Issue 780

exeposé

The South West’s Best Student Publication 2025

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EE

ISSUE 780 25 FEB 2026 exepose.com @exepose

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987 Image: Xpression

The Exetah lifestyle Page 17

XPressionFM celebrates 50th anniversary Kayleigh Swart Editor-in-Chief

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HE University of Exeter’s radio station XpressionFM recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, hosting a weekend full of alumni talks and networking for those part of the station.

The event was run and hosted by the current president of XpressionFM,

Ben Dunkley. Exeposé spoke to Dunkley about the event and the station.

XpressionFM, which was formally known as University Radio Exeter (URE), is an entirely student run station, which aims to offer members a place on their airwaves and access to professional software and equipment.

Dunkley highlighted that the main reason the station has had such a great success is because “of the community that

surrounds it”. He told us that “A big part of our station is sharing our broadcasting opportunities together. We listen to music, cover elections, commentate on sports, create plays, and always as a team”.

‘A big part of our station is sharing our broadcasting opportunities together’

On the weekend of the 7th February, the station hosted their 50th anniversary, hosting alumni and running 14 live shows.

They also hosted two informal alumni vs members games of netball and football – the members coming our victorious in both.

In the evening of the Saturday, a reception was hosted in the forum kitchen, which included speeches, photos and old station log books. Dunkley described the event as “a great way to break the ice informally”.

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Workout anthems Page 20

Exeter City awarded Purple Flag accreditation Nina Exton Deputy Editor

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The Exeter science centre Page 29

Images (top to bottom): Pexels, Picryl, Julia Szewczyk

XETER City Centre was recently awarded Purple Flag accreditation. The nationallyrecognised award celebrates towns and cities boasting night-economies that are both safe and vibrant.

The application for the award was a joint effort, put forth by InExeter (Exeter’s Business Improvement District); the University of Exeter; Devon & Cornwall Police; Exeter City Council; Exeter College; transport providers; culture venues and local businesses.

The Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) then completed a comprehensive external assessment before bestowing Exeter City with the accreditation.

The award reflects conscious efforts in the city of Exeter to improve safety and wellbeing at night while still fostering lively nightlife.

Exeter’s nightlife goes beyond its wealth of pubs and drinking spots, with theatres, museums, live music venues and restaurants all contributing

to Exeter’s evening economy – making it more balanced and inclusive.

Exeter’s nightlife goes beyond its wealth of pubs and drinking spots, with theatres, museums, live music venues and resturants Patrick Cunningham, Director at Exeter Phoenix, said: “Exeter is the cultural heartbeat of the Southwest, a city where creativity thrives after dark. From live music and comedy to independent film and immersive arts experiences, our programming offers something truly unique. What sets Exeter apart is the rich mix of independent venues that create nights out you simply won’t find anywhere else. This diversity makes Exeter not just a destination, but a community of culture.”

Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter, said about the accreditation “We’re absolutely delighted that Exeter has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation.

This achievement highlights Exeter as an exceptional city for a night out. Our businesses and partners are committed

to ensuring the wellbeing of all who come to enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Exeter offers an outstanding and vibrant Image: Melissa experience Swift night-time for people of all ages, with an ever-growing programme of diverse events and activities.”

‘Exeter offers an outstanding and vibrant night-time experience for people of all ages, with an ever-growing programme of diverse events’ Cllr Laura Wright, Exeter City Council’s Deputy Leader said “Our investment in CCTV has significantly strengthened safety in Exeter. Extensive high definition coverage and 24/7 monitoring from the city’s control room provide real reassurance for people enjoying the evening and night-time economy, while supporting rapid partnership responses when it matters most.”

Kira, your Student Living Officer, said, “I’ve been a part of the Purple Flag application for around a year now, and it’s been hugely valuable not only in showing what we’re already

doing, but in highlighting what else we can do to create a safer environment for everyone. A lot of the work I do is focused on safety, from helping to plan Reclaim the Night and putting student voice at the heart of the Purple Flag application, to making bystander intervention training mandatory for society committees and lobbying for change in University processes.

I know that there will always be more to do, but safety for everyone is my biggest passion, and I continue to use student voice and work with the University, in the hope that it will be taken forward and expanded to protect all students.”

Exeposé spoke to Cllr Laura Wright at the Reclaim the Night march in 2025, where she spoke of recent local initiatives in place to make the streets of Exeter more safe. This includes the University’s bystander intervention training, which targets grassroot causes of misogyny before they can escalate to violence.

Wright also told Exeposé about yellow stickers on lamposts in the city centre with numbers you can ring if you feel unsafe, which correspond with CCTV and someone who can watch you and stay on the phone with you until you feel safe.

EXEPOSÉ Devonshire House, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4PZ

Editors Print: Kayleigh Swart and Emily Sara Rizzo Online: Harry Morrison and Zandie Howells Print Deputies: Amberly Wright, Lauren Walsh and Nina Exton Online Deputies: Michelle Chung and Daniel Grayshon editors@exepose.com News Editors Print: Isabella Brooks and Daisy Newbury Online: Zandie Howells news@exepose.com Features Editors Print: Ria Brown-Aryee and Bethany Last Online: Lucas Taylor-Kent features@exepose.com Climate Editors Print: Poppy Fellows Online: Freddy Purcell climate@exepose.com Comment Editors Print: Tom Richardson and Lucas Eley Online: Orlando McKillop and Lucy Parsons comment@exepose.com Satire Editors Print: Christopher Lyndsay Online: Daniel Grayshon satire@exepose.com Lifestyle Editors Print: Yasmine Al-Saket Online: Hayley Bell and Sofia Tapia lifestyle@exepose.com Arts & Lit Editors Print: Isabel Bratt and Amber Platel Online: Zoe Fry

Editorial

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NOTHER week, another issue.

It is somehow still raining and quite frankly we're getting sick of it. Despite the bad weather, we hope you are all having the best few weeks and aren't too stressed with deadlines.

Throughout this issue you'll find articles spotlighting LGBTQ+ history month accross a range of sections.

If there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter that we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com.

In this issue, News looks at the new student accomodation, discusses Xpressions 50th anniversary and the recent Guild election results. Comment discusses the death of pubs and Satire looks at the one year situationship between you and your placement.

In Exhibit, Lifestyle reviews some local pubs and resturants, Music rounds up the Grammys and Screen reviews the recent films and shows. In International we share another multilingual article, this time in French and in Sport we give the rundown of the Six Nations rugby so far. If you can't get enough of Exeposé, you can check out our podcast and website which is updated on a weekly basis!

Once again, thank you so much to all our editors, writers and general helpers who work so hard to make this paper possible!

We are currently in the midst of elections, so if you're a member and

artsandlit@exepose.com

Print: Sarah Gould and Katie Roberts Online: Amelie Marah and Maya Dallal

Screen Editors Print: Beth Casey and Charlotte Isbell Online: Kyle Cleary and Lachlan Evans screen@exepose.com International Editors Print: Jed H. Gibbins and Antoni Kałduński Online: Anoushka Dutta and Lola Milroy-Tompkins international@exepose.com Sci-Tech Editors Print: Julia Szewczyk Online: Anna Tennant and Rosie Merritt sci-tech@exepose.com Sport Editors Print: Annabel Gowling Online: Connor Myers sport@exepose.com Social Media Executive: Megan Wynn Finance Executive:Orlando McKillop Welfare Executive: Sophia Cuschieri Events Executive: Audrey Yuen Podcast producers: Harry Morrison and Alannah Driscoll

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editors@exepose.com The opinions expressed in Exeposé are not necessarily those of the Exeposé Editors nor the University of Exeter Students’ Guild. While every care is taken to ensure that the information in this publication is correct and accurate, the Publisher can accept no liability for any consequential loss or damage, however caused, arising as a result of using the information printed. The Publisher cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to artwork or material submitted. The contents of this, unless stated otherwise, are copyright of the Publisher.

Reproduction in any form requires the prior consent of the Publisher.

want a say on who runs the paper next year, be sure to vote and check out our socials for more infomation.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue and have a fab rest of the week!

Emily and Kayleigh

2023 Best Publication 2025 Best Publication in the South West Images (top to bottom): Geograph, Freerange Stock, Wikimedia Commons, Pexels

CLIMATE FLOODS ON UK BEACHES Page 10

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PLACEMENT YEAR AND MARRIAGE

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REVIEW: WUTHERING HEIGHTS Page 23

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LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH Page 28

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Proofers: Kayleigh Swart, Lauren Walsh, Emily S Rizzo, Nina Exton, Amberly Wright, Lucy Cornwell, Poppy Fellows, Amber Platel, Sarah Gould, Sophia Cuschien, Lizzie Palmer, Braydon Kim, and Suhaib Shaukat

University news home and abroad

Music Editors

music@exepose.com

SPA AWARDS

Drop in black and latino students in top US universities

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STUDY from Class Action examined federal data on university enrollment in 2024 to determine the impacts of the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision (SFFA) to abolish affirmative action. The study compared first-time enrollments in 2022–2023 to 2024 at over 3,000 universities. The study found that both the number and percentage of underrepresented students of color, particularly Black students, declined significantly at selective universities — especially at Ivy Plus schools.

However, the number and ratio of these students increased nearly everywhere else, particularly at state flagship universities. The statistics for White and Asian American first-years remained relatively static, but there was a slight increase in the number and ratio of Asian American first-years at Ivy Plus schools. Class Action argues that these patterns reflect a cascade effect, where highly qualified students of color who would have otherwise been admitted to highly selective institutions pre-SFFA instead enroll in less selective institutions.

EU launches Africa initiative IV

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HE EU has launched Africa Initiative IV, which is a new package of Africa focused research worth just over six hundred million euros for the next two years. This comes under the Horizon Europe work programme 2026/27. This initiative is set to build on three previous iterations that have been introduced in the last five years, the aim to strengthen research between the two continents. They also aim to approach issues together. The main research issues include: public health, green transition, food security, strategic raw materials, AI and governance.

The AU (African union) has welcomed the launch of this initiative as a part of the long-standing relationship with the EU. There is still the question of how long with funding project will go on for, especially considering the cost. It is being reported by World University News that this project could cost billions..

Image of Yale Wikimedia Commons, India Supreme court Wikimedia Commons

Norwegian university India pauses antiblocks applicants from 'risk discrimination university nations' regulations

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HE University of Southeast Norway (USN) has decided to exclude all applicants from four “risk nations” — which are Iran, China, Russia and North Korea.

Part of a recruitment strategy for posts requiring security clearance, applicants from these countries will be excluded before even being considered.

The decision was praised by Norway's right-wing Progress Party (FrP). FrP’s spokesman Simon Valle called on other universities to follow suit and said “The government must also soon understand that we are now living in a completely new security policy situation”.

Valle made further criticism of the Norwegian government for not implementing a similar policy nation-wide, to which Norway’s Minister of Research and Higher Education Sigrun Aasland said “The government is working systematically on security in Norwegian research and higher education”. Aasland also said that Norway values China’s “strong knowledge communities”.

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N 29 January, the Supreme Court of India paused regulations by the University Grants Commission (UGC) that sought to prevent caste-based discrimination at institutions of higher education. On paper, the UGC regulations would protect students of marginalized communities by governing how universities must prevent and respond to discrimination.

The regulations would implement special committees, 24/7 helplines and monitoring systems. Further, these regulations replace the UGC’s earlier equity rules, shifting the burden of compliance on to institutions and their leadership.

Critics argue that these regulations could lead to discrimination against general category students. The Supreme Court’s decision followed student protests and a petition from Mritunjay Tiwari, a researcher at Banaras Hindu University. The Court will review the regulations on 19 March.

By Daisy Newbury, Kayleigh Swart, Nina Exton and Daisy Newbury

25 FEB 2026 | EXEPOSÉ

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Guild elections conclude Kayleigh Swart Editor-in-Chief

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N the 14th February the Guild held their elections results night where they announced the winners for the Student Officer roles. This election cycle was quite different from previous years. The Guild has moved away from the previous system which elected six officer roles and instead have created two new roles: Student Life and Communities Officer and Education and Employability Officer.

Exeposé’s Guild election special spoke to each of the candidates running, which you can still read online. The Guild also pushed students to take part and vote, giving out various incentives. They gave out free gifts for students who voted and for each voting milestone prizes were unlocked. After a weeklong campaign, which took place mostly in the forum, the winners of the elections were announced.

Mia Taylor-Seal was elected as the Education and Employability Officer and Edie Ruston was elected Student Life and Communities Officer.

Mia Taylor-Seal was elected as the Education and Employability and Edie Ruston was elected Student Life and Communities Officers In a statement to Exeposé, Seb the current Guild President said: “Over the past two years, students like you have helped shape a brandnew representation model at Exeter– more inclusive, more student voices, more chances to get involved. This year’s leadership elections were just one part of it. 2,940 students cast 11,377 votes this year, ensuring student voices continue to lead and shape Guild decision-making. While we always want to see more voters, we know that representation is about more than just elections. Students

keep telling us that elections remain a barrier for those who wish to make meaningful change in their communities but struggle to commit to a full-time role or campaigning due to juggling demanding degrees and living costs. Listening to you, we’ve created brand-new paid applied PartTime Officer roles for more students to represent their communities in more diverse, relevant, and impactful ways. Applications are open from 16 Feb — 2 March. You can apply on the Guild website”.

The Guild report that there was a nine per cent turnout of the student body voting in this election. This is a zero point seven decrease in votes from the previous academic year.

The Guild report that there was a nine per cent turnout of the student body voting in this election Image: The Guild

“Influenced hundreds upon hundreds of members over the years” left). He says that they would not have made it to fifty years without him and he “Influenced hundreds upon hundreds of members over the years, he sadly passed away in 2021”.

Xpression has been a key part of the UOE and the fact that they have celebrated their 50th anniversary has been a testament to that. Dunkley closed out his statement with: “I wouldn’t know what I was doing without the support of the students who showed me the way and I like

Continued from the front page

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OME of the Xpression alumni that attended the weekend included: Simon Vigar, Channel 5 Chief Royal Correspondent; Ted Kravitz, Sky Sports F1; Jon Kay, President of BBC Breakfast and Simon Clark, Science Youtuber and author. Many of the speaker events included conversations on the founding of the station and how radio used to work and some tips of the trade. Dunkley commented that “Much like what he does on Sky Sports, Ted walked around the lecture theatre with a microphone and asked different groups of alumni about their own experience

from

their

own

to think I have helped some of our members out like they did for me”.

Dunkley commented on how important sharing skills onto the next generation of members is

generation”.

Ted walked around the lecture theatre with a microphone and asked different groups of alumni about their own experience In a final statement, Dunkley commented how important sharing skills onto the next generation of members is. One important member of the station he wanted to highlight was “heroic technician Frog, aka John Whitworth” (pictured on the

Images: Xpression

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25 FEB 2026 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Terrace reopened following flooring replacement Daisy Newbury News Editor

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HE Terrace space in Devonshire House reopened on February 6th following a six-week closure to replace the floors.

According to Senior Building Surveyor Becky Freeman, the previous flooring was likely original to the building, meaning it was almost 65 years old.

Because it was failing in multiple places, the Terrace was becoming unsafe to use.

Plans to replace the floor began in August 2025, when the University’s Long Term Maintenance budget allocated resources for the project.

However, construction had to wait for a four-week window between already booked events, such as several evening and daytime Bournemouth Symphony

Orchestra Concerts. As a result, construction began in January of this year.

From January 12th until February 6th, the Terrace was closed while Unicraft, an external floor fitting contractor, replaced the flooring. During construction, community members could not access the Terrace or book events in the space.

Additionally, because of the closure, shops like Barisca and Super Savour Kitchen were temporarily closed. In addition to the floor replacement, construction also added more double sockets to the external wall of the room. According to Freeman, the project cost around £73,000.

The new Terrace flooring is made from sprung timber — the same material often used in multi-purpose athletic halls. In an email to Exeposé, Freeman explained that this change was made to accommodate Guild society activities.

“The new floor is sprung so [it] is suitable for Guild societies to carry out fitness classes, martial arts classes and other physical activities as well as being suitable for events such as conferencing and exhibitions”, Freeman wrote.

In addition to the floor replacement, construction also added more double sockets to the extenal wall of the room Before (left) and after (right) images: Becky Freeman

May City Council elections will continue as expected its election in May. Additionally, the government will allocate over £60 million to local governments to assist with the upcoming transition to unitary authorities.

The UK government reversed their decision to cancel 30 local elections across England

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Daisy Newbury News Editor

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N February 16th, the UK government reversed their decision to cancel 30 local elections across England, meaning that Exeter City Council (ECC) will hold

Last year, the government announced that all City and County Councils will be replaced with unitary authorities by April 2028, consolidating the responsibilities currently split between City and County Councils. To account for the upcoming transition, Local Government Secretary Steve Reed announced last year that 63 of the 136 local councils in England were eligible to request the cancellation of their elections until 2027.

Exeter city counselors, like ECC

Leader Phil Bialyk, argued that election cancellation was necessary due to resource constraints in Exeter. Other councilors disagreed with this, arguing that the resources to run elections were already allocated. Ultimately, ECC Leader Phil Bialyk sent a letter to the government in January requesting to cancel Exeter’s May election. Exeter was one of 30 councils to make this request.

However, Reform UK challenged the cancellations of these local elections, bringing a judicial review against the Secretary of State to the High Court in January. Before the challenge could be heard on February 19th, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) announced that Reed withdrew his original decision to cancel the elections, following legal advice.

“The [MHCLG] will take the necessary steps to revoke the secondary legislation in Parliament to ensure that

all local elections will now go ahead in May 2026”, a spokesperson wrote in a February 16th correspondence. The correspondence continued by stating that the government will provide up to £63 million to help local councils reorganize, adding to an initial £7.6 million allocated last year for proposal development.

capacity was an issue”, Bialyk wrote in a 16 February statement from ECC. “The Government is now saying that it can help us with that capacity. So the elections are going ahead, and our officers will be able to deliver a good election in Exeter.”

The government will provide up to £63 million to help local councils reorganise Although Bialyk was initially a strong advocate for the cancellation of Exeter’s May election, the additional government funding has shifted his perspective.

“This [funding] is important because part of the reason for a postponement was that considerable resources are needed to move towards a unitary council…

Image: Wikimedia Commons

NHS grants funding for Exeter MSc programme Daisy Newbury News Editor

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HS England granted an additional five years of funding to the University of Exeter’s Masters of Science (MSc) programme in Genomic Medicine.

Exeter’s MSc in Genomic Medicine allows NHS employees to study Genomic Medicine for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or Masters. NHS England has fully funded Exeter’s MSc in

Genomic Medicine since 2016.

With both in-person and online options, Exeter has awarded degrees to over 300 students. Of these students, 184 were funded directly by NHS England, 21 of which completed individual NHS-funded modules.

According to a press release from the University, approximately a third of MSc graduates achieved a distinction.

Approximately a third of MSc graduates achieved a distinction

The programme aims to prepare students to improve genomics capability across the NHS. This improvement can deliver significant benefits for patients, such as faster, more accurate diagnoses for rare diseases, inherited conditions and cancer.

Additionally, improved genomics capability can allow for more personalized treatment and prevention strategies, as well as improve the equity of access to genomic medicine.

Financially, earlier intervention not only helps reduce avoidable morbidity, but also long-term healthcare costs.

Image: Medschool - USUHS.edu

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25 FEB 2026 | EXEPOSÉ

NEWS

Over 200 student beds approved in city centre Daisy Newbury News Editor

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N 9 February, Exeter City Council approved the controversial construction of a ten-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) on Western Way. The permission was granted by six votes to three, with one councilor abstaining.

First introduced to the Council in December 2023, the proposed construction initially towered 20 storeys high, and intended to construct approximately 350 student beds on the current site of Clarendon House.

Following feedback from the Council, Zinc — the property developer behind the proposal — revised the proposal to shorten the building to 10 storeys and reduce the number of student rooms from 350 to 297.

The proposed construction initially towered 20 storeys high

In a statement to Exeposé, Kira, your Student Living Officer, said, "We know housing is one of the biggest pressures facing students right now, so decisions like this really matter.

Purpose-built

student accommodation can meet students' needs. When it’s done well, it offers all-in costs, clear contracts and facilities that help students feel part of a community.

But we’ve been clear that new developments must work for all students. In our submission to the Exeter Plan, the city’s blueprint for how Exeter will grow and change over the next 20 years, we pushed for stronger commitments on affordability and proper accessibility.

That means thinking about everything from automatic doors and lifts to blue badge parking, right from the start.

If prices keep rising, many students are priced out of PBSA. We want to see housing that reflects the real financial pressures students are under, not developments that look good on paper but remain out of reach.

We’ll be at the Exeter Plan hearing on 11th March to keep making that case. Students bring so much to this city, and we’ll keep holding the council to account to make sure housing genuinely meets their needs.”

At the meeting, some councilors stated that the building would be better suited as general housing. Counselor Lynn Wetenhall argued that the city currently has adequate PBSA options, especially because student numbers have been declining over the past few years. Others, such as Councillor

Michael Mitchell and Exeter Civic Society Chairman Keith Lewis, opposed the building altogether, arguing that Zinc prioritized height over the city’s heritage.

“This is going to be here for generations, so it is important that we get it right”, Mitchell told the Council. “The density and massing is too much for that site. It’s almost there, but it’s not perfect, and it has got to be perfect because it will be there for the next 50 or 60 years”.

Strategic Director for Place Ian Collinson disagreed, arguing that Exeter city centre is an ideal location for the tall building.

“This is probably one of the best locations you could possibly find for student accommodation”, Collinson said. “This is the kind of location where we can be ambitious. It is a gateway site, so it needs a gateway building”.

Additionally, Rok Planning Director Matthew Roe told the Council that over 10,000 University of Exeter students currently live in general housing instead of PBSA. Roe argued that constructing more PBSA would encourage students to move, freeing up those properties for local families.

Following a rejected proposal to defer the decision, construction was approved by six of the ten councilors.

Image:David Smith, Geograph

Exeter mosque vandalised with racist graffiti Nina Exton Deputy Editor

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EVON and Cornwall Police are currently investigating an incident involving racist graffiti on an Exeter mosque.

Overnight between January 30 and 31, racist graffiti was spraypainted onto the walls of a mosque on Pinhoe Road, also known as Exeter Diyanet Mosque. The graffiti included the racist P-word slur and Christian crosses, according to Tell MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks). The police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Members of the local community rallied to support the mosque, helping paint over the graffiti.

Members of the local commnity rallied to support the mosque, helping paint over the graffiti

Image: Wikimedia Commons

The mosque posted on Facebook the next day to express gratitude for

the outpouring of local support as well as for the police's assistance.

The mosque posted on Facebook the next day to express gratitude for the outpouring of local support as well as for the police’s assistance.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Devon & Cornwall Police for their reassuring presence and approach; to the brave Dan, who came to remove the disturbing paint and expressions from the wall; to the healthcare worker who shared our sorrow with tears in their eyes; to Tony, who showed his support by bringing a heartfelt letter, paint and paint brushes; to our young friend who expressed his sympathy by bringing biscuits; to Pinhoe Hope Church for seeing us as a valued part of the Pinhoe community and standing with us; and to the dedicated volunteers of our mosque and community”.

The post also made clear that Exeter’s Muslim community will

not stand for racial or religious hatred.

“The strong support we witnessed clearly shows that standing against goodness and kindness will never find a place or acceptance in British society”.

The mosque is one of two recognised mosques in Exeter, with the other being the University of Exeter Muslim prayer rooms. It was opened in 2011 in response to the city’s growing Muslim population which now sits at 2.5 percent of Exeter’s population, according to the 2021 census. This is not including Muslim students at the University of Exeter.

If you have information that may help police to identify the person responsible, please call 101 or contact them via the force website quoting 50260025852.

If you have information that may help police to identify the person responsible, please call 101 or contact them via the force website quoting 50260025852.

25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

8

Features

FEATURES EDITORS:

Bethany Last Ria Brown-Aryee

LGBTQ+ History: The 1983 Exeter Gay Festival

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Marcus Webb discusses the history of Exeter’s 1983 Gay Festival

CURSORY Google search for ‘queer history in Exeter’ yields few results. There is, of course, the work of Exeter Pride, whose heritage page details their history dating back to its first committee meeting in 2008. There is also an article by Hayden Eccles and Laura Gent as part of the University’s ‘Queer Natures’ project that traces some of the history of Exeter University’s LGBTQ+ Society from its founding in the 1970s as ‘GaySoc’. But what else is missing from the picture?

The Guild’s 2025 LGBTQ+ Experience Report revealed that often, queer individuals at the University feel separate from the city, contributing to disparities in feelings of safety on-and-off campus. With these sentiments in mind, for LGBTQ+ history month lets focus in on one event, the 1983 Exeter Gay Festival, to look at how queer students and Exeter residents have worked together in the past

OFTEN, QUEER INDIVIDUALS AT THE UNIVERSITY FEEL SEPARATE FROM THE CITY

show by Eric of his trip to the Seychelles’.

But it also highlights the distinct dangers and fears of the 1980s for LGBTQ+ individuals in Exeter, a decade dominated by Thatcherite assaults on gay rights exemplified by Section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, and a period of substantial personal loss and grief in the form of the unfolding HIV/AIDS crisis. In the same breath it notes one member’s status as ‘Gaybrain 1985’ for (metaphorically) outstripping everyone in their annual gay quiz, while also solemnly informing readers of new government legislation that would allow health authorities to detain AIDS patients indefinitely in hospital.

The EGC functioned as an important locus for social organisation for Exeter’s LGBTQ+ community in an overtly homophobic political context, and it is as this centre for organisation that the ‘Exeter Gay Festival’ can be seen as a pioneering antecedent of Exeter Pride, and a salient example of bridging the student-local divide.

The Exeter Gay Festival took place on March 11th — 13th 1983, organised by a working committee of representatives from the University’s ‘GaySoc’, EGC, another local organisation called ‘Exeter Lesbian Link’, and the Devon and Somerset Students’ Association. Utilising spaces familiar to us today, Cornwall House and Devonshire House, the committee organised various activities over the three-day event. ‘Noncompetitive’ games, discos, bands, films, theatre, poetry, and workshops were all featured, briefly transforming Streatham Campus into the single-most visible queer space in South-West England.

Within the Hall-Carpenter Archives of the London School of Economics, there resides some of the few archival materials relating to local queer organisation in Exeter prior to the founding of Exeter Pride. The Gay ExePress, a newsletter published by and for the Exeter Gay Community (EGC), provides us a glimpse into local gay and lesbian lives in 1980s Exeter. The EGC was a social organisation, split off from (but still affiliated with) the national law reform organisation Campaign THE EXETER GAY for Homosexual Equality (CHE) in 1982.

FESTIVAL TOOK PLACE Gay Exe-Press newsletters from 1982 to 1987 give us an impression of a group doON MARCH 11TH-13TH ing their level best to provide safe spaces and In an environment which sought to obsocial occasions for local gay and lesbian inscure LGBTQ+ lives in Exeter, highlighted dividuals in an all-too-often hostile environas an impetus behind the foundation of Exment. Take, for example, the April 1985 edieter Pride even by the turn of the 21st Cention. The newsletter cheerily advertises the tury, the Exeter Gay Festival can be seen fortnightly EGC disco at Boxes nightclub on as a major milestone in the tentative first the Quay, a monopoly party at the editor’s We are starting to see steps towards queer visibility in our city. house, and the all-too relatable experience Leading some change and It was by no political means an unmitigated suc- a for anyone who has endured my camera to question votes cess. The Gay Exe-Press issue for April-June roll exhibitions following a holiday,isathe ‘slide-

Image::R/DV/RS from Belgium/UK WIkimedia Commons

Image:: e: Hall-Carpenter Archives, HCA/

1983 highlighted numerous issues and challenges that plagued the events. These included issues of separatism between gay and lesbian attendees, scheduling issues, and not least that several speakers failed to turn up without warning, inciting a spiky condemnation from the editor of the Gay Exe-Press, who noted somewhat unpresciently given the fate of the festival that “I, for one, didn’t miss you at all, but next time, and there will be one, you will NOT be asked to share with us”.

IT WAS BY NO MEANS AN UNMITIGATED SUCCESS. The continThere was also, ofEBU course, local backlash. Letters to the editor of the local Express and Echo newspaper voiced their opposition to the event after the fact, which the Gay Exe-Press brushes aside with trademark humour as “trying to nobble the horse after it has won the race, and returned to its stable”.

It seems that these challenges were too great to surmount in following years, as archival material suggests that 1983 was its solitary occasion. Yet something simple, but crucially important was achieved. As related by the editor of the Gay Exe-Press: “Yes, those few weekends ago, something happened in Exeter. We did not have to travel

halfway up the country for it… for once part of the world came here to be in it”.

The festival showcased something important; despite adversity, it managed to bring together local and student LGBTQ+ communities, a partnership that continued throughout the 1980s, with GaySoc events advertised regularly in subsequent issues of the Gay Exe-Press. It furthermore demonstrated just how entrenched divisions between lesbian and gay individuals were at the time, an issue addressed by a later admission of the marginalisation of lesbians in the EGC, and a turn towards inclusivity by the Gay Exe-Press from March 1985 onwards.

But most importantly, it shows ‘student’ and ‘local’ lives are not separate entities. It underscores that with outreach work and a dose of good humour, divides can be bridged in adverse circumstances to make this city a friendlier place for all. Such a lesson remains particularly important as the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly our transgender friends, family and colleagues, is increasingly uncertain in Britain, as outlined by a 2024 UN report which identified a rapid increase in recent years in ‘bias-motivated incidents of harassment, threats and violence’ on the basis of gender and sexual orientation.

9 FEATURES

25 FEB 2026 | EXEPOSÉ

Image: PickPik

An Interview with Sofie Night: ‘I hope that by sharing this, someone else might feel a little less alone’ Lucy Cornwell interviews Sofie Night about her experience with neurodivergence in the workplace THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS CONTENT RELATING TO SUICIDE, ADDICTION, BULLYING AND EATING DISORDERS WHICH SOME READERS MAY FIND DISTRESSING

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OR Sofie Night, autism advocacy is integral to her life. After 26 years in employment, she has published the book Autism and ADHD Employment, My Trials and Triumphs: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy, detailing her experiences as an autistic woman in the workplace. She highlights the aspects of the workplace that are difficult to access as a neurodivergent person and provides resources and explanations for how to make employment more accessible to people with autism and ADHD. Like many other autistic women, Sofie’s autism diagnosis didn’t come until she was in her late forties. She explains how she always felt different but could never pinpoint it — whether it was due to her childhood trauma and PTSD or due to being a Belgian person living in England and having a more

Image: www.wikimediacommons.org

direct, European style of communication.

She told me, “I’ve always tried to find reasons as to why I didn’t fit in that much”, and her diagnosis of autism gave her some insight into why she experiences things differently to other people.

LIKE MANY OTHER AUTISTIC WOMEN, SOFIE’S AUTISM DIAGNOSIS DIDN’T COME UNTIL SHE WAS IN HER LATE FORTIES Over three quarters of autistic people in the UK are not in employment, which Sofie suggests is due to “systemic barriers” and “workplace cultures that fail to embrace difference”.

This percentage does not reflect the abilities of autistic people, but the inabilities of workplaces to accommodate them, something Sofie is committed to changing. The book is mainly centred around a difficult period of time at work in which she was a victim of bullying by management and found it increasingly difficult to cope in such a hostile environment. Although she suffered a horrible ordeal, she emphasises that “I don’t want to come across as someone who’s very negative, even though I’m going through a very negative experience”. By writing about her experiences on social media, and through poetry, she was able to process this experience, which enabled her to turn it into this book.

I DON’T WANT TO COME ACROSS AS SOMEONE WHO’S VERY NEGATIVE

While speaking to her, she highlighted her desire for an inclusive workplace where her “differences are seen as something to be celebrated”. Autism and ADHD Employment, My Trials and Triumphs details her experiences in a workplace not made for her, exploring her struggles with management, communication with colleagues and acceptance in the workplace. Her “autistic perils”, as she labels them, mean she often gets overwhelmed at work and prefers to express herself through email rather than conversation, as she can plan out her responses better. She details how she has often been reprimanded for her inability to understand office power dynamics and her communication style.

SHE HAS OFTEN BEEN REPRIMANDED FOR HER INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND OFFICE POWER DYNAMICS Sofie was inspired to write the book after years of sharing her experiences on social media, gaining a large following on LinkedIn posting about navigating autism in the workplace. People often contact her, thanking her for sharing her struggles as it has made them feel less alone and given them the courage to continue. The book is a collation of emails, social media statuses, poems and essays, written in a non-linear and repetitive manner to represent the unstructured, chaotic aspects of the autistic mind. She commented that the way she thinks “doesn’t fit into chapters”, and the book’s non-linear structure reflects that chaos.

Sofie suggested that in order to be more in-

Image: Dani Maiz, behance.net

clusive in the workplace, people should spread autism awareness and commit to learning how to be a better ally to neurodiverse colleagues. She signposted the LinkedIn user Bridgette Hamstead and the website Neurodiversity in Business as great tools for learning about neurodiversity.

PEOPLE SHOULD SPREAD AUTISM AWARENESS AND COMMIT TO LEARNING HOW TO BE A BETTER ALLY TO NEURODIVERSE COLLEAGUES

25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

10

Climate

CLIMATE EDITOR:

Poppy Fellows

Pattie Gonia: hiking in heels

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Ella Clark shines a spotlight on a queer climate activist for LGBTQ History Month

ATTIE Gonia has become a pinnacle of internet sensations as she hikes across America campaigning for environmental and climate rights, dressed head to heel in drag. Known as Wyn Wiley, when he is not in his drag persona (using she/her pronouns for drag), Pattie first went viral in 2018 for hiking the Continental Divide area in drag heels (around 6 inches taller than your average hiking boots!) In 2024, she was invited to the Netflix is a Joke festival, making her a distinguishable activist, in taking part in a night of comedy devoted to inspiring action against climate change.

Now one of the most visible drag queens in the US, with her work taking her to The White House, Pattie strides to increase awareness around the climate, as well as to make money to expand access and make the outdoors more

equitable. Wyn holds a personal connection to his environmental efforts as Pattie. Growing up, he felt uncomfortable among the intimidating and headstrong alpha males who ran summer camps and aims to change the lack of inclusivity he used to feel in the outdoors. This led to Pattie to join the Brave Trails organisation, to help encourage children to commune with nature. Brave Trails, ‘Where LGBTQ+ Youth find their people, place and passion’, is set on creating meaningful change in the outdoors space, and helping children build important life skills, such as leadership and teamwork. They run summer camps, backpacking trips, family camps, mental health services, meet-up groups, and year-round leadership programming. Pattie’s connection to the organisation has helped bring in corporate sponsorships, from compa-

nies such as the North Face and Tazo, which enabled Brave Trails to recently purchase its ‘forever home’ in Santa Clarita, California.

In 2025, Pattie completed the 100-mile trek from Point Reyes National seashore to San Francisco, in full drag – complete with a voluminous wig and smoky eye done fresh every morning. She documented her process every day, and by the Friday, a GoFundMe for the project had raised more than $1 million from almost 35,000 individual donations. Following her hike, she posted “Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t make a difference,”, on social media, landmarking her project for LGBTQ+ environmental activists.

Image: ikonpass, Wikimedia Commons

Pattie Gonia is a unique and refreshing activist on the climate scene, and it is evident that she is far from done in her journey, we can look forward to more exciting endeavours in her future.

Brazil’s clean energy boom

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Nina Exton, Deputy Editor, examines Brazil’s renewable energy industry

N the last 50 years, Brazil has stood out as a clean energy leader — especially in solar power — for both the Global South and the wider world. While its renewable-heavy energy mix has reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, recent months have raised concerns about whether national infrastructure can keep pace with its rapid energy expansion.

Brazil’s clean energy journey began in the 1970s oil crisis, which pushed the country to seek cheaper and more sustainable alternatives through its sugarcane ethanol programme, Próálcool. At the same time, they invested heavily in long-term renewable sources such as hydropower, developing large dams like Itaipu. What started as a strategy for self-reliance has since given Brazil one of the cleanest energy matrices globally, strengthening both its environmental credentials and international legitimacy.

Today, 90 percent of Brazil’s electricity comes from renewable sources, according to the International Energy Agency.

90 PERCENT OF BRAZIL’S ELECTRICITY COMES FROM RENEWABLE SOURCES Few countries possess Brazil’s natural advantages for renewable energy. With vast river systems such as the Amazon and Paraná, strong winds across the northeast, and high, consistent solar intensity throughout its tropical and

subtropical regions, Brazil is well suited for hydropower, wind and solar generation yearround. Although countries like India share similar natural potential, Brazil’s institutional reforms and sustained investment have allowed it to mobilise these resources more effectively.

Despite this, concerns have grown over whether Brazil can sustain this expansion. Between January and October last year, wind and solar output was reduced by 20.4 percent — triple the previous year’s level. Investment confidence has also weakened, with the wind lobby group ABEEólica warning that projects in operation are at risk.

Brazil’s vast territory of 8.5 million km² also adds to the challenge. While renewable generation is concentrated in the northeast, more than half of electricity demand lies in the populous southeast. Transmitting power across such dis-

tances requires costly infrastructure and complex coordination. The resulting oversupply has led to grid congestion and curtailment, which is the forced reduction of renewable output.

Although recent reforms aim to financially compensate affected generators, substantial infrastructure upgrades are still needed to address the root causes of transmission bottlenecks.

Despite these setbacks, Brazil’s environmental gains remain significant. Cleaner energy has lowered carbon emissions, improved air quality, reduced fossil fuel extraction, and limited soil and water contamination. For a country already facing severe deforestation pressures, this protection is vital.

Beyond domestic benefits, Brazil’s renewable surplus creates opportunities to export green hydrogen to Europe and Asia, with ports such as Pecém emerging as potential energy hubs.

Human-made sediment floods UK beaches

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Poppy Fellows, Climate Editor, discusses how an estimated 50 percent of sediment on beaches is man-made

RICK, concrete, glass, and waste potentially make up 50 percent of the coarse sediment found on Britain’s beaches.

Destructive storms along coastlines have brought man-made materials to the beaches in Scotland, found in a study conducted at the University of Glasgow. Researchers have found evidence that the natural sands along the Firth of Forth — a major tidal estuary and inlet on the Scottish East coast — has been mixed with critical amounts of human-produced materials. This is evident of climatic breakdown, due to increasingly intense storms, and anthropogenic pollution.

Six beaches were surveyed in detail, revealing they consist of much more “anthropogenic geomaterials” than estimated. “Anthropogenic geomaterials” act as pollutants, evidencing environmental degradation of both the ocean and

now our beaches. It is important to note that this includes only coarse materials, but it remains an alarming fact and reality — that human and industrial waste are flooding our local environments, conquering our former natural areas, and posing a serious threat to coastal ecosystems.

Image: Geograph

The study showed that human-made materials made up 22 percent of pebble-sized sediments on the beaches, brick fragments were the most common. At Granton Beach near Edinburgh, 50 percent of the coarse sediments were anthropogenic materials, dominated by concrete. Erosion of coastal industrial sites and infrastructure, and waste disposal are seemingly the source of this beach sediment, rather than the typical coastal processes.

One researcher at the University of Glasgow has stated that worldwide, urbanised coastlines are made up of post-industrial and landfill materials, and this will continue to increase with climate change, and the subsequent intensified magnitude of storms. Despite the study being localised along a Scottish coastline, the researchers have determined that it is very likely that

beaches across the UK and the wider world have accumulated similar levels of anthropogenic geomaterial, especially in urbanised coastal systems, where there is very little academic research.

Considering this recent study in Scotland, there will hopefully be more extensive research into the changing nature of beaches through human impact. The Guardian provided the example of a sandy bank opposite Canary Wharf, where littered bricks have been eroded and rounded over time, colloquially termed “Thames potatoes”.

Beaches are dynamic systems. They are changing, evolving over time. As with much of the world’s ecosystems today, it is crucial to consider the ways in which anthropogenic influence, and man-made climate change is impacting the fundamental elements of the world’s beaches going forward.

Comment

25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

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COMMENT EDITORS Tom Richardson Lucas Eley

EDITOR’S COLUMN Tom Richardson, Comment Editor

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S many students know, travelling to and from university between terms can be particularly dire as of recent years but the clear standout in this regard has to be the remarkable increase in the cost of train tickets. As a benchmark relevant to many students particularly at Exeter, the cost of a standard seat from Exeter St Davids to any station around South-West London can run anywhere from £50 to £80 even booking weeks in advance. According to the Trades Union Congress, the average price of all regulated fares, including season tickets, has increased on average around 50 per cent over the last decade; outpacing inflation and average wage increases significantly. So, what is the reason behind these unreasonable advances in price?

This makes little sense when considering the realities of rail transportation both in freight and passenger travel. Trains are and always have been arguably the most cost effective mass transport option especially once networks are already set up due to a plethora or reasons: minimal wheel resistance, the friction between steel wheels and steel tracks is significantly lower than between rubber tires and tarmac roads meaning trains require much less fuel to maintain speed over long distances; minimal wind resistance; the nature of coupled carriages means that only the front carriage faces large wind resistance despite the greater cargo capacity; efficient passenger capacity, due to the aforementioned efficiencies the cost per capita for the immense volume of passengers is minimal.

Train companies have argued that their borderline gouging increases in price are due to multiple factors especially due to the high inflation within the United Kingdom although in 2025 increases outpaced Retail Prices Index increase by 2 per cent (5.1 per cent compared to 3.2 per cent).

Furthermore, they claim that they are still attempting to recover revenue lost during the Covid-19 pandemic during which rail use was significantly reduced, however at the same period of time the overhead of these companies was significantly reduced with not paying for more fuel or electric power due to significantly reduced services.

So if the reasons given by the companies themselves don’t add up to the real terms increases in the prices is it not reasonable to assume that the increases are more based on the desire for increased profit rather than the realities of the situation. No matter the cause, one thing is certain, rail prices for students are going to stay high and get higher over the coming years.

Image: Loco Steve, Flickr

Image: Peter, Wikimedia Commons

The Struggle of Adaptation

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Lauren Walsh, Deputy Editor, critiques the new Wuthering Heights film adaptation

merald’s Fennell’s new film Wuthering Heights released in cinemas on the 13th of February, and is based on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel of the same name. It stars Margot Robbie as Cathy and Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff, and is accompanied by the marketing tagline “based on the greatest love story of all time”.

This is where it gets interesting.

Whether Wuthering Heights is a romance or not is a subject many people have debated over hundreds of years, and one that has recently resurfaced online thanks to the film.

My opinion is that it’s a romance in that the story primarily concerns Cathy and Heathcliff ’s romantic relationship, however, I would not say it was “the greatest love story of all time”. If your relationship with your partner looks like that of Cathy and Heathcliff, I fear you need help. It is not a love story anyone should be looking to emulate in their real life. It is toxic, abusive, and very dark: the book is first and foremost a Gothic novel before it is a romance. Fennell has reduced an incredibly complex relationship to the BookTok trope of ‘forbidden love’.

But the real problem is with the casting of the film. Putting age concerns aside, as both actors are arguably too old to play the respective roles, neither look remotely like the characters are described in the book.

This is particularly an issue in regard to the character of Heathcliff, who is described in the novel as a “darkskinned gipsy”, “a Lascar,” and a “Spanish castaway”; that is, as a person of colour, not a lanky white Australian. Heathcliff ’s noticeable ‘otherness’ is integral to the story, as it dictates how the other characters treat him, and this is what I would argue is at the crux of the book, the cycles of intergenerational trauma and racial abuse — not some doomed but sexy star-cross’d lovers trope.

Furthermore, Fennell has spoken in interviews about how this movie is her interpretation of the book based on her fantasies when she first read it as a teenager, making the whitewashing even more questionable.

IF YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER LOOKS LIKE THAT OF CATHY AND HEATHCLIFF’S, I FEAR YOU NEED HELP I also worry about the danger of reducing such a wonderful and interesting novel to simply a ‘love story’. Especially when such a novel was written by one of the few women from that era who is remembered in public consciousness. To reduce the work of women like the Brontës and

Jane Austen to simply romances, and ignore the cutting societal critiques included in them seems to send the message that women only write about love and romance (a genre already often critically ridiculed) and to de-value these works of literature, because they are written by women.

DANGER OF REDUCING SUCH A WONDERFUL AND INTERESTING NOVEL TO SIMPLY A ‘LOVE STORY’ I accept that some adaptations and period pieces can, and in some instances, should, be highly stylised, and this can add to the enjoyment and depth of a the film or TV show. Take something like Bridgerton, for example.

It is in theory a period piece, but it doesn’t claim to be historically accurate at any point. It is highly stylised and can be enjoyed for what it is: a bit of fun. And Fennell’s distinctive visual style (including the ‘skin room’ featuring photos of Margot Robbie’s actual skin) in addition to the film’s flamboyant costuming, seem to lend themselves well to this kind of media. If Fennell had called the film something else, and cited Brontë’s Wuthering Heights as her inspiration that would be one thing, but calling it Wuthering Heights and then blatantly

whitewashing it and, in many ways, misinterpreting the book is the issue.

And we can see some examples of where a classic novel to film adaptation can be faithful to its source text without sacrificing its essence.

Guillermo de Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, also starring Jacob Elordi, came out last year, for example. Do I have my own issues with how this was adapted? Yes. Am I an extremely nitpicky English Literature student?

Also, yes. Most of the issues I have with del Toro’s Frankenstein are more questions of interpretation and taste, rather than the essence of the film.

It wasn’t the most book-accurate, but I could see why he’d done what he did, why he’d cut or changed aspects to focus on the central theme.

It is always going to be a challenge to adapt classic novels such as these into film, and I accept that often a director must focus on a certain interpretation, but Emerald Fennell seems to have fundamentally misunderstood the novel, and her erasure of the nuances in the story is problematic.

FENNELL SEEMS TO HAVE FUNDAMENTALLY MISUNDERSTOOD THE NOVEL

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25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

COMMENT

The decline of pubs Rachel Baldwin discusses changing policy and cultural attitudes affecting the pub industry

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N January, Rachel Reeves announced a package to support pubs, which consists of a 15 percent cut to bills, followed by a two-year real-terms freeze. However, with the decline of pub culture, will this be sufficient to save pubs?

Adrian Chiles, writing for The Guardian, stated that 40 years ago, there were more than 60,000 pubs in the UK; now this has fallen by 20,000. Furthermore, pubs have also been closing earlier than normal as well as not being open in the early days of the week.

Changing cultural attitudes seems to have been a big contributor to pub closures. There has been a general decline in drinking culture, as noted by ONS, which revealed that since 2005, there has been a two percent increase in the number of adults who say they do not drink alcohol at all. Most concerningly, young people are the least likely to have drunk alcohol in the last week, suggesting the future of pubs looks bleak.

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE LEAST LIKELY TO HAVE DRUNK ALCOHOL In addition, after the COVID-19 lockdowns, there has been a grow-

PUBS ARE LIMITING INVESTMENT BECAUSE OF THESE HIGH COSTS AS WELL AS UNCERTAINTY

Image: Wikimedia Commons

ing number of people working from home, which has inevitably led to a big decline in after-work drinking. Furthermore, Michael Kill, chief executive of one organisation that has been forced to close, stated that the poor travel infrastructure after midnight makes a night out unappealing, preventing people from going to pubs.

In addition to these new cultural attitudes, people have been impacted by economic circumstances, which have exacerbated the decline. Since

2000, the amount of beer people are buying in shops increased by 27 percent, and whilst this points to an increase in drinking culture, arguably, this replaces alcohol that could have been bought for a higher price in pubs. Therefore, less money is being circulated in pubs, meaning owners are less able to deal with operational costs. Chris Tulloch, managing director of Bling Tiger Inns, says these costs have only been increasing, referencing how in the last two years his profit margins have

fallen by 25 percent, because of rising National Insurance contributions, wages, rent, etc. Furthermore, Tulloch stated that pubs are limiting investment because of these high costs as well as uncertainty as to the future. This is problematic for pubs as it prevents money from being reinjected into pub culture by creating new fun pub nights or adding new drinks, which could have increased interest. However, the risk with this would be the impact of the declining drinking culture on pubs,

and owners may lose more money.

All this being said, Paul Milsom, managing director of Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, said that pubs need “less intervention” and “less taxation”, which is what Reeves has provided. Furthermore, Nils Pratley, writing for The Guardian, described the package as not “insignificant” since the bill increase had been causing “most angst”. However, Rory Hanrahan, writing for Sp!ked stated that pub owners would need to increase turnover by £12,500 to see any positive difference, and considering the decline in drinking, this seems unlikely. Shadow Chancellor, Mel Stride, described the plan as a “sticking plaster” which will “only delay the pain for a while” before “bills skyrocket”. Whilst the announcement represents attempts by the government to aid pubs, it is unclear whether this will be enough to remedy the long-term declining drinking culture, so as to prevent the death of pubs.

Flags, patriotism and political symbology

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AISE the Colours is a UKbased movement promoting the widespread displays of the Union flag and the St. George’s cross on private property and public infrastructure. Initiated in South Birmingham by the ‘Weoley Warriors’ in the late Summer of 2025, the campaign rapidly gained support, spreading to Manchester, London, and other cities, with flags being fastened to lampposts, telegraph poles and strung across bridges, as well as draped from garden fences and shopfronts. By late August, roundabouts across the UK had been spray painted with images of the St. George’s cross and whole flat blocks have had flags hung from every balcony. Participants describe the initiative as a “grassroots movement for unity” and collective pride in the nation, but whilst framing this as an effort to promote togetherness, the campaign has sparked debate over whether it constitutes genuine patriotism or a form of exclusionary, farright ethnonationalism that has exac-

Anna Tolkacheva discusses the use of flags as symbols for protest erbated tensions and deeply polarised communities across the UK. Amid the volatility of the current political climate, ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ has been associated with a surge in hostility towards migrants. In November 2025, 55 percent of ethnic minority adults considered the display of the St. George’s cross an expression of “anti-migrant” or “anti-ethnic minority sentiment” with 41 percent having an equal opinion of the display of the Union flag. A resident of King’s Heath, where a roundabout was painted with an image of the St. George’s cross said it “feels like an excuse for xenophobia.” While presented as a grassroots initiative, reports indicate involvement from far-right figures like Tommy Robinson and connections to extremist groups such as the English Defence League and Britain First.

BY LATE AUGUST, ROUNDABOUTS ACROSS THE UK HAD BEEN SPRAY PAINTED

Considering the equally unifying and divisive force of the contemporary flag, at what point did this symbol become such a fundamental part of political iconography?

AT WHAT POINT DID THIS SYMBOL BECOME SUCH A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF POLITICAL ICONOGRAPHY? The earliest forms of the flag were commonly used to represent gods and deities in Ancient Rome, Egypt and China, evolving into military markers in the medieval period, with banners displaying a coat of arms used to identify leaders and armies in battle and in tournaments.

The rise of nationalism in the 18th19th centuries largely rebranded flags for politics. The American and French revolutions saw flags become clear symbols of liberty, democracy and national sovereignty, with the creation of the American ‘Stars and

Stripes’ flag and the French ‘tricolor’.

It makes sense for this symbol to have become such a potent and enduring element for modern political branding, particularly in fostering patriotism. Flags provide a universally understood, highly accessible, versatile and visible marker of shared geography, history and identity, transcending language or literacy barriers. However, the same simplicity and accessibility that make them highly effective instruments of unity can quickly render them suited for exclusion, division and hate, depending on the political context.

Despite deepening divides within communities across the UK, the ‘Raise the Colours’ movement is a testament to the continuing political weight carried by flags and a vivid demonstration of how fiercely political symbols still grip national imaginations. The future of the flag is thus unlikely to be subdued. If anything, as politics becomes more media-driven, visual symbols will take on greater s i g n i f i c a n c e .

Images: Wikimedia Commons

25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

14

Satire

Trump to be next contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race Christopher Lyndsay Satire Editor

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N a shock to absolutely no one other than his supporters, Donald Trump has announced that he’s abandoning his presidency in pursuit of drag. With his ambitions set high, Trump is going to werk on RuPaul’s Drag Race in order to become America’s Next Drag Superstar.

Needless to say, reactions to this development have been mixed. Many Democrats have rejoiced that Trump has finally leaned into his better side, while some Republicans feel betrayed. Clinging tightly to his stuffed MAGA teddy outside the White House, JD Vance told officials “Daddy said he was going to get milk.” The question of Vance’s custody remains unanswered.

Trump himself has faced many unanticipated challenges in his newest endeavour. Though he claims every setback to be “fake news”, reports suggest Trump was asked to “lay off the makeup”, being directed to take lessons from professional makeup artists to learn the existence of skin tones other than decomposing orange. There have also reportedly been wardrobe malfunctions. Amid all the Lycra, who would have guessed that Trump’s putrid piss bags wouldn’t blend in?

REPORTS SUGGEST TRUMP WAS ASKED TO ‘LAYOFF THE MAKEUP’ With RuPaul herself remaining thus far unimpressed, prospects aren’t looking good for the latest queen to hit the Dragway. Still, no matter his performance, it is surely better to see him in drag, than have him drag down politics?

Image: Wikimedia Commons

SATIRE EDITOR:

Christopher Lyndsay

LGBTQ announce long awaited sequel: LGBT2 Sebastian Broom

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HEY’VE won. Dear reader, it’s over. We, the last bastions of the far-right, are at a complete loss. I just want to drive my truck, drink my beer, and (of course) write for Satire, the greatest award a Conservative can receive. But alas the woke agenda has announced the long dreaded “LGBT2”. Stick with us while we bravely document the changes.

According to the update, we’re all gay now, and everyone must henceforth present “gaypers” at checkpoints throughout the country for inspection. For those blissfully unaware, these include a picture in drag, pronouns, and a favourite type of ice cream

other than vanilla. It was only yesterday when all of Exeposé was stopped during our company long lunch at the Ritz to present said papers to the police. According to them we were all serving c—. As a good Christian, I can’t… I don’t even know what that means.

Moreover, queer theory has become so nonconformist to fit the new upgrade that it is now heteronormative with a significant rise in nuclear families. Furthering this, Jason Statham movies have seen a drastic rise in popularity as the cinemas are flooded with new fans trying to break norms. What was once one or two racist uncles in a pitch-black room is now packed with families of two parents and two children. This might just save cinemas globally.

EVERYONE MUST HENCEFORTH PRESENT ‘GAYPERS’ Fear not reader! To counter this woking nightmare, scientists are developing a new “Heterosexuality plus”. The beers are bigger and taste more like urine than ever.

Our families are being bolstered from nuclear to antimatter. We all have cool cowboy hats. Mine is huge and birds of prey keep nesting in it. Unfortunately, its immense size also means that I cannot enter my newly designated Hummer. As this important issue gets resolved, we can assure you that solution is simple: a bigger Hummer.

Jeffrey Epstein exposed for cheating in Fortnite: Battle Royale Roan (to attract the progressive misogynist market). Their latest celebrity, however, has raised a few eyebrows to say the least.

ORTNITE: Battle Royal is the vide“Something about this ‘Epogame sensation that stein’ guy seems fishy to refuses to ever me. “No one can lose relevance. This ‘crank nineties’ like is no doubt due to that, he has to its collaborations be cheating” with filmmakers says popusuch as Quentin lar streamer Tarantino and Ninja. CodPaul Thomas ers are bafAnderson (to atfled, the gamtract the hungry ers are stumped misogynist market) as Image: Wikimedia Commons and the top brass well as virtual concerts are sweating themselves with artists such as Chappell to death. The consensus

Jamie Chester

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from all gamers globally is that Fortnite Epstein is no more than a dirty cheater.

When asked, CEO Tim Sweeny stated that the problems with the games’ code are too great for their own operation and have recently sent a plea to use the White House’s own super computers. Sweeny left us with this statement.

“Epstein seemed like a good idea but has only caused more trouble. After much debate, the president and I have concluded that the only way to permanently destroy the code is for the files to be redacted.

NO ONE CAN ‘CRANK NINETIES’ LIKE THAT

One year stands: placement years and marriage Yasmine Al-Saket Lifestyle Editor

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FTER a lifelong hunt for “the one”, you finally found them: the lover, the firm, the LinkedIn announcement waiting to happen. Their name alone made your heart flutter and your search history suspiciously obsessive. You imagined your future together: long walks to Pret for lunch, joint calendars, maybe even a branded tote bag. But alas, it was a false alarm. You spent money on dates, rehearsed your lines, and fine-tuned your skills. You simply weren’t on par with your rivals, those effortlessly charismatic overachievers who somehow manage to be charming, accomplished, and well-rested. Suspicious behaviour, frankly.

The most gutting part is realising you spent days, nights, weeks, months, even years trying to be “the one” for them. You changed your appearance, your lifestyle, perhaps even your per-

Image: Freerange Stock

sonality. All in the hope of being chosen. You morphed from a one-night stand to a series regular. Yet a despite glowing performance and peer reviews, no proposal (also known as a return offer) arrived. No bouquet, no ring, not even a courtesy email with a smiley face. Just silence.

The kind of silence that makes you reread your last interaction 17 times to check whether you accidentally committed a conversational crime.

So back onto the job and marriage market you go, hopeful, desperate, freshly moisturised, and

armed with a new CV. You tell yourself you’re not bothered. You tell your friends you didn’t even like them that much. You tell your parents it was a mutual decision. You tell your notes app the truth. For those who’ve secured a one-night or month-long situationship, I recommend extreme generosity and relentless enthusiasm. Treat every meeting like it’s your last. Leave everyone satisfied.

Send thank-you notes. Consider gifts. Nothing says employable like emotional overinvestment.

Of course, you’ll encounter bad apples, those with no aftercare, no follow-up texts, ghosting you without explanation. Recruitment season is bleak and wildly popular. Everyone is searching for commitment in both their professional and romantic lives. Not for love, of course. Just stability and basic respect. But one mustn’t be too ambitious in a recession.

Still, a part of you will always long for something lasting, a situationship, an internship, a

return offer, a ring. For those of us still foolish and hopeful enough to believe in love and the economy, we repeat the same mantra: your ‘one’ is out there. It may just take a hundred dates and applications to find them. You may have to endure rejection emails that begin with “Unfortunately” and end with “We wish you the best,” which is corporate for “It’s not you, it’s us, but actually it is you.” And when that yes finally arrives, that glorious, intoxicating yes, all the others will fade away. The ghosters, the maybes, the “we’ll keep your CV on file” situationships. Suddenly, the journey feels worth it. Suddenly, you believe again. Suddenly, you’re insufferable on LinkedIn.

NOTHING SAYS EMPLOYABLE LIKE EMOTIONAL OVERINVESTMENT

LIFESTYLE

ART & LIT

MUSIC

SCREEN

EXCETERA...

EXHIBIT Image frames: rawpixel, publicdomainpictures, Pickpik

Images (right to left, top to bottom): Wikimedia Commons, heute.at, Wikimedia Commons, Matthew, Flickr

EXEPOSING THE INFLUENCER

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THE PRICE OF ART

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GRAMMYS 2026

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REVIEW: WUTHERING HEIGHTS

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RECIPE: CREAMY VEG PASTA

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STUDY BREAK

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LIFESTYLE EDITORS Yasmine Al-Saket

ARTS AND LIT EDITORS Amber Platel Isabel Bratt

MUSIC EDITORS Sarah Gould Katie Roberts

SCREEN EDITORS Beth Casey Charlotte Isbell

EXCETERA EXCETERA...

Kayleigh Swart Puzzles by Matthew

lifestyle

Exeposing the influencer: Emily Natalie Rosa Terry sits down with Emily Natalie to get all the gossip on being a BNOC, her time at Exeter and navigating an unconventional post-grad life

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HE'S known in Exeter for her impressive interviewing skills, being a true BNOC and unveiling our city’s secret treasures, it’s likely you have one of Emily Natalie’s TikToks in your saved folder. Having graduated last summer, she has ammassed over 37k followers. As she sits down and tells all about her university experience, building her social media platform, and her life post-graduation, along with nuggets of invaluable advice.

We all know the feeling. Freshers' week, an emotional overload of new people, societies being thrown at you left, right and centre, and the inner doubt of ‘what if this isn’t right’? Feeling like she may drop out of uni, Emily saw making videos as a fun way of navigating this new terrain, which she described as ‘like Love Island’ in a video she posted on move-in day. Little did she know that video would get 150k views, and be the beginning of something huge for her. In the close-knit world of Exeter, her videos quickly gained attention, and she laughs now at how strange it felt to be recognised at her first pres.

Emily relatably describes the pressure to have a "thing" at uni; a niche outside of your degree.

LITTLE DID SHE KNOW THAT VIDEO WOULD GET 150K VIEWS, AND BE THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING After trialling (and error-ing) societies, she

was excited to join The Tab, interviewing students and running their TikTok account — a role that she loved, and one that helped springboard her career. 4Play soon approached her — she became an astounding six-time Fight Night presenter and blessed our feeds with entertaining interviews in Fever. It all began in her first-year halls room; a perfect illustration of how little you have to lose when you begin university. Whilst this may look like a skyrocket to success, a lot went on behind the scenes.

As well as working for a marketing agency in Plymouth, Emily was contacted by TikTok to become an area ambassador — a scheme which sought to promote small businesses, and thus delivering her video recommendations of quaint cafes and must-see locations that we now know and love. She describes the sense of fulfilment at helping these businesses take off, feeling like she was making a difference in the community.

Alongside this, she always maintained honesty and integrity in her reviews, even once being asked not to post her video on a less-thandelicious bottomless brunch. Her content was impactful in multiple ways – it boosted business, all whilst educating us students on Exeter beyond the high street. As a second year, I am becoming increasingly aware of the bubble that is university life, and the looming "what next?" that comes with that. Despite the experience she gained in her time at Exeter, Emily still felt that same daunting feeling. Sometimes being told she “can’t be the Exeter uni girl forever”, a part of her thought that her content creation would all go away post-grad. Looking back, she now high-

lights that it is important to “be aware of the bubble concept”, whilst not mentally limiting yourself so much that you lose self-belief. Starkly contrasting her friends working 9-5 jobs, she now works freelance, live presenting for brands, and never knows what her next week may look like — something she describes as both her favourite and most challenging part of the job. Her job brings uncertainty, even now she can’t be sure what her life will look like in a year, but with that comes flexibility and freedom to curate her life around the amazing opportunities she is getting.

ket nowadays is “a nightmare”, but taking every bit of experience can open new doors. Her final word of advice to you: uni can be hard, and we don’t talk about that enough. Remember that you have time – give yourself the grace to try things out, away from the pressure of making any one year ‘the best year’. Use your lecturers — people want to help you! But, most importantly, enjoy university and don’t wish it away. It goes quickly.

An inspiring example of boldly seizing opportunities, I look forward to seeing what’s in store next for Emily.

HER CONTENT WAS IMPACTFUL IN MULTIPLE WAYS - IT BOOSTED BUSINESS, ALL WHILST EDUCATING US STUDENTS ON EXETER BEYOND THE HIGH STREET

She stepped into the high-stakes world of live-streaming for Baller League UK in November (sat in a green room with Idris Elba!) and contributed to Tesco’s newest campaign. She emphasised the hidden connections that can come from attending Exeter University, and how “every experience at uni is perfect”. Employers respect you having time to do extra things — getting a degree is difficult and time-consuming, and it's an achievement to juggle that with your personal passions. She stresses that the job mar-

Image: Emily Natalie

Exeposé eat at Brody's

Suhaib Shaukat dines at Brody’s and shares his heartwarming experience Image: Subaib Shaukat

Image: Suhaib Shaukat

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N a weekend, there can’t be anything better than a breakfast buffet, and that is what Brody’s offers. Located on Queen’s Street in the heart of Exeter, the place offers a variety of options to fill your early morning cravings. As I entered the restaurant, it was buzzing with families enjoying breakfast and soaking up the rare appearance of the sun.

The menu unapologetically celebrates the British breakfast, hearty and full of flavours. The centrepiece of the place is definitely the unlimited plates of your favourite British classics. The flavours are straightforward and satisfying, engineered for broad appeal rather than culinary experimentation From crisp hash browns to sausages that are solid and satisfying rather than showy, and eggs that serve as straightforward fuel for the morning, the food aims for reliability over revelation. The pleasure comes not from surprise but from familiarity — the ease of going back again and again, tweaking the balance, and refining a plate that feels increasingly your own with each round. If you have a sweet tooth, they have the perfect fix, offering

pancakes and waffles. I was really excited for the pancakes, but it didn’t hit the spot. They looked great when they arrived, yet the taste didn’t live up to the presentation, which was a bit disappointing.

Brody’s occupies an interesting niche. It does not aspire to artisanal craftsmanship or locally sourced storytelling. The ingredients are familiar, accessible and chosen for reliability rather than provenance.

BRODY'S OCCUPIES AN INTERESTING NICHE. IT DOES NOT ASPIRE TO ARTISANAL CRAFTSMANSHIP

People seeking refinement may find the flavours one-dimensional and the textures predictable. Yet judging the buffet by fine-dining standards misses the point. Its success lies in delivering a dependable, filling experience at a price that feels

like the sweet spot. For hearty eaters, the value is undeniable. The ability to return repeatedly to the buffet transforms breakfast into a leisurely event rather than a single plate quickly finished.

In terms of drinks, they have a variety of options ranging from coffee to orange juices.

As someone who loves his morning coffee, the self-serve machine was a welcome sight, allowing for easy refills without the awkward wait of catching a server’s attention. The coffee itself is not barista-crafted, but it is hot, strong and dependable, exactly what you want alongside a heavy breakfast. For those less caffeineinclined, the fruit juices provide a lighter counterpoint to the fried spread, cutting through the richness and helping balance the meal.

Brody’s is not a delicate brunch spot or a showcase of culinary flair, but its comfort is its unique selling point. Minor disappointments aside, the overall experience was warm and fulfilling. For anyone craving a sociable weekend start and a plate piled high with familiar favourites, it remains a satisfying way to greet the morning.

EDITOR: Yasmine Al-Saket

exhibit | lifestyle

25 FEB 2026 | 17

How to drink your way through Exeter Molly Panagi-Williams offers a comprehensive guide to the finest pubs in the city

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S a fourth year student, I have a lot of experience in the pubs around the city, and after a particularly extensive pub crawl in December, I’ve had a visit to most of the pubs in Exeter.

It’s hard to have a number one because everyone has their favourite for different reasons, but my personal favourite, I’ve got to say, is The Bowling Green. A pub with a beautiful, cosy interior of wooden beams and fairy lights, great chips, and rarely so crowded that you can’t find a seat eventually. Their tables with chess boards painted on and pieces behind the bar, plus free pool on Tuesdays, make it a special choice.

Further into town, The Ship remains a firm favourite of mine. One of the oldest pubs in Exeter, and fantastic if you’re a sports fan watching rugby or football, or great for a quieter drink and a meal upstairs.

Image: Flickr

Their food is my go-to for a pub meal out, and I always take visitors to Exeter there.

Now, if you want a more classic student experience and a Wetherspoons is your choice, my top recommendations are The Imperial and George’s Meeting House. Cheap drinks, beautiful old repurposed interiors, and don’t forget they have unlimited hot drinks. Buy a coffee for less than £2.50 and unlimited refills. Great for a study session during the day, or fab for people who don’t drink and want something warm on a cold February evening.

THE BOWLING GREEN. A PUB WITH A BEAUTIFUL, COSY INTERIOR OF WOODEN BEAMS AND FAIRY LIGHTS,

ple will know, and one many people won’t.

For an amazing pizza, a mango cider, and a wonderful evening until late, closing at 2AM. Old firehouse is a brilliant choice. Then, if you’re willing to go a bit further out, take a cycle or a bike ride along the canal from the quay to Double Locks. This cosy pub is worth the travel time, especially in the summer.

The pubs in Exeter have something for everyone and are a great third location, even without enjoying alcohol yourself. Check out some of these, or join a pub crawl sometime and see what more you can find yourself !

FOR AN AMAZING PIZZA, A MANGO CIDER AND A WONDERFUL EVENING

Lastly, special mentions: one many peo-

Queer fashion through the ages Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, delves into the connection between fashion and the LGBTQ+ community In the 1890s, Oscar Wilde famously wore a green carnation on his lapel, symbolising his queerness, and leading to the flower becoming an iconic symbol for queerness, particularly among gay men, in an era where it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay. The flower served as a silent signal from one gay man to another.

In the 20s, women began dressing more masculinely, straying from the heteronormative skirts and dresses and more toward typically masculine clothes like trousers. This movement was popularised by designers such as Coco Chanel, who took inspiration from menswear to incorpo-

rate blazers and loose-fitting garments into her designs on womenswear runways. This helped androgynous fashion to be more accessible for a wider audience, allowing gender neutral fashion to become a staple in the queer community.

If we’re talking about queer fashion, androgyny seems a common theme, as members of the community aim to break down genderbinaries, taking fashion binaries with it. Lucy & Yak, a queer body-positive and inclusive store, explains their fashion influences in their blog.

Lucy & Yak’s iconic dungarees, dubbed ‘dungas’ by their fans, are known for their baggy gender-

free style, and were originally synonymous with lesbianism in the 70s and 80s, due to their androgynous nature, often paired with workwear items like combat boots, hence Dr Martens became a common choice in the queer community — this could even be why carabiners are a popular symbol in the queer community today.

Between 1940 and 1960, drag took off, amid the repression that queer communities faced after WWII. This ‘camp’ style was characterised by bold looks, ranging from winged eyeliner to sequined outfits. In the 50s, drag culture blossomed, constructing hyper-fem-

inine personas to tell their stories, providing a perfect mix of fashion and activism.

Into the late 20th century, the punk rock scene catapulted alternative subcultures into the queer community, characterised with combat boots, safety pins, and ripped clothing.

Piercings are another subtle way the queer community can signal their identity to one another, from the original stud on the right ear to symbolise queerness in men, to the nowpopularised septum and eyebrow piercings that are adopted by many in the queer community.

The Ultimate Exetah Lifestyle Guide Rachel Baldwin shares advice on how to truly be an Exetah student

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RE you a fresher looking for advice on how to live that proper Exetah lifestyle, or an experienced Exetah third year just trying to gain some validation? Look no further than this foolproof guide to living out your Exetah dreams.

Firstly, it’s important to distinguish between Exeter and Exetah. Here’s the perfect example: having failed to connect to the Wi-Fi for the 50th time, you fail to get those elusive £3 TP tickets. Now those living out their Exeter life will just move on from this. However, the Exetah student has already brought their banana costume, so they begged for those tickets on Overheard, and after losing £20, saying goodbye to their student loan, they can finally go to the sports social. Maybe Vaults afterwards,

although that queue is regrettably long…

Next, the Exetah student will wake up to find a new post from @uoememes, something about a banana outfit being worn at pineapple night — imagine, well, that’s all you’ll be doing because it’s not like you can remember the night. Whereas the Exetah student, well, they just wouldn’t find themselves in that situation.

After getting ready for the day, courtesy of your very Exetah quarter zip, you and your friends take a trip to Exmouth (or perhaps a city like Plymouth or Bristol) just to procrastinate that summative due in two days a little bit longer.

Whilst there, the EGB tickets dropped; alas, you never did sort out your Wi-Fi, but luckily, your housemate managed to snag two tickets, granting you access to the highlight of the year. Con-

sisting of green venoms, entertainment, music, theatre, did I mention there’s a ferris wheel?

That evening is the annual varsity fixture, held in Sandy Park, and you become one of the many green blobs in the 5000-person crowd. Perhaps more important than your ALevel grades is your capacity to #BleedGreen, and upon enrolment, all students’ blood turns green! It’s a strange occurrence, but one that becomes a requirement of becoming fully Exetah. You add countless varsity pictures to your Instagram, although they all just look like a block image of green… Well, it’s not like anyone can tell the difference anyway.

All in all, if you’ve experienced all of these, then you truly are Exetah, and if you haven’t, then I guess you’re just Exeter.

Image Pexels

arts & lit

Literature across languages Arts and Lit writers explore their favourite pieces of writing in their native languages

Fiore di Roccia by Ilaria Tuti

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L canone letterario di libri guerreschi non è certamente a corto di romanzi, e neanche di romanzi con uno sguardo sulla vita dei civili, e l’impatto della guerra sulla vita quotidiana. In ogni caso, Fiore di Roccia, scritto da Ilaria Tuti, offre una lente nuova e diversa sulla difficoltà subita dalle donne sulla frontiera italiana della Grande Guerra.

In un libro in cui ogni descrizione è carica di emozione, ogni personaggio sembra prendere fiato a ogni svolta di pagina, e ogni momento porta con sé un messaggio di coraggiosa resilienza, Tuti crea la storia di una comunità di donne che trascende il momento storico nonostante la sua particolarità.

La vicenda narra delle Portatrici; ragazze

friulane che percorrevano le pendici della montagne per portare viveri e rifornimenti ai soldati accampati nelle trincee. Introducendo una svolta personale e universale nel romanzo, la voce della protagonista, Agata, cattura nei minimi dettagli un momento storico eccezionale che sarebbe altrimenti andato dimenticato col passare dei secoli.

Il successo maggiore del romanzo, tuttavia, è la capacità dell’autrice di umanizzare le vite delle contadine al servizio della patria. Questa non è una storia di eroi intoccabili, ma donne che amano, faticano, e sbagliano nella vita come tutte noi, e nonostante questo — anzi, grazie al fatto — riescono a realizzare l’impossibile.

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HE literary canon of war writing is definitely not short of novels, and especially not of novels exploring the life of civilians, and war’s impact on their everyday life. However, Ilaria Tuti’s Fiore di Roccia offers a new and different perspective on the hardships undertaken by women on the Italian front of the Great War. In a book where each description is charged with emotion, each character seems to draw breath at the turn of a page, and every moment carries a message of courageous resilience, Tuti weaves a story of female community which transcends its historical setting despite its specific determination.

The story follows the Portatrici; the women

of Friuli who crossed mountains in order to bring provisions and supplies to the soldiers in their trenches. By putting a personal yet universal twist on the tale, the voice of the main character, Agata, captures the smallest details of this exceptional historical event, which would have otherwise been lost to the passing of the centuries.

The book’s greatest achievement, however, is its author’s ability to humanise the stories of the farmer woman who served their country. This isn’t a tale of untouchable heroes, but women who love, struggle, and make mistakes in life like the rest of us, and despite this — actually, because of this — they are able to achieve the impossible. to third-world nations, allowing them to define themselves on their own terms.

Emily S Rizzo, Editor-in-Chief

Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai

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ONNING a white sari for a brideto-be game with his cousins on a hot Colombo afternoon, the novel’s seven-year-old protagonist, Arjie Chelvaratnam, immerses himself in a fantasy of a wedding where he is the bride. This childlike amusement is shattered when the adults find him, and his father resolves to ‘masculinize’ his son.

The adults brand his interests as ‘funny,’ a coded way of dismissing his non-conformity as strange, and by extension, unacceptable — a judgment that reveals the novel’s emphasis on Sri Lanka’s crackdown on those who transgressed social norms.

Selvadurai’s novel comprises six interconnected stories, all told from Arjie’s perspective. These stories chronicle different stages of his journey until adulthood, set

against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s escalating civil war, an outcome of the Sinhalese repression of Tamil minorities in the 1980s.

The story transitions from his alienation as a child due to his perceived femininity, to his political awakening when a relative is killed, and an aunt is forcibly parted from her Sinhalese partner. The story culminates in his ostracism at school because of the intersection of his effeminate nature with his Tamil identity, and his discovery of love for a Sinhalese boy during adolescence.

Arjie’s command over his own narrative enables him to make sense of his surroundings and articulate his identity on his own terms.

Reclaiming his own voice through storytelling represents a slight resistance against colonial legacies of gender binaries and ethnic divisions.

This cements his position as an outlier who chooses to carve out his own sense of self, outside of Sri Lanka’s submission to collective identities historically prescribed by colonial forces.

Arjie’s struggle with his sexuality mirrors Selvadurai’s own experience growing up queer in Sri Lanka. Raised in a country where homosexuality has always been criminalised, Selvadurai successfully channels his own feelings of anxiety and self-doubt into the internalized homophobia inherent in the narrator’s mind.

Arjie’s unconscious shame at being shunned by his extended family and schoolmates depicts Sri Lankan society as one that covertly shapes its people’s biases by cultural messaging that prizes heteronormativity and demonizes deviation.

The book also explores themes of displacement, as the Chelvaratnam family’s move

to Canada forces them to renounce their privilege and navigate life as part of a diasporic community. As a member of the diaspora himself, Selvadurai beautifully expresses the loss of belonging that members of the diaspora felt as they were torn between preserving their cultural heritage and adapting to vastly different social environments.

The universality of the experiences illustrated in his book highlights how shared human emotions and struggles can serve as a bridge between the ‘West and the Rest,’ despite cultural differences. Stories like Selvadurai’s emphasize the importance of embracing narratives beyond the West to challenge the colonial gaze and restore agency to third-world nations, allowing them to define themselves on their own terms.

Janani Kandaramage

Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet

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Alex Beale covers the inspiration behind recent film sensation Hamnet

ITH Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet making waves at the box office, we turn our attention to the source behind the film — Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 award-winning novel of the same name. Drawing on her long-term fascination with the littleknown story behind Shakespeare’s most enigmatic play, Hamnet is a bold portrait of a marriage, with the poignant loss of a child at its heart. O’Farrell’s’ portrayal breathes love and life through a story of

a loss that is usually consigned to literary footnotes whilst giving vindication of Agnes, a woman intriguingly absent from history. When asked on her motivation to write this novel, O’Farrell explained that she “was always baffled and saddened by how little mention he [Hamnet] receives in biographies and literary criticism”. She added that she wanted “to attempt to give him a voice and a presence”. O’Farrell, in part, wrote with personal experience, citing her fear at the potential of losing her

own child at the age of four. This comes through in the devastating emotions that could only ever represent that of a mother’s love for her lost child. It is noted that the novel with initially intended to be about Shakespeare and his boy, however when undertaking research for the novel, O’Farrell noticed the lack of reference to Agnes Hathaway — Shakespeare’s wife — and her daughters. This was the point at which the novel changed in direction to the family and domestically-

orientated work that we read today. When asked on the adaptation of the novel for the big-screen, O’Farrell initially refused Chloé Zhao’s attempts at involving her in the screenplay. This resistance is said to have lasted all of forty minutes before Zhao was able to convince O’Farrell to take an active part in writing the script.

The film has come out to critic’s praises, with Maggie O’Farrell and Chloé Zhao nominated for best adapted screenplay at the forthcoming Academy awards.

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arts & lit

EDITORS: Amber Platel and Isabel Bratt

25 FEB 2026 | 19

The price of art

Poppy Fellows, Climate Editor, explores why art costs so much

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HAT makes art so valuable? The materials used? The originality of the art? Or is it the luxury that comes with a certain name? The notion that there is only one original touched by Da Vinci, or Kahlo, or, as of 2026, Michelangelo?

WHAT MAKES ART SO VALUABLE? THE MATERIALS USED? THE ORIGINALITY OF THE ART? OR IS IT THE LUXRY THAT COMES WITH A CERTAIN NAME? A red chalk sketch of a foot by Michelangelo, established as the foot of Libyan Sibyl painted on the Sistine Chapel, has been discovered and selling

A central element of selling for $23 million. The painting famous artists’ work is perceived sold for 10 times this estimate, value. Perceived value is not real raising the question of how value. Instead, it is concerned much is art really worth, and with the customer’s value of why is it that it is so expensive, the art’s worth. This exacerbates arguably unattainable to people? how big names in art are The sale of the Michelangelo considered much more valuable follows two high-profile sales of and thus more expensive, 2025: a Frida Kahlo painting because customers regard these which fetched for $54.7 million, artists as a pinnacle of luxury – and Gustav Klimt’s Portrait of owning a Michelangelo sketch Elizabeth Lederer, auctioned off is worth $23 million because at $236.4 million. The Klimt Michelangelo is one of the is the second most expensive most renowned artists there has painting sold at auction ever; Images: Posters. Frame: Flickr ever been. Despite museums second only to a Da Vinci, which went home for a very reasonable price of $450.3 under pressure to put priceless artwork on display, million. Moreover, auctions have doubled since 2001. this itself is an expensive process, with intricately

planned execution, otherwise risking millions. Just to move artwork from a museum in Paris to London can cost £25,000. Answering why private ownership is more common than museums buying it all.

Owning original art is expensive; the ability to buy oil on canvas, or commission large statement pieces is not attainable for many, especially with the overall sharp increases in artwork. Global art value fell 12 percent post-pandemic, with global art sales totalling to $68 billion in 2019, to $57.5 billion in 2024. It is evident in the global decline in art sales that artwork is simply unattainable for people without hundreds and thousands to spare. This is why public art spaces and free access to museums and galleries is crucial to sustain engagement with vital arts and culture, not keeping million-dollar artwork in storage for nearly 10 years.

Non-fiction favourites

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Anna Tolkacheva explores non-fiction literature, and shares her favourite non-fic reads

S someone deeply passionate about history, reading non-fiction literature provides me with an alternative framework to examine historical periods, which transcends the limitations of learning in a traditional academic environment. Literature, as opposed to scholarly writing, is more dynamic and allows for greater scope for personal interpretation, encouraging

readers to raise new questions and apply their own perspectives to various topics. Unlike historical novels, which often interpret the past through imagination, non-fiction anchors its storytelling in thorough research and primary source analysis.

This is precisely why my favourite non-fiction piece is The Wager by David Grann, whose gripping maritime work addresses ideas of ambition, morality

and truth. Set against the backdrop of fierce conflict between the British and Spanish empires in the 18th century, Grann focuses on the brutal contest for authority aboard the HMS Wager and the bitter, intense struggle for survival that followed its shipwreck off the coast of Chile. Using the diaries of crew members, as well as detailed records from the court martial, Grann reconstructs the events

of 1741, weaving together captivating descriptions of nature, the sea and the difficulties of survival in open waters with compelling historical narration.

NON-FICTION ANCHORS ITS STORYTELLING IN THOROUGH RESEARCH

The rise of hockey romance

Cristina Pereda discsusses why hockey romance is so popular

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WOULD like to consider myself a hockey romance expert, and having read over 75 books within this genre, I think I am well versed in this topic. However, the subgenre has only become more popular in recent years. Some may attribute this to the massive popularity of the Heated Rivalry HBO show, but I would say that this niche of romance books has been rising in popularity since 2020 when Elle Kennedy’s Off Campus series went viral on TikTok. Of course, Amazon Prime is set to

release a TV adaptation of these books in May 2026, so maybe hockey romance is actually just reaching a new level of recognition as of recent.

HAVING READ OVER 75 BOOKS IN THIS GENRE, I THINK I AM WELL VERSED IN THIS I think that a main reason why hockey romance in particular is popular over any other

sport is because it feels fresh. Ice hockey isn’t as popular as other sports such as rugby, American football, or basketball, so not everyone knows a lot about it. This means you can go in and not have to put too much thought into the actual sport or have to care about what’s right or what’s wrong — it’s just there to add some drama and tension to the romance. Also, the fact that ice hockey is quite a high stakes and violent sport just makes seeing the softer side of these tough men that much more romantic. A hockey team

makes for great friendships and found family tropes, and for a great series — so most hockey books end up being part of a larger universe.

If you’re looking to feast your eyes on this side of romance, here are some underrated book recommendations from me — From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata if you love a slow burn, Consider Me by Becca Mack if you want intensity as well as drama, Behind the Net by Stephanie Archer if you just want a wholesome romance.

Ester Manito: Slagbomb

Amber Platel, Arts & Lit Editor, and Sarah Gould, Music Editor, review a stand-up comic

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N a dimly lit room at Exeter’s Phoenix Centre, the comic force that is Esther Manito’s Slagbomb unfolded. Blending sharp wit with reflections on ageing, married life, and motherhood, Manito commanded the stage with confidence. Her stand-up set had us cackling throughout, and still giggling long after the lights came up.

Were we the target audience? Arguably not. With anecdotes about her husband, children and aging parents delivered through a distinctly heterofatalistic lens, we left united in our conclusion: the show served as a highly ef-

fective form of contraception.

A proud Lebanese-Essex icon, Manito also used her comedic platform to tackle topics too often left unspoken. From the indignities of menopause and the absurdities of gender politics to the far-reaching impact of wars in Lebanon, Palestine, and beyond, she balanced levity with substance. Crucially, these moments never felt grafted on or preachy.

Instead, they I Molly Image: Pexe

Images: Steve Best

emerged organically from her material, grounding her humour in lived experience and giving the laughter an unexpected depth.

Manito’s ability to weave jokes together in different anecdotes also provided a wellrounded, clearly thought through production, highlighting her as a genuinely professional comedian. One slight contradiction, arguably hilarious of itself, was Manito’s clear stance on not

picking on audience members from the beginning yet ending up calling on only the few men present. Was this itself a nod to the kind of topics she’d be covering? We like to believe so.

The decision not to call on the audience may have also been because, as Manito herself said, we had the “quietest crowd”, something perhaps not unexpected from Exeter. But Manito battled this well, with plenty of jokes and anecdotes that had us belly-laughing. We hope Manito wasn’t discouraged by our shy audience, and that she returns to Exeter on her next tour with more jokes and stories to keep us entertained.

MUSIC Recommendations: workout anthems Beth Casey, Screen Editor, recommends some tunes to get you moving Image: Picryl

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NLY in the last couple of years have I fully succumbed to the ubiquitous running propaganda. Having played a team sport since early primary school, exercise has always been a big part of my life, but finding the right playlist is a challenge at any age. In the angstiest of my teenage eras, it was softer, slower and sometimes sadder music that was perfect for an immersive gym session.

However, through to the other side of those years, as both a running and gym veteran I have learnt to match the tempo to your intensity.

For the gym, anything slow, bassy and confidence boosting by Madison Beer or Tate McRae promises a perfect leg day. For running, high energy, rhythmic songs work best, especially something with a fast but steady beat. Find any way to zone out. Even better if you don’t know the artist, and each song blurs into the next. My special (some will say psychotic) trick is to pick just one song and repeat it — making thirty minutes feel like three. Currently that song is bbno$’s ‘1800.’ The base beat is the same pace as two footfalls and it’s so densely layered that there’s a new element to focus on in every psychotic repeat.

MY SPECIAL (SOME WILL SAY PSYCHOTIC) TRICK IS TO PICK JUST ONE SONG AND REPEAT IT

Lee Niedrum suggests some Bad Bunny tracks with a great beat

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EED something to get you pumped when February in Exeter makes you wanna live under your duvet? Keep the energy from the Superbowl halftime show going with some Bad Bunny. I recommend 'NUEVAYoL', the trending first track of DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS — an empowering reggaeton album incorporating traditional Puerto Rican sounds such as bomba and salsa.

You won’t just want to run listening to this, you’ll want to dance. Full Image: Wikimedia Commons

of life and energy, 'NUEVAYoL' celebrates Puerto Rican identity with a beat impossible not to get moving to. Another workout favourite of mine is 'DAKITÍ', with a bass-heavy bachata rhythm that will get you in the zone.

KEEP THE ENERGY FROM THE SUPERBOWL HALFTIME SHOW GOING WITH SOME BAD BUNNY Lastly, with its pumping baseline and rhythmic flow, 'Tití Me Preguntó' will make you feel hot when you’re in the gym even if you don’t know the lyrics. Whether you’re tackling a 10K or the walk to campus, Bad Bunny has that good energy you need.

Britney Spears sells music catalogue Sarah Gould, Music Editor, tells all about the pop star's recent decision

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T has been revealed in recent days that Britney Spears has sold her entire music catalogue to Primary Wave, an independent music publisher. The deal was struck reportedly at over £150 million. Spears joins

a list of many other artists who took to selling their catalogue, including Justin Bieber, Bruce Springsteen and Shakira. And considering Spears hasn’t performed since 2017, it is perhaps not surprising that she wishes to sell.

Despite this, it has been argued that Spears’ talent is worth more than what the catalogue was sold for, and it is a shame to see herself ‘sold short’ of what she is worth. Her decision to sell also may be confirming the worst for some fans — that she is serious about exiting from the music industry. Without having released an album since 2017, Spears is perhaps looking for a way to confirm an exit from the overwhelming world she has been subjected to since she was 16 years old.

SPEARS' TALENT IS WORTH MORE THAN WHAT THE CATALOGUE WAS SOLD FOR From battling public mental breakdowns and freeing herself from her father’s conservatorship, it may simply be Spears’ way to retire.

Image: Irocktography, Meetroweekly

Britney’s popular tracks, along with her iconic looks, have paved the way for many modern artists, such as Tate McRae and Addison Rae. However, their talents will take a lot more to work their way to the popularity and icon status that Britney so quickly earnt, and rightly so. It is important to note that fans can hold on to some hope, as artists such as Bieber who have sold their catalogues in the past haven’t ended their careers and still tour and make music. And so the ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ singer may not necessarily have sung live for the last time, and she just might do it again. Who knows, maybe one day Spears will drop a new track reminding us all of the ‘It’ girl she truly is.

MAYBE ONE DAY SPEARS WILL DROP A NEW TRACK REMINDING US ALL OF THE 'IT' GIRL SHE TRULY IS

Ticket debacles: what price would you pay?

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Eve Buckley discusses the huge increase in ticket pricing and its impact on the industry

F you have ever been taken aback by the new pricing of concert tickets, you wouldn’t be alone. Once averaging $16.99 in 1996, the ticketing universe has experienced a dramatic, inflation-busting increase of over 500 percent in 2025, where the average ticket sets the buyer back $105. This shift has been put down to high production costs, dynamic pricing and high demand. All of these supposed factors are inherently pricing out many fans from live music whilst the industry itself faces economic uncertainty. Oasis’ ticket sales caused outrage, the band known for its working-class image and supporters had their fans waiting for hours in the ticket queues only to discover that tickets ranged from a lofty £150 for a standing ticket all the way to £700 only a matter of minutes later, all due to ‘dynamic pricing’. Bound to send fans apoplectic, it is baffling as to why the ticketing sites are allowing this to happen, seeing as Oasis only charged fans a reasonable £22.50 for their famous Knebworth gig back in 1996.

IT IS BAFFLING AS TO WHY THE TICKETING SITES ARE ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN Outspoken artist Robert Smith from The Cure spoke to the BBC in 2023 and declared that he was “sickened” by the prices of his tickets, arguing that “we want the tour to be affordable for all the fans”. He also added that he believed dynamic pricing to be a “scam” “driven by greed”, but all of these comments were unfortunatley to no effect. However, Olivia Dean is another artist fighting against tariffs, arguing that the concert ticketing business is “exploitative” and rife with “inequality”. This statement follows her tickets being listed at more than 14 times their original face value, with prices reaching a staggering $1000. In response Ticketmaster an-

nounced that it would cap future resale rates and that they would process refunds for those paying the extra cost. This public battle goes to show that artists, particularly those with big platforms, are able to have an effect on the pricing for their fans. This begs the question: is there more that artists can be doing to advocate for their fans?

THIS BEGS THE QUESTION: IS THERE MORE THAT ARTISTS CAN BE DOING TO ADVOCATE FOR THEIR FANS? This economic boom has an adverse effect on the fragile grassroots ecosystem, where low ticket prices are essential for audience development whilst simultaneously creating a sustaining yet thin margin for the artist and venues amid rising costs. Despite a 13 percent increase in attendance to smaller venues in 2025, over half

of England’s grassroot venues failed to make a profit, this then creates a domino effect of less audiences, less bands and overall less working class/indie bands making the charts. Overall, its clear that music should be for the masses, no matter your financial income, it’s a place to come together and enjoy community. To disallow young inspired fans to attend their favourite gigs and concerts would be to seriously deprive the country of future stars and musicians.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

exhibit | music

EDITORS: Sarah Gould and Katie Roberts

25 FEB 2026 | 21

Grammys 2026: History, Spectacle and Politics Chandrayee Raha gives a rundown of the eventful evening, including the winners, performances and speeches

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HIS year's Grammy Awards was nothing short of extraordinary — a night where music history collided with political activism, viral chaos, and show-stopping performances that reminded everyone why the Grammys remain music's biggest night. From the moment Bruno Mars and Rosé opened the show with their infectious collaboration 'APT', to Cher's hilariously chaotic presenting mishap that broke the internet, the 68th Annual Grammy Awards at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena delivered spectacle, substance, and plenty of social media gold. The evening's most groundbreaking moment came when Bad Bunny won Album of the Year for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, marking the first time in the Grammy Awards' history that a Spanish-language album has claimed the ceremony's top prize.

BAD BUNNY WON ALBUM OF THE YEAR FOR DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOTOS The Puerto Rican superstar's emotional acceptance speech, delivered in both English and Spanish, electrified the arena as he dedicated the award to people who left their homelands to follow their dreams. It was a triumphant vindication for an artist who has consistently pushed Latin music into the mainstream while never compromising his artistic vision or cultural identity. Kendrick Lamar emerged as the night's biggest winner, taking home five awards including Record of the Year for 'Luther' with

Images: Pickpik.com

SZA. With these wins, Lamar surpassed Jay-Z to become the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammy history with 27 total awards — a milestone that cements his legacy as one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful rappers of all time. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas won Song of the Year for 'Wildflower,' becoming the most-awarded artists in the category in Grammy Awards history with three wins each. British singer-songwriter Olivia Dean won Best New Artist, marking the ninth woman in a row to win the award, while K-pop made history as 'Golden' from KPop Demon Hunters became the first K-pop song to win a Grammy award in any category.

But if the wins were historic, the speeches were incendiary. The ceremony became what observers called "the most politicized Grammy ceremony in years," with multiple winners using fiery speeches to criticize United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactics. Billie Eilish was bleeped during her acceptance speech as she declared "f*ck ICE," adding "nobody is illegal on stolen land" whilst urging the audience to keep fighting and speaking up. Bad Bunny echoed the sentiment after winning Best Música Urbana Album, saying "ICE out" and emphasizing "We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans." The political solidarity wasn't limited to the stage — multiple artists including Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Kehlani, and Bon Iver's Justin Vernon wore "ICE Out" pins on the red carpet, signaling a coordinated effort to use music's biggest night as a platform for activism.

The performances themselves ranged from

Image: Wikimedia Commons

intimate to spectacular. Lady Gaga, with seven nominations going into the night, delivered a mesmerizing performance of 'Abracadabra,' transforming the Grammy stage into a magicinfused wonderland complete with her signature birdcage helmet and a stark black-and-red dress.

The pop icon later won Best Pop Vocal Album for Mayhem. Sabrina Carpenter's theatrical 'Manchild' performance, featuring the singer dressed as a flight attendant atop a massive airplane set piece, was another standout moment that showcased her evolution as a performer. Bruno Mars returned to the stage for a solo performance of 'I Just Might' that displayed his signature smooth choreography and showmanship. Perhaps the most emotionally resonant was Lauryn Hill's tribute performance honoring D'Angelo

and Roberta Flack, marking her first appearance at the show in 27 years. The emotional segment featured performances by Lucky Daye and Leon Thomas before culminating in a Fugees reunion with Wyclef Jean that brought the house down.

And then there was Cher. The icon, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award earlier in the evening, created instant viral chaos while presenting Record of the Year. She briefly paused before announcing the winner, saying "Oh! They told me it was gonna be on the prompter," then declared "The Grammy goes to Luther Vandross" instead of the song "Luther" by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. The mistake became instantly viral, though SZA graciously explained afterward that Cher "probably really knew Luther Vandross" and that their song actually sampled his work, making the confusion oddly poetic. The icon had already created chaos by almost walking off stage after accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award before host Trevor Noah called her back to present the category. Producer Ben Winston later told Rolling Stone there was "beauty in mistakes," adding he wouldn't change the moment if he could.

The 2026 Grammys delivered on every front — groundbreaking wins that rewrote history books, powerful political statements that sparked national conversations, spectacular performances that ranged from intimate to theatrical, and enough viral moments to fuel social media for weeks. From Bad Bunny's historic Album of the Year win to Cher's delightfully chaotic presenting mishap, this was a ceremony that reminded us why live television — messy, political, and gloriously unpredictable — still captivates millions.

Album Reviews Music writers review recent album drops

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A$AP Rocky: Don't Be Dumb

$AP Rocky’s Don’t Be Dumb arrives al- Tyler, the Creator, on the final track, which most eight years after his last album, closes the album on a high note. The lyrics are sharp, the production inventive, opening with the line: “it’s and each beat dynamic and been a lil’ while since I been in the fresh. Rocky navigates themes league.” Across 19 tracks in just of fame, family, relationships, over an hour, Rocky seamlessly and self-reflection with chablends rap, jazz, and experimental risma, making the album ensounds, delivering a flow that’s gaging from start to finish. confident and effortless. StandWith its varied sounds and out features add texture: Brent confident execution, Don’t Be Faiyaz’s smooth vocals on 'Stay Dumb reaffirms A$AP Rocky’s Here for Life' transform the track place in todays rap scene into a reflective love song, while Doechii on 'ROBBERY' creates an addictive jazz-rap fusion, creating arguably the boldest track on the album, and the experimentaBy Amber Platel, Arts & Lit tion pays off. Not to mention the Editor Image: Wikimedia Commons long-awaited collaboration with

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Joji: Piss In The Wind

T'S been four years since George Miller, artist name ‘Joji’, released his last album SMITHEREENS, going viral with his heartbreaking single ‘Glimpse of Us’. This made the rounds on TikTok, yet we haven’t heard much from Joji since its success. Many fans, including myself, have been eagerly awaiting his next album. On 6th February 2026, Piss In The Wind released, a fitting title for the 21-track album filled with comforting and sensual melodies.

A FITTING TITLE FOR THE 21-TRACK ALBUM FILLED WITH COMFORTING AND SENSUAL MELODIES

With only a few songs surpassing the three-minute mark, the listener can get their fix quickly. One of the more disappointing aspects of the album is that the songs aren’t too different, both from each other and from his previous music. It would’ve been nice for Joji to come back after four years with perhaps a slightly different style of music, but it is also clear he has found his own style. Some top tracks to pick out are ‘Fragments’ (a collaboration with Don Toliver), ‘Hotel California’ and ‘LOVE YOU LESS’, and overall I had a great time listening to this chill album whilst completing some uni work. Go check it out if you’ve enjoyed a bit of Joji before.

By Sarah Gould, Music Editor

screen LGBTQ+ Spotlight

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Charlotte Isbell, Screen Editor, sheds light on this up and coming LGBT creative

ENITO Skinner created the comedy series Overcompensating, which was released in 2025 on Amazon Prime. The show follows high school jock Benny as he starts his freshman year of college – whilst still in the closet. There he meets Carmen, a girl who he initially begins a romantic relationship with, although this quickly becomes platonic and the two become best friends. The show is based on Skinner’s experience at college where he navigated his sexuality with the help of a close female friend.

Overcompensating fills a huge void in series set in college. Whilst there are countless shows following high-schoolers navigating their teens at school, college students have a far smaller pool of relatable series to choose from. The series is also

standout in its ability to authentically capture Gen Z culture and humour; this is undeniably driven

by Skinner, who co-hosts podcast Ride with the same confidence in contemporary youth culture as the show exudes. Skinner’s history as an internet comedian also helps this; since 2016, he has been creating relentlessly hilarious skits, impressions and short films on his social media accounts.

THE SERIES STANDOUTS IN ITS ABILITY TO AUTHENTICALLY CAPTURE GEN Z CULTURE AND HUMOUR

Most importantly, Skinner made sure to centre his series around Benny’s sexual journey in a way that felt in equal parts light-hearted and sensitive. He delicately weaves important conversations around the challenges of being gay amongst girl-obsessed frat boys whilst making sure Benny’s story stays exciting and fun.

Benito Skinner is one to watch. It’s so refreshing to watch a show centred around a gay man and his journey to coming out that isn’t just about sadness and struggle, but friendship and fun too.

BENITO SKINNER IS ONE TO WATCH

Of course, Benny struggles, but this isn’t his defining feature. The way that Skinner navigates this delicate queer exploration with such hilarity posits him as a driving force for queer stories in Hollywood.

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Music Supervisor: An Under-Appreciated Role

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USIC supervisors are overlooked in film and television, yet are crucial in enhancing a project’s themes. Unlike composers like Hans Zimmer, who create original scores, supervisors curate and license existing songs, finding the perfect track that seamlessly fits into a scene without breaking immersion.

Sometimes, the director curates the soundtrack, which can enhance a film’s cohesion. Like the ironic pairing of “Allstar” in Shrek with fairytale visuals, or Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” in Guardians of the Galaxy 2, that reflects the group’s fractured yet unbreakable bond. However, a misplaced song can break immersion and lose the audience, making the supervisor’s job essential.

For this article, I want to discuss the song “Hey Clown” by Firewater, used in director James Gunn’s animated show, Creature Commandos (2024). The show follows a group of archetypal monsters coerced by the US into Image: DevianArt fighting in conflicts within Eastern Europe.

Image:Flickr

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S part of my weekly routine, I sit down to watch the newly released 30-minute episode of Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to round off my Monday. Having previously watched Game of Thrones, I did not expect this new prequel series to offer such a light-hearted and engaging experience. Instead, the series presents a character-driven portrayal of a comically large and straightforward knight who forms an unlikely bond with his young squire, Egg. The relationship between the two lies at the heart of the series and provides the narrative with a refreshing sense of warmth and charm.

Daniel Pratt shares his favourite on-screen song choices

For the show, Gunn curates an Eastern EuroImage: Flickr pean soundtrack of the Gypsy-punk and alternative-rock genres to create a chaotic and gritty tone, with one scene that lingers in my mind.

A MISPLACED SONG CAN BREAK IMMERSION AND LOSE THE AUDIENCE, MAKING THE SUPERVISOR ESSENTIAL During the climax of episode six, the commandos approach a castle for their final task, assassinating a morally ambiguous princess. The song begins with string instruments and transitions into a carnival-style aesthetic, complete with trombone and cabaret drums that provide a marching beat as the “circus freaks” stride toward their distorted objective.

In the lyrics, the label “clown” reflects the

show’s cynical tone, prompting the question: Who is the true tyrant — the princess or the government that enslaved the protagonists?

AN EASTERN EUROPEAN SOUNDTRACK OF THE GYPSY-PUNK AND ALT ROCK GENRES

of music supervision, resonating with the show’s story and enhancing its themes, much like symbolism in literature. When executed well, music can enhance a story and create an unforgettable moment.

Regardless, the commandos (who don’t dwell on their past or change much as characters) march on, relying on each other to traverse this absurd world towards psychological peace, symbolised by light that is obscured by a castle representing their dark mission. In this subversion of the superhero genre, these monsters achieve their peace not through redemption but through coexistence with each other, leading to an ironically human resolution.

Ultimately, this example illustrates the art

Image: DevianArt

Review: Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Alfie Kottler reviews this suprisingly wholesome tale

A LIGHT -HEARTED AND ENGAGING EXPERIENCE While some viewers may regard the smaller scale of the world and the shorter episode lengths as limitations, these features instead allow the series to focus closely on character development. In a relatively short amount of time, I was encouraged to connect with characters who feel grounded and fun. Despite the positive tone described here, the

series does not entirely abandon the darker elements associated with Westeros’s preceding stories. There are certainly moments of violence and graphic content still present!

Targaryen, an arrogant and vicious prince who mistakes his birthright for moral superiority. I look forward to seeing how our cheerful knight clashes with the awful antagonist in the future.

MOMENTS OF VIOLENCE AND GRAPHIC CONTENT Furthermore, for viewers drawn to the cruel and tyrannical antagonists familiar from the franchise, Finn Bennett delivers an excellent performance as Aerion

Image:Flickr

exhibit | SCREEN

25 FEB 2026 | 23

EDITORS: BETH CASEY AND CHARLOTTE ISBELL

Surrealism is SO in...

Cristina Ferrin discusses the recent surge in surrealist set design

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URREALISM has had a real resurgence in cinema, and I think one reason this could be is due to the political climate as of recent years. With increasing instability and censorship in the world, more and more people are seeking to escape reality and delve into the ‘super reality’ that surrealist cinema offers, even if just for a few hours.

Surrealism aims to create a dream-like and psychedelic state that frees individuals from the constraints of rationalism and societal norms. This creates a ‘super reality’ that taps into the unconscious mind, heavily influenced by Freud, with repressed imagination coming out through the techniques of automatic writing, drawing, and interpreting dreams and giving way to primal desires and unfiltered creativity. This is why some find movies of this genre confusing and too bizarre, because it can

be hard to see past all the imagery to the intricacies and message of the films. Despite this, surrealism is back because of the growing rejection of the standard linear storytelling, and these stories are a break away from this with visuals that stay with you, which not many movies are able to do.

SURREALISM IS BACK BECAUSE OF THE GROWING REJECTION OF THE STANDARD LINEAR STORYTELLING It is really the influence of masters like David Lynch and Luis Buñuel that keeps the tradition

alive in cinema. Luis Buñuel was regarded as the father of cinematic realism and his work definitely defined the genre. Through works such as his collaborations with Salvador Dali in Un Chien Andalou (1929) he blended visceral fantasy with social critique. He created shocking and disturbing images that impacted audiences and revolutionised cinema.

David Lynch, additionally, is seen as the master of modern surrealism, with masterpieces such as Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive among his repertory. By blending the mainstream noir with melodrama, he brought more attention to the genre and cemented what would become the ‘Lynchian style’ that left a lasting impact on filmmakers like Tarantino and Aronofsky.

Notable movies as of recent in the genre have been Lanthimos’ Poor Things and Fennell’s Wuthering

Heights. Poor Things creates a dreamlike dystopian Victorian world reflecting the evolving consciousness of Bella Baxter. Through Frankensteinian tropes, fish-eye lens, and colour imagery, surrealism in this movie serves as a metaphor for a world free from societal prejudices that are viewed through the eyes of someone reborn and so unburdened from the past.

Similarly, Wuthering Heights reimagines the classic gothic tale through surrealist and maximalist lens so that visceral feeling is prioritised over period accuracy. Bizarre design choices, fleshy walls and dollhouse imagery reflect the internal sensuality and psychological unrest of the characters.

Surrealism is so back because it’s a more fun and creative mode of cinema. It allows us to divulge into a bizarre new reality, so far detached from our current world.

Review: Bridgerton Season 4... so far

Amber Platel, Arts & Lit Editor, reviews Netflix’s new season of their Regency hit

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ET your fans out and ready yourselves to swoon: Bridgerton Season Four, Part One has arrived. After a slightly disappointing third season, these four precious episodes had a lot to prove, particularly, that Bridgerton still deserves its crown as my favourite Regency romance.

Thankfully, it makes a very strong case.

As a devotee of the artsy man, I awaited Benedict’s season with bated breath, and I have not yet been disappointed. Even with only half the season released, I’m already far more invested in Benedict and Sophie than I ever was in Penelope and Colin. Leaning into a classic Cinderella archetype, the storyline is instantly recognisable and easy to become invested in.

THE STORYLINE IS INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE AND EASY TO INVEST IN This season pulls out all the stops: forbidden romance, friends-to-lovers, secret identities, the obligatory wet shirt scene (of

Image: Heute.at

course), and a good old-fashioned reformed rake. They’ve found the formula, and it’s working for me. It also wins my personal award for best Bridgerton soundtrack yet, with classical renditions of Paramore’s “All I Wanted” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Bad Idea Right?” heightening the emotional chaos perfectly. Add in a multitude of side plots to sink your teeth into and a deeper exploration of Regency England’s class system, and the show feels rich and engaging.

A DEEPER EXPLORATION OF REGENCY ENGLAND’S CLASS SYSTEM, THE SHOW FEELS RICH AND ENGAGING

That said, my joy may be slightly amplified by how much I loathed season three. After devouring all four episodes in a weekend, I was left with Bridgerton hangover and promptly began rewatching seasons one and two. In comparison to those original masterpieces, my enthusiasm dimmed a little as I noticed the flaws I’d previously overlooked: the questionable (horrendous) Netflix lighting, the increasingly creative historical costuming (though still an improvement on season three), and some slightly odd pacing. Even Benedict’s wet shirt moment doesn’t quite rival Anthony’s in season two.

Still, there’s time. I remain ever so eager to see if the remainder of the season can match its satisfying opening. And without spoiling anything, Benedict’s final words have left me dangling on a cliffhanger I am waiting impatiently to see resolved.

Review: Wuthering Heights

Kayleigh Swart, Editor-in-Chief, reviews the latest adaptation of the beloved classic

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SPOILERS AHEAD

O be totally honest, I went into this movie with the pure intention to hate watching it. As an English student, the adaptation style of this film really hurt me to my core. I could spend hours talking about the poor casting choice that was Jacob Elordi, and the complete whitewashing of Heathcliff. This film isn’t really Wuthering Heights, and it would probably have done better trying to be an erotic period piece without trying to adapt the novel.

THE FILM ISN’T REALLY WUTHERING HEIGHTS

I wouldn’t have minded as much if it took inspiration from Wuthering Heights while also being its own separate thing. Many films do this well, like 10 Things I Hate About You which is based on The Taming of the Shrew, or even The Lion King which is Hamlet.

But the insistence of this being a direct book to film adaptation is where all the faults come in. Images: frame - pngimg.com, cast - heute.at

One thing I can’t fault her on is the visuals of the film. I believe I saw an Instagram comment saying she’d make great music videos and I think that sums it up pretty well.

The various montage scenes were stunning to watch.

I also think some of the acting was great, of course Margot Robbie was incredible, and Owen Cooper’s performance was excep-

tional. Jacob Elordi’s accent was interesting, and he was fine overall, but not good enough to really justify his casting.

One thing I was surprised at though, was the fact I expected way more sex scenes than there were. Don’t get me wrong the sex scenes and sex adjacent scenes were straight out of a BDSM guide, there was less overall than expected. The rest of the movie was fine and that’s about it. I’d save a tenner and watch it when it comes onto streaming services.

THE SEX SCENES AND SEX ADJACENT SCENES WERE STRAIGHT OF A BDSM GUIDE

Excetera Excetera... Student Stars

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but

Let’s Talk About It...

It...

Nina Exton, Deputy Editor, discusses burnout at university

CAPRICORN (22 DEC — 19 JAN) Missing one club night won’t kill your social life, I promise!

AQUARIUS (20 JAN — 18 FEB) Maybe try studying somewhere new, a change of scene can be productive.

PISCES (19 FEB — 20 MAR) Go get that treat or coffee, you work too hard.

ARIES (21 MAR — 19 APR) Better weather is (most likely) on its way, hold on.

TAURUS (20 APR — 20 MAY) Didn’t shoot your shot this Valentine’s? Do it now!

GEMINI (21 MAY — 20 JUNE) It is never too early to start thinking of summer plans.

CANCER (21 JUN — 22 JUL) Think about things for a bit longer before you say them.

LEO (23 JUL — 22 AUG) Try less ‘Carpe Diem’ and more checking when due dates are.

VIRGO (23 AUG — 22 SEP) Eating the same thing everyday is easy but is it fun?

LIBRA (23 SEP — 22 OCT) A multi-vitamin a day keeps the osteoporosis away.

SCORPIO (23 OCT — 21 NOV) Yes you should still bring a coat to the club.

SAGITTARIUS (22 NOV — 21 DEC) Turn off the snooze function from your alarm. It’s not helping.

Images: OpenClipart, SVG

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HIS past week has marked the official halfway point of second term.

If one thing’s clear, it is that people are really feeling the burnout.

Those feeling it are irritable, exhausted and are feeling a bit hopeless about the rest of the academic year. No matter how long you sit at your desk staring at your laptop and notes, you’re not really getting anywhere. Half of the time it’s like anything information you’re trying to absorb is hovering on the surface of your brain but refusing to seep in.

Especially with uni results being released on February 9th, many of those unhappy with their grades are feeling demotivated and disillusioned.

For me, my only respite from burnout these days comes in the form of bursts of panic and anxiety, which is a fun change of scenery!

If you’re lucky, you were given a reading week intended to let you recuperate and catch-up on assignments and course material – whether or not this worked – and potentially enjoy some home cooked food alongside a constant, nagging guilt that you should actually be working.

I’ve never been able to find the silver bullet solution for my endless procrastination, but I know one thing. If I’m sitting at my laptop and just can’t get anything done, it doesn’t help to keep trying. When

this happens, I have to commit to the fact that I’m not getting anything done. Watch a film, read, go on a walk or talk to some friends. It’s hard to tear yourself away when you’re stressed and have looming deadlines, but it must be done for the greater good of your sanity and productivity.

It also helps to designate specific days and places to specific assignments, as well within a set time period (even if this time period feels lengthy) – for example, dissertation Thursdays in Amory. 9-5 study sessions. Maybe I’m biassed because I find it impossible to get work done at home, but doing work only at the library personally helps me feel less plagued when I’m in a “safe space” like my bedroom, and helps me feel a lot less burnt out.

This is one of those strange pieces of advice that I often give but hate to hear. When I complain I’m not getting anywhere and my friends tell me to take a break, I can get a bit snappy. It feels like infuriating advice to receive when you have so much to do and so little time to do it. But you’ll only be able to survive this year and meet your goals if you take care of yourself. You know yourself better than anyone, and you know exactly what you need to feel better. So listen to yourself !

Images: Serengeti Wellness, Pexels

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Recipe: Creamy veg pasta

ULL disclosure, this recipe is not mine, but a product of a brainwave my wonderful housemate had, which has become a staple in my house. Lizzie, this wouldn’t be here without you, and neither would I, probably. So, without further ado, here is the easy-peasy creamy veg pasta of your dreams.

Makes: Cooking

2/3 servings time: 20 minutes

Ingredients: · 100g pasta per person · approx. 6 cherry tomatoes per person · 3/4 cloves of garlic · 1/2 courgette per person · A splash of double cream or creme fraiche · Salt and pepper to taste · Mixed herbs

1. Start off by making your pasta; boiling water in a pot, add some salt, and then chuck it in there for the cooking time on the packet.

2. In the meantime, chop up your garlic and veg into cubes as big or as small as your heart desires. Start off with warm oil in your pan, and brown the garlic.

3. Add in the courgette and cook until soft, and then add the tomatoes and cream and stir for a minute before taking off the heat.

4. By this point, your pasta

should be ready, so add it into the pan and mix it all together.

5. Add in the seasoning of your choice: I like to go for oregano, basil, and black pepper, but you can mix it up and add some paprika into your seasoning, or tomato paste into your cream for a different take on this classic.

Emily S Rizzo Editor-in-Chief

EDITOR: Emily S Rizzo & Kayleigh Swart

exhibit | excetra excetra

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

Across 1 Put together (8) 5 A long time (informal) (4) 8 Polish river - wails (anagram) (5) 9 Bold ram (anagram) - 12thC Italian theologian (surname) (7) 11 Dried grapes (7) 12 Clever - shrewd (4) 14 Deadlock - standstill (6) 15 Maoism (anagram) - Australian acacia tree (6) 18 Sparkling wine (4) 20 Egg-shaped wind instrument (7) 22 Use up (7) 23 Altogether (2,3) 24 Cause of distress (4) 25 Descending (8)

Down 1 Pusillanimous (8) 2 Cloaking - concealing - camouflaging (7) 3 Full of ideas (11) 4 Sign up (6) 6 Leviathan (5) 7 Fizzy drink (US) (4) 10 Plot - Chianti moan (anagram) (11) 13 Comparison (8) 16 (Japanese) art of paper-folding (7) 17 Regain consciousness (4,2) 19 Especially (informal) (5) 21 Lyric poems (4)

Trivia Corner 1. WHAT COUNTRY HAS THE HIGHEST LIFE EXPECTANCY? 2. WHAT IS THE CAPITAL OF BULGARIA? 3. HOW MANY ELEMENTS ARE THERE IN THE PERIODIC TABLE? 4. WHAT IS THE LOUDEST ANIMAL?

5.WHAT CITY IS CONSIDERED THE BIRTH PLACE OF JAZZ? Across: 1 Combined, 5 Ages, 8 Wisła, 9 Lombard, 11 Raisins, 12 Cute, 14 Logjam, 15 Mimosa, 18 Asti, 20 Ocarina, 22 Deplete, 23 In all, 24 Sore, 25 Downhill.

Down: 1 Cowardly, 2 Masking, 3 Imaginative, 4 Enlist, 6 Giant, 7 Soda, 10 Machination, 13 Parallel, 16 Origami, 17 Come to, 19 Super, 21 Odes.

6. WHAT IS THE PEN NAME OF MARY ANN EVANS?

Trivia: 1. Monaco 2. Sofia 3. 118 4. Sperm whales 5. New Orleans 6. George Eliot

ANSWERS

25 FEB 2026 | 25

How to write for us All you need to do is scan the QR code here in order to purchase your society membership from the Student’s Guild. After that you can join our Exeposé Members 25/26 facebook group in which you’ll find content calls from section editors on pretty much any topic you can imagine! We’ll have a link to this page on our instagram!

If you see a content call that takes your fancy, simply comment under the facebook post, write your article and send it to the editor. Whilst they may send you some feedback or ask you to make a

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couple of changes, no articles will ever be rejected and we encourage writers to get involved regardless of previous experience.

If financial hardship prevents you from gettng involved, the Guild offers a Society Hardship Fund, aimed at any student awarded the University Hardship and Retention Fund or who is unable to take part in societies due to financial barriers.

We can’t wait to see all the amazing writing you guys get up to!

26

International Billie Eilish sparks controversy at Grammys

Katrina Nahar explores backlash to Eilish’s anti-ICE comments at the 2026 Grammys

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N February 1st, celebrities in America gathered at the Grammys to celebrate and award all the artists who have brought us new music throughout the past year. Among these artists was Billie Eilish, who was nominated for and won Song of the Year for her song “Wildflower.”

However, in spite of her achievement, Eilish’s acceptance speech has sparked controversy and debate about immigration in America after she declared that “no one is illegal on stolen land”, responding to, and criticising, the recent deployment of ICE agents in cities like Minneapolis, which has resulted in the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Many have applauded Eilish’s use of her platform to explicitly criticise ICE and negative attitudes to immigration, agreeing that the US government has no right to police borders given America’s history and colonial roots. Whereas others, such as right-wing personality Eric Daugherty, argued that she has no right to comment on political matters or preach moral authority when she currently lives in a three-million-dollar house situated on the land of the Tongova Tribe. The tribe has been recognized by the state of California, yet not by the federal government, which means they are unable to access scholarships or request repatriation, further reinforcing the arguments of rightwing critics who point out that the Tongova Tribe is

inherently less advantaged than Eilish and therefore question her moral authority. However, while Eilish “has not contacted [the] tribe directly regarding her property,” they have said that they “value the instances when Public Figures provide visibility to the true history of this country”, suggesting that they, too, agree with the comments made in her acceptance speech. By simply reminding Americans of their colonial roots, Eilish has compelled them to recall their history, a history that they perhaps would prefer to remain buried. However, the displacement of immigrants at the hands of ICE, and subsequent deaths hold a mirror to America’s current laws as reminiscent of a violent past. Therefore, we must ask ourselves if the backlash is simply a question of Eilish’s moral authority or a wider societal desire to forget America’s own hypocrisy.

Furthermore, do we have the right to question the authority of someone standing up for their beliefs? Or have celebrities lost the right to “consequence-free” activism?

HAVE CELEBRITIES LOST THE RIGHT TO CONSEQUENCE-FREE ACTIVISM?

Adhya Shetty assesses the global impacts of a rising obsession with Korean culture and cuisine

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OUTH Korea has been on the rise. The ‘Hallyu Wave’ began in the late 90s and has spread worldwide, sparking a global interest in K-pop, K-dramas, Korean fashion; makeup; food and more. With bands like BTS and Blackpink performing in huge arenas worldwide. Shows like Squid Game are becoming huge worldwide. While this may be old news to some, the real shock has been a rise in a surprising new product: gim, or Korean seaweed.

‘Gim’ or dried Korean seaweed is a surprising product that has caused such a surge globally that it is causing a market crisis in its home

INTERNATIONAL EDITORS:

Jed H. Gibbins Antoni Kałduński

Meloni’s face on fresco

Emily S Rizzo, Editor-in-Chief, looks at a recentlyrestored fresco resembling Italian Prime Minister

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COUPLE of weeks ago, the Italian newspaper La Repubblica reported on the restoration of the fresco in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, and the new appearance of one of its angels. In fact, after the work was completed, many noticed that this angel bore an uncanny resemblance to the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

While the artist, Bruno Valentinetti, denied making changes to the angel’s features from its original look in 2000, the artwork has sparked vicious criticism on a political and cultural stage, as well as spawning a considerable amount of memes online.

A local told La Repubblica that she couldn’t believe the shameful event, adding that such political vandalism was unheard of “since Mussolini’s time”. The Diocese of Rome echoed sentiments of disappointment, stating that while they were aware of the restoration, the result is solely attributed to the artist, who didn’t inform them of any plans to change the fresco.

In response, the culture ministry has launched an investigation into the matter, which the parish priest has called a “big fuss over nothing.”

The opposition parties were quick to call on the ministry of culture to intervene and inspect, with the Five Star Movement asserting that “art must not be a tool for propaganda.”

Likewise, the Pope’s Vicar for the Diocese of Rome has disagreed with the parish priest’s statements, and told the news agency Ansa that he is “committed to protecting the local artistic and spiritual heritage” against exploitation. The authorities have debated the gravity of the situation, noting that the relatively young fresco was not under state tutelage, while the centuries-old church was, creating a complex impasse around pursuing legal action.

In an updated piece by La Repubblica, Valentinetti admitted to having modelled the angel’s face after Meloni, and has now painted over it. A second restoration in keeping with the original artwork is planned to go ahead, as the Pope’s Vicar for the Diocese of Rome states that “sacred artistic depictions in the Christian tradition cannot be instrumentalised, as they are intended for personal and communal worship.”

Image: Heute.at

Craze for Korean culture

Image: Roboflow Universe

25 FEB 2026| EXEPOSÉ

country. South Korea is the world’s largest exporter of gim, with exports reaching a record $1.3 billion (~£967,000) in 2025. However, this has caused the prices to rise exponentially. The snack originally cost around 100 won (£0.05) and is now rising to a record high of 150 won (£0.08).

This is causing a huge problem for Korean customers because prices have risen so steeply in such a short period. Given that gim is a South Korean household staple, there is strong public resistance to such a steep increase. Partially, this interest stems from Korean dramas, with overseas customers feeling that gim is a healthier alternative to other snacks.

PARTIALLY, THIS INTEREST [IN SOUTH KOREAN DRIED SEAWEED] STEMS FROM K-DRAMAS As of now, the South Korean Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries pledges to take steps to monitor the price. Many Korean companies, such as Pulmone, have established land-based seaweed R&D centres to increase supply and match demand.

Starmer’s success in China

Ella Clark discusses Starmer’s recent visit to China and the landmark agreement that emerged

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T the end of January, Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, visited China, in order to discuss a variety of economic concerns and trade pressures with President Xi Jinping. This was the first visit to China a British Prime Minister has made since Theresa May in 2018 — and is a clear and direct attempt to change the economic relationship between the two states. Starmer himself said he aims to create a “more sophisticated” relationship with China.

The landmark agreement made during this trip was visa-free travel for British citizens visiting China, which allows up to 30 days of travel for holiday or business purposes. Although there is no date for when this will come into action, this will have a widespread benefit, with National Statistics showing that around 620,000 people travelled to the country in 2024. Starmer pushed strong for this deal, believing that visa-free travel will make it easier for business to expand internationally, whilst being able to advance at home due to the accessibility of short travel trips — helping economic growth on a larger scale. China has also agreed to halve tariffs on Scotch whisky, which will allow the UK to potentially generate a much needed £250 million for the economy, over the next five years.

VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR BRITISH CITIZENS VISITING CHINA The biggest commercial announcement was a trade deal with AstraZeneca. The company is set to invest £11 billion of the next four years, allowing for research, development and the manufacturing of medicines, as well as international expanding the workplace. Octopus energy has established a partnership with PCG Power, creating a digital platform for trading electricity, which will allow the improvement of efficiency and will help China increase the use of renewable energy, the CEO of Octopus Energy viewing this an opportunity to cut energy costs. Notably, both sides agreed to cooperate on disrupting migrant-smuggling networks. This is a top priority for Starmer’s government, who are keen to stop criminal gangs transporting migrants across the channel.

In light of the recent aggressive tariff policies and threats from Trump, the success of Starmer’s trip shows China can be a reliable trade partner for the West — when navigating through a period of high trade tensions as a result of Washington, although Starmer is the first to argue that there is no need to ‘pick a side’.

EXEPOSÉ|25 FEB 2026

INTERNATIONAL

27

What the f*** are the Epstein Files?

I

Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, delves into famous faces in the recent release of Epstein Files

F, like me, you’ve been glued to the news for the past few weeks, you’ll know that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is no longer a Prince and was arrested on the 19th of February, know that Peter Mandelson is no longer an MP, and you’ll have heard the words ‘Epstein files’ more times than you can count. These files are the affairs of Jeffery Epstein, convicted sex offender.

Epstein was born in New York City in 1953, worked in education, business, and finance, and held an elite social circle. He taught at a private school in the Upper East Side of Manhattan but was dismissed after showing inappropriate behaviour towards underaged students.

In 2005, Florida’s Palm Beach Police Department began an investigation after it had been reported that a 14-year-old had been paid to strip and massage Epstein at his mansion.

They identified 36 girls, some as young as 14, having been sexually abused by Epstein, which led to him being indicted in 2008 and convicted of procuring a child for prostitution and solicit-

ing a prostitute. He accepted a plea deal, serving 13 months in custody before being released.

On the 6th July 2019, he was arrested again for the sex trafficking of minors, dying in prison on 10th August. But the story doesn’t end there.

On November 19th 2025, the US Congress passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bill requiring the Department of Justice to publish all unclassified documents, communications, records, and investigative materials in the department’s possession. These include materials that are in connection with both Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence in Prison after being found guilty of child sex trafficking, amongst other offences in connection with Epstein.

A BILL REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO PUBLISH ALL UNCLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS

Inside the files are thousands of emails, videos, and photos. Notable emails contain exchanges between Epstein and many public figures, including Bill Clinton, former President of the US, who travelled to the island 16 times, and Jay-Z, who was included in the files after a victim said she woke up in a room with him and Harvey Weinstein, after being drugged and sexually abused.

Peter Mandelson, former MP for Hartlepool, is mentioned various times in the files. The files show both fraudulent activity, and sexual activity, where Mandelson leaked Downing Street documents revealing Labour’s tax policy plans.

The files also contain an image where Mandelson is stood in his underwear next to a woman.

Epstein victim Virginia Guiffre accused Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former Prince in the Royal Family, of sexual abuse. Andrew denied these and settled Guiffre’s lawsuit in 2022.

There are photos of the two in the files, as well as photos of Andrew knelt over an unidentified

woman. A letter in the files also shows Andrew and Epstein asking an exotic dancer to engage in “various sex acts”, with lawyers saying the dancer had been treated as a prostitute. The document also claims other women were present at the party, some “as young as 14 years old”.

President of the US, Donald Trump, appears more than 5,000 times in the files, with 38,000 references to himself and his wife. The Department of Justice has looked into sexual allegations against Trump but found that there was not enough evidence for further investigation.

Image: Wikipedia

MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE Parisian terrasses

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Sam Hanlon reflects on the simple beauty of an evening at a Parisian terrasse

OTHING rivals the quintessential Parisian terrasse experience — not even a summer afternoon in the Impy beer garden. Picture yourself sitting around a table with your friends, scarf wrapped tight, poised over a shot of espresso while cigarette smoke drifts past lazily. The sky is grey, and the sun feels like a rumour. In fact, you haven’t seen colour since autumn. And yet this is the best hour of the day.

NOTHING RIVALS THE QUINTASSENTIAL PARISIAN TERRASSE EXPERIENCE You get to exchange stories and laugh over better, more sun-kissed days. Sure, the espresso may taste sour, but at least it’s cheap — by Parisian standards. The beer is worse, but again, cheaper than in most bars. You feel the presence of a waiter sweeping past, dishing out coffee to the left and right, or beer as the afternoon slips into evening. Your legs feel a bit cramped.

But you’re free. You finished work an hour ago.

The street is alive with cars, cyclists, pedestri-

ans, and flocks of pigeons. The smell of coffee grounds wafts out from indoors, a sharp contrast to the garbage truck waiting at the red light.

In France, the terrasse is an extension of your living room, a homely place of habit. Locals meet in these cafés and bistros year-round to catch up and people watch. I remember meeting up with friends at our local terrasse after school every Friday and ordering an espresso as it was the cheapest drink. Once you’re seated, you can stay for hours without having to spend more — you’re there for the socialising, not the coffee.

There’s a wonderful mix of people, from students and teachers to retirees and corporate executives. As you sit in the terrasse, you get to enjoy life as it passes, taking time to take in your surroundings. It’s a far cry from latte art concept-coffee shops or consumption-driven taverns: the terrasse is an ecosystem of freedom within the rigid outlines of life.

YOU’RE THERE FOR THE SOCIALISATION, NOT THE COFFEE

Terrasses parisiennes Sam Hanlon médite sur la beauté simple d’une soirée sur une terrasse parisienne

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IEN n’est mieux qu’une terrasse Parisienne — même un après-midi passé dans le jardin de l’Impy. Imagine-toi à table, entouré de potes, ton écharpe bien serrée, penché au-dessus d’uexpresso tandis que la fumée de clopes divague paresseusement. Le ciel est gris, et le soleil n’est plus qu’une rumeur. En vrai, tu n’as pas vu de couleur depuis les feuilles d’automne. Et pourtant, c’est la meilleure heure de ta journée.

IMAGINE-TOI À TABLE, ENTOURÉ DE POTES, TON ÉCHARPE BIEN SURRÉE, PENCHÉ AUDESSUS D’UEXPRESSO On échange des délires et on pense aux douces journées baignées de soleil. Oui, l’expresso a un goût un peu amer, mais au moins il est à petit prix — du moins selon les standards parisiens. La blonde est pire encore, mais là encore, c’est moins cher que dans la plupart des bars. On sent la présence d’un serveur qui survole, distribuant café à droite et à gauche, ou pintes lorsque l’aprèsmidi se transforme en soirée. T’as des fourmillements dans les jambes. Mais on est libre : le boulot s’est achevé il y a une heure.

Image: Pexels

La rue est animée de voitures, de cyclistes, de passants, et de pigeons. L’odeur de marc de café s’échappe de l’intérieur, se heurtant à la puanteur du camion poubelle au feu rouge.

En France, la terrasse est une extension de ton salon, un endroit d’habitude. On s’y retrouve toute l’année pour discuter et observer les passants. Je me souviens retrouver mes potes à notre terrasse habituelle chaque vendredi après les cours, prenant un expresso parce que c’était l’objet le moins cher du menu.

Une fois installé, on peut y rester des heures sans rien consommer de plus — on est là pour la sociabilité, pas le café. Y héberge un mélange de profils, de lycéens et professeurs aux retraités et cadres. Assis en terrasse, on peut savourer lavie qui défile, on prend le temps d’observer ce qui nous entoure. Bien loin des coffeehouses concept-stores ou d’établissements dictés par la consommation, la terrasse est un écosystème de liberté au sein des rigidités de la vie.

EN FRANCE, LA TERRASSE EST UNE EXTENSION DE TON SALON, UN ENDROIT D’HABITUDE

Images: CoffeeGeek and Wikimedia Commons

Sci-Tech 28

25 FEB 2026 | EXEPOSÉ

SCI-TECH EDITOR: Julia Szewczyk

Are bacteriophages the new antibiotics?

Anna Tennant, Online Sci-Tech Editor, shares exciting research being done at the University of Exeter

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NTIBIOTICS have revolutionised modern medicine. They treat lifethreatening bacterial infections such as meningitis and sepsis; they make organ transplants, chemotherapy, and routine surgery possible. But they are failing. Almost five million people die each year from complications associated with antibiotic-resistant infections, including MRSA and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Meanwhile, the pipeline is running dry: no new class of antibiotics has reached the market since the 1980s. With resistance emerging rapidly and limited financial return, pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to develop new ones.

ALMOST FIVE MILLION PEOPLE DIE EACH YEAR FROM COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT INFECTIONS Without reliable antibiotics, the search for alternatives is urgent. From local streams and ponds to the faecal matter of chameleons and birds of prey, Ben Temperton, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Exeter, is searching for an answer. He is isolating bacteriophages: viruses which are highly efficient bacterial killers.

Temperton began his career studying bacteriophages (also known as phages) in the ocean to understand carbon cycling and climate change.

Marine bacteria are notoriously challenging to grow in the lab, requiring genomic sequencing to identify the phages which infect them. This expertise proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside the UK Health Security

Agency, Temperton and his colleagues worked team in Exeter can “do the whole end-to-end tirelessly, seven days a week for 18 months, thing […] probably faster than most people.”

Yet translating these phages from the lab to to sequence over 6,000 COVID samples.

Phages offer an advantage over antibiot- bedside is challenging due to a range of regulaics: specificity. Some target not just a species tory barriers. Recent clinical trials have failed, of bacteria, but a specific strain. Whereas often because fixed phage cocktails were testbroad-spectrum antibiotics eradicate all bacte- ed without confirming they targeted patients’ specific bacterial strains, or because dosria in their path (including beneficial gut miing strategies were too high. The crobes) phages can be selected to lack of large-scale trial data kill only the disease-causing makes funders wary, pathogen. The challenge creating a catch-22: lies in identifying the without funding right phage for the there can be no right infection. trials, and withIn Exeter, out trials there this search has is no funding. become a comEvidence from munity effort. compassionThe Citizen ate use cases Phage Library is compelling. distributes samIn patients who pling kits at local have exhausted schools and science every antibiotic opfairs, encouraging the tion, personalised public to collect soil phage therapy has led and water from their loto miraculous recoveries, cal environment. Back in the often with minimal side-effects. lab, using sequencing skills honed Image: Wikimedia Commons Frustratingly, whilst the phages exduring the pandemic, researchers isolate, purify and sequence any phages pre- ist in Exeter, they cannot currently be used on sent. The library now holds approximately patients. They must be manufactured according 16,000 phages, making it one of Europe’s larg- to strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) est collections. When a patient strain arrives, standards and these facilities are expensive. the team can often identify effective phages Currently, there are no GMP-certified phage within 72 hours. Within two weeks of receiv- manufacturers in the UK. Temperton is set ing samples from Great Ormond Street Hos- to start part-time as the Chief Operating Ofpital, the team produced a bespoke, ready-to- ficer of Qeen Biotechnologies — Canada’s only use phage cocktail. As Temperton says, his GMP phage manufacturer — helping to create

a transatlantic route that could make clinicalgrade phages more accessible to UK patients.

COULD MAKE CLINICAL-GRADE PHAGES MORE ACCESSIBLE TO UK PATIENTS The implications extend beyond hospitals.

The Ministry of Defence is exploring how antibiotic resistance could shape future conflict scenarios. As in the Second World War, battlefield infections would pose a serious threat.

But unlike in the 1940s when antibiotics were newly celebrated, future soldiers could contract infections resistant to conventional treatment. Defence planners are therefore considering whether broad-spectrum phage cocktails might be a solution. This is a striking historical reversal: phage therapy was pioneered in parts of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. During the Cold War, Western medicine turned towards antibiotics — scalable, broad spectrum, and more commercially viable — while phages were dismissed as niche and unpredictable. The geopolitical forces that once sidelined phages may now be bringing them back into focus.

Meanwhile, in Exeter, Temperton remains hopeful. “The science on phage therapy is solved,” he says. “What we need now is the infrastructure to deliver it.” In the fight against antibiotic resistance, solutions may not lie with pharmaceutical giants, but with viruses hidden in soil and water. The Citizen Phage Library is a promising example of how collaboration between scientists and the public can achieve real-world change.

LGBTQ+ History Month: theme of 'Science and Innovation'

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Sofia Tapia, Online Lifestyle Editor, celebrates the success of LGBTQ+ scientists and shares some University of Exeter events to get involved with

HE LGBTQ+ community has always existed, but has experienced constant oppression and erasure. In the UK, the 1988 law ‘Section 28’ prohibited councils and schools from "promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship” for 25 years. Two years after its abolition, LGBTQ+ History Month was founded by the charity Schools OUT to commemorate LGBTQ+ achievements and struggles.

This year’s theme is 'Science and Innovation', which aims to highlight the important scientific contributions of LGBTQ+ scientists. Both the Students' Guild and the University are organising several events to honour and celebrate them, from lectures to book and journal clubs. Some of the famous LGBTQ+ scientists you might (or might not!) know: Alan Turing, ‘the father of computer

science’, was crucial in decoding messages for the Allied forces. He died two years after choosing chemical castration over going to prison for his homosexuality in 1952.

He was pardoned posthumously in 2013.

Alan Hart pioneered the use of X-rays to identify cases of tuberculosis and was one of the first transgender people to undergo gender reassignment surgery in 1917. He and his wife lived together for over 25 years until his death in 1962 from heart failure.

Sally Ride attended the first NASA class to include women and was the first American woman to go to space. She was married to astronaut Steve Hawley for five years.

Her obituary revealed she had a female partner for 27 years until her death in 2012.

Barbara Burford was medical researcher who established NHS equality and diversity guide-

lines. She and her partner Joy Howard met in 1987 and lived together until Barbara’s death in 2010.

Elke Mackenzie was a transgender botanist whose research on lichens in Antarctica contributed significantly to the field of lichenology.

The University of Exeter is running various events to celebrate this month. From book displays in the library to a talk on British LGBTQ+ history, and a nature trail on campus — there’s a place for everyone to learn something new.

THIS YEAR'S THEME AIMS TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANT SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTIONS OF LGBTQ+ SCIENTISTS

Image: Pexels

EXEPOSÉ | 25 FEB 2026

SCI-TECH

29

The Exeter Science Centre

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Julia Szewczyk, Sci-Tech Editor, reflects on her experience volunteering with the Exeter Science Centre

OR the majority of people, science is something out of reach, something that can only be understood by scientists who often seem to exist on some abstract higher plane. That’s where science outreach centres come in — building bridges with the public, weaving threads of inspiration, and empowering communities to help tackle global issues.

Started in 2019 by Dr Natalie Whitehead (a University of Exeter alumna) and Dr Alice Mills, the Exeter Science Centre aims to do just that across the South West. Since 2020, the ESC has run projects and events across a range of different topics. From exploring sustainability through space science to a popup Climate Exhibition as part of the British Science Festival, and celebrating science through art and photography. The vision at the heart of these events is their belief that “a positive future is one where the public is informed, inspired and empowered, through science, to help make the kind of fair and sustainable society that we all want to live in.”

I recently volunteered at the ESC’s ‘Our Positive Future’ event, which focused on en-

gaging the local community in creating an eco-focused vision for the future of Exwick.

Visitors of all ages participated in various activities, from creating urban greening collages to planting seeds in newspaper plant pots, and even helping to paint a giant mural for what a sustainable and green Exwick could one day look like. It was great to see how many people showed up — proving just how important it is to create spaces for these conversations and let everyone put forward their ideas.

A POSITIVE FUTURE IS ONE WHERE THE PUBLIC IS INFORMED, INSPIRED, AND EMPOWERED THROUGH SCIENCE The ESC is currently working on developing a network of global-issues focused science centres across the South West. “Each centre will be rooted in its local community, themed on local expertise, and an exemplar for how buildings can benefit both people and planet”.

In today’s age of social media, AI, and the rise of anti-intellectualism, it is more important than ever to open up conversations about science. Working with the community through these events is one great way of doing so. From the youngest to the oldest members, there is space for everyone to learn something new, be inspired, and bring their ideas to the table.

If helping to create a positive future through science is something you would be interested in, the ESC is always looking for new volunteers to join their team. It’s a great way to build transferable skills, meet new people, and give back to your local community while studying here in Exeter. To learn more about their projects and find out how to get involved, visit their website at exetersciencecentre.org.

FROM THE YOUNGEST TO THE OLDEST, THERE IS SPACE FOR EVERYONE TO BRING THEIR IDEAS TO THE TABLE

Image:: Julia Szewczyk

Alternative test to cervical screening for HPV

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Charlotte Bailey discusses whether menstrual blood could be used to test for the Human Papilloma Virus

ERVICAL cancer is most commonly caused by persistent infection of the cervix with high-risk strains of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is spread via skin-to-skin contact, usually during sexual intercourse. It is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, yet one of the most preventable and treatable if detected early and managed effectively.

CERVICAL CANCER IS THE FOURTH MOST COMMONLY DIAGNOSED CANCER IN WOMEN A new study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) this February has found that testing menstrual blood for HPV could

be a non-invasive and convenient alternative to current cervical cancer screening.

3,068 women aged between 20 and 54 were enrolled in the study in Hubei Province, China. The menstrual blood sample was collected on a cotton strip attached to a sanitary pad and compared to cervical samples collected by a clinician. The study found that menstrual blood collection showed comparable diagnostic accuracy to clinician-collected samples for HPV testing for certain precancerous lesions.

Currently in the UK, those with a cervix are offered screening every five years, between the ages of 25 and 64. A nurse or doctor uses a speculum to visualise the cervix and take a sample of cells for testing, which can be painful. A 2024 NHS report revealed that rates of attendance to screening appointments are falling, and millions are not being

tested within the recommended period of time.

Testing menstrual blood for HPV could reduce barriers to screening and increase accessibility. Allowing individuals to collect samples at home might reduce embarrassment and remove practical obstacles such as travel costs.

However, increasing accessibility may not be enough. 30 percent of the UK population has never heard of HPV. Improving public awareness — perhaps through expanding education in schools and increasing public health campaigns — could increase uptake of new testing methods.

If the NHS wants to reach its goal of eliminating cervical cancer by 2040, it will likely require a multifaceted approach. The study marks an important step towards reducing screening barriers, but more is needed to increase awareness, and alternative methods of screening will need to remain avail-

able for individuals who do not menstruate, such as those using hormonal contraception.

Image: Pexels

Should social media be banned for under-16s?

Julia Szewczyk, Sci-Tech Editor, discusses the recent conversation surrounding social media

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restrictions for under-16s

NDER-16s in Australia are no longer allowed to use major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X — a controversial ban which has been watched closely by many countries.

Some, like Spain, have recently announced plans to introduce similar restrictions. But will the UK follow in their footsteps, and should it?

On the one hand, social media can be a great way for young people to connect and keep in contact with each other. For many it

can be a safe space for self-expression and finding like-minded people from all over the world, creating an increased sense of community and belonging. The darker side of social media, however, cannot be overlooked.

One of the main arguments for the ban is reducing screen time and the amount of negative content (including violent, misogynistic, eating-disorder and suicide related material) consumed by young teenagers and children.

On top of this, the platforms’ addictive designs

Image: PickPik

which encourage endless-scrolling often result in disruption to sleep and attention-span. In fact, according to a study by the World Health Organisation, one in ten adolescents show signs of problematic social media behaviour, including struggling to control their use. The continued rise in mental health issues amongst young people is also often linked to the negative impact of excessive social media consumption.

Shockingly, it isn’t just young teenagers who are at risk, with Ofcom finding that “37 percent

of those aged three to five use social media, with 60 percent having their own social media profile”.

In the UK, the House of Lords recently backed the imposition of a similar ban, with 261 votes to 150. The government has also announced a three-month consultation on children’s social media use, with the aim of examining the most effective ways to ensure children have “healthy online experiences”. It therefore remains to be seen what will be done in the UK on this issue.

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SPORT

Controversy hits Mudryk over online messages

Antoni Kaldunski, International Editor, discusses Chelsea forward Mudyrk sparking online outrage

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KRANIAN and Chelsea FC winger Mykhailo Mudryk has recently found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy after making inflammatory comments online. The 25-year-old Chelsea forward, who

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has been suspended from professional football following a positive doping test last year, was this week banned from the Counterstrike 2 platform FACEIT for sending offensive messages.

According to reports, Mudryk engaged in toxic exchanges with Polish players on the gaming platform, including references to the Volyn tragedy, a historical massacre during the Second World War led by the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists, which claimed the lives of over 100,000 Poles, many of whom were women and children.

Comments reportedly included phrases such as “lucky

Volyn,” “Volyn next map,” and “next map 39,” remarks that sparked significant backlash online. The gaming ban, understood to last around 30 days, adds to the mounting criticism surrounding his off-field conduct.

The comments quickly drew condemnation from social media users and commentators, with many pointing out the sensitive nature of the historical events referenced and the potential diplomatic implications of such remarks between Ukrainian and Polish fans. Discussions have erupted across platforms, where some have labelled the comments disrespectful and inappropriate for someone with Mudryk’s profile.

SOME HAVE LABELLED THE COMMENTS DISRESPECTFUL

The scandal has also prompted wider media attention, with Ukrainian outlets reporting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasised that Mudryk’s statements do not reflect the official stance of the state and highlighted the importance of respectful dialogue around shared history. Mudryk’s troubles extend beyond this incident. He remains sidelined from football while his doping case progresses, with conflicting reports circulating online about his intentions and future.

DISRESPECTFUL AND INAPPROPRIATE FOR SOMEONE WITH MUDYRK'S PROFILE With tensions high and reactions strong, Mudryk’s comments have catalysed a broader discussion about athlete behaviour online and the consequences of mixing professional sporting profiles with unfiltered, provocative interactions.

Every Minute Matters: CPR awareness surges across the UK Amberly Wright, Deputy Editor, discusses the Every Minute Matters Campaign with EFL and BHF

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N May 2024, Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation launched the Every Minute Matters campaign at Wembley stadium. They launched the campaign alongside ‘Re Starting XI’, a team of football stars and real-life heroes. Amongst them was Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest in December 2023, during a Premier League match against Bournemouth.

LUTON TOWN CAPTAIN, TOM LOCKYER, WHO SUFFERED A CARDIAC ARREST IN DECEMBER 2023 A cardiac arrest is caused by abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) due to impaired electrical

signals, leading to the heart stopping beating.

This can happen due to various cardiac conditions, such as cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, or valve diseases. or from events such as a drug overdose. A cardiac arrest can be spotted when someone collapses and is unconcious, unresponsive, and not breathing normally.

Over 2,500 people suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the UK, estimated to equate to around 80 percent of cardiac arrests, with a less than ten percent survival rate. BHF suggest this is due to many not having the confidence to perform CPR. Every minute that passes after a cardiac arrest reduces the chance of survival by up to ten percent, so it is vital that we all know how to act quickly, and perform CPR.

LESS THAN A TEN PERCENT SURVIVAL RATE

The Every Minute Matters Campaign emphasises the use of their RevivR tool, which teaches individuals to learn CPR in just 15 minutes. The tool teaches CPR in five steps, including learning how to identify a cardiac arrest, making a simulated 999 call, perfecting CPR technique, and learning to use a defibrillator. Upon hearing 270,000 people had used RevivR, Every Minute Matters ambassador, and cardiac arrest survivor, Tom Lockyer said “it’s just incredible to think of how much we’ve achieved. Hitting the 270,000 milestone is incredible and every single person now has a unique skill”. He goes on to say “we’ve created a small army of lifesavers.

300,000 people have now used RevivR, showing a 40 percent confidence increase after usage.

The team have increased their goalposts to 360,000 people, the size of four Wembley Stadiums.

British Heart Foundation’s Chief Executive, Dr Charmaine Griffiths, says “In less than a year, we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of people rally behind Every Minute Matters and start learning vital CPR. It’s incredible that this campaign has reached its ambitious target, and our heartfelt thanks goes to Sky Bet, the football community, talent, fans, the wider public and the UK media for their support and dedication to getting us there.”

WE'VE CREATED A SMALL ARMY OF LIFESAVERS Image: CPR Classes

She went on to say “But we aren’t stopping

Image: Wikipedia Commons

here. We are now aiming even higher and hope an extra Wembley stadium learns CPR with RevivR by the end of May, in our efforts to ensure more lives are saved from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.”

Sky Bet have pledged to raise £3 million for the British Heart Foundation, planning to donate the money toward vital research and community work, such as increase defibrillators.

Additionally, for each goal scored in the EFL during February, Sky Bet will donate £1,000.

Between February 5th and 9th, 36 EFL matches started one minute late to raise awareness for the campaign. Trevor Birch, Chief Executive Officer, told the BBC “The one-minute kick-off adjustment is a simple powerful reminder that swift CPR can be the difference between life and death.” By starting matches a minute late, campaigners hope 500,000 people will have learnt CPR by the end of the month.

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Super Bowl LX Showdown 2026 Connor Meyers, Online Sport Editor, reviews the Seahawks dominating performance over the Patriots in the Super Bowl

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HE Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl 60 29-12 a Levi’s Stadium in California. Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker won the game’s MVP award, as he rushed for 135 yards from 27 caries to win Seattle their second Lombardi trophy.

nold’s pass found tight-end AJ Barner to give Seattle a 19-0 lead, and when Patriots quarterback Drake Maye fumbled on the next possession, the Seahawks’ lead seemed unassailable.

A receiving touchdown from Mack Hollins gave New England a glimmer of hope

in the game’s final moments, but Maye would go on to throw two more interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, and Seattle would close out the game.

The Seahawks, coached by defensive-guru Mike McDonald, were one of the NFL’s sur-

DARNOLD CAPPED OFF ONE OF THELEAGUE'S GREAT REDEMPTION ARCS

FOR MOST OF THE GAME IT WAS A BATTLE OF DEFENCE For most of the game, it was a battle of the defences, with Seahawks kicker Jason Myers scoring four field goals to give his side a 12-0 lead before the games first touchdown came in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Sam Dar-

prise stories this year. Darnold capped off one of the league’s great redemption arcs of recent years, finally living up to the hype he entered the league with, while the drafting of linebacker Nick Emmanwori transformed

the defence into easily the best in the NFL. For the Patriots, once the NFL’s great dominators, their own arrival in the Super Bowl was unexpected. Led by a second-year quarterback Drake Maye and coached by motivational wizard Mike Vrabel, all signs point towards New England being back stronger next year.

Image:: msn.com

Six Nations kicks off with upsets and big wins

Charlotte Townsend features the six nations opening round seeing France and England dominate

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HE opening weekend of the six nations started with a bang, with Italy upsetting Scotland and France and England handing big defeats to Ireland and Wales respectively.

Defending champions France ended the weekend top of the table by after earning a bonus point 36-14 win against Ireland, claiming the inaugural Solidarity Trophy which has been introduced for this contest.

France were brilliant from the first moment of the game, scoring three tries in the first half and holding Ireland to a scoreless first half for the first time since 2020. Early in the second half Bielle-Biarrery sped past for a second, leaving Ireland with little hope of victory.

FRANCE ENDED THE WEEKEND TOP OF THE TABLE

Ireland were able to put on a gritty second half performance after this, scoring two tries and only allowing one more.

Despite rallying slightly, it was a disappointing result for Ireland.

The other dominant display of the weekend was England’s 48-7 win

Image: standard.co.uk

against Wales. England were relentless, claiming a 12th straight victory as they hope to win a first title since 2020.

Henry Arundell had a first half hat trick, having scored every time he touched the ball on his first start since the 2023 World Cup. Wales put on a dismal display, unable to deal with English pressure and continuing a long run of poor results, having only won

two of their last 24 tests. Italy won their first match of the six nations for the first time since 2013, defeating Scotland 18-13. Italy were able to adapt to the rain better than the visitors taking an early lead.

Scotland fought back with Horne scoring a try in the latter stages to leave only a three-point gap.

HENRY ARUNDELL HAD A FIRST HALF HAT TRICK They continued to apply pressure, but Italy’s defensive strength continued and enable them to secure the win. The first round ended with France and England in especially strong positions, suggesting that the title may be fought between them.

Premier League matchweek 25 roundup

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Finley Aston gives a brief round up of Premier League matchweek 25

HE title race came back to life on match week 25 of the Premier League as Manchester City put their inconsistent form behind them by beating Liverpool 2-1 away from home after a late comeback from Pep’s side, in a game which ended with VAR controversy.

Despite the Citizens playing their part, Arsenal professionally saw off Sunderland at the Emirates, keeping their six-point lead and their eyes still firmly on the title. Aston Villa’s title challenge however faded away as they drew 1-1

against Bournemouth, leaving them three games without a win. The battle for European football ramped up again with Brentford winning late on against Newcastle, piling further misery on the latter's sub-standard season thus far.

THE BATTLE FOR EUROPEAN FOOTBALL RAMPED UP AGAIN Meanwhile Liam Rosenior remained un-

beaten in the Premier League as Chelsea boss as they saw off an all but relegated Wolves side 3-1 away from home with Cole Palmer grabbing a first half hat-trick, putting them up to fifth. Down the other end of the table, West Ham secured a big win against fellow strugglers Burnley in a relegation six-pointer where they prevailed as victors with a 2-0 win. Sean Dyche’s task as Nottingham Forest manager became even more difficult as they suffered a 3-1 defeat away at a resurgent Leeds, leaving Forest just three points above the drop-zone.

The penultimate game of the match week saw Crystal Palace beat their rivals Brighton 1-0 in what was a rather uneventful M23 Derby, uplifting their recent poor form under Oliver Glasner.

COLE PALMER GRABBING A FIRST HALF HAT-TRICK

Mercedes F1 engine controversy

Madison McNair discusses the Mercedes engine controversey sparking pre-season debate in F1

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ITH the 2026 season fast approaching, concerns have been raised against Mercedes by rival teams regarding the compression ratio of the car’s engine, and seeking clarity on how such things are to be measured.

The new regulations for 2026 state that the compression ratio for a Formula One car’s engine must be no more than 16:1, which is a fairly significant reduction from the previous regulations’ 18:1, all within an effort to improve sustainability.

However, there is a technicality in the rules that the ratio must be 16:1 when measured at ambient

temperature. From this small technicality stems the fact that rival teams are claiming that Mercedes have bent the rules to benefit themselves.

Mercedes have designed their engine in accordance with the 16:1 rule in that it complies during

Image: formulanerds.com

regular checks while operating at a higher compression ratio once fully running, an action that has sparked significant controversy.

With members of rival teams openly criticising those at Mercedes for allegedly not following the rules, officials at Mer-

cedes, most notable team principal Toto Wolff, have insisted that their engine is wholly compliant with the new regulations, and that they even kept the FIA aware of every development they made in the process of designing this year’s engine.

With the first race in Melbourne mere weeks away, nothing has come of the other teams’ complaints and Mercedes seem to be in the clear. However, if anything were to come of this pre-season controversy, the situation could be detrimental for Mercedes’ bid for the championship this season.

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SPORT EDITOR:

Annabel Gowling

University of Exeter Rugby Varsity: South-West Showdown

Annabel Gowling, Sport Editor, reviews the Exeter vs Bath rugby varsity match

Image: Joshua West and Will Farmer

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HE University of Exeter were edged out 20–18 by the University of Bath in a tightly contested Varsity clash under the lights at Sandy Park. With close to 5,000 supporters in attendance — almost double the crowd from the reverse fixture earlier in the season — the stage was set for a significant night in the BUCS Super Rugby calendar. Exeter had claimed a last gasp win at The Rec months earlier, and Bath arrived in Devon intent on reversing that result and strengthening their position near the top of the table. The atmosphere reflected the occasion. Exeter’s supporters packed the stands early, creating a lively reception for the travelling side.

When kick-off came, Bath immediately applied pressure, pinning Exeter deep inside their own half during the opening exchanges. Exeter’s task became more difficult in the fifth minute when fly-half Nic Allison was shown a yellow card for interference at the breakdown. With a numerical disadvantage, Exeter was forced into an extended defensive effort. Bath earned territory through lineouts and direct carries, but Exeter’s defensive organisation held firm. A series of strong tackles and composed exits prevented the visitors from converting pressure into points.

CLOSE TO 5,000 SUPPORTERS IN ATTENDANCE Having absorbed the early onslaught, Exeter struck with precision. Ten minutes in, quick hands

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shifted the ball wide to winger Noah Fenton, who produced a determined finish in the corner after beating multiple defenders. The conversion attempt struck the upright, but Exeter led 5–0 and had shifted the momentum. The home side began to find rhythm, particularly at the set piece. A scrum penalty allowed Exeter to push into Bath territory, and from another well-constructed attack, the ball once again found Fenton. The winger showed pace and balance to beat the final defender and dive over for his second try of the night. The conversion was again missed, but Exeter had built a 10–0 lead and were playing with confidence.

Bath responded midway through the first half.

Using quick ball around the breakdown and targeting space close to the ruck, they began to stretch Exeter’s defensive line. Lock Isaac Sprengor eventually forced his way over from short-range following sustained forward pressure. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the score narrowed to 10–5 and the contest tightened. The remainder of the half became increasingly physical. Both sides exchanged territory through tactical kicking, and momentum swung back and forth.

Exeter pressed from a scrum penalty and threatened again through their backline, while Bath’s defensive line held strong near their own try line. Handling errors disrupted promising moves for both teams, and at the break Exeter maintained a slender 10–5 advantage.

The second half began with renewed urgency from Bath. Applying immediate pressure from the restart, they forced Exeter onto the back foot. Just three minutes after the interval, number eight Will Keylock powered over from close range to level the scores.

This time, fly-half James Beverly added the extras, giving Bath a 12–10 lead — their first of the evening.

Exeter attempted to respond through territory and forward pressure. Consecutive penalties allowed them to kick into the Bath 22, and several close-range drives threatened to restore the lead. Bath’s defence, however, proved resilient, at one stage holding the ball up over the line to deny a try. A knock-on at a crucial moment further halted Exeter’s momentum. The game remained finely balanced until the hour mark, when Bath extended their advantage. A sharp break exposed space on Exeter’s edge defence, and co-captain Iwan Coyle released scrum-half Isaac Mears with a well-timed offload. Mears finished under pressure to stretch the lead to 17–10, though the conversion attempt drifted wide.

THE GAME REMAINED FINELY BALANCED UNTIL THE HOUR MARK Facing a seven-point deficit, Exeter turned to their bench. The introduction of fresh legs injected renewed energy, and Exeter began to regain territory. After earning a penalty for obstruction and kicking into the Bath 22, Exeter built sustained pressure through their forwards.

Hooker Tyler Bayley eventually forced his way over from close range, reducing the gap to 15-17. The conversion was missed, setting up a tense final ten minutes.

The closing stages were played at high intensity. Exeter produced a strong defensive stand to repel a Bath attack, while a stolen lineout provided a crucial platform

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for one final push. With just two minutes remaining, a Bath infringement at the breakdown handed Exeter a penalty within range. Substitute fly-half Benjy Mills stepped forward and converted the kick, nudging Exeter ahead 18–17 and prompting celebrations around Sandy Park. For a moment, it appeared Exeter had completed another late comeback against their rivals.

But Bath were not finished.

From the restart, the visitors retained possession and worked methodically back into Exeter territory. Phase after phase tested the defensive line.

As pressure mounted, Exeter conceded a penalty directly in front of the posts in the final minute. James Beverly, who had earlier given Bath the lead in the second half, stepped up once more. This time there was no mistake. The kick sailed between the uprights to restore Bath’s advantage at 20–18.

There was little time left for Exeter to respond.

Bath managed the closing moments efficiently, securing possession and bringing the match to an end.

For Exeter, the result will feel particularly cruel given their early control and late lead.

Noah Fenton’s two first-half tries and a committed defensive display laid a strong foundation, but narrow margins ultimately proved decisive.

For Bath, the victory represents both revenge for the earlier defeat and an important result in the context of the league standings. In a match defined by momentum swings and late drama, it was composure in the final moments that separated the sides, as Bath left Sandy Park with a hard-earned 20–18 win.

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