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STUDENTS IN PETROL PROTEST By CHRIS BROWN
UEA STUDENT power took to the streets on Tuesday, November 10, with protesters blockading Shell premises in and around Norwich. During the demonstration students and other ecoprotestors targeted the Shell garage on Unthank Road , resulting in just five customers using the petrol station during the morning rush. And in a simultaneous action , demonstrators forced the company's depot, on Norwich's outer ring-road , to cease business for the day. The demonstrations were timed to coincide with the third anniversary of the Nigerian government's execution of poet and playwright, Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight fellow countrymen. The executed dissidents had been outspoken critics of the role of oil companies in Nigeria, including Shell , accusing them of damaging the environment and colluding with the military. Among the Norwich demonstrators was Ail i Pyhala (ENV 4), who hailed the protest as a success. Said Aili, "We wanted to achieve two main things - to Shell's prote st against involvement in Nigeria and also to ask people sitting in their cars to boycott the petrol station . "We didn't expect so many people to turn out - but there were actually about 25 and we
continued on page 6
By FLEUR DEESON
IN A SHOCKING admission, UEA's own Security Coordinator, Ran Elliott, has revealed that students "may as well not lock their doors" thanks to failures in University residences' key access system. Securi ty supremo, Mr Elliott, rubbished security arrangements at campus accommodati on following the theft of hundreds of pounds worth of student s路 possess ions from Norfolk Terrace.
Lashed Out He Ja~ h ed out at the policy of having communal key' for Norfolk , Suffolk and Waveney Terraces. branding it "a nom.ense." And he slammed accommodati on bosses for making sa fety a cost issue. by on ly fillin g pro per security mea<,u res to cxpen'o ivc roo ms in Nelson Court and Constable Terrace.
Storm " Why 'hould 'tudcnh be ,afe only bccaw.c they pay拢 I 0 more''" stormed Mr Ell tott. " ) would not on ly say that the keys should be restri cted to one b l oc ~ . but one floor v. ithin a block. that 'orfolk A outer door ~cy should he individual. as should Wavcney K. for example" Mr Ell iott launched the stinging
continued on
Is the NUS worth the affiliation fee? 路 Page 7
2 Ne\NS
Concrete. Wednesday, November 25. 1998
Cheats BewareUniversity frauds could soon find themselves caught out, following the development of a new computer program designed to root out copy-cat plagiarists. The software, developed by Birmingham University spoil sports, can electronically scan hundreds of different essays and search for tell-tale similarities in all of them. At present the program , which can work in a number of languages, can only scan essays stored on computer disk, but its developers hope that it will soon be possible to scrutinise typed papers. The program 's proud developer, Mr Woolls, has attempted to put off potential cheats, warning, "Plagiarism is a capital offence in most universities and students do get throw out because of it. "Until now it has been difficult to spot, we have added this program as a kind of nuclear deterrent to students." However a spokesperson for the NUS insisted that cheating was not widespread amongst students , adding that a false accusation of plagiarism could leave a student's life in tatters.
UEA HAS been praised for living up to its "Do different" motto in a new good university guide. The survey, carried out by The Sunday Tim es, ranks the institution 29th out of 98 UK universities, a drop of three places from a similar survey in Th e Times last year. The position is a huge bosses remain sceptical about heavily weighted in favour of improvement from a different the real value of university quality teaching and research. Universities were given table put together by The league tables. ratings in each of the areas, with Financial Times last year "it is good to receive though, which damned UEA as recognition of UEA's strengths a possible 1000 points up for only the 42nd best place to across the board , but league grabs in total. tables can never tell the whole study in Britain. Beat Off Leaders story," said spokesperson Annie UEA easily beat off regional Ogden. Anglia Polytechnic And she went on to cast doubt rival In the latest guide UEA is University, which scraped in at described as "specialising in the on the table's usefulness, unusual", with the Climatic stressing that different surveys 83rd place scoring a paltry 391 points out of a possible 1000 Research Unit and EAS's use different criteria. 252 points behind UEA. The Sunday Times table was Creative Writing MA picked out ' Cambridge University based on six factors, including as leaders in their fields . ratios and scooped the top slot with a But despite being happy student/staff about UEA's position, Registry employment prospects, but massive 940 points.
NelNS 3
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
GOT A NEWS STORY? RING CONCRETE ON 250 558 · WE'LL CALL YOU STRAIGHT BACK!
Media Awards Success
Vendor banned over accusations By CHRIS BROWN
A CAMPUS curfew has been imposed on a Big Issue vendor following a series of alleged incidents in which concert-goers were offered illegal late night car lifts home. UEA ecurity upremo, Ron Elliott, tepped in to ban vendor Tony Bridgeman from the Univer ity outside of office hour , after a 14 yearold boy was approached by a man following an LCR event. Said Mr Elliott, "The parent of "What we're doing is offering a the child approached was quite cheap lift service - there's nothing incensed by what happened and illegal about it, it's quite kosher," spoke to a member of Union he said. Entertainments' office. Approaches "They gave a description and from that description two and two "it's only students we are were put together and came up approaching, I don't remember with the name of Tony approaching anyone under the Bridgeman ." age of a student, certainly not." Mr Bridgeman, who sells the Action Big Issue on campus, also claims "What have done that the police gave him subsequently is to try to take permission to offer lifts. some positive action to protect However, a police spokesman our students, staff and visitors to denied this, stressing that only the University", added Mr Elliott. Norwich City Council could Two girls made similar licence taxis or mini-cabs. complaints of being approached Apology by a man in separate incidents But Mr Bridgeman is still after the Jools Holland concert earlier this month. demanding an apology from UEA Said Mr Elliott, "They were bosses. being offered cheap lifts - in other "I want to get reinstated to the words, an illegal taxi service." campus permanently. I think I Whilst he admits to offering lifts deserve a written apology and a from the University, Mr Bridgeman full reinstatement so as to operate denies he has done anything any legitimate business I want to illegal. on campus," he said.
"All of these businesses Said Mr Ell iott, "Do not the appropriate markings and will be legal and of benefit accept lifts from people that licence plates. "You do not know the to students," claimed Mr you do not know and only Bridgman. accept taxi rides from motivations of the people who However, Mr Elliot had recognised taxis which bear are offering lifts," he added. this warning for students - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -..... tempted to accept lifts from strangers.
BALANCE IT
Student journalists from around the country met in London last week to celebrate the 20th annual NUS/Gusrdisn Student Media Awards - with UEA grown talent stealing the limelight. Mustard magazine, which produced three editions last year, scooped the prestigious Magazine of the Year Award, catching the eye of judges with what they described as "a wacky and irreverent sense of humour". Organisers of the magazine took home the £1 000 prize money and its editor, Edward Reeves, can look forward to a week's work experience at the Guardian. Concrete talent also shone at the ceremony, scooping accolades in two individual categories. Katie Crockett won plaudits as Feature Writer of the Year award while Graeme Diggins bagged Runner-up News Writer of the Year. The judges were particularly taken by the subtlety of Katie's writing, singling out a feature she had written on prostitution in Norwich for praise.
FIV
Union feels sgueeze as Rrofits dive FALLING PROFITS have forced Sabbs to dip into Union savings to keep the organisation in the black, according to Finance Officer Neil Fox.
The announcement follows the puhlication of the l 1nion account~ for the last financial year. wh ich revealed that profits wen: down by a massive 38o/c for all the Union's commercial servic.:es. And in order to balance the books and ensure funds for the future , Union officials have decided to remove a whopping £70,000 from savings. Profits in The Pub and the Hive, the Union's biggest money-makers, were down by 14 per cent on last year- a fall Finance Officer, Neil, blames on competition from the GSA Bar. But he rejected allegations that recent pint price hikes were the main cause for punters staying away.
Price Up "With a product like alcohol, you can put the price up and it won't affect sales that significantly," claimed Nail. "People aren't drinking Tennants this year, students would rather pay for three quality pints than four cheap pints." Union coffers have also been denied by last year's controversial restructuring of the Union, which resulted in ballooning employment costs and an extra £18,000 in legal fees. However, this year's accounts have been prepared differently from the past. making 1t easier for students to check-up on Union finances. Students have the opportunity to grill Sabbatical Officers over what they spend the Union's money on at the Annual General Meeting on Monday, November 30 at ?pm in the LCR.
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Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
the II Inred
Just 41/2 P-er cent of students vote in NUS and Overseas by·elections lt Could be Youski Win ners of a new Russian lottery could soon be experiencing the ultimate high -a day trip into space. Cash strapped cosmonauts came up with the wacky idea to raise much needed funds for the skint Russian space agency. The lottery tickets wi ll be sold in a number of countries, and will cost about £3 each The winner will be blasted into orbit, 60 miles above earth , for a 30 min ute trip of a lifet ime.
Get Stuffed Harrods Boss Mohammed AI Fayed wants to be mummified when he dies and have his body displayed in a glass pyramid on the store's roof. Mohammed recently made the bizarre claim over the Harrods public address system prior to opening time. Staff had to stifle laughs as the eccentric Egyptian spelt out his off-beat plan. Apparently the bonkers Harrods boss told staff, " I hope you will feel able to take the escalator to the sky to talk to me."
TWO NEWLY-elected Union officers are celebrating afte r v ictories in last week 's non -sabbatical by-election , even though the results were overshadowed by a low voter turnout. .lu st fo11r a nd a hair pe r ce nt of LIEA' s 9.000 stron g sllld e nt popu lati on both ered to 1ot e in the poll to e lec t ne11 :'-JUS and O verse as orri ccrs. ho11 Ll \\af"L il C~~ or NU S c ampai g n ~. But des pit e th e raltr') turn out important thin gs like the L' ni o n Third - )~a r DEV sltrdcnt lan Deptrt ) Returning Offi ce r. Li " r Macki c becomes 01~rs~a s Ex ccuti1·e arc. becau >.c they don't Eldret. has bra nded the clcctiom knoll ho11 it 11 ork s." sa id Li sa. Offi ce r. a p<h l th at has hccn a ~ ll lTC:-.\. " I het that most peor le don't vacant since the st art o r th e year. " it's quit e a good turn out kno\1 that the Sabbatical Offi ce rs si t rea ll). )O U usua ll y \\ ouldn' t get Easier down each 11 eck and rrr ak e mu ch more than JOO r coplc in a lan. who was th e o nl ) important decis ion s. like where th e b) -elec ti on li~ e this. " rrroney goes for instan c ~ ... cand ida te. hope s to make it Apathetic Studen t Will iam Cooper (8 10 2) ca ~ i c r fo r ovcn-.eas vi ~ i l ors to integrate upo n arri "al at UEA. And she has hi t hack at cla ims agreed . " I th ink pcor le don' t vote Expla ined Jan . " In for mation that the student body is apathetic. blaming th e low turn ou t on ,·otcr is rrobab l) the most im pon an t becau >e they' re not aware of what i:-.suc. w hen stude nt s come to ignorance instl!ad. th e Uni on is. if you let th em know UEA so me of their cult ures are what it can do for them. they may be " I th ink that stud ents don' t dillcrenl . we need to in crease mo re interested." he added .
Optimistic The nc:w ly e lected NUS and Overseas officers arc still optimisti c about th eir new positi ons though. de,pi tc th eir mandates already bei ng ' ullied by the low !Urn oul. Amy Dun nin g. a fir,t-yca r law studenl. who triu mphed in th e po ll for NUS Office r wit h 275 votes to rival candidate Mall Walke r·' 121. now hopes to beef up the role of NUS Ofli ccr. Said Amy. " I aim to tra nsform a
Use the Force Thousands of movie buffs are packing out cinemas in America to watch a two minute trailer for the new Star Wars blockbuster. Astounded cinema bosses say fans are forking out the full £5 admission charge but are leaving when the sci-fi trailer finishes . The movie, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, which features Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi, looks set to smash all box office records.
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Th e shocking level of stud ent I debt al UEA has been revea led by a new Union survey. Acco rd ing to the poll , in which over 350 students revealed the state of th eir bank balances, th e average student at UEA is in debt to the tune of an astounding £5,500. After the total level of debt owed by the UEA population had been calculated at a whopping £1.75 mil lion, representa tives from th e Union made ou t a mock cheque fro m th e 'Bank of Stu dent Hardsh ip' and delivered it to the Houses of Parliament. Th e representatives met up with students from across the country at Wes tminster, before heading on to Downing Street to deliver a combined mock cheque for £150 mil lion to Number 10. Th e stunt was part of a new ca mpaign to publicise stud ent issues based arou nd the NUS Student Rights Charter, which iden tifi es 'key ri ghts' for stud ents. Items on th e agenda include free tuiti on, freedom from hardship whi le studying , employment rights, and proper informati on on courses. "Th e Charter is a campaigning tool that will be used throughout th e year for issues like quality of educati on and fees," enthused Katy Fixter, Union Office r. A more detailed study into debt is planned for th e begi nning of December, to mark th e NU S' Student Hardship Week.
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Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Sub Protest
Simon the virtual signer scOOP-S award for SYS team By JAMES GOFFIN, Assistant News Editor
SUBTITLES COULD soon be a thing of the past thanks to an ingenious new creation by School of Information Systems (SYS) boffins to help deaf TV viewers- the virtual -signer. Computer experts at the school have developed the revolutionary new system, which replaces traditional subtitles with a computer generated man dubbed "Simon the Signer", and cooped a prestigious Royal Television Award in the process. And Professor Andrew Bangham, who ha been working on the project with SYS graduates at Norwich company Televirtual, has revealed that the project has yet to reach its full potential. Said Prof Bangham, "We still have a long way to go, but it i very gratifying to receive this award in recognition of the great potential of
our work. He has high hopes for the future of the system, aying that it could be a familiar feature on new digital TV sets in as little as three years time.
Subtitles The system works by reading existing subtitles and stripping out any details that aren't vital, ready for
the cybernetic signer Simon to convert the message into sign language. The new advance will prove to be a boon for deaf viewers everywhere, who often learn sign language before they learn how' to read. Said Professor Bangham, "People born deaf learn how to sign at the same age as most people learn to
speak, how else could a parent communicate with their child?" •· Written language is a transcript ion of an audio language that we use, so it was designed and is used in practice by people who can hear,'" he continued. The new invention has been hailed as a giant leap forward in televisual communication by a spokesperson for the British Deaf Association.
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Exciting "This is an exciting breakthrough for thousands of people in Britiain who live with deafness today. "Television is an extremely
important source of information and any efforts to make this medium more acce sible for the deaf is warmly welcome," explained the pokesperson. And despite the two years of hard work that have gone into the project. Prof Bangham maintains that creating computer generated people is. above all, enjoyable. "Being involved in building virtual humans is enormous fun - a tough, irresistible mental challenge," he emhused.
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WIN WIN WIN WIN Your chance tg win Abbot Ale goodies Fancy some 'evening worship' with Abbot Ale? Well, just to get you started, Concrete has a case of 24 cans of Abbot Ale and 50 T-shlrts to give away, courtesy of Greene King. Abbot Ale is, In the words of the brewers, 'Blessed by the Sabbath', thanks to its long fermentation period. Greene King leaves the beer to ferment for a full seven days just to ensure we get the rich, deep flavour and strength the ale Is famous for. Its heritage dates back over 700 years to the monks of Bury St Edmunds, who brewed their bitter with spring water from the monastery well and the finest barley to be found in Suffolk. So, if you're looking for divine Inspiration with a powerful hop aroma and clean
finish , you need look no further. All you need to do to enter this fab competition is be 18 years old. Just answer the following questions and whack them on a postcard In the Concrete competition entry box in the Hive. 1. For how many days does Greene King ferment Its Abbot Ale? 2. What phrase do the brewers use to describe this process?
A PAIR of anti-nuclear protesting UEA students are in the news again following another attempt to break into the top secret submarine base at Faslane in the Scottish Highlands, writes Chris
Brown. Helen Griffith (DEV 2) and Richard Lewis (810 1) were arrested on Sunday, November 15, by Ministry of Defence police while taking part in the international Ploughshares 2000 protest against nuclear weapons. The battling students last hit the headlines in September following a similar demonstration at the Scottish base in Faslane. Said Richard, "We were arrested while dismantling the fence around the naval base nuclear-armed where submarines are held, we were arrested before we could get in but managed to do a significant amount of damage with bolt-cutters beforehand ." Richard then went on explain what motivated the pair to carry out the attack. "The aim of Ploughshares 2000 is to attempt to openly and peacefully disarm the UK's Trident nuclear weapons system," he said. "The justification for it is the fact that nuclear weapons are not only immoral, a waste of money, polluting and threaten genocide, but are also illegal under international law."
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6
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Concrete, Wednesday, Novemb er 25, 1998
'
UEA boffins search heavens for the key to building blocks of life By ADAM BANHAM
IT SOUNDED like a job for Mulder and Scully - she was to fly over the South China Sea during a spectacular meteor storm, hunting for signs of extra-terrestrial life, while he was to sift throu gh the data back at base. But far from being a TV script thi s was the real life mi ss ion for UE A boffin s, Bcverle y A llan and Professor John Pl ane. who we re enl isted last wee !.. by :-.I ASA ·, Search for Ex tra-T errestri al Intelli ge nce Institut e. The pair. from the School of Env ironmental Science. tool.. part in an ex peri ment to search for amino acids. the building bl ocks of life, in the lu minous tra ib of rocks hurtling thro ugh the atmosph ere in a meteor storm last Tuesday mornin g.
High Tech Professor Pl ane explained that his research partner, M s All an, took off fro m a US Air Force base in Colorado in an observation plan e
spccia ll) killed-out wi th high tcch scnsoring equip ment for the ex periment. Said Pro f Pl ane. "W e used a de, icc called a spectrome ter linked to a telescope "hi eh we pointed at the meteor traib. light was gathered into the spcctrorncter and recorded on som ethin g called a Charge Couple Device ...
£70,000 " The
device cost us about £70,000 and it is so light sen siti ve it onl y needs a few photons of Iight to be recorded by it." The boffins are now waitin g to co llate their results to see if life could ex ist elsewhere in the galaxy . H oweve r . Professor Plane has admitted that while hi s co ll eague was over th e South
Ch ina Sea the best vicwo. of the me teor shm,cr were ac tu all y at home.
Intense " I think it was more intense in Norfolh. I was up on Monday night and it was reall y good at dawn on Tu esday morni ng but that' s just how it goes. th e natu ra l world is unpredictabl e." Hm' ever. he was sure that a chance for o.ubstantial research wm, out there some where. " We regard the trip as a dress rehearsal for nex t year when the storm may be equall y or more inten se. if there is another mission we wil l reline the techniq ues we used thi s time and be well prepared," added Prof Plane.
OPENING HOURS Finance Officer Rromises UFO will be
op~
for Sunday shopRing in the new year By CLARE HAMILTON-EDDY
CAMPUS CONSUMERS left hungry by the Sunday closure of the Union Food Outlet could soon benefit from all-weekend opening. Finance Office r, Ncil Fox. ha' nailed hi ' colours to the ma' t. promi sing th at the UFO w ill be open on Sund ays hy the new year. "it makes it very diffi cult for the Union's positi on, claiming And he protested that the those wh o don't have transport that they were waiting to rec ruit reason th e Union had been and who have to work , Sunday staff of the right calibre . unable to open the store so far is the day most people need the "Efforts have been made, and this year was because shop shop to be open so where does this is the th ird time that we staff were insisting on a day of have advertised for the jobs , the Union expect students to rest. go?" stormed Gayle Laverick we're doing all we can , we're Turned Away (EAS 3). just waiting for the right people. "it is commercially viable to However, th e recruitment Inconvenience open at the weekend ,there is a drive is news to student Emma Andrew Noller (MTH3) also lot of demand for the shop but Reynolds (SOC1) , who applied agreed that Sunday opening you can 't do anything unless for a Sunday job at the hours should be re-instated . you get the staff," added Neil. supermarket, only to be turned "I fe el that the Union should away. Angry provide a proper and efficient "it all led me to believe th at it is a great service , However, angry students are they really had no intention of inconvenience , especially as protes ting that more effort opening the shop on this day," the shop closes so early on a should have been made to get a she said. Saturday, " he said . But Sabb Neil has defended Sunday service in th e UFO.
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Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
?I NATIONAL UNION OF STUDENTS
T
he NUS has taken a battering recently. Already under ftre from various quarters for its ' lacklustre' anti-tuition fees campaign, it was recently hjt with the bombshell that the huge University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) was to leave the organisation.
As the new NUS·Officer takes UP. her P.Ost, Concrete asks whether we should even be affiliated to the body she will be dealing with ...
I'd be hard pushed to say anymore than ' bugger all'," said UMIST Association President, Sabih Behzad. "Let me tell you what NUS do with your money. They spend it on lavish affairs under the guise of 'conferences' which in reality, are little more than an opportunity for union executives up and down the country to get drunk or laid," he continued.
training, they wouldn ' t get day-today su pport, or the political representation at national level." "There are so many things that Unions get from the affiliation fee. " The NUS is al o keen to stress the financial benefits of being affiliated. Union commercial services like pubs, catering and stationery can benefit from nationally negotiated deals that offer better value for students by using collective
"There are so many things that Student Unions get from being in the NUS" NUS spokesperson, Richard Darlington
In contra t to organisations such as UMIST, the Union of UEA Students has never rocked
purchasing power. A n d
the NUS boat. We pay £35 ,000 per year to affiliate to the organisation, and have been linked to it since the university was set up. Indeed, although the Union of UEA Students announced a major review of its constitution last monLh , with a sabbatical officer condemnjng the current document as "ab olutely ridiculous" and in desperate need of updating , there is little possibility that the Union's affiliation to the NUS will be questioned . This is in direct contrast to the constitutjonal restructuring which took place at UMIST last year. When their union rewrote its
individuals students who carry an NUS card can get a wide range of discounts, from ten per cent off at HMV and Top Shop to cheaper driving le sons and holidays. But is the "cash incentive to belong to US" -as their webpages put it - as good as it seems? ot according to Imperial College's students' unjon , which left in I 978, after students voted in a referendum to quit NUS. lt now buys its products through another company. "Northern Service i a buying consortium set up by the unions in Scotland not in NUS. They offer very similar deals to the NUS , except that the affiliation fee i just
However, the NUS strenuously defend their activities, insisting that unions who affiliate get very good
"L t t II h t NUS d "th e me e you W a 0 Wl your money. They spend it on lavish affairs under the guise Of SO•Called COnferences" UMIST ASSOCia . t•IOn presl"d ent, Sab"h I Behza d
constitution it came to some worrying conclusions about the value of affiliating to the NUS. lt dec1ded that being part of the NUS didn't benefit students, and became the first university in twenty years to leave the national representative body, deriding it as little more than a gravy train for potential MPs. "What do they [the NUS] do?
••••==~;.,
value for money . "The benefits of being in NUS just don ' t compare with what it would be like to be out of NUS ," explained NUS spokesperson, Richard Darlington. " Union officers wouldn ' t get
£25 and then you aren ' t tied to certain brands." claims David Hellard, President of Imperial College SU. As a raw comparison, the Imperial College bars sell lager for £1.18 a pint, compared with £1.20 in UEA drinking holes , with London students paying around£ I a shot for spirits, compared with £1.30-£1.50 in Norwich. "To sum up, we pay less and get more," says David of Imperial's position. And he rejects any suggestion that students at his college miss out on di counts by not being part of NUS, thanks to the similar discount card that students at Imperial receive each year. ''The only problem is that people are so used to seeing the NUS card and think that ours isn't valid, but a bit of fuss can solve that." He maintains that unions outside of the NUS can organise just as good discounts on brand names as those within the organisations. "We can get discounts just as easily as NUS and some they can't get- we don't pass policy in our conferences stopping students getting a free McDonalds burger with every value meal because of ' politics'," he
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says. Indeed, the overtly political nature of the NUS is somethjng that it has always been crit icised for. Considering that the NUS is an organisation which is supposed to lobby in the interest of students many question the validity of adopting such a political position. Yvonne Harley, President of Falkirk College Union , is a particular critic of politics in the
NUS. She is dismayed that NUS, especially in Scotland, is less a National Union of Students than a National Union of Labour Students. "Out of the ten members of NUS Scotland, five are Labour students. Labour controls US Scotland." which for individual unions to do She i calling for a dramatic £30,000 a year to affiliate to NUS , overhaul of NUS to rid it of party themselves would cost a lot more. and an extra £4.500 to be a member political domination , and to stop it of the regional organisation, despite "And they give advice to recent moves elsewhere to student union 's on all orts of acting simply as a springboard for djsaffiliate. students to get into Parliament. issues from how to deal with the And whilst Communication ack in Manchester, the press to how to run a bar, as well concern was not so much Officer Tom Connors accepts that as representing individual the commercial argument may not students," he said. whether NUS is beholden be as strong as they once were, he is to one political party, but that it is The democratic workings of engaging in politics at all. confident that the US offers a the Union are also aided by " It is both wrong and unethical membership of US, claimed good overall package. for a national student body to be Tom. "The reason to be part of NUS is four-fold. Firstly, representation at a "If sabbs weren't given proper aligned so dangerously close to any political party. All time, money , national level. Governments won ' t outside training, they would rely effort and resources should be spent on the full-time staff of the listen to individual student unions representing and supporting it's not worth their time. Union , making it less students rather than taking sides on " They provide tra1nmg for democratic." politcal issues," was the angry members of the Union Execuitive, Words: lames Gojji11 summary of the NUS by UM IST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. SU President, Sabih Behzad. "The NUS policy statements are riddled with irrelevant policy, on issues such as French nuclear testing. Commenting on issues uch as these is way beyond the remit of NUS - when was the last 50350-J.:\'n..t'nlk Tc1-racc C03.12 time you heard C D campaign for abolishing tuitjon fees?" he asks. " As every soldier knows , if you' re fighting many battles, on many fronts, ultimately you will lose them all. Tuition fees - need I say more?" They are all claims that NUS roundly reject. "The way NUS works is through national conference, " said spokesperson Richard Darlingon, "Student from all over the country come down, have big arguments, and elect representatives." "To say NUS doesn't represent students is just blatantly false." "And to say we are too closely aligned to the Labour government, when all we ' ve done for the last couple of years is fight tution fees is crazy," he continued. "In recent years a the student movement has changed, so NUS has changed. NUS 's foc us has been firmly on students and issues in higher education for some years now." stressed Ri chard. Here at UEA, the tudents' Union continue to pay over
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nightline
everything from hostels to homesickness
confidcntial listening and information service
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. _ . _ . _ . _ a paid advertisement by your student union
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'' Annual General Meeting Mon 30 Nov 19:00 • 21:00
AG
LCR
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR MONEY LAST YEAR
WHY DID THE 'UNION'S' 'SURPLUS' FALL FROM £260,277 (96/97) TO £91 (97/98)? HOW MUCH MONEY WAS SPENT ON UNION CLU BS AND SOCIETIES? HOW MUCH MONEY DID THE BARS MAKE? WHAT IS LIKELY TO HAPPEN TO THE PRICE OF BEER NEXT YEAR? YOU ONLY GET ONE OPPORTUNITY ALL YEAR TO LOOil AT THE ACCOUNTS AND CONFIRM THE BUDGET, SO MAKE THE MOST OF IT • BY COMING TO THE AGM
Features 9
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Pull on your woolies and get ready to take a trip to see Santa in the .A rctic Circle. As Darcy Hurford and Amanda Akien explain, Lapland is the winter break with a difference... Anyone who has paid a visit to see Conny, the local sleigh-riding expert, will not forget the welcoming party in a hurry. As you stumble into his snowbound backyard the ear-splitting sound of over 70 baying husky dogs pierces the air, alerting Conny to your presence. lt is not a sound that quickly disappears from the memory. But then, as part of a trip to Lapland, the beautiful land stretching across the northernmost points of Norway, Sweden and Finland, these sort of memories are not unusual. Intact, Lapland, a largely unique and undiscovered location, is a place which offers an experience unlike anything else available in Europe. Lapland, dubbed the 'Land of the Midnight Sun' thanks to the constant daylight the area experiences during the summer, is colder than freezing during the winter. We visited in late November, when the sun set at 2pm and the temperature dropped to below -30 degrees - cold enough to make many potential travellers question the point in travelling to this northernmost Scandinavian area. However, anyone who passes up the opportunity to stay in igloos, experience real life sleigh rides and see some spectacular scenery would be missing a once in a lifetime experience. We had been put in touch with Conny the sleigh ride instructor by th~ local tourist agency in Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city, and upon hearing his huskies he came out to meet us. In
wonder what we had let ourselves in for when we found ourselves sitting in a bar with some 30 rowdy Nordic men, all happily paying £5 per pint. The locals make a point of making visitors welcome though, and after sampling the delights of watching Beverly Hills 90210 with Norwegian subtitles, it is easy to while away the hours drinking in the bars. Indeed, this is ultimately the best way to keep out the bitter cold. However, despite the dark and the cold of the winter months, there is still plenty to do whilst trampling through the snow. As we made our way out of Narvik and across Norway we passed endless stretches of unspoilt forests and took in breathtaking views of fjords and mountains. Those who are lucky can sometimes even catch a glimpse of the aurora borealis, better known as the Northern Lights, an atmospheric phenomenon that can be seen as bright lights in the sky. Meanwhile, the hamlets you pass through are often no more than groups of houses collected around small industries, while local museums are filled with items as twee as traditional folk costumes and as shocking as stuffed reindeers. Although it covers a huge area, anyone visiting Lapland should really take the time to travel across Norway, Finland and Sweden so as to see the whole of the region. From Stockholm you can take a train trip up towards the Arctic Circle, where you might even see arctic foxes from the comfort and warmth of your seat. As well as being able to
the world's most unconventional accommodation the only ice hotel on earth. Between December and February each winter a giant igloo is built in the town and visitors looking for a break from standard hotel accommodation can shiver for just £38 a night. However, a trip to the home of Father Christmas wouldn't be complete without a visit to see the big man himself. Luosto, in Finland, is a ski resort with a difference. As well as log cabins, snow-mobile rides and the abundance of white powder, you'll also find elves, reindeer and a big bearded man dressed in red. Although the resort really caters for families, anyone with an ounce of kid still left in them will
You can stay in the world's most unconvenional accomodation, the only igloo hotel on earth!
Bed & Breakfast on Campus
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certificate to prove that you have actually crossed the Arctic Circle. When the train finally reaches the highest peak of this snowbound area there are two choices, either to head into Finland or visit Kiruna, Sweden's northernmost city. Kiruna's tourist offfice hires out snow scooters for about £25 per hour and they can put you in touch with Conny, the sleigh-ride expert, for a trip which will cost you a similar price. As you cross out of Kiruna and into the villages to the east of the city you will come across Jukkasjarvi, an ethnic Sami town which boasts a 17th century church and a small museum. However, whilst these are interesting sights, the real reason to visit the town is to stay in some of
normal holiday, but whilst it is off the beaten track it is certainly the best possible place to go if you ever lose the Christmas spirit. Even Scrooge couldn't fail to be converted!
NELSON CO.U RT GUEST SUITE
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -... boast about crossing this vast expanse of land to your friends, you will have the added bonus of seeing some unmissable sights and fact, no sooner had his dogs calmed down than he had harnessed fourteen of them to his sleigh and took us onboard, ready to be whisked away into the unknown. The next two hours were spent gliding across frozen lakes and through beautiful landscapes. As the sun slowly set over the distant mountain peaks the cold gradually numbed our limbs, despite the fact that we were each wearing countless layers of clothing. Intact, there cannot be anything better than a sleigh ride to put you in the Christmas mood, whatever time of year you go. We were visiting in late November and the starting point for our trip was the small mining town of Narvik in Norway, a place with nightlife quite unlike that of Britain. Indeed, we began to
feel they've regressed about twelve years. But even if you don't want to sit on his knee and tell him what's on your Christmas present list, there are all sorts of unusual activities on offer to keep you occupied, from reindeer rides to a snow castle with furniture sculptured entirely from ice. A trip to Lapland might be a slightly less than
Your visiting family and friends can enjoy converiient, comfortable accommodation at UEA: • ·
Single and double rooms All rooms ensuite, with TV and tea/coffee facilities No price increase this year- great value! Discounts for students, their families and Alumni
e e e
For information and reservations, call in and see us at the Conference Office in The Street, telephone 01603 593297 (UEA internal calls: 3297), ore-mail guestsuite@uea.ac.uk
UEA Conference Services
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10 F eatures
· Concrete, Wednesday, November 25: 1998
Features · 11
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Imagine being told that you have cancer· and then being offered drugs that could save your life. The. drugs have almost certainly been tested on animals but you don't agree ~ith animal testing. The question is, would you use them, or would you put your beliefs above your own life?
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he tortured images of animals, scarred and needled through medical and cosmetic experiments have been used for many years by campaigners looking to show the appalling aftereffects animals can suffer from testing. Indeed, the success of stores like the Body Shop, which refuses to stock products tested on animals, demonstrates how effective these campaigns have been in turning public opinion against animal testing for cosmetics. Only last week the Government; with one eye on the polls, announced that it would no longer authorise licenses to test cosmetics on animals after the last three companies possessing them voluntarily gave them up. However, while the use of our four legged friends for cosmetics testing in the UK may now be at an end, the decision won't have an enormous effect on the amount of animal testing that does go on. This is partly because the ban is only UK-wide
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and doesn't cover the rest of the European Union, where some cosmetics testing is still allowed. But it is mainly because the numbers of animals used in cosmetic testing make up just a small percentage of the total used for research - in fact cnly 1,266 of the tests carried out in this country last year were for cosmetic research. And although antivivisection campaigners welcome the new ban, they claim that the latest moves just don't go far enough. In their opinion, the use of animals for even medical testing is unethical. Not only do they
particularly vocal over the testing of medicines on mankind's ancestors, the monkey family, who are often said to be highly intelligent and emotional beings. Monkeys can sometimes be taken away from their families at birth, infected with AIDS and tested as if they were nothing more than rodents.
campaigners disagree. They say that these animal tests are misleading, as they can take the research off on tangents. Their argument states that humans and animals are different that things that harm animals won't hurt people, and, conversely things that won't do animals any damage at all may have horrific side effects for humans. For example, it is claimed that aspirin causes birth defects in cats, and that saccharine causes cancer in rats - and neither of them do humans any harm at all. So if a drug works on, say a mouse, there are no reasons why it should go on to have the same effect on ampaign groups like people. the British Union for Ms Newman points out, "We have endless cases where they've found the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) say that a lot of drugs that are very good testing covers a range of and effective at curing cancer in inhumane activities. "Toxicity animals, but they have failed to tests are routinely performed work when they have given them to on dogs, rabbits, rats and mice humans." by commercial companies. However, although Margerie Animals are often force fed or Johnson says that some of these injected with chemicals then examples are true, they are still a observed for symptoms such little off beam. "No one says that as vomiting, breathing you're going to find every possible difficulties and cries of pain." side effect in animals. lt is not a New developments in ••r.::::s:::C:===c:........lla;:.••••ac:::c:ma~~~::::::r.~~mcz::...._-=:...;~-=:....-ltl question of perfection, but rather of alternative testing methods have lead many to Marjorie Johnson from Animals in Medicines using the best available methods to decide question the necessity of animal testing. Research (AMRIC) doesn't believe that medicines whether a medicine is likely to help and be safe Campaigners have long complained that animals could be produced without testing them on enough to go into people. Going straight from the should be treated with the same respect as animals: "No one wants to use animals if the test tube to people would put those people at humans, saying that as they cannot protect their research can be done in another way," she unacceptable risk. I believe that we have an protests. "The development of medicines involves obligation to respect and protect animal life, but not own interests it is up to society to protect them. But Carol Newman of the Or Hadwen Trust, a using a combination of charity that funds non-animal research into research methods, medicines, believes there are perfectly adequate depending on the testing methods that don't involve harming nature of the animals. "We are totally opposed to animal testing, questions that need to we think that it's a waste of time, money and life," be addressed at each explains Ms Newman. 'We could be making better stage. New progress if we put our efforts into alternative compounds that go on processes such as cell cultures which can use to be studied in animals have already been studied at the expense of human health and life. People imitation skin to simulate the way in which cells come first." using computers and cell culture methods. But react with human beings or computer modelling these methods only give part of the picture." Indeed when all the governments that regulate which studies the human reaction with drugs." the use of drugs as well as thousands of the They believe that although many medical here are various steps involved in worlds best scientists, including Nobel Prize breakthroughs, such as insulin, heart transplants discovering a new medicine. Once the winners, accept that the use of animals is and other discoveries have been developed froni initial idea is germinated, the effects of unavoidable, it is hard to believe that alternative tests on animals, this is only because animal different mixtures or compounds of chemicals are testing has always been the most common means synthesised on computer to eliminate elements of testing, not because the advances themselves that aren't useful in tackling tihe problem. depended on them. The group advocate alternative Next come 'in-vitro' tests. This is where processes which have been successful in the past, medicines are tried out on cells and organs in test such as that used in proving the link between tubes. These organs are kept 'alive' and behave as smoking and cancer. Forcing mice to suck on they would in the body. By now thousands of compounds have been Benson and Hedges may have given them stained teeth and left them wheezing around their exercise eliminated, leaving just one or two promising ones. wheels, but it didn't give them cancer. lt was a These arE! then tested in animals, as there are population study which gave doctors the evidence many variables in the whole body that cannot be they needed. accounted for 'in vitro', such as increasing blood Their research has lead to pregnancy tests pressure, damaging unborn babies, or causing being done in test tubes rather than on rabbits, and kidney problems. The medicine then moves to toxicity tests which allow chemicals to be tested on human testing. Animals are only used when the scientists want to look at the effects a drug will the skin in a test tube. However, although nobody questions the fundamental role that computer have on the whole body, which can't be simulated. Pro testing scientists claim that if the animal tests modelling and cell cultures play in the process for discovering new drugs and treatments, many were skipped, it would be at the cost of human lives. believe that simulations and test tubes can only go But this is where the anti vivisection so far when it comes to testing the drugs.
"We are totally opposed to animal testing, we think that it's a waste of time, money and life" Carol Newman, Dr Hadwen Trust
claim that there are alternative tests which could be used, but they also think that the e:xperiments can lead scientists in the wrong direction, slowing down the discovery process and increasing problems for humans. Over 2.6 million experiments were carried out on animals in the UK last year, less than half the annual figure of twenty years ago. This drop in ..----- - - - - - -'0!:'""- - - - - - - -- - - - ----., figures has largely been due to the increased use of alternative nethods of testing, to which many scientists now claim they are committed. These · same scientists still insist that animal testing is vital, and the Govenment backs them up, stipulating that all new chemicals must be tested for things like skin irritancy and ability to cause cell mutations like cancer. But they point out that 86 per cent of animal experiments are carried out on rats, mi~e and other rodents that have been specially bred for that purpose and would be unlikely to survive in the outside world anyway. The animals are used to test new medicines, investigate body and gene reactions and check out new operational procedures. Domestic products like fbor cleaners and wonder pills like Viagra all need to be researched before they can go on the market and the animals are used to try and ensure that any new products will mt be dangerous to human beings. And while the laws about how lab animals have to be treated are very strict, the pictures that escape from the labs of rabbits kept in tiny confined spaces, with bulging eyes from irritancy tests raises fears that the laws are not tight enough. Criticism has been
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methods could really be an effective substitute. Would all of these people really test, and inflict cruelty on animals for the sake of it? Perhaps this highlights the real debate: anti-vivisection campaigners believe that there is no moral justification for valuing humans above animals. But you. only need to talk to anybody who is ill, or deals with illnesses every day, to realise that few people who actually have to make life or death decisions rarely need to think twice. Paul McCartney, who had previously been a staunch opponent testing drugs on animals, changed his beliefs after his wife Linda fell ill with cancer. And whilst some with very strong beliefs refuse such treatment, there are numerous other instances of people who changed their minds after coming into close contact with the benefits of drugs which have been tested on animals. Ultimately, doctors need pills that work, with minimum side effects in order to provide cures. The horrific images of lab tests do make animal testing repulsive, but until computers and test tubes can provide an alternative that won't endanger human lives, it looks like they are the only viable way forward. Many people depend on animal related scientific research to find the cure to many life
"I believe that we have an obligation to respect and protect animal life, but not at the expense of human health and life. People come first" Marjorie Johnson, Animals in Medicines Research
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threatening diseases. And until major new of breakthroughs areitmade in the field medical testing looks like patients will continue to have to make the choice between man and mouse. Words: Emms Newbery
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12 Features
Concrete. Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Ever wondered who trains the animals for wildlife programmes? Jen RoboHom interviews duck mother Rosie Dawson about her unusual job... being with the ducks for about a month." o what will you do when you are forced from the bosom of UEA into the big bad The experience for Rosie was very worthwhile world? Advertising, media sales, though, and whilst she was cut off from the accounting perhaps? Many will head for outside world, the outside world came to her. London to see if the streets really are During the four months in which the she was paved with gold. But, for those after something bringing up the brood, Rosie attracted a flurry of slightly different, there is a wealth of weird and media attention, with Anglia TV, the BBC and the wonderful jobs out there just waiting to be found. Daily Mail, along with the local dailies, all covering After graduating from UEA in 1997, Rosie Dawson the story, resulting in Rosie becoming something chose to avoid the capital and headed instead for of a Norfolk celebrity. "When I was teaching the the Norfolk village of Fakenham where she set up ducks how to swim, I had to get into my big rubber a house (or more precisely, a small caravan) with ring and flippers and get in the lake with them. We did a display to the public every day. 'Come and five baby ducks. "The first time I heard of the job 1 thought it was a joke," explains Rosie, "A friend see Rosie swim with the ducks!' it was called. told me that Pensthory Waterfowl Park was 'When they were bigger we took them to the sea looking for a mermaid who had to spend summer to train them, and holidaymakers would come up in the water bringing up elder ducks. So I said .'I'll to me and say 'Aha, you're that girl from the telly' do that' and I was the only person who applied." As part of the training, Rosie had to wear stripy Leaving university to become a mermaid might clothes continuously so that the ducks would recognise the pattern and consequently recognise sound temptingly glamorous, but inevitably the job their 'mother'. However, she thinks it was actually description didn't quite reflect reality since Rosie actually became the ducks' 'mother'. She was her voice they imprinted from. Boss, Jack, Prue, B involved in their upbringing straight from birth, as and Baby would soon fly wherever she told them part of the newly developed process of taming to go. With such recognition did she feel like there _ _ _......_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ mother? "Yeah, I did.
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That's a bit weird isn't it! But I was the only mother ~.--------~~-----------------------------~ they had! And
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~m~~~~~~~B~ore~•~~~ the process had only previously been achieved in the Britain with geese. lt is carried out to make it easier to film birds for wildlife programmes, and has been used in hits such as David Attenborough's, Life of Birds. Being an animal lover, Rosie had reservations about replacing the natural mother of the ducks. But she reasons, 'Wildlife programmes are not just entertainment, they're education, and there are things that happen in the wild that only a few people get to see. lt would be impossible to film behavioural patterns in the wild without disturbing natural communities, and we don't. The birds would have been brought up in captivity anyway, so I was giving them star treatment, they lived like kings. he ducks were raised by Rosie as if they were her very own: she taught them to fly, swim, and follow her wherever she went."l had to be there when they hatch~ so I was the first thing they saw, and then hold them all day long, it's called breeding them, they'd snuggle
bKa~e~eysnmeM~~mM~~~~"~e their mother, though obviously I didn't feel like a duck! "But I'd brought them up and so felt responsible for them, and I was so proud when they could fly and swim properly during the final filming." However, Rosie maintains that she has learnt enough about parenthood not to rush into having real children of her own."lt puts me right off; she says: "Too much responsibility and persistence, like when they were young and squeaking all through the night in their boxes." All ducks must naturally fly the nest though and, having trained them to swim and fly behind a camera crew carrying boat, Rosie had to say gooc:jbye. "I was really sad, having spent every day with them for four months, and I didn't want to leave. At the time I didn't know I would be able to go back to Pensthorpe and see them again, so I took loads of pictures of them and stuck them all over my walls!" However, Rosie is still employed as a duck mother and earlier this year she travelled to the home of imprinting in North Carolina, USA, to learn more about the process.
under my jumper .... like the way babies snuggle under their mother's wings."l had to be with them constantly for the first two days and they livee in my caravan for about three to four weeks, all in separate boxes to make sure that they wouldn't imprint on each other and ignore me." But the constant demands of motherhood did begin to take their toll on Rosie, who spent large amounts of time without proper contact with anything but the ducks. "There was no room, and it was a constant cycle of attention because you had to see each one individually, I was desperate to get them out in the end. I hardly saw people during that time, I degenerated! The isolation gets to you, because you have to live on the job, seven days a week, day and night, just
She is now back at Pensthorpe and currently training another family. This time she may be doing some of the wildlife filming herself though, as it's likely that the ducks won't trust anyone else behind the camera. But what about her first borns? "I was talking to them today!" explains Rosie, "it's well over a year they've been on their own, and they' re not imprinted anymore, they do their own thing, but they still recognise me!"
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t* + )l y For th last issue of Concrete this year the nion ex utive would like to take the oppoJttanity to wish you~ Merry C ¡sttqas and a Rappl' New Year. Although this seems a ~ itd pre tar th1 e is ly ~o 11 w-eeks te " left! + This year Union Rouse will look slightly more festive to get you in the mood a little ~ earli r than u al. We hope that yo"'ve all enjoyed the Autumn tenn and to finish jt oH ""+ . , heresy dr clianc to winS pairs' f LCR tickets for the last one of the year. + ~ Simply have a guess at the following questio~ji -.v ~B ;~p of wQl tiav• lteea 101 all Ualoa ltan this tent ~ Ulltll l)'l r: In the event of a tie a draw will take place. Entries must be made by Friday of week I I
14 Letters & Comment
Concrete. Wednesday. November 25. 1998
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MYSTIC ROD :;,~
REVEALS .··.~
CLUES Across
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CHRISTMAS ~A~ HOROSCOPES ~'~
I. l 'pright (l!.-1) 9. Locullanguage (5) 10. Origin (-1) 11 . Some ha\ c done this all he fore (-1) 12 . A source of u nice "nell (3.5) 1-1. Juicey p1ece of information (.1 ..1) 15. Fill ing in pencil marks (6) I X. ··Put that ) Famow. phrase from 011tl'.' Amn· (5.3) 20. ot near (-1) 22 . Can't say how old this is (7) 23. British upper lip (5) 2-1. This lot will sell your how.e
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November 25 January 20
(6.6)
Down 2. Submarine "ith a big bomb on hoard (7) 3. What you· re called (-1) -1. Cun·t stop tal~ing when you're this (2.-1) 5. A particular co llected mass (8) 6. Goodbye (5) 7. The boat to get you ashore (7 .5) 8. At a good party nobody ''ant> to he this (5.2.5) 13. Digit correspondi ng to the pig that went to mar~ et (].3) 16. Do damage to someone (7) 17. This Coum ry sends spies with lme (6J 19. Brilliant. fantastic 15) 21. Can he sccptered or Wight (-1)
ARIES (MAR 2 1 - APR 20)
Issue 91: Answers Across I. Abet. 6. Sort. 8. Ailment. 9. Pctc. I 0. Moorgatc. 12. Abbot. 13. Still. 15. Fanm. 16. Tripe. 19. As though. 2 1. Idol. 22. Ravioli. 23. Darn. 2-1. Case Down
2. Baked Beans. 3. Tape\\orrn. -1. Climb. 5. Depot. 6. Stag. 7. Tree. 11. Telephones. 1-1. Terrific. 17. Cun c. 18. Shoot. 19. Arid. 20. ll orn
Need that ticket money?
Sell us your course books!
UNIO
competition winners Medieval Baebes Winner - Lucinda Highly EU R 2 There are 12 Medieval Baebs in the group Bottle of Tequilla Matt Ray EAS 3
Next year is going to be your big year Aries! However it might seem like ages before you actually get there, so just try to exercise a little patience and you 'll be fine. How will you shop for Christmas pressies? Last minute, as per usual!
LIBRA (SEPT 24 - OCT 23)
Little Libra's are coming out of the woodwork all over the place now, and why not? lt's been tough but it's time to enjoy the pleasures of life now, get out there and shine! Libran pressies have that essential personal touch and usually involve snogging as well!
TAURUS
SCORPIO
(APR 21 - MAY 21)
(OCT 24 - Nov 22)
As usual, Taureans have got everything completely organised, which means that all they need to do now is wait for the festivities to begin. Emotionally you should be happier now, so you can enjoy it with that special someone. The best presents come from Taurus - they're always expensive!
Money is good for Scorpios so at least you can afford to go out and have a good time this crimbo. Romantic opportunities abound in some pretty strange areas so don 't discount any possibilities. Just enjoy the experience. Scorpio pressies have to be earned- they don't just buy for anybody y'know!
GEMINI
SAGITTARIUS
(MAY 22 ; JUN 21)
(NOV 23 - DEC 2 I)
Gemini hasn't really got around to thinking about Christmas yet • obviously too busy gossiping about all their flatmates. Still high profile time though, so you might just be lucky and get a pressie from a few more people than just your mum! Gemini pressies tend to be exciting and stimulating.
CANCER (JUN 22 - JULY 22)
Cancerians are still going for it at the moment so expect a bit of unusual behaviour from them at parties (like standing on tables and singing, that sort of thing). A present from a Cancerian should be treasured because it's chosen with sincerity and love!
Those funny Sagittarians are at it again - when will it end? Luckily, not quite just yet, so better be prepared for a fun-filled festive period (again!). You should have pulled by now so no worries for Christmas, but don't forget those pressies - Saggies have a terribly short memory when it comes to such things!
CAPRICORN (DEC 22 - JAN 20)
lt's Capricorns time shortly so you may just have to mark time for a bit - catch up on those essays or that bit of homework. When it comes, crimbo will be tremendous - especially romance-wise, so sit back and enjoy. Capricorn pressies are sensible and practical.
LEO
AQUARIUS
(JULY 23 - AUG 22)
(JAN 20 -FEB I 9)
Slightly subdued at the moment but watch 'em go when the festivities begin! Leo's need a bit of nurturing and ego boosting every now and then, bless 'em, but they're at their best in a social atmosphere and this will be just what you need. Leo pressies are lavish, glitzy and usually gold!
Thinking on your feet is the thing for you Aquarians out there: the situation is changing all the time but the end result will be good happy times for Aquarius. Christmas finds you travelling to all sorts of wierd places • to equally weird (but nice) friends. Aquarian presents are ..... weird!
VIRGO
PISCES
(AUG 23 - SEPT 23)
(FEB 20 - MAR 20)
Still steaming away Virgo - don't you ever stop?The coming festive season will see many a new Virgo romance getting off the ground just be sure to take time off and enjoy it! Virgo tends to buy you exactly what you need, so make sure you let them know exactly what you're after!
After that nice month you want another one don't you? All right then, you 've got it. Quite a few people will enjoy Pisces' uniquely gentle and humorous company this crimbo. Pisces is another sign having significant journeys about now. Pisces pressies are terribly sentimental · and fluffy!
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Letters & Con1n1ent 15
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
egarding the recent article on Breakers 2. YES, Breakers 2 are creating a disgusting amount of unnecessary waste when they should be reusing and recycling. However. it is not good enough to just point a finger. There arc recycling sites near the sports centre and the health cenLre on campus - how many students use them? Hot drinks can be bought in mugs from the Hive, how many people unthinkingly drink from ploystyrene. not only paying I Op more per drint.. for the privilidgc but also creating harmful waste? Recycled paper is on sale in the Union papershop. how many people buy new? We commend any attempt> made to encourage Breakers 2 to clean up their act. but at the same time ask everyone to look at their own wasteage. Minimise waste, reuse and recycle what you can there are paper, metal and glass recyc ling facilities on campus (see last edition of Concrete for map). Happy recycling! Kathryn Amos (ENV 3) Richard Bickle (SOC 3) and friends.
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WHAT PRICE SECURITY? The recent events in Norfolk Terrace in which a thief, armed with a campus key, brazenly made off with hundreds of pounds worth of students possessions is surely the tip of a very worrying iceberg. Students on campus are all too aware of the security inadequacies of residences and many have had first hand experiences of thefts, which were made all too easy by the communal key system.
NUS says we get cheap beer through its deals- so how come the prices have to go up and the beer is now cheaper in the city, when they don't have socalled NUS pnce saving deals. The NUS says it fights for students, yet it can't even get round to organising a decent opposition to tuition fees. What is the NUS for, and where does our massive subsidy to it go every year? As one of the few universities who have a net contribution to the NUS, we should be getting far more out of it than we do at present. If things do not change, and change fast, we can be forgiven for questioning the role of the NUS Officer within the Executive, and the role of the NUS within the Union itself. Matthew McGuire EUR2
here seems to be a lot of fuss regarding nothing with this NUS
election. We all know that the NUS is a huge bureaucratic breeding ground for Labour MPs, and that most involved within it are more interested in feathering their own nests than furthering the interests of the average student. After all, everyone knows exactly why the freeeducation campaign was so weak - the NUS leadership is too busy sucking up to New Labour to do anything which might to annoy St. Tony. So, what does the NUS provide us, the students? The NUS can't even get around to providing us with ID that incorporates a date of birth so it can be used as proof of age when getting into clubs. The
nyone who fails to laugh at Breakers 2's latest incentive to make people buy their food must have no sense of humour. The deal is: Get a bacon roll and coffee for £1.20 (a saving of a whole 1Op} and the clincher is you get a FREE sachet of tomato ketchup! Most places would give them away free anyway. But it's not the first laughable error this establishment has made. Their 'classic' burgers are repulsive, the chips are rubbery and difficult to bite through and the less said about their veggieburgers, the better. And then there's the issue of the Diner's £1.20 breakfasts. WHY stop serving them at 10 o'clock? Student's who actually are out of bed then are still in 9 o'clock lectures. Of course, Breaker's 2 don't even serve them anymore. All I have to say is, "Come back Picolo's, all is forgiven!" Stewart Winfield
A
The communal key may be convenient when it comes to visiting friends in and around campus but if it is so ideal why was it not used when the newer and posher residences were built?
RUGBY ROW CONTINUES I
The answer is the designers of Nelson Constable and the Village realised security was a far more important consideration than convenience.
UEA's Independent Student Newspaper PO Box 410,Norwich NR4 7TB Tel: (01603) 250558 Fax: (01603) 506822 E-Mail: su.concrete@uea.ac.uk
And the Accommodation Office claim that students " wedge doors open for friends and pizza deliveries" anyway, is just a convenient excuse not to spend money on the security of other residences.
This very real problem should be tackled as soon as possible and Security Chief Ron Elliott should be applauded for speaking out against his foot dragging colleagues' policies.
•Editor: James Graham •Deputy Editor: Emma Newbery •News Editor. Graham Diggines •Assistant News Editor: James Goffin •Features Editor: Caroline Jeater • Assistant Features Editor. Carolyn Boyd •Sports Editor: Mark Edwards •Assistant Sports Editor: Nick Henegan • Distribution Manager. Oliver Polhill •Editorial Contributors: Chris Brown, Adam Banham, Fleur Deeson, Claire Hamilton-Eddy, James Tapsfield, Pete Large , Darcy Hurford , Amanda Akien , Jen Robottom, Simon Cogswell, Robin Millard, Laura Doherty, James Brown •Photographers: Chris Brown, Russell Burton, Rob Lutyens, Sieve Cullingworth •Advertising Manager: Phil Ayers •Special Thanks to: UH Stewards, everyone at ECN •Concrete is published by the Union of UEA Students. Opinions expressed are those of the Contributor and not necessarily those of the Publisher or Editor. Use of the name 'The Evenf appears by arrangement with the copyright holders, Planet Zog Ltd. •No part of this newspaper may be reproduced or transmitted through meat and two veg journalism, the under-belly of Norwich feature writing or national papers who couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery. •Printed by Eastern Counties Newspapers Ltd ., Norwich, Norfolk NR1 1RE. © Concrete 1998.
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was quite shocked to read of the Union bailing out the Rugby Club to the tune of £1274 without even discussing such a matter with the students or the sports forum committee/sports c lub presidents. My own experience in dealing with sports c lub finances suggests that rugby club should have paid their debt ou t of their subs account or Union grant. Indeed the Boat Club, as well as most other sports clubs, are quite upset that rugby has received such treatment. It certainly rai es questions over the running of sports clubs and societies finances as well as the Union's own safeguards, which surely are suppose to prevent such a nagrant missappropriation of Club funds. I wonder whether questions should be asked about how the Union's finances are working and whether or not things shou ld change to ensure this does not happen again. lt seems Neil Fox has taken it upon himself
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to bend the Union 's own rules and set a very bad example by bailing the Rugby Club out of debt. Will we all now be bailed out of similar situations should we find ourselves in them? My own humble interpretation of the Union's, 'Clubs and Socities Handbook ', led me to believe that the Union would ensure that problems such as this did not occur, and that if they did then the respective Club would have it's grant and sub accounts frozen. Perhaps the Union should employ a specific Clubs and Societie treasurer to prevent this occuring in future and causing the Finance Office such embarrassment. I wi ll be registering the Club's genera l Boat dissapproval over the deal with the Rugby Club's with both the Sports Officer and the Sports Co-ordinator, and will expect the Finance Officer to explain his actions at the next Sports Committee meeting. Andy Beard, President UEA Boat Club
- - - - • A paid advertisement by your Student Union - -- -
Taxi
Complaints Procedure The Welfare Officer has negotiated a complaints procedure with ABC Taxis. If you have a problem with their service please inform Claire White (to make an appointment ask at the SSD Unit reception upstairs at Union House or call 01603 593463 during office hours).
BE SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS DON'T BE SORRY When you go home for Christmas this year remember to make sure you don't have to worry about your belongings.- break-ins are rare, but it is always better to make sure you aren't going to be an easy target ••• Make sure your insurance policy covers you if you are going to be away for more than 72 hours Take what you can home that is valuable and make sure your bike is secure
e Make sure your room is secure and windows shut e Try not to leave anything in kitchens or communal areas whilst you are away
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
I Has the success of Henman and Rusedski given British tennis the vital boost it so sorely needs, asks Nick Henegan•.• JUST A few years ago any sane tennis fan would have snorted with contempt at the idea of seeing two British tennis players in the world's top ten. Wimbledon was the o ne beacon in the calendar of lo ng suffering British tennis afficionadoes - it at least offered the prospect of Jeremy Bates making it into the second round before duly living up to the great British tradition of losing nobly. In fact there had actually been no major success in British tennis for almost 20 years, until recently. However, it seems that times are fi nall y changing, with the dawn of a new wave of optimism sweeping through the beleaguered sport. Over the last couple of years the emergence of Tim Henman and Greg Rusedsk.i has confounded critics of British tennis and finally put it back on the world map. The Wimbledon championships of 1997 saw both Henman and Rusedski reaching the quarter final s. This achievement was built upon when Rusedski came runner-up in the US Open in Flu hing Meadows, while Henman reached the emi final of Wimbledon in 1998.
Top ten Such performances saw both players enter the world's top ten , Rusedski reaching as high as fourth ,
resulting in public expectations of the sport increasing enormously. Since then they have almost constantly remained in , or close to, the top ten and this week Henman was confirmed at ninth in the world rankings, booking himself a place in the lucrative ATP Tour World Championship in Hanover.
Missed out And Rusedsk.i has only narrowly missed out on gaining a place in this week's ATP Championships after he was unable to regain a place in the world 's top ten. Such successes would seem to suggest an upturn in the fortunes of British tennis with only further improvement to come. But is this really the case or is the success of just two players masking fundamental problems with British tennis and its administration ? After all , it is doubtful whether Rusedski can truly be described as
British considering that he was born in Montreal , Canada.
Excel And it cou ld be argued that Henman was bound to excel considering his tennis heritage. Indeed, he can't seem to go through an All England Championships without the commentators mentioning that "his grandmother was the last woman to serve under arm at Wimbledon." But Henman and Rusedski are doubt less great players and they shouldn't be denied credit for raising the profi le of British tennis both at home and abroad. It is now up to the sport 's governing body to build on their success to ensure that the standard of British tenni s continues to improve. Don Curren, Promotions Officer at the LTA , is adamant that the ports authorities are doing a good job. "The situation is absolutely fanta~tic at the moment with Tim and Greg leading from the front. "We have a strong development structure throughout the country . .
accessible has to be a change in the game's image, which often seems entrenched in a tradition of elitism and male domination. The legacy of such traditions is apparent in the fact that while tennis on the male side is excelling, the female game, although improving, is doing so at a slower rate with the highest ranked Briton, Sam Smith, being 65th in the world. " We are trying to break. away
-------a
Rising star: Sam Smith
feeding youngsters up to • • • •• • • •• the top level with some of them winning at international level , from our previous image," admitted Dave Sherward and Hannah Coli ins Mr Curren, adding, "The game has for example" been regarded as middle class and He also recognises that this we are trying to promote tennis as a process must be long term. great sport which anyone can get "We are constantly undergoing involved in." changes and development to ensure Initiatives improvement, for instance we are currently selecting a new Both sustaining and expanding tennis initiatives in the community performance director to make sure that talent is nurtured ." requires a great deal of funding , a Statistics seem to suggest that the lack of which has dogged the sport LTA and similar institutions are in the past. having a positive effect. However, since the emergence of The LTA' s " Play Tennis ' 98" National Lottery grants the situation scheme attracted 70,000 players to has improved immen sely, with various fun -day s around the tennis being at the forefront of country, 18,000 of which were successful applications, receiving completely new to the game while £28 million from 354 applications . 3,200 schools are affiliated to the In addition to Lottery money the BSTA (Briti sh Schools Tennis LTA has turned to big business in a Association), a rise of 12 per cent bid to secure funding. since last year. The Tennis Industry Association "The whole point of the schemes (T IA) was formed in November is to make tennis more accessible 1997 and is made up of many of the and encourage it all year round" largest manufacturing names in said Mr Curren tennis, organisations such as the Part of making tenni s more ATP and sections of the sport's
media. The TIA's major aim is to influence the growth of the game in Britain by working in conjunction with the LTA to increase their corporate awareness, following the precedent set in America. In 1998 this involved sponsoring the LTA' "Play Tennis '98" which ensured that there were a sufficient number of coaches available.
Mission The purpose of the TIA is summed up in their mission statement, "To combine the professional expertise of the tennis industry, to promote the healthy growth of tennis by imprgving the image of the game and the participation in tennis in Great Britain." Such a cohesive vision from both
the LTA and the commercial wing of the game certain ly bodes well for the future of the sport.
Authorities If the tennis authorities keep their eye on the ball there is no reason why British ten nis can't go from strength to strength, building positively on the success of Hen man and Rusedski . It has the objective of constructing more professional players to the standard of Henman and Rusedski, and challenging for international success after British failure in recent years. And, amazingly, when compared to Britain 's postilion in the tennis world until , there are now real hope that a British player wi ll soon reach the apex of winning a Grand Slam.
PERU ART& CRAFT SALE UPSTAIRS AT THE GUILDHALL (OPPOSITE TESCO) SAT 14 Nov to Christmas Eve lOam-- Spm A unique opportunity to purchase authentic S. American crafts directly from a traveller. Finest quality woodcarvings, herbal dyed textiles, hand-painted ceramics, crochet alpaca hats, musical instruments, mystic charms, bags, shawls, scarves, jewellery, Christmas decorations, carved cribsets, woven Christmas trees. Free Admission Fairly Traded Goods Bough t from ladividual A rtisaas
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18 Sport
Concrete, Wednesday, November 25, 1998
Run of the mill Athletics new governing body, UK Athletics '98, have elected former Olympic champion David Hemery as president. Hemery, 54, beat four other nominees to the position , including Steve Ovett, and the new authority should bring an exciting new era to the sport.
Ref Rage A soccer match from the Bristol Sunday league was abandoned after the ref lashed out and assaulted two players. Referee, Kevin Jenkins floored one player for criticising his decisions and then astonishingly head-butted another. Jenkins was already banned from playing for eight weeks, and now faces a further ban of two years.
Whitewashed
By SIMON COGSWELL
THE CANARIES promotion campaign stepped up a gear after a long trip down to Portsmouth on Tuesday, November 10. No rwi ch. '' ho initi a ll y see med to be 'u fferin g fro m th e fix tu re pil e up, went be hind in th e lirst ha iL as A ustra li an inte rn ati o na l Jo hn A lo is i lired the home s id e into the lead. But Ci ty a l\,ays looked th e more dom inant side and soon brough t the mse h cs hac~ into the ga me "he n '"an Rohe rt s con tinued his good fon11 to grab the eq ua liser. A superb save from Andy i\larshall in the XXth minute
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Stephen Hendry has just suffered the embarassment of crashing out of the UK Championships in the fist round. To make matters worse for the world number two his beating, from fellow Scot, Marcus Campell was inflicted without him even winning a frame . Hendry put the 9-0 thrashing down to a lack of confidencerather strange coming from a multiple world champion .
Arsenal and England keeper, David Seaman has landed himself a part in his favourite soap opera, Brookside. The international goalie is set to play himself in the Liverpool based drama, as he opens the new trendy Millennium Club. Fans of the show and the footballer will be able to see the Yorkshire giant star in the show on New Years Eve.
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a paid advertisement by your student union
Congratulations 'Mustard'! on scooping 'Magazine of the Year" at The Guardian I NUS Student Media Awards 1998
and Well Done 'ConcretefJ for bringing home two individual category awards
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Over the years countless people have made it to the media big-time, thanks to their groundwork in UUEAS Student Media. Now with Concrete, Buc:k.et of Tongues, Livewire, Mustard and Nexus TV you can get involved with any aspect of the media you wish, just get in touch and get involved.
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•.• we~re proud of you!
Sport 19-
Concrete. Wednesday, November 25. 1998
BUSA Bonus AFTER A string of BUSA defeats UEA's lacrosse team turned the tide with a victory over Nene University two weeks ago. UEA took an early lead against their BUSA opponents thanks to two goals from lzzy Finch. The first half was a tight affair with UEA entering the interval 5-2 in front. But the second half was far easier for the UEA side. Nene could find no way past the strengthened home team, and further goals ensured that UEA would pick up their first BUSA points of the year. Julia Pearson added four goals to turn the game into a rout, and as Nene began to tire UEA gained more momentum, with Suzie Mills grabbing a second half hattrick. The team have persevered through some difficult ties to obtain such a significant win. Club President, lzzy Finch, said, "After our defeats in the past, this is a real turning point."
~ BUSA
Fixtures and Results-......
Wednesday, November 18 Soccer; Men's I I CCCC 2, Men's 3 2 Bucks 2, Badminton; Ladies Nene conceded, Basketball; Men's 112 Nene 106, Hockey; Men's I I Luton 3, Men 's 2 13 Herts I, Ladies 2 0 Cambs 3, Lacrosse; UEA Reading conceded, Netball; Ladies I Nene conceded, Ladies 2 41 Kent 20, Rugby; Men's I 15 Essex 26, Men's 2 22 Essex 24, Ladies Herts conceded, Squash; Men's I Kent conceded, Winter Tennis; Ladies 6 Luton 0.
UEA miss out in dying minutes By SIMON COGSWELL IUEA 1 CCCC 21
UEA 'S MENS first team completely outclassed a weak Christchurch College Canterbury side last Wednesday but still failed to pick up any points. Despite dominating the match, UEA were sloppy in defence and gifted CCCC a win in virtually the last second of the crucial BUSA tie. The fatal mistake came after However, UEA got the Crozier posed the solid CCCC UEA failed to clear the ball from breakthrough that they fully defence new problems as he a last minute corner, and in the deserved from a corner shortly gelled instantly with strike ensuing scramble the opposition before half time. partner Bamba, and the home stabbed the ball home. side immediately bounced back Fired The winning goal came to press for a winner. completely against the run of Tim Bamba reacted quickest Steal play though, since UEA had and fired home after his first shot dominated from the kick off. had initially been blocked. But CCCC then managed to However, it was all downhill for break away and steal the show Strike UEA after they took the lead, with a last minute winner Centre forward Tim Bamba with the second half proving to pinching the points. had started excellently, beating be a disaster, when a lapse in UEA looked visibly shocked the CCCC goal keeper with a concentration allowed CCCC to and there was now no way back powerful strike, only to see it hit sneak an undeserved equaliser. into the game. the post. A normally well organised After the match, captain Sean And Sam Brooklin tested the UEA defence failed to Rigby expressed his outstanding visitors' goalkeeper communicate, resulting in the disappointment with the result. soon after with a fierce drive opposition stealing the ball and "We're competing as well as from 30 yards, forcing the keeper going on to fully punish the anyone in this league but we're to full stretch to tip the ball onto unusual mistake. just not getting the results, it's the cross bar. The introduction of Ritch disappointing."
Wednesday, November 25 Soccer; Men's I v Nene (a), Men's 2 v CCCC (a), Men's 3 v Nene (a), Hockey; Men's 2 v Nene (a), Ladies v Kent (h), Rugby; Men's I v Bucks (h), Ladies v CCCC (h), Badminton; Ladies v Essex (h), Basketball; Men's v M'ddx (a), Lacrosse; UEA v S'hton (a), Netball; Ladies 2 v Brunei (h). Squash; Men's I v Brunei (h), Winter Tennis; Ladies v G'wich (h).
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Fancy partying in the Alps with 3000 students from all over Britain?
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28th March • 4th April for only £293 (incl. lift pass) CHEAP SKI I SNOWBOARDING LESSONS AVAILABLE FOR BEGINNERS OPEN TO NON-MEMBERS
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• I
Inside this •
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UEA fighting for first success of the season By JAMES BROWN UEA 0 Hertfordshire 0 Kent 14 UEA 12
UEA'S AMERICAN football side faced a potential baptism of fire in their first game of the season against last year's divisional champions, the Hertfordshire Hurricanes, on Sunday, November 8. The inexperienced Pirates, who needed to be at their very best to w ithstand a very physical Hertfordshire attack, started the game with resolute defending. Indeed, from the very beginn ing it was clear that the match was goi ng to be dom inated by both sides' defensive teams. The defences were so powerfu l that UEA's offensive team were unable to move the ball forward, despite the val iant efforts of quarterbacks Gene Peacock and Neil M organ.
Dramatic Then, for five hard quarters the Pirates defence was forced to thwart the Hurricanes offence, blocking a number of fie ld goal attempts and making a number of dramatic goal line stands in the fourth and fifth overtime quarter. Indeed, UEA's head coach pi led praise on the Pirates after the match, branding it the side ' s best de fensive showing in its ni ne year history. Said Pirates Head Coach, Robin Burton, " It was a great performance from both sides, but in the end the resul t had a k ind of poetic j ustice to it."
Praised Burton praised the performance of the entire defence but particularly singled out defensive lineman Tim Stone as outstanding, particularly for his blocking. The Pirates were in action again the following weekend, in an away fixture against the Kent Falcons. The game began with UEA's offence initially shining, as Gene Peacock and full
back Chris Manno scored two first quarter touchdowns.
Vulnerable But failures on the conversions left the Pirates vulnerable against a Kent side who refused to give in, instead picking out UEA's weaknesses . After denying UEA the chance to extend the ir lead in the second quarter, Kent then closed the defic it with a rushing touchdown in the third. The Falcons pi led the pressure on the UEA offence into the fourth q uarter, forcing errors which lead to the interception of the ball for an 80 yard touchdown.
Disappointed Kent then succeeded where UEA had failed, converting their field goal attempts to leave the score at 14-12, with a Pirates side d isappointed to lose after a good overall performance. The result leaves the Pirates without a victory this season, although they can take encouragement from the fact that they played well in both matches. There was further consolation in the form of news that Ron Page-Sudama, an Offensive I Defensive Lineman, had been called up to play at for the Great Britain Crusaders Under 19 team. Smiled Ron, " It's the highlight of my career so far and hopefully it won't end here ."
UEA'S HORSE PLAY Riding Club lose out in their first BUSA battle UEA'S EQUESTRIAN Club were back in BUSA competition last fortnight with their first regional meeting at Loughborough. Once again UEA faced difficu lt oppos ition, as And despite an admirable fight, a d isappointed ¡ UEA finished last against old rivals Leicester and Cambridge and newcomers Loughborough. The dressage part of the competition caused the same problems as last year, with UEA's poor performance putting them in a weak position for the show jumping event. UEA ' s Miranda Forse ll shone through in the event though, finishing with just three penalties.
Performance However, the strong individual performance was no match for the d isciplined team performances of the Leicester and Cambridge ex hibitions. which forced UEA into last place
they competed against some of the best teams in after the first event. It was then going to be a close call between UEA and Loughborough for the fo llowing events, but home advantage was crucial and Loughborough managed to pull away . Thankfully UEA managed to retain some pride, after their performance in the show jumping event. Exquisite displays from Miranda Forsell and Grainne Benett ensured a UEA victory. However, this achievement was not enough to bring UEA back into the tie. Although they fin ished level with Loughborough on 15 penalties, the home side scraped into third place thanks to their dressage
the country. scores. Leicester and Cambridge also finished close, tyi ng on eigh t penalties, with Cambridge's dressage victory sealing the points for them. UEA gained some success thro ugh the individual prizes though, with Miranda Forsell grabbing ftfth place and Karen Smith showing her cons istent skills to take seventh.
Qualification And although the overall result was a major setback to UEA's qualification chances there was still hope amongst the club. Team Captain, Karen Smith said, "The team did very well, and it is still very early days."
Karen Smith: composed