thecourier thecourieronline.co.uk Lifestyle Real or fake? What christmas tree should you be buying this year Page 12
Arts Editor Alumni Tamsin Daisy Rees discusses her writing success Page 44
Monday 10 December 2018 Issue 1381 Free
Feature Festive snacks fight to the death in the banquet of the ages Pullout page 16
4% turnout in NUS vote The independent voice of Newcastle students
the SU’s referendum on whether or not to rejoin or remain out of the National Union of Students (NUS). Newcastle Students voted to remain out of the NUS, with a 52% majority. However, the turnout for the election did not hit the quorum, the minimum quota of students required to vote, for the result to be binding. This means that the decision will go to the trustee board next week for a final decision. Marioni implied in council that the trustee board should honour the wishes of those students who did vote. 1088 students voted in the election – roughly 4% of Newcastle students. When asked why
he thought the turnout was so low, Marioni said “I think a lot was done to spread awareness in terms of videos and social media”, as well as praising Emma Dawson and Scarlett Rowland, leaders of the Vote Yes and Vote No campaigns respectively. The total social media reach of the campaign was 26,395 and total number of email opens during the campaign reached 28,303. Rowland, leader of the winning Vote No campaign, was disappointed with the result. “Although it was good to hear that the student body had decided to vote against re-joining the NUS, turnout was still disappointing. I hoped that we would hit the quorum of 5%, as I think it is really important for students to get engaged”. Although the campaign had had a reach of over 25,000, it only received 2,880 engagements. Dawson, leader of the Vote Yes campaign stated that the “increase in students voting yes compared to last referendum is really promising”. And speculated that the University’s absence from the NUS for 3 years means “students may have forgotten about the benefits of affiliation” with the NUS. During council, NSR Station manager, Harry Parsons, asked the Sabbatical Officers why voting turnout did not hit the quorum. Marioni stated that he thought the lack of turnout showed a level of apathy towards the NUS among students: “we obviously left the NUS in 2016, when I was in first year. Naturally, the student cohort has moved on and there is a group of students now at the university who have never been at a university that is part of the NUS. Clearly they aren’t inclined to think that the NUS caters to their interests.” Under current Students’ Union protocol, the next NUS referendum will be held in 2021.
Amanda Goh Online Editor
ally tragic incident and Emma’s family are understandably devastated as they look to come to terms with what has happened.”
An 18-year-old killed in a ‘hit-and-run’ in Newcastle was a student from Oldham On Friday 23 November 2018, police received a report of a collision along Wingrove Road North in Fenham. The collision involved an unknown vehicle and Emma Guilbert, a Newcastle University student. Emma was rushed to hospital in life-threatening condition when she was hit by the car which failed to stop at the scene. The ambulance and a trauma car was sent to Fenham Hall Drive where she was taken to RVI after CPR was performed. It was confirmed that she passed away on Monday night. Inspector Ian Cutty, who was overseeing the investigation, stated that: “this is a re-
‘We are all shocked and deeply saddened by the death of such a bright young woman’
Carys Thomas Culture Editor
52% of students who voted voted no to joining the NUS
At a council meeting on the 6th of December, Newcastle University Students’ Union President Raff Marioni announced the results of
‘Although it was good to hear that the student body had decided to vote against re-joining the NUS, turnout was still disappointing’
Scarlett Rowland, Leader of the Vote No campaign
Christmas Special Inside today >>>
Est 1948
Festive foodbanks
The output of foodbanks is expected to be a record high this christmas Comment, page 9
Gift giving guru
Lifestyle have us covered for those frantic last minute purchases and where to find them Lifestyle, page 13
Flops or bops?
Our music writers take us through the best, worst and most controversial christmas songs Music, page 19
2019 Film Preview
What can we expect in the next year on the big screen? Our writers tell us all what to expect Film, page 22
Parties around the world Find out about New Years’ Eve in the big apple and the best christmas market in the world Travel, page 17
Jingle bills
Walking in a winter woodland: Luxury with a twist in this years fashion shoot pullout p6
As Gateshead council announce cuts, our sports writers explore the effects on sports facilties Sport, page 31
Newcastle student killed in hit and run Professor Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon Head of Newcastle University’s School of Psychology
A large section of the road in Fenham was sealed off on Friday night as the scene investigators worked. Officers could be seen to be using torches to examine the road and several numbered evidence markers were laid out.
Locals stated that police had been knocking on doors looking for witnesses and CCTV footage. Emma, the 18-year-old psychology student, was described as a “bright” and “much loved young woman” by the head of Newcastle University’s School of Psychology. Professor Gwyneth Doherty-Sneddon said: “we are all shocked and deeply saddened by the death of such a bright young woman. Emma had already shown much promise during her time here at Newcastle University” An anonymous woman at the scene commented: “I just heard a bang and saw a car. I saw the girl in the road, then the ambulance came. It looked really bad… I just feel for the girl… I wish I had got the car registration.” While enquires into the incident itself are ongoing and a 31-year-old man has been arrested. He was arrested in connection with
the incident which remains under police investigation. It was further believed that the vehicle involved was a “grey or silver Peugeot 307”. Police are still finding witnesses who have not yet spoken to the them to come forward, particularly those who may have seen the Peugeot in the area shortly before or after the incident.. Inspector Cutty is further urging people who have been sharing CCTV footage of the incident on social media to stop and remove the posts. “A teenage girl has lost her life and not only is this a live investigation, it is also incredibly difficult for the family to know the footage is being circulated.” Councillor Rebecca Shatwell, who represents the Wingrove ward on Newcastle City Council said plans were being made for a public meeting to address residents’ concerns.
2018 Christmas Pullout
Check out our exclusive 18 page Christmas pullout, with features from all your favourite sections.
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the courier
thecourier The Courier is a weekly newspaper produced by students, for students. It’s never too late to get involved in the paper, whether you’re a writer, illustrator or photographer. Just visit thecourieronline.co.uk/about for more information. Editor Louise Hall Deputy Editor Isabel Sykes News Editors Grace Dean, Molly Greeves, Sidney Pinsett and Steven Ross Comment Editors Jamie Cameron, Caitlin Disken and Alexandra Sadler Life & Style Editor Sophie Henderson Lifestyle Editors Phoebe Fielder, Holly Margerrison, and Ella Williams Fashion Editors Poppy Couling Joe Hood and Miranda Stoner Beauty Editors Laura Buckle, Susanne Norris and Nimra Rafique Travel Editors Jenny Franken and Bianca Ionci Culture Editors Alex Moore and Carys Rose Thomas Feature Editor Ally Wilson Arts Editors Rosie Mccrum, Julia McGhee Russell and Scarlett Rowland Music Editors Charlotte Boulton, Rory Ellis and Jess Taylor-Weisser TV Editors Jacob Clarke, Tom Cooney and Chloe Mullins Film Editors JImmy Athey, Helena Buchanan and Joe Holloran Gaming Editors George Boatfield, Kelly South and Matthew Neville Sports Editors Sydney Isaacs, Rebecca Johnson and Harry Parsons Online Editors Rory Cameron, Jodie Duddy, Amanda Goh, Thomas Hardwick, Max Hobbs Orestis Katsoulis and Chris Wilkinson The Courier NUSU King’s Walk Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QB Tel: 0191 239 3940 The Courier is printed by: Trinity Mirror Printing, Barton Road, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS2 1UT Established in 1948, the Courier is the fully independent student newspaper of the Students’ Union at Newcastle University. The Courier is published weekly during term time, and is free of charge. The design, text, photographs and graphics are copyright of the Courier and its individual contributors. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor. Any views expressed in this newspaper’s opinion pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of the Courier, the Students’ Union or Newcastle University.
Monday 10 December 2018
NSR show of the week: The Thursday 90 Minute Show Thursdays 4:30pm
Emma Linton Picture this. It’s 4.30pm on a Thursday afternoon; you’re in the Robbo staring desperately into your laptop, 2 packets of crisps and a chocolate bar down, yearning for the long-awaited weekend to finally arrive. Well, despair no more as Emma, Kate and Ollie are here to light up your life with their weekly instalment of the ‘90 Minute Show’. ‘What on Earth is the 90 Minute Show?’, I hear you ask – it’s an interactive, fun-filled music and entertainment show, host to both exciting new features and old favourites, including song that name you can and weird news, not to mention home of the legendary 90 sec-
ond quiz. You’re in safe hands as each week presents an array of tunes from NSR’s Song o f the Week to our Throwback Thursday pick, it’s one you definitely won’t want to miss. Want in on the action? Fear not, because you can help us play out the show as we go head to head for your votes in our weekly poll, all for your listening pleasure. Is there really any better way to spend your Thursday afternoon? Probably. But go on, give us a listen, we promise you won’t regret it.
STU BREW beer of the Extended Overdraft IPA £2.50 per can Alex Moore Culture Editor Water, Barley, Wheat, Hops, yeast: these are all it takes to make a beer, so it is always refreshing to see a list of ingredients comprised of these and nothing else. Even more refreshing is the first sip of Stu Brew’s Extended Overdraught IPA. With a lovely golden colour, this is an appetising beer with a decent amount of fizz, without being too heady. While the hoppy taste may be strong enough to deter some of those looking for a lighter beer, it is by no means
Student Spotlight Amnesty hosts Write for Rights 2018 event Isabel Sykes Deputy Editor On Monday 10 December Newcastle University’s Amnesty International Society will host their annual Wrtie for Rights event. Write for Rights is an initiative to support groups of people fighting for human rights across the world. Each year the Amnesty International Society chooses a group to whom they will write letters of support and solidarity.
The society are hosting this event in collaboration with FemSoc and Women for Women
This year the society have chosen to focus on women, so are hosting this event in collaboration with FemSoc and Women for Women. Students are invited to come along to the History Room in the Students’ Union betwen 11am and 3pm to write and sign letters to support women fighting for their rights worldwide. The society have created a Facebook page for the event on which they have said: “Come along and bring your friends so we can write and sign as many letters as possible - refreshments, music and good company will all be provided free.” More upcoming events and campaigns hosted by Newcastle University Amnesty International Society can be found on their Facebook page. More information about the society, including meeting times and how to join, is available on the NUSU website.
unpleasant and leaves surprisingly little in the way of an aftertaste. In Stu Brew’s own words, this is ‘a hoppy IPA that will make you want to extend your overdraft.’ Now, I don’t even have an overdraft, but this beer’s hefty 5.2% strength could quickly convince me otherwise… At least the modest price of only £2.50 a can means the damage to your bank account shouldn’t be too scary in the morning.
Whats on near you: Monday Volunteering Opportunity: 11am-1pm: Jingle Books wrapping. Location: Kate Adie Room, NUSU. Societies: 11am-3pm: Amnesty Write for Rights 2018. Location: History Room, NUSU. Arts: 3pm-5pm: Christmas decoration making. Location: Kate Adie Room, NUSU. Film: 6:30pm: It’s A Wonderful Life film screening. Location: BSTC, Room 1.46.
Tuesday
Volunteering Opportunity: 11am-3pm: Christmas wiggly bags making. Location: The Lounge, NUSU. Volunteering Opportunity: 12am-2pm: Jingle Books wrapping. Location: Kate Adie Room, NUSU. Volunteering Opportunity: 4pm-6pm: Shoe box appeal packing day. Location: Kate Adie Room, NUSU. Societies: 6pm-7pm: Say Know Discussions: Cocaine. Location: Dunstanburgh Room, NUSU Central.
Wednesday
Thursday
Travel: 10am-4pm: Christmas at Beamish. Location: Beamish Museum, County Durham. Volunteering Opportunity: 11am-3pm: Christmas post-pals. Location: The Lounge, NUSU. Film: 5:45pm-10:30pm: GIAG Christmas film night: Home Alone. Location: Meet outside NUSU front entrance. Arts: 6pm-9pm: Life Drawing at Cobalt. Location: Cobalt Studios. Music: 8pm-9pm: Carols by Candlelight 2018. Location: Jesmond Parish Church.
Volunteering Opportunity: 1:30pm-4pm: Helping older people use computers. Location: Newcastle Central Library. Comment: 6pm-8pm: ‘The Age of Austerity: Universal Credit’. Talk hosted by NUSU Working Class Students Network. Location: Kate Adie Room, NUSU.
Friday Societies: 5pm-8pm: Mind the Gap host Positivitea. Location: The Coffee Trader. Societies: 8pm-10pm: Stu Brew pub quiz. Location: Errant Brewery. Arts: 8pm-10pm: Live Theatre Newcastle host Christmas Crackers. Location: Broad Chare.
Saturday
Music: 7pm-11pm: Cast greatest hits tour. Location: Venue, NUSU. Lifestyle: 10am-4pm: Northumberlandia Enchanted Christmas Fayre. Location: Northumberlandia, Cramlington.
Sunday Arts: 6:30pm-7:45pm: A Christmas Carol live. Location: Newcastle Castle.
news
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Monday 10 December 2018
@TheCourier_News courier.news@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/news News Editors Grace Dean, Molly Greeves, Sidney Pinsent, Steven Ross Online Editor Jodie Duddy
Newcastle University yet to fully divest from fossil fuels Isabel Sykes Deputy Editor
The University aimed to divest from fossil fuels in 5 years Image: Flickr
On 20 November, Newcastle University released an update on the ongoing efforts to reduce its investments in fossil fuels. The University stated that their investment in the oil and gas sector has fallen from 8.8% in September 2017 to 4.4% in December 2018 (as a percentage of total holdings). Some students have called for the University to move more quickly toward complete divestment. Newcastle University’s formal commitment to divest from fossil fuels began in May 2016 in response to calls from the Students’ Union and student representatives from the Fossil Free Movement. The decision also reflected the result of a review of all aspects of Newcastle University’s carbon-related activities which decided that the University’s investment strategy was inconsistent with its sustainability aims and objectives. At the time, the University said that their aim was to divest from thermal coil and oil/tar sand companies and other non-progressive oil and gas companies within 5 years. A comparison of the University’s investment porfolios from July 2016 and July 2017 reveals that investments in oil and gas increased in that 12-month period. A Newcastle University spokesperson said that this was due to “general market performance during that period”, and that “the proportion dropped from 10% to 9%.”
The University’s investment figures for 2018 will be published on the Newcastle University website in January 2019.
“Considering the current state of climate emergency, full divestment is the only appropriate response”
Rebecca D’Andrea, Fossil Free Newcastle University
According to the update published by the University on 20 November, holdings in Majedie Asset Management have been reduced from 63% in September 2017 to 24% as of October 2018. Holdings in Black Rock, which were at 7% in September 2017, were replaced with holdings in ethical bonds in October this year. Richard Dale, Executive Director of Finance at Newcastle University, said: “We stand by our commitment to furthering environmental sustainability and our pledge to embed ESG considerations into our investment strategy. “The University cannot change its investment portfolio overnight and the investment sector itself is only now expanding its ESG alternatives. However, the University has made substantial progress during 2017/18 in improving the ESG qualities of its portfolio and
will continue to do so.” He said that he was “confident that [the University’s] next tender exercise will allow us to complete our commitment to progressive disinvestment.” Campaigners for Fossil Free Newcastle University are calling for a quicker and more commited approach to divestment from the University. Rebecca D’Andrea, a campaigner for Fossil Free, saild: “While we recognise that the university is taking steps in the right direction by decreasing their total investments in the fossil fuel industry, they still have not committed to a full divestment. Considering the current state of climate emergency, we believe that full divestment is the only appropriate response. Money should not be the metre by which these decisions are taken.” Joe Herbert, another campaigner within the group, said it is “vital” that the University makes “a public commitment to full divestment” in order to send “a powerful signal” to others. He also comments that 17 other UK universities have already made this commitment. On behalf of the Fossil Free society, Herbert also argues that the University’s commitments to divestment should extend beyond reworking their investments: “We also deem unacceptable all the other ties that the university has with the fossil fuel industry - including research funding, and inviting them to career fairs. We believe those opportunities should instead be given to companies and projects that are working towards creating a more sustainable and just society.”
Tuition fee cuts could cause chaos, vice-Chancellors warn Cayla Viner Earlier this month it was reported that the prime minister has put forward a proposal to cut fees from the current £9250 to £6500. A response from the chair and chief executive of the Russell Group, Tim Bradshaw asked ““Would the Treasury offer to cover the funding shortfall in full?”. With the potential tuition cuts, there could be detrimental effects on the quality of university teaching and facilities.
With the potential tuition fee cuts, there could be detrimental effects on teaching
Since 2006, tuition fees have risen massively in order to fund the gap caused by a fall in research grants. In 2006 tuition fees made up 17% of Newcastle University’s income, in 2017 it was 48%. Tuition fees therefore help support new, innovative research, specialist equipment and general student facilities. As well as this, the cost of £9250 goes toward the upkeep of local amenities, such as libraries and museums. According to Professor Chris Day, the viceChancellor of Newcastle University these would be one of the “first things to go.” Furthermore, the vast number of bursaries for people from poorer backgrounds would not be available without the contribution of tuition fees. This was supported by Professor
Michael Arthur, from the University College London, who said that cutting fees will have a “devastating” impact on universities’ ability to recruit students from deprived backgrounds. The rising fees has not deterred people from applying, as 500,000 students are attending university compared to 68,000 students in 1980s. Therefore, despite the cost of fees, getting a degree is, more than ever, a highly desirable qualification. There is a constant debate over the high tuitions that students have to pay because no matter what the contact hours, or type of course, all the fees are the same. Bradshaw disputed this, saying: “That level of fee cut being talked about would affect every university and every course.” Nevertheless, the prime minister was put under pressure after the pledge Jeremy Corbyn issued about abolishing fees was backed by the majority of young voters. Just by cutting the fees to £6500 in order to please the young population, universities would be losing a significant proportion of their income which is vital for high cost subjects like science and engineering. The government itself might have to increase its funding for such subjects to avoid the quality being threatened by lack of financial aid. Alas, this alternative method is still unclear and therefore university chancellors are sceptical about whether this change would be beneficial for students’ education. Bradshaw concluded that, “reducing funding for teaching would impact directly on the student experience, leading to higher student-to-staff ratios, less hands-on lab and practical work and student services stretched past breaking point.”
Tuition fees have risen significantly since 2006 Image: Flickr
the courier
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Monday 10 December 2018
Newcastle University hosts Islam and Black History Event Molly Greeves News Editor “Why Islam and black history?” was the question posed to open the talk on the 29th of November. Newcastle University’s Islamic Society (ISoc) and Afro-Carribean Society collaborated with IDCNorthEast with the hopes of shedding light “on the value of black history and the unique beauty of Islam”.
One of the central themes of the talk was the racism experienced by black Muslims both inside and outside of their Islamic communities
is inconsistent with Islamic belief because it comes from pride, a “characteristic of the Devil”. This sentiment was mirrored in Mu-aawiyah Tucker’s talk, “Journey of a Black Racist to Islam”. With a title chosen deliberately, in Tucker’s own words, “to be offensive”, he empressed the importance of discussing what he called “uncomfortable topics” such as racism. To do this, Tucker told his own story about how Islam allowed him to accept people of different races. “Somewhere along the line... I no longer saw slavery as a historical event that happened with people who were long gone, I saw it as evidence of people of today. And this is
where an innocent boy with (a knowledge of) black history became, slowly, a racist.” Due to his environment being made up of people of his own race for most of his childhood, Tucker claimed that he saw white people inherently different to himself, an opinion he now saw as false. After converting to Islam as a young adult, his views “naturally” changed, and he began to believe that “God made us different so that we can know one another.” Tucker used this as an example of how Islamic values are inconsistent with racial intolerance. Earlier this year after a "Reclaim the Metro" vent was held at Grey's Monument to protest the number of hate crimes against Muslims
on public transport. As pointed out by Steven Ross, Muslim women seem to suffer the worst abuse. The experience of black Muslim women was discussed during the event, with Kemi Adediran, the President of the Afro-Carribean Society, changing her topic from “Being Afro-Carribean in Britain Today” in order to discuss her friend, a black Muslim woman. “I’m not even Muslim, I’m actually a -Christian. I don’t want to discuss myself because this event isn’t about black female Christians, this event is about black Muslims and Islam, both of which have shaped the woman I am today.
The event was held in the Herschel Building and was open to anyone who wanted to learn more about the experiences of black Muslims. One of the central themes of the talk was the racism experienced by black Muslims both inside and outside of their Islamic communities. Studies show that 68% of hate crimes in the UK this year were recorded as anti-Islamic, and 23.78% of all hate crimes were committed against black and mixedrace people (Patterns of Hate Crime 2018). These statistics make many black Muslims feel that they are at a high risk of violence in their day-to-day lives; one speaker claimed that her friend, as a black Muslim woman, feels like a “triple-threat”. But despite these risks to black Muslim’s safety, many of the speakers emphasised how racism had no place in the Islamic faith. In a talk titled “Islam’s Solution to Racism”, Abu Rayyan Abnaan claimed that Islam condemns racism in all forms. He pointed out that despite there being “different shades of people” in the room, “we all came from the same place” and that according to the Qur'an, Allah values people based on their righteousness rather than the colour of our skin, not looking at “the colour or features” of a person but their heart. Abnaan claimed that racism
“This person (her friend) has exposed me to new understandings of marginalisation, inequality and discrimination that I can never understand or even fathom.” Adediran claimed that although her and her friend are similar, the latter is treated in a different way by many people because she is both black and a Muslim. “I urge everybody, and not only Muslims in the audience, to continuously speak up for black Muslims and those in marginalised groups. I urge everybody to continue to campaign and understand black Muslims. I urge black Muslims to not hide their struggles in private spaces but bring them to platforms like this.”
Three speakers from the event (left to right) Maryam Alfa, Kemi Adediran and Mu'aawiyah Tucker Image: Molly Greeves
It Happens Here presents discussion on toxic masculinity Joe Molander
“Are you gonna do anything about it? Come on,” asks Dr Clifton Evers, talking about people who write about “toxic masculinity”,
The talk was targeted at men, yet the audience was overwhelmingly female
Many people associate America's 45th President with toxic masculinity Image: Flickr
meaning the harmful aspects of being a man, without taking action. It marked a rare moment of anger in an otherwise softly spoken talk entitled “Toxic Masculinity and Sexual Violence”. Hosted by “It Happens Here”- Newcastle University’s anti-sexual-violence society- the talk differed starkly to many other events put on by the University. The audience were regularly asked to share their thoughts, for example, and at one point Clifton Evers, a lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies at Newcastle, got volunteers up for an exercise designed to teach them about non-verbal communication. While the audience found this humorous in parts, Evers’s approach seemed to come from a genuine insight: he points out that
merely identifying the influence of “toxic masculinity” on men isn’t enough. When we do, “people put their guard up”, he says, and they insist they don’t do anything toxic. Evers’s focus is more on providing men with alternatives ways of behaving, or “giving people an option out” of toxic behaviours. Evers has no shortage of explanations for why men continue to exhibit such behaviour. He explains that “I grew up looking for validation from other men”, and that the pressure of wanting to be “one of the lads” can encourage men “not to reveal vulnerability in any shape or form”. Any vulnerability that is shown can damage one’s position in the pecking order, he argues, and this is often recouped with violence. He also explains that men often only disclose sexual assault to other men, which excludes women from the process who could challenge the toxic conditions that create such a reluctance to come forwards in the first place. Most of the attendees agreed that it was an engaging talk, but many still argue that more needs to be done to tackle these issues. The talk was targeted at men, yet the audience was overwhelmingly female, perhaps proving how reluctant men are to discuss thorny issues such as sexual assault. An anonymous student argued that while it is great that toxic masculinity is being discussed, the lack of men in the audience shows that “it is not being discussed by the people who will benefit most from it”.
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Monday 10 December -2018
Latest on Brexit deal before parliament vote Kelly Corcoran
On morning of the 25th of November, EU leaders announced their agreement to the Brexit ‘Divorce’ deal, outlining the terms for Britain’s leaving the EU. After a long 20 months of negotiations following the triggering of Article 50 in 2016, it appears that our exit from the EU is finally starting to gain some momentum. However, whether this step forward will be halted or gratified now lays in the hands of the parliamentary vote, said to be held in the second week of December. After less than an hour of discussions in Brussels, 27 EU leaders voiced their approval of the UK’s divorce deal from the EU. The approved deal consists of two key Brexit documents, notably, the EU withdrawal agreement that discusses the terms of the UK’s exit and what Brexit means for Northern Ireland, and the political declaration that identifies the relationship between the UK and the EU following Brexit with regards to trade, security etc. While the deal is yet to be confirmed by the UK Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker, the Eu-
ropean Commission President has said that “this is the only deal possible” while EU leaders assured that it demonstrates an “orderly withdrawal” for the UK. While this deal has been approved by EU leaders, it is now down to the vote of the UK parliament, being held in the second week of December, to decide whether this deal goes ahead. If the parliamentary vote denies this deal it could result in either a no deal Brexit, an attempt to renegotiate or potentially, although definitely certain, another general election. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt in conversation with the BBC’s Andrew Marr announced that the UK was getting “between 70% and 80%” of what it wanted in this deal. However, while this is a high statistic this does not guarantee an approval and the support from UK party members, sources claiming that “Labour, the Lib Dems, the SNP, the DUP and many conservative MPs are set to vote against it.” Mrs May will now spend the next few weeks encouraging her Cabinet and UK MPs to get behind the Brexit deal and support the terms outlined; asserting that it was the best deal she could have struck with the EU.
Syria has been in a state of Civil War since 2011 Image: Wikimedia Commons
Student from Syria graduated The Courier talks to: from Northumbria University Stand Up To Racism Amanda Goh
Farouq Aldandashi, 28, completed his Masters degree in Newcastle after escaping his war torn homeland. The Northumbria University student survived university at the height of the Syrian civil war. Farouq studied for an MSc in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development last year after being awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship. Chevening is the UK’s government’s international award programme, aimed at developing global leaders. Farouq was chosen for the award due to his 10 years of experience working in the NGO sector. As a 17 year old, he wanted to help people and contribute positively to his community so he began volunteering for the Red Cross. He stated that he “never thought that helping people in this way would bring a smile” Farouq spoke about the differences he had experienced in the North East, as compared to the Middle East. “Literally everything was different… I feel much more comfortable here… nobody can judge me.”
When Farouq was attending his first year in Wadi International University in Syria, the country was undergoing a period of civil unrest which descended into a civil war. He noted the fear he had from the drive between home and university, “there were six checkpoints on my 20-minute journey”.
"Literally everything was different ... I feel much more comfortable here, nobody can judge me"
FarouqAldandashi,
Northumbria Student
His parents were keen that he continued his studies throughout the war as they wanted to ensure that he had more future opportunities. However, when he began working, inflation rates were increasing due to the war which led to him making the difficult decision of
leaving his family and moving to Turkey. He worked in Turkey for the International Medical Corps and Care International for a few years until he secured the government’s Chevening scholarship and was granted an opportunity to study in Northumbria. He had thoroughly enjoyed his time studying in Northumbria. “the people here are beautiful. They have treated me well” He stated. Farouq is due to complete his full-time course at the end of September and is now beginning to look for a job. He mentioned that “this prestigious scholarship equips me with the arsenal to have a great role in Europe… Being Syrian means you don’t have the luxury to choose where you would like to go. However, I have faith… and though I have lost everything in my life, I will not lose my ambition.” Northumbria University’s International Partnerships Manager, Alejandra Vicencio, stated: “… we should feel very proud that Farouq chose to come to Northumbria via this scheme. I am very glad to see that someone coming from this situation has been able to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Molly Greeves News Editor
On the fourth of December, Newcastle University’s Stand Up To Racism Society hosted their first societal event: a film showing of “Calais Children: A Case To Answer” in the Barbra Strang Building. The new society aims "to raise awareness of the current European refugee crisis in Europe and emphasise how the UK government aren’t doing anywhere near enough to help these vulnerable children." Directed by Sue Clayton, the film aims to educate people about the Calais refugee crisis. Lauren Barnes, the secretary of the Stand Up To Racism Society, spoke to The Courier about the film and how we can do our part to help.
Can you please explain what the film was about? The film follows the lives of some of approximately two thousand lone refugee children living in refugee camps around Calais; most of these children had a legal case to be in the UK. In late 2016 the camps were demolished by the police, and yet, little to no help was offered to the minors living there. The film shows the personal stories of a few
“The UK government has repeatedly let down vulnerable children, despite being more than capable to take on every child refugee in the Calais camps"
Lauren Barnes, Secretary of the Stand Up To Racism Society
Syria has been in a state of Civil War since 2011 Image: Flickr
refugee children in their day to day struggle to stay alive. A team of human rights lawyers attempted to bring forward a legal case in the UK for these children. However, after suffering a long series of delays and dismissals from the UK government, the children were left in France with no place to go and no hope for
the future.
What specifically did you learn about the Calais refugee crisis? I learnt how the UK government has repeatedly let down vulnerable children, despite being more than capable to take on every lone child refugee in the Calais camps. Under
“The Stand Up To Racism Society at Newcastle Uni will also be raising money to send to refugees in the next few months"
Lauren Barnes, Secretary of the Stand Up To Racism Society
the DUB’s amendment the government had promised to allow 480 unaccompanied refugee children into the UK, however since the legislation was passed in 2016 only around 250 of these places have been filled. The conditions these children are having to endure on the streets of France were described as an "Inhumane Situation" by the UN. Many of the children who were living in the Calais camps have simply disappeared since the camps destruction. French riot police will often raid makeshift shelters at night, with tears gas and batons to disperse occupants. After viewing this film, I feel more of an emotional tie to the children living in such alarming conditions, it has horrified me to learn how the UK government has done the bare minimum to ensure their safety. How do you think students can help? By getting involved! Stand up to Racism has nationally sent many convoys to Calais with aid in order to help the children living there. The next student convoy will be in February 2019. The student Stand up to Racism Society at Newcastle University will also be raising money to send to refugees in the next few months. If anyone would like to help it’s easy to contact the society either via Facebook or email. The society will be hosting many other events in the upcoming months, as well as raising awareness to help refugee children not
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Monday 10 December 2018
Report shows Brexit could leave a bitter aftertaste on the North Joe Molander
Rural areas in the North need to band together to protect themselves from the potential fallout of Brexit and to try and use it as a force for good, a report has found. The report, commissioned by Northumberland County Council, outlined the best and worst case scenarios for the region following the UK’s exit from the EU, and found that even the rosiest predictions for the future come with “significant challenges”. This is largely due to the weaknesses present in the northern economy, in or out of the EU, which include poor connectivity – both digitally, in the form of IT, and physically, in the form of transport – as well as a failure to coordinate policy-making across the region, and a poor jobs and skills market.
The North suffers from poor digital and physical connectivity alongside poor employment prospects and deficits in the skills markets
The story gets worse when considering that the so-called ‘rural economy’ makes the North even less competitive, with rural premises across the UK being eight and a half times less likely than urban premises to have access to an acceptable quality of broadband, for example. Combined with low wages, a lack of affordable housing and a dependency on EU funding – particularly damning when con-
sidering the impact of Brexit – one sees that the North is fragile, and Brexit could bring the region to its shatter point by tearing NorthEast manufacturing firms away from key supply chains in Europe, and making exporting there more expensive.
Brexit could bring the region to its shatter point by tearing NorthEast manufacturing firms away from key supply chains in Europe
Despite that, assessing the exact impact Brexit will have on the North is tricky – hence the need to consider both the best and worst case scenario – and the report does point out that Brexit may well have a silver lining. In leaving the EU, we will also leave its Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), allowing us to devise our own system of farming programmes and subsidies, one more focussed on British farming needs. The report suggests an increased focus on Research & Development (R&D) and exploring the use of GM crops, amongst other things, and furthermore suggests that policies intended to make farming more environmentally friendly could be redesigned to cost less (the price tag on such ‘agrienvironmental’ policies is often what scares farmers off from adopting them). There may also be the opportunity to devolve the power wrested from Brussels to local authorities in the North; the report briefly flirts with the idea of a “new Council for the North”. The main take away from the report, though, is the need for rural areas to work to-
Will Brexit lead to people turning their back on the North-East? Image: Pixabay
gether to avoid the worst of Brexit, such as cutting through complicated local government structures, which, as well as local authorities, also include such minutiae as Growth Deals and Local Enterprise Partnerships. The northern economy is multi-faceted – boasting strong manufacturing, agricultural and digital sectors – which lends it a certain
Conference asks, “Who is Europe?” Joe Molander
Europe is a diverse place, comprised of a multitude of cultures, each one of them making their own small contribution to a single European identity, be it French wine, German cabaret or British binge drinking. For nearly three
Either way, the conference seemed guided by an ethos that could benefit all Europeans
years, the CoHERE project has attempted to understand European identity with greater clarity using ten areas of focus, including museum work, ethnolinguistics and ‘musicology’. This thoroughness was recently applied to a conference designed to look at the unity and
POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, where the conference was held Image: Pixabay
divisions created by the continent’s heritage. The Who is Europe? conference took place from 22nd-23rd November at the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, and a brief glance over the itinerary gives an insight into its sheer variety. Alongside topics as varied as colonialism, performative practices and multi-culturalism, the conference also took time to consider Europe’s museums – and the parts of the continent’s history that they overlook, as well as the parts they over-emphasise – and the relationship between cultural diversity and human rights. The conference – which was organised by Dr Susannah Eckersley, lecturer in Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies at Newcastle University – included an hour long film made by Dr Ian McDonald – another Newcastle academic, heading up the University’s Research Centre for Film. Clearly, it was a busy couple of days, which perhaps speaks to the complexity of European identity, and how tricky it is to unpack. After the UK took the decision to leave the EU in 2016, many saw the conference as especially timely for British attendants, who perhaps stand to learn the most from a conference
that looked at Europe as a single entity comprised of several moving parts, as opposed to a group of distinct countries coincidentally neighbouring each other; in the run up to the referendum, The Observer found that just 15% of Brits identify as European. It appears that those living in the UK – cut off from Europe geographically as well as politically and culturally – find more identity in their country than their continent (the same Observer research found that a far larger 58% identify as British, and 64% as either English, Welsh, Scottish or Irish/Northern Irish). Either way, the conference seemed guided by an ethos that could benefit all Europeans, regardless of which side of the English Channel they live on. Namely, the key to solving Europe’s problems lies in unity, not division: the conference brought academics together from across the continent, ready to tackle thorny issues including the rise of the far-right and Europe’s “selective memory” of issues such as its history of imperialism. Ultimately the conference seemed to show that deeper connections with Europe are possible, provided we work hard to forge them.
versatility that may still not be enough to fend off the impact of Brexit. From 2007-2020, the North-East will have guzzled up around £800m of EU ‘Structural Funds’, a lifeline from which the region will be severed once we leave; tariff barriers will also be erected by the EU once the UK exits, making exporting produce more expensive, while the end of the
free movement of labour could create a labour shortage in the North. If policymakers and those working in different sectors of the Northern economy work together, though, the potential damage from Brexit could well be mitigated, with the added possibility of making long overdue reform.
14 Days of Go Volunteer fun Aimie Seddon To celebrate the start of the festive season, NUSU Go Volunteer has launched 14 Days of Go Volunteer Christmas, where students can expect to see many events organised for charity. Between the 1st and the 14th of December, there will be at least one volunteering activity on offer each day for all students to enjoy. Becky at Go Volunteer says, “We are so excit-
Between the 1st and the 14th of December, there will be at least one volunteering activity on offer each day
ed for 14 Days of Christmas, it is full of activities for everyone to get involved in. We have something for everyone: a chance to give back to the local community, help others, and have some fun whilst getting in the festive spirit. After all, Christmas is the time for giving!” The activities began with Fareshare Tesco Food Collections on Saturday 1st December. This nationwide event, aimed at tackling food poverty, involves collecting food to distribute to 3500 charities across the country. Similarly, on Friday 7th, Helping Our Homeless held a sandwich making event in the Students’ Union, with the food then being handed out by the Destiny Streetworx charity to homeless people in Newcastle. The society also hosted a Santa Dash on Saturday 8th to raise donations for the shoebox appeal. A Christmas wriggly bag making event will
be held this Tuesday (11th). Wriggly bags are small bags are for children with Hickman lines to hold the extra tubes, meaning they can continue playing whilst keeping their tubes clean and secure. All bags will be donated to the RVI children’s ward. Participants only need to give up 15 minutes of their time. No sewing experience is required and all sewing materials are provided for. On Tuesday 11th, students can also participate in the shoebox appeal in the History Room 10am-4pm. Organised by the Helping our Homeless Society, the appeal helps those in need over the Christmas period. Students can help by donating winter warmer items or helping sort the packages into shoeboxes. A Christmas Post Pals session will be held on Wednesday 12th. Post Pals is a charity that helps people “post a smile on a sick child’s face” by sending cards, letters, emails and little gifts to seriously ill children in the UK. Students can pop in for as little as 15 minutes to write a small letter. Post Pals says, “We will have all the materials needed, teas, coffees and Christmas music just bring friends!” Other events taking place include Jingle books wrapping on Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th. Students are asked to donate books and wrap them up, ready to be gifted to somebody else. INTOgration, an English language study group supported by Go Volunteer, are hosting a Christmas session on Wednesday 5th in INTO. Finally the Go Volunteer project A Second Life is hosting a decoration making workshops on Monday 10th following from one carried out on Friday 7th. All the decorations will be made from recycled materials. All activities will be listed on the ‘One off Projects’ section at https://www.nusu.co.uk/ volunteering/events. For more information on the project, students can also email govolunteer.union@newcastle.ac.uk
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Fem Soc event discusses gender bias in scientific spaces Carl Valdez On Wednesday 28 November, Newcastle University Feminist Society conducted a talk about intersectionality in scientific spaces.
The talk was led by Tina Sikka, a lecturer at Newcastle University
Many people believe that the gender bias in scientific spaces is caused by the lack of women in the field Image: Pixabay
According to Feminist Society’s official Facebook page, the talk aimed to “argue that intersectional research methods and perspectives can produce knowledge that is more just, reflective, egalitarian, and action oriented.” The talk was led by Tina Sikka, a Media, Culture and Heritage lecturer at Newcastle University. Tina Sikka is a specialist researcher in gender, technology, environment, health and food studies. She is going to release a new publication entitled ‘Climate Technology, Gender and Justice: The Standpoint of the Vulnerable’ this February 2019. The talk mainly focussed on medically assisted dying and climate change. Sikka began by highlighting how unintentional gender biases manifest in health-care services. She considers this to be rooted from medical textbook materials and research protocols that shape the basis of modern medicine which are mostly conducted on men. Sikka said: “Studies have recorded how greater numbers women are given sedatives for pain when compared to men; that women are given referrals to pain clinics for chronic pain at lower rates; and that women tend to experience longer wait times in emergency
rooms.” Sikka sees this uneven treatment which extends to racialised minorities, non-binary gender identities and low socio-economic status groups. She discussed that these factors should be considered when treating a patient in an equitable manner. In a 2014 survey conducted on 2000 women by the National Pain Report, it was found that 75% had their pains dismissed by a doctor on at least one occasion, 45% of which have been told it was all in their head. Many people argue that these cases are caused by gender-based stereotypes. The talk continued with the unequal power relations in geo-engineering. Despite the researchers highlighting the potential risks of counteracting climate change, Sikka argues this “responsiveness” is “insufficient” for local regions.
“Studies have recorded that women are referred to pain clinics at lower rates, and that they tend to experience longer waiting times”
Tina Sikka, Media, Culture and Heritage Lecturer at Newcastle University
Discussing the exclusion of individuals, Sikka described the geo-engineering research as “revolutionary developments which perpetuates inequality and privilege.” She stated: “We need more understanding of marginalisation with the new technology to have a more robust host of technological development.”
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Monday 10 December 2018
@CourierComment courier.comment@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/comment Comment Editors Jamie Cameron, Caitlin Disken & Alexandra Sadler Online Editor Rory Cameron
Foodbanks funding festivities Our writers discuss the news that foodbank usage will reach a record high this Christmas, and ask why more is not being done
Emma McLaren
C
hristmas is a period typically associated with joy, gifts, and for many, overeating. However, the reality of this for some families and individuals is often very different. The Christmas period is an exceedingly expensive one; the pressure to purchase costly presents and pay for Christmas itself, as well as heating the home during the colder months, becomes a strain on finances. Consequently, many are left dependent on foodbanks to get by. Could the slow rollout process of the Government’s new Universal Credit system be a contributing factor to this increased reliance on food handouts?
It is obvious that the benefit system has not succeeded
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages across the UK as a single monthly payment for people in or out of work. This new social security payment is designed to simplify the benefit system, rolling together and slowly replacing the six primary means tested benefits. The payment is monthly, meaning that it can take up to five weeks to get your first payment after making your claim. This is the primary problem; the delay leaves some claimants struggling to cover the essentials and having to turn to foodbanks. Figures provided by the Trussell Trust show that, compared to the monthly average, December 2017 saw a 49% increase in the distribution of three-day emergency packs. This increased dependency on foodbanks over the winter months may develop because people have to prioritise heating their homes over purchasing food. Christmas time becomes stressful for those who struggle to afford the basics and delayed Universal Credit payments surely make this worse. Further increases in demand for emergency packs from food banks such as those established by the Trussell Trust are, therefore, likely. The Trussell Trust’s figures also reveal that the need for foodbanks during the festive season is rising each year, with 2017s figure 10% higher than 2016. With the introduction of Universal Credit, it is anticipated that the figure will rise once again this Christmas. Whilst Universal Credit is not the sole factor for increased foodbank usage- as this increase was seen even before its introduction, it is clearly making
getting through the Christmas period more challenging for many individuals and families. A quicker turn around in payments of Universal Credit could be a way to combat increased reliance on food banks. The Trussell Trust’s Chief Executive, Emma Revie, reminds us that it is “unacceptable that anyone should have to use a foodbank in the first place.” Why are people who are receiving social security in our country in this position? An overhaul of payments is surely necessary in order to prevent this worrying increase in people who are struggling to feed themselves. It is obvious that the benefit system as a whole has not succeeded because claimants are not all able cover essential living costs, and Universal Credit seems unable to resolve this. Christmas foodbank usage is but one illustration of the problem that, in reality, many citizens face year-round in trying to access the basics. There are wide issues concerning current social security. However, whilst these issues in society exist, these resources remain vital to those who need
them, and donating to them is a way in which we can all help. The Trussell Trust runs local foodbanks in Heaton and Benwell; donating whatever you can to these foodbanks could make the difference for those who are struggling this Christmas.
Caitlin Disken
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or many of us, Christmas Day is characterized by food. Christmas lunch consists of a plate piled high with different Christmas delicacies, followed by Christmas pudding or a Yule Log. Despite spending the rest of the afternoon in a food coma, there’s always more chocolate to be snacked on. Then there’s Boxing Day - the day where all of leftover food is eaten whilst watching crappy TV and playing board games. However, this won’t be the case for many UK citizens this Christmas. The Trussell Trust, the UK’s largest foodbank charity, has confirmed that the number of people relying on foodbanks will reach a record high this Christmas, beating the 49% increase in the number of three-day emergency packs it saw in December 2017. For a supposedly progressive country, this is shocking. The increase of foodbank reliance is emblematic of a broken Britain, one in which the rich get richer whilst the poor get poorer. To be
Image: Wikimedia Commons, Newcastle United on YouTube
able to eat is a basic right, and quite frankly, I’m ashamed to be part of a nation whose citizens cannot afford food.
If the government are looking for someone to blame, look at themselves
Government ministers may agree that the increase in foodbanks is shocking, but if they’re looking for someone to blame they need to look at themselves. The Trussell Trust has suggested that the demand for foodbanks over the Christmas period will be largely fuelled by the new Universal Credit system. The Universal Credit system is a new benefits system which replaces other benefit systems such as Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit and Income Support with a universal, one-monthly payment to cover all. Whilst this may sound unproblematic, the implementation of the system has been an absolute mess. As people are transferred from the old benefits system onto the Universal Credit System, they could face a fiveweek wait for their first payment. During the Christmas period, this could mean parents are faced with tough decisions regarding festive budgeting.
No parent wants to make the choice between food and heating
No parent wants to make the choice between food and heating, or see their child go without a present on Christmas Day, but due to the constraining bureacracy of our government, they may be forced to. The increase in foodbanks is indicative not only of a government who doesn’t care, but a government who doesn’t have to care. Many of the ministers who make up the government are simply unable to fathom having to rely on a foodbank, and will never have to see the real impacts their decisions have on real people. I’d like to see more ministers visiting foodbanks, interacting with those who are forced to use them, as well as those who volunteer there. Maybe then they would be able to understand the devastating impact their policies are having on the very people they are supposed to be helping. Let’s not gloss over the amazing work foodbanks and foodbank volunteers actually do. It’s shocking that it is left to ordinary citizens to pick up the government’s slack, but it’s a good job they do. Maybe if more ministers were like foodbank volunteers, we would live in a better country.
Trump’s use of tear gas: a step too far?
Sesha Subramanian assesses the use of tear gas on the US-Mexico border against child migrants under Trump’s new administration
T
he Donald Trump administration ran into yet more hot water as US Border forces used tear gas on a large crowd – which included children – to prevent them from entering the United States illegally. The crowd-
dubbed the Migrant Caravan – consisted mainly of people from Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador fleeing their home countries due to fear of persecution, poverty and violence. Many of these people say that their goal is to settle in the United States despite warnings from the US authorities that they would be prosecuted for staying within the country illegally. Following the incident and the obvious closing of the border, tensions have reached new heights with many condemning the unjustified use of tear gas. Mexico, for example, has asked for an investigation into the use of tear gas. The caravan meanwhile has camped in the northern city of Tijuana and the condition there has descended into a veritable humanitarian crisis. Authorities in Tijuana have started to relocate more than 6,000 Central Americans to a new shelter, after the rundown Image: Flickr sports centre where they have been camped out for more than two weeks
descended into squalor. The use of tear gas on these people is understandable given the anti-migrant rhetoric that has become a staple
It’s remarkable Trump showed no remorse
of this Trump administration but is it justified? The answer is no. First of all, the problem begins with Trump’s labelling of the caravan as an “invasion”. These are people who are escaping areas of rampant crime in search of a better life, not automatic weapon totting gangsters looking to sell cocaine. Ahead of the mid-term elections, he tweeted that “many gang members and some very bad people are mixed into the caravan heading to our southern border” and warning that “our military is waiting for you”. It sounds more like a threat that you would hear in Narcos than a presidential quote, doesn’t it? It’s even more remarkable that Trump showed no remorse or apology for his actions. In fact he has ramped up his anti-migrant narrative in blatant disregard for human rights. These are people who are basically stateless and need help
even for basic services. And while allowing them to settle into major cities might be a controversial decision, no American would object to allowing them to enter the country and then giving them somewhere to stay till they can be integrated into society through legal means. Entering the United States through legal means costs money – something that these people do not have. Whatever little
No American would object to allowing them to enter the country
they did earn back home, it was taken away from them by gangs and the general agents of anarchy in those areas. Understanding the reasons behind them risking so much to enter the United States should dictate policy to some degree but if the Trump administration had taken into consideration that there were actual displaced human beings involved, they might never have fired tear gas in the first place.
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life&style Blind Date
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Monday 10 December 2018
@CourierLifestyle c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/lifestyle Life & Style Editor Sophie Henderson Lifestyle Editors Phoebe Fielder, Holly Margerrison, Ella Williams Online Editor Amanda Goh
Rory Fisher meets Charlotte McAuliffe
We find out how they got on. . .
Rory on Charlotte What made you decide to sign up for a date ? Was it like a spontanous decision? Yeah it was. My friend signed me up about a month ago. So I thought why not. Sorry it took so long for you to go on a date! Was it worth the wait? No problem at all. Yeah it was good, Tbh I forgot he signed me up lol. What was your first impression? She was attractive, very easy to talk to. Thats always great when meeting some one you don’t know. Did you just go for a drink? Yeah we went for a few drinks at Wylam Brewery What was the most striking thing about her? Not sure tbh Fair enough, Did you dress to impress? I guess so haha. Put on a shirt. Nothing too special. Bless you, is there a chance you might see her again? Yeah possibly, We got on well enough
“She was attractive, very easy to talk to”
Charlotte on Rory What where you expecting when you decided to go on a blind date? I was a bit nervous, I’ve never done one before so I expected it to be quite awkward haha When you met up was that still the case ? “I think we I think we were both nervous so that definitely helped, and it was no where near as awkward as I thought it would be he was very easy to were both talk to. nervous” Where did you guys spend your time ? We went to a really nice little bar at Wylam brewery Nice, did you talk about anything really funny ? Or did he do anything that really made you laugh? Probably just that both our friends signed us up for the date and he does chemistry so they wrote ‘can’t seem to find any chemistry outside of the lab’ Yeah some of the sign up bios are really funny. Did you have a good time? Yeah I had a really nice time he was very sweet How did you conclude the date? Is there any chance of seeing each other again maybe? We said we’d stay in touch and maybe see each other again
Are you unlucky in love? Email us at c2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.uk
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life & style lifestyle
Monday 10 December 2018
Christmas for the cranks Stack Newcastle: Shipping Containers Unpacked Lifestyle Ed Holly Margerrison investigates the hype over the new installment at the end of Northumberland Street
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ust when we think Newcastle cannot welcome another bar, club or eatery, several conjoined shipping containers crop up in the middle of the toon. Within these tin walls are a whole host of multicultural munches, desirable drinks and talented traders. With its August arrival, the vendors came at the perfect time as students flocked into halls and inhabited the city once more. If you’ve been in the city centre recently, or if you’ve been scrolling through your insta feed, it’s been pretty hard to miss the hype over the new build in Newcastle.
This urban space has that hipster-edge with a sprinkling of Christmas class
What was essentially just a plot of land off Pilgrim Street for the last year has been majestically transformed into the toon’s socialising hotspot. Whether you fancy grabbing some rolls (the sushi kind), or feasting on a big ol’ hunk of steak at Cluck Cluck Moo, the space caters for just about everyone. My favourite bites are the halloumi fries with a yoghurt mint dressing – a niche replication of Camden Market’s best seller. For gin lovers, there’s extensive rhubarb, ginger – or even your classic tonic – combinations with every type of gin imaginable. Their goblet glasses just about suffice…
For the fitness fanatics amongst you, it’s also possible to join yoga classes here in ‘The Den’. With a 30-day trial membership, you can attend as many of the weekly yoga and meditation sessions as you fancy – with the first class free! How millennial. If you’re wanting to try a new skill, Sushi Me Rolling also offers a Japanese cuisine masterclass. With all the joy the Christmas tipis brought – which had previously stood by Central Station before Stack’s spot – I always felt a little deflated when they parted in January. Surely the best way to counteract the January blues would be with a spirited boost like that in the tipis? Although I can’t say how long the tipis will stay, Stack’s other vendors seem a creative compromise. The theme is set to change every few months – with a rumour that an ice bar may make an entrance for the New Year. Until you see it yourself, the concept sounds, well, kind of ugly. However, this urban space has that hipster-edge with a sprinkling of Christmas class. Yes, it’s kind of strung together and when the weekend comes around the tables are sticky from clinked glasses and drunken pizza motives. But the fire pit, placed strategically in the centre, offers a cosiness to contrast the corrugated tin – just as the fairy lights embellish the sky’s canvas. With the heaters booming, the disco tunes blaring and the mulled wine in full force, I for one can’t wait to see what’s in store for those spontaneous for those student summer days, sipping Aperol Spritzs in the sun. Stack adds a complex assortment of layers to the already vibrant city. It really does what it says on the tin.
Image: @tameracingdriver_uk on Instagram
Lori Harper tells us about those who take an untraditional approach
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hat do people do if they don’t celebrate Christmas? Why escaping the festive season doesn’t make you a bah-humbug. Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, in fact, with over 2 billion of us celebrating it every year, it’s difficult
Research has suggested that almost a quarter of Brits head abroad for
Christmas
to imagine not being a part of the festive fun. It may be a shock, but the holidays don’t always have to be spent in the good old-fashioned way, rocking around the Christmas tree, and roasting chestnuts on an open fire. It may be for religious, cultural or even personal reasons that some of us choose to opt out of the celebrations. But what else could people possibly be doing at this time of year other than stuffing our faces with mince pies or fighting the Christmas shopping queues? Here are some of the things that people do to escape the Christmas traditions. Well, it looks like Santa might not be the only person flying the skies this Christmas. Research has suggested that almost a quarter of Brits head abroad for Christmas, with the majority saying that they would prefer to go somewhere hot rather than seek the perfect white Christmas. If it’s anything films like The Holiday have taught us, it’s that Christmas isn’t always best when it’s spent doing the same thing at home. If you’re really looking to escape, some of the best non-Christmassy destinations include Morocco, Japan and Thailand. However, it’s sometimes easy to forget the true significance of Christmas, as we become absorbed in Christmas shopping, buying the biggest turkey and wondering whether Santa will be good to us this year. It can therefore slip our minds that some religions don’t celebrate the traditional Christian festival. For Jewish families, Christmas can be a time to reflect upon how society has influenced and shaped religion, culture and identity. Christmas has also been merged with Hanukkah, the traditional Jewish festival of lights, which celebrates the victory of Jewish rebels in 164 BCE. This association to Christmas became prominent in the beginning of the 20th century when Jewish immigrants came to America, and Christmas became more of a national rather than religious holiday. Yet what is there to do when everywhere is closed on Christmas day? Well, it might surprise you to know your nearest cinema could be open- that’s right, what better way to escape the festive cheer than as to sit back, relax and let a film transport you into another world. it is also important for us to remember that although Christmas is a time to be with family and loved ones, for some of us it can bring a time of loneliness and sadness, a reminder of what we may be
missing in our lives. It may be difficult to join in the jolly festivities and see everyone else having fun. Sometimes it may feel better to do something completely different and rewarding. One of the most fulfilling things to do at Christmas is volunteering. It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults volunteered over Christmas last year, according to the Royal Voluntary Society. There are plenty of opportunities in England, from vol-
What better way to escape the festive cheer than as to sit back, relax and let a film transport you into another world
unteering at animal rescue centres, to helping answer the phones for Samaritans at a time when it is most needed. If you’re wanting to escape Christmas at home altogether then volunteering doesn’t just stop in England; there are plenty of opportunities abroad too, including wildlife conservation projects in Botswana and helping local communities in Peru. Volunteering abroad doesn’t have to be expensive either, many opportunities include accommodation and food. Christmas shouldn’t always need to mean the same thing every year. So, whatever you choose to do over the festive season, wherever you choose to spend it, or whether you choose to celebrate it or not, I hope it is filled with joy.
Special snowFAKES? A case for plastic christmas trees Libby Shaw tackles that tricky question and gives us the pros and cons of each
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t’s December, and the Christmas season has officially begun! The decorations are starting to go up, and the Christmas tree is by far the most important. With this in mind, which is the best Christmas tree to get- real or fake? Real Christmas trees have the advantage of feeling authentic and having a special something that an artificial tree just can’t replicate. They look beautiful, smell lovely and make the whole experience of buying a tree feel more Christmassy. Going out to a tree farm with loved ones to choose your own tree is something that can’t be matched by going out to the shops and buying an artificial one. For this reason, many people choose to buy a real Christmas tree for the experience. There are also environmental concerns about buying a fake Christmas tree- that is, if you don’t get full use out of it! Real trees are bio-degradable and eco-friendly, and growing concerns for the well-being of our planet means this might be the better choice. According to Dr John Kazer, “If you have an artificial tree at home you would need to reuse it for at least 10 Christmases to keep its environ-
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mental impact lower than a real tree”. The downsides of a real Christmas tree might outweigh the benefits. Firstly, real trees are a fire hazard. Real Christ-
They look beautiful, smell lovely and make the whole experience of buying a tree feel more Christmassy
mas trees are highly flammable, especially when dry, which is a massive safety concern. The National Fire Protection Agency reported that real Christmas tree fires are “much more likely to be deadly than most other fires”. An artificial tree, on the other hand, is usually made with material that is fire-resistant, meaning there is much less risk. Perhaps the most convincing aspect of a fake tree is the cost, which Is especially applicable for students on a budget! Artificial trees can be used again and again, instead of having to buy a new one every year. This saves a lot of money over the years. Fake trees also require much less effort than a real one. They are easy to transport, dismantle, and assemble, whereas real trees require a lot more effort. Real trees are also much less convenient due to upkeep, with regular watering, and the need to pick up the dead pine needles they shed. Additionally, a real Christmas tree might also be the home to bacteria, mould and insects.
The verdict is that fake takes the cake! Investing in a good fake Christmas tree has a lot of upsides, including its cheaper cost, less effort, safety and convenience. Artificial trees have improved a lot, and nowadays can often get away with being a real one anyway!
Image: Unsplash
Image: Instagram @valery.tkhor
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Monday 10 December 2018
‘Tis The Season for Gift Shopping
Cooking with Hope Coke
Kate Baguley gives you directions to the best gift hotspots
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enwick’s Christmas window has been revealed, Northumberland Street has turned into Santa’s workshop, and Michael Bublé is now the go-to at pre-drinks. Yes, the festive season is upon us. While enjoying all that Newcastle has to offer this Christmas, from the markets to the ice rink, there is still the knowledge that you have a whole list of people to buy presents for. Parents, siblings, boyfriends, girlfriends, secret Santa’s… the list goes on. Whether giving or receiving gifts is your thing, I am hopefully going to take some of your stress away by providing the best shops in Newcastle for personal, fuss-free, and affordable gifts guaranteed to make everyone happy.
Fenwick
First up, we have Fenwick’s. Loved by all in Newcastle, this department store is a staple around the Christmas period, providing five floors full of everything you could ever wish for. However, the lower ground floor is the place to be. This floor has turned into Santa’s grotto and will fulfil all your gift giving needs, from luxury gifts for your mum to quirky presents for your flatmates. Your shopping experience is also accompanied by Christmas music and the whole place smells of cinnamon, which is always a perk.
gift for someone special. P.S your girlfriend definitely wants the matching cactus stationary set.
Winter Greens Galette
Scribbler
When it comes to festive food, sprouts don’t get a lot of love. But teamed with sweet leeks and the herby hit of pesto, they make a delicious filling for this appropriately festive galette. The spelt flour lends a nuttiness to the pastry that I love with the lemon zest, but if you can’t find spelt then plain flour should work fine. Because the method is pretty simple it shouldn’t be too hard to get it looking pretty with the folded over edges, but don’t worry too much if it ends up looking a little rustic; it’s all part of the charm. Serves 2 Ingredients: Pastry: 150g spelt flour 4 tbsps olive oil 5 tbsps cold water 1 tsp mixed dried herbs a good pinch each of salt and pepper zest of 1 lemon Filling: 300g Brussels sprouts 2 leeks 2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg 1 tsp mixed dried herbs salt and pepper, to taste 1 tbsp pesto Optional, to serve a small handful fresh herbs, like basil or mint
Last but not least is Scribbler. This small shop near Monument may be easy to miss, but it is a gem certainly worth visiting. Now, I know what you are thinking – a card shop? Really? Trust me, this shop is perfect for a punny card or pocket-sized gift for that friend who is impossible to buy for. There’s no better way to say ‘merry Christmas’ than with Kanye West in a Santa costume or with a pug pun. Guaranteed smiles all round.
Tiger
Tiger is the perfect shop for unique, light-hearted, and affordable secret Santa gifts guaranteed to make you the best gift-giver. Forget the impersonal bath b omb s , get something that they can actually use a n d love! You will also inevitably buy yourself something at the same time - it has to be done.
Directions: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees C. Place the flour, dried herbs, salt and pepper in a large bowl and stir together, then add the oil and water. Begin by mixing with a fork or spoon but you’ll find it will soon all start sticking together, at which point it’s easier to use kneading motions by hand to mix the ingredients to a dough. If it isn’t coming together, add more water a little at a time until you have a dough that is pliable but not sticky. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in clingfilm and put it in the fridge to rest for at least half an hour, while you make your filling. Cut the sprouts into halves, or bigger ones into quarters, and slice the leeks into roughly 2cm thick rounds. Toss the veg on a baking tray with the oil, nutmeg and herbs, then transfer to the oven to roast for 10-15 minutes, until they’re just cooked and tender but not yet browning. Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Take your pastry out of the fridge and sprinkle a clean
BALTIC shop
BALTIC art gallery has the most amazing gift shop with all kinds of merchandise that would make perfect gifts celebrating Newcastle, art and general humour. If you’re looking for an individual and special present, definitely cross over the Tyne bridge and check them out.
Typo
Typo is a new addition to Eldon Square and is my new goto shop for gifts. From cute notebooks to little trinkets, this shop is perfect for a clueless shopper looking for the perfect
Image: Unsplash
Don’t be a Decem-bore
Amy Harris delves into the exciting world of luxury, non-chocolate advent calenders
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t isn’t all about the Cadbury and Thornton’s chocolate calendars anymore. They aren’t as popular as they used to be now that alcohol advent calendars and Yankee Candle have come on to the scene. Mini chocolate treats are long forgotten and now space is made on the fireplace for mini beauty favourites and dog festive biscuits. Cath Kidston Christmas Town House Advent Calendar Worth £60 and only £35 Cath Kidston’s first ever advent calendar is perfect for the festive season. The calendar, in the shape of a house, has twentyfour beauty treats from body scrubs, cuticle creams, soaps, hand creams, body lotions and lip balms. Which are all wrapped up in the Cath Kidston signature scent or a Christmas fragrance of red berries, pine needles, wood and candied sugar. Soap & Glory It’s in The Calendar! Gift Set This year Soap & Glory have brought out the It’s in
The Calendar Gift Set where you will find mini versions of Soap & Glory’s most popular body products, such as ‘Clean on Me’ shower gel, ‘The Righteous Butter’ body butter, ‘Scrub Of Your Life’ body buffer and a selection of their popular mini make-up products like ‘Crazy Sexy Kohl’ liners, ‘Sexy Mother Pucker’ lip gloss and ‘Original Pink’ body spray. 24 mini Soap & Glory treats for your countdown to Christmas. Yankee Candle Classic Advent Calendar Gift Set Yankee Candle’s Christmas collections never disappoint. Their Christmas candles are the go-to if you want your house smelling all festive, and their advent calendar never disappoints either. Their 2018 advent calendar is filled with best-selling and brand-new festive fragrances, including wax melts and a Christmas Eve votive candle. If you are quick you can currently get it for £16.66 in Boots. The 12 Gins of Christmas Aldi has answered our prayers and is bringing out a 12 Days of Christmas advent calendar full of 12 hand-picked gins paired with 12 premium tonics – plus ginger beer. Gordon’s Pink Gin, Edinburgh Gin Distillery Rhubarb & Ginger Liquor, JJ Whitley Elderflower Gin are all included in this soon to be festive favourite. I’m not screaming with joy, you are. Twining’s Christmas Advent Calendar: Seasons Greetings This advent calendar seems fitting for the cold month of December, sitting in front of the fire, all cosy with a cup of Twining’s tea and watching Christmas movies. For the countdown to Christmas you’ll get 24 loose leaf pyramids including our favourites such as the Full English, The Earl and maybe something new like Redbrush Caramel Velvet. And on the final day you’ll get a Twining’s surprise that could potentially be a tea tidy. Lily’s Kitchen: Christmas Spectacular Advent Calendar
for Dogs or Cats If your four-legged friend is more important to you than chocolate and gin, then check out Lily’s Kitchen advent calendar for dogs or cats. They offer a treat filled calendar for both dogs and cats at just £10, which includes Bedtime Biscuits and Cheese and Apple Training treats for our devoted dogs and Tasty Chicken Treats with Shrimp and Festive Turkey Treats with Cranberry for our purr-fect cats.
Image: Bibelot
work surface with flour. Unwrap the pastry and sprinkle each side with a little flour. Place the pastry between two sheets of baking paper to stop it getting stuck and roll it out with a rolling pin (or a wine bottle), rotating the dough as you go. Keep going until you’ve got a thin circle, about 0.5cm thick and the size of a pizza. Peel off the top sheet of baking paper and move the pastry base - still on the bottom sheet - to a baking tray, trimming the paper to fit it if necessary. Now assemble the galette. Spread the pesto over the base, then add the leeks and sprouts and in an even layer, leaving a couple of inches of naked pastry around the edge. Fold the pastry over the edge of the filling a small section at a time, rotating the galette as you go so that the folds overlap. Once the edges are folded, place the galette in the oven to cook for 25-35 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown and the vegetables tender and just starting to crisp up. Remove the galette from the oven. Roughly chop the fresh herbs, if using, and scatter over the top. Cut into wedges and serve hot, either as a main with salad, or as part of a festive spread with other dishes.
the courier
14
life & style beauty&fashion
Monday 10 December 2018
WALKING IN A WINTER WOODLAND
BEHIND THE SCENES:
Alice's look:
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Alicia's look:
lice has porcelain skin, so she brought her own foundation to colour match perfectly. Her foundation of choice in NYX’s ‘Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’ in shade porcelain. This matches her skin perfectly and the formula is light yet full coverage and blends to perfection. To complete her base, we used Makeup Geek’s ‘Love Triangle Contour’ and Milani’s ‘Powder Blush’ in shade romantic rose to compliment Alice’s paler skin. To finish it off, MUA’s ‘Undress your Skin’ highlighter was brushed along her cheeks. Alice prefers a more natural look when it comes to her brows. To create a look fit for the shoot and also to keep her edgier look, we simply used brow mascara to create her brows. NYX helped us out again, we used their brow mascara in shade dark brown to create a controlled yet messy brow. Her eyes were created with ColourPop’s ‘Yes Please’ palette and a single ‘Super Shock Shadow’ in shade blaze. ColourPop formulas blend beautifully to create bold yet flawless looks. This look was finished with one of Lime Crime’s ‘Plushies’ in shade melon smoothie to create a slightly pink, nude lip. To set the makeup, Makeup Revolution’s ‘Hyaluronic Fixing Spray’ was used.
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odel, Alicia Brittle goes for a classic makeup look as she opts for bronzy eyeshadow and a small winged eyeliner, along with a flawless
base. Matching the photoshoot’s set of the great outdoors, Alicia’s natural makeup compliments both the theme of the shoot and her outfit. On the skin she wears the NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, using Chanel ‘Sheer Powder’ for the perfect contour to give her face some dimension and a healthy glow. To add a pop of colour to the skin, MAC’s ‘Fever’ blush is dusted onto the cheeks, to give a beautiful, youthful radiance. Now to get that extra dewiness, an Anastasia Beverly Hills highlighter is used, and really pulls the whole skin makeup together. Charlotte Tilbury’s Shadow Stick in ‘Amber Haze’ is placed on the lid, the metallic-like finish gives the look a bit of edge and finesse with minimal effort. It is a quick and easy product to use, as the creamy consistency allows it to blend seamlessly. With a bit of Benefit ‘They’re Real’ Mascara and eyeliner the eye look is complete. MAC’s ‘Taupe’ lipstick is applied to the lips to finish twwhis easy, sultry natural look, perfect for any occasions and anyone.
Elysia's look:
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he most perfect NYE rosy glam look. For base, model Elysia wears an iconic Rimmel classic; Rimmel Wake me Up Foundation in Soft Beige. To add extra coverage, Rimmel’s Match Perfection Concealer in shade 010 was used to tackle any discolouration and imperfections and Dior’s DiorSkin Forever concealer in 010 was used to highlight the undereyes. To mattify the face, Laura Mercier’s much-loved translucent powder was applied followed by Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer in the shade light. For brows, NARS’ Brow Perfector in the shade ‘Caucase’ was applied to add both colour and definition before Benefit’s infamous Gimme Brow in shade 3 was used to comb through the brows. For eyes, shades Libra and Leo from BH’s Zodiac palette were applied to the lids; focusing mattes in the centre of the lid and shimmers up toward the brow bone and inner corner. Kiko’s Volume Attraction Mascara was then used to define and extend the lashes. With the boldness of the eye, a more neutral, glossy lip was preferred so the “Plump It!” volumizing lip gloss was chosen; to keep the lips looking plump and hydrated in the winter air.
This shoot was organised by the Fashion and Beauty sections of The Courier. With special thanks to|: Miranda Stoner, Joe Hood and Poppy Couling - Fashion Editors Laura Buckle, Nimra Rafique and Susanne Norris - Beauty Editors Alice Coulman, Alicia Brittle, Elysia Mathias and Sam Prentice - Models Scarlett Rowland - Makeup Artist Poppy Allingan - Photographer Tristan Stoner - Photography Editor Grey Harrington Jacket - Burton.com - £48 Burgundy Jumper - Burton.com - £20 Grey Checked Trousers - River Island - £35 White/Red stripe trainers - Burton - £20 Burton.com
Pretty Lavish Magenta Satin Midi Dress = £14 hire - £69 retail Pretty Lavish Gold Satin Midi Dress = £14 hire - £69 retail Black Satin Backless Maxi = £10 hire - £45 retail All from hirestreet.com
AllSaints.com
hirestreet.com
All the dresses in the shoot were from Hire Street. This is the sustainable answer to fast fashion. You can hire a dress for as little as £7 a week, the dress is delivered to your house, picked up and then dry cleaned. This means you aren’t constantly buying new dresses for every occasion! It is the perfect solution to the annual problem of 'I am skint, and I wore that dress last year!'.
Burton.com
A forest green slim fit suit paired with a plain white tee under the blazer to compliment the colour of the outfit, and a pair of off-white trainers to even out the colour scheme of the fit. A burgundy wool crew neck jumper tucked into a pair of grey checked trousers, accompanied by pair of white trainers with a burgundy stripe to make the colour pop even more. Finally a grey wool harrington jacket thrown over it to complete the look.
Forest Green Slim Fit Suit Jacket - Burton - £39 Forest Green Slim Fit Trousers - Burton - £20 White T-Shirt - Burton - £10 Off-White Trainers - All Saints <2017 season>
the courier
15
beauty&fashion life & style
Monday 10 December 2018
Delivering my letter to Santa Claus
Shwetha Vasan wraps up all of her last minute inspiration for what to ask Santa for this year
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hm.com
s a child, I used to spend weeks writing down my Christmas wish list hoping that Santa would read it and leave the gifts at my door. It was never less than two long pages. My dear dad would dress up like Santa and buy me all the gifts in the list. Things haven’t changed much. Even though I have grown up, I haven’t really stopped making a list. Your secret Santa might fulfil all your wishes, you never know! Dear Santa, my wish list is rather short this year. Like every year, I’m going to tie it to the top branch of my Christmas tree. How lovely it would be to see you with all my presents! Do not forget to bring my favourite candies along. Finding a perfect Christmas dress has always been difficult. There are so many options in the stores. Trying all of them and picking the right one seemed impossible until I came across this pretty chiffon dress in H&M. It was a gorgeous red colour. Classy, comfortable and unique, these three things are a must for me. It has a small frilled collar, wide sleeves and frills at the cuffs. This flowy calf length dress is the perfect fusion of a chic party wear and a traditional ball dress. It is priced at £34.99 with an additional discount for students. Be ready to grab eyeballs this Christmas party! Dorothy Perkins has always been one of my favourite brands for its distinctive sense of style. Currently, it has a 30% discount on all party wear. The embellished black strike heeled sandals is a must have this season. It has a nice glittery heel and goes well with any party wear. Usually, I’m not a big fan of glittery sandals but this one is definitely an exception. The original price was £28 but you can get it at £19.60 now. Rush before the safe ends!! You are never completely dressed up without a perfect accessory. Put your finger on the stacked jewellery trend with a set of four sterling silver rings from accessorize. The one with a detailed leaf is the prettiest. These are chic, stylish and perfectly complement each other. I’m very choosy when it comes to accessories because it adds on a great deal to any outfit you wear. A wisely chosen accessory can make you stand out in the crowd even if it’s just as small as a ring.
Finding a perfect Christmas dress has always been difficult
Christmas is also about travel and fun. Everybody is just waiting for the university to be over and to set out on a small holiday with friends or family. It’s interesting how the Fujifilm polaroid camera has almost become a style statement. I was surprised when a friend of mine picked up cameras in two different colours to go with her outfits. Its supercool and trendy. Lightweight and easy to carry around, this camera is your perfect travel companion. Click instant pictures with your friends and get the prints developed within 15 seconds. Wouldn’t it be amazing to capture outfits and memories when on a run and share it with your dear ones as a souvenir! The ice blue coloured camera is my favourite but the new instax mini 9 is also available in lime, white, deep blue, pale blue and pink colour. It costs around £60 to £65 on different websites. But it’s always good to buy these products from a trusted site or manually in a shop. Argos has all the colours and the price is £64.99. Get ready to spam your Instagram with quirkier pictures.
argos.co.uk
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hristmas is one of my favourite times of year in the beauty community. You have an excuse to wear a red-toned lip every day, there are gift sets galore getting released, and best of all, you can really get some major bargains in black Friday events and boxing day sales. The only problem is narrowing your wish list down, so I’m going to try and do that for you! MAC Shiny Pretty Party Lipsticks: A staple of everyone’s makeup bags, you have to have a MAC lipstick! Luckily, MAC do amazing Christmas collections every year and this year they have offered us a bargain of 4 mini lipsticks for just £25. May I add, that it’s in amazing hot pink packaging. Having these 4 lipstick options in your kit is perfect for the party season, and they’re all the perfect
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nce all of the Christmas parties are over and we have over indulged on Christmas Day, there is one more event to look forward to in 2018 – New Year’s Eve. Whether you are looking forward to the fresh start the New Year will bring, or just want an excuse to go out it is important to perfect your NYE look to bring in 2019 in style. With so much choice for party outfits this time of year, these are the key trends to look out for when choosing your outfit for New Year’s Eve.
Blazer Dress
This is a trend that has been all over the high street this season and allows you to make a statement whilst wearing an effortless piece. A blazer dress is the perfect outfit for NYE to look simple yet put together as it can easily be paired with heels for a formal event. Pretty Little Thing have a great variety of blazer dresses in differing fits, colours and patterns which are still appropriate for a student budget! Sequins are renowned for New Year’s Eve, yet wearing a jumpsuit is a stylish twist from the stereotypical sequin bodycon dress. If the thought of a sequin jumpsuit seems intimidating, look out for one with black sequins as this often appears subtler. Miss Selfridge, Topshop and Missguided are all offering a range of sequin jumpsuits for you to experiment with this New Year.
Satin Dress dorothyperkins.com
Wondering what to put on your list for Santa? Emily Cartwright has some recommendations
Image: @beautyandthecandy
Phoebe Eyles shares her outfit ideas for shining brighter than the midnight fireworks this New Year's Eve
Sequin Jumpsuits
Beauty picks on the Christmas wishlist size for your glittery mini clutch that has no practicality whatsoever because it barely fits your iPhone 8 Plus in (we’ve all been there). Morphe Heat Metallic Eyeshadow Collection: This little set include a bronze, dirty gold and light gold liquid eyeshadow that’s perfect for any party. Priced at just £12, this is a perfect stocking filler or great for a secret santa for your friend! It can be used all year round to give your eye that extra bit of glitz. Bobbi Brown’s ‘Pret-a-Party’ Palette: Although I’m not a fan of the name, as quite frankly it reminds me of Pret a Manger, this palette is perfect for your Christmas wish list. It has 5 eye shadows, a mix of shimmers and mattes, and a mini lip gloss in shade ‘Bellini’ that would go perfect alone or over a bold red lip. Priced at just £26, this mini palette is perfect to throw in your bag if you have to go straight from work/uni for a Christmas do – and it has a decent mirror! The packaging is also gloriously golden and feels festive. YSL Luxurious Mascara Discovery Gift Set: YSL is usually a brand us students wouldn’t dare to fork out for, so Christmas is the perfect time to treat yourself! Their mascara and red lip set is a perfect way to do so, because you can’t really beat big lashes and daring lips over the Christmas period. Priced at £26, you’re essentially getting the lipstick for free (this is how to convince the purchaser that this is a complete steal). The gold packaging is also beaut, and would look lovely next to your bobbi brown palette. Real Techniques Holiday Collection: Depending on what you fancy, Real Techniques have a great holiday range that is perfect for your Christmas wish list! They have released a gorgeous sparkly packaging for this year, and some of the sets are an absolute steal. My favourite 2 sets are priced at just £19.99 for 5 piece set and £29.99 for the 7 piece set with a beauty blender, these are an absolute steal and a must for your Christmas list! Benefit sets: Like Real Techniques, Benefit release great Christmas gift sets. I always buy them for my friends, but I think this year it’s time I got myself one! They have released great value sets, either mini or full sized depending on how much you want to spend / ask for, and the packaging is just gorgeous! When your make up looks
Bringing in the New Year
like a cake stand you just can’t go wrong. The skincare set is valued at £70.42 but sold for just £39.50 – an absolute steal! Similarly, their ‘Triple Decker Decadence’ gift set is valued at £78.50 but priced at £34.50. So, ask for either one of these products and you’re winning! Hopefully these fantastically festive holiday sets have inspired your Christmas wish lists. One last tip would be to have a look on ASOS and Feel Unique, as these websites often collab with brands for Christmas specials for great prices. Happy shopping!
Satin dresses have grown in popularity over the past year, providing a classy look suitable for bringing in 2019 in style without having to venture into sequins. Websites such as Oh Polly and Missguided provide bodycon satin dresses which would be appropriate for a clubbing event, yet these styles of dresses paired with a faux fur jacket provide an elegant look for more formal celebrations. Equally, In The Style and Topshop are providing satin dresses in looser fits, with wrap dresses being incredibly popular.
LBD
A trend that never goes out of style, you cannot go wrong wearing an LBD for the New Year! These are easy to dress up or down, and paired with sequin accessories can look entirely appropriate for New Year’s Eve. Buying an LBD is incredibly versatile as it is likely you will get multiple wears from it and paired with different accessories can create a variety of looks. River Island is offering LBDs in a range of styles from the classic bodycon dress to slip dresses and wrap dresses, meaning you will find something to suit your style. Knowing what to wear on New Year’s Eve can often be overlooked by events in the build up to Christmas taking precedence. However, we all want to start 2019 feeling our best and there is no better way to start by wearing an outfit you feel confident in. Nonetheless, if you don’t have any events on December the 31st, it is entirely acceptable to bring in the New Year wearing pyjamas and eating all those leftover Christmas chocolates!
Image: @realtechniques
Topshop.com
Zara.com
AT EVERY STAGE At the Careers Service, we can help you at every stage of your career. We are here to support you no matter what year you are in.
CAREERS SERVICE www.ncl.ac.uk/careers
the courier
17
travel life & style
Monday 10 December 2018 courier.travel@ncl.ac.uk
Travel Editors Jenny Franken, Bianca Ionci Online Editor Amanda Goh
Around the world: festive decor, food, Christmas & NYE celebrations A collection of our Travel writers take you on a global tour of the crème de la crème of festive celebrations
Unsplash @rovenimages_com
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hen the preceding year comes to a close, there comes a great celebration. For many cultures around the world, New Year's Eve marks an evening of social gatherings and parties – a time to reflect on the past year with family and friends (and maybe a bottle of prosecco). Some may say that on New Year’s, it’s best to go out with a bang. And that’s exactly how they do it in London. Regarded as one of the most exciting events of the year, London’s New Year’s Eve firework display, located on the Victoria Embankment and South Bank areas of the River Thames, attracts many visitors every year, both domestic and international. Beginning around 8:30 every year, giving you a chance to explore exciting, festive London prior
The Big Apple is famous for hosting its monumental New Year’s Eve every year – accompanied by the iconic ‘Ball Drop’ in Times Square
to the big firework event, visitors are treated to an impressive display accompanied by festive songs and current chart-toppers. Questions have arisen as to whether the famous countdown will be announced digitally rather than the classic chimes due to Big Ben’s refurbishment due to end in 2021. So, who knows? There’s a first for everything. Now to the other side of the Atlantic – New York, New York. The Big Apple is famous for hosting its monumental New Year’s Eve every year – accompanied by the iconic ‘Ball Drop’ in Times Square – one of the world’s busiest and exciting locations. Otherwise known as the ‘Times Square Ball’, the event has become a significant part of New York’s New Year’s celebrations and is said to attract over 1 million visitors this year. Anticipation runs high throughout the streets of New York as the ball begins to descend on the countdown. When it hits midnight, the streets are flooded with millions of pieces of confetti dropped from seven surrounding buildings of Times Square. It is also said that 190 workers are required for the big clean of the confetti post the celebrations. That’s one job I don’t envy. If you’re lucky enough to ever visit Rio de Janeiro, that’s great, but even more so around New Year’s Eve. Famous for its extravagant celebrations and parties, Rio de Janeiro is one of the world’s most popular and exciting locations to bring in the new year. Falling in the midst of the Brazilian summer, festivities include large parties with drinking and dancing, accompanied by a mesmerising firework display. In Brazilian culture, New Year’s Eve marks the time of the year to forget all your troubles and encourages people to let their hair down to truly enjoy the celebrations ahead. The big event falls on Copacabana Beach – globally famous for its massive firework display. Visitors are encouraged to attend wearing white clothing – to symbolise the end of the year and emphasise the new beginnings ahead. The evening is celebrated with friends and family coming together to embark on another year ahead – a truly classic celebration.
Unsplash @camhiheh
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Unsplash @rawpixel
t is the most magical time of the year! Whilst the Christmas Market, the lights and the Fenwick Window bring the festive cheer to Newcastle, don’t you wonder how different Christmas decorations can be around the world? Let’s find out! 1. Cobwebbed Trees in Ukraine: Although it might look like Halloween has still not left, Christmas trees in Ukraine are adorned with spiders and cobwebs. This is an ode to an Eastern European folklore where a family tearfully went to bed the day before Christmas, because they couldn’t afford to decorate their tree. But, they woke up to find that a spider had decorated their tree with silver and gold cobwebs. 2. The largest “Christmas Tree” in the Netherlands: Which turns out to not be a tree at all! Rather, it is the Netherlands’ tallest radio station, called the Gerbrandy Tower in Utretcht. Standing at 375 metres tall, the tower was draped with strings of light to resemble a tree. Due to cost factors, it was decided to light up the “tree” only once every five years, but after protests, it is now sponsored to be lit up every year. 3. Sea-themed baubles in Australia: Halfway across the world, there is never a white Christmas in Australia. Staying true to the summer affair, the decorations on the trees are shells and other things that remind one of glorious summer days. 4. Christmas Boats in Greece: According to Greek marine legend, when the sailors used to come back home during the festive season, their wives used to gift them small decorative boats. Nowadays, one can find actual boats being around Greece, as well as children carrying tiny versions of them whilst carolling. 5. Origami on trees in Japan: Although Japan does not traditionally celebrate Christmas, with it being a normal working day, that does not stop them from joining in the celebrations. With origami being a traditional paper folding art originating in Japan, it is possible to create shapes and figures that are hung on trees in place of baubles.
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estive feasts around the world are as different as the holiday celebrations themselves are. In Central Mexico, Christmas dinner is all about the family and sharing. Dishes may include romeritos con mole (seepweed with sauce), oven pork leg in a three-chili salsa, Christmas chipotles (smoked jalapenos) stuffed with cheese, cod, and fruit punch of the season. The celebrations last for three days and moreover include bringing food to friends’ houses. Christmas Eve in Germany might be celebrated with simple meals such as sausages, potato salad, and sauerkraut, while others go all in with a traditional Christmas goose which is served with dumplings, red cabbage, gravy, and sometimes Brussels sprouts. In other families, these traditional Christmas dishes are served on the 25th of December. Stollen is a popular and traditional dessert – a rich cake with raisins or almonds. In other parts of the world, desserts are rather light after the heavy mains. In South Africa, sorbets are popular after eating seasoned pork or lamb which was roasted in the oven. The sweet bread loaf panettone is Italy’s most famous festive food. The traditionally cylindrical cake, which originates from Milan, has a yeast cake-base and contains candied orange, citron, lemon zest, and raisins. It is popular not only in Italy but also at the Horn of Africa and in South American countries, such as Peru, where it is known under the name ‘Panetón’. In other parts of the world, the holidays are celebrated with a huge culinary variety. In Sweden, a ‘Julbord’, which is an umbrella term for the whole array of food, is prepared for Christmas dinner. It can include several types of meat and fish like ham, sausages, salmon, and köttbullar (meatballs), but also different breads and vegetables. The normally less experimental Swedish food gets quite inventive for the holidays through spices like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, and cloves. Some Eastern European nations prepare a meatless twelve-dish Christmas Eve supper in honour of the twelve Apostles or the twelve months of the year. A variety of vegetables, grains, and fish is served, and often poppy seeds are included, for example Lithuania has poppy milk. The meal does not start until the first star appears on the night sky. Food always brings people together, so why not try something new for the upcoming holidays?
Unsplash @thkellley
Unsplash @belart84
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magine being able to take a full 24 hours to experience and enjoy different Christmas Day celebrations taking place around the world… It may not be physically possible, but at least we can pretend to by writing about it and sharing new traditions we’ve found to be particularly intriguing. Let’s start in the east: New Zealand and Australia. It’s not surprising that Christmas Day sounds pretty similar to the UK; Christmas trees, presents, Christmas dinner, Boxing Day sales, etc. It would be hard to miss one significant difference though – it’s summer! Christmas in this part of the world is always sure to be a warm one, hence why lots of families ditch the dinner and head to the beach for an alternative barbecue. Who wouldn’t want to take advantage of a stress and washing-up free day in the sun, especially if you’re not a fan of the cold? One difference you may spot in New Zealand; the pohutukawa tree. With beautiful red flowers that blossom at this time of year, these trees are considered equally as festive as the usual decorated pine trees. Next, a quick stop in Fiji, where residents enjoy a month long Christmas. Again, many traditions are shared such as eating and being together. However, on Christmas Day itself, and until well into the new year, you’ll find all members at the largest house in the community celebrating together, with traditional singing and dancing using ‘meke’ (fans used by women) and spears, used by men. Lamps and candles can be found throughout houses in Fiji as part of Christmas decorations, as well as vibrant ribbons wrapped around trees. Heading West, Catalonia, a north-eastern region of Spain, enjoys a bizarre yet exciting tradition, called ‘Caga
Heading onto Brazil, no doubt natives will be relaxing with family on the beach
Tió’ (also known as ‘pooping log’). Popular Christmas character ‘Caga’ is fed and looked after by children for two weeks before Christmas. He has a wooden face, two front legs, and he grows every day… (spoiler alert: maybe parents are filling ‘him’ with presents?) On the big day, you hit him with a stick, piñata style, so that he’ll poop out presents - perhaps one of the stranger traditions around the world, but why not? Sounds like a good laugh for everyone involved. Heading onto Brazil, no doubt natives will be relaxing with family on the beach as, like New Zealand and Australia, Christmas takes place in summer. Big celebrations will have already taken place the night before on Christmas Eve; Midnight Mass, or ‘Missa do Galo’, often followed by extravagant firework displays to celebrate the birth of Christ and to welcome Christmas Day. Finally, why not finish the day in Alaska? You’ve covered the length of the world and you’re basically guaranteed a white Christmas, so end the day making snowmen galore in a winter wonderland! It’s clear that cultural customs for Christmas Day differ between countries and continents, but the values of family, peace and joy can be found everywhere at this time of year. Whatever your traditions are, be proud of them and be merry!
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culture music
the courier
c2.music@ncl.ac.uk Music Editors Charlotte Boulton, Rory Ellis, Max Hobbs Online Editor Max Hobbs
Monday 10 December 2018
The Courier’s Top Ten Albums of the Year 2018
From up-and-comers to old favourites, this year has been a great one for new music, with standouts in Hip-Hop, Pop and everything in-between. You spoke, we listened: here are the definitive top ten albums from the past twelve months, as chosen by you
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Troye Sivan Bloom
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Janelle Monáe Dirty Computer
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Brockhamton Brockhampton iridescence IRIDESCENCE
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Kids See Ghosts Kids See Ghosts
9
Father John Misty God’s Favorite Customer
few years ago, Troye Sivan was nothing more than another face on YouTube. Now, with the release of sophomore record Bloom, he’s risen to the top of the music industry. 2015’s debut album, Blue Neighbourhood, was a phenomenal lyrical telling of growing up. Now Bloom sees Sivan emerge as a confident 23-yearold man, and he is glowing. The fizzling electronic pop of singles ‘My My My’ and ‘Bloom’ soared up the charts and the accompanying visuals were stunning. What makes Bloom so special is that it’s so much more than the singles. Sivan is vulnerable in the likes of ‘Postcard’ and ‘Animal’, nostalgic in ‘Plum’ and ‘Lucky Strike’, and honest in ‘Seventeen’ and ‘The Good Side’. And it all lines up. From start to finish, this is how to make an album – a deserved number 1. Toby Bryant
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anelle Monáe is such a visionary that it would have been an injustice not to include her here. Her third album, Dirty Computer, is intensely addictive; her voice stronger than ever, her songwriting effortlessly moving across pop, hip hop and funk. It’s possibly her most economical album, but it doesn’t suffer as a result. The production is warm, the instrumentation quietly assured, full of catchy bass, soaring synths and gorgeous harmonies. Her lyrics are deeply personal and wide reaching and she weaves in indignation at the state of American politics while simultaneously exploring her identity as a black Sapphic woman. Dirty Computer perfectly demonstrates what it means to make virtuosic pop music. It’s definitely one of the best things to come out of 2018.
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Arctic Monkeys Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino
George Ezra Staying at Tamara’s
Jess Taylor Weisser
rockhampton’s Irredescence is an incredible album that manages to fuse rap and pop, displaying not only the great lyricism of the members of Brockhampton but also the incredible production of each track, with a mixture of energetic songs designed to get you jumping as well as songs that hold significant emotional tones such as ‘WEIGHT’. The contrast between incredibly meaningful tracks and tracks where the band are just having fun ensures a varied listening experience where the listeners won’t be faced with the same similar rap music the scene is so saturated with. As a whole Iridescence perfectly defines Brockhampton as the most promising boy band around at the minute and greatly deserves its place at number five.
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Ariana Grande Sweetener
Joe Smith
ids See Ghosts was a collaboration many dreaded. Kanye was in full on pro-Trump mode and heading in a seemingly absurd artistic direction. Meanwhile, Cudi’s discography over the previous eight years was at best unremarkable. Most significantly, both were in the midst of deep-seated mental health problems. But on the opening track, as Kanye’s maniacal adlibs echo out like gunshots over bullish, industrial drums, it becomes clear these circumstances were treated as opportunities to be seized rather than as obstacles to be avoided. Kids See Ghosts is a perfect storm, combining Kanye’s frenzied energy and pursuit of artistic perfection with Cudi’s enigmatic crooning. The result is a rhapsodic album which is simultaneously mournful and triumphant: a masterpiece from two of hip hop’s most scrutinized outsiders. Adam Willimas
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fter a depressing look at the society on Pure Comedy, Father John Misty came back to exploring himself with God’s Favourite Customer. However, this time he partly removed the mask of his stage persona and the massive ego associated with it. Mr. Tillman offered us his real and vulnerable side, singing about his drinking problem, relationship with his wife and even God. The writing was ironic and clever as always but seemed to have more depth than ever. His amazing voice and acoustic instrumentation made his delivery extremely touching, intimate and strangely relatable. This extremely successful star of the alternative cries his heart out on this record. FJM had hit his rock bottom and strived to change so badly that he exposed himself (a bit) to his audience. Jagoda Waszkowiak
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Blossoms Cool Like You
The Wombats Beautiful People will Ruin your Life
he Arctic Monkeys 6th album Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino is no different. By no means was this the record we were expecting from Sheffield’s favourite band, with the Monkeys departing from their usual guitar driven sound familiar to fans and certainly a change up from 2013’s AM - the bands’ most unambitious album in my opinion. However, Alex Turner puts in arguably his most captivating vocal and lyrical performance of his career, with the title track seeing Alex crooning over intergalactic piano chords. Tranquility Base has quickly become my favourite record from the Monkeys, with what many see as Turner’s self-obsession being a genius insight into the frontman’s imagination on a record which I believe will be remembered as one of the best albums of the decade- if not of all time. Dominic Lee
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h, George Ezra. You beautiful, talented, beautiful man. I first heard Staying At Tamara’s in full when on holiday in Mallorca. It became the soundtrack of my summer, with the introduction to ‘Sugarcoat’ now always reminding me of walking through Alcudia old town; mesmerised by both Ezra’s soulful voice and the ancient walls around me. A versatile album, with ‘Paradise’ and ‘Don’t Matter Now’ being surprisingly effective gym songs and the more somber ‘Saviour’ and ‘Hold My Girl’ never failing to get me up in my feelings. He deserves all the success with this impressive album packed full of huge tunes let’s be honest, ‘Shotgun’ took over the charts this year. With a voice that could melt ice, George Ezra has truly earned his place at number 4. What a man. Charlotte Paige Bolton o say Sweetner grew on me would be a huge understatement. After playing ‘No tears left to cry’ every day for weeks, I was hungry to hear the whole album. Before Sweetner, Grande wasn’t one for risks. Her transition from child-star to sexualised pop-star was almost by-the-book. This album changed that: from the experimental riffs of ‘Successful’, to the honest lyrics of ‘Better off’, Grande used Sweetner to show off her emotional range as well as her vocal range. The themes of the album acknowledge the painful events of her life, with ‘Raindrops’ and ‘Get well soon’; as well as the sweet ones, with ‘R.E.M’ and ‘Pete Davidson’. Accompanied by a handful of beautiful, conceptual music videos, this album transforms Grande from your average pop-star to a straight-up artist. And what about it? Molly Greaves lossoms dropping their second album in April couldn’t have come at a better time as I struggled through my final year project. More upbeat than their debut, the band intended to create an album with a ‘spring in its step’, merging their indie-pop style with synth undertones to make an album that is lyrically thoughtful yet addictive with their combination of slow and fast numbers. The album lacks filler tracks and every song is worthy of being the lead single. ‘There’s a reason why (I never returned your calls)’ begins a streak of lively tracks that all deserve a place on your playlist and goes to proves why the album reached the top of the vinyl chart, which from experience, is definitely the best way to enjoy it. Their debut album made me a convert but Cool like You made me a true believer. Emma Dawson
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aybe it’s number 10 on this list, but Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life is my number 1 for 2018, and not only because the title is so accurate. This is The Wombats’ best album yet, you’ll be adding so many songs from this to your indie playlist that you might as well give in and add the whole album. This band you’ll have heard endlessly in The Cut with ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’, but this album decimates all claims that The Wombats are yet another one hit wonder. Stand out tunes are ‘Turn’, ‘Cheetah Tongue’ and ‘Lemon to a Knife Fight’, but each song is packed full of clever and surprising lyrics. A mix of slow builds, upbeat indie wonders and dream-haze with killer guitar, every song is a song you can sing to. Julia McGee-Russell
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Monday 10 December 2018
@CourierMusic thecourieronline.co.uk/music
music culture
Naughty or Nice: Controversial Christmas RandomSongs Review
Some of our music writers discuss why they are for or against some of the Christmas songs that we all either love to hate or hate to love
The Pogues ‘Fairy Tale of New York’ For: airytale of New York’ perfectly illustrates the
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and 50 seconds becomes an eternity. But because it’s so popular, it’s in every Christmas playlist just waiting to catch me out and remind everyone I can’t successfully remember lyrics. Rory Ellis
Justin Bieber ‘Under the Mistletoe’ For:
complexity of human relationships, (even in Shane MacGowan’s drunken yowling) where Christmas is a time when our differences are temporarily put aside. It’s a glittering 24 hours of escapism from our problems, encouraging us to come together. It hen people talk about the best offers a short-term solution, much like the new Christmas songs, they always pick year; “I’ve got a feeling, this years for me and the classics: ‘Fairytale of New York’, you…” in which people find comfort. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’, ‘I Wish It Even if it is delusional at times, we all Image: Public Could Be Christmas Every Day’. Yet there’s need a little hope. one incredible Christmas song that is always Domain Pictures The lyric that always gets me overlooked and underplayed. It’s the song sobbing - “An old man said to me, won’t see another everybody loves to hate. You guessed it: it’s one” - illustrates how we measure life in Christmas’, like ‘Mistletoe’ by Justin Bieber. birthdays, as joyful milestones that keep people going ‘Mistletoe’ is the Christmas song that makes me feel like through hardships in the year. I should be snuggled up with a hot chocolate next to a fire, ‘Fairytale of New York’ may be somewhat sloppy Christmas tree lights twinkling in the foreground. It’s a with a token irish jig, but we can find much of our own song that evokes a stereotypical Christmas, snow falling experiences in the tapestry it paints of life. Life can be outside while everyone is truly in the holiday spirit. messy, imperfect and devastating, but we keep going for The haters of this song also overlook the lyrical genius those diamonds in the rough of pure joy and euphoria of it. Fair enough, Bieber may refer to his girlfriend as that ultimately shape our lives. ‘Fairytale of New York’ ‘shawty’, but the line ‘the Wisemen follow the star, the way in itself is that jewel, uniting families and transforming I follow my heart’ is Bieber at his best. To those who say strangers in bars into good friends with one play-through. they hate the song: you are lying others and yourself. Who cares if it’s not seen as ‘good’ music? It’s Christmas – stop Emily Rose Jackson being a Grinch and appreciate it. Caitlin Disken
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Against: n writing this I know that I
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am treading on Christmas egg shells, so I don’t want to give the impression that this is a bad song. If anything, I think it’s wellwritten, funny and a justified Christmas classic. And while I don’t think it’s fabulous that so much satisfaction is placed on shouting the word “faggot”, but I recognize that it is a product of its time. However, I am so fed up of hearing it and further still, being pressured to sing it. It’s a difficult song to remember: there are only four lines I can faithfully sing and the rest I’m just moving my lips. It’s not even an especially lengthy song, but when you’re always a line behind, 4 minutes
Against: n 2011, Justin Bieber released his attempt
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at a Christmas album, entitled Under The Mistletoe. A single, which was most successful from this album, was one of the same name. Notably, Bieber was peak mushroom haircut at the time and his teen ‘heartthrob’ status was still intact. This Christmas song couldn’t be further from a classic and is ultimately a product of its time. The auto-tuned vocals and unoriginal lyricism makes this song incomparable (for all the wrong reasons) to the proper Christmas classics. Firstly, Bieber was clearly reaching with this album. The song is Image: Wikimedia Commons; pngimage heavily repetitive and stays on
the same level for its entirety. Some of the lyrics are clearly marketed to relate to his persona at the time, the overtly gooey story is too much alongside the sleigh bells and acoustic guitar. Furthermore, the adoption of the term ‘Shawty’ which stems from rap, hip-hop and R&B is cultural appropriation. This term was most popular in the late 80s and 90s and used by musicians such as SaltNPepa, Public Enemy, Eazy E and Biggie. Overall, this Christmas song is one that shouldn’t be revisited.
Band Aid ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ For: he original ‘Do They Know
Sian Dickie
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It’s Christmas’ came out in 1984 and raised £8 million for famine-stricken Ethiopians. Band Aid was then revitalized in 1989, 2004 and 2014 and was very successful each time too. The last version – Band Aid 30, was the most controversial, as the song came across quite patronizing and insensitive. The campaign alongside it had a hashtag #E30LA, which felt cheap and insulting. However, not the lyrics or the charitable cause made this song successful. The thrill of seeing your favorite artists next to each other made people to tune in and donate. I get the view of Africa as a horrible wasteland could slide in the 80s, but 2014? Couldn’t they hire some good writers and change the song the 4th time around? Why must we dehumanize the whole continent, in order to successfully help a couple countries in it? There shouldn’t be Band Aid 40 – figure out something new already. Jagoda Waszkowiak
Against: here are many things you grow up
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with that don’t seem weird until you get a little older, like sharing a bath with your siblings or the dirty jokes hidden in Disney films. Growing up jamming to ‘Do
Forget crackers, here are the bangers If you’re bored of the usual christmas playlists, take a few of these throwbacks to change it up
‘O Come O Ye faithful’
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t wouldn’t be Christmas without this good old fashioned carol. ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ has to be my favourite, and despite not being able to hit all of those high notes it’s still a great one to sing along to. It’s all good and well singing along with the operatics of the trained choir feeling like your voice is angelic, but let’s face the facts; when the key changes we’re all screeching and most probably ruining it for the person sat next to us. However, nothing spreads Christmas cheer quite like a good carol service, and I for one know Christmas has arrived when I hear ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ being played. As cliché as it is, there’s something magical about a brass band playing alongside this hymn. For me, ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ really epitomises the cosiness of Christmas where you can get wrapped up and drink a hot chocolate whilst singing along despite being a rubbish singer. Orlagh Husband
‘See Amid The Winter Snow’
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ot the most well known hymn, this one is often overlooked at annual carol services. And to be honest, part of me is glad. Let the whiney, boring ones be sung by the tuneless babble of primary school choirs and keep the melodious, pretty ones for people who can actually perform well Brutal as it sounds, ‘See Amid The Winter Snow’ is a gorgeous little tune with a sweet chorus, welcoming in the
morning that the big JC was born on. Even if you’re not of the faith you can bash out this melody very easily, and there’s plenty of harmonies to choose from to make it a bit deeper in its texture. Some of my favourite renditions are Kate Rusby’s and Annie Lennox’s (in fact, if you want some cooky, slightly strange folky versions of Christmas carols, Lennox’s A Christmas Cornucopia is a great choice). So once you’ve endured the seventh rendition of ‘Away In A Manger’ and struggled with the high notes of ‘Hark The Herald Angels Sing’, whack out the simple yet beautiful ‘See Amid The Winter Snow’, and enjoy it’s cosy, christmassy loveliness. Ally Wilson
‘Away In A Manger’
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e all know that Christmas at primary school was the best time. There would be Christmas craft fairs, you would get to open an advent calendar as a class, and you could spend the last day watching Christmas films. Above all, though, every morning in assembly you’d be belting out different Christmas hymns. It would be class. There’s one song that got everyone hyped more than any other: Away In A Manger. Image: Wikimedia Commons
Maybe it’s more of a Christmas carol than a hymn, but you’re lying to yourself if you say you didn’t know all the words to it when you were about eight. It’s such a nostalgic song that even hearing it now takes me back to Christmas when I was younger. Catch me listening to it in my freezing cold uni house, 20p to my name, wishing I was as excited about Christmas as I was ten years ago. Caitlin Disken
‘Silent Night’
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have a very poor knowledge of hymns. I haven’t attended chruch since 2011. As a result, I have the most generic suggestion: ‘Silent Night’. Initially I was fairly sure this is a carol, but I’m told if it mentions god then it’s a hymn. And the second line has holy in it and it mentions the Virgin Mary in it somewhere. The reason this hymn sticks out in my memory is becuase we were taught to sing the song entirely in German in year four. There is something to be said of the pleasure of singing ‘Stille Nacht’ with all the aggression that the german language demands. Not exactly a song for christmas pres, but I would defnitely recomend a listen when your flatmates are out. Rory Ellis
They Know It’s Christmas?’ every year, it only became clear recently that the lyrics are uncomfortable, cringey and, above anything else, awkward. While it’s undeniably a good thing the song raised so much money for charity, I’m sure that this could have been achieved without being embarrassingly patronising towards the people it was trying to help or, as they are lovingly referred to, “the other ones”. Portraying the entire continent of Africa as poor and starving is inaccurate to say the least, and the famines were more at the fault of the government’s poor agricultural policies than the lack of snow and Christmas cheer. And you could say it’s not that deep, that it’s just a Christmas song. But yelling “thank God it’s them instead of you” sure doesn’t feel very festive to me. Please, can we choose another song to repeatedly rerecord for charity? Alternatively, celebrities could try donating some of their money, and we could get by with the millions of festive bops we already have. Molly Greeves Image: Wikimedia Commons
Wizzard ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day’ For: t’s 11:59, you’re about to finish your last day of
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school for the term. You watch the clock whilst polishing off the box of celebrations you received 10 minutes earlier in the class Secret Santa. The first song that gets played on the bus journey home… ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas’. Whether or not Wizzard’s Christmas hit has the same symbolic importance in other towns other than rural Reading, I don’t know. What I do know, is that this is one of the very best Christmas classics we have today. It charts year after year and everyone from your nan to the grumpy uncle knows the lyrics. I have good company with me in thinking it definitely deserves a place on the ‘nice’ list. Girls Aloud, the Spice Girls, Westlife, Olly Murs, Leona Lewis and Kylie Minogue have all covered the band’s iconic track. If you want to argue against them, you’re a fool to do so. Toby Bryant
Against: h, ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’.
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It’s a staple of Christmas music playlists everywhere, from primary school discos to cheesy December club nights – everyone knows the lyrics, but this does not make it a good song. In fact, far from it. Wizzrd’s 1973 ‘classic’ has continuously infected minds everywhere with the thought that having Christmas everyday would be a good thing, when we all know that this would be a truly devastating state of affairs. Picture it: a Groundhog Day of Christmas mornings, but instead of simply resetting the button as the clock turns midnight, time actually moves forward. What does this mean? Parents have to bankrupt themselves day-after-day to provide their children with gifts, families have to force more turkey down their overstuffed throats, and the poor Queen has to think of 365 different speeches to satisfy the nation. So, Wizzard, I do not wish it could be Christmas everyday – and I blame you for putting that abominable idea out there in the first place. Image: Public Domain Pictures
Tom Cooney
/TheCourierMusic @Courier_Music
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culture TV
the courier
c2.tv@ncl.ac.uk TV Editors: Jacob Clarke, Tom Cooney, Chloe Mullins
TV Time Travel Image: monkeywing (Flickr)
Stanley Gilyead reminisces on Christmas at The Office
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fter two wildly successful series that popularised the mockumentary genre and launched the careers of Hollywood stars Martin Freeman and Mackenzie Crook, The Office was bestowed the ultimate honour of a two-part BBC1 Christmas special in 2003. More than six million huddled round their TV sets on December 26th and 27th to watch what are widely regarded as the show’s best episodes, rated 8.9 and 9.5 out of 10 by IMDb users. The special starts with its main characters scattered and the natural order of the office disrupted. The archetypal awkward boss, David Brent, is living on the road as a travelling cleaning supplies salesman, making humiliating and disastrous nightclub appearances on the side, whilst Dawn is living a seemingly glamorous but ultimately unfulfilling life as a babysitter in America. Tim’s practical jokes fall flat in an unusually orderly office led by new boss Gareth, the only main character whose life has improved in the 3 years since the series ended.
The advent of adverts: the best and worst
From Sainsburys to John Lewis, Lucy Lillystone judges this year's offering of Christmas adverts
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t’s that time of the year again when the Christmas decorations are being dusted off and hung on our walls, when Starbucks and Costa have finally released their limited festive specials and Christmas coffee cups, and of course, some of our favourite brands have released their Christmas adverts. It’s that time of the year when instead of happily skipping the very cliché and crap adverts, I sit back and enjoy the nostalgia they bring. So, which ones are the best this year? One of my personal favourites is Sainsburys ‘The Big Night’ as we see a group of children come together and create a Christmas school performance. Directed by The Greatest Showman’s Michael Gracey, the ad shows a young girl cast as a star stepping onto the big stage in front of hundreds of people singing ‘You Get What You Give’. For me, this just screamed school Christmas productions where even if you were terrible at acting, you got a role, even if you were a star or an angel. This ad brought back fond memories of my childhood and definitely struck me with happiness as I watched the emotional reaction of the young girl’s mother and the other members of the audience. Then there is Lidl’s advert, which took on the idea of doing three short festive ads, each with the same theme of a Christmas ‘going wrong’ and that all they really needed was some good classic food from Lidl. With this it shows that it isn’t the materialistic things that make Christmas, such as imported snow from the Arctic or a giant Christmas tree. It’s about sitting round the table with your family and enjoying a good festive feast. Don’t even get me started on Boots... Possibly my fa-
Preview
Baby, it's chilling outside: Sabrina gets a Christmas special
Available on Netflix Dec 14th
S Image: YouTube Despite the characters’ disparate circumstances, the awkward cringe inducing comedy survives as Brent makes regular visits to the office in which he is no longer welcome and tries to reignite his failed love life to disastrous effect (if you get asked “can we not talk about my dead mother’s breasts?!” on a first date, it’s probably not going well). The second episode enters largely uncharted, more emotional waters, as the ex-colleagues descend on the office for a Christmas party. Romances, both long awaited and newly found, come to fruition as the laddish villains of the series are cast off. The great triumph of The Office’s Christmas special is that it manages to pack an emotional punch whilst staying true to the show’s identity. No wildly passionate American-style declarations of emotion are necessary in making the show touching. The fact that an awkward kiss and someone getting told to “f*ck off” are made genuinely moving is a testament to the skill of Merchant and Gervais in making viewers root for the main characters despite their foibles. This skill is shown no more clearly than in Brent, who, despite continually making ignorant and borderline offensive comments remains a sympathetic character due to his childlike innocence and desire to please. This makes the scenes in which his delusions of grandeur crumble around him genuinely moving as emotion shows through the cracks in his arrogant, chipper persona. Good sitcoms make you laugh, great ones make you cry. Many fall flat in their pursuit of emotional resonance as the show’s character is betrayed. The Office’s Christmas special avoids this potential pitfall, showing genuinely touching moments whilst staying true to the uniquely understated and awkwardly cringey style that made it great. The fact that even this Christmas, fifteen years after it was first broadcast, many will shed a tear after an eggnog or two at the climactic scenes of The Office, cements its place amongst the all-time greats of British comedy, and makes the Christmas special one of the best ever.
Monday 10 December 2018
ince its release earlier this year, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina has captivated viewers across the globe. Now, the re-made teen drama is set for a Netflix Christmas special which has left fans guessing over what the series’ next twist will be. However, fans hoping for progress in the story line may be disappointed. The special episode is set to flash back to Sabrina’s childhood. In fact, it is a completely new actress being brought in to play the young Sabrina. McKenna Grace (Designated Survivor) is the splitting image of original star Kiernan Shipka and will play the young witch. The episode, reportedly titled ‘A Midwinter’s Tale’ by Entertainment Weekly, has been teased by Netflix who say: “During our holiday special, we’ll get to see what Sabrina was like as a precocious tot. And while The Church of Night celebrate the Solstice, that doesn’t stop Li’l Sabrina from asking Santa for something special.” “The Church of Night, like all covens, celebrated the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – when families gather around the Yule Fire to sing pagan carols and tell ghost stories. But the holidays are also a time for guests and visitors – both welcome and unwelcome – you never know what might come down the chimney…” More information has also been released regarding The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’s highly-anticipated second season. The show it set to take quite the turn alongside the introduction of a new character, played by Alexis Denisof (Wesley the Watcher, Buffy the Vampire Slayer). His character supposedly returns to Greendale after working overseas to find that his girlfriend has been possessed by the evil Madam Satan… the girlfriend of course being Mary Wardwell. Other Easter eggs and new characters have also been teased, although fans will have to wait until 2019 to find out more about them. Toby Bryant
Image: YouTube
vourite this year, Boots resonated with me as a teenager myself and was very relatable as we see a Mum and her daughter struggle to understand one another. It begins with the mum, like most Mums, disapproving of her daughter’s make-up. It is not until the teenager sees her Mum singing Christmas carols that she feels a deeper connection with her mother. To add to this, Boots played with my heart by playing a rendition of Robbie Williams ‘She’s the One’. From start to finish, it was heart-warmingly beautiful. What really touched the heart this year though was Very’s story of Elsie, a child obsessed with space. As a child who was obsessed with books and still is, I found myself in this advert. We see her receive an astronaut helmet for Christmas, then as she gets older she presents on planets in school and then finally, as her parents look up into the sky, we see a grown-up Elsie in a rocket, making her dreams come true. It made me smile from ear to ear. Sadly, although every year I look forward to John Lewis’ ad, this year I was extremely disappointed as it didn’t give me Christmas vibes and all I got from it was promotion for an upcoming Elton John film. Despite
this though, there were plenty more ads to make up for it with Very, Boots, Lidl, and Sainsburys definitely leading the pack of Christmas adverts this year!
Image: YouTube
It's always sunny at Christmas Sophie Hicks discusses her favourite TV Christmas specials
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or me personally, I am not a fan of overly-cheesy Christmas specials. That’s why It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s ‘A Very Sunny Christmas’ is my favourite Christmas special of any show. Honestly, I watch it all year because it makes me laugh so much. It’s the perfect anti-Christmas special that somehow captures the themes of Christmas: friends; family; and laughter. Instead of being generous at Christmas time, Frank Reynolds is a Scrooge-figure who buys his children’s most wanted presents, such as a Lamborghini and a designer handbag, and uses them himself and then destroys them in front of his children. In A Christmas Carol-like theme, Dee and Dennis try to track down Frank’s old business partner to get revenge, showing Frank a grave they make for him. In another sub-plot, Mac’s family spend Christmas’s taking presents from under other family’s trees, convinced by Mac’s criminal father that it was a tradition. In contrast, Charlie gets PTSD at a shopping centre when a Santa is talking to kids and attacks him, after realising his mum had prostitutes dressed as Santa over on Christmas throughout his childhood. Honestly, this Christmas special is all you ever wanted, including a naked Danny Devito tearing himself out of a sofa. It all comes together with a fake car-crash and Claymation elves singing about how they will murder the gang for their actions. After this, they all unite and realise that all they needed for Christmas was each other after Frank’s old business partner steals all of the presents Frank gives the gang after realising the error of his ways. Honestly, it is the funniest Christmas special I have ever seen, and probably one of the best episodes of the show in general. Another hilarious Christmas Special is from Futurama, with the title ‘Xmas Story’. In the
year 3000, Christmas is celebrated differently as everyone fears an evil robot Santa who tries to kill people. Fry, unaware of this as he came from the year 1999, tries to get his love Leela a present after she is upset. A great line is said here when Fry is debating over getting 500 lizards or one parrot, and says “Girls like swarms of lizards, right?”. Meanwhile, Bender is currently posing as a homeless robot in order to get free food and ends up robbing people’s houses with the others. This theft features a hilarious parody of the ‘Twelve Days of Christmas’, including steal-
They both have quite wholesome messages of spending time with family and friends ing ‘two former husbands’ in urns. Fry and Leela manage to escape robot Santa, but he then enters the chimney of Planet Express and so they work together to save their lives. The final message is about sharing Christmas with those important to you, featuring a parody of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’, but instead is ‘Santa Claus is Gunning You Down’ to reinforce the comedic aspect of this futuristic Christmas. Both Christmas specials are hilarious rather than cheesy and aware of the themes of Christmas, exploiting them for humorous purposes. Despite this, they both have quite wholesome messages of spending time with family and friends, which is a key aspect of Christmas. If you don’t want to watch overlycheesy Christmas specials but still want something with a festive spirit, I would definitely recommend these. For me it just isn’t Christmas without watching them both.
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TV culture Doctor Who time travelling into New Year's Day Netflix: George Boatfield comments on the sci-fi show's first move from it's iconic Christmas Day slot Pick ‘n’ Mix O Monday 10 December 2018
ver the past thirteen years, Doctor Who has seen its fair share of Christmas specials, some great, some not so great.
In more recent years it has often come across as though the seasonal wrapping is unwanted
Now, following the revamp seen in this year’s season, another change is coming... no more Christmas Doctor Who (for now). Instead, we’ll be getting a special on New Year’s
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Day. And like many of the changes made to the series so far, I reckon this is for the better. Even former showrunner Steven Moffat who, according to many, outstayed his welcome, admitted to how difficult the situation had become back in 2017. After writing a total of eight Christmas specials for Doctor Who, even he began to ditch the festive gimmicks stating that “I sort of think we might have mined and possibly over-mined every single thing we could about Christmas in Doctor Who.” This lines up with the show’s track record: many of the best stories, such as ‘The Christmas Invasion’ and ‘The Next Doctor’, were early in the run of Christmas episodes and embraced the festive setting in a way that kept the plot engaging. But in more recent years, it has often come across as though the seasonal wrapping is unwanted, and
therefore underutilised. Looking towards the end of David Tennant’s era, his final Christmas story, ‘The End of Time’, wasn’t just one episode, as the second half aired on New Year’s Day. In practice, this paid off: the festivities were a backdrop to the story, not hindered by shoehorning them in at unsuitable points. While the episodes written by current showrunner Chris Chibnall have so far been received positively, the change to the programming has received some backlash since its announcement. It’ll be interesting to see whether Chibnall can replicate the New Year success seen with ‘The End of Time’, as what could well end up being a positive result for Doctor Who might be indicative of success that lasts throughout his tenure on the show.
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The TV editors' most anticipated shows of 2019
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Jacob Clarke
wenty-Eighteen has given us a lot of great TV, but there’s one show going into 2019 that’s been remarkably absent, unlike in the past few years: Stranger Things. The inhabitants of Hawkins and their interdimensional horror adventures have disappointingly not joined us this Halloween season. However, they have been confirmed to return to Netflix for an eight-episode third season as soon as March next year. We left the last season with an intimidating picture of the eerie Mind Flayer coming closer. I hope we see some exploration of the threat this gigantic creature imposes on our favourite characters. I also look forward to seeing who will be the main victim of the creatures of the Upside Down this time. Is Will Byers going to be, once again, captured by the dark dimension, or will another character meet their match there? I look forward to finding out. I am also looking forward to a TV adaptation of the popular book and video game series, The Witcher. Finally confirmed for 2019, the show will follow our favourite silver-haired, emotionally stunted monster slayer as he hits the small screen in the form of Henry Cavill wearing a really bad wig. But despite this, the large budget of the show and the expansive lore of The Witcher’s universe could make this series the next big fantasy series, with any luck replacing the large hole Game of Thrones is going to leave after its finale next summer. The small eight-episode season hopefully means that they are going for quality over quantity.
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Tom Cooney
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s 2018 draws to a close and the new year appears on the horizon, there’s only one thing in this TV editor’s sightline: new Game of Thrones. It's not just new Game of Thrones, it’s the newest and final season of the show. After our only Thrones-less year of television since 2010, it’s a prospect exciting enough to have us bouncing in our armour, and I have faith that showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss will pull it out of the bag. I won’t lie when I say that the most recent season of the HBO epic didn’t exactly do it for me; where was the character development? Why could everyone seemingly teleport around Westeros in seconds? How come all of our favourite characters managed to evade death at the final moment, when a staple of the show has always been its shocking brutality? It appeared rushed, and it appeared to have lost its backbone. However, and it’s a big however, I have a perhaps-waytoo optimistic justification on these matters. Surely, Benioff and Weiss know – due to the input of author George R. R. Martin if nothing else – how they want their series to wind up. I believe that season seven was a somewhat bungled stepping stone in moving the story on from where season six and the remainder of the source material had left off. And as for the show’s loss of backbone? Well, that just leaves more characters to play with in these final few episodes. May the odds be ever in their favour. 2019 is going to be a big year – with final seasons of Orange is the New Black, Homeland and Mr. Robot all hitting the small screen – but the end of the cultural-phenomenon that is Game of Thrones undoubtedly holds a firm place on TV’s own Iron Throne.
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Alexandra Sadler watches a Chrsitmas themed episode of Grimm Credit: CMetalCore (Wikimedia)
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f you’re looking for a light-hearted show to watch before Christmas, this is not the sort of episode, or indeed the sort of show, to watch. Whilst it does include moments of levity, it is indomitably a show that falls firmly under the banner of dark fantasy. The show begins with the eponymous Grimm, a Portland homicide detective by the name of Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli), and the discovery of his role as one of the guardians charged with maintaining an equilibrium between humanity and mythology, namely creatures termed Wesen. The show largely follows that of other police dramas, with a new crime to solve every episode, interspersed with personal and moral dilemmas. However, the strengths of the show lie in the way the writers are able to masterfully entwine elements of mythology and horror with a classic cop drama. Other main cast members are recognisable from Prison Break, West Wing, and Fences, enabling the cast to bring a broad range of acting experience to the table. Grimm covers various genres, and would appeal to those interested in shows about crime, horror, the supernatural, and fantasy. As it is Christmas, the episode to review undoubtedly has festive undertones, but is definitely not PG rated unless you want to terrify children into behaving. Whilst the horror of each creature varies from episode to episode, there is something undeniably hair-raising about the evil Santa presented in ‘Twelve Days of Krampus’. It perhaps has something do with the cinematography, a peaceful and jolly festive season filled with light, juxtaposed against the terror perpetrated by the antagonist, filled with shadows and dark backgrounds.
Chloe Mullins
he show I am most looking forward to next year is the continuation of A Discovery of Witches. Although there is not yet a release date for the second series, Sky has renewed it for another two seasons and so we have definitely not seen the end of Diana and Matthew yet! The first series ended as the pair were about to timewalk in an attempt to hide in the past, giving time for Diana to learn to control her magic. However, the show ends on a cliff-hanger as at the moment they are about to leave, Knox and the other Congregation witches break into the house. All we see is Diana turn in shock but we are unaware of whether they are still in the house or if they have travelled back in time.
Sky has renewed A Discovery of Witches for another two seasons There has been a lot of speculation around whether the second series will be based upon the second book, which suggests that they were successful in escaping Knox. If so, this series will hopefully not disappoint as it will not only depict the couple’s struggle against the Congregation’s rules relating to cross-species relationships, but it will also mean that they will encounter Matthew’s dark past. Although the Romeo and Juliet trope is so popular (especially in relation to vampires), A Discovery of Witches manages to keep it fresh and entertaining as we fight for the couple and I can’t wait to see what happens next. There were so many unanswered questions in the first season: What are Diana’s powers? What does the prophecy mean? Is it Diana who has the blood of the lion and the wolf? How did her parents know about Matthew if he is the dark prince? Hopefully these questions will all be answered in the next series but if you find yourself unable to wait for the next series, you can always read the books. I can’t comment on their similarity but at least you could follow the pair in the book until the show returns to our screens!
The episode is compelling as it explores older Christmas mythology and, more generally, its relationship to humanity. At the end of the episode, this relationship is wrapped up in the moral dilemma of whether Nick should exercise his judgement as a Grimm and kill the unwitting Krampus, or find an alternate route to justice. Almost predictably, he chooses to absolve himself of any decision by handing responsibility over to an outside body, the Wesen Council. Predictable narratives aside, ‘Twelve Days of Krampus’ manages to maintain the overarching season three narrative of international disturbances in the Wesen world, whilst being appropriately Christmas themed. The episode manages to incorporate three parallel stories: that of Sean and the resistance in Europe; the main plot of Nick and Hank solving a case involving the mythological creature; and the more domestic arc involving Monroe’s Christmas decorations. The drawback of multiple stories is that the episode fails to link the three together, with the European thread seeming completely separate from the two Christmas themed storylines. Whilst Twelve Days of Krampus may not have managed to smoothly weave the Christmas narratives with the main plot, it does manage to introduce the idea of the Wesen Council, neatly tying in the idea of city-based crimes with international mythology. Casual viewers won’t be able to jump straight into the episode and understand the background narrative, but it does make for a convincing festive themed monster tale, wrapped up in Christmas nostalgia. Grimm may not be the classic cop drama, or even the classic supernatural show, but that is precisely what makes it so good.
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culture film The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Image: Pixabay
Santa Claus Edition
Image: YouTube
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estern cinema has featured Christmas tales since the 40’s. So, with the holiday season almost with us once again let’s take a look at some of the best, worst and downright weirdest jolly fat men from over the years. A controversial choice for the best movie Santa, perhaps, is the performance given by David Huddleston in the bizarre but brilliant 1985 comedy Santa Claus: The Movie. This Santa is unique in that he has recently been
c2.film@ncl.ac.uk Film Editors: Jimmy Athey, Joe Holloran, Jack Gill
She's made a list, she's checked it twice Elisabetta Pulcini takes you through her naughty list of favourite chrimbo classics to watch I t is inevitable. Once you grow up, Christmas loses that magic. You are no longer excited to get up in the morning, and find gifts under the tree. The decorations appear tacky and played out. Yet some movies can still delight and recreate that wonderful feeling of trepidation and joy, while at the same time delivering a compelling story reflective of what our own unrealistic expectations have made of this holiday. In Home Alone, Kevin McCallister goes through a rollercoaster of extreme situations, which serve to deliver emotions with the same intensity they are felt throughout childhood. The 8 year-old goes from being rejected and neglected by its own family, to then being embraced and admired. From being afraid in his own home, to ruthlessly protecting it. From being left alone on C hr istmas, t o
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reuniting with his mother. This movie captivates children with well-made action stunts and relatable stars, and delight adults by transporting them back to a time where everything is an adventure, and all the fixes to your life are simple and effective. The premise of Elf could have easily proposed a cynical look on the holiday. In fact, while Buddy charms with his unconditional love of Christmas, the world around him is set up in opposition to him and, to an extent, the viewer expects to see the cheerful protagonist getting crushed by reality. After all, the image of a full grown man in an elf costume might appear somewhat grotesque, in the hands of less capable creators. However, not for a moment is this movie anything but uplifting and good natured. The viewer, overwhelmed by Will Ferrell hilarious interpretation, finds themselves inspired, with a new hopeful outlook on the world. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is probably the more realistic out of these movies. This is fitting to the way Christmas is experienced during adulthood. The expectations the patriarch of the family, Clark Griswold, has for each aspect of the holiday mirror our own, and are exactly what end up making Christmas such a disappointment for most adults. However, the movie takes the protagonist through a journey of discovering the Christmas spirit in the most unexpected ways. This helps the viewer to recognize the dysfunctions and disappointments of this season, while at the same time make light of them. The movie lifts the exhausting burden of having to have a perfect Christmas, and simply focuses on having a good time. Maybe an unconventional pick, Edward Scissorhands definitely deserves a mention. The imagery of snow, the delicate soundtrack and the masterful performances contribute to creating this wonderfully dark
fairy tale. While never sacrificing its identity, the melancholic message touches on the values we have come to associate with Christmas. This movie should appeal to anyone hoping for a white, but quiet Christmas. Although Christmas was undeniably born as a commercial holiday, these movies help us find what we have come to expect out of it, whether it is magic, realization, or simply fun.
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Getting keen for Twent Image: YouTube
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promoted to that role. With this comes the anxiety that comes with the responsibility to bring joy to the children of the world. Huddleston’s Santa ticks all the boxes of a great movie Cringle; the jolliness and an empathetic nature. But kids watching get the added insight into Santa’s personality and his troubles. It is this more human nature that makes Huddleston’s Santa the best in all cinema. There is no shortage of choices for the worst cinematic Santa. My vote, however, goes to the usually reliable Paul Giamatti in the terrible two-hander Fred Claus from back in 2007. Here Giamatti gives a painfully unfunny performance alongside Vince Vaughn as Santa’s half-wit brother Fred. Yeah, it is as bad as it sounds. There are plenty of decent Giamatti films, but this is one I think he would prefer we forget. The ugly Sana choice in this case is also a contender for the best. It is safe to say that Billy Bob Thornton is an acquired taste. However, I think his most acclaimed performance is one that on paper should not have worked. 2003’s Bad Santa stars Thornton as conman Willie Soke who, alongside his partner played by Tony Cox, gets a job as a mall-Santa in order to rob stores on Christmas eve. Produced by the Coen Brothers, the movie is odd, gross and heart-warming. Undoubtably Bad Santa is one of funniest christmas films of all time. Joe Holloran
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Monday 10 December 2018
The Christmas Chronicles
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his movie follows two siblings, Kate and Teddy, and their first Christmas after losing their Dad. We are introduced to Kate channelling all her grief into Christmas spirit and Teddy who has gotten involved with petty crime. The pair are left alone on Christmas Eve as their Mum id called in last minute to work and after looking though some old homemade videos Kate spies a flash of red that she believes is the real Santa. In a last-ditch attempt to repair her and Teddy’s relationship, Kate convinces her brother to stay up all night and catch Santa on camera. The siblings succeed and in a turn of events go on an adventure to help save Christmas. This Netflix Original follows the typical Christmas movie plot line of ‘Christmas is in danger and the Holiday Spirit needs restoring’ and is therefore, quite predictable. The target age range for this movie is quite hard to pin down. It struggles from not knowing if it should tackle darker themes of grief or stick to its traditional plot of ‘saving Christmas’. The decision to give Santa’s Elves their own language and therefore subtitling their speaking parts leads me to think this movie isn’t aimed at young children. However, although this movie suffers from some poor plot points there is some positive aspects to this film. The young actress that plays Kate, Darby Camp, gives a good performance and is to be expected after her role in the 2017 TV show Big Little Lies. For such a young actress, she presents well and doesn’t suffer from the annoyance that some child actors portray. Furthermore, the costume design for Saint Nick is very well done. It returns to the more classic images of a dark red suit and fur trim compared to the commercial Coca Cola look. Ultimately if you are looking for a movie to fill your Sunday night and to procrastinate your Uni work with then I’d say this movie could help you out. However, if you just want to get into the Christmas spirit, I’d suggest you stick to the classics like It’s A Wonderful Life.
Amy Brown gives a brief run-down of all the best films that are head
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hile 2018 has been a questionable year in most areas, it has definitely been a good one for film. But now as we get into December, it is worth looking ahead into the new year and what we’ll be
If you're a classic Disney fan then keep your eyes out for some new adaptions
watching throughout 2019. It’s going to be an exciting year for all Marvel fans. The long awaited Captain Marvel will debut in March, starring Brie Larson. The next installment of the Avengers is set to come out in May and after the ending of Infinity War, it
Rose Lonsdale Image: YouTube
is definitely the most anticipated so far. The second SpiderMan, with Tom Holland reprising his role as the title character, is also due to come out over the summer, titled SpiderMan, Far From Home. If you’re a classic Disney fan then keep your eyes out for some new adaptations and sequels of your childhood favourites. The Lion King has recently been announced with a trailer, bringing us a photorealistic version of the story, coming out in July. Tim Burton is directing a live-action version of Dumbo, and there is even a new installment to the Toy Story series so look out for that over the summer. 2019 also holds out a lot of hope for the horror and thriller genre. Director and writer Jordan Peele is writing a follow up to his Oscar nominated film Get Out, titled Us. The details are still unknown but anyone who has watched Get Out will be thrilled. Based on the Stephen King story, the second chapter of IT is finally coming out in September and we see the children all grown up and facing Pennywise again, as widely covered in the novel. Bill Skarsgård was the first to
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Monday 10 December 2018
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Creed II: just a spin-off or a knockout? Al Ridley went to Cineworld to watch the eighth-installment in the legendary Rocky franchise T he Rocky series has had its highs and its lows, its Survivors and its random sentient robots, but one thing it’s always got right is the fights. They’re cinema boxing at its best, mixing the raw brutality of the squared circle with the charisma that’s so rare in the actual sport. And while Creed II – the sequel to 2015’s fantastic Creed – may not be the best written entry in the series, its fight scenes punch far above its weight, from the blood-pumping entrances to the meaty thwack of glove on face. Creed II is a character piece at its heart, and that character is Adonis Creed, played brilliantly by a Michael B. Jordan fresh off his stint in Black Panther. He’s simultaneously a charismatic, self-assured fighter and a terrified, wibbling mess, struggling to differentiate himself from his late father, the former Heavyweight Champion Apollo Creed. After becoming Champion in the film’s opening act, Adonis’s realisation that he’s living Apollo’s life instigates a fight with imposter syndrome that’s genuinely quite depressing, especially after the son of Ivan Drago, the man who killed his father, issues him a challenge and history is expected to repeat itself. Florean Muntenau’s Viktor Drago is the opposite of Jordan, a taciturn, terrifying screen presence with a molten fury peeking out of his cool exterior. Dolph Lundgren reprises his role as Ivan Drago, looking less like the Russian Übermensch and more a bitter old man living vicariously through his son’s victories. There’s something sad about seeing Lundgren so old, watching the man who was once a tower of burly manmeat strap on a bulky body protector to spar with his son. But their dynamic is marred by a lack of screen time to explore it: they have about eight minutes together outside of the ring, and most of that is within the series’ infamous training montages. Consequently, their emotional development feels kind of cheap after the film
has spent so long tidying the Dragos away. This isn’t unique to the villains. Creed II, even at 130 minutes, feels bloated, with many peripheral side plots it can’t support vying for screen time and making many characters underwritten. Tessa Thompson, playing Adonis’s girlfriend Bianca, is hit worst by this, with a subplot about hereditary deafness that’s emotionally paintby-numbers. Even Stallone, playing Rocky for the final time, spends the little time Creed II can spare for him mincing about his family in an unsatisfactory manner. Occasionally it lands a poignant emotional punch with its struggling characters, but rarely does it have the time or the focus to follow through. But the hooks that Creed II does get through are elegantly and viscerally done. The performances are mostly fantastic, the training montages brutal and satisfying, the actual matches brilliant and pulsepounding. It’s a film with a lot of heart and a surprising amount of style, and even if it’s a bit out of shape it’s proof the Rocky films are still bloody good at what they do best.
be confirmed, reprising his role as the shapeshifting clown. Big names have been added to the cast including James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader. Fingers crossed it does not disappoint. King’s novel Pet Sematary is also being adapted, a remake of the 1989 film of the same title. A few others worth mentioning is the new feature from M. Night Shyamalan, titled Glass. A sequel to his previous works Split, and Unbreakable, starring James McAvoy, Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis, it looks to be exciting and should have as many twists as the others. Dexter Fletcher, who was brought in to direct Bohemian Rhapsody, is coming out with another biopic in 2019, Rocketman. It surrounds icon Elton John who is portrayed by Kingsman star Taron Egerton. You might be a little tired of this now but yes, there is another Joker movie set to come out in 2019. It is said to be an origin story and thankfully, the title role has gone to someone other than Jared Leto. Joaquin Phoenix will star, and while no one can beat Heath’s Joker, hopes are high for this.
Animation Station
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(2012)
lthough watching Christmas Carol or The Snowman is an absolute Christmas animation essential there are other films out there with an alternative vibe, suitable for everyone and with a bit more oomph than the traditional Christmas animation. One of these would be the 2012, Rise of the Guardians, no not the one with the owls wearing armour in it. In an attempt to engulf the world in nightmares, Pitch, the bogeyman (voiced by Jude Law) must be stopped by an ensemble of the Tooth fairy, the Easter bunny, the Sandman, Father Christmas and Jack Frost. Image: YouTube
tynineteen!
ding our way in the upcoming year
film culture
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Wreck-It Ralph II
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reck-It Ralph Two does not disappoint, it is both heart-warming and endearing and allows us to have a good laugh along the way. Although it has been six-years since Wreck-It Ralph’s original release, the sequel does not disappoint and follows the same timeline, picking up six-years after Ralph becomes a hero. The latest film follows Ralph and Vanellope on their mission to obtain a new steering wheel from the internet in order to save Sugar Rush and its characters. Ralph and Vanellope’s storyline presents a significant, albeit emotional, message which is especially key for younger viewers as it teaches them never to compromise their dreams for a loved one because a true friend will support you even if it is hard to say goodbye. Ralph’s recognition that Vanellope is not abandoning him and that they can still be best friends even if they do not live in the same arcade truly melts the heart, especially when they say goodbye. In true Disney style, the more serious moments within the film are appropriately countered with comedic relief and in my opinion, the Disney princesses embody this best. The subversion of the damsel in distress trope was particularly inspired when we see the princesses coming to the rescue of ‘a big strong man’ (Ralph). The only downside to the appearance of the princesses was the animation changes Cinderella received. Although there were small animation changes to the majority of the group, Cinderella’s face looks completely different to the animation originally used in the film. Apart from that, the animation was superb as usual and Disney’s portrayal of the internet as a physical space was enjoyable and interesting. Their use of official brands including eBay and Snapchat gave it a sense of authenticity and their added elements were particularly fun to watch, especially KnowsMore (the search engine) and his pushy autofill.
Chloe Mullins
The Grinch
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he festive season is in full swing and this year it is green! The Grinch is back: However, this year´s adaptation of Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel´s children´s book How the Grinch Stole Christmas fails to live up to its predecessor´s legacy. The story is well-known: The Grinch lives a secluded life nearby the village Whoville, whose citizens are obsessed with Christmas. Disgusted by their massive preparations for the holiday, the Grinch decides to steal it. So far, the material has been adapted three times. In 1966, Boris Karloff lent his voice to the grumpy protagonist for a television special, which also established the character´s colour as green and Jim Carrey slipped into the hairy green costume in Ron Howard´s live-action film in 2000. Considering that the last adaptation was 18 years ago, one may argue that it was time for a new take on the material. However, this comedy is clearly catered for a very young audience and it lacks the substance to become an evergreen. The film is 3D computer-animated and the quality of the animation is excellent, no wonder since the movie has been produced by the animation company Illumination, who is also responsible for the Despicable Me franchise. Unfortunately, the great technical realization does not divert from the film´s shortcomings. The characters are simplistic, the storyline is foreseeable and the big laugh fails to appear in this slapstick comedy. In terms of sound, The Grinch combines traditional and new elements. The voiceover of a narrator, spoken by Pharrell Williams, frames the narrative and rhymes, what refers back to the original book. Overall, this new version of The Grinch does not convince, at least not for adults. For children it is a nice visualisation that one cannot buy Christmas, but it is unlikely that this adaptation will gain the cult status of a Christmas classic.
Julia Hoepfner
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This is a charming film where a group of unexpected heroes, described by Rotten Tomatoes as a sort of children's’ version of the Avenger team band together to save Christmas. Each of these traditional holiday avatars are recreated into stylish and unexpected representations that take a little tradition, and some creative license. We have the rough and tough, boomerang wielding Australian Easter bunny (voiced by Hugh Jackman) the Tooth Fairy who resembles a hummingbird, and a pirate Russian Father Christmas (Alec Baldwin). Jack Frost played by Chris Pine is the rebellious and misunderstood hero as he must also attempt to regain lost memories of his past life before he was chosen to become a winter spirit as well as helping save Christmas. . . Incidentally he is also the perfect match for Elsa from Frozen. What I really love about this film is the villain, often I have found these types of films which target children (especially oversized ones like myself) contain a very unconvincing villain who you know really is not going to put up much of a fight. Jude Law is absolutely spine chilling in his portrayal of Pitch, not only as a physical threat but as a psychological one.
Phoebe Fielder
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culture arts Book Review
The Secret History by Donna Tartt CAITLIN DISKIN
Image: @romanticegotists
c2.arts@ncl.ac.uk Arts Editors Scarlett Rowland, Julia McGee-Russell, Rosie McCrum Online Editor Sophia Kypriotis
Much Ado or Much A-don’t?
Sophia Kypriotis comments on NUT’s excellent genderswitching World War One adaptation of a Shakespeare classic
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hile this review of Much Ado About Nothing contains a considerable amount of bias, as we are all well aware Maria Ansdell and Beth Rennie are some of Newcastle’s greatest actors in almost all ways, this production would impress even the stalest and stuffiest spectator. Their quick wit, charm and ability to fixate the audience are personal traits perfectly reflected in their roles of Beatrice and Dogberry respectively. I could write a whole review on these stellar actors’ performance alone, but it would only be fair to comment more widely on the play. Arriving at St Luke’s church, I was unsure of how this seemingly humdrum church hall would be transformed into a vibrant, post WWI setting but I needn’t have worried myself. The set, designed by Gemma Faulkner and Caitlin Rawlings, was far beyond that of amateur dramatics, let alone a student production; Union Jack bunting and fairy lights hung jubilantly around the room and it was clear great attention had been paid to each item on the stage, with overtones of mossy green, dark wood and brass, the vein of the era was very much present. The use of a window set off to the right of the stage was particularly brilliant in conveying the overhearing of conversations, a notion at the very crux of the play. This provided an extensive source of comedy when character’s attempting to be discreet knocked over a whole range of purposefully placed items in a carefully choregraphed routine. Ruaidhri Johnston as Benedick could be relied on to deliver
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ith the Christmas holidays nearly upon us, it’s the ideal time to take a break from all the hundreds of pages of seminar reading and actually read something for fun. Surrounded by your friends and family, having a great time and getting in the Christmassy spirit, there’s no better time to read Donna Tartt’s The Secret History. It’s a book that starts: ‘the snow in the mountains was melting and Bunny had been dead for several weeks before we came to understand the gravity of our situation.’ That’s right – the novel centres around the death of college student Bunny Corcoran. How cheery. How lovely. What a nice way to spend the long December days.
Reading it as a fourteen year old at a comprehensive in Yorkshire, it made me want to be at an American college The book really is like no other. The narrative focuses around a group of elusive and mysterious Classics students, all attending an elite Liberal arts college in Vermont. Reading it as a fourteen year old at a comprehensive in Yorkshire, it made me want to be at an American college. Even now, re-reading it at university, you’re caught up in a novel where you simultaneously love, hate and want to be the characters. Richard, the narrator, is the perfect Nick Carraway-style character, somebody who hovers on the periphery of the group and who guides the reader through the Bacchanal madness that ensues. Tartt uses
You leave the book, 500 pages later, wanting to read it all over again him to masterfully weave the narrative with clever classical references that don’t leave the reader stumped. Everything about the book is subtly beautiful yet subtly devastating. It’s not a book that sacrifices the story for eloquent writing, or focuses too much on creating a thrilling plot. It wonderfully manages to mix both, documenting how young lives are torn apart by reckless self-destructiveness. At over 500 pages long, it is by no means an easy read, and it’s not something you can skim through in an hour. Yet it’s worth the challenge. Even as someone who reads books pretty fast, it still took me a good couple of weeks to get through it. But Tartt makes it work. You leave the book, 500 pages after reading the first sentence, and want to read it all over again. There’s also such a sense of achievement when you finish it. The fact that it has been classified as a ‘modern classic’ is no understatement. I’m always trying to get people to read books I love, yet The Secret History is the one that I shove in people’s faces the most. Trust me on this.
Image: NUTS
each line with gusto and greatly contributed to the comedy, most notably in his intimate scene with a Christmas tree. The venue was made even more appropriate with a Christmas carollers-esque chorus opening the play and providing interludes throughout. The seamless weaving of music with dialogue was also largely due to Balthasar’s mesmerizingly beautiful solos, a role Shakespeare wrote for a young boy with an unbroken voice, yet here Tash Newton executed the role luminously. The decision to cast women in roles traditionally played by men was a wise one: Leonato became Leonata and Zara Walwayn conveyed her strength with just as much vigour as any man could. Dogberry and the Watch (I’m well aware I’ve already greatly and heavily praised them, and I shall continue to) are also traditionally male characters but Beth Rennie left no doubt in the audience’s mind regarding her right for the role. Her thick and compelling Scottish accent added significantly to the parody of Dogberry’s desire to speak with the eloquence of a nobleman, despite somehow always finding herself using the opposite word to the meaning she is attempting to convey. Much Ado About Nothing contains many of Shakespeare’s typical themes: a marriage, appearance vs reality, a villain that isn’t punished for his wrong doing and of course it wouldn’t be Shakespeare without a woman accused falsely of sexual promiscuity. On paper this may not seem the most comedic of Shakespeare’s comedies, but the delivery of the whole cast had me giggling almost constantly throughout, with peaks of hysterical laughter nearly exclusively attributed to whenever Dogberry was on stage. Jay Robinson’s carefully timed facial expressions and staging as Claudio should receive particular commendation, and the whole trio of Don John, Benedick and Claudio made for very merry viewing. The evening was one of feel good humour, with spot on casting across the board, which in turn delivered fantastic chemistry between the characters and a real coherent production. Often the skill of the actors is the sole stand out in a play but together with the aesthetically appealing set and well thought out costumes this production delivered in all aspects.
the courier
Monday 10 December 2018
Barely
Grace Dean experiences a cringy nig
Editor Alumni turns pla
Culture Editor Carys Rose Thomas interviews previous arts editor, Tamsin Daisy Rees, about how she a
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n a chilly Friday afternoon, Tamsin Daisy Rees agreed to meet up with me for a chast. Tamsin is a masters Creative Writing student, playwright, and her favourite Christmas song is Mistletoe by Justin Bieber. Following a succession of short plays staged in Newcastle and one in London, where she wan mentored my Simon Stephens, Tamsin was made an Associate Artist at Live Theatre earlier this year. Your undergraduate degree was Combined Honours, wasn’t it? And before that you’d gone to art school, how did you end up writing? I was quite bad at uni, which was kind of like ‘ah shit’ because I had just dropped out of art school and spent a year travelling and working in spoons and being like ‘I’m gonna go back to uni and do something really academic’ and then being really crap at it. But then I was choosing my second year modules and I knew that I wanted to do creative writing but I thought script seemed too intimidating.
Image: picturesbybish
Because of theatre buffs? Yeah, in the first seminar with Zoe Cooper my lecturer everyone was talking about their favourite plays and I hadn’t read any. I thought there was just Arthur Miller and Shakespeare, and I clearly wasn’t either of them. But I realised theatre could be fun, sad, contemporary and meaningful and it
didn’t have to just be really wanky, and I just fell in love with it. I was looking through my journals from that year and there’s this bit from a few months into the module whenever I write that I think I’d really like to be a playwright I think that’d be really nice’ When do you think you think you seriously first thought of it as something you would actually do? I don’t think I’ve ever had that. I’ve genuinely never had that moment of ‘this is what I’m doing now’. It kind of just snowballed a little bit in the last year. In May 2017 I submitted a play to 10 Minutes To at Live Theatre. That went
I write a lot of mundane stories which are good at illuminating wider social precarity
on at Live and that was the first time I had ever seen my work beforehand live, which was really wonderful and weird. How do you hear about all opportunities like Live and Pint Sized? Live was just an ad on Facebook. I screenshotted it just before bed so I wouldn’t forget. And then the BBC Writers opportunity is where I found out about Pint-Sized. I was like that’s mint because they pay me and I could really do with that 70 quid - which Live do too. . The royal court writers group north was from social media and Zoe, my lecturer. Do you think uni is a good place to look for people to support
the courier
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Monday 10 December 2018
y bearable panto
arts culture Weird or Wonderful All Ears with Stelarc LIBBY SHAW
ght of childish humour and ‘star acts’ in an odd panto-cum-circus performed at central Theatre Royal
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hursday 29th November marked my first ever time visiting the Theatre Royal, my first ever time watching a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and my first panto viewing in at least a decade. Whether the performance I watched can actually be described as a panto is, however, debatable. The Goldilocks plotline seemed to be pushed to the side; in retrospect this shouldn’t have surprised me as neither Goldilocks nor the three bears appear on the theatrical posters. Goldilocks’ experience with too hot and too cold porridge in the middle of the woods was actually crammed into a five-minute scene; the storyline instead focused on a very unorthodox telling of the story, which was actually based on the attempts of Goldilocks’ circus family to save the bears from imprisonment in rival Von Vinklebottom Circus. This circus setting lent itself to what was undoubtedly the highlight of the performance; ringmaster Clive Webb was able to introduce us to some of his “star acts”, which included a wheel of death performance by five motorcyclists simultaneously, death-defying roller-skating stunts, and quite simply the most spectacular juggling performance I have ever witnessed.
Attempts at audience participation in the show left audience visibly cringing
Image: @TheatreRoyal
aywright
arrived at her success as a playwright you in your writing? Definitely. I don’t think that I would have found playwrighting without uni, which just highlights that it’s quite inaccessible. A lot of people think it’s not for them – including me which is why I still tentatively call myself a playwright. It still has a reputation of privilege around it, do you think? Yeah. I would say I feel out of place a lot. And well as the idea of high art and low art. I write a lot of mundane stories which are good at illuminating wider social precarity. I remember my lecturer Helen telling me when I was writing a script last year telling me that there’s merit in just telling an everyday story, because people identify with the everyday. Exactly. What kind of stuff do you write? Comedy or tragedy or something else? I think I’m drawn to writing funnysad. I don’t like tragicomedy because it sounds wanky but feelings are funny aren’t they. Can you tell us anything about you Christmas Cracker show? Yes, it’s called Clementines. It’s about three siblings. Sam, he’s 23 and gay, first Christmas home after uni; Tess, 19, works in spoons, and fucked up her A-levels; Charlie, 14. They’re all getting ready to go to Charlie’s Christmas show. Charlie’s playing Romeo. It opens with a poo joke, one fingering joke, and one mention of clitoris. As far as Christmas bingo goes – Poo, fingering, clitoris, spaghetti, nut roast If that doesn’t say Christmas, I don’t know what does.
This, however, juxtaposed greatly with the traditional aspects of panto theatre portrayed in the performance. While Goldilocks, played by Laura Evans, had a fantastic voice, the songs were not catchy and the audience was left unable to sing along. Attempts at audience participation in the show left the audience visibly cringing, with a poor lady called Joanne being called a slapper, being referred to as wearing very large knickers, and ultimately being physically dragged off the stage. The humour, which was surprisingly dirty in nature, was generally well received due to Director Michael
Harrison’s attempts to localise the story; Sunderland was scorned, Brown Ale was praised, Mike Ashley was mocked and it was said that they “don’t wear knickers in Newcastle”. While none of the jokes fell flat, some of the humour was very childish indeed; it seemed that the director had struggled to achieve a balance when attempting to appeal to the varying age groups in the audience. The panto is traditionally attended by many generations, however many of the more crude references in the panto would have left grandparents cringing and children simply bamboozled, while some of the compering would have been more akin to a CBBC show. Take for example the uncomfortable combination of references to flossing
Chris’ performance was spectacular, he was well recieved by the audience
(the dance, not teeth), sex tapes and popping breasts. The set, on the other hand, was spectacular, with the show being enhanced by the use of pyrotechnics and onstage electronic screens. The backing dancers, while sometimes overshadowed by the compering of pantomime regulars Danny Adams and Clive Webb, performed exceptionally well. The costumes, though sometimes garish, were impressive nonetheless, as the production featured many costume changes. Particularly noteworthy were the outlandish costumes and eccentric wigs of Dame Rington, which were designed by Chris Hayward himself, who according to the programme is “widely regarded as one of the leading dames in pantomime”. Chris’ performance indeed was spectacular and he was clearly very warmly received by the audience; his comedy left spectators howling as it was clear that his status as a pantomime veteran clearly enhanced the entire production. Ultimately it must be said that this performance was more of a variety show than a panto. With the humour at times leaving a lot to be desired, it can be confidently argued that the incredible talents of the circus performers
Drag Me To Love and back again Olivia Blackham reviews autobiographical dragsho with true pain, blue wigs, and fake boobs at local Alphabetti
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rag Me To Love makes me wish to be dragged back to love repeatedly. It’s rare to get the chance to see a drag show. Nevermind one set in your hometown, referencing places that you know and people that you’ve heard of. So obviously, I leapt at the chance and bounded through the indie chic doors of the Alphabetti Theatre alongside my fellow Danensian. Before I can rave about the show that has it all, I must, by legal obligation, fan girl over the theatre. From the mini bookshop to the arty bar to the comfy, worn out sofas, I was hooked on the Alphabetti’s vibe. I know that you’re envisaging a bunch of teenagers wearing The 1975 t-shirts. However, you’ll be shocked to hear that I was one of the youngest in attendance and I definitely wasn’t wearing a The 1975 shirt. And I can tell you, the only thing better than seeing drag queens is witnessing half-sober middle-aged men and women singing and dancing. Back to Bonnie and the Bonnettes. When you attend a drag show, you expect the theatrical equivalent of Ru Paul’s Drag Race. And I can tell you, I got that, but I also got so much more. I discovered the true pain and beauty behind the selfdiscovery and life of a drag queen. The last 9 years of Image: @__c.h.a.r.l.o.t.t.e Bonnie Love’s life
has been filled with confusion and passion and heartbreak beyond what most can imagine. You often hear the painful truth of the lives of many marginalized people, but rarely drag queens. Their lives are filled with glitz and glamour and fake boobs- who doesn’t dream of that?
It felt like being in Flares but with more ribbons Not only is this display of emotion not to be missed but the high-quality musical numbers have you up and out of your seat, even if you don’t want to be. Covering all the drag classics including Total Eclipse of the Heart and Proud Mary. It felt like being in Flares but with more ribbons. Now I have well and truly piqued your interest. The ribbons were arguably the best part of the entire performance. Of course, you are now confused as to how ribbons and drag queens mix but I can tell you that they should and do. The blue wigged Bonnette has style and that performance would not have been a performance without it.
The only thing better than seeing drag queens is half sober middle aged people singing and dancing Now, I have given only a snippet view of this incredible show solely to give you the opportunity to witness it yourself. I could sit and discuss and describe all day, but I find the process of watching to be the best because no one reacts the same. So, enjoy it, cherish every laugh and key because it is one of those beautiful moments that you wish would never end.
Image: Flickr, Cea
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telarc is an artist who tests the limitations of the human body, creating physically-demanding art that has the power to shock and inform. This extreme-body artist has previously used hooks on his flesh to suspend himself from a ceiling, has wired himself to the internet via electrodes connected to his muscles and has ingested a sculpture while filming it using an endoscope. He has put his body through extreme pain and exertion in the name of art, leaving many people questioning why he does it. His most recent “Ear on Arm” project started in 2006 and has involved the growth of an ear on his forearm, using the technology of a ‘biocompatible scaffold’. The ear is ‘partly surgically constructed and partly cell-grown’, which has caused controversy as surgeons have questioned the ‘clinical need’ of this procedure.
Image: @utodaynl
Stelarc’s plan is to insert a microphone into the ear, which will enable people to listen in to, and hear via the internet what is going on around him. A GPS will also be placed on the ear, so people will be able to see his movements. This project invites audience participation, as people will be able to tune in and listen via his ear whenever they choose.
Stelarc explores the potential, and also the limitations of, the human body He is using this project to comment on the technological potential of using the human body. He sees the project as a premonition of the future, arguing that ‘people are becoming internet portals of experience… imagine if I could hear with the ears of someone in New York, imagine if I at the same time could see with the eyes of someone in London’. As such, he is exploring the potential of using the human body and sharing our sensory experiences with others via the internet. Through this, he explores the potential, and also the limitations, of the human body.
@TheCourierArts @thecourierarts
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culture gaming
courier.gaming@ncl.ac.uk Gaming Editors George Boatfield, Matthew Neville & Kelly South
Monday 10th December 2018
Family friendly festive games Hoping for a more social way to spend your food comas? Our writers have the perfect games to play over the holiday season Snipperclips
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hough it’s perhaps not the first game that comes to mind when considering how to spend time with friends and family, I reckon there’s plenty of things working in Snipperclips’ favour. It gained my attention as a launch title for the Nintendo Switch, and it’s now something I recommend to anyone in need of more games for the hybrid console.
Multiplayer without additonal controllers
An indie title with a charming papercraft art style, Snipperclips sees you teaming up with other players to cut shapes into each other’s paper avatars with the goal of finding solutions to various puzzles. While relatively easy to figure out each challenge, the real puzzle comes from
creating the shapes necessary to execute the solution. As it’s a system that supports multiplayer out of the box without having to purchase additional controllers, Snipperclips is one of the cheapest games to get co-op gameplay up and running on the Switch. However, if you do end up buying more controllers, there’s a whole set of cooperative levels and competitive battle modes that ensure more people can play at once. Then there’s the brilliant expansion pass Snipperclips Plus, which includes two new worlds which add a total of thirty puzzles as well as more battle modes. These puzzles are much more of a challenge to figure out, as well as to execute the solution with your co-op partner. If you’re lucky enough for a Nintendo Switch to end up underneath your Christmas tree, Snipperclips makes for a great first eShop purchase that will get the whole family involved. George Boatfield
The Lego Game Series
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raveller’s Tales’ Lego games allow for families of all ages to play together and experience hilarious takes on their favourite film franchises, albeit locally in what is known as ‘couch co-op’, which makes
The Lego games have plenty of enemies to fight, a plethora of puzzles to solve and comedic cutscenes
the games brilliant for groups looking to spend time together this festive season. My first time playing the Lego games was with my
brother, which not only brought frustration (from a slightly awkward shared camera), but it also allowed for an incredibly fun playthrough as we traversed the iconic Star Wars movies together, tackling a variety of puzzles, platforming sections, and boss-fights, eventually battling against each other. The fast-paced action of the Lego games works fantastically in co-op with plenty of enemies to fight, a plethora of puzzles to solve, and enough comedic cutscenes to chuckle at with the whole family around the television. If there is one group of games to play as a family this Christmas that I’d recommend, it’d be the Lego games. Lego The Incredibles, Lego DC Super-Villains, Lego Marvel Super Heroes 2, and Lego Star Wars: The Force Awakens are the best the series has offered in recent years, and they are all available on PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Switch. James Troughton
Image: IGDB
Image: IGDB
Why procrastinate when you can playcastinate? If you don't want video games to get in the way of revision over Christmas, we know where you can get your gaming fix quick
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Firewatch
rewatch is a BAFTA award-winning game brief enough that your grades won't suffer as a result of exploring the beautifully rendered Shoshone National Forest. Unlike some AAA games you can sink countless hours into without really scratching the surface of, it lasts the perfect amount of time to feel like an escape to a lush Wyoming wilderness full of life, intrigue, and adventure. This 2016 title is all about escape, after all, as the player delves into the complicated, quite painful life of protagonist Henry, who opts to spend the summer of 1989 serving as a fire lookout in this impossibly vast landscape. Your supervisor, Delilah, is hilarious and endlessly intriguing - she's also your only companion, just a radio (and entire mountain) away. The dialogue between the
two characters flows so naturally, their conversations really showcasing superb voice acting; it's impossible not to smile at their good-natured banter and tender, unorthodox relationship. Campo Santo's Firewatch is described as a mystery. While the tension escalates until the suspense is nigh unbearable,W the game’s environment is why I find myself returning to it: after spending too long in a stuffy library painstakingly writing an essay you couldn't care less about, or a lecture that seemed determined to send you to sleep, hiking through a breathtaking forest is a sorely needed reprieve from stress and boredom. Firewatch is available now on PC, PS4, Xbox One and is coming to the Nintendo Switch on 17 December. Kelly South
Image: Kelly South
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Mirror's Edge
hort games are great; they’re quick to the punch and they don’t mess around with any of the repetitiveness of games that claim to have ‘hundreds of hours of content’. One of my favourite games within this category, while fairly old now, is still something I stick on to play on a slow afternoon, when I just want to finish something. That game is Mirror’s Edge. This 2010 first person parkour-em-up from EA DICE makes brevity one of its strongest points. Each level assembles its way across immaculate rooftops of white, with EA DICE’s visual mastery living on even today. Visual style aside, the game’s parkour features an unfamiliar but innovative control scheme. Before you know it you’re wall-running, swinging and
sliding your way through tightly designed levels. Each level is impressively well mapped out, usually with multiple ways to navigate the same obstacles for a quicker completion time. Experienced players will find tiny tricks to shave seconds off their time, amounting in a completion time of around two hours (or about thirteen minutes if you’re a world record speedrunner). In case that’s too short for you, there are also additional time trial modes to both learn sections of levels and perfect your skills. With such satisfying mechanics to master and a simple, digestible story, Mirror’s Edge makes for a ‘fantastic flavour of the week’ sort of game. Alex Darbyshire
Image: IGDB
the courier
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Monday 10th December 2018
@Courier_Gaming thecourieronline.co.uk/gaming
gaming culture
Glorious gathering of gaming gifts
Unsure what to get a gamer whose got everything? Our writers think outside the box to bring you their favourite suggestions Reality is Broken : PUBG Pan: Exqusite Gaming: Offworld Collection: Error Kerr Jack Coles James Troughton Kelly South
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or fans of games criticism - or gamers who are simply unabashed bookworms - the Offworld Collection is a thoughtful, beautiful gift for this Christmas. It's a visually striking hardback book, which boasts a hand-picked selection of some of the most meaningful, affecting writing in games journalism. Offworld was a video game website run by Leigh Alexander and Laura Hudson, two extraordinarily talented journalists who helped me view games in a light I wouldn't have otherwise considered. Hudson is now culture editor at The Verge, and Alexander continues to write about technology and culture in addition to working as a narrative designer on video games. From deeply personal responses to indie game narratives, to essays on Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying through Native storytelling, to examining the language used in China's gaming subcultures, it's a showcase of diverse journalism. The Collection continues Offworld's legacy for championing voices excluded from mainstream game culture through engrossing, entertaining writing. It’s even half price at the Campo Santo store until 2 January, a relative steal at just $19.99 USD. It can also be purchased as an ebook for only $5 USD via itch.io, ideal for readers who want to delve into books anytime on their phone or Kindle. The Offworld Collection is a book that is guaranteed to introduce readers to fascinating games, unheard of developers who are absolutely worth supporting, and brilliant genres they may have entirely missed if they usually focus exclusively on AAA titles.
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ou know, I may be an ex-Courier Gaming editor, come from a family of gaming enthusiasts, and talk non-stop about accessibility in gaming, but ask me “what do I get as a gift for a gamer” and I’ll draw a blank. What do you buy outside of actual video games or merchandise? Books. You heard me; we spend enough time reading in-game lore, chat logs, and fan theories that literature might be just what we need. For this purpose, I would suggest Jane McGonigal's Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change The World. McGonigal, a game developer, looks into how MMOs and virtual reality can be used to develop a sense of meaning and community. Time and money is being spent on realities far away from our own, in ways that fulfil an ever-growing population. Rather than demonise the idea of a world where many millions of us spend significant amounts of our time and paychecks on playing video games, McGonigal uses this time to talk about how gaming can be a space in which we work to fulfil ourselves, and as a space that genuinely promotes mental wellbeing. An unexpected turn, perhaps, but how many of us turn to a game when we’re feeling sad, angry, or dissatisfied with the world? This book talks about a hypothetical future in which society is actually bettered by gaming, where it can be used as a solution to problems as well as a method of emotional security and happiness. It may initially sound a bit like some kind of quack psychology, but once you get past the gaming puns in the introductory chapter, you get to discussing how gaming is solving real-life issues and how the leading edge of gaming is the space it's establishing for creating a better future.
Ocarina: Matthew Neville
here is something inherently whimsical about receiving a musical instrument as a Christmas present. For example, I’ve received a new harmonica every Christmas for donkey’s years, and while I can only produce sounds akin to R2-D2 screaming at the top of his droid lungs, it’s nonetheless a fun experience every year. But what if there was a gift that could celebrate both my utter lack of musical talent and my love of video games? Enter the ocarina, an ancient wind instrument - made famous by the classic The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time — now available to be plopped straight into the grubby little mitts of your favourite gamer for Christmas. Despite not being officially licensed by Nintendo, the 12hole ceramic instrument does make for an accurate and
visually pleasing display piece. More than that, it’s fully functional and produces a very calming, airy sound that’s sure to please fans of both the game itself and people who just like pleasant noises. However, it’s important to note that, unlike in the aforementioned game, the instrument has no magical properties, with the possible exception of making one’s family disappear when they play a dreadfully strained rendition of the ‘song of time’ for the hundredth time on Christmas morning. So, if you know any wannabe Links, then you can pick up one of these puppies from a number of online retailers, with the selection available on Amazon costing you anything from just over a fiver to around £20 for the more premium models.
hen Valve launched the Steam Link in 2015, it offered what seemed to be a good way for PC gamers to stream their games from their PCs to their TV, and to offer a high quality, consolelike experience with very little cost. However, Valve has recently announced they are no longer selling the device, and they are almost sold out of remaining stock. The discontinuation of the device has come as a shock to some Steam users, as apps and updates for the device were only released as recently as May 2018. The cross-platform device integration was also a high selling point of the device, allowing you to use a variety of controllers from Xbox to Switch, or even Valve’s own Steam controller (the future for which is still uncertain).
a bid by Valve to release some new, updated hardware (though nothing new has been announced at this time).
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ou want some bona fide game merch? Get a fuckin’ frying pan. It’s pretty cheap, given that some people take the absolute piss for their goods (£25 for a t-shirt, who do you think you are, Metallica?). Seriously. Frying pan. Not only is it merch, it’s useful for cooking or clobbering people over the head with.
It's useul for cooking or clobbering people
Oh, so you don’t see what a frying pan has to do with gaming? You must have heard of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, I know I have, and I contracted lead poisoning from eating a frying pan. There’s a frying pan in that game, I’m like 73% sure. You also have pans in Fallout 4 and you can turn them into a gun... somehow. The Sims 3 has pans, Cooking Mama has pans, Dishonored has pans. I’m pretty sure that Age of Mythology has pans too... if you zoom in all the way and squint a bit. Frying pans are real useful, too, they don’t just fry things. You can poach, char, sear, and in a pinch you can use it to crush spices by wrapping them in foil and walloping them with the pan. Then there’s all the non-culinary uses for a frying pan: headwear; playing tennis; self-defense; hitting it as part of a drum set; and throwing it for a dog to fetch. Frying pans are, to coin a phrase, “lit af”. (This article was totally not sp onsored by Argos.)
Image: IGDB
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aming merchandise is an extensive (and often expensive) industry, with plenty of iconic characters and beloved IPs for companies to delve into. Exquisite Gaming are one company that offer a plethora of products for gamers that want to showcase their love for their favourite games, with products having pride of place on their bedroom shelves or computer desks. Their most popular offering for gamers are their Cable Guys: these are 8” statues that have their arms outstretched which you can use to charge your PlayStation or Xbox controller, and they're also compatible with most smartphones. This line of products includes Ryu from classic brawler Street Fighter, the characters Ruin and Battery from Call of Duty, Vault Boys from Bethesda's Fallout series, and the titular characters from Crash Bandicoot and Sonic the Hedgehog. On top of this new line of merchandise plastered over the front page of the website are their Big Box and Meta Merch lines. The Big Boxes are purchasable crates centred around games - I believe their best option in this line is the Crash Bandicoot box as it comes in a life-crate from the game that contains: a messenger bag; fashionable cap; keyring; lanyard; and drinking glass, all with Crash Bandicoot designs. Exquisite Gaming also sell Big Boxes dedicated to Call of Duty - fans can delight in merchandise focused on World War II or Black Ops 4. They are a fairly new company, and are expanding their line of products constantly, so it is definitely worth keeping an eye on their website exgpro.com. Image: YouTube
Steam Link discontinued New Alien game surfaces Jacob Clarke presses F to pay respects in the only way he knows Alex Darbyshire reports on the newly trademarked project W T £2 It seems most PC gamers are satisfied with their games being on their monitors
As an optimist, I’d like to think this is Valve changing direction back to game development rather than software and hardware development - as we can see with the recent release of Artifact, the first Valve game in five years, this may be a possibility. However, this move could also be
The incredible price that the SteamLink fell to in the 2018 Steam Summer sale.
Whilst most of the stock is almost sold out, it would be difficult to say the Steam Link was an overriding success, or changed the PC gaming community in a large way. I owned one for a while and it mainly went unused and, talking to other PC gamers I know they either didn’t know what it was, had one but rarely used it, or just weren’t interested. It seems most PC gamers are satisfied with their games being on their monitors rather than a TV screen, or use an old-fashioned HDMI cable to enjoy their games on their TV. It makes sense that Valve are now replacing it with a simple streaming app, though as usual I look forward to seeing Valve’s Image: Wikipedia next venture.
he Alien franchise has had a fairly rocky relationship with the games industry, with flops like Colonial Marines, but also gems such as Alien: Isolation (a successful System Shock-esque take on an Alien horror game). Now, it seems fans of the franchise may have a new game on the horizon. FoxNext Games recently trademarked the title of Alien: Blackout, with the trademark specifically referring to “game software, computer game and video game software” and similarly related words. This was tantalising enough to fans, but things started piecing together when famed Metal Gear director and heaven-sent angel Hideo Kojima tweeted photos from his visit to Fox’s studios and in reply, the official Game Awards account tweeted an image containing the message “Worlds Will Change”. PC Gamer highlighted that the Weyland-Yutani Corporation, from the Alien franchise, have a somewhat similar slogan - “Building Better Worlds”. Now, this seems just cryptic enough to remind me of another viral marketing campaign, for a promising Kojima horror title (cough Silent Hills cough). The other leg to this news is that FoxNext Games have acquired Cold Iron Studios and, while they are not a household name, Cold Iron have undoubted experience in the industry. On top of the Alien first person shooter they have in the works (perhaps the newly trademarked
Blackout?), their developers have experience working on titles of similar tone, such as Metroid Prime and DOOM. In addition to this, FoxNext explained in a statement that they hope to make games as large a part of their media empire, with Cold Iron Studios being the beginning of assumedly many acquisitions to expand the Alien franchise beyond the half-baked stack of games it was prior to Creative Assembly’s Alien: Isolation. In terms of genre and direction, FoxNext have hinted towards a first-person, massively multiplayer game so as to make use of Cold Iron’s experience. With ex-Star Trek Online developers on staff, they know their stuff when creating vast, living sci-fi worlds. While Isolation is a tough act to follow, it seems that allowing players to live inside the world of Alien is exactly w h a t Fox wants.
Image: IGDB
puzzles Solutions
Across
4. San Marco 5. French 7. Somebody 10. Houston 13. American 14. Pyramid 16. Brutalism 19. Irreplacable 20. Scrub 21. Hopeless 22. Pompidou
Down
1. Baroque 2. Bodyguard 3. Tokyo 6. Capital 8. Neoclassical 9. Notre Dame 11. Gherkin 15. Ionic 17. Abbey Road 18. Inigo
Lake Crescent (Alice) Lake Mapourika (Luke)
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Wordsearch whoop whooop
Porgues Fir Tree Bauble Ginger-
bread Jesus Reindeer Mistletoe Sentimental
Drunkeness Gold Caroling Yule Holly Elf Wreath Tinsel
Monday 10 December 2018
Puzzles Christmas Queen: Mariah Angel on top of the puzzle tree: Rihanna Puzzles Elf: Baffled about the puzzles they are forced to make Christmas wishes: the.courier.puzzluzz@gmail.com
Sudoku (FESTIVE)
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selzzup
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Christmas Lyric Linkup Can you link up the lyrics of these six festive songs??? (Match one from each of the three columns to make the song. Or, if you want, go your own way for a bad mash up)
Let your heart be light
I’m moving down that line If you kissed me now, you know you’d fool me again The bells are ringing out The Party’s on
It’s very cold out here in the snow Lights fill the streets
Your rosy cheeks gonna light my merry way
1
Tell me baby, do you recognise me
Sweet Santa Claus is on the way
Wish I could be dancing now
Make the Yuletide gay
The feeling’s here
I should be playing in the winter snow
He just might like to know I got Red lights on the run
Happy golden days of yore
Happy Christmas your arse
I love you baby
Can’t wait to see those faces I wrapped it up and sent it Wish I was at home for Christmas
The choir of children sing their song
Everyone’s gathering around the fire
Crossword
Blue Suede Clues Across
5. Jesus of (8) 9. It’s a what life? (9) 10. There was a miracle on the next street, I think (6, 5) 11. Released a Christmas album 2017 (you will not get this) (7) 14. Old time Christmas hater (7) 16. Not like effectively (4, 8) 17. Released a Christmas Album 1994
(5) 18 Meet me there Judy (Missouri) (2, 5) 19. Just watchin those flocks (9) 20. Released a Christmas album 1957 (5) 21. Cold white stuff (4) 22. Released Christmas Albums in 1960 and 1967 (10)
Down
1. Released Christmas albums in 1948, 1957, 1964 and 1968 (I mean, stop) (7) 2. The what of New York? (so close to being destroyed by clubs) (9) 3. Released Christmas Album 2011 (5) 4. Much famed reindeer (yes I am getting lazy) (7) 6. Number of times ‘merry christmas’ is sung in Christmas Wrapping (6)
7. Good King looked out (9) 8. Popularised Christmas trees in England (6, 6) 12. Deck the halls with (6) 13. Released a Christmas album 1997 (I am appalled) (6) 15. Green Christmas hater (6)
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christmas student voice Image: Picryl
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editor.union@ncl.ac.uk Student Voice Editor: Isabel Sykes
Monday 10 December 2018
The ghosts of Couriermas past
Images: Pixabay
2017: The year of James Sproston. We see him here with Online Editor Jared Moore and one of our current Sports Editors Harry Parsons, taking a very last minute pullout picture. Fun fact: Harry also dons this very same Christmas bobble hat in this year’s festive pullout.
2014: Tom Nicholson’s year. Sadly this is the only known surviving copy, which Editor Louise Hall hides in her drawer because she doesn’t trust us. In 2014 the Courier had a ‘Whale of the Week’ illustration in every issue, and look how majestic they are.
2016: The Courier remains undeterred by the horrors of the year we all wish we could forget and ploughs on with its Christmas issue. Jade Holroyd was Editor of the Courier and the that classic shot of the Tyne bridge made an appearance with a festive
2013: George Sandeman was Editor of the Courier and, although there is a sad absence of whale, the illustrations is quite lovely. This was the year of the rather controversial ‘Little Shop of Bollocks’ feature on Christmas decorations.
2015: We’re big fans of illustration at the Courier and this work of art speaks for itself. Victoria Armstrong was Editor in 2015 and was in charge of a marvellous pullout that included a legendary feature on Christmas sandwiches.
2012: Editor Ben Travis pulled out all the stops with a festive pullout featuring a round-up of a year that saw Whitney Houston pass away and London host the Olympics. It also contains an earth-shattering review of the Fenwick’s window display.
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sport
Monday 10 December 2018
Jingle bills: Gateshead council cut community funding
Sport Editor Jack Smillie disects the latest setback to hit Gateshead and looks at the local facilities that will be affected Jack Smillie Sport Editor
Hark back to those bleak childhood mornings when you were full of energy, vigour and passion, anticipating a tough wintery weekend fixture clash. You remember the boggy pitches, the blinding rain and the muddy goalmouths. The overgrown grass and the netless goalposts form curiously indifferent memories. After Gateshead council’s proposed budget cuts to football pitch maintenance, these typical grassroots level problems could soon become inescapable. As part of a budget which seeks to reduce a deficit black hole, Gateshead council’s proposed 2019/2020 budget will no longer provide maintenance for football pitches at 27 local locations. The proposed cut will save an estimated £246,000, approximately what the Manchester United hitman Romelu Lukaku bags in a week. All this comes after the council’s leader, Councillor Gannon, controversially spent over £5,000 of taxpayers’ money on food bills during a recent three year period. In comparison, the Durham council leader claimed zero food expenses in that time and, lo and behold, Durham council, as of yet, haven’t announced a single slash to their sport budget.
246
the number of pounds that are propsed to be cut by Gateshead council to solve the black hole
In real terms, therefore, this could genuinely see local parks and football pitches grow into a state of abandonment. Unlike the Champions League’s state-of-the-art 3G pitches, the park grass may likely become overgrown and neglected; the goal posts rusty and crooked with any intrinsic repairs enacted slowly or given a temporary DIY fix. All in all, the state of the game which the youth grow up playing would only become increasingly distant to the game which we so love to watch on TV. On the plus side, there are other ways of staying involved with football. One of these is volunteering, and it’s thanks to so many
generous volunteers that various grassroots level football teams are able to survive. Sport England say that approximately six million adults give up at least an hour a week to help grassroots-level sport survive in this country. These proposed cuts could give rise to a new crop of volunteers, willing to serve their local community. If volunteers can’t save the pitches, then children’s physical, mental and social well-being could all suffer.
The proposed cut will save gateshead council approximately what the Manchester United hitman Romelu Lukaku bags in a week
Whilst the proposed cut is indeed a shame for the local area, it raises a wider question regarding the poor state of England’s grassroots football. Our Three Lions starlets begun their careers at places like the hallowed turfs of Fletcher Moss and Bracken Moor; top professionals aren’t decanted behind the scenes at Old Trafford or Anfield. How do we know the next Harry Kane isn’t amongst the affected youngsters playing regularly in Kibblesworth or Shibdon Bank? Nonetheless, the blustery pitches of Whickham Rectory are a far cry from the high end’s notorious and much sought after glitz and glamour. Categorically, the thrills of the game are the same: we’ve all been there and needed that injury-time winner, the relegationavoiding three points, or the underdog in a cup run. We’ve all suffered from unjust decisions, injuries and team fallouts. The elite have all been in the grassroots position, and this could explain our sometimes mysteriously cult-like love for the sport. This is partially why the grassroots game is so important. As much as the peak of the sporting pyramid brings the reputation and success, funding must occur at all levels of the pyramid in order to maintain England’s top international and domestic record. It’s perhaps a sad reflection of football’s current state that what a Premier League footballer earns in a handful of days could pay for the annual upkeep of 27 parks of grassroots pitches.
Romelu Lukaku enjoys watching Gateshead United sporadically Image: Flickr: Nican 45
NUAXC running home for Christmas
Louise Mills at Leeds Headingly Campus
NUAXC started their December advent off doing what they do best; another race. On Saturday 1st December 31 members travelled down to Leeds ready to compete in the annual Leeds relays against several other university teams, including Durham, Nottingham, Leeds and Sheffield among others. Even the prospect of running around a wet and windy field could not dampen the spirits of NUAXC once they arrived. Despite unfortunately losing the facepaint in the far and distant high-
The club braced misty conditions in order to race Images: NUAXC
lands of Edinburgh, team spirit was at an all time high due to the competitive nature of the Leeds relays. 3 mens teams, 5 womens teams and a mixed team meant that there was not only competition between Newcastle and other universities, but there was also competition between the Newcastle teams themselves. First up was the women’s race, which consisted of a 3 x 2 miles loop. The course was around a sports ground with varying terrain, made all the more difficult by the practically horizontal rain. Newcastle’s A team came home in a very respectable 10th place out of a total of 34 teams, with Meg Ellison being Newcastle’s fastest women’s runner completing the course in an impressive time of
11.52. The competitive spirit was in full force between Newcastle’s women’s C and D teams, with the D team finishing ever so slightly ahead. A very impressive race by all teams, with every member running strong legs to make sure all teams completed the race. Followed soon after was the men’s race, in which the mixed teams also participated, which was the same loop except in teams of 4. Here there were slightly more teams (48 in total), but Newcastle’s mens A team still finished in 19th place, with strong performances by Cameron Cutts and Callum Hanson. The competitive spirit flared up again in a dual between President Jack Holmes and XC Captain Sean Haycock, which meant that even those who had
finished running were able to enjoy the race. Whilst some members stayed for a dinner and social with the other university teams, other chose to head back to the homeland (good old Newcastle), of course blaring Christmas songs the whole way back. Despite the less than cheery weather, NUAXC made the most of the weekend, and every member put in a strong performance, of which they should be very proud. NUAXC will now take a break over Christmas, before hoping to come back even stronger in the New Year, as we edge ever closer to BUCS XC at the beginning of February 2019, one of the biggest races of the year.
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sport
Monday 10 December 2018
So this is Christmas: Should football be done? Sesha Sabramanian, Dominic Lee and Rory Ewart argue for and against if the Premier League should have ‘winter break’
Sesha Sabramanian
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That’s a line that has often been said in a variety of contexts and although I normally tend to agree with that, I have to say that the lack of a winter break in English football does not fit into the “not broke” category. Consider this, a good team in the Premier League, if they are also involved in Europe and till the later stages of the domestic cup competitions, can play between fifty and sixty games a season. The English Premier League also happens to be the most competitive league in the world. Every week, every team including Manchester City and Liverpool have to be at their best because on any given night, even teams battling relegation in England pose more of a threat than a team of similar stature in other countries. Playing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu following a game against a rough and rugged Crystal Palace on a rainy night in London is a far cry from coasting to a 2-0 win against Espanyol in sunny Barcelona and
then playingBayern Munich in Europe. So anything that can be done to reduce the level of physical and psychological stress needs to be done because all this takes a toll at the end of the season. This level of stress not only affects player performance when they go out to play in summer tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros but also affects the quality of football later inthe season – a period when
It will allow them to rectify things that have gone wrong and strengthen things that have gone well
the top teams need their best players on their best form as the title race narrows to a conclusion and they find themselves in the last four or the final of cup competitions. It need not be a long break but even a short recess of
about 10 days like they have in Spain would help players recover after an intense first half of the season. The break will also help coaches evaluate team performance till that point in the season and over that holiday period, they can focus on specifically addressing their weaknesses. It will not be as intensive as pre-season but it will allow them enough time to try and rectify things that have gone wrong and strengthen things that have gone well for them. All in all, having a winter break cannot be bad for anybody involved in the game of football.
Dominic Lee
The Premier League soldiering on over the winter has largely been a staple of English football that set it apart from the rest. However, from the 2019/20 season onwards the Premier League will come to a halt for the festive period, allowing players to rest up over the winter- or enjoy one too many glasses of sherry on Christmas day.
The FA hope this will encourage England to succeed at future World Cups and European Championships but this direct correlation between a winter break and national team success seems a little far-fetched. Though the last two World Cup winners- France and Germany- both enjoy the 2 longest winter breaks of any European league, with 24 days and 30 days respectively, not all these players will play in the same domestic league- though it can be argued that most will still receive winter breaks in other leagues. However, for a league as diverse as the Premier League in terms of player nationalities, its hard to see how a winter break would have any real influence on the performance of the national team- possibly even helping competing national teams with players in the Premier League. We then have the argument that football over the festive period is a British tradition and while the FA plans to leave the moneymaking Boxing Day and New Years games alone- we can all guess why that is- the winter
Hark the herald angels sing: Glory to the cheerleading! Isobel Brodie says ‘cheers’ to a successful term and explains why taking up cheerleading is the perfect new years resolution for any sport lover enduring passion and requires high commitment and dedication. We are not just cheerleaders, we are athletes who compete at national levels every year in various competitions and we can confidently say that we love every minute of it. We also pride ourselves on the social aspect of our club. Not only do we train together for a minimum of five hours a week, we also organise regular socials for everyone in the club. We have recently enjoyed our annual Christmas meal together; giving and receiving awards to congratulate everyone in the squad on their dedication and patience,
which ultimately has resulted in a wellrounded, immensely talented team. We welcome everyone with open arms, as we are keen to promote the sport around campus and in general! For those who didn’t make the competitive team, we run a weekly recreational cheer session to teach new skills and eventually put some routines together! If you would like to get involved with the Angels keep your eyes peeled as we often host ‘taster sessions’ and ‘this girl can’ sessions, and if you are interested in recreational cheer then please not hesitate to get in touch.
Rory Ewart Sports Editor One of the Premier League’s unique selling
points for its audience is its action packed winter schedule. Sky Sports alone in its recent advertising campaign takes huge pride in the top league action it can offer, boasting 19 December games on offer for customers to enjoy over their mince pies and eggnog, more games than any other month in the league calendar. It’s therefore evident that this point in the season arrives with serious weight to it, with many a Match of the Day pundit claiming that if a team can maintain their lead at the top of the table, then they are in the driving seat for the title come May. Only Liverpool (twice, in 2008/09 and 2013/14) and Arsenal (2007/08) have slipped from being top of the pile on December 25. The Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures are more often than not heavily anticipated. The league ‘big boys’ that occupy the top echelon of the table will feature in these fixtures, with the likelihood being that a clash of these sides will occur. This, in addition to the spectacle of festive footy adds to the unique offering the Premier League can offer to fans across the world. Clearly then this point in the league calendar has been crucial in terms of the title race in the modern Premier League era, with it offering many families the opportunity to attend games when it may not otherwise be possible during other months of the year.
Steven Gerrard doesn’t like snow Image: Flickr, Kane
As Christmas fast approaches, we, as Angels have dedicated an enormous amount time to perfecting our routines for competitions in the coming year. As a club, we have a variety of different performances we put out at competitions; two main routines, 3 dances and several group stunt routines. The main routines are paramount to our success and include a selection of high level gymnastics, dance, acrobatics and jump sections. The notion that cheerleading is a mixture of throwing ‘pom poms’ and singing chants simply doesn’t do the sport any justice. It’s an
break or “mid-season” break as the Premier League call it will most likely detract from fan experience. All of us familiar with winter football know the joy of sitting down on a cold plastic chair in your warmest coat, pasty and Bovril in hand all to watch Stoke lose again. I got a little side-tracked by personal experience there but my point still persists, football over the winter is a British tradition and the Premier League’s capitalist overlords have still kept the Boxing Day and New Years games so I fail to see where English players gain any advantage over other European Leagues. In short the Premier League’s winter break, while an attempt to encourage national team success is simply an excuse to make Boxing Day and New Years games even more of a TV event all at very little benefit to the players and even less to the paying fans
Newcastle Angels on top form Image: Newcastle Angels
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Monday 10 December 2018
EFL on the shelf - a footballing farce?
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. EFL Championship winners before ko v Sheffield Wednesday at Molineux Stadium 28 April 2018 Image: Badgernet
Sports Editor Tom Hardwick reflects on the role of the English Football League after attending a match at St James’ Park
On Tuesday the 4th of December, St James’ Park staged the EFL Trophy clash between Newcastle United U21’s and Macclesfield Town. The match was witnessed by a threadbare crowd of 1126 people, which meant that the famous old ground was only 2.15% full. The EFL have suggested that the competition benefits both professional and youth teams, with the former getting the chance to take to the pitch at Premier League grounds such as St James’, and the latter being given valuable opportunities to develop their game against professional sides. Shaun Harvey, the chief executive of the EFL, has stated that the “history of the EFL Trophy is one of new ideas and innovation,
but at its heart has always been the belief that this is an opportunity for League One and
The notion that this tournament has a positive impact on youth is somewhat exaggerated
League Two clubs to taste cup success”, but this seems like empty rhetoric. If cup success is bowing out against a youth side in a virtually empty stadium, then Macclesfield have M2 v Liverpool 1sts M3 v Leeds 1sts M4 v Hull 1sts
FOOTBALL
BUCS RESULTS BADMINTON
M1 v Hull 1sts M2 v Hull 2nds W2 v Hull 1
BASKETBALL
M1 v Durham 1sts W1 v Loughborough 1sts W2 v Bradford 1sts
FENCING
M1 v Lancaster 1sts
M2 v Northumbria 2nds M3 v York St John 9ths W1 v Lancaster 1sts W2 v Sunderland 1sts
GOLF
Mix1 v L. Becket 2nds 5-3 6-2 6-2 78-91 73-80 68-45 WO Lanc
HOCKEY
M2 v Sheff Hallam 3rds M4 v Leeds 5ths W3 v Sheffield
NETBALL
W2 v Leeds 2nds W3 v Newcastle 4ths W4 v Newcastle 3rds
VOLLEYBALL
W1 v Nottingham
41-135 79-135 114-127 5-0 0-1 1-2 1-2 3-3 4-1 1-1 4-1 44-41 30-31 31-30 0-3
been more than successful, but in reality this game was one that was unlikely to offer any feelings of accomplishment. The notion that this tournament has a positive impact on youth sides is also somewhat exaggerated. Whilst they may be appearing against professional sides, it seems that most of these teams fail to prescribe the same levels of significance to EFL Trophy games as they might a league encounter. As such, rather than supporting “the development and progression of young players” as Harvey asserts, these games are more like friendly encounters. It would be far more beneficial for a young player to taste lower league action in games that have significance and clout, allowing these players to experience the feelings of
RUGBY UNION
M1 v Birmingham 1sts M2 v Newcastle 3rds M3 v Newcastle 2nds M4 v Leeds 3rds
RUGBY LEAGUE
W2 v Sheff Hallam 1sts
SQUASH
M2 v MMU 1sts W1 v Durham 1sts W2 v Leeds
TENNIS
M1 v York 1sts M2 v Sheff Hallam 1sts W1 v St Andrews W2 v Leeds 1sts
TABLE TENNIS
M2 v Sheff Hallam 1sts
24-33 19-10 10-19 10-12 36-36 WO NCL 4-0 WO NCL 10-2 2-10 10-2 0-12 6-11
pressure that accompany playing in front of passionate crowds. As it stands, games against the likes of Macclesfield in empty stadiums offer little opportunity for progress and fail to illicit much in the way of excitement. After the encounter at St James’ finished 1-1 many began to leave, despite the prospect of the forthcoming penalty shootout. Either people didn’t know this was happening or they simply didn’t care, but it suggests that these games are little more than a distraction from meaningful competitions. It is perhaps fitting that the only game to attract a good attendance, the clash between Port Vale and Stoke City U21’s that saw 7940 people attend, was marred by Stoke fans launching projectiles at players and leaving
WATERPOLO
W1 v Edinburgh 1sts
5-12
SURF FORECAST
Tynemouth Longsands
Oh come, all ye frothfull, were looking at more than just a white (water) christmas this year: Santa Cruz is coming to town. Light winds will be westward leading still proceeding throughout the week. Waves promising to reach O holy height of 9 feet, with a 10 second Christmas period have prompted a whopping four little stars of Bethlehem on the Magicseaweed.com page. Jingle bell time is a swell time, but please don’t surf by rocks at night as you might get washed away in a danger. Dont be a baby, its not that cold outside; lets make the most of what frosty the flowman has provided!
the away end toilets looking as though a grenade had been let off. It seemed as though a section of Stoke fans had used to game as an opportunity to damage the ground of their local rivals, and that says a lot about the view many fans hold of this tournament. The EFL Trophy has routinely produced miniscule attendances, and anomalies such as the Port Vale game cannot be attributed to anyone actually taking the tournament seriously. In its previous incarnations the EFL Trophy may not have been resoundingly popular but the EFL have driven it into the ground further than anyone might have imagined, and wholesale changes are required if they expect views surrounding the EFL Trophy to change at any point in the future.
GAME. SET. MATCH. It is probably worth having a quick look at that Men’s Tennis 1sts score this week. They took home a cheeky away win against the York 1sts team 10-2, impressive you might think. Well so far this season the team have won every single game they’ve played. In fact, they’ve won every single game in 2018. Incredible scenes. Wherever in the world you are right now, put this paper down and give them a little round of applause.
OVERALL BUCS POSITION Pos
University
Pts
8
Birmingham
1633
9
Newcastle ■
1493
10
Cardiff
1451.5
11
Stirling
1301
t e , t
h t
y y t
sport the courier
Monday 10 December 2018 Issue 1381 Free @Courier_Sport courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/sport Sport Editors Rebecca Johnson, Harry Parsons, Sydney Isaacs Online Editor Tom Hardwick
Waterpolo dream of a wet Christmas WOMEN’S WATERPOLO
Newcastle 1sts 5 Edinburgh 1sts 12
Sydney Isaacs at Edinburgh Last Wednesday Newcastle women’s water polo first team faced a side with whom they have had a long standing rivalry. For as long as any of the team members can remember, including Beth Laidlaw who has been a member of NUWPC since before Albus Dumbledore was even born, BUCS women’s water polo championship race has been a battle fought (often annoyingly in the south-west) between the four NorthEast Giants: Newcastle, Edinburgh, Durham and St Andrews. Why this north-east domination occurs isn’t clear, but some speculate that there’s something in the water. This year, Saint Andrews, the University which hosted Prince William’s successful water polo career appear to have run away with the league, winning all eight of their matches so far. Some have put this tremendous success down to the way they have been ‘swimming in it’. This leaves Saints’ lower (geographically) rivals scrapping it out for the silver and bronze medals. In the last meeting between Newcastle and Edinburgh, in Newcastle, the home side secured their place at BUCS Big Wednesday finals with a roller-coaster ride that resulted in an 8-6 win. Wednesdays match took place on Edinburgh’s turf, but would the home advantage be enough for the tables to turn? Following some confident words from coach Andy Little, the Newcastle girls commenced their warm-up routine. Megan Lord, winner of the Meg Lord award this year and every year, initiated the ‘small slow crab’ ritual which progressed to the ‘big crab’ and the ‘big
fast crab’ before the girls took to the water. The starting seven for Newcastle consisted of; Left wing: Holly short, Centre Left: Meg Lord, Centre Forward: Beth Laidlaw, Goalie: Tilly Weetch, Centre back: Giorgia Bosworth, Centre right: Ellie Sowerby, Right wing: Sophie Sowerby (Captain). The Match begun and a tone was set, with Edinburgh winning the swim-off and taking no prisoners as they directed the ball into the goal within a few passes. Newcastle attempted to come back, holding off the Edinburgh defence and controlling the ball between players, however Bosworth’s textbook goal came a millisecond after the 30 second bell, and the ball was turned to Edinburgh who capitalised on the counter.
“I don’t really know what happened. I had a hand in the face and then a big kick that sent me flying”
Giorgia Bosworth
Edinburgh’s next two goals came from counter attacks. Newcastle were struggling to find match Edingurgh’s pace; Katy Fisher swapped in for Holly Short. Newcastle managed to negate the threat of an Edinburgh corner before the quarter ended with the scoreboard showing 4-0 to Edinburgh. Ciara Simms, Zara Roche, Helen Murray, Emily Budd and Anna Turnbull remaining on the Newcastle bench, Fisher swam for the ball and comfortably won it for Newcastle in the second quarter. But Newcastle couldn’t keep the ball and Edinburgh stole the attack. With key player Bosworth excluded for a ma-
jor foul, Edinburgh called a time-out to plan their man-up. Thorough defending from Newcastle forced the Edinburgh centre back into taking a long and difficult shot which hit the crossbar, leaving the ball for Newcastle. Newcastle swiftly swung the ball back up the pool and Captain Sophie Sowerby produced a strong shot which was saved by a great effort from the Edinburgh keeper. Within a minute, Newcastle were back on the attack and a goal was found by Fisher, who neatly lobbed the ball from the far left side of goal. A flurry of goals including a fantastic drive and close range pelt from Ellie Sowerby took the score from 4-1 to 9-2, and a couple of heartbreakingly near misses from the Sowerby sisters drew the quarter to a close. The teams reassembled for the third quarter. Newcastle had to play smarter and use the clock to their advantage if they were to come back now. After an Edinburgh exclusion, Newcastle timeout, Helen Murray subbing in for Laidlaw, and an incredible save from Tilly Weetch in her second ever match, the ball was placed into the hand of Ellie Sowerby, who despite having lost her hat, managed to find the back of the Edinburgh net. Another great save from Weetch was converted into a Newcastle attack, and Sophie Sowerby put away a goal from the top of the arc. In Newcastle’s next offensive, the referees begun their Christmas wrapping, sending out Edinburgh’s no.3 for a brutality foul committed against Bosworth. This gave Newcastle the man up. Team top scorers Sophie Sowerby and Bosworth controlled the ball between themselves but couldn’t find a goal to end the quarter. The fourth quarter swim-off was claimed by Edinburgh, but Newcastle’s pressure forced a weak shot which was saved by Weetch. Edinburgh’s next attempt to increase
First year medic Tilly Weetch saves a goal. Image: Sydney Isaacs their score finished in a disallowed goal due to the striking player having a blatant handful of Newcastle as she took the shot. The pace of the game taking an unrecognisable level compared to that in the first half, with some quick back and forth possession. Exclusion of Ellie Sowerby gave Edinburgh the advantage, but this was neutralised as Fisher blocked a powerful shot and safely delivered the ball to Weetch. In the final minutes of the game, Bosworth scored a signature piece and Edinburgh managed to make their concluding attack count, bringing the score to 12-5. Following the defeat, coach Andy Little put his teams loss down to “lack of energy in the 1st quarter.” He continued: “but I’m proud of them, they brought it back. Edinburgh only got one or two goals after that. They’re a great team and I couldn’t ask for more really.” Younger if the Sowerby sisters, Ellie, had
her mum and friend watching the match. She said “if we had played like we did in the second half in the first half it would have been a better competition, it just took us a bit too long to get into it.”
The referees began their Christmas wrapping, sending out Edinburgh’s no.3 for a brutality foul
Captain Sophie Sowerby said: “we had a lot of missed opportunities in the match, me and Gi especially had loads of shots. I think it was a great opportunity for the new members of the team to get some match time. I’m impressed with them all, especially Tilly.” Discussing the brutality that was committed against her Gi Bosworth explained: “I don’t really know what happened, I had a hand in the face and then a big kick that sent me flying. Definitely not on.” When I asked the phenomenal Sowerby sisters “who won then?” they both insisted “were a team!”. It’s clear the duo’s ability to channel their highly competitive nature trickles through the team and is at the core of Newcastle University Waterpolo club’s success. Women’s Waterpolo Premier North
Pld
W
D
L
Pts
8
8
0
0
16
2 Durham 1sts
8
5
0
3
10
3 Manchester 1sts
10
4
0
6
8
4 Edinburgh 1sts
7
3
0
4
6
5 Newcastle 1sts
7
3
0
4
6
6 Sheffield Hallam 1sts
8
1
0
7
2
1 St Andrew’s 1sts
Left sequence: Edinburgh goal disallowed due to excessive holding of Newcastle player’s neck Centre: Edinburgh courner defended by Newcastle Image: Sydney Isaacs
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