Issue 751- 29 November 2023 by Exeposé

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ISSUE 751 29 NOV 2023 exepose.com @Exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987

Ground-breaking exhibition on Section 28 held in Forum

Climate Wall projection displayed on Exeter campuses Page 3

Image: Amy Rushton

Napoleon sacked from Cat-binet Page 14

Joshua Smith Deputy Editor THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO HOMOPHOBIA WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

Exeter’s Movember round-up Page 32

Images (top to bottom): Oliver Lamb, Anabel Costa Ferreira, brewbooks, Flickr, Dana Beveridge, Wikimedia Commons, Lee Ann Lee, Josh Banks and Rhianna Sookhy

N the 20th anniversary of the repeal of a controversial aspect of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, Section 28, academics and students at the University put together an exhibition highlighting the experience of those impacted by it, past and present. The exhibition, called Section 28 and its Afterlives, drew on oral histories of a dozen LGBTQ+ individuals from the South West to explore the long lasting impact of the legislation, but also to highlight how it inspired acts of resistance in bold and defiant ways. Dr. Hannah Young, a co-lead on the exhibition and lecturer in History, stated that these interviews “reveal how Section 28 blighted LGBTQ+ people’s experience of school, as students, teachers, and parents,” adding that it “sustained a wider atmosphere of silence and shame, deeply felt at home, work, and in the wider public sphere.” It’s impact was widespread and intensely harmful, which is expressed through one participant in the research’s testimony, which described it feeling like “being erased while you’re still alive.” Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s

Conservative government, banned local authorities and schools from “intentionally promoting homosexuality or publishing material with the intention of promoting homosexuality” or “promoting the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.” Scotland repealed it in 2000, and England and Wales in 2003. This had widespread epistemic consequences on the lives of generations of LGBTQ+ pupils, restricting them from not only being taught about same-sex relationships, but also from seeing people like them in books, and having access to any support services around safe sex in same-sex relationships. It also led to a lack of safety for LGBTQ+ pupils. Divina De Campo, a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019, talked openly on the show about her experience of the legislation: “Kids in the playground pushing and shoving and calling you a ‘fag’. Throwing their drinks on you. Because of Section 28 it meant that a lot of teachers felt like they couldn’t step in.” Bullying was rife, De Campo further recounts, “The teachers felt like they couldn’t talk about it. Nothing was said about gay people at all.” One of the interviewees to share their experiences with the project is a former teacher, who stated that the inability to be able to offer support to LGBTQ+ pupils left her feeling like she was complicit in upholding a homophobic system. The legislation was oppressive for all LGBTQ+ individuals in education, whether pupil or teacher.

Amy Rushton, an oral history intern who talked to participants for the project and an intern on the design of the exhibition panels, shared with Exeposé how “the whole point of Section 28 was to silence a generation of queer people, so sharing and listening to people’s stories is a really important way to counteract that.” These stories are at the heart of the project which sought to challenge the assumption that the South West did not have an LGBTQ+ history. “That’s just not true” states Dr. Chris Sandal-Wilson, Lecturer in Medical History. “Many LGBTQ+ people did find the South West an isolating place, but others found community and created safe and supportive queer spaces here. We hope our exhibition and the ongoing oral history project will help capture the richness and diversity of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South West.” The project conducted 12 interviews with LGBTQ+ people which were edited into digital recordings that could be accessed through QR codes on the exhibition panels. The participants belong to different generations, and represent different parts of a diverse community, providing, as President of LGBTQ+ society, Maz, states “a rare space for intergenerational dialogue amongst members of our community.” Rushton also states that “young queer people don’t always get a chance to connect with and learn from an older LGBTQ+ generation and so it can not only be a really difficult and emotional process to exchange experiences

but also an incredibly important one”. Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, a supporter of the project, stated that “remembering the past and recognising its injustices is crucial to ensure it is not repeated.” Rushton agrees, but adds that it is important that we confront these histories in order for things to change, “especially given the current proposed legislation towards trans children which threatens to bring Section 28 back in another form… One of the main messages many of the interviewees expressed was to not be complacent and to continue to fight for LGBTQ+ rights.” Maz added to this sentiment, commenting “when reading the news, it is easy to see parallels between Section 28 and the current rise in transphobic rhetoric, so we must stay vigilant to prevent history from repeating itself.” Research by the Stonewall school report in 2017, shows that anti-LGBTQ+ bullying is still widespread, with more than half of pupils (52 per cent) reporting hearing homophobic slurs frequently at school. This is reminiscent of Rushton’s experience of the legacy of Section 28, she shares “I didn’t have the experience of discovering and feeling positive about my identity until university.” “The Section 28 and its Afterlives project has brought awareness to the horrors of Section 28 to those previously unaware of it” states Maz. If any members of the LGBTQ+ community would like to be interviewed as part of the ongoing project, they can contact section28anditsafterlives@exeter.ac.uk .

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Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ Editors Print: Anabel Costa-Ferreira & Livvy Mason-Myhill Online: Jamie Speka & Amelie Thompson Print Deputies: Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson & Joshua Smith Online Deputies: Ewan Edwards & Megan Haynes editors@exepose.com Executives Finance: Willow Cracknell Social Media: Charlotte Randall News Editors Print: Rosie Batsford & Oliver Lamb Online: Shagnick Bhattacharya & Anna Kane news@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Henry Parker & Benedict Thompson Online: Callum Martin features@exepose.com International Editors Print: Josie Sharp Online: Agata Koralewska Comment Editors Print: Lisette Reed & Charlotte Zeyssolff Online: Charlie Oldroyd & Amy Rushton comment@exepose.com Satire Editor Print: Livvy Mason-Myhill Lifestyle Editors Print: Lucy Rawlings & Amberly Wright Online: Emily Roughton & Zoe Sperry lifestyle@exepose.com Arts + Lit Editors

Editorial

S the days are getting shorter and the countdown to the holidays begins, we have already reached our penultimate issue for term one. The month of November seems to have flown by and we hope everyone is getting on well, and remembering to look after themselves this deadline season. In News this week, we focus on the recent Section 28 exhibition on campus. We also look at concerns raised following research into student loneliness at university. In Features, there's a reflection on the recent Covid-19 enquiry (page 8). discussion of the recent cabinet reshuffle (page 9). In Comment, there’s a reflection on 20 years since the repeal of Section 28 (page 12) as well as a debate on the consequences of consumption during the Black Friday season (page 13) whilst Satire looks at Napoleon's recent sacking from the Cat-binet (page 14). In Exhibit, Lifestyle looks at how to ace the season of applications (page 16) and looks at Exeter's magical Christmas market (page 17). Arts and Lit provide book recommendations for men's mental health (page 18), and writers discuss their favourite shows from the past year (page 19). Music gives us a rundown of Grammy nominations (page 20) alongside Movember spotlights and an

SPA AWARDS Exeposé playlist (page 21) and Screen reviews the cinema of resistance (page 23). Tech looks at new laws detailed in the King's Speech (page 25) and Exetera Exetera looks at the Guild Budget special edition from 1990/91 (page 26). Science reports on the new laws to surveil international travellers during the winter season (page 28). Sport explores how periods can affect sporting performance (page 30) as well as a Movember round-up (page 32). As always, it's been another busy press week for us at the Exeposé office! This time filled with essay deadlines, dissertation proposals and well-timed visits from wellbeing animals (special mention to Ted Lorenzo). On another note, the Christmas music this week has been replaced with a mixture of Taylor Swift, the ring of our broken door alarm and Sunday's F1 race. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and want to say a huge thanks to all our contributors and proofers. We hope everyone has a lovely week!

2023 Best Publication 2023 Best Publication in the South West Images (top to bottom): :RM Media, Picpedia; pxher, Flickr; Flickr, and Unreal, Gratis Graphics.

FEATURES The Covid-19 Inquiry: the blame game begins PAGE 8

COMMENT “Black Friday — consumerism or Xmas deals?” PAGE 13

MUSIC Movember playlist PAGE 20

Livvy and Anabel

SCIENCE The rise of brain-reading technology: what you need to know PAGE 29 Proofers: Livvy Mason-Myhill, Anabel Costa-Ferreira, Amélie Thompson, Harry Craig, Charlie Gershinson, Joshua Smith, Oliver Lamb, Henry Parker

Print: Maddie Conlan & Lauren Walsh Online: Gracie Moore & Violet Berney artsandlit@exepose.com Music Editors Print: Jake Avery & Scarlett Cracknell music@exepose.com Screen Editors Print: Joshua Smith Online: Jess Cadogan screen@exepose.com Tech Editor Print: Ewan Gregory & Anabel Costa-Ferreira Science Editors Print: Eloise Shewring & Livvy Mason-Myhill Online: Orla Watson sciandtech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Oliver Rickwood & Harry Craig Online: Mikhail Shklover & Ceri Vaughan-Jones sport@exepose.com

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University news home and abroad Russell Group vicechancellors given pay rise despite strikes

University of Edinburgh returns skulls to indigenous Taiwanese

34 lecturers for one student at Polish conservative university

Antisemitic incidents spike on British campuses

LEVEN out of 24 Russell Group HE University of EdinCONSERVATIVE univerHE President of the UnUniversities increased vice-chancelburgh has returned the skulls sity in Poland has an acaion of Jewish students has lors’ pay this year, with many the risof four tribal warriors to a demic staff of 34 but admitsaid that the recent spike in es above the inflation rate. After this, the aver- Taiwanese indigenous community. ted just one new student this year. antisemitic incidents since the outage salary plus benefits was around £380,000. A formal handover ceremony on 3rd NoCollegium Intermarium of- break of conflict between Israel and Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the vember was preceded by a traditional service to fers one undergraduate course, Law, Hamas was “like nothing the group Russell Group, claimed back in 2020 that re- honour the dead. The skulls will be kept in Tai- but two postgraduate courses, with has seen,” according to BBC News. ductions being made to vice-chancellor pay wan’s National Museum of Prehistory the most subscribed being in ethThe Community Security Trust, a were to “ensure the process for while the community decide ics for teachers — which is subsi- charity which monitors antisemitic incipay setting arrangements is as on a permanent location. dised by the Ministry for Education. dents in the UK, has seen a severe spike rigorous and transparent Taiwan’s CounThe university’s opening cer- in cases on university campuses with 67 as possible.” This was cil of Indigenous emony in May 2021 was attended by incidents reported on 29 campuses befollowing the eightPeoples said the several high-profile ministers. The tween 7th October and 3rd November. day walkout of higher transferral was Minister for Education described the 12 incidents occurred over the same education staff in “rich with his- institute as a counterforce to “post- time last year. Tell Mama, a similar December 2019. torical meaning modernism and neo-Marxism”. charity monitoring Islamophobic inHowever, strikes and is an imporCollegium Intermarium is linked to cidents, found 31 incidents compared have increased in fretant milestone the Ordo Luris organisation which has to three over the same period last year. quency over the last of transitional jus- already received at least 2.7 million zlotys Jacob Lederman, a student at Warcouple of years demontice.” The council’s (about £540,000) for activities like a school wick University, described being racialstrating the dissatisfaction and minister, Icyang Parod, council and ethics courses for teachers. ly abused on a university Jewish Society frustration of the same staff across said he hoped the comOrdo Luris has promoted stricter WhatsApp group chat, an experience the country. For the UCU this culminated munity would find solace and healing. enforcement of abortion laws and has which made him “feel sick because I with the marking and assessment boycott for Tom Gillingwater, the University’s chair campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights. think Jews in the UK, we're used to a over five months of 2023 (April-September). of anatomy, said, “We are committed to ad- Its lawyers are representing the Minis- kind of undercurrent of antisemitism Earlier this year it was announced dressing our colonial legacy and this repa- ter for Education, Przemysław Czarnek, on social media. I see it all the time. that certain fields of the public sec- triation is the latest action we have taken.” in a legal process where he has been I've never seen it this overt before." tor, including teachers, received a pay The skulls are thought to have been taken sued for saying that LGBTQ+ peorise of around five to seven per cent. as war trophies by Japanese invaders in 1874, ple “are not equal to normal [people].” and were passed on to the University in 1907.

Image: Sklmsta, Wikimedia Commons

By Kerry Myers, Oliver Lamb, Michal Wyka and Charlie Gershinson

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

3 NEWS

Climate Wall projection displayed on Exeter campuses Gracie Moore Online Arts and Lit Editor

URING November at the University of Exeter campuses, an interactive light projection coined 'The Climate Wall' has been on show. It has allowed people to view facts about climate change as well as world action on the topic, posting “live” reflections to present a “moment in time” about the public’s thoughts on climate change. During the lead up to COP28, which will take place in Dubai between November 30th and December 12th, the art installation was in place to represent a moment of reflection before the world will

look back and recognise the steps taken on the Paris Agreement, also discussing its progress. Joanna Chamberlain, Director of Sustainability at the University of Exeter, said: “Developed in partnership with our world-leading climate researchers, the interactive art installation will share the evidence and truths we know about climate change and pose questions on the difference we can make to our planet now and in years to come.” She also said that the community in Exeter including local residents and students were invited to visit the Climate Wall as well as attend other events at the University’s campuses in 2023. Cecilia Mañosa Nyblon, Director, COP28, We Are The Possible, said:

Image: Oliver Lamb

Oliver Lamb News Editor

“We all have a story to tell about the changing climate and its impact on our communities.” She added: “The Climate Wall is an invitation to reflect and share facts, findings and feelings about our planet at this crucial time.”

The installation was also put in place to support the University’s desire to have a leading role in tackling the climate emergency as well as the ecological crisis, as part of their Strategy 2030.

University launches trial of pastoral mentor scheme Harry Craig Deputy Editor

HE University of Exeter has launched a pilot of its new scheme for student academic and pastoral support with the introduction of pastoral mentors. This is initially being trialled this academic year in Physics at Exeter’s Streatham Campus and the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, with the intention of being rolled out to all departments over the coming academic years. This scheme was conceived by the Student Academic Support Task and Finish Group, established in March 2023 and led by Professors Nicky King and Adam Watt. This group aimed to improve and reduce inconsistency in the student experience of academic support, and to improve outcomes for under-represented, disadvantaged and international students. The group reported in July, with the most significant conclusion being a recommendation to establish a pilot for student academic and pastoral support. This has taken the form of the aforementioned pastoral mentor trial in Physics at Exeter and HASS in Cornwall. Pastoral mentors are to provide holistic support for students’ success.

They will be situated within each department, so as to offer a familiar face to students on each course, and will be focused on providing support across many aspects of the student experience, allowing academic tutors to focus on academic issues. Mentors will also be able to signpost to expert teams (such as wellbeing, careers zone and study skills), and provide endto-end support for student queries. This aims to address criticism of the University’s existing academic tutoring scheme. Exeposé found in a survey last month that many respondents believe academic tutoring is not useful, and a number of students faced significant disruption to their academic tutor at the start of the academic year. One of the major criticisms that arose in this survey related to the issue of consistency. This was recognised by Professor Nicky King, who told Exeposé that “there are students that don’t get the experience we want them to have.” The role of pastoral mentors aims to ensure greater consistency in the University’s pastoral and academic support, with all students in a particular department able to make use of these mentors as a key point of contact. Importantly, too, students will ideally retain the same pastoral mentor throughout the entirety of

their studies. This follows 62.5 per cent of respondents to Exeposé’s survey stating that their academic tutor had not remained the same throughout their studies, which many saw as a cause of this inconsistency. Exeposé also found that a significant minority of respondents wrongly believe that the remit of academic tutors principally includes wellbeing and emotional support. Professor King acknowledged this, noting that “the issues brought to tutors are becoming more complex and wideranging” and that “people don’t just come for advice about their course, but also things like mental health, housing, friendships and financial challenges.” This is despite the fact that academic tutors are academic, not wellbeing or safeguarding, experts. Consequently, pastoral mentors aim to fill this role, as individuals trained in pastoral support will be physically present and embedded within each department. They will, for example, attend breakfast clubs, coffee mornings and key skills delivery sessions, to ensure that students are comfortable and able to seek support from them. Another key focus of this scheme is provide department teams with the data to help them to identify students who may be struggling or falling behind. This allows them to

intervene and provide support before an issue worsens. This was described by Professor King as “providing help in week 6, rather than when you fail your January exam.” She revealed that ELE 2 has helped the University in offering more data on student engagement, providing insight into when and where engagement drops off. This will allow pastoral mentors to offer support earlier and get students back on a path to success. The Students' Guild recognised that "we know that whilst many students have a great experience with their Academic Personal Tutor, this is not the case for everyone." Alex Stanley, the Guild's Education Officer, has been working with the University to "reimagine how the tutoring system can adapt to the demands of a modern University setting, especially considering the mental health crisis." Stanley will be working with students to provide feedback on this scheme during the pilot, and has encouraged students to speak to their academic rep or contact him if you have any feedback about your experience or any suggestions for improvement. The University will continue to update students on the success of the pilot of their pastoral mentor scheme, with the intention of a roll-out across the University’s departments for the coming academic years.

Southwest Water criticised over sewage pollution Anabel Costa-Ferreira Editor-in-Chief

FTER sewage warnings at several Devon beaches, executives at Southwest Water are facing criticisms surrounding pay. Despite a performance "significantly below target for pollution incidents for the twelfth year running," recent figures

detail executives received over £1 million in ‘pay & perks’ this year. These benefits appear in line with national increases as "Base pay and pension payouts for executives in England & Wales water industries rise to a new high of £10 million." Focusing on a more local scale, Southwest Water are reported to have allocated £1,118,000 to their two executives. According to further analysis of Company House

University appeals on Birks bomb insurance claim

records, it has also been confirmed the "country’s water industry paid out a staggering £10 million in executive salaries last year." In response to these raises, the local Liberal Democrat party are calling for CEO bonus bans within the water industry in order to “put an end to profit before the environment and ensure their board include environmental experts.” In recent months, rises in sewage levels

have led to swims being discouraged. Following knowledge that raw sewage was pumped “into the South West’s waterways for over 290,000 hours,” these recommendations seem unsurprising To track sewage pollution alerts and monitor risks across the UK, individuals can use the Surfers Against Sewage website or download the SSRS (Safer Seas & Rivers Service) application.

HE University of Exeter is appealing a court’s decision to deny its insurance claim for the damage to student halls from a Second World War bomb detonation. Construction workers found the unexploded bomb on Glenthorne Road in 2021. The detonation smashed windows and damaged roofing in Birks Grange Village and Clydesdale Rise, Exeposé reported at the time. Allianz Insurance rejected the University’s claim, saying that the damage fell under a war exclusion clause. In March this year, after a High Court hearing, judge Nigel Bird ruled that the insurance company was justified in its refusal. At a Court of Appeal hearing on 7th November, lawyers representing the University appealed the decision, arguing that “the deliberate act of the bomb disposal team in detonating the bomb” was responsible for the damage sustained, and that the war exclusion clause could not have been intended to apply to past conflicts. Allianz lawyers countered that the dropping of the bomb caused the damage. When the bomb was discovered, bomb disposal experts concluded it could not be removed safely. The hearing took place at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Lord Justice Lewison, Lord Justice Coulson and Lord Justice Snowden said they would deliver a ruling on a date to be fixed. In his March ruling, Bird said, “If there had been no bomb, there would have been no explosion. The bomb provided both the explosive payload and the absolute need for the detonation. In my view, the dropping of the bomb was the obvious proximate cause of the damage.” Despite the use of hundreds of tonnes of sand and a protective structure to contain the blast, 2600 homes had to be evacuated for the detonation. This affected 1400 students. Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

4 NEWS

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

National campaign launched to raise awareness of student loneliness

Charlie Gershinson and Oliver Lamb Deputy Editor and News Editor

HE government is partnering with the restaurant chain Wingstop on a campaign to raise awareness of student loneliness, after a survey found that 92 per cent of students have experienced it. In-store screens and social media channels encourage students to get together at meals and direct them to loneliness support on the Better Health - Every Mind Matters website. The government is also partnering with Sporting Wellness, Student Radio Association, Student Roost and Student Minds to reduce the stigma around loneliness. The survey also found that 43 per cent of students would worry about being judged if they admitted to feeling lonely, though 87 per cent said they would not judge someone for it. In the 2023 Student Academic Experience Survey, 26 per cent of students said they felt lonely all or most of the time. The campaign has received criticism for being tokenistic. For example, Dr Katie Wright-Bevans, a lecturer in psychology at Keele University, said, “anything that places responsibility on the individual to connect with others, without any meaningful infrastructure supporting that connection, is dangerous because it risks exacerbating existing loneliness and perpetuating a sense of blame.”

Conversely, Dr Emily Long said, “talking about loneliness, acknowledging it as a problem, and working to reduce the stigma for young people/students is very helpful.” The Campaign to End Loneliness said the campaign is important but action is “largely best done by universities.” When asked about the campaign by Exeposé, the Positive Wellbeing Peer Support Group (PWPSG), a society in the University, said that - while they were not aware of the campaign — campaigns as a whole are “a great starting point to get the conversation going, but student loneliness often comes down to greater issues in the University community.” This particularly relates to making students from minority backgrounds feel welcome, ensuring Guild society events are accessible and among others, this includes the strength of the student loan system. The majority of respondents to an Exeposé survey said they would not feel comfortable seeking help from the University’s wellbeing services for loneliness. One criticised what they saw as “horrific welfare services and inaccessible academic teams.” However, a student who said they would feel comfortable remarked that “there [is] a limit to what wellbeing services can do as they can really only provide advice.” More students said they would feel comfortable approaching friends. A number of respondents said

that it was a responsibility of the University and Students’ Guild to tackle loneliness on campus. Raising awareness was the main suggestion for additional action they could take, with one student highlighting the discrepancy between the expectation and reality of university, and noting that loneliness is “actually very common — we just can’t see into most people’s private lives and thoughts.” They suggested the university “raise awareness of how normal” loneliness is, “reduce the stigma, as well as [provide] advice for navigating it before term starts or the very early days so students are a bit more prepared.” Another respondent called on the University to “signpost people to the right places.” However, one response commented that “it’s ultimately up to the student themselves to seek that help.” The PWPSG believe that the University has a “responsibility to raise awareness over loneliness” while complimenting the Students’ Guild on their efforts to tackle loneliness such as “putting on activities throughout the term that could offer people the chance to connect with new people.” The PWPSG also emphasised the need for individuals to be proactive if they are feeling lonely such as by booking a wellbeing appointment. In Exeposé’s survey, being away from home for the first time was commonly cited as a cause of student loneliness, as was the university workload and the new responsibilities of independence. An international student explained that though they are “good friends” with home students, “there’s part of you that constantly feels like an alien because you just grew up so differently.” An additional comment was that “social media leads us to mainly see a filtered version of our peers’ lives” which cannot compare to one’s own reality. When asked to discuss the causes of loneliness among students and what the University can do to tackle them, the PWPSG said that the main causes are not singular, but instead there are lots of factors that different people experience to different deImage: Christina Kortum, Flickr grees.” These factors include a “struggle” to connect with those they live with, a “sense

of loss after leaving home” or a lack of strong friendships with whom they can share what they’re feeling. There may also be other factors such as “academic and financial difficulties” or “mental illness.” When asked for comment on how to help students struggling with loneliness, a spokesperson for the Students’ Guild said: “We’re pleased to see the government launch a campaign to tackle loneliness, particularly following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and how this increased feelings of loneliness and isolation for the student population.” They also recommended multiple schemes run by the Guild such as their ‘Give it a Go’ events or ‘Flatmate Finder’ sessions to find others to live with next year. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the University of Exeter said: “The health and wellbeing of our students is our overriding priority, and we have invested significantly in our Wellbeing Service over recent years to help us meet the individual needs of our diverse student community. “Our priority is for students to have the easiest possible access to our broad range of services, and that everyone seeking support is seen as quickly as possible.” The spokesperson went on to advertise the opportunities on offer across the University including “single sessions, drop-ins and workshops.” Meanwhile, the Residence Life team offers “a variety of events for those in student accommodation to have interaction with people and develop new friendships. “Student Mentors are also available for support and encouragement, while the many Societies on offer provide a diverse and welcoming environment for people to get involved.” The spokesperson also points to the weekly student newsletter which “promotes many opportunities for students to meet others and join in free activities, such as Intercultural Cafes, Wellbeing’s coffee and chat sessions, and the chaplaincy’s connections cafe. “It also signposts support available through initiatives such as Nightline, the confidential student listening service and Togetherall the free, anonymous peer support platform. Any student who feels they need further support should contact their personal tutor or Wellbeing Services on wellbeing@exeter.ac.uk” The Positive Wellbeing Peer Support Group runs themed and unthemed sessions aiming to support students. Find them on Instagram @peersupportexeter.

Exeposé join X-Media Movember panel on mental health Harry Craig Deputy Editor

-MEDIA societies came together last Thursday to discuss men’s mental health as Movember draws to a close. Men from across the five societies that make up X-Media, including Exeposé’s Deputy Editor Harry Craig, joined hosts Thomas Swanser from XTV and Joseph Terry from XpressionFM for a two-hour panel discussion. This included discussing how to manage your mental health, whether the University does enough for men’s mental health, and male role models, as well as more light-hearted discussion on the Movember tradition of growing a moustache, and why panellists chose whether or not to participate. Reflecting on the panel discussion, co-host Joseph Terry said: “It was a powerful moment to host a broadcast about a topic close to my heart, and something we have to talk about bravely with no fear. Conversations have to start somewhere.” These sentiments were echoed by cohost Thomas Swanser, who told Exeposé: “I decided to set this up with Joe as I wanted to have a discussion with other men about their thoughts on Movember and other topics related to men’s mental health. “The show had been set up to do this, as it is important in the month of November to raise as much awareness as possible for these topics.” The discussion was broadcast live on XpressionFM, and is available to watch now on XpressionFM and XTV’s YouTube channels.

University launches dog-walking scheme Oliver Lamb News Editor

UNIVERSITY of Exeter dogwalking scheme has had over 100 volunteers. Under the scheme, students walk dogs for owners who are unable to do so themselves. The supply of dog-walkers has so far outstripped demand, with the scheme also serving to help students with homesickness and loneliness. Students are able to volunteer in pairs and choose which dogs to walk and when.

Edward Watkins, a professor in experimental and applied clinical psychology, said, “We know that loneliness and isolation is often a problem for students and building student wellbeing is really important and one of the key things to do that is to build up connections and community initiatives and this sounds like a really good example of that.” Student dog-walker Kate Angus told the BBC, “It really does help my mental wellbeing. I miss my dog a lot so he [the dog she is walking] brings me a lot of joy.”

Image: Catherine Leclert, Pexels

Image: Harry Craig

5 NEWS

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

Violence in Israel and Gaza continues to spark protests in Exeter Livvy Mason-Myhill and Harry Craig Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO WAR AND TERRORISM WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

ITH the war in Gaza soon entering its third month, Exeter students have continued to protest against the ongoing violence in the Middle East. Following their protest at the start of November calling on Ben Bradshaw to support a ceasefire, Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised a vigil in Bedford Square on Saturday 18th November. This was in memory of the children killed in the conflict, with over 5000 Palestinian children and 30 Israeli children believed to have been killed. 100 attendees held a poster displaying the name and photo of a child killed during the ongoing war, with each poster representing 50 children. Exeposé spoke to the event’s organiser, Mike Gurney, ahead of the vigil. He pointed out that “ten times more children have died in six weeks [in Gaza] as have died in Ukraine in the last 18 months.” Addressing the recent rise of antisemitism in the UK following the outbreak of the conflict, Gurney emphasised that “we are completely opposed to antisemitism” and that “we completely dissociate from [and] condemn people… who has been having a go at Jewish people in this country… because Jewish people are not responsible for what the Israeli government is doing.” He also noted that “lots of Jewish people have been supporting the calls for a ceasefire, and have been on our marches.” Greg Zoppos, a university student attending this vigil, told Exeposé: “I think it’s important to show public support, especially because a lot of people in the UK

Image: Harry Craig

think it’s a far-away issue and we can’t do anything… especially given the history of how the state of Israel was created and how Britain had a big role in that.” Commenting on calls on universities across the UK, including in Exeter, to do more to address the ongoing conflict, Zoppos said: “a lot of students are calling for… their universities to stop investing in companies that are complicit or involved in funding the state of Israel.” This vigil also reinforced calls for Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw to support a ceasefire. Bradshaw abstained on an SNP amendment calling for a ceasefire on 15th November. Bradshaw told constituents in a letter that “there is not the slightest chance of a ceasefire happening at the moment, as long as Hamas are still holding Israeli and international hostages from the October 7th attacks, and Hamas and Hezbollah are firing missiles into Israel.” Instead, Bradshaw supported a Labour amendment calling for a humanitarian pause, stating that this is the “best hope… to ease the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” He also reiterated the long-term goal of a two-state solution, stating that “when this immediate crisis has eased, the efforts of all in the international community must be to get a peace process back on track.”

Bradshaw supported a Labour amendment calling for a humanitarian pause However, Mike Gurney continued to urge Bradshaw to back a ceasefire. He dismissed the idea of a humanitarian pause, which temporarily came into effect for four days last Friday to allow 50 Israeli hostages to be freed, in exchange for Israel’s release of 150 Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Gurney described this as “basically feeding people and then going to

bomb them again.” In calling for Bradshaw to support a ceasefire, Exeter constituents have also taken to protesting outside Bradshaw’s office. On 17th November, in support of Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Exeter Palestine Action and Exeter Friends of Palestine, young activists from a variety of climate movements, such as Green New Deal Rising, Just Stop Oil, Extinction Rebellion, and Fridays For Image: Harry Craig Future (FFF), came together to confront Bradshaw about his refusal to back the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Seven activists from various movements participated in an occupation at Bradshaw's office, yelling "ceasefire now" and carrying banners that said "Free Palestine." This came after the march of a 1000 people through Exeter's city centre earlier this month, during which participants placed teddy bears outside Bradshaw's office as a symbol of the children dying in the West Bank and Gaza. It also followed Bradshaw’s decision to abstain on the aforementioned SNP amendment. In addition, he has turned down a meeting request from the Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign and has rejected their petition, which has been signed by more than 100 Exeter residents. As constituents, the protestors occupying Bradshaw's doorway claim to be "ashamed" of Bradshaw's inability to use his position to defend the rights of the youth in the Middle East. Young people make up more than half of Gaza's population of two million. A spokesperson from Exeter Palestine Action told Exeposé: “Bradshaw’s actions demonstrated his lack of moral character and his incapacity to speak for his citizens, who have steadfastly supported Palestinians through emails and marches.” They stated that, “we will continue to take action against the genocide of Palestinians until our voices are listened to, or Ben Bradshaw is removed from office.” Green New Deal Rising activist and FFF Exeter co-founder Natasha Pavey, who partook in the protest,

stated that: “We stand together to call for peace and justice for all people. I'm so ashamed of our Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw for following party lines and refusing to call for a ceasefire. In the run up to a general election, Labour must do better.” A constituent and spokesperson for Just Stop Oil, who was also present at the protest, stated that: “Ben’s refusal to vote for a ceasefire is inhumane.” They added that: “we stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people as the Israeli government carries out its brutal and illegal collective punishment of people living in Gaza and the West Bank. We’re calling for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the occupation, justice and freedom for Palestinians and all civilians affected.” Protests have also continued on campus. On Thursday 23rd November, students and staff gathered outside of the Forum to hold a vigil in solidarity with Palestine. One of the attendees spoke to Exeposé, stating that: “it is important because people are being genocided [sic] in Gaza and, just because there is a humanitarian pause, it doesn't mean that there is a ceasefire. It just means that it is being used to clean up their image so that they can continue their genocide.” They went on to suggest that “the reason we are hosting this vigil in particular is to honour and remember the people who have been martyred, especially the children.” The protester also noted the different methods of protesting that have been taken during this month in solidarity with Palestine, stating that they were aiming to have stronger dialogue with the University “to try and help them

to understand our point of view.” They believed that these protests have been met with “closed doors and indifference at every step,” so are aiming to “keep coming every week to protest or vigil to make sure that our voices are heard." The University reiterated its position that it “remain[s] deeply concerned and distressed by the violence in Israel, Palestine and the Middle East” and that their “thoughts are with all those who are suffering as a result, wherever they are in the world”. They said they are “working directly with those members of our community who are most affected by this ongoing conflict, to hear their experiences and to offer our support.” The Guild echoed these sentiments, telling Exeposé: “The Guild exist to provide support for our students and student groups. Our thoughts are with anyone experiencing pain, loss, anxiety, or traumas a result of the ongoing conflict.” The Guild also noted that “our role as a charity enables us to create safe spaces for challenging conversation and debate, where diverse, often conflicting, but legal views can be expressed. The Guild fully supports students’ right to protest in a safe way and we work with students to facilitate this, including through the provision of template risk assessments, resources and guidance. If any students are looking to organise a protest, we’re here to support you and encourage you to get in touch.” For those who are struggling, it is encouraged to get in touch with the Guild or to access Wellbeing services.

6 NEWS

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

Teignmouth hospital closure paused due to campaigners Helena Hughes

EVON County Council’s Health and Scrutiny Committee has voted to begin the process of referring the closure of Teignmouth Hospital to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. It had been planned to replace the hospital with a health centre. Locally, there has been very widespread displeasure at the idea of closing the facility, despite a report declaring the hospital had “not been proven to be

demonstrably in the best interest of the health service in the local area.” In contrast to this, Devon County Council member for Teignmouth, David Cox, suggests that “it’s against the interests of Teignmouth residents to close Teignmouth Hospital.” NHS Devon has not responded to the decision to refer the closure of the hospital

NHS Devon has not responded to the decision

the Secretary of State. The League of Friends of Teignmouth Hospital has been clear the charity has spent “more than £2 million” on the hospital since it opened in 1954, that it is essentially property of the people of Teignmouth and that it is very unethical to close the facility. Following the original report that called for closure, there was a possibility for development on the site of the hospital, although residents of the area have been clear they would far rather have the health service.

Image: David Smith, Wikimedia Commons

Exeter students celebrate Diwali

Image: Nicole Hoskin

Amélie Thompson and Harry Craig Online Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor

XETER students, staff and families came together to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, on Sunday 19th November, with a series of events organised by student societies. The event began with a Puja (prayer ceremony), led by the University’s Hindu chaplain. This was accompanied by a range of stalls and traditional dance and music performances, and concluded with a spectacular fireworks display on campus in the evening. Activities included decorating a Diya (a sacred oil lamp that eradicates dark shadows and represents enlightenment, prosperity, knowledge and wisdom), making Diwali decorations,

dressing up in traditional clothing, henna tattoos, and traditional storytelling sessions. There were also stalls in the Terrace serving vegetarian food for attendees, provided by local Indian restaurant Namaste. A showcase of artistic performances also took place in the Alumni Auditorium in the Forum. After the events on campus, Exeter Asian Society organised a Bollywood-themed after-party at Unit 1. The Diwali celebrations were organised jointly by a number of student societies, including the Hindu, Indian and Asian societies. One attendee told Exeposé: “I really enjoyed going to the Diwali celebrations on campus as it’s very nice to celebrate it with your friends, being away from home.”

“it’s very nice to celebrate [Diwali] with your friends, being away from home”

They added, “there were a variety of entertaining performances like dancing and singing, followed by some amazing fireworks!” Reflecting on the celebrations, Vice-Chancellor Lisa Roberts said: “Diwali is always one of the highlights of the year for our community. I’d like to thank all those students who have organised a very special event.” Diwali is a festival of lights marked by a four-day celebration, that commemorates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome strife. Celebrations vary across different communities, but there is a shared joy in the hope, love and peace of the festival. Ananya Gupta, President of the Hindu Society, said: “It is an exciting time for us as we welcome the Goddess Laxmi into our lives and spend time with our loved ones.”

Government to cut benefits for the disabled from 2025 Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

O address what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called the “national scandal” of two million working-age people being out of work, the Autumn Budget read to the House of Commons last week by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt announced changes to how benefits claimants are categorised for all new claimants from September 2025. Currently, claimants of Universal Credit (UC) are defined under three categories: those with ‘capability for work’ (CTW), those with ‘limited capability for work’ (LCW) and those with ‘limited capability for work and work-related activity’ (LCWRA). As of today, those under all three categories are eligible to claim Universal Credit. However, the planned changes will seriously affect who can be put under the LCW and LCWRA categories, many of whom suffer from mental health issues or chronic pain. According to the Office for Budg-

et Responsibility’s (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook relating to the Budget, there will be a removal of the ‘mobilising’ descriptor and an amendment to the ‘substantial risk’ descriptor, both of which are key elements for a claimant to be added to the LCWRA caseload. There will also be an amendment to the ‘getting about’ descriptor, which affects the LCW category. The OBR has concluded that by 2028-29, this will lead to a decrease in the number of claimants in the LCWRA category by around 371,000 — or 13 per cent — while there would be an increase in LCW claimants of 342,000 — or 78 per cent. Those under the LCWRA category currently receive £390 extra per month. No current claimants will be affected by the changes. Overall, the OBR expects these changes to increase employment by 10,000 by 2028-29.

This will lead to a decrease in the number of claimants in the LCWRA category by around 371,000

Despite these changes going on to affect thousands of benefits claimants, they will do little to temper the government’s overall spending on welfare. Spending on welfare will increase this year from £261.5 billion to £361.7 billion in 2028-29, an increase of almost 40 per cent. This is largely due to the uprating of existing benefits due to high inflation. The changes to incentivise the currently unemployed into work will only save £1 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29. Disabilities charity Scope has said that “disabled people are struggling to make ends meet” and that “the government is hellbent on reducing the benefits budget come what may, but inflation is still high, prices are rising and disabled people are still facing sky high bills… Life costs more if you are disabled. We’re hearing from disabled people who are using candles instead of putting the light on, skipping meals, and taking cold showers.”

Image: HM Treasury, Flickr

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

Features

FEATURES EDITORS:

Benedict Thompson and Henry Parker

The Covid-19 Inquiry: the blame game begins

Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, on the recent testimony to the Covid-19 Inquiry

ith the Covid-19 Inquiry in full flow, the barristers, journalists, Chairperson Baroness Hallett and all those at home viewing the YouTube livestream have been hearing from witnesses at the heart of British government during the pandemic as they engage in a seemingly never-ending blame game for the various decisions and missteps during the crisis. Thus far, the Inquiry is in the middle of its second of five ‘modules’ — Core UK Decision-Making and Political Governance — after finishing its first module based on Resilience and Preparedness. The second module has

been the most politically charged so far as it has involved discussing those involved with governmental decisions over Covid, including former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and former Chancellor of the Exchequer and current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The former Cabinet Secretary Lord Sedwill, who served from the start of the pandemic until September 2020, shed significant light on the government’s opening gambit in dealing with Covid. Despite being seen as exhibiting a civil servant’s typical restraint and nuance, it was clear that Sedwill found Johnson’s temperament unsuit-

Image: RM Media, Picpedia

able for the seriousness which his role at the time demanded. Although he said he would not specifically repeat such charges in those exact words, he said that he does “recognise” them. He said that Johnson’s indecision was “exhausting” for ministers and advisers around him, and Sedwill stated he had to “force” him to make decisions.

Johnson’s indecision was “exhausting” for ministers and advisers around him Sedwill’s testimony was, if anything, more unkind to Matt Hancock. Sedwill agreed with characterisations of Hancock as not being “routinely honest” and that he would have to check Hancock’s words to him with others to make sure he “wasn’t overpromising.” A WhatsApp message from Sedwill given to the Inquiry said: “Hancock [sic] so far up BJ’s [Boris Johnson’s] arse his ankles are brown.” Perhaps more damning in the present context was the most recent testimony (at the time of writing) by former Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance. Documentation handed over to the Inquiry stated that Sunak, then Chancellor of the

Exchequer, thought that the government should “let people die” around the time of the second lockdown in autumn 2020, confirming a similar accusation by former chief adviser to Johnson, Dominic Cummings. This evidence also showed that Johnson similarly thought to adopt a strategy of “letting it all rip,” referring to Covid. Vallance also blamed Sunak for fuelling a second wave of Covid through the implementation of the ‘eat out to help out’ scheme to boost the hospitality sector’s recovery after the first lockdown. Vallance revealed that he and Chief Medical Officer Sir Chris Whitty did not offer any advice on the policy as they were not told about it at the time and that he would be “very surprised” if Sunak was not aware that the policy would increase Covid cases. Meanwhile, Whitty’s testimony was more muted, perhaps reflecting the fact he is still in post as an adviser while Vallance has left his post. Whitty said of Johnson’s decisions process that it was “unique to him” to which Hugo Keith KC replied “that’s a euphemism if I’ve ever heard one.” Perhaps the main protagonist of the inquiry — if that is the correct terminology — is Cummings. The eccentric former Vote Leave chief

Image: Andrew Parsons, Flickr

and consigliere-turned-foe of Johnson has emerged as a key player in the formation of Covid policy. Cummings repeatedly criticised senior civil servants such as former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Helen McNamara by using vitriolic and misogynistic language. He said that the government cannot “keep dodging stilettos from that c***,” referring to McNamara. During his testimony, he described that language as “obviously appalling” but claimed the language was not misogynistic as he was much ruder towards men. He also referred to Johnson as “exhausting” and to the cabinet collectively as “f***pigs.”

Homelessness in crisis in Exeter

Rachel McEwan on the “significant loss of life” that may occur if cuts go ahead

ALKING along Exeter High Street at any time of day, you are guaranteed to see people living on the street. Homelessness in Exeter has increased by 24 per cent since last year, and increased by 44 per cent compared to the number of people sleeping rough in Devon in 2021. This is almost double the national average rise of 26 per cent. Clearly, Exeter has a problem with homelessness. As the nights get colder and the weather worsens, it is essential for people to remain warm and sheltered, yet proposed cuts by Devon County Council will reduce funding by £1.5 million. Peter Smith, director of sector development at Homeless Link, warns that the cuts are “a dangerous and short sighted decision” which could create unsafe conditions whereby people have less places to stay for a night, subjecting them to more nights in the cold with an increased risk of hypothermia and skin infections.

Clearly, Exeter has a problem with homelessness The proposition has created a controversial situation whereby the strategy has been called dangerous by Exeter’s homelessness charities,

while being called a reprioritisation by the local council. The move will see funding being taken away from five providers in Devon who support around 250 people at any one time. These charities have direct contact with people sleeping rough and are doing essential work to keep homeless people alive. The so-called reprioritisation is part of an effort to make £45 million worth of savings as Devon struggles to stay away from insolvency in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, with rising demand for services and inflationary costs. Seemingly prioritising savings over people’s lives. Homelessness charities provide vital services not just in Exeter but across Devon as a whole. The

cuts could see five hostels close across the region. Currently the five providers covered by the homelessness prevention contract support around 250 people with 113 bed spaces in hostels and a further 132 people receiving floating support. They not only provide short term care, but the housing enables them to get an address and a job that provides stability and support for them to stand on their own and get a flat or house of their own in due course. The Conservative government have pledged an end to rough sleeping many times. For instance just before Christmas 2019, the Prime Minister announced their commitment to end rough sleeping by November 2024. It can be Image: Blodeuwedd, Flickr

questioned how this this is possible with budget cuts to these services? During Covid, over 6000 rough sleepers were rehoused. It was expensive, but so is the cost on the NHS and other welfare services that is needed as a result of homelessness. Research has shown that individuals with poor housing conditions have a lower mental and physical health status and are more likely to be in contact with health services, which also increases with age. People who are sleeping rough have increased contact with emergency health services.

People who are sleeping rough have an increased contact with emergency health services Therefore, the proposed £1.5 million cuts to funding would place a strain on health and social care services. Peter Stephenson, the CEO of St Petrock’s, a leading coalition of organisations opposing the proposed cuts, says “it’s hard to see how these cuts represent any financial saving overall.” After particular scrutiny, the proposed cuts have been paused with funding extended until March next year. Let’s hope they reconsider and listen to the charities’ warnings before that.

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

9 FEATURES

David Cameron returns to Downing Street Eleanor Rogers on whether Sunak’s decision to bring back the former Prime Minister is a sign of daring or desparation

N Monday 13th November, the cry: “I was not expecting that!” of an incredulous Sky News reporter, echoed a sentiment many of us shared while watching David Cameron emerge from a car outside Downing Street. Rishi Sunak’s recent cabinet reshuffle saw ex-Prime Minister, Cameron, appointed as Foreign Secretary, replacing James Cleverly (newly appointed Home Secretary). While Cameron speaks promisingly of joining the “team enterprise” once again, one cannot help but wonder: is this decision genius, or is it desperate?

Following weeks of discontent, not to mention the recent years of division and flux within the Conservative Party, Cameron’s arrival could be a return to a more united, stable government. Reassuring and experienced with 11 years as party leader, and six as Prime Minister, Cameron could be just what the party is in need of. And no doubt, a track record of electoral success is welcomed by Sunak as pressure mounts towards the next general election. Removing attention from Suella Braverman’s controversial public stances, Cameron’s appearance com-

Image: Simon Dawson, Flickr

municates a more conciliatory tone. Unlike Braverman’s abrasive approach, Cameron is moderate, an antidote to the more right-wing strands of the party. Carrying with him, the coalition government’s success of legalising same-sex marriage, introducing the National Living Wage, and pioneering One Nation Conservatism. Alongside his wealth of connections, Cameron’s diplomatic tendencies could serve him well as Foreign Secretary. Yet, Cameron’s early glory has been somewhat eclipsed by failures too, notably his dubious approaches to Syria, Libya and China, the lingering effects of austerity, and the EU referendum which turned the course of both UK politics and foreign affairs.

Cameron’s appearance communicates a more conciliatory tone The benefits of Cameron’s experience and congenial manner cannot be accepted without also accounting for the cloud of failure that comes alongside. For many voters, Cameron is a problematic figure, with a recent YouGov poll recording that only 24 per cent consider Cameron’s

appointment as Foreign Secretary a “good decision.” To Remainers, there is a bitterness that the EU referendum was ever called, while to Brexiteers there is a resentment that Cameron was not willing to follow through with the referendum result. Alongside the Brexit controversy, Cameron’s image is also besmirched by the Greensill scandal. While Cameron deftly dodges interviewers’ questions regarding Greensill, highlighting his work as President of Alzheimer’s Research instead, a guiltiness nevertheless hangs over him. During the Covid pandemic, Cameron’s lobbying on behalf of Greensill Bank indirectly promoted his personal economic interests. While the bank failed to acquire government support through the Covid Loan scheme, the ethics of Cameron’s lobbying remain ambiguous. And finally, what does this appointment say of Rishi Sunak? A selfproclaimed Prime Minister of change; Sunak recently declared at the Conservative Party Conference that “it is time for a change, and we are it.” Surely, the revival of the ex-Prime Minister can hardly be considered a marker of change. If anything, it indicates a continuation of historic Conserva-

tive governments. This then points to the conclusion that Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, alludes to: this is not a strategic decision, but rather a move of “desperation.”

The ex-Prime Minister can hardly be considered a marker of change Furthermore, Sunak’s appointment of the unelected Cameron seems a sad indictment of the quality of Conservative MPs. In a coruscating statement, Shadow Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, points out that Sunak must lack confidence in the suitability of elected MPs if he deems it necessary to “resurrect yesterday’s failure.” Although this style of appointment is not unprecedented, Sunak risks not only snubbing Conservative MPs, but also the electorate that faithfully voted for individuals to represent them with adequate accountability in the House of Commons. An unconventional appointment: Cameron’s return signals moderate Conservatism and a plethora of connections, but an equally heavy burden of foreign policy failures and party disarray.

Braverman out after breaking from Number 10

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, on why Braverman was moved on in the most recent cabinet reshuffle

OW many people can ever say they have been sacked twice from the same job? Suella Braverman now finds herself with that ignominious honour, after she was dismissed from her position as Home Secretary on 13th November following a series of gaffes and announcements that incensed 10 Downing Street. This came just over a year after she left the same position under Liz Truss’ short-lived premiership, when she breached the ministerial code. Braverman’s reappointment to the cabinet by Rishi Sunak when he replaced Truss in October last year was widely seen as an effort to appease the Tory hard right, many of whom had not supported Sunak in last summer’s leadership election. She has always been something of a loose cannon within government that appeared to break from the carefully cultivated image of Sunak as a sensible technocrat, used by the government to appeal to a section of Tory voters that want to hear radical right thinking on issues like migration, policing and homelessness.

She has always been something of a loose cannon within government

This gave rise to a series of infamous quotes and policies. In September, the daughter of Mauritian and Kenyan immigrants bemoaned that “multiculturalism… has failed” and attacked the 1951 Refugee Convention. Immigration has been the showpiece of her time as Home Secretary, investing most of the past 12 months in her Rwanda policy to deport asylum seekers to the east African state. Just two days after she was sacked, the Supreme Court ruled this policy was unlawful.

Immigration has been the showpiece of her time as Home Secretary Earlier this month, her ire turned on the homeless, as she claimed that, in many cases, “living on the streets [is] a lifestyle choice,” in announcing plans to ban rough sleepers from sleeping in tents. This is also a Home Secretary who was accused of “racist rhetoric” by some in her own party, and sent refugees to live on a barge that the Fire Brigades Union deemed a “potential deathtrap.” Ultimately, there was one blunder too many for Rishi Sunak at the start of November, when Braverman made a series of comments calling Palestinian marches “hate marches”

and demanding police arrest proPalestinian protesters. This implicated Downing Street when, on 8th November, Braverman published an opinion piece in The Times claiming that “senior police officers play favourites when it comes to protesters.” This article had not been approved by Downing Street; in fact, Sunak’s office had explicitly asked for changes to be made to the article. This massively undermined Sunak’s own authority. The situation was aggravated even further when violent far-right protesters, led by Tommy Robinson, clashed with police at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day. Amidst chants of “England till I die” and protesters telling police officers “you’re not English any more,” over 100 arrests were made. Unsurprisingly, many were quick to pin this on the Home Secretary’s remarks the previous week. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that “the scenes of disorder… at the Cenotaph are a direct result of the Home Secretary’s words,” accusing Braverman of making the police’s job even harder. This was echoed by the Metropolitan Police’s assistant commissioner Matt Twist, who said the “intense debate about protest and policing” contributed to violence. Braverman made no comment. On the evening of 11th November, Sunak condemned the “violent, wholly unac-

ceptable” scenes, both from far-right extremists at the Cenotaph and what he termed “Hamas sympathisers.” The vast majority of the estimated 300,000 pro-Palestinian protesters remained peaceful, although police detained some who became violent, and there remain significant concerns in the Jewish community surrounding the antisemitic nature of some of the signs and chants on these protests. Rishi Sunak was left with no choice but to sack Braverman after the violent events of London on Remembrance Weekend. The Home Secretary is responsible for policing and public order, and many felt that she had undermined both of

these with her comments prior to the protests. She was dismissed on the Monday morning, replaced by James Cleverly — a well-regarded, conciliatory figure within the Tory party. Braverman thus returns to the backbenches for the first time since 2020. She will inevitably try to create a headache for Sunak, clear from her scathing letter that accused the Prime Minister of betrayal following her sacking. With Sunak highly likely to lose the election next year, Braverman will begin plotting to become the next Conservative leader, and undermine Sunak’s authority even further. It’s almost certain this will not be the last we hear from Suella Braverman. Image: Brandon Hattiloy, Flickr

International Icelandic volcanic emergency

Rosie Peters-McDonald shares the concerning news of

an incoming eruption in Grindavik

HUGE geological scare has rocked magma exists beneath it, causing the ground Europe this week as the southwestern deformation seen across the peninsula recently. Icelandic town of Grindavik has been The IMO have been able to measure this evacuated due to a potential volcanic using satellite data in order to determine eruption. The Icelandic Met Ofthe goings-on of Iceland’s most acfice (IMO) has shown contive volcanic region. Earthquakes cern that an eruption could can tell us a lot about potential occur beneath the town, volcanic activity, which is why saying “seismic activthe IMO are taking the reity has remained constant cent tremors near and inside since 11th November.” of Grindavik as a sign that Iceland sits atop the an eruption is likely to ocMid-Atlantic Ridge and is cur. At the time of writing, home to more than 130 volGrindavik stands in silence, its Image: Wikimedia Commons, canoes. Grindavik is located in businesses closed and its resiAnthony Quintano the Reykjanes Peninsula, which dents evacuated, waiting for what was dormant for eight centuries unmight be a town-destroying eruption. til an eruption in 2021. Since October, over We can only hope the IMO’s predic20,000 tremors have occurred in the penin- tions are wrong, and it will not be a repeat sula. An active, nine-mile-long corridor of of Litli Hrutur, which erupted in July 2023.

Trumped in court! Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, discusses the exPresident’s controversial case

N the first of his several legal battles, Engoron has in turn defended himself and former US President Donald Trump has Greenfield, saying that the donations are within been attending and giving evidence in a state law and ethics guidelines, that he has preNew York civil case which could cause him sided “fairly, impartially and professionally,” to lose $250 million and be banned from en- and also that Greenfield has had no undue ingaging in the New York real estate business. fluence. He said that his rulings are “mine and Letitia James, the New York Attorney Genmine alone,” and that there was eral and Democrat, has alleged that “absolutely no ‘co-judging’ Image: CC BY-SA 2.0 Trump and his sons have maat play.” Engoron has Gage Skidmore nipulated financial statements, instituted a gag order asset values and Trump’s on Trump, disalnet worth, in order to delowing him from fraud banks and insurers. discussing him or The courtroom his staff, which proceedings have seen has already been high drama and terse broken twice words exchanged beand seen Trump tween Trump and Jusfined $15,000. tice Arthur Engoron of It has been lifted the New York state court and a state appelin Manhattan. Trump has late court is now requested a mistrial, despite reviewing the order Engoron finding that Trump’s but is yet to rule on financial statements were frauduit at the time of writing. lent, so therefore he was denied. Trump Trump and his adult chiland his legal team have questioned the impardren have been amongst the witnesses tiality of the judge — who is also a Democrat giving testimony, as well as Trump’s former — due to his links to a high school alumni fixer-turned-enemy Michael Cohen. Despite newsletter which linked to articles about the Trump’s numerous outbursts inside and outcase. They have also taken issue with Engoron’s side the courtroom, Engoron has ruled in clerk, Allison Greenfield, who has made politi- favour of Trump multiple times such as by cal donations which Trump’s team have called allowing witness testimony and evidentiary unethical. They have made further accusations submissions. It is believed this is to minimise of her having improper influence on Engoron’s the risk of a retrial or a reversal of the case. rulings, making him biased against Trump.

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Josie Sharp

Threatened by the Top Gun

Lily Hart-Reynolds discusses the outcome of a disgraced Australian police officer’s court case

N Australian police officer has been given a two-year suspended sentence after he pointed his gun towards a colleague warning him not to reveal details of 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. The Sydney-based incident occurred in May this year between Constable Dominic Gaynor (30) and his junior officer, Morgan Royston (26), who threatened to spoil the film for Gaynor. Gaynor then pulled a pistol from his holster and aimed it at his co-worker. Court documents disclose both parties confirmed this statement. Royston’s lawyers said Gaynor held the gun in his ‘vicinity’ for five seconds, saying “I’ll shoot you.” Gaynor’s finger was on the gun’s receiver, not the trigger, and he laughed throughout the incident, the document states. Gaynor pleaded

guilty to carrying a firearm with disregard for the complainant’s safety. However, his counsel did argue his guilty plea did not imply malicious intent. The magistrate described the incident as “an unfortunate lapse of judgement.

The magistrate described the incident as “an unfortunate lapse of judgement” “This is a case where the skylarking and tomfoolery in an employment context has gone awry,” the Downing Centre Local Court heard. Gaynor was placed on a Community Corrections Order for two years and given 100 hours of community service. Royston has since left the force.

Diwali festivities

Josie Sharp, International Editor, shares the details of the current Diwali celebrations

IWALI is a celebration that symbolises the victory of light over darkness in Hinduism, as well as other religions. The celebration coincides with the darkest night of the Hindu solar calendar, and so they fill the night with lights; lasting five to six days. The holiday is connected to various deities within the broad religion which include Lakshima the goddess of prosperity, Ganesha the god of wisdom and also is associated with the day that Rama returned to his Kingdom. To celebrate this festival, participants light their homes with candles, lanterns, and oil lamps, also known as diyas. Their houses are also adorned with jhalars, which are colourful fabrics that are reserved for special occasions in Indian culture, Diwali being one of them. This festival is a major event for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains all over the world and not just India which is shown in the fact that

the first day of Diwali is an official holiday in many countries such as Fiji, Mauritius, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and even Trinidad and Tobago. Food is a key aspect in this celebration where feasts and regional sweets are prepared and shared amongst families and members of the community for all to enjoy.

Food is a key aspect in this celebration where feasts and regional sweets are prepared and shared As well as this, some towns decide to organise and throw parades or other gatherings such as feasts. It is an excellent festivity for everyone who celebrates it where their homes are covered in rangoli designs and their skies are filled with fireworks.

Image: Flickr, Picasa

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29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT EDITORS Lisette Reed and Charlotte Zeyssolff

20 years since the repeal of Section 28

Florence New discusses the impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ freedom of expression in education and the persistent need for change

ECTION 28 of the Local Government Act 1988 was repealed on the 18th November 2003, with this year marking its 20th anniversary of repeal. Section 28 was a controversial clause, preventing local authorities, including schools, from promoting homosexuality, which soon became interpreted as a ban on any discussion or acknowledgement of LGBTQ+ identities. Queer pupils reported feelings of shame, embarrassment, self-hatred and despair. They were not shown role models, were forced to remain in the closet, and were frequently bullied. Teachers were also prevented from sharing their identities for fear of losing their jobs. In the 20 years since, this legislation has proven to have a sticky legacy. Progress can be celebrated, but there is still more to be done. There is a negative, overarching legacy for LGBTQ+ students who lived through the Section 28 era and its aftermath. For those who grew up in the nineties and early noughties, the feelings of otherness likely remain. They were taught to be ashamed of their identity, which has made it harder for them to come out and live openly as queer adults. They were not shown LGBTQ+ relationships, healthy or otherwise,

and were left to figure out sex and relationships without guidance. Many developed mental health problems and faced bullying. Although times have changed, LGBTQ+ pupils still suffer. Students and teachers may be allowed to discuss LGBTQ+ topics, but this doesn’t mean they always get the attention they deserve. Even when they are discussed, a negative stigma is still attached.

They were taught to feel ashamed of their identity The Stonewall School Report 2017 found that 45 per cent of LGB and 65 per cent of transgender students had experienced bullying, resulting in high rates of mental health problems. A lack of training has perpetuated an uncertainty about what topics should be covered in school. Whilst I was at secondary school, LGBTQ+ identities were mentioned in just one assembly in five years, which was rushed and awkward. The phrase “that’s so gay” was constantly used with negative connotations and often went unpunished. Despite LGBTQ+ issues now being allowed within schools, they are often ignored or overlooked. Stigmatisation, fostered under Section

28, proves difficult to remove. LGBTQ+ teachers were also put in difficult positions. The vast majority remained closeted and felt unable to address antiLGBTQ+ bullying in case they were accused of promoting homosexuality. Gay teachers were accused of being predatory by the media, out to ‘convert’ and corrupt children. Fortunately, progress has been made. According to a study by Catherine Lee, nearly all teachers who entered the profession after 2003 feel either completely or almost entirely able to be themselves in the classroom. Post-Section 28 teachers also feel more able to counteract homophobia in schools. Some LGBTQ+ teachers who began working under Section 28 still feel its repercussions, but improvements have been noted for teachers entering the profession after the repeal, offering hope of a more welcoming atmosphere.

Gay teachers were accused of being predatory by the media Despite the immense damage caused by Section 28, it inspired unity

Image: University of Exeter

in protest and led to the creation of many activist organisations. Stonewall, formed to fight Section 28, is now the largest LGBTQ+ rights charity in the UK and the largest LGBTQ+ rights organisation in Europe. It has carried on demanding better treatment for LGBTQ+ youth, organising surveys to raise awareness, and providing resources for education and discussion. Almost everyone who attended secondary school in the 2010s probably remembers the Stonewall posters stating “Some people are gay. Get over it.” For heterosexual pupils, these might not have been impactful, but for queer students, it was a reminder that they were not alone.

It is always important to reflect on the past. The fact that LGBTQ+ education is now a mandatory part of both primary and secondary school curricula should not be overlooked. But challenges still remain. The vocabulary surrounding transgender identities used today is reminiscent of Section 28. Anti-LGBTQ+ bullying remains a problem, threatening the future of young queer people. I hope that there will come a day when LGBTQ+ young people feel comfortable and empowered to be out at school. Such improvements can only be made by learning our lessons from queer history.

Flash that stache!

Tabitha John explores the significance of Movember and why growing a moustache is more than just a month-long fad

HE location: Australia; the year: 2003; our pioneers: two friends Travis Garone and Luke Slattery sharing a beer at a local pub. Unbeknownst to them, over an innocent conversation about fashion trends, they are about to shape

the face of men’s health, literally and figuratively. The Movember website details that, at the time, it started with 30 Mo Bros, (as they call them), but that since then it has supported the lives of thousands of men across the globe, all through the simple act

Image: Movember Foundation, Wikimedia Commons

of growing a moustache. Originally, charging 10 US dollars for each person to grow out some stylish facial hair, they chose to focus on supporting those suffering with prostate cancer. With statistics as high as one in six men being diagnosed within their lifetime, it made an extremely worthy cause to support. However, as time went on, they realised they needed to broaden their focus to issues both mental and physical. It is sobering to note that, according to recent statistics, 40 per cent of men won’t talk about their mental health with their friends or family. Over a third of men are suffering in silence and are not receiving the support they need. But why is this the case? It could be down to the fact that men

are often called upon to balance their role in traditional societal structures with the task of effectively communicating the feelings they have been taught to suppress. This contradiction is dangerous. This contradiction can be lethal.

Over a third of men are suffering in silence Nowhere is this more evident than in a recent poll where 77 per cent of men were experiencing some level of anxiety, stress, or depression, and the statistic that three in four of all suicide cases in the UK are male. Therefore, Movember, coinciding with Men’s Mental Health Month, is so much more than growing a moustache. Of

course, the campaign in and of itself is a huge achievement. Having raised approximately £57.6 million globally, with over 300,000 participants, Movember has been able to support both men’s physical and mental health. From funding biomedical research to providing easily accessible digital resources, many men now have the knowledge to spot symptoms early and seek out support. But on an equally important level, Movember has provided a safe space for men to actually talk about these issues. So, if you feel like you want to support the cause, of course donate and support the campaign, but don’t wait for a specific month to engage with the people around you. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a world of difference.

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

“Black Friday — consumerism or Xmas deals?” Comment writers discuss the reality and consequences of the Black Friday season

An unethical, hyper-materialistic holiday?

VERY year, Black Friday sees swarms of frenzied shoppers in search of bargains. Discounts emblazoned on shop windows and websites alike lure in shoppers, but is it really worth it? Advocates of Black Friday suggest the surge in purchases support our dying high streets. In an age of online shopping, physical retailers have sadly paid the price; a flash sale could entice the hesitating customer. Others suggest Black Friday promotes accessibility, making expensive products affordable for the masses. This masks the dark reality of Black Friday: entrenching consumerism, eroding working conditions, and damaging the planet. Black Friday has quickly become a staple in Western culture, feral scenes plastered across news outlets and social media influencers presenting their enormous “clothing hauls.”

Feral scenes plastered across news outlets With purchases peaking on Cyber Monday 2020, Adobe reported that “buying reached $12 million per minute.” This staggering overconsumption highlights the consumerist delusion we buy into; an illusion that more possessions equates to greater happiness. Unfortunately, this myth is somewhat undermined when faced with a glum

bank account staring you in the face. Aside from the personal financial penalty, this annual event also normalises the blatant exploitation of workers. In order to meet high demand, workers are compelled to work ridiculous hours, often in poor conditions, only to be rewarded with egregiously low pay. As a result, The Guardian reports that this year, Amazon’s workers are holding “strikes and protests on Black Friday in more than 30 countries.” Only adding to the questionable ethics of Black Friday, is the appalling environmental impact. This contributes to mass landfill waste, not even considering the influx of emissions produced by the deliveries alone. Not only does Black Friday benefit corporate elites at the expense of workers, but the BBC even found that Black Friday is “rarely the cheapest time to shop” with prices matching other points in the year. While the onus should not unjustly be placed on the shopper seeking a good discount, it is undeniable that Black Friday upholds a culture of consumerism underpinned by a horrendous set of commercial ethics.

A hero to small businesses and the economy?

Image: pxhere

Eleanor Rogers

LACK Friday signifies the beginning of the holiday shopping season across the country, with origins as a commercial tradition in the United States and now one that has crossed the Atlantic to great popularisation in the UK since 2010. With eight in ten members of Generation Z, aged 18-23, planning to make a purchase during these sales, and a predicted average spending of £176 each, it is clear that this is a well-awaited occasion for young people, who will have been waiting for prices to drop for products outside of the student budget. Many Black Friday deals are being targeted to young adults with a focus on the types of products this demographic would want to see in the sales. Concerning the growth of online retailers, Black Friday and Cyber Monday serve as occasions to regain a sense of importance to in-person shopping. Young adults are typically more inclined to resort to the comfort of online shopping, which has detrimental effects to the existence of retail stores, and this weekend encourages people to shop in person and combat the ever present ‘Death of the High Street’. As the biggest shopping event of the year is Black Friday, it stimulates the economy and gives a boost to busi-

nesses in these uncertain times. This becomes increasingly more important for small businesses who do not have the same outreach as larger corporations, in terms of marketing and online access, instead being heavily dependent on customer traffic in-store. Across the weekend, as more people plan to go out with the intention of Christmas shopping, these businesses face greater exposure, and support for these local businesses does not only aid the economy, but more importantly fosters a stronger community.

This becomes increasingly more important for small businesses Black Friday equally holds importance in being an opportunity to reduce potential retail waste. Towards the end of the year many retailers face an issue of excess, unsold products piling up in storage that eventually end up in salvage yards which are proven to be harmful and damaging to the environment. So instead of sitting uselessly in storage or creating pollutive environmental impacts, Black Friday allows these items to be distributed and sold to people who will actually make use of them, for more affordable prices. Elizabeth Turner

Heart-felt or performative?

Annabel Jeffery discusses social media’s projection of activism and the extent of its sincerity

F activism was going to take place anywhere in 2023, it was always going to be on social media. In October 2023, approximately 4.9 billion social media users were recorded worldwide, with this figure set to reach 5.85 billion by 2027. As important world issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and global warming, continue to flood our screens, posting or reposting content can be an efficient way to raise awareness. Yet, the nature of an Instagram or Snapchat story, a video on TikTok, or a post on X means that the user can keep scrolling, with studies proving that this has reduced our attention spans a sizable amount since 2004. This means that even if people are viewing content, they are most likely engaging with it very lit-

tle. After all, for many, social media is the place that they turn to after a long day, during a break from work or studies. This means that the user is even less likely to want to educate themselves further, and so the passive scrolling begins. Demonstrating awareness can be significant in contributing to a sentiment of solidarity in a world issue or a movement. However, such quick reposting of devastating and serious content, as if it were a TikTok trend, poses serious ethical issues.

Reposting of devastating and serious content, as if it were a TikTok trend

It is hard to draw the line between what is an expression of true, heartfelt solidarity on social media, and what users are posting performatively — this emphasises the limits of such a platform. Selena Gomez, the most followed user on Instagram, recently said that she would be deleting her account, due to backlash against her statement on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The singer had stepped back from posting on the platform, but later released a post to explain this decision: “I’ve been taking a break from social media...I just can’t stand by [while] innocent people are getting hurt. That’s what makes me sick. I wish I could change the world. But a post won’t.” Fans expressed their disappointment, rebuking Gomez’s decision to not actively

condemn Israel’s role in the conflict. Gomez’s statement holds truth: a post or a repost will not physically change the outcome of war or solve an issue as complex as climate change. The moment that we begin to believe this, we risk the genuine emo-

tion for a cause being distorted, disbelieved and diminished. Whilst these posts are perhaps a great first step as a constant reminder to people to educate themselves further, they will never come close to expressing the true solidarity that a physical protest can.

Image: pxhere

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

Satire Hancock and Cameron call Climate Wall display “shameless”

SATIRE EDITORS:

Livvy Mason-Myhill Charlie Gershinson

Napoleon sacked from Cat-binet

ORMER health secretary Matt Hancock and former prime minister David Cameron have called the University of Exeter’s Climate Wall display “shameless.” The installation was on public display on St Luke’s Campus from 13-17 November and Streatham Campus from 20-24 November. Passers-by were able to interact with the projection to learn about and reflect upon climate change. Hancock, who in public office was noted for his upstanding behaviour, and who has since further enhanced his reputation through appearances on reality TV shows, remarked, “I don’t know, it just seems a bit slippery. You’d almost say — and I’m only speculating here — you’d almost think they were trying to repair their reputation or something. It’s pretty shameless, really. I don’t know how they show their faces in public. Oh, what’s that, they don’t? Well, there you go then.” Cameron, whose recent return to politics as Foreign Secretary was met with rapturous acclaim, added, “There’s audacity, and there’s audacity. After what they’ve done, I just don’t know whether people want to hear any more from the University about this issue.” A product of collaboration “with our worldleading climate researchers,” the installation was intended to record “how people think and feel about climate change,” according to the University. However, Exeposé can exclusively reveal that one researcher, who asked to remain anonymous, has gathered data suggesting that thoughts and feelings do not have carbon sequestering properties.

Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira, brewbooks, Flickr, Dana Beveridge, Wikimedia Commons

Harry Craig Deputy Editor

OLLOWING the sacking of Home Secretary Suella Braverman during the government reshuffle earlier this month, there has been another high-profile casualty in the form of Exeter’s campus cat, Napoleon. Napoleon has been dismissed from his position in the Cat-binet as Chancellor of the Exchequpurr by the Prime Minister, Larry

the Cat. Larry himself is known as the great survivor of British politics, having resided in 10 Downing Street since February 2011 (or for approximately 93 Liz Trusses).

Larry himself is known as the great survivor of British politics This follows a major scandal in which Napoleon was found to have accepted bribes

from students, in the form of head pats and tummy rubs, in return for lobbying on their behalf in the House of Commons. In the wake of his sacking, Napoleon made a shock announcement that he was to follow in the footsteps of Nigel Furrage and appear on I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out Of Here. Asked how he would handle being in the jungle with the former UKIP leader, Napoleon told Exeposé: “I have plenty of experience dealing

with right-wing cranks from living at the University of Exeter.” There was confusion in the Australian jungle, however, when some contestants falsely believed that Napoleon was one of the bushtucker trials, rather than a contestant. Citing the reality TV show’s infamy for forcing celebrities to eat random animal parts, distressed contestant Fred Sireix said: “eating kangaroo testicles on TV is one thing, eating a live cat is another!”

Oliver Lamb, News Editor Image: Harry Craig

A Grinch’s guide to Christmas in Exeter Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor

O HO HO (to all that celebrate)! Seasonally appropriate cheer has descended onto Exeter once again. Princesshay is illuminated with ambiguous bright lights and a homogenous and PC-friendly sign decrying “Festive joy.” The Christmas tree at the top of the architectural monstrosity which is the physics building once again provides some — or any — reason to look at it. However, to the disappoint-

ment of all concerned, the Winter Wonderland won’t have the chance to grace us with its presence to distract students during essay season. Our southern neighbours in Plymouth instead have stolen the opportunity to ride some generic fairground attractions (fit with a winter-themed paint job) and enjoy the cold, soulless landscape (a sight probably familiar to most Plymouthians) of waiting for an £8 pint. I’ve also been told there’s an ice rink somewhere, though I’m afraid I can’t source this to be sure. Fear not, however! The Exeter Cathedral Christmas Market returns for its seventh straight

year of spreading joy amongst students and locals alike — at least for those who aren’t a victim of a stampede. Guests can enjoy purchasing a plethora of what can charitably be called trinkets, and less pleasantly paperweights, such as homemade salt lamps, personalised key rings and used, stylised wine bottles. All at a minimum price of £20.

[And] used, stylised wine bottles. All at a minimum price of £20 For those needing a stiff drink after checking your bank ac-

count, Plymouth haven’t hogged the entire experience of buying overpriced booze. Barnova bar stands ready and firm to satiate its clients with £7 pints and £10 cocktails. Only want a water, no worries! That will only be £2. Speaking of alcohol, there is a wide range of local Devon and Cornwall spirits to take away. While some, though certainly not this writer, may think such a description evokes thoughts of a classier version of moonshine, a refreshing bottle of (presumably cinnamon or cherry-flavoured) vodka or gin can be yours for £40.

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CHRISTMAS MARKET MAGIC

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JON FOSSE AND SEPTOLOGY

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LIVE REVIEW: LITTLE SIMZ

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MALE ROLE MODELS IN FILM

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ELON MUSK’S TWITTER TAKEOVER, ONE YEAR ON

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Lucy Rawlings Amberly Wright

ARTS + LIT EDITORS Maddie Conlan Lauren Walsh

MUSIC EDITORS Jake Avery Scarlett Cracknell

SCREEN EDITOR Joshua Smith

TECH EDITORS Charlie Gershinson Ewan Gregory

STUDY BREAK Puzzles by Matthew and Livvy

lifestyle 'Tis the season for essays and exams Emily Pink discusses her tips for managing deadlines in the festive season

EADLINE season has arrived more rapidly than ever, and with it comes a host of academic stress. It is easy for routines to fall apart during this overwhelming period, but it is vital to maintain healthy habits. By working to foster a realistic routine, your looming deadlines will feel more manageable. Before you know it, your final submission will be completed, and you can enjoy a well-deserved rest.

the house to study so home can remain your space of rest. I enjoy studying in the Queen’s Building or The Undergrad in Exeter city centre. A great way to tackle those heavy deadlines; make your study trip that bit more bearable with coffee and cake.

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, YOUR FINAL SUBMISSION WILL BE COMPLETED, AND YOU CAN ENJOY A WELL-DESERVED REST

If, like me, you cannot focus on your work without some background tunes, crafting the perfect study playlist can make all the difference. Source all the songs that motivate and calm you. In those moments of overwhelm, pop your favourite song on full volume and let yourself be distracted. Deadline season can mean that life gets a little boring, and studying becomes your full-time priority. But that does not mean that you cannot indulge in the small things that make your day a little better. You can romanticise your life a little by getting your

Structured, a free productivity app, allows you to craft a personalised study timetable with reminders to change tasks or deadlines. They also offer a paid plan, costing as little as £2.99 per month — enabling features like importing your calendar or building an AI-created schedule. It’s often so worth getting out of

MAKE YOUR STUDY TRIP A BIT MORE BEARABLE WITH COFFEE AND CAKE

favourite takeaway or cook a fancy meal, head to a fun activity with friends in the evening, or even just curl up in bed with a book or Netflix. Whatever you are craving at that moment, allow yourself to enjoy it. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at this time of year — anxiety and stress can arise from so many different avenues, whether that be in your academic life or not. But what is important is recognising your hard work and taking the time to properly rest and recover for future commitments. So, go out with friends, head to the beach, or do whatever it is that best clears your mind, because you deserve it!

Acing applications

Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor, gives tips on how to make the perfect application

PPLYING for internships, graduate jobs successful because it shows an employer that or further education endeavours al- you have sought them out as potential, even if ways feels extremely daunting and there are no jobs listed as vacant. Many small seems to come upon us faster than you can businesses and even large companies don’t say "curriculum vitae." It is easy to feel stressed advertise their vacant roles on sites such as at times like this; a little lost and unsure of the Indeed or Glassdoor; you have to go looking! steps to take. However, once you get the When you find roles that pique ball firmly rolling (the hard bit), it your interest, it is of course essencan all fall into place pretty easily. tial to have your CV in tip top Image: Sora Shimazaki, Pexels Currently working in Spain shape in order to be recogon my year abroad means I nised among other applicahave had my fair share of tight tions. Sometimes, there is deadlines for applications no space for all of your work as well as the initial panic as experience so it’s up to you to what it is I want to apply to determine which informafor to make the year worth it. tion will be of more interest It’s important to remember to the employer. For example, that you will never succeed in the if you are applying for a job in an application process if it’s obvious that education setting, it’s more likely that you have no passion for the field in which you the employers will be intrigued by your work are applying. Employers and academic recruit- experience in a school compared to your threeers can always see right through the façade so month summer job in Waitrose. Prioritising is key. it’s important that you focus less on what you Finally, during interviews, there is a fine believe will project you further into success line that you must tread between being comand instead hone in on your genuine interests. pletely honest and telling the employer what they want to hear. Employers will not be imFOCUS LESS ON WHAT YOU pressed if they feel like you are being fake and BELIEVE WILL PROJECT YOU avoiding the truth in order to use the usual buzz Instead, be honest about your strengths FURTHER INTO SUCCESS AND words. and, instead of focusing on cliché weaknesses INSTEAD HONE IN ON YOUR when inevitably asked, discuss in more deGENUINE INTERESTS tail about what you’re doing to work on them. Applying for roles after university is a big Next, it’s important to reach out to places step in our professional lives but it can be and people rather than relying on job roles made much easier with this process of aplisted on sites such as Indeed. These are called plication. It gets easier the earlier you start speculative applications and are usually more and the more effort you put in at the start.

Image: Tara Smith, Tara's Busy Kitchen

Sustainability on a budget Anabel Costa-Ferreria, Editor-In-Chief, englightens us on how we can live sustainably

S the winter season begins, excitement for the holidays quickly follows, and as we hope for snow, our student budgets certainly do not. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, bills are undeniably at an all-time high. This means us students are left with the task of finding a balance between avoiding the overdraft and avoiding hypothermia (only slightly overdramatic). Here are some suggestions for the winter months on how to stay warm, in budget and sustainable all in one.

FINDING A BALANCE BETWEEN AVOIDING THE OVERDRAFT AND AVOIDING HYPOTHERMIA (ONLY SLIGHTLY OVERDRAMATIC) 1) As those awkward conversations begin about whether to turn the heating on, remember that finance at university can be a highly personal topic, so take caution and work to agree a compromise that everyone agrees on. For instance, turning it on for an hour in the morning and evening and adopting ways to retain the heat during the day. Though it is important to remember while keeping heating to minimum sounds cost-effective, do be careful to not leave the heating off entirely, as this can lead to a frozen pipe, which ultimately if burst can cost far more to fix. 2) One of my personal favourites in winter is a heated blanket. These typically range in price from £20-£40 and, while an expensive initial cost, it is useful when needed arguably makes it more cost effective than central heating. 3) Similarly, believe me when I say blankets are an investment and work to make a liv-

ing room feel more homely. Using a blanket above a fitted sheet is also a great way of keeping warm overnight, or you could even purchase a fleece fitted sheet for as little as £7 on Amazon. 4) While it may seem incredibly obvious, remembering to turn off the lights is a straightforward way to save on your energy bills. It is important to do this not only whilst you are out of the house, but if you are not in the room. 5) Another suggestion which at first may seem slightly shameless, is to charge your devices at university as much as you can. If we are paying over nine-grand in tuition fees a year, may as well make the most of the campus facilities. Another reason working in the warm library and Guild study zones this time of year is a must. 6) For those of you fortunate enough to have a dishwasher in your house, it seems simple but do not waste energy by turning on a half-full load. While remaining in budget is important as a student, remember to look after yourself both physically and emotionally in this winter period. Though the days may be longer, with some budgeting tips you may find yourself with some extra funds to help you make the most of the festive season. Image: David Smith, Geograph

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EDITORS: Lucy Rawlings and Amberly Wright

lifestyle

29 NOV 2023 | 17

Christmas market magic Antonella Perna shares her insight into Exeter's delightful festive market

T'S that time of year again when days are getting colder, nights are getting longer, and leaves are falling from the trees as they linger on the sidewalks in rain-swept heaps. As we grow up, Christmas changes along with us, as restless nights spent waiting for Santa Claus to creep through our chimneys, turn into all-nighters trying to meet deadlines. Letters addressed to the North Pole become courtesy Christmas cards sent to family friends, and nothing is bound to be the same forever. But that magic doesn’t have to disappear; as our lives change, so can the meaning of this special time of year. For right now, we can wrap ourselves in layers and the holiday haze, letting new traditions warm up the coldest days, brighten up the darkest nights, and bundle up as we watch the falling leaves turn into snowflakes. Holiday spirit in Exeter is brought to life by Exeter Cathedral’s Christmas market, which brings the white and red to the Cathedral Green. Like stepping into a snow globe, Devon’s biggest Christmas market, hosted by the Cathedral since 2017, is the perfect place to soak up the festive spirit, with over 100 stands, food and drinks, and an opportunity to visit the beautiful Cathedral.

The Christmas market really does bright- delight. Why not warm your heart and hands en the darkest of cold, rainy, winter nights, with a hot chocolate while you stroll through literally. The well-lit chalets each twinkle like the 50+ food and drink chalets this year? Whether you’re craving Greek, Thai, or stars, adorned with fairy lights German cuisine, and so forth, the and green Christmas Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira inviting smell alone should garlands, and offer a be enough to lure you tovariety of different ward the Global Street things, including Food Village. There arts and crafts, are also a number of decorations, stands with sweet homeware, treats, and a series clothes and of drink stands, to reaccessoally warm the spirits. ries, charity, But, the heart and more. of the Exeter CatheThis year, the dral’s Christmas market faces behind has got to be, without the counters a doubt, the Cathedral will not only be Tavern. In the middle of the friendly, but familmarket sits a giant marquee, feaiar, as local craftspeoturing a wooden oak structure with ple will mostly be running beams and arches, draped with bespokethe stands. The market, free of charge to access, is also home to a number made wreath chandeliers. The marquee is of colourful Christmas trees, topped with filled with benches for seating, with warm lengths of white lights strung above the scene. drinks lovely enough to thaw even the most In the spirit of tasty winter goodness, frozen of hearts. Whether you crave a classic there are many options for fixing a Christmas mulled wine or cider, a nostalgic eggnog or

snowball, a seasonal Christmas-spiced espresso martini, or a simple draught drink, the main bar has got you covered, with a wide selection of drinks, both alcoholic and non. The menu is expansive, the drinks are hot, and the atmosphere is, indisputably, Christmas.

THE CHRISTMAS MARKET REALLY DOES BRIGHTEN UP THE DARKEST OF COLD, RAINY, WINTER NIGHTS This year’s Christmas market is bound to be the biggest one yet, with 600,000 people estimated to visit. During the month that it will run, there will be free entry to the Cathedral, featuring a five-metre neon star sculpture by artist Peter Walker. Live entertainment will be provided, including performances by the Exeter Cathedral Choir. So why not take advantage, this holiday season, of Exeter Cathedral’s Christmas market? Whether you’re looking for a distraction from looming deadlines, a cheaper alternative to heating, or you’re searching for the Christmas spirit, there’s nowhere in Exeter quite as magical as this.

Rambles around Exeter: the green circle Emily Rizzo shares her worry to wilderness route to rejuvenate the mind

HE wintry air is setting in and as- mense variety of scenery to choose from, signments are starting to pile up, as as well as several self-contained sections for those who prefer to tackle walks in short it becomes more and more temptsegments, rather than one big ing to wrap yourself up in your hike. This walk is the Exduvet with no plans to reImage: Ingrid Elwin, Pexels eter Green Circle, a emerge. But the outside twelve-mile circuit world offers more which meancomfort than you’d ders through expect, even with Exeter’s valcooler temperaleys, parks, tures nipping riversides at your skin and more and rain drizurban envizling steadily ro n m e nt s. over the landStreatham scape. Somecampus ittimes a wander self is boraround town or dered on one into the wilderside by one fracness is a welcome tion of the Circle, the break from the cooped Hoopern Valley Walk, up atmosphere of constant which boasts a view at its study, and Exeter offers the perhighest point, overlooking Dartmoor’s fect escape routes to let your feet and your mind roam far from academic pressures. green expanses in one direction and the subtle glint of the distant sea in the other. SOMETIMES A WANDER Through muddy footpaths and leaf-scattered AROUND TOWN OR lanes, the trail takes you through countryside INTO THE WILDERNESS IS A views to city scenes, and onto the next secWELCOME BREAK tions of the Circle. The Redhills Walk takes you further into the suburban greenery of Image: Levian Guzman, Exeter’sCommons outskirts and over a picturesque One trail in particular provides im- Wikimedia

bridge on the River Exe, leading into the Alphin Brook Walk (the longest section) which seems to leave the city completely behind you. A hilly stretch and a blanket of fields out the bustling centre out of your mind as you encounter the old village of Alphington and its historical charm. Next, the Ludwell Valley Walk takes you past waterside locales dotted with mills and down winding lanes, and finally the Mincinglake Walk brings you full circle, back to high points with stunning views and a park where there’s no shortage of dogs to make friends with.

Image: Harry Craig

THE WILDERNESS IS A WELCOME BREAK FROM THE COOPED UP ATMSOPHERE OF CONSTANT STUDY In full, equipped with both wellies and comfy walking shoes, the Circle takes a litImage: rawpixels.com tle over five hours, perfect for a revitalis- Image: Jason Howie. Flickr ing break to the sound of an audiobook or with a friend and some good conversation. Even in shorter bursts, maybe soundtracked to your favourite album, a breath of fresh air does wonders to put you in a clearer mindset and a more peaceful mood, refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to tackle the challenges of the year’s end. Image: KL Chong, Wikimedia Commons

arts + lit

Book recommendations: men’s mental health With Movember in full swing, Arts and Lit writers share books that tackle the subject of men’s mental health

N some level, it feels wrong for me as a woman to recommend books that deal with the experience of men’s mental health. While mental health issues are universal across all genders, there are some aspects that are specific to men, women, or anyone in between. Men’s mental health is very rarely explored in fiction, as a lot of fiction is regarded as feminine, so when it’s done correctly, and with sensitivity, it’s a beautiful feat of literature. I believe Brandon Sanderson, in his Stormlight Archive series, explores men’s mental health beautifully. Specifically in his depiction of one of his most prominent protagonists Kaladin. Despite The Way of Kings, the first book in the Stormlight Archives, being a high fantasy book set in the world of Roshar, Sanderson’s exploration of how depression and anxiety can affect people is handled with care and a painful reliability. Kaladin’s battles with depression, and his fight to come out Image: Ints Valcis, Flickr. of it on the other side, is one of the most tender descriptions of men’s mental health that I have ever read. It is also painfully relatable, as we see the highs and lows of Kaladin’s emotional journey. Kaladin as a protagonist is not defined by his depression. Instead, he is a strong hero attempting to try his best in a horrible situation. Sanderson shows readers that you can be at your lowest and still find happiness by attempting to struggle your way to brighter days. The tenderness with which Sanderson handles depictions of depression will always hold a special place in my heart. Rather than pretending the trauma of fantasy protagonists doesn’t exist, he shows that anyone can fight their way out of the darkness. It’s an inspiring and comforting depiction of mental health struggles. Maddie Conlan, Arts + Lit Editor

TEPHEN Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower (TPBW) is a letter to society about men’s mental health, both literally thanks to its epistolary form and figuratively through its message. It follows teenager Charlie’s thoughts and encounters as he navigates high school amid personal trauma and a mental health struggle. Chbosky’s modern classic isn’t solely about what happens to Charlie in a concrete, linear sense. It’s his emotive reaction to what life throws at him throughout the novel that grips the reader. To summarise, Charlie’s life is a whirlpool of confusion and mourning: his sister has an abusive boyfriend, his friend has committed suicide and his aunt has died. Charlie also struggles with his own mental health and feels a lot of pressure to be emotionally conventional, but TPBW is Chbosky’s reminder that there is no such thing as a conventional emotional response. Charlie’s letters help him to de-alienate himself. He reminds us that the struggle for young people, particularly for boys, to be ‘normal’ is unrealistic and damaging. I would highly recommend reading TPBW this month, or any month, if you’re looking for a beautiful and personal symphony on why deconstructing the unrealistic conventions of men’s mental health is vital. Rosie Peters-McDonald

OS Cachorros, written in Spanish by Mario Vargas Llosa is set in Miraflores, Peru and deals heavily with the theme of poor mental health, particularly in the protagonist, Cuéllar and his social isolation in the wake of that. It’s evident that men’s mental health is not taken seriously by the other characters in this novella, partially because it is set in the 1940s where there was much less discourse about men’s mental health or, indeed, mental health problems at all. However, it is also not taken seriously because Cuéllar’s suffering is not overt until the end. The freak event that kickstarts it all is Cuéllar’s castration by an aggressive dog in his youth. This strips him physically and metaphorically of his manhood and the problem never escapes him. He begins to experience a social castration of this, Images:because Anabel Costa-Ferreira never fitting in with the group of friends in his town and never managing to make a girlfriend of Teresita, the love interest. Cuéllar spirals because of this resulting in a particularly sad ending for readers and it is easy to dismiss this as a problem from the past. The sad thing is that men feeling like they are unable to speak up is a very recurrent issue, even today. Texts like this where the crisis is very subtle have made me realise that people need to be actively asked how they’re really doing, it’s not enough to assume that our male friends, boyfriends, dads, brothers, etc are doing okay just because they haven’t said that they’re not. Their happiness isn’t merely the absence of negative talk. Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor

Image: 木川, Flickr.

Image: Andres Tonini, Flickr.

Creative writing — a fresh slate Lucy Rawlings, Lifestyle Editor, writes on the theme of winter

HIS Christmas marked a year since my Grandad walked out of his beloved terraced house, and never came back. Dementia is a cruel thing. No one could trace him, and my family was left like a pile of broken dreams; the ones that never quite made the comfort of closure.

THIS CHRISTMAS MARKED A YEAR SINCE MY GRANDAD WALKED OUT OF HIS BELOVED TERRACED HOUSE, AND NEVER CAME BACK.” Every New Years, our family adventured to the fresh, pastoral summits of the Lake District

to celebrate the power of new beginnings. This would be the first trip without our Grandad, and the winter mountain air echoed with nostalgia. As a boy, my Grandad grew up exploring the undiscovered wild of these powerful peaks. He always reflected gratitude for just how magic these times were when less visitors touched the beauty of the Lakes, and he found so much peace in growing up alone, but always in the company of possibility. His childhood home in the Lake District remained in the family as our base for the annual retreat. As we drove up its winding path, the cottage’s indigo slate roof was a comforting symbol that new memories lay ahead. Its walls wrapped around our reminiscing family like an anchored hug, as

the rustic windows glowed with warmth to reflect the burnt orange ferns that lined the country roads. We spent the evening in the nearby village watching fireworks light up the night like lilies in bloom, but an ominous feeling lingered within me that there was more to uncover in this enchanting place. I woke up the next morning to fresh winter sunlight filtering through my curtains, and I felt an instinctive whispering to go on a walk. There is a sense of wonder which sits in the atmosphere when rising early with nature. The dawn of a new year had brought a bold blue sky which penetrated through the lifting fog that danced amongst the peaks. As the sun rose, dew-glittered jewels of melting frost which trailed down the mossy rocks. I

looked behind me to stare at the shadowed lining of mountains that framed the village, as a dusting of snow glowed upon their golden crests. This euphoric sight awakened my desire to reach my Grandad’s favourite waterfall, which sparkled softly in the distance. As the cascading rush of water reached my ears, my energised walk slowed as my eyes fell upon a man who was staring fondly at the water flowing down the mountain side. Upon hearing the fading crunch of my footsteps, he turned to face me; his blue eyes becoming injected with elation. “Why, hello you!”. My Grandad had returned to his happy place, all along...

exhibit | arts + lit

EDITORS: Lauren Walsh & Maddie Conlan

29 NOV 2023 | 19

Jon Fosse and Septology

Joshua Smith, Deputy Editor, covers author Jon Fosse’s works and his recent Nobel Prize

ON Fosse’s writing is about memories, faith, grace, alcoholism, childhood, ambition, art, love, death, longing, ageing, learning, fear, transfixion, or in other words, life. Like the most dangerous narcotic, it will draw you in, and before you know it, without having even suspected it, you are trapped in its cyclical, masterful dialectics between life, death, and spirit, all temporally oriented in a non-linear fashion which somehow brings home the force of memento mori in a more beguiling, arresting fashion, than any linearity could ever achieve.

LIKE AN ANGEL SPRINGING FORTH FROM THE PAGE WHISPERING SECRETS YOU’VE BEEN DYING TO KNOW Fosse is a master craftsman, he knows how to wean you in on simple details like an angel springing forth from the page whispering secrets you’ve been dying to know, predicting things you never thought could come true, but these are nothing fantastical, the key to these secrets and premonitions is their utter mundanity; they are things you may have only known in your soul, things you’ve always believed but never wanted to tell anyone. It may be, like me, you finally found a world in which your soul felt at home,

where your version of spirituality seemed to fit. to find out Fosse has been awarded the Nobel His, in my opinion, defining work, Septology Prize for Literature this year. This also shows I (literally meaning a cycle of seven works), is told am not alone: his writing has found its home from the perspective of sexagenarian Asle, a in other people too. It comes after years of widower and painter living in western Norway speculation around him being the next laureate, near Bergen. His interactions are limited to and with his UK publisher Fitzcarraldo Editions his annoying but kindly neighbour Åsleik, his being host to several recent laureates, the gallerist Beyer, and The Namesake — another announcement was never going to be too far off. painter called Asle, with whom his life Is Fosse going to be happy often intertwines in the narrative; about this? Probably not, he’s but as he drives through won most prestigious awards sleepless nights we come there are, and, after all, across people from his when he writes, he thinks life scattered all over the of it more as a process of familiar land where Asle transcribing something has spent his entire life. already written, rather than His parents, his sister, his coming up with something grandmother, his friends, his in the moment, and this lovers, all appear sporadically; is a form of ritualistic duty. Image: Joshua Smith but Ales, his departed wife, is a This means that unlike ghostly figure who haunts the novel, other writers, he doesn’t strive to recounted not as often through scenes but write something new or inventive, but in the hollow space she’s left behind — the what this calling compels him too, and this chair where she used to sit, left in its spot by just happens to have had a deep significance Asle, representing the dark hand of death which to the lives of his readers in all walks of life. preoccupies the novel. An intersubjectivity pervades the book between Asle’s life, and HE DOESN’T STRIVE TO Ales’ beyond life, she exists through her WRITE SOMETHING NEW OR negation, and in places only the dead can be. INVENTIVE I think it’s clear that Septology had a profound effect on me, which is why I was glad Septology is in my opinion his masterpiece,

but he has many other works which span a long career, including volumes of plays which cemented his reputation in the dramatic world before his fiction arrived in the public psyche, and other novels which dip in and out of the same metaphysical schema inherent in Septology such as Aliss At The Fire, A Shining, and Morning and Evening. I encourage anyone unfamiliar with his work to give it a chance, at first it may seem daunting, but in time you will, as I did, find a friend in Fosse, and not look back.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

A year in review — art and theatre Arts and Lit writers talk about their favourite shows from the past year THE LYING KIND

EATED down at a University studentproduced show, some may not know what to expect. Watching a play titled ‘The Lying Kind’, you don’t expect that the one-and-a-half-hour long play depicts true passion; the heart and soul of theatre. The ‘Lying Kind’ was directed by a second-year student named Francis Parker and premiered in Franic Parker. The story is based on the difficult task of two police officers having to explain the death of a daughter to her family, showcasing a satirical story that has unexpected comedic twists and turns. Throughout, the characters created an hysterical audience, unable to quit laughing, with a vicar in stockings, stripping police officers, paedophile hunters, and a bratty teenager. A dog is at the production’s core, as the old couple believes they have lost theirs instead of their daughter. Whilst asking for a statement from the

UNIVERSITY PLAYS HAVE MAGIC, PASSION AND TRULY TALENTED ACTORS producer, he described the project in his

own words: “It was amazing! It was my first time directing and I loved every second of it! The cast was superb and I am so proud of them for all the effort they put into the piece to create such a fantastic show!” This production is a true statement of what to expect from University plays: magic, passion, and truly talented actors. If you’ve ever watched a show created or that your friends have been cast in, there is a feeling of true joy, seeing them thrive in their passions. So, next time you see an ad or a poster on campus for an up-and-coming student production, grab a few friends, save the date, and have a beautifully mind-blowing experience of watching the best of what our very own drama students have to offer. Amy Cases Image: Amy Cases

Image: Derek Harper

to Taylor Swift; there really does seem to be something to cater to everybody’s taste. Over the next couple of months there are lots of performances happening in Exeter making for a nice little break during deadline season and a good alternative to a night out.

MAKING IT A GOOD OPTION FOR SEASONAL GIFTS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY

EXETER CLASSICAL MUSIC

ITH winter setting in and Christmas festivities beginning, there is nothing better than a candlelight concert to fit the mood. Over the last year I have been to two; one a celebration of Hans Zimmer, and the other a tribute to Ludovico Einaudi, and I will happily keep going back. They truly are magical; it is an hour of beautiful music in incredible venues; churches, concert halls, museums, and landmarks. It isn’t just classical music that they offer, you can also go to hear your favourite soundtracks, or even a string quartet tribute

Even if you are going home soon for the holidays, there are concerts across the UK, in almost every city, and worldwide. Tickets generally start at £15, making it a good option for a seasonal gift to friends or family, or even as a treat for yourself. Although they are a perfect event to attend at this time of year, the concerts are held all year round, so there is plenty of opportunity to go. These concerts have been amongst my favourite outings lately, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reasonably-priced evening activity. Beany Houghton

MUSIC Grammy nominations: a rundown In light of the release of Grammy nominations, Elizabeth Turner discusses the diversification of the Academy's staff and nominees

S the end of the year rolls around, so do the highly anticipated Grammy nominations and it is looking like a year dominated by women for the 2024 awards. SZA takes the lead on nominations this year with nine in total, followed by Phoebe Bridgers with seven nominations, including a collaboration between the pair on the song 'Ghost in the Machine'. Bridgers'. Six other nominations are for her collaboration in indie rock band Boygenius, also including artists Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, with their debut studio album the record being nominated for Album of the Year. Album of the Year is one of the most c o v e t e d awards in the ceremony and this year seven out of the eight nominees are female artists — an inspiring development from the last decade in which 90.7 per cent of nominees between 2013 and

2018 were male. Statistics like these have led music enthusiasts to feel disillusioned with the awards ceremony as a marker for musical success across the year, leading many to question the legitimacy and integrity of the Grammys.

MANY QUESTION THE LEGITIMACY AND INTEGRITY In lieu of sexual assault allegations surrounding the former CEO of the Recording Academy Neil Portnow, who stepped down from this position in 2019, along with his degrading comment that 'women need to step it up' in order to feel greater represented at the award show, there feels to have been a transition in attitudes towards equal representation which has been reflected in the ceremony this year. Current head of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason Jr, has focused rigorously on diversifying the artists represented and also the members within the organisation in his four years leading the show, claiming in a Rolling Stone interview that "the new culture at the academy is starting to change the way we look at things."

This "new culture" Mason Jr alludes to is the academy's goal of adding 2,500 women to its membership roll, allowing more female voices in the voting process. The Grammys are becoming more targeted towards positive social change rather than just an elitist façade of meritocracy. A signifier for this being the inclusion of new categories for the 2023 awards including: Songwriter of the Year, Best Spoken Word Poetry Album and Best Song for Social Change. The ceremony in Los Angeles in February will definitely be one to look out for, not just for the appraisal of the artists mentioned, but to use the night as a wider reflection on the legitimacy of how Images:Flickr talent and merit are awarded in the industry.

UNAPOLOGETIC ATTITUDE TORWARDS THE INDUSTRY THAT SNUBBED HER FOR SO LONG

Much like her songs, her outfit itself had meaning. She initially started with leather gloves, leather bomber jacket and large sunglasses, which gradually came off as she became more vulnerable through her music. Halfway through the concert she called for a moment of silence in respect of the deaths caused by the Israel-Hamas war, praying for world peace because “God knows we need it.” The visuals of her concert were simple yet incredibly effective, setting her set ablaze for 'Heart on Fire' and reflecting the orange visuals of her Sometimes I Might Be Introvert album for her single 'Point and Kill'. On her second night she brought out Obongjayar who features on the single and also had Cleo Sol as a guest for her song 'Woman'. These two soul singers gave the audience a delighted shock, and they were treated to true London-based talent both nights. Her military command of her audience was aweinspiring, and both her demeanour and performance can only be described using her own lyrics: “Been a different species, tunes in the locker.”

Scott Street — Phoebe Bridgers Though many would argue that this song further destroys their mental health, I believe it can be nice to have a warm, Phoebe Bridgers-shaped blanket from time to time.

Lachlan Evans

It's not the same anymore — Rex Orange County This song is Rex looking back on his past self that can't release his emotions. Through time and help from others, the song shows the artist finding acceptance of his depression and anxiety. The track is a bold statement from a male artist showing that it is okay to accept our imperfections. Charlie Brown — Coldplay A relentlessly uplifting and upbeat song. It never fails to put me in a good mood.

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor

Image: Josie Sharp

Make Your Own Kind of Music — Cass Elliot A really happy, catchy song that reminds listeners to be themselves and not get too caught up in crowd mentalities.

Oliver Lamb, News Editor

Lay All Your Love On Me — ABBA Nobody in the history of life on this planet has had their day made worse by listening to ABBA. Their songs just make things better.

Henry Parker, Features Editor

Image: Flickr

ONDON Rapper Little Simz has just completed her ‘NO THANK YOU’ tour, with her last two concerts on her home turf: Alexandra Palace in London. Her first performance at the infamous concert hotspot was when she opened for Jungle back in 2019, and now, the Friday and Saturday tickets sold out within minutes. Her tour included stops in North America and Australia, finishing up in the United Kingdom, showing her increased recognition in the last few years. Her 15-track set included classics from her previous albums as well as hits from her new album, as she opened with ‘Silhouette’ and closed with ‘Gorilla.’ The latter song is arguably her most famous song, whose trumpets blare the message of her persistence and unapologetic attitude towards the industry that snubbed her for so long.

Male Music writers share the songs that aid their mental health for Movember

Harry Morrison

Live review: Little Simz Josie Sharp, International Editor, reviews Little Simz's recent performance at Alexandra Palace

Movember Playlist

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exhibit | music

EDITORS: Jake Avery and Scarlett Cracknell

29 NOV 2023 | 21

Movember Artist Spotlight: Sam Fender Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, tells the story of the young Geordie's rise to fame, and how mental health shapes his music THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO SUICIDE AND DRUG USE WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

AM Fender is the most remarkable talent to have emerged from British music in the last decade. Although it is very easy to dismiss him as yet another example of typical white male success in the music industry, his story is one of immense mental fortitude and triumph in the face of adversity. Born and raised on a working-class housing estate in North Shields, Fender’s mother abandoned him at the age of eight, before returning to him after his stepmother kicked him out of his father’s house. His formative years were tumultuous — he was bullied at school, drugs were an omnipresence in his life, and when he was a young teenager, he discovered the body of a woman he knew who had died by suicide. Whilst trying to find his feet as a young musician, he was also contending with a family life that slipped below the poverty line. It is unsurprising, therefore, that these experiences are conveyed so vividly in

Fender’s music. In an interview in 2022, he said: “It’s not me trying to strike up a conversation. This is my existence. I can’t write about anything other than what I am.” ‘Dead Boys’, the title track of his début EP, deals with male suicide. It was written in reaction to Fender losing close friends to suicide, featuring the line “we close our eyes, learn our pain, nobody ever could explain all the dead boys in our hometown.” This was joined on the Dead Boys EP by ‘Spice’, named after the drug that was rife on the streets of North Shields in his childhood. These themes have not been lost since Fender has risen to stardom with his first two studio albums. The most recent release, Seventeen Going Under, closes with ‘The Dying Light’, which Fender described as “an epic sequel to ‘Dead Boys’” and a tribute to “all the ones who didn’t make the night.” The album also features a beautiful tribute to Fender’s relationship with his father on ‘Spit of You’, which he described as “a declaration of love for my old man.” Most notably, when Fender tackles these issues of mental health and his upbringing,

he does not shy away from making clear that these are political issues. In 2019, the United Nations stated that austerity and inequality had fuelled mental illness, and Fender has never shied away from expressing his anger at the political establishment for this, telling GQ Magazine in 2019 that “the negative effects of greedy politicians have haunted the North East for years.”

HE DOES NOT SHY AWAY FROM MAKING CLEAR THAT THESE ARE POLITICAL ISSUES This is evident even in his biggest hit, ‘Seventeen Going Under’, with the refrain of “I see my mother, the DWP see a number”, tacitly criticising government policies that see people as numbers rather than real people. Similarly, the B-side to that track, ‘Howdon Aldi Death

ELIBERATING an album by a male led artist or band to write about for this article, I immediately thought of Inhaler’s debut album, It won’t always be like this. Inhaler is an allmale Irish indie-rock band. I was introduced to their album at the start of the year by a male friend who had been struggling with his mental health. Released in 2021 when people were battling with the effects of Covid-19, the album name was met with critical pessimism, but the band refused to be dragged down. Their adversity to the public’s cynicism is evident in the distinctly upbeat and robust instrumentation and lyricism of the album — a musicality of drums, guitar, bass and raw songwriting. Opening with the album’s title track, ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ immediately sets the optimistic attitude of the album. Embedded in the lyrics is a message of hope and positivity. It is an energetic track, radiating the energy of the young band themselves.

‘My King Will Be Kind’ is a personal favourite of mine and exudes confidence that lends little doubt as to the talent of the band. Included in their 2023 tour setlist, it creates an electric atmosphere on stage. Imitating the experience of a live concert, the album then decelerates, and the band delivers a brave and personal six-minute-long ballad, ‘Who’s Your Money On?’ The cathartic vocals of lead vocalist Elijah Hewson croon “I’ve just been hiding in my head for so long”, demonstrating the importance of speaking to others about the things going on in your mind. Since their début album, the quartet have released a second album, Cuts and Bruises, which continues the band’s thread of 1980s inspired rock, with indie choruses manifest in their single, ‘Love Will Get You There’. A song that exhibits faith in the future, just as their first album did. Image: Wikimedia Commons

Queue’, was a satirical take on government mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic worthy of Private Eye, featuring the line “skitzy f***ing Tory c***s have come to kill me Nan.” As Movember draws to an end, Sam Fender’s music is an exemplar of a man wearing his heart on his sleeve, and a reminder to all of us of the importance of being open about mental health. Sam himself perhaps sums it up better than I can: “as a boy, you're not meant to show your emotions, but if you don't have a job or any prospects, you're going to be depressed, and it will be much worse if you can't express that. I hate the term because it's become a buzzword, but it's toxic masculinity.”

Release radar: Heaven Knows

Movember album spotlight: Inhaler

Rachel McEwan observes the legacy left by Inhaler's début album

Images: Raph_PH, Wikimedia Commons

Harry Morrison looks at PinkPantheress' most recent release

INCE a viral TikTok post in December 2020 creating the beginnings of a career in music, UK artist PinkPantheress released her début album Heaven Knows on 10th November. Previously only releasing a mixtape in October 2021 named to hell with it, the album dives into a deeper approach compared to her previous works. Grungy, conjoined lyrics deliver a firm message of ‘true romance’ as they flow over the sampled backgrounds of 90s/00s hip-hop and R&B, as well as inspired DnB beats. Previous songs felt incomplete with their shortness of lyrical form, whereas this album has produced well rounded songs that display compelling messages. Sampling takes centre stage within the album, stating that “when it comes to sampling, I try and use the more obscure ones." British band Spandau Ballet’s hit from 1983 ‘Gold’ is sampled throughout the song ‘Nice to meet you’ featuring Central Cee, giving nostalgic sounds particularly to her British audience. Her unique, soft-high pitched voice range gives a personal element to the lyricism, which portrays a more in-depth message through a strong variety of themes that are seen within Heaven Knows. Themes of love, death, loss and friendship can be found individually and collaboratively across the album. The album features some of PinkPantheress' most popular works throughout the last couple of years, including ‘Boys a Liar pt. 2’ featuring Ice Spice, which saw it reach

No.3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The element of artist features is common in this album, and it identifies her diversity of musical range and ability that she has tested. From slower songs like ‘Bury me’ featuring American soul singer Kelela, to the sped-up boom of 'Nice to Meet You' featuring British rapper Central Cee, she has produced an array of songs that convince us of her modernised musical perspectives and abilities. Averaging over 22 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, she has taken the world stage by storm with her music. The time frame of the last year has seen her career reach new heights and recently many people were disappointed that she was not featured on several Grammy categories. Her career has developed drastically in recent times and Heaven Knows is a true representation of her new voice and direction which she can develop into a long lasting and successful career in music.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

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screen

Consent to party

Ellie Turner reviews Molly Manning Walker’s trailblazing directorial debut How to Have Sex THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO SEXUAL EXPLOITATION WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

OW To Have Sex is Molly Manning-Walker’s directorial début and has received mass amounts of critical acclaim, ranging from awards at the Cannes Film Festival to nominations at the British Independent Film Awards. It is a film that explores a raw, unfiltered adolescent experience, following the story of three teenage best friends on a post-GCSE party holiday to Malia. The impact of the film’s message is demonstrated in the eight-minute standing ovation it

received at the Cannes Film Festival back in May where it won the Un Certain Regard award, a prize that recognises younger talent and daring projects which this film is certainly deserving of. The film touches on the coming-of-age experiences of peer-pressure, consent and how British nightout culture can feed into sexual exploitation. Director Manning-Walker has been praised heavily for this film as it serves as a vital resource for young people on sex education and boundaries whilst still feeling relatable and comical at times. In an interview, McKenna-Bruce touches on the nuance of sexual relationships and the core message of the film being that ‘consent is not binary’. An uncomfortable and raw scene where the main character Tara is assaulted on

the beach highlights this issue of informed consent as Tara says no multiple times, but then eventually says yes whilst being clearly uncomfortable. An honest and convincing character depiction from the leading actress highlights the reality of coercion and how easily a person can be placed in this position of vulnerability whilst also shifting blame away from the victim. Manning-Walker does an excellent job at portraying a morbid reality of the exposure to sex that young people face, however this film also serves as a vibrant picture of a girls holiday and the important, colourful love of female friendship. With this, the film does not reduce Tara’s character to being just a victim and audiences are able to resonate with this honest and multifaceted depiction.

The humour of the film, with constant banter and laughter between the friends, contrasts its harrowing and morbid moments. Here it is made clear that Manning-Walker’s film does not serve to reprimand and heavily blame young people for these experiences but provide comfort and awareness around consent and healthy sexual relationships in an accommodating manner. After viewing this film my initial reaction was to recommended it to every person I spoke to, partly because of how informative it felt, but mainly due to the fact it is one of the only films I have seen that has accurately depicted how the teenage experience is currently — perfectly encapsulating the dynamics, relationships, and dialect of our generation.

“He’s just misunderstood”

Maddie Conlan, Arts and Lit Editor, reviews the new Hunger Games film, and the complexity of Jon Snow

HERE are few things that the public loves more than a good villain, and that is a good Hunger Games film. The newest installment to the franchise was released on 17th November and has since taken social media by storm, with every other post on Twitter and every other video on TikTok claiming rave reviews of the film. If you were living under a rock throughout the early 2010s then you may not have heard of Suzanne Collin’s bestselling series and popular films, The Hunger Games. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the newest film in The Hunger Games franchise and, like its predecessors,

is adapted from a book. Published in 2020 and met with mixed reviews, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the origin story of President Snow. Fans of the original trilogy have loathed President Snow for years. He was the one who forced our beloved protagonist into the games, and he was the face of all evil in the capital. Due to this intense hatred, he has become, arguably, one of the best villains of the 21st century. He’s charismatic and manipulative, creating the perfect concoction for a villain you just love to hate. This hatred of Snow as a villain has seemed to completely dissipate with the casting of

Tom Blythe to play his younger counterpart in the prequel film. By casting a tall, and conventionally attractive, man to play Snow, his narrative, of a scheming manipulative genius, is changed to that of a charismatic, love-sick boy. Social media has been flooded with edits from young women exclaiming about his attractiveness and that Snow, a mass murderer of children, is just deeply misunderstood. This phenomenon of loving a villain purely because of their looks is nothing new but is deeply fascinating. Had the producers of the film decided to cast someone who didn’t have

Male role models in film

fluffy blonde curls and a classically handsome face I doubt the reception of this film would have been as positive and all-consuming. Viewers cannot underestimate how films will manipulate them with their preconceived notions of good being synonymous with attractive, and that is encapsulated perfectly in the ’I can fix him mentality’ surrounding President Snow. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a stunning adventure into the twisted things that Image: Ben Rosett, Wikimedia Commons people will do for revenge and a study into the darkest aspects of human nature. Despite its long runtime, it is worth the trip to the cinema.

Screen writers discuss their favourite male role models in cinema Carl Frederickson Miles Morales

HILE differing slightly from the idea of a “role model” as he is an animated character, Carl Fredericksen is the perfect example of a father/grandfather/husband figure that experiences fantastic growth throughout the course of the movie Up. Originally, his grumpy temperament can be put down to him being an old man and therefore, by nature, being extremely grouchy. However, it’s the death of his beloved Ellie which has brought on this cold, hard exterior and viewers can feel touched by a love that is so tangible despite Ellie only being part of the film at the very beginning for directors to relay her life story. It’s wonderful to have the presentation of a male character on screen that has the capacity to feel so deeply. In the current world of girls being told that they should be wary of men’s intentions with them, Carl’s pure devotion to Ellie even while she is no longer around shows young boys and girls that real love does indeed exist! It breaks down a binary between men and women and their approaches to love and relationships. Carl is the caring husband that everyone dreams of.

Also, he becomes the perfect father figure for Russell despite never having his own children. He develops a strong bond with him, wanting to teach him the ways of the world and show up for him while he is still full of innocence and naïveté. Everyone can hope to have a dad or grandad like Carl in this sense. It is notoriously difficult for many men to feel able to open up about their problems, especially those regarding mental health and Carl’s progression from being a cold-hearted, mourning old man to a warm, adventurous guardian for Russell can bring hope to other men experiencing grief o r feelings of hopelessness. Sometimes all it takes a little adventure to find yourself again! Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor

Image: Flickr

N the ever-evolving landscape of superhero dimension to the classic “with great power comes narratives, Miles Morales has emerged as an great responsibility” mantra. His journey involves influential male role model in my eyes for his navigating the complexities of being a teenager, contribution to the sphere of mass cinedealing with school, family and personal relationma. Created by writer, Brian Michael ships, all whilst trying to live up to Bendis and artist, Sara Pichelli, the legacy of Spider-Man. Miles Morales made his first apMiles’ struggles and pearance in Marvel Comics in triumphs resonate with a 2011. Since then, the character broad audience, particularly young has not only become a beloved men who may find themselves in figure in the realm of comic books b u t the midst of similar challenges. His also made a significant impact on popular culcharacter exemplifies the idea that true ture, particularly through the animated strength lies not only in physiImage: Flickr film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse c a l prowess but also in (2018) and its recent sequel Spideremotional resilMan: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). ience and the As a character of Afriability to confront one’s can-American and Puerto Rifears and insecurities. Morales can descent, Morales offers a refreshing and learns from, and contributes to, a much-needed diversity to the traditionally community of heroes, reinforcing the ‘white-normative’ superhero landscape. His charimportance of mutual support and friendship. acter reflects the growing importance of repreThrough his journey, he inspires individuals to sentation in media, providing audiences with embrace their uniqueness, confront challenges a hero they can relate to and look up to, irrehead-on, and foster meaningful connections spective of their own backgrounds. Like his with others. In doing so, Miles solidifies his place predecessor, Peter Parker, Miles grapples with not only as a superhero, but as a symbol of posithe weight of responsibility that comes with his tive masculinity in contemporary storytelling. superhuman abilities. However, he adds a new Maya Fernandes

29 NOV 2023 | 23

EDITOR: Joshua Smith

exhibit | screen

More to Ghibli than meets the eye

Henry Parker, Features Editor, writes about his favourite Studio Ghibli films

URSTING onto the scene with the unmatched creativity of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), and then taking the world by storm with the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2001), Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli has long since cemented its legacy as one of the most important animation houses in the history of cinema. But for me it is in their Japanese-FrenchBelgian international co-production to produce The Red Turtle (2016) that resulted in their finest work. Directed by Dutch filmmaker Michael Dudok de Wit, and co-written with Pascale Ferran, the film follows the struggles of a man who has found himself stranded on a tropical island. In it we see his desperate attempts to escape via amateur bamboo constructions, his battles with the terrifying and mighty natural world, and most intriguingly, his encounters with

a mysterious and elusive giant red turtle. It is only 80 minutes long, and features no words beyond various shouts and grunts, but despite this, in no small part thanks to the magnificently beautiful, tragic, and triumphant score by Laurent Perez Del Mar, it manages to tell an all-encompassing story that is a meditation on human loneliness, companionship, life, death, rebirth and acceptance. It never gained the same widespread recognition as other titles from the Ghibli canon, as it is practically a silent film, and wasn’t helmed by Miyazaki or, other Ghibli legend, Isao Takahata, which is partly why I wish to spotlight it here. The Red Turtle deserves to be seen on the same level as the very best that has come out of Studio Ghibli. It rivals the epic scope of Princess Mononoke (1997) with the height of its dramatic moments, and it is as deeply compassionate as the more person-

al Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) — which is my other favourite. In the luscious blue and green pastel watercolours of the island we can see the same essential beauty that is in all the other Ghibli films. There is the same commitment to looking for those quiet contemplative moments that allow the audience to breathe in the heart and soul that permeates every frame of the film. For my money, that’s where the magic of Ghibli lies. You can’t buy dreams as perfect as the very best this studio has to offer, and The Red Turtle is no exception. So don’t try to analyse them, just experience it all. As grandiose as this sounds — they are simply artistic renderings of what it means to be human, and the world is a finer place for having these films in it.

The cinema of resistance

Joshua Smith, Deputy Editor, writes about Palestinian director Tewfiq Saleh’s 1972 film The Dupes

EWFIQ Saleh’s 1972 film The Dupes was the first Arab film to seriously address the Palestinian question. It follows the tale of three different men as they traverse dispossession, alienation and hope. Impoverished refugees in search of work, the heat of the blazing August sun is felt as much through the stark landscapes of the film as it is emotionally in yourself when you watch it. It is set in 1958, ten years after the Nakba, which translates to“catastrophe”, in which 750,000 Palestinians were expelled from their homes in the process of the creation of the new state of Israel. The three men belong to different generations, each having their own experience and tales of the successive waves of Palestinian oppression, the narrative conveying this by gliding through

Image: If-Wings-Could-Fly on DevianArt

moments of life and loss, all leading to their agonising departure, or escape, from Palestine. The narrative is based on the widely read Arab novel Men in the Sun by Ghassan Kanafani. The novel is characteristic of the Palestinian literary movement called ‘resistance literature’ by Kanafani. The novel was published in 1963 in a revolutionary fervour which saw the birth of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). The atmosphere of Marxism, militancy and resistance brought forth by Kanafani is translated through the constancy of hardship and expulsion over three generations. In this sense the film acts as a political document, and this becomes brutally evident once the film departs from its initial flow through time and space in the first

part into the agonising border crossing inside a black metal water tanker — a scene, as with many in the film, drawn from real life, being inspired by 40 immigrants who suffocated in a similar tank crossing the border — which marks the transition to a more anxious and hellish second part, formed mostly of the border crossing. It is at this part of the film that the characters’ narratives intertwine in agonising moments of survival. They all seem to have faith in their own and the other’s survival, but the penetrating hope that they will emerge out of the water tanker makes moments of peace seem impossible, but then they never have been, have they? As 11,000 Palestinians fill up Gazan graves in the latest scene in a long, horrific struggle for

a resolution to the Palestinian plight, this movie has never been more relevant. At the end, the refugees bang agonisingly on the side of the water tank, drowned out by air-conditioners. You know what happens. After over 70 years, we must ask ourselves, do we choose refusal, pity, or action.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, writes about Russell T. Davies’ groundbreaking TV drama It’s A Sin

lthough representation of LGBTQ+ people on screen has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, tackling the realities of queer life and history remains stigmatised. This is what made Russell T. Davies’ 2021 series It’s a Sin so revolutionary. It’s a Sin follows a group of gay men living in 1980s London, as their community is ravaged by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Despite the enormous impact this crisis had on the queer community, it remains severely under-represented on screen. Davies’ pitch for the series was rejected by numerous broad-

casters, including the BBC and ITV, before Channel 4 agreed to commission the show. Davies does not shy away from showing the realities of queer life during the crisis. The entire series is heart-wrenching, most notably the final episode in which protagonist Ritchie (Ollie Alexander) still suffers from his parents’ homophobia, even on his death bed. The show also led to a huge upsurge in HIV testing, with the Terrence Higgins Trust reporting that 8200 HIV testing kits were ordered in a single day. It’s a Sin was also powerful for its normalisation of gay sex on television. Although we have

become accustomed to sex scenes on screen, gay sex remains taboo. Yet Davies portrayed this blatantly, with groundbreaking scenes of oral and anal sex that are almost never seen on TV. As David Opie pointed out for Digital Spy: “How can you show men having a life they loved, and dying from it, if you don’t show that sex?” The entire show was set against the backdrop of Section 28 and moral panic around homosexuality. It’s a Sin corrects the historical record in the public consciousness, reminding people of the suffering endured by LGBTQ+ people. It also remains relevant to-

day, with homophobia concerningly rife in British society and politics four decades later. In February, I spoke to Formula 1’s Matt Bishop, an LGBTQ+ rights advocate who has written extensively on HIV/AIDS, for Exeposé. He told me how, as an older gay man, It’s a Sin’s depiction of the crisis he had lived through was so revolutionary. For me as a young bisexual man, born in the year Section 28 was finally repealed, It’s a Sin reminds me why queer resistance is still necessary, and reinforces the realities queer people had to live through for far too long.

How to be a film nerd Lachlan Evans guides you through the best ways to become a film geek

T always starts with one film. The credits roll and you feel like your perception of what a film is will never be the same again. For me, it was probably something like Shaun of the Dead (2004), but this is completely individual — it could be something like Ratatouille (very valid by the way). Before you know it, you’re staring at the letterboxd.com top 250 films of all time

thinking how lucky you are that all these great films are there for you to experience. But where to start? When getting into film, I think one of the most important things is to recognise the role of the director. Like the author of a book, a (good) director will curate the film to their artistic standards. Just watch any two Quentin Tarantino or Wes Anderson films and it will become clear how you

can use this to find films you might enjoy. It’s worth looking into the highest rated films on Letterboxd (Come and See, Stalker, and It’s Such a Beautiful Day will blow you away if you’ve never seen them), but this also shouldn’t be your end goal — explore your own interests and watch whatever you enjoy, whether it’s a ‘classic’ or not! Image: Wikimedia Commons

TECH Police told to increase use of facial recognition Oliver Lamb, News Editor, discusses a new police initiative using live facial recognition cameras

F policing minister Chris Philp gets his wish, by next May the police in England and Wales will have doubled their use of retrospective facial recognition technology. That’s the target he set force leaders in October. Facial recognition is already widely used to search still images against the police database. The next step, which Philp is also encouraging police forces to take, is to increase the use of live facial recognition (LFR) cameras. If civil liberty advocates, including members of Philp’s own Conservative Party, get their wish, that won’t happen by next May or ever. LFR software, which works even on partially covered faces, uses biometric measures to compare footage of crowds with a list of wanted suspects, and alerts officers to potential matches. The Home Office is interested in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to process data more quickly. The crime-fighting possibilities are obvious. Last month, Essex police said that in a trial of LFR on high streets, five alerts (up to then) had led to three arrests, including one on suspicion of rape. Philp says facial recognition helps police “stay one step ahead of criminals.”The Home Office argues that the technology has a deterrent effect and notes that it can also be

used to search for missing people. It pointed to the recent Arsenal vs Tottenham football match, where three wanted suspects were arrested, as an example of facial recognition’s potential. The department also claims that the technology frees up officers to spend time in communities and work on investigations. Anticipating objections, the Home Office claims that data protection, equality and human rights laws strictly regulate the use of facial recognition, with the data of those who are not matched to a suspect deleted immediately, and notices put up wherever the technology is used. However, opponents maintain that the technology is a potential threat to human rights and privacy and that, at the very least, new regulation is needed. That was the conclusion of last year’s independent legal review, which found that existing laws are inadequate and called for a moratorium on LFR. In October, 65 MPs and peers — including Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey, former Brexit secretary David Davis and Green MP Caroline Lucas — called for an “immediate stop” to the use of LFR. 31 groups, including Amnesty International, backed the joint statement. In a tweet, Davis called facial recognition “a

suspicionless mass surveillance tool that has no place in Britain,” noting that it “has never been given explicit approval by parliament.” There is an equality dimension too. Facial recognition technology is commonly claimed to misidentify people of colour and women at higher rates than it does men. It is partly on these grounds that a coalition of 14 human rights groups has urged ten of the UK’s biggest retailers to withdraw from Project Pegasus, a scheme launched in September whereby the companies will hand over CCTV footage for the police to run through facial recognition software. However, the Met Police has said an independent review found “no statistically significant bias in relation to race and gender,” and that only one in 6000 people are wrongly matched based on live footage, and none at all based on stills. British policy contrasts with that of the EU, which is seeking to ban facial recognition technology that uses AI. The current UK government’s support for such practices is unambiguous, but the technology is coming under pressure from inside and outside the UK. Image: Utility Inc, Flickr

Social media companies to change rules over political advertising Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, evaluates the effects of new rules concerning political advertising

ACEBOOK'S parent company Meta will enforce formal rules concerning the use of AI or photo manipulation in political advertising from January. This will ensure that viewers of any such content are aware that it is not inherently factual. These alerts will be included on any content which contains changes to what anyone has said in a video, altering images or footage of real events and depicting real people who do not exist. However, this does not include minor changes such as colour correction or cropping. This follows a blanket ban on deepfakes — realistic but false photos or videos of those such as political leaders which can mislead viewers — on all Meta platforms by all users, not just advertisers. This follows a growing use of concerning deepfakes in previous months. Recently, Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, fell victim to a deepfake which purported to be a recording of Khan’s voice supporting changing the date for Armistice Day to make way for a proPalestinian rally. The clip was investigated by the police but no charges have been brought as no laws have technically been broken. Meta’s new policy follows a complete ban on political advertising to ensure that

viewers would not see deepfakes or other digitally altered content but also to avoid them from viewing conspiracy theories. Since the 2020 US Presidential election, Meta had banned all political advertising partly so that Republican politicians would not be able to run political advertising saying the 2020 election was rigged. However, Meta quietly lifted this ban in 2022 before the US midterm elections, according to the Wall Street Journal. Meta have not formally allowed advertisers to call past elections rigged but have banned similar advertisements calling future elections potentially rigged.

those that are controversial or based on disproven assumptions.” Meta’s justification is very similar, with president of global affairs Nick Clegg saying that the company should not decide whether elections are legitimate. With upcoming national elections in

META QUIETLY LIFTED THIS BAN BEFORE THE US MIDTERM ELECTIONS Other social media companies are taking similar steps. In August, X reversed its ban on political advertising instituted in 2019, while YouTube said it would stop removing content calling the 2020 election rigged in June under a free speech argument, saying it would safeguard the ability to “openly debate political ideas, even

Image: Blogtrepreneur, Flickr

both the UK and US due next year, political advertising will likely play a large role in how both elections are decided, with social media companies’ policies over deepfakes and conspiracy theories playing an equally large role within that.

exhibit | TECH

EDITORS: Ewan Gregory and Charlie Gershinson

29 NOV 2023 | 25

Elon Musk's Twitter takeover, one year on

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, discusses how Elon Musk has changed the popular social media site

N January, I wrote an article for Exeposé reflecting on the first few months of Elon Musk’s takeover of social media giant Twitter, stating that “it remains to be seen how much longer Twitter’s turbulent tale under Musk will continue.” Ten months later, Twitter as we know it does not even exist anymore. For all its flaws, in the 15 years from its founding in 2007 up until 2022, Twitter revolutionised the world. Although its user numbers were dwarfed by its Meta rivals at Instagram and Facebook, the platform offered a way to follow anything from elections to sporting events in the moment, and to hear voices from almost anyone on almost any topic. That all changed, however, when the world’s richest man Elon Musk acquired the platform in late 2022 for US$44 billion. He made his mark almost immediately — he sacked half of Twitter’s workforce within days, and by April confirmed he had laid off 80 per cent of the company’s employees. This was part of an effort to massively cut costs, amid fears that Twitter would go bankrupt. That may have been the case, but sacking almost all of your employees unsurprisingly has major implications. The company’s disinformation, human rights and machine learning departments were decimated, and the quality of the platform rapidly declined. Aside from this, it seems like we haven’t gone a week without Musk implementing some sort of change on the platform. This began with the launch with what was at the time referred to as Twitter Blue, whereby Twitter’s blue tick no longer denoted high-profile individuals such as politicians, brands and celebrities, but instead denotes an account which has paid the plat-

form US$8 a month for a variety of other benefits, such as editing posts and being given priority at the top of replies to posts. Other changes since have included preventing users that don’t buy this blue tick from sending direct messages to users who don’t follow them back. Although this seems minor, it has posed problems when trying to contact a company’s customer service team using the platform — formerly one of the most effective uses of Twitter. This pales in comparison, however, to the biggest — and most bizarre — change. In July, the iconic blue bird logo disappeared, replaced by an intimidating black ‘X’ logo. This was Musk’s complete overhaul of Twitter’s identity, that even saw the platform change its name to X. Aside from this meaning that searching for the platform now feels like searching for an adult website, this completely destroyed one of the most recognisable brands in the world.

users that had not bought a blue tick from viewing tweets. For multiple days the app was rendered completely unusable for those of us not willing to pay the world’s richest man for using what had been a completely free app for the best part of two decades.

THE APP WAS RENDERED COMPLETELY UNUSABLE This issue was resolved within a few days, as Musk realised that stopping people from actually using his platform was not the best way to increase revenue. A week later, Meta launched its fated Threads app, linked to Instagram and intended as the new Twitter. Although it was the fastest-growing app in history in its first five days, it never really took off.

Despite the lack of adequate alternatives, it looks like Twitter (sorry, X) is slowly dying an undignified death. The utility of the app has declined massively in the past 12 months. Nonetheless, it remains a significant aspect of global political activity, and with two-thirds of the democratic world going to the polls next year, 2024 will be a significant test for Musk’s platform. Misinformation has soared under his tenure (evidenced during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict), and content moderation has plummeted. If Elon Musk wants to have any chance at a return on his US$44 billion investment, one may be tempted to conclude that he’d be better off scrapping almost every change he has made in the past 12 months and trying to restore Twitter to its former glory. Image: Bret Hartman / TED, Flickr

COMPLETELY DESTROYED ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISABLE BRANDS Very few companies create a brand so successful that it creates a linguistic change. Think, for example, of how “Google” has become a verb of its own. Twitter had managed that — the word “tweet” entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013. Removing this, like so many of Musk’s changes, feels like he is being deliberately provocative. There have, of course, been instances of major inconvenience too. This came to a head in June, when the platform blocked

King's Speech sets out new technology laws Magdalena Kanecka outlines the policies detailed at the state opening of parliament

HE recent King’s Speech outlined the policy agenda for the next parliamentary term, with a considerable focus on three technological areas: security, safety and competition. The first King’s Speech of King Charles III’s reign has been described as “a win for businesses and consumers” by the Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan, who praised its legislative proposals. Overall, several key themes were highlighted within the speech. The legislation from each of these will be discussed throughout this article.

HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS "A WIN FOR BUSINESS AND CONSUMERS" Firstly, security and safety concerns have been tackled through legislation such as the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill. This promises increased security by proposing tougher punishments for spam callers practising false advertising of goods and service. The Home Office’s Criminal Justice Bill promotes increased security by reinsinuating the criminal consequences of

Image: UK Parliament, Flickr

owning and sharing revenge porn. The recently passed Online Safety Act criminalises this further, adding urgency and providing a sense of justice for victims. The theme of safety promotion has also been reinforced in the promised Automated Vehicles Bill — presenting significant regulations on selfdriving vehicles in order to promote safety. The presented legislative agenda further focused on innovative competition and trade improvements. These policy promises outlined by the King include the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill, which promises better outcomes for businesses and innovators by addressing core competition issues present within the current economy. It also includes the rewritten and improved Trade Bill, focusing primarily on the UK joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership to improve trade outcomes through boosted exports and economic growth. Further improvements in legislation include rail reform and a renewed version of the Investigatory Powers Bill aiming to strengthen security agencies further, both nationally and globally. With the praise given to the speech by tech outlets such as TechUK, along with

the previously mentioned cabinet members, the outcome of the legislative agenda is looking incredibly promising in the tech sector.

THE OUTCOME OF THE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA IS LOOKING [...] PROMISING IN THE TECH SECTOR The direct aim of the legislative agenda focusing on security and safety further reassures technological development and compensates potential victims of revenge porn by ensuring those who break the already existing laws regarding safety and security, are appropriately convicted for their crimes. It is, therefore, only down to parliament to deliver on these promises.

Image: fergusburnett.com, Flickr

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

Exetera Exetera... ASK NAPOLEON: advice column

Question 1: What activities are there to do in Exeter during the festive season? NFORTUNATELY Winter Wonderland has left Exeter this year, instead moving to Plymouth, so there won’t be an ice skating rink this year. However, there is still plenty to do in Exeter, espescially with the Christmas market. I would definitely reccommend going into one of the tents and having some mulled wine or a Baileys hot chocolate. It’s also really fun to decorate your student house in time for Chrismas and you can find decently priced decorations from shops like Poundland and Savers. You could be even more creative and make your own decorations, such as pom pom baubles.

Question 2: Which study spots would you recommend? S deadline season remains in full swing , essays and diss proposals fill up our calanders and suddnely campus again feels like it did in Freshers Week. After the quieter October month and eerily empty Forum during Reading Week, finding a spot to study has become almost impossible. Here are a few study spots both off and on campus which I would highly recommend. For those of you who find a day at university increases productivity, the Sanctuary (if you can find a spot) is a fantastic area (opposite Blackwells) which, before 10am, tends to have a fair few free desks in my experience. Another favourite of mine, which I was actually unaware of until last year, is the Loft in DH2, which also houses some modern ergonomic furniture. While the temperatures continue to plummet as winter begins, for those of you who can bear the cold — nothing says romanticising a humanities degree quite like completeing your reading outside the stunning Reed Hall. Turning to off-campus spots there are an endless list of coffee shops with free WiFi and that all important caffeine fix. While the chains are also great, I’d personally suggest visiting more independent places such as Sunset Society and Glorious Art House. Wherever you end up working, do keep an eye out for Napoleon. Images: Anabel Costa-Ferreira

EDITORS:

Anabel Costa-Ferreira Livvy Mason-Myhill Joshua Smith

Student stars CAPRICORN (22 ARIES (21 MAR — DEC — 19 JAN) 19 APR) This is a natural time of A spirit of openness, year for backing up or through self-honesty, pulling back a little to gain some percan be useful now, leading to breakspective and focus on emotional health. through insights.

CANCER (21 JUN LIBRA (23 SEP — — 22 JUL) 22 OCT) It’s a good idea to keep You might strengthen in mind that you risk your connections with jumping into new situations before you relatives, friends,and acquaintances know what’s in your heart. through positive actions.

AQUARIUS (20 JAN TAURUS (20 APR — LEO (23 JUL — 22 — 18 FEB) 20 MAY) AUG) The need to lead is You’re working toward You can be motivated high, but you also demore equality, in a partto pursue romance, pend on others to reach your goals, or nership or significant friendship. fun, pleasure, hobbies or recreation. teamwork is essential to your success.

SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) Your initiative is stronger than usual, and your taste for the new and untested is powerful.

PISCES (19 FEB — GEMINI (21 MAY 20 MAR) — 20 JUNE) You are inclined to be You’re likely to experimore philosophical, ence some unusual and sharing ideas and experiences with desires and plot twists during this others can be fulfilling. power period!

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC) Solo efforts can be formidable, and a pioneering spirit can benefit most now.

VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP) It’s a period for making discoveries and unlocking memories, particularly on the feeling level.

Image: OpenClipart, SVG

Recipe: Aubergine parmigiana

HIS week we have a recipe for a true Italian classic, Aubergine Parmesan, or Melanzane. This is my recipe, so if you are Italian or a Melanzane purist, then I apologise for it in advance. Step 1: Heat the oven to 180 degrees celsius. Step 2: Prepare two baking trays by lining them with baking paper. Prepare two aubergines by cutting them into rounds about 1cm thin, then, arranging two bowls, one with a beaten egg, one with flour, and another with parmesan, and dip each Aubergine round in the egg, flour,

then the parmesan, then place them on the baking sheets. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Step 3: While the aubergines are cooking, prepare the tomato or marinara sauce. Fry a white onion and a red pepper, finely diced, in 1tbsp of olive oil for until soft, about 7-10 minutes, then add in two cans of chopped tomatoes and a few leaves of fresh basil, then leave for ten minutes, and if you like, add a bit of sugar or honey. Step 4: Once the aubergines have done roasting and the tomato sauce is

Image:Flickr

made, begin to layer a 9-by-13 inch baking pan or casserole dish, first with half the aubergine, then half the tomato sauce, then adding half a mozzarella ball and some more parmesan. Repeat this once more and top with some

basil and more (sorry) parmesan. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp on top and bubbly around the edges.

Exeposé archives: The Guild Annual Budget...

ITH the Chancellor leading the Autumn Budget last week, it seems fitting to reflect on the finances at our own University. This year’s Autumn Budget took place on Wednesday 22nd November and announced several changes such as the abolishment of NI (National Insurance) payments and tougher measures for job seekers. Turning to the 90s, the Guild presented their Annual Budget at a General Meeting at Cornwall House on Thursday 15th November. Published as a Budget Special, the copy of Exeposé pictured beside detailed the Guild’s plans to spend over £450,000 on the 6,000 plus Exeter students. The prepared copy appears to have been made available prior to the meeting and as a result, people are urged to “come along and join the fun.” Perhaps the most interesting page to compare to now is the final page titled

‘Societies Budget’ — within which the Guild the budget noting that the meeting resulted in detailed the amounts requested by each society the campaign’s budget being drastically cut by and the amount they were planning on being over £2000 (around £4000 purchasing power allocated. Interestingly, Out of Doors by today’s standards). Some societies Society (Exeter’s oldest hiking even noted a concern that “they society, established in 1956) may run out of money in had the highest request of the middle of next term.” £2190 yet was only alloThe Societies Officer cated £420. Other socieat this time justified ties to note (that remain the change as while popular today) include 6558 students were BodySoc (requested in societies “only a £180 and received £40), small number of stuDebating (re-quested dents were involved £618 and received £450) in campaigns.” Nowaand Wine Society (requested days, for those of you Image: Anabel CF £450 with a received amount interested, annual financial unconfirmed). Following this special reports for charities must be edition, an end-of-the-month issue reflects on made public to ensure transparency.

study break | 29 NOV 2023

exhibit | 27

STUDY BREAK CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Down

Across 8 Pretenders — frauds - fakes (9) 9 On leave (3) 10 Faith (5) 11 Loose-folded cloth — dare pry? (anagram) (7) 12 Skittle (7) 14 Wait upon (5) 16 Surpass (5) 18 Asian rainy season (7) 20 Make wider (7) 21 Honesty (5) 22 Tot up (numbers) (3) 23 Cascade (9)

1 Interval in space or time (8) 2 Movement towards improvement (6) 3 Hey, over here! (4) 4 Cling - persist — continue (4,2) 5 Hired killer (8) 6 Definitely not! (informal) (2,4) 7 Uncertain (informal) (4) 13 Fall quickly and heavily (4,4) 15 I hex lion (anagram) — out of nothing (formal) (2,6) 17 Throngs - hordes — multitudes (6) 18 60 seconds (6) 19 Rucola (anagram) — of the eye (6) 20 Tolerate — an ursine animal (4) 21 Aquatic bird — rent (anagram) (4)

TRIVIA CORNER

1. What is the term for a group of flamingos? 2. What animal is known to laugh and has been proven to have a sense of humour? 3. Which mountain range is the longest in the world? 4. In which year did the Titanic sink?

ANSWERS

5. What is meteorology the study of? 6. What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea?

Across: 8 Impostors, 9 Off, 10 Trust, 11 Drapery, 12 Ninepin, 14 Serve, 16 Excel, 18 Monsoon, 20 Broaden, 21 Truth, 22 Add, 23 Waterfall. Down: 1 Distance, 2 Upturn, 3 Psst, 4 Hold on, 5 Assassin, 6 No fear, 7 Iffy, 13 Pelt down, 15 Ex nihilo, 17 Crowds, 18 Minute, 19 Ocular, 20 Bear, 21 Tern. Trivia: 1. Flamboyance 2. Rats 3. The Andes 4. 1912 5. The weather 6. Sicily

Science 28

29 NOV 2023

SCIENCE EDITORS:

Eloise Shewring Livvy Mason-Myhill

CDC expands disease surveillance of international travellers

Amy Cases reports on the new laws to surveil international travellers during the winter season

HE CDC (U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has integrated new laws in order to surveil international travellers during the winter season, a time when viruses are most contagious.

During winter season, a time when viruses are most contagious This report comes from Science News, in their health and science column: Betsy Ladyzhets reported on 6th November, explaining that this program, created by the CDC will be testing for over 30 different pathogens, and coronavirus variants through their ongoing coronavirus scheme. Travellers do have the choice to take part in these tests in major international airports such as San Francisco International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport of New York City, Logan International Airport in Boston, and Dulles Interna-

tional Airport outside Washington D.C. This programme is said to continue for only 3 months as a “pilot-testing,” to specifically search for seasonal diseases. Data is collected through the use of TGS, a platform consisting of three complementary approaches: voluntary nasal swabs for arriving international travellers, aircraft testing, and waste water sampling airport terminals nationwide. The CDC had already created a program in 2021 called the Traveller-Based Genomic Surveillance program which had found one one of the first known variant cases, BA.2.86. "The TGS programme, which began during the Covid-19 pandemic, acted as an early warning system to detect new and rare variants of the SARSCoV-2 virus and will do the same for other respiratory viruses going forward," said Dr. Cindy Friedman, chief of CDC’s Travellers’ Health Branch in the company's media statement. As said by Sam Scarpino, an epidemiologist at Northeastern University in

Boston, the programme could catch “the next COVID” ahead of time, which we could be prepared to face in advance.

Image: NIAID, Flickr

The TGS programme... acted as an early warning system to detect [SARSCov-2 variants] Others such as Rachel Poretsky, a microbiologist at the University of Illinois who believes the program to be a clever tactic to discover new pathogens, aspire for the program to expand further towards other airports, travel hubs, and bus and train stations. This programme seems to have complete and unanimous positive support. The latest information shared with the public, says that as of September 2023, these tactics have tested over 360,000 air travelers, voluntarily and anonymously, and covered flights from more than 135 countries, from all World Health Organisation programmes.

The power and potential of tidal energy for the UK

Lauren Walsh, Arts and Lit Editor, discusses the power of tides in the quest for renewable energy sources

OST people will be aware of solar and wind energy as sources of renewable energy in our quest to move away from fossil fuels and combat climate change, but there is another source of renewable energy that is less well known: tides. Dr. Amanda Smyth from the University of Oxford says, “Tidal power has really significant potential, yet it has never been developed at scale." As a country made up of islands, and with a high tidal range, the UK is well-placed to make the most of tidal energy.

Tides occur as a result of the gravitational pull of the moon on our oceans, which generates tidal force, causing the ocean water near the moon (and on the opposite side of the planet) to swell and resulting in ‘high tide’ in these areas. Most coastlines experience two high and two low tides in a day. There are many ways we can harness the energy of the tides. One of the main methods is by using a tidal barrage, which is a large dam-like structure that generates electricity as the water is pushed through turbines when the tide goes out. The largest tid-

al barrage in the world is in Sihwa Lake in South Korea and has a total power output capacity of 254 megawatts. There was a plan to build a tidal barrage across the Severn Estuary, but this was scrapped due to the cost of such a project (£25bn — more on that later). Many other designs of machines

Sihwa Lake... power output capacity of 254 megawatts that can harness tidal energy are being tested all around the UK, espe-

cially in the Orkney Islands, where the European Marine Energy Centre was set up, as the area has significant tidal stream potential. The Orbital O2 is one such machine. It is allegedly the most powerful tidal stream turbine in the world and can power 2,000 homes. It weighs 680 tonnes, is 74 metres long and floats on the surface of the water (while being moored to the seafloor) with turbines lowered into the sea, which generate electricity. And there are many more weird and wonderful designs being tested. One of the main draws of tidal

More predictable than alternative renewable energy sources

Image: PxHere

power is that it is more predictable than alternative renewable energy sources like wind and sun. The tides are regular, and therefore more reliable. However, environmental impacts are a concern as many of these strategies can impact the ecosystem by disturbing fish and other sea animals, and other strategies like tidal barrages disrupt the flow and salinity of the water, with result-

ing impacts on the tidal ecosystem. However, the main hurdle to the success of tidal energy is money. The huge cost is mostly a result of the tough environment out at sea, as salt water corrodes many metals, and the waves themselves contain a large amount of power and can damage structures as they hit them. This makes maintenance challenging and costly. Experts say that tidal energy “will always be pricier than its rivals because tidal turbines are restricted in size due to the depth of the water, they will never achieve the sort of economies of scale that wind has been able to achieve." To combat this financial barrier, government subsidies are available for companies wishing to develop tidal technology, with 11 such projects securing this kind of funding in the last month alone. Despite the environmental and financial concerns about tidal power, it seems like a good avenue to explore in our search for greener energy, and in future it could meet as much as 11 per cent of the UK's annual electricity demand.

EXEPOSÉ | 29 NOV 2023

SCIENCE

Lightning fires threaten planet-cooling forests

Eloise Grainger explores the fires found in the northern hemisphere which are increasingly ignited by lightning

ORESTS and soils sequester (absorb and store) lots of carbon, which mitigates against global warming, as greenhouse gasses are removed from the atmosphere. Increasing lightning frequency leads

to more widespread forest fires (conflagrations), so this carbon sink becomes a carbon source. This means that as the trees are set ablaze, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, resulting in increased levels

of greenhouse gasses which contribute to global warming, and therefore, climate change. The record had been smashed three times over again. One concern is that the time between records being broken is shorten-

Image: Axel Rouvin, Flickr

ing so it appears the rising temperatures are happening exponentially. This is a vicious cycle, as the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere worsens the effects caused by climate change, i.e. lightning and other adverse weather will increase, which further increases the risks of fires igniting as a result of lightning. Overall global forest fires have decreased, but there is a strong trend in the growing numbers of forest fires outside of the tropics. This is a concern, as in the tropics, most fires are started due to human activity, whereas in northern forests, lightning appears to be the main source of ignition. In the tropics, it is easy to manage and mitigate against this through educating people and setting up intervention programmes. In the extra-tropical forests however, this can be much more challenging. These areas in the northern stretch of the globe are likely to become warmer, drier, and therefore more fire-prone. The 2023 fire season in Canada was unprecedented — over 6,500 fires scorched the land, leading to 45 million acres of forest to be burned. 77 per cent of this burned

area is related to lightning strikes. They are becoming more widespread too — smoke from fires in Canada was blown to major US cities and even reached Spain and Portugal. The area burned in 2023 was eight times larger than the 40-year average.

77 per cent of this burned area is related to lightning strikes When lightning is the cause of the fire, it can rapidly turn into a megafire event in remote permafrost regions, according to the author of the research paper. Permafrost is a carbon store, meaning this icy ground melting increases greenhouse gas emission by up to 30 per cent, experts predict. Climate models are estimating an increase in frequency of lightning strikes by 11-31 per cent for every degree of global warming. It is vital that carbon emissions are significantly reduced so that the number of fires from lightning strikes is lessened. Researchers state this as the most effective solution. This is seen by many as a wake-up call to take climate action.

The rise of brain-reading technology: what you need to know

Oliver Lamb, News Editor, discusses the advancements of implanted devices and commercial headsets and its implications

MAGINE the feeling of walking for the first time in a decade. That’s what one man experienced thanks to a brain-computer interface (BCI) that reads his neural activity and directs a spinal implant to stimulate nerves in his legs. He has now been walking for over a year. Brain-reading technology is entering the realm of the viable. It comes in a range of forms, each striking a different balance between recording activity from more neurons, which allows thoughts to be decoded more quickly and accurately, and minimising invasiveness. The more Christ-like applications of the technology, like healing paralytics and restoring speech, require implanted BCIs that run the risk of brain injury and infection. As a result, long-term implanted BCIs have been given to only around 50 people. External BCIs take the form of headsets or earphones. Unable to decode thoughts in the same way as their implanted brethren, but far less fraught with risk, they could take off in the coming years. Firms in the US, Europe and China are working on implanted BCIs. An interface under development at Neuralink — founded by Elon Musk — uses flexible polymer threads that reach deep into the cortex to obtain data from individual neurons. Interfaces from Blackrock Neurotech and Paradromics use grids of stiff electrodes that do not penetrate as far into the cortex. Still less invasive are systems from Precision Neuroscience and Synchron that sit on the surface of the brain. Of the

five, Synchron’s interface is the closest to gaining approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), though all are well into early clinical testing. The process will take years.

Neuralink ... uses flexible polymer threads that reach deep into the cortex

Even if approved, much needs to be done to make implanted BCIs practical and affordable. As Tom Oxley, the chief executive of Synchron, points out: “You cannot have a PhD engineer in the home of every single patient.” External BCIs are the subject of a separate field of research. Most such systems use electroencephalography (EEG) to detect electrical fields that, passing through the skull, represent the synchronised activity

of thousands or millions of neurons. As a result, their readings are, as it were, much lower-resolution than implanted interfaces. But external systems can distinguish, for example, sleep, with its slow delta waves of neuron activity, from mere relaxation, with its intermediate theta waves. EEG is already used clinically to monitor epilepsy and sleep. Commercially, the sector has yet to find the so-called killer app that will send

brain-reading technology into the mainstream. But the applications are numerous, from monitoring mental states like focus and agitation, to ensuring drivers don’t get sleepy. Actually influencing people’s brains — aiding meditation, for example, or boosting productivity — is something that several companies claim to offer, although the placebo effect is known to stalk interventions of this nature. Finally, things get really sci-fi when it comes to controlling external technology with your thoughts. This is already possible, and is especially used in gaming, but is a slog with present technology.

The sector has yet to find the app that will send [brain-reading] into the mainstream If the list of potential uses sets neurons firing with excitement, the list of risks gives pause for thought. Already, a few companies are using EEG technology to monitor their employees’ focus; in China, the same is happening to schoolchildren. There are concerns that firms might collect data from people’s very thoughts — though others argue, not wholly reassuringly, that data collected from online activity is more extensive anyway. Discussions are underway regarding legislation to protect what the neuroscientist Rafael Yuste calls “neurorights.” Expect to hear much more about them in future. Image: Unreal, Gratis Graphics

29 NOV 2023 | EXEPOSÉ

SPORT

Exeter Chiefs Women: season preview

Joseph Terry looks ahead to see if Exeter Chiefs can secure their first title this season

HE newly rebranded Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) has kicked off for the Exeter Chiefs as the Chiefs look to go one better this season and claim their first Premiership title! The Chiefs, supported by the weight of a top-class BUCS setup from EUWRFC, are considered favourites for the title, and rightfully so in my opinion. Chiefs roll into the start of the season proper after a strong pre-season that confirmed the Chiefs’ qualification into the Semi-Finals of the Allianz Cup, looking to win their third Cup title in three years when they face off against Saracens in April. After an early wobble against the Bristol Bears, two strong wins against Sale Sharks and new kids on the block Leicester Tigers

confirmed their berth in the playoffs.

Chiefs roll into the season proper after a strong pre-season An away trip to Welford Road called for the Chiefs to open the curtain on their PWR season, with the Devon side returning home with five points in the boot. Initially chasing the game at half time 15-10 up against a surprisingly strong Leicester Tigers side, the Chiefs doubled the points tally of the Tigers in the second period 34 points to 17 in the second half. Irish international Cliodhna Moloney crashed over for two tries at hooker amongst eight tries in total for the 2022/23 vicechampionship. An important away

win against a gutsy underdog side is a good symptom for success this season. By the time you read this article, the Chiefs would have already faced off against one of their rivals for the playoffs this season, as the Bristol Bears come to Sandy Park on the 26th. Bristol Bears have been resurgent of late, and can be considered one of the rising sides in the PWR challenging the dominance of the Chiefs and Gloucester-Hartpury. Coverage of that game will be presented by XpressionFM, and personally I cannot wait to be at the ground covering what is already a fixture to sit and watch with a keen eye. The start to the season for Chiefs provides many of these challenges that could give fans a better judgement on what to expect from the normally faultless Sandy

Aussies upset the hosts to win world title

Oliver Lamb, News Editor, reflects on a dramatic Cricket World Cup final that saw India suffer a shock defeat

OU couldn’t blame Mohammed Siraj for crying. India had been favourites from the beginning, and they’d lived up to that billing with ten comfortable wins from ten to reach the final. The 92,453-strong home crowd expected a coronation. Instead they saw Travis Head guide Australia to a six-wicket victory and their sixth World Cup. India may regret pushing Mohammed Shami up to open the bowling — an understandable move given the need for early wickets, but one that deprived Shami of the first-change role in which he had been the tournament’s best bowler. They may regret not going harder with the bat — though, in fairness, it was a difficult wicket and they were bowled out as it was. Image: Flickr Really, we can only credit Australia’s skill and resilience. That goes for the whole tournament. After losing their first two games they could have crumbled, but there’s a reason Australia have now won three times as many World Cups as anyone else. The general view is that this has been an underwhelming tournament. Close matches were few and there were no surprises in a semi-final lineup that also included South Africa and New Zealand. But it had plenty of memorable moments. Aiden Markram broke the record for the fastest World Cup century. Then Glenn Maxwell broke it again. Then Maxwell surpassed that achievement by beating Bangladesh without help from his teammates, or the ability to move his legs. Angelo Mathews was timed out — the first such dismissal in international cricket — when his helmet broke before he faced a ball. Virat Kohli made a record 50th ODI century. This was probably or certainly a World Cup swansong for legends such as Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson, David Warner and Mitchell Starc. The 2027 tournament will look different, but we’ve had a preview. New Zealand's batsman Rachin Ravindra, Sri Lanka's fast bowler Dilshan Ma-

dushanka and South Africa's fast bowler Gerald Coetzee stand out as having made international breakthroughs. On a team level, the loveliest story of the tournament was Afghanistan recording their first, second and third World Cup victories against major opponents, then beating the Netherlands for good measure. It would be a shame if, just as young players and emerging teams establish themselves in ODIs, the format withers. Because that’s what it threatens to do. Test cricket remains the pinnacle (or so everybody keeps insisting); T20 is quick and spectacular and therefore profitable. Franchise T20 leagues are filling the calendar, and it’s ODIs that are making way. England are an illustration, and a portent. Between the 2015 and 2019 World Cups, they played 88 ODIs; between 2019 and 2023, just 42, and some of those overlapped with other cricket. The established generation lost their ODI rhythm, the younger generation had no chance to break in, and at this tournament, England bombed. True, we mustn’t get idealistic. Much as we’d like cricket to be powered by love, money matters. But the ODI World Cup is cricket’s biggest event, and it will not remain so if teams turn up for it undercooked. When Glenn Maxwell hit the winning runs two Sundays ago, despair rendered the stadium silent. Future World Cups may be won in silence because nobody is watching. Image: Flickr

Park squad. An away trip to the North East against the Sale Sharks bites more than you’d expect (pun intended), whilst another away-day this time to the Stoop against the Harlequins is another steely test for the Chiefs. If that wasn’t enough, the Chiefs then welcome GloucesterHartpury to EX2 in a rematch of the Grand Final at Kingsholm last June. A baptism of fire for the Devon side that will look to keep their place as top dogs of professional and semiprofessional women’s rugby in England! So, the scene is set for a new era begin-

ning for women’s rugby in the northern hemisphere, with bright things ahead – a groundbreaking broadcast deal offering 20 live games on the telly over the season. Question is, will the Chiefs move with the times and prove their class in front of more eyes than ever before?

Image: Jean Francois Fournier Photographe, Flickr

Menstruation and sport

Gracie Moore, Online Arts and Lit Editor, explores how periods can affect sporting performance

HE sad truth is that currently, according to Women In Sport, 78 per cent of women avoid physical activity all together when they are menstruating. It is already common knowledge that women and people who menstruate can be negatively impacted emotionally and physically during the menstrual phase of their cycle. It can make you lethargic, bloated, slower and also experience pain that distracts you from carrying out typically mundane tasks. However, the lesser researched phenomenon is that of a period’s effect on sport participation. The problem is that it isn’t just the menstrual part of the cycle that can affect this. Women who exercise regularly may feel like they’re not doing enough when they can’t train as hard. For context, there are four stages of a cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulation and luteal. The levels of energy, explosive power, speed and much more are largely impacted by which stage a woman is in. As a personal example, during the luteal and menstrual phase, I feel my weakest. A wave of fatigue comes over me for a week before my period and I lack as much drive to perform well in sport. I know I’m not alone in this and it can be a struggle to know what kind of exercise is best to do in order to make the most of training sessions in spite of physical ability. During the luteal phase, your testosterone and estrogen begins to drop, which are largely responsible for strength and energy levels. During the menstrual phase, they are at their lowest that they will be throughout the whole cycle. So it’s no wonder women feel like they can’t train to their full ability. If you menstruate and you’re frus-

trated about these peaks and troughs in energy levels and subsequent performance outcomes, there are ways you can work with the cycle to maximise training. During the menstrual phase, it’s essential to take part in low impact, low intensity exercise such as walking, yoga or pilates. Not only can this help to alleviate cramps associated with the uterine contractions, it’s also perfect for the low energy days where you still want to move your body. When the period is finished and the follicular stage is still in progress, your energy levels begin to rapidly rise again as well as your mood and sex drive. Lots of dopamine to go around! For this reason, exercise such as high intensity cardio is perfect during this time of the month. After the follicular phase, comes ovulation where you are physically at your strongest. You can utilise this strength by making this the time to achieve your pull up PBs or adding that extra weight to the squat rack. This is the time for muscle growth progress in the gym. Finally, the luteal phase is where the tiredness rears its ugly head once more, your mood begins to drop and you may feel bloated. In a time like this, low intensity cardio such as brisk walking or lower intensity interval training is much more achievable than higher intensity workouts. We need to be opening up the barriers to exercise for menstruators globally by raising awareness about the symptoms during the four phases of a menstrual cycle. It’s time we stop making women feel bad for taking it easy for a week and instead praising their innate ability to get up and going again as soon as a period is finished. There is no shame in knowing your limits and adapting to listen to your body’s needs.

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

Dave Ryding: from the dry slopes to World Cup winner

Harry Craig, Deputy Editor, tells the story of Britain's greatest ski racer of all time

RITISH endeavours in winter sport are typically restricted to the role of “plucky loser”, in the vein of Eddie the Eagle. In the last decade, however, Lancashire’s own Dave Ryding has risen to the top of slalom skiing, and proven that England’s dry slopes can produce talents that can compete with the very best of the Alps.

England's dry slopes can produce talents that can compete with the very best of the Alps Ryding has just begun his 15th World Cup season in the sport, kicking of his 2024 campaign with an impressive fourth place in Gurgl in Austria, just 0.01 off the podium. The fact that this raised barely an eyebrow is a testament to how Ryding has revolutionised attitudes towards British skiing — before 2017, Britain’s greatest ski racing achievement in the last 40 years was a fourth place for Alain Baxter, Ryding’s teenage idol, in 2001. Ryding has since rewritten the (albeit relatively small) history books of

British skiing. In 2013, he became the ed him from sixth to first, becoming first Brit ever to win the Europa Cup, the first ever British World Cup winthe second tier of world slalom skiing. ner. The racer who didn’t ski on snow There was plenty of potential, but it until the age of 12 had beaten the enwould take until 2017 for Ryding to break tire world, including men who are on through as a truly world-class racer. skis from the moment they can walk. At that season’s opening race in The racer who didn't Finland, he finished fourth, but betski on snow until the ter was yet to come. In the season’s showpiece event in the renowned age of 12 had beaten Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, he the entire world led the first run and finished second, Britain’s first World Cup podium since 1981. For the next five years, Ryding Whilst Ryding was lauded in Auscontinued to chase success, and be- tria and became one of the most came a fixture near the top of the re- popular victories in ski racing history, sults sheets, including the occasional the magnitude of this moment was podium. However, a first vicsomewhat lost in the British Image: Brrr 99, tory, not just for Ryding psyche. Kitzbühel hosts Wikimedia Commons but for the entirety of the most famous ski British skiing, conraces in the world — tinued to elude him. the Hahnenkamm That all changed weekend in Januin January 2022, at ary is the Monaco the very same Kitzor Wimbledon of bühel race where he the skiing world. Alhad taken his first ever though the casual viewer podium. On a snowy day may focus on the Olymin the Austrian Alps, Ryding pics or perhaps World brought a second-run charge that vault- Championships, a win in Kitzbüh-

Image: Krzysztof Golik, Wikimedia Commons

el brings a place in ski racing lore. Although Ryding is now 37 — an age at which most professional ski racers have long hung up the ski boots — he still has plenty left to give the sport. Returning to Kitzbühel a year after his win last January, Ryding almost defended his title, finishing second for a sixth World Cup podium, and a third podium in six years at the Hahnenkamm. This came just months after UK Sport cruelly removed Britain’s alpine skiing team

from its World Class Programme, forcing Ryding and the rest of the team to crowdfund to even make the start gate. Ryding told the BBC ahead of the start of this season that he will “keep skiing until the legs fall off ”, and didn’t rule out continuing until the next Winter Olympics in 2026. Either way, Ryding will leave a legacy as Britain’s greatest ever ski racer, having proved that the best of Lancashire can mix it with the best of the world on the ski slopes.

Women in Motorsport Month

Sport writers celebrate pioneering women breaking down the stereotypes of a male-dominated sport Bernie Collins & Hannah Schmitz Claire Williams

KY F1’s newest pundit, Bernie Collins, commentates on Formula 1 action, drawing on her plethora of in-depth knowledge from her first-hand experience of working alongside McLaren and Aston Martin. After studying Mechanical Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, Collins completed a trainee graduate programme with McLaren. She explored various departments within the team to widen her knowledge. In 2012, she was promoted to Performance Engineer. Opportunity struck in 2013, when she covered the role of Primary Performance Engineer in F1 for the Indian and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This role secured her a full-time position for the 2014 campaign, being assigned to Jenson Button’s side of the garage. In 2015, she transferred to Force India to become a Performance Engineer and Senior Strategist for Nico Hulkenberg. The 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, where Racing Point and driver Sergio Perez both had their maiden victory, is what Bernie reflects on Image: Kévin et Laurianne Langlais, Pexels

as her proudest moment, knowing she made a direct impact by calling for a tyre change. Hannah Schmitz has become a recognised female member of the Formula 1 world. Upon graduating with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cambridge, Schmitz joined Red Bull Racing as an intern in 2009. She originally worked in the Modelling and Simulation department, which is when she first became aware of strategy in the team. She knew she wanted to be an engineer from a young age — after rising through the ranks within the team, she joined as a Senior Strategy Engineer, allowing her to play a key role within racing. The high-pressure environment is where Schmitz thrives — making split decisions for the team is a demanding yet, when executed well, a rewarding job to have. The highlight of her career so far was lifting the constructor’s trophy at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix after calling Max Verstappen in for a fresh set of tyres that subsequently led him to win the race. Now she is an integral part of Red Bull’s pit wall team as the Principal Strategy Engineer. She commented that being a woman made it harder for people to trust her, but over time she gained respect and wants to encourage young women to join the sport. Eloise Grainger

T is all too easy to dismiss Claire Williams as an example of Formula 1’s infamous nepotism. She took over as de facto Team Principal of the Williams F1 Team in 2013 when her father and team founder, Sir Frank Williams, stood down. This familial connection, however, ignores the immense contribution that Claire has made not just to women in motorsport, but to the Williams team, as one of only two women to have ever managed an F1 team. The circumstances in which she took over in 2013 could not have been more challenging. Williams finished the season second-last in the championship, scoring the fewest points in their history at the time. However, as the new turbo-hybrid era dawned in 2014, Claire Williams turned the team around. She signed experienced driver Felipe Massa, who that season took a pole position in Austria; switched to Mercedes engines, fostering a close relationship with the team that dominated the sport from 2014 to 2020, and secured valuable sponsorship deals. This vaulted Williams back to where it belonged, finishing third in the championship in 2014 and 2015 and regularly finishing on the podium. Whilst Claire Williams was widely criticised amidst the team’s drop in form in 2019 and 2020 (criticism that was all too often laced with sexism), she must also be lauded for her success. Similarly, she showed exceptional foresight in signing aspiring young driver George

Image: lookingspiffy, Wikimedia Commons

Russell to the team for 2019, just after he won the Formula 2 title. Bringing him in to the Williams team not only helped his development of a driver, turning him in to the race winner he is today, but also strengthened a Williams team that had for too long been dependent on pay drivers, rather than genuine talents like Russell. Claire Williams has also been a proponent of female involvement in motorsport. She signed Susie Wolff and Jamie Chadwick as development drivers for Williams, and has supported various initiatives for grassroots female motorsport participation. Under her watch, the proportion of female employees at Williams rose to 17.6 per cent — the highest in the F1 paddock. Although Claire Williams, and with her the rest of the Williams family, left the sport in 2020 following the takeover of their team by Dorilton Capital, she has proven that women have a place in leadership roles in the Formula 1 paddock. Harry Craig, Deputy Editor

29 NOV 2023| EXEPOSÉ

Sport

SPORT EDITORS: Harry Craig Joshua Smith

Exeter’s Movember round-up

Image: Lee Ann Lee, Josh Banks and Rhianna Sookhy

Ceri Vaughan-Jones Online Sport Editor

S November draws to a close, it is time to take a look back at the highlights from yet another successful Movember campaign at the University of Exeter. Since its formation in 2003, the Movember Foundation has been striving to change the face of men’s health, targeting three key areas: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular areas. Be it growing a ‘mo’, tackling physically demanding activities or selling cakes at the Forum, Exeter students have been fundraising tirelessly to support the Movember cause. At the time of writing, £66,376.84 has been raised, the second most of any UK university. A massive shoutout must be given to the hockey and football clubs, who have raised almost £10,000 each! From the University of Exeter Association Football Club, Josh Bailey has raised over £800 individually. He tackled an astonishing 12-hour hill climb of Forum Hill, walking 68km in wet conditions — an incredible display of endurance and determination. Many clubs have participated in the ‘Brave the Shave’ initiative with members shaving their hair to raise awareness. On the 6th November, the Nova Rose Barbers came to the Movember stall in the Forum to support those wishing to partake. There has also been a big focus on

the ‘Move for Mental Health’, with clubs chie James, Vice-Captain Robert Muir and completing their own interpretation. The their caddies Joey Gemmell and Jack Reilly. Movember Foundation encourages us to Movember also saw the return of the run or walk 60km in as many takes as de- Athletics Club’s MOlympics. Teams gathsired over the month in memory of the ered on the 17th to battle out classic events 60 men lost to suicide globally, every hour. such as the egg and spoon relay race, threeStudents have gone above and beyond. To legged race and tug of war. Participating name a few, the Swim and Athletics clubs in the MOlympics were teams from the have organised half marathons, the Tri- Squash, American Football, Women’s athlon Club held a 24-hour triathlon relay, Basketball and Snowsports clubs, as well Golf collectively cycled the distance from as inevitable champions and hosts AthDawlish Warren to St. Andrews, Rugby letics. With fancy dress and a lot of fun, League completed a 24-hour run, this is not an event to be missed Climbing accomplished when it returns for 2024. Image: Lee Ann Lee, Josh Banks and Rhianna Sookhy their Everest challenge, In addition, the and Cycling endured 22nd of the month a 330km ride to was the date for the London, pass‘Ultimate Swim ing through seven Off ’, held at St Sidcounties and climbwell Point. Including 2,500 metres. Laing the Swim, Water crosse even hitchhiked Polo, Surf, Windridtheir way to Cardiff! ers, Canoe and Triathlon Amid multiple charity clubs, the event included bake sales, socials, football matcha mixture of both serious and es and pub quizzes, many clubs have used fun 50-metre races and relays. With posttheir passion for their sport by creating fun- race interviews, music and even a comdraising challenges and events surround- mentator, the swim off was of course ing it. For example, the Golf Club played followed by a joint social before heading 72 holes (four rounds) on the 6th of the to Timepiece. What better way to celmonth. Taking nine hours and 45 minutes, ebrate? Congratulations to all involved! the first tee-shot was hit little before 7am, In terms of individuals, some of the later finishing on the final green with the University’s top fundraisers include Ben sun setting. A big thank you must be given Grenier, Sam Tait, Bodhi Van Der Linto the Warren Golf Club for hosting and den, Josh Banks, Josh Bailey and James congratulations to Golf Club Captain Ar- Woodmore. At the start of the month,

James Woodmore braved the shave and has since been running 60km every week. He has raised over £800. Speaking to him, he revealed his Movember motivation: “earlier this year, one of my best friends unfortunately lost his father to cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer of the bile duct. Luke was a true fighter and never failed to light up a room. He has been on my shoulder every step of the way.” James also acknowledged the importance of physical exercise in maintaining good mental health: “mental health is one of the biggest killers among men in today’s society and running is a way in which anyone can achieve a little win when times get tough. Running certainly saved my life and gave me a reason to smile.” If you are yet to get involved, do not worry! There’s still plenty of time with events running until the end of the month. The Big Dip at Exmouth Beach even takes place on the 3rd of December! No matter how big or small the contribution, it all goes a long way in helping to change the face of men’s health. If you are looking for something to do on the 30th November, Fever will be hosting the Official Closing Party with Dirty Beat. With over £60,000 already raised, this has been another incredible effort by all involved. If you would like to donate to the University’s Movember campaign, more information can be found via @movemberexeter on Instagram. Images: University of Exeter Movember, Instagram

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