Issue 1465

In conversation with It Happens Here

Inhaler live at O2 City Hall: a band of our generation

Sport scholarships and student success

Results Night: Your 25/26 officers are here!

to their second ranked candidate. For all positions, there was also the option to Re-Open nominations (RON).

After a busy campaign period, meet your 25/26 officer team....

After weeks of campaigning, YOU have voted for your 2025/26 team, ready to tackle a new academic year. Missed election results night? We are here to give you the full rundown of the winners who are going to represent you next year. With fifty two candidates running, this election was certainly a tough competition. After they gave it their all at the rally, strongly campaigned via social media and probably handed you multiple flyers over the last few weeks, everyone was more than ready for this night. This year, the election also saw a record of voting numbers, with 1000 more participants than last year. The total number of voters was a staggering 4774 students. A quick recap of the voting system: single transferable system. Voters ranked their top candidates, and if their first ranked candidate did not meet the threshold, then the vote transfers over

On 7 March, The Venue was lit up in beautiful colours and blasting a playlist that was hyped up the crowd as the candidates nervously awaited the results.

Our two stellar presenters of the election period, Callum Borkowski and Dhwani Masand, took the stage and everyone’s breath away. In stunning NUSU-fashion blue and red outfits, they kept the crowd engaged throughout the night.

“This year, the election also saw a record of voting numbers, with 1000 more participants than last year”

After a few words from our current NUSU officers, it was time to announce the Chair of Council, Chair of Scrutiny and the Liberation Officers. Our new chair of council, Abdul Alghamdi, beat his opponent Oliver Tierney by a narrow vote. However, the crowd was left slightly disappointed as the first winner of the night was not present to introduce himself on stage. The presenters swiftly moved on to announce the role of Chair of Scrutiny. Sophia Dolan was

the only candidate to run and won by 1296 votes against RON. Sophia was there to happily accept her win. Next up were the Liberation Officers. These are part-time volunteer positions representing students on campus. They are here to ensure that underrepresented voices in society and higher education have a platform to be heard within the university community. Newly elected Ethnic Diversity Officer Yibao Yu, unfortunately absent on the night, beat competitor Kasra Mojaverisamak 864 to 414 votes. Three candidates ran for International Students Officer, and Yunru Deng will be the new representative, expressing her excitement on stage to “create new opportunities for our international community”. Another position with only one running candidate was Working Class Students’ officer and Matilda Hardy was successfully elected for this role. It was then time to find out who will be Faith or Belief Officer, and with incumbent Hafsa Niaz being the only candidate, it was no surprise she was re-elected. A pleasant surprise though was her prepared speech, in which she promised to continue to fight for support and solidarity on campus and hopes “to not only live up to your expectations but exceed your expectations”.

No nominations were received for the positions of disability, LGBTQ+, Marginalised genders and Parents,

guardians and carers officers. These vital roles are yet to be filled, and all students are encouraged to nominate themselves to ensure support and representation for these communities.

As well as the candidates, students and staff voted for whether to leave or remain in the NUS, the National Union of Students that represents the interests of over seven million students across the UK. You may have noticed groups of students on campus handing out flyers, encouraging everyone to vote to remain–and they successfully campaigned as a whopping 1127 to 221 said YES to NUS!

After this announcement, a brief intermission began, in which attendees filled the room with chatter over the newly selected officers and predictions about the Sabbatical positions to be revealed. Soon the presenters returned to the stage, to announce the answers to everyone’s conversations.

The first position after the break was the Opportunities officer. After a tight race between eight candidates, James Geary won on a campaign aimed at integrating home and international students. Next up was the Sports officer, in which Alex Duggan was victorious for the second year in a row, earning a roaring applause from the audience as the first officer to successfully rerun. Duggan won by a landslide, over 300 votes, and is honoured to be in this position for another year. Following this joyous win came the Student Media officer reveal. This role is essential in managing The Courier, NUTV, and NSR and proved to be a tight competition between five candidates. Libby Griffiths prevailed and sincerely promised “I’m going to take such good care of you.”

Gina Tindale’s Squid Game themed campaign paid off as she excitedly claimed Academic officer, thanking her friends for their help in carrying out her

fun strategy. The largest race followed with twelve candidates battling to be the new Wellbeing & Communities officer. Lilly Allan secured the position running on a mission focused around destigmatizing sexual health and choices. On stage, she gave a shout-out to her friends who supported her through this journey. Finally, a long and loud drum-roll filled the room as it was time to announce the last position: Union President. Six candidates fought hard to earn this distinguished role, but in the end Ilsa Hartley took home the title. Hartley accepted the position gratefully, noting that she wanted to “give back to the union that’s given so much to me.”

“A

big thank you to the immense effort put in by all candidates”

With all of the positions announced, the presenters signed off for the night and the crowd slowly headed home. On the way out, attendees stopped briefly to check the exact voting numbers, curious about how close each race was. Winners celebrated with friends, overjoyed with their accomplishments from weeks of hard work. A big thank you to the immense effort put in by all candidates and their campaign teams. The care that each candidate has for this student body is commendable and does not go unnoticed. Additionally, thank you to the students who made their voice heard by voting in this election. Congratulations to all of the new officers, but win or lose, this results night was one to remember and continues to be a valued night for the student community!

Christine Soloch Taylor Roth

Image Credits: Naim Zuki

Want to get involved?

If you're interested in getting involved in student media, come along to our weekly Student Media Afternoons (SMAs)!

Our Next SMA: 19th March

1.30pm Daniel Wood Room, NUSU

You'll be able to meet the team, hear from our SMO, attend workshops and pick up as many articles as you'd like! We alternate between article SMAs, and Workshops, where you'll have the chance to learn new skills and become an even better writer.

Our SMAs are open to all, regardless of previous experience, and we would love to have you.

If you can't make the SMAs, left over articles will be posted to the sections' facebook groups, so keep an eye out!

Article

Highlights: 17th March

Current Affairs | Campus Comment

Should students be reimbursed for strikes? Valuable teaching time has been lost during the strikes - should we get money back? | Page 6

Life & Style | Lifestyle

Dropping out of University... Why it was the best decision I have ever made | Page 16

Life & Style | Travel

Climate friendly travel

A globetrotters guide to travelling sustainably | Page 26

Culture | TV

Howay Hollywood! TV the North East needs... | Page 36

NSR & NUTV

Updates from your Station Managers

Check out what is happening in Radio and TV | Page 25

Puzzles |

Equinox themed puzzles! | Page 36

Sports |

"Sports gave me a sense of belonging" In conversation with Alex Duggan | Page 39

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

It has been an extremely busy couple of weeks over here in The Courier HQ, with student elections taking up 99% of conversation. We had a great time at the Results Night, and I'm extremely impressed with all of the candidates who ran. Putting yourself out there in the public eye is not the most enjoyable experience, but you can learn a lot about yourself from it! I can't believe it has been a whole year since I learned that I would be taking on this job. Everyone said it would go quickly but we only actually have two more newspapers after this one! I've certainly learned a lot about myself throughout this year and it has been extremely valuable. Anyway, we have been busy editing TWO newspapers to make sure that you have plenty of articles to read over the

Hi everyone! My name is Gabbi, and I have the absolute pleasure of being your Student media Officer and Editor-In-Chief this year. Over the summer, I’ve been working hard behind the scenes alongside the Editorial team and NUSU to bring you this Freshers’ issue. Not only will you find loads of incredible articles written by our fantastic sub-editors, you’ll also find a one-stop guide to Freshers’ week, including an introduction to the Freshers’ week assistants who have put together an amazing programme of daytime activities for you all.

Freshers’ week is a time to get to know more about Newcastle University, but also the city as your new home. After calling Newcastle

Spring break - it would be rude not to give you an excuse to procrastinate those final assignments, or your dissertation that is sat in the corner collecting dust. With strikes bringing a fair few staff out of action, it is important to look after yourselves. To successfully write up your assignments you need to make sure you are giving yourself a break! There's only so many hours you can spend staring at an empty word document... We have quite a few articles discussing the best ways to deal with strike action and how to support yourselves - it can be used as a time to really knuckle down on work. In other updates: we have booked onto the treacherous journey down to Exeter for the Student Publication Awards to represent The Courier! Some of the editorial team will be making the SIX hour journey from Newcastle

- that is certainly commitment. Speaking of awards, nominations for the media awards will be closing on 24 March - this is the perfect opportunity to nominate yourself or someone who has really impressed you from the team! Writers, editors, radio, or TVhead to the NUSU website to fill in your nomination forms! That is it for updates from me! I hope you enjoy this issue - I'm really proud of the team once again. Speak soon!

THE COURIER SECTIONS

Editor

Lucy Bower

MediaOfficer.Union@newcastle.ac.uk

Social Media

Poppy Bedford

Current Affairs

Senior editors: Grace Boyle

G.Boyle3@newcastle.ac.uk

Anna Nix

A.Nix2@newcastle.ac.uk

News

Ebony Maude

Marcus Williamson

Oscar Jenkins

Safia Adia

Tom Wood

Campus Comment

Amala Parry

Jess Mooney

Scarlet Davies

Opinion

Addie Dodson

Amelie Baker

Margaux Martinez

Science

Charlotte Atkinson

Matthew Barratt

Sport

Senior editor: Adam Tibke

A.S.Tibke2@newcastle.ac.uk

Adam Symes

Dylan Seymour

Megan Grimston

Noelia Fernandez Perez

Deputy Editor

Libby Griffiths

L.Griffiths9@newcastle.ac.uk

P.Bedford2@newcastle.ac.uk

Life & Style

Senior editors: Marina Snyder

M.Snyder2@newcastle.ac.uk

Charlotte Burley-Hnat

C.Burley-Hnat2@newcastle.ac.uk

Relationships

Emma Stephenson

Jess Hughes

Rosie McKenna

Blind date and Agony Aunt: Abi Ogden

Lifestyle

Ruby Tiplady

Emma Hunter

Fashion &

Beauty

Agnes Kargbo

Mia Wijayatilleke

Trinity Eadie

Travel

Ellen Pinch

Sophie Jarvis

Food & Drink

Barbora Pacherova

Erin Matthews

Esther Arnold

Culture

Senior editors: Sarah Tunstall

S.Tunstall2@newcastle.ac.uk

Adam Lovegrove

A.Lovegrove2@newcastle.ac.uk

Music

Bertie Kirkwood

Oli Free

TV

Cory Gourley

Kirsty Dow

Film

Alex Paine

Charlotte Thompson

Ciara Rivers

Gaming

Amy Mescus

Milly Thompson

Arts

Keira Gratton

Phoebe Clark

Puzzles

Poppy Bedford

Big BRIT success for andFender Jade

Maddy Kendall

The North East represented at the 2025 Brit awards

With the Brits showcasing an incredible year for British music, the North East representation was better than ever with North Shields’ Sam Fender and South Shields’ Jade Thirlwall picking up awards.

Sam Fender won best Rock/Alt act after the release of his newest album People Watching which topped the UK charts in the same week. In his speech he praised his home, dedicating the award to “all those at home in Shields”. This is the Geordie star's third Brit after winning the same award in 2022 and getting the award for Rising Star in 2019.

After collecting his award, Fender admitted to a sense of nerves as he took a few attempts to express his gratitude to fans. He then thanked his band, quipping that without them, he would resemble a "mad man shouting at walls", before adding a touch of Northern charm in acknowledging he was “no where near as drunk as last time”.

Meanwhile, hailing from across the Tyne in South Shields, Jade Thirlwall scooped up the Brit for Best Pop Act. Having rose to fame with iconic girl group Little Mix, Jade (as she goes by now) is embarking on a solo career. She also performed her single 'Angel of My Dreams'which peaked at number 7 in the UK charts upon release - in an extravagant performance which was received very positively by

In her speech, Jade sent thanks to her friends and family for “making me feel like it was a realistic goal to be a pop star ever since I was a little girl". She also commented on the meaning of the song, saying it’s about her "toxic relationship with the music industry".

The Brit awards ceremony took place in London on 1 March and celebrated British music, as well as some international awards, from the past 12 months.

Newcastle man's sight saved by donated placenta graft after life-changing assault

Maddy Kendall

A donated placenta has saved the eye of a 43-year-old man following a blinding acid attack in Newcastle

Father-of-three Paul Laskey suffered blinding injuries to his left eye after acid melted both the inner and outer layers of his corneas. He received two emergency corneal transplants and three amnion grafts in which the tissue from the inner lining of a placenta was used to save the eye. Following a knifepoint mugging in February 2023, Mr Laskey was squirted with a highly corrosive substance causing fourth-degree burns immediately, with the cells unable to repair or regenerate. He was swiftly taken to hospital by police who arrived at the scene. Emergency medics worked to flush as much acid out of the eye as possible. He was confined to a dark room for six hours due to any source of light being too painful, causing “horrific” headaches. He told the BBC: “It was

horrific. Instantly, I couldn’t see anything”.

Within the following months he received several treatments from Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI). This included the amnion - the official name of tissue taken from the inner lining of the donated placenta. Though his eye was saved, doctors are still trying to restore more of his vision through stem cell treatment, on top of the total eightmonth treatment plan.

Laskey’s son, who was there during the attack, is said to still be reeling from it and feels “a lot of guilt”. To which Laskey stated, “it’s not his fault”. The man who was responsible for the attack was jailed in August 2024 for 10-11 years after the case was appealed to the Court of Justice. Using donated placenta is not a new form of treatment, the organs’ length

itself can provide between 50-100 amnion grafts and the high-protein growth factors which can stimulate the healing process. The first placenta graft

can

and

Voice of Newcastle metro revealed

Emma Hunter - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

The Man behind the Newcastle metro's announcements revealed after fifteen years.

After fifteen years of use, the man behind the Newcastle metro announcements has been revealed. Mark Bryant first recorded his voice

for the on-board announcements of the Tyne and Wear Metro in 2010, though his identity was only revealed

“He also jokingly describes what it is like to hear his own voice on a commute”

to the general public last month. Bryant, 46, from Hebburn, can be seen repeating the familiar phrases to Metro users in a video recently released by Nexus. They are pleasantly surprised and amused to hear him replicate the exact tone and timbre of the announcements.

He also jokingly describes what it is like to hear his own voice on a commute.

The video comes as 46 brand-new trains have been added to the existing fleet, with the aim of replacing the fleet in full by 2026. Bryant’s voice can be heard announcing the stops in these trains too, and in the video he expresses his delight at hearing his voice in the new trains. He also praises the exciting design of the carriages.

Bryant is a professional voice artist, with his voice being used for the on-hold tone of Barclaycard and Newcastle building society. He also runs a Gateshead-based creative and video production agency. A former station manager at the

university of Bradford’s student radio, he started out recording voiceovers for local radio adverts. His voice has become commonplace for all regular Metro users. It can be heard all across the network, even in the loudspeakers for the ticket machines. Passengers have described it as “warm and soothing”. Voice acting is a Bryant family affair; his wife Amanda is currently the voice of the Tyne Tunnel and has recorded for Sky Sports and ITV. His son William, 7, is the voice of Blueline Taxis, has even been nominated for a national voiceover artist award.

Image

be dated back to 1910 to treat a skin wound; it has been used since to cure eye injuries, burns,

chronic injuries.

Image credit: Mike Quinn, Geograph

Astreet next to St James' Park is to become a pedestrian zone as part of Council plans to make the area safer for football fans and workers.

Under new plans announced by Newcastle City Council on the 19th February, Strawberry Lane is to be

officially closed off to all vehicles and accessible to bikes and pedestrians only.

The road has already been closed to cars since January due to roadworks with ‘minimal disruption to traffic flow’ according to Council officials.

The Council have argued that the move will improve safety and allow new developments in the area such as Stack to thrive without heavy traffic surrounding it, also benefitting the city's air quality. While the plans received just

Universities Challenged

Bristol boils over

two official complaints prior to approval, the decision was met with significant backlash on social media, with one person airing their concerns: ‘Stupid decision…how on earth are ambulances supposed to get to the RVI from quayside?’

Another complained that it was prioritising cyclists over cars: ‘2 hrs in traffic around RVI yesterday, guess how many cyclists I've seen. Absolutely none’ Conversely, some pointed out that

despite the anger in the comments, the move is ultimately unlikely to change much, as Strawberry Lane had already been pedestrianised for a while prior to the announcement. Strawberry Lane will now be a pedestrian route that will aid walking and cycling access to the stadium from Big Market on matchdays, and otherwise help people navigate from Stack to other parts of the city in general. It is hoped the decision will help

Strawberry Lane to be pedestrianised Belfast deny staff pressure

Bristol Uni students shower with pots and pans following hot water failures

Students living in Campbell House have been unable to access hot water since October 2024, causing them to resort to using pots and pans to shower. They have been receiving intermittent hot water for the past five months, and have been unable to wash their hands or cook food properly.

Campbell House is operated by Unite Students for those enrolled at the University of Bristol. Both of these organisations have released a joint statement in order to apologise and offer financial compensation for those affected.

Students are currently paying £9,272 for a ten month tenancy, and Unite Students are offering £4 per day compensation for the period of disruption which they say began on December 5th 2024. This currently totals to around £500 for the total period of disruption.

The official reason for the unreliable hot water was stated as limescale in the system, which prevented the flow of water through the pipes. The solution suggested was to use a friend’s shower if they had access to hot water.

Students of the University of Bristol said they felt ‘cat-fished’ by the amenities offered by the accommodation. Campbell House currently houses 400 students and is advertised to include a gym and a cinema room whilst also being conveniently located ten minutes from the university by both car and foot.

Some have felt pressured into buying external gym memberships in order to access regular hot water, and others say they have resorted to missing lectures in order to shower in the seldom periods they can.

There is said to be a mass group chat in which the tenants can communicate when hot water is available, followed by a rush to use the showers before the hot water runs out.

Georgia Mulligan

In an email seen by BBC NI, the staff at Queen’s University Belfast Business school were reported to have been put under pressure to raise the grades awarded to students in order to compete with other universities.

The internal email was brought to the attention of BBC NI by an anonymous whistle blower who claimed lecturers felt pressure to not only inflate undergraduate marks but also post-graduate qualifications.

This was refuted by a QUB spokesperson who said it “completely and absolutely refutes any suggestion that staff in its Business School have been put under pressure of any kind to inflate the grades of our students”.

The email was sent during the May 2024 marking period and detailed that Queens were awarding marks “around 7 percentage points less” than other Russel Groups, and that in order to match the degree classifications of other Russel Groups, the Business school need to be projecting average marks of 62-66 as opposed to the current average of 59.

The email asked staff to “please bear this in mind while marking and moderating modules”.

The spokesperson also said that the university has “a stringent oversight mechanism” and that “drawing on data from comparable universities and programmes is one aspect of this process”.

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading universities across the UK and are known for being academically competitive.

A named member of staff conducted analysis that was also enclosed in the email, revealing that the percentage of Business Management degrees that were awarded a 1st in Queen’s was considerably lower than other Russell Groups.

These claims were unequivocally denied in a statement by a QUB spokesperson saying "As a leading university across the UK and Ireland, and member of the Russell Group, we - like other universities - apply a variety of metrics to continuously benchmark our students against a range of peer institutions in relation to student outcomes and the employability prospects of our graduates.”

the Council's target to be carbon neutral by 2030 and boost efforts to regenerate the area following the takeover of Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund in 2021. The potential success of the project may encourage further pedestrianisation by Newcastle City Council in future, as seen in cities like Oxford. It remains to be seen if this is a possibility for Newcastle.

UK Universities rank highest in educating world leaders

Christine Soloch

UK universities top the table for educating the world's political figureheads

According to recent research from data and technology agency Jisc, UK universities educate more world leaders than any other country. The study tracked heads of state and government ministers in every government worldwide between 1990 and 2022.

“UK universities educated 50 national leaders, who were in post in 2022”

Even with financial turmoil in the higher education sector, UK institutions educated 50 national leaders globally, who were in post in 2022, thereby overtaking the US, Russia, and France. Oxford has produced the most national leaders globally – 36 since 1990 – while the London School of Economics (LSE) follows with 24. Further key contributors are the other members

of the University of London federation, the University of Manchester, and the University of Cambridge.

Notable global political figures that hold a UK university degree include the Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Namibia’s first female presidentelect, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

“By next year, up to 72% of higer education providers could be in deficit”

Nevertheless, UK universities are currently grappling with severe financial strains. A report by the Office for Students (OfS) revealed that by next year, up to 72% of higher education providers could be in deficit, with 40% at risk of low liquidity. Job cuts, course closures, and the decline in international students continue to put pressure on higher education institutions and highlight their flaws. An additional burden, linked to inflation, is the increase in tuition fees for home students by the next academic year - the first rise in eight years. Fees are expected to rise to £10,500 by 2029, though experts argue that this will not be enough to secure a stronger financial footing for UK universities. The OfS

calls for “bold and transformative action” such as mergers or cost-sharing.

“Studying for a degree at a UK institution can shape a life”

For the UK to uphold its status in higher education, universities must take immediate measures for viable financial solutions. Vivienne Stern MBE, chief executive of Universities UK, said: “We’ve always known that our universities are a national asset – and this report demonstrates just how extraordinary they are [...]. Studying for a degree at a UK institution can shape a life, and many world leaders look back on their student days here with glowing pride, and credit their institution with who they have become today. It is essential that these less tangible benefits of a degree are not forgotten, and that we protect our universities.”

Over 50 schools granted free daily breakfast clubs

Alicia McEvoy

- NUTV Station Manager

56 North-East schools confirmed for free, daily breakfast clubs.

For years, we have all heard that ‘no child should go to school hungry’, and a new government initiative is delivering on the promise to help families across the North East. 56 schools have been confirmed as offering free, daily breakfast clubs which will start in April. It’s estimated that families could

save around £450 a year thanks to this new scheme. It will also support working parents by allowing them to drop their children off at school half an hour earlier, helping them to reach their place of work on time too.

Schools that participate in this ate being encourages to offer a healthy, varied and nutritious meal for children to start their day with. They’ll also be able to take part in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, reading and puzzles.

Breakfast clubs give students more time to settle back into the academic setting as well as being able to catch up with friends.

scheme is a fundamental part of the government’s attempt to eradicate child poverty. Around 180,000 children will benefit from the early access schools have nationwide, with an estimation of 4,700 of those children coming from deprived areas in the North-East. For those involved, they will now receive funding to cover food and staffing, allowing schools that previously didn’t have a breakfast club, to be able to start one. Education Secretary Bridget Philipson, who is also an MP in the North-East, stated that “free breakfast clubs sit right at the heart of our Plan for Change”. The clubs can have a “transformative impact” on the lives of the youth, allowing them to start the day well fuelled and “ready to learn”. She went on to say that the “government is delivering the reforms needed to give every child, wherever they grow up, the best start in life."

Christopher Jenkins

Aarya Shenoy

Source: Wikimedia Commons, Richard Townshend

Image Source: Publicdomainpictures.

Campus Comment

Should students be reimbursed for teaching time lost during strikes?

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sport Sub-Editor

Should

we be asking for compensation for

the disruption...

University strikes have become a recurring issue in education systems worldwide, with students frequently caught in the middle of disputes between staff and management. The question arises: should students be reimbursed for teaching time lost during strikes?

Given that these disruptions can significantly affect their education, the issue deserves thoughtful consideration.

When strikes occur, students are often deprived of vital learning opportunities. Lectures, seminars, and other forms of direct teaching are cancelled, leaving students to miss out on essential content that forms part of their course. This loss of academic time can result in delays to degree progress, potentially affecting graduation timelines. Additionally, students may

find themselves facing increased stress and anxiety as they struggle to make up for lost learning.

"Students should not be expected to bear the cost of a situation they have no

materials, could acknowledge the negative impact of these strikes.

Given that students pay for a certain level of educational service, they should not be expected to bear the full cost of a situation they have no control over. Moreover, it could serve as a message to educational institutions that students are customers, and their needs should be prioritized, even during industrial action.

However, there are several reasons why reimbursement may not be a simple or feasible solution. First, most universities offer a range of resources beyond just direct teaching time, such as access to libraries, online resources, and academic support services.

These services continue during strikes, and it could be argued that the overall value of a student's education is not solely dependent on face-toface teaching hours. Secondly, strikes are a

last resort for academic staff, usually arising from unresolved issues such as pay disputes, working conditions, or funding cuts. The underlying cause of the strike is often out of the hands of the students, and it could be argued that directing anger at universities for lost learning time is misdirected.

"Universities should focus on making up for lost learning time through additional resources."

The root cause of the issue should be addressed through dialogue and negotiation between staff and management. While students may understandably feel frustrated and inconvenienced by strikes, it’s unlikely that reimbursement for lost teaching time would be a viable solution. Instead, universities could focus on making up for lost learning through additional resources, catchup sessions, and extended academic support. Ultimately, ensuring that students receive the education they have paid for, despite external disruptions, should be the priority.

Beyond the Bylines: Stories from the heart of student media

- Head of Current Affairs

75 years of Student Journalism. Here are our stories..

As a Journalism student, spending three years completing an academic degree can be busy, grappling with the nuances of reading and writing essays. From day one of your degree, you are building your portfolio of work—finding your style, voice, and niche while writing academically rigorous essays on something dissimilar to your imagined career. To enter the industry of media and journalism, it is important to practice old and current skills to adapt to today’s dynamic industry. In a competitive landscape where experience goes a long way, student media at Newcastle University may be the very thing you need. At Newcastle, there are so many extracurricular opportunities that offer you the sweet gratification of your work published in an established newspaper or hearing your voice broadcast across campus. Finding a space with publishing and broadcasting freedom is liberating and a place you do not see in national media outlets. the SU,

student media is a collaborative community of the award-winning student newspaper The Courier, 24/7 award-winning NSR student radio, and the television channel NUTV.

Currently, student media has over 500 volunteers, making it the BIGGEST Go Volunteer Programme within the SU. Many alumni mention their degree highlights came from the community of student media.

The diverse community allows many perspectives and cultures to meet with and learn. Student media gives you the chance to find likeminded writers and meet people from different schools within the university.

Joining Student Media can assist in developing your skills to support your place in the industry, potentially learning about what to expect in a professional newsroom and working your way up the position hierarchy.

Unlike any other university SU media outlet, Newcastle has an elected and full-time post-graduate who oversees and runs all three branches. Editorin-Chief Lucy Bower said "being SMO is a privilege and I love to work with the volunteers to hear their views on current topics. As a director and trustee of the Students' Union, being able to give student perspectives directly to the University executive board is very important".

NSR, has its own recording, podcasting and live-streaming room,

happens 24/7. The award-winning station has over 40 shows where students can host, present and gossip about their favourite topics.

From sports to blind dates, game shows and specialised music programmes, ThisIsNSR offers skills and practice in broadcasting on air, online and in the students' union.

Former NSR Station Manager James Turner (Jim Jam the Radio Man) said: "I have two favourite moments: plugging in the radio for the first time after Christmas in 2023 and it working for the first time. Or hosting the SRA conference, where I met so many good friends and brilliant people from the industry."

NSR also run fundraising events for charity in collaboration with the NUTV.

Last academic year, volunteers livestreamed for 24 hours to raise money for UNICEF in aid of children in Gaza.

Ross Bennett, former Deputy Editor of The Courier said "The livestream was a barrel of laughs, and I had so much fun in the studio. Highlights would be The Courier office hunger games and a 3am McDonalds delivery and also raising money for Gaza. It is a great example of the values and virtues of NSR".

Working at Newcastle Uni Television offers volunteers a dynamic and engaging experience that spans various aspects of media production including, camera operating, livestreaming,

commentating, and production.

Allowing participants to explore the multiple facets of broadcasting, NUTV covers big events on campus to bring the student lifestyle and interest straight to the big screens, so no one feels like they are getting FOMO. Production makes the events more accessible to the wider student community, and gaining skills in media production is a great skill to empower your future career in digital industries.

One of the big events NUTV co-hosts is Fight Night, where students livestream boxing competitions in the NUSU venue, gaining hands-on experience in the technical aspects of production. From sound, lighting and script writing, students gain practical skills in working on live-long form content creation.

NUTV also run the Student Elections and Student Council to discuss the student experience, hold representatives to account and directly influence the work done with the union, the university and in the education industry nationally.

James Kellett, former Gaming SubEditor, who is now completing his NCTJ said ‘It was slightly nerving to do it but I’m so happy I went ahead with presenting. I proved to myself that I could take a task and make something out of it which has been so useful in giving me confidence to cover stories that are outside of my comfort zone".

We will meet again...

Elizabeth Fernie

How can we keep in touch with coursemates during strikes?

Strikes may mean fewer nine-a.m.'s and more lieins, but they don’t have to mean losing touch with your coursemates.

With ongoing university strikes, you might find yourself with less time-tabled time together, making it harder to support each other and maintain friendships. If you’re struggling to stay connected during this period, you’re not alone!

The promise of fewer in-person lectures and seminars gives way to the potential for one to feel less engaged, disconnected and consequently isolated, with fewer social interactions.

Regardless of strikes, Gov.uk finds that loneliness is experienced by a staggering 92%, though nearly half admit to being worried about being judged for admitting this. In any case, maintaining friendships proves to be important for both academic and personal well-being.

Here are some ways to stay connected:

1) Shared activities –Attending society events, gym sessions or even cooking together. All I’m saying is doing a food shop with a friend is a lot more fun than going by yourself; why not extend an invitation?

2) Social catchups –From coffee dates, and pub quizzes to group walks, reaching out to make plans like these are more than likely to keep friendships strong.

3) Study groups –Not only does this help with keeping up with friends, but these meet-ups allow an opportunity to discuss course material and learn together. This is perfect for those who might also be concerned about their academics taking a hit in this period.

4) Online chats and calls –

Keeping group chats active and Facetime are great lower-effort ways to check-in. So, whilst strikes may disrupt the usual routine, friendships don’t have to suffer. Reaching out to others and being proactive about staying in touch makes such a big difference. University is about more than just academics; the people you meet along the way are just as important.

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Grace Boyle

Image Source: PickPik, Wikicommons

Keeping motivated during the strikes

Lucy Langdon

In light of the strikes which are due to be happening, most students will likely have fewer contact hours. Now for some students, such as those in humanities courses, this may not be too different and you may be used to working independently but for those who usually have a high number of contact hours, this may be quite different.

It’s important to keep up with the work which was supposed to be happening as this could be work which might affect your final grade or come up in assignments towards the end of the year. One way to do this would be to do work when you otherwise would have timetabled hours. It is likely that a lot of the information will be up on canvas and if not then independent research is the way to go. Doing work in your uni room or flat can seem hard and demotivating so maybe think about the study spaces set up on campus such as the student union or the libraries. Just because strikes are happening doesn’t mean that students can’t cross the picket line. No lecturer or teacher wants to make the student suffer so

it is important to keep motivated and doing your work.

The strikes may seem like a good chance to get the well-needed lie in but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be keeping up. If getting up later is really important to you then try and make sure you do your work later on in the day and into the evening. It is a chance to see how you work most productively.

Of course, this may mean that you miss out on a lot of socialising so try to meet up with some friends too.

Maybe you could suggest a study date with some people on your course to keep you motivated and to help each other along the way. Or perhaps having more spare time will allow you to meet up and go to pub gardens during the day as the weather begins to brighten.

Remember that you don’t need to miss out on vital information on your course and most office hours will be going ahead as long as they’re not on strike days so try to make the most out of that. Also, make sure to email your lecturers with any questions which will hopefully be replied to outside of strike days.

Callum Borkowski

Content Warning: Discussion of sexual violence

Student Wellbeing at Newcastle University has created a student-led video to help raise awareness surrounding sexual violence. The emotive video encapsulates Newcastle University’s serious Stance when dealing with reports of sexual harassment and misconduct. “If it does not feel okay, it is not okay”, is the central message in the video, acting as a strong reminder for students to seek help if they are placed in uncomfortable positions.

"If it does not feel okay, then it is not okay"

Sally Ingram, MBE, Director of Student Health and Wellbeing Services, regarding raising awareness of sexual violence said: “It is vital not just for the student population, but I think it is vital for the whole of society.” She continued, “…I wanted it [the video] to speak to people whose behaviour was damaging to others but who might not realise it.”

The video’s message is extremely relevant to contemporary society. As statistics from the Office of National Statistics (2023) estimate that 1/4

Sub-Editors:

women and 1/18 men have been raped or sexually assaulted since the age of 16. Moreover, according to the Home Office (2025), fewer than 3/100 rapes that were recorded by police in the year ending September 2024 resulted in someone being charged that same year. Given these statistics, Newcastle University’s video comes at a time when speaking out against sexual violence is so important to help reduce the problem.

The video covers a variety of behaviours that are a part of sexual violence such as sharing someone’s nudes, stealthing someone, or assaulting them. It aims to educate students on these harmful behaviours. In the video, Athletic Union Officer, Alex Duggan, says: “Sexual violence affects everyone, and it is on all of us to stop it”. Her words are especially impactful when according to Northumbria Police in the Newcastle Central Area out of 949 crimes reported in December 2024, violence and sexual offences were the most common with 313 instances.

Newcastle University has an anonymous disclosure and support system, that any survivors or observers of sexual violence can utilise to report an offence. The university is there to help students take the necessary steps and provide support to

Does the University experience live up to the expectations?

Phillipp

Andreewitch

Is the NCL Uni experience worth it...

Some of us are generally fed the perception of a lush social landscape where everyone is on the straight and narrow to a wellpaying job and a nice life. Others might have more vague, or no expectations at all. That said, one thing is certain, you wouldn’t go to

expectations of it whatsoever, right?

Newcastle University is distinct from other UK universities in that it has one of the highest proportions of students nationwide who come from the local area, meaning that a lot of us already have our social set, favourite coffee place & bars for the cheapest drinks nipped in the bud. Not being from here, I remember the first time I walked up Northumberland Street all wide-eyed with my small bag of worldly possessions. I didn’t have any of those things early on and it was at times quite daunting watching others move effortlessly and unencumbered in a way befitting those who have already had a lifetime to acclimate to their surroundings.

If I’m being honest, societies were a bit of a disappointment in the first year because most of the ones I joined did stuff infrequently and when they did, it was often heavily oriented around drinking to the exclusion of meaningful social enlightenment. I also found that coming from the south, people would take one look at me and ask where I come from. Most people did it innocuously but some immediately asked me if I was a Tory, if I liked Margret Thatcher and introductory conversations sometimes felt like subtle interrogations preemptively searching for sources of political disagreement.

I don't know about you but I can't think of anything that's actually good value for money (aside from drinks) where you get to pull out that

student card & save money. Before Uni I was led to believe that I would unlock a world of student discounts and that everything would become 20% cheaper at the flash of my student card. In my experience, I’m only really getting student discounts on alcohol, things which are at least 30% more expensive than they really should be or ultra-processed food I would never want anyway (Dominos fits both criteria). I don't know about you but I can’t think of anything that’s actually good value for money (aside from drinks) where you get to pull out that student card & save money. Is there a student discount on Aldi shopping, on that £32 Ryanair return flight to Vienna or maybe for the Megabus down to Leeds? Didn’t think so. Some aspects of the uni experience are certainly disappointing. However, I’m slowly realizing that being here unlocks unique experiences and allows me to network with a sheer breadth of people I probably won’t have access to in a workplace down the line. If I was ten years into a drab engineering career and suddenly decided I wanted to go into journalism, I don’t think the Daily Mail would let me write for them unless I was well connected. Thankfully, I don’t need to be well connected to write for The Courier because it’s insulated within the University ecosystem which is somewhat less serious and consequential than the outside world. And yet, University can be super serious because those things we do in our free time could define what we do in ten years.

those affected by sexual violence in any capacity, for example by arranging specialist therapy or PECs. Lara Hillier, a student actor in the video said: “By being able to directly talk about it [sexual violence], we are tackling issues that university students will be able to recognise.” Ultimately, it is so important that students are aware of the wellbeing services that the university offers to ensure that they can have the best student experience.

We’ll Meet Again: Keeping University video campaign to challenge sexual violence

Talking of forbidden campus love affairs...

Scarlet Davies - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Are student and lecturer relationships ever acceptable?

The ‘teacher and student’ trope has become uncomfortably popular recently, from films such as Miller’s Girl, starring A-Lister Jenna Ortega, to romance books such as The Love Hypothesis Both media entail a female student entering a relationship with a male teacher, romanticising what it is to break that unspoken rule and fall in love with a teacher. While relationships between students and lecturers at university are technically legal, how moral is it? Is it right to be silently accepted and encouraged in the media, or should it be reinforced as something much more shameful?

Okay, so everyone’s probably had a crush on a teacher before. But how far should you take it? There’s a difference between thinking that your lecturer is attractive versus actually speaking to them, never mind meeting outside of lectures. There is a definite grey line with university, where some lecturers are not that much older than the students. Outside of university, perhaps it would be considered acceptable. However, a lecturer dating one of their students can lead to increasingly problematic scenarios, such as doing favours for better grades on exams

or essays. While real-life relationships are probably not as dramatic as every schoolgirl porno makes it seem, it still creates a bias that shouldn’t be there in the first place. In a classroom, it seems unfair to have one student prioritised and praised more than another because of a relationship that should be happening outside school hours. So it is better to date a lecturer if they teach a different class? On the Newcastle University webpage, they state that “we do not accept close, personal or intimate relationships between colleagues and students where there is direct supervision.” There’s certainly less mention of lecturers who you have less contact with- and perhaps if you connected with them outside of University, it might be easier to navigate. There’s certainly less of a power imbalance if your school work has nothing to do with them, and yet it still feels somewhat immoral. What are the chances that they might be teaching you in the next academic year? Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day doesn’t seem quite as fun if students are stopping by the table to ask if the lecturer’s marked their essays yet. While it might not seem like much of an age difference sometimes, lecturers are in a different position in life: they’re there to work, not to flirt with students. So should teachers and students be able to date? While it depends on the situation and the age difference, the idea of earning favour for essays or exams is extremely unethical. Getting kicked out of university for a lecturer seems like a massive waste of money- and they can’t teach you anything either if they’re unemployed.

Image source: pixabay, Monicore

Image source: Wikimedia commons

Image sources: Pexels

Image Source: Pexels, Anh Nguyen

Amala Parry, Jess Mooney & Scarlet Davies

Sub-Editors:

Addie Dodson, Amelie Baker & Margaux Martinez

Opinion

The state of higher education: The crumbling future of Universities

Logan Best

An analysis on how the wider system for Higher Education is failing, and Newcastle's position within it.

With prospective students facing increased tuition fees whilst academics and staff members brace for mass job losses, it is time to reconsider England’s failed model for higher education. Here at Newcastle, staff members are taking industrial action to protest the university’s approx £20m salary reduction, a move which will comprise of approximately 300 redundancies across academic departments andsupport staff. The university has already suspended recruitment and promotions, attributing these cuts to a £35m budget deficit. In actuality, this number represents a shortfall of income and not a deficit, with the university’s expected profits suffering from a decline in international student numbers. Whilst Newcastle

is currently on the front lines when it comes to job cuts, its reliance on funding from international students’ higher tuition fees is a model shared across the higher education sector. This funding model can be traced back to the introduction of tuition fees for domestic students in 1998 under Blair’s Labour Government. Initially at £1,000 per year, fees have been raised several times under both Labour and Conservative Governments, most recently to £9,535 from September. Tuition fees for foreign students have consistently been higher, with some Master’s degrees charging as high as £48,000, with universities orientating their spending and expansion around expectations of growth driven by international student fees. This

'marketisation' of higher education has left it vulnerable to external changes,

Whilst external factors have certainly contributed to the crisis of higher education, they do not tell the complete story. Whilst universities are experiencing profit shortfalls, the institutions are far from bankruptcy – in the previous academic year (2023/24), Newcastle University experienced a record year for capital investments, most of which was directed towards property expansion and development.

In January of this year, Vice-Chancellor Chris Day took an expenses-paid trip to India to investigate the possibility for opening a branch campus of Newcastle University in the South Asian country. This follows existing branch campuses in Malaysia and Singapore. This investment is contrasted with the university’s significant salary reduction, suspension of

Germany’s ‘right’ turn: A political earthquake

The 2025 German snap election wasn’t just a shake-up—it was a reckoning. With mainstream parties bleeding support and the far-right making historic gains, Germany is staring at a future that looks eerily familiar to anyone who’s ever cracked open a history book.

Friedrich Merz and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) technically 'won' with 28.6% of the vote, but let’s not pretend this was a triumph. It’s their second-worst post-war result, and Merz now has the unenviable task of forming a coalition in an increasingly fragmented parliament.

The real headline? The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Once dismissed as a fringe movement, the far-right party, under Alice Weidel, secured 20.8%, making them the second-largest political force in the Bundestag. A party that was once shunned for its nationalist, anti-immigration, and revisionist rhetoric is now a dominant player in German politics. That’s a sentence that should send shivers down spines—especially in a country where politicians still swear their loyalty to 'never again'.

And then there’s the Social Democratic Party (SPD), suffering a historic collapse. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz led them to 16.4%, their worst result since World War II. The Greens and the

Left (Die Linke) had mixed results, but in an election where voters leaned hard to the right, they’re fighting an uphill battle.

Merz faces a significant political challenge. He has firmly ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD, citing the party’s history of nationalist rhetoric and its associations with historical revisionism. However, with limited coalition options, his ability to form a stable government is uncertain.

The pressure to negotiate with factions that hold controversial positions may grow, testing Germany’s long-standing political norms. Given the country’s historical trajectory, the normalisation of far-right influence in mainstream politics would mark a profound shift in Germany’s post-war consensus.

Germany’s facing economic stagnation, energy crises, and a growing backlash against immigration policies.

The AfD capitalised on this anger, promising stricter borders, nationalism, and 'taking back control'. Sound familiar? It should.

We’ve seen this before, in different uniforms and under different banners.

Merz, for his part, is promising tax cuts, deregulation, and tighter immigration controls, hoping to placate both the business community and an increasingly right-leaning electorate. But if his coalition partners resist, his chancellorship

could be dead on arrival.

Brussels should be sweating. If the AfD can gain this much ground in Germany—a country that has gone to extreme lengths to suppress nationalist extremism—what’s stopping similar movements across Europe? The EU is already struggling with right-wing populism in Italy, Hungary, and France. Germany just added fuel to the fire.

A More Independent Germany? Merz has hinted at wanting less reliance on the U.S. and more European-led defence initiatives. That means potential NATO tensions, at a time when European security is already on shaky ground

Economic Friction: Germany’s next government will decide whether it sticks to EU-driven economic policies or charts its own course. A shift could spark conflict within the bloc, especially if nationalist elements push for policies that put "Germany First."

This election was a turning point, not just for Germany but for Europe as a whole. The rise of the AfD isn’t just a political shift—it’s a historical warning sign. In a country that has spent decades reckoning with its past, the fact that a party with openly nationalist rhetoric is now a dominant force should not be ignored. Germany’s future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the lessons of history only matter if people remember them.

Revenge

cost-of-living assistance such as the former '£1 meal on campus' programmes. These austerity measures reveal the consequences of higher education’s marketisation, where growth in Newcastle’s property portfolio and managers on six-figure salaries is pursued at the expense of providing for its commodified students or its clearly expendable academics and staff members.

“Whilst universities are experiencing profit shortfalls, the institutions are far from bankruptcy”

Responsibility falls on our universities’ boards and vice-chancellors for their financial mismanagement and dependence on international student growth, and on successive central governments for facilitating a higher education model built on the exploitation of its staff and students, both domestic and international. Newcastle University is on the front lines, but its model is shared across a country that will be watching the outcome of our strikes closely.

porn:

it's a forever thing

Only recently brought into the spotlight of the media’s attention by two-time Love Islander and campaigner Georgia Harrison, revenge porn is a growing phenomenon online, but what exactly is ‘Revenge Porn’ and how does it affect us?

Officially made a criminal offence in 2015, revenge porn includes any ‘sharing’ of private, sexual photographs or films, and any threats to do so. Despite the government’s ‘Be Aware B4 You Share’ campaign, revenge porn is still rife, seeing a 106% rise in cases between 2022 and 2023 according to Revenge Porn Helpline. Whilst instances increase, rates of charges amongst offenders remains abysmally low, recent reports recording charges in less than 5% of cases.

Although legislation is a step in the right direction, its loose definition and deficient enforcement leave room for the issue to fester further. For instance, what counts as ‘sharing’? What if a man shows his friend an explicit image of his ex-girlfriend on his phone, an exchange which is virtually improvable but could have happened several times?

Police enforcement of the crime is so unthorough that this is a very plausible possibility. Because even if the offender is prosecuted for sharing revenge porn, that content is not confiscated from them. Ownership of the content is the root of the problem, so why hasn’t it been addressed in the government’s attempt at a solution?

Given that the offender has legal

ownership and copyright over the content, as demonstrated by Harrison in her documentary ‘Georgia Harrison: Porn, Power, Profit’, once shared, the content can often only be removed by the offender themselves. Even then, the possibility of the content disappearing entirely is slim to none. Possession of private or explicit content – whether consensual or nonconsensual – also allows for the imposing of ‘sextortion’, an act of blackmailing an individual using the threat of sharing the images or videos. This aspect of manipulation is outlined in revenge porn legislation, but is not falsifiable: without physical records, which there is most often not, there is no way to prove or disprove that this blackmail did or didn’t take place, meaning it is essentially not prosecutable under current laws. Even if we were to ignore the possible implications of sharing Revenge Porn, there is still a victim who must suffer the undeniable emotional damage of simply knowing that content exists, its fate outside of their control. Similar to most sexual offence accusations, the odds are decidedly not in revenge porn victims’ favour.

Jessica Palfrey

Lottie Browning

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons, EundD, Michael Lucan, Haisollokopas, mmxx

Image: Source: Wikimedia Commons, Sarah Cossom, Mohammed T10, FreeStockImages

Image Source: Pixabay, VBlock

Keir Starmer says he'll back Ukraine in talks with Trump

Louis George

With Trump's position on Ukraine, it is vital that the UK stands for European Unity.

President Trump has been in top form of late, all statements on Ukraine conforming to his usual ingenious ‘throw shit and the wall and see what sticks’ strategy. His erroneous statements including that Zelensky is a ‘dictator without elections’ and that Ukraine had, in fact, started the war (for a more comprehensive check on this matter, see this article). From the possibly impending rare minerals deal (which many would view as extortion) to suspicions around Trump’s Russian connections, it is clear that he has no interest in productive politics on this front.

“This

breakdown of international cohesion should not be treated as a

Empty

Indeed, it seems that he is using the war for his own political ends, falsely claiming that the US has given Ukraine over $350 Billion in aid while the real number is likely in the ballpark of $180 Billion. He is using this false number to leverage his new

number being touted is $500 billion. No other country has attempted to collect on the money given to Ukraine to date (let alone sought a profit), going further to show just how much bad faith the US is acting with on this matter. Our ‘special relationship’ with the US is certainly deteriorating, as are the rest of the global hegemon’s democratic connections. I would point to a common proverb here'When one door closes, another one opens'. This breakdown of international cohesion should not be treated as a

opportunity. There is no better time for the UK to take a firm stance on this issue, Starmer’s increase in defence spending, his peacekeepers plan with Macron as well as his assurance that he will back Ukraine’s voice on this matter in his talks with Trump today (26/02/25) are very positive developments on this front. This is the path back to global relevance for the UK, this is how we can maintain and rebuild our European bonds after Brexit and the tumultuous years since. The absolute worst thing we can do is capitulate to America here, it is time to realise that this ‘special relationship’ could become distressingly one-sided distressingly quick if we don’t stick to our guns. I am (for once) feeling optimistic about our trajectory as a country, the lines he is taking on this matter indicate that Keir Starmer is perfectly willing to go against Trump. This is going to be vital for our European relations.

Seats and Silent Bars: The slow decline of working men’s clubs

Sasha Cowie

Sasha Cowie talks about the decline of Working Men's Clubs and the position they held in a community.

Once the beating heart of many northern communities, working men’s clubs are now relics of a bygone era. I grew up in Durham, a place that was once filled with thriving pit villages, where mining wasn’t just a job but a way of life. Here in the outskirts of Durham, these clubs— once buzzing with laughter, music, and a sense of workingclass camaraderie—are dwindling into near extinction. For generations, they were social lifelines, places where miners could unwind with a cheap pint after a hard shift at the pit or factory. But today, the lively atmosphere has been replaced by empty bar stools, dwindling memberships, and an ageing clientele clinging onto the last remains of a once-thriving culture.

Historically, these clubs were built on a foundation of working-class solidarity, yet they were also deeply exclusionary. Women were often relegated to a separate lounge or outright banned from membership, reinforcing a misogynistic culture that was accepted as the norm. The idea of a “working men’s” club was precisely that— designed by and for men, with women expected to exist on the sidelines, if at all. For decades, this rigid structure kept them afloat, but it also planted the seeds of their eventual decline. Times have changed. The industries that fuelled these clubs—coal, steel, shipbuilding—have long since collapsed, and the social values that once upheld their exclusivity have also evolved. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the pit villages of the North East, where mining was the backbone of life. When the mines shut down in the 1980s and 90s, the communities that had depended on them were left struggling. It was during this period that working men’s clubs saw their peak, becoming places where redundant miners gathered, found solidarity, and tried to make sense of their uncertain futures.

Today, many working men’s clubs

exist in a state of limbo, trapped between nostalgia and obsolescence. Walk into one on a weekday afternoon, and you’ll likely find a few pensioners nursing a lager, reminiscing about better days. Gone are the packed Saturday nights, the club singers, the family raffles. Younger generations aren’t interested— they have pubs, bars, and social media to fulfil their need for connection.

What was once a necessity—a local hub for the working class—is now just another outdated institution struggling to justify its relevance. Attempts to modernise have been met with mixed success. Some clubs have rebranded as social clubs, allowing women equal membership and embracing more inclusive entertainment. Others have introduced sports screenings, live music, or themed events to lure in a younger crowd. But in a world where traditional community ties are loosening, and the costof-living crisis forces people to think twice about spending on leisure, these efforts often fall flat. The slow demise of working men’s

Keeping up with the White House

Charlotte Thomas

As we enter the third month of Donald Trump’s second term as America’s president, let’s reflect on some of the current catastrophes occurring in the American government…

Elon Musk

As a ‘special government employee’ of the Trump administration, Musk has taken a lead on budget-cutting targets. He claims he can achieve $1 trillion cuts this year, however this would mean more staff layoffs, causing disruption to government programs. An estimated 880 staff from the US climate agency have already been laid off, and it is expected many more jobs from departments of transportation, cybersecurity and infrastructure will also be terminated.

Ukraine

clubs is a reflection of wider societal shifts. The close-knit, industrial communities that built them no

neither does the unquestioned male dominance that once defined them.

While some clubs may evolve and survive, many will continue to fade into obscurity, becoming nothing more than a nostalgic footnote in local history.

For those who still frequent these spaces, there’s a sense of defiance—of holding on to tradition in the face of inevitable change. But for the younger generations looking in, these clubs are simply remnants of a past they have little interest in reviving. The question remains: are working men’s clubs capable of real reinvention, or are they doomed to be nothing more than symbols of a lost era?

Within 10 minutes of Zelensky and Trump meeting, their discussion erupted into shouting and childish blaming. A trade deal of valuable Ukrainian minerals to ensure the future security for Ukraine was left unsigned. Within the short period of time Trump accused Zelensky of 'gambling with World War 3 and shockingly refused to name Russia as the aggressor in the war, also referencing Joe Biden as a 'stupid president'. It is fair to say the world was shocked at Trump’s inability to hold a professional meeting for such an essential issue.

Andrew Tate

Recently it has been announced that Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan have been freed from travel restrictions in Romania, and have returned to America. The pair have been in Romania since being accused of rape, human trafficking and money laundering. Questions have been raised about if the White House was involved in their release - not much has been commented on thus far. Although, interestingly one of Tate’s lawyers works as a White House liaison to the US justice

Image Source: Joshua Leonard_Flickr &FMT

New MS drug causes side effects in patients

Louise Cowley

Cutting costs or cutting corners? Read on to find out...

In a bid to save £1bn in medication costs by 2030, NHS England directs medicines into offpatent drugs. But, is this cutting costs or cutting corners?

For many patients living with the painful disease of multiple sclerosis (MS), Tysabri has been a lifeline in reducing symptoms and progression. However, after its patent expired in 2015, a biosimilar drug, Tyruko, entered the market. Biosimilar drugs are pharmaceuticals with the exact mechanism and active ingredient (Natalizumab—a monoclonal antibody targeting T cells) as the pre-patented product, with a beneficial slash off the price (on average 72% cheaper). What’s not to love?

Ordinarily, extensive tests are performed to assess biosimilar drugs. According to MS society, results show that Tysabri and Tyruko had no difference in ability to decrease relapse frequency, reduce

lesions, slow down progression, and pertinently, there was no significant difference in reported side effects. Despite these promising conclusions, the stories began at Charring Cross Hospital, London, where approximately 170 out of 345 MS patients reported side effects.

“Rumours circled around of a potential 15 other hospitals with the same trend”

These side effects range from fatigue, relapses, motility issues, and

hospitalisation, according to The Guardian. Rumours circled around of a potential 15 other hospitals with the same trend in adverse reactions.

“Multiple Sclerosis Trust suggests that the blame rests on the cruel nature of the progressive disease”

Amongst its controversy within patient communities, experts also appear to have differing views on the situation. Dr Andrew Hill, a pharmacology research fellow at Liverpool University, states the importance of investigating "why these side effects are seen and whether they resolve for people who switch back to the branded formulation".

LED masks: what does the science say?

Ariel Sammon

LED masks: answer to skincare woes or another capitalistic money grab?

Light therapy has been used for years in labs, so why not on your face? LED face masks have become the new trend on social media in recent years. Is this pipeline from the test tube to the top shelf feeling old and recycled?

Light has been therapeutically utilized for thousands of years by the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Indian populations and now by LA influencers paying for lip flips through TikTok shop commissions. In the 1990s, NASA uncovered the therapeutic applications of LED light therapy, which predominantly treated wounds, glaucoma, and arthritis. LED therapy then gained traction within the dermatological field in the early 2000s, which has now been siphoned off as an at-home treatment popularised by Dr. Gross. LED therapy is a form of Photobiomodulation in which skin is exposed to varying wavelengths of light to elicit a specific cellular response. LED masks typically emit red or blue light. Red light, with a longer wavelength of 630-700nm, can penetrate the subcutaneous tissue; blue light, with a wavelength of

400-470nmonly, reaches the upper layers of the dermis. This dictates their therapeutic roles.

Red light therapy is most commonly used for age-related treatments. Studies have shown that collagen renewal and angiogenesis are promoted alongside an improvement in photodamage when skin is consistently exposed to red light. Blue light is used mostly in acne treatments due to its antimicrobial properties. Its short wavelengths elicited an increase in ROS production, leading to microbial death via oxidative damage. The FDA has recently approved LED masks; however, in an interview for Popular Science, Dr. Samantha Venkatesh, a dermatologist with Rush University Medical Group in Chicago, provided some recommended guidelines for LED mask use. You should purchase an FDA-approved mask, as different wavelengths of light can be potentially carcinogenic. It was also recommended to use on clean, dry skin, as products may react poorly to light, causing irritation, but can also lessen the effects by reducing exposure through refraction. Small goggles were also advised to protect long-term eye health. LED mask's popular social media presence and science-washed appearance may make you question the validity of this treatment and its effectiveness. I find myself increasingly skeptical. However, who knows, maybe I’ll look back in shame and wish I, too, was a Drunk Elephant Sephora 12-year-old.

Meanwhile, Multiple Sclerosis Trust suggests that the blame rests on the cruel nature of the progressive disease as patients’ MS may be more challenging to manage, and new symptoms may be a common element of their diagnosis, and only a handful of people have been affected.

NASA’s ‘SPHEREx’ infrared telescope

Noelia Fernández

Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor

NASA’s SPHEREx mission is set to launch on March 4, 2025, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

The Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx) is a $488 million project designed to map the entire sky in 3D using infrared light. Its primary goal is to study over 450 million galaxies and 100 million stars within our Milky Way galaxy, providing unprecedented insights into the universe's formation and evolution.

“SPHEREx will focus on the origins of essential molecules for life”

One of the key areas SPHEREx will investigate is the formation of galaxies. By observing distant galaxies and the light emitted from them, SPHEREx will help answer questions about how galaxies form, evolve, and interact.

The telescope will also look into the phenomenon known as cosmic inflation—an event that occurred just after the Big Bang, causing the universe to expand at an incredible

rate. Understanding this process could help clarify how the universe as we know it came into existence.

In addition to its study of galaxies, SPHEREx will focus on the origins of essential molecules for life, such as water and complex organic compounds. It will search for these molecules in interstellar space, where they might have originated before being delivered to Earth. This could provide critical information about the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

SPHEREx will employ a spectrophotometer to conduct a broad survey of the sky, capturing infrared light across a range of wavelengths. This will allow it to examine the cosmic “ice,” such as water and other molecules, that could have played a role in the emergence of life.

The telescope will also conduct an in-depth study of the “Epoch of Reionization,” a crucial period in the universe’s history when the first stars and galaxies formed and began to illuminate the cosmos.

This two-year mission will provide a wealth of data that will be accessible to scientists worldwide. The SPHEREx mission is not just about mapping the universe—it’s about understanding the building blocks of life and how our universe has evolved from its earliest moments. The knowledge gained from this mission will likely change the way we view our place in the cosmos and our understanding of life's potential elsewhere.

Ancient Egypt: Secret smells of the afterlife

Ever wondered what ancient Egypt smells like?

Anew scientific study has uncovered fascinating insights into the preservation of ancient Egyptian mummies by analysing their smell. Conducted by an international team of researchers, the study reveals that the distinct odours of mummified bodies can provide crucial information about embalming materials, conservation efforts, and even microbial activity affecting the remains over time.

Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, this research dives nose-first into embalming and preservation. Unlike previous studies that primarily examined mummies in European museums, this research provides a rare opportunity to analyse specimens in their country of origin at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, where some of history’s most famous mummies reside. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the team employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometryolfactometry (GC-MS-O) —a fancy way of saying “high-tech smell detectors”—to analyse the chemical components responsible for the smells emanating from the mummified bodies. They also conducted panel-based sensory evaluations to categorise the perceived odours. The results showed that most mummies emitted

a combination of "woody," "spicy," and "sweet" scents, likely originating from embalming substances such as resins, oils, and aromatic spices used during the mummification process.

“Basically, ancient Egypt smelled like a very fancy spa!”

These findings align with historical records describing the use of pine, cedar, juniper resins, and myrrh, frankincense, and beeswax to preserve bodies for the afterlife. Basically, ancient Egypt smelled like a very fancy spa!

The study also identified specific compounds such as lactones and phenolic elements, which may help distinguish between different embalming techniques used across various historical periods.

embalming secrets, the study sheds light on modern conservation practices. The team discovered that many of the mummies had been treated with a "pest oil" composed of natural ingredients like clove, camphor, basil, and cinnamon oils to prevent insect damage. However, researchers were surprised to find traces of synthetic pesticides despite no official use documentation. This unexpected discovery raises questions about undocumented conservation interventions and potential health risks for museum staff and visitors.

In addition to uncovering ancient

Another key finding was the difference in VOC composition between mummies kept in display cases and those stored in museum archives. Mummies in sealed display cases exhibited more volatile compounds, likely due to trapped scents accumulated over time. Meanwhile, those in storage had lower-intensity odours and fewer detectable compounds, possibly due to better ventilation and exposure to open air—proving that even in death, fresh air makes a difference!

The study has significant implications for both scientific research and museum practices. Understanding the chemical makeup helps museums protect these relics while offering new ways for visitors to experience history. As scientists continue to explore the sensory dimensions of the past, one thing is clear—the history of ancient Egypt is not just something we can see and touch but also smell.

Jessica Palfrey

Image Credit: Pexels

Image Credit: Madeline Bennett, Trusted Reviews

AJanuary 20th - February 18th

quarius, you’ve been going through some turbulence lately. It’s time to focus on being zen, light some candles and incense, and maybe stay away from planes.

TAquarius Aries Taurus

With some planets being in Aries, you can expect your finances to be boosted... Expect a pot of gold at the end of your rainbow this month, Pisces.

Gemini

his month the Sun will be present in the sign of Pisces, making Geminis more ambitious. This would be a good time to take up some new hobbies. Maybe it’s time to take a stab at some Irish dancing classes.

The planet Venus will spark newfound passion for you this month, Cancer. You may find that there is a newly lit fire in you… let's just hope it’s not chlamydia.

This St Paddy’s Day we may see you go green. Most likely the morning after. The stars are not in your favor, you can expect a bad hangover and a night of even worse decision-making. Good luck to all our Libras.

For Scorpio's, you can expect to have someone new enter your life and take you off guard. Hopefully they will have an Irish accent… look out for them on St Paddy's Day.

Mercury in your sign will prompt a need for communication. And no, communicating your 5th Guinness order to the bar does not count.

Leo, as one of the most confident and bright signs, your personality will certainly be shining through today. It may shine a bit too bright if you find yourself going clubbing this week, so stay away from those Jagerbombs. Sometimes it’s best if fire and fire don’t mix.

Taurus, as an earth sign you will most likely be found dressed head to toe in green for St Paddy’s Day this year. And the rest of the signs? They’ll be green with envy. You go, girl.

March will be an energetic month for you, as you may gain some relief from any unhealthy habits. That said, St Paddy’s day doesn’t count. It still counts as ‘quitting’ if you have a whole pack of cigarettes today. It’s what the Irish would have wanted.

This month, the luck of the Irish will be on your side. You’ll be getting numerous positive signs from the universe and make sure to keep an eye out for some lucky charms. The cereal, that is, of course.

Just like a baby Guinness, sometimes good things come to us in small packages. You can expect small changes to appear in your day to day life and this will lead to something more exciting in the long run. Perhaps…a large Guinness?

Calling all single Newcastle students!

Tired of dating apps? Looking for something fun to do?

Your dilemma of the week

and she doesn't do this to any of the other girls. I don't know how to approach this without risking ruining our close friendship, but I need it to stop!

From: A Reader

Whether you're stressed about assignments or not getting along with your flatmates, Agony Aunt is here to help!

Dear Agony Aunt, I live in a flat with four girls who I get on really well with. However, one of my flatmates won't stop using my things! At the start of the year, she would occasionally ask to use something like a bit of my cheese or some pasta, but now its constant and she never asks anymore. It's not only food either, she also uses my hair products, shower gel and washing powder. She never replaces her stuff when it runs out, she just uses mine instead,

Dear Reader, I understand your frustration; it's often the case in shared houses that people can get a little too comfortable with one-sided sharing! The first thing I would recommend would be to have an upfront and honest conversation with your flatmate. You've said that you're close friends so she should understand the situation and respect your wishes. Remain positive when you have this conversation, as it's likely that your flatmate isn't really aware that she's upsetting you and I understand that in this situation one of your greatest concerns will be keeping your friendship strong. Reinforce the idea that you love living with them but set a firm boundary that you would rather that they ask if they want to borrow something. If she continues to

repeatedly use your things after an initial chat, try to repeat the conversation again more seriously. It might also be useful to have a group conver sation with the rest of your flatmates. This way, you aren't singling out one individual but instead you're setting boundries with the whole group. Making it a collective issue will reduce tension be tween you and the flatmate involved and will en sure that you're all on the same page about sharing. If the flatmate persists after multiple conversations, you might need to assess whether they're actually a good friend, as friends should respect each other. It's also important to consider why this is only being targeted at you. After hav ing the initial conversation with your flat mate their reaction and future behaviour should indiciate whether they're just using your stuff because they feel like you have a close relationship and friends often share, or whether they're deliberately taking advantage of you. If speaking to you flatmate is unsucccesful, don't let the behaviour continue if it's causing you to be uncomfortable and frustrated. Although it's incon

venient, try keeping some of the things that your flatmate uses the most often in your bed-

Abi Ogden - Blind Date and Agony Aunt Co-ordinator

Image Source: Canva, Pixabay

Girlhood trends: Why the trope is getting old

Elin Auld

Trends like 'Girl Dinner', 'Girl Maths' and 'Just a Girl' are actually doing a disservice to women...

The use of ‘girl’ as a prefix to diminish importance and intelligence is not the innocent TikTok trend you may have originally thought. On the back of these trends, the word ‘girl’ is increasingly becoming synonymous with silliness and ditziness. Misogyny wrapped neatly in a pretty little parcel. Girl maths originated on a New Zealand podcast and has snowballed into a much more sinister ideology about women’s intelligence, and consumerism.

Currently, if you look up ‘girl maths’, you will see men with microphones mansplaining and ridiculing the concept while simultaneously delighting in women infantilising and dumbing themselves down. The premise of ‘girl maths’ is a way to justify and

rationalise financial spending on clothes, taxis, beauty products and more.

'Girl maths' is intrinsically linked to hyperconsumerism and in a world suffering from the normalisation of materialism, the online trend is adding fuel to the fire. Not withstanding the economic effect, the sociopolitical impact on attitudes towards women is regressive and diminishing. The age-old stereotype that women are obsessed with material items and are ditsy is reaffirmed with this trend.

"The sociopolitical impact on attitudes towards women is regressive and diminishing"

'Girl dinner' is a trend where women film their meal, often being picky bits or a simple butter and cheese pasta which seems innocent, but has similarly evolved into an oppressive medium. Already a diminutive trend where gender stereotypes are introduced, these videos have been co-opted into diet culture. Frozen fruit, a diet coke and a cracker marketed as ‘girl dinner’ subtly celebrates restrictive, disordered eating under the guise of a TikTok trend.

Authors that changed my views on relationships

Charley Dobson

Creative minds influence you more than you think...

No two people are ever going to completely agree on what a relationship should look like. Yes, most of us will agree upon key attributes of a perfect pair but ultimately, navigating romance, friendships and personal identity can be a tricky feat. Listed here are some authors whose contrasting perspectives on relationships shaped my own perception and might help to guide yours too.

Firstly: Alice Walker. She is most famously known for her novel ‘The Colour Purple’, which, amongst many striking themes, highlights the importance of solidarity between women, whether it be a romantic or platonic relationship, this story truly emphasises just how far a little kindness between girls can go. However, it is her novel ‘The Third Life of Grange Copeland’ that I felt most impacted by. It is a tragic story, following several familial and romantic relationships, but most importantly it demonstrates how an individual's past can influence their treatment of those in their future, conveying that taught negative cycles should be broken with haste.

Another writer who does not shy from the ugly in relationships: Charles Bukowski. His gritty confessionalist style is undeniably addictive to read and his brutally honest accounts of women, sex

and alcohol serve as a relevant reminder that not everybody is searching for perfection. The relationships in his work are often fleeting and selfish, but his autobiographical characters are mostly content with their own company and unconventional ways.

Another great influence is Anais Nin, her work is unapologetic and unforgiving towards those who dislike it. Her writing explores raw desire and sexuality and advocates for pursuing one's pleasure even if it does not match what is typically expected. I find the experience of her writing is liberating and useful as a reminder that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Relationships and identity can both be flexible as her writing will certainly stress.

Finally, it would be heinous not to mention James Baldwin, in particular his novel ‘ Giovanni's Room’. This piece considers themes of sexuality and loyalty and features the most beautiful writing. Baldwin effectively weighs societal pressures and personal conflicts against the relationships in the novel, though through the tragedy of this work, he can urge the reader that it is much better to stay true to themselves than to the expectations and promises made to those around them.

In short, if you're feeling stumped by something in your relationships or yourself, there are countless books out there to show you different approaches. After all, the best cure to skewed interpretations of relationships is to try on some new perspectives.

Navigating Loss: An Interview With Grief Relief

Erin Palmer

Can you tell me about grief relief and how it started?

Becca: I lost my dad when I was 18 and was just two months into my first year of University. I really struggled and didn’t deal with it the best way. I turned to drinking and had a lot of messy nights out. I didn't have a healthy outlet for the way I was feeling. As I got older, I got more comfortable in talking about my grief and realised that was the best way to process my emotions. Without that, you bottle it up and it comes out in other ways. I needed something in life to give me purpose. I followed grief influencers on Instagram, and there were loads of groups in London but none in the north. So, I thought "what if I just started my own?", so I phoned Charlotte and said, ‘I’m really excited to do this and then I sort of ran with it in my head, I met up with Emma for coffee and she had no idea my dad had died.

Emma: And she had no idea my dad had died!

Becca: I was really excited that we had the same experience and could run this together. We sat down one night in the pub and designed a logo. We made an Instagram, Facebook and an email. We made our own post and thought ‘we’re gonna push this as hard as we can.

But it came up naturally; it wasn't awkward at all, when you're surrounded by people who can relate, it's so relieving. We really want to make people know that there's no pressure to talk about it, it's so relaxed, we can just have a social meet-up and have a support system with people who have gone through the same thing

Why is it so important to provide grief support specifically for young adults? And how does grief relief support young adults navigating grief?

Becca: It's what we know and what we can relate to. When you are at university and you are on your own, or if you are living with your parents, they are also navigating it themselves. It’s a unique experience to go through grief at this age, you do not expect someone young to have gone through something like that, people struggle to talk about it because people assume you have not gone through something traumatic in your life. People think university is the best part of your life, but honestly, they've been the worst years of my life. When I started university, my dad had just died, and my second year of university was covid, so it was literally the worst experience. It’s just about drawing awareness to that, you don't have to be having the best time of your life just because you're at university, things happen, and it's okay not to be okay.

What kind of socials and events do you organise to help people process grief?

It varies. We try to switch it up almost every time we do a meetup. We started off at the pub, had a few pints and chatted with people, but we realised that not everyone might want to drink, so we've gone to cafes, been on a walk, we’re having a meal this weekend to celebrate our one-year anniversary! We gather in a space where we just chat, it’s a public space so people feel more relaxed. It is all about just having a chat, you do not necessarily have to talk about your loss. It is not

all doom and gloom, we are mostly laughing. It is all about forming a network with other people who have gone through the same thing. It forms a closer bond and creates a strong social connection.

How can people access your services?

Becca: Our primary way of telling people what's going on is through our WhatsApp group, which is linked in our Instagram bio, but if someone’s serious about joining or needs advice, then WhatsApp is the best way to access to that.

Emma: I've found that people seem to be happier to be open on WhatsApp, especially when we started. People started telling us about themselves, and who they've lost, even if they didn’t feel confident enough to come to the meetups. I think people who are a bit nervous to come in person should know that there is a space for them to talk to people online.

What are some common misconceptions about grief that you want to help address?

Emma: Conversations about grief do not have to be sad or bring the mood down. I felt when talking with my peers, it got awkward though. Even if what I was saying was not sad, like ‘my Dad loved that TV show!’ people would react awkwardly, but it doesn't have to be like that! Talking about them keeps their memory alive, people want to keep their loved ones alive by talking about them, so it’s important to do that as well.

Becca: Grief does not have an expiration date. I was really young when my dad died and I think because I was so young I did not process it immediately. I was older when I started to understand and come to terms with everything, but at the time I thought it was so long ago that I should not still be sad, I should have gotten over it by now. However, I think it is such an important thing, especially for young people, it could be five ten years after your initial grief but you can still be grieving. It is the milestones too, for me it has been six years, but I still think about it so much. My dad won’t walk me down the aisle and that is a future heartbreak; it's the future things you miss out on alongside the current loss.

What future plans or projects does Grief Relief have in the works?

Charlotte: We want to grow the group as much as possible. Those who have lost someone to suicide experiences grief in such a different way than someone who has lost someone to a health condition. There are so many different relationships and ways it can be difficult for people, so growing the group so that there are people to help each other in ways we may not be able to.

Becca: Something we have looked at is becoming a charity, probably when we have grown. We would like the ability to fund someone’s therapy so that they can access it, or going on trips away to have a break from normal life or surroundings that might be stressing you out. We have done a fundraising event in the past, such as the three peaks of Yorkshire to raise money for Grief Encounter, a charity based in London that specifically helps young people through grief, so it would be great to keep doing that, for different charities around the UK.

What advice would you give to someone hesitant to join a grief social?

Becca: ‘Do not be afraid to reach out and say how you are feeling. We are not as scary and depressing as you might think! It is just like having a chat with mates. In the past, someone messaged me and said they were scared to attend, which I understood, so I invited them to meet with me beforehand, which was less intimidating for them! I always find that once I try something it is not as bad as I thought. It is not about who the person was, it is more about who the person was to you. It could be a grandparent, it could be a distant relative, it's still a huge part of your life that you have lost. We are here to facilitate a safe, open space. People are very welcome to just bring friends along too if that makes it easier.

Emma: If you are nervous, you can always message the Instagram page. We all have our personal Instagram’s tagged, so you can message us personally. We are open to any queries you may have!

Charlotte: We have created a welcoming environment. We know what others have been through, and that makes you vulnerable. If someone new attends we make an effort to get to know them and make sure they feel a part of the group.

Image source: Pixaby, RosZie

Image source: [Pixabay, GDJ]

Gender Based Violence: It Happens Here!

and support survivors of sexual violence and their allies on campus and in wider society.”

"There is a need for societies such as IHH to help students find a safe space to campaign"

According to a survey done by the Office of National Statistics, domestic abuse makes up 18 percent of all recorded crime in England and Wales. In the year ending March 2022, there were 194,683 sexual offences, of which 70,330 were rape. Especially in Newcastle, domestic abuse and gender based violence have continued to remain a widespread issue, despite many spirited campaigns spearheaded by the police. Students don’t feel safe, whether it’s coming back home after a night out or walking through campus alone. There is a need for societies such as It Happens Here (IHH) to help students find a safe space to campaign and a platform for muchneeded awareness and activism.

"We campaign for the elimination of gender-based violence

We sat down with IHH President, Aimee Bond and Welfare Officer/Secretary, Megan Hardiman, to get their insights into the topic and what IHH is. They recalled being interested in joining the society as it is a springboard for activism, where the focus is on creating a community of like-minded individuals who wish to actually make change through campaigns. Aimee and

your life, and that of your friends and family. They mentioned how shifting to a new city for univeristy is an overwhelming time. Aimee said: “People at university are in a vulnerable position especially in that first year as they move away from all of their support network… and so you are very vulnerable to abusive relationships.”

"The focus is on creating a community of like-minded individuals who wish to make change"

The work that IHH does to combat domestic abuse is necessary within contemporary society. Especially when considering that Northumbria Police recorded that out of 949 crimes reported in December 2024 in Newcastle Central, violence and sexual offences were the most common with 313 instances. The most well known campaign that IHH led was the ‘Do Better’ campaign. The first year saw the society speaking to students to research the prevalence of sexual violence on campus and create recommendations to reduce it. Following that, the second year consisted of lobbying with the university to act on these recommendations and advocating

Moving countries at a young age

Dhwani Masand

Exploring the relationships between being homesick and discovering new environments...

Moving countries seems like a daunting, Herculean task, and it sometimes is! But that shouldn't hold you back from exploring and widening your horizons. People shift countries for so many reasons, whether it’s immigrating overseas with their families at a young age or moving abroad to work or study, and it is always a big change.

I decided to make the big move at the tender age of 22 - so young, I know. But all jokes aside, when I shifted to Newcastle after being in India my whole life, I felt like a complete baby and a lot like a fish out of the water.

I’ve had the experience of living in different cities in India during university and for work, but shifting across the ocean to another continent? It filled me with dread and anticipation at the same time. Before I was due to shift here, I was both anxious and excited for the new chapter of my life to start. My excitement was dampened by the realisation that I would be shifting thousands of miles away from all my loved ones, but it made me reach another, more valuable realisation.

There would be new characters, new plot points, new twists and challenges. So why not enjoy it? Do I cry a lot from being constantly homesick? Of course I do! Is the food weird to me? Yeah it is! But at the same time, every day is a new opportunity.

“I was starting a new part of my life; a whole new season in my life story’s Netflix show. ”

I was starting a new part of my life; a whole new season in my life story’s Netflix show.

I’m well aware of how cheesy that sounds, but it’s true! Whether that opportunity is to explore a new city, to spend time with my newfound friends, to focus on work, or even just to take a break and do nothing all day, it’s an active choice I’m making. By making this shift, I was able to immerse myself in another culture, in another country, with a host of new things to try that I may have never done before.  But that’s not to say that it hasn’t been tough. On some days, there is nothing I would like more than to simply fly back home and stay there. I do miss things that are just typically found back home, no matter how weird. Sometimes, navigating a new city, new people, new traditions and new situations can all make a dizzying cocktail that overwhelms me, but I just need to remind myself to take a deep breath. My home is still going to be waiting for me when I go back, and until I do, I can make a new home for myself here. Weird things and all.

for the consent and bystander training to be a mandatory part of student inductions.

"The work to combat domestic abuse...is necessary within contemporary society."

IHH believes that Newcastle University can and should offer a stronger support system for those affected by domestic abuse or violence, including proposing the idea of a full-time qualified sexual violence officer to be present on campus. The duo mentioned how they are striving to secure a larger membership so that they can focus more funds on support group development and more widespread campaigns.

“If there’s anyone reading that would like to get involved with an organisation that’s committed to creating a safe space on campus and within a wider community, campaigning, then we’d be lucky to have you…everyone’s welcome!” Megan said, earnestly.

The society is integral to the university, as they are willing to address and advocate for the darker part of university life that nobody else is willing to talk about. Tangible change starts with a single step (in this case, a slogan), as it happens here is not just a tagline, but a reality.

International Women’s Day: More Than Just a Hashtag

The nature of IWD means more than trends on social media...

March 8th rolls around, and suddenly, the world turns pink. Social media is buzzing with #EmpoweredWomen, and brands are pasting ‘Girl Boss’ tags on everything from mugs to T-shirts. But for me, International Women’s Day is more than just catchy hashtags or Instagram posts; it’s a vibe, not just a date but a reminder and call to action.

From Michelle to Malala, Frida Kahlo to Beyonce’, women have been shaking things up since thedawn of time. We are not just occupying space but we’re owning them. This is a huge celebration for the women who did not decide to sit down and let things happen, but for those who refuse to be quiet and stay in the background. It’s a day for the beautiful dreamers, doers, rule-breakers, and the changemakers. It’s the day to recognize the incredible women in my own life; my mother, my sister, my mentor, and my friends, who show courage and grace in whatever they do.

While progress has been made, the fight is way too far from over in the case of gender equality. Sure, companies love the market with Women’s Day pink-themed discounts and special promotions (YAY, 10% off lipstick). But be real, what we women need isn’t just a pat on the back. All we want is to

be free from the challenges of unequal pay, lack of opportunities, and societal expectations that hold us back. This day reminds us to ask, what more can we do to get that? How can we ensure that every woman’s voice is heard, her rights are respected, and her potential is realised? This day isn’t just about the flowers and feel-good messages, it's about action.

"It is the day to recognise the incredible women in my own life... who show courage and grace in whatever they do."

For me, International Women’s Day is a reminder to lift other women up. Go and hype your besties, support women-led businesses, call out sexism whenever you see it, and most mandatory make room for all women. Because feminism isn’t feminism if it’s not intersectional.

So, whether you’re celebrating by bingewatching documentaries on powerful women, or just sending heartfelt messages to the incredible women in your life, do it with a purpose. This day isn’t just about the past but also the future we’re building. And guess what? The future is looking fierce, trust me.

Callum Borkowski and Dhwani Masand

Image source: Pixabay, Pete Linforth

Payal Rathore

Lifestyle

Dropping out of university was the best decision I ever made...

Charlotte Burley-Hnat - Head of Life & Style

Our head of Life & Style explains her uni journey, with all its ups and downs...

Iam, by all accounts, a chronic peoplepleaser. I spent most of my teenage years being told that it was better to skip university altogether than to go and study an “impractical’ degree. So, unsurprisingly, when it came time to choose a degree, I dismissed any dreams of pursuing a creative field, bottling them up, and pushing them deep down inside me.  The nights I spent browsing New York University’s website, exploring Media and Culture degrees “just out of curiosity,” felt as unattainable as booking a one-way trip to Mars. I had convinced myself that studying a creative subject in the UK wasn’t an option - whether because of the pressure to choose something more “practical,” the fear of instability, or the nagging doubt that I wasn’t skilled enough to succeed. Looking at degrees abroad only reinforced that belief; I fixated on wildly out-of-reach options as if proving their impossibility justified giving up on the idea entirely. It was something to fantasise about, not something I’d actually pursue. As it turns out, I did a remarkably good job of convincing myself that a creative degree wasn’t for me and headed off to York St John

University (YSJ) to study Primary Education. For the most part, I genuinely believed I would enjoy Primary Education, and I’d convinced everyone around me of the same - despite the fact that with every application, every interview, and every time someone asked why I wanted to pursue it, I felt like an outsider, grasping for an answer I didn’t truly believe in. The “practical” option, it turned out, was the most impractical decision I had ever made.

My six-week stint at YSJ was a disaster, to no reader's surprise. Like many, I envisioned being one of the lucky few who end up with flatmates who become lifelong friends. Instead, my flatmates and I simply weren’t each other’s kind of people. I made friends on my course, did my best to socialise, and tried to settle in, but at my core, I felt like I was treading water. Lecturers began discussing school placements, and I seemingly was the only one on my course more terrified than excited. “Do I actually hate children?” I found myself questioning every time the panic of placements set in.

Academically, I put immense pressure on myself, convinced that every piece of required reading was makeor-break. Soon enough, my phone was cluttered with overwhelming reminders to “catch up on reading,” and I was spiralling. But the real tipping

point wasn’t in a lecture hall or a shared kitchen - it was 100 miles north in Newcastle.

Our biggest culture shocks coming to Newcastle

Dhwani Masand, Sapphire Ling, and Taylor Roth

Newcastle is known for its people, its football, and its drinking - but these writers didn't realise how ingrained Geordie culture really is...

Whether Newcastle is across the globe or just a few hours from home, its strong local identity fosters a culture that can come as a surprise to arriving students. If you've been shocked, you're not alone - some of our writers have been, too, and they've come to love the Toon's quirks, and everyone loves Geordies!

Dhwani MasandNewcastle's drinking culture

My biggest culture shock after coming to Newcastle was the heavy drinking! I knew to expect it as it is a student city, though it was still a bit of an environmental change for me - but I’m not complaining! I’m from the state of Gujarat, India, and it is a 'dry state', which means that alcohol cannot be sold there commercially. That fact aside, everyone still drinks, but procuring the alcohol is often a task; I came from a lifetime of house parties to a city with pubs and bars on every corner, and it was a great change! Furthermore, the locals being so sweet and helpful wasn’t a cultural 'shock', but it was a very warm welcome!

echoing from pubs, and an electric atmosphere that lingers long after. I’ve always known that football runs through the heart of English culture, but seeing how it shapes the rhythm of daily life in Newcastle made me appreciate it in a whole new way. Another big shift was how friendly people are here. Small talk is woven into everyday interactions; whether it’s a quick chat with shopkeepers or a stranger striking up a conversation in a queue. At home, people tend to keep to themselves and it is not common practice to speak to strangers. There’s something comforting about how a simple ‘you alright?’ can brighten your day.

Taylor Roth - the lack of dessert spots, and pubs being the most prevalent social space

Sapphire Ling - matchday madness

Moving from Singapore to Newcastle, I knew football was a huge part of life here, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. On match days, the entire city comes alive—streets packed with fans in black and white, chants

One of my biggest, and maybe silliest, culture shocks coming to Newcastle has been the lack of ice cream parlours. I’m from the Midwest in the U.S. where it’s frequently colder than Newcastle, yet I go out for ice cream with friends any time of the year. While it’s common here to ask your friends here to go out for a pint, at home the equivalent for my friends and I would be a scoop of ice cream. I can think of three different ice cream parlours within just 15 minutes of my house (keep in mind the U.S. isn’t very walkable, so a 15 minute drive is considered quite close). After any local event, you can find a queue spilling out of the doorway of the most popular parlour, everyone waiting to get a scoop of their favorite flavor (personally I love black raspberry chocolate chunk). I enjoy a pint with friends, but I still yearn for a good ice cream and yap session!

I had never set foot in Newcastle before visiting my friends who had started university there, and I’d never considered moving further than 40 minutes from home. Yet, in just a few weekends, the time I spent in Newcastle overshadowed every experience I’d had at YSJ.

Two days after returning from one of my trips, I admitted defeat. I called my mum and told her that I was dropping out. The relief was immediatebut so was the crushing weight of failure. I had spent my whole life thriving on academic validation, and I had gone from being the first in my school to get an A* in A-Level Media Studies, to dropping out of university and having no prospects at all, in what felt like one fell swoop.

By January, I knew it was time to re-enter the world. I booked my first driving lesson, went back to my old job, and eventually started reapplying to universitiesnot just because I wanted a backup plan, but because I genuinely thought I might enjoy it this time.

Journalism and Media at Newcastle University felt right in a way that Primary Education never had. I had always loved studying the media, and journalism sounded like a refreshing new challenge. More importantly, Newcastle already felt like home. This time, I approached things differently - I didn’t cling to the idea of perfect flatmates or suddenly developing Rory Gilmore’s academic motivation. Instead, I booked accommodation in the same building as a close friend from home, creating a safety net for myself. Twelve months after my first attempt at university, I was on my way to Newcastle, a driving license under my belt, filled with cautious excitement. And, of course, you know how that story goes… It’s easy to look back on one of the loneliest periods of my life and blame my misery on the wrong degree, bad flatmates, or being too close to home. But the truth is, I simply wasn’t ready to move out. Living only 12 minutes away from home meant that I relived the heartbreak of leaving home every single week when my mum came to visit me. At the time, dropping out felt like my greatest failure. But now, over two years later, I see it for what it truly was: a turning point. If I hadn’t left YSJ, my life would be unrecognisable. I would never have found myself in this city, never have pursued a course I genuinely love, and never have met the people who are now some of the most important in my life.

Dropping out of university was the best decision I ever made. Because sometimes, failing at something just means you’re making room for something better. And, for once, I finally made a decision that wasn’t about pleasing anyone but myself.

Sweat it out: a

review of Hotpod Yoga, Jesmond

Hotpod Yoga is as fun as it is intense. Stretching your body in 37-degree heat is the perfect mindful exercise, making you focus entirely on your breathing and being completely present within your body. But for £15 per session, is it an affordable opportunity for students? Yoga has been a part of my weekly routine for many months. I tend to practice for 15-20 minutes a few times a week in my bedroom, using YouTube yoga teacher. Though practising yoga in your own home is undoubtedly a cheaper and more convenient option for students like myself, it is nice to experience an in-person class once in a while.

When I first heard about 'Hot Yoga,' I couldn't wait to try it out! I downloaded the Hotpod Yoga app and booked my first 3 sessions at the Jesmond studio using a starter membership (£15 for the opportunity to attend classes for 10 consecutive days).

The idea of attending an in-person yoga class (especially one in a climate-controlled environment) was intimidating and well out of my comfort zone. Before booking my first session I felt apprehensive about many different things, from the heated pod, to not having the right level of experience or the right yoga clothes/equipment. Yet as soon as I got inside the pod, all of my anxiety and apprehension dissipated. The warmth was less of an intense sauna heat and more of a warm embrace, like a lovely calming bath, and the diffused essential oils, purple lighting and tranquil music helped to create a peaceful space.

I was surprised by the range of different people attending the class. Women of all different ages and body types, and even some younger men attended my first session! It felt like a completely non-judgemental space that was welcome to everyone.

The actual classes have been amazing. Though it can get a little intense halfway through when the heat starts to get to you,it feels incredible to be completely in your body and present in the moment.

Disclaimer: you will sweat A LOT. The heat makes you feel more flexible and grounded and makes it difficult for your mind to wander, as you're so focused on your next movement. It feels unnatural at first, but the key is to embrace the heat instead of resisting it. With a towel and a bottle of cold water, you'll be ready to take on the pod!

“...the

experience of an inperson hot yoga class is unique

and transformative.”

Of course, as students, the question of affordability is always at the front of our minds. A single session at Hotpod Yoga, without any pre-paid memberships or starter prices, is £14. For 5 class pass it's £60 and for 10 classes it's £100. There are many membership options available, which you can explore through the Hotpod website or app. Personally, I believe that the starter offer of £15 for a possible ten consecutive days of yoga was a great option- I only booked 4 sessions within my 10-day window but that has already saved me £40. Additionally, if you refer a friend, they get a free session and you get £10 credit added to your account! So, while Yoga classes may seem unaffordable for university students, somewhere like Hotpod Yoga has start-up options that are amazing for people with less disposable income. Practising yoga from the comfort of your own home will indeed save you a lot of money and time, but the experience of an in-person hot yoga class is unique and transformative. Even if it's just a one-time thing or once a month, hot yoga is the perfect way to sweat it out!

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Image source: Mohamed Hassan, Pixabay

Image source: NUFC Shirt: Mattythewhite, Wikimedia Commons; Pint: GoodEats YQR, Unsplash; Ice cream: ian dooley, Unsplash

The Libby: the Uni Library's hidden gem

Newcastle University's Library has so much more to offer than its book collection; enter Libby, a pleasure reading tool that you can download as an app. Freely available to all Newcastle students, all you need is your student number to sign in and it gives you access to magazines, audiobooks, and e-books that you can download and read on the go!  I downloaded Libby about a month ago and I have already read ‘Asa: The Girl Who Turned Into a Pair of Chopsticks’, a collection of short stories by Natsuko Imamura. The short story in portable form is perfect for reading on the metro to uni or when you’re waiting to meet a friend for a coffee. By replacing time spent scrolling mindlessly on Instagram with reading, I reduce my time on social media and get some reading time in as well. The app also offers audiobooks for those who enjoy listening to a book on a run, it is a great choice that is free and accessible.

A Geordie gift guide: local businesses where you can find the perfect present

Erin Neal

Shopping small is always a good idea, but it's even easier when there's such wonderful businesses

Struggling to find that unique, one-of-a-kind piece to gift your friend for their upcoming birthday? Looking for something truly special that can’t be found with a simple Amazon search? In this guide, I’ve curated a selection of charming small businesses in Newcastle that offer thoughtful, exclusive presents you won’t find outside the Toon.

Flaura Rose, Ouseburn

including hand-painted denim jackets and unique shoulder bags. Flaura Rose is the perfect stop for that stylish friend who loves a blend of trendy and timeless pieces. You won’t find anything mass-produced here, only unique designs made by locally based women with care.

Located in the heart of Ouseburn, this lifestyle store features a collective of female-owned small businesses, displaying handpicked, expressively designed, boho-inspired clothing, jewellery, posters, and quirky accessories, with highlights

The Find, Ouseburn Just a stone's throw away from Flaura Rose, vintage treasures and artisan goods await you at yet another Ouseburn staple: The Find. This boutique is brimming with exquisite finds, from vinyl records and handcrafted home decor to handbound books and natural soaps. The Find showcases a diverse mix of local sellers that provide everything you need to create the perfect gift hamper. That Retro Game Shop, Grainger Market For the nostalgic friend in your life, The Retro Game Shop is a must-visit. Filled with vintage games and consoles, this quaint spot is perfect for any gamer looking to relive their youth. Treat your

Pokémon Platinum on the Nintendo DS. They also cater to the movie buffs, with a hefty collection of a small price of £1 each; why not plan them a childhood movie marathon?

Newcastle Arts Centre, Westgate Road

The Newcastle Arts Centre is home to a vibrant community of creatives in the city, offering a beautiful selection of decorative ceramics, polymer clay and enamel jewellery, and pottery. The centre has highlighted artistic talent from across the UK for over 40 years, making it a wonderful cause to support in your gift search. They also offer art courses, salsa classes and jazz events, which would be the ideal present for those who favour experiences over material

Tynemouth Market, Tynemouth Metro Station Head over to the iconic historical station for a bustling atmosphere made up of over 150 stalls spanning both sides of the platform. The market has everything from knitted hats and football merchandise to flavoured coffee syrups and movie figurines, leaving you completely spoiled for choice with endless possibilities for gift ideas.

“The worst is imminent”:

avoiding fake news and social media misinformation

Adelaide Dodson, Opinion Sub-Editor Scarlet Davies, Campus Comment Sub-Editor

As students, the truth is vital but can be hard to find; our writers have advice about how to dig it out...

Whenever you hear about fake news, it can feel futile to try to spot the truth since misinformation is so prevalent. However, all hope is not lost! Nothing is fool-proof, but our writers have some excellent advice that will help you work out what's real as often as possible.

Adelaide Dodson: spotting fake news In today's world avoiding fake news seems a nearly insurmountable task. With AI able to create realistic looking videos and pretty much everyone on the planet being able to put whatever the want on the internet, it sometimes feels pretty impossible to know what's real and what's not. But don't worry! There are ways to try and ensure the information you're getting is accurate and not to tinged with overwhelming bias or exaggeration.

“...reading a couple of articles from different sources helps you make a more informed judgement...”

As students, there are lots of resources we can utilise to make sure the news we're hearing is the most current and up to date. We can subscribe to news outlets like The Economist who produce 'Espresso', which is an app that catches you up

with what's happening around the world in short, informative news stories. It includes information about politics, economics and business, and serves to magnify an individuals view of the world. Information like this can be perfect for people who want to know what's happening globally without reading endless articles and dedicating all their time to finding the truth.

I should, however, mention that you probably shouldn't narrow your sources of information to one or two news outlets; there can be cases of bias, but reading a couple of articles from different sources helps you make a more informed judgement on a piece of news instead of blindly following one opinion.

When it comes to local news I hear about most things through social media instead of accredited news chains. If a new shop is opening in town I'm more likely to see an Instagram Reel than I am to find out about it any other way. Even with big news like the 'Jesmond balaclava men' I still found out about it on TikTok. However, I immediately hopped online to try and find the truth behind the TikTok. When I'd seen and read articles by national news sites (the BBC) and more local (The Northern Echo) I could make a more informed decision about what I thought. This is one easy way to get free accurate news - simply Google and visit reputable sites.

Of course, even if you employ these methods, it is not a universal truth that everything you see will be true. Some articles will be badly researched, biased or simply untrue (even if you're looking at a reputable site). In a world of misinformation, we simply have to do our best to use critical thinking and judge how far we believe what someone is telling us.

Scarlet Davies: misinformation on social media

You’d be hard fetched to find someone who is online and hasn’t been deceived. Maybe it was rumours that your favourite band was coming to your city- despite the fact that the last person to perform there was a knock-off tribute to David Bowie- or perhaps it was news that the latest A-Listers had made out backstage at an awards

show. But despite the relatively harmless gossip that’s spread around online, what happens when false news becomes more serious? What should we believe, and how many online sources can be trusted in a new world that finds most of its information from the media?

“You know it's bad when you can’t even trust what you think you’re seeing. 'Deepfakes' have had a concerning surge in popularity

You know it's bad when you can’t even trust what you think you’re seeing. 'Deepfake' has made a concerning surge in popularity recently, opening up a whole world of fake news for people to spread around media platforms. While some deepfakes are genuinely innocent, it has recently been used for leaks of fake revenge porn or nudes, destroying people’s lives online with a single click.

While it might be fun to look at fake photos of celebrities, consider how it might be invading their privacy online. Fake images, while amusing in some contexts, can ruin people’s careers if used in the wrong way. It has also never been

easier to spread false information online. Accounts of platforms Instagram are easier to verify, and yet information spread about political situations is widely believed without proof. As we’ve seen before, this easily leads to mass hysteria about issues that have been over-hyped, or blind belief about actions or events that haven’t even happened. The new age of social media being our generations’ main source of information, while useful and easily accessible, also needs to be recognised as highly dangerous. It's in our best interests to filter what we see into truth and lies to prevent ourselves from becoming too easily influenced

So how can we make sure that we’re using the internet safely? Sources such as the BBC are good to check, rather than an unknown

Phoebe Clark - Arts Sub-Editor

Image source: Mediamodifier, Unsplash

Image source: LimoncitoSketching, Pixabay

Image source: Jette55, Pixabay

Image source: Chukovskaya, Pixabay

Image source: Hey-Juda, Pixabay

Image source: Obi - @pixel9propics, Unsplash (phone), Pete Linforth, Pixabay (text)

Sub-Editors: Agnes Kargbo, Mia Wijayatilleke & Trinity Eadie

& Beauty

'Less

is more' makeup: simplicity or submission?

A look at the dirty side of 'clean

TFree the nip: is society ready for braless looks?

Melissa O'Reilly

between men

he 'no makeup’ makeup trend sells an illusion of natural and ‘low effort’ beauty – but I’d urge us to look deeper and unpack it’s problematic implications.

In the past year or so, we’ve seen the emergence of trends such as the ‘clean girl aesthetic’, a microtrend that promotes aesthetic minimalism. This, of course, includes minimalistic makeup. Undeniably, this ‘aesthetic’ is a drop in the bucket of microtrends that are encouraging needless overconsumption.

“Is it just another way in which the male gaze dictates women's bodily freedom?”

Despite it’s ‘minimalistic’ face, the trend itself invites us to buy material signifiers of being a ‘clean girl’. The notion that minimalistic makeup makes someone appear ‘clean’ is particularly problematic. I’d argue this implication invites us to take a negative view of women who choose to wear maximalist ‘full faces’ of makeup. Alongside this, there’s been online discourse

shaming women for donning maximalist makeup on birthdays and nights out. Thus, I’d question whether ‘no makeup’ makeup is merely a way to bring other women down? Is it just another way in which the male gaze dictates women’s bodily freedom?

The online stigma surrounding women’s choice of makeup also translates to the everyday school setting. When studying year 10 and year 11 pupils, Archer et al (2007) found that working class pupils were marginalised in the classroom due to their “Nike identity” (coined by Archer). Particularly, working class girls were singled out for wearing jewellery, fake tan and maximalist makeup. These findings appear more relevant that ever – despite being eighteen years old –with the move from magazine culture to social media overconsumption. When brought into a contemporary context, Archer’s findings also suggest these trends create an intersectional issue, of which the working-class woman suffer the most. I’d argue we should have the freedom to wear as much or little makeup as we like, without commentary from others. So, I wonder, why do we still allow for trends to dictate our personal choices? Why should one style of makeup be ‘superior’? And why haven’t we progressed since 2007?

A writer's thoughts on the controversial female nipple...

Inherently sexualised when on a female body, the sight of women’s nipples has previously caused shock and outrage in the media. In an era or fourth wave feminism, this sexist notion seems to be changing.

Whilst going braless is not exactly revolutionary for young women – the majority of whom embrace and celebrate the ‘free the nipple’ movement – ideologies are now changing among the older generations, those who have been confined to misogynistic ideas of beauty and sexualisation for decades. With that said, is going braless empowering, or simply something that should have been normalised years ago?

“...I

can think of countless times that men’s nipples have been obvious through their shirts, and no one batted an eye.”

old, this was the first time I have noticed women purposefully showing nipples under clothing, and most people simple not caring. For me and many of my peers, nipples have never been an issue. I remember watching Friends when I was 13 and noticing that Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox often went braless in their scenes; I acknowledged this and moved on. After all, I can think of countless times that men’s nipples have been obvious through their shirts, and no one batted an eye.

Aniston clearly agrees with me, telling Vogue in 2017, "I don't know why I'm supposed to be ashamed of them—it's just the way my breasts are." Despite this, I remember seeing countless Tweets and articles commenting on her nipples, even 15 years after the series ended. To this day, the energy put into this sexualisation of women’s bodies confuses me: everyone has nipples, and it’s about time the constant objectification of women’s is stopped.

Kim Kardashian’s faux nipple bra made headlines in 2023, and seemed to take a small step towards normalising the sight of women’s nipples. Although the bra may seem to defeat the point this article is trying to make, as a 20-year-

I don’t think going braless is necessarily empowering. Instead, it should be something quietly normalised, just like the common visibility of men’s nipples. If you want to wear a bra, do; if you don’t, don’t. Just like everything else we decide to wear, the choice should be up to you, and only you.

there

When she's gorgeous and he's just...

Charlotte Thomas

Why does men's fashion disappoint at award shows?

Fashion is a very subjective choice, therefore our dissatisfaction towards men’s fashion at award shows is never definitive. However, since the beginning of the 2025 award season, there have been several men’s outfits which have raised judgement – in comparison to their female partners.

When you think of award shows, you associate fashion which evokes glamour, prestige or unconventionality. This type of attire is seen being worn by the majority of attendees to these events. In the past, and seen today, there is an expectation that women should dress appropriately, and stereotypically take greater pleasure in dressing up than men. Notably, there are fewer outfit choices for men, although recently there’s some men’s fashion which subverts our expectations at award shows.

“It might be expensive, but is it actually representative of the prestigious event?”

In 2015 at the VMAs, Kanye West attended the event wearing an extremely casual outfit - a long knitted grey jumper, grey trousers rolled up around his shins, and trainers - while his partner at the time, Kim Kardashian, wore a green camo dress. At the more recent 2025 Grammy Awards, in Kanye’s surprise red carpet appearance, he was pictured wearing a black t-shirt and trousers. It might be expensive, but is it actually representative of the prestigious event?

Similarly, an online storm of comments responded to Timothée Chalamet’s outfit choice at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival. He wore a pink tracksuit, tank top and jumper by Chrome Hearts; again, a very casual choice for an award ceremony. When he sat next to his partner Kylie Jenner, the stark contrast of their outfit choices reflected the idea of "she’s gorgeous and he’s just there". Although, this particular outfit choice is an anomaly among Chalamet’s respectable fashion choices in a long line of award shows. So, why does some men’s fashion disappoint today? It could be reflective of changing societal beliefs and expectations, in which individuality is a positive way to stand out from others. Recently, there has been a pattern of younger attendees of awards shows, such as Jaden Smith, completely subverting fashion stereotypes and expectations. In comparison to the majority of men wearing traditional suits, it largely stands out to attract media attention. Although, it might not be a negative thing but actually a way for attendees to express themselves in unique ways.

Runway to reality: does high fashion really influence trends?

how

If you’ve ever watched a runway show, you’ve likely seen some of the more creative pieces being displayed and wondered how anyone would ever wear that in real life. When taking them at face value, the clothes may seem unrealistic, but if you look more at the details, if begins to become clear how high fashion does actually translate into everyday clothing.

“...SHEIN can take clothes from design to available to purchase in just 10 days...”

its way down from runways and magazines, into department stores and highstreets. With the constantly increasing popularity of social media and fast fashion, the cycle has become much more rapid. People are exposed to a greater variety of trends, whilst clothing companies find ways to keep up with the increasing demand. Fast fashion giant SHEIN can take clothes from design to available for purchase in just 10 days, demonstrating how quickly these styles can make their ways into our wardrobes.

Influencers and celebrities play a huge role in making these trends more accessible. They are the ones who have access to the exclusive designer pieces and bring them to the public attention. You may not think that you are taking style inspiration from high fashion, but if you’ve ever recreated an outfit that you saw on an influencer, then that's exactly what has happened.

Popular retailers take inspiration from what the influencers and celebrities are wearing, and then suddenly those become the trends that everyone follows. Even if you are not trying to follow the trends, its almost impossible not to, simply based off what is available to buy.

For example, maxi skirts dominated the spring 2023 runways, and over the next few months these became hugely popular, even continuing into summer 2024. Gucci has definitely inspired the trend of excessive logos and branding in clothing, and Vetements may be responsible for the extreme baggy silhouettes that were everywhere a few years ago. This series of events is perfectly summed up in Miranda

Another way in which high fashion influences what we all wear is through collaborations between fashion houses and popular retailers., for example, H&M X Balmain. These collaborations are always popular, as they give regular people a chance to own exclusive designer items. Due to the collaborative process, the designs are more wearable and affordable then what is displayed on the runway, but still fit the fashion houses image and

Aside from making all your clothes entirely from scratch, with fabric that you wove yourself, there is really no way to avoid the impact that high fashion has on everything that we wear.

Image source: Pixabay, Katherine Ab

Priestly’s iconic Devil Wears Prada monologue, where she describes

fashion works

Ursula Monro

girl'...

Image source: Pixabay, London Calling

Matilda Dunne Does haute couture impact your wardrobe?

Image source: IMDb

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Unsplash, Martti Salmi (Oscars award)

Is classism embedded in fashion?

Aarya Shenoy

Can we ever truly escape the classist undertones ingrained in our wardrobes?

Denim jeans: most people’s everyday wear. No statement to be made there, right? But what about their origins -  the ones in early 1900s America, where denim was marketed as the perfect clothing for farmers, mechanics and miners?

Jeans represent the working class, the majority of the people. To wear jeans and a jumper signifies you are one of the many who belong to this social class, and so doesn’t this mean that class is embedded in fashion?

Fashion has been a marker of social class for a long, long time. Most noticeably, certain brands can signify your wealth, as they aren’t as accessible to lower-income individuals. Wearing brands such as Burberry or Louis Vuitton can signify your status as a member of the upper class.

Within this, there are also the elite of the elite. Certain brands, or items, are only visible as particularly luxurious to those ‘in the know’.

This quiet luxury sets apart the upper and aristocratic classes even further, using status markers that most people are unaware exist.

On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion is looked down upon for being questionable in its ethics and poor quality. For some, this could be all that they can afford, garnering judgment from those who belong to higher classes.

“...social standings are created and defined by societal norms, which are reinforced by the clothes we wear...”

The professional standard is set by the ‘upper’ and ‘middle’ classes, with the standard of attire being high quality, which can be difficult to match up to without the required funds. Inaccessibility can also set the classes further apart, with higher classes looking down on second-hand clothing that doesn’t align with their professional views.

Class is entirely a social construct and a selfperpetuating one at that. People’s economic status, occupation and social standings are created and defined by societal norms, which are reinforced by the clothes we wear and how we style ourselves.

So, fashion can represent class, because of assumptions that are tied to certain pieces of clothing. Going back to the denim jeans – they’re popular, widespread and therefore represent the majority of the working population. Linen trousers, for example, seem to be associated more with the wealthy due to expensive production, and the history of it being worn by aristocrats in the Middle East.

It’s not even just the clothes we wear, but the fashion industry too. Trying to break in at entry level is more about who you know, not what –and doesn’t that just say it all?

So yes, prejudice regarding is deeply fixed within style – and unless we all undergo some sort of ideological revolution, it’s unlikely that that will change.

How does the state of the economy effect fashion choices?

An insight into the economy's impact on trend cycles...

Fashion trends alternate back and forth, much like a pendulum in a clock tower. Every trend seems to cycle back into popular style at some point in time; it’s just a matter of when, why and how.

Most fashion trends are influenced by popular culture, media, historical and cultural influences, trickle-down phenomena from couture to fast fashion, and, of course, the economy. The state of the economy is often a big deciding factor that influences consumer behaviour and, by default, affects fashion cycles and trends.

It has been observed in history that the ebb and flow of inflation and the general standard of living of the majority ends up determining fashion trends. One example can be seen during the advent of the Industrial Revolution, when fashion became more utilitarian and clothing was valued more for how sturdy and comfortable it was, due to a large section of the population venturing to work in factories and industrial plants. An example is the rising popularity of overalls as a day-to-day look.

Another such occasion took place during the Second World War, when clothing changed from the flowy and flamboyant boom of the Flapper era to the more demure and structured clothing seen during WW2. Disposable income was less, and due to trade embargoes, fashion was restricted to simpler, durable, locally available fabrics and more formal silhouettes that were easy to work in and required less maintenance.

“...buying thrifted items is not only a sign of the gradual economic crisis but also a shift towards sustainability in fashion.”

Whenever there has been an increase in global disposable income and standards of living, people choose to invest in more bold, statement pieces and luxury items. Brands and design houses begin to experiment more with avantgarde collections, as they know people are viewing fashion and clothing as an investment and choice, rather than just fulfilling a basic need.

If we look at the current scenario, the cost-of-living crisis has led to people opting for more pre-loved clothing.

The big cultural shift of buying thrifted items is not only a sign of the gradual economic crisis but also a shift towards sustainability in fashion. In response, clothing brands have created more minimalist collections with classic designs to pander to the majority while also trying to shift to slightly more eco-friendly materials. But, on the other hand, the reduction in disposable income also means people have shifted more towards fast fashion, with people putting more money into lower-quality and lower-priced items.

Fashion choices are not just about consumer reactions shaping the industry but also about people trying their best to explore a more individualistic styling approach and make the best of whatever they have available at the time.

Are ‘investment pieces’ real or just a means to justify luxury overconsumption?

Hannah Sexton

Are we really getting value from our expensive wardrobe staples?

Ithink many of us have, at some point, made the case for and bought something we’ve classed as an ‘investment piece’ – something expensive, likely from a luxury fashion house, that we’ve argued is definitely worth the price tag because of how much it’ll get worn. But, as a whole, do we actually get the return on ‘cost per wear’? Or do some pieces end up sitting in the back of our wardrobes, unused because we’re too scared to damage them, or ultimately end up as a justified impulse buy because it’s supposedly good quality?

There are a number of things to consider when thinking about spending a higher amount on a piece of clothing in order to minimise your risk of luxury overconsumption.

“...make sure that if you're going to spend the money, it's because you like the piece...”

First, and foremost – do you actually like the item? A number of trendy clothing pieces these days come with higher price tags due to influencer content consumption and social media, so you need to make sure that if you’re going to spend the money, it’s because you like the piece and not because everyone else does. You don’t need to blow

all your money on something just because you need to keep up with a trend anyway – I think the trendiest people I know or see out and about always have a unique style.

Secondly, are you buying it just because it’s expensive, or from a luxury brand? Just because something is branded, doesn’t mean you couldn’t find something similar from a cheaper retailer. I think this is something to consider most when you’re also factoring in how often you’ll wear something – if you’re looking for a new winter coat to wear every day: then yes, an ‘investment piece’ can be real - it may be better to spend the money on a pricier brand like The North Face or invest in a wool overcoat. If you’re wearing something that often like a coat or shoes, luxury brands do have the advantage in that their higher price tags do often come with a hallmark of better lasting quality. But, if it’s something like a summer dress or new t-shirt that you may not end up wearing once the next year rolls around, it might be better to look for cheaper options and save yourself money in the long run.

But even then, why not focus on trying to use charity shops or sites like Vinted? There’s often no need to spend on high street brands (and definitely not fast fashion!) when millions of items landfill every year. Even in some charity shops, and everywhere on Vinted, you can also find brand-new luxury items for cheaper if you really are set on a brand. So, no need to overconsume and overspend on your wardrobe: if you really are asking yourself the tough questions, you can satisfy your style cravings on a budget.

How to add pops of colour to your outfits

Alicia McEvoy

In the morning, the last thing someone wants to think is “this outfit is too plain, it needs colour, but how am I supposed to make this colourful?” Accessories are your best friend. Coming from someone whose outfits are primarily black or monochrome, accessories are always helpful. Whether it’s jewellery (a fun pair of earrings, some friendship bracelets made and traded at concerts, or necklaces stacked), or even a brightly coloured belt, you can never go wrong. Your shoes are also important. Whether the shoe itself is a bright colour, or you choose to add some neon laces in, that small addition can tie the outfit together.

If you’re someone who enjoys wearing makeup, this can always help too. If you’re feeling brave, colourful eyeliner can always pull a look together. If eyeliner isn’t your thing, go for a colourful eyeshadow. A classic sunset, with red on the outside, orange on the inside and yellow in the middle, blended together can look stunning. Painting your nails can always be a good shout. You will notice how versatile nail polish colours can be, as they will work with any outfit. It’s such a subtle way of adding colour to any look.

Patterned tops or pants is always a good option too! A bright shirt under a plain sweatshirt, or tucked into a pair of jeans can help. With clothing, the key is layers. You can always have one bright layer combined with neutral layers and it still looks stunning.

Sunglasses can always be a cool addition to any look. A simple frame with a bright lens can make you stand out and will always get you compliments. Even if you don’t have them on your face, it can make you feel more confident knowing that a conversation starter is hanging over your head!

Dhwani Masand

Image source: Pixabay, Memed Nurrohmad

Image source: Pixabay, Lilly Cantabile

Image source: Pixabay, Gordon Johnson

Image source: Unsplash, Laura Chouettea

Perfectionism in the kitchen

Harriet Marshall

Navigating student cooking amidst online food trends

Is there too much pressure around making your dishes perfect? As social media sees more and more picture-perfect food with the likes of foodie influencers, it’s easy to feel the heat in the kitchen. From carefully curated recipes plated with the flair of a Michelin-star chef, to high-protein meal prep, we are inundated with advice, inspiration, and expectations about what food we should be buying, cooking, and eating. But while some of these trends encourage many healthy habits, some may leave us feeling too much pressure to be perfect in the kitchen.

"There is no universal recipe for perfection."

For many, cooking can be a form of selfcare and self-expression – a way to unwind from a day of studying by getting creative. For others, food is about bringing people together – a hearty Sunday roast with flatmates or fajitas for date night. And for some, eating is little more than a biological requirement – whether it’s chicken and rice after a gym session or a bowl of porridge to get you through your 9am. As the saying goes, ‘what works for one, may not work for another’ – there is no universal recipe for perfection. So, it’s no wonder students

"Social media serves up a feast of unrealistic standards"

are left wondering why their pesto pasta doesn’t shine in the same way as the dishes they see on their Instagram Explore Page, or why the latest discount notification from Deliveroo is more enticing than the painstakingly prepped four-day-old meal in the fridge that every TikTok influencer says tastes better than pizza. The NHS suggests a balanced diet with healthy portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, alongside your five-aday. Why complicate it any further with trends that favour aesthetics over taste, or pressure over enjoyment?

Social media serves up a feast of unrealistic standards, where ‘budget-friendly’ meals cost you a lot of dough , and ‘easy’ recipes leave you in a pickle, but you don’t have to be buy flashy superfoods or expensive garnishes, and you don’t need to spend your Sundays stirring up a week’s worth of lunches, just

because that’s what another influencer says is best. So, next time you save that ‘easy’ recipe on Instagram or TikTok, remember that it’s not the end of the world if you substitute an ingredient or set off the smoke alarm. There’s nothing wrong in taking a few shortcuts or making a few changes to create something tasty, nourishing, and to your taste. The art of food isn’t just about an aesthetically pleasing plate – it’s about the catch ups in the library over last night’s pasta and laughter with friends as you take the burnt cookies out of the oven.

Focus on what’s on your own plate and embrace the imperfections that make every bite yours.

Best foodie influencers to follow

Buse Pur

Use your time scrolling to find some extra meal inspiration...

Coming from a land where Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors intertwine, the question "what to cook and eat next?" is one that lingers in my mind on a daily basis. Food is a major conversation topic, something we gather around, both physically and emotionally; and I’m always chasing after new flavors to try!

"I've come to appreciate the amount of care and effort that goes into a good traditional meal."

I've come to appreciate the amount of care and effort that goes into a good traditional meal. However, since I may never have the efficiency that my mom has in the kitchen (I don’t think baklava from scratch is in my immediate future, sorry mom!), I mostly gravitate towards meals that are simple, delicious, and approachable. I find myself inspired by people who take the familiar fresh ingredients and combinations I use all the time and introduce a new twist, making even the simplest meals feel fresh and exciting again; so here are some of my favorite accounts that make me excited to turn on the stove:

1. @chuckischarles on TikTok / @chuckcruz on Instagram

Being a professional chef based in Chicago, with his creative and laid-back energy, Chuck makes complex recipes look so easy and fun (can't not give his song choices on TikTok a shoutout as well)!

On top of his videos and recipes on Substack, you can find him doing Friday night dinners with wife Hailee Catalano, who is also a great chef.

2. @crispyegg420 & @u.doma.feed & @ bowlsplatesbowls on Instagram

Some of my favorite accounts to follow aren’t typical recipe accounts, but with simple ingredients and good combinations they don’t need to be. I always leave scrolling through their posts craving some good eggs & improvisational platters. If you are just like me, thinking of breakfast before you sleep, check them out!

3. @cabagges on TikTok / @cabagges.world on Instagram

Not having any culinary experience, Anna and Kevin document their dinners from their phones, constantly experimenting with new recipes and learning

along the way. Their creative backgrounds are shown on their website, which I always enjoy visiting for new recipes and more.

4. @Figandoliveplatter on TikTok    This account is my recommendation for people who had a massive baking addiction during quarantine that kept on making bread. On top of always succeeding good pastry recipes, I also enjoy other familiar Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes on their website.

Foody Focus: Nori

Another mouth-watering Foody Focus this week...

Sick of your instant ramen?

Consider Nori, a ramen house, nestled in a quiet part of Jesmond. Whether it be their namesake dish, or other Japanese staples, Nori has everything a college student desires when looking for an elevated food fix.

"Inside the restaurant, you'll be greeted with warm and welcoming vibes from their staff’s smiles and beautiful wall murals."

Inside the restaurant, you’ll be greeted with warm and welcoming vibes from their staff’s smiles and beautiful wall murals. Once seated, it didn’t take us long to decide as the menu is short, yet has something taste. If you want to go for an alcoholic drink, you will need to bring your own beverage. They offer a selection of small and large eats, poke bowls, sushi and, of course, ramen. The staff ensured neither of us had allergies before ordering.

We aimed to order a little bit of everything, starting with duck gyoza as an appetizer. Neither of us had duck in gyoza before, but it was a delightful surprise; nice and crispy, how it should be.

Being a ramen house, we both knew we each had to try a different one. I, Taylor, opted for the Signature Tonkotsu, made spicy. I, Christine, cannot handle my spices very well, so I went for a non-spicy version of the vegan option Miso Hell. All ramens can be tailored to your spice preferences, however, in Taylor’s opinion, the spicy option isn’t that hot. The kitchen further proved they are accommodating as they brought us more chilli oil upon request..

Both of us enjoyed their rich broths, filled with mushrooms, noodles, and bamboo shoots. For the Signature Tonkotsu, the char siu pork had a great, savoury flavour, and paired well with the perfectly jammy egg. However, it would have been nice if it had been cut into smaller pieces; some chopstick fiddling was required. The same goes for the pak choi in the vegan soup, because it could have mixed better with the rest of the ingredients. Personally, I, Christine, really enjoyed the chewiness of the noodles, but if you prefer a softer noodle, this ramen may not be your cuppa (or bowla, ha). Overall, these tasty ramens had us happy dancing along to their jammin’ playlist.

In addition to the ramen, we ordered the Chicken Katsu Curry. This katsu was wellseasoned, yet quite standard, and is not a stand out on their menu. The chicken was crispy, but the curry did make it a bit soggy, so we would have preferred the curry to come on the side of the dish.

Altogether, we had a great time; delicious food, fantastic atmosphere, and reasonable prices. We would definitely recommend it and like to return as it is a lovely place to share a meal with friends.

Image credit: Odiseo Castrejon on Unsplash

Christine Soloch Taylor Roth

Image credit: Taylor Roth

Image credit: Abhishek Hajare on Unsplash; febrianes86 on Pixabay

Sugar rush or sugar crisis?

Are sweet treats taking over our diets?

From celebratory pastries after a long lecture to mid-study chocolate fixes, sweet treats are a staple of student life. Eaten a full packet of mini rolls in one sitting when you promised yourself they would last the whole week? We’ve all been there. Whilst sitting in my own post-sweet-treat clarity, I began to wonder if there might be a way to satiate the sugar cravings whilst avoiding the guilt that often follows. Is it possible to find the balance between enjoying a sweet treat and looking after your body?

Whether you’ve had a busy day of lectures or just fancy something sugary to accompany you on a walk, reaching for something easy and satisfying is often the quickest option. There’s no denying the appeal of a sweet treat, but unfortunately the reality for many is that consuming too much sugar doesn’t always fuel our minds and bodies in the most efficient way.

I’m a firm believer that the occasional (or frequent) indulgence is part of a healthy lifestyle. Why deny yourself the simple pleasures in life? We shouldn’t let the potential risks of overindulgence get in the way of enjoying dessert. Here are some ‘healthier’ alternatives that still save time if you’re looking to indulge in a quick, guilt-free way.

"Why deny yourself the simple pleasures in life?"

Date bark – otherwise known as the healthier version of a Snickers bar. Smash down pitted dates into the rough shape of a chocolate bar, layer

with a nut butter of your choice (my personal favourite is crunchy peanut butter) and add melted chocolate (again, of your choosing). To finish, if you feel particularly fancy, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before placing it in either the fridge or freezer (wherever you can find room) to set. I would recommend making this on a tray lined with parchment paper, but tinfoil works in a pinch too!

Greek yogurt bowls – this sweet treat can also double as breakfast but could honestly be consumed at any point of the day and is completely customisable. A Greek yogurt bowl is quick and easy and can be enjoyed in so many different ways. I usually start with a base of yogurt and honey, adding any berries, a cereal of choice (like granola or Branflakes) as well as anything further you might want to add. From toasted almonds to peanut butter, the

possibilities are endless However, sometimes a sweet treat doesn’t cut it, and in this scenario, my go to is a crisp and dip moment. Reach for a healthier alternative of your favourite crisps (I find lentil Pop Chips to be the perfect shape to scoop) and make some guacamole to accompany it. Add lemon or lime (or both – whichever floats your boat), salt, pepper as well as garlic powder and a little paprika to a smashed avocado and get to dipping.

"A

Greek yogurt bowl is quick and easy and can be enjoyed in so many different ways."

If you’re still at a loss and don’t have a lot of time, BBC GoodFood has further guidance on buying healthier alternatives for on-the-go- https://www.bbcgoodfood. com/review/best-healthy-snack

Cheers to hydrated

Payal Rathore

Make sure you're drinking plenty of water this winter...

Staying hydrated is the most complicated task to do. And especially in winter, it seems impossible. We all know that drinking water is the most important thing to do. And in cooler months it's more easy to get dehydrated than in the summer. Winter is sneaky. One moment, you’re cosy in your blanket, watching your favourite series, and the next moment, you realize you haven’t had a sip of water since…..yesterday? Well, the cold weather tricks us into being thirsty and before we know it, our skin is already dry. But there should be some kind of loophole for this, right?

Don’t worry there is. And they are very creative and funky to keep your hydration game strong this season.

"Stay hydrated and keep your glow going"

Winter hydration hacks:

winters

Stews and warm fruit bowls are secret hydration heroes.

Get a Funky Bottle and Make It Your Sidekick-

A boring old water bottle? Nah, we need a spark! Get yourself a funky, bright, coloured bottle with a motivational quote of yours on it. You’ll be reaching for it just to show off your impeccable hydration style.

Set Sip-Reminders in the Most Ridiculous Way PossibleSticky notes won’t help. Set a goofy alarm that says, “HYDRATED or DEHYDRATED?”. And then don’t avoid it.

Don’t Let Coffee Be Your VillianCoffee is everything and I get it. And mostly in winter we crave good and strong coffee. But it’s the most easy way to become dehydrated. And your ‘one cup more’ can be a villain. But you can have a cup of coffee and match it with a glass of water. Balance it.

"The cold weather tricks us into being thirsty and before we know it, our skin is already dry."

Bitesized: Kimchi

Over the last four years of fending for myself at uni, trialling weird food combos with the leftovers in the cupboard and having some unimaginable things for breakfast, one of my most loved encounters has to be the fermented Korean dish Kimchi.

Though initially a little intimidated by the ample number of red flecks of chilli speckling the pickled veg, it's safe to say I have found my ultimate food fixation. Whether mixed into avocado and spread on toast, carefully placed as a colourful component upon rice dishes of any nature or even plucked from the very jar itself and eaten on the hoof, kimchi has my heart. Tending to gravitate towards the cabbage variety, kimchi can also involve radish and carrots and is a satisfyingly crunchy side that appears alongside most of my meals. As pickling your own veggies is becoming a trend, perhaps you fancy doing a little D.I.Y.! Just grab yourself some fresh Napa cabbage, Gochugaru (Korean chilli flakes) and a variety of other delicious seasonings to make your very own delight! Top tip- the longer you leave it the better. Kimchi flavours deepen over time.

Delicious, nutritious and gut friendly, get yourself to one of the many Asian supermarkets that bless our streets (my favourites are HiYoU and A-mart) and take the plunge. Once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back!

Image credit: AlLes on Pixabay;

Esther Arnold - Food & Drink Sub-Editor

Image credit: Moshilly on Pixabay

Elizabeth Fernie

Image credit: Jamie Street on Unsplash; Ellie Ellien on Unsplash

My March 8 trip around the world

Jessica Palfrey

Festa della Donna, Día internacional de la mujer: how are women being celebrated worldwide?

March 8 marks International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call to action against gender bias and discrimination. It is a day to promote gender parity, highlight struggles for women’s rights, and demonstrate international sisterly solidarity with working women.

Across the world, International Women's Day is marked in a plethora of ways, from flowers to political protests. In Russia, the day has historical significance, following womenled demonstrations that contributed to the 1917 Russian Revolution. However, modern celebrations have largely moved away from activism, resembling a mix of Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, with men running around to buy gifts for women. However, in 2019, Russian newspaper Kommersant ran a story titled: “Thank you for the flowers, but I demand respect.”

Flowers are also central to Women's Day celebrations in Italy and France. Yellow mimosas are the symbol of Festa della Donna; representing female strength and solidarity, this tradition believed to have originated in Rome after World War II. The food-oriented country even extends the vibrant yellow theme to cakes and pasta. In France, they give violets and lilies of the valley, but regardless of the flower, the sentiment remains the same.

China has recognised International Women's Day since 1949, but Girl’s Day is March 7. However, feminist activism remains restricted, with eight women arrested in 2015 for planning an anti-sexual harassment protest on IWD. While the government have tended to emphasise women’s beauty and “selfless” contributions, there have been gestures of progress, such as pink zebra crossings with red hearts and viral state media critiquing traditional gender norms.

In Nicaragua, women’s rights are in “sharp decline” , with Nicaraguan women unable to demonstrate in the streets due to the de facto police state. The last time these women demanded recognition of their rights was on March 8, 2018, but since then, the Ortega and Murillo regime has prohibited protests. This year will mark seven years without women being able to publicly demand their rights.

In contrast, some countries, including Argentina, Australia and Spain, observe International Women's Day as a politically active day. Australians have marked IWD for decades, with marches becoming widespread in the 1970s. Today, panel discussions, breakfasts, and events featuring prominent women in their fields, calling for more representation, equality, and diversity.

To read more of this article, head online at

A globe-trotter's guide to climate friendly travel

Esther Arnold - Food and Drink Sub-Editor

As we begin to dream of gorgeous sunny scapes and relaxing long weekends in our favourite destinations, thoughts of future travels get us through dissertations and quickly emerging deadlines. After all, what’s not to love about taking some rest-bite and immersing yourself in a different culture? Unfortunately, there is an answer.

As more of us voyage across the globe, our carbon footprints skyrocket, increasing global warming dramatically. Though I am not here to induce guilt about your hopes of holidaying with pals, we just need to think a little greener about travelling to lands of sun, sea, and sand the year.

A couple of tips to bit amp up the eco on your next trip:

Public transport is your friend…

Public transport in other destinations isn’t always as easy as hopping on and off our beloved metro, so all you need to do is a bit of planning. Instead of relying on last minute Ubers and taxis, download that bus timetable, see if there is a tram or even plan walking routes to your bucket list sites. Renting bikes may be the way to go for more confident travellers, but ultimately, there is nothing a little forwardthinking can’t do.

Climate conscious shopping…

Everyone loves a little splurge on new holiday clothing, no matter the climate you’re travelling to. However, fast fashion continues to pollute our seas and poison our air. Green Peace shockingly states that around 300,000 tonnes of clothing are either burned or submerged into landfill every year. In light of this, if you really feel the need to add a few new items to your wardrobe, head to your local charity shops or borrow from friends. Steering clear of the likes of Shein saves money and reduces that carbon footprint- a pretty good compromise! Location, location, location…

When deciding on the destination of your next adventure, take a quick step back and think about how you will get to your destination. Plane or train perhaps? Well, the greener mode of transport is certainly train, omitting 7 times less CO2 than plane travel. Now, I realise that if you dream of safari- ing in the reserves of Kenya or hiking the Rockies across the pond, trains are getting you nowhere.

To read more of this article, head online at www. thecourieronline. co.uk.

Harriet Marshall

What is Destination 2050 and is it achievable? Is net zero air travel possible?

The aviation industry, long criticised for its environmental impact, accounts for 2-3% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and around 3-4% of the global temperature rise. As air travel demand continues to soar, so does concern about its sustainability, prompting urgent calls to reduce emissions to net zero in EU. But is this goal too ambitious or is it truly achievable?

"It's been a long time coming":

In conversation with VC Nick Atkinson

Ellen Pinch & Sophie Jarvis - Travel Sub-Editors

Come Together Festival is the North East's new and biggest festival hitting the Toon this June. With headliners across two days including Robbie Williams, Kings of Leon and the North East's own Andrew Cushin and Perrie Edwards, the festival is set to attract thousands from across the UK and transform Town Moor into an epicentre for arts and entertainment. Behind the scenes, however, the festival is more than a spectacle - it's a carefully managed balance between conservation and celebration. We sat down with Nick Atkinson, Vice Chairman of the Freeman of Newcastle to find out what the event means for the city and how the organistion have worked with the festival's organisers.

As Newcastle upon Tyne’s cultural and industrial landscape spirals and develops as time goes on, the Town Moor has remained an overlooked steadfast.

A sprawling 1000 acre grassland nestled at the heart of the city, it’s more than just an open space— it’s a living, breathing part of Newcastle’s identity. For 800 years, the Moor has played a central role in uniting communities, balancing preservation with built environment development, and hosting everything from grazing cattle to the annual Hoppings events.

Newcastle upon Tyne, the historic custodians of the Moor who are ensuring that Come Together is as much about sustainability as it is showstopping performances. The Freemen, who have safeguarded the Moor for 800 years, work closely with Newcastle City Council and local authorities to protect the land whilst still embracing its potential for hostinglarge-scale events.

"Beyond the music, the festival carries a huge responsibility: protecting the Moor's sustainability"

At the heart of the efforts are The Freemen of

Nick sees the festival as a huge milestone, not just for Newcastle’s music scene but for the Moor itself. “It could be huge for putting Newcastle on the map,“ he says. “We’ve put on smaller level music events, like Loose Fest and This Is Tomorrow, but the space commands something much bigger. I’m jumping for joy, it’s been a long time coming. I hope it becomes an annual event and draws an international audience… this is only year one.” Beyond the music, the festival carries a huge responsibility: protecting the Moor’s sustainability, ensuring that the 45,000 per-day-attendance foot traffic impact on the land is temporary and the space is preserved.

Read more of the interview at www. thecourieronline.co.uk. Tickets for the Come Together Festival are on sale now: https:// cometogetherfestival.co.uk Image source: Your Travel Sub-Editors!

Destination 2050 was announced in February 2021 as a strategy to promote sustainability within the aviation industry, led by ACI Europe, Airlines for Europe (A4E), ASD Europe, European Regions Airline Association (ERA), and CANSO Europe. In accordance with EU climate goals, this plan aims to see net zero CO2 emissions from all flights within or departing from the EU, UK and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries by 2050. Put simply, the goal is for the amount of CO2 released by the aviation industry to be equal to or less than the amount it removes from the environment.

Numerous factors weigh into the environmental impact of a journey, with total CO2 emissions differing depending on aircraft model, flight distance, passenger load, etc. A ‘roadmap’ details the steps that must be taken to reach Destination 2050, with the following four goals being: improvements in aircraft and engine technologies will achieve emission reductions of 27%; scaling up alternative fuels and sustainable energy will achieve emission reductions of 56%; implementing economic measures will achieve emission reductions of 12%; improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operation will achieve emission reductions of 6%.

The most pivotal change is predicted to come from the use of alternative fuels or SAFs (sustainable aviation fuels), whereby the kerosene (a fossil fuel that releases CO2 as it combusts) standardly used in planes is replaced with fuels derived from renewable sources such as biomass and waste. But, whilst they may reduce a flight’s CO2 emissions, the production process of SAFs can harm the environment.

Unsurprisingly, none of these changes come cheaply. Quality materials and extensive ongoing research, such as that into new technologies and SAFs, incur high costs. Since the challenge of sufficiently cutting emissions is fierce, the industry will invest in carbon removal projects to counteract remaining emissions, further increasing expenditure.

It’s not just the airlines and manufacturers that have a part to play. In fact, over 300 airports are committed to the goal, such as Heathrow

Image source: Freerange Stock

Image source: Wikimedia Commons and PICRYL (cows)

Image source: Pexels

'Got the Shot' campaign encouraging screen tourism in the North East

Amala Parry

- Campus Comment Sub-Editor

The UK tourism organisation

VisitBritain has joined forces with Expedia Group to establish a travel campaign to increase tourism in the North East, Scotland, and Wales. The main driving force behind this campaign is the increasing allure of 'screen tourism'...

The Got the Shot series is part of VisitBritain's global campaign titled 'Starring GREAT Britain' which aims to promote travel, trade and opportunities for investments in the UK. Got the Shot, however, focuses solely on highlighting iconic filming locations across the UK, such as the North East (Durham and Newcastle) for period dramas, Scotland (Glasgow and Loch Fyne) for spy thrillers and Wales (Cardiff and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park) for fantasy settings.

The campaign will be running from February to March of this year, utilising the extensive platform of Expedia Group to encourage international bookings to the lesser-known and appreciated areas of Britain. The three-part mini-series will star the comedians Lara Ricote and Stevie Martin, as they explore Britain's iconic screen locations and rich history, emphasising the growing phenomenon of screen tourism.

Screen tourism refers to the attraction of visitors to film or TV locations. According to

VisitBritain 7 in 10 UK tourists visit TV or Film locations, demonstrating the enticing nature of screen tourism in this country. The UK is home to many iconic period dramas, such as Downtown Abbey or Pride and Prejudice, as well as global phenomenons like Harry Potter. 90% of potential UK visitors are interested in exploring destinations featured in films and TV series... It's no surprise that tourists want to visit these filming locations on their travels, stepping into their favourite films or TV shows!

"Got the Shot aims to support local businesses, encourage regional travel and enhance the cultural appeal of Britain..."

One of the North East locations featured in the third episode of Got the Shot is the iconic Beamish Living Museum. The museum has been featured in several historical productions including 'Downtown Abbey' and 'Harriet's Army,' as well as several documentaries. During the episode, Lara and Stevie met Beamish's Visitor Experience Manager and had a tour of the museum and the iconic filming locations.

Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain stated: "Partnering with Expedia allows us to showcase Britain's incredible destinations to a global audience. From historic landscapes to vibrant

cities, we're inspiring visitors to into Britain's most iconic film locations and book their trips now."

Highlighting the ever-growing demand for screen tourism, Got the Shot aims to support local businesses, encourage regional travel enhance the cultural appeal of Britain as a unique tourist location! Besides, it would be a shame for tourists to limit themselves to London and Southern England when the North East, Scotland and Wales have so much to offer in terms of cultural history, nature and iconic filming sites.

Souvenir Stash

Danielle Watson

Souvenirs are such a magical way of bringing a little piece of the place or country home with you, as they can represent the lovely time you’ve had and the special memories you’ve made.

Women who changed the world: A travel guide

online book club, in which you can share thoughts with other literature lovers.

When it comes to buying souvenirs, I like to go for something special and practical, which is why I feel as though my favourite souvenirs will always be postcards. I would recommend adding postcards to your souvenir list for many different reasons:

Not only are they incredibly affordable, and you can often find them second hand in cute independent shops and vintage stores, they also take up barely any room. If needs be, they will probably fit even into your pocket. However, one of the main reasons why I love to get postcards is because of their variety and magic. You can choose any design and print you’d like: you can go for photos, paintings, statues or nature. The vibe of your postcards can be anything that makes you happy and sums up your trip.

Celebrate the women of the world by following their footsteps... literally!

Marie Curie

STEM more your speed?

Taylor Roth actively changing the world. If you’re a tattoo enthusiast, a venture to Buscalan, Philippines, is a trip you’ll never forget. Whang Od, at age 108, is the last mambabatok who practices Kalinga batok, traditional Filipino handtapping tattoos.

As we head into Women’s History Month and the weather gets warmer, a few trips to celebrate important women over the years are in order. So grab your passport and pack your bags as we acknowledge some of the world's most inspirational women…

Frida Kahlo

Art lover? A trip to Frida Kahlo’s house is the destination for you. Renowned artist, feminist, and LGBTQ+ icon, Kahlo contributed art based on her own life experiences. Through her artwork she challenged identity norms and celebrated Mexican culture.

To further explore her work, you can visit her house located in Mexico City, where you can view some of her pieces, learn about her life, and explore Mexican history through changing weekly activities.

Jane Austen

Dying to explore the mind behind Pride and Prejudice? Take a journey to Chawton, England to see Jane Austen’s House. Austen provided the world with some of the most memorable classics and brought further attention to in-depth female characters, as well as how women fit into society in real life.

At her home you can see artifacts from her life, such as her writing table, jewelry, and letters. If you can’t take the trek, the museum also hosts a monthly

Dive into Maria Curie's life museum in Warsaw, Poland. widely known contributions chemistry and specifically radioactive and radium, furthering progress work in the medical field.

Women in the STEM field, lasting reminder provide in a malesector. At this you learn everything personal and professional some of her home and lab memorabilia.

Whang Od one for a

“She reminds us of the importance of preserving culture”

She now only performs a three-dot tattoo, but has younger family members who she has recently taught to secure the tradition. Od’s work has inspired a revival of similar Filipino tattoo styles and has reconnected Filipino people around the world with their roots.

She reminds us of the importance of preserving culture and the power women hold in continuing their stories and traditions. If you are interested in visiting, I highly recommend researching more to further understand the meaning and significance behind

My favourite thing about postcards as souvenirs has to be the thoughtfulness that they obtain. I love using my postcards from my travels as bookmarks or even more often as wall art pieces. Additionally, I love to write a message and date on the other side of the postcard, whilst I am travelling or shortly after my return to capture any thoughts or feelings that I want to remember when in many years, I pick up that particular postcard and am reminded of my beautiful experiences and memories of my youth.

Image source: Christopher Newsom, Flickr (Whang Od), Tekniska Museet, Flickr (Marie Curie), and Wikimedia Commons

Image source: Angeling11, Flickr

Image source: Diamond Geezer, Flickr (tram) and Wikimedia Commons

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

Updates from your station managers

Alicia McEvoy - NUTV Station Manager

It goes without saying that NUTV have had a successful couple of weeks since the last time I wrote anything. We livestreamed both the Elections Rally and the Results Night. It’s been such a lengthy process, but I’ve finally got a good handle on all of the tech, meaning we’ve not had any technical issues!! If the chaos of campus has inspired you to rewatch any of the events, they’re available for viewing on our YouTube channel. I’m extremely proud of the team for how the events were handled, and their professionalism both in front of, and behind the cameras.

We’ve also been working closely with the National Student TV Association (NaSTA) and I’m so proud to announce that we have nominated our stream of Fight Night for the award for Sport Coverage. While we may not be attending, I’m both proud of the team that volunteered for the event, as well as how much progress we have made. It’s been a massive learning curve for everyone, but the work has paid off. The process of nominating ourselves for the event has truly been an eye-opening process and it’s made me realise just how much potential we have when it comes to nominating our station for awards in the next academic year. There’s been some exciting opportunities for us to make more and more connections with a variety of stations too.

We’ve also done some filming for NUSU’s President Leo, and I’m proud to have both filmed and participated in this - so keep an eye out for that on their social media. It was yet another learning opportunity about how we can use our equiptment for more than just streaming, and it was helpful before filming for a societies event. Following this, keep an eye on our social media,

and the Whatsapp group chatwe’ve got an amazing opportunity that will hopefully come soon. But for now, we’ve not called “action!” - just imagine you’re at the cinema watching the adverts, knowing something cool is coming. And finally, if you ever want to catch up on our streams, they’re always accessible on our YouTube channel. It’s the best place to keep up to date with important issues at student council, as well as the fun, light-hearted events we have the chance to work at.

Erin Reid - NSR Station Manager

NSR is finally back on air and though we have had a few hiccups we are already so impressed with everybody's amazing work!

Last week we had a very special guest visiting us at the Student Media Afternoon. Emil Franchi is an alumni of NSR and has now worked for a number of big name stations like BBC Radio One and Absolute. It was an honour to have him back and show him around the studio. He answered some questions during a talk about the radio industry and it was amazing to hear the success of a previous presenter at NSR. We have the upcoming media awards and we would all love for you to submit yourself for as many awards as possible. You never know you could be the next reciever of the Show of the year award!! We are also debuting a brand new award which we are really excited about. The mic drop award will be for the best moment on air and we can't wait to see what you guys submit for that! It will be an amazing night and we welcome you all to come along.

Although we are drawing closer to the end of the academic year, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. If you havent got a show but would like one, we have the new timetable released on our instagram and if you find an free space you'd like to take, send us a DM and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We also have some upcoming socials so keep an eye on the instagram for more updates!

The Last Showgirl: A showcase of female nostalgia and broken dreams

Pamela Anderson shines in this emotional drama about the fading showgirl scene...

Gia Coppola, granddaughter of legendary director Francis Ford Coppola, crafts an undeniably affecting story about women, with The Last Showgirl. Pamela Anderson is mesmerising in the role of Shelly, a woman in her early fifties clinging onto past beauty, fame and success, a delusion which gets gradually pulled apart by every twist and turn the movie takes.

Shelly’s crisis is the closure of the Razzle Dazzle, the last Las Vegas show of its kind in which she has been a dancer since the 1980s. Based on the showgirls

of the Jubilee!, the Razzle Dazzle is what others in the film term a “nudie show”, but what Shelly maintains is a tribute to the glamour and sophistication of Paris at the turn of the century. Shelly cannot reconcile her glowing image of the show, fuelled by a craving to relive her past glories on stage every night, with the reality of it as faded, faintlyembarrassing and unspectacular.

“The film exhibits female friendships in a beautiful, complex way.”

The film exhibits female friendships in a beautiful, complex way. Shelly’s best friend, Annette, played spectacularly by Jamie Lee Curtis, is an ex-dancer, now ‘cocktailer’, who gambles her life away at the casino most nights. Shelly’s life, by comparison, looks quite put together. But the two women support each other and love each other so fiercely that the scenes they share hurt one’s eyes. Shelly and Annette are joined by Mary-Anne

(Brenda Song) and Jodie (Kiernan Shipka), also dancers at the Razzle Dazzle, but much younger, with a far less idealistic view of the show. To Mary-Anne and Jodie, Shelly appears a sort of motherly figure, a role in which she did not intentionally enlist, as she reminds each of the girls in two separate, equally heart-breaking scenes.

“Exquisite scenes and a stellar cast make The Last Showgirl a beautifully painful film”

As the film progresses, we find out just how much Shelly has given up to remain at the Razzle Dazzle, including her actual daughter, Hannah (Billie Lourd). Hannah, who has grown up with another family due to Shelly’s commitment to the show, cannot understand its worth in Shelly’s eyes. Shelly strives so hard for Hannah's forgiveness, reminding her in a poignant voicemail that mothers are not saints or angels but regular

Amazon's takeover of the

Bond Franchise: New era or cash grab?

Marcus Marchant

As Jeff Bezos replaces M as Bond's boss, what does this mean for the future of 007?

Bond is undergoing a major transformation. After decades of careful control by the Broccoli family, the 007 franchise is now in the hands of Amazon. This shift has sparked speculation about what lies ahead for the beloved series. With Amazon’s deep pockets and ambitious plans, fans are left wondering: Will this be the revitalization Bond needs, or just another cash grab?

The 2021 film No Time to Die marked a shocking conclusion to Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond, ending with his death — a break from the tradition where Bond always survives. This has left the franchise in a state of uncertainty and, as of now, there is no new film in

production. In fact, this hiatus is poised to become 007’s longest-ever sabbatical, with four years gone since No Time to Die and no new mission on the horizon.

Amazon’s control allows them to shape Bond’s future without needing approval from the Broccoli family. This could lead to spin-offs and origin stories, much like what we’ve seen with Cruella and Wonka. While these prequel-type narratives have brought new perspectives to classic stories, they also run the risk of diluting the original essence. Bond fans have already seen franchises like Star Wars and Marvel expand their universes with mixed results. While those expansions offered fresh content, they also led to fan fatigue and creative redundancy. Amazon may attempt a similar strategy, but it’s a fine line between growth and overextension.

“The torch has been passed, this marks a new era, the inactivity of the franchise in recent years could be just as damaging”

Another key shift comes with the departure of the royal bloodline from the Broccoli lineage. The torch has been passed, and while this marks a new era, the inactivity of the franchise in recent years could be just as damaging as overcommercialization. Amazon, however, is unlikely to remain inactive. The company’s vast resources and hunger for content suggest that Bond will not remain dormant for long.

One major question is who will replace Daniel Craig as Bond. Jeff Bezos has even asked fans for casting suggestions, which raises concerns about a fandriven narrative. Finding the right actor for Bond is crucial to maintaining the character’s legacy, and prioritizing story over fan expectations is key. The idea of a new 007, perhaps from a different ethnicity or gender, is

now more plausible, especially as Amazon may embrace more flexibility in casting. However, tampering too much with Bond’s core identity could alienate long-time fans, and Amazon will need to balance innovation with preserving the franchise’s essence.

“Amazon’s takeover presents an opportunity for revitalization but also poses risks of overcommercialization”

James Bond is at a crossroads. Amazon’s takeover presents an opportunity for revitalization but also poses risks of overcommercialization. With spin-offs, potential reimaginings, and new approaches to Bond’s future, the franchise’s future is both exciting and uncertain. As we await news of the next film, it remains to be seen whether Amazon

women trying their best. This feeling is at the heart of the movie. All these women are doing their best, but the forces of life, and society, and – in Shelly’s case most pertinently – time, are not on their side. This kind of specific female nostalgia was the most arresting quality of the film.

Shelly clings onto the feeling of importance which the Razzle Dazzle gave her as a young woman, the kind of importance society never seems to attribute to women over thirty. This phenomenon injects women with a particular anxiety that propels them to achieve the kind of perfection it is always impossible to achieve. The Last Showgirl is a study in what happens when the illusion of it all is realised. By the time Jason Schwartzman makes a fun cameo as a no-nonsense casting director, Shelly’s vision of her world has fallen to pieces at her highheeled feet.

Arguably, the film takes on more than it can cover in the space of 90 minutes. But perhaps the many strands of the film that didn’t quite pan out are evocative of Shelly’s view as her life spins out of control. Despite this small issue, exquisite scenes and a stellar cast make The Last Showgirl beautifully painful film.

What

Here are this week's film suggestions from our subeditors...

Alex:

The Host (2006)

Want even more of a Bong Joon-ho fix before Mickey 17? Then check out his amazing monster movie The Host! This movie is his interepretation of a Godzilla or King Kong film, and it blows many of their movies out the water - literally! Check it out if you haven't already!

Charlotte:

Witches (2024)

Elizabeth Sankey's personal documentary uses the figure of the witch in both real and cinematic history to explore female madness before and after pregnancy. Witches is deeply moving and an incredibily important watch!

Ciara:

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! If you're fancying a chill night in this year, grab yourself a Guinness and watch an Irish film instead. Playwright turned writer-director Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin is a personal favourite. Equal parts dry humour, tragic poignance and beautiful green landscapes, it's definately one that will go down in the annals of Irish cinematic history.

Imogen Snook

Image source: IMDb

Sub-Editors: Alex Paine,

Coppola: Has nepotism gone too far?

Phoebe Clark - Arts Sub-Editor

Have we finally had our fill of the Coppolas?

It’s no secret that Hollywood is run on nepotism. From Johnny and Lilly Depp to Lenny and Zoe Kravitz, the list is never-ending. Although there’s one family tree whose branches extend further than anyone else’s and that is the Coppola family.

From the patriarch Francis Ford Coppola, critically acclaimed director of The Godfather, to his daughter Sofia Coppola whose films portray women in all their beauty and complexity. Francis also had a son Roman whose daughter Gia has directed the new film The Last Showgirl, starring Pamela Anderson.  Nepotism is an elitist practice that gives opportunities to people not solely based on the merit of their work and talent, but rather the importance of their surname. Therefore, the question that always surfaces when the Nepo word gets brought up is… are they actually good? For example, critics have called Sofia Coppola’s acting performance in The Godfather Part III lacklustre and many of her films have been met with polarised reviews. And yet, she is still a household name.

Have we allowed the branches of the Coppola family to extend too far and steal the light from the saplings on the forest floor?

With a new Coppola on the block, we need to ask ourselves ‘Has Hollywood let nepotism get out of hand?’ as critics say The Last Showgirl ‘barely get(s) under the sequins, let alone the skin, of a bittersweet price-of-glamour story.’ (Rotten Tomatoes)

Have we allowed the branches of the Coppola family to extend too far and steal the light from the saplings on the forest floor? When we give opportunities to people who don’t have to prove their talent because of who their parents are, we take opportunities away from people who have something to say through great art.

When maintaining a forest, one must keep the biggest trees under control so that the equilibrium stays balanced, but who takes the role of tree surgeon in such a powerful system as Hollywood?

Is Hollywood finally giving equal opportunities to women?

Matilda Dunne

As female-led films equalise male-led, are we seeing a revolution on film?

Last year was the first in which femaleled films in Hollywood equalised with male-led ones, meaning that the number of films with a female lead or co-lead was the same as the number of films with male leads.

This figure is a huge increase from 2023, when only 30% of Hollywood films were led by women, and the figure has almost doubled since 2007, when tracking first began. Additionally, the top film of the year, Disney’s Inside Out 2, was female led, by Amy Poelher as the voice of Joy.

The studio to release the most female led films was Universal, with movies like Thelma, The Substance and Wicked. In fact, 66% of their films had a female lead.

This figure is particularly poignant at a time when the Trump administration is escalating its drive against diversity and inclusion, with several major companies shutting down or

minimising their DEI departments. PBS recently closed its DEI office, and Disney has been seen to step back from some of their efforts. However, there is still a long way to go for Hollywood. Just 25 of the top 100 films released last year featured leads from ethnic minority groups. Additionally, just 8 films had a female lead over the age of 45, compared to 21 films with an older male lead.

Throughout all the films released in 2024, the number of male characters aged 50 or older was more than double the number of female characters of the

Nevertheless it is important the recognise the milestone that was reached last year, and the promise that this shows for films being produced in the coming years, as hopefully representation in movies will continue to increase.

Image source: IMDb

The host to Parasite: A Bong Joon-Ho Deep Dive

Buse Pur

With Mickey 17 out now, we look at the filmography of this incredible director!

Bong Joon-Ho’s  Parasite (2019) made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2020. It didn't only win the Best Picture but swept the Oscars, taking home Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature as well. This win brought global attention to South Korean cinema and made Bong a prominent name in the industry. Ahead of his new movie, Mickey 17’s release, let’s look a look at the career of Bong Joon-Ho.

Bong’s love for movies started early. Growing up, he was drawn to art books, comics, and films. This passion continued into his college years at Yonsei University, where he studied sociology but spent most of his time in the university’s film club that he founded, Yellow Door (Noranmoon). During these years he bought his first film camera and started making short films, including White Man (1993), which helped him gain some attention within the Korean film scene.

His debut film, Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000), didn’t make much of a splash, but Bong’s second feature, Memories of Murder (2003), was highly still my personal of his. Based on unsolved serial South Korea, was praised for suspense, dark

humor, and social commentary. In 2006, he released The Host which centered around a giant mutant creature that emerges from the Han River and begins attacking people in Seoul as we follow a dysfunctional family. It was a massive box office success that got Bong noticed internationally and set his style of filmmaking with mix of genres and themes of government corruption and other societal issues. At one point in his career, he was placed on a secret government blacklist due to such themes and a negative portrayal of the Western political class in his films. His growing fame in the sector, thankfully, could ensure him private funding for more films.

Mother (2009), a compelling and dark genrehybrid thriller by Bong Joon-Ho, blends horror, mystery, and black comedy with his typical atmospheric tension to follow a protective mother as she sets out on a terrifying quest to prove her disabled son's innocence in a murder case. He then made Snowpiercer (2013), his first Englishlanguage film. Set on a train in a postapocalyptic world, exploring themes of class division in a dystopian society.  Following this theme, his 2017 film Okja critiqued capitalism and environmental degradation while fusing humor and genuine emotion.  Parasite (2019) struck a chord with audiences around the world because of its sharp satire on class disparity, blending different genres in a way that felt fresh and His ability to blend humor, action, and social commentary has made him one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation. On top of it all, he is for more international films to be watched and cared for by people. The moment that stayed with me from the Parasite Oscar sweep night was when he pointed at it in front of the Hollywood crowd: "Once you of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films."

Yorkshire on Film: under-rated?

Ryan Walsh

How do you know an actor is filming in Yorkshire?

Because they'll tell you. If you haven’t already seen an Instagram reel of a very happy Kiefer Sutherland stood outside of a Greggs van, you may have missed that the Canadian actor - alongside Rebel Wilson, Danny Dyer, and Derek Jacobi - have been spotted in Yorkshire filming for an upcoming Christmas film.

Quality of the aforementioned ‘Tinsel Town’ aside, big names filming in Leeds and Harrogate has got a lot more eyes on the county than usual and  – considering the many films shot there over the years –it’s time to consider that God’s own country may be one of the most underrated filming locations in the UK.

Some of the most iconic locations in British film have uncovered beautiful nooks in Yorkshire towns, like Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone shedding light on the town of Goathland – a tiny, gorgeous village mainly populated by sheep, a stone’s throw from Whitby (not Hogwarts unfortunately, but close). If fantasy isn’t your thing, Yorkshire has been home to countless novels and period dramas. Andrea Arnold’s 2011 adaptation of Wuthering Heights delivered on some beautiful shots of towns in the Yorkshire Dales, like Thwaite and Coverham, and that’s not including some of the big names in British television like Peaky Blinders and Downtown Abbey. Not only are the Moors and the Dales some of the most gorgeous places in the UK ripe for the filming, but some films shot in Yorkshire cities have been a cornerstone for culture in the county,  The Full Monty, Brassed Off, and  Four Lions just to name a few. Whether it’s films covering the Miner’s Strikes, male Time for the county to take centre stage with new Christmas film in the works!

Fender Fever: How Sam Fender inspires

Amy Marsh

The North Shields lad's continuing success is spurring a rock renaissance in the North East.

In an environment where success in the music industry is too often funded by the bank of mum and dad allowing budding musicians to find their feet, it easy for musicians without this financial head start to feel like they will never make it. Artists from Newcastle are especially likely to feel this way due to the huge disparity in opportunities and funding for young musicians in the North East compared to areas in the South. However, Sam Fender is the perfect example of a working class Geordie musician who has overcome these economic obstacles, giving hope to others who are in the same position Fender was in 10 years ago.

Fender’s lyricism focusses on the hardships of the North East working class, a topic scarcely sang about in popular music previously. Not only does this deeply resonate with people, but hearing a Geordie guy on the radio singing about being “overworked, underpaid” and having “no power, working zero hour” is likely to encourage others in this position that they could be on national radio one day too. Sarah Johnsone is one local musician who is not afraid to delve into such political themes, with her track ‘Pennies’ exploring political alienation, and the struggles of finding success under the power of a government who doesn’t support you.

"Fender's frank discussions of male mental health in songs such as 'Dead Boys' is bound to inspire male musicians"

What’s more, Fender’s frank discussions of male mental health in songs such as ‘Dead Boys’ is bound to inspire other male musicians to share their experiences with this topic through music. Keiran Bowe is one such musician from Gateshead, who takes inspiration from Fender and refers to North East drinking culture and toxic masculinity in his music. Bowe’s track 'The Local' explores the tendency of North East men to use drinking to cope with emotions, which could be a nod to Fender’s ‘Dead Boys’ lyric “everyone here just drinks, ‘cause that’s our culture”. These songs spark conversations which are particularly important in the North East, which has a higher suicide and alcohol death rate than the national average. The best way to come across up and coming local artists is to attend gigs in grassroots venues such as Cobalt Studios, Little Buildings and The Cluny. Not only will this help you discover the talent of small local artists, but supporting these venues is critical to the success of the musicians following in Sam Fender’s footsteps!

Inhaler live at O2 City Hall review: one of the most exciting bands of our own generation

Noelia Fernandez Perez - Sports Sub-Editor

Inhaler's triumphant set in Newcastle proved that this exceptional band is only going from strength to strength.

On February 19 2025, Newcastle upon Tyne was treated to a night of electrifying energy as Inhaler, the Irish indie rock band, graced the stage at O2 City Hall. The venue, known for its vibrant atmosphere, was the perfect backdrop for a performance that showcased the band’s growth, and ability to connect with a passionate fanbase.

From the moment the lights dimmed, and the first notes of the opening song echoed through the room, it was clear that Inhaler had come to deliver a performance that would be hard to forget.

The four-piece band, consisting of Elijah Hewson (vocals/guitar), Robert Keating (bass), Josh Jenkinson (guitar), and Ryan McMahon (drums), exuded an infectious energy that instantly captivated the audience. Their blend of soaring guitar riffs,

tight rhythms, and catchy melodies provided the perfect soundtrack for a memorable night.

One of the standout features of the concert was the band’s commanding stage presence. Elijah Hewson, also known for being the son of U2’s Bono, took centre stage with an undeniable charisma. His vocals, both on record and live, carry an emotive rawness that speaks directly to the listener's heart.

The band’s setlist was a well-curated mix of both older and newer material, drawing from their debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This and their follow-up, Cuts & Bruises. They opened with the infectious ‘My Honest Face’, their biggest hit to date, immediately drawing cheers from the audience as they bopped along to its upbeat and feel-good rhythm.

The blend of indie rock with a slight post punk edge is something that has become the band’s signature, and it was clear the crowd was fully on board from the outset.

The continued to play some of their newest songs, like ‘Eddie In The Darkness’ (probably one of my favourite songs) from their most recent album Open Wide. I’d also like to accentuate the audience as one of the main highlights of the night, making the concert more enjoyable.

But my favourite moment was when the Irish band played ‘Dublin in Ecstasy’. The song’s

infectious chorus was made all the more powerful by the enthusiastic singalong from the crowd, turning it into one of the night’s most memorable moments. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, with each member playing off the other’s energy and creating a tight, cohesive sound that resonated deeply with the audience.

Inhaler also showcased their growth as musicians, demonstrating how they’ve evolved since their early days. The more recent tracks from Cuts & Bruises felt like a natural progression for the band, with a slightly more polished sound that still retained the raw energy and passion that first endeared them to fans.

‘Cheer Up Baby’ stood out as one of the most sonically sophisticated tracks of the night, with its layered production and driving rhythm section, proving that Inhaler is not content to rest on its laurels. Their willingness to explore new sounds and take risks paid off, with many fans showing deep appreciation for the new material.

As the final notes of ‘Your House’ rang out, the audience erupted in cheers, not quite ready to let the night end. Inhaler had given Newcastle a night to remember — a performance full of passion, energy, and musical maturity that cemented their place as one of the most exciting bands of their generation.

An Obituary: Roberta Flack

Cory Gourley - TV Sub-Editor

Our TV Sub-Editor pays tribute to the intimate songstress who gave us hits such as 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'.

The Mother of R&B, with a Jazzy soul who helped birth the "Quiet Storm" genre and was the first artist to win a Grammy award for 'Record of the Year'. I am, of course, talking about the one and only Roberta Flack who passed away on February 24, 2025, aged 88.

Flack's commercial success reached its peak with her chart-topping singles, 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and 'Killing Me Softly with His Song', with them both making the Billboard Top 100 in the early 1970s. However, this songbird from North Carolina had an incredible career, defined by much more than her mainstream hit records.

"Flack stayed true to her musical roots, determined to stick with the formula that led to her... smash hits"

After forming a hit-making partnership with Donny Hathaway and Peabo Lane, Flack had found her niche. She was determined to remain nuanced, reserved and shrouded in a midst of warmth and gentility. Even when the R&B scene began to take off towards the end of the 1970s and into the early 80s, Flack stayed true to her musical roots, determined to stick with the formula that had led her to achieving a string of smash hits. Flack decided to play the long game, and in return achieved four Grammy awards and became a regular on American adult's Contemporary

Radio Stations. In 1974, she topped the charts again with 'Feel Like Makin' Love' before taking a break from performing live and instead focusing on her charity work and studio recording sessions.

This was not to be the end of her career, in fact it was far from it. She went on to achieve her biggest UK hit alongside Peabo Lane with the love ballad 'Tonight, I Celebrate my Love', with it reaching No. 2 in the charts in 1983. Flack went on to tour with Miles Davis, dueted with Michael

"Flack was a trailblazer"

Jackson and covered the likes of Leonard Cohen. However, all this success did not come without its challenges. Flack was forever weighed down by the constant comparisons to other black female artists. According to The Guardian, she once said after being "unfavourably" compared to Aretha Franklin that: "I am a black person who sings the way I do. I am not a black person who sounds anything like Aretha Franklin or like Chaka Khan. I shouldn't have to change in order to be who I am".

Flack also overcame many personal battles during the course of her career. She was married twice. Firstly, to American Jazz Bassist, Steve Novosel. They married in 1966 but divorced a few years later in 1972. She then married for a second time to Stewart Bosley, but this too ended in divorce.

In the late 1990s and early noughties, after achieving yet another Grammy nomination in 1994, Flack began to take a dignified route into an unofficial semi-retirement by fading gradually from mainstream music and media platforms. She released a string of Christmas and cover albums, including a pleasant and rather smart Beatles Collection, titled Let It Be Roberta in 2012. However, despite having the backing of Yoko Ono it failed to leave a mark commercially.

In 2016, Flack's health began to deteriorate after suffering from

a stroke. In 2022 she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), known in the UK as Motor Neurone Disease, leaving her unable to sing.

Flack was a trailblazer. Not only did she help birth the "Quiet Storm" branch of R&B that has produced contemporary soul superstars such as The Fugees but she remained focused on who she wanted to be as an artist, she never wavered and was rewarded with a string of smash hits and countless accolades.

All that is left for me to say is, Ms. Flack, you will continue to kill us all softly with your song, whenever we hear your voice.

Roberta Cleopatra Flack, singer, born 10 February 1937; died 24 February 2025, aged

Lacking a backbone? Stormzy responds to criticism over new McDonald’s ad campaign

Alicia McEvoy - NUTV Station Manager

The rapper defended his ad campaign with McDonald's, despite the company's links to Israel.

UK grime rapper Stormzy is facing backlash from his collaboration with McDonald’s. The heavilypromoted 'Stormzy Meal' consists of nine chicken nuggets, fries, two barbeque dips, a sprite zero and the choice between an Oreo McFlurry and an apple pie. For a medium size Stormzy meal, it will set you back £9.39!

Stormzy, born Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr, is arguably the most successful British rapper of our day, with hits like 'Shut Up' and 'Vossi Bop', as well as his collaborations with Little Mix ('Power'), Ed Sheeran ('Take Me Back To London'), Burna Boy ('Own It'), and Chase & Status ('Backbone').

In 2023, McDonald's got into controversy for offering free meals to Israeli soldiers in uniform

at its branches in Israel. In response to boycott calls, McDonald's bought out its Israeli franchisee Alonyal Ltd, and now directly runs 225 branches in the country.

On his Instagram story, he claimed that he didn’t archive the post where he came out in support of Palestine “for any reason outside of me archiving loads of IG posts last year”, yet fans have criticised this justification.

"McDonald's now directly runs 225 branches in Israel."

Understanding that fans would disapprove of this editing choice portrayed via his social media, in a desperate attempt to assert his pro-Palestine stance, he further said “I understand it must feel disappointing and disheartening when it seems like someone you’ve championed has compromised their beliefs for commercial gain but this isn’t the case here.”

Founded by former Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, the Peace and Justice Project has urged the rapper to drop this new collaboration in solidarity with Palestine. It comes as Hamas and Israel continue to free Israelis and Palestinians under the terms of the new ceasefire. This public callout

occurred on X, in which the Project wanted the singer to 'Do Better', and “help us take genocide off the menu”.

"'I understand it must feel disappointing and disheartening ... but this isn't the case here.'"

Their connection was first publicly acknowledged in 2019, when the rapper announced that he was going to be voting for Corbyn, as Stormzy said that the politician was the “first man in a position of power who is committed to giving the power back to the people”. It seems that a lot of these Stormzy meals will be going 'Cold' in solidarity to those in Palestine.

Darren Kiely live at NUSU review: born to be on the big stage

Lucie Stringer

Irish songwriter Darren Kiely spoke to the Courier before giving a special performance at NUSU.

From his new single, touring and Irish music I got the privileged opportunity to interview the incredible Darren Kiely and attend his gig.

We first discussed his new single ‘Weight’ which came out on 26 January and the meaning behind the song. He said it is about feeling like a burden and how your struggles can impact others. He commented that if any Newcastle student felt the same to find the person who they can talk to and "reflect back on", though it may take some time to find the right person it is an important thing to do.

"The audience instantly became connected with the Irish folk music."

We then talked about the tour and him making Amazon Music’s 2025 Ones to Watch list. He commented that it was confirmation that "people are listening". As a songwriter, often he can often forget the audience who are engaging for a time, however making the list and touring is a confirmation that people are listening and engaging with his music, something which he

feels very privileged to experience. Furthermore, he likes to see how different crowds reactions to the set especially in Europe. "One of the most talkative gigs was at the same time the one got the loudest cheers after each song."

Furthermore we conversed about the current spotlight on Irish arts from music to acting. Moreover, how the use of social media has given the chance for Irish people to get into the music industry and have their love and depth for storytelling, to be broadcasted to a wider audience. Plus, how it would be nice to see a documentary on it in 20 years, which I am sure Darren Kiely will be apart of.

The theme of connection with music spilled into the gig itself. With Oscar Blue supporting, the audience instantly became connected with the Irish folk music. Two songs which stood out to me were ‘Lighthouse’ and ‘Backyard Mafia’. When Darren came out, the crowd could be heard form every corner. His warm personality translated on stage, where you can tell he was born to be. Key moments which stood out to me were his song ‘Weight’ which was beautiful. His engagement with the audience from the beginning, encouraging people to sing along to ‘A Long Way’, was something which carried on throughout the whole set. Plus, when he came into the crowd with his

` Don't stop the music: four songs to keep you motivated

Multiple writers

In a mid-semester work funk? Need something to snap you out of TikTok doom-scrolling? Our writers have you covered.

'Light & Day / Reach for the Sun' by the Polyphonic Spree

The Polyphonic Spree's anthem 'Light & Day / Reach For The Sun' is a childhood favourite of mine and is always my go-to motivational song no matter where I am or what mood I'm in. After a quiet start, the song explodes into a defiant and jubilant chorus that lifts the spirits in unmistakable ways. The Polyphonic Spree are a group known for their choral harmonies and here they give me goosebumps, but the wave of strings and brass in the background when the chorus hits is still one of the most euphoric things I've ever heard in music. It always hits, it always makes me feel happy, and it all boils down to that main line: just follow the day and reach for the sun! - Alex Paine

'Abracadabra' by Lady Gaga

acoustic guitar and everyone made a circle and got our phone lights out. He then thanked the crowd for being so respectful at that moment of the gig.

"I highly recommend giving his music a listen."

Overall, Darren Kiely is an incredible man. From the interview to the gig it was a privilege and a honour to meet and be attend the gig. I highly recommend giving his music a listen and if you get a chance to go and see him perform, do. It will be a gig you will never forget.

As the title suggests, Lady Gaga truly did cast a spell with this song. When I hear this song, I can’t just sit still in bed. She summons me to get up, dance, and then finish my work. I played this song while writing this and I actually stopped typing at the chorus to dance along before resuming my thoughts. I feel my eyes becoming less droopy with every note. When Gaga tells me to “feel the beat under your feet, the floor’s on fire” that’s a sign for me to pick myself up and lock in; TikTok scroll time is over. If you see me in the library bopping my head back and forth and furiously typing, know that this song is playing and it's your sign to listen to it as well. - Taylor Roth

"She summons me to get up, dance, and then finish my work"

'The Feeling' by Kygo featuring Sigrid I love this tune for its classic Scandipop emotional euphoria. Two of Norway's best artists came together for this song and it really makes me feel like nobody could ever hurt me ever again, just for three minutes and ten seconds. Perhaps Scandipop songs are too overt and emotionally open to be popular in the UK because they don't fit the stoic and superficial British charisma. I don't care. I revel in their cheesiness. Besides, where else do you think that mysterious twenty-something transformation comes from? - Phillipp Andreewitch

'No One Knows' by Queens of the Stone Age What better music to get you motivated than one of the nastiest rock riffs of this century? 'No One Knows' is Queens of the Stone Age's flagship hit, and rightly so. A razor-sharp opening groove paves the way for Dave Grohl's drumming fireworks in the chorus, which were so thunderous Grohl had to record them in two overlayed takes. Josh Homme's vocal performance is deliciously sinister and Nick Oliveri's monstrous bass tone in the theatrical finale is the stuff of rock n' roll legend. And as for that wonderfully simple, stadiumfilling guitar riff: if it doesn't get you moving, you need to see a doctor. -

Bertie Kirkwood

Image credit: Lucie Stringer

Image credit: Frank Swichtenberg

Drama Small Screen Justice: The Power of Productions

Abigail Charnley

One of our writers explore how TV can be the perfect platform for Justice...

The recent release of Netflix’s new show question, how can tv be used to spur change?

Since the beginning of 2025, Netflix have released 2 shows dramatising true stories in which there are real victims.

Apple Cider Vinegar, on 6 February focuses on Australian fraudster Belle Gibson who claimed to treat her terminal cancer with ‘alternative therapies’ before she was discovered to be faking her diagnosis. Now a few weeks later, Town has hit our screens showcasing the Corby toxic waste scandal, which took place in the 1980s and

1990s, and caused unborn babies to be born with congenital disabilities.

The real stories behind these shows have already reached some sort of ‘ending’ after legal action.

In 2017 Gibson was ordered to pay $410,000 Australian dollars for her false claims, and in 2010 Corby Council were found liable for failing to properly decontaminate the Corby steelworks and ordered to pay £14.6 million in compensation to the victims and their legal teams. However these stories being broadcast on a large global platform has allowed for greater awareness of the injustices that took place. At a time where many influencers are promoting advice such as ‘balancing your hormones’ despite not being medical professionals, Apple Cider Vinegar was a

perfectly timed release. The show platforms how dangerous it can be to listen to influencers with no medical degree and how much harm these ‘influencers’ can cause through ignorance and greed for followers.

In response to Toxic Town, the leader of North Northamptonshire Council, which encompasses the old Corby borough council, states that it was right to showcase the victim’s stories and understands that it will likely cause needed reassurance that this mistake could never be made again. As someone who was previously unaware of the Corby scandal I think that the show is an excellent way to highlight the scandal and showcase how ordinary people can fight back against institutions which failed them. ITV's Mr Bates vs the Post Office which was watched by 13.5 million in the first month of its release also demonstrates this. The outroar was so loud, it led former PM Rishi Sunak to introduce a new law the same month the programme was released, promising to exonerate and compensate all individuals who had been falsely accused. Whilst Mr Bates said in November 2024 that he had not received word from Keir Starmer that March 2025 would be the final deadline for compensation like requested, the show undoubtedly made huge waves, both legally and politically. Given today’s online world, it seems unavoidable that TV will not continue to be wielded as a platform for change.

Howay Hollywood: TV the North East needs

Sasha Cowie

The North East of England is a region rich in character, history, and contrast. From working-class heartlands to affluent enclaves, from industrial roots to modern transformations, there’s no shortage of stories to tell. While we’ve seen plenty of North Eastbased TV shows in the past, from the infamous Geordie Shore to crime drama Vera, there’s still so much untapped potential. So, here are my own ideas for TV shows that should be made –ones that could bring both the grit and humour of the North East to screens across the country.

Inspired by the classic sketch show Little Britain, this new comedy series would take a satirical look at life in the rougher areas of the North East, from Consett and Bishop Auckland to Byker, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool. Expect over-thetop but painfully relatable characters, from blokes down the pub talking about ‘the good old days’ to local politicians making empty promises. The show would highlight the stark differences between working-class communities and the more affluent areas of Durham, Newcastle, and Sunderland, capturing the region’s unique humour, resilience, and social divides. Whether it’s a posh Jesmond student complaining about the price of oat milk or a no-nonsense Jarrow mam who can make an entire Sunday roast for under a fiver, the show would be packed with hilarious moments. Greggs is more than just a bakery; it’s a North East institution. This docu-drama would chart the journey of Greggs from its humble beginnings in Newcastle in 1939 to its domination of the high street and its deep cultural significance in the region.

The show would explore how Greggs became an integral part of North East life, from fuelling factory workers in the 20th century to being a goto spot for students at Newcastle University, where the famed ‘Greggs Society’ has cemented its place in student culture. With behind-the-scenes access and interviews with former employees, franchise owners, and die-hard Greggs fans, this series would offer a fascinating look at how a simple sausage roll became a national obsession.

"Cowie's impact on Sunderland and beyond is undeniable"

A biographical drama, this show would tell the story of Tom Cowie, the Sunderland-born entrepreneur who transformed the transport and education sectors in the North East. From taking over his father’s cycle shop to building one of the UK’s largest bus companies, Cowie’s impact on Sunderland and beyond is undeniable.

The show would delve into his influence on the region, including his contributions to Sunderland AFC, the establishment of new schools, and his philanthropic efforts, which have left a lasting legacy. Today, his story is immortalised at Beamish Museum, and this series would bring his journey

to life, showing how one man’s vision changed the way the North East moved and learned.

Following in the footsteps of Sunderland ‘Til I Die, this documentary would focus on the incredible transformation of Newcastle United following the club’s Saudi-backed takeover in 2021. Once a struggling club under Mike Ashley’s ownership, Newcastle is now experiencing a new golden era, with top-tier players, Champions League football, and renewed hope among fans.

The show would document the highs and lows of this journey, from financial struggles to the euphoric return of European nights at St. James’ Park. It would feature interviews with die-hard fans, former players, and those working behind the scenes, capturing what the takeover means for the city and its people. Newcastle is a club reborn, and this series would explore the impact of the revolution both on and off the pitch.

We’ve all seen the classic North East shows, from the outrageous antics of Geordie Shore to hardhitting dramas like Vera and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. These shows have put the region on the map in different ways, but there’s still so much more to explore.

Ryan Walsh

Geordie Drama continues with a look at a show that made Daniel Craig a household name!

If you’re looking for a TV-show set on your doorstep, look no further than BBC2’s 1996 serial Our Friends in the North. This gripping kitchensink drama, set in Newcastle, follows the lives of four working-class characters over four decades. The protagonistsNicky, Geordie, Tosker, and Mary - become intertwined in the cultural and political happenings of the North East, navigating changes of government, alcohol abuse, the miners’ strike, and often enough, each other. Viewers will enjoy familiar sites such as the Tyne Bridge, the Quayside and many other well-known locations. The show also served as a jumping-off point for several big names. Doctor Who fans will recognise a young Christopher Eccleston, and just about everyone will recognise Mark Strong and Daniel Craig - even despite the less-than-serviceable, halfJamaican Geordie accent by the future Bond actor.

Created by Peter Flannery, the show was originally conceived as a stage play, inspired by the historical epics he saw rehearsed while working at the Royal Shakespeare Company. During production of the original play, Flannery contacted T. Dan Smith, a controversial figure in North East politics, infamous for corruption charges related to his clearing of the slums, and construction of high-rise flats in Newcastle. Smith is reflected in the series as Nicky’s political mentor Austin Donahue, who is similarly exposed for deep-seated corruption involving the construction of inhospitable flats in Newcastle. When Flannery asked Smith about writing a play on corruption in British public life, Smith reportedly replied: “well there’s a play here of Shakespearean proportions” - and that’s certainly what this show delivers.

Despite its bleak themes and the turmoil each character endures, the show has a lot of heart. From the swinging sixties all the way to the nineties, Nicky tries to do what’s best for his community. In one dramatic scene, he confronts the Labour politicians he once admired, questioning whether they truly have people’s best interests at heart over their own - all against the striking backdrop of the Tyne Bridge illuminated against the night sky. Also, if you’re not the political-thriller sort, there’s still plenty more to enjoy. You’ll watch real people fall in and out of love, see dreams clash with reality, and witness families come together and fall apart, all across the evolving landscape. It of Newcastle. You’ll also see Daniel Craig getting robbed on The Quayside - which is pretty entertaining in itself.

Excitingly, the North East is becoming an even bigger hub for TV and film production, with new Sunderland-based production studios currently in development. Hopefully, this investment in the industry will encourage more shows to be made within the region, bringing fresh and authentic North East stories to audiences across the UK. While these shows are just my own ideas (for now!), they highlight the potential for more North East representation on screen. Whether through comedy, drama, or documentary, the region is packed with stories waiting to be told. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll see these ideas brought to life!

Image credit: IMDb

TV's most emotive soundtracks

Kirsty Dow - TV Sub-Editor

Your TV Sub-Ed takes a look at the most emotive soundtracks to grace the small screen...

What makes great TV even better? Incredible soundtracks to heighten the emotion and really make you feel what’s happening on screen. Whether that be original film-like scores, or the ingenious use of already iconic songs, these are a few moments of the most emotional soundtracks used in TV, both old and new.

One Day - In Cold Light by Vanbur

You can’t think about emotional TV without thinking of One Day. Netflix adaptation topped streaming charts last year, and its soundtrack is no different. With many incredible tracks forming the sounds of the series, I have to highlight In Cold Light as the final piece the audience hears. As Dex reflects on his first moments with Em and finally begins to navigate a life without her in it, it’s a haunting tune that brings the story to a beautiful close.

The

Haunting of Bly

Manor - Beginning of the End by The Newton Brothers

This cinematic classical piece sends chills whenever I hear it. The piece builds and builds, and overlaid with a voice over about the sacrifice of a much beloved character the piece really tugs at the heart and brings tears to the eye. It encapsulates loss seen on screen and frames sacrifice as the ultimate form of love, bringing filmic quality to the small screen.

Sherlock - Who You Really Are

The only piece on this list to be performed by a character, Who you Really Are features in the final ever episode of the BBC hit. Sherlock Holmes, iconic for many things, including his violin playing prowess, performs as a means of connecting with his sister, Euros. Those of you who have seen The Final Problem will know that stripping back the layers of each character we’ve come to know and love, and reminding them (and us) who they really are at their core, compared to who they thought they were, is a major theme for this final case. It begins mournfully before turning joyous and fading out to the original Sherlock theme when all is right with the world again as the episode comes to a close.

Chloe - There is a light that never goes out by The Smiths

Top Doctor Who audio reunions

The news that Billie Piper is to reunite with Christopher Eccleston for a series of Doctor Who audios is news that has delighted Whovians everywhere. I apologise to my family for the squeal that came out of my mouth when I saw the Instagram post about it, but this is truly exciting as it means that we’re getting even more great episodes and interplay from one of the best Doctor-companion pairings ever.

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I’ve always vastly preferred Billie Piper’s Rose Tyler when she was with the Ninth Doctor rather than the Tenth. There was no romantic tension between them, Rose was just a friend that the Doctor needed at that time in his life and they gelled immediately.

The iconic Smiths song is a clever motif at the heart of the psychological thriller series. When Becky’s estranged best friend from childhood, Chloe, dies unexpectedly, shortly after posting the song’s lyrics “To die by your side” on social media and ringing Becky’s phone out of the blue, Becky begins obsessively investigating her former friend's seemingly perfect life. There's nostalgic flashbacks to the teenage girls dancing and scream-singing to the song, as well as dreamlike ‘what if?’ sequences with adult Chloe as Becky tries to piece together what happened. The song becomes an anthem for love and friendship.

“What makes great TV even better? Incredible soundtracks?”

Luther - Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Nina Simone

Emotional in more of a bittersweet way the lyrics “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good…” play as the morally grey DCI John Luther is led away in handcuffs at the end of the mess that became his final case in the Season 5 finale. The song was first used in earlier seasons but its final use at the show’s curtain hits home that whatever the audience wanted for this character, perhaps

Luther’s end was always going to be this way…

Killing Eve - Tell me by Johnny Jewel ft. Saoirse Ronan

The backing track to the final moment of Series 3, the song perfectly encapsulates what's gone unsaid between Eve and Villanelle for much of the series. Walking away from each other on the iconic bridge, but turning back for one final look, for some, this would have been the perfect ambiguous ending to the entire show. The song's haunting quality encapsulates the relationship between the two and leaves a lasting impression.

Only Arm-chair judges matter?

More importantly, it would have been the first time that many people would have watched a Doctor travelling with their companion, and so a modern upbeat pairing brought in massive audiences. There’s honestly not a single bad episode in Series 1. The Unquiet Dead and The Long Game aren’t particularly great but The Doctor and Rose are the one constant throughout everything, and Eccleston and Piper were the perfect casting.

As glad as I am that they are both back doing audio adventures, I hope this can be a gateway to even more Doctors and companions coming back for more stories. Big Finish are an amazing company who have consistently been making high-quality Doctor Who audios for nearly thirty years now (please check them out - they’re awesome), bringing in classic Doctors, companions and other recurring characters to help further expand on the show’s lore.

That said, there’s still some untapped goldmines that they could explore.

In recent years though, they've started dabbling in modern Who - David Tennant rejoined with Catherine Tate and Billie Piper. Derek Jacobi and Michelle Gomez have come back to reprise their incarnations of the Master, and Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill are coming back as the Thirteenth Doctor and Yaz. That said, there’s still some untapped goldmines that they could explore. It would be great to see Peter Capaldi reunite with Pearl Mackie and Matt Lucas - we never got enough of that Tardis team. All the random adventures Amy and Rory had with the Doctor that we heard of but never saw? What if Matt, Karen and Arthur got into a recording booth for brand new adventures? If Christopher Eccleston can be back then so can anyone. Bring it on!

Maddy Kendall Do awards matter when it comes to TV viewers?

With award season coming to an end and the Emmys’ still months away, the question still lies on whether these awards have an impact on specifically new series?

A study conducted by the National Research group (nrg) stated that just 38% of consumers say that award shows prompt them to watch “content” (including films) they wouldn’t have otherwise come across and even fewer (31%) say that they wait and see what a show/ film has won or been nominated for before deciding to watch it.

However, with series and their nominations a lot of the 2025 nominations are repeat nominations. A striking example is “The Bear” which has 36 (emmy) nominations (with 21 wins so far) in three seasons, with season three receiving 11 emmys. These series already have the privilege of continued viewership, they will naturally have a large audience who are already returning from previous series. On the other hand, some series also have the privilege of a “star” cast to bring in viewership

over award shows. An example of this is the Netflix original “Nobody Wants This” which stars Kristen Bell and was nominated for three golden globes earlier this year.

Both these examples are shows that didn’t need the “impact” of award shows and managed audience and critical success. However, this doesn’t mean award shows don’t have an impact. Shows like “Shōgun” who normally wouldn’t achieve the respect and admiration by more casual viewers are given the spotlight and shown off for their, in my biassed opinion, amazing writing and production.

Furthermore, part of the joy of award shows is seeing actors like Sebastian Stan next to Ariana Grande create this strange diametric experience for a viewer as we stalk social media trying to find our favourite actors. Furthermore, the discussions that are held over series helps not only further understand the audiences but also help to see past maybe some overly-personal love for a Award shows may not have the impact they used to have but this doesn’t mean they don’t have any, not only does it introduce us to new series that got hidden in discussion for other shows but it also helps to spark discussion on the shows and make us reflect on if they were as good as we remember.

Alex Paine - Film Sub-Editor

Image credits: IMDb

Censor or Celebrate: What should we do with art by problematic people?

Scarlet Davies - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

What do we do when a monster creates a masterpiece?

Art holds incredible historical importance, back to times that a lot of us weren’t alive for. Travelling all the way back to cavemen art, to Ancient Greek statues, to Renaissance and 20th century art, there’s a lot that art can tell us about the past that we could never have known otherwise. But while these works of art are usually carefully preserved and put up for public viewing, what do we do when the artists turn out to have been worse people than we initially anticipated? How does our view of their art change, and how should we deal with its significance?

Censorship seems to be the accepted way forward nowadays. From burning artwork to throwing statues into the sea, it seems imperative that modern-day society never sees any artwork that dictators, such as Hitler, have made. But I’d argue that artwork which has that much cultural significance demands to be seen. In order to understand how truly awful Hitler’s actions are, it’s important not to censor the extreme suffering and pain that he caused. Hiding away his artwork and placing it out of the public eye can cause us to forget; putting his artwork somewhere where it can be seen,

Painting or a thousand words? Weighing up art and talk therapy.

the ultimate aim of therapy.

It seems like a creative dream: a room full of people painting canvases, doodling in notebooks and moulding clay. But this is not just any artisan workshop, as the soothing presence of a counsellor passing from person to person may suggest – it’s art therapy.

Art therapy involves articulating complex thoughts and feelings through making art. It’s a relatively new, experimental treatment for mental health issues, whereby a trained therapist guides you towards creates something that reflects how you feel, and helps you interpret your creations.

In contrast to this comes talking therapy, the one we all know (and maybe love). It involves speaking through your thoughts with a counsellor qualified to make sense of them and identify how you could reframe them. Though they range in type, from CBT to interpersonal, they all have proven benefits for sufferers of various mental illnesses, and a large number of people are using them for treatment today.

"Art is a way of accessing emotions that can be hard through talking"

This doesn’t mean therapy doesn’t have much going for it. Emotions, particularly surrounding trauma, can be difficult to talk about. Art gives you an outlet for feelings that are too uncomfortable or distressing to put into words – most beneficial for those struggling with selfharm and psychosis, according to research. And of course, letting the emotions out is the first step to processing and digesting them, which is

More generally, creativity is unquestionably good for your mental health. It is relieving and distracting, it is nourishment for the soul. Creative expression is a gentle and refreshing coping method to replace the maladaptation of mental illness.

Because art, by nature, is emotion. The entire reason Matisse’s bedrooms shower you with summery contentment, why Picasso’s Ironing Woman casts a shadow on your bones, and why Magritte makes your stomach squirt and frizz, is that art is emotion. If you haven’t already seen their artwork, by the way, I highly recommend it. Creativity allows you to put the things inside of you into reality when everyday words won’t do. No wonder art and therapy go hand-in-hand. But in cases of mental illness, hand-in-hand is not enough. Sometimes the soul needs more than nourishment, it needs a systematic dissection of your thoughts to reshape them into productive patterns. Though art therapy can expose emotions, it risks them not being properly processed, which is the aim of true mental health treatment. As a complementary activity, sure. But art therapy on its own just doesn’t cut, or stick, or paint it.

without glorifying it, serves as a reminder of how we need to do better going forwards. And I believe this stands for a lot of artwork which has a darker backstory- we are complicit in giving reminders about such awful genocides and wars for the people that died in them.

So does that mean that we should put this artwork on government walls and put them up in our houses? No, absolutely not. There is a difference between putting artwork on display for societal understanding, and putting artwork up for decoration. No matter what we do with their art, it will still hold a lot of historical importance- and putting their artwork up to admire it is immoral and inconsiderate. By keeping those works of art in a gallery setting- somewhere which is renowned for historical observation- the artwork inspires us to think about the artist, rather than simply admire the art. If an artist had an immoral background, their privileges of having their artwork seen purely for aesthetic purposes is no longer possible.

"It allows us as a society to educate ourselves on what happened"

So, I believe that artwork by bad people shouldn’t be hushed or covered up; it would only cause ignorance. By putting them in the spotlight, it allows us as a society to educate ourselves on what happened. By giving them attention, we’re making sure people like them aren’t given the power to cause pain again.

Our Infinite Fates: A launch event with Laura Steven

Erin Reid - NSR Station Manager

One of our writers was invited to attend a launch event with author Laura Steven...

On Friday 28 of February, following its release a day prior, Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven had its very own book launch event, at The Biscuit Factory Garden Rooms

Having speed-read the book before attending, I was super excited to see what Laura would have to say about the book. The venue was gorgeous and was every girl's dream, with plants hanging from the ceiling and golden chandeliers. We were offered free drinks on the door and as we took our seats among the greenery Laura took to the stage to answer some of the burning questions.

"The venue was gorgeous, with plants hanging from the ceiling and golden chandeliers"

Laura began by explaining her process of writing the book. The book follows a young girl called Evelyn who is reincarnated and murdered in every life before her Eighteenth birthday, every time by the same person; the person she is in love with and she doesn’t know why! Except in this lifetime, she must stay alive beyond her Eighteenth to save her little sister with a lifechanging stem cell transplant. It hadn't been a quick novel to write and it had been eight years since the very first ideas to now. What I didn't expect was the crucial role that Taylor Swift's song Exile took when forming the plot. Laura explained that the lyric "I think I've seen this film before, and I didn't like the

ending" was something that really resonated and she associated with the characters. No wonder I found the book so gut-wrenching!

Laura also talked about her career and how even though she has had some successes, her writing career hasn’t been straightforward forward and she has always felt like she has had to "write a better book". Following a lot of hype from readers around the country, this book has gone viral and its success has been outstanding. Copies have been sold out in many stores and it seems that Laura has finally found that "better book". Her main advice to upcoming writers was 'Keep going, I like to think that I am proof that you can still make it".

Laura also explained her love for history. As part of the book every couple of chapters, we are shown another one of the lives that Evelyn has lived. Each setting and time period is so thoroughly researched and she explained this process and how she spent several weeks making sure she knew exactly how it would sound or smell or feel like to live in that time and place, and it really does shine through in this novel.

The book itself was beautiful. I devoured it in under twenty-four hours and loved every minute. This book truly encompassed every favourite book trope. From enemies to lovers, to star-crossed lovers, and even platonic sisterly love. I really thought I knew where this book was going until I realised I did not. With inspiration from The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue and How to Lose the Time War, this book contains beautiful writing, and soul-crushing plot twists and may even jerk a tear (or two... or twenty).

"The book itself was beautiful. I devoured it in under twenty-four hours and loved every minute."

The event finished with a hint at future novels (A potential Invisible String by Taylor Swift inspired book? Yes please!), and a signing of books. I genuinely can't wait to see what Laura Steven does next and it was so nice to see her on home turf.

Emma Hunter - Lifestyle Sub-Editor

From canvas to commodity: The dilemma of consumerism in art Hatton Gallery: Sustainable clay

Why did Van Gogh never consider £3 phonecases?

The mass production and commercialisation of capitalism have become intrinsic to all aspects of life, including art. Walk into Primark and you will find Monet, Van Gogh, and Keith Harring works plastered on T-shirts, tote bags, and hoodies. The same goes for any mass-producing company incorporating artists' designs - but is this demeaning or celebrating art?

Since before the Industrial Revolution art has been connected to money and profit; it is how artists make a living and afford to put food on the table. However, within the context of 21st century capitalism, this has been co-opted by companies, transcending beyond the artist themselves in the pursuit of consumerism and profit.

"Artists no longer recieve direct praise or financial returns"

Artists no longer receive direct praise or financial returns for their art due to the exploitative nature

of capitalism. On top of this, the increased exposure of art can incite copycats who further profit without citing proper credit. In some cases, the more art is viewed and recreated the less it is valued intellectually and emotionally – losing its original punch.

But this mass exposure through the commercialisation of art can also serve as a source of inspiration for other artists. Paradoxically the consumeristic quality of art can become art itself, motivating creativity in Andy Warhol who famously utilised everyday products like canned soup within their work. This not only incorporates accessibility but also embeds nuanced social commentary within the messaging of art.

The mass commercialisation of art immortalises the artist and their work, forever culturally preserved. During Van Gogh’s time he is famously rumoured to have only sold one painting, yet now

he is a household name and recognisable anywhere. Legacies can continue far beyond what was once imaginable, inspiring endless generations of artists and appreciators.

“Breaking barriers of elitist social capital”

The question of whether mass production seeks or demeans art should open its scope to the exploitative nature of capitalism. Regardless of the positives like breaking the barriers of elitist social capital or the negatives of plagiarism – consumerism, including of art, is damaging to creative expression and the environment.

Small and local artists cannot compete against capitalist companies who mass produce cheap products and unfairly violate employees. Whether or not art is deteriorated, a bigger concern is the damage mass commercialisation and consumerism are doing to the environment.

Walls that speak: Palestinian resistance art under occupation

The strength of creativity in the wake of destruction...

Content Warning: Discussion of occupation, conflict amd harm

Resistance art has become a crucial way for the Palestinian people, and their supporters, to express their anger and solidarity. From powerful graffiti on street walls to beautifully gut-wrenching murals and sculptures, Palestinian resistance art has acted as a form of activism and empowerment during the occupation.

“Graffiti encapsulates a sense of desperation and urgency”

Protests have erupted worldwide in response to Israel’s unlawful actions in Gaza, particularly the genocide of the Palestinian people. At Newcastle University, the Apartheid off Campus (AOC) campaign sought to hold the institution accountable for its ties to BDStargeted companies and defence contractors like BAE Systems and Leonardo S.P.A. AOC provided students with a platform to express their anger at the university’s complicity while demonstrating solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian community. Resistance art played a central role in the movement, with activists creating banners, posters, and even graffiti on university buildings as acts of protest. Using short slogans such as "Free Palestine" or semiotic imagery - the Palestinian flag, a raised fist, or simply a bloody handprintgraffiti encapsulates a sense of desperation

and urgency. It aims to raise awareness and demonstrate solidarity towards a political discourse, particularly in urban areas or sites linked to prejudice or oppression.

“Abu ... used broken buildings and rubble as her canvas”

Often distinguished from graffiti, but still in the same vein, are street murals. Usually painted on walls or ceilings, murals are large-scale paintings that often convey significant messages. Amal Abu al-Sabah, a 26-year-old Palestinian Artist, used broken buildings and rubble as her canvas while residing in Gaza during the conflict. Her mural, titled Gaza 2024, encapsulates the war through bold colours and metaphorical imagery, with the symbolism of a 'rubble canvas' knowing no bounds.

Another young Palestinian Artist who has created empowering resistance art during the Gaza conflict is Malak Mattar. With more than 50k followers on Instagram, Mattar is wellknown for her gorgeous painting style, which captures the Palestinian identity. Her latest, and most impressive painting, was a large-scale piece titled No Words; a black and white Guernica-style abstract painting that shows scenes of death and destruction and the horrors of the genocide.

“Resistance art is an integral part of activism”

Resistance art is an integral part of activism and has been for many hundreds of years. Graffiti and street murals capture the desperation and human nature of conflict, while impressive abstract paintings demonstrate the depths of Palestinian suffering at the hands

of the Israeli Government. Though it can't erase the months of horror and destruction, resistance art can create hope and a sense of community, conveying the Palestinian experience to the rest of the world.

Ariel Sammon

Are ceramics worth their ecological cost?

Aimed at confronting the environmental impacts of pottery, the Sustainable Clay exhibition at the Hatton Gallery depicts the industrialisation of ceramics. Whilst acknowledging its historical connection to Newcastle and the Northeast, the work of twelve environmentally conscious contemporary artists are displayed. The intrinsic connection between the earth and pottery through clay is investigated throughout a variety of pieces. Of note, Richard Batterham's glazed work coupled with Xiang Yang's homogeneous melted pottery pieces forced the viewer to acknowledge their own connection with clay. Either through the organic sourcing of materials in Batterham's work or the soft movement of Yang's, denoting pottery as innately human, fragile yet sturdy.

“Pottery as innately human, fragile yet sturdy ”

This link to the inherent humanity of clay feels reminiscent of The Physical Self (1992) an exhibition by Peter Greenaway which explored the link between the art and the artist, showing fingerprints within historic pottery. Marking a clear link between humanity and creative production. Vital when considering its future.

I found Lady Kitt's work felt visually disjointed from the rest of the exhibition. Posing the question: has the prioritization of recycling been at the cost of aesthetics? Clay, by its very nature, holds memories and tells stories. From the paw prints visible within Pompeii tiles to the scripture scrawled across mugs, wishing sons safety within the mines.

“Has the prioritization of recycling been at the cost of aesthetics? ”

I found there was something deeply charming about Paul Scott's work and truly enjoyed the almost secretive images of power plants and caravans hidden within. The classically designed Spodeesque plates reminiscent of Delft tiles. This contemporary approach to a historical style is both topical and humorous.

“A nice nod to the Northeast's pottery trading history”

I also greatly enjoyed Wolfgangs Weilder's ceramic sculpture comprised of aeroplanes stacked upon one another in an abstract boat configuration- a reference to Newcastle's shipbuilding industry? The repeating motif and terracotta construction feels reminiscent of the local architecture and are a nice nod to the Northeast’s pottery trading history.

Overall, I believe this exhibition explores the environmental costs of clay whilst exhibiting the beauty still available to be explored within the medium.

Tiahna Fox

Image credits: Liquidnoid & John Peter Russell, Wikimedia Commons

Image credits: Duncan Cumming, Wikimedia Commons

Amala Parry - Campus Comment Sub-Editor

Card games to play at pres!

Noelia Fernández Pérez - Sports Sub-Editor

Here are some of our favourite card games to get the party going...

Whether you're a regular at drinking games or haven't picked up a Solo Cup in years, certain occasions - like holidays, family reunions, or housewarming parties - call for simple, boozy fun with a deck of cards. No Ping Pong balls, quarters, or extra props needed.

To help get the party started, I’ve rounded up 10 of the best drinking card games. While you’re likely familiar with some of these, a quick refresher never hurts.

Ring of Fire

Everyone sits in a circle to play Ring of Fire with their drink. Select a "dealer of death," and players must call them by that title - if they don’t, they drink for five seconds. The dealer deals cards face-up, clockwise. If a card matches one adjacent in suit or number, it’s “active.”

The dealer flips over a card and announces it (e.g., Seven of Hearts). The player to the dealer's left must guess if the next card will be higher or lower than the current card.

If they guess correctly, the dealer drinks, and the turn passes to the next player. The game continues, with the dealer drinking after each correct guess, until someone guesses wrong. The player who made the mistake becomes the new dealer, and the game restarts.

Screw your neighbour

In Screw Your Neighbour, the goal is to avoid having the lowest card (Ace being the lowest, King the highest). The dealer deals one card to each player. The player to the dealer’s left starts by deciding whether to keep their card or swap it with the next player.

Players with active cards drink for the value in seconds. The dealer counts the seconds, even tapping the table if drinking. The game ends when all cards are drawn. In another version, a full beer is placed in the centre, and breaking the circle means drinking the entire beer.

Higher or lower / Screw the dealer

Sit in a circle with a deck of cards, all facedown. One person acts as the dealer, holding the deck.

The next player then has the same choice, and this continues around the circle until it reaches the dealer. The dealer can either swap their card with the top card of the deck or pass. After everyone flips their cards, the player with the lowest card drinks.

Around the world

This game has many names, like 'Irish Poker', 'Chico High Low', or 'Death Valley'. In the first round, the dealer lays four cards face down. The player guesses: if the first card is red or black, if the second is higher or lower than the first, if the third is in between the first two, and the suit of the fourth.

For each correct guess, they give out drinks; for wrong guesses, they drink. In the second round, eight cards are placed in two columns. Cards are revealed alternately, and players take or give drinks based on card matches from the first round. The number of drinks is up to you!

Marvel Rivals team hit with layoffs already

Dylan Seymour - Sports Sub-Editor

Last December saw the Hero Shooter genre rocked by the release of Marvel Rivals – the fabled “Overwatch killer” was finally here. The game has everything: fun, engaging play? Check. A unique, comic-inspired artstyle? Check. Spider-Man? Check. So, after such magnificent success, you’d expect that the developers who made this possible would be treated well, right? Right?

Despite being a free-to-play game, Rivals’ launch has seen NetEase grow by nearly 10% in just the three months since, contributing to CEO Ding ‘William’ Lei’s £32.37bn net worth. Such accumulation of wealth was, as ever, built off the backs of hardworking developers who will never reap the same benefits as Lei.

Sure enough, the studio thanked its workers for their dedication through a wave of layoffs. One entire Seattle-based support division was ‘culled’ – not my words, but those of fired level designer Jack Burrows – and there’s seemingly no guarantee against further cuts.

“My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise (…) and were just laid off!”, said former NetEase game director Thaddeus Sasser. You aren’t mistaken if you’re feeling a theme developing here…

In an industry, and a wider economic system, that sees workers as expendable, layoffs in game studios aren’t exactly uncommon. Indeed, when the gambles of multi-billion dollar companies during covid backfired, it certainly wasn’t the CEOs who paid the price. Over 8,000 workers in the gaming sector were fired between January and March 2024 alone; a consequence of the shenanigans of those earning multiple times their pay. Take HALO: Infinite, was it the fault of the devs that 343 Industries and XBOX massively rushed the release of the game to coincide its release with that of the Series X/S? No, but you can bet they were scapegoated – as many as 95 were laid off in 2023. This situation is unique however, by nature of the game suffering virtually no issues thus far - it’s one of the most popular games on the planet after all. Marvel Rivals’ devs handed their higher-ups unprecedented success on a silver platter, yet were met with redundancy, uncertainty and strife. Imagine Manchester United sacking Sir Alex Fergusson after his side lifted the treble in ’99, and you essentially get the picture. Developers make games, managers make money. It’s not exactly as groundbreaking a thesis as Marx or Lenin, who by most modern estimates haven’t written for The Courier or played Marvel Rivals. However, it does speak to the reality of an industry that doesn’t care for the workers whose backs the profits of a few are built on.

Pokémon card collecting:

Creed Shadows

What should you expect from Assassin’s

Charlotte

Thomas

Returning to Japan for another Assassin's Creed game...

Assassin’s Creed is one of the biggest gaming franchises, with currently 13 main instalments in the series.

It seems to be Ubisoft’s unique way of implementing historical accuracies into setting, characters and gameplay, which keeps fans coming back for more! With the next release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be available to play 20th March 2025, what do we know so far?

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been a hot discussion recently, due to the game’s release already being delayed twice. Although, some people have managed to get their hands on an early copy of the game and have been sharing it online. The gameplay footage available to watch has been confirmed by Ubisoft to be genuine, however urges fans to not share spoilers!

Shadows will take place in 16th century Japan and will display a wide range of different locations including

mountains and even a 1:1 scale castle! An Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan seems to be a perfect match for stylish combat, with swords, katana duels and ninja arts. There is a choice of two protagonists, each with distinct play styles on how they interact with the world. Firstly, the female choice – Naoe – is a shinobi/ninja, representative of an infiltrator in medieval Japan. Secondly, the male choice – Yasuke – also known as the ‘African Samurai’ and the first real historical figure playable in the franchise.

"A new stealth system, with dynamic light and shadows..."

Assassin’s Creed wouldn’t be the same franchise without the classic parkour mechanics, which will link together nicely with the aesthetics defining Shadows. According to rumours, we can expect the world size to be similar to Origins, but an emphasis on landscape being real-scale-sized. There are new features too, including a new stealth system, with dynamic lighting and shadows which affects enemy vision and creates areas to hide. Also a dynamic weather system and seasonal cycle relevant to each location, will affect NPC behaviours and other gameplay mechanics. I think one of the best features is the ability to find and pet cats across the world!

"While you wait for the game to release, you could watch the TV show Shogun..."

While you wait for the game to release, you could watch the TV show Shogun which is set 2 decades after Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This would be a great way to immerse yourself in the history of medieval Japan, and learn about culture, architecture and combat. Or you could watch the game’s official trailer…just make sure to avoid the spoilers circulating online!

has it really gone too far?

Ella Saint

A good hobby gone bad?

Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon trading cards have evolved from being a simple hobby to a full-fledged market, with some cards fetching prices that rival fine art or rare antiques. But as the market grows and the demand intensifies, who decides when cardcollecting has gone too far?

Pokémon card collecting experienced a renaissance during the COVID-19 pandemic. People were confined to their homes, leading many to revisit nostalgic hobbies. With limited entertainment options, adults and children alike turned to Pokémon cards as a form of escapism and a way to relive childhood memories.

“Content creators have capitalised on their passion for Pokemon...”

The most notable catalyst for this growth, however, has been social media platforms, particularly YouTube and Instagram. Content creators have capitalised on their passion for Pokémon by producing videos showcasing “rare

finds” or “big pulls”. These videos have captured the attention of millions, making card collecting appear as a potential investment instead of a hobby.

In recent years, Pokémon staggering heights, making headlines around the world. The Pikachu Illustrator card, for example, has fetched prices in the millions, leaving the cardcollecting community divided between collectors who view the cards as a financial asset and those who simply want to relive the joy of collecting. While some enthusiasts argue that high prices are a sign of the hobby’s continued success, others believe that the current market has taken things too far. The use of third-party grading systems, such as PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), also fuels the escalation of card prices. These companies evaluate the condition of cards on a scale from 1 to 10, with higher grades resulting in cards being worth exponentially more. A card graded 10 can sell for thousands, while the same card in less-than-perfect condition may be worth a fraction of that price. Critics argue that this exclusionary system commodifies the hobby to an extreme degree, with people caring less about the cards themselves and more about their market value. Ultimately, the hobby needs to strike the right balance. Collectors can still enjoy the thrill of pulling a rare card or hunting down a special edition, but they must also remember the roots of this beloved hobby. If the focus shifts too far toward financial gain, it risks losing the magic that made Pokémon so special in the first place.

Image Sources: Pixabay

Image Source: Pixabay

Gaming

Discussing Restitched : will Stuffy ever be Sackboy?

Amy Mescus - Gaming Sub-Editor

The short answer is - no. But here's why...

It's been a whole 17 years since Sackboy entered our lives through the first LittleBigPlanet game by Media Molecule. And it's been almost one year since the online servers for the franchise closed permanently. Across the span of that decade and a half, LBP has impacted my life phenomenally.

Sackboy saw me sit my year 6 SATs in primary school. He saw me cry over maths in secondary school, only to take it as an

college. He saw me give up my dreams of becoming an architect (because of A-Level maths), but watched me overcome it all and find passion in journalism at university instead. He shaped the childhood of every kid who was born in the late 90's and 00's, and even early 2010's, so it comes as no surprise that he is informally declared as Playstation's mascot by most. But now we live in an era where Sackboy must pass the baton on to his (alleged) successor, Stuffy.

I know my beloved bundle of brown knit can't be around forever, but I seriously wish he could. From day one, there has been something so unique about Sackboy that no game development company could ever quite capture the essence of. He's irreplaceable, if you will (despite him dying and respawning like nothing ever happened).

Sackboy is adored by many for how much personality he has despite him being just a allows Sackboy to be incredibly expressive through facial expressions and actions, making up for his inability to speak. Sackboy can be different levels of happy, sad, scared, and angry with hand gestures to match each emotion (peace signs, thumbs down, shivering hands, and fists respectively). He's also entirely customisable, and thanks to him being a BNOP (big name on Playsation), there are endless video games desperate to collaborate and see Sackboy sporting their

Now, I should cut Stuffy some slack - his game's not even out yet - and I understand that Restitched is a project inspired by Media Molecule's LBP. However, for me personally, Restitched is just a bit too similar. Yes, a 2.5D platform game featuring a cute stuffed toy that you play as isn't the most inventive thing in the world, but seeing details such as Restitched's sewing pin replicating the mechanics of LBP's grapple hook it almost feels like Stuffy is being forced to be something that he's not. Trixel Creative have undeniably done an amazing job at creating a stunning game that looks really fun to play, but I don't feel like it's going to fill the Sackboy-shape hole in my heart. I apologise dearly Stuffy, I do think you're cute - but what I really need is a LBP4 game.

The best Fortnite collaborations!

From Marvel to Miku, here are some of our writer's favourite Fortnite crossovers...

It's safe to say I've enjoyed my fair share of Fortnite (Save the World fans, I see all three of you). The game revolutionised the industry with many pioneering features and took the gaming world by storm, despite its ups and downs; but one thing Fortnite has excelled at, is its collaborations with other IPs and brands. It is arguably the first game to take this type of monetisation strategy to a hyper successful level and many games such as Call of Duty now follow suit in attempts to emulate the massive success of the crossovers. Here are a few of my personal favourites:

Marvel

How could we talk about crossovers without mentioning the original, and arguably one of the best, the limited time Infinity Gauntlet mode. This mode was mostly a normal battle royale, but allowed players to pick up the Infinity Gauntlet, transforming them into Thanos and allowing them to wreak havoc across the entire map with the powers of the infinity stones. The mode was updated and brought back at a later date where it now featured weapons usually wielded by The Avengers, allowing players to fight back against the mad titan, this time arriving with cosmetics in the item shop. would return in various iterations many times after this, with perhaps too many releases to count.

Invincible

With the release of season two toward the end of 2023 in SOG, came three skins in the item shop, Omni-man, Atom Eve and Invincible. These

were a no-brainer purchase for me, as I was really into both the game and the TV series at the time, and they remain some of the best looking skins in my locker.

Naruto

The first collaboration with Shonen Jump which opened the gateway to many more iconic Japanese manga/anime crossovers, was the Naruto collab in C2S8. The shop had four skins, lots of accessories, the classic "Naruto Run" as an emote and a paper bomb kunai weapon was added to the game. Naruto later returned with more skins in C3S3 and has become a fan favourite collab.

Star Wars

Now a Fortnite mainstay, Star Wars was first introduced through an event in C2S1 way back in 2019 to coincide with the release of The Rise of Skywalker. The original collaboration featured skins for Rey, Finn and a Sith Trooper, with lightsabers and blasters available to use in game. Since this initial release, Fortnite has had skins and other cosmetics from Star Wars feature a whopping eleven times to the delight of fans.

was first brought into the Fortnite canon with the release of Batman and Catwoman in C1SX. Like Marvel, also has an absolute treasure trove of characters to draw upon, so in future seasons there have been countless new releases from DC universe featuring some of our favourite heroes and villains such as Teen Titans, Deathstroke and Harley Quinn.

Dragon Ball Dragon Ball characters have

Memory Card: SuperPeachPrincess

Emily-Maisy Milburn

One of our writers explores how Princess Peach shaped her childhood perception of women in video games...

Super Princess Peach flipped the script, proving that the Mushroom Kingdom’s leading lady was more than just a damsel in distress...

Despite Princess Peach: Showtime! giving Princess Peach the headline she deserves, Super Princess Peach and its debut on the Nintendo DS in 2005 subverted the traditional Super Mario Bro’s narrative and gave the mushroom queen a platform to shine, rescuing a distressed Mario and Luigi from Bowser and putting a refreshing spin on the damsel in distress trope. Despite Peach having an ‘emotion meter’ which swallows up half of the screen (looking back however, this does seem like a very misogynist trope having Peach use emotions as her power rather than the traditional Mario upgrades), the game was exciting, the soundtrack has always stuck with me and Perry the Parasol was the perfect sidekick.

now featured five times in the game's item shop, making it one of the most prolific IPs to collab and cosmetics, are adored by Dragon Ball fans for their accuracy to the original designs and their builtin emotes. This crossover is another personal favourite of mine as DB

fan, and I'm sure I speak for the masses when I say, being able to power up to Ultra Instinct whilst cranking on some noobs, is satisfying in a way you won't understand until you try it for yourself.

Cowboy Bebop

Being the most recent collab, it was only natural it made it into the list. Cowboy Bebop is often regarded as a masterpiece when it comes to anime, from the animation all the way through to the complex characters. This crossover caught me by surprise, as I wouldn't expect Fortnite to collab with perhaps a slightly more niche and cult classic media franchise, but it excited me nonetheless. Spike and Faye look amazing as a part of the Fortnite art style and the accompanying cosmetics really pay homage to the show in a respectful way.

Miku, Peter Griffin, and Skibidi Toilet

You may ask why I've decided to group these three seemingly separate collabs into one ranking, but let me explain. The release of Skibidi Toilet, Peter Griffin, and Hatsune Miku as Fortnite skins represent how the team at Epic Games understands the current internet climate, as these two characters feature prominently in online meme culture, despite being from entirely different backgrounds. I think these three perfectly demonstrate Fortnite's ability to execute relevant, captivating and hilarious collaborations, being a part of why the game has become so hyper successful and manages to stay relevant; even after spending nearly 8 years on players' consoles.

"Shaped my view of how women in video-games should be presented"

I was around 10 years old when I first played Super Princess Peach and I absolutely adored the concept of a female heroine being at the centre of the narrative. The first boss in the game is Petey Piranha, who wears polka dot pants and bats their venus fly trap-like arms to hover above ground in order to reach you which was quite the interesting combination of character design choices. To beat him, Peach must cry into his open mouth, causing him to swallow her tears, making him vulnerable to damage. As a child, Petey the Piranha was quite the horrifying boss, his stature made him tower over peach and his lack of eyes, which were compromised due to his gigantic mouth, made him all the more terrifying. It did feel very satisfying to beat him and retrieve the toad however. The box art for this game was really appealing to me when I was younger, utilising an array of soft pastel blues, yellows and pinks. These colours really complimented each other and composed an eye-catching box art. The play on the damsel in distress trope was quite impactful to my childhood as someone who played videogames often. Peach deserved her own game, and I am glad that she got a chance to be a ‘Super’ character as it shaped my view of how women in video-games should be presented, which both was (and still is) very important.

Image Sources: YouTube (IGN, Zebra Gamer), Pixabay (PaliGraficas)

Daniel Atkinson

CROSSWORD CATEGORIES

Across

1) The March Equinox is also known as the ------ (6)

3) The sun cross the --------- Equator during the March Equinox (9)

4) The Southern Hemisphere celebrates the Spring Equinox in ---------. (9)

7) German Goddess of Spring, the namesake for Easter. (6)

9) The Great Spring God of Ba --- Jiang (the Eight Generals) is a Chinese myth about the changing of the seasons. (3)

10) Festival for the Celtic Goddess of Fire, the home, poetry and the End of Winter, Brigid. (6)

Down

2) The suns pathway through the constellations is called the ------- Pathway. (8)

5) In Greek Myth, Persephone leaves the mortal world for the underworld for 6 months of the year, ------- morns until she returns. (7)

6) During the Spring Equinox the sun's rays are directly over the tropics of ------. (6)

8) In Roman Mythology, ----- is the Sabine-derived Goddess of Flowers and the Season of Spring. (5)

11) Separated by ----------, this is the dividing line between the Spring and autumnal equinox. (10)

WORDSEARCH

Sports scholarships and student success

Aarya Shenoy

The highs and lows of athlete bursaries...

Are scholarships shaping the future of student athletes for good? These highly competitive bursaries can be hard to come secure, and are also restrictive in terms of sport.

First of all, what is a sports scholarship and how are you eligible? At Newcastle, you must be a current student who has reached honours at a national or international level within the last 12 months. You must also commit to the university and BUCS programmes where applicable and be able to hit the top four for your sport.

Scholarships can go up to £5000, and these are handed out based on ability. The bursary can ease the financial burden that comes with high performance sport, covering travel expenses, training costs and allowing you access to the university’s facilities.

You’re able to access training programs, coaches that can help with performance analysis and networking opportunities that can help you in the future if you’re looking for a career in professional sports.

But this seems like a self perpetuating cycle. If you have the money to get the best training, you’re going to be better at your sport. If you’re the best in your sport, you’re then more likely to receive the funding offered.

There has been a recent interest in breaking the financial barriers for getting into sports, but with the rising costs for memberships to the gym on top of clubs, many have been dissuaded from joining.

In this way, scholarships could be helpful to the students who have the talent without the resources to fully back up their training. Mostly, this system is set up to support those who already have the funds to further expand their sports careers.

To achieve a scholarship in the UK, you must apply yourself, and not all sports qualify. Studentathletes can really benefit from these, by receiving support to compete further at national and international levels, but the

No female athletes among the 100 highest-paid athletes in the world

Cavan Smith

According to the recent Sportico article, there are no female athletes in the Top 100 highest paid athletes...

Sportico recently revealed the top 100 highestpaid athletes for 2024, and one thing is missing: female athletes

Despite recordbreaking seasons and growing fanbases, no women cracked the list this year, as the earning race tells of an allmale showdown.

Combining earnings, winning and off-field endorsements, this year’s

top 100 athletes, from 27 countries across eight different sports, earned a mighty $6.2 billion combined.

The list is topped for the second year running by Portugal and Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted himself a cool $260 million in 2024, from his lucrative million Al-Nassr contract. Second on the list, Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors, Basketball), who earned $153.8 million, is as close to 1st place Ronaldo as he is to 54th place Travis Kelce (Kansas City

containing 68 of the 100 highest earners. One glaring omission from the list is the lack of

female athletes, with the sports outlet reporting that Coco Gauff, the world No. 3 in women’s tennis, is the highest earning female athlete of 2024. The American tennis prodigy earned $30.4 million, falling $7.1

earnings looks brighter than ever. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs, American Football) said in 2024, “The talent, the narratives, the personalities, women’s sports has it all, and I think people are finally starting to figure that

Tennis star Raducanu confronted by stalker at Dubai Championship

Keira Gratton - Arts Sub-Editor

Content warning: contains themes of stalking and similar gender-based harassment

The British No. 2 seed was brought to tears on the court last week after spotting her stalker in the stands at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.

After looking noticeably uncomfortable for the opening two games, Raducanu stopped the match to tearfully alert the umpire. The man was then swiftly removed from the venue by Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) security.

"Raducanu

stopped the match to tearfully alert the umpire"

might seem as clean-cut as that. An unfortunate scenario that threw Raducanu off her game, and ultimately out of the tournament.

However, sources close to the tennis star have since divulged more sinister details about the indecent. Former Coach Roman Kelecic claims that this man had been following Raducanu across countries as she competed, even approaching her earlier that week to hand-deliver a note. Authorities at the tournament were reportedly aware of this obsessive behaviour and

35-year-old Amrit Magar was served a restraining order for walking 23 miles to her family home in London whilst she was just a teenager. She told the Bromley Magistrates Court at the time, “I feel like my freedom has been taken away from me. I am constantly looking over my shoulder”.

Stephanie Hillborne, Chief Executive of Women In Sport, has reiterated that “for women there is a whole extra sphere of horror” to being a prolific athlete.

Lacking the financial scaffolding and authority of their male counterparts, the

have to do more off the field.” She has also opened up about the online harassment and threats that her viral and commodification has hailed, a critical side to the internet that sportsmen undeniably face less of. Placing her in the wider picture, Raducanu is yet another victim of the increased threats that female athletes endure for their success, a plight often swept under the rug in this predominantly male field. The latent fear is just “not well enough understood by an industry dominated by men”.

"This incident has refocused the lens on prevailing threats to female players"

Whilst both the WTA and Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have since publicly vowed to increase security for Raducanu and female players at upcoming events, this incident has

Image Source: the egalitarian., Yann Caradec, DeviantArt

Image Source: Hameltion, Martin Mutch, Wikimedia Commons

Image Source: Noelia Fernandez Perez, Dylan Seymour

"Sport gave me a sense of belonging" in conversation with Alex Duggan

Sitting down with the last ever AU Officer and the first ever Sports Officer...

As the dust settles on the 2025 Student Elections, we can take the opportunity to look back on one of the most hotly contested Sabbatical positions: the role of ‘Sports Officer.’ An evolution of the AU Officer role, the Sports Officer is responsible for overseeing all sport at Newcastle. From BUCS teams to intramural leagues, it is the duty of the Sports Officer to promote and protect the best interests of any student involved

involved with Newcastle’s Women’s Rugby Club. In her time with the club, Alex held the committee positions of Social Secretary and then President. Alex also saw the club grow from a having just enough members for one Rugby Union team, to being able to field three squads. Alex helps coach the third team, which acts as more of a development squad for players coming over from other sports. Alongside her roles within Women’s Rugby, Alex also sat on the AU Exec Committee, something which gave her a useful insight into the responsibilities of the AU Officer.

"Alex had a keen understanding of the importance of sport in the lives of many students"

Explaining that “sport was whole world at university,” Alex had a keen understanding of the importance of sport in the lives of many students. Sport not only gave Alex a “full friendship group,” but it also provided her with “a sense of belonging to the University,” something she didn’t feel as though she’d be able to achieve without it. Alex’s decision to run for AU Officer also stemmed from her desire to promote and advocate for women in sport. She felt as though there was a “lack of representation” for women in sport, both at a high performing level and at university level. In a new

amendment to the Students’ Union’s constitution, incumbent Sabbatical Officer were now allowed to run for a second term. Despite tough competition, Alex claimed victory by a substantial margin. “I love them” admits Alex as she laments on being the only returning Sabbatical Officer from the 24/25 team. Nevertheless, as the last ever AU Officer and the first ever Sports Officer, Alex’s familiarity with the role as well as her experience as a Sabb will help guide the new officers through what can often be a testing first few months in the role. Something Alex knows all too well. Describing the ascent to AU Officer, Alex explained that it was “such a steep learning curve.” Whether it was sitting in on meetings with senior members of university staff or dealing with a query from a student, it took Alex a couple of months to settle in and feel comfortable in the role. However, over time, Alex’s confidence grew and the knowledge and experience she attained meant that both her and her work can be “so much more impactful for students” going into a second term.

probably wouldn’t have put forward when she was running last year. Currently, committee training is run in Freshers Week, just before students start their courses. “The feedback we get every year is that it's too long [and] too exhaustive,” says Alex. “It’s really hard for you to pick up the information properly,” something which often causes issues later on in the year. To assuage this, Alex plans on delivery the committee training, in part, before summer, and having the training in September act as more of a refresher for committee members.

"A second term also means that Alex can better oversee long-term initiatives"

A second term also means that Alex can better oversee long-term initiatives and plan ahead more effectively. One of the main issues that Alex is reexamining is how committee training works, a pledge she acknowledges she

Alex is also passionate about “breaking down financial barriers” to make sport more accessible for students. She plans on doing this by changing the way grants are allocated, something she started this year. Alex explained that there are three components to a grant; the first two are fixed as they are dependent upon the number of students in a club as well as performance points that are decided by NCL Sport. The third, however, is a support fund that was previously decided by the AU Officer. Initially, Alex wanted to distribute this support fund equally between all 64 sports clubs, but realised that this wasn’t proportional or reflective of the requirements of each club. For example, a larger, equipment heavy club like American Football naturally requires more funding. Alex instead plans to implement a “tiered funding” system to ensure that the distribution of grants is as fair as she can make it.

Read more at www.thecourieronline.co.uk

Breaking records before the first whistle: The Tyne and Wear Derby

Why you don't want to miss the upcoming womens' derby at St James' Park...

St. James’ Park is set to host Newcastle United women and Sunderland women in a historic championship derby on the 23rd of March. The match has already broken the Barclays Women’s Championship current record of 15,837 ticket sales at a previous rendition of the same derby at the Stadium of Light.

The upcoming meeting at St James' Park has amassed a brilliant record of 22,000 ticket sales, and Newcastle

hopes to beat their record attendance of 28,000 from their time in the Women’s Super League.

With the ticket prices set at £8 for adults, £2 for children, and £1 from each full-price ticket going to the Newcastle United Foundation for such an exciting game, it’s a great deal, a fun and affordable day out.

Speaking to Beth Lumsden in a postmatch conference, she reminisced about Newcastle’s last clash against Sunderland where she scored 2 to win the match for the Geordies, earning the title of the "Mackem Slayer," mentioning that she hopes they’re able to replicate that magic. Not only will the result be crucial for both teams in the championship with only 9 points separating the top 7 teams, but major bragging rights are at stake.

This north-eastern derby is a fierce rivalry rooted in history and fought

through football. The Tyne and Wear derby is named such because of the two major rivers each running through one of the two cities in the North-East. This close proximity set the stage for deeply rooted antagonism, first unleashed back in the 17th century, when Newcastle supported Royalist forces whereas Sunderland was heavily Parliamentary in the Civil War.

This was exacerbated during the Jacobin rebellion, when Newcastle favoured the ruling Hanover line, thus earning the nickname ‘Geordies’ after their King George. Sunderland meanwhile, supported the restoration of the Scottish Stuart family, hosting the “blue mac” army to earn the nickname ‘Mackem.’

This antagonism has since been unleashed on football pitches, creating one of the fiercest rivalries. While the men’s teams have often been the ones

to fight it out, the women’s teams have recently been adding to the dynamic, battling for the bragging rights in a series of intense, exciting clashes. Due to the vast gap between the men’s teams – with Newcastle in the Premier League, and Sunderland seeking League One promotion, it’s been a good minute since the Geordies and Mackems have fought it out… until now!

Join 22,000 plus people at St James Park, on 23rd March, at 2pm, for the ultimate showdown! Broken records, an intense rivalry, and tickets (which are an absolute steal), in the most rapidly growing, exciting sport in the world at one of the best English football stadiums – what more could you want? Get tickets on Newcastle United’s website, (no membership needed!) and immerse yourself in the incredible atmosphere of the Tyne and Wear Derby.

Adam Tibke - Head of Sport

Safiyya Amerali

Image credit: NUFCW

Image credit: David Mellstrom

Image credit: BUCS Sport - BUCS July Conference

From campus to champions: In conversation with Joy Eze & Etienne Maughan

Noelia

- Sport Sub-Editor

Full-time students and medallists, here’s a glance into what their expectations were for the competition.

On February 14, Newcastle University Athletics & Cross-Country Club (NUAXC) participated in the BUCS Indoors championship with high chances of taking home some medals.

Two of their athletes, Joy Eze and Etienne Maughan, came home with two medals, and Joy managed to break the BUCS Indoor record for 60m. I had the chance to sit down with them and ask them a few questions, and we talked about expectations and dealing with university while taking part in a performance sport. The team returned to Sheffield after intense weeks of training and their expectations were high: ‘Going into a championship like BUCS, I expected to medal and execute a race that would put me in contention to do that’, said Etienne to The Courier.

points that her coaches thought she could improve, especially when looking at her previous races in the indoor season.

She states that ‘the preparation for BUCS was quite smooth and felt like a continuous building process from the start of indoors.’ Maughan also confessed that her mental preparation was just as important as her physical one to ‘ensure I gave myself the best possible chance of performing well’.

When asked about how she manages coursework with training, she said that it is one of the hardest aspects of being a student athlete, as it tests her ability to plan and organise. ‘I like to manage it by setting aside time in my day for each aspect and compartmentalizing these, so they don’t get too intertwined… I know when I train, I have the space of a few hours that day to forget about outside pressures, and likewise when I’m doing work, the same level of focus on the present moment is there’.

She admits that it has been a process and it’s been challenging sometimes, but she doesn’t want to stop competing or training whilst at university because it plays a key role in maintaining her mental health and general wellbeing.

“I was more expectant to break it in 2023 based on my form.”

hand, caught the eye of the media when she broke the BUCS 60m Women’s Indoor Record, setting it at 7:19 seconds. When asked about her expectations for the competition, she stated that she wanted to ‘continue to build on the progress I had made so far from my previous indoor races and hopefully set a new personal best, as well as come away with a medal’. Breaking a BUCS record is a great achievement, but she didn’t expect it to break it this year: ‘To be honest, I was more expectant to break it in 2023 based on my form then but in no way did I think I would break it twice this year… It came as a huge shock to me in the semis and even more-so in the final’.

winter training: ‘Thankfully, I haven’t had any injuries this season which made life so much easier as I have had injuries in the past which have disrupted my training quite a bit’. Joy is not new to winning. In 2023, she became the U20 European Champion, but she said that when she crossed the finish line in Sheffield, she felt ‘quite happy because it’s not something that is done easily, it’s a record for a reason and it stood for 4 years, showing that it was a really quick time’.

View from the AU

Alex Duggan - Athletic Union Officer

W“The preparation for BUCS was quite smooth and felt like a continuous building process from the start of indoors.”

She ended up placing 2nd in 60m hurdles, and when asked about her preparations she focused on three things: Speed, strength, and technique. Her main focus was on the technical

With the indoor season finished, her next focus is the preparation for outdoor competitions, which also involves the transition to 100 hurdles. She states that she’s ‘excited to build on indoors and look at what improvements need to be made to help me work towards my aims for the outdoor season’. Joy Eze, on the other

“I am in really good shape, so it was most definitely rewarding.”

And what’s her preparation, you may ask. Well, she said to The Courier that it was ‘the same as it always has been’. She explained that she focused more on speed and practising her start rather than continuing with

“Being a student athlete requires a lot of discipline.”

She also stated that breaking that record just proved to her that all her work is finally paying off: ‘I am in really good shape, so it was most definitely rewarding’. When asked about how she manages her coursework with sport, she said that ‘being a student athlete requires a lot of discipline and time management, otherwise it will all fall apart’. As a 3rd year pharmacy student, she stated that she is ‘often playing catchup due to not having a lot of free time but it’s something I have learnt to deal with, and I try my best to get as much done’.

She has recently been selected to represent Team GB at the Senior European Indoor Championships, which marks her first senior vest. Looking ahead, she just hopes to continue on the momentum of good performances, and she wants to get the most out of this experience:

‘This is a very good opportunity for me to experience a major championship and I am just so happy to be here’.

As the Indoor season comes to an end, will we see more success from NUAXC during their outdoor competitions?

ith BUCS Big Wednesday just around the corner on the 18th and 19th of March in Loughborough, I want to give a huge congratulations to our teams competing—table tennis against Nottingham and women’s rugby union against Brunel. Best of luck to all involved! Campaign week was incredibly busy, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had. Meeting clubs in person, watching training sessions, and getting real-time feedback from members has been invaluable. Next year, I plan to make this a regular part of my role— attending training sessions, talking to teams, and making sure your voices are heard. I had the chance to engage with so many clubs, including dodgeball, volleyball, BJJ, badminton, hockey, football, lacrosse, archery (I even gave it a go!), dance, kickboxing, Thai boxing, and cheer—who have been incredible in supporting our teams this year. With Varsity Day set for the 26th of March, the excitement is building! But don’t miss these key fixtures beforehand:

• Saturday 15th March –Climbing Club

• Friday 21st March – Men’s Futsal

• Tuesday 25th March –Gymnastics & American Football

Let’s get behind our teams and make this a Varsity to remember!

Fernandez Perez

Noelia Fernandez Perez

Image credits: BUCS Sport

Pictured: Etienne Maughan

Pictured: Joy Eze

The highs and lows of athlete bursaries...

Image Credit: Picturesbybish