Epigram Issue 343

Studying away Inside...

INSID ISSUEETHIS ...

Reading films

The first of two November special Year Abroad issues

Spend Reading Week revising your favourite book-to-film adaptations

The Croft page 19-22

page 20-21

2-FO BURG R-1 ER & with SIDE

epigram

pg.8

Fortnightly November 11 2019

est. 1988

Issue 343

The University of Bristol’s Independent Student Newspaper

Bristol UCU strike action declared Epigram / George Lilleywhite

Maddy Russell

Maggie Sawant SU Correspondent

Over a third of the 45 University sports teams competing in BUCS have seen an increase in annual membership fees.

Epigram has collected data for 45 of the major sporting societies at the University of Bristol and found that 17 have higher fees for the 2019/20 academic year compared to 2018/19.

The highest increases are seen for the Bristol Spartans, the University’s basketball team, as performance membership has gone up from £70

to £125 for both men’s and women’s first team and £20 to £50 for social membership.

Tennis has also risen sharply in the last year, as the highest team prices now £135 rather than £95.

Their Advanced Social deal has also increased in cost, from £55 to £80.

Two of the University’s most prestigious and largest sporting clubs are charging their top players more than ever. The Men’s Rugby Club now charges £250 for their first team, £50 more than last year, however, this includes playing kit which previously cost members an extra £37 in 2018/19.

www.epigram.org.uk

Men’s football, on the other hand, has six BUCS competing teams who all pay £200, nearly 30 per cent more than last year’s £155 fee. The club captain, Joe Williams, explained that the club needed to up prices due to losing their main sponsor five years ago and said ‘the finances are looking in a much better situation this year’ after the debt had previously accrued.

The Bristol Spartans President, Sam Cobbold, explained that the club ‘calculated costs based on their expected expenses for the year and priced memberships accordingly’.

A spokesperson from the University of Bristol’s Centre for Sport, Exercise,

EpigramPaper

Investigations Correspondent

I

and Health said they are ‘committed to ensuring that sport and physical activity remain accessible for all and for many students that means making access to our clubs and facilities affordable’.

‘In recent years we have witnessed a significant number of Sports Clubs implementing tiered memberships.

This has meant top-level membership prices have increased, but lower level prices have also reduced, with profits going back into developing the club and offering new services such as sports psychology, nutrition and strength and conditioning training.’

Continued on page 4...

Continued on page 3...

A third of annual memberships for the highest performing teams have increased Co-Editor-in-Chief

Isaac Haigh

n spring of 2018 lecturers held strikes for three weeks over pay and pension disputes culminating in an occupation of Senate House. These same issues are the centre of the upcoming strike, which will be from from 25 November to 4 December.

Last week UCU members backed strike action in two separate legal disputes, one on pensions and one on pay and working conditions.

Overall, 79 per cent of UCU members who voted backed strike action in the ballot over changes to pensions.

In the ballot on pay, equality, casualization and workload, 74 per cent of members polled backed strike action.

The overall turnout in the USS ballot was 53 per cent and on pay and conditions, it was 49 per cent.

The union disaggregated the ballots so branches who secured a 50 per cent turnout can take action in this first wave.

The union’s higher education committee has now set out the timetable for the action.

Club fees increase by up to 80% Patrick Sullivan

News Editor

@EpigramPaper

@epigrampaper_

Editorial

epigram 11.11.2019

Co-Editor-in-Chief Co-Editor-in-Chief Deputy Editor

Imogen Horton Patrick Sullivan Will Charley

Digital Editor Tom Taylor Deputy Digital Editor Bethany Marris epionlineeditor@gmail.com

Fearing failure is rife in academic pressure cooker

I

n the month of November, moustaches emerge across the world fundraising for Movember. What started in 2003 as an Australian campaign raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer has now become one of the most successful annual charity PR campaigns, now tackling the wider, more complex issue of men’s mental health.

I ran three Movember campaigns between 2012 and 2016 and at the end of my last one, I made a pledge to instead actively work within my circles to discuss mental health issues throughout the year. That was a few months into my second year at the University of Bristol, and the 2016/17 academic year when many student deaths forced both the University and our own community to confront our neglect of mental health. Since then, mental health has risen towards the top of the agenda in the UK generally and is recognised now as a concern for all. The University of Bristol have invested more than most universities, given the wide media criticism, and offers better support now than 2016. School wellbeing advisors, in particular, were an important introduction in handling the undeniable link between wellbeing and academic demands previously lumped on personal tutors of variable quality.

Student mental health, however, should remain the most important topic of discussion at our university.

We are all continually affected by the same unique pressure cooker environment of a top academic institution and students and staff alike feel the loss our community has faced.

While many groups within the wider population suffer with mental health issues, the academic setting can incur both a fear of failure and a set of unhealthy habits which may push us into lonely headspaces.

Towards the end of my second year, I finally recognised that I was suffering from stress and completely burned out. It came after a period of 18 months of uncertainty without a break: my dream move from my

hometown to our wonderful city; a hectic first year of new friends, learning, and responsibilities; a 12 week summer placement necessary to escape the lower limits of my overdraft as well as get on my chosen career path; and culminating in a tough second year - by far my hardest academically - where I also overloaded myself with a part-time job and a start-up venture. It all hit me like a tonne of bricks in May 2017 when my dad was taken into intensive care to have a triple heart bypass. At that point, six months after my post-Movember pledge to talk about mental health more often, I realised I had completely neglected my own. How could I help look after my dad when I was a wreck myself? Looking back at my decision making, pushing myself continually alongside my degree was constantly a competition we all can be guilty of at such a high-achieving university. I felt like a failure if I couldn’t handle another challenge.

Unsurprisingly, with the timing alongside my dad’s operation and my burnout, I failed all four of my exams that month and quit the start-up before any success.

And it was all a huge relief. It was the fear of failure which had previously driven me to such unhealthy habits. We all have a responsibility to ourselves not to prioritise academic success and other aspirations over our health and forgive ourselves when we ‘fail’. More importantly, if we feel lost in the chaos of university life, we need to seek support. Part of my recovery was seeing a doctor and being told that my hand tremor of several months was as a result of not actively reducing my stress.

Sharing experiences with others has also helped me: speaking on student podcast, PDProject, about personal development, and organising a weekly group for self-identifying men on campus with a friend and local charity Talk Club. What Movember reminds me every year is that mental health is a complex, global issue and all those fundraising form a fantastic part of an important campaign. We can take those values forward on a local level and maintain pledges to each other on campus to continue building the right atmosphere for better self-care habits in academia.

If you are concerned about someone or need help yourself, please seek support. Services include Samaritans, Young Minds, Nightline, Papyrus, Student Minds, Off the Record, as well as the University Wellbeing Services available.

Managing Director Emily Lowes

Subediting Team

Olivia Tapper

Caitlin Price

Director of Comms

Chief Proofreader

Edward Fraser

News, Opinion & Features

SciTech & Sport

Ben Bridgway

Ellie Brown Euan Merrilees

Alice Proctor Esme Hedley

Rory Hosty

Entertainment

The Croft

Head of Finance Head of Ad & Sales Head of Marketing Business Assistants

Ethan Luc Charlotte Jones May Garland Maduka Karunatilaka Tom Stone

Siavash Minoukadeh Daisy Game Gail El-Halaby

Rosa Stevens Claudia Dupé Imogen Elliott

Epigram is the independent student newspaper of the University of Bristol. The views expressed in this publication are not those of the University or the Students’ Union. The design, text and photographs are copyright of Epigram and its individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission.

Printed by: Iliffe Print Cambridge Ltd. Winship Road, Milton

News

Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Investigations Correspondent SU Correspondent

Maddy Russell Benjamin Salmon Olivia Beatson Isaac Haigh Maggie Sawant

Got a story for the newsteam? Email newsteam.epigram@gmail.com

Bristol staff ballot for UCU strike action

• Released ballots haved confimed the Bristol Universtiy staff have voted in favour of strike action • Staff will strike for eight days this term • Updates on potential strike action can be found on the SU website

Maddy Russell News Editor

Isaac Haigh

Continued from front page...

As well as eight strike days from 25 November to Wednesday 4 December, union members will begin ‘action short of a strike’.

This involves things like working strictly to contract, not covering for absent colleagues and refusing to reschedule lectures lost to strike action.

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: ‘The first wave of strikes will hit universities later this month unless the employers start talking to us seriously about how they are going to deal with rising pension costs and declining pay and conditions.

‘Any general election candidate

Epigram / Evy Tang

Investigations Correspondent

would be over the moon with a result along the lines of what we achieved last week. Universities can be in no doubt about the strength of feeling on these issues and we will be consulting branches whose desire to strike was frustrated by anti-union laws about re-balloting.’

In a statement on its website

Bristol SU said: ‘We believe that any action will be in the long-term interests of all students to ensure we retain the best quality teaching staff at the University.

‘Therefore we stand in solidarity with our UCU colleagues to support the strike, and will be working closely with UCU colleagues during

this time. In particular, our members who are PGR students may be taking part in the strike, and we will support them for the benefit of their future academic careers.

‘We understand that students may be anxious about the effect that strike action will have on your studies and wellbeing.

‘We want to assure you that we will be working hard to ensure that the impact of the strikes will not have adverse effects on your educational experience. We plan to give regular updates on the strikes at bristolsu. org.uk/strikes and will be sharing more information about what to expect soon.’

Uni launches racism surveys following reports UK ‘oblivious’ to racial abuse on campus

News Editor

T

he University is asking staff and students to complete surveys on racial harassment following a report by Britain’s equalities watchdog that racial abuse was ‘a common occurrence’ for many students at UK universities. A report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission found that about 13 per cent of students questioned, from a sample of more that 1000 students

“

I encourage any student or staff member who experience racist behaviour to report this

“

Maddy Russell

across UK intuitions, reported experiencing racial harassment whilst at University. Around a quarter of those who claimed to have experienced abuse were from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Authors of the paper condemned its findings as ‘damning.’

In response to the report Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Squires said ‘There is no place for any racism, bullying or discrimination at the University of Bristol. I want our University to be a community where everyone feels safe, welcomed and respected,

regardless of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or social background.

Together with the Students’ Union, we have been working actively with staff and students to ensure that our commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality is reflected in all aspects of our University. I encourage any student or staff member who experiences racist behaviour to report this and to seek support. Any complaints will be dealt with seriously and handled with sensitivity.’

On Monday the 28th of November emails were send to staff and students encouraging them to take part in the largest-ever Bristol University surveys, detailing their specific experiences of racial harassment at Bristol. Findings of the surveys will be published in Spring 2020 and will be used to shape future responses to

incidents of racial abuse on campus.

In its own statement on the findings of the report, Bristol SU said: ‘We have noted with concern the rising nature of racial aggression in the University across campus, within learning spaces and halls of

“

We are of the opinion that not enough has been done by the University to act on reported cases

“

• A new report by Britain’s Equalities watchdog has suggested that racial abuse is a ‘common occurrence’ at many UK universities • UoB has launched surveys to encourage staff and students to report their experiences

residences. Different students have been in touch with us seeking help to deal with this and we thank the students who have reported and highlighted these cases.

‘The cases that have been brought to our attention include racist pictures in residences and racist images and

statements inside and outside of lecture rooms.

‘We are aware of the University starting the process of becoming a member of the Race Equality Charter.

However, we are of the opinion that not enough has been done by the University to act on the reported cases and or to effectively communicate to staff and students on the actions and consequences of this behaviour.

‘We are calling upon the University to investigate and take disciplinary action against perpetrators of these acts to show their commitment to fighting racism.

‘We want our campus to be a place that is safe for all students both in and outside of the learning environment and encourage staff to support this. We want to remind students to be mindful of their words and actions towards each other.’

epigram 11.11.2019

4 News

Lost sponsorship, more social, and bursaries: the stories behind increased sports club prices SU Correspondent

T

he Basketball, Football and Tennis societies have seen the biggest increases in team membership prices this year.

The Football Club, which increased the cost of its performance membership by £45 compared to last year, has attributed the price increase

finances are looking in a much better situation this year.’

Like the Football Club, the Tennis Club this year also increased the price of its performance membership.

“

Bursaries and payment plans were available for people who struggled with the prices

“

Maggie Sawant

to an accumulation of debt, which began five years ago when the club lost its main sponsor.

On inheriting the Club, the Students’ Union advised the new committee to increase its membership prices, or face cutting two of its six teams.

Joe Williams, President of the Club, told Epigram: ‘Obviously, having as many people play football as possible is the main priority, so that was the reason for this increase.’

‘Bursaries and payment plans were available for people who struggled with the prices, but everyone has managed to afford the prices and the

However, Issy Hardy, President of the Club, told Epigram that the price increase of some of their

Sports club memberships on the rise Patrick Sullivan Co-Editor-in-Chief

Maggie Sawant SU Correspondent

Continued from front page...

‘We fully support this approach as it aligns with our division’s strategic priority to increase participation levels and removes a financial barrier for some students.’

Players of growing sports such as Futsal or Korfball have found their prices have risen as well, reflecting the extra demands placed on societies who are catering to more students every year.

The full list of BUCS competing teams with rises in membership fees

is: Basketball, Climbing, Football (men’s), Football (women’s), Futsal, Gymnastics, Hockey (women’s), Korfball, Netball, Rugby Union (men’s), Rugby Union (women’s), Rugby League, Sailing, Squash, Surfing, Swimming & Water Polo, and Tennis.

Amy Brook, Bristol SU Sport and Development Officer, said: ‘Our clubs determine their own pricing based on a number of factors, including what they have on offer to their members, their position in the club development process, and which league they’re competing in which influences travel costs. All of our clubs are student led and the money that they make is reinvested back into their group.

‘There are over 400 different student groups at the SU which you can get involved with which all have different membership fees. I’d encourage anyone who is unable to take part in an activity due to the cost to apply for the activity hardship

paying extortionate prices.

‘And even after the increase in price for our top athletes, tennis is one of the cheaper [elite performance] sports

“

We didn’t want the increase to put people off joining the club casually, so we introduced a £10 social membership

and we have loads of training time.

We offer six-time-weekly training and BUCS matches for £130.’

The cheapest and costliest sports clubs • The most expensive is the University of Bristol Boat Club • The cheapest are the Weightlifting Society and the Taekwondo Society

fund which is available to support students with this.’

The University spokesperson also said they are ‘delighted’ by Bristol SU’s work in developing the Intramural programme, which ‘provides lowcost entry-level activities for many team sports’.

“

All of our clubs are student led and the money that they make is reinvested back into their group

“

• 17 BUCS competing sports teams have raised their prices • Activity Hardship fund available

memberships is ‘in line with our increase in coaching sessions, so the price per session is actually better value for money, but people looking to improve or play at a high level have access to more hitting time.

‘Because we didn’t want the increase in team membership prices to put people off joining the club casually, we introduced a £10 social membership - two free play sessions per week and access to all of our event and kit subsidies - to make tennis accessible for people just looking for a runabout.’

‘Tennis offers people the chance to be involved in a sports club without

“

• Football attributed the increase to the need to repay debt • Tennis stated that the increase was proportionate to their increased offering

‘The cost of accessing the University’s facilities, programmes and services has reduced significantly for students over the last four years.

With discounted memberships for students in receipt of a bursary, a free activity programme in residences and other low-cost, low-commitment programmes across campus.’

Maggie Sawant SU Correspondent

O

n average, it costs £77 to be a member of performance teams at the 45 clubs analysed at Bristol University. Alternatively, more casual memberships at the same clubs average at £32.

Here is a breakdown of the most expensive and the cheapest sports societies at the University:

Sport on a budget You can join the Weightlifting Society, the Taekwondo Society, or become a social Tennis player for only £10 per year – making them the cheapest sports societies to join!

Following closely behind is the Orienteering Society, where an annual membership is £15.

The only other societies you can join for less than £25 are the Ultimate Frisbee, at a cost of £20, or the Surf Society, for £22.

Sport on the pricier side Unsurprisingly, the most expensive sports clubs to join are those with high prestige and standards.

The highest annual sports society membership is University of Bristol Boat Club, which costs £450 for rowers and half-price for coxes. In addition to the annual fees, members also had the option in 2018/19 to pay £330 for a club blazer.

The next highest is UoB Golf Club, where membership will set you back £265. This is because, while society membership is £25, it requires a £240 annual membership at Bristol and Clifton Golf Club.

Coming in as third most expensive is the Men’s Rugby Club, at £250, closely followed by the £200 fee members of the Men’s Football Club pay. Joining the Netball Club or the Sailing Club might also make you even more unwilling to check your bank balance, with membership costing £150 per year. American Football, meanwhile, has annual fees of £135, whereas the Tennis Club, despite its cheap social memberships, charges £130 for first team members.

11.11.2019 epigram

News 5

Bristol suggests pupil background should be included in school league tables • The proposals have suggesed that pupil’s age, gender, ethnicity and area deprivation should be included • Bristol claims new measures would create a fairer judgement

Benjamin Salmon Deputy News Editor

A

Bristol University report has concluded that school league tables should include data on pupil background as part of their criteria.

Where previously, the positions in league tables of secondary schools in England were based solely on grade progression, the new proposal would also include the pupil’s gender, age, ethnicity, residential deprivation, free school meals eligibility, English language ability and requirements for special educational needs.

The Centre for Multilevel Modelling, based at the University of

Bristol, say these measures would do more for creating a fairer judgement on schools.

When including this data, around half of schools currently judged to be ‘underperforming’ would be able to move away from this category.

The report concludes: ‘Given the importance of pupil background in driving schools’ scores, the government should revise their current school league tables to include an adjusted Progress 8 measure side-by-side with Progress 8 to present a more informative picture of school performance.’

According to the BBC, ‘Progress 8 looks at their progress between the end of primary school (age 11) and the end of Key Stage 4, when they sit their GCSEs (age 16).’

The inclusion of background could mean that around one fifth of schools would see their league table position move over 500 places.

In response to the Bristol report, the Department of Education (DfE)

defended the Progress 8 measure, saying it helps realise the progress that bad schools make with good pupils, and the lack of academic progress bad students make with good schools.

However, the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, the government’s strategy for boosting economic growth in the North of England, and who published the report criticised the DfE’s handling of pupil progress in the North.

‘Unless we devolve more powers and funding, establishing a new northern schools board to oversee currently unaccountable schools commissioners and a centre for what works in schools in disadvantaged areas, we will not be able to close the skills gap - even with much more devolution and increased funding for further education to our Metro Mayors and combined authorities.’, the Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Henri Murison, told the BBC.

Mental health scheme sees 93 per cent of new Bristol students opt-in • 93 per cent of first-years have opted-in to the scheme • Last year the opt-in policy was used 36 times

Benjamin Salmon Deputy News Editor

9

3 per cent of first-year students have opted-in to a plan that allows the University to contact a parent or guardian if there is a serious concern over their child’s mental or physical wellbeing.

The figures are slightly down from the 94 per cent of students who signed up during the pilot last year.

In total, that means 92 per cent of all students have opted-in.

The scheme, which was launched last year, has been seen as a positive step toward the improvement of University wellbeing services, which have come under scrutiny in the wake of some high-profile mental health incidents.

The steps the University have taken

to improve their welfare services come as part of a ‘whole-institution’ approach.

In the last academic year, the scheme had to be used a total of 36 times.

The parents of Ben Murray, a student who lost his life in 2018, have suggested that this type of scheme could have prevented his death.

Speaking to The Tab Bristol, Mark Ames, Director of Students Services at the University of Bristol, said of the scheme: ‘The response we’ve had from students and their emergency contacts in the first year of the policy has been generally positive.

‘We currently have no plans to change it and are pleased such a high number of students have chosen to opt-in. The new policy means we will now ordinarily seek to involve a nominated contact at an earlier stage in supporting a student when we have serious concerns about their wellbeing, unless there is a very good reason not to do so or the student withdraws their consent.’

Students left out in the cold as demand for housing in Bristol skyrockets

U

niversity expansion and increasing housing demand across the city has left students struggling to find permanent accommodation. Students recall feeling ‘really stressed’ over summer as they searched for a house, with some having to start the academic year in temporary accommodation.

Dany, an international Master’s student, was in this position. Despite searching for housing for two and a half months over the summer, she arrived in Bristol without anywhere to stay. Through the Couchsurfing app, she found someone willing to put her up for free while she looked for a place. Asked about her experience staying with a stranger, she said: ‘I don’t know them, but it’s very nice. I’m not staying on a couch – they gave me a room. Though with couchsurfing, you need to read the profiles really well before sending

‘Because I’m international and live abroad, I wasn’t able to check out the houses. [Agents] prefer to choose someone who [already] lives here as they get to see them before they move in.’

The cost of renting in Bristol for all residents, not just students, and has seen the second largest increase

Epigram / Will Charley

News Subeditor

“

For Dany, being an international student constituted a double barrier

“

Ellie Brown

them an invite because there’s a few weird people around, of course.’

Jenny, a final year student, also struggled to find housing before her course began. Circumstances meant she had to look for housing from August and when term started, she had to stay with a friend. Fortunately, she found a place ‘completely by chance’ and moved in on 1 October.

However, she describes the period when she was looking as ‘really stressful’.

‘People are still looking now, it’s mind blowing,’ she said.

A spokesperson from Bristol SU said: ‘Our lettings team has reported that it has been much busier this year, with August and September being the busiest periods.’

SpareRoom.com have also reported higher numbers of people messaging or looking at places per advert, up to 5.60 active users per room from 4.85 and 4.62 in previous years.

Students looking late encountered

high prices for studios and flatshares, with Isabelle finding rates as high as £950 per month for just a room, with bills excluded. Students were also left vulnerable to expensive rental sites and housing scams.

Both Isabelle and Jenny spent money contacting landlords on SpareRoom.com, with Isabelle estimating the cost to be at least £30 without success. The price quickly increases for those looking at multiple properties and students said landlords were slow to reply.

Isabelle almost fell for a scam

before work friends intervened, saying she was ‘desperate’ for the good value room on Park Street to be genuine. In the end, Isabelle had to use up her savings to pay her entire annual rent upfront, as well as her deposit, to secure a suitable room.

There seem to be various reasons why students have found this year particularly hard to get housing. For Dany, being an international student constituted a double barrier. Once she told landlords that she was not based in the UK, they ‘never replied’ in spite of her offers for upfront payment.’

“

People are still looking now - it’s mind-blowing

“

• ‘Desperate’ students were vulnerable to scams and costly rental sites • One student had to couch surf while starting her course • SU Lettings and SpareRoom both report busier years

in the UK, according to Zoopla.

Increased student numbers, which has led to a shortage of University provided accommodation in Bristol, could also be attributed to the issues beyond first year halls.

Many of the students affected think that students need to be made more aware of these difficulties.

Jenny said: ‘There is a certain lack of awareness [for private rental issues] that’s quite obvious. [The general situation] is an absolute shambles to be honest.’

Names have been changed to protect anonymity

epigram 11.11.2019

6 News: In Pictures

University unveils new student accommodation in shipping containers

Jack Charters

Deputy Features Editor

O

Epigram / Jack Charters

n 25 November the University unveiled its newest students accommodation, built inside old shipping containers. The project, known as Launchpad, is a joint venture between the University of Bristol and the United Communities Housing Assocition. The 22sqm studio units aim to address Brsitol’s lack of affordable housing. All units have their own bathroom, kitchenette and ensuit bathrooms. Rent for a studio appartment is £523 a month including all bills. In a statement on the future of affordable housing in Bristol, Mayor Martin Rees said: ‘I think this is going to be one of the tools we have that can address Bristol’s housing crisis. We have to be unlocking a whole host of means of delivering homes for people, and this is one of them. This, alongside the major delivery of housing across Bristol. We need lots of methods of delivery; there is going to be “no one size fits all.” We are going to need to move on from temporary

Bristol appoints first Professor of the History of Slavery Epigram / Patrick Sullivan

Issac Haigh

Professor Olivette Otele, the UK’s first female black history professor, will take up her new role from January 2020 and will be based at the University’s Department of History and Centre for Black Humanities.

In her new role, Professor Otele will work with staff, students and communities in the city of Bristol to help the University better understand its past and use that knowledge to shape its future.

Her research examines the various legacies of colonial pasts, understanding trauma, recovery and

“

I want students to see me as a facilitator of a dialogue that needs to take place and that is about the role of the University in the transatlantic slave

“

Investigations Correspondent

social cohesion, but also amnesia and reluctance to address various aspects of colonial legacies.

She was appointed the first

black history professor at Bath Spa University in October 2018.

Professor Otele said she was ‘very much looking forward to starting’ in the New Year.

‘I hope to bring together Bristolians from all communities, and scholars, artists and educators who are willing to contribute to a stronger and fairer society. I want students to see me as a facilitator of a dialogue that needs to take place and that is about the role of the University of Bristol in the transatlantic slave trade.

‘I want to produce a rigorous and

an extensive piece of research that will be relevant to the University, to the city and that will be a landmark in the way Britain examines, acknowledges and teaches the history of enslavement.’

Professor Judith Squires, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bristol, added that the University is ‘proud’ to be appointing someone of Professor Otele’s experience with the University ‘standing to lead on this important issue for us’.

‘As an institution founded in 1909, we are not a direct beneficiary of the slave trade, but we fully acknowledge that we financially benefited indirectly via philanthropic support from families who had made money from businesses involved in the transatlantic slave trade.

The city of Bristol owes much of its wealth and growth in the 17th century to the slave trade with the MP Edward Colston estimated to have enslaved 84,000 Africans. Ships part of the slave trade officially sailed from Bristol first in 1698, although

“

We financially benefitted indirectly via philanthropic support from families who had made money from the transatlantic slave trade

“

• Proffesor Olivette Otele is the UK’s first female black slavery proffesor, she will take up her role in January 2020 • It her role Proffesor Otele is hoped to help both the city and the University understand its role in the slave trade • Bristol is beleive to owe much of its growth to the slave trade

it is estimated that ships were sailing illegally before then.

Music venue Colston Hall, owned

by Bristol City Council, announced it will be changing its name when refurbishments to the building are completed in 2020.

Whilst the University did not benefit directly from the slave trade, a study in 2018 estimated that 85 per cent of its founding wealth came as a result of the trade.

Professor Otele’s appointment comes after the University of Glasgow paid £20m in slave trade reparations, becoming the first UK university to to set up a programme of restorative justice.

11.11.2019 epigram

News 7

Anti NUS candidate Bristol becomes first UK city to ban diesel cars wins election

Ellie Brown n 30 October, the University kickstarted its bid to be a Bronze Level Hedgehog Friendly Campus. A launch event, featuring guest speaker Yvonne Cox from Hedgehog Rescue, was held at the University’s allotment space on St Michael’s Hill.The Hedgehog Friendly Campus scheme aims to protect UK hedgehogs, whose numbers in rural and urban spaces have fallen since 2000. Litter picks and staff training are some of the ways that the University is planning to reach its goal.

32 Universities are believed to to have signed up to the scheme so far.

Unsplash/ Piotr Łaskawski

O

Olivia Beatson pilot scheme of new ‘pods’ as temporary accommodation for UWE students have been condemned as ‘not fit for humans’. The 21 ensuite studio flats were installed in a car park at Purbeck Court this September to meet the growing demand for student housing.

Complaints about the ‘tiny’ units include the fact that the units are overlooked by existing accommodation and the lack of communal space.

Other students complained about the price, noting that to live in the units cost £150 per week. The University is currently reviewing the value for money of the accommodation.

UWE said there are plans to build 2,000 additional student rooms to accommodate for increased demand by 2022.

A

Bristol City Council

emissions, typically older vehicles. To encourage diesel car owners to swap to less polluting cars the council is introducing a scrappage system.

Two options over the summer were under consultation. The first option was charging non-compliant buses, taxis, HGVs and LGVs, with additional measures. This charge applies once a day regardless of how many times you go in or out of the medium zone. The second area to introduce would be a small area diesel car ban enforced between 7am to 3pm. However, once modelled it was found that neither of these options would deliver low enough NOx concentrations in the necessary time. Both of these measures were put

Bristol Uni becomes Bristol Uni sustainable food company raises ‘champion’ over £700,000 to Topaz Maitland he University of Bristol has mimic dogs sense Tbecome one of the City’s ‘Going of smell for Gold’ champions in its ability to Maddy Russell Bristol University spin-out company has received funding to further its work in developing a technology that can mimic a dog’s sense of smell. Researchers have created an artificial intelligence platform capable of detecting the faint chemical scent given off by a i ed M chronic diseases such Soul as malaria and Parkinson’s.

The initiative has now raised £760,000 to commercialise the technology. This is one of the largest founding investments of any spin-out company from Bristol University. It is hoped that this new technology will help with the diagnosis of diseases in their early stages.

A

fora

University launches Hedgehog Friendly Campus

UWE student accommodation ‘not fit for humans’

The new plans that were under consultation over the summer have been voted on by the council. The new ‘traffic clean air zone’ will ban diesel cars from entering the City Centre zone from 7am to 3pm everyday by March 2021. This will affect students and residents alike.

The central areas of the city and the main arterial routes have been identified for a number of years as being in breach of the legal levels set by the UK and the EU for levels of NO2 due to the amount of vehicles using these routes. The Council’s own reports have calculated that deaths of around 300 Bristol residents could be attributed to air pollution each year.

The plans will deliver the ‘fastest possible improvement in air quality against targets for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) legal limits.’ There will also be a second wider area affecting commercial vehicles that will charge, rather than ban, any diesel car that does not meet Euro 6

ada

News in Brief

Investigation Correspondent

Sp

Results for Bristol’s NUS Delegates for this year have been announced and include the anti-NUS candidate Sebastian Sultan.

Sultan, whose campaign called for an end to the ‘grandstanding and extremism’ in the NUS, received endorsements from the Bristol Conservative Association, the Bristol Liberal Democrats and JSoc. In a statement outlining his plans, he told Epigram: ‘I pledge to oppose campaigning on all issues which don’t primarily affect students. The NUS must focus on its raisin d’etre; it’s not the UN or a social justice campaign.

‘Instead of spending a fortune on multiple liberation conferences, it should spend a fortune on lobbying government to reduce interest rates on our loans, launch campaigns to publicise university failings on mental health or draft policies for political party manifestos which

Issac Haigh

lia

News Editor

• Diesel cars will be banned from the new zone in City Centre from March 2021 • The plans were under consultation over summer and have now been approved • The plan is part of efforts to reduce NO2 pollution levels

iu

Maddy Russell

address our issues.

‘The NUS can influencing government education policy if it’s focused and respectable. No one cares what the NUS thinks about Brexit, people do care about the high quality research it publishes on student finance.

‘Government won’t be influenced by an NUS President who is viewed as an extremist or an anti-Semite (or both), they might listen to respectable President.

‘I’ll focus on free loans, not ‘free Palestine’. I’ll vote for NUS leaders who deserve our respect not our contempt. I’ll fight for an NUS that works for us.’

Other delegates for this year will include three of Bristol’s SU Officers: Student Living Officer, George Bemrose, Equality, Liberation and Access Officer, Jason Palmer and Undergraduate Education Officer, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio.

In a statement on his election George Bemrose said: ‘I’m really excited to attend the NUS conference to be able to represent student interests on a national level. I also want to ensure that students on the ground in Bristol know what NUS does and is doing.’

Ruth Day, Co-Chair of Labour Students and organiser of last year’s rent strike, and first year student Saranya Thambirajah were also elected as delegates.

/G

• Sebastian Sultan’s campaign called for an end to the alleged ‘grandstanding and extremisim within the NUS • SU Officers George Bemrose, Jason Palmer and Hillary Gyebi-Ababio were also elected as delegates

deal with food waste. In order to win the award, UoB must undertake action across six themes including reducing food waste, growing food in urban spaces and reducing food inequality.

Bristol report reveals complex nature of prostitution Olivia Beatson report carried out by UoB researchers has revealed the prevalence of prostitution in England and Wales. The research, commissioned, by the Home Office, revealed many of the different services carried out by sex workers and some of the reasons that individuals get involved.

Between May 2018 and June 2019, researchers from the University’s School for Policy Studies interviewed

A

together to form the hybrid option.

There was initial criticism that these measures would negatively impact the poorest in Bristol disproportionately. However Martin Rees, Mayor of Bristol combatted it by saying: ‘These ambitious plans demonstrate our commitment to tackling air pollution so we meet legal limits within the shortest time, without disproportionately affecting citizens on lower incomes which would happen with a blanket approach to charging vehicles.

‘Protecting the most vulnerable people from pollution is central to these plans and we have ensured that all impacts have been carefully considered.’

Free period products available in Senate House Maddy Russell n 24 October the SU announced that free period products would now be avaliable for students in the bathrooms of Senate House. The news comes following years of campaigning by students to make period products more accessible for them around campus.

O

some 500 individuals currently or formerly involved in prostitution or sex work, sought insights from over 90 organisations, and reviewed over 1,400 relevant publications. The results show the complex nature of sex work and the variety of services and motivations.

Some identified the work as pleasurable and lucrative, but a large proportion of people, mainly women, they were in the industry due to finances. The report also highlighted the significance of the role of the internet on sex work – both how it is advertised, provided and purchased.

It identified a broad range of sexual transactions, from more traditional style brothels and street prostitution to webcamming and sugar daddies.

MYK

MONO

Get creative with our ‘build a burger’ menu S 4 BUN

CMYK

12 BURG ER PATT IES

REVER

IAN R A T E U N VEG E M N & VEGA

GLUTEN-F RE E OPTIONSSPOT SREVERSED 29 TOPPING MONO 202 PANTONE MONO S 24 SAUCE CMYK

12 S

ID ES

REVERSE

for more offers join our burger club online

theburgerjoint.co.uk November Offer

November Offer

Valid Mondays & Tuesdays in November 2019

Valid Mondays & Tuesdays in November 2019

ONLY ONE 2-FOR-1 PER VOUCHER, NO TOPPINGS INCLUDED, EACH CUSTOMER MUST PRESENT A VALID STUDENT CARD, NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

ONLY ONE 2-FOR-1 PER VOUCHER, NO TOPPINGS INCLUDED, EACH CUSTOMER MUST PRESENT A VALID STUDENT CARD, NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

2-for-1 2-for-1 on Burger & sides on Burger & sides 83 whiteladies rd bristol bs8 2nt  burgerjointbristol

240 north street bristol bs3 1jd  burgerjointhq

 burgerjointbristol

Features

Editor: Robin Connolly @robinnlcc Deputy Editor: Jack Charters Digital Editor: Oliver Cohen Investigations Editor: Georgiana Scott @GeorgianaScott7

Twitter: @EpigramFeatures

Epigram/ Patrick Sullivan

Introducing Bristol’s new Professor of the History of Slavery

‘B

ristol is incredible. I’m based in another university at the moment. And I’m teaching the history of Bristol. It will be fantastic to have that history of Bristol, taught at Bristol with new elements, new archival material, to integrate the past and the present with the memorialization of the past.’

Delightful, intelligent and genuinely brimming over with enthusiasm, Olivette Otele and I discuss her research plans, Bristol as a historic slave trading port and inclusion in universities.

I’m excited to meet her – the news broke at midnight and already the phrase ‘history of slavery’ is trending on Twitter. Meanwhile, BME friends on Facebook are sharing articles with proclamations of delight that the first Black female Professor of History is coming to work at the University.

I’m interested to hear about the weight and responsibilities of such a role in the city of Bristol, where in the year 1750 alone, almost half of the total number of slaves transport-

“

the news broke at midnight and already the phrase ‘history of slavery’ is trending on Twitter

university level is the first one to look at the links between the University and its slavery past - it’s slave past,’ says Otele. She emphasises that ‘by appointing me it means that university is ready to deal with that past’.

As part of her post, Otele will spend two years on a research project, studying both the city’s and the University’s links to the transatlantic slave trade. She tells me how she hopes to analyse information about those who donated to the setting up of the University, alongside details about those who received compensation money in the 19th century, in order to ‘cross check and see who was actually involved in the making of the university.’

Discussing these donations, she explains, ‘you know, you have big

“

by appointing me it means that university is ready to deal with that past

“

Features Editor

donors, but you also have small companies who were involved in funding the University.’ She discloses that she will also look at ‘various other aspects as well. The estate, for example.’ The estate ‘is also another very important topic because some people might not have direct links with the University as donors, but they actually contributed to the wealth of the University’ through contributing to the University’s portfolio – ‘their houses and things like that.’

Speaking of donors, the perhaps inevitable question of where Otele stands on the renaming debate crops up in conversation. In Bristol, this is a discussion which is particularly provocative. Colston Hall’s promise to rebrand as a part of its relaunch in 2020 is the most recent development in a long-standing Bristolian dispute about whether we should rename buildings that are seen to ‘glorify’ the

slave trade, or whether that is equal to the erasure of history.

It is with feeling that Otele speaks on this matter. ‘It really is an interesting question because, as a historian, I would say, well, let’s keep that histo-

ry, it needs to be visible. But actually, that history is also painful for part of the population. So, it’s not my place to decide what should be done, but it’s the place of all Bristolians.’

‘It really is about what Bristol, where Bristol stands.’ On her place in the making of that decision, she articulated that she is ‘just one element, one tiny element who’s bringing the kind of historical aspects and

“

it’s not my place to decide what should be done, but it’s the place of all Bristolians.

“

Robin Connolly

ed to the British Caribbean and North Africa left via Bristol ships. Bristol is a city where the slave trade was, and still is, visibly entrenched – from street names, to memorial buildings, to statues.

‘That role is really crucial for the history of the city, first of all, and at

“

In conversation with Olivette Otele, who will be entering the new role of Professor of the History of Slavery this January

of course my engagement as a person of African descent,’.

Otele is certainly qualified to be weighing in on these conversations.

In 2018, she became the first Black woman to hold a Professorship in History.

I want to find out more about how this feels and what she believes needs to be done in universities in general, as well as in Bristol, to promote inclusion and to encourage young Black women into the profession.

She discloses to me that this is a topic which is close to her heart, that ‘as fantastic as it is to be the first, I don’t want to be the only one. I have no interest in that.’ She goes on ‘I’m hoping that seeing me as perhaps a model, they would consider looking

into academia.’

She cites Royal Historical Society research (of which she’s Vice-President), which has found that ‘at undergraduate level, the topic is still attracting a few people from minority ethnic background. But as you go along, they don’t necessarily lose interest, but there are ways we lose them.

‘And these reasons are varied, you know, from racism, to economic questions. So traditionally, we know with figures that the black community is also - the vast majority of the black community is working class.

So, the economic level is incredibly important and it’s preventing some of these people from having access to certain funds really, to continue.’

While not wanting to speak on behalf of the University at this point, Otele hints that perhaps the best ways to do this will be by providing financial backing for students, perhaps through grants. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

Our conversation leaves me feeling hopeful for the department of History at Bristol. It will be exciting to see such a dynamic figure at work in the department.

I never normally look forward to January – cold and grey days, exam prep and post-Christmas blues often seem to leave the bitter taste of anti-climax. However, this year, it looks like we’ll have something to anticipate.

10 Features

epigram 11.11.2019

2019 marks the centenary year of one of Bristol’s most unique communities Nick Stromberg MA, History

T

he University of Bristol Speleological Society (UBSS) was established by students and teachers at UoB a few months after WWI ended, making it the oldest university caving

club in the world. To celebrate the anniversary of this momentous founding, over the last few months the UBSS has collaborated with researchers from the UoB Department of History in an innovative oral history project: ‘100 Memories’.

The initiative, enabled by generous grants from the British Cave Research Association (BCRA) and the Oliver Lloyd Memorial Fund, aimed to gain a clearer sense of the history of the UBSS by collecting the recollections of men

and women members from across the lifetime of the society. From May to August, a total of 18 informal interviews were conducted - the oldest ‘Speleo’ interviewed was 97 and had started caving with the UBSS before WWII. This testimony has shed new light on the interesting, and often dramatic, story of the UBSS. The interviews vividly convey the sense of adventure that has imbued all of the activities of the society since its establishment. The ‘distinctive thrill’

of discovering a subterranean space in which no other human had previously set foot motivated members to launch regular weekend trips from Bristol to the nearby Mendips as well as further afield, to Yorkshire, Scotland or Ireland.

These expeditions were often fraught with danger. One interviewee recalled how he and two other UBSS members were left stranded in an uncharted cave sump (an underground passage of water) after their cave-diving apparatus, that they had improvised themselves in the UoB Department of Engineering, malfunctioned.

They were forced to swim onwards into the darkness with no oxygen supply and only just reached safety with seconds of breath to spare.

“

They were forced to swim onwards into the darkness with no oxygen supply

“

Speleological Society / CJ Johnson

Students celebrate a century of caving

Other interviews divulged details of special experiences that could only occur underground. One UBSS member described the ‘spiritual sensual quality’

of turning her light off whilst in a cave and sitting peacefully in total darkness, whilst another shared the (altogether less peaceful) memory of coming faceto-face with a venomous snake in the middle of a cave in Borneo.

Nonetheless, every Speleo interviewed concurred that their most precious memories were rooted in the singular and tight-knit community fostered in the UBSS. Interviewees reflected fondly on the ‘almost communal life’ of the society in the 1950s and 1960s. Long weekday afternoons were spent in the UBSS rooms under the UoB Department of Geography, whilst the weekend was typically dedicated to expeditions, all facilitated by the unwavering generosity of Professor E.K. Tratman and Oliver Lloyd, the club’s two leaders.

This social intimacy, when combined with the profound interpersonal trust developed by the act of caving itself, ensured that the UBSS continues to hold a close grip on the hearts of all of its members.

For more information about the ‘100 Memories’ project, visit the UBSS’s website. A digital archive of oral interviews and their transcripts will soon be available on the BCRA’s website.

Election guide: the parties and student issues

W

ith a general election imminent (12 December), it has become near impossible to see through the Brexit dominance and judge the main parties on student-related issues; here, therefore, is a guide to what they have been promising.

Boris Johnson’s Conservatives will be fighting an uphill battle to win the student vote. Being in power for such a long time will not have aided the Tory cause; their tenure has seen several economic hardships and consequent austerity budgets meaning that they would normally, without Brexit, be at a disadvantage. However, the upcoming election is already influenced by the vestiges of the past three years - whether favourable or not.

The Liberal Democrats under Jo Swinson are optimistic, whilst the Labour Party of Jeremy Corbyn is under great pressure to perform; students will play a pivotal role in deciding who gets elected as seats normally deemed ‘safe’

not, so student issues may not be the priority.

Angela Rayner, Labour’s education secretary, has condemned these levels of debt and promises to establish a National Education Service (N.E.S.) which would reintroduce maintenance grants and abolish tuition fees. This is an ambitious plan given that the institute of Fiscal Studies estimates that the N.E.S. would cost £17 billion, almost half of

“

Students will play a pivotal role in deciding who gets elected as seats normally deemed ‘safe’ are up for grabs

which would come from scrapping tuition fees.

The Lib Dems likewise want to reintroduce the maintenance grant. They also want to see an overhaul of the student loan system; believing in the necessity of holding a review of higher education finance. With an aim such that nobody’s student loan is sold off to a third party or has their interest rates increased, stemming from cases of expensive interest penalties.

Perhaps their key policy is to let students decide whether to pay a graduate tax or student loan. A graduate tax would result in a percentage - depend-

ant on the amount you earn - being added to your regular tax for an indefinite period in contrast to paying back a fixed amount of student loan. As a result of this, those who have secured high-paying jobs after university pay back more than graduates in less wellpaid jobs.

In further easing the transition of entering the world of work after uni, Corbyn promises to create a ‘graduate-led workforce’ by increasing wages and training opportunities for those leaving higher education. Labour also wants to increase the minimum wage to around £10 an hour so that it equals the living wage and ban unpaid internships; real-

istically though it will make careers and opportunities scarcer.

Like Corbyn, Boris Johnson wants to raise the minimum wage for over 21s to £10.50 over five years as part of his wide-ranging increases to public spending. Moreover, the Conservatives promise to reintroduce a policy revoked by them previously, enabling international students to stay in the country for two years after graduation to find a job.

Despite the parties putting forth significant student policies, Brexit has rather usurped the political scene. It seems likely that the European Union issue will be subsuming other equally important business for the near future.

UnSplash/ Parker Johnson

First Year, Ancient History

are up for grabs.

During their time in government, the Conservatives have: raised tuition fees from £3,000 at the start of their tenure to £9,250 and abolished maintenance grants. However, record numbers of minorities and less well-off people attending university shows a positive trend which all parties continue to facilitate, though a large part of this is due to universities’ own schemes.

Whilst trying to create a more positive legacy for herself, Theresa May wished for a comprehensive increase in higher education funding alongside a policy of general university reform. Many of her policies have been inherited by Johnson, including the reintroduction of the maintenance grant. Many speculate that he will reduce tuition fees to £7,500.

However, recent figures denote that the financial headroom achieved largely by the austerity policies of the two previous chancellors are not as large as the government expected. All measurements had failed to account for the nearly £12 billion of student loans left unpaid after 30 years (therefore void) and the £120 billion still outstanding, contributing to the already large levels of national debt. This will mean the Conservatives are limited in how many policies they would like to implement, given that they will probably be targeting leave-voting seats which student-heavy constituencies are generally

“

We run through the major parties and their policies on studentrelated issues to see how your future might be shaped Alex Lewis

Features 11

11.11.2019 epigram

Bristol’s 93% Club

Fixing social inclusion at the University what’s being done?

Deputy Features Editor

T

he latest The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 gives a damning indictment of the low levels of inclusivity at the University of Bristol. With the University ranked 110 in the Guide’s table for social inclusivity it thereby makes Bristol University one of the bottom ten English and Welsh universities in this category. This prompted me to examine whether these rankings were indicative of an independent school bias in the University’s admission processes and whether there are initiatives in place to rectify the reported lack of social diversity.

For anyone associated with the University, the guide makes for pretty grim reading. As of the academic year 2019/20, the University population comprises of 52.9 percent of students from comprehensive schools, 13 percent from Grammar Schools and 34.1 percent from independent schools. There is a significant disparity between these figures and the national picture, where 93 percent of students are state educated and just 7 percent independently.

I interviewed Lucy Collins, Director of Home Recruitment and Conversion at the University, to get an insight on what the University is doing to increase social inclusivity.

The University has several initiatives to boost social inclusivity. We went into great depth about a relatively new programme - the Bristol Scholars scheme. It was explained as being ‘for students in the city of

“

the University ranked 110 in the Guide’s table for social inclusivity

familiarising school students with the concept of university’.

Schools in Bristol can nominate 10 students to work with the University over the course of year 13. The aim of the scheme being to ‘enable a diverse cohort of students with enormous potential the chance to go to the University, whereas previously they would never have been able to owing of our typically high entry requirements’.

Similar to Bristol Scholars is the Access to Bristol programme, which is where year 12/13 students are invited to the University for eight Wednesday afternoons to get involved in a subject they may be interested in pursuing in higher education to see for themselves whether University is a suitable progression to make after finishing school. Since its launch in 2006, 4,000 students have been involved, with 600 of those enrolling at the University once they finished school.

Alongside the schemes are contextual offers. They differ from the lower offers given by the Scholars programme since it is two grades lower than normal requirements, compared to the Scholar’s four. However, the contextual offer is given out on a national scale, whereas the Scholars is exclusive to the city.

If students come from ‘aspiring state schools’, are from neighbour-

hoods with the lowest higher education progression rates, have been in care, or are part of a University outreach programme, then they are eligible for the contextual offer. These schemes are a good way to boost state school participation in University; however, they do not remove all barriers to entry.

Indeed, for those from poorer backgrounds, often the biggest hurdle to getting to University is not the entry requirements, but rather the heavy financial burden of living in an expensive city like Bristol. Maintenance grants, which are a smaller maintenance loan for students from low income families that don’t have to be repaid, are a step in the right direction but they aren’t enough. When it comes to paying for society memberships, ball tickets, bills, food shopping, rent, amongst other things, the maintenance grant is soon burned through.

I presented this to Lucy and asked what the University has in place to alleviate such burdens from less financially stable students. I was told that the University offers a student funding package which comprises of a bursary for selected students. A significant aspect of the issue that I had not considered, but that I became mindful of during the interview, was making students aware that such help existed and that they were eligible for it. The recruitment team, as part of their outreach programmes, does a lot of promotion of this to try and fix this issue.

Financial help is also provided to students during their time at university. The University has over 300 students working in paid roles as part of the Access to Bristol and Bristol Scholars Schemes, where they get ‘paid work, and based on their own experience which helps us to recruit that next generation of students from across the country’.

Having seen the figures, I asked about the apparent independent school bias, and whether this was because the University is worried about sacrificing its academic prestige through greater state school admissions based on an ill-informed impression that state school students are less academically able. Lucy responded, ‘No, we haven’t got any evidence to suggest that as the case, the evidence that we have got is that our contextual offer students do as well if not better than our non-contextual offer. As an institution, we’re really confident that you can both have a socially diverse and inclusive community and maintain your academic prestige.

‘One of the joys of university is that you get to meet people who

“

you can both have a socially diverse and inclusive community and maintain your academic prestige

“

Jack Charters

Bristol who have overcome educational or domestic disadvantage and are given an offer which can be up to four grades lower than the standard offer.’ The premise is that ‘it’s about

“

An inside look at the measures in place for making the University more socially inclusive

have come from all over the country and the world, who have had vastly differing experiences. The academic endeavours of the University are enriched by that. So, to have students who come from a very narrow kind of slice of society does not benefit the prestige of the institution.’

In September 2019, members of the Labour Party at the annual conference voted on a motion that demanded universities to accept students in proportion to the national average.

This would mean that independent school students would make up just seven percent of total intakes, since independent school students are nationally seven percent of the student population. This was a very interesting, if not radical, method to fix social inclusivity at the University. I

proposed this to Lucy.

‘I think in terms of government policy we respond to the government of the day, but we prefer to make decisions as an institution. Contextual offers were something that we did as an institution, because we felt it was important - it wasn’t something that the government said that we should do. We also think that we need not to be wedded to school type because that masks a myriad of different forms of experiences, which is why we look particularly at lots of different characteristics rather than a kind of blunt state-independent divide.’

The statistics presented in The Good University Guide 2020 present a socially exclusive environment; yet they are not representative of the diverse and vibrant university community that exists in Bristol. They must be considered in a broader context; to consider them standalone and without context is to ignore the improvements the University has made. The 2019 intake of students comprised of 71 percent of students from state schools, up 10 percent from 2015.

Furthermore, there have been over 1400 to the bottom 40 per cent of schools for higher education progression in 2019, compared to 796 in 2015. The student intake for 2019 is made up of 18 percent from low participation neighbourhoods – an increase of 10 percent in four years.

Although social diversity is not at a stage where most of the student body wants it to be, it is slowly but surely moving in the right direction.

Concluding our conversation, I asked Lucy and the recruitment team what advice they would give to a state school student who is worried about applying to the University.

‘If the University of Bristol offers a programme that you want to do, and you want to be a part of our great academic, social, and pastoral community, then we’d love to have you.’

epigram 11.11.2019

12 Features

“

Has the poppy itself become a political tool?

In fact, the alleged ‘final’ day of the war saw 11,000 casualties alone.

This signifies a continuing pattern of

We should understand that the legacy of these conflicts is entrenched in all of us

Europe led to another World War, triggering later devastating conflicts, perhaps most visible today in the Middle East.

There are challenges to the tradition of remembrance. Simon Jenkins recently wrote an article in the Guardian arguing that we should not fuel inflammatory, ideological politics with reminders of this history. For Jenkins, we should not al-

Histories of Bristol: how Stoke Bishop helped win the Second World War

Jack Charters

Deputy Features Editor

D

espite its sleepy exterior, The Holmes, an annex of Churchill Hall nestled in the University’s Botanic Gardens, played a significant auxiliary role in the preparations for D-Day. In 1943, General Omar Bradley, commander of the First United States Army during the Normandy landings, took up residence in The Holmes. The majority of his staff and troops were based in Clifton College, meaning he

A guide to poppy wearing The Red Poppy Typically associated with Remembrance Day, often seen on celebrities, politicians, and public figures. Worn to show support to the Armed Forces and their war.

The White Poppy Used as a symbol of pacifism.

Remembers all victims of war, commits to the peace effort and rejects the glamorisation of war.

Epigram/ Jack Charters

Churchill Hall’s annex, The Holmes, housed senior US officers as they planned for D-Day

had only a small commute each day.

A large amount of planning for the American landings at Omaha and Utah beaches took place at both the college and The Holmes.

The location of Bristol for the housing of US staff was due to its distance away from London. Its relatively long distance from London meant there was a lower chance of damage from both espionage and bombing. Yet it wasn’t too far from the capital, so officers were able to travel to important meetings there.

In addition, a new bakery on Whitby Road was built by the Americans.

This held not only battle maps that could have compromised the clandestine nature of the Normandy Landings, but also French banknotes worth 20 million francs.

We do not live in a perfect world by any means. Today, politics is dominated by the world-wide rise of nationalism; a narrative driven increasingly by polarised camps fighting ideological wars with the bitterness and falsehoods that have in the past wreaked war across the world.

This is why forgetting cannot be the answer. We must remember the 173 heroes on Bristol’s Roll of Honour. We don’t just owe it to them out of gratitude, but to ourselves, to remember the ills that befall humanity when we forget the consequences of issues that still threaten our world.

Our generation enjoys an unprecedented degree of sh/ pla both safety and ops n U portunity, although it can be easy in today’s climate to forget this.

Let us collectively forget the often mundane problems that plague our daily lives, and take two minutes to respectfully remember the sacrifice of our predecessors. That way we may be able to preserve the security that we ourselves enjoy, and gift it to generations to come. rre

“

“

We should not allow the fetishising of violence subtly disguised as remembrance

Pie

O

n the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918, four years of gunfire ceased. Silence fell across the frontline. Troops began the voyage home to their families. Ever since 1919, the ceasefire has been marked

by Remembrance Day, a collective remembrance of all troops lost to conflict. That is the popular narrative of the end of the First World War, however, the reality is far more complicated. It has led to long-running debates about whether or not

war throughout the Twentieth century. The rise of nationalism across

We must ask ourselves, how much would those killed on the battlefield have given to lead lives that we often find ourselves complaining about?

This is why we must remember.

CR

Second Year, History

“

James McWilliams

we need to let Remembrance Day go.

Gunfire did not cease immediately upon the agreement of the armistice.

General John Pershing, Commander of the American Expeditionary Force, for example, did not agree with the armistice, and instructed his troops to continue fighting after the eleventh hour. Clashes also continued in East Africa, due to the difficulty of telegramming news of the armistice to troops there.

“

Examining the debates surrounding the tradition and practices of Remembrance Day

low the fetishising of violence subtly disguised as remembrance, and we certainly should not be obliged to wear the ‘corporate poppy.’ Rather, we must forget and move on.

Such writings might lead one to conclude that both the day and the poppy belong firmly in the past. On balance, however, there must be a degree of self-awareness that all at the University live in a relatively safe intellectual bubble - one unavailable to previous generations. This means that we must fully comprehend the scale of loss and devastation of the conflicts that we commemorate with this day.

War is universal. The First World War saw the loss of troops of all genders, races, nationalities, colours and religions. We should understand that the legacy of these conflicts is entrenched in all of us. At the heart of our University, in Wills Memorial Building, the names o f 173 people can be found on the Roll of Honour, a feature many of us will have walked past without taking notice. Those 173 students, professors, and staff would have had aspirations similar to ours, with talents and dreams which fell to gunfire in muddy fields in foreign lands.

The 20th century saw some of the worst atrocities of human history, so we must be grateful for the privilege of safety we enjoy. We must remember not out of patriotism, romanticism or glorification of violence, but out of gratitude for the lives we have.

“

Flickr/Roberto Catarin-

Does Remembrance Day still matter?

The Black Poppy Commemorates Black, African and Caribbean contributions to the war efforts.

The Purple Poppy Remembers all animals who have died in the service of war, particularly horses who were drafted into war efforts.

Opinion

Editor Digital Editor Deputy Editor

Sabrina Miller Kofo Ajala Elisha Mans

EpiCartoon: No smoke without fire

Our fourth cartoon of the year shows how some climate activists are working to fight for a greener future Alice Proctor SciTech and Sport Subeditor

Fancy yourself as a budding cartoonist?

Send in your submissions or ideas via email to opinion.epigram@ gmail.com

Politics should be more than virtue signalling online - it's time for students to act First Year, English and Spanish

A

fter much deliberation and disarray in Parliament, we are finally being given a chance to vote in a general election.

The members of Generation Z who have long since lamented the fact that they were not able to vote in the 2016 referendum, are finally being given something of a say in the future of the UK. As a generation, we are immensely active in the political sphere, in that much like our politicians, we like to talk… a lot. Far from apathetic (unless it really matters), we frequently share our opinions on Instagram and Facebook. The real social media enthusiasts feel the pressing urge to disseminate their opinions on Twitter, the unashamed on Snapchat.

“

The one thing you cannot be at this general election is a hypocrite

international reputation to uphold, usually do live up to the expectation of idealistic zeal that is thrust upon with them. We wear the badge proudly. But to quote T.S. Eliot, when we are actually given an opportunity will we ‘have the strength to force the moment to its crisis’ or will this general election underline a harsh truth about our own hypocrisy?

This question arises in the light of the fact that there is already much talk surrounding the difficulty for students to vote, given the date of the general election (12 December).

There is something of a painful irony in this, which brings to mind a common Italian joke. A knight, in

professing his love to a princess, tells her he would cross rivers, climb the highest mountains, and undergo the most arduous struggles to save her.

She tells him that if this is the case, she would like to be saved now. He replies ‘Now? But it’s raining now.’

For a generation who comment, share and, most importantly, talk as much as we do, one cannot help but notice similarities in our approach to the election, if the date and place are enough to cause a hindrance.

Needless to say, the solutions to this 'problem' (if it could be classed

as such), are very simple: registering to vote.

However, it is crucial to emphasise that it is neither viable nor legal to vote twice. That is to say, if you register to vote in Bristol as well as in your hometown, you cannot vote twice as you would be committing electoral fraud. If you are already registered at your home address, you are well in time to arrange for a postal vote as the deadline for applications is 5pm on the 26th of November. The process of application is hardly one that could be deemed

Fergus Ustianowski / Epigram

Fiorenza Dell'Anna

Either way, everyone finds their voice and an outlet made up of unwitting spectators who will be subjected to their - frequently intolerable - views.

University students, who have an

“

All talk and no bite; students need to register now and have their voices heard

time consuming, and is beneficial on every front.

However, resignation appears to be something of an emblematic trait of our generation, which brings to mind the fact that many of the people who now woefully condemn Brexit, didn’t register to vote at the time of the 2016 referendum or worse still, prioritised Glastonbury Festival over their right to vote.

Taking into account the fact that the student community is one of the most politically vocal in the current climate, it would be the final nail in the coffin of Brexit ironies if people once again gave into their laziness by not registering to vote or making alternative arrangements.

Whether you are a bleeding-heart liberal, a Remainer, a Brexiteer, or even a 'closet-Brexiteer', the one thing you cannot be at this general election is a hypocrite. Stop subjecting your friends to your views on social media and use the time more productively to register to vote if you really want your voice to be heard.

14 Opinion

epigram 11.11.2019

B

“

We need mutual communication and respect

This process requires a dialogue that is more than angry blogs and Epigram articles.

This is why the University’s decision to give the police more teeth to clamp down on student parties seems rather absurd. Taken that the overarching problem is a lack of mutual respect and cohesion within communities, rowdy parties are more a symptom, and stricter policing will do little to change the true cause.

In truth, this decision could even make things worse. It’s not difficult to see how resentment would build on the side of the students; if you think your neighbour is informing on you to the police, it’s hard to see a way that you could come together and relate on one level. At the same time, residents who regularly see

police cars patrolling their streets may grow to think of the students as more of a threat than they really are.

The University needs to change tack and use this money to do more than pay lip service to those complaining. A forum should be introduced for students and residents to communicate more freely. Street level meetings at the beginning of the academic year, for example, could make the process of longerterm residents approaching students less daunting and give the students themselves more compassion when being told to turn the music down.

Alternatively, a dispute mediation service could help solve concerns without letting them grow to the extent where people feel the need for getting the police involved.

These suggestions are of course imperfect, but, in any case, paying the police to watch students in their private lives seems altogether unnecessary. Not only could it be taken as an intrusion, but it opens the question of how appropriate it is for the University to be involved to this level in students’ lives outside of their studies.

Whatever the solution, the idea of recognising students as residents is essential. We need to take more responsibility in our communities, and other residents need to see us as more than a threat to the peace and quiet. Through a healthy discourse our communities can become better, but it’s on all of us to take part.

Operation Beech is an important step taken by the University to address concerns Lexi Greenstein

Second Year, Anthropology

O

peration Beech is an important step taken by Bristol University to control noise in student areas.

The University of Bristol have invested £25,000 a year into Avon and Somerset Police to patrol around Cotham and Redland until 2am to respond to noise complaints. As noise levels grow, the anger of local residents’ has grown. Serious action was the only appropriate response.

Bristol University is renowned for its party scene and high levels of drug use amongst students. This infamous reputation has only been heightened by local resident Andrew Waller, founder of The Noise Pages.

This website has contiued to reinforce the negative image that Bristol University already has.

The police patrols will, hopefully, discourage disturbance and noise in the early hours of the morning.

A prestigious university such as Bristol University should not have a reputation for its students being nothing but noisy nuisances. Bristol University students seem to have forgotten the primary purpose of why they attend university, to learn.

As a result of this persistent

Unsplash / King's Church International

Third Year, German and Russian ristol University’s pledge to tackle noise complaints by funding local Avon and Somerset police night-time patrols to the tune of £25,000 a year has attracted a lot of attention. From the BBC’s Inside Out West feature to the most recent article from the Mail Online, it seems the media is enjoying its opportunity to pitch student against resident once again. It's the same old story, noisy newcomers against law-abiding citizens who just want a good night’s sleep.

I would argue that precisely this discourse reveals the root cause of the problem. Amongst the maelstrom of below the line comments arguing that either: 'Students will be students and people should put up with it or leave' or that 'students are a plague in our communities and should be thrown out of university for noise complaints', it’s easy to lose sight of the nuance and decide to throw your lot in. Resident vigilantes fighting to preserve the community as it should be, or disgruntled young person tired of the older generation’s attempts to preserve an outdated idea of society?

Take your pick.

Mutual communication and respect between longer-term residents and students seems to be breaking down and, in its place, a mistrust and an attitude of blame has set in. Just take the anxiety expressed by students on Bristruths regarding their addresses being posted online by The Noise Pages website, and compare it to the rhetoric of that same website declaring that student parties are 'akin to an act of violence', and it’s clear that there is a problem that needs sorting.

From my perspective, central to

“

Ewan Thomas-Colquhoun

bridging this gap is the recognition that students are residents too. This is stating the obvious, but it’s a fact that has been forgotten in the argument that police patrols are 'protecting residents from students'.

This kind of rhetoric only reinforces the fact that students aren’t viewed as full residents.

Whilst this semantic shift seems a minor point, a Bristol where students are encouraged to see themselves as residents first and students second may well be a calmer and cleaner place. Let’s also not forget that other student residents may be bothered by late-night noise, and this is forgotten if all students are put in the same boat - as the discussion often does. Still, action is required from both sides. Students have to make themselves visible in their communities for more than just loud parties, and residents must be approachable and understanding of their new neighbours.

Operation Beech is the only way! partying, it seems as though academic work is very much a secondary priority for most students. I agree that parties and noise indicates sociability amongst students; however, the level of noise in the early hours of the morning is uncontrollable. It is impossible to maintain good grades and have a healthy work-life balance with these excessive noise levels.

Police patrols would, therefore, help to balance academic work and sociability for students at the University as noise would be stopped at earlier times.

“

With police patrols in place, dangerous situations can be avoided

“

Operation Beech is not the answer!

We need more cohesion between students and the wider Bristol community

Unsplash / Michael Sapiton

Epigram / Dalia Brown

/ Unsplash / Natalie Pedigo

Debate: Is operation Beech for the best?

Additionally, students perhaps aren’t aware of the detrimental affect of lack of sleep, drinking and drugs.

It is understandable that young adults have an urge to socialise and throw parties. The police patrols aren’t aiming to terminate parties and noise, as university is also a place for meeting new people and socialising; their aim is to control extreme noise at unreasonable times.

Less recognised is the fact that a lack of sleep due to noise disruption could also result in mental health issues. With parties comes needless narcotics and alcohol, both of which can pose a threat when consumed excessively.

Inevitably, alcohol and drugs will be present amongst students; however, with police patrols in place, dangerous situations can be avoided.

Loud parties in Cotham and Redland don’t just affect neighbours in surrounding residential areas but also affect University of Bristol students themselves. Police patrols will therefore act as a control for the disruption caused to other people and the self-inflicted problems that come with intense partying.

Opinion 15

11.11.2019 epigram

Society presidents deserve to be paid, not abused Opinion Editor

Bristol JSoc

E

very society president I know is dedicated to their craft. I’m on six different committees so I’ve had the privilege of watching six different society presidents sacrifice a year of their life to enrich the student experience.

They do so much, every single one of them. Their successes are rarely praised, and they get hounded for their failures on Bristruths. They are endlessly abused and criticised, often scrutinised on things they have no control over, or for things that happened before their premiership.

It is a thankless task and yet many of these society presidents power on, putting blood, and sweat and time into making student life better.

A society president is forced to juggle many responsibilities and play many roles. They are a therapist, sharing salty tears with their distraught members. They are a

friend, making sure every person feels included. They are a banker, making sure the account stays balanced. They are an events manager, contacting speaker after speaker, sending email after email to put on a variety of fascinating talks. They are an activist, fighting for important principles and ideas.

Let’s not forget that these people are students! They are all balancing supposedly a ‘full-time course’ with what is essentially a full-time business venture. G-d forbid you’re bold enough to be the president of more than one society! These people do all of this vital work for

free. They spend 15, 20, 35 hours a week in meeting after meeting, rehearsal after rehearsal, speaking to members, liaising with the University, cooking meals for angry critics, trying desperately to make sure everything is perfect! They are winning sponsorships, managing committees of over sixteen people, having upwards of two hundred demanding members. It is not easy.

They work bloody hard. And I promise that presidents (or at least the ones I know), really care and are really trying. They deserve to be paid by the SU, because the SU would be nothing without these societies. The

student community would be lifeless and bare without these leaders.

And before anyone comes back at me with a comment on ‘how good it looks to write about your society work in a C.V.’ let me make the following very clear. One line on your C.V. does not in anyway accurately reflect even an ounce of what a president has done for a year of their tenure. If you were only in it for your C.V. there are a billion and a half easier things to do. People volunteer to be President of a society because they love their society and they want to enhance the student community. Student leaders deserve to be paid because instead of getting a job, and spending 10, 15 hours a week behind a bar, they

spend that and more, making the student community a place rich with opportunity. They represent us.

They campaign for us. They are our friends. They are our leaders.

No longer should society presidents be treated like slaves or scapegoats.

They deserve some thanks. They deserve some recognition. It’s about time this SU starts supporting society presidents and committee members more. They deserve a salary. Cold hard cash as thanks for the hours of time they are choosing to invest into the University as opposed to into themselves. Compensation because they don't have time to get a job.

I’m incredibly grateful for all of their hard work, the SU should to be too.

Bristol DramSoc

Society presidents deserve more recognition Sabrina Miller

Entertainment Subeditor t’s easy to feel disorientated in a place where students from the home counties have swapped their Jack Wills for something called "Wavey Garms"'.

So reads the Huffington Post’s guide to studying at Bristol. As students, we’ve collectively gained a reputation based on the clothes we buy and how we wear them. It would be fair to say that Bristol fashion is definitely unlike what the rest of the country are wearing.

However, being different doesn’t automatically make Bristol style good. That’s a question of personal taste. More importantly, being different doesn’t automatically make Bristol students’ style individual.

If anything, I have found Bristol’s supposedly renegade attitude to fashion to be anything but. This isn’t just an aesthetic problem: what we choose to wear says an incredible

‘I

“

there is a reluctance to think outide the 'Bristol-aesthetic' box

hand-modified jacket decorated with neon paint and safety pins, is critical in shaping how others see you and how you move about in the world.

In this regard, Bristol is just as restrictive as anywhere else in the country, if not more so. Our reputation as a fashionable, trendy uni has actually created a highly regulated aesthetic culture where experimentation and expression are not encouraged. The typical Bristol wardrobe: flares, chunky Filas, vintage fleeces etc. are not themselves the problem, it is their wearers.

The image of Bristol as a trendy uni gives its students a sense of

superiority and individuality which is, all too often, completely undeserved.

Wearing wavey garms or vintage clothing might be an expression of defiance and individualism in a home counties market town, but it’s hardly interesting here, where every other person is dressed in an almost identical way.

Students here are loathe to take risks in the way they dress, unlike somewhere like CSM where students actually make original choices (albeit not always good ones). Modifying, repairing or creating clothes is a rare sight as is the tedious - but rewarding - process of hunting down specific pieces across charity shops and small boutiques. Instead,

the popularity of vintage shops and Depop, which pick out and promote a specific set of clothes, show that there is a reluctance to think outside the ‘Bristol-aesthetic’ box.

I’ve found Bristol to be a much more closed, cliquey community than many other universities and this applies to what we wear as well. Of course, this isn’t Clueless and people don’t judge clothing choices as explicitly but there is still a set style worn by the ‘in’ crowd and straying from that does mark people out.

This insular idea of fashion also leads to some, frankly, stupid pieces of clothing becoming trendy. Take, for example, the Deliveroo jacket that blew up over summer. There is really

Epigram / Sophie Crowther

Siavash Minoukadeh

amount about us. Don’t just take it from me, Vivienne Westwood has said that 'dress, hairstyle and make-up are the crucial factors in projecting an attractive persona'.

Being free to wear what you like, whether it’s just some trackies or a

“

Bristol student fashion is not as original and edgy as people like to think

Epigram / Kai Daniel Malloy

We must be honest with ourselves, wavy garms need to stop no reason to want to wear a piece of clothing worn to work an underpaid, undersupported, precarious job.

However, as it’s not up for sale it’s only available to Deliveroo riders - it becomes rare, and therefore a valuable indicator of status. What became a must-have only did so because it was hard to come by, and ended up glorifying the gig economy.

I strongly doubt that if students had thought about the individual choices they made in what they wore, they would have not chosen a Deliveroo jacket as a statement piece. Going along with it for the sake of fitting in is far more understandable.

Ultimately, my issue is not with what Bristol students wear, but their attitude towards it. University should be a time to experiment and find a form of self-expression that is suitable to us but here it feels as though there is a strict style code and we, as students, should seek to break that down and make this university a genuine place for setting trends and experimentation, as so many people outside Bristol seem to think it is.

SciTech

Want to write for SciTech? Join our writers’ group!

Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor

Vilhelmiina Haavisto Isobel O’Loughlin Topaz Maitland

Ellie Brown News Subeditor

“

By focusing his time and money on environmentalism, he is arguably using his power for good

Rebellion (XR) to ambitious plans for carbon neutrality, the latter hastily drawn up by governments looking to reassure an increasingly worried population.

Celebrities such as Emma Thompson and Jane Fonda have shown support for such campaigns, though to Thompson and DiCaprio’s credit, they were activists before the climate crisis went mainstream. However, whether they are ‘greenwashing’ their public image in pursuit of column inches and

social media likes is unclear. While celebrity involvement is voluntary, media coverage tends to focus on the celebrities themselves rather than the issues at hand. For example, recent coverage of Jane Fonda’s arrest at a climate rally focused on her lifelong political activism, rather than the rally itself.

However, the colonisation of public debate by celebrities can arguably also work the other way, with the rich and famous using their platforms to spotlight causes important to them.

Tabloids will always talk about DiCaprio – a former teen idol and serial model-dater – as, whether you like it or not, it is what people read.

DiCaprio hardly needs any more exposure; by focusing his time and money on environmentalism, he is arguably using his power for good.

One study has shown that after DiCaprio’s 2017 Oscars speech, there were five times as many tweets about climate change than before. However, tweeting about something does not equate to action. Other studies, which link rises in sustainable action adoption (such as switching to a vegan diet) to celebrities doing so, may also be at risk of oversimplifying. There are simply too many factors to consider when measuring behavioural change.

Additionally, the hypocrisy of some celebrities who call for

environmental protection may spark backlash. Emma Thompson’s flight from California to the UK before her speech at an XR protest drew the ire of many media outlets, and DiCaprio too has been shown to consistently underestimate his own carbon footprint. Perceptions that sustainable living and activism are things that only the rich can afford may explain why movements like XR are overwhelmingly middleclass. They are also likely to be true to an extent; even activists like Greta Thunberg, who generally practices what she preaches, rely on outside funding to undertake their environmentalism.

Celebrity activists are often unaware of the complex realities that underpin environmental debates. Returning to the endangered primates, habitat loss caused by humans is clearly a major

Flickr / AJC1

A

new report co-published

by Bristol Zoo and three other international organisations was the focus of DiCaprio’s post. He highlighted the fact that 43 percent of monkeys and apes are ‘critically endangered’ and included a photo of one of the report’s most endangered species, the Talapunin Orangutan. The report makes no overall conclusions about how the endangerment of primates relates to human activities, though ‘habitat loss’ due to activities such as logging is often cited as a threat.

For DiCaprio, though, the report is ‘a clear call to action.’

According to ITV West, staff at Bristol Zoo were ‘delighted’ by the post, stating that DiCaprio’s support had led to ‘renewed interest’ in their report. DiCaprio can certainly reach an audience; the post currently has over 300,000 likes, and the actor has 37.1 million followers on Instagram.

However, their reactions and the media coverage gained by DiCaprio’s

endorsement raise the question of whether celebrity environmentalists help or hinder such causes.

Firstly, there is the problem of motivation. As a celebrity, caring about the environment is almost a guaranteed way of drawing attention, especially following extensive media coverage of the climate crisis since the IPCC’s 2018 report. This report estimates that in twelve years, climate change will become irreversible and have devastating effects globally. As the likelihood of climate catastrophe has risen, so has awareness and action, from the protests of Extinction

“

Bristol Zoo’s conservation efforts recently gained a global audience thanks to an Instagram post by actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio

Epigram / Vilhelmiina Haavisto, Imdb / Warner Bros.

The jury is still out on celebrity environmentalists

contributor – yet it is a vital industry for many countries, meaning that conservation often comes at the expense of economically valuable resources. While celebrities such as DiCaprio do use their money to try and incentivise countries to protect these ecosystems, his foundation relies on earnings from syndications, film contracts and publicity; activities which surely contribute to a high carbon-emitting lifestyle.

Celebrity environmentalism is by no means all bad. Indeed, had DiCaprio not posted about Bristol Zoo’s report, myself and many others may not have known about it at all, and this article may not have gained any readers without the ‘celebrity’ angle attached to it. However, it is important to remain critical of the effectiveness of this kind of activism and its motivations.

Release the hogs! Bristol becomes a hedgehog-friendly campus

SciTech Editor

H

edgehog populations in the UK have declined steadily over the past two decades.

According to a 2011 report published by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the proportion of sites surveyed that harbour hedgehogs may have declined by up to 40 percent over the past decade. Many factors make human-inhabited places unsafe for hedgehogs, including litter and traffic in urban areas, and rapid habitat loss in rural areas that in turn pushes the hogs towards urbanised areas.

The goal of the scheme that Bristol,

many members of the University community, who all have a part to play in hedgehog conservation.

The University’s campaign is run by the Estates and Sustainability teams, as well as staff and student volunteers. Yvonne Cox, who attended the campaign launch at the University, commended the University allotment for harbouring ‘natural hedgehog food sources’, as

Flicikr /Jorg Hempel

Vilhelmiina Haavisto

along with 32 other UK universities, has joined is to both raise awareness about the plight of Britain’s hedgehogs and to make changes to campus areas to support them. These include organising student litter picks, providing training for staff to be able to safely rescue injured or ill hedgehogs, and actively surveying populations to further develop the campaign. The scheme involves

well as a ‘lovely hedgerow’ where they can rest in safety. Cox believes that humans owe it to nature to have ‘scruffier, connected wild spaces’ in urban environments where animals such as hedgehogs can thrive.

Those wishing to get involved with the campaign can join the Hedgehog Friendly Campus University of Bristol Facebook group to keep upto-date with events and news. The first student litter pick took place on October 29th, and was a great success with 15 bags of rubbish collected from Brandon Hill.

Students can also take steps on their own to protect hedgehogs, through simple actions like clearing up litter or creating ‘hedgehog homes’ in their gardens. These are very easy to create; according to the RSPCA, a hedgehog home can be as simple as ‘piles of leaf litter and logs’. The hedgehogs will repay you by eating the slugs and snails that may plague vegetable patches.

To feed them, the RSPCA recommends non-fish based tinned dog or cat food or crushed dog or

cat biscuits, though foods made specifically for hedgehogs are also available to purchase from garden centres and wildlife food suppliers.

Milk is strongly cautioned against as it can cause diarrhoea; water in shallow bowls is recommended instead.

“

Us humans owe it to nature to have ‘scruffier, connected wild spaces’ in urban environments

“

The University recently joined a conservation scheme supported by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to improve campus for our spiky friends

Helping hedgehogs is particularly important in the months before winter really sets in, as they hibernate between late November and midMarch. During hibernation, the hogs rely on their fat reserves to keep them going. The British Hedgehog Preservation Society website has comprehensive information on what to do if you find a wounded or sick hedgehog in wintertime.

18 SciTech

epigram 11.11.2019

Carissa Wong PhD, Cancer Immunology

A

recent review published in Science highlights the parallels of climate change and antimicrobial resistance (AMR); both are global crises which require international intervention.

Without appropriate solutions, these issues will induce massive costs to human life and the global economy.

Reports commissioned by the UK government have forecast that, globally, 10 million annual deaths and a GDP reduction between 2 to 3.5 percent, costing $100 trillion, could result by 2050 if we do not tackle AMR appropriately. Such challenges must be dealt with by policymakers, and the economic landscape is the strongest force guiding their search for solutions. Here, we look at the economics of AMR, and what needs to be done to avoid a world where a small scratch could prove fatal.

Penicillin was the first antibiotic to be discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, before development as a medicine by Ernst Chain and Howard Florey. The power of antibiotics to transform healthcare was officially

recognised when they jointly received a Nobel Prize in 1945; even then, they warned that bacteria could become resistant to antibiotics via natural selection. Modern medicine relies on antibiotics to mitigate the dangers of procedures common in high-income countries (HICs) such as caesarean sections, chemotherapy and joint replacements. In a world where AMR is more common, there will be higher rates of disease, more complications and longer hospitalstays; this will cost time, lives and a lot of money.

As with climate change, the impact of AMR on the world will not be evenly distributed. For low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) the

“

As with climate change, the impact of antimicrobial resistance on the world will not be evenly distributed

“

With World Antibiotic Resistance Awareness Week coming up (1824 Nov), how can economics help to solve the resistance crisis?

effects of AMR are likely to be worse than for HICs, as hospital infection control systems are often worse in LMICs. Moreover, AMR and climate change are likely to increase poverty within countries. For example, the productivity of people in lowerincome agricultural work will be severely impacted by the climate and it’s effect on their physical health.

The future of AMR is uncertain. It

is incredibly difficult to predict how and when AMR will develop, because new resistance genes can be quickly spread across bacterial populations at any time or in any place. It would be best to assume the worstcase scenario will occur and have insurance policies in place, given the enormous costs involved. However, this uncertainty also provides politicians, who prioritise short-term gains, with reasons to ignore the long-term threat of AMR - as has been the case with climate change.

We need multiple antibiotics to treat a given infection, so that fewer will become ineffective if the bacteria acquire a certain resistance gene. However, there is a lack of incentive to create new antibiotics.

Pharmaceutical companies have little reason to invest in the development of new antibiotics because clinical trials are expensive, logistically difficult to conduct, and any new antibiotics must be limited for use to reduce the rate of resistance developing.

Once the antibiotic is in use, the development of AMR will reduce its value. Producing new antibiotics is unlikely to be profitable, especially when many candidate drugs fail to successfully pass through the stages of development. Novartis recently followed in the footsteps of many pharmaceutical companies when it stopped investing in antibiotic research in 2018.

The current system for producing

Flickr / UK Department for International Development

The economics of antibiotic resistance

antibiotics means profits are determined by the cost of the antibiotics and the amount sold. This system makes fighting AMR a losing battle. New approaches are essential, such as providing more funding and support for companies to develop antibiotics, or ensuring companies profit from antibiotic-development research by providing a guaranteed financial gain independent of the extent of sales.

Inappropriate usage of antibiotics, which drives AMR, may result from misdiagnoses by doctors, financial motives for doctors in places where prescribing and dispensing antibiotics are not separated, and patients not completing their prescribed course.

Overprescribing could be avoided by improved diagnostic tests that more accurately pinpoint the cause of disease.

Ensuring doctors cannot

financially gain from increased prescription of antibiotics will prevent conflicts of interest that encourage AMR. Improved education on AMR development is of utmost importance, as many people are not fully aware of the consequences of antibiotic misuse. This will also help to reduce the pressure doctors can be placed under by patients to inappropriately prescribe antibiotics.

The 2015 Paris agreement to combat climate change would not exist without informative economic analyses. Economics equally has a role in developing solutions for AMR. While climate change has over 16,000 peer-reviewed articles published in the economic EconLit database, there are only 55 about AMR. Tackling AMR through an economic lens will be crucial to solve the crisis and we can learn a lot from the campaign against climate change.

In the lab at UoB University of Bristol researchers have developed a new statistical approach to establish causal effects.

To demonstrate this method, they analysed 18,000 traits from the UK’s biobank database to determine whether they are influenced by heavy smoking. As well as showing known effects (such as harm to lung function), the researchers found that facial wrinkling and attractiveness are also affected. This information can potentially be used for smoking prevention campaigns.

Annie Wilson

Flickr / Jorge Almeida

Pet dogs in Africa have been found to contain a potentially zoonotic disease, believed to be caused by bloodsucking tsetse flies. The diseasetrypanosomiasis- causes the symptom of cloudy white eyes. University of Bristol and University of Nigeria researchers collaborated to identify the species of parasite involved. They found that two dogs were carrying a form which causes trypanosomiasis in humans. Although this is a deadly disease, there have been fewer than 1,500 cases in tropical Africa.

Flickr / Mark Brennan

Six million pounds is being invested into Bristol University research to investigate a Greenland ice sheet. Pigmented glacier algae have been growing over the past 20 years, causing the ice to melt. The algae are purple to shield themselves from ultraviolet radiation, but this results in more heat being absorbed.

If the ice in Greenland continues to melt, there is concern over rising sea levels. Therefore, understanding the underlying cause of the algae’s growing population is vital.

Annie Wilson

Link between heavy smoking and facial aging

Canine zoonosis in tropical Africa

Isobel O’Loughlin

Flickr / Raul Lieberwirth

Purple algae spell trouble for Greenland ice sheet

11.11.2019 epigram

An international report on how fossil fuel corporations have mislead the public for decades was published earlier this month Dan Sarkar Second year, Chemistry

T

he report, collaborated on by academics from the Universities of Bristol, Harvard and George Mason, highlights how fossil fuel corporations have systematically mislead the public about the causes of climate change by actively orchestrating denial and disinformation for nearly 40 years.

It begins by analysing leaked internal documents from Exxon in 1970s-1990s, in which the company admits to having knowledge that CO2 being released from burning fossil fuels is the primary source of

climate change as far back as the 1950s. These documents also cast light on Exxon’s plan to misinform the public by ‘emphasizing the uncertainty in scientific conclusions’ and to make these uncertainties part of the status quo.

Another tactic the company used (mentioned in these documents) was to “stress Exxon’s environmentally sound efforts” by restricting CFCs and supporting conservation. This tactic of ‘greenwashing’ is still used today by fossil fuel corporations, notably in the past few months by Shell, who’s PR department are responsible for a YouTube series about reducing CO2 emissions, whilst spending a staggering $5.5m on lobbying the US government in 2019 alone.

The report goes on to accentuate how the fossil fuel industry and its political allies ‘consistently attacked the consensus’, whilst offering “no alternative for why the climate was changing”. Analysis on an 2000 advertorial by the

newly merged ExxonMobil in the New York Times, showed that the company were actively deceiving the public by denying that there was a global consensus in the scientific community, claiming that ‘little if any warming’ had actually happened.

Some of the common disinformation techniques used in the ExxonMobil advertorial were then analysed and categorised. First, by introducing existing contradictions used by climate denialists which can at least partially be attributed to misinformation by the fossil fuel industry. Then, using the “five techniques of climate change denial” and attributing them to several of the arguments. These techniques, summarised by the acronym FLICC, are Fake Experts, Logical Fallacies, Impossible Expectations, Cherry Picking, and Conspiracy Theories.

“

Exxon lied to the public. Like all bad actors, they should be held accountable

Flickr / Jeremy Buckingham

“

One example where these techniques were used is the argument that “the climate has always changed”.

Using the fact that the climate has changed naturally in the past to state that current climate change is natural is a textbook example of jumping to conclusions is just one of many examples given in the report.

One of the most interesting aspects

Flickr / kris krüg

SciTech 19 University highlights climate misinformation by fossil fuel companies

of the report is the conclusion that the strategies, rhetorical arguments and techniques used by the fossil fuel industry come straight out of the tobacco industry’s playbook for delaying tobacco control.

For decades, tobacco companies put out a slew of misinformation, including manipulated research and public advertisements, to try and change the growing consensus in the scientific community that smoking was a major cause of lung cancer. It really isn’t hard to see the similarities between the two industries.

Professor Stephan Lewandowsky’s words summarise the report well.

The chair of cognitive psychology in the School of Experimental Psychology and Cabot Institute for the Environment stated that: ‘Disinformation about climate change has a straightforward purpose—to block action on climate change. In

America, it has largely succeeded, with policies to mitigate climate change blocked or delayed for decades.’

The work that this report does to emphasise the scale of the misinformation is unimaginably important. Geoffrey Supran, Research Associate in the Department of the History of Science at Harvard University, explained that ‘the evidence is incontrovertible: Exxon misled the public. Like all bad actors, they should be held accountable.’

This is all the more poignant when reminded that another 2019 study by Yale University found that between 30 and 40 percent of Americans still do not believe in climate change.

It’s clear that despite the work done by the University and the wider scientific community, much more effort is needed to repair the damage done by the fossil fuel industry.

Topaz Maitland SciTech Digital Editor

L

earning languages opens doors. In the working world, the most challenging problems that STEM students will tackle involves working with people from a diverse set of backgrounds and nationalities. Speaking another person’s language can create diverse new friendships and a deeper understanding of different cultures.

Such skills are invaluable for everyone.

Whether working or travelling abroad, or being able to hear people’s stories, these students all agree that their ability to communicate with a

wider range of people has had a big impact on their lives.

Joe McFarlane, a fifth year Engineering Design student, spoke about working in Kenya for his placement year. Learning Luganda and Swahili conversationally were vital because most people didn’t speak English.

‘Even if the person does speak English, being able to speak to them in their mother-tongue can create

“

Being able to use both languages helped communication…and thereby facilitated the progress of work

“

Epigram SciTech spoke to three Bristol STEM students about the benefits speaking different languages has had on both their work and family relations

a point of reference and common understanding, which … makes it easier to create and establish meaningful relationships with people. If I speak with a Muganda

in Luganda, often the response I get is Webaale nnyo kuyiga Oluganda, which means “thank you so much for learning Luganda!”’

Joe also told us about how invaluable his language skills were in the work environment. ‘Whilst working on construction sites, I used a mixture of English and Swahili to speak with colleagues and the client.

Being able to use both languages helped communication … and thereby facilitated the progress of work on site.’

Ilham Said, fourth year Aerospace Engineering, spoke about growing up speaking English and Arabic and how this fueled her passion for travel and learning new languages. Ilham has also been teaching herself Japanese and picked up some Mandarin after a summer program in China. Knowing more languages has allowed her to have a deeper cultural understanding on her travels, and to communicate with a much wider array of people.

Unsplash / Jason Leung

Languages are invaluable for STEM students

‘I’ve found that being bilingual not only helps me when I’m in other countries, but also opens doors in my own country. I have come across many instances whilst travelling where I could use my language skills to get around or communicate with locals. Sometimes it’s just knowing basic terms and greetings or picking up on cultural references and jokes.’

Anusha Abbas, second year

Chemistry, told us about her passion for gathering stories and how speaking Punjabi has allowed her to learn about her family’s history.

‘My grandparents spoke very little English, but because I can speak Punjabi I was able to listen to them talk about their childhood and memorable experiences growing up... speaking Punjabi immediately opens up a million more stories to listen to!’

Film & TV

Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor

Adaptation favourites A Clockwork Orange (1972) Tom Clegg

IM Db /

Wa rne

r Bros

Film & TV Editor

When considering whether a film adaptation of a book is good or not, there are three questions to consider: does the director produce his own version of the fiction, or does he simply project the author’s ideas through film?

Does it maintain the core message of the book? Does it use the art of film to enhance the book?

“

Kubrick uproots the story and uses it as a structure for his own brand of evil

Db

/B

BC F

ilms

The adaptation of Anthony Burgess’ 1962 novel is not just a copy of the book, and what’s more Kubrick’s interpretation of it is very effective. Does it maintain the core message of the book? No. Burgess wrote this book as a cry for the defence of free will. The change of perspective from philosophical issue to ultra-violence makes the film much more callous, both physically and metaphysically. In the book, the main character Alex’s weapon of choice is not a cane with a knife within it, but a cutthroat razor. The cane is brutal, whereas the cutthroat razor is skilful, requiring great technique.

When Alex fights Dim and Pete in the book, he realises his adversary’s fighting technique and outsmarts them.

In the film he merely beats them into some water. In terms of metaphysical elegance, or lack thereof, the book is able to position the reader completely within Alex’s mind, and so all violence is completely from his perspective, a perspective that is intelligent and calculated. The film is destined to fall down on this as it is impossible to be fully in Alex’s mind, and so the ultraviolence is manic. So, ironically, the increased attention on Alex lessens our ability to be fully part of him. Does it use the art of film to enhance the book?

If we accept the change of message and take the film as a Kubrick creation with elements of the novel, his use of film is exceptional. The reader is often the victim of ultra-violence, with Alex looking directly at the camera, thus she is forcibly thrown into the scene.

But is it a good adaptation? Though it deviates quite massively from the book, it is. Kubrick uproots the story and uses it as a structure for his brand of evil.

IM

The Great Gatsby is a film about hope, the American dream and, ultimately, love.

Adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel that grasped the essence of an American society based on individuals seeking a better life for themselves, matching the author’s sense of creativity and modern romanticism should have been a hard act to sustain.

However, Baz Luhrmann’s direction and Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance of Gatsby enhances Fitzgerald’s artistic style of writing and brings the novel to life.

Throughout the film, Luhrmann’s use of his colour scheme captures Fitzgerald’s vivid imagination and creativity. The dazzling use of bright colours, such as yellows and greens, portray the core of Gatsby’s hope which lives throughout the spirit of the film.

The fast paced editing combined with the intensity of the music and extravagant colour scheme adds to the vibrancy of the flapper parties. Baz Luhrmann has managed to create a contemporary sensation from an adaptation of a novel written over 60 years prior.

A modern audience is able to understand and enjoy The Great Gatsby but simultaneously gain the significant message of how Gatsby’s dream self-destructs, due to the collapse of morals in society; a message that remains true throughout time. / Wa rner Bros

R

eading week is just behind us, with piles of discarded readings and essay plans hopefully tackled and a fair bit of relaxation to boot. When we think of ‘reading week’ many of us acknowledge the student propensity to do the exact opposite, and avoid reading like the plague. Here at Film & TV, we know that films will always trump their book counterparts. Through the prejudice of adaptations and the difficulty of translating words to image, they prevail. Cinema is a relatively young art form, and so obviously borrows from those that have come before it. We commend the films that get it right, and are not afraid to publicly mock those that let us down – The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009), I’m looking at you. We’ve compiled a definitive list of the films that get it right, and those that get it so, so wrong.

Rebecca Hurford First Year, Sociology

Db

Film & TV Editor

The Great Gatsby (2013)

IM

Adaptations are a winning formula for cinema and our writers pick their favourites Leah Martindale

London Road is a musical crime drama film adapted from a stage musical, which in turn is adapted entirely verbatim from interviews and police transcripts, after five sex workers were murdered by a serial killer in Ipswich, Suffolk - on London Road. The challenges of adapting stage to screen combine with the greater challenges of adapting the weird and wonderful idioms and cadences of speech for music: both are done masterfully.

The music is expressive and explicit, following the unnatural peaks and troughs of unprepared human speech: they trip and stumble, ‘um’ and ‘yeah’. The genius of London Road is not only its adaptation from this unusual medium, but how it embraces the

Second Year, English & Philosophy

medium’s weirdness.

The film is classifiable by a magnitude of genres: crime, mystery, drama, musical… it is a wonderful example of British social realism while also managing to ignore basically every rule of realism in the book. From the colourism to the musical numbers, the characterisation to the award-winning choreography, the film is a masterpiece from open to close. Of course, fans of the play may disagree. This is where the film’s reuse of the original cast gains a twofold genius. Not only are the characters more intelligently fleshed out, more realised, and more believable, they leave little room for criticism as the actors’ original work is, in a way, recreated for the screen.

I feel it is my duty, as a die-hard film musical aficionado and as a cinema fan through-and-through, to highlight the adaptation genius that is London Road.

For fans of the musical, fans of crime and criminality, suspense, tension, and very British sensibilities, you need look no further than Rufus Norris’ 2015 classic. A true cinematic gem.

T

hird year Film and Television student Louis Fleury’s Penance (2019) may be short, clocking in at just over ten minutes, but it certainly packs a punch. Though it tackles the topics of religion, morals and integrity, Fleury’s script handles them deftly. Following the time-tested mantra of ‘show not tell’ the film does not let itself get bogged down in dialogue too often and instead lets the cinematography and score create the tension.

Despite being filmed in Bristol, the plot of Penance would appear to be set in Ireland with Steve O’Halloran playing a village priest. Sat writing his sermon in the pub, he is visited by a mysterious stranger (Leo Graham) with a request. Both performances are strong, with the characters and their intentions gradually unfolding over the course of the film, never giving too much away. The storytelling is well crafted with the director of photography Ollie Uglow’s cinematography really drawing the eye to the two men’s world-weary faces by setting them against a soft backdrop. With the camera cutting between each face, we do not see the two men face-to-face until towards the very end. So, while the rich, luscious colouring may originally give us a sense of warmth, the tension is very cleverly built up to culminate in the ambiguous ending.

A special mention must also go to David Dudeny’s score: simple yet effective, it begins to be audible halfway through the film and gradually builds up, its insistence matching the rising drama. All in all, Penance marks a strong foray by this student-led team into short film. With a strong plot and an arc that develops throughout the ten minutes, it is definitely a promising sign of what is to come from these filmmakers.

Epigram / Louis Fleury

Leah Martindale

One to watch

“

London Road (2015)

Leah Martindale Louie Bell Laura Aish Tom Goulde

As part of the University of Bristol, Epigram Film & TV are committed to covering student filmmakers and their works. Send any submissions for review over to: filmtv.epigram@gmail.com

Read more on these adaptations in full on the Epigram website!

11.11.2019

epigram

Film & TV 21

IMDb / Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Against the odds: Adapting Don Quixote

O

n the 19 May, The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018) premiered at Cannes Film Festival. A film 29 years in the making, it stands as a testament to director Terry Gilliam’s patience and determination as a filmmaker.

Previously a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe, Gilliam has carved out a name for himself in Hollywood as an imaginative director. Classic films such as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), The Brothers Grimm (2005) and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) all have his name on them.

Yet despite these successes, Gilliam seems to be cursed.

During the filming of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, principal lead Heath Ledger tragically passed away. A frantic re-cast led to Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell all jointly sharing the role.

Another previous film, Brazil (1985), didn’t fare much better. Despite the cult status it now holds, it made just short of $10 million against a $15 million budget.

However, the film that would truly come to define Gilliam in both his tenacity and creativity as a filmmaker would emerge from a 17th century Spanish novel. In 1989, after deciding to adapt Cervantes’ Don Quixote, written in 1605, Gilliam started a journey that was almost as outlandish as the concepts his films

often embody.

The first agreement was struck with Phoenix Pictures in 1990. Titled Don Quixote, it was envisioned as a fairly straight-forward adaptation of the novel before Gilliam decided that the budget was too low.

“

Do we judge directors by commercial success or cultural impact?

“

It’s taken Terry Gilliam 29 years to adapt this novel but has it paid off?

Aaron Wilkinson Third Year, History

What followed can only be described as a nightmare. Jean Rochefort, hired as Quixote, was diagnosed with a double herniated disc. The noise of jet fighters ruined all audio recorded live. Flash floods, broken equipment, conflicting schedules and mismanagement of actors meant that the production was finally cancelled in late 2000.

Gilliam was finally able to begin the final production of the film in 2016 with Jonathon Pryce and Adam Driver in the two lead roles. Filming wrapped in June 2017 and the film premiered just under a year later.

It hasn’t fully premiered globally yet, so there’s no suitable box office statistics to judge the financial success of the film but critically it hasn’t fared well. Gregory Ellwood of Collider sums it up with ‘the film simply doesn’t live up to its storied legacy in the annals of Hollywood film development’.

But is it fair to judge Gilliam by this? As a director and filmmaker Gilliam has his name on a significant number of films that just didn’t go anywhere and, had it not been for sheer luck in funding Don Quixote, that would likely have joined the

list. Yet his films are universally enjoyed. So do we judge directors by commercial success or cultural impact outside the box office?

Very few of his films have ever achieved critical financial success but I’d hazard a guess that most people reading this article have enjoyed his work at some point. So I’m happy to define success a little less by the numbers and a little more by the influence that films hold. Audiences don’t remember films for their profits being over budget but instead through quotable lines, quirky scenes and memorable characters - so why should we remember filmmakers for their profitability too?

Read the full article on the Epigram website!

Editors’ Picks IMDb / Universal Pictures

IMDb/ Fox 2000

Hyperion Pictures

IMDb / MGM

IMDb / Columbia Pictures

Tired of hitting the books in reading week? Here are some adaptations to relax with

Leah Martindale Editor

Louie Bell Deputy Editor

Laura Aish Digital Editor

Tom Goulde Deputy Digital Editor

Daisy Game Entertainment Sub-Editor

The Princess Bride (1987)

Sense and Sensibility (1995)

Tom’s Midnight Garden (1999)

Fight Club (1999)

Call Me By Your Name (2017)

Adapted from the William Goldman novel, The Princess Bride is a story of ‘fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, ...’, and shaped my childhood irreversibly. Starring Peter Falk as the Grandfather, the film does not shy away from its literary origins, as he narrates the book to his grandson, which then comes to life onscreen.

With a endless list of iconic quotes ‘My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.’ - and a Dickensian cast of fairytale characters, the film champions true love, honesty, and friendship above all.

Combine the enchanting essence of Austen’s novel with a witty screenplay by a national treasure, and you have Sense and Sensibility. Director Ang Lee brings English pomp into the open, exposing all its ridiculousness to make you love it even more. With an all-star cast including Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant and Alan Rickman, the film stands the test of time and remains one of the best literary adaptations.

With its biting social commentary and genuine hilarity, the lasting story of the Dashwoods will always be one of my favourites.

The film Tom’s Midnight Garden, directed by Willard Carroll, was adapted from the 1958 book of the same name

by Phillipa Pearce. The story is set in the 1950s and follows Tom Long, who is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle after his brother becomes ill. He soon discovers that he can time-travel into a Victorian garden at midnight. Here he

I am breaking the first rule of Fight Club to write this, but I think it is vital that everyone watches it. You might not have known that Fight Club was originally a novel written by Chuck Palahniuk in 1996. It was adapted into a cult classic directed by David Fincher and starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. It follows an anonymous narrator who meets the mysterious Tyler Durden. Together, They establish an underground fight club that turns into something much bigger. Every minute is crazy and intense. If all that sounds too frantic, just wait until the end...

Apricot juice, boiled eggs, cigarettes and sunshine - James Ivory’s Oscarwinning adaptation of Andre Aciman’s summer romance, Call Me By Your Name, washes its audience with the warmth of an Italian summer. Music, fairy tales, history; Timothee Chalamet, Armie Hammer and Michael Stulhbarg; dancing in the heat of a Mediterranean evening, drink in hand, or lounging beside the stone pool draped in books and a pair of perfectly balanced Raybans: Ivory’s adaptation of Aciman’s first-love narrative is the perfect cure to the approaching-winter blues.

meets Hattie – the two become friends and their adventures ensue from there.

This film had a great impact on me as a child, especially its intriguing timetravel element. It’s definitely still worth a watch today.

Arts

epigram 11.11.2019

@epigramarts

Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor

Livi Player Imogen Howse Will Maddrell Serafina Lee

BBC / Getty Images

Banksy to Boris: reactionary art in the age of Brexit

“

which i s mirrored in the art they create.

There’s a feeling of nothing making sense, of the ludicrous marrying the monstrous.

Some of this art is made for protest marches and displayed by masses of people. On a London march, there was a depiction of a giant Theresa May giving birth to a malformed child dubbed ‘Brexit’. Another piece of artwork depicted a long pointed nose, with ‘Brexit’ inscribed across it, piercing through the heart of a model man carrying a briefcase which bears the words ‘the economy’.

There’s something both horrific and

kissing B o r i s Johnson: the absurdity of history is always connected to the absurdity of the present.

Some Brexit artwork is displayed in art galleries, such as Grayson Perry’s ‘Brexit Vases,’ in the V&A’s Ceramics

The art that has come out of Brexit is motivated by a need to speak and a need to be heard

/O rin Car lin

has begun, like any major event, to produce a significant amount of reactionary art. It has inspired artists through its perceived brilliance or

Time / Simon Dawson

W

hile it was still visible, the mural which I want to discuss depicted a workman chipping away at one lone star from the flag of the European Union. This single action however causes cracks to spread across the entire flag, suggesting that the loss of a single ‘star’ can undermine the ideals and foundations of an entire organisation. Although the mural in question is now covered in white paint, it was once Banksy’s powerful contribution to the arts’s narrative on Brexit. It is fittingly painted on a house in Dover, where lorry drivers could wait for days to cross the

amusing in the sculptures, as well as something utterly uncanny.

There’s one Brexit-inspired mural which is reminiscent of the iconic image dubbed ‘The Kiss of Death’ in Berlin’s East Side Gallery, in which the Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev is kissing East Germany president Erich Honecker.

The modern recreation features Donald Trump

am igr Ep

“

Donald Trump kissing Boris Johnson: the absurdity of history is always connected to the absurdity of the present

“

First Year Maths & Philosophy

idiocy to create and display their message or interpretation, whether this be a warning or celebration.

Art that comments on Brexit is on the whole satirical and critical.

An overwhelming proportion of people working in arts sectors voted ‘Remain’ and so there’s definitely a sense of the confusion and shock felt by Remain voters

“

Daisy Charles

Channel in the case of no deal.

Brexit is a strange beast, one whose nature no one yet knows. It dominates our news to the point of boredom - when will it end and how?

What effect will it have on Britain in the years to come? We don’t know the answers. Brexit seems defined by uncertainty, division, and instability.

Art is always rooted in its context entwined in both the messy world in which it was created and the reasons which motivated its creation. Brexit

“

Brexit is a strange beast, one whose nature no one yet knows

“

As the reality of Brexit looms ever closer, street artists continue to respond and spark controversy

Galleries. Both vases stand over a metre tall, with one representing ‘Leave’ and the other ‘Remain.’

Both are decorated similarly, with transfer-printed images and sgraffito figures, functioning as a matching pair. Over the vases are projected images representing Britishness, featuring figures from both sides of the campaign and using images from social media.

The art that has come out of Brexit is, like all art, motivated by a need to speak and a need to be heard. Much of it is reminiscent of the political art that has come in the years before it, clearly born of intense emotion.

For those who voted ‘Remain’ it’s an outlet for the anger, disillusionment and the absurdity of Brexit. For those who voted ‘Leave,’ it’s a celebration of the ideals of Brexit: its patriotism, its ties to the past, and its sense of a national identity.

Banksy’s mural can no longer be seen in Dover. It was whitewashed by vandals - all that remains now is a square of white paint. In a post on Instagram, Banksy revealed that he had intended to update it on ‘Brexit Day’ to a crumpled flag with the man still chipping away at a lone star, now on a blank background.

‘Nevermind,’ Banksy wrote in the post’s caption. ‘I guess a big white flag says it just as well.’

Arts 23

11.11.2019 epigram

Bedtime reading: waste of time or time well spent?

ram Epig

yer i Pla v i L /

“

It’s not limited to those of us who love discussing language, narrative, and storytelling

families, and much more. Though this is not specifically related to reading before bed, it dispels the myth of reading before bed being a waste of time - you’re gaining knowledge and perspective even if you don’t realise it.

This more productive side to reading before bed doesn’t end here. An article posted by GLD Enterprise Communications Ltd. states that: ‘reading exposes us to more words and ideas within a context that provides meaning and proper usage.’

You can expand your vocabulary and develop a meaningful use of language all from the comfort of your own bed!

As an English student, it’s probably somewhat predictable for me to say that bedtime reading is one of my favourite sources of entertainment: but it’s not limited to those of us who love discussing language, narrative, and storytelling. Bedtime reading gives me the opportunity to take

some time away from the routine of my course, and also gives me all the conversation starters I need – there is nothing like bonding with someone over the love of the same book. Trust me!

Every now and again, try swapping your essay reading for a book you might just fall in love with. There’s something much more exciting about staying up for ‘just one more chapter’ instead of snoring over that article at 2am!

Southville’s street art hall of fame Take a stroll around Bristol next time you get a spare moment you never know what you might stumble across Livi Player Arts Editor

Epigram / Imogen Howse

B

y this point in the term, we probably associate bedtime reading with hurrying through the fiftieth page of a convoluted academic review, straining to stay awake as the small black print blurs into one indistinct shape before your very eyes. However - this isn’t the only way to read before bed!

What about picking up a book for your own comfort and enjoyment, your head propped up with fluffy pillows, a hot cup of tea in hand, immersed in your favourite story?

There’s so much evidence to show that reading before you turn in for the night adds a boost to your daily life - much more than simply being prepared for your morning seminar.

“

You can expand your vocabulary and develop a meaningful use of language

“

First Year English

One of the most popular reasons to read is the escapism it provides.

As soon as you hold that book in your hands, you can be transported to a world of mystery, wonder, and magic, and be surrounded by a realm of characters, immersing yourself in their lives.

Following a tiring day of flitting between the library and lectures, slipping into a world away from your own can be the perfect way to unwind. In fact, a study by the University of Sussex found that ‘reading worked best’ as a relaxation technique, ‘reducing stress levels by 68%’ - beating listening to music, a cup of tea, and taking a walk.

The variety of characters we engage with when reading also allows us to experience life from a different perspective.

Reading provides a framework through which we can consider the experience of living in different countries, time periods,

“

Bedtime reading is one of the most effective stress relievers - as long as you have the right book Sanjana Idnani

24 Arts

epigram 11.11.2019

The Creative Space Crackle: a Bonfire Night short story Film & Television Digital Editor

C

rackle. Spit. Pop.

A hundred memories of a thousand dancing flames.

Being huddled together at home with Jen and Mum under Dad’s dusty old raincoat, watching cheap fireworks and eating soggy barbeque food off our ancient grill; because why not? Ducking like athletes as the odd flashbang inadvertently veers off course and swirls towards the house rather than up into the crisp night sky.

Spelling out names and letters with crackling sparklers clasped in trembling hands, leaving fiery imprints on our eyes.

But it’s different now. I’m different, because I’m not there – I’m here. Home and away. A time of firsts. It’s our first time

not doing this at home. First time alone. First time sat on this faded old fold out chair with my uni mates watching our budget bonfire impressively take shape.

New memories and new flames – in the form of discarded loo rolls, crumpled old Freshers’ leaflets, and the first draft of Jack’s illfated essay on film aesthetics.

The world seems hazy and a little bit magical through the curling smoke in front of me.

Distant, foggy, and just out of reach. A mirage of shapes – clouds at eye level – where for a moment I feel like I’m drifting through the cool winter sky. We’re all here.

Everyone. And it’s comfy and it’s nice – actually nice as well – I’m not just saying that to be polite.

The fire is cosy against the cold and it’s a brief reprieve from my recent slew of lectures. Lessons.

Learning.

I smile. They smile. And before I know it, we’re all just sat there smiling at each other. Quiet.

Peaceful. Proud. It’s our first real bonfire night away from home. And it’s been tough fitting in. There have been a lot of big changes. Lessons, clubs, laughter, tears. This is something familiar; something we can bond over in some way. Connecting through sharing our stories. Through sharing our memories. Missing things like dusty old raincoats and ancient barbeque grills.

Serafina Lee

Deputy Digital Arts Editor

Together we watch our budget bonfire gradually disintegrate – a measurement of the evening slowly passing us by and time doing its thing. The electric possibilities for the future fizz around us like one of those old sparklers.

Epigram / Serafina Lee

Laura Aish

Remembrance Day art

Crackle. Spit. Pop.

Book Corner

Third Year English

I

t’s likely that some university students here will be thinking that they’re ‘supposed to be having the time of their life.’

Interestingly, this is exactly how Esther Greenwood starts her narration in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. Plath’s classic novel definitely isn’t a light read; it follows Esther’s identity crisis and eventual descent into madness, something which reads semi-autobiographically given Plath’s own mental health struggles and subsequent suicide. The Bell Jar is a haunting but moving novel which speaks to the mental health issues people still experience today.

Ellie Brown News Sub-Editor

T

his underrated gem of a novel was written by the brilliant Jane Austen a mere year before her death. Less famous and supposedly less ‘sparkling’ than her previous works, Persuasion has a wistful, slightly melancholy tone which – like Anne Elliot, the book’s heroine – makes it all the more endearing. It still has the atmosphere of a typical Austenian fairy-tale, but it’s a more grown-up one, with an ending that is earned every step of the way. Give it a read with a steaming cup of tea on one of Bristol’s rainier days and I guarantee you’ll feel cheered up in no time.

Jessica Li

Second Year Economics & Politics

S

ally Rooney’s Normal People is an ingenious, witty, yet unpretentious read which has touched the minds and hearts of many with its focus on raw and open relationships, leaving its resonance within nearly every age group. Marianne and Connell’s dysfunctional relationship grasps the reader from the first line. It clearly establishes the focus on the two teenagers in Ireland and slowly uncovers the dividing exchange of power dynamics and self-destructive behaviours. There’s even a Spotify playlist inspired by the novel and talks of a drama adaptation.

Alice Lampard

Fourth Year Veterinary Science

Y

uval Noah Harari’s third book on the development of humanity is arguably the most intriguing of his works. Whilst his first two books – Sapiens and Homo Deus – focus on how society has developed and how it functions in the present, his third installment meditates upon the future, raising a series of thought-provoking questions. Although I would highly recommend all of Harari’s books, this one puts our world into perspective.

It highlights the issues which really matter and insists that we start implementing solutions now - before it’s too late.

Photo courtesy of Waterstones

Photo courtesy of Waterstones

Photo courtesy of Waterstones

Photo courtesy of Waterstones

Saskia Arthur

Photo courtesy of Waterstones

Epigram Arts’ regular feature: your go-to for our top book recommendations

Kirstyn Evans Second Year English

I

f you love murder, mystery and gripping drama, you won’t be able to put Truman Capote’s classic down. In Cold Blood’s plot centres upon the quadruple murder of the Clutter family in 1959, exploring the impacts that their deaths have on the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, and then following the dramatic pursuit of the killer(s) across the United States. This is a book that will make you seriously question your views on the notions of humanity, crime and punishment - it’s safe to say it’s definitely not one for anyone looking for a light and breezy bedtime read.

It might be getting colder and darker but our calendars are packed full of different campaigns and events this November.

Here's a small sample of what you can get involved in...

This Girl Can

Islamophobia Awareness Month

Bristol SU and University of Bristol Sport are coming together to put on a week of free activities and events for women to take part in. From Carnival Fitness to a Gym Takeover there are lots of mass participation events to look out for.

Sports clubs and societies will also be running sessions.

Bristol SU BME Network and Bristol Islamic Society are holding a series of events throughout November as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month. Come and hear from a series of prominent speakers or ask your questions and ďŹ nd out more at the pop-up stall in the Bristol SU Living Room.

Reclaim the Night

My Rent My Rights

Bristol SU's annual renting campaign is back - helping you know what your rights are before you start renting in the private sector. Look out for our guide to renting online, as well as a property viewing checklist. More advice will be released later this month...

Reclaim the Night and march against sexual violence on Sunday 24 November. This is the ďŹ nal event of the Bristol SU Women's Network campaign which this year will focus on inclusivity and solidarity. There will be events taking place throughout November, as well as a photo series to look out for online which will feature different types of women and their experiences.

Interfaith week

Join the Bristol SU Multifaith Network and our different religious and spiritual student groups for a week of celebrating what faith means to students. Expect a series of different events from 11th November.

Find out more at bristolsu.org.uk/events

epigram 11.11.2019

Music

@EpigramMusic epigram_music

Editor Deputy Editor Digital Editor Deputy Digital Editor

Francesca Frankis Guy Marcham Joe Boyd Will Snelling

Hot Chip: ‘When we stop touring we don't just want go live on a farm’ Deputy Music Editor

T

his has been a victorious year for Hot Chip. Their place as British alternative dance juggernauts has been cemented by a string of huge milestones. From the sci-fi tinged headline set at Blue Dot Festival, the crowning late-night slot at Glastonbury’s Park stage and more recently their euphoric sold out Alexandra Palace show – Hot Chip are the biggest they’ve ever been. An alltime high for a band who have honed their trademark dancefloor ready altpop over the course of an illustrious 15-year career. Epigram Music speak to the band away from the flickering epileptic strobe lights and paint splattered live costumes, instead tucked away in a cupboard sized office in the depths of Bristol’s 02 Academy.

As Joe Goddard, Hot Chip founder and key creative mind behind the band’s music, unassumingly walked into the interview room – another side to the band became instantly evident. Behind the jubilant live performances and artsy psychedelic press shots – the group embrace their more normal selves.

Goddard, with his comfortable back stage jeans and hoodie on has even brought his two children along with him to the Bristol date. A scene far removed from album title A Bath Full of Ecstasy - with the drug fuelled abandon of rock ‘n’ rolls past traded for a sweet and comforting family essence. Hot Chip have never really just been about getting bodies on the dancefloor for moments of mindless escapism however.

Instead their eccentric alternative dance incorporates poignant moments of reflection, thoughtful lyricism and nerdy attention to detail. An appeal that certainly helps the band to stand out above the rest.

Seventh album, A Bath Full of Ec-

“

The way people use music, clubbing and drugs is a little too escapist

With impending Brexit disaster, the rise of far-right hatred, a possible second term in office for Trump and the ever-engulfing effects of climate catastrophe – one might wonder how the enthusiastic electronic off-kilter pop of Hot Chip stands in amongst 2019’s sea of dismal news. Yet, the joyous upbeat shine of ‘A Bath Full of Ecstasy’ isn’t quite as apolitical and escapist as initially seems. ‘There is still value in trying to unite people through music. I don’t think there is a moment where we should be mindlessly escapist and sometimes the way people use music, clubbing and drugs is a little too escapist. It’s about not facing the issues we all face. You can also have moments that are very valid – people coming together, uniting and then acting on political things.’ This sense of community and shared experience is key for Hot Chip, even if turning it into meaningful action in the real world may in fact be difficult. ‘You

Image: Ronald Dick

Guy Marcham

stasy, released at the start of summer has seen Hot Chip indulge in their poppier side – unleashing a bold and unbelievably upbeat record. Possibly their most instantly danceable too.

‘It’s kind of big and epic sounding’ beams Goddard. Lead single ‘Melody of Love’, sees the band loosen their shoulders for a groovy and catchy poptastic tune – a song that began as a ‘speedy techno club thing’.

‘It felt like an exciting new thing for Hot Chip to do. A bit grander and a bit quicker than normal'.

The album’s inherent upbeat pop can even be described as somewhat escapist – a term that I put towards Goddard. ‘There are moments that are meant to be ecstatic- like you get in religion or in gospel church.'

“

A British pop act like no other - Epigram Music sit down with alternative dance titans - Hot Chip

do hope that you’re kind of helping to form some sense of community, I don’t know if that’s just naive though’.

The band’s recent embrace of a more unashamedly pop aesthetic is best understood when hearing about A Bath Full of Ecstasy’s rather surprising origin story –involving none other than Katy Perry. The band were drafted in to lend their hand to song-writing on what was to become the popstar’s most recent release, Witness. Goddard described writing songs as ‘an early spur towards us starting the new record’.

Goddard is still visibly giddy about his flirtation with the mainstream world of well-oiled polished pop hitmaking. ‘She was very very funny, quite disarming and pleasant to work with. Alexis Taylor (Hot Chip’s Frontman and lyricist) and I would work during the day and then she would come in and work till 2 am’.

Despite rubbing shoulders with pop’s elite, Goddard somehow manages to retain his cool edge. ‘Obviously we’re not mainstream pop at all. But we’re quite inspired by lots of groups who are weirder left field pop like Sparks or Kraftwerk’. Talk

of the highly influential German electronic group, Kraftwerk, moves nicely onto the band’s newfound festival headliner status. A status they shared with Kraftwerk at this year’s ‘massively nerdy’ science themed and electronic, Blue Dot Festival, set in the apt shadow of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank. ‘We’ve been working towards this for a very long period. This summer we felt very comfortable with it too.’

2019 may have been an incredibly busy year for Hot Chip but the band show no signs of slowing down. In fact, Goddard and Co. never seem to take a break whatsoever – following their boundless creativity into diverse side projects, impromptu DJ sets and even crucial roles in other unbelievably successful bands - with guitarist, Al Doyle, becoming a full-time member of LCD Soundsystem around 10 years ago. ‘We’re all just passionate about music making. Its something we really love and is not like a day job. When we stop touring we don’t just want to go live on a farm and do nothing for a year – we like to keep ourselves busy’. The creative license of Hot Chip’s members out-

side the band only strengthens them.

‘Everyone comes back with new instruments they’ve been using or new recodring techniques. Al comes back with stuff he’s learnt from James Murphy, which is amazing!’

Conversation hastily moves onto the band’s intriguing choice of cover song on their most recent UK tour.

The band have recently been perfroming a blistering cover of ‘Sabotage’ by Beastie Boys - with the band trading their infectious pop for a seething punk rock energy. ‘We think what cover choices are going to be exciting. We want moments that are going to be surprising.' Hot Chip sure delivered. Yet this is just another cannon in their impressive arsenal of unique cover versions.

The synth laden cover of Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Dancing in the Dark’ came before. When asked if the band would ever consider performing a Springsteen style 4-hour setlist – Goddard calmly jokes ‘if anyone wanted us to’. With Hot Chip the biggest they’ve ever been at the moment – it shouldn’t be too long till a 4-hour gig enters the realm of possibility.

You better get ‘Ready For the Floor’!

11.11.2019 epigram

Music 27

Editor's Picks: Albums to hear this month

Sudan Archives - Athena Out November 1st

Omni - Networker Out November 1st

Michael Kiwanuka - KIWANUKA Out November 1st

Bonnie Prince Billy - I Made A Place Out November 15th

Girl Ray - Girl Out November 22nd

After a string of several brilliant EP’s, November sees Sudan Archives finally release her much anticipated debut album.

A unique pop offering that sees the LA based, Brittney Parks, combine melodic electronic trickles with experimental violin playing for a sound that draws on dulcet R&B and haunting 90s trip hop. An effective concotion of pop sensibility, artistic creativity and intelligent avant garde. An artist who warrants a lot more recognition.

If you like quickfire post-punk bangers that rarely stretch over the 3-minute mark – then Omni are for you. With guitar driven angular riffs akin to Parquet Courts and a lively upbeat 70s spirit reminiscent of Steely Dan, Omni sure know how to pack a punch. An instantly American set of ferocious guitar tones and vocal drawl culminates in a blistering crescendo, tailor made to force you to sit up and pay attention. A no nonesense slice of sharp full throttle punk rock.

A rollercoaster rock 'n' roll ride.

This majestic third album by British soul singer-songwriter, Michael Kiwanuka marks another strong step in his consistently original career.

Following up the sprawling psychedelia of Love and Hate is no mean feat. yet Kiwanuka makes it seem effortless with this new timeless offering. A cacophony of Hendrix-esque guitar tones, dazzling instrumentation and Kiwanuka’s heart on sleeve emotive soul vocal meet as the singer tackles themes of social anxiety and self-doubt.

Cult alternative country legend, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy returns with his first album of original material since 2011’s Wolfroy Goes to Town.

Billy is an artist like no other in this day and age. The singer’s heartfelt and earnest lyrical prowess finding a way of creeping up on you and stunning you into moments of pure awakening. The inherent darkness of his subtle and baron acoustic arrangements helps focus attention on his magical lyrical depth. I Made a Place promises to be no different.

As soon as the swirling playful synth of ‘Girl’ sprints into action amongst a sparkling backdrop – you know you’re in for a treat. As if feeding your ears to an extra delicious piece of candy. ‘Girl’ is also the name of Girl Ray’s much awaited second album set for release this November. Recorded with Ash Workman of Christine and the Queens and Metronomy fame – the album promises to be a major feature of playlists to come with its sun kissed pop and instantly catchy groove.

Deputy Music Editor

T

he singer-songwriter who blends piano-led pop sheen with neo-soul rhythms has somewhat become a poster-boy for the self-confessed ‘hipster’ kid. Alex O’Connor, AKA Rex Orange Country – seems to clutter the Spotify playlists and reverberate through the apple headphones of nearly every pretentious late teen. Yet, behind his chilled and breezy soundscape lies something that’s nothing short of soppy, sterile and lyrically empty.

Equipped with a pedal board and a spiky adolescent teen bristle – Rex is far from special. Any unique creative flair is traded for shallow song-writ-

mid-noughties Franz Ferdinand - where did it all go wrong?

Fast-forward to 2019 and the sense of energy, artistic creativity and counter-culture is gone. Instead,

what’s left is a politically absent adoration of Rex Orange County and his brand of endless upbeat pop balladry. As if Jamie Cullum had worked out how to use Logic.

With his boyish spiky facial hair and knack for writing innocent and loved up songs – Rex Orange County has attracted a devoted following. Teens flock to his shows for an evening of mind-numbingly mild balladry and sickly schmaltz.

In a time of real social worry and years of Tory rule – why is the ‘chilled’ plastic groove of Rex proving so popular while the true angst driven bite and social awareness of IDLES and Fontaines DC seems to only be appreciated by older middle-aged fans? It's an obsession I’ll never quite understand.

Rex Orange County is nothing more than a pony for hipster kids to ride on until they come to the age where it’s socially acceptable to crack on Heart radio and G a r y Barlow.

n nne Helmo

ing with the emotional depth of a crisp packet. His new album, Pony, is simply put – a Michael Bublé album dressed up for pretentious kids instead of 50-year-old mums.

‘Laser Lights’ sees Rex embody an Ed Sheeran-esque hip hop verse while backed by a vaguely intriguing set of horns and flutes. Even the songwriter’s biggest hit, ‘Loving is Easy’, represents a sanguine and cringeworthy attempt at delivering a timeless ‘good time’ vibe fit for summer BBQ’s and chilled hangouts. Am I missing something?

Since when did releasing painfully corny summertime tunes and even Valentine’s day themed singles such as ‘New House’, become cool?

It’s depressing to look back on previous youth cultures – the vehement and boundless energy of punk in the late 1970s, the glorious and self-deprecating 90s anthems provided by Blur and Pulp and the o f f - k ilt e r b u o y ancy of

r/ A

We get it - you go to Bristol, like to cuff your baggy fit jeans, wear quarter zip fleeces and swig cans of Red Stripe. But what's the fasciniation with Rex Orange County?

Guy Marcham

d

Is Rex Orange County just Michael Bublé for hipster kids?

What's hot and what's hot:

k

lic Image: F

Rage Against The Machine are back! If there was ever a year where the angst fuelled political bite of Zac De La Rocha and crushing overdrive of Tom Morello was needed - it's 2020.

He's only gone and done it again.

Alongside pledging his support for Britain First - Morrisey just can't stop destroying his legacy with his own dubious opinions. Another stunt has seen the singer wearing a 'fuck the Guardian' T Shirt.

All we can do now is just sigh and thank God for Johnny Marr.

epigram 11.11.2019

28 Music

Seven exciting Bristol-based bands you need to check out Epigram Music race through some of best and most exciting acts coming out of Bristol right now - make sure you check these out before they get big!

Editor's Picks: Songs to listen to Football FC - Big Time

Zac Richardson

Gork - That's Plastic Mate

Philosphy, Second Year

“

They play spitty, rowdy post-punk reminiscent of Shame or Husker Dü, but with long crescendos and cathartic climaxes akin to a post-rock band

“

Gork

Gork may be the silliest band in the world right now. To celebrate the release of their first single of 2019, ‘Spoons’, they held a secret gig in a sea scout hut on the muddy banks of the river Avon.

The gig saw the band donning homemade hats made out of chickpea tins, lobbing Cadbury mini-eggs at the crowd, and literally swinging from the rafters.

Despite all the antics, the band’s music is up to the high standard of their Breakfast Records labelmates.

Their silly, floppy garage rock is perfect for fans of bands like Devo or the Murlocs. Catch them at their EP release show on at Crofter’s Rights November 16th with support from Grandma’s House and Twisted Ankle.

Lazarus Kane - Narcissus Jamie Cruickshank - Loserville

Facebook/ Football FC

Cousin Kula - Jelly Love

3

Scalping

Scalping is in many ways the most unique band on this list, blurring the line between rock band and techno producers’ collective; Scalping’s music blends the sound of the hardest Detroit techno with sampled and manipulated hard rock guitars.

The result is sticky grooves and jaw-locking buildups. The most immediate analogues that come to mind are Underworld and Tricky, but Scalping are undoubtedly doing their own thing.

Releasing three singles with Council Records in 2019, the group have been kept busy with their prolific output and tight touring schedule.

4

Lazarus Kane

Like many of Bristol’s best bands, Lazarus Kane has loads of personality, deeply catchy hooks, and a great live show. Playing a brand of synth pop that brings LCD Soundsystem fronted by Elvis Presley straight to mind, Lazarus Kane has begun touring the UK extensively.

Kane, dons a thick American accent and takes audiences on an insane synth driven roller coaster, akin to John Grant. With only one single released thus far, they are undeniably ones to watch. Their next Bristol show is November 4th at The Fleece supporting Warmdusher.

5

Jamie Cruickshank

The second Breakfast Records band on this list, Jamie Cruickshank makes some of the UK’s most sublime folk music.

His most recent EP and first with Breakfast Records, Worn Through, is warm and ragged as the title suggests.

Having spent the last few years playing in fuzzed up pop-punk band Gnarwals, Cruickshank’s solo project features only stripped back acoustic instrumentals that would instantly capture any fan of the likes of Nick Drake or Sufjian Stevens.

The group’s most recent release is their cover of Emily Isherwood’s Dormant as part of Breakfast Records’s covers compilation Devilled Eggs.

Their next gig is November 23rd at The Louisiana in support of Robi Mitch.

6

Slagheap - Power Shower

Check out our Spotify for more

Cousin Kula Cousin Kula was formed by a group of Bristol’s most active jazz heads in order to summon up some of the city’s deepest grooves.

Their music

is as wholesome as their lifestyles:all six of the band’s members live together and they grow their own vegetables. Full of smooth, jazzy synth leads and digitally manipulated vocals, Cousin Kula’s music is reminiscent of Tame Impala a n d BADBADNOTGOOD. Their next show is November 20th at Crofter’s Rights, and is not to be missed.

7

@duncspix

Football FC are a self described 'spunk band'. They play spitty, rowdy post-punk reminiscent of Shame or Husker Dü, but with long crescendos and cathartic climaxes akin to a post-rock band. Since forming in January 2018, the band have gigged extensively across the UK, released three head-splitting singles, and signed to Permanent Creeps Records. Their live shows are aggressive and chaotic. Past shows have featured the band lobbing pints at each other midsong, inviting members of the audience to play bass, and engaging in general hooliganry.

2

Scalping - Ruptured

Football FC

1

Slagheap

Feminist punk rockers, Slagheap, sure know how to make one hell of a noise.

Their no nonsense DIY approach to music making makes them an explosive live act. Find their raucous two singles, 'Power Shower' and 'Horsey Girl' on Bandcamp if you're ever in need of a quick injection of unrefined Bas Jan esque melodic punk abandon.

They'll be playing at a secret undisclosed Bristol location on the 15 November for their debut record release party, which is sure to be extremely wild.

Puzzles

Editor Subeditor

Kezi James Fergus Ustianowski

epigram.puzzles@gmail.com If you need any help, contact the editor by email or through social media

Sudoku

Credit: Laura Stock-Caldwell, Fourth Year Engineering Mathematics Fill the empty squares with the numbers 1-9 so that each number appears once in each row, column and box. Each suduko increases in difficulty.

2

1 36

142

5 9

53 7 3 2 1 5 6 7 3 8 5 8 134 9 2 9 38 6

Futoshiki

Fill the empty squares with the number 1-5, so that each number appears once in each row and column. The arrows on the grid show whether a number is bigger than or less than its neighbour.

7 6 5

3

2

2

Animal Anagrams Rearrange each of the scrambled words below to make an animal.

STRAYING SLOW SHEAR COOLEST

4

Connect the islands so that the number in the box is the total number of bridges connect that island.

Bridges can only be horizontal or vertical, they cannot cross each other and there is a maximum of two bridges betwen the same two islands.

2

REPENTS

3

7 2 8 62

Bridges 3

3

9 36 2 1 5 1 92 8 86

2 3

3

4 1 4

3

6

9 7 2 1 6 1 7 9 4 61 3

22

11

6

16

5

17 17

7 14

13

4

19

23

10

7 12

22 24

3

9 3

5 2

Fill the empty squares with the numbers 1-9, so that each number appears once in each row, column and box. Each square is part of a ‘cage’ indicated by the dotted lines. The numbers in each cage has to total the number in the cage.

11

2

8

3 6

Killer Sudoku

19

3

4

2

3

8

16

21 7

12

23

14

15

12

Continuing puzzle This will be a running puzzle where every week the previous weeks answer will help you solve this puzzle. Every week the puzzle shall be put up online if a week is missed.

Credit: Fergus Ustianowski, Puzzles Subeditor

Rules: Each letter in the alphabet has a score based on their position, with A valued at 26, B - 25, and Z - 1.

Question: What is the sum of the four letter word?

THRONE Solutions will be posted online at: epigram.org.uk/tag/puzzles facebook.com/epigrampaper If you would like to submit ideas for Puzzles, email epigram.puzzles@gmail.com

WHAT'S ON Student Council

Thursday 21st November, 5pm, Anson Rooms Student Council is the primary representative forum of Bristol SU. It creates policy which directs the focus of the elected officers, provides the opportunity for officers to give updates on their work and allows students to discuss the issues which matter to them All students can attend Student Council but only eligible members can vote. www.bristolsu.org.uk/student-voice

Mental Health and Wellbeing: What should the SU do? Monday 11th November, 6pm, Bristol SU

Faith Crawl, Wednesday 13th Dan Cruickshank: A History of November, 1pm, Multifaith Chaplaincy Architecture in 100 Buildings, Thursday 14th November, 6:30pm, Anson Rooms Visit different places of worship, explore

The first Wellbeing Network forum of the year is open to everyone. This Forum is a chance to give feedback to the SU about what you'd like to see, and contribute to how issues around mental health and wellbeing are approached in future.

different religions, and finish off the day with a well-earned meal together! Explore the dynamic city of Bristol and unravel the tapestry of faiths that run through the beating heart of our community.

Dan Cruickshank is an author, renowned architectural historian and broadcaster.

In 100 Buildings he explores the most inspirational and characterful creations in world architecture in that unique, gently eccentric and donnish manner which has endeared him to millions on TV.

Reclaim Women's Taster Day, Saturday Positivitea, Wednesday 20th 16th November, 1pm, Anson Rooms November, 12pm, Bristol SU Living Room A whole day for women’s activities! Join the Women’s Network for our Women’s Taster Day, where there will be a mix of activities to try – from sports to dance, from craft to educational workshops – there's something for everyone!

Tran Day of Remembrance Vigil, Wednesday 20th November, 6pm, Anson Rooms Bristol will be holding a TDOR Vigil on Wednesday 20th November in the Anson Rooms. Please note that this event is a vigil to honour transgender individuals worldwide who have lost their lives in this past year, and therefore the nature of the event may be upsetting for some.

Everyone is welcome, whether you’re new or you’ve been before. There will be some nice little treats available and you can take some time to chill in a stressfree environment. We'll also have some activities going on for you to have a go at if you fancy.

Reclaim the Night March and Rally, Sunday 24th November, Bristol SU Join us on Sunday 24th November 2019 as we march through the streets of Bristol to campaign against gender-based violence and gender inequality. The march will be followed by an event in the Anson Rooms with speakers and performances.

For more information on all upcoming events see bristolsu.org.uk/events

Sport 31

11.11.2019 epigram

Movember, the month of moustaches

PhD, Mechanical Engineering

A

s much as at times I might have enjoyed climbing in the gorge, nothing will ever replace the feeling of being between the mountains.

Once a fortnight, a group of students and friends from the University of Bristol set off from the student union on a Friday evening, chasing adventures around the UK’s national parks. This week Janine and Charlie organised a trip to the Lake district. I have been a member of the society for a few years now, and I still think that Friday evening is a rite of passage. New members walking around and introducing themselves by name, course and year, while committee and older ‘UBESters’ frenetically sorting out kit for the weekend.

After few hours’ drive, sweetened by cheesy tunes and chats with other passengers, we are at the destination.

The rest of the evening is short and busy. Some people are entrusted to prepare glorious cheese and pickle sandwiches for the Saturday walk.

While most of the other people are sorting their sleeping bags out, a selection of older members is digging books and maps finalising plans for the walks.

Before I can even realise, I am awakened by the sound of LoreenEuphoria echoing in the room accompanied by the voice of Cassia announcing that breakfast is ready.

The early risers jump themselves out of their sleeping bags, while my self

Sports Editor

M

ovember, now a 12 year old global phenomenon, was born out of an idea to grow moustaches in order to raise money for charity.

This charity would aid research for prostate cancer; however the focus has since widened to include male health in general, particularly research into

“

Mental health among men is a particularly silent subject.

testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Mental health among men is a particularly silent subject. In recent years, there has been a growing importance in highlighting the need for men to talk to one another about both their mental and physical health.

Movements such as Movember and the Ask Twice Campaign encourage men to do this.

At the University of Bristol mental health is a problem that all genders struggle with. It is widely known that sport aids mental and physical health, not only creating a network of likeminded people to engage with, but also relieving stress and helping maintain a positive mental attitude.

While sports teams continually support movements throughout the year, during the month of November they also help to raise money for Movember.

Sports teams all across the University

have come onboard to support the cause by taking part in many different activities as well as growing some questionable moustaches.

Teams such as Lacrosse, Rugby, Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball and Football are all contributing to the cause. With donations pouring in, this year is sure to be a successful one. By using their platforms and wide community of followers, sports teams are able to rally all kinds of support and donations. So far - as of the 4th November 2019 Bristol University sports teams have raised £6,503 smashing their £5,000 target.

Bristol Rugby’s Movember ambassador, Tomasz Pozniak, stated that the University’s Rugby team have contributed almost half of this figure and that they have had the largest club effort ever with over 70 clubmen signed up to grow moustaches. ‘This number is set to increase as there are several events planned, including two ‘Wednesday

“

With donations pouring in, this year is sure to be a successful one

Night Lights’ and a ‘wax your bro’ event which looks to get all genders involved.’

The University’s Ultimate Frisbee has also managed to raise over £1,000 so far this year, with a tenfold increase of their efforts last year.

Over the coming weeks, we look forward to seeing handlebars, bum fluff and a few Charlie Chaplins from all of our sports teams!

To support Movember, please head over to https://monetwork.co/bristoluni to donate via one of the University of Bristol sports teams.

Team of the week: Bristol Barracudas (American Football)

Lake district / Peter Rosso

Epigram / Peter Rosso

Peter Rosso

and a few others take our time to slowly get used to the idea that it’s already morning and we’ll soon be on the mountains.

Fuelled up on a healthy amount of porridge, it’s time to head off to the mountains - but where will we head today? Is it going to be too hard for me? Am I going to have fun? The latter is the most important thing. What the night before seemed like a confusing scene of people throwing maps at each other was, in fact, a calculated and coordinated choreography, resulting in a series of walks of all flavours, making sure that everyone will have a chance to enjoy themselves in the mountains.

Walks are presented and people get a chance to go on one of their main preferences. A few hours later I am with Jodie in the Langdale, steadily walking to Stickle Tarn. The air is wet and cold, but this does not stop the girls from jumping naked in the water and having a lovely swim. The day proceeds with one of the best walks I have been on in a while. While people chat, laugh and sing we walk across 5 Wainwrights. Throughout the day we experienced the whole spectrum of seasons. While the morning felt like a wet autumnal day, at lunchtime we were hiding from the wind in a group shelter and one of the first snowfalls of the season. Then, while summiting the other peaks, we were blessed with sunlight which became even warmer on our way down. Nearly every walk that day was ending in a Pub, so we felt compelled to stop at the New Dungeon Gill for a hot chocolate before driving back.

Saturday evening on a UBES trip is fantastic. The room slowly welcomes one group at a time getting back from a day on the hills. People change into warm clothes, and after a good cup of tea they quickly find something to do. Some people help out with dinner, while others make sandwiches for the next day. While

How do Bristol University sports team back Movember’s mental health?

India Gay

“

While Bristol might have plenty of opportunities to escape from the urban life, giving us a chance to feel a bit closer to the wilderness, I often don’t find it enough

all of this is happening, I overhear the new members excitingly sharing stories from the day. For some people it was the first time they have ever seen snow, while others summitted a mountain they have never been on before.

The standard UBES dinner is a vegan-friendly slop. People start queueing up in the kitchen to form a procession to the glorious food.

After a long day on the hills any food tastes amazing.

If all the chill moments have not been enough for people to chat and talk to each-other, the Social secretaries have it covered. Saturday evening becomes a display of even more UBES traditions. During ‘organised fun’ over the years I found my self trying (and failing) to pick up a cereal box off the floor without using my hands, while being suspended on a rope fighting my friends trying to take their socks off, or bouldering around a table, or even around another person. The next day repeats itself, but before leaving for the walk, all bags must be loaded in the van that transported them to the north. After cleaning and faffing about, a bit later that morning we are once again in the mountains. On Sunday I was on a walk led by Janine and Edgar. The group headed to hills south of the Langdale and the day went on quickly.

The drive back slowly brings the trip to an end, climaxing in yet another reunion with all the other parties in a Spoons somewhere in Leylands. Here everyone gets another chance to share tales from the day and eventually set off to the south.

Whether you are an experienced hiker, or just another student looking for a weekend in the outdoors, you can find most of the members at the Highbury vaults on Wednesday plotting adventures of the future or exchanging tales of past adventures.

Come along and perhaps you’ll find yourself signing up for the next trip!

“

‘UBESters’ take on Lake District

We’re thrilled to kick off the season with a 38 - 11 win.

Our offense really clicked in the second half with a dominant performance from our offensive line and running backs. The Cuda defense really showed as well, forcing 3 turnovers and sealing the victory. We’ve got a really promising group of rookies this year and it was great to introduce them to Cuda football with a home win! We hope we can be just as sucessful in our next fixture away at Southampton Solent on the 17 November.

Get ready for This Girl Can 2019 “ “

T

his Girl Can was launched in 2015 after Sport England identified a major gender gap in those who exercised. There were, on average, two million fewer women exercising regularly than men. Furthermore, it turned out that the UK ranked third in Europe for male participation in sport, in

contrast to 19th for women. Owing to the fact exercise is essential for good physical and mental health, there was clear evidence that work needed to be done to close this gap. This Girl Can was subsequently created to empower women to go out and exercise.

In 2018 The Guardian found that girls and young women, particularly those from lower income backgrounds and ethnic minorities, still did far less physical activity than is recommended, and less than their male peers. Research shows that many women are put off taking part

in physical activity due to a fear of judgement, about how they look when they exercise or on their ability.

Multiple chats with my friends give truth to these statements; so often exercise is promoted as a way of dealing with stress or anxiety, but how do you exercise if going to the gym is itself a source of anxiety? Events ran as part of This Girl Can focus on this issue by running sessions that are truly inclusive and accessible. I have attended a few myself and can safely say everyone is there only to have fun

“

I have attended a few myself and can safely say everyone is there only to have fun and get a bit red in the face!

“

SciTech and Sports Subeditor

There were, on average, two million fewer women exercising regularly than men

“

Between 18-24 November the University of Bristol is taking part in This Girl Can week, holding free activities for anyone that identifies as woman and wants to get involved with sport Esme Hedley

and get a bit red in the face!

The University has run successful This Girl Can events since 2016, and every year almost all the sessions become fully booked by the end of the week. The sports and activities range from kickboxing and weightlifting to swimming and ultimate frisbee, so there is something for everyone.

If you missed any of the club taster sessions at the start of the year, this is a great way to get involved, and there’s plenty of time before booking opens to grab a friend and persuade them to go with you. The full timetable will be announced soon so keep an eye on the Sports, Exercise and Health web page.

Booking opens on Monday 11 November and getting in there early is recommended. Sessions will be held at the Indoor Sports Centre, the SU and Coombe Dingle Sports

University of Bristol / This Girl Can

India Gay Tymoteusz Suszczyński Edward McAteer

This is a great chance to meet people and come away with a future gym buddy

“

Sport

Editor Digital Editor Student Sport Correspondent

Complex. Keep an eye out for the Gym Takeover, where for two hours women who regularly use the gym will be demonstrating the best way to lift weights and giving tips on how to use the equipment. This is also a great chance to meet people and come away with a future gym buddy.

More information can be found at the University Sport, Exercise and Health section of the website. For more women-only events held outside of university, check out the This Girl Can’s Bristol website. Make sure you get involved this November as you may find something new that you really enjoy!