Epigram Issue 383

Pages for readers, Opportunities for writers

f

88

Est. 19

The University of Bristol's Award Winning Independent Student Newspaper

01.03.25

enou nough gh..

Who are

and why are they on our campus?

Annie McNamee & Livy Naylor Co-Editor-In-Chief & President TW: Mentions of rape and sexual violence.

Enough have come to Bristol to 'end rape', but their introduction to campus has come with confusion.

Here's what we know about the company and their controversial self-swab kits.

al of Gisele Pelicot’s mass rape last summer, survivors of sexual abuse are finally being heard. Still, there is more to do. And now a new organisation - enough – says they want to help survivors win that fight; but their introduction to campus has come with confusion and controversy.

From #MeToo in 2017, to the tri-

You will have seen them making a

bright orange splash on grey January campus with their paddling pool of ‘self-testing kits’, and they might have even offered you a bit of chocolate.

This is enough, who come with a simple mission: end rape.

Who are enough?

According to their website, enough’s primary goal is to ‘support survivors and deter perpetrators’, of

From top to bottom.

Photos courtesy of:Livy Naylor, UBTV

sexual violence through providing an ‘easy way to report’. Enough piloted in October 2024 in Bristol, with an initial focus of supporting the University community in curbing sexual violence. To learn more, Epigram sat down with Katie White, who co-founded enough alongside entrepreneur Tom Allchurch.

Turn to page 12 to see the > Continue reading on page 10

Opinion

Arts

film & TV

SciTech

SPOrt

Is Valentine's Blatant Consumerism?

Sonny Angels and The Rise of the Trinket Toy

Memoir of a Snail: A Claymation Masterpiece

Heavy Metals in Sanitary Products

Will Watson's Success in UoB Boxing

continuation of our campaign and read:

Bibi's mould horror story Our ten successes so far

&

Contents 2 Editorial 4 News 6 Opinion 8 Features 11 WIM 12 Mould

Website - https://epigram.org.uk

Instagram - @epigrampaper_

Twitter/ X - @EpigramPaper

14 Arts 16 Film & TV 18 Music 20 Sci-Tech 22 Sport 24 Epi-games

TikTok - @EpigramPaper

02 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Editorial

Want to write for us? epigram.org.uk/get-involved/

Our Team Editorial

Co-Editors-in-Chief: Annie McNamee & Amaan Ali Deputy Editors: Sofia Webster & Will Standring Chief Subeditor for this issue: James Lewis

Annie McNamee and Amaan Ali Co-Editors-in-Chief Photo courtesy of: UBTV

Annie McNamee

Opinion

Co-Editor-in-Chief

Editor: Karen Mends Co-Deputy Editors: Alex Creighton & Hannah Moser Subeditors: Ellen Jones & Riana McConochie

A

s I write this, it is reading week. I’m currently in a hotel in Dublin (yes, that surname you can see is Irish, and no I won’t stop being annoying about it) about to go out for dinner and relax for the first time in six weeks.

We’ve had a busy, busy term so far at Epigram. Last month we launched our first ever housing campaign ‘Break the Mould’ – you might’ve seen us flogging papers and collecting signatures outside of Senate House.

In case you missed it, we’re asking the SU to help us set up ‘Rent Review’, a student house rating system; think TripAdvisor but for mouldy houses. We were quite literally sick of paying hundreds of pounds for houses that haven’t been updated since before our parents were born, and we think that ‘Rent Review’ will allow students like you and I to make more informed decisions about which properties we want to live in. We also think this system would hold landlords accountable, forcing them to respect their tenants, and rewarding those who do. We have also set up a hub on our website where you can learn everything there is to know about mould: what it is, how to avoid or treat it, and what you can actually ask your landlord to do about it.

This campaign is the result of months of hard work from a very dedicated team; I feel like the proud mum of a very big, socially conscious family. What’s even more exciting than seeing our plans become a reality, though, is your reactions.

News

Co-Editors: Josie Hodgson & Maud Humphries Co-Deputy Editors: Rhiannon Jenkins & Beatrice Learmouth Investigations Editor: Will White & Sofia Lambis Subeditors: Otto Proctor & Cerys Larsen

Features

Editor: Nel Roden Co-Deputy Editors: Jessica Cohen & Daisy Yates Investigative Correspondent: Benedict Chester Subeditors: Reuben Kerbes & Ilona Hoffman

Arts

The response to ‘Break the Mould’ both on campus and beyond has been overwhelming in the best way. First, local media was interested. Then national media. Then I was being asked to go onto Radio 5 Live to talk about mould (sadly I had a seminar during the allotted time, and I am nothing if not married to my degree), then renters’ rights groups were reaching out to us, looking to get involved.

Real, actual pressure groups, emailing us, a lowly group of students, excited about our ideas. I was worried I’d look down and realise my glass slippers were turning back into battered Air Maxes.

But there’s no fairy godmothers or pumpkin carriages here, only naff landlords and mushrooms on windowsills. And then, most importantly, there was you – the students.

I am not exaggerating when I say we have had unanimously positive feedback from anyone who let us yap at them about what we’re trying to achieve. In fact, the number one response we’ve gotten is ‘I can’t believe no one did this sooner!’

If you’ve already signed our petition, thank you! If you haven’t, don’t worry. You’ve got time.

This isn’t summative – signing won’t boost your grades, but we can’t promise it won’t be considered by St Peter when your time eventually comes. But I digress.

Mould isn’t the only thing that’s been keeping us busy this month.

Epigram’s wonderful business team have also been working tirelessly to secure some big names for our upcoming talk series and Women in Media event, all of which will be invaluable for anyone interested in a career in journalism.

Just because we love you, our Women in Media event is getting much bigger this year. Like, four times as big. Across the month of March we’ll be welcoming talented women from across print, broadcast, and beyond to talk about their careers and give insider tips over coffee and biscuits. You can buy tickets, which start at £3 but get cheaper if you attend multiple weeks, on the SU’s website. Look out for the lineup which is coming very, very soon.

As if that wasn’t enough, our talk series, where we get journalists in to run workshops and career talks for free, began in February with Sarah Gordon of the Financial Times, and will continue throughout the term.

You can’t say we aren’t good to you.

So here I am, one very hectic month after launching, in a dry hotel room in Dublin, almost looking forward to the end of my holiday so that I can get my teeth back into demoulding Bristol. Not right now, though. For now I’m going to go and enjoy a pint of Guinness and explain to my English boyfriend why it’s his fault personally that I don’t speak Irish.

Whether it’s at a careers event or a Break the Mould rally, I hope to see you soon.

Editor: Bruno Bridger Co-Deputy Editors: Elizabeth Abbott & Ella Heathcote Culture Editors: Anushka Dongare & Natalia Dewhurst Correspondents: Patrick Chandler & Julia Anna Masluszczak Subeditors: Eve Davies & Bobbi Carsley

Film & TV

Editor: Max Bradley-Cole Co-Deputy Editors: Meadow Wattret & Chien Wen Sow Subeditors: Nadiya Jackson & Marianne Chatburn

Music

Editor: Benji Chapman Co-Deputy Editors: Aditi Hrisheekesh & Megan Foulk Subeditors: Amelie Peters & Sophie Scannell

Sci-Tech & Gaming

Editor: Corin Hadley Deputy Editors: Miles Gilroy & James Lewis Subeditor: Ellie Barnes Head Researcher: Harrison Phillips

Sport

Editor: Faniki Deche Deputy Editors: Sean Lawrenson & Adam Mountain Subeditor: Mihai Rosca

Design

Lead Designer: Julia Mullins Deputy Designer: Alexandra Hill Resident Designers: Will White, Miles Gilroy, Corin Hadley & James Lewis Head Photographer: Harriet Sanderson

Business

Managing Director (President): Livy Naylor Deputy Director (Vice-President): Angelica Singh Finance Director (Treasurer): Ella Mason Marketing Director (Social Secretary): Claudia Tipper Ads & Sales Director: Anika Sharma Media Ethics & EDI Officer: Lily Wheeler Head of Technology: Dhillon Thurairatnam

Social Media

Social Media Manager: Charlotte Kyle Deputy Social Media Manager: Eleni Paraskeva Social Media Creator: Daisy Yates

Join our WhatsApp Communities

EPIGRAM X OVERHEARD AT UOB

NEWS

We've teamed up with Overhead at UoB to give you exclusive quotes across campus and beyond.

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

03

‘I do want kids, but unfortunately I'm either going to be having girls or abortions’

Follow them on Instagram: @overheardatu0b

‘Guys, objectively he is my fittest cousin - that doesn't mean I would go to bed with him’

Opinion

‘I don’t give a fuck about exams, I’ll come skiing any day of the week’

Interested in photography??

FEATURES

We are looking for photographers to contribute on an ad-hoc basis. Your role would consist of taking high-quality photographs that we can use both in print and online.

In order to apply, please email editor.epigram@gmail.com with

ARTS

1) Your name, course and year group

2) Two examples of your photography

Or are you an illustrator??

FILM & TV

We are also looking for illustrators to create drawings and designs to a given brief.

In order to apply, please email editor.epigram@gmail.com with 1) Your name, course and year group

music

2) A simple portfolio of your work or illustrate something for an existing Epigram article of your choosing

SciTech

You don't have to write to be part of Epigram's community...

•

Be the first to hear breaking news on campus and student analysis on a wide variety of issues at university and nationally.

SPORT

•

Take part in Epigraft, Epigram's blind date column, exclusive to the print!

•

Keep up with our editorial team behind the scenes.

•

See details of our socials, upcoming formals and distribution.

X/TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

TIKTOK

...follow our socials!

04 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

NEWS Bristol student spiked with needle after night out at Daisy's on the Triangle A 19-year-old man reported an incident of needle spiking after visiting student nightclub Daisy's on Wednesday 22nd of January, Avon and Somerset police have confirmed.

Beatrice Learmouth Deputy News Editor

A

19-year-old man reported an incident of needle spiking after visiting student nightclub Daisy's on Wednesday 22nd of January, Avon and Somerset police have confirmed.

Whilst on a night out with friends, he reported feeling more intoxicated than usual at Daisy's after visiting several venues on the night.

He woke the next morning to find a bruise on his arm and went

to hospital where it was confirmed as a needle injection site.

The incident was registered by the police as 'administering poison with intent to injure or annoy', but there are currently no further lines of enquiry into the matter.

In a statement, Daisy's confirmed they were aware of an ‘alleged spiking’ at the club and ‘are working closely with the police and have had a meeting with the SU to find out more information.’

‘We reached out to the police and offered assistance in the investigation but have since received information that the case has been closed and no further investigation will be taking place,’ the statement continued.

Daisy's said they would be ‘taking extra measures on top of what we already do to increase safety at the venue.’

Fishies, the student event company who run Wednesday sports nights in Bristol and across the country, have updated their security measures following the incedent.

These new measures include: a requirement to show student ID upon entry, carrying out extra bag and body searches across venues, making stop tops available at all bars, and having welfare officers on duty across venues.

Epigram contacted Bristol SU for a statement on the incident.

‘We condemn spiking and the perpetrators who carry out these dangerous and life-threatening acts’ ‘Any student who believes they have been a victim of spiking should report the incident to the police and to the venue. They are also able to access wellbeing support through the University wellbeing team’, the statement continued.

The SU said that as far as they are aware, ‘spiking cases related to HIV are just rumours.’

Bristol SU confirmed that whilst they don’t work directly with Daisy’s, they recently met with the Venue Manager to ensure appropriate measures were being put into place.

‘The risk of anyone contracting HIV from any kind of needle injury is extremely rare and there have been no confirmed cases of HIV infections from needle stick injuries in the UK since 1999', said the SU.

‘We are aware of some recent reports of students experiencing spiking in the city,’ the SU said.

There were several reports of needle spiking in Bristol in 2021, which led to some societies boy-

cotting clubs for their lack of action over the issue, and an increased push to raise awareness about spiking in nightclubs.

Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging anyone with any knowledge about the incident which occurred to call 101 and give the reference 5225021408.

I

f you or anyone you know is a victim of drink and drugs spiking, you can report it online at: avonandsomerset.police. uk/report/drink-and-drugspiking/ More advice and information about drink and drug spiking can be found here: avonandsomerset.police.uk/ victims-witnesses-and-offenders/drink-drug-spikingguidance/

All motions passed at Students' Union Annual Members Meeting Will White News Investigations Editor

T

he Bristol Students' Union hosted their Annual Members meeting on Tuesday, February 4, where course and school representatives, alongside concerned students, passed all motions presented to them with little to no resistance Voting took place on motions including - among others - the renewal of Fossil Free Careers, blocking SU affiliation with fossil fuel industries, the implementation of an in-house guarantor scheme for low income and vulnerable renters, and the implementation of recycling resources for soft and flexible plastics across campus spaces.

Student Council Chair, Louis Anscombe, called it the 'largest democratic event of the Student Union.'

The hot-button issue of the night came near the end of proceedings, when student Agnes Sales,

Bristol co-ordinator for international group‘'Plant Based Universities’ proposed a motion to ‘transition to sustainable and affordable catering as a student's union by expanding plant based options.’

PBU's motion was the only policy that was debated all evening, with several students moving to argue against the motion and several more moving to defend it, under a new system of debate put in place by Anscombe.

In a confusing turn, one voter moved to delay the motion until the motion was further understood by the voting body.

The motion was ultimately passed by eye, with only a handful voting against. Many PBU supporters had shown up to the event.

‘I'm really glad that this has passed,’ said Sales. ‘A lot of us have really committed the last month to prepare for this motion.’

Speaking on criticism from those against the motion, Sales that she

understood

people's

concerns.

aged

food

in

Source

Cafes.’

‘I think that people are very often afraid of the ideas that we are presenting,’ said Sales. ‘We are always open to talk to people. We want to work with people. I think it's valid that people have concerns and we want to address them.’

'This has been a long-standing issue for students,' they continued. ‘Bristol SU is pleased to support this campaign as part of our commitment to sustainability and tack ling the climate crisis.’

PBU celebrated the victory in a press release on their website, which drew some concern from the Student's Union for the suggestion that it marked a move to a 100 percent plant based menu.

Despite a slow start, Anscombe said that he was happy with how the event and his new system were received.

In a statement released to Epigram, the SU said: ‘At our Annual Members Meeting (AMM) on Tuesday students voted for the motion for ‘Bristol SU to support the transition to sustainable and affordable catering by expanding plant-based options’.

This is not a move to a 100 percent plant-based university, but the SU is committed to lobbying and actioning the steps outlined in the motion such as improving plant-based pre-pack-

‘It went very well in my opinion,’ said Anscombe. ‘The whole staff are so supportive and they're so behind you. They helped me change these things [...] I think it went very well considering it's the first time we made all of this happen.’

grow up, you will realise that there is common ground everywhere.’

Anscombe said he would encourage more students to get involved in student council.

A full list of the for the 2025 AMM found on the SU

‘I want to facilitate the debate culture within the university,’ said Anscombe. ‘I think if you start at the student union, when you

The next major event for the SU will take place later this month, with the end of SU Officer nominations on 20th February.

Photo courtesy of: Bristol SU

motions can be website.

01.03.25 EPIGRAM Co-Editors Deputy Editor News Investigations Subeditors

...........Maud Humphries & Josie Hodgson .......Bea Learmouth & Rhiannon Jenkins ..........................Will White & Sofia Lambis ......................Otto Proctor & Cerys Larsen

Lunar New Year at Bristol Art Gallery and Museum

A meal for all: Langar connects students at the University of Bristol

What is Langar? Why is it important? And how is it creating community at the University of Bristol?

Georgia Zhang Second Year, Psychology and Neuroscience

O

n Thursday, Feb. 6, over 700 Students and faculty gathered in the Students' Union’s Anson rooms for a free vegetarian meal that served to connect individuals. A union that transcended their cultural and religious differences. A practice referred to as Langar.

Langar, meaning ‘free kitchen’, is where individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender or socioeconomic status come together to enjoy a free vegetarian meal. The event was hosted by the university’s Sikh society and is a tradition that embodies selfless service, Vand Chakna, and honest living, Kirat Karni, two of the three pillars that uphold Sikh philosophy.

Many others present seemed to share Kuwae's sentiment.

‘It feels good that people from all backgrounds can eat together.

The person opposite you could be rich or poor,’ said Pratik, a masters student in attendance.

Both statements are a testament to the effectiveness of Langar in forging new, meaningful bonds between individuals who perceive themselves to be divided in the world: divides that may still continue to be felt on campus.

A 2022 report on “Belonging, Connection and Community” details these divides by highlighting that ‘mainstream culture’ at the University of Bristol was often perceived by students as ‘upper/-middle class’ - a perception that emphasises the importance of hosting inclusive extracurricular events, a method many students claim they use to find community.

For some, sharing Langar with

An important aspect of the meal shared is the level at which the meal is enjoyed. All who take part in Langar are seated on the floor in rows facing opposite one another. This aspect physically brings individuals to the same level and is symbolic for the equality of the individual’s that are connected over the meal.

‘It is easy to say we’re all equal, but Langar puts that into action,’ explained Kuwae, a volunteer for the event.

the broader university community was an opportunity to challenge the bounds of this ‘mainstream culture’ by rewriting the misinformed narratives about the Sikh community.

Epigram spoke to a volunteer for the event, who shared her optimism for Langar’s role in starting important conversations at university.

‘It’s about awareness,‘ she said. ‘A lot of people are misinformed about who we are.’

These important conversations seemed to be in action throughout the event.

‘I’ve been answering a lot of questions and talking to lots of people about religion’ said Ricky, an international student attending.

By many accounts ‘welcoming’, ‘safe’ and ‘really friendly.’

For previous attendees of Langar, the meal was ‘a piece of home’ and a tribute to the vast network of cultures that assemble to 'maintain the diverse cultural environment in Bristol' as it was described by one international student, a part of Sikh society.

A free meal was promised, but much more was delivered: new friends, new beginnings and immense support for the multicultural environment enjoyed at the University of Bristol. An open, safe space that continues to grow and is worth protecting.

FLASH NEWS Bristol Revolutionary Communist Party outside of Bristol Indoor Sports Centre Mihai Rosca, Second Year, Politics and Philosophy Between 12:30 and 2pm on Friday Jan. 24, the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) stood near the entrance of the University gym giving out Communist material.

Photo courtesy of: Mihai Rosca

Lunar New Year comes to Bristol's Art Gallery and Museum. Epigram's Joanna Stopford went along to join the festivities.

Joanna Stopford, Second Year, History and English

S

unday, Feb. 9 - a bustling queue snaked (no pun intended) along Park Street, out of Bristol Art Gallery and Museum where a celebration of the Lunar New Year took place.

According to Chinese mythology, the Year of the Snake symbolises mystery, intelligence, and renewal.

Those born in the spring and summer of the year of the snake are said to be powerful and positive, whereas those born in the winter are submissive. Look to your 2001 friends to see if this lines up. The hall of the museum was adorned with Chinese lanterns and glittering dragons surrounding a stage in the center of the floor.

Across the board, the key products of the space were new opportunities to discuss and learn from each other.

Photo courtesy of: Georgia Zhang

05

Photo courtesy of: Joanna Stopford

I took my spot on the balcony and watched Sidcot school perform a traditional song and dance in mandarin. Next was the UWE K-POP dance troupe whose brilliant and energetic choreography captivated the rowdy crowd, then a controlled and impressive Tai Chi performance from Wutan Chinese Martial Arts. Bristol-based Kala Chng soundtracked Everybody Dance Now from Filwood Community Center with impressive vocals and feel-good songs.

My favourite part from this performance was when a little girl from the audience decided that she wanted to get involved with the dancing and ran underneath the long dragon puppet, where she was accepted wholeheartedly and danced with them for the rest of the show. Following this, Wutan Chinese Martial Arts returned to the stage to show a Kung Fu display with butterfly knives, broadswords, and fans. To end the extravaganza the University of Bristol Traditional Lion Dance group delivered a majestic and joyous performance with cymbals and drums accompanying the characterful dragon puppets.

They were bold and brilliant, and kicked off the lunar new year (slightly belatedly) with vibrancy. The event was family friendly with crafts and games and was a hit with local families, shown by the young children running on the stage between acts and practicing the worm (or snake) until getting kicked off by the K-pop dance troop or Kung fu demonstrators. Overall, it was a joyous event with a beautiful set up and entertaining acts.

To read more go to epigram.org.uk

Bristol Model United Nations Conference 2025 Epigram News Team Epigram cover the Bristol MUN's 2025 conference, where delegates from around the country have come to debate a range of political issues.

Photo courtesy of: Mihai Rosca

06 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Opinion A master’s student’s reflection: UoB social mobility Tallulah Brennan,

Environmental Humanities

Editor's Choice:

A Master’s degree is supposed to be a ticket to a better future, but for many, it’s just a pricey detour to precarious work. The so-called ‘graduate premium’ is shrinking, and whether you have a degree or not, young people are stuck in the same cycle of low wages and rising costs.

Instead of competing, it’s time for graduates and non-graduates alike to stand together and demand change.

N

o one’s experience of a Master’s degree is easy, but my life in Bristol is not the same as my coursemates. Working 24 hours a week and studying full time meant every day I woke up to a heavy feeling on my chest. Each place in the city was marked by transaction - the university, to which I have paid £12,450, the job I hate but need in trade for minimum wage to make extortionate rent.

My experience of the University of Bristol was entirely shaped by class - when explaining the pressure of working whilst trying to complete essays, one lecturer simply repeats the university line at me - ‘They would tell you, you should have chosen to study part time’. The same lecturer led a seminar on the inequalities that permeate the university (she explains, she only usually teaches a very specific kind of young person - often privately educated, white, southern), but when confronted with real struggle, seemed reluctant to have the conversation. When my laptop gives in 15 days before the dissertation deadline, I type out emails to my supervisor in tears, wanting to pour my heart out: my mental health has never been worse, my bank account is on its last legs,

Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash

and last night I cried for an hour over the way a customer spoke to me. I stop myself from ever sending them, because nothing about our interactions reassures me that sympathy will penetrate the borders between our two worlds.

many others who are overqualified for a job which is emotionally draining and physically tiring.

One study found that young people see ‘the new normal’ of their precarious work as ‘part and parcel’ of the economic system in which they will live out their lives. Unfortunately, After graduating, these feelings it also found that this acknowlare not diminedgment has ishing. ‘Grad'I look at lecturers and fellow not led to uates without a future’ are students alike as co-conspirators in greater trade what Dan Ev- a game that has been rigged against union involvement, and inans refers to as people like me' stead a focus ‘downwardly on improvmobile’ Gen ing one’s individual chances.

Z students, who leave university with plenty of hopes to establish In his book, A Nation of Shopkeepthemselves within the middle-class, ers, Dan Evans writes, ‘After all, peoonly to quickly realise that the ple are not inclined to smash a sysmyth that university will transtem they think they can get to the form your chances is exactly that. top of.’ He goes on to say that it was Whilst finance, law and STEM are educational divides which ensured the exception (indeed, the Univergraduates ‘had a class beneath sity of Bristol can boast that men them to look down on and define taking economics get the biggest themselves against.’ The numbness increase in earnings from going of your hands from working in a to university), across the UK, the cold warehouse, the burns on your so-called ‘graduate premium’ is arms from hot oil in a hospitality in decline. Behind the statistics, kitchen, the fuzzy vision and borethough, are the visceral feelings dom from long days at call centres of alienation and disempowerdo not discriminate as to who has ment. I have a First-Class degree, a degree certificate, and who does and a Master’s too, but I still serve not. When was the last time you brunch as a day job, alongside heard a politician speak to what downwardly socially mobile gradPhoto courtesy of: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash uates have in common with the ucation and housing costs, hence this the ‘young person premium’. young people who never applied to there are record numbers of 20-34 university, but are suffering much year olds returning to their family This is a political opportunity the same from the housing and homes. Of peowhich must be taken out of the cost of living criple between the hands of the right. Politicians are ses? This is a case 'graduates were concerned ages of 15 and 24, not going to do the work of confor joining the more with their career amnine in ten count necting the dots between young ‘graduate without bitions being unmet, and having enough people’s struggles, whether gradua future’ in radiates or non-graduates, so we must cal solidarity with non-graduates more concerned money to cover basic needs as start to connect ourselves, whether those who have by a general degradtion of an aspiration in this is through trade union membeen expected to economic circumstances' life, thanks to the bership, or simply talking to your accept stagnation, cost of living cricolleagues, to ask why it is young to never dream of sis. An article in Time magazine people, from all kinds of backsecurity and stability. The potenexhibits how everything from cuts grounds, have had dreaming of a tial of white-collar and blue-colto schools and housing benefits, better future crushed out of them. lar workers standing together, inhas led to Gen Z being defined as Graduate or not, we have had our stead of competing, could be huge. ‘the austerity generation’ - leading ability to imagine a good life stoto half of those suffering with menlen from us, only when we work Young people on average earn tal health problems to attribute it together can we take that back. less than older generations did at to the cost of living crisis. They call the same age, but with higher ed-

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

07

Editor ....................Karen Mends Deputy Editor ..................Alex Creighton Deputy Editor .................Hannah Moser Subeditor ..........Riana McConochie Subeditor ........................Ellen Jones

Valentine’s Galore: Are we participating in blatant consumerism?

Is Valentine's Day more about spreading love or spening money? And how has our approach to the holiday shifted over the years?

Maya Tailor Second Year, English

W

hile January is defined by its bleakness in the aftermath of Christmas, February, at least the first half of the month, is characterised by the anticipation leading up to Valentine’s Day. A day dedicated to showing your love and appreciation for your romantic partner, it ignites a range of emotions in people, from excitement, nerves and sometimes hatred. Wherever you stand on the Valentine’s

Photo courtesy of: Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash

Day discourse, there is no denying how inescapable it is in society.

As you walk the aisles of supermarkets, you are bound to be met with an array of reds and pinks, plastered on cards, mugs and balloons. From florists to restaurants, businesses will be pulling out all the stops in the form of unmissable deals to capitalise on this day of love. In this age, Valentine’s Day has become dominated by consumerism and the expectation to spend money.

Love has become quantifiable and sold in the form of a gift shaped as a heart. The feelings and emotions associated with love must warrant a financial benefit to be worthwhile; anything other than this feels like you’ve failed your duty as a partner.

The culture surrounding Valentine’s hasn’t always been like this. In fact, the origins of this day stem from the Catholic Church and the stories surrounding priest Valentine. One story tells of Valentine performing marriages for young lovers in secret in a time where it was outlawed.

Another story suggests that Valentine was imprisoned by the Romans for being a Christian, and sent

the first ‘valentine’ to his captor’s daughter when she visited him. It is here that the phrase ‘from your valentine’ was supposedly coined.

According to a survey carried out

by YouGov, only 49 percent of Brits partook in Valentine’s Day celebrations in 2024, a somewhat surprising revelation for such a By the middle of the 18th centucommercialised day, with cards, ry, it was common for lovers and flowers and chocolates being the even friends to exchange small tomost popular gift choices. Furtherkens of affection or handwritten more, 19 percent spent more on notes. Love was not commodified Valentine’s Day in 2024 compared for the masses; these displays of to the previous year. Whether this love were intimate, personal and is due to the cost-of-living crisis, or flexible.

When an example of busiwe compare 'The historical celebrations nesses hiking their of this day are rooted in past and presprices to get maxient Valentine’s genuine displays of love and mum profit out of the celebrations, day, is up for debate. affection' it’s easy to see how consumerist tendencies Money Wellness found that 60 perovershadow this day of love. cent of people wanted to spend less on Valentine’s Day in 2024, due Valentine’s Day has always tradito the pressure it puts on their fitionally been of interest for many nances; there seems to be a desire couples, but the extent to which to push back against the consumsupermarkets and big businesses erism that Valentine’s has become have capitalised on this interest is associated with. The public’s shiftoverwhelming. We feel inclined to ing spending habits suggest we’re buy into tactics, as if spending monbeginning to move further away ey and gift giving is the only way to from a commercialised version of show our appreciation for our partthis day, and reverting to more perners. Would we be buying flowers, sonal ways of showing our affection chocolates and gifts of that calibre other. It will be interesting to see if February 14th was a regular day? how this trend continues in 2025.

Clear, uniform and precise: Is it time to change the Bristol Law school marking criteria?

Law students learn the value of clear rules, yet their own grading lacks consistency. Shouldn’t the law school practice what it preaches?

Nathaniel Crawford Second Year, Law

V

oltaire once argued, “let all laws be clear, uniform and precise, for interpreting laws is almost always to corrupt them”. Upon entering the University of Bristol's law School, budding young lawyers are taught the value of these principles in ensuring the predictability of the rule of law. Despite this, law students are forced to contend with a marking criteria absent of uniformity, clarity and precision. This begs the question; is it time to change the law school marking criteria?

of the marking criteria. In response Academics continuously expound to a recent survey, one law stuthe virtue of “critical analysis” yet dent stated, ‘it seems marking is an fail to incorporate a clear definition act of instinct and not based on a of this technique into the markclear, robust system. When engaging criteria. To achieve first class ing in mock marking exercises in marks, law students are required seminars, such as in Jurisprudence to engage “fully and critically with and Trusts, I have material, providing 'Instead of evaluating witnessed how stuexcellent evaluation & critique”. Despite students use of critical anal- dents are asked by teachers to assign this, students are ysis, examiners commonly a mark to an essay continuously left feedback consisting instruct students to include and students are consistently assignof the line, ‘could a greater use of critique' ing grades to an use more critical essay that are remarkably higher analysis.’ Whilst this would unor lower than the teacher’s marks. doubtedly result in a more exciting Clearly, students do not know preessay, this is likely an unachievable cisely what teachers want. I have benchmark for undergraduate stuseen this in my own work with dents constrained by such a limita huge fluctuation in my grades ed wordcount. In addition to this, which don’t correspond to other these vague comments provide stufactors such as how much I enjoyed dents no clear explanation of what the module or how I performed in the marker expects them to do. the formative. Furthermore, critical analysis is a nebulous term that stuStudents report an equal absence dents struggle with.’ Ambiguous criof examiners uniform application

teria such as the requirement that students display ‘strong awareness of relevant connections between issues & significance of these’ are open to wide interpretation by examiners. Whilst the subject of law is predicated on argument, which is itself highly subjective, the adoption of this non-uniform approach in marking is dangerous and leaves

students without a measure from which they can analyse why certain techniques worked in one assessment and failed in another.

To reach its full potential, the school may look to adopt a different marking criterion or reform the existing model to aid students. attempts to improve their work.

Photo courtesy of: Harriet Sanderson

08 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Features Editor's Choice:

Murder of the dance floor: Is clubbing dead?

Ilona Hoffmann Features Subeditor

For February’s Editor’s Choice, I’ve selected one of our section’s resident subeditors, Ilona Hoffmann’s, piece investigating the reasons behind Gen Z's declining interest in clubbing culture. As somebody who’s never been the biggest fan of clubbing, this is music to my ears! It’s about time we acknowledge how unbelievably expensive clubbing can be and how interesting it is that there has been a tangible shift among Gen Z regarding club nights. I chose this piece because it has a great balance between research and anecdotal information from interviews — Ilona really gets into the weeds of the topic. So, read and ask yourself: ‘Is clubbing dead?’

G

en Z isn’t clubbing like previous generations. What is to blame for the end of the boogie?

It’s not just about the cost of living crisis - though skyrocketing drink prices, expensive entry fees and insufficient student loans don’t help.

Students prefer more intimate settings to chat with friends, valuing curated experiences over sweaty dance floors. The rise of wellness culture, sober curiosity and controlled social settings means that, more often than not, the traditional club scene isn't the go-to anymore.

Currently, Gen Z is battling soaring inflation with a 2.5 per cent rise in UK prices in the last 12 months causing disproportionately higher prices, housing costs and student loan balances than the millennials who came before them. The Na-

UK study of drinking behaviours tional Union of Students claimed that the 2.8 per cent increase in showed that in 2019, 16-25-yearolds were the most likely to be teemaintenance loans for 2023/2024 total, with 26 per cent not drinking. was woefully inadequate, making Elle, a fourth-year pharmacology it difficult for students to cover student, told Epigram that ‘a night their housing let alone a couple of pints. Six in ten UK customers are out isn't worth the disruption to [her] schedule the next day’, where cutting back on non-essential purshe would most likechases and unfortunately, clubbing ly sleep in and miss ‘37 per cent of UK clubs going to the gym is the first to go. to close down over the last because of drinking. four years’ With the increase This new rewriting of your 20s is priorof online influencers who make wellness their itising a more health-conscious and sober lifestyle. Not that clubbing brand, Gen Z is becoming inspired needs to involve drinking, howto make healthier choices than the generations before them. For Gen ever, this means clubs aren't making enough money to stay open...

Z, health is holistic and they instinctively integrate health and wellness into their everyday lives, naturally causing a cut in their alcohol For full article, go to: consumption. The largest recent epigram.org.uk

Photo courtesy of: Ilona Hoffmann

Spotlight | Bristol Suspensions: More than just music

Ed Wallace explores the University of Bristol’s A Cappella Society: The Bristol Suspensions

Ed Wallace First Year, Politics and Social Policy

N

estled within the vibrant student community at the University of Bristol, the A Cappella Society is more than just a collection of singers – it’s a symphony of musical energy, bound together by harmonies, friendships, and an unshakable passion for performance. With eight groups offering everything from high-stakes competitions to laid-back, feel-good singing, this society thrives on the joy of making music, and even more so, on sharing it with the world.

In Epigram’s conversation with Lydia O’Boyle, the president of

the A Cappella Society, she shared insight into the society’s dynamic growth and infectious enthusiasm.

Whether you dream of dazzling audiences or simply want to belt out tunes with friends, there’s a place for everyone. The society is home to three auditioned, competitive groups – Pitch Fight, Academy, and The Bristol Suspensions – who battle it out in the prestigious International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA), the very competition that inspired Pitch Perfect.

For those looking for something a little less intense but just as rewarding, an auditioned non-competitive group and four non-auditioned groups, including the beatboxing powerhouse, Brizzlebox, welcome singers of all abilities.The result? A melting pot of talent and enthusiasm, where no voice goes unheard.

The performance calendar is nothing short of thrilling. The annual Best of the South West (BOSW) showcase is a crescendo of sound

and showmanship, featuring Bristol’s finest, alongside groups from Exeter, Cardiff, Royal Welsh, and Bath. With pyrotechnics, a fullscale production, and an audience that grows year after year (last year’s event sold 339 tickets), BOSW is fast becoming a legendary student-led spectacle. Lydia described it as ‘an incredible show to be a part of’, and it’s clear that each year it reaches new heights.

Beyond that, the society’s Christmas concert at the Victoria Methodist Church brings festive cheer to the masses, while the end-of-year showcase is a celebration of the group’s hard work. But it doesn’t stop there. The competitive groups are constantly on the move, and on February 16th, they’re hitting the high notes in Exeter to prove their vocal prowess at the ICCA UK uarterfinals. The Bristol Suspensions have already claimed international glory, winning first place at Italy’s Solevoci compe-

tition, while Academy and Pitch Fight have consistently shone in ICCA quarter-finals. With achievements like these, Bristol’s A Cappella scene is anything but amateur.

expansion of its already thriving community – there’s no limit to where these voices can go. And for anyone considering joining, Lydia has one simple message: ‘Just do it!’

Looking ahead, the A Cappella Society has its sights set on even bigger and better things. More performances, new collaborations with societies and external organisations, and the continued

With passion, ambition, and a whole lot of harmony, this isn’t just a student group – it’s a chance to create lifelong friendships and unforgettable melodies. The only question is, are you ready to sing along?

Photo courtesy of: Ilona Hoffmann

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

09

Editor ................. Nel Roden Deputy Editor .............. Jess Cohen Deputy Editor .............. Daisy Yates Subeditor ....... Ilona Hoffmann Researcher ......... Reuben Kerbes

Should I stay or should I go?

Reuben Kerbes examines the highs and lows of taking a year abroad

Reuben Kerbes Features Subeditor

T

hree years can often feel like a regrettably short time at university, and many students will be considering the decision to take a year abroad across the globe. This can serve as a pivotal milestone in a student’s life journey and can lead many to make more expansive, adventurous decisions about their future.

But is it all that it’s cracked up to be? Is the time, energy, and change worth the experience?

Epigram spoke to students who are currently undergoing or have finished their time away - to

further investigate their experiences of the fabled year abroad.

Some students felt a notable separation from their home life, a feeling that may seem obvious but can stick with you throughout the year. In conversation with Ilona, a fourth-year Liberal Arts student who studied in Seattle for her third year, she told Epigram that there ‘were always moments when you miss friends and family.’

Abbie, a third-year Politics student found that ‘taking a step out

‘Personal tutors can be a crucial source of information and support’ of “normal” university life gives so much perspective.’ With academic validation and pressure surrounding grades being such an integral part of university, having a break is ‘so important.’

When asked about a key piece of

advice for those thinking about or preparing to go on a year abroad, the resounding line was: say yes to everything, don't isolate yourself, and make the most of it. Lottie agreed, but she also holds one more piece of great advice, ‘It can be easy to want to do everything in the city straight away, but take your time, you have the whole year.’

daunting, but it’s not impossible if you’ve already enrolled in a course that does not offer study abroad.

The University of Bristol Study Abroad web page offers lots of useful information depending on your specific situation. Personal tutors can be a crucial source of information and support if you’re looking to get out of the country, so if there’s a

specific question you have that’s not answered on the Bristol University page, they’re your best bet.

Wherever you go, it’ll be a success, it all just depends on what your priorities and interests are.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to do new things, and above all else - enjoy it!

In terms of destinations, you can’t really go wrong, everywhere will have something for someone, however a key thing to remember is to choose a location that interests you. For Ilona, it was the American sports patriotism that enamored her, but for Lottie, it was the ease of returning from Copenhagen for holidays that won her over.

Studying abroad is a popular option for many students and for good reason. If you’re considering spending a period of your studies in another country, this process can be a little

Photo courtesy of: Ilona Hoffmann

‘We were sort of stuck in a limbo’: Navigating the Bristol house hunt while studying abroad Ellen Jones details the challenges faced by students navigating the housing market from afar

Ellen Jones Third year, Politics and International Relations

B

ristol is a notoriously expensive city, ranking in recent years as one of the steepest cities (in more ways than one) for university students — often coming only after London, Brighton, and Oxford in tables measuring expenses such as rent, utilities, and transport.

Home to both the University of Bristol and the University of West

England, Bristol is a vibrant but infamously crowded city. As student populations and average monthly rents for accommodation continue to rise, the availability of good-quality and affordable student housing increasingly fails to meet the growing demand.

It’s a problem that has made the search for student housing — beginning for many as early as a month into the new academic year — a particularly stressful and expensive burden for students to shoulder alongside their studies.

House-hunting seasons of previous years have seen images of long, anxious lines of students queueing outside the Bristol SU Lettings office in the height of winter, well before its doors had opened for the day.

To further investigate this issue, Epigram spoke to two students about their experiences, and what advice they might have to those in a similar position.

Photo courtesy of: Daisy Yates

Sophie, a third-year Business and Spanish student, described familiar problems with Bristol house-hunting. While in Spain, she started searching for fourth-year housing as early as September: ‘Initially, I

felt we were quite prepared, but I don’t think any of us realised how many difficulties we would face… every day we would be scanning Rightmove and calling up landlords, only to find that either a group had already reserved the property, [or] the slots for viewings had filled up.’

Bristol Student Accommodation are another useful place to look.

When asked what advice she had for students looking for university accommodation while abroad, Sophie recalled her group ‘messaging literally everyone we knew who was still in Bristol, to see if they Ilona, a fourth-year Liberal Arts would be moving out, and then student who completed her third contacting the landlord directly year in America, also described a before the property even went up ‘difficult’ house search: ‘Imagine on [rental] sites,’ adding, ‘even then you’re applying for houses in Bristhe landlord was apprehensive, tol like normal, and it took some then add a time persuading, but the ‘Preempt the housing situa- best thing is to be difference for communication, tion. If you know you’re going first in the queue.’ a reduced circle Ilona recommendaway, ask around.’ of people to coned: ‘Preempt the tact about livhousing situation. ing with, and the uncertainty of If you know you’re going away, the housing condition, as you ask around to see who will still couldn’t go and view it yourself. be there for fourth year, and see if you can join in on their plans.’

Both Sophie and Ilona managed to secure housing for their fourth year ‘It isn’t the easiest process,’ she — though having contacts in Briscontinued, ‘but don’t let that stop tol did make a difference. But there you going abroad! I promise once is no shortage of options for those you’ve moved away for the year who may not have contacts in Bristo a new country on your own, tol to come back to; sites such as any issues that arise when you’re SpareRoom often have listings for back will be a piece of cake!’ student houses trying to fill an empty room, and Facebook groups like

10 01.03.25 EPIGRAM

Features

Editor ................. Nel Roden Deputy Editor .............. Jess Cohen Deputy Editor .............. Daisy Yates Subeditor ....... Ilona Hoffmann Subeditor ......... Reuben Kerbes

Who are Enough and why are they on our campus? Here’s what we know:

Continued from front page...

Bright, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the topic, Katie explained to us that: ‘[enough is] a way of validating [survivors].

You are taking a simple step, it’s intentional,’ adding,‘at the moment people just sit and spiral in shame’.

The stats back her up: according to a 2021 report from the Ministry of Justice, there is a 1.6 percent conviction rate from rape cases in the UK, and that’s of the only 20 percent of survivors who actually report their assault to the police.

‘If [students] want it to be, this could be the start of the end of sexual violence, but it has to involve everyone,’ Katie continued. She envisages a future where ‘the default is to be on the side of the survivor’, and she sees enough as having a key part to play in shifting the culture.

So how are they making this change happen? Twofold: by providing selfhelp recovery and ally support tools on their website, and disseminating self-testing kits, which supposedly offer a simple, discreet way for survivors to collect DNA evidence of their assault from their body in its immediate aftermath. These can currently be bought on the company’s website for £20, accessed for free at ‘safe spaces’ across Bristol.

Self-Swab Kits: Should you use one?

From discussions with White it is clear that she has positive intentions, but some government backed healthcare and legal experts have voiced doubts that the self-swab kits are the best way to support survivors.

Photo courtesy of: Livy Naylor

In September of last year, the Faculty of Forensic & Legal Medicine, a charity made up of doctors and forensic experts, released a statement declaring that, based on their research, they ‘do not advocate the use of ‘self-swabbing’ kits.’

They state that the kits ‘[do] not necessarily provide reliable independent evidence, may not enable survivors to choose whether to report to the police later and therefore does not prevent perpetrators from acting against others.’

agreed procedures, the value of capturing any DNA sample may be compromised… We know that there is still a long way to go to improve confidence in victim-survivors reporting to the police…

Our specialist sexual offences investigation team, Operation Bluestone, launched in 2021 to transform the way we investigate these extremely serious crimes.’

Katie White also told us that it is her belief that forensic evidence collected by the enough self-testing kits, like all forensic evidence, may or may not be valid as evidence in court. ‘They [those against the kits] can’t say for certain that it won’t be admissible, because there’s no precedent,’ she argues.

In short, enough view their tests as a ‘symbol of a world without sexual violence’, rather than a surefire route to conviction.

Some students have also voiced to Epigram that they didn’t realise the kits may not be legally viable, with one saying that she found Why are enough on campus? this problematic and ‘misleading A joint statement, published on vulnerable people December 22nd Although enough have become a about the effica2024, cosigned by definite presence at the Universi'If [students] want it to be, cy of the evidence expert bodies inty of Bristol, the University of the cluding, amongst this could be the start of the the test can give’.

West of England (UWE) Students’ others, the NHS, end of sexual violence, but Union has declined to let enough She’s not the only Avon & Somerset it has to involve everyone' – one who feels mis- representatives onto their campus, police and crime citing concerns with the self-testKatie White, co-founder led by the group commissioner, and ing kits. In December 2024 this – an ex-student amthe Bridge, Bristriggered White to launch a pebassador for enough reached out tol’s sexual assault referral centre tition which asserted: ‘Students to Epigram and said that she, along (SARC), corroborated this view, want Enough at UWE’. That pewith others, ‘left after the NHS saying: ‘It is recommended that tition currently sits at 445 signayou do not take a swab yourself.’ alert’ adding that, in her experitures, but the organisation is yet ence, ‘we definitely weren’t – and I to be allowed into UWE’s grounds. don’t know if current ambassadors The Somerset and Avon police are – fully informed on all the legal department echoed this position.

Epigram asked University of Brisimplications of [the kits].’ She addtol students if they thought the ed that she did like the concept, but ‘We understand that victim-surviuniversity or SU that she believed vors of sexual offences may wish were affiliated with 'It is recommended that it was ‘incredibly to provide samples in surroundings the organisation you do not take a swab poorly executed’. that are familiar to them, but we and 17 percent reremain concerned that self-swabyourself' – the NHS, the sponded ‘Yes’. Izzy, When we reached bing kits may introduce evidential a master’s student, Bridge, and more.' out to enough challenges,’ Detective Chief Insaid ‘It’s not clear… for comment spector Rich Marsh told Epigram.

I kind of assumed that anything on these students' comments, that’s on campus has at least been they said: ‘We encourage anyHe added: ‘Without following passed by the SU to be there’. one who is considering reporting officially to do that first.

This is not the case; neither the SU or University are associated ‘Enough is an alternative to inacwith the organisation. When aption, not to Criminal Justice. Self-colproached for comment, the SU said: lected evidence will of course be scrutinised in court, more so than ‘We are not currently promoting or if collected by the police. But givendorsing the Private limited Comen that only 6% of survivors report pany known as Enough due to consoon enough to have a forensic cerns about self-swab tests which examination, Enough can provide have been raised by the NHS, pofrozen DNA and a time-stamped lice, and local support services. testimony that can only be of support to a case. Survivors rarely even ‘The University of Bristol have a see the results of their examination team of male and female Sexual if they report to the police, Enough Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs) provides confirmation in 48h’. who have had specialist training… We're currently working The Crown Prosecution Service with partners across the city on guidance states that, ‘the admissia campaign to raise awareness bility of evidence (whether or not of the critical work of SARCs.’ it complies with the FSR Code) is a matter for the courts to determine The University has also said: ‘There on a case-by-case basis’. As such, is no relationship or affiliation be-

tween the University and [enough].

‘We care deeply about all our students and are committed to providing an environment where everyone feels safe and respected.’

What do students think?

When asked on an Epigram story poll 84 percent of respondents answered they had heard of enough, of which 49 percent trust them as an organisation. A further 19 percent reported ‘Yes, but I have doubts’ and 20 percent were ‘Unsure’, when asked if they like/trust them.

To get a more nuanced understanding of how students feel about enough, Epigram spoke to them across campus.

Though everyone agreed with enough’s main objectives, multiple people raised concerns about some of their methods, which they viewed as tactless. One person pointed out: ‘victims of sexual assault don’t want to be bombarded and reminded of it by random people.’

This sentiment was echoed by several students that we spoke to. Katy, an undergraduate at Bristol, specified that she found the ‘together we can end rape’ posters, which have been put inside toilets, ‘inappropriate.’

Millie, a fourth year student, also said she felt ‘shocked and upset’ by the way an ambassador approached her on the way to an exam, which she described as ‘very intense and insensitive given the subject matter’.

Not everyone may be a fan of how they go about achieving it, but if enough’s goal is to get people talking, it seems like they’ve been successful. Postgraduate Izzy told Epigram that ‘it has started a good conversation around uni… I have talked about [sexual violence] with all of my friends’.

Everyone is on the same side; just not on the same page. Across campus and beyond, we all want to improve the lives of survivors and live in a world without sexual violence – there’s just some disagreement about how we get there.

For a list of resources available to anyone who has been affected by sexual violence, visit: epigram.org.uk/who-areenough-bristol/

EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Editor's Note: When we were planning ‘Break the Mould’ over the Christmas holiday, none of us knew how it would be received. We thought that students would be behind us, but we definitely did not expect it to be as much of an immediate success as it has been.

In the past month, we’ve had national media attention, an endorsement from SU housing officer Lucy Pears, over 500 signatures on our petition, and so much support from the student community. And we’ve got no plans to stop anytime soon.

This month, we’ll continue petitioning the SU, and begin working with Lucy to make ‘Rent Review’ a reality. Need a refresher on what we want to do? It’s all on these pages, along with Bibi’s mould horror story, which is well worth your time.

Annie McNamee, Editor in Chief

When Epigram met with cheery and unguarded student, Bibi Millett, her polished appearance struggled to convey the housing nightmare that she’s fought while keeping up with the already demanding pressures of university.

By James Lewis, SciTech Deputy Editor

B

ibi was about to begin her second year at UWE and, following a well-spent first year, she was excited to move into her new student house which had been ‘advertised as a very nice property.’ She had expected the property to ‘be well maintained’, especially since she had already broken the budget to secure it – an excusable naivete that most students have experienced upon delving into the renters’ market.

It was the first time that she went into her room when she thought ‘It clearly smells like damp’, to which her landlord reassured her that it was paint drying. Bibi was suspicious, not least of all because no one else’s room smelt; ‘so have you just painted my room?’ she wondered.

‘Defeated... very defeated’: One student’s mould nightmare line’ running up the exterior of the house where the boiler room is.

Despite her landlord graciously offering to provide a dehumidifier, the machine didn’t materialise until October 24 – nine weeks after the mould was first discovered.

In October, Bibi was getting ready to go out for a friend’s birthday.

The woes of space in a well-occupied house of seven forced Bibi to store her ‘extensive coat collection’ under her bed and on the October 8, in need of a jacket, Bibi thought, ‘Oh my god what is that smell’ and soon realised how damp her jackets had become. ‘Luckily they weren’t mouldy’, but Bibi, alarmed – who told me she would be ‘devastated’ were her coats to be ruined – searched the rest of her room where she discovered a thriving mess of mould underneath her bed that had even started to make its way onto her mattress.

Among the casualties was ‘a large painting from It was when she [her] course that If ‘acted upon sooner, began to rearrange had been removed damage to my property and her bedroom in the from the frame.’ my health could’ve been hopes of impressBibi had already ing her stamp on listed the painting prevented.’ her new space that to sell on Faceshe realised the true cause of the book; ‘That’s one of my jobs. I do smell. ‘When I pulled it [the desk] commissions and I sell my work’ back there was black mould all to cover the high cost of living in over the skirting board behind it.’ Bristol. The landlord offered her a £30 voucher as compensation, a smack in the face when Bibi exTenants are expected to ‘alert plained that she’d been expecting [their] landlord straight away.’ to sell the painting for £300 at So, Bibi did.She sent photos to the very least – she didn’t accept. her landlord and Bibi bought mould spray to wipe it off.

It was ‘very damp, very gross’ Bibi told Epigram. It was only after she The mould returned shortly after discovered damage to her personshe had first wiped it off and her al property that her landlord took landlord offered to provide a dehunotice of the problem at hand, demidifier, despite Bibi’s insisting that spite being well aware from day the air was dry and that it was comdot. In an email to her landlord on ing from rising damp: ‘It doesn’t October 24, Bibi made the point take an expert – my room was that if this were ‘acted upon soonvery dry. We have a washer-dryer er, damage to my property and my so we weren’t drying clothes on a health could’ve been prevented.’ rack and my room was well-ventilated.’ The mould is being caused An asthmatic and IBS sufferer, by what Bibi suspects is a fault Bibi described a life of ‘very poor with the boiler that is fitted near health’, where she was ‘in and out her room – she noticed a ‘big black of hospital [...] four or five times a

year.’ Through a committed lifestyle shift and a diet change where she cut out sugar and alcohol, she had started to ‘feel like a different person.’ Her exposure to mould has set her back. After completely losing a reliance on her inhaler she is back to using it daily. She even suspects the mould has triggered waves of brain fog, impacting her work.

The landlord responded on the same day where she assured Bibi that a contractor would be visiting soon. It was the 30th of October when the contractor turned up at the property, but again Bibi felt let down. She asked the contractor whether he was a mould specialist – he wasn’t, despite her dad getting involved the day before expressing their desire for a mould specialist to inspect the property. While a mould specialist is not necessarily required by law, a landlord is required tokeep their properties ‘safe and free from health hazards.’

By law, then, Bibi’s landlord is expected to do everything in their power to protect their tenants’ health. When building works were finally done on November 1 ‘they just scrubbed everything and left.’

ment’s private renting page. Bibi’s home is not safe for her and as an asthma sufferer, the NHS’s advice would encourage her to ‘stay away from damp and mould as much as possible’, yet she goes on suffering at the whim of her landlord.

‘I feel quite defeated... very defeated’ Bibi noted as we started to say our goodbyes. Bibi’s experience has left her with a mistrust of landlords

and a hole in her pocket with little to show for it. A story that encapsulates a lot of what is wrong with Bristol’s student housing market – too little for too much.

If you also feel 'defeated' by your housing situation, we want to hear from you. Tell us your story at epigram.editor@gmail.com, and sign our petition here in favour of better quality student housing.

Predictably, it wasn’t long until the mould returned. Bibi once again emailed her landlord, on the December 12, who replied ‘instantly’, assuring she would visit the property soon and provide a solution.

Bibi is still waiting for her landlord to show up and is now faced with her phone calls being ignored with no explanation as to why.

Bibi told Epigram that just last week, she phoned her landlord, was ignored and later received this text: ‘Apologies, I’ve been at work.

What was your call regarding?’

Bibi’s story might be exceptional in its severity, but this kind of behaviour from landlords is echoed by students across Bristol. In a 2015 survey by the SU, 90% of students reported having ‘accommodation problems.’ Too many landlords aren’t taking students’ complaints seriously, even though people have the right to ‘live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair’, as stated on the governPhotos courtesy of: Bibbi Millett

Our top ten successes so far

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

After months of hard work, Epigram’s ‘Break the Mould’ campaign finally launched this month! We are incredibly proud of this campaign and the momentum it has gained so far, have a read of our top 10 successes from the past few weeks: Launch day! We launched the campaign on Monday 3rd of February after months of hard work from our Epigram team On launch day we handed out over 800 papers on campus! We hope you got your hands on a copy - if not, there are still a few around campus at our usual distribution spots Our petition hit 500 signatures! We thank you so much for your support, if you haven’t signed the petition yet, the link can be found in our ‘Break the Mould’ story highlight on Instagram Local press coverage: Our campaign garnered fantastic exposure, being featured by BBC News and other prominent publications Our Co-Editor in Chief, Annie, appeared on Greatest Hits Radio to talk about our campaign!

Our campaign poster received high praise on LinkedIn from Nick Mitchell, Head of Communications for Change.org. He described our poster as bold, shareable, and authentic - thank you, Nick!

The campaign was highlighted in the SU newsletter! We’re so excited to be working alongside Lucy to implement our ‘Rent Review’ system

Photos courtesy of: UBTV

Further press coverage, with The Big Issue dedicating an article to our campaign, helping amplify our impact and reach an even wider audience

Our Proposal Nathan Flanders, Policy Lead

Overwhelming support and positive feedback from our student peers. We are incredibly gratetful for this. First and foremost, this is a campaign by students for students. Thank you so much for being part of this journey so far; this is just the beginning!

Epigram is launching ‘Break the Mould’ to improve the conditions of student housing in Bristol and beyond, with a particular focus on tackling mould. We are lobbying the Bristol SU to extend their ‘My Rent, My Rights’ campaign by introducing ‘Rent Review’, a student property review system where renters can review their house or flat, for example its condition, any issues that arise, and the speed and effectiveness of the landlord’s responses. This would work together with an SU-run accreditation system, where good landlords are approved by the SU. Both the rating and the accreditation would be visible to all students.

This would incentivise landlords to focus on the quality of service they are providing to tenants, and help students to avoid poor housing.

The campaign gained the support of the SU Student Living Officer, Lucy Pears She commented ‘I'm very happy to support the work that Epigram is doing with the Break the Mould campaign and I'm looking forward to working with them moving forwards. A Bristol SU survey found that 75% of students have problems with mould - and this finding is from 10 years ago! The situation is terrible, and it hasn't been getting any better, so I'm pleased to see the ‘Break the Mould’ campaign tackling this head-on. I'm eager to point students in your direction and to see some change!'

As Epigram, we will also create a dedicated page on our website containing information about mould, its consequences, and best practices to prevent and fix it.

This, we propose, would be linked to on the ‘My Rent, My Rights’ campaign page to give students an accessible bank of information that they can use.

Sign the Petition !

16 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Film & TV Bristol Slapstick Film Festival: Mel Brooks' Silent Movie Packs a Punch Felix Glanville

Second Year, History

Editor's Choice:

Last month, I reached out to the wonderful people at Bristol Slapstick Festival to see if we could check out some of their amazing events and screenings in exchange for a review. As you are currently reading one of those reviews, it is safe to say they said yes! Without further ado, here is Felix's take on on Mel Brook's 1976 knee-slapper, Silent Movie.

A

s part of the Bristol Slapstick Festival celebrating its 20th anniversary this week, Epigram was graciously invited by the festival and Watershed to watch Mel Brooks' 1976 classic Silent Movie, opened with an insightful talk by festival director Chris Daniels and comedy legend Robin Ince.

As I arrived into the lobby of Watershed, there was already a great buzz in the air. Bristol locals, students, and comedy fans eagerly filled into the cosy cinema screen, preparing to step back into a vintage Hollywood age and, poignantly for many, embrace themselves in the comedy memories of their childhood. As Daniels and Ince introduced the

Photos courtesy of Felix Glanvillle film, you could really feel the love and appreciation they hold for slapstick comedy, placing Brooks' Silent Movie as a revelatory film of its age.

Ince describes a 'preciousness' that colours Silent Movie, as 'you don't find many films likes this'. Their talk clearly laid down some high expectations for the film, but best of all it really primed my viewing experience. I was more than ready for an unexpected cameo here and outlandish punch to the gut there.

So, as Daniels and Ince left the front of the theatre in silent suspense, the lights of the cinema began to dim, the classic film number sequence counted down, and most profoundly of all – the film opened in complete silence. Well of course, true to its name. I must say, at first I was slightly worried with the prospect of soundless dialogue for 90 minutes, but all these fears were quickly abandoned after the iconic introductory scene. We see Mel Funn (Mel Brooks) with his absurdist double act of Marty Eggs (Marty Feldman) and Dom Bell (Dom DeLuise) driving haphazardly down Sunset Boulevard as chirpy music plunges the audience into this exaggerated Hollywood world. I was properly prepared for a wacky time.

The film revolves around Brooks' protagonist, a once great director

who, after his recovery from alcoholism, is desperate to create the first major silent movie in Hollywood for several decades. As Ince brilliantly pointed out in his talk, what makes this film a true slapstick masterclass is Brooks' dealings with mad characters, recruiting famous Hollywood faces (for which he promises he can get to the studio chief) and an archetypal nutty villain in the form of the studio boss of Lunatic and Devour.

This is a fitting criticism by Brooks about the domineering studio executives of the 1970s which are taking a chokehold of all films, actors and the Hollywood space.

The audience becomes such an integral part of this wonderful viewing experience: great laughs, roars and, at the funniest of parts, the occasional applause. Mel Brooks had got this Bristol audience in stitches. Rightfully so this film really captures the very best of that foolish Chaplin style of physical comedy. There were so many comic highlights from the film: a caravan teetering from side to side as our lardy Dom DeLuise aims to convince 1970s legendary actor Burt Reynolds to join Funn's creative endeavour. Then, the Hollywood homeless celebrating around Mel's enormous bottle of whisky.

Photo courtesy of: IMDb

And Eggs and Bell playing the 1972 game Pong on an ECG attached to the studio chief in the hospital.

The real comic beauty of Silent Movie is that the film's plot is literally the plot of silent movie itself, with subject mimicking form. We have just watched a star studded cast create the first major silent movie in forty years, something that Brooks' seemingly alter-ego character 'Mel Funn' aimed to do during the whole film.

This 'meta' feel of this film left me feeling deeply satisfied and cements, for me at least, Brooks' place in Hollywood as one of its greatest.

Watching everything play out in a

larger-than-life way was a welcome break to the era of films concentrated on heightened horror and emerging tacky special effects. Brooks created a ridiculous comedy with so much passion and heart, really taking me by surprise at just how much I enjoyed it as I was leaving.

In reflection, Ince and Daniel's description of 'a collegiate spirit in the film' was firmly alive. Brooks cultivated an environment for physical absurdity – all the more impressive as not a word was uttered by the cast. Everyone in the film all felt like one big stage ensemble, bouncing around these Hollywood sets and acting with great vigour. The energy was high and constant, making for an all-round brilliant watch.

Once again, Epigram is so grateful to the Watershed and Bristol Slapstick Festival, who even in the early hours of the day, cultivated a brilliantly engaging event sharing their love for slapstick comedy. I really felt immersed in an audience caught in hysterics and there was a sweetness to the scene with the older generation laughing in nostalgia, and I was there for it.

Check out the rest of our Bristol Slapstick Festival coverage here: Epigram.org.uk

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

17

Editor .............Max Bradley-Cole Deputy Editor ...............Meadow Wattret Deputy Editor .................Chien Wen Siow Subeditor .........Marianne Chatburn Subeditor .................Nadiya Jackson

Memoir of a Snail: A Claymation Masterpiece Full of Heart

Photo courtesy of: IMDb

Animation is often considered a medium solely for children. Memoir of a Snail, is here to prove that wrong.

Jasmine Mack First Year, Film and English

T

hanks to the lovely people over at Watershed, I was able to catch an advanced viewing of Memoir of a Snail (Adam Elliot, 2024) before it comes out in the UK this Valentine’s Day. I went into this film not knowing anything about it and expecting a sweet Claymation tale of a snail’s life cycle. However, I left the cinema with puffy eyes and salty glasses, and a whole lot of thought-pro-

voking quotes stuck in my head.

I was not at all expecting to be so moved by this film, but it turned out to be one of the best animated films I have seen in a long time.

Memoir of a Snail is in fact not about what the title suggests. It follows the life of the melancholic hoarder Grace, an orphan separated from her twin brother Gilbert at a young age, and whilst not a snail herself, she is incredibly obsessed with them. Animated in a style dubbed by Director Adam Elliot as ‘clayography’, this autobiographical narrative follows Grace as she talks to her favourite snail, Sylvia, as she crawls across the vegetable patch of Pinky, Grace’s eccentric elderly friend. From that description I’m sure some people will be ducking away from what is potentially a tragic and bleak film, but I assure you that this is a tragedy worth enduring, as you will come out the other end with a new outlook on life, and with undoubtedly satiated eyeballs as the meticulous production design of this film is a feast for them to behold. It also made me genuinely laugh out loud, with the light absurdity and charming Aussie accents creating moments of hilarity amidst the sadness.

Every aspect of this film is so full of soul, dedication and effort, as is usually the way with the arduous process of stop motion. However,

Photo courtesy of: IMDb

Flick Picks: Women's History Month

Freedom Writers

True Spirit

Richard LaGravenese

Sarah Spillane

The story follows a dedicated teacher, Erin Gruwell, working in a Los Angeles school where the students are divided and aggressive towards one another as a result of their rival gangs. Rather than giving up, Erin inspires her students to take their future into their own hands and not let it be dictated by their hostile surroundings.

My next recommendation is a more recent film that follows the journey of a determined Australian teenager, Jessica Watson (played by Teagan Croft) as she chases her dreams to become the youngest solo sailor to travel around the world. Her journey is not smooth-sailing (sorry for the pun) and she risks her life to pursue her passion.

the particular style of Elliot’s Claymation - with all its bumps, imperfections, and eccentricities - gives so much heart to every frame, and matches the themes of his characters. Each still is so carefully thought out and detailed and is made even more interesting by a quote that has significantly stuck with me: ‘Life can only be understood backwards, but we must live it forwards.’ There are several objects and moments in the film (particularly during the opening credits and scene) that can only be understood fully once the narrative has been completely explored, and there’s something really beautiful in that and the way this mimics our own lives. The visual aesthetic of this film teeters on an interesting barrier between beauty and disgust; the detail of the production

design and meticulous world building is awe inspiring to say the least, though there is something slightly unsettling about some of the character design and action. However, this only corroborates with the bleak subject material and complex characterisation, further creating a thoroughly captivating diegesis.

Another feature of this film which makes it so deeply touching is the unique yet relatable characters, and their relationships with each other. Though every character is flawed in some way or another (reflected in their warped clay flesh) they remain likeable and engaging. Apart from Ruth.

Ruth is public enemy number one.

Find the rest of this review at: Epigram.org,uk

Emma Coleman First Year, English

Made in Dagenham

To read more go to epigram.org.uk

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Nigel Cole

George C. Wolfe

Made in Dagenham is a more light-hearted option to celebrate IWD and, whilst dealing with the very serious issue of the pay gap, it takes the form of a comedic drama. Take a dive into the past, specifically 1968, and revel in the glory of women who helped shape the world modern women enjoy today.

This film follows the true story of Deborah Lacks (played by Oprah Winfrey) attempting to uncover the legacy of her mother, Henrietta - whose cancerous cells were unknowingly taken after her death and allowed doctors to create the oldest immortalised cell line. This led to outstanding scientific advancements, including treatments of Parkinson's and leukaemia.

14 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Arts The design of space behind the drum and bass: club design in Bristol Ella Heathcote takes a look at the history of nightclub design and answers the question: what makes a good club?

Ella Heathcote Co-Deputy Arts Editor

A

s I sit on the loo at The Love Inn, head spinning, working my way through various profound statements scribbled on the the vibrating door (truly Twitter’s predecessor), one leg up to the door as pure animal strength replaces the need for any sort of functioning lock, I’m not thinking about architecture. As I bounce about next to enormous sound systems, in a careless Russian roulette for indefinite loss of hearing, I’m not thinking about the design and use of club space. And yet it forms every aspect of my experience.

From the slightly disorienting fog that fills the room at The Love Inn, creating a theatrical silhou-

titution and liquor sales. Prohibition in 1920s America led to the birth of the speakeasy, and in occupied France, jazz and bebop music and various dances were banned by the Nazi regime for their ‘American influences’, which created a basement discothèque cul'The modern club evolved ture we often see from the nightclubs of the in today’s clubs.

ette-scape, to the eternally confusing and apparently endless maze that is Lakota, Bristol has a frankly awe-inspiring range of club spaces. In Bristol, every clubber’s need is catered for.

The design of nightclubs is unique; it has to allow for the move1840s and ‘50s in New York' The nightclub was ment of sound, born out of resistlight, and bodance to political oppression. Look ies in a way that no other space at the radical clubs in 1960s Italy, would. So, what makes a club often created in response to the well-designed?

And where growing social and political undid the nightclub come from? rest, such as the divide between the north and south and anti-VietThe real predecessor of the nightnam war protests. The Piper Club, club is the ballroom. Designs foopened in 1965 in Rome, was a cused on space for choreographed movement – not quite the sarspace where pop art, music and performance intertwined. Other dined experience you get at the Italian clubs hosted radical theatre Brass Pig on a Wednesday – and performances, underground muspaces were usually ornamented sic and even included vegetable and polished to match the dancing. gardens (see Gruppo 999 below).

The modern club as we know it The club has its roots (quite literalevolved from the nightclubs of the ly) in subversion: politically and so1840s and ‘50s in New York like cially – it’s OK to get off with four McGlory’s and the Haymarket, hiddifferent people in one night right ing spots for illegal gambling, pros-

The bar at OMG. Photo courtesy of: Harriett Sanderson

Cabbage on the Dancefloor: Gruppo 9999's vegetable patch. Photo courtesy of: 'Radical Landscapes' next to your friends, or to throw back, waiting for you to get to up in the smoking area. Under the end of a cigarette so they can cover of darkness and smoke maverbally shove you back inside (as chines, we all bein the late Mbarcome silhouettes, go and Brass Pig) 'A friend once excitedly moving in unison. lose the central exclaimed to me that we There’s an undemeaning of the were in 'the pancreas of niable freedom smoking area. This The Crown'' in this invisibility. is thankfully not the case in smokMany of Bristol’s best clubs are ing areas at The Crown (literrepurposed spaces: Motion is a ally just a street), Lakota (masreused Victorian factory building, sive), and even Cosies (fittingly Loco Klub was once a railway workcosy with its candle-lit wooden ers’ club, Lakota a brewery. The benches under dingy vaults). makeshift architecture of the club is central to its appeal – even if it’s The smoking area is an inbetween an established club, there’s a sense space which allows us a moment of excitement when you’re partying of meditation before re-entering somewhere you’re not meant to be. the magical realm of dark rooms and pounding D&B – and one that If the nightclub is an escape from every good club has to get right. reality, the smoking area is an escape from the escape. Some of my A friend once excitedly exclaimed most treasured memories are set to me that we were in ‘the pancreagainst a backdrop of cigarette as of The Crown’ when we moved smoke, people vomiting, k-holing, to the second smaller room undrunkenly sloppy kissing. There derground. This statement returns is something so freeing about beto me now as quite profound: the ing outside, winter air biting at club is like a body in ways – it can your skin, finally being able to gain a sort of sentience. The sense hold audible (but maybe not the that we are in a living, breathing most coherent) conversations. organism connects us with the space. The club promises to look Restricted smoking areas, those after us and we promise to get with bouncers telling you to stay hammered (definitely a good deal).

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

15

Editor ..............Bruno Bridger Co-Deputy Editor ..............Ella Heathcote Co-Deputy Editor ............Elizabeth Abbot Subeditor ..............Bobbi Carsley Arts Commisoner ...........Patrik Chandler Arts Correspondent .........Julia Masluszczak

Sonny Angel, Smiski and Sylvanian Families: the rise of the trinket toy Bobbi Carsley analyses the recent surge in popularity of trinket toys among university students

in 1985. For companies that have been around for years or even decades, the timeless appeal of their toys has been proven once again by their most recent return to popularity in the last few months.

an incredible tattoo of a black cat Sonny Angel on her upper arm.

have been sparked by her tattoo, 'After I got it, I started dressing more fun, dressing more flamboyantly. People would see it and ask, "is that a Sonny Angel?" And we’d have this moment of connection because they’d see something they also identify with.'

Photo courtesy of Friends NYC

'I guess in first year I dressed kind of plainly because I didn’t really know who I was and hadn’t really established much of a style yet.

When I got this, it was me moving towards something different that’s more me. If I wore a plain outfit Sonny Angel, Smiski and Sylvaniand that was visible, it was me com- an all offering figurines in a 'blind mitting to that fun, kitschy side.' box' format provides another asIt's hard to deny that the appeal pect of novelty and whimsy which of these figurines literally stares is sometimes lacking in the young you in the face adult experience.

'It’s a convenient way to ac- You can choose when looking at one. They're fun. cess silliness. It’s a convenient what collection They provide a or series of figuway to express something friendly pop of rine you want to that adulthood doesn’t leave buy. But the varicolour and reassurance in a unimuch time for' ety within a series versity environmeans the exact ment that is sadly sometimes figurine is left a mystery. This luckylacking in both these things. dip surprise makes the buying and Being the proud owner of my own unboxing an integral part of the Smiski 'hipper', a style of figurine toy’s experience and overall appeal. that conveniently attaches to the Evie believes, 'It’s a convenient back of your phone, I love having a way to access silliness. It’s a consmall, portable marker of my inter- venient way to express something ests. The peek of a little green, glow- that adulthood doesn’t leave much in-the-dark face over my screen is time for.' The transitional stage also a peek into my personality. of university leaves students ofMy Smiski has also been a surpris- ten prematurely having to decide ingly popular talking point since where they sit between the binahis arrival into my care. I didn't ries of childhood and adulthood. realise the secret club I was walk- The popularity of these toys could ing into when I bought one. Evie voice students and young adults' agrees on the similar overwhelm- desire to hold onto and embrace ingly positive interactions that the silliness of their teen years and

T

Arts Recommends

To read more go to epigram.org.uk

Emotional Cowboy: one night only with Leo Hincks

Review: Dean and Guthrie at Spike Island

Max Bradley-Cole reviews Leo Hincks' one-man show 'Emotional Cowboy' at the Alma tavern

Eden Chambers reviews two new exhibitions at Spike Island

Max Bradley-Cole, Film and TV editor

Eden Chambers, First Year French and Film

Bobbi Carsley Arts Subeditor

It’s notable that the companies behind this craze are both Japanese toy manufacturers, a fact that seems unsurprising when the reve-

here’s been an ever-increas- nue for the Toys and Games indusing rise of new faces on cam- try in Japan has been valued at $6 pus. Peering over phone cases billion US dowwllars in 2025. Japan and attached onto bags through has long been a front runner in its keychains, I am constantly be- influence over the world of arts ing introduced to my friends' collectibles and culture through new companions. Despite most the manga and anime scene - a poof them standing no more than sition that is perfectly tailored to a few inches high, the impact support the creation of other imthey’ve made on me is staggering. aginative characters and figurines.

But, questions still I am of course remain as to why talking about 'My Smiski has also been a there is now a the phenomesurprisingly popular talking surge in popularnon of adorably point since his arrival into ity for these toys cute and compact which have been collectible figumy care. I didn't realise the rines. Smiski, Son- secret club I was walking into around for years and years. Why ny Angel, and Sylwhen I bought one' are Sonny Angel, vanian Families.

Smiski, and SylvaWhat's interesting is that these collectables aren't new nian Families reeiving the bulk of and have been around for varying interest? And, why have these charlengths of time. Dream Inc is the acters struck a chord in particular company creator to both Smiski, with students and younger adults? which made their debut in 2009, as Sat down in a café close to camwell as Sonny Angel, who came out pus Epigram spoke with a friend a few years earlier in 2005, while of mine, Evie Collins, about our the first Sylvanian Families doll shared love for these little toy was a pioneer in the toy industry friends. Evie can stake a claim to when they first launched in Japan being a bigger fan than most, with

Photo courtesy of Evie Collins childhood. 'All these "acceptable" ways in which we interact with childhood and silliness maybe allude to the fact that we want to do that more than we currently are.'

Maybe it's that universal desire to maintain a part of your childhood memories and love for quirky treasures and trinkets that has brought these Japanese toys over to the UK and Bristol's university campuses. Whatever the reason, I know that the smallest and most unlikely person I would have thought has gifted my life with an unexpected amount of joy.

18 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

music 'They all get a say in the shape of the night': Behind Lost Track of Time events The two co-founders reflect on the journey the company's founding has taken them on.

Benji Chapman Music Editor

L

already made a sizable impact on the local nightlife scene even before they had a chance to put more energy into the project with two first-class diplomas under its belt.

Speaking to Epigram, Tommy opened by saying, ‘What I love about Lost Track of Time is that we've stayed with a university community. It's all about the student creatives.’ While both founders shared the surreal feeling of booking such impressive lineups at massive venues, they equally made clear that the focus is still on promoting student talent.

ost Track of Time is a Bristol-based events company specialising in hosting club nights that spotlight up-and-coming talent within student circles. Co-founded by University of Bristol graduates 'What I love about Lost Employing stuTommy Pollock and Toby Ingham Track of Time is that we've dent DJs, graphic stayed with a university designers, marThomas, the two beketing strategists, gan their business community. It's all about and dancers, the throwing house the student creatives.' group have made parties in Hiatt Bakit their primary er during their first purpose to offer an immersive year before booking DJs of their nightlife experience that intersects own for nights out on Park Street. various popular genres without excluding one type of listener or With the duo graduating in 2025, party-goer. ‘Our mission statement contrary to the name's suggestion, is students and up-and-coming no time was wasted for either half creatives, giving them our first of the company's senior managestep into the industry,’ said Toby. ment team when they were presented with the opportunity to go You see a lot of brands that start full-time early that year. Following with a niche sound, and then shows that boasted lineups with you see them stop after uni', the likes of Ross From Friends, Toby continued, before TomMaribou State, and Kilimanjaro my added that ‘it started in the on the headline, the company had

Photo courtesy of: Benji Chapman heart of the student community.’

Sharing recollections of decks and hi-fis placed on kitchen tables, the duo described how they began by almost exclusively playing drum and bass during its peak of popularity.

While drum and bass was the starting point, both founders pivoted to different and more diverse genres like house and disco when they were invited to hold a residency DJ'ing at Rum Bar on Park Street.

Within four weeks, and with events consistently selling out, the managers of the venue began to allow them to book their own events.

Following the creation of a logo that came together over only two days, their first shows were a rotating basis of genres from drum and bass, garage, and lastly house and disco, which are now the company's staple two genres.

Disco and house were spotted as favourites because they were the genres which turned away the fewest faces. In an effort to find a style of dance music that was as 'least pretentious as possible', they chose house and disco as the 'more fun' side of genres associated with the local nightlife scene, offering new free events that were soon filled by 20:00 every night.

‘We try and cater to an unserved segment of students,’ said Toby, who emphasised the need for a renewed

Photo courtesy of: Benji Chapman

focus on the gender imbalance in the nightlife industry by saying, ‘We try and create as safe a space as possible for women, and on average 75% of our entrees are women.’

By frequently collaborating with the prestigious women and non-binary lead DJ collective Bad Bitch Dubz, the company offers a take on a classic student night out with more diversity, safety, and student-friendly prices than their competitors. Observing trends in student spending post-COVID, Tommy observed that 'people are going to fewer events, but when they go out, they want to get more bang for their buck.'

With the addition of two innovation awards allowing the increased funding, the group progressed to Four Quarters before they were offered a monthly slot on Wednesday at Thekla, where they began to target new student societies from previous promoters in an effort to pursue a new niche market on a night dominated by sports societies.

Within four months of the group's first staple ‘Lost Jungle’ event, laden with signature jungle foliage, the group took on a new behemoth with Motion.

Hosting an event that hosted stellar national notoriety alongside a room full of beanbags and arcade It seems there's an ever-increasmachines, the scene was typical of ing pressure placed on the nightan events compalife industry post-COVID: less 'We try and create as safe a ny that had found cashflow from space as possible for women, success but maintained its friendconsumers while and on average 75% of our ly, welcoming, venues thementrees are women.' and student-foselves are strugcused atmosphere. gling to finance Reflecting on their progress so their leases and alcohol licenses far, following a sold-out Lakota amid increased costs. As well as and expansion into Bath and Lonthis, both founders commented don, the two joked, 'We do have that in tandem with market influto pinch ourselves every now ences, ‘Students are also working and then. When we hit sell-out, a lot harder on their degrees’ amid we were absolutely blown away.' a more competitive graduate job market, which means fewer stuDespite their growth, howevdents are willing to go out as much. er, all events continue to be crucially booked, run, adverDespite pressures in the industry tised, and sold as nights for stuthough, the group persevered and dents and emerging creatives. began to be booked at larger venues.

01.03.25 EPIGRAM Editor Co-Deputy Editor Co-Deputy Editor Subeditor Subeditor

19

..............Benji Chapman .............. Aditi Hrisheekesh .............. Megan Foulk .............. Amelie Peters ...............Sophie Scannell

Success at UniBrass despite pressures Bristol University Brass Band achieve success at UniBrass but student music threatened

Megan Foulk Co-Deputy Music Editor

F

or those involved in the brass banding community, UniBrass is the biggest event in the student music calendar. Welcoming over 800 students to a host university, university brass bands from across England and Wales compete within two competitive sections for a chance to win the UniBrass trophy.

A charity dedicated to ensuring brass banding continues at university level, The UniBrass Foundation is a cornerstone in maintaining music opportunities for students.

Dedicated to supporting the growth of brass band communities at a time when young musicians are most likely to stop performing, the inter-university brass band contest is essential in encouraging brass players and percussionists to come together and keep playing.

This year, UniBrass was hosted on the 15th of February at Cardiff University. Less than three weeks prior to the event, Cardiff University announced plans to close their music department due to cuts in funding.

Operating in a deficit of £31.2 million in 2023/24, as reported by The

Guardian, Cardiff University plan to cut 400 staff, axing music, modern languages, theology, religion, ancient history and nursing degrees, in attempt to save money. The result of a number of contributing factors, including changes to UK visa rules reducing international student intake, and a lack of government support for arts funding - instead favouring STEM subjects - the threat to music in higher education is not isolated to Cardiff.

The University of Huddersfield Brass Band - who have consistently achieved success at the UniBrass contest, placing second in the Trophy section this year - are also fighting cuts to their budget, with support being retracted by the university's music department.

Speaking with Epigram, Vice President of Huddersfield Music Society Fin Coupe said: ‘Over the summer the university music department informed us they would no longer be subsidising our travel costs and conductor's wages. As a result, we created a separate Huddersfield Brass Band Society, endorsed by the student union, and started fundraising via concerts and carolling so that we could continue to compete at UniBrass.’

Impossible to ignore despite the success and enjoyment of the weekend, support in fighting Cardiff University's decision was of-

fered by a number of spokespersons across the contest, including: Adjudicator Mark Wilson, Principal Cornet of Foden's Brass Band, Cardiff SU President Madison Hutchinson, UniBrass Trustee Chair Thomas Hicken and Gala Concert performers Llareggub Brass Band, who hail from North Wales.

Collecting their audience favourite award in the Shield section, Cardiff University Brass Band's representative paused to shout down the microphone ‘Save our music department!’, with the university's Welsh dragon mascot proudly in hand.

A hugely successful contest for the University of Bristol Brass Band, the non-auditioned Bristol University Music Society (BUMS) ensemble placed 3rd in the Shield section and took home two additional awards.

Firstly for Most Innovative Programme and secondly for Best Student Conductor, which was awarded to Jake Wingfield, a Second Year Music student.

Whilst always an enjoyable and entertaining weekend, this year the undertone of the contest's fragile setting couldn't help but be felt by participating students.

Moving location every two years, having been hosted at Warwick University in 2023 and 2024, it was impossible not to contemplate if Cardiff would continue to host UniBrass in 2026.

Warming up for performances in the rehearsal spaces of Cardiff University’s Music Department, there felt a certain irony that the very buildings might soon cease to exist.

Out of the twenty-six student musicians that performed for Bristol on Saturday, just two study Music at the university. Yet, the band rehearse in the Victoria Rooms, the university's music department, and are parented

by Bristol University Music Society (BUMS), who are equally endorsed by the university department.

Closing university music departments doesn't just limit opportunities for prospective students studying music at higher education level, it inhibits opportunities for music across the entire student body.

As the University of Bristol prepare to implement new course programme rules for the 2026 undergraduate intake, whereby modules of less than twelve en-

Valentine's Day Picks

Photo courtesy of: Warner Music UK Limited

Photo courtesy of: Swan Song Inc.

Photo courtesy of: Leonie Bottomley rolled students can no longer run, the arts continue to be squeezed until they risk existence at all.

With just eighteen first years currently enrolled in UoB's undergraduate music degree, the introduction of a fully compulsory degree with no variation in module options will now become a reality.

A decision that will trickle down, dissuading prospective students from applying for undergraduate arts degrees at Bristol and ultimately phasing degree programmes out of existence, cuts like those experienced by Cardiff University are not so very far from Bristol's own reach.

As student music continues to be threatened nationwide, events like UniBrass highlight the importance of music in fostering community, and the necessity in protecting and supporting music at a student level.

To read more go to epigram.org.uk

Photo courtesy of: Fiction/Elektra Records

Photo courtesy of: Tonight Matthew

Bizzare Love Traingle

Thank You

Love Song

Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow

New Order

Led Zepplin

The Cure

Matt Maltese

Hooky's ambling bassline on New Order's 1986 hit 'Bizzare Love Triangle' floats in the song's atmosphere among the pounding drum machine and synthesisers, much like the distracted thoughts of someone in love.

The titular bizzareness of this love, we realise soon, is in the 'confusion' of its own source.

Written by Robert Plant for Maureen Wilson, his future wife, is what I believe to be one of the most romantic songs of all time.

It features lyrics so terribly devout, exquisite in their beauty; at its core the song is a musical ode to the person Plant loved so deeply.

This song is a straight-up love letter. The bass pulses and the guitar line are, of course, haunting, leaning into their well-oiled gothic edge – yet Robert Smith’s voice is vulnerable and intoxicating, making each ‘however far away, I will always love you’ feel like a gut punch (whether positive or not).

Not diving into relationship territory this Valentine's Day because you're still 'chronically affected by flashbacks'? Maltese's newest release lingers on the inescapable memories of past lovers, hanging onto every last sensory relic of a physical intertwinement that is no longer.

20 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

SciTech The hidden costs of convenience: heavy metals in sanitary products In a collaboration with Bristol’s intersectional feminism society (IFemSoc), SciTech sat down to discuss the possible dangers hiding in sanitary products and the wider landscape of health and gender.

Jenine Alathari reflects on the conversation.

By Jenine Alathari, Second year, Chemistry

In conversation with: Tess Rayner, Second year, Biochemistry

Sonia Jordan, Third year, IFemSoc VP

Corin Hadley, SciTech Editor

M

enstrual products are a necessity for millions, yet very few are aware of their hidden risk: exposure to harmful heavy metals.

Marketed as essential for hygiene and comfort, these products are widely assumed to be safe, but research suggests they may pose an overlooked health concern.

clear that this wasn’t just a gap in personal knowledge - we uncovered an alarming lack of transparency preventing us from making informed decisions regarding our health.

Whilst heavy metals might seem out of place in menstrual products, we found many studies confirmed trace levels of substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium in various product lines. Our first question was then: where are they coming from?

Typically, these h e a v y m e ta l s are not

soon

These additives are not essential to the core function of sanitary products, but they continue to be widely used, raising concerns about unnecessary exposure. Ultimately, it appears that convenience and cost-efficiency are prioritised over more cautious methods of product design and manufacturing.

Despite the confirmed presence of heavy metals, we found that there has been little investigation into their long-term health effects. This is particularly concerning given the intimate nature of these products, and the high absorbency of vaginal tissue. Whilst the concentrations may be small,

Wanting to understand this issue further, I sat with Corin, Tess, and Sonia to discuss what we knew – and more importantly, what we didn’t.

It

intentionally added, but may be present due to raw material sourcing, or contamination during the manufacturing process. Cotton plants are one of the most pesticide intensive-crops, and chemical residue can linger in the final product. Beyond these less avoidable introductions, the presence of heavy metals can also be linked to the use of dyes and fragrances.

became

Photo courtesy of: Tiia Monto the repeated and prolonged use of these products highlights the ward menstruation. Sonia pointed risk of cumulative exposure. Over out how the term “sanitary prodtime, this could contribute to ucts” implies that menstruation is hormonal imbalances and fertility unclean — a stigma that has been complications. A key concern was deeply ingrained and commerraised during our discussion: if cially exploited. Companies capthe risks aren’t fully understood, italise on this through branding shouldn’t the burden that emphasises be on companies to 'safety and transparency their products are prove their products ‘fresh’, ‘clean’, and are often second to profit' ‘discreet’- encourare safe, rather than on consumers to aging a reliance figure out if they are harmful? on these disposable products.

With little education on safer, Our conversation then shifted to reusable alternatives, such as how language shapes attitudes tomenstrual cups, we are geared

How the University of Bristol created the ‘diamond battery’ Mihai interviews two professors involved in creating UoB's famous diamond battery

By Mihai Rosca,

Second year, Politics and Philosophy

I

was scrolling Instagram when I was surprised to see the popular page ‘Pubity’ posting something about our University. Their post had over 339K likes and was

referring to some kind of ‘nuclear-powered diamond battery’.

I was pleased to see that last month’s ‘From the desk of:' featured the University of Bristol’s team of scientists who developed this 'diamond battery.' The team worked with researchers from the UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA) to make a battery made from a radioactive material known as Carbon-14 encased in a thin layer of diamond.

The Carbon gives out a comparatively small amount of energy that is much less than even a double-A battery. The upside is that these batteries can keep churning out the en-

ergy for tens of thousands of years.

The new invention has caused a stir for its simplicity, and its durability means it will be useful in a number of applications including at work in extreme environments, like space and underwater.

Recently, Epigram had the opportunity to speak to the researchers here in Bristol to clear up some misconceptions and shed more light on their buzz generating invention.

Neil Fox and Tom Scott originally came up with the idea of the device while working on a research

project from the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The research council gave them ‘a grant to look at semiotic energy conversion’ where they were specifically tasked with considering whether they ‘could do this bootstrapping of per-

Photo courtesy of: Neil Fox formance by using Carbon-14.’

Right off the bat I’m corrected for referring to the device as a ‘battery’; ‘technically, if you talk to engineers they’ll say that it’s a harvesting device,’ Nick explains.

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

21

Editor ............ Corin Hadley Deputy Editor .............. Miles Gilroy Deputy Editor .............. James Lewis Subeditor .............. Ellie Barnes Researcher .......Harrison Phillips

cerns have been under-researched and underfunded, often dismissed as less urgent than those affecting men. For example, conditions like This highlighted to us a troubling endometriosis and PCOS, which affect millions of reality that safepeople worldwide, ty and transpar‘This form of institutionalised often require freency are often second to profit. ignorance keeps menstruators quent and prolonged use of Menstrual cups from making informed also come with decisions about their health’ sanitary products.

This increases a higher upfront exposure to pocost which forces many to choose between long- tentially harmful chemicals which term health and affordability - a may worsen inflammation and disdecision that shouldn't have to rupt the endocrine system, further be made for a basic necessity. amplifying the symptoms of these conditions. This harmful cycle perThis led us to a broader discussion sists due to the lack of research in about how menstrual health is not alternative treatments- leaving just overlooked- it is actively com- these conditions poorly undermodified and exploited. Adding stood and inadequately addressed. insult to injury, sanitary products have historically been subject to At this point of the conversation, our the ‘pink tax,’ – a phenomenon curiosity about the topic had settled where products marketed to wom- into something heavier - a total feelen are priced higher than comparable ones for men. Sonia highlighted a notorious example: ‘Nurofen Express for Period Pain’, which was once priced higher than standard Nurofen, despite containing the same active ingredients. toward the overconsumption of these disposable sanitary products which create recurring profits.

ing of violation. The realisation that we’d been using these products so intimately, without any knowledge of their potential risks, was deeply unsettling. The lack of transparency had left us feeling uninformed, powerless and left us asking: how had this been allowed to happen?

Sonia then introduced us to a concept at the heart of the issue: epistemologies of ignorance - the deliberate suppression of knowledge to maintain existing power structures.

In the context of women's health, this manifests through underfunded research, weak regulation, and the dismissal of health concerns that predominantly affect women. This form of institutionalised ignorance keeps menstruators from making informed decisions about their health, while serving economic interests by ensuring reliance on profit-driven menstrual product industries.

Whilst many countries have now abolished the “pink tax”, prices of sanitary products remain particularly expensive, disproportionately impacting those in lower-income brackets. The financial strain of menstruation continues to be a barrier to proper healthcare, forcing menstruators to ration products, resort to less safe alternatives, or go without.

The lack of regulation and transparency in the sanitary product industry reflects a larger issue: the systemic neglect of women’s health.

Historically, women’s health con-

‘This is a solid state device, whereas most batteries are chemical devices.’

James suggests that their device has become known as a battery because it’s easier for a layman to understand it as a battery - a familiar concept - rather than a harvester which the writer would have to explain.

They didn’t seem to be aware of

Photo courtesy of: Neil Fox

Photo courtesy of: Miles Gilroy

the virality of their research, nor were they very much bothered by it. They told Epigram their goal was, and always will be, to do ‘good science’ and ‘get the material made’.

I kept reading online that their device might be used in pacemakers so they wouldn't have to be changed so often. They said that while it was a consideration it wasn’t ‘a near-turn application’, because ‘certification for that sort of technology, you’re looking at almost a decade to get that into place.’ Instead, they’ve chosen to focus on immediate application. The durability of the harvester means it can be used to tag things in space to say whether the object is junk, useful, or something else entirely.

They tell me it was a ‘team effort’ to get the device made. For example, some PhD students tested out concepts in the reactors. The work for the battery took 5 years (2019 to April 2024) to yield the desired result so I can only assume that all the help was gladly appreciated!

It’s definitely interesting to hear how Covid influenced the research process and student lives.

‘I think we would have had a lot more students getting involved if we didn’t have lockdowns’ But I’m once again impressed, the scientists managed to make the best out of a bad situation: ‘We were always talking on Zoom or Teams, and we’d have conversations about what we need to achieve and come up with various different designs and work through them. In some ways, we were for-

Photo courtesy of: Fred Murphy The Women’s Health Movement of the 1960’s is a powerful example of feminist epistemology in ac- frustration brought a sense of urtion. Activists encouraged women gency - if awareness is the first step to educate themselves about their toward change, then transparent bodies, question medical establish- conversations like this are essential. ments, and demand transparency.

Yet, decades later, this fight is far Menstruation is not a luxury, nor from over. Even today, menstrual should it be considered a financial or health burden. health information Consumers deserve remains limited, and ‘Menstruation is not a full transparency realarmingly, manufacluxury, nor should it be garding the products turers are not legally required to disclose considered a financial or they rely on for their health burden’ health and wellbethe full list of ining. By advocating gredients in menstrual products. This deliberate for ingredient disclosure, safer forlack of transparency prevents in- mulations and increased access to dividuals form making informed reusable alternatives, we can drive decisions about their own health, meaningful change and challenge keeping menstrual safety a hidden the outdated systems that contincrisis rather than public priority. ue to overlook menstrual health.

Reflecting on our conversation, I was struck by how blindly I had trusted the safety of products so intimately connected to my health. I had naively assumed that our health was prioritised over profit. How many other aspects of healthcare had I accepted without question? This

The persistent gaps in research and policy reflect a deeper pattern of the systemic neglect of women’s health.

By addressing these gaps, we can dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality, and we can empower individuals to make informed, autonomous decisions about their health.

Editor's Note:

C

ongratulations to everyone for making it through the bleak and depressing hellscape that is the months of January and February (especially to those of you single pringles out there). It's only up from here!

As the sun becomes a more familiar sight, and our heating bills go from god awful to just awful, I would like to urge you all to take a second to think about what you are grateful for. Reading Mihai's article reminded me that I go to a fantastic university, and that I am incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to study here. I hope you're also able to find something that keeps you going.

Take care :) -- Miles

tunate it happened during lockdown, because it gave us time to think’. Neil adds that most of the problems that arose were practical, rather than theoretical. Possibly because they had already worked through the ideas thouroughly.

The team’s next plans are to contin-

ue the project with a tritium element, instead of carbon. They think that it could have even more applications than the carbon because it has an output 50 times larger, it is significantly cheaper (Carbon-14 is £40,000 a gram), and because devices sold with tritium should have fewer restrictions placed on them.

22 EPIGRAM 01.03.25

Sport Behind the success of Will Watson and UoB Boxing Editor's Choice: Mihai Rosca Sports Subeditor

A player profile of one of UBWFC's players during their friendly match against Oxford University's Development team. A summary of their day as they prepare for the 2 matches they had on Saturday 11th January as they re-settle back into life at Bristol before the start of TB2.

I

n preparation for Boxing Society's fight night on March 1st, Epigram dissects the mind of a successful athlete (7-0) and finds out how the Boxing Society and its big brother Downend Boxing Club are working together to shape young talent.

when he fights again on March 1st during the Boxing Society's official Amateur Fight Night- search for the event on the SU website!

Reflecting on our interview, I realise that Will's success is the result of three key factors. A natural talent, discipline and his team. Before Standing at 6”1 and fighting with boxing, Will played Rugby for 10 71kg of lean muscle, with an imyears. Will told me pressive resume 'I love the balance of of seven amateur that as early as Year technique, mentality, three, his teacher had wins and no losses, six of which have and brutality … [in the jokingly written in his report card that been fought in the ring] you get into a really ‘Rugby suits William's last 8 weeks, with weird place and just violent tendencies.’

4 of his wins having come by way want to hurt whoever’s Due to Will's desire for physical conflict he of Unanimous Decoming at you.' was always going to cision, and one by join a combat sport while at Uni, Technical Knockout it's safe to say it just so happened that the that Will Watson is a beast! He has Boxing trials challenged him quickly become one of the club's most decorated fighters having the most leading to him sticking with boxing. Throughout represented Bristol multiple times, our conversation I could feel most recently in Dublin and at the Will's passion for boxing.

National University BUCS ChamHis eyes would sparkle and pionship (Portsmouth) where he brought home the gold. I reche would smile from ear to ommend that you don't miss out ear when explaining what

goes on in his mind when fighting: If he was anyone else I'd write this off as him trying to act 'ard but I believe Will is sincere. Watching him talk, it's as if he's reliving the experiences. He reminisces on his most recent fights- how one opponent giving him a submissive nod only spurred him to go even harder, the smile plastered over his face as he trades blows throughout the fight, the coaches psyching him up for the final round. No, it's clear that Will enjoys the sport for what it is.

But this talent would be nothing without hard work. As a 4th year student of Philosophy and French, he embraces a way of life that stresses the importance of

the grit and pain and working as hard as possible … I get satisfaction from wearing them down in the ring.’

freedom and individual responsibility. He names Sartre, Montaigne, Stoicism and Goggins as his biggest sources of inspiration.

Photos courtesy of: UoBBoxing

Will honestly enjoys training, although he admits having had problems balancing boxing with the other areas of his life: ‘I box four days a week and I'm in the gym for three. In second year I trained six days a week two to three hours each day... I remember missing most of my best friend’s birthday because I refused to finish a random training session early.’

He takes the same mindset into the ring: ‘Saying it out loud sounds masochistic, but I enjoy being in

Several times in the interview he expresses his lack of concern about not yet having a loss on his record.

‘Amateur boxing is all about having as much experience as possible... I wouldn't mind losing because it just means that I got to fight an even better boxer it’s just an opportunity to get better.’ - it really seems like you can't put this guy down.

out the help of the University's Boxing Society and their umbrella club Downend Boxing Club Will would have never reached such heights. Downend, a registered charity in Fishponds, is made up of volunteers that love the sport and who help the local community.

The head coach at Downend is ex-police officer Craig and his wife Jo is a lawyer and senior England Boxing official The dedication of the Boxing Society's leadership also can't be ignored. Without the passion of the people in'when I first joined the club volved, the club Watson is currently we held a fight night and 8 would not have training to secure a out of our 9 fighters got abso- come back from ruins to boast knockout at the offilutely battered.' over 150 memcial Amateur Boxing bers and become one of the most Fight Night on the 1st of March popular societies at Bristol Uni. (Anson Rooms 18:30-22:00), where UoB boxers will be facing off against Boxing is a tough sport and so is anboxers from other universities to yone doing it. But don't be put off determine whose uni is the best! by that if you're interested in joining. Give it a go, the people you will Regardless of how far he's come or meet will help you reach your goals. how far he'll go, it's clear that with-

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

23

Editor .............Faniki Deche Co-Deputy Editor ...... Adam Mountain Co-Deputy Editor ....... Sean Lawrenson Subeditor .............. Mihai Rosca

The rise of sports betting at UoB With the growth of online sports betting, what does this mean for the finances of UK university students?

Emma Griffiths Second Year, English Literature

S

tories of that friend-of-afriend- of-a-friend- of-a-friend winning - and losing - obscene amounts of money at the races have swirled through universities for years, but with the rise of online casinos taking betting to a whole new level, what does this mean for the pockets of students?

It's a common sight - an overly in-

vested figure sunk over their pint in the corner of the pub, despondently checking their phone again as the clock nears 90 minutes and their ‘almost guaranteed’ £300 win vanishes - again. Betting has existed for years, both in casinos and matchside betting booths, and is a key part of the experience and revenue of watching sport. However, with the explosion of instantly accessible betting websites such as Betfred or Unibet, there has been a marked increase in gambling amongst young people, which begs the question: is a whole generation becoming addicted in £5 pledge increments?

Sports betting, especially online, has enjoyed a recent boom in access and popularity in recent years, ballooning to an estimated expected annual growth equivalent to $7.38 billion by 2029 according to Statista. Whilst this is a phenomenon that affects the whole UK population, with 48 percent of adults engaging in some form of gambling, young people are disproportionately affected, with 60 percent of students betting in 2023.

The role of betting whilst watching sports has become a key part of the social experience, as more and more people become invested in the results due to their pledges. ‘It's fun’ explains Ted, a first year student. ‘It gives me a reason to watch and sup-

Photo courtesy of: Unsplash

port matches outside of just who's playing. It's just more exciting.’

other hidden cost: ‘It has definitely changed how I watch sport - every time something happens, someone This change, which Dr Darragh scores a goal, I'm itching to place a McGee has dubbed the ‘gamblifica- last-minute bet’ Toby admits. And tion’ of sport, means that the age- the list of subconscious effects that old activity of going to get a pint gambling has is far longer. Almost and watch the game has taken on half of gambling students bet more a whole new significance - of get- than they can afford - a figure that is ting that increased dopamine hit admittedly a pretty small margin for from putting your wallet on the the majority of university students. line. This dopamine cycle of gam- However, this risk is symptomatic bling, already addictive with the of the harms that regular gambling excitement that studies describe as can have later in life - including on fia ‘euphoric feeling comparable to nances, relationships and both menthose experienced by drug users,’ is tal and physical health, as found by perpetuated by peer enticement. 34 the Government's 2023 review. It is percent of students in this trajectory who gamble are in'Everyone does it - it's just that the darker fluenced by friends side of regular part of watching sport with - in part through sports betting at a the boys now.' peer pressure, but young age comes also in the normalisato light - creattion of the activity. ‘Everyone does ing a culture of betting and gamit - it's just part of watching sport bling as a normal, everyday experiwith the boys now,’ continues Ted. ence from the dawn of adulthood.

The new narrative of online gambling that it's ‘just a fiver’ is everywhere, from conversations between mates to bet365's promotions and bonus codes, and means that this incremental but cumulative expense is often overlooked by students, despite averaging a mind-blowing £32.25 a week - more than the price of many people's weekly food shop.

As well as the sums lost, there is an-

Almost half of gambling students bet more than they can afford. However, that is not to say that sports betting is a purely negative experience.

Emily, a third year student, finds that ‘It's fun to do every so often - the stress does add something to the experience,’ and everyone seems to know someone who has managed to win big and beat the odds.

Read more on the website.

Why aren't we talking about women in F1? cally

F1 hasn't kept up with 21st Century needs for equality and diversity. Let's see what different initiatives are doing to change this.

Olivia Howard Geography Third Year

T

he new F1 season begins on March 16th in Albert Park, Melbourne. Chatter about Hamilton racing in red, and the fact it has been five years since the first race of the season has been held in Australia is everywhere. What is no one talking about? Women.

F1 is the height of motorsport, where engineering genius meets driving talent, it is a community obsessed with ‘pushing the limits.’ Yet breaking these in the form of gender seems of no importance in this almost comi-

male-dominated

world.

As F1 ACADEMY, a behind-thescenes access to the all-women driving category, is about to grace our screen globally; many news outlets have found themselves asking why it is we still haven’t seen a woman win points in the F1 since Lella Lombardi 50 years ago. The answer — it’s a structural failure.

Some blame biology, pointing out that men have higher VO2 max scores. Others cite the sport’s demands, as if women aren’t competing at the highest levels in other physically demanding disciplines like tennis, cycling, football, or any other sport for that matter. Max Verstappen has suggested that if a woman is talented and works hard enough, she’ll get there—completely ignoring the fact of access.

F1 is dependent on money. Sponsorships and financial backing matter as much as lap times or race

strategy. Thus, with our capitalist society driven by the prospect of economic success, and with women making up less than 10 percent of those in motorsport, this leaves sponsors hesitant to take a chance on them. For example, The W Series, a foundation which sought to give women a stepping stone to F1, collapsed in 2022 due to lack of funding. A lack of funding thus means fewer opportunities, which means fewer female drivers breaking through the ranks because of such access issues. F1 is expensive, and can not be funded the same as football or tennis, a good racquet or pair of boots doing the job.

alongside the self-perpetuating cycle of a lack of representation - girls don’t see themselves within this sport. For years the accepted discourse has been that this is simply not a world in which women should exist. With Jess Edgar and Abbi Pulling being some of the trailblazers today, young, bold women

are starting to break the mould.

Despite this, Susie Wolff says it will still be ten years before women will enter the major F1 championships.

Find out more about women in F1 and why we should care about their exclusivity on our Epigram website under the Sports section.

To a potentially naïve business mind, this to me seems like a missed business opportunity from rich investors. More female drivers means new fans, a new market, new sponsors and fresh narratives - a brand new profitable commercial field.

These concerns of course come

Photo courtesy of: Racing News 365

OXY'S CRYPTIC FOR MORONS 1

2

win a £20 Pizza on the Park voucher!

HOW TO CRYPTIC

3

Designed to look like normal sentences, cryptics have a secret meaning hidden inside.

4 65

MINI CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

by Cali Stott 1

7

56

8

9

The definition of the word will either be at the start or end of the clue.

The rest is about wordplay. Take this example:

10

11 1 13

12

16

15

18

19

20

17

Definition: short, witty piece Wordplay: about pig in flipping disaster

21

Here, the wordplay tells us to "flip" or reverse a word for disaster and put "pig" in it. Another word for disaster is "mare", so putting pig inside mare reversed, "eram", gives us Epigram!

22 23

ACROSS 1. Garden victim slowly goes South by hammer victim along pg. 17. (5) 3. According to Emma Griffiths a greek character with no acceleration is a sports accompanier. (3) 4. All European Public Affairs Consultancies' Association members flip out for music without instruments. (8) 6. Mr. Gaines gobbled lent for plans on the 14th. (10) 7. Will Watson's sport package. (3) 8. Instead of being so loud, how about heading to the WC? (4) 10. Shy sounding fish. (3) 11. Doughy character who specialises in joints. (5) 12. Female deer finds inner peace with one rapper. (7)

4

13. Drunk at the bra or brewery. (5) 15. Yer Da's work is a Bristol flower.

(4) 16. Crow collective might appear on the dancefloor, so says pg. 8. (6) 18. As a buried paliolith, I umpire, in my element. (7) 21. Weird American mother stuffed into empty house by French guy. (5) 22. Best album for a bovine male carrying device to an American hospital. (12) 23. Berlioz stop in 1940, it's a massive fruit! (3)

DOWN 1. Hairdo for mashed up gash. (4) 2. Skimpy swimwear losing rare blood with momentum. (5) 3. Degree at the port of trading ac-

2

3

CLUES 1. Carol catcalls confused lamb with no tail 2. Cold hearts of Zoe and Alan in public relations 3. Good person burnt remains in hiding spot

Short, witty piece about pig in flipping disaster

14

c

EPI-GAMES

24

01.03.25 EPIGRAM

Curated by James Lewis & Alexandra Hill

5

4. Scream 'quiet!' before revealing sexuality 5. Walk a meter, then curve

SIMPLE SUDOKU by Alice Guskov

commondation. (9) 4. Park street stop centre flips to exit nature. (5) 5. Where Jeffrey finds an ear initially, Bristol lager usually excites very edgy lads, vexing every time!

(4-9) 8. Title for starting later and down yesterday. (4) 9. A tool for rubbing is cranial David Lynch piece. (10) 11. Outdated body weight indicator with the capital of Maine University. (4) 14. A bear, an otter, or a kiwi? (6) 17. Season is one to do addition. (6) 18. Sounds like solitude for a borrow. (7) 19. Some kefir on flattener. (4) 20. Pocketed gizmo by the start of Melville's work. (4)

CAPTION CONTEST by Isla Downie How it works: Every month we commission an original cartoon in need of a caption! Anyone can submit a caption for each month's contest - the wittier the better. Do you have what it takes?

Please submit your entries to editor.epigram@gmail.com before the 20th of the month.

The lucky winner of this month’s Caption Contest will receive a £20 voucher to Pizza on the Park!

Here at Pizza on the Park we're passionate about pizza. We serve a healthier, Roman style, thin and crispy pizza, beautiful salads and delectable dips. Alongside this we offer local beers & ciders, organic wines and perfectly made cocktails. With a soulful soundtrack and back drop of local art and a giant 8 player table football, you can expect to have a great time!

REGULAR SUDOKU by Alice Guskov