in a crowded corridor above the LCR.”

The Media Bowl continued, with Concrete winning again, whilst the paper also hit its 15th (2007) and 16th (2008) anniversaries, with parties for both. Andy Judson (Deputy Editor 2007-08) recalls that the ‘sweet 16’ party managed to coincide with several of the editorial teams 21st birthdays!

Emmeline Saunders (Opinions Editor 2007-08) remembers many moments, from heated rows in the office over Dicky Reynold’s spiciest opinion of the week to the old sofa in the office. To Concrete she said “Speaking of which, I hope to God that sofa is long gone, because that thing had a thousand-yard stare even when I was there. It had definitely seen things.” She also met her husband, Andy, through Concrete (they were Co-Opinions Editors!), and they had their ‘Concrete baby’, Serafina in November of last year!

It’s clear that Concrete creates friends for life. Speaking to Concrete, Harry Low (Deputy Sports Editor 2007-08 and Sports editor

knot and start their own families.”

Moving towards the end of the decade, Grace Simpson (Event Editor and President, 2009-10) told us about her favourite moments with Concrete, saying it was “Impossible to pick one out, there were so many. We had such a good time that we had to write it all down in a quote book. Really loved the “Get A Room… Or This Happens” Facebook group and accompanying articles. I enjoyed everyone being subjected to my Fernando Torres calendar.’

She looks back at how Concrete set her up despite not going into journalism for a career, “I am now a HR Director and looking back, being an editor was my first experience of managing a team. A very unruly

during the time this did cause a fair bit of drama! September 2009 also saw the introduction of our current logo (sans Ziggurats at this stage) designed by George Bennett. The final year of the decade also saw Concrete winning the Media Bowl, again, seems to be a bit of a running theme!

Eleanor Radford

2008-09) said “I have been to three weddings of friends made through Concrete, including one Concrete couple who now have a baby, and later this summer will be the celebrant at the wedding of my co-sports editor from my second year at Concrete.” Meanwhile, Emmeline told us “I also made lifelong friends from my time on the paper, and have travelled as far as Australia to watch them tie the

team who didn’t get paid and were perpetually drunk or hungover! Although I didn’t pursue a career in journalism, I learnt so much more about the world, work, life, people than doing my degree. The 40 hours a fortnight was well worth it.”

Near the end of the decade, Richard Reynolds tried to set up a rival paper. The paper didn’t last long, and Concrete prevailed, however

2000s Editors

2000-01: James Goffin

2001-02: Adam Chapman

2002-03: Katie Hind

2003-04: Jim Whalley

2004-05: Phillip Sainty

2005-06: Sarah Edwardes

2006-07: Anna Steward

2007-08: Marcus Jones

2008-09: Fiona Billings

2009-10: Hannah Livingston

Photo 1: Grace Simpson and Hannah Livingston, c.09-10 (Grace Simpson)

Photo 2: Pub Golf night out, c.0809 (Harry Low)

Photo 3: Hind, Goffin, Tapsfield, Caroline Jeater, c.2000 (UEASU)

Photo 4: (Grace Simpson)

Photo 5: 2008 Christmas Meal

Photo 6: Time out at the lake, c.09-10 (Grace Simpson)

The STory The 2010S

The 2010s began with Danny Collins taking on the Editor role. Concrete’s sections looked a little different from today, with an ‘International’ section, ‘Turf’, focused on the environment, a Food section and ‘Focsoc’ dedicated to clubs and societies.

September 2010 saw The Event replaced with Venue (which had previously been the name of the What’s On section in the supplement). There were many of the same sections seen today, such as Arts and Creative Writing, but with the addition of ‘Wired’ which combined arti-

cles on gaming and the internet, a comedy section, as well as general listings in Norwich and a fun competitions page.

2011 saw Concrete celebrate its 250th issue, with a double page spread presenting a variety of front pages through the years. February also saw Concrete’s annual Sex Survey being blocked by the Student Union, in an issue which also saw the introduction of a fun feature called ‘Clive Cares’, in which UEA’s ‘favourite bus driver,’ Clive Ashcroft, answered questions in his own Agony Aunt column!

September saw the first of the annual redesigns of Venue, moving from a grungy look to a more minimalist design under Alex Throssell. Alex recalls

how this year saw, “Coldplay coming to UEA in 2011 to play an intimate gig as part of BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge [which] was a huge deal for Venue and the Music editors at the time,” while in News “We also protested the impending closure of the UEA Music School. A student lock-in at the Registry and widespread outrage at the perceived loss of arts and culture on campus were popular in Concrete’s pages.”

Alex also reflected on his “fond memories of the ‘old’ Concrete Office” to us, “regularly spending well over 12 hours in there on print deadline days [...] The burger phone, the little sofa that had allegedly been used for all sorts, the quote book, filling the table with CDs after a post-run and the ensuing scramble [...] the knackered old PCs that could barely run InDesign. It was cluttered and objectively a bit naff, but it felt like our own little creative bubble, and I loved my time spent there with the rest of the team.”

2012 saw the decision from the union to move to an unpaid editor of the paper, with Amy Adams being the first volunteer. This coincided with the renaming

of the role to ‘Editor-in-Chief’ (EiC). Alex recalls that it was “a tense time for those of us who had targeted the Editor’s role as a job opportunity post-graduation,” while Chris Teale, who became Managing Editor in September (essentially Deputy) remembers “It meant I helped figure out a new structure for the newspaper with various others, and also rewrote the society’s constitution.”

Teale also remembers that year as seeing better relationships between the media societies, with the beginning of a Concrete show on Livewire and the first Media Ball, whilst the team also won Best Publication at the first Student Publication Association awards.

2013-14 saw the introduction of some new features to the Editorial page –an Agony Aunt feature ‘Hayden Helps’, and ‘Quick Questions’, speaking to a different university figure each issue. Reflecting on her standout moments from the year, Copy Editor Anna Lou Walker remembers “The time that the LCR cash point was stolen while the entire Concrete team were inebriated at the Christmas Media Ball was pretty memorable! But my favourite times were sitting in the office on a Sunday morning proofreading the paper after all sharing a night out the evening before. Met the people who remain my best friends!” The year also saw a cel-

ebration of UEA’s 50th anniversary, and a celebrity interview with George Ezra!

In May 2014 Geri Scott took over as EiC, introducing the current Concrete colours of blue and yellow, and implementing a redesign which remains the basis for the current look. Mid-2014 also saw the creation of the Media Collective, and their move into a new office (where Scholars’ is now). They marked our 300th issue in September with a 20-page Archive Supplement (in addition to a 15-page Freshers’ Guide), while Geri also recalled creating our digital archive on Issuu.

In Summer 2015, Radio 1’s Big Weekend came to Earlham Park (Geri got press passes to see Taylor Swift!). Greg James came to Norwich to announce it and the Media Collective gave him a tour of their new office before he started his show from Unio! He also signed a copy of Concrete, which is still on the wall in the Media Office today!

In one of Geri’s final issues as EiC, there was a 20-page 2015 General Election supplement, including interviews with local and senior politicians, opinion pieces from writers, predictions about polling, and an overview of the individual parties and their manifestos. This year left a big impact on Concrete, and Geri told us “Lots of us from my era meet up every year and do Concrete Christmas, so it lives on…”

From September 2015, Dan Falvey and Joe Jameson took over as EiCs, with the Media Collective also moving into our current Media Office. Venue saw interviews with The Wombats and Nothing But Thieves under the new leadership of Ana Dukakis and Joe Fitzsimmons. In December, Venue released a literature supplement, ‘Frontier’, show-

casing the creative talents of UEA. In 2016, Concrete won Best Publication again at the SPA awards in April. We were also Highly Commended for Best Newspaper Design, Best Sports CoverageandreceivedaSpecialMention for Venue’s art supplement, Frontier. Megan Baynes took over as EiC from June 2016 and added the Ziggurats to the logo. Politically, there was significant coverage of the US Election in 2016, with a dedicated double-page spread in 331 with comment pieces and analysis on Trump’s rise to presidency. In addition, Concrete found that 77% of UEA students wanted to remain in the European Union through the results of a mock EU Referendum Poll. The start of 2017 saw Queen Elizabeth visit the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts to attend the exhibition ‘Fiji: Art & Life in the Pacific’, as documented by the entire Media Collective. Concrete also commemorated Pride Month with a doublepage spread speaking to LGBTQ+ students and staff on campus about their experiences. As part of Do Something Different Week, UEA hosted a campus wide murder mystery, which Concrete documented with a Cluedo-esque design and tips on how to get involved.

Issue 338 celebrated the 25th anniversary of Concrete, with a 56-page special looking back at the last quarter century of life at UEA. The cover featured articles from the archive and inside detailed the history of Concrete from 1992 to 2017, with dedicated pages to each year and the biggest stories they broke. They also celebrated the occasion with an event at the Sainsbury Centre with returning alumni.

From June 2017, Emily Hawkins became EiC, with her first issue covering the results of the 2017 General Election, and a new ‘Finance’ section added. In January 2018, Venue released another creative writing supplement, Contrast, celebrated with an accompanying open mic event.

In her final editorial, Emily reflected on the year, saying “As I write this, the office is packed... copy-edits, old issues and pieces of paper with my and Sophie [Bunce, Deputy Editor]’s frantic scribbles of page plans and to-do lists” were scattered across the desks. “It’s this image of chaos that has been my home, sometimes almost too literally, for the past two years.”

2018-19 brought the biggest front-cover redesign yet with the addition of fullpage photos. Sophie Bunce became EiC, and a ‘Hey UEA’ section was added with UEA-specific news and a Concrete archive feature, mirroring the one seen in Home of the Wonderful today.

year also saw

T Taking over in September 2019 as EiC and rounding off the decade, Chris Matthews ran Concrete’s Mental Health Crisis Campaign, which a host of MPs pledged support for. A permanent Interview section was added, along with Home of the Wonderful (at this stage essentially a Media Collective noticeboard). Chris described adding to Concrete’s “rich legacy” as a “privilege” and praised the “diligent and talented team” he had, “many of whom are now successful journalists at national and regional outlets across the country.”

Eve Attwood & Matthew Stothard

2010s Editors-in-Chief

2010-11: Danny Collins

2011-12: Chris King

2012-13: Amy Adams

2013-14: Sidonie Chaffer-Melly

2014-15: Geri Scott

2015-16: Dan Falvey & Joe Jameson

2016-17: Megan Baynes

2017-18: Emily Hawkins

2018-19: Sophie Bunce

2019-20: Chris Matthews

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Sophie and Deputy Editor Matt Nixon launch our current Livewire show, ‘A Week in Concrete,’ and create a digital-only ‘Eco Issue’.

The STory

The 2020S

The 2020s started with Concrete in full-throttle – we had a new motto (‘Striving for truth’), co-hosted a 24hour mental health chat show with Headucate and UEA:TV and put out the annual sex and drugs survey (despite some push back from the printers!). However, events were soon put on a different course when the outbreak of Covid-19 pushed Concrete online for its remaining three issue cycles of the academic year.

It’s fascinating now to look back on EiC Chris Matthews’ final print editorial from 10th March 2020, explaining the pandemic basics like regular handwashing and that strange new term ‘self-isolation’ which would soon become so familiar to us all.

Of course, just 13 days later lockdown was announced and the Media Office closed its doors, but Concrete continued from home. As Chris told us, “My deputy Jess Barrett and I had to keep things running at a vital time for Concrete as we kept students informed about the latest Covid info and university restrictions and repercussions.” It wasn’t all about policy though, as Oliver Povey also remembers interviewing members of the university football team about the impact of the pandemic on them. Everyone worked hard to keep content coming in a very different world, as Chris recalls, “We also had to train the new team remotely on Concrete’s systems. Thankfully we had a stellar team who all stepped up in an unprecedented time of need.”

That new team was led by Sam Hewitson for 2020-21, and it was perhaps the year of Concrete most affected by the pandemic. Concrete returned to the Media Office (albeit socially distanced) and to print in September 2020. This period saw us adopt our current front-page design, move towards Home of the Wonderful having actual articles (at this stage focused on societies) and add ‘Lifestyle’ to ‘Travel’ to make a ‘Travel & Lifestyle’ section. Meanwhile, as Venue Deputy Editor Roo Pitt highlighted, our current Agony Aunt section, then called Vera Venue, was also started.

The team’s first front-page story was on UEA providing Covid tests and face masks to all students, the writing of which co-writer Emily Kelly remembers as one of her stand-out moments. It was a strange time to be at university, with sociallydistanced teaching rooms and lots of online seminars, but as Sam put it in an editorial title, “Campus may be dead, but Concrete isn’t!” (I’ve also got to give the second issue of the year a mention for being when I joined Concrete, and it was definitely a great distraction to be writing articles when you were stuck in your room all day!)

Unfortunately, November 2020 brought another lockdown, and after two in-print editions, Concrete remained online for the rest of the academic year. Two fully-layed up publications were uploaded to Issuu (including a US Presidential Election special), before the rest of the year saw articles being exclusively posted on our website. However, the team still worked equally as hard – as William put it in an editorial, “the standards set at the beginning of the term are still maintained” – and produced perhaps some of Concrete’s most important journalism, recording the UEA student experience of pandemic university life.

Concrete finally returned to full-time print (albeit with a reduced number of issues) under the leadership of Dolly Carter in September 2021. Although there were still Covid precautions in the Media Office, the paper was now back in full flow!

Dolly also introduced a new online breaking news team (which Deputy Editor Sam Gordon Webb says was “an ambitious development”), as well as a podcast called ‘Concrete Conversations’, whilst Venue Deputy Editor Hamilton Brown recalls how the arts supplement was redesigned in “the space of three days”! Our current News Senior Writer, Jamie Bryson, also pointed out to us that it was at the 2021 Big Meet (where new members come to learn about Concrete) he met his now fiancé (and then future EiC) Libby Hargreaves!

Perhaps some of our biggest developments of this year were around our Science coverage. Dolly spearheaded a paper-wide focus on climate change reporting, also

collaborating with UEA on their ‘Report for the Future’ schools project in November 2021.

‘Climate Change Corner’ was introduced to the Science section, alongside other regular feature ‘Bizzare Science’, by Mariam Jallow, leading to a Best Science Section win at the SPA Awards that year! This started a particular strength for the paper in Science reporting that has been continued by her successors George Barsted and Rana Dawood, who achieved nominations for the award in two further consecutive years!

February 2022 saw the release of our 30th anniversary issue, and Hamilton fondly remembers running “around the Square with party hats and balloons,” for our anniversary photo shoot (as do I!) (right), whilst the Spring term also saw Libby transform Home of the Wonderful into the full celebration of all things UEA that it is today!

2022-23 saw Libby take the reigns (and I became one of the Deputy Editors). We defined a clear focus on local and student news and renamed the Agony Aunt Anne Glia (Venue Editor Louise Collins’ idea!).

Our first issue presented us with an extraordinary national situation in the death of the Queen, whilst by our third issue we’d already become the first team to cover the accession of two Prime Ministers. Further big topics like the cost-of-living crisis and UCU strikes dominated the first half of the year.

Then in January, we were faced with the news of UEA’s financial deficit and the risk of redundancies. I still remember our emergency meeting

in the Media Office deciding what coverage we were going to produce. Me and Louise wrote the front-page article investigating what was going on, with Louise using her university connections to source comments, whilst I trawled through UEA’s financial reports. It remains one of the aspects of Concrete Louise and I are proudest of (and I’m very glad I jumped in at the last moment in that meeting to say I’d write it with her!). Meanwhile, Libby wrote about senior staff expenses which got an equally good reception, and the issue as a whole really helped to reestablish Concrete on campus after Covid!

It wasn’t all so serious though! The early days when Libby, Louise and I spent quite a few late nights in the office were particularly fun (and a bit crazy!). As Louise recalls, “I’ll forever cherish my time singing and dancing in the Media Office with my fellow senior editors during layup week” – I for one remember being serenaded with Taylor Swift a few times! Livewire’s Deputy Station Manager Izzy Millen also remembers “Generally messing about in the Media Office,” so we clearly made an impact!

Another major development in that year was mine and Louise’s relaunch of A Week in Concrete in the Spring (after a PPP (Post-Pub[lication] Pub for the uninitiated) on Valentine’s Day with just us because everyone else was off not being single –lots more fun than it sounds!). Venue Deputy Editor Ray Khawaja particularly remembers enjoying discussing the Sex Survey on the show, whilst Science Editor George also became a key part of the team towards the end of the run. Over the summer, I also uploaded those shows to Spotify for the first time!

We ended the year by organising

the Concrete Awards. As Badriya remembers, “From sitting on the floor of the LCR blowing up balloons to standing on stage announcing the winners of the prizes, it was the perfect way to finish my time at Concrete.” It was a great year, but given we were all crying at each other’s final editorials I won’t go back into that now!

And that brings us up to this year!

Eve and I took over as Co-Editors-inChief in a change to the structure. In Concrete we made some changes to the sections – Features moving towards investigations and student interest topics, while Travel and Lifestyle were separated out and Puzzles were reintroduced at the suggestion of our Puzzles Editor Cal Paul-Moola. I also came up with the new Concrete Archive segment and Eve suggested moving Anne Glia into Concrete.

Meanwhile Venue was changed to be the same size and page-length as Concrete, and both Concrete and (especially) Venue had a bit of a makeover! In collaboration with Livewire, we also brought back the Concrete and Livewire Christmas Meal after a Covid break (and generally we’ve been very collaborative with the radio station, despite some friendly disputes over ownership of our mascot, King Kong-crete!).

Last month we won Best Publication in the Midlands at the Regional SPAs (very exciting!) and that just about brings us up to today – issue 400!

In many ways the Concrete of today feels a world away from the one started in 1992, but reading through the many comments we’ve received from alumni, it’s clear the great experience and joy it provides its contributors has been a constant. We love you Concrete – happy 400 issues!

MatthewStothard

Photo 1: Oct 2020

Photo 2: Covid Media Office, Sept 20

Photo 3: Dolly & Freyja Elwood (Dep Ed) accepting Best Science Section, April 22

Photo 5: (Samuel Baxter)

Photo 6: SPA Awards 23 in Glasgow (Libby Hargreaves)

ConCrete 400:

1992 - 2024

Photo Credits (From Left to Right): Peter Hart, Steve Howard & Simon Mann on Concrete's 1st Birthday, 1993; Niall Hampton (3rd Editor) & Polly Graham (1st Editor) at the 1995 Guardian/NUS Student Media Awards, Oct 95 (Simon Mann); Caroline Jenkinson, Michele du Randt, Peter Hart & Niall Hampton in the temporary summer office in Union House, June 95 (Simon Mann); c.May 96; 1995-96 team; c.96-97 in the Union House office (Simon Mann), 1996-97 team; 1997-98 team; 1998-99 team; James Goffin, Elin Jones, James Graham, Caroline Jeater & Luke Turner winning The Independent's Student Newspaper of the Year award in 2000, presented by Dermot O'Leary (Stephen Collins); Concrete's 10th birthday party at the 230 Club in London, Jan 02 (Simon Mann); Editors 2-9 at the 10th birthday party, in the order: Back row: 4, 3, 7, 2, Middle Row: 9, 6, 8, Front: 5 (Simon Mann); End of year BBQ, 2008 (Harry Low); Big Meet 2011 (Chris Teale); Team handover in Cromer, Summer 13 (Chris Teale); In the old Concrete office, including Sidonie Chaffer-Melly (EiC) front & Anna Walker (Copy Editor) left, c.2014 (Anna Lou Walker); c.2014 (Anna Lou Walker), c.April 2014 (Moji Adegbile); c.2014-15 in the old 'new' Media Office, with Geri Scott (EiC) at the back (Geri Scott); Media Collective on Derby Day 2015 (Geri Scott); Winning Best Publication at the 2016 SPAs (Geri Scott); Joe Jameson (Co-EiC), Peter Sheehan (Dep Ed), ? & Dan Falvey (Co-EiC) at the 2016 SPAs (Geri Scott); With the 25th anniversary issue, April 17 (Megan Harwood-Baynes); Concrete's 25th anniversary at the Sainsbury Centre, April 17; Jessica Frank-Keyes (Dep Ed), Dan (former Co-EiC), Megan Baynes (EiC), Caitlin Doherty (Dep Ed), James Chesson (Online Ed), Niamh Jones & Dougie Dodds (Venue Eds) at the 2017 SPAs (Megan H-B); ?, Kate Romain (Venue Ed), Sophie Bunce (Dep Ed), Tom Bedford (Venue Dep Ed), Emily Hawkins (EiC), Matt Nixon (News Editor) at the 2018 SPAs; Matt (Dep Ed) & Sophie (EiC) launching A Week in Concrete (Livewire1350); ?, Jess Barrett (Features Senior Writer), Shannon McDonagh (News Ed), Chris Matthews (Comment Ed), Roo Pitt at the 2019 SPAs (Chris Matthews); After the final PPP of the year, May 19; Societies' Fair 2019 (Concrete (C)/Roo Pitt); Matt (former Dep Ed), Chris (EiC), Sophie (former EiC), Shannon (former News Ed), Jess (Dep Ed) at the BBC R4 Today Awards, winning Best Student Programme for A Week in Concrete, Oct 19 (Chris Matthews); Sam Gordon-Webb (Dep Ed), Dolly Carter (EiC) & Freyja Elwood (Dep Ed), Sept 21 (C/Samuel Baxter); Molly Phillips & Hamilton Brown (Venue Dep Eds) & Elizabeth Woor (Venue Ed), c.Oct 21; Concrete's 30th birthday photoshoot, Jan 22 (C/Samuel Baxter), Badriya Abdullah (Dep Ed), Libby Hargreaves (EiC) & Matthew Stothard (Dep Ed), Sept 22 (C/Prakrita Rahman); Some of the 2022-23 team, Sept 22 (C/Prakrita Rahman); Badriya, Libby, Louise Collins (Venue Ed) & Matthew at the Concrete Awards, June 23 (Jamie Bryson); Louise, George Barsted (Science Ed) & Matthew at the final A Week in Concrete of 22-23, June 23 (Louise Collins); Eve Attwood & Matthew Stothard (Co-EiCs) & Millie Smith- Clare & Tshequa Williams (Venue Co-Eds), Sept 23 (C/Innes Henry); Big Meet (Sept 23) (C/Innes Henry), After the Big Meet, Sept 23 (Sophie Handyside); Christmas Meal 2023 (C/Innes Henry)

Comment over the years

Sam Slade Comment Editor

Today we’re rolling back the years and revisiting archived comment articles. It’s time to reflect on some historical hot takes and assess the ways in which the judgements of UEA’s students have aged over the past 30 years.

Issue 300 | 30/09/2014 | How Putin’s gamble in Ukraine has paid off – Matt Finucane

Here, Matt addresses the conclusion of Russia’s annexation of Crimea (or if you rather, the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war).

“For all the verbal support and encouragement lent to Ukraine by Western pundits and policymakers alike, it is worth remembering their habit of being prodigal with words yet frugal with actions. This allows Russia to exploit this tendency and frame western countries as toothless as well as self-serving. [...] A western world being quickly re-acquainted with the nature of international geopolitical relations has only one options remaining: to get serious with both its rhetoric and its resolve”

Though this was certainly an accurate summation regarding the original conflict in Crimea, it is interesting to see just how much this has changed since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The contemporary geopolitical landscape has propelled a shift in international relations, demanding a far more assertive stance against Russia’s aggression. Perhaps driven by moral imperative, or perhaps by recognition of the strategic importance of Ukraine in Europe, western nations have had to significantly recalibrate their approach and provide more tangible support to Ukraine. The importance of maintaining European stability, and a collective commitment to the principles of liberal democracy in the face of rising authoritarian movements (in Europe and beyond) have contributed to this recalibration, fostering a more resolute and united front in response to the ongoing conflict. There’s only so long you can try calling a leader like Putin’s bluff before he supersedes everybody’s expectations (then, you might actually have to do something).

Issue 200 | 14/02/2007 | Who do you think you are? – Rachel Morris

Here, Rachel reflects on the difficulties and the pressure in adopting a solid political or ethical stance at university.

“There is a general understanding that by now, we should be able to state our opinions and beliefs concerning particular issues; whether they are ethical, political or otherwise. These opinions and beliefs often lead to an obsession with categorisation and people become heavily concerned with conforming to ideologies [...] Those who are unable or reluctant to state their position on ethical issues or political debates should not necessarily be labelled apathetic. This is surely a time in our lives that grants us the freedom to ‘break the mould’, escape from parental influence and really take the time out to evaluate, develop and absorb new ideas and ways of thinking.”

These words echo true now even more so than they did over 15 years ago. The landscape of political discourse has undergone a profound transformation in the last 15 years. The rise of populism, epitomized by figures such as Trump and Bolsonaro, has injected a new intensity into our political discourse. The ideological battleground that Rachel sought to navigate within her university setting was actually in a far less confusing or compromising state than it is today. Studies indicate that political polarisation had actually been decreasing in the 15 years leading up to when this article was published in 2007. Though since the advent of the global financial crisis (among several other events that have disrupted western neoliberal hegemony worldwide), polarisation has only been on the increase. Rachel’s cau6on against succumbing to the pressures of categorization carries more weight now than ever, in an era where poli6cal identites are polarized to the extreme and potentially dangerous radical movements are emerging in the UK and beyond. In a political landscape divided by certainties, Rachel suggests (I think correctly) that our doubts unite us and contribute to healthier more productive discourse.

Issue 001 | 22/01/1992 | Are Women Still Second Class Citizens? – Gill Fenwick

Here, Gill discusses the advent of “Women aware week” organised by the NUS in an attempt to achieve better female representation and outcomes across UK universities.

“’Women Aware Week’ began on Monday, and consists of a number of talks, a debate, self- defence classes, a free showing of “Thelma and Louise’ and a ‘women aware disco’. Richard Hewison of the NUS organised this event because he recognized the need for a Women’s Officer and Action Committee, such as the one that dissolved last year due to disputes and lack of interest. Richard feels that a newly elected committee is needed “to ensure greater equal access and opportunities not only within the union and educa=on, but hopefully within society as well”. Issues that need to be tackled include safety on campus, no late lectures so that women do not have to return to their rooms alone after dark, improved creche facilities and an anonymous marking system.”

Despite progress in various areas (such as those targeted by the aforementioned campaign), it remains disheartening that in 2024, we still have a long way to go with this issue. A number of women still feel unsafe walking at night on university campuses. Worse still, research indicates that around one in five female students will experience some form of sexual violence whilst at university. There should be no doubt that despite there being many advancements in awareness, reporting, and other outcomes for women, the prevalence of these incidents indicates the importance of ongoing efforts to create a safer environment. On a positive note, there has been significant progress in access to abortion and healthcare outcomes for women since 1992 due to improved access to reproductive healthcare services and advancements in medical practices. Though as seen by the US Supreme Court’s infamous ruling on abortion last year, we should never take progress for granted, and continue to strive and confront issues in the same vein as Hewison and Fenwick.

Issue 300 | 10 Years ago

Issue 200 | 17 Years ago

Issue 001 | 32 Years ago

The Power of Pen and Paper in the Digital Age

Hannah Jones Comment Writer

When you sit in a lecture theatre, how many people around you do you see making notes with a pen and paper? From my experience, it is one or two at the most and, even more bizarrely, this is for English Literature. It is both amazing and concerning to see in a subject centred around the (originally) written word.

I have always preferred a pen and paper for numerous reasons, the most important to me being for the joy in physical handwriting. There is something more rewarding about penning each individual letter, rather than pressing a key that produces the letter for me, that makes me feel that it is truly my baby. And it is physically here with me, cradled in my palms, in the

present. I am aware of the irony of this article’s topic alongside the reality that I have had to type it but, as many students will understand, typing is a no-brainer in some cases. It is just more practical to type essays and other hefty projects, not least because the word count is calculated for you. Yet, as my sentences form on the screen before me, I feel like there is something missing.

A highlight for me, in studying English Literature, is seeing authors’ handwriting, albeit from digitalised manuscripts sometimes. Seeing the distinct curls and flourishes of Hester Pulter’s beautifully handwritten poem ‘Why Must I Thus Forever Be Confined’, circulated in manuscript form, provokes a whole new level of appreciation of both the poem and her that Calibri, Times New Roman and the like will never be capable of inspiring. Handwriting

is human. It is a reminder that the writer is (or was) real and human. This connection is kept alive in the retaining of a handwritten letter, recipe or even shopping list of a loved one no longer with us. It is also why, though the idea seems to be fading away, a celebrity’s autograph is far more valuable to me (and, just to be clear, I don’t mean for financial gain) than any selfie.

For large, word-limited projects, I give in to the practicality of Microsoft Word. But writing

with a pen and paper makes me feel alive. At the end of the day, writing is a life skill and will remain so as we enter new stages of the digital era; we will need a Plan B when the file that should have been backed up on OneDrive is nowhere to be found or the computer has a complete meltdown, afterall. In an evermore digital world, I don’t think we should be so hasty in letting go of a skill that represents our humanity.

Separating the Art from the Artist in Contemporary Music

Lauren Barrett

Comment Writer would you still enjoy their songs?

Separation of the art and the artist has been an ongoing area of debate which has only increased in discussion with the development in online celebrities, ‘cancel culture’, and in the wake of movements like ‘#Metoo’. It’s now much harder for those with a platform to have their wrongdoings swept under the rug, and good for it. Celebrity figures are losing their sense of untouchability and being held accountable for their actions in the public domain.

While we are now finding out more about these figures on a personal level, the question stands – can you enjoy the products, pieces, and work of a person separately to themselves? If it came to light your favourite musician was a misogynist, racist or homophobe

If your favourite movie director was found out to be paedophile, would you still watch their movies?

Historic books and art – a different time and would be difficult to appreciate almost any from a certain era without considerations of historical lack of progression.

Cancel culture and digging things up from the past (when legal) also must be looked at through a certain lens. At the time people accepted what they were saying, so some of those same people cancelling someone for things said, were the exact same people enjoying it when they watched decades ago.

Problematic is hard to quantify. Legal/illegal obviously, but outside of that there’s grey areas – to what extent do we erase authors? Once

stopping appreciate work from someone for doing a specific thing, then you also have to shut down authors who have done more related things etc etc. at what level of historic do we stop caring about actions?

If the work does not relate to the authors views, it’s a personal decision of a persons enjoyment.

extension of their personal views – e.g a comedian usually makes jokes relating to their personal experiences, which could very well be misogynistic etc is where art and artist cannot be separated. But seemingly art is removed from the, as a person – the question is tougher.

Regardless of opinion, their actions would definitely effect the enjoyment of it.

Credit: Unsplash

I think where it’s more apparent that a persons work is an

One of the important considerations when thinking about this actually monetary. Are you indirectly funding someone who is fundamentally a bad person? Do you want your money getting sent to enable and give a horrible person a good life and profit?

We don’t know what everyone has done. So much media has been

made by horrible people but they are still talented. To an extent, I don’t think anyone can comment on another persons decision regarding separating art and artist. We mindlessly consume so much media in all formats every single day that you simply cannot vet every single creator involved in things you consume. If you do there’s no issue in that, but for those who listen, watch, read and view on a surface level, I think it’s putting a lot of responsibility on that individual rather than looking towards these figures that have done wrong and putting the energy towards the real causes that some artists may be effecting.

Obviously those who have done outright illegal and immoral activities should not be given any form of platform to share their art with the world.

Credit: Unsplash

SCIENCE

In Conversation with Professor Peter Szlosarek BSc MBBS FRCP PhD

Rana Dawood Science Editor

Q: I thought we’d start with a bit about you, what was your journey to the position that you hold now?

A: I trained in medicine originally, and as part of that I did an intercalated BSc in Pharmacology, already then I knew that I was more interested in the academic side of medicine. I did about 10 years training in oncology, as part of that I did a 4-year PhD focused on the role of TNF-a in ovarian cancer, during which I discovered upregulation of a gene that makes Arginine, ASS1. This led to the current research that I do focusing on arginine dependency in cancer. I was then awarded a fellowship which at that

A: When I was doing my A-levels I was already interested in academics and wanted to do a PhD, so I applied for Medicine. I realised that was something I would want to do later on and I was already interested in oncology, so I guess all of those fi ed in but I wasn’t aiming for professorship, that just sort of happened along the road as it were.

Q: Recently you published your group’s research in JAMA Oncology on a novel Clinical Trial targeting Mesothelioma, could you tell us a bit about how this trial was set up and your main research findings?

patients across di erent tumour types, focusing on mesothelioma. We got responses by combining Pemetrexed with platinum chemotherapy and Pegarginimase.

“Mesothelioma is a global disease, but in the UK now, we have the highest death rate in the world.”

“...in oncology this is quite a rare event, only about 10% of Phase 3 oncology trials are positive.”

point I was a consultant medical oncologist, allowing me to pursue my interest in science alongside my clinical interest, focusing on patients with lung cancer and melanoma, and eventually that was recognised and then I was successful in obtaining a professorship.

So, I am currently a Professor in Medical Oncology at Queen Mary University of London with a Consultant position at Barts.

Q: Did you know that you wanted to pursue academics or were you set on the medical route?

A: The Phase 3 trial is the first ever to test arginine deprivation, with a drug called Pegargiminase made by Polaris Pharmaceuticals in combination with chemotherapy. ASS1 came up during my PhD in a DNA profiling experiment. I didn’t have many hits, but one of them was ASS1. Polaris developed a drug that showed tumour reduction in mice by starving them of arginine, stimulating my interest in seeing, could I do this in ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer has high levels of ASS1, so despite the fact I was trying to starve them, I couldn’t kill the cells. I came across a colleague, Dean Fennel, now a Professor in Leicester, who gave me some mesothelioma cell lines. I tested those and I could kill half of them, as they had very low ASS1 expression. We obtained a grant from MRC CRUK for a small UK trial with about 70 mesothelioma patients, finding that by removing arginine, we could slow down the mesothelioma growth. We didn’t see a di erence in survival, but we saw tumour reduction, from this we combined that with chemotherapy.

By starving mesothelioma cells that had lost ASS1, we could improve their sensitivity to the standard anti-folate drug Pemetrexed. Back in the clinic, we treated around 100

This was a positive global Phase 3 trial; in oncology this is quite a rare event, only about 10% of Phase 3 oncology trials are positive. This opened up an interesting area in cancer metabolism and rejuvenated the struggling field. It’s very hard to do because a lot of these enzymes are important in our normal cells, so how do you find that therapeutic window where you can specifically a ack cancer cells?

The beauty about arginine, is that our cells don’t actually require it as an essential amino acid. Cancer cells switch o ASS1, giving them an Achilles heel, where you can starve and exploit them, and that’s what we’ve shown in this combination study.

Q: What do you believe makes this therapeutic approach unique, and are there any further applications that you see from it?

A: This is not the first time amino acid deprivation has been done, in the 50s an approach was discovered in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The standard drug (asparaginase) is now used in the multimodality treatment of childhood ALL. Beyond leukemia and rare lymphoma, it’s not found in widespread use, partly because its quite toxic. Yes, arginine is unique in its own field, but it’s been developed from that very successful study, but unlike asparaginase, I think that arginine starvation potentially has much more applicability.

But with our approach, looking at di erent cancers, there are always patients that may benefit from arginine starvation. A global phase 3 trial is currently underway in sarcoma with pegargiminase. There is also a study currently underway in the US, using pegargiminase with radiotherapy and another chemotherapy drug. Looking forward, I think there might be a number of other cancers where we might be able to improve the treatment simply by removing arginine from the cancer.

Q: What impact do you think this will have for patients su ering with mesothelioma currently?

A: The therapy is under review by the FDA, and if approved we hope next year it will become available on the market and be accessible for patients. It needs to go through regulatory bodies, the EMA, the UK regulator the MHRA, and other countries will be looking at it. Mesothelioma is a global disease, but in the UK now, we have the highest death rate in the world. With around 2,500 deaths, 2,700 diagnoses, it is expected to increase especially in developing countries where asbestos is unfortunately being used in construction, especially China which uses the most asbestos construction.

“...never give up if you believe in something you can achieve.”

even more relevant, to be involved in a project that delivers improved care for patients is satisfying for both doctors and researchers.

Q: If you could go back to your undergraduate self, what advice would you give him, do you have any final ‘words of wisdom’ ?

treatment, as an oncologist that’s the ultimate dream...”

Q: You’ve been working on cancer research for 2 decades since your PhD, how does it feel that all of your hard work has had such an impact and what does this breakthrough mean to you?

First, I think it is very important for patients, a novel treatment, as an oncologist that’s the ultimate dream that you want to develop something. I’ve been fortunate that I’ve been driving that from the bench to the bedside over several iterative cycles and that’s quite a rare event as I’ve been told. It’s also an extremely satisfying endeavour that I’ve been involved with and the fact that I have several patients alive today because of this treatment makes it

A: I think the most important thing I would say reflected in my career, is never give up if you believe in something that you can achieve. I’ve had people along my career who were negative to me, saying “this isn’t going to work”. But I’ve had other people who were very supportive, so I think even when others say it’s something not worth pursuing, you need persistence and perseverance.

As you know, 95% of the time research is pre y gloomy and has a lot of negative results. But you shouldn’t let that colour your outlook. Studying in depth is very important in science, you really have to go deep and put things into context. Not everything that is in the literature is correct, unfortunately, there are fraudulent publications which have a ected science. I think you have to be very careful, scrutinise the data, and generate hypotheses that you can test.

Another thing is don’t be shy of collaborating, I think it’s very important and science is a team e ort, but at the end of the day you have to drive it if you really want to achieve something, you

Photo: Charlo e Ridler (BCI, Comms. O ce)

Photo: Barts Cancer Institute

Bizarre Science: “Ring Ring…Whale, Hello!” Climate Corner: From the start!

Natalia Cicovacki Science Writer

Remember hearing that myth growing up that pirates were lured to their death by mermaids or sirens singing hypnotically? Now we know they were probably hearing whale songs. But have you ever wondered how whales can produce these melodies without drowning?

A collaboration between researchers at the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Vienna has identified unique structures in the throats of baleen whales that explain this phenomenon. Baleen whales, such as blue whales and humpback whales, have what look like bristles

as teeth that filter plankton out of the water. Their throats, thousands of years ago, were forced to evolve and change shape when the baleen whales themselves evolved from land mammals and entered our seas. The shift from land to water meant new structures (only found in these whales) were developed in their voice box. Instead of having a pair of tiny cartilages at the top of their voice box, baleen whales have a U-shaped rigid structure that spans the length of the voice box. Also a ecting their pitch, leading to low-frequency sounds underwater. Researchers were able to uncover this discovery by extracting voice boxes from stranded whales found

on Sco ish and Danish coasts and creating a 3D computational model.

They also found the range of the low-frequency sounds created, which led to a sad realisation. The frequency range and how far whale songs can travel clashed with the range and how far humanmade noise by shipping travels, meaning that communication between baleen whales is limited as human-made noise completely masks their voices.

This adds to the call for stricter regulations on human activity in our oceans, as not only are baleen whales fighting to avoid propellers to stay alive, but also to be heard – a vital part of their survival.

Research Spotlight: The Lord Lab Vanadium Visionaries

Ivan Lopez Poves Science Writer

Members of the Lord Research Group are focused on the design of novel metal-based compounds for the treatment or detection of cancer.

Since more than 50% of cancers are still treated with non-selective and toxic platinum-based drugs, the group is designing and testing new, less toxic metal-based drugs, made from bio-relevant metals. Specifically, they are interested in understanding vanadium-based drugs, as vanadium is a metal which exists in foods (30 μg/kg), such as mushrooms, black pepper, parsley, drinking water, etc. With average daily intake between 10 μg – 2 mg, and an average body content of approximately 1 mg, meaning the body is more easily able to deal with and metabolise the drug. What isn’t

known about vanadium compounds, is the ability of the metal to target cancer over normal cell types. Some of the group members are working on exploiting the variable vanadium oxidation states, to create hypoxic activated (activated at low oxygen concentration) pro-drugs. This is due to cancer cells having a and reducing environment, which could allow metal compounds to switch oxidation states to create active and more selective drugs. Other members of the group are working on detection, by designing vanadium molecules with specific interactions with biomolecules and/or enzymes that are upregulated in cancers.

I began my PhD in the Lord Research Group in October 2023, and I am working on using computational modelling and docking studies to understand how vanadium compounds interact with various

DNA forms. The focus is to find molecules which have specific binding to unusual DNA forms, such as G-quadruplex (guanine rich) and i-motif (cytosine rich) DNA, as these are found in higher quantities in the telomere regions. These telomere regions are at the end of chromosome and shorten every time a cell divides, or become mutated in diseases such as anaemia, leukaemia, or pulmonary fibrosis, to name a few.

Once good binding energies have been obtained, I will be synthesising the proposed vanadium compounds and conducting biophysical studies by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, to allow comparisons to be made between computational and experimental methods. I will ultimately be investigating their importance in cancer and how vanadium compounds can be used to stabilise these telomere regions for cancer detection.

Rana Dawood Science Editor

With it being our 130th issue since the science section was introduced in 2012. A continuous theme about Concrete Science is our spotlight on climate change, since day one we’ve had a segment dedicated to the latest climate change news and its implication on the world around us. Before ‘Climate Corner’ there was ‘Environment,’ and way back before that we had ‘Turf’- with the tagline ‘Life without Concrete,’ not a world I would want to live in!

As a publication, we have now reached our 400th issue (woo!) since we were established in 1992. Around 30 years ago, Concrete was just ge ing its footing, but where was our climate at? How much has it changed since? In 2016 we passed an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 400 parts per million, the first time that this has happened in several millions of years. Marking the number 400 with more significance than we initially imagined! In 1992, while our journalists were hard at work creating Concrete, the UN Earth

Summit in Rio De Janeiro was taking place. A landmark event where over 100 world leaders came together to discuss the most pressing environmental issues of the time, yet still a lot of work is yet to be done.

Fast forward over 30 years later and there is 15% more CO2 in the atmosphere compared to 1992, around 2 million species facing extinction, and the global temperature is rapidly rising. Many believed the e ects of the summit were li le, with others seeing it as being be er than having done nothing at all.

UEA’s climate research unit is a world-leading hub for the study of natural and anthropogenic climate change. A recent UEA study published in Climatic Change, led by Professor Rachel Warren projects the accumulated risk of climate damage, looking at how variable increases in climate temperature a ect susceptible developing countries. Warning that more e orts need to be put in place or a 30C temperature increase will be seen. Their research spans across a hefty nine papers over the past three years, marking a key step forward to highlighting the true e ects of global warming.

This Month in Science: When the Stars Align

Max Todd Senior Science Writer

On March 10th 1982, a catastrophe was predicted. Written six years earlier, ‘The Jupiter Effect’ predicted the alignment of all nine planets (Yes, Pluto was still a planet then!) on the same side of the sun would trigger devastating natural disasters through an amplification of gravitational forces. The book was an instant best seller! However the predicted catastrophes, thankfully, did not occur.

This phenomenal alignment of more than three celestial bodies is called a syzygy, from the Ancient Greek suzugos, but it often just describes any interesting configuration of the planets. A similar event occurred eighty-eight years earlier on March 21st 1894, when Mercury, Venus,

and Saturn aligned. But for all nine planets to span little more than 98 degrees was unprecedented. In fact, the four largest planets in our solar system (Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus) spanned an arc little more than 73 degrees.

You might be disappointed to find that the planets weren’t exactly in a straight line, so how long do we have to wait until that happens? Well, a syzygy is a rather loose term, but despite the orbital planes of all the planets being slightly different, if we want them to be in one degree of each other we’ll have to wait another whopping 13.4 trillion years!

However if you’re not too bothered about perfect alignment and don’t mind Pluto not being included, you need only last until May 6th 2492.

Photo: Innes Henry

L to R: Dr. Tameryn Stringer, Dr. Benjamin Hofmann, Dr. Rianne Lord, Ivan Lopez Poves, Oliver King.

Photo: Ivan Lopez Poves. Photo: Ivan Lopez Poves.

LIFESTYLE

Is body hair just a trend?

Cordelia GulbekianFaram Lifestyle writer

This is a question I’ve begun asking. With the creation of ‘Januhairy,’ – a social media trend which sees women grow out their body hair for the month of January, which inevitably comes with an expectation of it ending once the clock strikes midnight on the 31st, I begin to wonder when body hair will become truly normalised. Because, no doubt, the places where you’ve seen ‘hairy’ women are models on screen in shaving adverts, with major companies hopping on the trend now that the policing of women’s body hair has come under scrutiny. And perhaps only seeing ‘hairy’ representation on models in situations where the hair has been ‘beautified’ – not too long, not too dark, short enough to not stick out in tufts – has formulated the idea that body hair is not for everyone. Perhaps you’ve only really seen it portrayed in photoshoots where it feels designed to ‘look good.’

Where is the normal everyday representation of women with body hair? You don’t need to look a certain way for your body hair to be accepted. All women’s bodies are di erent, and body hair will look and grow di erent, thicker or thinner, shorter or longer. I speak from the perspective of someone with fair hair and skin, where my experiences will hold privilege due to the ingrained white supremacy in

Credit: Unsplash

Western beauty standards. Women of colour are already held to much higher beauty standards, each with their own individual experiences, and who often face masculinisation, the sight of body hair consistently pushes these discriminations into

"I've become the epitome of what teenage girls didn't want to be - hairy and proud"

dehumanisation. Discussing my own experiences, the reception that I receive will di er to others. All

bodies are di erent, and everyone has varying experiences.

Personally, when I decided to stop shaving three years ago, I had to come to terms with the feeling of a possible lack of acceptance. You don’t realise the full damage of your early teens, of the beauty standards pushed on you as you start to grow into your pubescent body as a young girl, until you grow older. Ingrained in my mind were the girls around me who were disgusted at themselves for even the slightest sign of body hair, and how me now, with long hair on my armpits and legs, would be disgusting to them too. I’ve become the epitome of what teenage girls didn’t want to be – hairy and proud of my choice. The sentences, ‘it’s

Lifestyle Food:

Daisi Parker Lifestyle writer

Serves: 1-4

Total Time: 10-50 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Okay so a little lie has been told; it will be more than 4 ingredients. HOWEVER, the base of across all four recipes is the same four ingredients. The feta pasta recipe went viral on TikTok, but what else can you cook for dinner with the same ingredients?

Ingredients:

200g feta cheese

300g cherry tomatoes

1 onion (white or red)

1-2 cloves of garlic

INSTRUCTIONS

1 – FETA PASTA

1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC.

In a medium baking dish, place your block of feta in the centre and distribute the tomatoes (cut into quarters) and onion (diced) around the feta. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle the garlic (diced), salt (1 pinch), black pepper (1 pinch), and mixed herbs (1-2 pinches) over everything. Mix around a little bit but make sure the feta remains in the centre.

2. Bake in the oven for 30 – 45 minutes, until the feta is soft enough to mash.

3. Meanwhile, boil the pasta shape of your choice until al dente. Strain the pasta but save a couple tablespoons of the pasta water if possible.

4. Mash all the baking dish ingredients together until they resemble a pasta sauce, adding the pasta water in slowly until desired thickness. Add in the cooked pasta and stir through.

so disgusting’ or even simply the normality of ‘I need to shave,’ feels exhausting to hear around me and on social media. Over the years, it became ingrained into my head from a young age that I was meant to be clean shaven, that the sight of natural body hair was repulsive. In fact, years later when I arrived at university, I was conscious of those words that had been burnt into my mind, how I might now be deemed ‘una ractive’ for not shaving. I still heard those same words all around me, which felt challenging when I was the only one in my friendship group that didn’t shave.

It took a while when I decided to stop shaving for me to see my body hair as a natural part of my body, as something so normal it wasn’t even worth thinking about, and that to remove it would feel like altering my identity. What made me stop shaving wasn’t to make a statement, I just simply didn’t want to. I didn’t like the act of removing my body hair. I didn’t find pleasure in it, and I didn’t see a good reason why I should (except the ingrained idea that it would make me less a ractive). I remember the alienation I felt at first when I was the only one with body hair on show. I feared that showing my body hair might make me una ractive to the male gaze. Internalised misogyny frames the idea that female body hair is unhygienic and repulsive, but on men it is celebrated and seen

as hygienic. For me, and many women, this is where the pressure has come from to shave.

Body hair on women, or those that are femme presenting, needs to be completely normalised. It shouldn’t be something we need to talk about or have accepted, and you shouldn’t feel you have to look a certain way to have it. My body hair isn’t a trend. It’s not something I’ll have and swiftly

"Body hair on women, or those that are femme presenting, needs to be completely normalised"

move on from when I stop seeing companies promoting it or when January passes by every year. By showing my body hair, a natural part of all our bodies, I hope to normalise it to those around me. However, feeling body positive isn’t always easy. Remember what you do with your body is always your choice, and if commi ing to growing out your body hair without an end in sight feels overwhelming, then maybe ‘Januhairy’ can be a way to experiment without commitments.

4 Ingredients; 4 Ways

2

– CREAMY TOMATO SOUP

1. See step 1 of FETA PASTA and then bake for 30 – 45 minutes.

2. Mash all the baking dish ingredients together and stir in hot vegetable stock (300ml). Whizz in a blender if you’d prefer a smoother soup consistency.

1. Boil the rice (150g) in vegetable stock (300ml) for 25 minutes.

2. Add in the tomatoes (quartered), onion (diced) and garlic (diced) and cook for another 5 – 10 minutes. Mash the tomatoes slightly to create a more tomatoey sauce.

3. Crumble the feta over the top of the risotto.

1. Roughly chop the leaf of your choice (e.g. lettuce, spinach, rocket) and add to you bowl.

2. Chop feta, tomatoes, and onion (I’d recommend red onion soaked in ice water) into bite sized pieces and add to bowl.

3. In a cup, add olive oil (2 tbs), lemon juice (2 tsp), cider vinegar (1 tbs) and the garlic (diced) and stir until combined. Drizzle over the top of the salad.

3 – TOMATO RISOTTO

4 – SALAD

Credit: Daisi Parker

[Inspired by the Foodie Features from the 2010s]

Anne Glia

Your Agony Aunt. Jadyn

Q: I feel so alone at uni, I've made maybe 3 friends, and all my friends are back home. I miss them so dearly and honestly I just wanna drop out but I have no choice but to continue, any advice?

A: I’ve definitely felt like this before; I hope you know you aren’t alone in this. Uni and people are actually really hard to navigate, so I hope you know you’ve done well so far. It may seem like everyone finds making friends super effortless, but I promise they probably are thinking about similar things inside too, or did at one point. I think loneliness is such a common experience that we tend to all hide because society

"The reality is that making friends isn't always so easy"

says that we should and that it’s a personal fault if we do happen to

feel lonely - which is not true. There’s a lot of pressure and romanticisation around instantly making many super close friends when you’re at university, when the reality is that making friends isn’t always so easy (for various different reasons).

My advice would be to just be kind to yourself and know that friendships and closeness does not have to be instantaneous. Also knowing that there can be different levels of intensity to friendship that can be equally valuablesome friends can be life partners, and some friendships can be very light hearted and low commitment and you can still gain connection and moments of fun/happiness from these, even if you wouldn’t necessarily share all of your life with those people.

Also generally people do like making new friends, or at least are pleased when others take interest in them!

I have a close friend who has made a habit of just asking people she’s acquainted with and interested in if they want to get coffee with her.

If it’s awkward then that’s okay and you don’t have to meet again, but

you could also find a really great connection. This was a scary idea to me, but actually I realised that if someone asked me to hang out I’d feel flattered that they want to. The more you do these scary things, the easier it gets, and it really is okay not to connect with everyone! You are not failing at ‘friend making’ if you don’t.

Using your hobbies or commitments to your advantage is a good way to make connections too! Attending society events and

"The more you do these scary things, the easier it gets"

making connections through those could be easier because you already have a known common point of interest to build your friendship upon! Or if you work: remember that a workplace doesn’t have to be strictly just work. A lot of the time we’re conditioned to separate work friends from ‘real friends,’ but actually ‘work friends’ can be really wonderful too and can be brought outside of your workplace. And these friendships don't have to be

Learning to cycle at 22

Eve A wood Co-Editor-In-Chief

Here’s the “embarrassing” truth – I never learnt to cycle as a kid. I never did Bikeability or took cycling lessons. I knew how to pedal, and that was about it. My family was never the type to go on holiday bike rides, and after a few bad experiences trying and failing to cycle downhill, I’d pretty much given up. In all honesty, I was terrified to ever get back on a bike.

Fast forward to my final year at university, and I found myself relying on buses more than ever since I live in the city. The buses were constantly making me late for everything – seminars,

"I wanted to face my fears and learn to cycle"

meeting friends, going to work. They would rarely turn up on time,

and when they did, they were often packed so full I couldn’t get a seat. One evening, I spent an hour and a half just waiting for a single bus to show up at the university bus stop. Something in me snapped and I decided I was fed up with wasting my time. I wanted to finally face my fears and learn to cycle. I wanted to stop relying on buses and cars to get me everywhere.

I took around six adult cycling lessons with Matt, an amazing cycling instructor in Norwich whose business, Smart Cycle Training, has taught tonnes of adults and children to cycle safely on the roads. Before the lessons, I hadn’t cycled in 10 years. Matt got me cycling on the road and signalling with ease, and after the lessons, I started commuting to university by myself. I was so surprised by how quickly I was able to learn and the independence cycling gave me. I don’t drive yet, and frankly, I don’t think I can afford to learn right now, nevermind be able to buy a car. But a bike is something I can afford, and is much more affordable for most students.

Even in the short time I’ve been cycling, I’ve learnt a lot. For starters, don’t just run into a curb

‘deeper’ or necessarily longlasting for them to still be meaningful (although they can be if you would like them to be!)

Also it may be really hard because of busy schedules, but I would also suggest talking to some of your friends back home about how you feel and trying to organise a time to regularly meet or call to keep that contact that would be a source of

comfort for you. Please remember you are not really alone.

And don't forget that the people that are made for you will be drawn to you - look out for them ! they’re looking out for you too :) If they haven’t appeared yet it’s just because they haven’t found you yet, not because they don’t exist.

and think you can defy gravity, otherwise you’ll end up a muddy mess like I did. Buy a waterproof jacket, because you sure as hell are going to need it if you’re

"There are so many rewards for going out your comfort zone"

commuting in the rain. A lot of car drivers are going to think they can intimidate you, but ignore them. All of the obstacles I’ve faced learning to cycle so far can’t outweigh how freeing it feels.

I bought my first proper bike on campus at Dr Bike. They’ve got loads of affordable secondhand bikes available to buy, which is perfect for students on a budget. Buying a bike for myself for the first time made me feel like a kid again. You don’t need a fancy bike to get you from A to B, but I will admit that buying a bright blue bike made my inner child very happy.

Learning to cycle has also made me appreciate areas with good bike infrastructure more. UEA has some decent bike lanes nearby, as well as loads of places to lock your bike up. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how many bike lanes there are in Norwich, since in my hometown, there’s none to be seen. When cities have good bike infrastructure, it makes cycling safer and encourages more people to get out there. That doesn’t mean everyone is welcoming to cyclists, but it does make learning a lot easier.

Whether you’re thinking of trying out a Beryl bike, using your old bike sitting in the shed, or even learning to cycle for the first time, give it a go and don’t let your fear and embarrassment get in the way. It can seem humiliating to start from scratch, especially when you’re an adult, but there are so many rewards for going out of your comfort zone. Trust me, I would know. I don’t know many other people who have learnt to cycle at 22!

Credit: Pexels

Credit: Mia Galanti

Portugal’s far right on the rise as election campaign begins

Sankavi Naresh Senior Global Writer

Portugal’s two week general election campaign has begun with centreright and centre-left parties leading in the polls. Far right populists predicted to collect almost a fifth of the vote is another sign of Europe’s nativist sentiments. Dissimilar to several EU states ranging from Italy to Finland, the far right has so far not managed to make much of an impact in Portugal. April marks half a century since the 1974 Carnation Revolution which ended almost as many years of authoritarian rule.

The Chega(lit.Enough) Party which is led by a former football commentator, André Ventura, could possibly become powerbroker if polls prove to be accurate. Ventura’s party scored 1.3% of votes in 2019’s election but jumped to 7.3% in 2022 and has since climbed to about 19%.

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) is headed by Luís Montenegro who launched a campaign in the northern district of Bragança. Montenegro

was confident in a “great victory” for a three-party alliance he had formed with two smaller rightist parties.

Ventura told Reuters last month that his party would demand to be a part of the right wing coalition government in exchange for parliamentary support. However, Montenegro has rejected any type of agreement with Chega. Although, after eight years in opposition, some analysts are doubtful that the centreright party, PSD, will stick to that pledge if it requires Chega’s votes to secure a majority.

Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the current Socialist Party, was reported telling market shoppers near Porto that his party enjoyed “a relationship of proximity and trust” with voters and was “focused on a victory that halts the right’s advance.”

Socialists are to win the most votes but combined rightwing parties are expected to collect more seats

in parliament. Many people were focused on Ventura, who has always said he will not back into a rightist coalition unless he is formally a part of it. Analysts report that the early 10th of March election, called after the unexpected resignation of Socialist prime minister, António Costa, is being held in the presence of multiple corruption scandals that have fuelled voter disenchantment and a lean toward the far right.

Costa’s government collapsed last November and was embroiled in a corruption investigation into alleged illegalities in his government’s handling of large green investment projects. Costa’s chief of sta was arrested but Costa himself has not been accused of any crime and has also denied any wrongdoing.

Recently, a Lisbon court has ruled that José Sócrates, a former Socialist prime minister, has to stand trial over allegations that he stole about

€34 million (£29m) during his time in power from money laundering, fraud and graft. Unreliable public health services, a housing crisis and constant low pay levels are other sectors where the two main parties’ records show they are struggling.

Like other countries in Europe, one of Chega’s main themes is the fight against alleged corruption, one billboard reads “Portugal needs cleaning out.” Far right populists are leading coalitions in Italy and Finland and supporting another in Sweden. Chega is also campaigning on immigration, the climate crisis and religious and cultural di erences. In June’s European parliament elections, far right parties are expected to finish first in nine countries including Austria, France and Poland and second or third in another nine, including Germany, Spain, Portugal and Sweden.

Cobalt Mining Practises in the Democratic Republic of The Congo

Kasey Campbell

Global Writer

“I have lost so many friends. Some have died. I want the war to end, so that we can go home”.

These are the devastating words of seven-year-old Mbokani, who lives in a displacement camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, amidst all out war. Save The Children report the conditions in which children like Mbokani live, are crowded, unhygienic and lacking necessities.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been troubled by conflict and political instability, rooted in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.

The Eastern Congo Initiative reports that the Rwandan Genocide saw the death of 800,000 people, and millions flee to the eastern DRC. Despite estimates that only 7% of refugees in the eastern DRC were also perpetrators of the genocide, the eastern DRC was invaded by Rwandan and Ugandan authorities, in an attempt to find any

remaining perpetrators of the genocide. This became known as the First Congo War, ending in 1997, with LaurentDésiré Kabila emerging as President. Kabila was aided by Rwandan and Ugandan forces in over-running the former DRC President Mobutu Sese Seko. However, despite their aid, Kabila ordered Rwandan and Ugandan forces out of the eastern DRC the same year, fearing the seizure of his land. The conflict that followed became known as the Second Congo War. Today, large-scale violence remains prevalent across the DRC. In addition to the resurgence of rebel groups, for example the infamous M23, a prominent factor contributing to this violence is complaints of inhumane mining practices.

Cobalt is used in the production of rechargeable batteries, such as, in the back of one’s mobile phone or in electric cars. Statistics show that almost half of the world’s Cobalt reserve is in the DRC, and an

increasing global demand for Cobalt has had undeniable impacts for those working and living in Cobalt rich areas. Amnesty International asserts that as companies look to expand Cobalt and Copper mines, locals are being forcibly displaced by threat and coercion. Aljazeera also names the expansion of industrial Cobalt mines as a cause of human rights abuses occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the Global Forest Coalition, there are more than 40,000 child miners working in cobalt mines in the DRC.

Furthermore, it seems human rights activists speaking against the corrupt mining practices rife throughout the DRC are being targeted.

As reported by Human Rights Watch, an activist in Fungurume (home to the Tenke Fungurume Mine which is one of the largest producers of Cobalt in the DRC) was found dead under suspicious circumstances after

denouncing the embezzlement of mining royalties. At present, the future of the DRC is uncertain. Some view the global increase of Cobalt as an opportunity for the development of safe and responsible mining regulations. Others view it in a more pessimistic way, suggesting that the global demand for Cobalt will add to the continued deterioration of human rights standards in the DRC. One thing that remains clear is that the current practices must change in order to ensure safe working conditions for the local population of the DRC.

Picture Credits: Unsplash

Pi ure credits: Unsplash

TRAVEL

What to do on Our Doorstep

Ella Hamlin Travel Writer

Our campus provides endless activities to spend some time away from study. Whether it’s adventuring around the lake, dropping by the Sainsbury Centre, stroking the ponies that inhabit the surrounding fields, or picnicking in Earlham Park. But if you’re keen to explore more of the surrounding areas of Norwich, I have some suggestions for you. This article pays homage to Rachel Conquer’s 2009 article “Local Travel: Norwich” 15 years on. As noted by David Bowie back in 1973, there’s nowhere better to start than the Norfolk Broads. With spring and summer creeping towards us, the Norfolk Broads provide a tranquil setting for the perfect afternoon stroll. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hire a day boat from Wroxham, giving you the freedom to explore the broads on your own accord.

Wroxham itself is worth a visit, even just for the water-side-village photo opportunities. It has a cosy, nostalgic feel to it that can be quite attractive if you want some air from campus or city life. However, it should be noted that Wroxham is significantly popular with tourists in the heat of summer, so a weekday visit is recommended. Wroxham can be accessed by bus from Norwich for as little as £2.

A wild swimming spot that I personally like to visit is in Trowse, a small village just off the River Yare. Along the river are some accessible, safe and pastoral

places to stop for a dip. A 20 minute walk along from here, you can access Whitlingham country park to soak up sun, natural views, and to get in your daily dose of dog spotting.

Finally, if you’re keen to do something a little less physical and perhaps indoors on a rainy day, I recommend visiting Dotty Pottery close to Thorpe End. Pottery painting can be the perfect way to get your creative mind working, as well as a therapeutic rest from studying.

Sólheimar: a Beacon of Inclusivity and Sustainability

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of south-western Iceland, Sólheimar stands as an eco-village celebrated for its commitment to ecological practices, artistic endeavours, and community ethos. With a current population of approximately 100 residents, this unique place is distinguished by its inclusive environment where people with and without special needs coexist harmoniously.

Founded July 5 1930 by Sesselja Sigmundsdóttir, Sólheimar began as a humble foster home. Sesselja, a pioneering woman, sought to create a self-sustained community that combined childcare with organic horticulture. The early years saw the establishment of Selhamar, a building specifically designed for children with developmental disabilities.

On the 70th anniversary, the Sesseljuhús Environmental Centre was inaugurated as a tribute to Sesselja's legacy. Designed with sustainability in mind, Sesseljuhús exemplifies the use of natural materials, featuring a wooden structure with a turf roof. Beyond its environmental impact, the centre serves as a hub for community activities, environmental education, and collaboration with visitors.

As Sólheimar continues to evolve from its humble beginnings into a modern, self-supporting ecovillage, the legacy of its founder lives on. The community's commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and the flourishing of every individual makes it a beacon of inspiration.

Aurora Alliance Travel Writers

Martha Dack, a HUM student who was part of the project “Sustainability in Iceland”, led by Marián Arribas-Tomé (PPL) and funded by the Aurora Alliance, reported visiting Sólheimar as a significant experience. As a self-sustaining eco-community that cares for disabled residents, not only did she find that this demonstrated the wider Icelandic culture of care, but also “a fantastic model for how to provide invaluable life skills to disabled individuals, while centring community at the core of its operations. So, instead of leaning into typical individualistic notions, the community acknowledged the importance of working together to uplift those in need.”

Experiencing Dublin City as a Resident Turned Tourist

Ore Adeyoola

I left Dublin when I was twelve years old and hadn’t visited since. Life got busy, and the funds weren’t there. There was always an excuse. But as an adult with my own money to make poor decisions, I made the push to book a stay in a tiny Airbnb in someone’s garden, situated in the county I grew up in. Over the course of five days, I visited places both old and new, transported into the split mind of a younger, more optimistic Ore and the realist, adult version of me. I saw the green grass and felt the crisp air I’d always loved about Ireland. “The air is just so much- cleaner,” I always tell my friends when asked about Ireland. I’m usually met with furrowed eyebrows and confused smiles, but it’s true!

I visited Dublin City multiple times and fell in love with its character. I can't compare it to any other city I’ve visited. Cobbled streets that have been stepped on for centuries, fairy lights at almost every doorway, music floating out of the doors of restaurants and bars as you pass by, crowds huddled

under umbrellas. Home. I lived about a half hour bus ride from Dublin city, but my memories of venturing on the 41C bus into the capital are all shiny and bright. The childlike excitement I felt rediscovering Dublin City was nostalgic and welcoming. Instead of clinging on to my mum’s hand like I had as a kid, I was dragging my English boyfriend around the place, insisting that I still knew the directions to

"The rose-tinted glasses we wear as children protect us from the truths of places we love"

notable landmarks (I didn't’).

The heartbreaking part about visiting a country you only have found memories of is the inevitable dull to the shine. Dublin is beautiful, charming, and alive. But Dublin isn’t perfect. Outside of one of the many pubs claiming to be the

Temple Bar, selling pints of Guinness for a sickening fifteen euro, I’d see someone on the street begging for money to feed their kid. No one would stop by, too focused on the ups and downs and dilemmas of their own life, face cold, focused. For the four out of five days I was in Dublin, the sky was dark grey and heavy, rain pouring on and off even though it was only early September. The type of weather that dampens your spirits and makes that seasonal depression creep in earlier and last way longer than it needs to. And just like every city, I could see how the cost of living was impacting its residents. I’ve visited Mallorca, Amsterdam, Lagos, Manchester and of course London, and still the most expensive city I’ve been to by far was Dublin.

The rose-tinted glasses we wear as children protect us from the ugly truths of the places we love. Adulthood changes things. But even with more balanced eyes, I still love Dublin, its city, its people. Both as a tourist and as a resident, it will always feel like being welcomed back home.

Travel Writer

Photo: Cordelia Gulbekian Faram

Photo: Innes Henry

Photo: Unsplash

Step Back in Time: A View into the Past of UEA Sport

Sofia Royal Sports Editor

Over the past 32 years, Concrete has produced 400 Issues of sport. As a fundamental attribute to UEA, many students thrive off of sport opportunities and Sports Night’s- the pinnacle of UEA nightlife. In hindsight, the Concrete sport section has remained a constant- relevant and proud as it basks in UEA’s success in the sport department. However, that is not to say that within the last 32 years there has not been a drastic change, or if anythinghave things really changed at all?

Published in January of 1992, Issue 1 of Concrete headlines the sport section with Toby Leaver’s article Pirates Have a Chance to Win Playoffs. In the article, Leaver discusses the UEA Pirates’ hope for success for the remainder of the 1991/92 season. But it is not without a challenge, as he gives details on why the roster for the term had changed.”starting quarterback Rob Grant was injured against Oxford last term” Leaver writes. Leading to a UEA loss, he explains that their linebacker, Martin Gardem is also “suffering from injuries”. The players were soon replaced and congratulations were in order for their coach, Warren Smart, after being awarded Coach of the Year by the British Coaching Association for his coaching in the 1990/91 season. It was that year when Smart, a former Norwich Devils player

had led the Pirates to success as Conference Champions and a chance to play in the National Finals. Founded in 1987 by Stuart Croucher, Smart was a fundamental asset to the team having joined in 1989 and was instrumental in the team being given a kit, having played non-kitted for the first two seasons. After winning their first season in 1989/90, Smart ensured the team had another victory the following year with a 7-1 record. Three decades later, and the Pirates are still thriving as one of UEA’s only Division One sports clubs and ranked top 10 in the UK as of last year. With a Southern Conference run in the South-Eastern division in the 2018-19 season.

Another article, “Ski Success” by Keeley Smith writes about “15 of UEA’s most talented skiers”, competing in the English and Welsh University Ski Championships. Taking place in the French Alps, UEA competed against 30 other universities, showcasing their skills on the slopes. For Race Ski Captain, Simon Ashton, the skier placed in a remarkable 20th out of a 160 skiers in the Mens Slalom. The women’s team thrived on the slopes, finishing 12th and 15th in the Team and Giant Slalom’s. However, UEA’s main success came from JeanMichelle Jacquinot, placing 6th in

the snowboarding. As of today, the UEA snow sports team continues to show off their success with 3 final qualifiers in the 2020/21 Dome Series, a 3rd in the UK position for Ski Freestyle and top 16 in Board Freestyle in the 2019/20 season. As it was back in 1992, the snow sports team is a team worth joining, whether an amateur or an expert when it comes to skiing. But the opportunity to take a break on the slopes in France, Austria or even Andorra, is an opportunity you simple mustn’t pass on.

Coco Gauff: Serving For Success By the Rulebook

Sam Hallam Sports Writer

On the 22nd February Coco Gau (world No.3 seed) stepped onto centre court ready to face the Czech Republic’s Karolína Plíšková in the round of 16 of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

Li le did the 19-year-old know that her hardest ba le would not be against the experienced, 38th seed, but with the umpire, Pierre Bacchi.

After a slow start in which she lost the first set, 6-2, Gau found her swing in the second. It was during this set, where she was overcoming her physical limits, that Bacchi decided to test the limits of her patience.

Gau was leading the set when she hit a service winner as Plíšková returned the serve into the net. Bacchi called Gau ’s serve out, prompting a challenge from Gau ’s side, as her serve was found to have been in bounds. Yet instead of giving Gau the point, Bacchi ruled that Gau should replay her first serve. Gau immediately approached explaining that she should have been awarded the point as Bacchi called the ball out after Plíšková returned the serve, and therefore could not have been distracted or mislead

by the call. Gau was right as when rewatching the footage from this moment commentator, John Horn, said “Coco Gau is correct, [Plíšková] hit the ball first, and then the chair umpire called it out.”

Additionally, the spectators watching the verbal rally between player and umpire sided with Gau . “Everybody here knows you called the ball after she hit it,” Gau protested, which was met with cheers and whoops from the surrounding crowd. Despite this Bacchi continued to deny his mistake.

Bacchi’s mistake here now seems to have been foreshadowing for his umpiring to come. He acted as the umpire for the match between Britain’s Andy Murray and Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. Murray made three challenges to Bacchi’s rulings, all of which proved to be successful. Bacchi’s incorrect rulings have united Murray and Gau fans in outrage. For example, @ Olly_Tennis_ tweeted “I have NEVER seen 3 challenges from a player in the SAME game, let alone 3 CORRECT challenges,” and in response fan @cocogoOFF tweeted “it’s time for this umpire to be fired.”

Bacchi’s blunders did not stop at him

not admi ing that he called the ball out after Plíšková hit it. Gau wanted the rules clarified on what happens when the umpire calls the ball out before and after it is returned, so she requested for Bacchi to call the supervisor down to the court. He refused even though the umpire must call the supervisor should the player request for a rule to be clarified and Gau asserting herself saying “that’s in my rights and I know it is.” Bacchi still refused to do so, supposedly “as a point of respect,” as he felt that Gau was undermining him, though he was undermining the rules and her rights as a player himself. He also continuously interrupted Gau to the point where she frustratedly exclaimed “can you not cut me o for 2 seconds?”

There is also a noticeable di erence in the way in which he responded to his mistakes being challenged by Murray in comparison to Gau . When Gau (a young, black woman) requested the supervisor Bacchi made it “a point of respect,” not bring the supervisor out. A ‘respect’ that he did not once demand from Murray (a white man). Additionally, when Murray challenged him, Bacchi rectified his ruling appropriately. However,

his response to Gau ’s initial challenge was to make her replay a point she

had already won. Here we have a scene that Gau ’s father described on Instagram as “the all too familiar scene of a woman of colour pleading and fighting to be treated fairly and respectfully by their male counterparts,” yet being ignored as seemingly Bacchi’s ego could not handle being proven wrong by a black woman.

Although this scene is “familiar... [for] women of colour,” it is especially familiar to Gau . In her first-round match of the US Open against Laura Siegemund of Germany, Gau complained to umpire, Marijana Veljovic, that Siegemund was “never ready,” when Gau was serving. Additionally, Gau addressed how Siegemund went over the time limit to serve 4 times yet had only received one time violation.

Much like Bacchi, Veljovic was dismissive of Gau saying that her serving was “very quick,” as an explanation for why Siegemund was never ready. Shifting the blame from her white opponent onto Gau herself. This was despite how the

crowd had noticed and grown sick of Siegemund’s time wasting to try and rile Gau up, as evidenced by the boos that erupted the moment Siegemund failed to even try and return Gau ’s serve.

The poor sportsmanship of Siegemund was reflected, to a lesser degree, by Plíšková. She was filmed giggling and smirking whilst Gau advocated for herself. This was not completely surprising as Plíšková has a history of unsportsmanlike behaviour, most notably when she thrashed a hole in the umpire’s chair with her racket after her loss to Maria Sakkari in the 2018 French Open.

In an interview after her match with Plíšková, Gau stated that her frustration with Bacchi “fuelled” her through the rest of the match to victory. Continuing the pa ern, seen when she defeated Siguemund and went on to win last year’s US Open. Though she was not able to continue that in Dubai, being eliminated by Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals, Gau has again established herself as an unshakeable tennis player whose frustration will never hinder her performance.

Photos: Concrete Issue 1 (1992)

Torvill and Dean: The Final Dance

Annabel Knill Sports Writer

On their 40th anniversary of winning gold at the 1984 winter Olympics, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have returned to that same sight in Sarajevo to announce, to the disappointment of many tearyeyed fans, that for one more time they will take to the ice for a final dance, in wwhat is a cathartic ending to an immersive and successful career.

Becoming skating partners in 1975, Torvill and Dean were already accomplished figure skaters: with Dean, the British Junior Ice Dance Champion and Torvill, the British Junior Pairs Champion. It did not take long until they became a formidable team and received their first 6.0, the highest marks awarded by a single judge in 1978, taking them into the British National Champions. Accomplished whilst simultaneously working full time, training had to be worked into their schedules as Torvill worked full time as an insurance clerk and Dewan as a Police constable in No ingham. It was thanks to a substantial financial sponsorship from the No ingham City Council which enabled them to leave their jobs and turn their full time and a ention to skating, allowing them to then clinch the victory of four consecutive World Championships in 1981, and not long after winning the World Professional Championships five times.

However, it is the pairs ’Olympic gold free

skate program that set a new standard for world class figure skaters, achieving a perfect score of 6.0s across the board in artistic impression. This program went down in the history books as the ‘Bolero.

’The Bolero captured the hearts of not just the 24 million spectators that turned in to watch the young couple back in 1984, but has continued to this day to inspire and encourage people all around the world to join in with the world of figure skating. The Bolero, known for its trademark purple, depicted the narrative of two fated lovers determined to be together in both life and death, as the couple venture up an erupting volcano “before throwing [themselves] into eternity,” as Christopher Dean stated. Yet, this program isn’t without its own challenges as the skaters were determined to fit Ravel’s 4 minute 28 second musical piece into a 4-minute program, forcing the skaters to search through the rule book for a way to maximise their music. And thus, one of the most revered pieces in the staking world was created with the pair beginning the program on their knees. According to the rules, their time only started once the first blade touched the ice and so Torvill and Dean could let their music play without eating into their skating time.

In the warm up, you can even see Dean scu ng up the ice where they begin their program in order to prevent slipping when dancing on their knees!

Although Bolero achieved a perfect score

Torvill had stated how “Nowadays with the rules of the competition it's quite a technical thing rather than a creative thing,” implying how in the free state of 1984 there were no particular jumps, spins or sequences which were required in the programme, therefore the program would have “broken the rules” had it been performed today. However, Bolero truly took the world by storm through its passion and connection. It’s full of long sweeping lines and lyrical movements eloquently embodying their narratives, which led many fans to question the relationship between the skaters as “only friends,” perhaps only proving the emotive power of their skate and the perfect pairing of skaters themselves.

And yet now the last chapter of Torvill and Dean’s skating life is coming to its end. With a UK tour in 2025 closing their skating time together, Torvill and Dean’s determination, skill and beauty as skaters will never be forgo en nor stop inspiring the world of staking.

The Blue Moon Rising Again: Can Man City have repeat FA Cup success?

Felix Sumner Sports Senior Writer

I triple captained Erling Haaland over the weekend for the double game week City had for my Premier League fantasy football team expecting a huge return from the Norwegian goalscoring goliath. I was sorely disappointed and humiliated by my friends in my league. And to make things even more bi er Haaland and Man City put 6 past Luton in round 5 of the FA cup – with 5 goals being scored by none other than the man of the hour.

Pep Guardiola’s team was flying high this Tuesday after a goal scoring rampage in Luton with the final score being 6 to City and 2 to Luton Town, seeing them exit the cup. As it goes for the defense from last year’s winners, City have made a fierce statement. While Haaland ne ed another hattrick he ended up scoring 5 which completed his eighth hat-trick for the

club, but he wasn’t the only man in form on the night with City mid-field magician Kevin de Bruyne mounting four assists for the Norwegian star. The sixth and final goal for the Blues came from Ma eo Kovacic. City’s 100-millionpound superstar Jack Grealish found more bad luck for himself after having

to be subbed o in the 38th minute due to a reoccurring groin injury. Having struggled with his form recently, the 28-year-old England international seemed distraught at the fact he had to come o as he covered his face reaching the away dugout at Luton. Jeremey Doku replaced him. However, while

Man City were deadly upfront, their defense wasn’t as watertight as they would have liked seeing a brace from Luton Town’s Jordan Clark breach the backline. Regardless, Manchester City moved into the sixth round with huge confidence as they thrashed Luton away.

As the sixth-round draw stands, the blue Mancunians will be at home facing Newcastle in what could be a blockbuster fixture as the Magpies have already defeated the treble winners once this season in the Carabao Cup and will be looking for a similar result against them in March. For the other teams that remain going into the Quarter Finals, some tasty fixtures have been drawn with Manchester United, facing rivals Liverpool in a titanic tie. Chelsea face championship side Leicester City in what could be a

struggle for the Londoners and Wolves will face Birmingham City in another promising fixture. All these teams are on an eager crusade to get their hands on silverware, although last year’s winner Man City seek to reclaim the trophy for a second year in a row. If fate should go their way, the final has the potential to be the same fixture as last year which saw the first ever Manchester derby cup final but there is still a long road ahead till then. City also have rivals Liverpool seeking to make Jurgen Klopp’s final season a successful one as they also have much to gain from winning the cup.

Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Unsplash

SPORT A Sport Fit For the Big Screen: An Investigation Into Hollywood’s Twist On Sport As They Strike For Gold In Ratings

Sofia Royal Sports Editor

In a world filled with social media and streaming platforms, there lies a great expectation from household viewers for streaming services to keep us entertained. After all, there are only so many movies the likes of Netflix and Disney+ can add to their websites. From Drive to Survive to Welcome to Wrexham, the impact these insideperspective shows have on sports, with increasing viewer rating and revenues is important to the future of sport.

However, it was Netflix that started the sport docu-series trend with Formula One: Drive to Survive. Now five seasons in, with season six now airing on, the show is marked as one of the most successful sport docu-series’ to date. It’s most popular in the US, where last year, 570,000 Netflix viewers tuned in during the first week of the season five premiere. With ever-increasing viewer ratings, bosses on the other side of the pond saw this as an opportunity to bring fans from all over the world to the US for tow new circuits.

In 2018, a proposal was made by Stephen M.Ross for the Miami Grand Prix. Seen as a lucrative deal, construction began, making its debut onto the F1 calendar for 2022. With 242,955 fans in attendance, the grand prix was a media haven filled with social media influencers, all ready to promote the luxurious hospitality Miami had to offer. The catch? It was free for them and $10,000 for fans. A perfect depiction of how the other half lives.

This year, another circuit was added in Las Vegas. With Carsten Tilke leading the project that had the street circuit finalised for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, F1 bosses had hopes that these circuits will pay off in the future, only adding to their increasing revenues. It was calculated

that in 2020, the US made a total of $1.15 billion. By 2021, the revenue had increased to $2.14bn, increasing by 86%. The United States is now home to three grand prix for the next eight years. Since Drive to Survive, the Texas Grand Prix has shown the impact Us fans have had on the sport.

In 2018, attendance numbers were at 264,000, increasing to 400,000 in 2021. By 2023,attendancewasreportedatarecordbreaking 432,000. However it has not just been race attendees, but racing viewers. Currently,perraceweekend,racesaverage 70 million viewers. It was the 2021 season finale in Abu Dhabi that brought in an astonishing 108.7 million viewers to watch Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen battle for the World Championship. As a result, Netflix’s hot take on a sport not for the faint-hearted, has ensured that it remains far from a dying sport.

With the help of celebrity influence, Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were part of a group of investors, purchasing a 24% stake in the French Formula One team, Alpine. The deal totalled to £171m, which has seen both Reynolds and McElhenney at several races across the season, particularly with drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. Alpine’s CEO, Laurent Rossi spoke out after the investment, stating: “This association is an important step to enhance our performance at all levels.” He added that it will “boost” the team’s media profile, supporting Alpine’s “performance over the long term.” Both Reynolds and McElhenney allow for a wider reach to fans, with a combined total of 51.1 million followers on Instagram. Since the announcement, Reynolds’ Instagram following has increased from 38 to 50 million followers, showing a 31% increase. Whilst it’s safe to say that his investment

in Alpine is not the predominant cause of this, it is most definitely part of it.

Formula One is not the only pie Reynolds and McElhenney seem to have got their fingers into. The pair’s association comes from their hit docu-series Welcome to Wrexham, released in August 2022. The show gives viewers an inside perspective into the actor’s purchase of the depleting, welsh-based football team, Wrexham FC. The pair acquired the club in November 2020 for £2m. Since, both have invested countless time and money into rejuvenating the club’s historic Racecourse Ground and adding club-record player signings to the portfolio, after signing Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer. With the former costing £850k and the latter £300k, it is rather the impact fans have had due to the show which has seen the rising success of this club. After the investment, season ticket sales for the 2021/22 season had doubled from the

“By Febuary of 2022, shirt sales had gone from 3,896 to over 14,000.”

previous years 2,609. By February of 2022, shirt sales had gone from 3,896 to over 14,000. Wrexham’s own Instagram page has amassed a following of over a million, sharing their success as they score their way to professional football in League Two. Welcome to Wrexham has once again impacted American fans the most. It was reported that viewership for the FA Cup in

Photos: Unsplash

2023 was up 858% over the past year on ESPN’s live coverage, which was seen as a direct result of Wrexham FC. With viewers turning their interest to teams overseas, it is the help of Wrexham’s owners and their thriving docu-series that is preventing any chance of a derelict club anytime soon.

With Netflix thriving on the success of Drive to Survive, producers decided to delve deeper into the behind-the-scenes of other sports. They started with tennis, creating Break Point. Whilst it was hoped it would live up to the fan base its sister series acquired, it instead became a grand slop. The show focused on tennis stars that created the drama instead of the wins, with the first two episodes concentrating on Australian, Nick Kyrgios. For tennis fans, this show shies away from the beauty of tennis, but rather coins a sense of hyperbolic scenarios. Although the Netflix generation evidently takes pleasure in watching the drama that Drive to Survive unfolds, it is perhaps the intensity of speed, risk and driving that pulls viewers in. Tennis is an alternative that at times requires you to watch a five-hour Wimbledon final between Djokovic and Alcaraz, not a 45-minute episode of Nick Kyrgios shouting at umpires. It could be said that the rising fan base of tennis is not a result of Netflix, but the game itself. After all, the sequel is never as good as the original.

Netflix’s third attempt at a docu-series came with Full Swing. Allowing viewers to discover more about golf, the series released in February of 2023 has already shown a significant impact on the PGA Tour. Following the two months after Full Swing’s debut, 68% of viewers tuned in to watch the PGA Tour coverage. Statistics had shown that in the six months prior to the docu-series’ release, 11% of viewers had not watched the PGA Tour but had after watching the show. The show

“11% of viewers had not watched the PGA Tour but had after watching the show.”

reached Top.10 worldwide on Netflix, featuring at no.2 in the US and UK and no.1 in Ireland. The Golf Channel reported that viewership had increased by 5% internationally and that 42% of Full Swing viewers have been watching more golf. Full Swing has been renewed for a second season, with filming currently underway and likely to aim for a March 2024 release.

As streaming platforms continue to provide viewers with these sport docuseries’, its wise to note that more is not

always better. Although the impacts of viewership have been key to keeping these sports alive and relevant in an everchanging society, it is the beauty of the sport in which garners the fans, not the drama. The humanity of the sportspeople in these shows is what viewers thrive off, not a sense of fabrication and dramatics. Should viewers look for the latter, I suggest to watch a Ryan Reynolds film…