CONCRETE 410

Disillusionment and the rise of alternative politics

Foreign students exploited by housing agencies

• Fears that landlords

Angus Coulson

An international student studying at UEA has said that private agencies in Norwich are exploiting international students, with high rent prices and strict agency rules making it difficult for many to find affordable housing. The student, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his tenancy, said that securing accommodation in Norwich was a constant struggle. “I tried to get accommodation at UEA,” he

take advantage of international scholars

explained. “There weren’t many options on campus, and the ones that were available were unaffordable. The one option that was affordable was not given to me.”

He currently shares a house with other international students, as well as some postgraduate professionals.

He described significant pressure from the agency that manages the property. “The agency is harsh and puts pressure on us to pay on time. I receive around 20 emails a week about rent. Many of us have financial difficulties, so payments

may be a few days late,” he said. Increases to the cost of rent have added to the strain.

He explained that the agency had already raised rent mid-contract, and planned to do so again at the beginning of January. “I may have to look for alternative accommodation,” he said.

The student, from Afghanistan, said that the financial pressure affected his studies and described how he and his housemates “are unable to focus when there is so much stress about living conditions.”

Finding part-time work has also been difficult. “I’ve been trying for two months to get a job but haven’t found one. I come from a poor country, and I am expected to pay very high rent,” he explained. He claimed that a lack of access to UEA scholarships for international students from certain countries made the transition harder. “Afghanistan receives very few [scholarships]. This should not be the case. People from Afghanistan deserve help due to the political situation back home.”

Continued on page 3.

Students condemn tuition fee rise

Students at the University of East Anglia have criticised the government’s decision to raise tuition fees in 2026, calling it a “blatant attack” on the working class.

The cost of a year’s study at university is set to increase annually in line with inflation from September 2026 onwards. It was announced by Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, in October.

But students are worried that the rising costs will discourage young people from low-income households from attending university.

Charis Hughes, a history student, said that the government’s decision made it “near impossible” for working class people to access opportunities for their futures.

She claimed that the government were creating “deterrents” to people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds “when trying to gain necessary qualifications to improve their lives.”

Universities UK CEO, Vivienne Stern, stated that raising fees would “help half the long-term erosion of universities’ sustainability following a decade of fee freezes,” and promised that the decision would be a “much needed reset” for the universities.

Physiotherapy student, Rueben Spurdens, said he was concerned about other increasing expenses for commuting students.

Continued on page 3.

A crisis in love and work

Anna Johnson Deputy Editor

Could you help me figure something out? You sure? Great - thank you! Hello there. It’s nice to meet you. My name is Anna.

I am in my third year of a very busy course, I work three jobs, and I help run this beautiful paper that you are holding. On top of that, my time at the University of East Anglia is almost done and I need to decide on where to go after.

I have been trying to take a step back and ask what I actually want in life after I recently (in August, but it still feels very new) got a job with a company that I have always wanted to work for. So, why do I ask myself, "What’s next?’"

I fear that I have constantly been running to get new experiences that, when I have finally found one that I want to keep, it feels finite. Another opportunity came up the other day, working for another company that pays a lot more, but that involves doing something I am not entirely interested in. But I could try to love it.

Growing up, I would hear my mum constantly complain that she never liked her job. She never got paid enough either. I don’t want to struggle. I fight for every opportunity so much that I am now employed in an industry that I want to work in. I do it because I want to come home happy, because I enjoy what I do. The mon-

ey can come later. I want to ensure my future happiness.

I guess it is like a lover. You have got to have those butterflies. Unless it's the 18th century, and you could possibly get married and learn to love. But not nowadays, you need that fire to begin with. What I am trying to say through that awful metaphor is that choosing a job after university is like choosing a lover. You need your heart to skip a beat when you imagine yourself in that career.

I am very lucky to have found my true love, my dream job. But I have that itch that asks, could this other job be better? I guess that might make me a cheater. Hypothetically, of course. I guess, like love, I need to see if this job grows with me to help me be who I want to be. More importantly, I think I need to stop thinking too far ahead and simply enjoy my last few months at UEA.

Being a part of Concrete has been a massive eye-opener into being an editor and I have to thank Emily for all the advice and help she has given me. She is an absolute inspiration. Thank you to my co-deputy editor, Daisy, who thinks that I am funny - which makes me laugh even more. I am so grateful that I know you both. On that note - please enjoy this issue. And on the topic of my issue - let me know what you think I should do, or tell us what you think of the paper.

Email: concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

Call for pharmacy feedback

Steven Whitear Senior Online Editor

The newly reopened Bluebell Road Pharmacy is asking for student feedback on what to stock. An anonymous suggestion box has been placed by the till in the campus Spar shop, ask-

ing which products students would like to see on offer. Submissions will help ensure the pharmacy meets the specific needs of students.

Foreign students exploited by housing agencies

Continued from front page.

UEASU Postgraduate Officer, Bhaskar Shivanna, said that these issues were not uncommon. “Some landlords take advantage of the fact that international students may not be familiar with UK hous-

ing laws,” he said.

“I’ve heard about students where they cut large amounts from deposits without proper justification. I’ve also spoken to students who were pressured to sign contracts quickly or charged excessive rents for

poor-quality housing, often because they don’t have local guarantors or alternative options.”

Image credit: Anna Johnson

Students condemn tuition fee rise

Continued from front page.

He explained that, as a commuter, the increase in student fees made him anxious as the prices of petrol and diesel are also steadily rising with inflation. He fears that “next year [student loans] will be even higher, or even well over £10,000 by my final year.”

It comes after many students have announced a self-proclaimed ‘job apocalypse’, with many struggling

to get hired after finishing their degrees.

One midwifery student explained that she is nervous about the prospect of being unemployed after university, which she feels could challenge her independence as well as her future when getting onto the housing ladder.

She said: "It's unfair that it is so expensive to achieve your dreams,” instead suggesting that she hopes that

one day, education will be free for everyone.

University and College Union general secretary, Jo Grady, said the government had "doubled down on the disastrous tuition-fees funding model, which created the crisis the sector is currently facing".

The union published analysis earlier this month which suggested that universities across England and Wales had collectively announced more than 12,000 job cuts in the last year.

UEA sees student numbers skyrocket

Student intake has increased by 6.5 per cent this year, according to the University of East Anglia. More than 12,000 undergraduates will now be taught at the institution, an increase on the 11,887 students enrolled last year. One student at the UEA said: “I feel a noticeable shift from last year, especially during [the autumn] period, which would usually be a lot quieter. Whenever I walk through campus it is a lot livelier, and the bar is always full.”

Students to protest against gender-based violence

Students will gather on campus to protest violence against women on 25 November as they begin the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. White Ribbon Day, the first night, will see protests begin on campus at 4pm, before students and supporters will march into the city to ‘reclaim the night’. Those who attend the protest will hear from a guest speaker, hosted by UEA’s Feminist Society, to amplify the voices of gender-based violence.

UEA Change Makers 2026 launches

Macy Hall

Students have until 2 December to pitch an idea that could change the word and receive £2,000. The university is seeking students who want to work towards a more sustainable planet, a better society, and healthy lives, according to the 2026 information pack. With 10 places on offer, the chosen students will receive business coaching, workshops, access to EnterpriseCentral, and more over the course of an 8-week accelerator programme. All students with a passion for change and an idea are encouraged to submit a 60-second pitch.

Winter market returns to UEA

Macy Hall

UEA’s winter market is set to return to campus on 2 December for the third year. From 11am to 4pm, the market at The Street will be a onestop shop for holiday gifts. The stalls will see alumni, local businesses, and crafters come together from across Norwich for the festive event. For any students wanting to take part, participation is free and any student entrepreneurs, enterprises, and crafters are encouraged to take part.

Kathryn Bailey

Macy Hall

Campus nail tech keeps students polished under pressure

Daisy Hawker Deputy News Editor

A University of East Anglia student has launched the first on-campus nail sa lon, Immoral Nails, offering an accessi ble alternative to traditional salons.

The student behind the venture said that the idea emerged directly from her own experiences navigating high salon prices. “I didn’t want to pay too much for them any more, because so many nail salons charge a lot,” she ex plained.

What began as a personal workaround quickly developed into a passion pro ject.“I found when I finished doing my own, I’d still want to be creating more sets, so I was thinking ‘Who do I do them on now?’. That’s when I got the idea for the business.”

The prices are lower than average, de signed with student budgets in mind.

“My target audience are uni students. Not many students can afford getting their nails done regularly, and I want more people to be able to enjoy cute nails. It makes you feel pretty,” she said. Accessibility is also central to the service. Many students struggle to find affordable salons nearby or feel intimidated entering unfamiliar beauty spaces in town. By operating directly from her campus room, Immoral Nails

hopes to remove

because your nails are the

awkward. When the customer has something of their choice playing in the background, it’s never truly silent.”

Beyond affordability, Immoral Nails also fills a stylistic gap in Norwich by specialising in alternative, bold aesthetics.

“Alternative people are definitely my target audience. There’s not really many alternative nail studios in Norwich, so I want my designs to have a bit of oomph… you don’t even need to plan a good outfit

than profit-driven, she hopes it will grow sustainably. She plans to expand into press-on sets, offering an accessible option for students who prefer not to book long, in-person sessions.

Students can book a set via Instagram at @immoral_nails.

Image credit [L-R]: @immoral-nails, Unsplash, Pixels

‘Lifeline’ student housing service to close

Ruby-May Elger Social Media Editor

UEASU’s housing service, Homer

31 December. Students that have struggled to find housemates have described the aid as a “lifeline” for helping to find “good quality and affordable private sector accom modation in Norwich” by

ed properties.

A spokesperson for UEASU said: “It costs about £10,000 per year to run the service and, unfortunately, has incredibly low engagement. There are multiple platforms that do the same thing, and [the SU] will be using the website forum to do the same job by connecting students to others looking for accommodation. While it was useful for those that used it, we found it to be an inefficient use of SU resources that can now be done for free through our site.”

If you are currently looking at housing on the site, the SU recommends reaching out to landlords to continue contact. Other companies, such as UniHomes, are also available, as well as the continued housing support services from the SU.

UEA Sport rallies for men’s health

Macy Hall News Editor

UEA sports teams and societies are joining forces in support of Movember throughout November. From club swaps, to ‘bring a boy’ events, to members embracing their moustaches, the clubs are hoping to make get people talking.

Movember is the annual month-long event that aims to raise money and awareness for men’s health, primarily prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide prevention. November 2025 marks the events 22nd year.

UEA Men’s Football have set themselves a series of donation goals throughout the month, with their biggest target being £1,500. If their top goal is met, the Men’s Football president is committed to running a full marathon.

Some of the clubs are celebrating Movember the traditional way and embracing a month without shaving. One Men’s Hockey member, Angus, is proudly growing out his moustache in support. “I’m taking part in Movember to raise awareness for men’s health. This includes issues such as mental health and prostate and testicular cancer.”

He hopes that “doing it through Men’s Hockey will get more people involved and talking about it.”

It isn’t only the men’s sports teams that are getting involved in Movember this month, though. UEA clubs Angels Cheer Dance, Pole Fitness, Trampolining, Ballroom and Latin, and Ballet are all doing ‘bring a boy’ sessions, encouraging non-members to attend, and Yoga have been offering ‘BroGa’ sessions.

By the end of November, a wide range of societies, not only sports, are hoping to have made a big impact and encourage men to speak out when they’re struggling. On Instagram, Chris, one of UEA Movember’s ambassadors, said “the Movember team want to be the voices to break down the social stigmas around expecting men to ‘man up’ or ‘be quiet and be brave.’”

Local to seek dental care abroad

Alyssa Gava News Editor

A student has been left without a tooth – and out-of-pocket – after he was unable to find emergency dental care in Norwich.

Samridh, who is local to Norwich, was forced to book flights back to India after he struggled to access emergency dental treatment in the city.

He said, “I tried to book an NHS dentist appointment, but everything was fully booked until January. The pain was too much to wait that long. I also tried to get a private appointment in Norwich for the next day, but they were fully booked too.”

He explained that, after travelling to London for a day trip in November, the pain was “too much to bear”. He had to book an emergency appointment in the capital, which cost him “about £500.”

The problem tooth was removed, but he was later to that it needed to be replaced within four months of extraction – which would cost approximately £3000. “It is literally cheaper for me to travel to India and do the procedure there and come back on flight,” he said.

Samridh claims that it’s as an avoidable problem that others should not have to face. “We are paying to a system that doesn't work only to have to go back to my country and pay again to get my treatment done... the system needs to be fixed to provide affordable dental care for all”.

It comes after plans to set up a dentistry course at the University of East Anglia were pushed back following delays to the Office for Students’ spending review. The proposal came after the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, described Norfolk as "the Sahara of dental deserts.”

The campaign for a dentistry school at the UEA began after the university se-

cured the necessary funding and won approval for its business case from the government in the summer. However, ministers have now said that the school cannot be given the go ahead until the spending review in June next year - a month after the Office for Students' (OfS) dead line for registering new courses.

A UEA spokes person said: “We continue to push to be able to deliver undergrad uate dental training at UEA help tackle the age of dentists across gion. We remain very hopeful that we will be able to offer undergraduate dental training, even if the start date

has to be September 2027. We have when we are

The course will aim to support student dentists practising in the county, where many patients have struggled to get

UEA Celebrates World Ballet Day

Daisy Hawker Deputy News Editor

University of East Anglia's Ballet Club have extended the Love Your Leo campaign to year round, following the recent success of the World Ballet Day fundraiser.

World Ballet Day, an annual celebration of dance, invites a new theme annually with this year’s being “accessibility”. In response, UEA’s Ballet Club hosted five different classes before the globally observed World Ballet Day.

The classes, ranging from ballet basics for beginners to an advanced variation class, cost £3 each, with proceeds going to charity as a part of UEA Ballet’s own Love Your Leo campaign.

Students coulf pay £12 for a day pass if they wished to attend all five classes.

The club’s Co-President, Hannah Goddard, said: “The World Ballet Day celebration went great. We've never done anything like this as a club before, so my co-president Ellé and I were super excited to turn World Ballet Day into a fundraiser for a charity we love.”

The classes’ fundraising efforts supported Eating Matters, a Norfolk-based charity offering counselling for people with mild to moderate disordered eating. The team raised a total of £186 from attendees and donations.

One student attending the Sunday sessions said: “I accessed Eating Matters last year for help with an OFSED [other

specified feeding or eating disorder]. They were genuinely so helpful, and assisted me even though I was in a poor financial situation. Dancing today was the least I could do to help raise money for this amazing charity.”

Another student, who recently joined UEA Ballet, added: “There can be a lot of pressure around how people look in ballet. I felt anxious to even try it as someone who doesn’t fit into that stereotypically thin archetype. I’m glad I got over that anxiety and gave it a go. I love dancing with UEA Ballet because there’s no pressure or expectations on how you should look. It’s just fun and supportive, and I already feel much more confident dancing.”

When asked about body image and accessibility in the world of ballet, Co-President Hannah Goddard said: “The reason why we raise money for Eating Matters is to contribute to our Love Your Leo campaign, through which we want to spread the message: All bodies are ballet bodies." She added that: "Ballet, unfortunately is a very aesthetic-based sport and there is a large risk of young dancers developing eating disorders. We want to do as much as possible to break the cycle and promote that ballet is for everyone.”

UEA Ballet founded the campaign, Love Your Leo, in 2019. The campaign has since raised funds and awareness in a host of different ways, including Sports Night takeovers, body positivity photoshoots, educational posts, and do-

nations pages.

After the success of the World Ballet Day celebrations, the committee of Ballet are eager to carry on promoting accessibility and body positivity in dance.

“We would love to do similar fundraisers in the future,” Goddard said. "Usually, we launch our Love Your Leo campaign in March, but after such a

big success with World Ballet Day, Ellé and I are really keen to turn fundraising with Love Your Leo into a year long thing.”

“We will definitely be hosting more charity events as the year goes on; it's a fun way for members to learn new dances but also raises money for an important cause.”

COMMENT

Panorama on police: shocking but not surprising

Evie Smith Comment Editor

Baroness Louise Casey, a British government official, said the Metropolitan Police was an “institutionally racist, homophobic and misogynistic” organisation in 2023. This was following an independent review she made of the culture and standard of behaviours following the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving Met officer. Last month, the BBC aired an episode of Panorama called ‘undercover in the police’. It found that little had improved after her comments. Now I want to explore why.

The immediate response to this programme seems to have a reoccurring theme by viewers- shocked but not surprised. Watching the Met officers in the Panorama make crude and offensive comments to colleagues is almost expected at this stage. In a time when it feels like we are making progress regarding topics such as misogyny, it is concerning that the people we are meant to trust are making dismissive comments like “that’s what she says” when a woman put forward an allegation of rape and domestic violence. The CEO of the charity Refuge said in response to the Panorama, “it is sadly just the latest set of revelations, high lighting how little real progress is being made. It is no wonder women’s confidence in policing is at breaking point.”

I remember how I felt after the murder of Sa rah Everard. Watching it grow from a missing persons case to the headline of the perpetrator being a serving Met police officer was devastating. Social media posts from the time said ‘what if it

were your mother of sister?’ which I always find weird to say in situations like this, why do some people need to imagine a personal connection to feel empathy? when the murder of a woman who was trying walking home safely should be upsetting enough to make people feel outrage. Another Met officer in the programme was recorded making racist comments to the man who was with Panorama. Hearing a Met police officer saying “God, we’d so lose our jobs right now” before going on a rant using language popularised by the far-right such as an “invasion” is hard to watch, however learning that he has now been sacked following the investigating shows his awareness that comments of that nature would have consequences. Throughout the programme, the group of officers go to pubs and test the waters with the ‘new’ guy. The more of a rapport he builds, the more offensive and comfortable they feel sharing views which aligns with all the Casey findings to some degree or another.

Sir Mark Crowley (Met Police Chief) responded to the BBC investigation saying it was “vile to watch”. Before Crowley’s appearance on BBC Ra-

Normalising situationships messes with our heads - and our hearts

In a BBC article titled ‘Situationships: Why Gen Z are embracing the grey area,’ Casey Noenickx writes that “in relationships, people have often avoided the murky middle ground between being committed to a partner and staying casual. Young daters are opting into it.” However, where Noenickx argues that Gen-Z’s no-strings-attached approach to dating prioritizes personal life paths and encourages the idea that romantic arrangements need to have a certain growth to be beneficial, the reality is much more complicated. And ‘complicated’ is in the very fabric of a situationship. Particularly during uni— when it feels as though you have three years to figure out who you are, what you want, where you see yourself in five years, and what kind of sex you like to have, all while juggling deadlines, societies, and part-time jobs—casual relationships are nothing new. Despite this, with our generation’s constant use of social media (and thus non-stop interactions with our peers), the bonds formed during these casual relationships can often feel much stronger than they would have for our parents. After all, “out of sight, out of mind” cannot exist for the average social media user, who is constantly bombarded with posts and stories and liked Reels. When,

in the past, the date would end, you would go home and could get away with not calling back for a few days while you explored the rest of your roster, an expectation of constant communication now means that lines remain blurred for longer than they should. There is no harm in not wanting to settle down. After all, with the number of 20-somethings returning to live with their parents having grown significantly in the last two decades, university may be the last chance you get to explore the dating scene for a while. The trouble with situationships, however, is that they are often used as a way of dodging commitment, and more often than not, one person falls a lot harder than the other. Situationships normalise the avoidance of important conversations, and without a “what are we?”, assumptions do a lot more harm than good and someone ends up getting 500 Days of Summer-ed.

The situationship hashtag on TikTok has been used in over 900000 posts. The top ones primarily follow two narratives: either film montages over love songs, depicting the carefree honeymoon stage, or the post-situationship crashout: screenshots of one-sided text conversations, movie characters flipping tables over, young women crying in their cars to Radiohead, all of it captioned “canon event,” as if it were inevitable for people of our generation

to end up head over heels for someone who will never care as much. However, both narratives are integral to the situationship: without the honeymoon period, it would simply be a bad situation, and without the whiplash-inducing ending, it would be a real relationship.

While I’d like to hope that one grows out of situationships after university, the amount of working adults online complaining about the very same problem reveals that there may not be an end in sight. Taking into consideration the declining marriage rate among the younger generation—with trends suggesting that less than 60% of Gen Z will end up getting married, and a median age of 30 for one’s first marriage—there seems to be an aversion towards long-term commitment and traditional relationship timelines. As such, there is less pressure to grow into “serious” relationships, and more time is left to be wasted on miscommunication as you play the field. But, if you’re the type of person to search for stable, committed relationships, the best you can do is communicate your intentions early on, never settle, and hope for the best.

Micah Petyt Venue Co-Editor

Every month should be epilepsy awareness month

Macy Hall News Editor

November is epilepsy awareness month, but for those of us who have epilepsy, one month has never felt like enough.

Of course, I wish that epilepsy was something that we could neatly package into a pretty infographic and repost on our social media once a year, but the blunt, unavoidable truth is that it isn’t good enough, nor has it ever been.

Whilst I wholeheartedly believe that any awareness is good awareness, a lack of understanding of epilepsy isn’t just harmful; it can be life-threatening. As epileptics, we are forced to be hyper-aware of the fact that we could have a seizure at any time and those around us wouldn’t know the simple rules of care that could save our lives.

Recently, I had to attend a group health and safety training, where seizure care was briefly covered. When those around me began to ask questions, I felt as if ice water had been poured over my head. Not only did some of these people have ridiculous misconceptions about epilepsy itself, but they also held outdated beliefs that were plainly dangerous. One thing that stood out to me

was the idea that you should put something in someone’s mouth to stop them from ‘swallowing’ their tongue. This is something I remember hearing when I was younger, but I’d honestly come to believe it was common knowledge now that you should not do that. Regardless of the fact that doing so is dangerous, it’s already physically impossible to swallow your own tongue.

My main thought was simple: ‘what if I had a seizure around these people before we had had this training?’

For me, that could have meant a lack of aid, injury, or even death, and that is the terrifying truth most people don’t understand: misinformation of epilepsy first aid can be fatal.

For me, it was just one of those moments that acted as a stark reminder of how poor epilepsy education is and how big of a risk that poses to epileptics in our daily lives. I don’t think that November being epilepsy awareness month is going to ever make me feel safe when I’m in the supermarket alone or if I’m in a room where I know no one. The only thing that is going to make me feel safe is if epilepsy education is normalised. Every month should be epilepsy awareness month, because the dangers of living with epilepsy do not stop come December 1st.

Schools must safeguard black neurodiverse students

In the broader cultural shift toward progressivism, Gen Z’s recognition and acceptance of neurological differences feels like a triumph that’s uniquely their own. Conditions like autism and ADHD, heavily stigmatised in generations past, are now openly discussed and accepted, and many who’ve spent years struggling to make sense of their experience in academic and social contexts are receiving diagnoses and support, while those diagnosed earlier in life are beginning to see their differences celebrated. Everyday language has shifted; ableist terms that were once staples in lyrics and conversation have fallen out of fashion, and institutions now at least purport to be more inclusive in their hiring practices.

Like other achievements in social progress, however, seeing if this acceptance and recognition has been granted to all groups is vital. One need only look at the way in which certain dates

are commemorated as the moment “women” gained the right to vote in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK - nations that instated the right for white and/or wealthy women to vote decades before the right was won for women of all races and classes. Despite this, the earlier dates are still culturally celebrated as when ‘women’ could vote in these countries, even while so many were not included in this milestone. In the same vein, when celebrating progress made towards acceptance of neurodiversity, the work still to be done for people of colour under this umbrella cannot be ignored. Award-winning rapper Giggs spoke recently in an interview about his own adult autism diagnosis. It was the arduous process to research and secure support for his autistic son that led to this diagnosis, one he felt would’ve improved his life if he’d received it as a child. The interview opened online discussion into the causes and implications behind neurodivergent black boys going undiagnosed or insufficiently

supported. Giggs described the way he was often dismissed as a troublemaker in school, be cause of behaviours that were likely symptoms being inter preted as defiance. In extreme cases, this can leave children of colour vulnerable to being groomed into criminality, when experiencing the double-edged sword of being brought up in low-income and high-crime are as as well as experiencing noth ing but pushback in education al settings that reinforce an idea that they’re beyond hope. Without early diagnosis, black kids miss out on crucial ear ly support like mentoring and tutoring that other neurodi vergent children (often young, white boys) are more likely to receive. When expressing symp toms of their neurodivergence, many children of colour are in stead perceived as threats and dangers. Such attitudes are often due to their being victims of ‘adultifi cation’, a form of racial bias where children of col

our are treated as if they are adults, rather than vulnerable children. This was officially ob

primary, secondary and higher education safe, nurturing and supportive

Sally-Ann Mensah

HOME OF THE WONDERFUL

Remember nature: The legacy of Gustav Metzger

Let me tell you the story of how one great artist escaped Nazi Germany, used his art as activism and created a national “Remember Nature” Day, right here in Norfolk.

Gustav Metzger was born in Germany in 1926 to Polish Jewish parents. At age thirteen, he escaped Nazi persecution through the Kindertransport scheme in 1939, a British-facilitated initiative run by multiple charitable organisations that rescued Jewish children from continental Europe just before the outbreak of World War II.

He was relocated to Leeds, where he studied carpentry and art. Metzger remained stateless for many years, and his experience as a refugee deeply influenced his later work

In 1953, he moved to King’s Lynn, Norfolk, in search of a quieter, more affordable place

spent in Norfolk were formative to his fame. He began exploring themes of destruction, memory, and activism, which later evolved into his concept of Auto-Destructive Art; this was Metzger’s radical idea that art should destroy itself to reflect the self-destructive nature of society. It was a political and philosophical statement, not just an aesthetic one. His art often involved materials that would self-destruct, like acid on nylon, to symbolise how society, technology, and war can erode life and culture. It was a response to the violence of the 20th century, especially the Holocaust and nuclear threats. By making art that destroyed itself, he mirrored the destructive tendencies of modern civilisation. It was made to shock viewers into awareness, challenging them to confront uncomfortable truths.

By the mid-1960s, Metzger was becoming very well-known in the art world. He co-organised the Destruction in Art Symposium in London, bringing together international artists and solidifying his role as a leading figure in politically

Along with his art, he was part of demonstrations and strikes warning about the ecological consequences of industrialisation and consumerism.

Even in his late eighties, Metzger remained fiercely committed to activism, using his final years to empower others to fight for the planet. In

2015, he decided to initiate ‘Remember Nature Day’; he believed this day should bring together artists and students alike to create work and spread the word of the importance of caring for the environment before it is too late. He believed that creative action could awaken public consciousness and inspire change on issues like climate breakdown, species extinction, and pollution.

Sadly, Metzger died in 2017, but there are a variety of nature events on in Norwich this November as we reach the 10th anniversary of Remember Nature Day. The Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be running multiple nature events this month. On the 11th of November, you can visit Sweet Briar Marshes for a taught evening of stargazing. On the 14th, local naturalist Chris Durdin will be leading a guided walk at Thorpe Marshes. Later in the month, take a trip to Cley on the 21st to learn about the winter waterfowl on a 5km walk led by naturalist David North. Alternatively, on the same day, you have the opportunity to join the urban reserve team again at Sweet Briar for a morning of hands-on conservation.

More information on these events, such as whether they require advance booking, can be found on the Norfolk Wildlife Trust website.

Another option is to visit the Wheatfen Nature Reserve, which will be holding a Winter Tree Identification Course on November 16th. Booking in advance is required.

Spread across Norfolk, these events invite reflection on climate, extinction, and our relationship with the natural world. However you choose to celebrate, Remember Nature Day offers a chance to follow the legacy of Metzger by connecting creatively and consciously with our planet.

UEA culture

societies praisedwhile others don't exist

M.J. Aguilar Chapa

Finding community at university can be hard, and trying to keep in touch with one’s culture and traditions can also be difficult. Your time at university is one full of changes and uncertainty. Finding community is a way for many to cope with these feelings - not to mention that it can help with loneliness and homesickness, too.

But how helpful are students at UEA finding cultural societies to really be? Can these really be truly representative of a collective?

Research by Concrete has found that some society members do not actually find their respective cultural societies to be their main community. Factors such as the focus and leadership of such societies was often cited as the main reason, with several international students claiming that their respective societies were more focused on ‘westernised’ experiences. They suggested that members that grew up in Britain, or any other western country, were sometimes prioritised. Those from minority communities may be more at risk of struggling to find their community, with several cases of former cultural societies being disbanded due to a lack of interest from students. In many cases, they represented cultural groups that are very small within the student body, making it difficult to maintain their societies alive for long. Students belonging to these cultures lamented the disbanding of these societies, with some implying that their absence led to

them struggling to find a community in which they really felt welcome or understood.

However, the same study showed that many of these societies provided opportunities for career development to their members, such as workshops or networking events, which help students of underrepresented backgrounds greatly with advancing their careers. The facilitation of religious celebrations and services were equally praised, with many cultural societies responsible for organising them and allowing for these to be open not only to UEA students, but also to the wider Norwich community.

It is undeniable that these societies are overall a net positive for students. They provide spaces for them to engage with their cultural practices and even share them with the wider UEA student community, but there are still some students who find themselves in the sidelines of spaces that are meant to help them.

UEASU Culture and Community Officer, Amjad Daher, said: “Cultural societies add a huge value to campus life, but they naturally reflect the experience of the groups they represent, not every student at UEA. They give important perspectives and help build a more inclusive and vibrant community, but they’re one part of a much bigger mix of student voices. It’s really about bringing all these different viewpoints together so everyone feels included and represented.”

Anna Johnson

Deputy Editor

Curating culture with The Sainsbury Centre's Tania Moore UEA Live in the city of literature

Robyn Srikandan Venue Editor

UEA has had a significant hand in shaping Norwich’s identity as a centre of creativity, boasting talented alumni such as Booker prize winners Ian McEwan and Kazuo Ishiguro. Helping affirm its literary identity, UEA hosts an annual literature festival called UEA Live, which returned this October.

“Can We Stop Killing Each Other?” is a question many find themselves pondering and one which The Sainsbury Centre aims to explore in their latest exhibition. The title of the presentation sounds like a moral plea, inviting visitors to think introspectively about the state of the world, but also to question their own moral stand points.

Tania Moore, Chief Curator and head of exhibitions at the Sainsbury Centre, spoke to Concrete in an exclusive interview about the collections’ aims and outcomes. Tania’s extensive background in commercial galleries, along with her work for the Henry Moore Foundation, aided our conversation about the context of the collections. She explained that one of the Sainsbury Centre’s main aims is to remove the intimidating aspect of art and instead replace it with something accessible to all. The range of artists and curators involved in showcasing the exhibition looks to provide “different perspectives to explore,” ensuring that the collections remain representative. The exhibition covers some immense topics, from Urgessa’s depiction of geographical displacement to Monet’s representation of iso-

lation in the Franco-Prussian war. The Sainsbury Centre’s Radical Exhibitions Programme is by nature designed to be hard hitting and encourage uncomfortable thought patterns for its visitors, something this set of curations is hugely successful in doing.

Tania explained that she “wouldn’t say [the centre] tries to be controversial,” but that they had raised “important questions across cultures, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy which might promote peace.” The curator was quick to assure me that the exhibition is not a direct call to action for its visitors, stating: “We’re not encouraging any particular form of action.” Instead, she highlighted the centre’s aim to evoke a sense of contemplation from viewers of the exhibition. While some may question whether another passive bearing is what the world needs at such a time of disillusionment and ongoing conflict, Tania went on to explain the fantastic concept of The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour: Reflections on Peace, which showcases Monet’s The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil. The compositional display of this piece is hugely effective in its aim to provide visitors with a sense of respite from the heaviness of the exhibition. Set in an area enclosed by blank walls, Monet’s river scene

becomes our only focus following the explicit depictions of violence from the other artists, allowing space for viewers to cultivate their thoughts and emotions.

The Sainsbury Centre attempts to balance their hard-hitting theme with both cultural sensitivity and personal trauma. Tania said: “There’s so much violent imagery out there, and we’re not trying to reproduce that.” Instead, they’re trying to think of new approaches.

“We worked with victim support”, Tania explained, telling me of the centre’s plans to implement “workshops and peace cafes with people in migrant communities,” with the main aim “to encourage conversations around peace and violent imagery.”

If you’re looking to explore your own morality and cultural codes, a visit to the exhibition could be worth your time. Musing over death and killing in the philosophical sense is not an experience unique to this generation, but the question “Can We Stop Killing Each Other?”, is one that holds a particular sense of gravity in the current state of the world, and one to which it seems there will never be a succinct answer.

UEA Live has a more than 30 year long history, having begun in 1991 with powerhouses such as Arthur Miller and Doris Lessing. Since then, there has been quite the selection of well-known attendees, with some recent examples being R.F. Kuang and Hanya Yanigahara (authors of Yellowface and A Little Life respectively), and even politician Ed Miliband. In 2021, drag queen Bimini Bon Boulash graced our campus in ten-inch heels; I’m vio-

Girl on the Train, opened the Norwich Book Festival, which is a separate festival – though closely linked with UEA Live. Norwich Book Festival began only last year, so it is much younger than UEA Live, however, it too features a fantastic array of writers and other interesting figures such as Nikita Gill and Larry Lamb. The event that excites me the most is Michael Morpurgo’s talk: A staple author in British schools, I must have studied at least three of his books. By the time you are reading this, these events will have already happened. There is, however, still a lot to go! At the end of November, Joelle Taylor and James McDermott will grace Dragon Hall with a poetry evening, and on December 1st, Naomi Booth and Katy Massey will be discussing their writing. Tickets for students are only £6 – grab them whilst you can!

Natalie O'Dell

PHOTOGRAPHY

More information about how to enter is available on @uea_photographysociety on Instagram, or by emailing concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

First place: Arthur Clarke / Second place: Nilesh Parmar / Third place: Ruby Wong

Singing for the soul with Not Your Average Choir

What do you get when you cross a choir with diversity and pop-rock songs? Journalist Anna Johnson met with group leader Jodie Moore to find out. choir.”

Anna Johnson Deputy Editor

University can be challenging and stressful at the best of times. When you are new to a city, it can be difficult to find a place to relax and unwind. While music may be a form of detoxing for many, few perhaps consider, instead, creating it.

Meet Jodie Moore, the leader of ‘Not Your Average Choir’. She is on a mission to create an inclusive singing community in the heart of Norwich. Jodie came up with the name because she wanted to create an inclusive space for not just disability or learning but by music taste too.

Jodie said: “I've been wanting to run a choir for a really long time. I moved back to Norwich three years ago from Brighton and was basically like, I don't

Recalling the group’s roots, she remembers: “I thought that it would be an interesting niche to do indie, alternative music choir, but also make it inclusive as well. Obviously, coming from Brighton, it is hugely inclusive, and it kind of welcomes everyone. And when I came back to Norwich, I found it to not be as inclusive as I would like. There can be homophobia and racism, so I wanted to create a space free from that. I wanted to create a safe space for everyone, really.”

But the aim of the choir comes from personal experiences for Jodie. “I have ADHD myself, and I'm also queer, and I wanted to make that safe space for everyone else as well as myself. I think people know they can come here and be accepted whoever they are. Everyone is free to talk about who they are and be themselves. And that's exactly

The choir differs to others in their teaching. Jodie explains that, while traditional singing groups learn sheet music, Not Your Average Choir relies on prerecording music. “Most of the time with choirs, they sort of learn with sic, or they're by the choir er,” she said. memory is lutely terrible, record all my parts ahead of time, so people can also practice with it as well.”

“Everyone goes off in their groups: altos and basses in one group, we've got mezzo in another, sopranos in the third one, and they all go off in different spaces. They learn their bits and then we bring it together to see what it all sounds like and rehearse it

But it’s not just about learning songs. The group has performed at Pride, festivals at the Forum, and even a wedding. They even have a Christmas per-

formance coming up at The Catherine Wheel in Norwich City centre.

Jodie says she’s close to achieving her goal in creating a diverse choir. “Our youngest member is 14 and our oldest member I believe is 85,” she said. “And I'm always trying to recruit and get bigger and better, really.”

Joining the vocal warmup, the singers congregate into their relevant section. In a rather large cupboard, the Sopranos. “I usually go on a Monday, and I think you've had the weekend and then I go to

work on a Monday, and I think do I really want to go because it’s cold and dark outside,” said one of them. “But I do always feel better after choir. I feel uplifted and ready for the week ahead.”

Talking about their experience, they reflected on the stereotype of other orchestrated groups. “I think it's important because I find other choirs are very formal. They're very strict. Whereas here, if we make a mistake or you go out of line, everybody smiles and you just carry on and you do it again.”

BOOKS - CREATIVE - FASHION - FILM + TV - MUSIC - EVENTS

An interview with Anna Perach - The power or translation - DMTS - What’s on in Norwich - Inside Maddermarket's costume attic - Film reviews - And more!

Letters from the editors

Dear reader,

The term is over halfway done, and you can really tell. Work is piling up, deadlines are fast approaching and, in my case, I had to spend my entire reading week actually doing my reading, for what may be the first time in my four years of university.

Despite being so busy lately, I’ve been making a point to spend time with my friends, which I could argue falls in line with the “community” side of this month’s issue. Whether that be studying at Yard and Cafe Nero, watching a film with my friend’s projector, or playing Mario Kart with my housemates, these small moments of socialization are keeping me sane as we enter the most stressful period of term.

I can’t believe that this issue marks the halfway point for Venue this year. We’ve already done so much and I have so many ideas for next term, but the hardest part of the Concrete process—namely actually getting used to laying up—is over, and it should be smooth sailing from here.

I am so proud of the work conducted by all the editors for the last three issues. It has been a pleasure to see them grow more comfortable and confident in their roles, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the year.

Now, good luck with the rest of your summatives and enjoy a well-deserved rest over break. We’ll see you in the new year!

Dear reader,

Micah

Books...................................................................p16

Why you should read Black books

The power of translation

Reviews: Bunny by Mona Awad, Loves Lives Here by Rowan Jette Knox, The Floating World by Axie Oh

Creative...............................................................p18

MUTT

To Be a Canvas

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Not rhetorical

Photo spread by Sasha Ouvry

Fashion...............................................................p22

Inside Maddermarket's costume attic

Where do trends come from?

Cultural tradition and heritage through clothes

Film + TV............................................................p24

How cinema can help Gen Z resist temptation

Comfort in corsets: Why we can't stop watching period dramas

Reviews: One Battle After Another by Ollie Wheaton, Film Club by Charlotte Ward, The Big Bang Theory by Avery Hewitt

At the start November, it was my birthday, and what a lovely time it was! I had a delicious meal at a pasta restaurant, decided to get an eyebrow piercing, and had a very fabulous birthday party on the weekend. Drinks, dancing, and the dark and sweaty room that is Loft NR1. What more could you ask for?

A few days later I woke up with my new piercing aching and bruised after I rolled onto my face in my sleep: perhaps this was an omen for what followed. I arrived at the Concrete office at 11am to help supervise the editors with creating their in-print page spreads. I mix my granola into my yoghurt as I turn on the computers. I type in my login. The computer refuses. Huh? I try again. It refuses again. It’s not looking good.

I ended up staying a few hours longer in the Concrete office than I initially expected, thanks to the computers’ refusal to work. A panicked Teams message or two is sent, and little could really be done at that point until Micah came in and managed to get the software up on his laptop. The stress was not really over, and panicked messages and emails continued to be sent, but despite it all we managed to get everything sorted in the end. The IT office on campus knows my face very well now, and the Media Centre probably knows Concrete quite well now too.

The skin around my eyebrow is still a rather lurid red, but it isn’t throbbing quite so much. If this really is a weird indicator of whether things will go to plan or not, then the future is optimistic. Or, more likely, it means nothing, and I’m just superstitious. Who knows?

Robyn

Music...................................................................p26

The Aide: Currents underground

A societal sense of community with DMTS

Reviews: I Feel Everything by Izzy Hollyhead, Gaga for inclusivity by Saffron Pennycooke, LCR club nights - the 'bomb' by Avery Hewitt

Events..................................................................p28

What’s on in Norwich?

Able2B making a difference

Five free events in Norwich this winter

Carpets and connection with artist Anna Perach

Micah Petyt and Robyn

Srikandan

Born in Ukraine, Anna Perach moved to Israel when she was seven following the fall of the Soviet Union. Having to move her life at such a young age left her feeling uprooted. “As a child, I moved because my parents moved. I didn’t really have too much of a say in that," she said. “That kind of experience, of being estranged from the environment I'm in, is very much at the core my identity, and I think very much within the practise as well.”

She felt out of place, despite the waves of ex-Soviet people to Israel. “I very much tried to, you know, be part of my environment and hide as much as possible my being different. I later learned that it's kind of impossible, really, because I look different to the typical Israeli. I have a very clear Soviet, sort of Eastern European, appearance," Perach explained.

These differences lingered after moving to England as an adult - but this time, she was used to the feeling. “Not belonging is a big part of how I identify,” she said, “so in some ways, I’m very much used to the feeling that I need to learn my environment, and I need to understand what the code is and how to behave.”

Growing up, alienation extended beyond her appearance, reaching as far as her family’s conservative attitudes, or the way they decorated their house. In most of her art, Perach uses a carpet-making technique called tufting to create her textiles. Carpets, she tells us, were a common feature in Eastern European houses.

“You would have carpets on the floor and the walls as well, because it’s a source of warmth that’s relatively cheap to decorate with. Instead of a big painting, you would just put carpet. It’s one of my very early memories of Ukraine," she fondly recalled. “When we moved to Israel, the climate and the whole set-

up was very different. It doesn't require that [warmth], it kind of requires, you know, almost the opposite. It's very hot, so everything is minimal to allow breathing space. My parents just kept doing the same thing, so we had a lot of carpets again."

Considering external impacts, Perach acknowledges the French influence in Slavic culture. "The ceilings were reminiscent of Rococo design," she saud. "It was all very expressive, way over the top. There is this kind of overwhelming sort of richness to it."

She continued, "I don't think I was necessarily that aware of it at the time, because it's just kind of how I grew up, I don't know. But then when I did my BA in art, a friend from the school came over and he was like, whoa, this looks like a set for like a film or something. It did not look like the houses he knew about. That was my first time kind of being awakened to the fact that there is something to [this design]. When I did my MFA, it became more of a conscious exploration.”

Their home decoration became a way for her parents to hold on to their identity as they moved, creating a space that was safe and familiar to them, and it is this identity that Perach explores in her art. “I started to reshape [these design choices] in my own work, work ing with those famil iar, domestic materi als to express other things. That’s how the [tufting] practise started."

She said: “These ele ments are in the core of my parents’ iden tity, in their visual culture. I think that's how people oper ate; you try to create sort of a space where your cultural identity can exist, sort of like

celebrating it in your own little bubble. As an immigrant, you’re always kind of partly in and partly out. The transition for me and my parents from the house to the outside – that tension between what’s inside and outside and who I am outside, how I’m being perceived, how I want to project – those things still are very much a big part of the work.”

Our conversation about Perach’s life and career naturally trails into asking about her newest installation, where she uses the body to show this feeling. When asked about the title, Perach develops on the idea of the internal versus the external.

“A Leap of Sympathy is sort of a play on the philosopher Henri Bergson. What he says, as I understand, is that there is no way for us to truly know what is in the other. It’s an unknown. So, for us to connect with someone else, we have to make a leap of sympathy in believing that the other is in a way similar to us, so we can find a common ground,” she explains, before joking that she’s “always worried that a philosopher is going to come [to her exhibit] and be like well that’s not actually what he said.”

This connection resonates in her exhibition, as she explains the central installation, which features a performer and an

“During the installation you can see the mechanism of the automaton running. In the other sculpture, you see the ribs made of fabric, so it's kind of exposed differently. For me, the idea is that we don't really know what's within us or what's within the other because you don't see, during the performance, which is which. The backs are closed and [the performer and the mechanism] perform a mirrored sequence of movements, so you start guessing what, and by tioning what's real, you be-

gin questioning your own humanity.”

We ask Perach about her feelings, now that the project is completed, and she reveals that she is “very proud” of how it turned out, though this feeling of satisfaction is familiar to her.

“Once a work is done, it's done. It's like a child, you need to let it live its own life. It's done, it's released. During the making, you know, before the installation is finalised, there's a lot of moments where I'm like oh, if only I started like a month before, I would have time to perfect this, I would have time to experiment with this, but once it’s standing, I see faults and try to learn from it."

Smiling, she tells us that her pride comes from the journey, not the destination. “In terms of being proud, there are moments that I am happy with, but it’s not the exhibition as much as the experience. I had a show at Gasworks [in London] in 2024, and I was surrounded by such an amazing team. It was such a beautiful experience that that's part of the exhibition for me. That pushed me to create something.”

As she talks about collaboration, Perach mentions working with NUA, where she recently taught BA students. “There's a lot of assumptions I'm making about students from how I remember myself and sort of projecting it onto them, but to me, they seem curious. But, you know ,when you're in your 20s, you're still married to your core values. I feel like, for myself and a lot of other people I know, like as time goes by you, you have to stretch yourself in various ways. [For the students,] there is a level of honesty. They're not collectors. They’re not galleries considering their programme. They come to it with really, I think, a pure point of view in some ways. It’s very much about the actual content they see and how it now relates to their lives. I appreciate that. I think it's important for me to connect on that level.”

A Leap of Sympathy is on display at NUA’s East Gallery until December 13th, with the next live performance on November 22nd.

Bunny by Mona Awad

review by Grace Barnett Books Correspondent

We’ve always wanted to know what really goes on in those clique-y friend groups. So, if you were given the opportunity, would you take it? Just for a moment? It’s hard to say what Mona Awad wants you to understand, or if she wants you to understand anything at all, but that’s what makes the novel so exciting. When Samatha is given an opportunity to step into the group of friends known as ‘The Bunnies,’ she takes it. At first it seems obvious that all ‘The Bunnies’ are a group of friends who secretly hate each other. Yet once Samatha takes the opportunity to see what they are truly like, she can’t escape. The line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, and just as you begin to piece everything together, it falls apart. You won’t believe something so strange can be so riveting until you read this book.

Love Lives Here by Rowan Jette

Knox

review by Avery Hewitt

Love Lives Here is Rowan Jette Knox’s moving autobiography following himself and his family as they wrestle with relearning their place in society as an LGBTQ+ family. Beginning their story as a straight couple with three boys, their life is turned upside down when one child comes out as transgender. Rowan speaks honestly about his struggle with his daughter’s identity, admitting reluctancy to let her be herself due to the fear of the rejection she would face. Ultimately, Alexis’ family become her biggest supporters. This environment encourages Rowan’s partner to reveal their own secret: Rowan’s husband was Rowan’s wife. Naturally, the family struggled again with learning to live as a two-mom family*, but this is a family founded on a love so strong they can survive anything.

*Since the release of Love Lives Here, Rowan has come out as a transgender man.

The Floating World by Axie Oh

review by Kate Robinson

The Floating World by Axie Oh is a beautiful fantasy novel inspired by the myth of the celestial maiden, originating from Korean culture. In the myth, the celestial maiden is depicted as an ethereal figure with unparalleled beauty and inhabits heavenly realms. However, Oh’s novel explores the journey of Ren, a girl who once inhabited the floating world, as she goes on a mission to save her loved ones. Instead of focusing on this celestial maiden inhabiting heaven, Oh fixates her heavenly power within Ren’s own growth into her own empowerment. As Ren goes on her quest, she meets devils and dangers as well as an ex-soldier from the underworld, Sunho, whose fate is intermingled with her own. Within this novel, Oh creates an escape into a magical world exploring identity, sacrifice, and the power of light and dark while basing her main character on a myth from her own cultural heritage.

The reader’s community

Izzy Hollyhead

Over the last few years there has been an increase in discourse surrounding books: What books are trending? What's the best genre to read? Who are the best authors to engage with? These are all questions many are intrigued by, thanks to social media.

I’ve spent hours scrolling BookTok, finding the latest trends in fiction and the best new series to start reading and I’ve found some great reads because of it. But the most important thing I’ve taken away from my experience online is the community that social media platforms like TikTok have created for readers like me. Growing up, reading was seen to be almost reclusive and embarrassing to talk about; and for many people talking to someone face to face about your latest interest can be nerve-wracking. This is why platforms like BookTok are so beneficial as it gives you the freedom to talk as much or as little about yourself as you’d like. You can post your own videos talking about your favourite books or you can engage with fellow readers in the comments of other people’s videos and still gain just as much insight on what your next

read will be - you might also make some friends along the way!

Societies are also a great way to get yourself out there and find others within the reading community. The Creative Writing and Literature societies here at UEA are very welcoming and friendly. The Literature Society meets every Wednesday and gives you the chance to go along and talk about the books you’re finding interesting, and the Creative Writing Society gives you a chance to share some of your own work - whether that be poetry or prose, there is space there for everyone!

Readers now are connecting with each other more than ever before.

Why you should read

Micah Petyt Venue Editor

Every year, November marks the announcement for the year’s Booker Prize winner, and while the prestigious award has been making great improvements in the diversity of its nominees, Black voices remain few and far between. Only five Black writers have been awarded the prize in the 56 years since its creation, only one of them being a woman. While the lack of diversity in the publishing industry is a problem of its own (with certain reports showing that the UK publishing industry is less accessible to Black authors today than it was pre-2020), it is crucial for readers to engage with the works of underrepresented writers, both for personal growth and to reaffirm the importance of these voices in

literary spaces.

From an educational standpoint, reading the works of Black writers allows for a glimpse into the Black experience and Black schools of thought. For example, in nonfiction classics such as Audre Lorde’s essay “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” (in which Lorde explores how Blackness was repeatedly ignored in feminist circles) or James Baldwin’s Nobody Knows My Name (a collection of essays exploring Baldwin’s identities as a Black man, a writer, a gay man, and a New Yorker), the topic of race is tackled head-on as the writers reveal the limits of intersectionality in the late 20th century. More recently, bestselling novels such as Brandon Taylor’s debut Real Life or Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age bring to light the number of microaggressions that Black individuals experience daily.

With endless opportunities both online and in person, there is something for everyone. Societies and in-person book clubs are great if you’re building up confidence, or even if you’re fully prepared and ready to talk about your likes and dislikes as a reader. But for some, online communities provide more of a comfort and are so easily accessible in today's society. Most people now have access to some sort of social media so if you’re ever bored and have some time on your hands, why not have a scroll and find a new community of readers perfect for you?

However, while many of the most popular Black writers have historically been American, it is important to actively seek out Black British voices to understand the presence of race in Britain, something that is so often cast aside in favour of conversations on class. From nonfiction books such as Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge to award-winning novels such as the Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo (winner of the 2019 Booker Prize) and Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson (winner of the 2021 Costa Book Award for a debut), the Black literary sphere offers a wide range of innovative and insightful titles that prove that Black Britons deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Ollie Wheaton

If, like me, you grew up reading your parent's childhood copies of Asterix and Tintin, translated literature has always been a part of your life, even if you did not realise it. Experiencing any art, in this case literature, is one of the best ways to learn about new cultures and broaden our understanding of the world. With an estimated 7,100 languages in existence, there are fears that thousands could become extinct by the end of the century, if not 2050, for a myriad of reasons. Then, translating literature from a language like English can help to preserve these smaller languages that do not dominate networks of global communication.

Translated books in the UK market account for only 3% whilst in other countries this is much higher, with most translated literature being from Britain. English is the primary language of international

literature, but it does seem like it is taking up an unfair amount of space in the market, consequently pushing other languages to the side. With the opening examples mentioned, there seemed to be a time and place for what was deemed acceptable media to translate, both part of the Bandes dessinées (Franco-Belgian comics). Tintin has had controversy due to its depictions of non-white cultures, and it is only recently that there has been an increased effort to translate literature originating outside of Europe.

In the sci-fi and fantasy space, you have series such as Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem, exploring Chinese history and present-day clashes of civilisations. In contemporary fiction, there are the works of Sayaka Murata, examining nonconformity within Japanese society, namely Earthlings, which is unafraid to directly tackle serious subject matter. And look no further

The power of translation Brews and books

Megan Kempster

As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, there’s no better time to curl up with a steaming mug and a good book. Everyone has their preferred brew, each with its own spirit. Pick yours from the list below and get a story that matches your autumn mood perfectly.

Hot Chocolate (Sweet, Velvety and Nostalgic)

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is heartfelt and gentle, transporting us back to a state of childlike wonder. Just like a cup of cocoa, it’s comforting, and its warmth lingers. It explores our ever-changing relationship with technology and delves into what it really means to be human. What does it mean to love?

Gingerbread Latte (Spicy, Playful and Festive)

than the recent explosion in manga’s popularity, taking up more space in bookstores than ever before, with iconography from its most famous offerings like One Piece used all over the world. Obviously, there is still a diverse range of languages within European literature, including the likes of Andrzej Sapkowski’s The Witcher series, translated from Polish and steeped in Slavic folklore. Also, Russian authors such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky were translated and have come to be regarded as some of the finest writers in literary history. In other places across the globe, there are the works of South American writers such as José Mauro de Vasconcelos (Brazil/ Portuguese) and Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru/ Spanish), Korean writers such as 2024 Nobel Laureate Han Kang and the recently passed Baek Se-Hee, and African writers such as Abdelaziz Baraka Sakin (Sudan/ Arabic) and Fiston Mwanza Mujila (Congo/ French) among many, many others. Thanks to the internet, we are more connected than ever, facilitating a wider outreach for literature translated from other languag-

es, countries, or cultures. Translated literature also sits at the heart of our campus and is the home to Strangers Press, a company set up in 2016 who strive to publish translations and international writing in innovative ways. Nathan Hamilton, Co-founder of the UEA publishing project, says Strangers Press is: “interested in the idea of translation as a form of cultural exchange” and “that cultures learn things about each other, in multiple

ways” through this art form." So, seek out translated literature. What you find will be incredibly rewarding and potentially change the way you understand or view the world, especially in a time when travelling abroad can be expensive. If you cannot go to a country in person, then stories set there are the next best way to experience the place, and that is the best example of the power that translated literature holds.

Upcoming releases

21 November - The Land of Sweet Forever by Harper Lee

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore is the fifth instalment in the Dream Harbor series. A small-town romance sprinkled with sweet treats, a dash of spice, and a heartwarming found family. There is witty banter and plenty of chemistry between the two so-called enemies (who might not stay that way for long).

Black Coffee (Strong, Intense and Mysterious)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is a psychological thriller that investigates the morally grey and the gritty. A journalist and a hacker fight to expose corruption and violence. Like the drink, it packs a punch and will most certainly keep you up all night reading.

Peppermint Tea (Cool, Crisp and Invigorating)

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus is a story set in the 1960s about a brilliant chemist, Eliza-

beth Zott, who fights sexism in the workplace. She is smart, witty, and impossible to ignore. A piece that overflows with empowerment and inspires all those who read it, and like a peppermint tea, it revitalises your spirit.

Salted Caramel Mocha (Rich, Indulgent and Addictive)

Dire Bound by Sable Sorenson is a romantasy that, just like the drink, perfectly blends sweetness with a saltier, darker edge. An addictive slow burn that will transport you into the perpetually wintry world of Nocturna, where you’ll be surrounded by warriors and dire wolves. It’s duel or die. So, pour yourself a cup, flip to page one and dive into a new world.

Though you may not have picked up her debut novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, since your GCSEs, Harper Lee remains a monumental figure in the American literary canon. The Land of Sweet Forever, a posthumous collection of Lee’s essays, magazine articles, and newly unearthed short stories, promises a fresh glimpse into the development of her craft. Divulging memories of the Alabama schoolyards of her youth, Manhattan movie-houses, and her friendship with Truman Capote, the collection maps Lee’s extraordinary talent across decades. Through vital conversations on equality, love, and the American South, her writing culminates into the question of what it means to lead a creative life.

This collection’s introduction, penned by Harper Lee’s biographer, Casey Cep, clearly pinpoints these works within the different arcs of Lee’s life. This offers an enlightening background to help us rediscover the writer who never stopped asking the hardest questions of herself and her country.

2 December- Before I Fall by Tory Henwood Hoen

Tory Henwood Hoen is releasing her second novel, Before I Fall, on December 2nd. It will follow the journey of Cricket Campell as she moves back to Catwood Pond, the home of her childhood, to look after her father, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The novel focuses on Cricket, stuck wading through life as she struggles to move on from a tragedy in her adolescence. Her father’s diagnosis gives her an opportunity to repair their strained relationship, as well as face the past that she has tried to ignore. As her father increasingly begins to lose his memories, Cricket discovers her father’s unlikely gift: an ability to predict the future. Exploring the relationship between memory, particularly the painful, and prophecy, Hoen reflects on the complexity of the past’s impact on our present and future.

Image Credit [L-R]: Izzy Hollyhead and Megan Kempster

Polly Dye and Lilia Colledge

Not rhetorical

Gabriella Maio

'Can we all stop killing each other?' An influenc er lounges on a leather couch talking to a phone bought with blood money. I swipe past.

'Can we all stop killing each other?' My friends sigh this out every Monday morning. I murmur in agreement and keep walking.

'Can we all stop killing each other?' A reporter asks rhetorically. Her interviewee begins a monologue on how that can’t be. I turn off the news.

'Can we all stop killing each other?' A genocide victim pleads, talking to a void of helpless. I finish my dinner.

'Can we all stop killing each other?' is written on a billboard in the museum. I see the words behind my eyelids as I sleep.

Ribeiro’s King Lear

Terrell Bryan Deputy Creative Editor

The painted figure stands tall and still, his dark face stretched across the canvas. A difficult expression to read: anger, sorrow, exhaustion. His green crown, being the centre, is shaped like a city, with pointed towers that mimic the spires

Jessica Knight Creative Editor

That’s your favourite kind of dog. I know this because you declare it everytime you see one. The whippet–a snippet into the life we’ll live together under our roof for three; you and whippet and me, bundled together like parents and their child. We won’t sleep, we’ll stare at our beast while it snoozes and lazes and snores and dozes, marinating in its own warmth.

One day, when we have a dog, I hope it’ll be like this one.

of a church--showing a burden that may be too heavy for him to bear. A pale and textured background, with various layered strokes of white and grey, makes the figure stand out and his skin, painted with deep brown tones, gives the painting

that warmth it loses through its cold background.

This version of King Lear does not represent a traditional British king. He looks ragged and worn down. Here, Ribeiro turns the Shakespeare tragic king into some-

thing new, revealing the struggles that come with being a ruler. The crown suggests the power he has as well as a burden; a reminder how authority and identity can weigh on a person, when looking through a different lens.

Winged Victory of Samothrace

Emily Pitt-Shaw Editor-in-Chief

To Be a Canvas

Lilia Colledge

Out to dry, my skin peeling, I stare into an endless black, where no one sees or speaks. Am I invisible?

Amedeo Modigliani 1884 – 1920

Above, you move, gently brushing the surface, caressing, enough to tickle. But it stabs, a malicious incision that causes agony to prevail. My blood seeps over, in red, but also black, and white, and blue, until I’m covered. A pastiche of your desires.

David Quinn

Eye frets, are careful –Ought not to read Subtitles. (Their announcement Makes generic A tragedy).

Modigliani: I hate This language, Non-specific, And the Romantic Notion that art, like intent, Is perspective. Instead of bodies, Hunched in photographs, Shattered like glass –What it is to adore form as content! [Your line, A single hair].

I savour the last stroke, ingrain its scratch and its pressure. You turn. Don’t.

Am I something easily left?

No relief, trapped within my wooden box. Hundreds of eyes passing over me, scrutinising, with dismission on their lips. They aren’t you.

How to makesnowflakesfrom

ReDo Norfolk to hold pop-up vintage market

by Kathryn Bailey

Avoid blowing your student loan on cheap, fast-fashion clothing this November and instead go along to ReDo Norfolk’s pop-up at The Forum. ReDo Norfolk has a vision of ‘a world where everything and everyone gets a second chance and where nothing goes to waste,’ and that vision will come to fruition at this one-day-only market in the city centre. The event will include not only sustainable clothing, but also gifts and homeware made from reclaimed and repurposed materials. Each purchase supports and protects the planet, as well as funding local charities. Make sure not to miss out on your next fashion find at this unique event, taking place from 9am until 5pm at The Forum on November 19th.

Shop Review: Elysium, St. Benedict’s Street

by Eli Wilkinson

Elysium is a dream for anyone in the alt scene, offering a huge array of styles all year round so you can express yourself no matter the season. I spoke to salesperson Rowena who wanted readers to know it's a safe space for all, with gender neutral changing rooms, friendly and knowledgeable service, and advice when it comes to clothing choice. Elysium also advertises alt nights out on its Instagram page, has an active Facebook page advertising new stock and fun events, and a website with free delivery on orders over £50. It's been a year since Elysium opened, and it's here to stay within a growing and ever-present alternative scene in Norwich.

Inside Maddermarket's costume attic

Tabitha Woolcott

Wooden rafters creak against the outside wind. We’re up in the attic above Maddermarket Theatre, where decades of historical clothing donated by the Norwich community spans rails and vintage trunks, piles high in boxes and grocery crates. It’s an Aladdin’s Cave of costumes, the collection breathtaking in its variety as well as its sheer volume: there are cowgirl boots, clogs, strappy golden heels; ties, cravats, bowler hats; brooches, military pouches, endless swatches of vintage lace.

Amanda Greenway, Head of Costume, is unsheathing a 1930s wedding dress with a trailing train from a garment bag. It’s one of her favourite pieces from the archive. She points us to its embroidered lilies, the buttons up its back.

‘We did Merlin a few years ago,’ she relays, ‘And I really wanted to use this dress for the Lady of the Lake, but it didn’t fit the actor. So I based the costume entirely on this dress… We’ve got things here that we can’t use, but they’re really great to have for inspiration.’

Amanda’s work as a costume designer spans styling and sewing; both are supported by the expansive costume archive collected by the department over Maddermarket’s century of operation. Access to over 30,000 pieces, alongside a hoard of fab-

Social media has rewritten subcultural fashion

Throughout my teens, I was fascinated by subcultures. Rockabilly, hippie, goth, and many more. They all seemed like secret worlds with their

ric and haberdashery, gives Amanda the freedom to marry fashion history with the expressive art of design. By mixing and matching from real people’s clothing, decades of handmade costumes, and whatever her team have the time and materials to create, she can outfit each character with personality as well as authenticity.

‘It’s rare that we’d do modern shows,’ says Amanda; when they are staged, she finds them particularly difficult. ‘With historical shows, you can use what I call costume shorthand. You get more of a sense of a character from what they’re wearing than you normally would.’ Part of Amanda’s job is to seamlessly convey era, class, personality, story – not just to suspend the audience’s disbelief, but to ground the actors in the dramatic world, too. ‘It’s important for the actors to feel like they’re wearing a costume.’ Wardrobe begins the acting process before the leads have even opened their mouths. Looking the part is an undersung facet of what brings a play to life.

‘We run on a really small budget. If there’s a character wearing Prada, we have to make Primark look like Prada.’ Maddermarket is a community theatre run largely by volunteers, so Amanda’s costuming process must be economical. Reusing and recycling from the archive is central, and dated costumes will often be unpicked and size-adjusted to fit modern measurements. Savvy styling, too, is a major component of “costume

own rules and uniforms. Social media was still new to me at the time, and I fell down a rabbit hole of people who look effortlessly cool, like they belonged to something bigger. But now, as the New York Times recently stated, these subcultures are ‘fading away’. Subcultures have built an identity through clothes as much as through music. They’re groups with distinct values, fashion and interests that differ from the mainstream culture. Think of the Greasers in post-WWII America, who were known for their slicked-back hair and their ethos of brotherhood and unity. They emphasised the subculture of freedom and rebellion. A leather jacket or patterned

headbands were not just style, it was a statement of their community. With the rise of social media, those clear signals have started to blur. Styles that once evolved slowly within specific communities can now become a trend overnight. Grunge and Y2K aesthetics circulate social media, which strips them of their original styles and turns them into fast fashion trends. Fashion has been made more accessible than ever. Individuality has never been celebrated more in western society, yet everyone seems to dress the same. Although some aesthetics, such as ‘coquette’ and ‘downtown girl’, may lack the backbone of traditional subcul-

shorthand”. ‘Men’s fashion doesn’t really change as quickly as women’s fashion, so if you have a three piece suit, you can make it look like it’s from the 20s or the 70s or 80s, depending on how you style it.’

Downstairs in the main wardrobe workshop, we’re privileged with exploring more of the handmade costumes. The volume and variety here, as well as the intricacy of detail, is again astounding: we move from gilded and pearl-pricked Elizabethan finery to sharp military greatcoats to Gregor Samsa’s verminous antennae. The team are currently assembling eighteenth century gowns out of expressive hot-pinks and modern teals for The School for Scandal, racing to be ready for 11th November, when the play hits Maddermarket’s stage. 'It’s good to be good with people. Actors come along for their fittings, and it’s quite a vulnerable experience.’ Amanda stresses that costume design is not at all a solitary job. ‘Runners, buyers, breakdown artists, dressers… [There’s more than] drawing a picture and recreating it.’ In fact, the costuming process is a testament to collaboration. The vision of the director is essential – some bring moodboards – and during the stages of construction, Amanda and her team of volunteers all work together on the many moving parts of each garment as they bring that vision to life.

tures, they allow for flexibility in their style. Many people dress to stand out online, and social media pushes them through its algorithms, causing it to become a viral trend.

The fashion community has relocated. Rather than being formed through hangouts, these communities form online, through hashtags and solidarity through likes and shares. Subcultural fashion hasn’t disappeared, it just thrives in comment sections and likes now. They continue to be a group with distinct beliefs and interests, but they’re easier to access and are more flexible. However, these trends can rise and fall in a matter of weeks, questioning their authenticity.

Olivia Michalowska

Cultural tradition and heritage through clothes

M.J. Aguilar Chapa

My mum always says that her favourite part of raising girls was being able to dress them up however she wants. It is evident how much she indulged when I look at old pictures of myself. She also always says her favourite thing was dressing me and my siblings up for holidays because she liked to play around with the traditional clothing.

I grew up in Mexico most of my life in a fairly traditional family, which means our relationship with our heritage is complicated. Traditional clothing is only encouraged for special occasions, like Independence Day or Day of the Dead, otherwise it is seen as poor taste and we are told to always strive to look ‘more Western’.

Mexican culture is very loud: it is colourful and eclectic in essence. Traditionally, women

in central Mexico wear bright huipil tunics with intricate embroidery patterns. Many also have lace detailing on the hems, showcasing colonial influence from Spain. It is also common for both men and women to wear sarapes, a wool wrap that according to my grandma: ‘will keep you warm and cosy even if stranded in Antarctica’. And of course I must talk about the hair: having your mum braid colourful ribbons into your hair at 5am before a school pledge is a rite of passage for every Mexican girl.

Back home, many aunties still use traditional clothes as daily wear, many of them grew up in a time before American

culture began to infiltrate the daily life of most Mexicans, and many feel shame or even resent that they cling on to their culture instead of recognising it as an act of resilience.

At UEA I have met so many people whose relationship to their heritage is equally as com-

plex, but many see their clothes as a way to express and explore that. In many ways this symbolises their own resilience and that of their communities in a country that turns increasingly hostile to cultural dissidence. We can find strength in being proud of our origins.

Where do trends come from?

Violette Douglas

Fashion is known for being original, a place for artistic outlet. The ever-growing fast fashion market is creating a need to pump out new material quicker than usual, which can lead to rushed inspiration and blatant idea stealing. Sometimes this is merely cyclical, the reuse of past pop culture: think about the return of ‘90s cargo trousers in recent years. Other times stylists adopt elements from different cultures and rewrite them as their own, which muddies the water of identity and appropriation.

One of the recent controversies surrounding fashion is the appropriation of the dupatta, a piece of draped fabric used to cover the shoulders and sometimes head for both protection from sun and for modesty, which originates from South Asian traditional dress. Summer 2025 saw the rise of the so-called ‘Scandi-scarf’ as an accessory to many summer dresses. It quickly garnered traction and was adopted by fast fashion ‘going out’ dress brands such as Oh Polly and Shein. It became a defining look of the summer de-

spite pushback from the South Asian community, as it was referred to as ‘Scandinavian’ when it actually has roots in Indian clothing. The lack of acknowledgement of the item’s origin depicts how Western fashion often miscredits initial inspiration. Without proper appreciation, is it not just stealing Another example of cultural appropriation in fashion is the treatment of the Chinese qipao. The qipao has been around since the Qing dynasty, which began in 1644, which demonstrates its deep historical roots.

Venue en Vogue: November ‘25

Tabitha Woolcott Fashion Editor

Double cream : Subvert the season’s typical dark tones with this colour trend fresh off the runways of Louise Trotter’s celebrated Bottega Veneta debut and Jonathan Anderson’s Dior. When pairing lights, you don’t have to be strict –marry neutral whites and creams with a baby pink or a pale yellow for a coherent look with an unexpected twist that rings instantly stylish.

In the 1940s, hems became shorter and the dresses more fitted, a symbol of female liberation within the Chinese community as society progressed. During the 2000s, Western fashion brands such as Forever 21 started releasing mini-skirt versions of the qipao which raised questions about the ethics of people from outside a community, particularly one marginalised in Western countries, wearing cultural dress. This is worsened by the fact the dresses are altered to fit Western beauty standards and cheaply made by

companies purely for profit. ‘Balloon pants’, spotted on the Michael Kors runway at this September’s New York Fashion Week, take inspiration from harem pants. Popularised in Persia about 2,000 years ago due to their free-flowing nature, they were worn by both men and women as everyday wear. The Kors show featured see-through balloon pants, depicting how traditional styles oftentimes become sexualised in a Western context. Where do we draw the line on inspiration vs appropriation?

Gloves on: A truly unsung accessory! Leather gloves in particular provide a surprising boost of warmth without bulking up an outfit with another cumbersome layer, while also adding so much interest to an outfit. They’re easy to thrift, too. Look out for ones in interesting colours to add that pop of contrast in a unique way!

Rain ready: Is there anything more chic, more classic, more jaunty-carefree-lead-in-an-old-movie than a rain slicker? Seriously: a rain slicker. We’ve seen gorpcore puffers, cape trenches and buttoned-up funnel necks as major microtrends within the world of statement outerwear, but a long, shiny, shapeless slicker may be the mainstay to invest in (or the accidentally-in-style practical piece you’ve already got). Pair it with red wellies, if you can!

How cinema can help Gen Z resist temptation

Amélie Cook

The young adults who make up Gen Z have grown up spending the rainy days of their childhoods going to the cinema to see the latest animations with their parents; then, spending many nights as teenagers at the back of the latest screening of the new instalment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe; to now, as young adults, neglecting the cinema due to price, streaming platforms, and possible boredom. However, as many film buffs will know, the cinema is a safe space which can be used to our generation's advantage. As technology has grown

alongside Gen Z, it has been a constant in our lives, making us reliant on it for constant stimulation. With the boom of social media apps, young people struggle to watch a 20-minute sitcom on a streaming service without checking their phone multiple times and beginning to scroll. Doomscrolling has become a constant in our lives that it feels impossible to escape. Many find themselves rewinding what they have just missed, pausing to scroll or simply, sometimes, missing key plots in a show or film. However, after a few warnings about phone usage at the cinema, it is the first time in months that you can sit back and watch the entirety of a film uninterrupted. It helps you re-

The People’s Princess: Vigilante from Peacemaker

Isaac Minah Film + TV Correspondent

After the ‘Summer of Superman’, the latest addition to James Gunn’s DCU was Peacemaker season two. Since its first season in 2022, Peacemaker has been adored by DC fans for its comedic ensemble, which includes John Cena as the titular character, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Freddie Stroma. This band of misfits comes together, and while all lovable in their own ways, a standout for me and other Peacemaker diehards has been Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase, better known as Vigilante.

Vigilante is Peacemaker’s eccentric wannabe best friend, a Beanie Baby collector, animal facts connoisseur and an often-

times misguided hero. Vigilante is mostly used as comic relief due to his unwavering obsession with Peacemaker and lack of social cues, however, the DC fanbase has fallen for him and fallen for him hard. Maybe it’s just my feed, but every time I open social media, it is filled with Vigilante memes, thirst posts, and funny clips. And during the weekly Peacemaker podcast hosted by Gunn, Holland, and Agee, the majority of the fan questions are about Vigilante. Freddie Stroma’s late entry to the filming of season one contributes somewhat to why he is such a standout. Due to creative differences, the original actor departed, and Stroma replaced him. However, the programme wouldn’t be the same without him; the moment when John Economos (Agee) asks, “So you’re compassionate about

alise your enjoyment of films and prove that it’s possible to resist constant stimulation without the trigger. This is more prevalent towards the end of autumn and into the winter months, as it gives you a break from your phone and provides an activity both indoors, with friends, and out of the cold. This is significant as it gives you a break from the negative effects of doomscrolling on your mental health when dark seasons are making it harder, as well as getting you out of your room and enjoying something with friends, or providing you with the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and do something independently as the perfect solo

tape but not about brutally murdering people?” and Vigilante blankly stares before a casual “Yes” wouldn’t be nearly as funny without Stroma’s natural comedic timing. Whilst season two of Peacemaker has received praise from fans for its focus on the titular character’s grief and internal growth, the lack of Vigilante caused complaints, as he was only sprinkled in until episode six of the eight-episode season, where his scenes started to move the story forward. The fandom’s annoyance at the lack of Vigilante this season reflects the importance of the fan-favourite in television, especially in a comics-based series such as Peacemaker, where the personalities of the various characters do the heavy lifting in the audience’s attachment to the narrative.

The decrease in Vigilante screentime across the two seasons is noticeable and becomes obvious when hearing how Gunn himself speaks of the character. Often, he is not described in the most positive light, and when questioned about whether the character was intentionally written as neurodivergent, he dodges the question to avoid publicly diagnosing him or implying that he represents any group of people. Whilst this position as a creator is respectable, it is still undeniable that neurodivergent audiences and particularly autistic

date. This allows you to enjoy and immerse yourself in this beautiful art form and appreciate what you have watched properly. Now is the perfect op-

all the exciting films that are being released, and many deals on cinema tickets; it is a lovely treat for the end of semester one and the fast-approaching

viewers have seen themselves reflected in Vigilante’s mannerisms. As an autistic person myself, I relate heavily to his obsession with one particular person in his life, or his black and white sense of morals and justice.

Peacemaker season two, while not a bad season by any means, does feel lacking in whimsy compared to the first season

due to the loss of Vigilante’s agency in the narrative. It only gained momentum for many audience members when he was given important scenes in episodes six and seven. This should hopefully serve as a lesson for Gunn that withholding the fan favourite doesn’t keep fans coming back for more; it instead weakens overall audience enjoyment.

Comfort in corsets: Why we can't stop watching period dramas

Izzy Hollyhead Music Correspondent

Comfort, escapism, relatability and dystopia. These terms could all be used to describe the enduring appeal of the period piece. Whether it’s meticulously historical or deliciously dramatic, the genre has woven itself into modern culture so deeply that it’s almost impossible not to have encountered at least a clip or two. But what is it about these glimpses into eras we never lived through that keep our generation so captivated?

Recently, the regency romance series Bridgerton has just treated fans to a sneak peek of what's yet to come with the trailer for season four, which releases in two parts: the first half on January 29th and the second on February 26th. It’s filled with glimpses of mystery, lust, and drama. Fans are counting down the days until they can be curled up on their sofa, under a blanket and with a warm drink, ready to tune in to what might be the most anticipated release of next year. Dedicated fans will be happy to hear that the series has been renewed for a fifth and sixth season, so the beloved characters won’t be leaving our screens anytime soon!

Some people believe there is a certain simplicity to the characters who are featured in these period pieces. The idea of having everything planned out for you for the rest of your life, dancing around in ballgowns at parties, and grand weddings is highly appealing to some. Whereas for others, it is the traditional love sto-

ries in these films and TV shows that hold the biggest influence on how closely people hold this genre to their hearts.

Even after twenty years, the 2005 PrideandPrejudice movie is still raved about, and it inspires mass inspiration for media that is created and watched in the present day. This is exhibited in the hit Amazon Prime TV show The

Summer I Turned Pretty, where the director nods towards key scenes that are held in high regard, influencing younger viewers to go and watch the highly praised 2005 film for the first time.

With our current political and social climate, many viewers use period dramas as an escape. They feel there is enough negativity in this world that it is nice to zone out for an hour or two and take their mind away to a world that feels much simpler and easier than our own, whilst also gaining a tight-knit community of fans and making everyone feel less alone with their feelings.

Upon reflection, is this an imagined unity, or are we just indulging in selective memory? At first glance, when watching these pieces, the authentic costumes, set designs and even language that is being used seemingly make it easier for us as viewers to not only connect to these situations but to imagine ourselves in a time like this. This is especially true for those of us who definitely weren’t born into aristocratic privilege. We like to imagine that, in another life, we could step into those grand estates, attend glittering balls, and live in worlds where dresses cost more than

our rent — even if it’s purely fantasy. Period pieces make us feel like that could have been us, but of course, those stories rarely show all the realities or inequalities of the time.

The dynamic between the Bennet and Bingley families in Pride and Prejudice highlights the rigid class system of Regency-era England, where status often mattered more than genuine connection. Across every adaptation, the two families sit at different points in the social ladder, and Austen uses that contrast to explore relationships while quietly pushing against the rules of her time.

But the expectations of that world — the idea that a woman’s success depended on marriage, or that love only “counts” if the man initiates everything — can feel unrealistic to modern audiences. These tropes may create beautiful drama on screen, but they don’t always line up with how relationships actually work today.

Whilst there are clearly obvious critiques that can be made to the representation of women, sexuality, and race when it comes to period pieces and the portrayal of the Regency era in the media, it is still one of the most popular genres. This is greatly due to the escapism that it provides us from an otherwise bleak and, some may say, hopeless world. At the end of the day, all we want to do after a long day of lectures and coursework is chill out and transport ourselves to another world.

One Battle After Another (2025)

review by Ollie Wheaton

The latest film from Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another, follows a burnt-out former revolutionary (Leonardo DiCaprio) searching for his daughter as a military officer from his past hunts them down. However, to boil the film down to just that feels like an impossible task, as it contains so many moving parts to explore and tackle contemporary American issues, from immigration detention centres to police violence and fascism. It is hard to place into one genre, as it counts as action, political thriller, western, and comedy, among others, and pulls them together cohesively.

The ensemble cast is stellar, the standouts being DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio del Toro. It is incredibly well made, creating some truly extraordinary sequences and some of the most impactful action in recent years, particularly the car chases. But, you can feel its 162 minutes drag by in places, and it takes time to get going.

Film Club (2025)

review by Charlotte Ward

Film Club, Aimee Lou Wood’s directorial debut, follows a 28-year-old woman whose life has folded inward after a breakdown at work. Set almost entirely at home, the BBC series becomes a quiet ode to how messiness and hope can co-exist — how love from family and friends can coax someone back into the world, one tiny gesture at a time.

It’s a tender portrait of neurodiversity, never pathologised or spelt out, but lived: soft-edged, awkward, and deeply human. Wood lets character lead, reminding us that not every story of recovery requires grand transformation — just the nurturing of passion and love that’s been there all along.

In a pocket of Greater Manchester that feels as familiar as a relative’s sofa, Film Club finds warmth in the wobble. A rainbow in a garage, a reminder we can begin again. By the end, you’ll want a seat in Evie’s club too.

The

review by Avery Hewitt

With this month's theme, cultures and community, I saw The Big Bang Theory as the obvious pick. The 12-season story of Sheldon Cooper and his friends is a realistic example of a group that has its differences, and many ups and downs, but ultimately, remains unshakeable.

The friendship group is a diverse mix of people with different backgrounds and upbringings, and although it is your classic comedy sitcom, it tackles some deep issues that people from these communities face. For example, Raj wrestles with the idea of never getting married, Penny suffers with the feeling that, as a woman, she is never good enough. Sheldon is looked at as weird by pretty much everyone, but his friends love him exactly how he is.

Every character goes through their own struggles that the others couldn’t possibly begin to relate to, but despite their differences, they are there for each other, always.

Image credit [L-R]: Isaac Minah, Unsplash, Izzy Hollyhead

Big Bang Theory (2007)

Album Review: Maggie Lindermann's, 'I Feel Everything'

review by Izzy Hollyhead

Maggie Lindemann's newest album, I Feel Everything, that explores mental health, relationships and selfworth, was released earlier this month. Packed with collaborations featuring artists like Julia Wolf, Max Fry and The Warning, this album mixes rock, pop and EDM. There’s a track for everyone! ‘Let Me Burn’ featuring the all-female, Mexican rock band, The Warning, is the heaviest song on the project. Performing strong vocals, powerful guitars in the chorus and ethereal backing vocals, each artist really puts their heart on the line, showing sheer amounts of vulnerability within the storytelling process. Fans of both artists have been heavily praising the collaboration, thanking Lindemann for working with a lesser known, yet extremely talented band like The Warning. Having an all-female track has been well received, and with The Warning being from Mexico, listeners are loving the diverse representation that is being brought into the industry and across genres.

Gaga for inclusivity

review by Saffron Pennycooke Music Editor

“I’m beautiful in my way. God makes no mistakes. I’m on the right track baby; I was born this way.”

Such lyrics have become the advocating message against prejudiced of minority groups. Lady Gaga is not only a pop culture legend because of her prolific songs and larger than life personality, but because of her positive rhetoric and care towards the LGBTQ+ community. Many people have found solace in her music and in her presence as an artist. She is and always has been the face of the weird and wonderful, encouraging us to be our authentic selves and not let bigotry hold us back. Gaga lies at the heart of positive representation, encouraging everyone to love who they are and never hurt people because of what they don't understand.

I owe so much of my self-expressionism to Lady Gaga. I’m proud of me. Thank you, Lady Gaga.

LCR club nights - the 'bomb'

review by Avery Hewitt

As a fresher coming to UEA this September, I was sure that I would never set foot in a club, but when my flatmates told me they were all going out together, I decided to be brave and give it a go, and I’m so glad I did. I had the most amazing time dressing up, dancing with my flatmates, and singing along at the top of my lungs. The drag artists were the highlight of the night, hyping up the whole club to dance the night away until 3am.

What I was most nervous about going to the club was the safety, but they made it clear that UEA and the LCR are safe places for everybody, both by providing anti-spiking cup lids and by giving continuous shout outs to UEA’s queer community. I sincerely hope that the LCR invites Glitterbomb back for another great night of bringing UEA together.

CMAT’s EURO-COUNTRY: Disillusionment and the rise of alternative politics

Milla Cartwright

Another hit in the world of country pop, CMAT’s latest album is a mixture of europop interweaved with synthetic waves of country. EURO-COUNTRY is a fruity and somewhat gaudy cocktail with meanings that offer a slightly more bitter flavour.

CMAT’s lyrics capture the messy dissonance felt within this relationship, encapsulating a fragmented, kaleidoscopic view of Ireland and its politics. It is the latest addition to Ireland’s political music scene. This genre has been battling politics and reclaiming its identity as Irish, as has been seen with Kneecap and Fontaines DC. CMAT herself has been outspoken on her political views, both within and outside of her music. In discussing her relationship with her country she referred to Ireland as being stylised as ‘this vulnerable, innocent woman that must be protected at all costs.’ However, her experience of Ireland is more akin to a ‘bad, toxic boyfriend.’

The song’s light-hearted and soulful melody is accompanied by lyrics that take a more sombre tone. Being both too young and old enough to understand what was happening, CMAT is able to encapsulate the experience of growing up during the 2008 financial crash by illustrating the fallout throughout the community. There is no tidiness to her lyrics, telling the story through a series of fragments and topical references. She highlights the bigger events but also the more minute moments

too: ‘mooching around shops’ and ‘building houses, that stay empty even now.’

Between her embittered lyrics is a fondness that hopes for a better day. ‘And no one says it out loud,’ CMAT sings, ‘but I know it can be better if we hound it.’ It’s also seen in how she affectionately refers to Ireland as ‘my EURO-COUNTRY.’

It’s what makes this relationship with her country so toxic, she can’t help continuing to love it. It’s also why she cares so much, and why she is advocating for a change. CMAT is responding to the political climate, past and present, urging her listeners to do something to work towards a different future. This album’s release seems to coincide with yet another changing political climate. This disillusioned attitude has not been exclusive to Ireland, but has been taking form throughout different political systems, ranging from the youth-led revolution in Nepal to the polarisation of voters in the UK. The latter has been seen through the number of registered voters who have been turning away from mainstream parties towards the Greens and Reform. Voters seem to be frustrated with the unfulfilled promises of mainstream political parties. As such, they are being funnelled towards more extreme sides of the political spectrum.

A concern with this rise in alternative politics is the increased polarisation with the draw further away from centre politics. This trend has a significant age divide with 40% of 18-24-year-olds leaning towards Polanski’s Green Party, while Farage’s Reform lead the

way for the 50-64-year-olds. CMAT’s lyrics capture where this sense of disillusionment has arisen from in terms of the younger demographic. Many young people in particular do not seem to feel represented within mainstream politics and many of the older generation believe that mainstream parties are not taking hardline political stances, such as in terms of immigration.

This move towards alternative politics stems from some of the same issues that CMAT sings about – a disillusioned state and an uncertain future. Both parties feel as though those in power are not prepared to take the necessary measures. Their messaging has been advocating them as ‘the alternative solution’ respectively. In addition, both parties share messages of no-confidence in Labour and the Conservatives. In essence both sides are after the same thing, they both want their ideologies to be better represented in politics, however their stances on issues could not differ more.

CMAT’s EURO-COUNTRY is able to playfully tie together the disillusionment in mainstream politics that has led to the polarisation of voters away from major parties. While this mobilisation might be welcomed by some, it does bring forth questions about the future of politics. At the moment, this fragmentation has a near even split throughout all the political parties, except reform who has a 10% lead over everyone else at 27%. The question then becomes, what would a polarised and fragmented political representation look like? Perhaps CMAT’s follow-up album will be able to illustrate that when the time comes.

The Aide: Currents underground

Ben Heiss Music corespondent

It’s a cold Friday night in Norwich, the type that only the haunted autumn insists - and I’m standing in the toilets of Space Studios, holding a dressing gown. I’m here to see the spectre of the underground student music scene: The Aide. A four-piece band cut from the stained cloth of punk; they’ve been playing the Norwich circuit for around a year now. I’d been pulled to them ever since I witnessed their live debut in the SU Bar. They seemed to have already graduated with a first in Punk Rock Performance.

“We’d been rehearsing for months before that gig”, James, the drummer, told me. “You want to make sure that when you play for the first time, you make an instant impression.” That’s exactly what they did, splintering the stage with a sound already fit for the wired circuit of the Norwich underground. Tonight, they were to take to the stage of Space Studios for the second time that month - charred and burning with momentum.

The gown belonged to Anthony, the bassist, who was changing into a full set of pyjamas in preparation for The Aide’s gig, which was due to begin in five minutes. The band had committed to a one-off bit — they were

playing a hardcore punk night in clothes fit for bed.

So, in a shot of ironic extravagance, Anthony exited the cubicle in an armour of nightwear and an outstretched hand like a claw towards his dressing gown. He spoke and his voice smelt of sugar and iced coffee. He led me downstairs to the foot of the stage. The room held a community of gig-goers and students, all united in anticipation of anarchy.

Earlier that week, I’d sat in for one of The Aide’s rehearsals. I watched in silence as James sat at an altar of hi-hats, induced in a drug like rhythm and eyeing the band with a mechanical readiness. Arthur held a guitar adorned with vibrant stickers and a pro-Palestine graphic; the decor looked like the sketchbook of a revolutionary child. Anthony, who’s usually stitched with a radiant smile, stood deadpan and stonelipped. His cold face was contradicted by his fingers, which moved in uncompromising snake-twists up and down his bass. “I’m not interested in using bass as filler,” Anthony told me. “I love ska rhythms, and I always treat my bass like a second lead.” Joe, guitarist and vocalist, barked with visceral might beside Anthony’s grooves. Before this, knelt over his pedals, Joe joked that The

A societal sense of community with DMTS

Jamie Mann

“A community can be made through music very, very simply…”

President of the Drama and Musical Theatre Society, UEA Grooves band leader in Music Society, and drummer Ollie De Vita and I sat down to discuss: how does music bring us together?

“You can make music with an-

ything. You can start bashing some pots and pans and someone will join in, and you can start making music together,”

Ollie explains, after we take our seats across a table in the SU Bar. “I think it’s really important. You talk to someone, you find they have a similar taste in music, you get to know them, they become a mate… you could get into a band together.”

Aide played “post-spunk clarity”, a fun poke at the exhaustion of post-genre discourse in the modern era.

My generation seem to be so overtly aware of the history of countercultures and genres that it’s impossible to truly create anything without it being a form reinvention. I think The Aide know this, and so they embrace it - one of their songs pastiche ‘Holy, Holy’ by Geordie Greep; they entangle their sardonic influence with a primal release of chaos and do so without apology. The Aide re-

invent the conventions of punk in a wired cultural montage, like a creative page of a scrapbook collage.

Glimpses of Sonic Youth, the poets of counterculture, skastyled bass, drums that kick like a fleshy machine, all spiral across The Aide’s sound. That night in Space Studios, I saw them bludgeon the crowd out of reservation, the room in a release of twisted will. The Aide injected their turmoil into the heart of the crowd, unapologetic and primal, with Joe singing agonising, powerful

poetry,“When I talk to Dad, I forget I’m a man, and I dribble when I speak.”

The Aide are quickly becoming a pillar of the student-led Music community in Norwich. Between the haunted lanes and cathedral grounds, they manage to reanimate the ghost of punk rock with an abstract passion that transcends cynicism, injecting the Norwich music community with an abrasive and youthful core.

Ollie initially joined Music Society at the beginning of first year, before delving into Drama and Musical Theatre in second semester. He praises the good atmosphere and social aspects of the groups. “Coming to university, for the majority of people, you’re dropped in and you know no-one. We’ve got a play on and everyone in it, bar one or two, is new to the society - and it’s a cast of about 20. I went to a rehearsal yesterday and the vibe is really good. They’ve all made friends within 2 weeks. In Drama, it’s a very welcome space. There are auditions, but we have socials and a karaoke night. Everyone can come along and perform if they want to.”

As for Music Soc, “no matter your ability, or the instrument

you play, all the bands are very inclusive… they bring everyone in.” I asked about what if a new student was thinking about signing up next semester, but was feeling a bit unconfident: what should they do?

“Some might be less confident than others, but as soon as you’re dropped on stage and there’s an audience there, you’re in it together. Just come along – the first step is getting into the room. There’s always a committee member there.

Get talking to them, say ‘I’ve just started, I’m a bit nervous to play’ – they’ll throw you into stuff. In Music Society, we only have two concerts per year, at the end of each semester, so you have a whole semester to practice.”

Ollie explained that many dif-

ferent interests and passions can be fulfilled and realised by getting involved. “There’s a whole variation. There are different strains of what people enjoy in there, but it all comes under the same umbrella of creativity, theatre and production. Even if you’re in your last semester of third year, just do it. You’ve still then got 4 months of doing something that you might really love. After uni, you can keep it up…”

The play, Alice in Wonderland: A Dream Remembered, will be performed on the 28th and 29th November in the Drama Studio. Tickets are available on the Student Union website.

Image Credit [L-R]: Wikimedia Commons, Ben Heiss

20/11:

DAYTIME

23/11: Vegan Christmas Market at The Forum

What’s on in Norwich?

Five free events in Norwich this winter

New arrivals at the Sainsbury Centre

collectively process and heal. Exerience the regional art scene.

Getting out and about when the weather is growing bleak can feel like a challenge – and while lounging outside in the warmer months is free, finding fun while evading the cold can get costly. Luckily, there’s plenty on in Norwich this winter, so don’t spend the season stuck in your room! Here are five great opportunities to discover the best of what the city has to offer (without spending a penny):

CAWS

Allotment

Every Wednesday, members of the Conservation and Wildlife Society go to the UEA allotment. We focus on getting the allotment ready for planting, with radishes, kale, and parsley being planted already, and onions and potatoes being almost ready for planting. There are many benefits to growing your own produce, both for the environment and for mental health. It allows us to become more sustainable, as it contributes to reduced carbon footprint, as the food does not have to travel to

Did you know the Sainsbury Centre is the first museum in the country with a ‘pay-whatyou-can’ ticket system? Shelter from the weather at the gallery’s new exhibition, which opens on the 28th of November. Seeds of Hate and Hope features major modern artists working in a range of media, bringing together a variety of personal responses to prejudice and conflict in order to

a supermarket. In addition to this, fruit and vegetables do not need to be packaged in plastic if they are grown at the allotment, so this results in decreased plastic usage. We have also planted some wildflowers, allowing for increased pollination. As well as there being benefits for the health of the environment, the allotment allows for many mental health benefits. It is proven that it is beneficial for the mind to be outside, and can help to reduce stress and anxiety. In addition to this, the allotment is a very social space, allowing a time to chat to friends and to meet other like-minded people. If you would like to get involved, you can find more information on Instagram: @ueacaws

Beyond the Sainsbury Centre, there’s a whole host of local artists to get inspired by! From the 17th to the 18th of December, The Forum in the city centre will be holding its annual Showcase, exhibiting a huge variety of works from artists across Norfolk. If you’re feeling festive, it shares dates with The Forum’s Norfolk Creations Christmas Market, featuring more local artisanal craft! Jam at the Best National Music Pub of the Year

With free open mics, gigs and quizzes (and a jukebox!), The Brickmakers in NR3 has a winter schedule bursting with affordable events for music lovers. There’s something for everyone, too: drop by on 22 November for a glam-rock tribute with Wiggy

Able2b

Imie James

Stardust, 7 December to catch northern soul with Soul Bags, or discover their Psychedelic Circus (for ‘free thinkers’ only) on 17 December! Get immersed in the City of Literature

You may know Norwich is home to the National Centre for Writing, but did you know it’s specifically housed in Drag

free Writers’ Room every Thursday and Friday at their historic venue. Whether you consider yourself a writer or just want a friendly space to let some words out, drop in and scribble away!

Enjoy live local comedy

Every month, LOL Comedy hosts a stand-up comedy open mic, which is entirely free (though all donations go to charity!). It’s held at the Rose Tavern, a classic cosy pub just off Unthank Road. You can catch the next one on November 19th – sit back with a pint and discover local comics, or sign up and try out your tine!

making a difference

I first learned about Able2b at the Royal Norfolk Show in July 2022 and was eager to volunteer with children and young people with disabilities. Now, three years later, it remains one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. For those unfamiliar, Able2b is a community interest company co-founded in 2017 by orthopedic consultant Rachael Hutchinson and retired boxer Jon Thaxton, situated near Hall Road in Norwich. They offer a unique service for children and adults with disabilities, being the only one of its kind in the UK. My volunteering began at their

2022 Summer Holiday Camp, where I worked with children of various ages with complex needs and physical disabilities. No two days are ever alike! As a volunteer, you assist with a range of activities, including cycling, football, making music, decorating cakes, and colouring. The time flies by, and the reward is immeasurable—a child's smile after you've helped them or their excitement to see you again is priceless. Volunteering here has taught me so much. I've developed new skills, such as using sign language with non-verbal communicators, and I've seen firsthand the calming effect of a sensory

room for a child with sensory processing issues. The supportive staff and other volunteers have also helped me hone my teamwork skills and build confidence and resilience to manage challenging or unexpected situations. Able2b's work is truly amazing, but not enough people know about the incredible service Rachael, Jon, and their team provide. I encourage you to make a difference and discover where this opportunity could take you. You might find, like me, that volunteering with Able2b is an experience you won't regret!

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Hannah Hodgson

21/11: The Dream Machine at Voodoo Daddy's

28/11: Wrong Jovi Trubute at Voodoo Daddy's

28/11: Martin Kemp DJ Set at Epic Studios

1/12: Lambrini Girls at The Waterfront

5/12: Gary Davies - Kick Up the 80s at The Waterfront

17/12: Boho Bingo at The Bowling House

Tabitha Woolcott

INTERVIEW

Continued from page 12.

It’s a safe-space for many, judge ment free and welcoming, as the group described.“We're not doing carols, especially, Christian carols or things like that and that’s what makes us different. We sing all sorts of things you wouldn’t expect a choir to.”

“There are not many structured rules, which means you can bring yourself,” they said. “So, if I've come from work and I'm exhausted and I might not be able to stand, I can sit and Jodie is fine with it. Or if anyone needs a bit of time out or just to go outside, they can”

“It's so difficult elsewhere to find mixed age groups that naturally integrate with one another because other places it can seem a bit awkward but here, we are all just having a chat. It's not just a choir. It's more friends of different backgrounds.” I listen to the group as they sing in har mony; White Winter Hymnal by Fleet Foxes and All These Things That I’ve Done by The Killers. An audible expres sion of just how versatile – and unique –the choir is.

After letting the Sopranos get some prac tice in, the Mezzos, responsible for learning the harmony, entered the

main church hall. The group, composed of Hannah, Lucy, Jo, Emily, Helen, Frin and Dinah, spoke of their experiences.

“I think it's really positive, because singing is a way of making you feel good,” they agreed. “And when you sing with people, that's a double super good feeling, but it's also a social thing as well, coming to see people that

“Sometimes the music is challenging. So, you'll be doing songs that you've never heard of and suddenly everyone gets really into it, and it sounds great. It really expands your introduction to new music.”

For some singers, it isn’t just the joy of singing. The choir has also helped them with personal health. “When I first started coming just over a year ago, my fatigue had been bad,” said _____. “I'd barely been leaving the house. I

didn't think I could stand in a room for two hours, as I didn't want to feel bad and sit down, but you can sit down and it is okay. Coming here every week, I'd have to rest a lot beforehand and afterwards, but I had been standing up for two hours and singing. I've noticed a big improvement in my fatigue”

Another shared how the community has helped her through a period of grief. “Last year a friend of mine died, and it was on the day of choir practice,” they recalled. “I thought do I really feel like coming here. And I didn't mention it to anybody. I just thought I'd just get on with it. But it really did help me just to feel better and take my mind off it and just get on with it.”

The final visit is to the kitchen of the church hall to find the Altos and Basses practicing: Chris, David, Peter and Malcolm. "By the method of us learning it. It really works to learn a song in one night. I think it is impressive. It's amazing what people can do,” they tell me as I enter.

“I live on my own and if I don't go out, I just sit indoors and especially at wintertime, and I think that's really terrible. As an older man especially, you must make things happen. You have to go out and join these groups,” said _____. "I don't consider myself as a singer. Especially tonight - I don’t know the song. When we started in the kitchen here, there was a few dull notes from all of us, but when we sang again, there wasn’t any. So, we had

learned from each other, which just gives me lots of confidence.”

One singer, Chris, has hearing loss. She tells of how Jodie and the choir members help to make the environment as inclusive and accessible as possible. "Jodie provides all the music for us, and I play it at home and just keep playing it,” she said. “I have to wear my hearing aids because I can’t hear without them. At practice, Jodie watches me and shows if the music is going up or down with her hands and you'll see me staring at her music levels. I also stand next to the strongest singer, at least while we're learning it to hear better.”

For Jodie, it's all she wished for. To create an inclusive community. “Fun is the main goal. There is no need to have any musical knowledge or skill or need to read music,” she grinned. “That's the other reason why we're inclusive as well. You don't have to have had the privilege to have had music lessons and be able to read sheet music. You can just learn by ear. So, it is open for everyone, because I think being able to read music is a privilege and not everybody gets that as well.”

To the singers, this choir is not just an activity, but a community for alljoined together by the love of music. To the singers, it’s another form of family.

Image credit: Anna Johnson

Acupuncture: The forgotten art of medicine

Trinity Yiu

Every civilization develops methods to treat its ill and wounded. While the adoption of empirical “evidence-based” medical inquiry during the Enlightenment defined the modern approach to medicine in the Western world, traditional medicine remains a fundamental aspect of healthcare globally. 170 WHO member states have acknowledged healthcare practices ranging from organised systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine to non-codified ethnomedical practices. Growing research into these systems has spurred increasing interest in integrating them into mainstream healthcare.

Acupuncture, a traditional practice that is increasingly used in clinical contexts worldwide, originated in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting fine needles in strategic locations (acupoints). In TCM, these points manipulate pathways through which Qi, the vital energy of life, flows. Practitioners aim to maintain Qi to promote health. Western medical acupuncture is an adaptation of TCM acupuncture which replaces the concept of Qi manipulation with a modern understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

Acupuncture has been used to treat a wide variety of physical and psychological symptoms and conditions. A large body of research into its efficacy has been conducted in recent decades. According to a systematic review published in the BMJ in 2022 (Lu et al.), acupuncture showed “moderate or large effect with moderate or high certainty evidence” in eight conditions, including improving functional communication in post-stroke aphasia to increasing lactation success.

Despite the growing body of evidence supports acupuncture’s role as a valuable treatment adjunct, the anatomical and physiological basis of acupuncture is yet to be fully understood. Current evidence suggests that acupuncture activates peripheral nerves, which transmit information to the spinal cord and brain that eventually affects physiology. It is hypothesised that traditional acupoints overlie nerve bundles, so mechanical stimulation directly affects the connective tissues they innervate. A 2020 study of mice by Liu et al. suggests that electroacupuncture (a variant of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation) activates specific groups of neurons depending on where and how strongly it is applied, triggering inflammatory or

anti-inflammatory effects.

However, some studies also show that acupuncture is not significantly more effective than placebo or no treatment, implying that factors like the acupuncturist-patient relationship and the patient’s expectations of the treatment contribute to perceived benefits. Mixed evidence, along with the lack of standardised treatment protocols, are key challenges to the integration of acupuncture treatment into conventional Western medical practice.

Despite these questions, acupuncture is steadily emerging as an adjunct to biomedical and surgical treatment. The U.K National Institute of Health and Care Excellence currently recommends it as non-pharmacological treatment option for conditions like chronic pain and tension-type headaches. While access to acupuncture on the NHS is currently limited, some hospitals and GPs offer community acupuncture clinics.

cus on specialisation unintentionally fragments care by seeing the body as individual systems rather than an integrated whole. Patients also benefit from the consistent individual attention of the acupuncturist. With increasing burdens on healthcare services, physicians often face heavy workloads that limit time with patients. Acupuncture inherently involves consistent, individualised attention, providing patients with meaningful engagement that can be as beneficial as the treatment itself.

With more people in the U.K chronically ill than ever before, the need for safe and effective treatment adjuncts has never been greater. The unique perspectives of complementary therapies like acupuncture highlight the value of exploring other treatment modalities to address the growing burden of disease.

The appeal of acupuncture perhaps reflects an aspect of health that conventional Western medicine has historically overlooked. Acupuncture embodies a holistic view of health by approaching the body as a densely interconnected network, where local stimulation can modulate wider physiological responses. On the other hand, modern medicine’s fo-

Why does light make you

Olivia Fay

Have you ever gone outside and immediately felt more alive and then wondered – what’s the science behind that? Natural sunlight and artificial light have vast, and different, effects on both your mental health and physicl health. Let’s begin with artificial light. In the growing world of technology, it is no secret that almost everyone owns a phone. In fact, studies show that four out of five individuals aged 10 and older own a mobile phone, while 87% of British people look at their phone or tablet within

an hour before bedtime. As a result, many people experience the negative effects of artificial light such as low energy, unproductivity, migraines, eyestrain and, sometimes, depression. Physically and mentally, bodies struggle with overconsumption of artificial light. The disruption of natural body clocks results in a lack of productivity and increases the potential of sleep and mood disorders. The over exposure of blue light in a dark room and in close proximity to your face can cause strain to the eyes and a higher chance of migraines and difficulty concentrating. But it is not just technology that impacts our health.

Artificial lights in the home, such as ceiling lights and lamps, can also have a negative effect on our mental and physical wellbeing. It is often caused by the tones of bulbs. Warm white lights create a cosy atmosphere, whilst bright white lights can be harsh on the eye. While this can either evoke productivity, it may also induce anxiety as the cold, uncomfortable tone of light reflects the tense atmosphere of hospitals and schools. Natural light has more positive effects on our mental and physical health. Sunlight exposure boosts our mood, produces vitamin D in the body, enhances sleep and more.

But what is vitamin D?

Often referred to as ‘the sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D is essential for bone health and immunity function, as well as regulating calcium and phosphorus levels. Although we can now pick this up as a pill in the local supermarket, there is no better way to soak up vitamin D than sitting in the sunshine. Sunlight exposure regulates sleep patterns by triggering melatonin production. It also enhances our moods by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. This makes you feel more productive, active and often helps you to de-

velop a more positive mindset. A lack of natural light can have the opposite effect, resulting in poor mental and physical health. For many, it can manifest as seasonal affective disorder - a type of depression, which comes and goes throughout the pattern of seasons. Due to shorter and darker winter days, most people who suffer from SAD have a persistent low mood between October and February. The lack of sunlight and vitamin D produced and consumed in the winter is often responsible for triggering such. It may be why many people feel the need to go on a sunny holiday in the colder months!

Image credit: Unsplash

New discovery into how light can help us see sound

Scientists at the University of East Anglia have found a way to “see” sound using light. They used diamonds to turn tiny sound vibrations—called phonons—into light particles, or photons, so we can study them more easily. This matters because it helps us understand how tiny things behave in the quantum world. It could lead to better tech for things like super-fast computers, secure communication, and sensitive sensors. By linking sound and light at the quantum level, this research opens new ways to explore and control the building blocks of our universe.

Nurses found to have a new super power –gut feelings

A study from the University of East Anglia found that nurses worldwide often rely on intuition and experience—not just checklists—to triage patients. They use subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, and overall appearance to judge how sick someone is. This “gut feeling” helps them make fast, accurate decisions, especially in busy or high-pressure settings. The research showed that while tools like triage scales are useful, they don’t replace human judgment. However, stress, lack of training, and poor working conditions can affect decision-making. The study highlights the need to support nurses better so they can keep patients safe.

UEA helps reduce pressure on NHS

A University of East Anglia study explored using elastomeric pumps—small, portable devices—to deliver IV antibiotics at home. This OPAT (Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy) approach lets patients receive treatment without hospital stays. NHS costs were lower: £2,507.54 per patient at home versus £6,122.70 in hospital. Clinicians and patients found it safe and convenient. It also reduced hospital bed pressure, meaning more space for other patients. Though based on a small sample, the study suggests home IV treatment could improve patient experience and save money, helping the NHS manage resources more efficiently.

Have a story?

Get in touch with our team at Concrete.editor@uea.ac.uk

AI: Deepening the class divide

Daisy Lester Deputy Editor

As we continue to hurtle toward the future and innovative technology is further integrated into the workplace, wealth inequality continues to increase both in the UK and overall globally post-covid. Although it may not be evident from the usual conversations about vibe-coding (using AI to write code) and artists, the implementation of AI disproportionately effects the working-class, threatening job-security, worker wellbeing, and opportunity distribution. From warehouses to gigwork, employment decisions and government services, AI is already affecting how we work, and if we can. The first wave of impact of automation in the workplace began way before it became a household issue, with labour forces being replaced by robots starting in the 1960s. AI did not begin to be implemented until the early 2000s, when the technology became cheaper than hiring individuals. These machines replace labour tasks which require no specialised training, limiting opportunities for working-class individuals with a lack of education or connections. Beyond job losses, the technology can be dangerous for those in contact, with Amazon warehouses recording 50% higher rates of serious injury at centres with robots as opposed to those without. These productivity increasing machines implemented by white-collar executives (who typically don’t set foot on the shop floor) carry real physical

risks for those interacting with them. Amazon in particular has become a lightning-rod of criticism for unethical use of AI in the workplace. Described as wielding “the electric whip”, the company uses AI to track workers (such as their “Time-off-task” system, which tracks every minute spent not actively working), prioritising efficiency at the cost of worker wellbeing. Even more sinisterly, this system was weaponised (along with social media algorithms) in their well-documented union-busting practices, with penalties reduced for basic needs such as bathroom breaks to increase goodwill towards management. While the biggest name in the headlines, Amazon is far from the only company utilising “algorithmic management”. Tasks which were typically performed by a manager (such as scheduling shifts and performance evaluation) are being replaced by AI, leading to irregular shift patterns, opaque decisions, and an exploitable imbalance of information between employers and employees. While in theory this could be applied to more middle-class professions, it disproportionately is used in typically working-class sectors, with the gig economy one of the hardest hit. But it is not just in implementation, AI can have bias built in. It is well known that algorithms can discriminate against women (preferring male-coded language when choosing CVs) and people of colour (facial recognition software is up to more than 30% less accurate for darker skin tones), but this also extends to working-class individuals. The prob-

lem is, machine learning tools find patterns based in datasets, such as a pile of previously accepted CVs, and a pile of previously rejected CVs. But where a role has typically only accepted middle-class candidates, a bias can be passed on through the AI’s identification of “proxy variables” – a trait identified with “correlation to a suspect class”. This could look like certain postcodes or speech patterns being identified and weighted by the algorithm, excluding otherwise well-suited candidates from opportunities in a game stacked against them. It makes calling out discriminative hiring practices a lot more difficult and harder to prove in a legal setting. While this would be something for governments to address, they are also implementing AI in their own systems. Doctors surgeries now use AI to record and manage appointments, and Norfolk County Council has begun rolling out AI phone and web assistants. In theory, this would help cut down on long waiting lists, it further isolates those who are tech illiterate (a disproportionately working-class issue) and those without access to private alternatives to lacklustre service.

Although AI has the potential to improve lives and society overall, it continues to be used in ways which enhance inequality across a range of demographics, destroy the environment, and overall promote societal divides. As automated AI powered systems continue to be embraced by those at the top, the question stands of what exactly it is improving.

Free gene-edited tomato soup

Satish Gurung

World leading plant scientists, from the Quadram Institute and John Innes Centre, have genetically modified tomatoes to boost vitamin D. Launching one of the first human trials of gene-edited food, they are looking for participants now.

Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight – nicknamed the “sunshine vitamin.” Vitamin D is important for overall health, helping the body absorb calcium and phosphorus to keep our bones, teeth and muscles strong, as well as boosting our immune system to fend off infections. Low Vitamin D has been linked to depression, dementia and a higher risk of internal cancer.

Vitamin D rich foods are limited; good sources of vitamin D can be found in oily fish, red meat and egg yolks, but

plants lack this essential vitamin. Limited dietary options and shorter days with less sunshine have led to a deficiency in vitamin D, an estimated 1 in 5 people in the UK are deficient during the winter and spring sea sons. Research has noted that peo ple with darker skin, the elderly, pregnant and breast feeding peo ple, andple who arefined indoors are more likely to be defi cient. So why have re- searchers looked at tomatoes for a solution? Tomatoes have a precursor to vitamin D, pro-vitamin D3 which is converted to compounds the plant uses as a defence. With gene-editing, researchers have altered

the genes to accumulate high levels of pro-vitamin D3 in the fruit and leaves. Exposure to sunlight or shining UVB light on the plants converts it into vitamin D3, which is a more stable form that is useful for humans. The gene-editing does not affect the appearance, growth or yield, it only raises the level of vitamin D in the tomato.

The Research Park are looking for people to take part in a trial to see how well the tomatoes can boost vitamin D3 levels. Participant are given three weeks supply of soup to eat at home, and there is a small convenience payment to cover the visit to the Quadram Institute as part of the study.

The study involves eating (free) tomato soup, wearing a UV tracker, having your blood tested and answering a lifestyle questionaire. To find out more or register your interest head to the Quadram Institute website and search for ‘The ViTal-D Study’.

UEA activists challenge Career Central in fossil-free push

branch of a larger organisation that protests and campaigns largely in the name of climate.

The society have been involved in a campaign called Fossil-Free Careers, a campaign that exists across the UK and aims to call out university career services that promote careers in oil, gas, and other environmentally unfriendly industries. So far, twelve universities have ended these relationships – and UEA may soon be following suit.

campaign. Some of the BCAN attendees included students Petra Todd and James Carter, and staff Noel Longhurst and Hannah Hoechner. But the meeting yielded little progress, as Career Central said that they had a duty to be neutral to students. They claimed that not inviting oil and gas companies would take away opportunities from students.

The University of East Anglia prides itself on being a sustainable university, hosting a well-regarded environmental sciences department and being the centre of leading research on climate change.

For a number of years, both staff and students have been running the campaign, with student BCAN passing the concept as an SU Motion last year. It means that the SU now officially supports Fossil-free Careers.

BCAN’s campaign has ebbed and flowed, but continues with societal drive. Last year, the society hung a banner in the square, but were later charged £28 for lacking permission to put it up. Despite the pushback, Student BCAN are continuing to campaign around campus, using posters, leaflets, and booking out career appointments in an act of protest.

Beyond that, students who are especially keen take part in societies within the Students’ Union – one such society is Student BCAN, the Biodiversity and Climate Action Network. Student BCAN society is a

At the same time, members of BCAN had a meeting with some of Career Central’s senior leaderships team to attempt to make some progress with the

COP30 continues

The annual climate summit is currently being held in Belem, Brazil. This year marks the halfway point to 2030, when countries are expected to meet their pledges under the Paris Agreement. Due to the Amazon, this year focuses on tropical forests and marks 37 years since the declaration of Belem. It looks at both tropical forests and indigenous communities, being the first real recognition of indigenous rights, and knowledge systems for environmental protection. But experts were concerned about the meeting after a section of the Amazon was cleared to enable a road to be built for the conference, and Brazil's continuation to grant oil and gas licenses in the run-up to the summit.

Rising bird deaths in Norwich

Anna Johnson

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is causing rising deaths among swans and other birds in Norwich, Wroxham, Potter Heigham, and Hoveton.

At least 20 birds have died in the past two weeks, with two confirmed cases on the River Wensum. The virus spreads quickly, even from carcasses up to six weeks old. Symptoms include swelling, poor coordination, cloudy eyes, and strange behaviour. Wildlife experts describe the illness as distressing, with birds often declining rapidly and being difficult to recover. Rescue groups urge the public to report sick birds promptly to help contain the outbreak across Norfolk.

Destructive mushrooms found in park

A destructive outbreak of honey fungus has been spotted along the River Wensum in Norwich. The honey mushrooms are orange in colour with white fuzzy spots in the middle and often grow in clumps. The fungus is known for killing trees and has already claimed a willow in the area. Naturalist Andrew Waddison said that honey fungus preys on weakened trees, spreads underground and has no effective cure. However, the fungi can safely be eaten by animals and humans. With over 14,000 mushroom species in the UK, autumn is peak season, making conditions ideal for growth. The fungus highlights both ecological threats and fascination with fungi.

Robyn Srikandan Venue Editor

Anna Johnson

Petra Todd

Image credit: Anna Johnson

The Loo Review: Alice in Wonder-lav

Daisy Lester Deputy Editor

Viewed through bleary beer-googles, the SU bar toilets sometimes feel like a topsy-turvy wonderland of a toilet.

Hosting a variety of entrances in an array of gender questioning configurations

(your humble deputy editor in chief learnt only one side is gender neutral the hard way - after an excessive number of sojus) it can easy to be turned around in the maze of walls and openings.

But once you find your way past the hurdle of arrival, you unsteadily stumble further into the dragons den of this pisssoaked palace. While not nearly as horrifying as the Hive’s beastly bog, the bars’ commode still can rival an army latrine, with the sights in particular on Wednes-

day night causing you to question the dignity of your fellow peers.

And yet, there is a sort of elegance and comfort to the mess. While the womens bathroom last term ceased to have soap for an ungodly long period, it does have supportive messages scrawled on doors.

“Keep your head up, diva!” might shine down on you as the nights bad decisions come up. The legacy of the uni bar bathroom reminding you that, while you may feel uniquely messy, terrible, and capable of making bad decisions, you are not alone. There were thousands before you, and there will be after to carve their own scars into the MDF.

So keep shining diva, and try not to leave it worse than you found it.

BATHROOM SCORE: 3.5/5

November: Pet of the Month

Guinea pigs are very funny little creatures, and they have much more personality than you might think. Ringo loves all food but is fussy with people; Rocket loved all people but was fussy with food – except cables, which he tried to eat more than once (unsuccessfully, of course, but I had to ban them from free-roaming near the computer after that).

They were two peas in a pod, though they were much closer to being potato

shaped than pea shaped. Rocket and Ringo were like if two old geezers that have a daily pint at the pub were fluffy, and squeaked instead of swore: they lazed around, squabbled constantly, but were best friends that were always there for each other.

Have any questions about animals? Or want your own pet to be featured here? Contact us on Instagram @concreteuea

Culture, community and commitee with Mallu Society

Kelly Wu Food + Drink Editor

This edition of Concrete, I ambushed Mallu Soc with my budding questions and threw them into my very own interrogation room; the Hive sofa area. Under the semi-bright lights, I got the full scoop (perhaps Malai-flavoured ice cream) on the best foods to try from the Kerala state or India in general. The committee member I spoke to who didn’t want to be outed for their tastes, is keen to learn how to cook Southern Indian chicken biriyani. Aside from that, they also recommend Gulab Jamun; a dessert that consists of fried dough balls, bathed in sweet syrup and served with ice cream.

For those who are looking for a new addition to their pantry; jaggery is a natural and healthier alternative to white sugar, as it is loaded with more vitamins. But beware, this doesn’t mean you should spiral into a sugar craze as all foods should be eaten in moderation. Jaggery is used in popular snacks such as jaggery banana; a plantain is cut into smaller pieces then soaked in jaggery that is melted with water. Speaking of bananas, I’m told that people in India go bananas over bananas and mango too.

As we’ve already dived through the ‘must try’ mains and desserts aspect of the cuisine, it’s only right if we discuss drinks; tender coconut water made fresh by skilled street vendors and mango lassi are favourites of my

interviewee. And as it should be, mango lassi is divine; Indian mangoes are on another level and taste a thousand times better than the ones sold at your average big Tesco.

When asked about a cultural food memory that stands out, they speak of the food served during the Onam festival. The feast consumed during it is named Onam Sadhya, all the food is vegetarian as it has a Hindu-history. Long story short, the tale of Onam is that once a year the return of the King is celebrated over a ten-day period. Despite his return only lasting a day, everyone is in a rush to prepare a feast to celebrate his return. Approximately twenty curries are combined and then portions are served on banana leaves. Onam is pretty much state specific, as it’s mainly celebrated in Kerala, South India.

Another few dishes to put on your ‘food bucket list’ are dosa and chutney (specifically coconut) and malabar parotta with fried beef which are “to die for”.

My interviewee speaks of kappa biriyani; a fish curry with chunks of tapioca root, which her dad makes. Peculiarly, there’s no rice yet it’s called a biriyani; maybe it’s named that due to the mix of spices? There’s something magical about dishes cooked by parents, it tends to taste so much better than anyone else’s attempt. It’s cheesy to say, but maybe it really is the love that they put into it.

The history of saffron and it's pirates!

Saffron Pennycooke Music Editor

When I introduce myself, I usually follow it with, “Saffron, like the spice.” This isn’t because of some sort of deeper connection I have with the spice, but simply because I have encountered, far too many times, the confusion of my name and thought it would help spark some recognition. Perhaps because it was screamed over booming club music, but I doubt that resigns as the sole reason. When saying this line, I’m either met with nods of understanding or a confused, “huh? So, what is Saffron? Is it just a music loving UEA student, or is it way more complex than that?

The spice Saffron originated from a wild crocus flower that has beautiful lilac petals and burning red stigma. This flower is native to the Middle East; its specific location of origin not entirely certain but assumed to be from Greece and domesti-

cated in Crete during the late bronze age. However, there is also evidence that other civilisations utilised its properties such as: the ancient Egyptians and the Persians. Speaking of properties, Saffron has been used for centuries and not just as flavouring. Ancient Greeks utilised Saffron’s aromatic smell to fragrance their homes and bodies, as well as its rich colour for dye. Did you know the ancient Greeks loved the blonde hair colour, and so, would use Saffron to dye it lighter?

In ancient Egypt, pharaohs would use it for flavouring their food as well as being an aphrodisiac (a symbol of love and romance). Even Cleopatra used Saffron to fragrance her baths and living quatres. Saffron was also believed to have medicinal benefits. During major pandemics such as the Black Death, Saffron would be used by victims and doctors for its healing properties. This was so much so, that a ‘Saffron War’ occurred between overseas importers; procuring it was like sifting gold. If you ever wondered why Saffron is the most expensive spice in the word and supermarkets only sold it by a pinch a product, it probably had to do with those pesky Saffron pirates. Now, Saffron is accessible in supermarkets (albeit at a cheeky price) for you to use in your recipes. I know many of my Indian family members would have used it in their curries and rice dishes as well as Italian paellas and even ice cream. Saffron is such a versatile ingredient that has such an interesting origin story.

Food racism in the West

Kelly Wu Food + Drink Editor

There’s plenty of discourse online regarding the topic of if the UK has a food culture to call its own. We laugh at those who, when asked their favourite British foods, reply with carbonara or a tikka masala. But maybe it’s an issue of how we ignore classic British foods due to the ‘uninteresting’ flavour profiles and lack of seasonings. Take Yorkshire puddings for example. It’s considerably basic but that doesn’t mean we should disregard it . Something doesn’t have to have complex flavours and a long cooking process in order to be classified as cultural or tasty. Just because haggis is arguably less flavoursome than jerk chicken doesn't mean we should label all British food as ‘boring’. We tend to fall into the trap of ‘relative deprivation’ when comparing our food inventions to our neighbours. The reception to haggis isn’t great but we can’t deny the originality of it.

Yet some Western foods that people regard as ‘gross’ don’t receive nearly the same amount of hate-filled reaction as Eastern foods.

In the West, we tend to fall into the trap of a culture of ‘food racism’. As someone who has a Cantonese heritage but grew up in the UK, I experienced racist re-

marks as a child. Although it came from a place of ignorance; it didn’t make it hurt any less.

I recall being ‘the butt of the joke’, I was asked if I ate cats, dogs and worms. Although eating cats and dogs is far from cultural, many are unaware that it was a sign of political instability that fuelled a famine crisis.

People, specifically in the West, still stereotype anyone with a Han Chinese background. Even South Koreans and Japanese people are targeted, with the same false stereotype. I can’t deny that some still eat this way in China, but it isn’t very common. Whereas the consumption of rabbits, snails and frogs are - yet the response is less harsh.

Despite the fact that jokes are made about the French and their love of frog legs or escargot (snails), they are arguably treated in a way that is fuelled by disgust - yet it’s viewed as a ‘quirk’. But non-Western food stereotypes are regarded as not only disgusting but the people are viewed as dirty or animals. The same can be said about rabbits; a common source of protein, used in many Spanish dishes. Yet I haven’t heard a single joke about that, yet.

The racism I experienced since I was young led me to pushing away my roots in order to fit in with my white peers due to fear of being outcasted, and I’m certain that my experience was far from unique.

Image credit [L-R]: By Ranjithsiji, Will Witham

FOOD AND DRINK

Food, the language that everyone speaks

Robyn Srikandan Venue Editor

Growing up mixed-race means that I often felt not as well connected to my culture compared to my peers. I didn’t always understand the jokes, and certainly didn’t speak the language, so I had to get to know the part of my culture that transcended boundaries better than anything else: food. The age-old expression that food transcends all language is true. Ever since I was little, I remember the curries and daals that my grandma and parents would cook me. There are two dishes that I have been eating literally as long as I remember and still eat very frequently today. The first of

those is rice and parapu, the latter of which was a yellow lentil daal. It is a really simple dish that I recommend giving a go at making if you are keen to try something easy and new.

The other dish is something called sothi and idiyappam. Unlike rice and parapu, which, though not always known by the same names, is a very well-known dish, sothi and idiyappam is more specific to the Tamil regions of South Asia, and thus might not be so well known. Sothi is a type of curry, but it is very different to most curries that are widely known. The sauce is coconut based, and is so thin it may be considered watery. Normally, sothi is a fish dish, and I have had versions of it with tuna, but most often my grandma makes it with only potatoes and some oth-

Will's delicious Swedish cinnamon buns

er vegetables, and perhaps some vegetarian meat too.

Idiyappam, or as I know it, string hoppers, were the carbs that I always had with sothi. This was the food that really connected me to other Tamil people: the moment one person mentioned it, the rest of our ears all perked up. If you want to try them, you will need to either make them yourself or go to a South Asian supermarket, as they are not very known in Western Europe! It is a little hard to describe what string hoppers are – they don’t taste of much on their own, and kind of look like noodles, but have a much more delicate texture. I wish they were more widely available because this is a delicious dish, and without the fish they are totally vegan. There are plenty of sothi recipes available online; if you

For the dough:

• 500ml of milk

• 50g (1 packet) yeast for sweet doughs

• 100ml of granulated sugar or white baking syrup ( I used sugar here)

• 1/2 a teaspoon of salt

• (Optional) 2 teaspoons of ground cardamom

• 800g (approx. 1.4L) of fine wheat flour

Method:

can’t find idiyappam, try it with rice instead. I have been eating these meals ever since I was a baby, but as I have gotten older my horizons have expanded and my fussiness towards food has shrunk. Whenever there is a family meal, we all sit around the table with the centre being occupied by ten or so pots of various curries, daals and other foods like a buffet. I could go on about paneer or aubergine curry or any number of my favourite foods, but I highlighted parapu and sothi in particular because they are, no matter what, always a part of these meals. Not only do they connect me to the other people sat at the dinner table, but they connect me to my own cultural identity.

For the classic cinnamon filling:

• 150g of room-temperature butter or margarine (I used butter here)

• 100ml of granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. For brushing:

• 1 whole whisked egg

1. Warm the milk to 37 °C (lukewarm - to the point where you can put your finger in the pan and it doesn’t burn or isn’t too cold…body temperature).

2. Crumble the yeast into a mixing bowl. Pour in the milk and stir. Add in additional components such as sugar, salt and cardamom if you choose to take that route.

3. Measure the flour: pour it loosely from the bag into a measuring cup (don’t shake it). Add most of the flour, reserving some for kneading later.

4. Knead the dough vigorously — about 5 minutes with a mixer, or 10 minutes by hand — until it’s smooth and elastic. Let it rise, covered with a cloth, for about 30 minutes. Preferably in a partially warmed area.

6. Punch down the risen dough, knead lightly, then divide it into 4 portions. Roll each portion out into a rectangular sheet.

7. Once each portion is placed into a rectangular sheet, you will then want your melted butter, cinnamon and sugar.

8. Spread the butter over the dough sheet (either with your hands or any utensil you seem suitable). Once equally distributed across the whole of the dough then add the cinnamon then the sugar. Again, you really can add as much or as less as you seem fit.

9. Here is where it becomes interesting. You will want to gently pick up the rectangular sheet and fold a third of it on top of itself. Then grab the remaining exposed area and fold on top of the area you just covered with the dough. To somewhat make a sheet of folded thirds where the tasty cinnamon is all stuck inside.

10. Next grab a knife and cut into appropriate singular wafer-like shapes, however thick you want. After this has been done grab the mini rectangle of sandwiched cinnamon brilliance and stretch and twist as you see fit.

11. Get one of the cut up dough slices and stretch it (without breaking it) and grab one end and twist into a spiral then aim to make a bow or knot with it.

12. Once all the dough aerobics have ceased, let the shaped buns rest and rise in oven dishes lined with parchment paper before baking. I would recommend 30 minutes for the next round of rising just for the best effect. In this time I would also preheat the oven to 200 degrees celsius.

TIP: before preheating the oven, fill up an oven dish with water and place it on the bottom of the oven creating a ‘steam tray’. In all honesty do not know the science behind it but the moisture from the steam keeps the buns airy and light.

13. Coat each singular bun in that whisked egg (with a brush, by hand or fork) for that golden brown finish.

14. Place in the oven for around 5-10 minutes it could be more. General consensus is that you want a nice golden brown finish on your buns.

And there you have it!!! You have now just made the talk of the party or dinner, or that little, soft delight that will just about get you through the rest of the day.

Parker Job

For those of you who, like me, were unaware of what Movember was, let me give you a brief summary. Movember is, in the charities own words, ‘a global movement tackling mental health, suicide, prostate and testicular cancer’ involving growing a moustache as a way to start the conversation on men’s health. Now why do we need to talk about men’s health specifically?

Both of my grandfathers had cancer. My Grandad, my mum’s dad, didn’t go to get investigated by his GP until he accidentally let it slip to my Nan that there had been blood in the toilet for the last year. He believed it wasn’t a big deal and that it would come back as nothing. It was evidently not

nothing. He survived this cancer but the fact he didn’t say anything scares me.

My Grandpa, my dad’s dad, was struggling with Prostate cancer for years and showed no signs of it. He didn’t tell my dad when he was hospitalised, as he knew my dad would leave his dream job to be with him. I never met my grandpa, he died from this cancer, but from what my dad told me he didn’t really like the doctor’s. He didn’t like sharing his health issues, he just kept them to himself.

This is really common for men. Keeping things to themselves and struggling with them independently.

The Mental Health Foundation said that around twelve men die a day from suicide in the UK alone. That 4,200 men a year lost to suicide. Men are more likely to die from suicide then women,

largely due to this stigma around men sharing their emotions, perpetuated by toxic masculine standards. Similarly, the 2 million out of 2.6 million men who die from alcohol related deaths, and the 0.4 million of 0.6 million deaths from drug related deaths, are largely a result of the stigma associated with men getting help. According to Cancer Research UK, the top cancers that kill men are lung (21%), prostate (14%) and bowel (10%). Prostate is the only form of cancer in the top five that is exclusive to one set of sex characteristics. It is also largely invisible to others, being reliant on the individual to open up, something evident from my grandfathers, is very difficult for many men.

I know what you are thinking, but I am not writing this to argue that men have it definitively harder than women. I am not

writing to say women have no health struggles and disadvantages. I am writing to tell you that Movember can save the lives of many men, whether they have mental health issues or physical ones. We should be able to support men’s health without it feeling as if we are diminishing women’s issues, because we are not. We are giving an opportunity for men to share their voices and spread awareness of why they need to.

Historically men were not expected to show emotions, men were the strong ones and not meant to be weak. We know now that men should be allowed to express themselves and don’t have to be strong, but this idea of toxic masculinity still perpetuates.

Telling people that I struggle with my mental health as a guy is hard. It’s harder to tell people

I have an eating disorder. People make assumptions about my sexuality and call me ‘not a real guy’ because of my issues. You have an eating disorder, isn’t that something only girls have?

The thing is, I am gay, and I’m proud of that. And I feel because of this I care less about being perceived as a ‘queer’ or ‘pansy’. Yet if I still struggle with sharing despite this, I can’t imagine how others may feel.

I want to end with a quote from Christopher Eccleston, on his mental health, ‘I still carry all the baggage about masculinity and toughness, and I was ashamed about my depression and eating disorder’.

This is the heart of Movember. No one should be ashamed of their health.

Male in Movember: Having pride in your health Scarves, sparklers and sensory issues

Hannah Foley Lifestyle Editor

It won’t come as a surprise for me to tell you that fireworks are loud. For some people with sensory sensitivities, the unexpected flashes and loud noises can be really overwhelming. I usually jump at the slightest loud noise, will cover my ears and flinch - yet fireworks are magical to me.

I remember my first firework display. After each bang, I gazed wide eyed, open mouthed, exclaiming oos and aas. With each vibration from the sonic boom, I gripped tightly to my mum’s hand, unable to stand still with excitement.

My parents still laugh recalling this moment, since I audibly wowed after every single firework that night.

Then of course I have fond memories of swirling sparklers in the shape of mickey mouse ears as if I was on a disney channel ad break. It was mystifying how each letter would linger in the air as I traced my name as quickly as possible. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still enjoy a sparkler even now.

Yet despite the thrills of bonfire night, I came to realise it isn’t free from sensory issues for me.

With Bonfire Night falling on the 5th of November, it gets cold.

Sensory processing differences in autistic individuals might make them more sensitive to temperature changes. They may also struggle to regulate their body temperature, feeling too hot or too cold.

To combat this, I bundle up with more layers than a filo pastry.

Wearing thermals, multiple layers of socks, sometimes sever-

al jumpers, a scarf, hat, gloves and a coat is essential. Although warm, I find the layers bunch up strangely around my shoulders and elbows, and my hair gets tangled between the scarf and coat hood. I feel trapped and claustrophobic, like every inch of my body has a wedgie. As the name suggests, bonfires are essential to Bonfire Night. It’s another way to keep toasty on a dark and damp autumn night, but for me I prefer to keep at a distance. The smell clings to hair, clothes, skin, and I can’t help but think about what time I’ll get home so I can scrub away the smoke.

It might not be all sunshine and rainbows, or perhaps more fittingly sparklers and Catherine Wheels, I will always love the thrill and childlike wonder I experience every bonfire night.

Image credit [L-R]: Hannah Foley, Anna Johnson

I tried a no-spend week and here's what I learnt

Grace Mahon

Anyone that knows me well enough will no doubt be laughing at me as I write about my experience of a “no spend” week – or the mere idea of wanting to do it in the first place. Ziggy’s sees me more often than I’d ever care to admit, and we’re only halfway through the degree!

Initially, I took on this article because I thought it was an easy task – the rules are straightforward - cut back on costs by not spending money on things you don’t need… simple, right?

That’s what I thought on Monday morning, feeling good after substituting my Unio hot chocolate for homemade - until my friends brought up the idea of going back to the square after our lecture for a sweet treat; it

took a lot of willpower to turn down that Biscoff brownie. (if you’re yet to try it – don’t. You’ll get addicted.) But I did it and felt no jealousy while they ate their brownies and flapjacks as I finished off my hot chocolate which at this point was freezing. No jealousy at all.

I think a no spend week really puts the concept of “social spending” into perspective; as a student, there’s always an event to go to, or a café to pick a quick something up from, so restricting yourself from things which are accessible and in proximity provides a real challenge. I learnt it’s all about balance and actively thinking whether something is worth purchasing or not, you can have fun and save money at the same time, it’s not one or the other. For example, I bought my weekly ticket to sports night, but stayed so-

ber to balance it out. I still had the best time and saved an average of £21. I cut back on my trips to Ziggy’s, instead baking my own cookies and brownies which resurfaced my love for baking and saved me £8 that week!

While I originally thought it would be easy to cut back on my spending, I failed to realise how much of it had just been incorporated into my everyday life and just tapping my phone without questioning anything. Since tryingt the challenge, I have removed apple pay so I can become more conscious of my spending. After saving £30 in just one week, I would recommend everyone trying this once in their life just to see how minor changes truly make a big difference!

Buy Nothing Day - is it

Avery Hewitt

Buy Nothing Day falls on the fourth Friday of November. This is uncoincidentally the same day as Black Friday, a 24hr opportunity to purchase everything at a heavily discounted rate.

Buy Nothing Day began as a protest against Black Friday to battle unnecessary materialism that shoppers are overtaken with on this day. It is a 24hr period of reflection of how consumerism is infecting our 21st century society. Where annually on average, 100 billion new garments are produced worldwide, it serves as an opportunity to reflect on the impact this is having on both environment and society.

It began in 1992 in Canada and has

since spread across the world, growing in popularity annually. It is a cause that has been uplifted by companies who are not afraid to value their morals over their profits. Shoe shop All-Birds empties its stock for the day and rents the store out as a quiet place of reflection, culture and music.

Buy Nothing Day UK (BNDUK) does not believe the movement should be limited to just one day, and lays out their ‘Take Action’ initiative on their website, suggesting daily measures such as using re-usable coffee cups, avoiding excessive packaging on gifts and non-recyclable packaging, avoiding fast-fashion, donating clothes to a local charity

Whilst Black Friday does have its own economic and personal benefits, the UK sent 7.8 tonnes of municipal waste to landfill in 2023.

Why ugly selfcare is the best kind of care

Hannah Foley Lifestyle Editor

Okay, so we can accept that self-care isn’t just strict routines, yoga and eating healthy. But what about when it is even uglier than that? It’s not just a lie in, candles, face mask – it might not even be a nice hot bath. It's showing up for yourself, when you really don't feel like it. Sometimes, it is a quick shower or setting a timer to remind yourself to eat: it's the bare minimum. For neurodivergent individuals, it’s not just less than “Instagram-perfect,” it can be outright messy. On some days, it is about survival. By definition “self-care” is anything that is caring for yourself. So why can’t it be cancelling plans, having a nap, or wearing my noise-cancelling earplugs to the pub?

In a world where it is easy to buy anything at the click of a button, BNDUK suggests we take a step back and reflect on what life looked like before this, and how we can create a world after it. The actions could be transformative if people make commitments to them.

This year on Friday 28th November, perhaps you will take on the challenge to spend no money all day. To resist temptation you could give your bank card to your flat/house mate that you trust so that you can’t use it - just make sure they give it back on Saturday! You could turn devices off so you are not tempted by deals you scroll upon. Norwich is beautiful, but its shops are very tempting: so if all else fails, you might try just staying home!

There have been days where for me it looks like a bowl of instant noodles, because eating something is still fuel and better than going hungry, even when I don’t have the energy for that to be a “proper meal.”

According to MedicalNewsToday, one of the key symptoms of neurodivergent burnout includes a reduced capacity to live independently. Everyday tasks like cooking, brushing your teeth, and eating might feel more difficult. It can also cause reduced tolerance to stimuli, meaning sensory sensitivities to light or sound can feel more severe. This explains why bright bathroom lights, the sound of running water, and the sensation of wet hair might make showering feel impossible during burnout.

Ultimately, we all have something to learn from this kind of care. You don’t always have to go above and beyond; you just need to listen to your needs.

When you feel exhausted, upset, demotivated or anything in-between, it's these basic things that really make all the difference to you feeling a bit better. Even small steps are going in the right direction.

Uni-varsity Challenge: BUCS round-up

commanding 4-0 home win over Trent 2s.

The 2025/26 BUCS season is officially underway, with UEA teams travelling across the country to take to take on some of the biggest university sides in the country.

Men’s Rugby have hit the ground running after a strong preseason, picking up wins for fun. They sit in second place in the Midlands 2nd division with aspirations of promotion. A thrilling away win to a strong Nottingham 4s side and a dismantling of Leicester 1s mean confidence is soaring. Meanwhile, the 2s look set for a solid campaign, climbing clear of the relegation battle with a big win against Leicester 2s in the home double header.

Women’s rugby, fresh off last season’s promotion has made a spirited start, despite an opening loss to Nottingham 2s. With a try on the board, there’s plenty of optimism for the coming season.

On the football pitch, Men’s Football are flying high in the Midlands 2 division, sitting second only to Loughborough 3s on goal difference. Undefeated so far, they’ve impressed with a gritty win away at Lincoln and a comfortable 4-0 home victory over Lincoln and a

In Women’s Football, the 1s lost 3-1 in their opening fixture, but the 2s made a statement with a huge 6-1 victory over Anglia Ruskin.

Over in Lacrosse, goals were flying in. There was was a combined 68 goals in the opening week, with the women’s 1s winning 33-0 at home to Nottingham Trent in a display of pure dominance.

On the court, Netball began the season losing to Nottingham 3s but bounced back with a narrow 46-40 win against Nottingham 4s to kickstart their season and building momentum.

Table tennis opened the year with a huge away 8-9 win in Birmingham, while Futsal finds themselves jointtop with Loughborough after a sensational start. Their highlight so far is a resounding 13-3 dismantling of Lincoln.

In hockey, the women’s side are sat mid table with one win and 1 loss, while the men are still searching for their first victory after a tough opening run.

With over 50 sports clubs competing every week, there’s no shortage of action at UEA. Make sure you’re there every Wednesday to back UEA.

Sport: The team player

Sport, historically, has this incredible power to unite people. Whether it’s cheering for the local football team, watching a match in the pub, or gathering around the TV for the Olympic Games, sport manages find a way to connect people from all sorts of backgrounds. It has this ability to break the barriers that language and politics often create, making a connection. Football stands out as a sport that unites people, it draws them in easily. From simply playing at a local park or at a huge stadium during the World Cup, the energy remains the same. Shouting, cheering and smiling is a constant. All one needs is a ball and a goal, it’s straightforward and that’s what makes it appealing since anyone can play. Famous footballers, such as Lionel Messi and Christian Ronaldo, give hope to the younger generation who aspire to be like them, due to their similar backgrounds. To the younger fans they are a reflection, a goal they can look up too. Whilst to the older fans, they support and stand by them.

When a team wins, celebrations will ripple beyond the stadium. Streets will be filled with singing and cheering, even if you were not there to witness the match you can’t help but smile. There is still a community when a team loses, they share the same disappointment, but they push through. Football is a powerful sport historically. During the First World War on Christmas day 1914, a Christmas truce was held. Instead of fighting the opposing sides met on no man’s land and celebrated by playing football. The sport has manged to bring communities together even during times of conflict.

While Formula One appears more exclusive, compared to football, it too has a remarkable trait to bring people together. Every race weekend, fans can look forward to watch drivers battle on circuits around the world. The

unpredictability of each race, and the sound of engines connects people and creates a wave of excitement. It allows fans to bond over their favourite drivers and teams, such as Mercedes, Ferrari and Red bull, as well as the intense rivalries.

F1 communities thrive through both online and in person; supporters host watch parties and travel long distances to attend races. Social media, in recent years, has played a huge part in increasing F1’s audience. Inspiring younger fans, but also girls through F1 academy, promoting a sport that was seen as inaccessible. The drivers are humanised and seen as more relatable through social media and on media days, instead of as untouchable drivers. The sport brings people together from different backgrounds now more than ever.

No event symbolises unity and togetherness like the Olympics. Every four years, athletes from all around the world come together to compete. The Olympics offer a stage where stories of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance hold a greater value than medals. They compete in the hosting country, celebrating both sports and the country’s culture. Spectators cheer for athletes they’ve never heard of and for teams from small countries. Everyone is celebrated, no matter what country they are from. The Olympic games often leave a lasting feeling of excitement and inspiration, as well as giving the host country more attention. The most important objective the games leave are messages of peace and love.

Sport is more than just about having fun and competing, it allows communities to be made. It helps tie social divisions and make friendships, it lets people from different backgrounds come together. Sport continues to show society that we belong to something special, we believe together.

Image credit [L-R]: Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons

Olivia Michalowska

James Ball

Lioness Euro win can close football gender gap

Maddie Reader Sport Editor

This year has been an extremely successful year for women’s football. The Lioneses retained the Women’s Euros in Switzerland, beating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout. By doing this, they became the first ever English football side to retain a trophy, and the first senior side to win a major trophy abroad. Despite this, there is still a large gap between men and women’s football: it was only this summer where there was a one-million-pound transfer (Olivia Smith – Liverpool to Arsenal) but this first happened in the men’s game back in the 1990s (Trevor Francis – Nottingham Forest to Birmingham City). More and more statistics such as attendances can also show there is a gap and an underrepresentation of women’s football in society.

It can even be seen at a grassroots level. UEA Women’s Football, who have teams in tiers two and four of the BUCS Midlands, are one of the most popular sports clubs within the university, despite this UEAWFC believes there is a gap between men’s and women’s football at their level. Alex Azotova from UEAWFC said:

“The audience and support men’s football receives on Derby Day is significantly a lot higher than what women’s football games experience.

“I think women face an ongoing prejudice and stereotypes about their quality of their game, in spite of the fact that both men and women play football with the same rules and regulations.”

ios and even fans. The same survey shows that 86 per cent of women who work in football believe women need to work harder to achieve the same recognition, and this is agreed with 69 per cent of men.

There is a lot being done to combat this, groups & organisations are fighting for equality within football and all sports. Most notably this is shown by the work of campaign group Her Game Too. Set up in 2021, the group is now partnered with 80 out of the 92 professional clubs in the English Football League, including Liverpool, Norwich City and Leeds United. This has resulted in fans being banned for sexism within games. The first EFL club to do so was Gillingham FC back in 2023, with two fans being banned as result of the abhorrent language they used against a physio at a game against Newport County. As a result they had to complete discrimination training before they could attend a game again. However, this gap is closing slowly. The Lionesses are believed to have a major impact on this, the Euros win was watched by a peak of 12.2 million live on the BBC, with BBC Sport’s social media accounts gaining 231 million views across the tournament, the majority of this being on TikTok. The commentary of the tournament also saw an increase – 122 per cent from the 2022 tournament.

Alex said: “The Lionesses have massively influenced women’s football by providing us with various positive role models, allowing girls to resonate and look up to female sports heroes, along with players using their platform to advocate for change and campaign for better conditions and equal opportunities for women’s

“The Lionesses future progress will continue to aid in the development and the advancement towards women’s football, and it being suitably depicted in society and help in the challenging and overcoming of stereotypes in women’s

Can the Three Lions finally roar to World Cup glory?

Angus Coulson

Following a convincing victory against Latvia in the last international break, England have secured their place at next year’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. It will be the first tournament without Gareth Southgate in charge since 2018, with Thomas Tuchel hoping to put an end to England’s 55-year trophy drought. England’s squad consists of world-class talent, with valuable tournament experience. Captain Harry Kane remains one of the world’s most clinical forwards, while the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka provide the quality to challenge any team on the world stage. Additionally, the average age of England’s most recent international squad was 27, representing an ideal balance between experience and promising youth talent. Yet, for England fans who have faced so many years of hurt and oh-so-nears, doubt remains. Tuchel is still in the early stages

of managing at international level and being the first non-Englishman to take charge of the side since Fabio Capello, pressure and scrutiny is inevitable. Some have questioned whether Tuchel truly understands the pressures of managing England, who are weighed down by expectation. However, there is still cautious optimism. Tuchel’s record at club level is undeniably impressive- guiding Chelsea to a Champions League title and managing elite sides such as Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint-Germain. His experience working with worldclass players and handling high-pressure stations could prove invaluable for England during the tournament. Ultimately, the World Cup is a true test of whether Tuchel can bring his club success to the international stage and whether England’s talented squad can finally deliver long awaited glory. For now, all England fans can do is remain hopeful, holding onto the belief that 2026 could be the Three Lions’ year.

Rugby players lead the charge for breast cancer checks

Anna Johnson Deputy Editor

Premiership Women’s Rugby have joined forces with Breast Cancer NOW, a breast cancer support charity, to raise awareness for the cancer and share body positivity. Rugby is a sport where all shapes and sizes are not just accepted but celebrated. Now these athletes are encouraging more people to feel body confident to check for signs of breast cancer.

Claire Rowney, Breast Cancer Now CEO, said: “We know early detection can save lives from breast cancer, and so raising awareness of the importance of regular breast checking and knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease is a vital step to breast cancer being diagnosed early, when treatment is most likely to be successful.

“Our fantastic new partnership will not only share vital Touch, Look, Check messages among players and their 5 million devoted fans, helping ensure breast cancer

is detected sooner, it’ll also remind anyone affected by this devastating disease that we’re here, and raise vital funds for our lifesaving research and life-changing support.”

According to Breast Cancer NOW a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes. With their efforts to encourage more checking, they hope these numbers lead to less fatal outcomes with early detection.

Genevieve Shore, executive chair at Premiership Women’s Rugby said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Breast Cancer Now as the official charity partner of Premiership Women’s Rugby. Hearing the statistic that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes is a stark reminder of the need to continue supporting charities like Breast Cancer Now."

Closer to home, UEA are running a similar campaign called ‘Let it Hang’. The group aim to break the stigma around checking breasts and chests for men to save lives with early detection. If you want to show your support UEA women’s rugby are raising money through their Instagram page.

PUZZLE

The Study Group by

Elijah Wilkinson

1 Bottomless pits (7)

8 Most difficult (7)

15 Branded water filters (7)

16 Tornado siren, e.g. (7)

17 History often _____ with 19A (7)

18 Charge for using, as an apartment (5,2)

19 History often __ with 17A (6)

20 Jenna's role on "The Office" (3)

21 Utter (3)

22 Miles ___ hour (3)

23 Make ___ (do some business) (1,4)

26 Some prosecutors, for short (4)

29 Puzzle Editor of Concrete, shortened (3)

31 Repeated sounds in The Beatles "Hey Jude" (2,2,2)

35 You might sleep in a __ (3)

36 Email button (4)

38 Ambulance warning (5)

39 ___ iacta est (The die is cast) (4)

41 Try to get money from, slangily (3,2)

43 College official (4)

44 Benjamin Franklin at College? (5)

46 Peek-___ (1,3)

47 Colour Rendering Index (3)

48 Seize for ransom (6)

50 Japan's largest active volcano (3)

51 Zap with a stun gun (4)

52 Free-for-all (5)

54 "Fat chance!" (3)

56 Quick punch (3)

59 Rapper ___ Nas X (3)

60 To puncture (6)

64 Look over, informally (6)

67 A state of agreement or harmony (7)

68 Moved like an inflatable air dancer (7)

69 Wrecked beyond repair (7)

70 Taps (7)

71 __ Temple, drink (7)

Circled letters make a word: Where do 15A, 35A, 43A, 44A, 60A, 71A, 14D, 34D and 56D go to school?

Want to know the answers or read your full horoscope? Visit www.concreteuea.co.uk for the solutions and monthly zodiac fortunes. Illustrations by Robert Wilkinson / @rob_wilkinson_art on Instagram

DOWN

1 Dugout shelter (4)

2 Author of "American Psycho", ___ Easton Ellis (4)

3 Puppy sounds (4)

4 Brews, as tea (6)

5 Past its prime (5)

6 Subway line? (3,5)

7 Snake's warning (1,1,1)

8 "Papa Bear" of American football (5)

9 Beerboy grown up? (3,3)

10 Stephen of "V for Vendet" (3)

11 Hosp. workers (3)

12 Summers on the Seine (4)

13 ___ good example (3,1)

14 Helen of __ (4)

20 Colourful Modern Warfare? (9)

24 __ Vegas (3)

25 __ Sinclair, Wednesday's friend (4)

26 One way to be taken (1,4) 27 New ___, India (5) 28 Beat ___ horse (1,4)

30 "Star Wars" princess (4)

32 Tropical palm (5)

33 Approaches (5)

34 Broadway Musical, “Hard Knock Life” (5)

37 Twosomes (4)

40 "The Brady Bunch" actress Davis (4)

42 Dismiss (4,4)

45 Nosy fish? (3)

49 Warehouse platform (6)

51 Garage Dweller? (3,3)

53 Desolate areas (5)

55 "___ a stinker?": Bugs Bunny line (4,1)

56 My name is Tatum? (4)

57 Alternative spelling of Isla (4)

58 One of the two brother actors, Bridges (4)

61 What to do after you stop and drop? (4)

62 First Nations tribe (4)

63 Whirlpool (4)

65 Ballpoint brand (3)

66 The "A" of I.P.A. (3)

67 US Pennies: Abbr. (3)

Horoscopes

Oct 22 - Nov 21

With your energy turning inward, home, family and emotional roots become your focus. The days are getting darker; use this as an excuse to cosy up and nest or to catch up with the people you miss most. What you root now will bloom long after the sun moves on.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

This time of year turns the spotlight on your voice and your ideas. Your mind is alert and ready to commit to new ideas: start a new project or dive into something that inspires you. That five hour video essay? It could become your next passion. This is your time to absorb, observe and express. Your words have power: use them with purpose.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

Life is asking you to enjoy the colder nights and wrap-up-warm days. Pleasure and self-expression take centre stage so reconnect with what makes you feel alive. Cycles of obligation and deadline may have made you feel stuck, but now is the time for play and joy; play is not frivolous, its fuel for the soul. Romantically you are ready to spark but remember, confidence shines brighter than ego.