THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
University of Exeter invests £800,000 in major global plastics polluter
even the company’s CEO has condemned as environmentally damaging.
A United Nations working group has also expressed ‘deep concern’, over the company’s handling of a 2007 attack on one of its Kenyan plantations, which saw seven people killed and more than 50 women raped. Following the attack, Unilever stopped paying the wages of the surviving workers for six months, and the remediation it was later obliged to pay has been widely condemned as inadequate and an ‘injustice’.
IN what appears to be a clear breach of its ethical investment policy, Exeter University invests over £800,000 in Unilever PLC, one of the world’s biggest producers of plastic pollution.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request filed by Exeposé has found that £801,026 of the University’s endowment fund is invested in Unilever, with the initial stake purchased in May 2019.
The conglomerate, which owns dozens of consumer goods companies, produced more than 4.1 million tonnes of plastic packaging between 2017 and 2022, just 0.2 per cent of which was recyclable.
Break Free From Plastic’s annual audits, which rank corporations by their global plastic pollution, have without fail named Unilever in the top five offenders, last year ranking it in the top three.
Unilever is notorious for its use of non-recyclable plastic sachets, an “environmental scourge” that has a particularly damaging effect on the Global South. In the 2010s, Unilever produced over 475 billion of these sachets, which
Unilever has repeatedly reneged on its promises — including backtracking on environmental targets and its pledge to pay direct suppliers a living wage by 2030.
Exeter University’s ethical investment policy commits to only investing “in entities that exhibit best class standards of behaviour and performance in a broad range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.” Under the ‘E’ of ‘ESG’, the University lists factors including pollution and sustainability; under the ‘S’ it lists factors including human rights and employee relations. Just recently, the University announced that it had been awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’ Award at the Times Higher Education Awards.
This is not the first University investment that has sparked environmental controversy: Last year saw students protest against the University’s continued investment in Shell, another of the world’s major corporate polluters.
The University’s investment in Unilever comes from its endowment fund, which
on a day to day basis is managed by Rathbone Greenbank. The University told Exeposé that “investment managers are empowered to make the investment decisions as long as they are in line with the [ethical] policy.”
When Exeposé put it to the University that this investment seemingly stands in contravention with its ‘best in class’ ESG approach, a spokesperson said “The University of Exeter is committed to ensuring any investment decisions are made responsibly and with the utmost integrity. As part of this commitment, and following feedback from colleagues and students in support of the climate and environment emergency, the University stopped any direct investments in fossil fuel companies. We also appointed Rathbone Greenbank to manage our investment portfolio, with a major factor in our decision being our drive to improve our ethical investments.
“The University’s investment policy continues to be to only invest in companies that demonstrate the highest standards of environmental and social behaviour. The policy also requires Rathbone Greenbank to engage with companies to influence and hold companies to account for their environmental and social impact. The presidents of our Students Unions are part of the group which holds Rathbone Greenbank to account on how they are performing and engaging”
In their FOI response, the University also said that it “requires Rathbone to engage with companies to influence and hold companies to account for their environmental and social impact.”
But given that Unilever has a market cap of over £116 billion, it is unclear how the University proposes that they can “influence” corporate policy.
A Student’s Guild spokesperson said “we are committed to sustainability and transparency. Concerns about the University’s investment in Unilever, identified as a major global polluter, raise important questions about aligning financial decisions with our community’s values.
“We encourage the University to provide greater transparency on how its sustainability commitments are being upheld. The Guild remains dedicated to supporting students in advocating for a sustainable and inclusive future.”
They further added “All decisions made by the University must reflect the values of its students, including how it uses its money. In the past, we’ve supported student-led activism through campaigns like Shell Out, where we provided survey data, protest support and resources to help students challenge the University’s acceptance of payments from Shell.
“Alex Martin, Guild President, is working closely with the University through the Treasury and Investment Group to ensure investments reflect our shared principles. In Term 2 he will co-lead a Partnerships Principles session to develop practical tools and strategies for more ethical decision-making around what institutions the University works with. Through this work and more, we seek to make University finances more transparent and shaped by students.”
Amy Rushton Editor-in-Chief
Callum Martin Online Editor-in-Chief
Editors
Print: Gracie Moore and Amy Rushton
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Online: Michelle Chung and Jo Howard features@exepose.com
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Print: Anna Spencer and Katie Roberts
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Editorial
WE'VE reached our final edition of the term, and we're so proud of everything Exeposé has done so far this year. From kicking off a podcast to introducing new Climate and Multilingual sections its already been a fantastic year for the newspaper, and we hope to continue this success in 2025! In our pre-holidays edition, we've got plenty of great articles to get stuck into, and as ever, if there's an important issue at the University or in Exeter you think we've missed, please email us at editors@exepose.com.
In this issue, News reports on the sentencing of Just Stop Oil's George Simonson (Page 3), covers the Guild's 16 Days of Activism (Page 4), interviews the Mayor of Exeter (Page 6) and more.
Features looks at the imposition (and swift removal) of martial Law in South Korea (Page 8) while Climate discusses development of Hoopern Valley (Page 10) and Comment examines the legacy of John Prescott (Page 12). Over in Exhibit, Music examines the problematic elements of BandAid 40 (Page 20), and discusses AI in music videos (Page 21). Meanwhile, Screen review Wicked and examine snow on screen (Page 22). Also in Exhibit, Exetera Exetera... speak to local charity Goodwill in Action to Prevent Suicide (Page 24). International interview a student on their experience studying abroad in Japan (Page 26), and write about German
Christmas markets — in German (Page 27). Also in this edition, Sport writers cover Manchester's football struggles (Page 31) and discuss University Fencing (Page 32).
If you have any questions about joining the paper, please check out our socials @ exepose. We hope you enjoy reading this issue and a huge thank you to all our writers, editors and proofers — Merry Christmas!
Gracie
and Amy
University news home and abroad
Ten-year sentence for Hong Kong professor under harsh security law
BENNY Tai, a former University of Hong Kong law professor, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison under the controversial National Security Law (NSL), marking the longest sentence handed down in Hong Kong’s largest national security trial to date. Tai, described as the “mastermind” behind a 2020 informal primary election to boost pro-democracy candidates, was among 45 activists sentenced for conspir acy to subvert state power. Critics argue that the law, imposed by Beijing in 2020, has been weaponised to stifle dissent and dismantle Hong Kong’s democratic aspirations. Beijing and Hong Kong officials accused Tai of trying to “undermine, destroy or overthrow” freedoms guaranteed to Hong Kong under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework. Rights groups highlight the chilling effect on academic and political freedoms, claiming that “selfcensorship has become the norm”.
Russia increases scholarships for students from Africa
RUSSIA has increased higher education scholarships to African students. The aim of this is to promote university partnerships, language learning opportunities and joint collaborative research projects. This is not the first time Russia has played a role in African education; they have built and coordinated education institutes and established research and study abroad partnerships with African universities. Russia has also set up specialist programmes for African students to enhance technological education.
Magdi Tawfik Abdelhamid, a professor at Cairo’s National Research Centre, believes that this is Russian soft power in action, forming alliances with African countries during their continued confrontation with the West. The executive director of African Network for Internationalisation of Education countered the claim, saying "Africa’s interest in higher education cooperation could be safeguarded in several ways." He believes these arrangements are temporary and are just following where the available resources are.
Anti-Islamic harassment at California universities
A2024 report by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has revealed that almost half of Muslim students on California college campuses have experienced anti-Muslim acts. The most common forms of anti-Muslim acts surveyed were derogatory marks or gestures.
The report also detailed students feeling a lack of support from the university administration, with 90 per cent of those who reported Is lamophobia feeling the university’s response to be inadequate.
Reported Islamophobia has seen a sharp increase compared to four years ago, which CAIR attributes to the wide-spread pro-Pales tine protests that have taken place across California campuses in the past year. These have resulted in hundreds of arrests and lawsuits against universities in the state, including Blair v. Regents of UCLA.
72 per cent of English universities set to go into deficit
TA UCLA Task Force also recently found that 84 per cent of Jewish and Israeli students and faculty feel Antisemitism on campus has worsened since the October 7th attacks.
HE Office for Students (OfS), England’s higher education regulator, has warned that 72 per cent of universities could face deficits by 2025-26. Challenges stem from declining international student enrolment (16 per cent year-on-year) and a decrease in domestic undergraduate recruitment. Key findings cite the financial outlook for universities- a potential sector-wide deficit of £1.6 billion, and an income reduction. Domestic recruitment for undergraduates increased but fell short of forecast. Additionally, international student visa applications fell by 16 per cent, with some countries seeing a 40 per cent drop in students coming to the UK. In response, OfS Chief Executive called for “bold and transformative” measures to secure financial sustainability, encouraging institutions to prepare for ongoing recruitment challenges. The chief executive of Universities UK highlighted the erosion of tuition fee value for financial efficiency while seeking long-term government support.
Isabella van der Putten, Jed Gibbins, Nina Exton and Annabel Gowling
Proofers: Gracie Moore, Amy Rushton, Charlie Gershinson, Agata Koralewska, Amberley Wright, Audrey Alvey, Jed H. Gibbins and Ben Frankland
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Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor
TJSO activist pleads guilty to damaging Forum
HE protestor who spraypainted the Forum pled guilty and paid over £3,000 in compensation in November.
George Simonson, 24, appeared in Exeter Magistrates Court on the 13th November after being charged with criminal damage and intentionally causing a public nuisance contrary to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Crimes Act 2022 when he was first charged, to which he pled not guilty at the time.
Simonson, a mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Edinburgh, launched a protest linked with Just Stop Oil (JSO) on the 10th October 2023 in which he climbed up onto the entrance to the Forum and sprayed red and orange paint across the glass façade. Simonson proceeded to hold a JSO banner for a total of three hours whilst a crowd of students, Estate Patrol and police gathered around him. Simonson was motivated to protest in order to bring attention to and stop the government’s granting of leases for new sources of oil and gas within the country.
When recently interviewed by Exeposé , Simonson said, “I never thought that I’d do anything like this
until I started learning about the true horror of the climate crisis. Knowing that our government was continuing fossil fuel extraction, despite knowing the deadly consequences, caused me to step out of my comfort zone, and do things I never could have imagined.”
Along with the fine of £3,227, the protestor was also sentenced to six months in prison. However, before the proceeding in the Exeter court, Simonson had already been charged and imprisoned due to another climate-related protest.
Simonson had been one of five protestors imprisoned in August 2024 for causing widespread traffic disruption on the M25 on the 9th November 2022. At the hearing at Basildon Crown Court, it was heard that people “suffered hours of delay.”
At the hearing, Judge Shane Collery KC said that "it's easy to be blasé and dismissive when it's not your life that's being disrupted," and that the protestors "considered you knew better than everyone else," according to the BBC. Simonson was sentenced to 24 months in prison thereafter.
In a video recorded immediately after Simonson was sentenced in Basildon, a spokesperson for Youth Demand said, “I know what [Simonson] will be thinking right now… is we have to keep fighting; we have to be in civil resistance.”
When asked for comment. a Students’ Guild spokesperson said, “climate change is widespread, rapid, and accelerating. Students are increasingly worried about the state of our world and what it means for their futures. This ongoing anxiety can negatively influence their mental health and
wellbeing, and their ability to study and work while at university.
“Your Students’ Guild is here to help facilitate student-led campaigns and support students in enacting the changes they want to see on campus and within our community. We support and champion students’ right to protest on issues that matter most to
you. Our focus, though, will always be on ensuring student-led activity can take place safely. We do not condone illegal activities that have the potential to harm or threaten members of our community.”
A spokesperson for the University declined to respond when asked.
Exeter arson probe after home torched in fire
Isabella van der Putten News Editor
POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a bungalow in Exeter was completely destroyed by a fire on Tuesday evening, 26th November. Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at around 9:30 PM on Bovemoors Lane, which caused significant damage to the property and its surroundings.
Fire crews from the Devon
and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service managed to get the fire under control; however, they stated that it had also “partially spread to roof space of adjoining property”.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Forensic teams are treating the incident as suspicious, with initial inquiries suggesting the fire was deliberately set. The property has been cordoned off as Police and Fire investigators examine the scene for the cause of the fire.
A spokesperson for Devon
and Cornwall Police has urged anyone with information around the time of the fire to come forward. To contact the police, call 101, or via their website quoting reference number 50240299457.
Local residents have expressed shock and concern following the incident. One neighbour stated that the fire “continued to spread rapidly and most of the building was on fire before the fire trucks could arrive.”
There is no update on the cause of the fire at time of printing.
Extra measures to bring rough sleepers inside during cold
WHERE most of us will have started hanging up our Christmas decorations or preparing to travel home to be with our families, over the coming winter months many people will be sleeping rough on the streets of Exeter.
With the temperature dropping below freezing, Exeter City Council has put in place new measures to try and tackle the number of people sleeping out in the cold. These efforts
include an increase in emergency beds and encouraging people to report someone that is sleeping rough through Streetlink. Whether someone is already sleeping outside, in their car, or preparing to bed down, this platform helps to connect people with charities and local authorities.
According to The Report of the Devon Housing Commission, there has been a sharp increase in homelessness in Exeter, with rough sleeping having increased by about 25 per cent since 2022. It also states that around 20 people on average sleep rough every night on the streets of
Exeter.
The report cites rising house prices and the expansion of the University as causes for some; however, St Petrock's, a charity that runs the homeless centre in the Cathedral Yard, also notes that childhood trauma and medical problems are often at the root of homelessness.
If you know someone that may be sleeping rough or is at risk, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the Streetlink service (streetlink.org.uk/) or St Petrock's (https://stpetrocks. org.uk) through their websites.
Image: Flickr
Tabitha John
Image: Exeter Cathedral, Wikimedia Commons
Image: Anabel Costa-Ferreira
Gracie Moore Editor-in-Chief
THE campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign beginning on the 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concluding on the 10th December, Human Rights Day. The
16 Days of Activism at Exeter
UN states that 16 Days of Activism is “an opportunity to revitalise commitments” and “call for accountability and action from decision-makers.”
The UN states that nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime with girls at higher risk of violence — one in four adolescent girls is abused by their partner.
The UN also recommends taking action with the UNiTE campaign and it lists three ways that this can be done:
Ending impunity by holding perpetrators accountable and establishing zero tolerance of violence against women and girls; adopting, implementing and funding National Action plans to end violence against women and girls; investing in prevention and women’s rights organisations to ensure rights and access to essential services for survivors.
At the University of Exeter, the Students’ Guild in collaboration with societies and various external organisations have led impactful events and actions. The Guild website states “we are committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can learn, engage, and advocate for change.”
“Violence against women is a societal issue, and everyone has a role to play — because together, we can make a difference.”
The Guild hosted various events throughout the 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness for the cause. There
were stalls to share information and offer friendly advice, including FemSoc and Nightline, and there were talks held to continue spreading awareness — for example, with Devon Rape Crisis.
The Guild website states that 62 per cent of all students and recent graduates had experienced sexual violence, but only six per cent reported it.
White Ribbon Day was endorsed by the Guild where individuals can wear a white ribbon and are encouraged to call out behaviour when it is safe to do so while checking the victim is OK, listening to women’s experiences and how you can contribute to inclusive spaces, and spark important conversations with friends and discuss the ways you can be a better ally.
On the 16 Days of Activism, the Students’ Guild said, “sadly, too many women will witness, endure, or experience sexual harassment, violence, abuse, or victim blaming in their lifetime — this is unacceptable and has no place on our campus or in our society.
“In 2022, over three-quarters of surveyed students reported experiencing or witnessing racism, homophobia, sexual violence, and other unacceptable behaviours. To address this, your Students’ Guild, in partnership with societies, the University, and external services, is proud to host 16 Days of Activism — a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness and demanding change to end violence against women. We’re shining a light on this critical issue through events, actions and impactful initiatives.
“Whether you’re a woman or an ally, there are plenty of ways to get involved — from signwriting to safety talks, big night in movie night and the Reclaim the Night march. You can even grab some of our free personal safety items, such as drink covers, bottle tops, and torches. Visit exeterguild.com/16days-activism to join us in standing together, taking action, and working towards a safer, more inclusive community for everyone.”
Academics awarded for help with Post Office Scandal Inquiry
Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor
SEVERAL University of Exeter academics have won an award recognising their efforts to help the victims of the Post Office Scandal. The team of experts, including Professor Richard Moorhead, Professor Rebecca Helm and Dr Sally Day from the University of Exeter as well as academics from University College London and LBC Wise Counsel, were awarded the “outstanding societal impact category” at the Economic and Social Research Council’s Celebrating Impact Prize 2024. This prize recog-
nises researchers who have achieved significant impact through their research and community engagement.
Their work has been targeted on ensuring that professional misconduct by lawyers remained a key focus of the public inquiry into the Scandal and why innocent people pled guilty to crimes they did not commit. It ultimately helped lead to a blanket exoneration of those wrongly prosecuted, rather than forcing them to individually fight an appeals process.
The Post Office Scandal is one of the gravest miscarriages of justice in modern English legal history as an upper estimate of 1,000 subpostmasters and sub-postmistresses
were wrongly prosecuted with many more losing their livelihoods and having money taken away from them.
The researchers’ efforts have also demonstrated the significant mental impact inflicted on those sub-postmasters who were wrongly prosecuted and how it relates to lawyer misconduct and incompetence.
Prof. Moorhead said, “we are very proud of our work as a team. High quality, impactful social science on law and lawyers has never been so important. But we know our secret weapon is nothing to do with us. It is the power of an incredible story. Working with the sub-postmasters and -mistresses is the privilege of a lifetime; their resilience
and decency in the face of disgraceful individual, institutional and legal failings will be teaching governments, corporates, lawyers, and courts, lessons
for many years to come. We try to bring high quality thinking and substantial evidence to this world, but human decency is what will make the difference.”
Student houses face damage after Storm Bert
Amy Rushton and Charlie Gershinson Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor
THERE have been reports of damage to student housing due to high wind and heavy rain from Storm Bert. Storm Bert, which caused heavy damage in Exeter and the southwest, triggered a “danger to life” wind warning for Devon on the 23rd and 24th November with strong winds and gales of up to 70mph. As well as damages to student housing, DevonLive reported a major road closure due to a tree crashing into a listed building on Cowick Street, Exeter. Storm Bert was not the final major storm of the year as a red warning for wind was issued by the Met Office for the 7th December due to Storm Darragh, which had not yet arrived in Devon at the time of writing.
In a survey conducted by Exeposé, 55.6 per cent of students surveyed
said their accommodation had suffered damage, or potential damage, due to the storm. Of those, 80 per cent lived in private accommodation. Examples of damage given included, “water running down insides of walls, damp patches on ceilings, damage to paintwork”; “a piece of wood originally attached to the gutter is hanging in front of my housemate’s window and we had no power for around four hours of the day” and “the back fence and gate were blown out of place and some of the fence panels have become loose. Also, some garden brickwork has been broken,” with water damage to roofs and walls being the most common example listed. Many students complained of lack of support from landlords. One stated, “a sign attached to our house was blown off and there was leaking from our roof. Our landlord came a couple of days later and did nothing about the damage, just stepped over the sign so we were left to clean everything up.” Whilst another explained they had received no contact, “just an automated response
after submitting it on their website thing.” More students complained of ineffective or incomplete work by landlords, with one stating they “replied quickly, but were very slow to actually do something, it took many random visits and unprofessional attempts to paint over the leak, before actually getting a professional involved weeks later.”
No students reported direct financial damage, but one stated they “had to turn heating on more than we can afford to to help dry out the house”.
The storm also affected student livelihood and wellbeing, with one respondent saying “the constant violent whistling of the wind prevented me from going to sleep for like three hours. It was just me, staring in the dark, and the howling wind. Infuriating…”
When asked about the effects of Storm Bert on student housing, the Students’ Guild said, “stable, safe, accessible and affordable housing is vital to student wellbeing and we know this is an area Exeter struggles with. Storm Bert has caused a huge amount of stress
and anxiety for many students due to property damage, temporary displacement, and ongoing uncertainty about repairs. We are in support of strengthened renter rights as it’s an important issue to our students, and we believe students should be empowered to advocate for better housing conditions.
“Your elected Officers continue campaigning for greater student housing rights from the University, local authorities and Exeter MP Steve Race.
They are working on several initiatives, from peer-led student housing reviews to extending the University guarantor scheme and financial assistance for those struggling. In partnership with the University, we have developed our Move Smart campaign, which contains many resources to help you find the right accommodation and understand your rights. Access everything you need to know about housing at www.exeterguild.com/move-smart.”
Image: Charlie Gershinson
Image: Francisco Montes
Image: Chemical Engineeing, Wikimedai Commons
Image: Exeter Students’ Guild
Image: Jaggery, Geograph
AU sports societies express concern over restrictions on socials
Nina Exton and Isabella van der Putten News Editors
RECENT findings suggest that sports social secretaries are struggling to get their events approved by the Athletic Union (AU). Reports indicate that some clubs have received emails from the AU outlining new limitations, including this directive: “due to recent events and information that we have received, please be advised that effective immediately, all team or club socials held in private residences will not be approved and should not take place.”
This statement implies that certain behaviours have clashed with AU guidelines, prompting the ban. Sports societies at the University have previously faced allegations of "toxic behaviour" and "hazing," for instance Exeposé's uncovering of classist and sexist remarks made by the Rugby and Football Club in 2021.
In a survey conducted by Exeposé among members of sports societies, all respondents were aware of the ban and reported witnessing inappropriate behaviour at socials. However, opinions on the AU’s actions were divided. One student defended the restrictions, stating, “I think it is justifiable in the extreme circumstances […] it wouldn’t surprise me that the University has decided to step in. The issue often arises when it starts to affect all sports societies despite not all of them being involved in the gross behaviour.”
Conversely, another student criticised the ban as excessive, stating “I feel like it is inappropriate to ban the sports society as for some people, this makes their time at Uni. They look forward to this weekly. It is people’s responsibility to say no and stop if they can’t drink anymore.” Despite the mixed reactions, many students expressed relief that the AU is taking steps to prioritise health and safety. One student commented, “the AU took the next best step in ensuring health and safety of society members, by limiting or banning the socials significantly.” However, the new restrictions have complicated the logistics of planning and approval. For some, it has been a frustrating adjustment. One student summarised the sentiment, calling the process a “nightmare.” While the AU’s focus on health and safety remains a top priority, the controversy over the social ban highlights the balance between oversight and allowing a fun and vibrant social life that many students value.
Exeposé interviewed a social secretary of a larger sports society, who spoke candidly about the challenges posed by recent bans on sports socials..
Éxepose: Can you walk us through a typical process of organising a sports social?
Social Secretary: The planning
process mostly revolves around filling out a social declaration form, fit with health and safety considerations like what to do if someone gets too drunk. As our society doesn’t play all year round, socials are really important and we have a format and various themes we follow throughout the year. Over time, some themes get edited based on conversations with social secretaries about what we want out of the social and how we want to implement it.
É: What are some of the unique challenges you face as social secretary for a larger sports society?
S: The size of our society really just means we have more social secretaries than a lot of clubs. This paired with us not playing all year round means socials are our main way of interaction. We don’t tend to host socials in private residences, so when we have them it’s about coming together as a club instead of smaller individual teams. I wouldn’t say there’s been any particular challenge, as it’s how the club has always worked and I’m used to it.
É: How has the recent ban on socials in private residences affected your ability to organise events?
S: It’s been a little bit frustrating in some sense, but at this time it hasn’t affected us massively. The only thing we haven’t been able to do is smaller squad socials, as they would usually be in private residences, which is a shame because they’re good for team building and are a bit more chilled, which can cater to more people and let them bond with their team without attending a massive social.
É: Have these new restrictions changed how the team engages socially, either positively or negatively?
S: It’s just been disappointing as we had a couple weeks where we couldn’t do anything at all, which left our Christmas dinner up in the air and made it hard to plan. We’re quite a close-knit group. A lot of us are good friends and live together, so we will hang out regardless of the ban. The only thing the ban’s doing is keeping us from mixing with people we wouldn’t usually spend time with and meeting new people, which is a bit frustrating.
É: What measures, if any, has your club implemented to ensure socials align with university and AU guidelines?
S: I don’t think there are any specific changes we’ve implemented this year, but if you compare this year to four years ago, when I was a fresher, there’s been a definite change in what’s seen as acceptable and not. There’s been a bit of a concerted effort to make change, partly led by changes in the committee throughout last year, though we’ve tried to not lose what socials are really about. Despite this, it feels like every year the club’s been squeezed, taking out the heart and life of the social. Most people in the club aren’t High Performance athletes that the AU really care about, but people wanting to
play sports socially. If you take that away, then what’s the point of really joining?
É: We had heard that a few themes have been disapproved this year, is this true for your society?
S: We had a social theme suddenly disapproved for the first time this year after running it for the previous four years. So it was just a bit frustrating because it was one that a lot of people find very enjoyable, which is what we’re trying to encourage. Sometimes it feels like the AU doesn’t understand what we’re trying to achieve out of a social. I feel like paths are just splitting, getting further directions every year. You can’t have social sports without socials, because it’s what a lot of people join for. At the moment, it feels like people are just getting fed up with it and wanting to turn away from playing social sport and being part of clubs. There is a symbiotic relationship between the AU and sports societies, we need each other to exist, so it makes no sense when the AU implements rules that deter people from joining.
É: Do you think the AU’s new restrictions are a justified response to recent events?
S: No, I don’t think it’s justified, and my worry for the recent restrictions is that it’s just going to force socials underground. I haven’t seen it, but taking a large group of people who want to do something anyway and taking away any oversight that the AU perhaps previously had. Socials having to be covert and unofficial could lead to more people getting picked on or feeling excluded. With many members already living together, the AU doesn’t know when people are hanging out or having pres. The AU would lose a level of oversight and will just make behaviour potentially worse.
É: Do you think the AU has become stricter over the years?
S: Yes, I feel like they get stricter every year. There’s been a change of people this year and I feel like there’s been a lot less understanding. We need more transparency and openness, but the way the AU approach things just turns people away. You feel it can’t be
open because they’re constantly trying to catch you and as a result it feels like they aren’t really on your side. I feel like the relationship is just worsening every year.
É: How do you see your socials adapting in the future, given these restrictions?
S: I don’t see a huge amount of change happening for the rest of the year. Where I do see change is more in the long-term, the next three to four years. I feel people will be put off from running for committee roles, especially social secretary roles. Given what’s happened in previous years, it took long consideration whether it was something I even wanted to do, because of how it’s become more time-exhausting and frustrating. It felt a little bit like do I really want to take my time doing this? And I think that’s just going to grow and grow. The role has also come with a lot more responsibility and blame than in previous years. You get blamed whether you were there or not. I get being in the committee means being a figurehead of your sport or club, but it feels unjustified when it’s one individual’s behaviour that could get you a behaviour warning or risk getting kicked out of university. It’s going to be harder and harder to keep running socials, it’ll just turn people away.
É: Are there any creative alternatives you’re exploring to keep the team engaged and maintain a sense of community?
S: In a sense, we still have big club socials, like the Christmas dinner. We’ve tried to put a bit more of emphasis on training, and more wellness-focused sober socials. We’ve had a yoga social, and we all go for coffee and have dinners together. The nice thing about smaller team socials is it can be more accessible for people who aren’t as confident or don’t want to come to a bigger social. I’ve seen these sober socials grow over the years, which is really good. I guess that’s perhaps how we’re trying to be a bit more creative, but there’s not a huge amount. I think that’ll certainly change for us because currently we’re still doing big club socials. It’s just a bit disappointing because you can’t book out a venue for a team of
15 people and it means you lose that sort of bonding with your team, which I think it’s a huge part of playing sport.
É: Would you say this affects how you celebrate after winning a match?
S: Yeah, massively. I think the lovely thing about sport is that you come together after a game and celebrate a win or commiserate a loss. It builds you up to the person you are, you know, magnanimous in victory and defeat or whatever the taglines are. But yeah, it’s just a huge part of team bonding. So many of my friends I’ve met through sport and so much of my life has been part of that.
É: Any final comments?
S: I feel the AU is getting more assertive over what you can and can’t do, and it’s just become increasingly frustrating because 99.9 per cent of the time there isn’t anything that goes wrong. I understand the AU’s purpose is preventing and resolving issues, but when things do go wrong, it feels like they’re trying to catch you out or take things out of context. It just feels like we should be working with them, to encourage sport. You know, I went up to try to go out and watch another society’s game, but no one was there because they’re not really allowed spectators, which just isn’t what the AU is about. They should be fostering people to enjoy sport and get involved and be sociable. At the moment, it feels like they’re just trying to shut down every avenue to it. Sport is about learning and being able to cope with rejection and defeat, learning from others, spending time with friends and building relationships. It feels like we’re not being allowed to do that at the moment.
Exeposé approached the AU for a comment but they had not replied by time of writing.
The controversy surrounding the AU's restrictions on sports socials points towards broader tensions between maintaining health and safety and fostering university sport life, with some sports social secretaries feeling these measures hinder what makes sports societies so appealing.
Image: Section 28 and its Afterlives
Image: University of Exeter
In conversation: the Lord Mayor of Exeter and Council Deputy Leader on student integration and safety in our city
Agata Koralewska Deputy Editor
THE Lord Mayor, Kevin Mitchell, plays a civic role and is an overarching figure that represents the city and its interests. Laura Wright, the Deputy Leader of Exeter City Council, is a portfolio holder and she is involved in the strategic power, working for the Council. Exeposé sat down with them both to talk about how students fit into the local community and general citizen safety.
Exeposé: Could you start by introducing yourself and stating your role?
Lord Mayor: I could be described as the first citizen of Exeter. The Lord Mayor gets appointed each year by the 39 fellow city councillors and chairs before council meetings. Another part of the job is meeting and greeting individuals that come to the city. I have my own charity for the year as well FORCE (a local cancer charity) is the one I chose this year. I go around and promote business, charity, and the voluntary sector. I would describe myself as a figurehead that goes to many events and meets people. The main thing I do is saying “thank you,” which is an amazing thing to do.
Deputy Leader: I am Councillor Laura Wright, the Deputy Leader of the Council and board member for St. Thomas. I have city centre strategy and corporate services in my portfolio. I am also the Councillor champion for safety of women and girls.
É: What have you been enjoying most about your job and how do you feel about Exeter?
LM: I like thanking people for what they do for the city. Exeter is far more diverse than what it used to be. I’ve enjoyed events organised by international groups, for example by people from Hong Kong or Ukraine. They add something different to our community and I take pleasure in learning more about new cultures. As my day job is a nurse, I meet people working within the NHS. I am surrounded by colleagues from all over Europe and the world which is an enriching experience. Diversity is something that we should treasure.
DL: I love Exeter. I came here from London when I was 10 years old. Then I went to live in Torbay for a while and came back to Exeter. I’ve been here for around 40 years and I love this city as it’s very diverse and I get an opportunity to meet people from different economical, social and geographical backgrounds. I am very proud of Exeter, which has always been a stronghold for fighting for civil rights and protesting in a very polite way. If there’s
an issue, the city comes together.
É: Students may sometimes feel like they do not fit into the local community. Do you think there are any solutions for better student integration in our city?
LM: There has always been an issue in terms of the University and the city. Some perceive that there is a divide there. In reality, that shouldn’t be the case. The University brings a huge amount to our city financially and the impact that it brings is absolutely amazing in terms of the prestige of the city. The University promotes Exeter around the world. The students that come to live here contribute to how diverse it is and they add to the vibrancy and fuel the nightlife. That’s what can sometimes cause a divide with some residents because student life differs from the nine-to-five work life. Things could certainly be improved in terms of integration of students. A lot of residents’ associations within the area that I represent reach out to students when they initially come and explain some of the things that students wouldn’t necessarily know, such as the bin collection dates. That’s what we need more of and that’s what would break down the barriers that sometimes exist.
É: Are there any events organised by Exeter’s local community that are targeted at students to make them more involved?
LM: There are not many citywide events, but rather local ones. Some associations within the city host welcoming events. Powderham Crescent Residents’ Association hosts an event in a park that they have there and also events happen within Queens Crescent Gardens at the beginning of terms. I would say that there is room
for improvement in communication between the Students’ Guild and local communities. It’s of vital importance that we do have that integration as we can give so much to each other. Moving away from home and becoming an independent person can feel daunting and having those supportive figures around you within the community is of great importance.
É: According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request done by Exeposé , instances of sexual assault and rape reached 189 by September in EX4, already surpassing reports from all of 2023. What has the city been doing to ensure maximum safety of victims?
LM: The Community Safety Partnership that the University is involved in has had discussions on how we can approach that issue. CCTV has been enhanced within the city and in student areas particularly, for instance Longbrook Street and Pennsylvania Road as it is one of the routes that lead from the campus to the city centre. There is a security team at the University as well that can be approached for any issues or concerns. The local policing team makes themselves known at the beginning term at Welcome Week. I would encourage anyone to reach out to them if they have any concerns.
DL: Safety of people is a partnership approach. In the past, a lot of responsibility fell to the police only and the Council isn’t involved in policing but has to focus on finding different solutions. We have put in lots of new CCTV cameras all over the city. We worked out how to budget to get more staff in 2020. I did personally put in a lot of work in that, looking at rotas for staffing to work out a more effi -
cient use of labour. We were able to get more grants for more CCTV. All of our CCTV operatives are fully trained by the police at being able to spot potential sexual assaults. Only a couple of weeks ago, one of our operatives managed to identify someone who was wanted by the police for a sexual assault and that person was arrested. Unfortunately, the crime had already been committed. I’m convinced that had he not been apprehended and arrested, he would have gone on to commit another crime. Being able to measure the data and say how many crimes we stopped from happening is difficult. Also, we have yellow signs all around the city up on lamp posts. If you think you are being followed, there is a phone number provided and you can quote the camera number underneath and the camera will focus on that exact area and police will be contacted. We have supported the Safe Space being opened which is operating at the moment and needs urgent funding. There is a medical team there and people to talk to. The police are creating loads of initiatives where they are undercover, watching people that are acting suspiciously, with regard to potential sexual crime. I’m concerned about the rise in the figures from last year. There has to be more research. When you get data, you must find out what the reason for it is. One reason could be that more women are feeling safe to report sexual assault. As women and allies, we all know that it has historically been difficult and not always productive for a woman to report on a sexual assault. The figure of sexual crimes that were reported and have gone through to conviction are low in Devon and Cornwall.
É: Following the recent clo-
sure of the tapas restaurant on Fore Street due to xenophobic attacks, what can be done in our city and what type of actions can be taken against this type of crime?
DL: I asked the police to expand on the story that has been reported. As it is an ongoing investigation, I cannot be too specific. When you get to think about protection of people that are in minorities, Exeter as a population are people that are involved in activism and come out to speak out against racism or injustice. There is a rise in less inclusive politics across the globe, for example in the US. A real challenge before thinking about physically protecting people, is collectively rejecting negative, harmful thoughts before they escalate. When it comes to actually committing hate crime, I do believe that Devon and Cornwall Police do need to be better at it. If the data of reported hate crimes is low, you could then say (and I heard that said in relation to this on the police force) “we don’t think we have an issue with hate crime because the data of it being reported is quite low.” Similar as with sexual assault, it takes a lot of courage to report a crime to the police. There is more work to do in that matter.
É: Do you have a final message that you would like to tell students?
LM: You’re welcomed and extremely valued here. Enjoy our city and take part in our local life as well. Do try to embed yourselves within the community. It would be wonderful to see more students at mayoral and civic events in the future.
DL: If there is anything we can do as a Council, just approach us. We are here to represent you as well as the longer term residents.
Image: Paulina Majewska
Gracie Moore Editor-in-Chief
EMovember round-up: Exeter’s success
VERY year, the efforts on campus to raise money for Movember do not go unnoticed. Issue 763 of Exeposé discussed the events that would be taking place which extend to, but are not limited to, charity sponge throwing, head shaving, 24-hour runs and much more.
Exeter students typically do well in their fundraising efforts for Movember. At the time of writing, Exeter had raised a total of £116,693 for the Foundation, despite the goal being £150,000, around £8,000 behind Durham.
Exeter’s official Movember Instagram page spotlighted the efforts of The Carthaginians, a football team at the University and their mission for raising money. 27 boys from the group set out with the goal to cover the 1,900 kilometres distance from Exeter to Carthage, an ancient city in modernday Tunisia. They originally set themselves the goal of raising £1000 over the month but have surpassed it by a long way and raised £8000.
Some of the runners ran as far as 150.65km and others showed their support through shorter runs.
A spokesperson for The Carthaginians said "a special mention goes to Ollie Turner, whose remarkable efforts in climbing Everest by walking up and down Forum Hill 220 times rasied £3,308.
"The Carthaginians are committed to continuing their support for good causes, particularly in the realm of men's mental health, and hope to build on this year's achievements in the future.
"We would like to thank everyone who supported us throughout Movember. Up the Carthage Hannibal."
The Carthaginians are the highest-raising new Movember sports team this year — across continents, and across all sports.
Exeter Chiefs even joined the cause, creating a donation page for those who wanted to show financial support.
Outside of sport, XMedia raised awareness for Movember by creating the Movember Broadcast.
In this, XpressionFM and Movember discussed men’s mental and physical health, airing on the 23rd November.
Exeter have managed to maintain their reputation at raising lots of money for the Movember Foundation.
On the cause, the Students’ Guild said “our students have stepped up brilliantly, to tackle the stigma around men’s mental health head-on.
From growing moustaches to hosting events, they raised over £116,000 and sparked conversations about why it’s okay to not be okay. It’s moments like these that show the power
of our community — compassionate, proactive and determined to help.
"We’re proud to support these efforts and encourage you to get involved. Whether it’s joining a fundraiser, sharing initiatives, or donating, every action counts. Got an issue or cause you’re passionate about? Start your own campaign and make your voice heard! Visit exeterguild. com/campaigns to get started."
Also on Movember at Exeter, a spokesperson for the University said
"we’re very proud of our students for all their hard work to make Movember such a success. They, along with previous students, have established a long, successful tradition of supporting this incredibly important campaign. The fundraising element is fantastic but more significantly, they’re helping to raise awareness of men’s mental health and getting the message out there that it’s OK to seek support should you need it — at any time of year."
Multi-faith Centre opens
Agata Koralewska Deputy Editor
ON the 1st December, the Sarah Turvill Multifaith Centre opened its doors for the first time.
The new building will serve a purpose of hosting multifaith activities such as prayer or quiet reflection and it will replace the previous Muslim prayer rooms in the Old Library. Short tours were given in order to show off the space and answer any questions that students might have about the Centre.
The Multifaith Centre will be here to support all University members such as staff and students. The chaplaincy team has a great variety of workers with different beliefs and outlooks on life, who can effectively support collaboration between faiths and foster respect.
The Centre has been named after alumna of the University and former Chair of the Univeristy’s Council, Sarah Turvill.
The building was designed with sustainability in mind as the design and construction of the Centre was carried out in a way which limits carbon emissions, according to the University. It has been designed with an aim to achieve Passivhaus certification for its energy efficiency, carbon reduction and air quality. The planting and landscaping around the Multifaith Centre will be carried out over spring.
Located near the Forum, the Multifaith Centre is easy to spot, and it welcomes any students who need a moment of silence or a meaningful conversation.
Image: Movember Foundation
Features
David Lammy’s Select Committee appearance
Oliver Nicholls discusses Lammy’s response to multiple foreign policy issues
AS new Foreign Secretary David Lammy sat down before a government Select Committee last Wednesday, many people would have given a penny for his thoughts; as Britain’s top diplomat he is charged with the daunting task of addressing a myriad of extremely serious foreign policy issues within a global political context that appears increasingly unstable and in which Britain, post Brexit, is arguably not the significant actor it once was.
as Britain’s top diplomat he is charged with the daunting task of addressing a myriad of extremely serious foreign policy issues
The sheer number and pressing nature of the global issues at hand was reflected in the mien of the affable chair, Emily Thornberry, who appeared slightly harried as she struggled to keep MPs to timing constraints as they put their many questions to Lammy.
One key point of interest was Lammy’s noting of the UK’s obligation to uphold the ICC’s ruling for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu should he enter the UK, which Lammy stated “doesn’t allow him any discretion”; this positioning separates the UK from France
which has been less clear on its obligation.
Lammy outlined the need for a re-building of Britain’s’ relationships abroad and that the Committee should judge him in the future on the “deals” he is able to go out and make.
Much of his success will depend on his ability to successfully enact a method he has previously described as “progressive realism.”
Lammy defines “progressive realism” as “using realist means to pursue progressive ends” and has stated that “when progressives act realistically and practically, they can change the world.”
A question people will ask is how possible it is to be both a “realist” and a “progressive”?
How is it possible to be both a “realist” and a “progressive”?
Lammy has arguably been both these things previously in his language relating to major political events. On the day the UK left the EU he wrote that, “I oppose it today for the same reasons I have always opposed it.
Brexit is a con.” A recent study by Cambridge Econometrics , commissioned by City Hall, revealed that the average Briton was £2000 worse off in 2023 due to Brexit. He was an outspoken
Icritic of two high-profile acts of gross injustice in recent years within the UK. Writing in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, he stated “don’t let them tell you it’s a tragedy. It’s not a tragedy, it’s a monstrous crime. Corporate manslaughter...” and called for arrests to be made. Lammy was integral to getting the Windrush Scandal onto the political agenda with a famous speech in 2018 in which he described the revelation of the extent of the scandal as a “day of national of shame.”
Prior to settling himself in his seat to face the horseshoe of MPs, Lammy would have anticipated questions about statements he has made about Donald Trump, who he has described as “a woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath… a profound threat to the international order.” His words are not out of keeping with a recent article by Conservative Daniel Finkelstein, who wrote of Trump in The Times , “he…has been found by a court to have raped a woman…called a fascist by his former chief of staff…described by his former military chief as ‘the most dangerous person ever.’”
Lammy’s remarks have been considered; he was emphatic in his appearance before the committee on the significance of language: “I think that language is very very important.”
When asked later if he regretted his comments on Trump, Lammy responded, “I’m not look-
ing back, I’m looking forward,” having already stated that he had had a successful meeting with Trump in Trump Tower a few weeks ago.
Lammy responded, “I’m not looking back, I’m looking forward”
Let’s hope Lammy’s combination of proven political awareness, his method of progressive realism and his focus on the future bears fruit.
South Korea: a leopard doesn’t change its spots
Honor Borley, Features Editor, looks at the imposition and swift removal of martial law in South Korea
N an unprecedented political crisis, South Korea faced upheaval when President Yoon Suk Yeol unexpectedly declared martial law late one evening. This dramatic announcement, made to counter alleged threats from “anti-state” forces, was seen by many as an attempt to suppress political dissent amid scandals and growing discontent with his administration. Martial law, a measure not used since the 1970s, effectively suspended parliamentary functions and placed the military in control, plunging the nation into chaos. The announcement sparked immediate protests, with thousands gathering outside the National Assembly in Seoul. Citizens, deeply aware of the country’s history of authoritarian rule, reacted with defiance, chanting against martial law and physically blocking military vehicles. For many, the move seemed to reverse decades of democratic progress since South Korea emerged from military governance in 1987.
Citizens reacting with defiance, chanting and physically blocking military vehicles
Opposition leaders swiftly organised resistance. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic
Party, called for citizens and lawmakers to converge on the National Assembly to challenge the President’s decision. Lawmakers scrambled to reach the Assembly, with some scaling fences or crawling through barricades to bypass armed soldiers who attempted to block access. The tension heightened as protesters aided legislators in their efforts to enter the building, showcasing a rare unity between politicians and the public.
Lawmakers and their aids barricaded doors to prevent soldiers from entering
Inside the National Assembly, chaos continued. Lawmakers and their aides barricaded doors with furniture to prevent soldiers from entering. Despite the tense atmosphere, they managed to convene and passed a resolution demanding the lifting of martial law. The vote, supported even by members of Yoon’s own party, underscored a widespread rejection of the President’s decision and highlighted the strength of South Korea’s democratic institutions.
As the political crisis unfolded, fear and confusion spread across the country. Military helicopters circled the National Assem -
bly, and special forces were deployed. Reports emerged of confrontations between opposition figures and armed soldiers, further intensifying public outrage. Meanwhile, journalists scrambled to report on the events, navigating concerns that media freedoms might be curtailed under the military-controlled regime.
By dawn, President Yoon announced the withdrawal of martial law, citing his inability to maintain support within his cabinet. The damage, however, had been done. The National Assembly bore physical scars from the night’s events, while public anger against the President continued to grow. Crowds demanded Yoon’s resignation, and opposition leaders began impeachment proceedings, marking a significant escalation in South Korea’s political turmoil.
This episode served as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy. For a nation that had fought hard to overcome its authoritarian past, the reintroduction of martial law, even briefly, was a chilling moment. Yet, the resilience of South Korea’s citizens and political institutions shone through, with protests and legislative action combining to safeguard democratic principles.
The fallout from the crisis will likely reverberate for months, as public trust in
Yoon’s leadership remains fractured. Nevertheless, the collective resistance to martial law reaffirmed South Korea’s identity as a strong democracy, where the rule of law and the will of the people ultimately prevail.
The rule of law and the will of the poeple will ultimately prevail
FEATURES EDITOR:
Honor Borley
Bella MacLusky
Image: AP, Jo Da-un/Yonhap
Image: Chris McAndrews, Wikimedia Commons
Starmer vs farmers: is this the begining of the end for British farming?
Honor Borley, Features Editor, discusses the changes to inheretance tax for farmers
THE proposed inheritance tax changes under Keir Starmer’s Labour Party have raised significant concerns within the UK farming community, particularly regarding the potential for higher tax bills on agricultural estates. The government’s plan to cap Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) at £1 million has sparked debate, especially among those who argue that such a move could negatively affect family-owned farms, leading to forced sales of land or business assets to cover inheritance taxes.
Jeremy Clarkson, the well-known TV personality and farmer, has been particularly vocal about these changes. He has called Starmer’s stance a “nightmare” for farmers, arguing that it could exacerbate existing financial pressures. Clarkson points out that farming is already a tough industry, with rising costs, regulatory burdens, and climate-related challenges. The additional strain of inheritance tax bills could force many farmers to sell off portions of their land, break up long-standing family businesses, or take on crippling debt just to keep the farm afloat. Though it is up for debate whether he bought his farm near Chipping Norton, which is included in David Cameron’s old constituency, to alleviate his children’s tax burden when he himself passes.
The government’s estimates on the impact of proposed inheritance tax changes for farmers may not fully reflect the diversity of the sector. Data from Defra’s survey, which includes just over 1,350 farms in England, does not ac-
count for smaller, less profitable farms or the complexities of farm ownership structures. These factors can greatly affect how inheritance tax reliefs, like APR and BPR, are applied. The government’s plan to cap these reliefs at £1 million could significantly impact farming families relying on them to pass down their estates.
Data from Defra’s survey, which includes just over 1,350 farms in England does not account for smaller, less profitable farms
However, when considering both APR and BPR, the number of estates likely to be affected is smaller than initially feared. According to government data, only 22 per cent of estates claiming combined APR and BPR had a value over £1.5 million, suggesting that most farms would not face the proposed taxincrease. Additionally, other tax allowances, such as the £500,000 standard allowance, could further mitigate the impact for many farming estates, meaning many may remain exempt from the changes. Thus, while the inheritance tax reform could affect some large estates, the overall impact on the majority of farms might be more limited than originally estimated. Despite these complexities, farming groups like the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) argue that the government’s figures still do not fully
Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief, considers
LAST week, Namibia elected its first female head of state, in an election that nevertheless exposes the complex social and economic issues facing Namibia.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the incumbent Vice President, was elected President after winning 57 per cent of the vote, and in doing so held on to her party, Swapo’s, rule since 1990. This is a history-making election in more than one way. Not only was Nandi-Ndaitwah bat -
capture the scale of the problem. They point out that many of the estates included in the government’s calculations are too small to be considered commercial farms, and excluding these would push up the proportion of “working farms” affected by the changes. The NFU estimates that if only commercial farms are considered, the percentage of affected estates could rise from 27 per cent to 49 per cent. Adding to the confusion is the government’s claim that farming estates may benefit from a higher inheritance tax threshold of £3 million, thanks to various reliefs available to married couples and property owners passing on their primary residences. This higher threshold could mean that many farming estates will avoid inheritance tax altogether if the reliefs are effectively utilised.
If only commercial farms are considered the percentage of affected estates could rise
In conclusion, while the proposed inheritance tax changes could certainly have an impact on farming families, the full scope of the reforms remains unclear. The interaction of APR and BPR reliefs, along with the different ownership structures and exemptions, makes it difficult to estimate the true effect on the farming community.
the election of the African nation’s first female leader
tling against 14 other party leaders, but this also breaks with the trend in recent southern African politics of young voters punishing the liberation movements which have been ruling for decades.
Swapo, initially a liberation movement fighting South Africa’s apartheid rule, has lead the country since Namibian Independence but is currently facing a challenge to its power, echoing electoral troubles in Botswana and Mozambique. Whilst Swapo clung onto power, it saw a drop in
support. Personal support for Nandi-Ndaitwah — who is perceived as untainted by the corruption scandals which have engulfed other Swapo politicians — bolstered their electoral success, but at 72 years old, the party is in danger if they rely entirely on Nandi-Ndaitwah for longevity. To add to their woes, many have called the election into dispute. Technical problems during the election — namely a shortage of ballot papers and queues lasting up to 12 hours at the polls — led to an election extension, which opposition parties have claimed was illegal. In particular, Panduleni Itula, who came second with 25.5 per cent for the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), intends to challenge the result in court.
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election therefore is complicated as a cause for celebration. On one hand, it is the climax of a life-long career in activism and politics, on the other, unless Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new government manages to successfully tackle the issues facing young Namibians — namely a rising unemployment crisis and fears of corruption in healthcare — it could spell the beginning of the end for Swapo.
No doubt, Nandi-Ndaitwah has been an important source for change in Namibian politics, offering hope for her presidency. She joined Swapo, then as a freedom fighter in Swapo’s Youth League, when she was only 14. After a period of exile beginning when she was in high
school, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned to Namibia from the UK, where she had undertaken an International Relations degree, to join Namibia’s new independent Parliament. In government, she pushed for change to women’s rights through the Combatting Domestic Violence Act in 2002, which she defended against mocking by male colleges. Nandi-Ndaitwah stands not as a rule, but as an exception, against the currently male-dominated politics of Namibia. This political culture doesn’t vanish upon the election of a woman and instead adds yet another hurdle to her leadership.
This political culture doesn’t vanish upon the election of a woman and instead adds yet another hurdle to her leadership
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s presidency already faces numerous challenges. Not only does she face a contested election, an unemployment crisis and a precarious position in international relations, but Nandi-Ndaitwah must challenge an entire political culture is she is to enact real change and secure her party’s future. In a speech, she once declared “I am an implementer, not a storyteller” — and for the sake of Namibia, hopefully that is true.
Image: AP, Kim Cheung
Image: UN Women
Climate
HCLIMATE EDITOR: Charlie
Gershinson
Hoopern Valley identified as area to develop biodiversity
Kayleigh Swart, Arts + Lit Editor, investigates the University’s efforts to develop a popular site
OOPERN Valley is located just outside of the University’s main campus. Many students walk right past it on their way in. This 38-acre plot of land has been maintained by the University’s grounds team for the last year and recently has been identified as an area of opportunity for enhanced biodiversity. They have recently outlined a proposal for the upcoming developments that they plan on making. The proposal is split into two sections, the first looking at enhancing existing areas and the second at new projects and developments.
Looking at the enhancement of
the existing area, much of the proposal is based on tackling invasive species and encroaching scrub. The aim of this is to improve structure and diversity in the area and look after wildlife that is native. They also plan to discourage access by maintaining the scrub around the land. In the wetlands and ponds, they plan to improve water quality to help local aquatic life to thrive. Finally, they say they will manage veteran trees and ensure their survival.
Now looking at the new developments that are being planned in this area, a lot of them revolve around making the land more accessible by
adding in inclusive gates and routes throughout. These new routes would have an incline that is less steep than many of the existing ones. In addition to this, they plan to add more signs and information boards to help educate pedestrians about the area and how to look after it. The new plans seem like they encourage more visitors as they also are going to install new benches and bins throughout. Their biggest project seems to be the pond restoration which will include a floating platform for people to walk on. This area is a key part of ensuring the survival of local wildlife.
These proposals will allow the land to be upkept and thriving for years to come. The site is already a popular
place for walkers and nature enthusiasts, and hopefully these changes will help bring in even more visitors.
Devon County Council approve 2,000 more EV charging points
Charlie Gershinson, Deputy Editor, examines the expansion
DEVON County Council’s cabinet has given the greenlight to plans to deliver up to 2,000 more electric vehicle (EV) charging points across the county.
The scheme, which was approved last month, will be provided with £7 million in funding from the Department for Transport’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) — one of the first in the country.
This follows the council’s adoption of the Devon Electric Vehicle Charg -
ing Strategy which highlights that a key barrier to the uptake of EVs in Devon is the availability of suitable charging infrastructure. This joins two other schemes which have provided another 300 charging points across Devon and Torbay. The scheme will also allow residents who want to charge their EVs closer to their properties to do so and will also include trials of charge points built into streetlighting columns and cable channels in the footway to avoid cables trailing across pavements.
of
electric vehicle infrastructure in Devon
Councillor Stuart Hughes, the Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said, “An increasing number of car parks in Devon now have EV charge points in place, but for those in rural areas or without a front drive, access to charging points remains a barrier.” He went on to say, “this project will ramp up charging point availability across Devon to make it easier and more convenient for those with an EV or considering buying one.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Andrea
University research round-up
Davis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said, “On-road transportation makes up more than a quarter of Devon’s carbon emissions ,and the decarbonisation of transport is a crucial part of our response to the climate emergency. The size of the award from Government recognised the unique challenges of delivering EV infrastructure in rural Devon.”
The LEVI project is due to start in 2025.
Climate writers summarise recent research conducted with the help of University of Exeter academics
Land use policy rethink vital to hit Net Zero
WITH the Government’s commitment to achieving net zero by 2050, afforestation efforts are crucial for offsetting carbon emissions. Currently, the government incentivises landowners to convert land to woodland by offering flat-rate subsidies that provide a consistent per-hectare payment, regardless of the land’s suitability for tree planting. However, researchers have suggested that these flat-rate subsidies are ineffective and may even increase greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, they are calling for a re-evaluation of how subsidies are structured.
A proposed solution is a ‘natural capital approach,’ which allocates subsidies to areas with the greatest potential for recreational, environmental, and biodiversity benefits. This approach is considered more cost-effective for taxpayers and more effective in offsetting emissions. Under the current subsidy model, afforestation on carbon-rich soils — encouraged by financial incentives — has inadvertently led to a net release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Reforming the subsidy system could encourage tree planting on more suitable land, rather than concentrating efforts in areas where farming yields the lowest financial returns. Such changes would not only enhance the environmental quality of rural and urban areas but also ensure taxpayers’ money is used effectively and better align afforestation efforts with the overarching goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
Katie Roberts, Lifestyle Editor
Fossil fuel CO2 emissions increase again in 2024
THE Global Carbon Budget report reveals an increase in fossil fuel CO2 emissions again in 2024. Fossil fuel emissions equate to 37.4 billion tonnes, which is a 0.8 per cent increase compared to last year. Total CO2 emissions, which include fossil fuel emissions and land-use change emissions, will reach 41.6 billion tonnes — which is a record high.
Coal accounts for 41 per cent of fossil fuel emissions, and this year, it increased by 0.2 per cent. Both oil and gas have also followed similar patterns, upping by 0.9 per cent and 2.4 per cent respectively. Country-specific emission analysis shows that China is responsible for 32 per cent of global emissions, seeing an increase by 0.2 per cent since 2023. The USA is next at 13 per cent of global emissions, but their global emissions are showing a decrease of 0.6 per cent.
The EU, which accounts for seven per cent of global emissions, has also gone down by 3.8 per cent. As Professor Corinne Le Quéré explained, this data proves that there is widespread climate action, but as Dr Glen Peters notes, all countries need to work towards decreasing global emissions to be able to reach net zero.
Land-use emissions from activities such as deforestation have risen in 2024, but this can be attributed to the droughts and wildfires linked to the El Niño climate event. However, this is projected to recover.
Eloise
Grainger, Sport Editor
Project to predict climate change response in Southern Ocean
THE University of Exeter has been conducting a lot of climate change research recently, one of which is a £4 million project, funded by the Natural Environmental Research Council. This helps to predict the effects of climate change on the Southern Ocean. The Iron Man project, as it is appropriately named, will explore the many roles of micronutrients in the ocean, specifically iron and manganese and their relationship in regulation. Plankton, a collection of organisms, such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, inhibit the saltwater oceans. — the powerhouse of the ocean — as their roles in photosynthesis and mineral cycling help to keep all areas of the ocean alive. They release oxygen into the ocean through photosynthesis, and they can increase carbon dioxide uptake through iron fertilization. They also sit in the lower levels of the food chain, impacting the survival of larger organisms and marine animals. The ways in which micronutrients interact with plankton can help to forecast the effects of climate change. Certain types of plankton, such as photosynthetic phytoplankton and zooplankton, were previously researched by the University of Liverpool — which were found to respond to manganese and iron supply variations, which may help to predict alterations in the climate. This research is part of the wider Ocean Plankton research group, that studies the carbon cycles of plankton in the ocean. This area of research shows promise for the future of the climate, slowing down the changes and providing a better ocean for people and plankton alike! Amberley Wright, Online Deputy Editor
Image: Gracie Moore
Image: Rayhan9d, Wikimedia Commons
Image: University of Exeter
Image:Alison Day, Flickr
Image: Rawpixel
Comment
John Prescott: What it meant to be Labour
Zac Robinson examines the unashamed working class, authentic New Labour figure
IN and amongst ideals such as the Third Way, New Labour, and the abandonment of Clause IV, there was something particularly poignant about John Prescott’s tenure as Deputy Prime Minister. The Welsh son of a railman and a former steward and amateur boxer, Prescott served as MP for Kingston upon Hull East across four decades, from 1970 to 2010. In that period he became the crucial link between the traditional working class Labour voters and the modernised New Labour of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, a key tradition embedded in the heart of government.
A key tradition embedded in the heart of government
Prescott’s reputation in the press was not an entirely desirable one, with Guardian columnist Simon Hoggart once describing his speech as if someone had opened Prescott’s head “and stuck in an egg whisk.” In government however Prescott proved invaluable, often filling in for Blair at various Heads of Governments meetings, leading the UK delegation at the Kyoto protocol discussions and creating a new code
of conduct for local governments.
In
government however Prescott proved invaluable
More than anything though Prescott will be remembered for his genuine character, immensely loyal to his party indeed 11 years went by before Prescott publicly aligned himself opposite Blair’s leadership over a disagreement regarding housing policy, and further evidenced by his brief return to politics in 2015 as an advisor to Ed Miliband. Often hot-headed as well, the infamous ‘Prescott Punch’ occurred in May 2001 when, while campaigning, a man named Craig Evans threw an egg at him to which Prescott immediately responded to with a left jab.
The incident was captured on camera, yet it was overwhelmingly treated lightly and with good humour, with Tony Blair simply stating “John is John” and the press christening Prescott with the nickname “Two Jabs.”
Indeed, a National Opinion Polls survey found the punch did no damage to Prescott’s reputation, and may have even raised his
standing among male voters.
Prescott’s legacy stretched across generations and his retirement from the House of Common after forty years of service was swiftly met with a Life Peerage among the House of Lords.
Tributes from all across the UK poured in after his death, the King praising his “decades of public service,” Blair stating there would never be someone “quite like him” in politics, and Brown labelling Prescott a “working class hero.”
Current Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had a particularly close relationship with Prescott, often describing him as an inspiration to her the parallels between them being apparent. When asked how she’d approach the role of Deputy PM Rayner stated she would be “John Prescott in a skirt,” paying tribute to the man who in many ways was her role model.
Rayner had a particularly close relationship with Prescott, often describing him as an inspiration
Jaguar: is all publicity good publicity?
Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, discusses the controversies surrounding the transformation of branding for Jaguar
FOR years, Jaguar has been struggling with car sales, particularly in comparison to the rest of the Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) group, which is owned by Tata Motors. Something needed to change.
For years, Jaguar has been struggling with car sales
Jaguar is entering a ‘new era’ they will take the risky move of going pure electric in 2026. This is already a challenging market, as sales have “stalled amongst private buyers.” In an attempt to revive Jaguar, the British company has undergone a rebrand. The iconic logo of a leaping big cat has been replaced with spaced out lettering
and a rounded font. The idea behind this new look is to acknowledge the shift to the all-electric vehicle fleet.
But ahead of this relaunch, the new logo has faced backlash online. This isn’t surprising, considering this is the biggest change in the history of the brand, which has spanned more than a century. The logo release was accompanied by a social media tease, and people were quick to take to social media to express their shock; one commented “This is surely a joke?”
The teaser video didn’t feature a single car, instead opting for models donning bright fabrics who reveal the new logo design, leaving many to post sarcastic comments such as: “Do you sell cars?”
Martin Brundle, Formula One pundit for Sky Sports, commented
that this move is “genius” for Jaguar. Amidst all the struggles with car sales, everyone is talking about Jaguar. In this case, it is clear that any publicity truly is good publicity.
Amidst all the struggles with car sales, everyone is talking about Jaguar
This is at least hoped by Jaguar, as they urge the public to “trust and reserve judgement” on the rebrand. The company has long been associated with appealing to a certain type of person: think older, white men who frequent National Trust sites and smoke cigars. By attempting to revive the brand, they also hope to appeal to new audiences and attract varying demographics.
Another former Formula One
driver, Johnny Herbert, stated that the revamped logo was the “most unbelievable marketing decision.” It is unclear whether the radical alterations intended to stir up controversy from the outset just to spark conversation about the Coventry-based company or whether this is a lack of judgement.
Business experts stress that rebrands only happen when a significant shift in business strategy is occurring which is definitely the case at Jaguar. It is supposed to create hype and excitement. However, a positive reaction will only happen if the audience understands the context and it appears here that the context has been lost for Jaguar in a blur of flamboyant performances and colourful costumes.
Now that Jaguar’s new concept car has been unveiled, it seems the chatter remains unsettled. Whilst some praise Jaguar for the creativity and boldness at its approach, others criticise the ‘woke’ Barbie Pink electric car, which has fired up even more controversy. Jaguar appears to be desperate to push its long history aside to make way for a “better future” and connect with a new audience.
The revamped logo was the ‘most unbelievable marketing decision’
Image: Wikimedia commons, ODPM
Gregg Wallace accused of sexual harassment
Tom Richardson, Comment Editor, discusses the recent allegations against
SO, it appears that Gregg Wallace MBE has been found out to be a horrible person. Who could have guessed?
This month it was found out that Wallace, who has presented Masterchef since 2005, is being investigated for allegations of sexual harassment.
So far 13 people have come forward, including presenter Kirsty Wark, have alleged inappropriate sexual comments.
So far 13 people have come forward and alleged inappropriate sexual comments
One woman, who wished to remain anonymous said, Wallace was “fascinated” by her lesbian relationships, asking her about the “logistics” of it, making “lesbian jokes constantly.”
Another man, a guest from a Channel 5 TV show, stated how he inappropriately talked about having threesomes with sex workers and that he “loves spanking” multiple times a day.
Tthe TV presenter
Gregg Wallace, however, has argued that the allegations came from “a handful of women of a certain age.”
Wallace argues allegations came from “a handful of women of a certain age”
Ongoing revelations are now showing even more serious claims of ‘groping’ and ‘touching’.
Sir Rod Stewart, in an Instagram post for Gregg Wallace last week said, “Good riddance Wallace... you humilitated my wife when she was on the show, but you had that bit cut out didn’t you? You’re a tubby, bald-heading, ill-mannered bully.”
John Torode, Wallace’s co -presenter on Masterchef has said that the allegations are “truly upsetting,” attempting to distance himself by saying that they were “never really” friends. So why was he the best man at Wallace’s wedding? Well to be fair on Torode, Wallace has probably ran out of people to ask being on his fourth marriage by the age of 52, (Nothing quite says I don’t have a problem with women by having more ex-wives than Boris Johnson).
A BBC News investigation (only the BBC would create a scandal about itself) showed that Gregg Wallace was already warned about his behaviour on multiple occassions over several years, with the BBC already being alerted to his behaviour.
Gregg Wallace was lalready warned about his behaviour on multiple occassions
One infamous tweet which really showed Wallace’s hideous personality was when he was asked on X (formerly known as Twitter) by a user “@GreggAWallace Hi Greg I am cycling just over 180 miles in 2 days for MacMillan Cancer Support. Any chance of a RT?”. After Wallace replies with ‘Gregg ?’, the Twitter user replied back with ‘@GreggAWallace no worries mate, it’s only people with cancer. You can worry about the extra G (in your name). Mastertw*t.’ But it’s not all over for Wallace, if he keeps up the “middle class women” jibes he’ll probably be presenting GB News (or better yet TalkTV!) by the end of the year.
Britain’s support for Ukraine is at a crossroads
Caspian Davies, Online Satire Editor, discusses the Government’s support for Ukraine in the Age of Trump
WO weeks ago marked the 1000 day milestone since the start of Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, and as the nation faces the start of its third and arguably toughest winter yet, a cold wind appears to be blowing not from Moscow, but from Washington. Yes, Donald Trump has been elected for the second time and now threatens to destabilise western resolve against Russian aggression. With the President-elect allegedly having spoken to Vladimir Putin on seven separate occasions since leaving office, it appears that the certainty of American support for Ukraine that had been a characteristic of The Biden Administration, appears to be under threat.
[Trump] now threatens to destabilise western resolve against Russian aggression
But what could this possible policy shift mean for Britain and its loyalty in supporting Ukraine? Since the war began, Britain has been one of Ukraine’s strongest allies. As the largest financial contributor in Europe and second only to the U.S, proving to be an irreplaceable pillar in the alliance against Russian aggression. But unlike the days of old, Britain very rarely acts alone when it comes to
major foreign policy manoeuvres and according to Phillip Stephens, has always stuck to the hip of Washington since the end of the Second World War. This was perhaps best demonstrated when Tony Blair’s former chief of staff Jonathon Powell instructed the U.K Ambassador to the U.S to “get up the arse of The White House and stay there.” With Mr Powell now reemployed into Kier Starmer’s government, it appears this policy is here to stay under Trump as well.
It appears this policy is here to stay under Trump as well
But with the possibility of Trump now turning off the taps of U.S aid to Ukraine, there is concerns that Britain may follow suit soon after. The reasons are understandable, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves seeking to raise £40 Billion in tax following this years’ Budget, critics have started to wander why approximately 0.86 per cent of our GDP is going to Ukraine, and not towards the government’s mission to “balance the books.” Moreover, there is the possibility that Trump will use America’s economic power to deter future support for Ukraine as he has already been threatening key trade partners, such as China, Mexico and
Canada, who are all in danger of receiving extensive tariffs if they don’t conform to Trump’s immigration and foreign policies. With Britain needing all the economic investment from one of its largest trade partners, supporting Ukraine may not be an endeavour British industry can afford.
But much of this is hypothetical, a worst case scenario if you will, and whilst Trump has promised peace within 24 hours of him taking office, it seems un-
likely that he would punish western nations who continue to support Ukraine. Rather, he may use the War as a tool to encourage increased European spending on defence, something he strongly pushed during his last term. But gradually, Britain may find itself the largest contributor to Ukraine’s war effort, and with the confirmed use of British long-range missiles hitting Russian territory. This appears to be a title that Starmer is willing
to bare. He’d be right to, if Britain is to prove itself as a nation willing to stand up for free speech and the right to self-determination, it must continue to stand up to Russia and the totalitarianism of Putin’s infernal regime. But with the relinquishing of America’s long-standing support and European countries still lacking the ability to adequately re-arm in time, Britain may once again find itself in its usual position when facing totalitarian regimes: alone.
Image: Brian Minkoff-London Pixels lin
Image: Wikimedia commons, Kremlin.ru
Satire
Student housing crisis: to heat or not to heat?
YOUR student house is entering its igloo era. Despite now having the ability to re-home a polar bear, given that the indoor temperature has plummeted to freezing levels comparable only to the Yukon province of Canada, that one housemate does NOT want the heating on. It’s rough. Exeposé spoke to one chilly, frostbite-fighting, gangrene-contracting house of girls on their experience with the perpetually warm housemate who would rather stick pins in her eyes (or spend a tenner on a TP ticket) than turn the heating on.
Exeposé (via Zoom because the gale force chilling wind of the house is enough to put you into an early grave): “Why such a staunch objection to turning the heating on?”
Warm-housemate-cum-Inuit: “Mate, you think this is cold? You should go up north where I’m from. Up there we don’t wear coats outside until there’s ice forming on our nostrils. I go out in blizzards with my shorts and vest on. This is nothing.”
Exeposé: “Surely there are other luxuries to be sacrificed before the feeling in your toes and fingers?”
Warm-housemate-cum-Inuit: “Absolutely not. Do you know how much a bottle of olive oil costs these days? Do you not realise that I will take out a second mortgage to pay to have the sweet taste of venom in my veins on a Wednesday? Have you heard of shampoo?”
It was at this point in the interview, Warm-housemate-cum-Inuit’s corpse-like, gelid housemates entered the conversation to offer Exeposé their take.
Frosted housemates: “Turning on the heating isn’t going to break the bank. I tell you what WILL break though: the house pipes. They’re about to burst from the ice. The house needs thawing.”
Exeposé conducted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Octopus Energy, who confirmed that the chilly house on Well Street uses such a negligible amount of gas that from month-to-month that the company owed THEM money. Students are advised to get in touch with the Council with their concerns for the chilly house on Well Street, because the well has frozen over. There’s no well left to drink from. Just an ice block vaguely recognisable as a house, four frigid girls, and a boiler that hasn’t been switched on since the Medieval era.
Gracie Moore, Editor-in-Chief
SATIRE EDITOR: Audrey Alvey
#Bleed Green: Wicked the Musical flies into Exeter
Audrey Alvey Satire Editor
ARE you holding space for ‘Defying Gravity’ or onto your coworker’s finger?
Everyone’s favourite green witch is back on the big screens, and nowhere is excitement more palpable than at the University of Exeter.
#BleedGreen has taken on a new meaning at varsity, as sports clubs have now made it mandatory for all athletes AND attendees to be painted head-to-toe in green. Local party and costume stores have told Exeposé that “business has never been better.”
One store even reports having to sell green face paint by the litre now as the little 25ml pots “simply don’t cut it.”
The University is undergoing their second rebrand in four years, spending another £150k of employee salaries on slightly altering their brand colour from the current gauche “lifeless green” (yes that is the real name of the colour #00dca5) to “Wicked
Green” (hex code #9bca47, also the colour’s real name). Additionally, in a move lauded by students, the new Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is being repurposed — much to the dismay of its foreign oil baron investors. The construction that rid Streatham of its most ‘Popular’ green area will make up for its de-greenification by serving as a place where students can “hold space for the lyrics of ‘Defying Gravity.’”
In a slightly more controversial move, the Vice-Chancellor has announced that as of next term, Exeter will be the only university in the country to require uniforms. The brand-new dress code includes green robes, a pointy witch hat with a precise 169°
PM’s shock resignation after petition
Charlie Gershinson Deputy Editor
AFTER five bruising months as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer stood outside Downing Street for the final time to resign his position and call a general election, which he says with a sunken heart that his party “does not deserve to win.”
He says with a sunken heart that his party “does not deserve to win”
What was the final blow to the first Labour government in 14 years, whose story will reverberate across the pages of the handbook of political failure? Was it a failure to get a handle on the small boats crisis? A budget unpopular with both the public and the business overlords? A general lack of direction and a sense of driftlessness for almost half a year? Nope, none of the above. The final blow came from a viral petition signed by millions, the largest of its kind since it was announced that Wetherspoons will no longer stock San Miguel. This shocking development in British politics — where a landslide parliamentary victory can be overturned in months due to a number of
malcontents who will always oppose any given government regardless of its policies — has given rise to an increasingly fast and ludicrous revolving door of prime ministers and administrations which would make the Italians blush. In the near future, we could expect the return of the Conservatives in record time under Kemi Badenoch. But, once the British people quickly remember why they voted the last lot out in the first place, who else could we expect? Perhaps Lib Dem leader Ed Davey will find himself sliding into No. 10, or Nigel Farage and the Greens can find themselves in government before being summarily ousted. However it turns out, this new era of direct democracy will be a funny, if tumultuous period.
tilt, striped stockings, and a broom which must be firmly grasped by the student’s left hand at all times. This caused some concern regarding how students could afford to buy the £250 uniform bundle after spending all their student loans on Wicked tickets — but not even Cynthia Erivo’s final ‘Defying Gravity’ riff was as loud as the outcry from the university’s Left-Handed Society. Exeposé caught up with the Society at a protest inside the Forum Library.
“The rise of the far right-hand in this country is really concerning,” said its president. “We are calling on the University to reverse these harmful policies; they’re perpetuating dangerous stereotypes that left-handers can just learn how to write with their right hands.”
We asked why they were disturbing students inundated with essay deadlines instead of approaching the Vice-Chancellor herself, and whether they thought this would turn people away from the cause, they said that the Vice-Chancellor is even more unreachable than usual now that she has foregone walking in favour of descending from the sky in a bubble.
students can hold space for the lyrics of ‘ Defying Gravity.’
While Exeposé is not usually a paper to dignify rumours — we are a serious broadsheet, not a tabloid — there is talk that an unnamed (for anonymity purposes) senior member of the university’s board of governors, who floats in bubbles and earns 3x as much as the highestearning professors, was among the many celebrities who unsuccessfully auditioned for the role of Glinda.
Exeter’s winter whiteout!
IN light of recent events, our esteemed Vice-Chancellor has successfully passed a motion to, via a giant snow machine, turn Streatham Campus into Exeter’s very own winter wonderland.
The Northcott Theatre is cosplaying as a sugar cube; every Marketplace across campus now exclusively sells hot chocolate, and Cardiac Hill has been voted the third-best ski slope in Northern Europe. As you can imagine, the Vice-Chancellor’s move has been met with overwhelming positivity. A poll conducted by Exeposé found that students delighted in a lecture cancellation of 97 per cent
— although, interestingly enough, Business students have reported no changes to their daily routine.
Exeposé’s ground surveys have revealed some 432 snowball firing machines have been ordered across East Park, Birks Grange Village and Lafrowda — and sources who wish to remain anonymous have confirmed sightings of two separate machines at Holland Hall. The Student Health Centre has been inundated with students suffering from concussion — some mild some severe — due to snowball fights and skiing accidents, resulting in the highest student injury rates since Fever’s 2017 opening night.
Mindful of these figures, the Vice-Chancellor has expressed appropriate levels of concern, stating her intention to hold free skiing lessons at the top of Forum Hill to ensure students are well-equipped to combat these new hazards. When our correspondent broached the subject of snowballs being thrown across campus at speeds of 90 miles per hour, our Vice-Chancellor developed a sudden loss of hearing, and Exeposé was forced to abort the interview.
Overall, despite any wrongful injury claims Holland Hall might face, it’s clear that our University’s latest move has been a great success, and that our tuition fees are in safe, capable, and wise hands.
Image: FMT
Zac Robinson
Image: Audrey Alvey
Image: Kirsty O’Connor, Flickr
Pictured: Warm-housemate-cum-Inuit’s family home
Image: Stanley Zimny, Flickr
lifestyle
Festive fun vs deadline dread
Connie Smith navigates a balance between enjoying Exeter's festivities and staying on top of deadlines
AS we approach the end of term, many of us find ourselves neck-deep in deadlines, overwhelmed with assignments and battling the urge to crawl back into bed when the sun sets at 4pm. Walking back from university each day, through fairy-lit streets and past windows displaying beautifully decorated Christmas trees, it's hard not to feel as if we are being taunted by the festive magic that our looming deadlines are holding us back from. Instead of wishing these weeks away until we can finally be fully immersed in the festive season, we can try to find the balance between
working hard and enjoying Christmas activities.
IT'S HARD NOT TO FEEL AS THOUGH WE ARE BEING TAUNTED BY THE FESTIVE MAGIC
Whether you’re dying for a trip to Winter Wonderland or an evening baking gingerbread with your flatmates, here are a few ideas of how to incorporate festivities into the monotonous routine of studying, lectures and work.
Starting your mornings with Christmas music can provide you with the much-needed boost of festive cheer to get you out of the house and dancing up Forum Hill to your lectures. Although, this is maybe not the best solution for those working in retail in the coming weeks, where the possibility of being bought to tears by the thought of listening to another second of Mariah Carey is all too real. You could also spend an evening baking your favourite seasonal treats — what better way to reward yourself for making it to your 8:30 seminar? Baking can be a great way to unwind after a long day in the Library while giving you your Christmas fix — I rec-
ommend throwing on your favourite holiday movie in the background for some extra seasonal joy! Baking Christmas treats also means that you’ll have the perfect snacks to bring to the Library for you and your friends to enjoy while you tackle the last of your work.
BAKING CAN BE A GREAT WAY TO UNWIND AFTER A LONG DAY IN THE LIBRARY
If the Library isn’t for you and you find yourself locked away in your room trying to make a last-minute deadline, putting up a little decoration in your space can help ease your stress and put you in the festive spirit. Hanging some tinsel on your walls, or making paper snowflakes to put in your window can help motivate you as reminders that it is almost time for our winter holidays. Decorations may also help you delude yourself into believing that you’re in a cosy scene from a Christmas movie, all while you’re being productive from your desk. If you find yourself procrastinating your assignments by spending evenings at the Christmas Market or sheltering in a cosy pub, try to
treat these festivities as rewards rather than distractions. Festive study incentives, like a trip to the market or an evening of ice skating, can be the perfect motivation to help you get your work done and give you something to look forward to. Finding the perfect balance between studying and holiday festivities is like making a snowman: it takes a little planning, a little personalisation and a lot of patience. So don’t forget to enjoy the magic of the season while working, and remember that you don't have to sacrifice the festive season for deadline season!
In conversation: Oddballs Foundation
Morrison,
AFFECTING thousands of men each year in the UK, testicular cancer has become a crucial topic surrounding men’s health. One organisation in particular, the Oddballs Foundation, has made it their sole mission to spread awareness and educate the public about testicular cancer. Oddballs is the UK’s leading charity for this cause, so how have they turned their mission into a successful reality?
TESTICULAR CANCER HAS BECOME A CRUCIAL TOPIC SURROUNDING MEN'S HEALTH
One method has been attending events, schools and universities, giving educational talks to "address an important message in a comfortable environment." When focusing on educating university students, since 2018 Oddballs has had individual ambassadors across a plethora of UK universities, so it was a pleasure speaking to the current University of Exeter Oddballs ambassador, Lysander Durée. Starting with only five universities, in only six years the Foundation has expanded to 50 student ambassadors with 15 student fundraising ambassadors as well, showcasing the growing nature surrounding the education on this topic.
"Doing something that I’m passionate and really care about," is why Lysander has made it his mission to spread awareness for testicular cancer through the Oddballs Foundation, showing a dedication to educating Exeter’s students and members of the public on this topic. With testicular cancer personally affecting him through a close family member’s experience with it, Lysander has channelled this area of his life into something positive. Across the University, Lysander has accomplished massive achievements in his role, raising funds for the Foundation. Whether it’s organising a 5km run in Oddballs boxers or pub quizzes, he has shown a commitment to spreading awareness for the foundation.
also witnessed his ambassador’s car driving around campus or Exeter, with its flashy exterior in Oddballs's branding; this is another way that the brand is spreading this important message. The company has become a prominent brand over the last few years, especially within sports. With funky clothes that make the brand awareness noticeable across the country, as the days get colder you can spot a variety of
ham. At this event, participants play a variety of sports including rugby, football, hockey, lacrosse and cricket in a bid to spread more awareness and attention to both Oddballs and testicular cancer.
THE ODDBALLS FESTIVAL TAKING PLACE ANNUALLY IN NOTTINGHAM
His job doesn’t just entail educating university students, but also students in the surrounding areas of Exeter, with Lysander visiting five schools this academic year so far. You may have
Oddballs clothes across campus. "Most people know Oddballs for the clothing brand… so it’s important to spread the word behind the meaning of it," Lysander explained to me. Known in the rugby community, Oddballs is also expanding outside of this, with football and hockey communities also taking on support for the organisation.
Events play a big role as well, with the Oddballs Festival taking place annually in Notting-
In closing remarks, Lysander has a series of important messages for students. "It’s really easy to neglect your health and it’s really important not to do that," he shared with me. It’s very important to check your health out, especially in university, and it’s equally important to speak out about these issues. The first step is to simply talk, as "a problem shared is a problem halved." If male students are questioning their testicular health then "get it checked out, there’s no harm in doing it.. it’s not embarrassing, it really isn’t."
This summarises what the Oddballs Foundation is trying to do, they are "addressing this important subject in a human way… making people comfortable around talking about these matters." Oddballs and Lysander’s dedication for spreading awareness of this difficult topic has been outstanding, showcasing how a mission can be turned into a reality.
Image: flikr
Image: Flickr
Jed
H. Gibbins,
International
Donating blood
Editor,
shares the experience of giving blood and how you can take part
THE NHS need 4,300 people a day to donate blood to meet the needs of hospitals throughout the UK. This is unfortunately not met, and Generation Z and Millennials are the worst culprits for it. For the first time since 2018, more people over age 45 donate blood than the age group 17-45, a concerning statistic for the future of NHS blood supplies. It was this statistic which inspired me to share my story and promote donating blood.
I donate as often as possible, having now done so six times. The reason I donate is because in 1992 my grandfather was in a motorbike accident and required seven pints of blood
to save his life. Without the generosity of blood donors and hospitals having blood on hand to treat him, he would have died. Life changing accidents could happen to anyone at anytime thus hospitals having blood on hand is crucial. Donating blood is a very easy process. You can sign up online and, if you fit all the eligibility and health criteria, you are ready to donate. In Exeter, there are regular blood donation sessions you can attend, very often on campus in the Great Hall. When you attend the session, you fill in a health check form and then down a pint of water. Then you’re in the donation chair and perhaps the least enjoyable
part is when they prepare your arm for donation. But once you are donating, its comfortable, quick and efficient. A selection of muscle tension exercises keeps you distracted from your arm, and I often try to beat my quickest donation time. Once you are done, you get a selection of sweet treats to eat to raise your blood sugar level, but nonetheless a bonus. Donating blood is a generous act of incredible kindness. My six donations have gone around the UK helping individuals I shall never meet, but I know they are better off thanks to my actions. That proud feeling could be yours, all you have to do is DONATE.
Our writers' Christmas traditions
Lifestyle writers share their holiday traditions
I’LL be sharing my Nanna’s Christmas tradition, it’s always been a great way to brighten up Boxing Day after all the excitement and the sitting room littered with discarded wrapping paper. This idea is called “tree presents,” and they’re simply just wrapped up little gifts hidden in the branches and ornaments of the Christmas tree. Just write the recipient’s name on them and leave them untouched, if you can resist, until Boxing Day. I feel like Boxing Day is overshadowed by Christmas Day and has a bit of a gloomy association. Tree presents mean there are always little surprises left for the day after all the excitement. Even though the presents are normally bits of chocolate or stocking fillers, it just extended the fun of Christmas for me as a child, and still does now. So, while you’re enjoying leftover roast dinner and maybe feeling a little burnt out, you can enjoy tree presents.
GROWING up in a Polish household, one of the most cherished Christmas traditions my family practices is the sharing of an Opłatek (a wafer) during our Christmas Eve dinner. Before the meal begins, each family member receives a wafer. One by one, we approach each other, breaking off pieces of each other’s wafers while exchanging heartfelt words and wishes. These wishes are deeply personal — hopes for good health, success at work or school, or even the joy of finding a partner. The Opłatek symbolises love, reconciliation, forgiveness, and, most importantly, unity. It’s a moment where we set aside differences, express gratitude and strengthen the bonds that hold us together. This simple yet profound tradition reminds us of the true spirit of Christmas: connection, kindness, and hope. It’s a ritual I cherish and one that makes this time of year truly special.
CHRISTMAS is celebrated around the world, but the traditions surrounding it are very personal. For me, Christmas is about spending time with my family, eating good food and of course exchanging presents. Every year, we gather at my grandparent's house to spend the whole day enjoying all things Christmas. We start with the presents, and then at midday we have our Christmas roast. This is my favourite part of the day because it is so nice to sit with the whole family. Christmas evening always consists of watching the Christmas specials of Strictly Come Dancing and Call the Midwife ; these are non-negotiable. The day then ends with the latest board games, normally one that someone got as a Christmas present. Monopoly is a favourite even though it will end up in an argument of some sort. Christmas traditions are very personal but that is what makes it the best holiday.
How to gift the ungiftable
O'Mara gives some advice on gift-giving for the person who doesn't seem to need anything
WE have all had the experience of receiving a gift at either Christmas or a birthday from a relative or family friend which is just truly terrible. The type of gift where you force a smile only because your parent’s eyes are beating down on you. I swore from those moments in my childhood to always make sure any gift I ever give will be remembered. However, with the giftgiving season upon us, I realise I may not be as good as I’d once hoped. This process is made that bit harder by a common type of person we all have the misfortune of knowing: ‘the ungiftable’ friend/family member or the person who seems not to need anything Yet, I remain determined to find a way around this person this Christmas, and here are a few approaches I would take if struggling to find the right gift for the impossible person. You need to think outside the box and catch them off-guard with your brilliance. Think creatively, perhaps it could be something you make (only try this if you are creative,
now is not the time to begin to think your calling is to be an artist), or something where the gift could become tradition! One year I bought someone a record player and then each giftgiving season I would just buy them another record for the record player. It made my life so much easier; all gifts were sorted indefinitely. If you steal that idea, I want the credit…
Or as many of us realise when we get older, go practical. Buy the things they don’t actually want to buy themselves, but they know they need: do their weekly food shop (don’t let them now decide they shop at Waitrose), get them socks or cleaning products. It may be dull but you’re saving them money and time, you could even make a joke out of it!
Finally, the approach I always take is the selfish one. Book an experience! Plan a day out,
a holiday, a boujee meal followed by overpriced drinks, anything! But make sure it’s for both of you, if you are spending the money, you may as well get something out of it, it’s Christmas after all…. Whatever you do, put your spin on it, it’s the time of year to show that person (no matter how frustrating it may be to buy for them) how much you care about them. And if you’re reading this and you’re thinking you might be that ungiftable friend, cut to the chase, we all know you want something for Christmas, will you just tell us?
Image: pixabay.com
Image: Henry Anderson
Niall
Molly Thornton
Hayley Bell
Antoni Kaldunski
arts + lit
AI in translation
Katie Roberts, Lifestyle Editor, debates the use of AI in book translations
AS a modern languages student, it has been almost unnerving to witness the rapid advancement of translation technologies, especially with the integration of AI in recent years. Once infamous for producing mechanical and often laughable translations, tools like Google Translate now deliver surprisingly natural and fluent results. Meanwhile, more advanced software such as DeepL and ChatGPT are entering the scene, vying to compete with academics and professionals in the translation field. I must admit that AI has improved in generating comprehensible translations — particularly for straightforward texts like reports, newspaper articles and academic journals. When dealing with plain language and predictable formats, AI performs well, albeit with minor errors. However, when it comes to literary translations, AI often falters. Translation is an art that goes far beyond mere word substitution; it demands a profound understanding of cultural, linguistic, contextual, and historical nuances to convey meaning accurately. Translators make deliberate decisions and sacrifices because languages are not directly comparable. How can a machine be trusted to navigate these complexities and make appropriate omissions or additions to a text? Translators must consider myriad factors including tone, register, idioms, stylistic elements, cultural references, and colloquialisms. Each language has its quirks, and no two translations are identical. This inherent creativity in translation contrasts starkly with the standardization that AI introduces. That said, AI is making surprisingly effective strides in identifying some of the subtleties that have long shielded translation as a
creative industry. The announcement by Veen Bosch & Keuning — the Netherlands’ largest publisher — that they will use AI to assist in translating popular fiction, signals a tangible shift toward automation. The publisher is trialling AI translation for 10 commercial fiction titles into English. Notably, this trial excludes literary works, reflecting an implicit recognition of AI’s limitations.
The focus on commercial fiction for AI translation feels somewhat dismissive, implying that such works lack complexity or creativity, making them “easier” for AI to handle. This assumption is both insulting and flawed. The absence of a “literary classic” label does not make a text simple to translate; everyday language is inherently nuanced and constantly evolving. Take, for instance, idiomatic expressions. In English, we might say something “costs an arm and a leg” to mean it’s very expensive. The Spanish equivalent, costar un ojo de la cara (“to cost an eye from the face”), conveys the same idea but would sound nonsensical if translated literally. A human translator instinctively grasps the figurative meaning and substitutes an appropriate equivalent — a task AI may struggle with — especially when no direct equivalent exists, requiring creative solutions that go beyond algorithmic comprehension.
Interestingly, literary works appear to be protected for “proper” translation, as though their artistic and academic value holds greater significance. Classic authors like Tolstoy, Flaubert, Kafka, and García Márquez have become globally accessible through expertly translated editions. Readers often overlook how many books they enjoy were not originally published in English, underscoring the
success of professional translators. These translators shoulder immense responsibility, entrusted by authors and readers to preserve the story’s essence, dialogue, stylistic devices and tone while crafting a fluent and culturally resonant equivalent in the target language. The enduring popularity of these works is a testament to the translator’s artistry, often earning them recognition as esteemed academics.
TRANSLATION IS AN ART THAT GOES FAR BEYOND MERE WORD SUBSTITUTION
Supporters of AI translation argue that it is cost-effective, efficient, and could help authors writing in minority languages reach broader audiences. Yet, any savings in time or resources might be negated by the need for extensive human editing to correct AI’s deficiencies. AI risks producing bland, robotic translations, threatening the long-held appreciation for the art of book translation that came long before ChatGPT and DeepL. The success of literary translation hinges on its human touch — a deep engagement with language, culture and creativity that no machine can replicate. While AI might assist in some domains, it cannot replace the nuanced craft of translating literature, and that is why we must be careful of surrendering this profession to automation entirely.
Has the art world gone bananas?
Judy Dodd, Arts and Lit Editor, talks about Comedian, the artwork by Cattelan that sold for $6.2 million
THE arts world has reached new heights in terms of absurdities as Sotheby’s recently sold a banana for $6.2 million. The sculpture called Comedian was made by Maurizio Cattelan and consists, quite literally, of a banana taped to a wall with silver duct tape. The healthy purchase was made by Justin Sun, a 34-year-old Chinese crypto entrepreneur and founder of the Tron currency. Sun started with an interest in what he refers to as “trophy art,” but has since ventured into the world of NFT’s and modern works: “right now,” he says, “I’m more into conceptual and virtual art rather than traditional art.” In a statement made after the auction, he vowed to eat the banana, and did so at a press conference.
Comedian once again raises the perennial question of what constitutes art in the modern world. Does a work require thought? Meaning? Does it need to present talent? Beauty? Comedian seems to posses none of these qualities. Sotheby’s head of contemporary art, David Galperin, explains that “Cattelan brings the banal into the extraordinary by leveraging systems of art’s display and reception” and that “the idea, or concept, was of paramount importance — more important than the process of creation.”
Following this statement, a parallel can be drawn between Comedian and Marcel Duchamp’s 1917 artwork Fountain . Duchamp’s sculpture was submitted (and rejected) for the inaugural exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists at the Grand Central Palace in New York. Despite its fancy title, the ‘sculpture’ was nothing more than a urinal. He had the piece of plumbing turned upside down for the presentation and wrote a pseudonym on the side. Simple as that. But the piece sparked uproar. Duchamp was part of the Dadaist movement, which called itself inherently anti-artistic. In ways more a philosophical
movement than an artistic one, Dadaists confronted the absurdity and elitism of the art world by ridiculing the undefinable definition of art. They argued that turning everyday objects into art was nothing but “the artist’s act of choice,” which is exactly what both Fountain and Comedian attempt to do.
Although a century late, Cattelan fits into that Dada movement, as Comedian forms a purposeful comment on the commodification of art and the absurdity of the market. “To me, Comedian was not a joke; it was a sincere commentary and a reflection on what we value,” he said. The lifespan and material of the work consolidate this intent further, as the banana was bought from a New York street vendor for 35 cents, just hours before the auction.
Considering the limited lifespan of the artwork, Sun bought the rights to the concept and the controversy around the work, rather than the artwork itself. We can look at the Mona Lisa as an example: the painting in itself is rather disappointing to many as the colours don’t stand out, it is too small to inspect properly from behind a sea of phones, and the subject matter isn’t massively original or interesting to the average museum-goer. What gives the work its allure, however, is its history of getting lost, being stolen and belonging to da Vinci. Similarly, Comedian made headlines when it was first exhibited and sold for $120 000. It was mocked on national news; made the front cover of several magazines; was ripped off the wall and eaten in a museum by a hungry student; became a meme and went viral in the span of 5 years. Sun isn’t just buying the banana; he’s buying the story behind the fruit. He’s said so himself: “most of the value of the artwork comes form the internet rather than the artwork itself” and went on to claim that “if Comedian isn’t on the internet in the future, it won’t be relevant.” Sun has since eaten the banana and claimed that it was delicious. Paradoxically, this will have made the work go up even further in price, as he has woven himself into the work’s controversial tapestry. We can look at Banksy’s shredded Girl with Balloon for a similar story. After the painting was sold at an auction by Sotheby’s, the painting self-destructed and has since been renamed Love is in the Bin . It has now sold for over £18 million Bansky’s most expensive work to date. In a sense, whether or not you believe that the banana is art is irrelevant; the work has gained so much attention and debate that it will have a place in the history of the art world for ever. As Galperin says: “the most influential and radical artworks of the last century have had the power to fundamentally shift perceptions around the nature of art itself.”
Image: Judy Dodd
EDITORS: Judy Dodd and Kayleigh Swart
In defence of the humble pantomime
Rachel Bulman loves pantomimes — here’s why you should too
I’VE heard it said that pantomimes are like Marmite: you either love or hate them. Fortunately in my case, I love them, and I pity any poor soul who is too stubborn to shout, “he’s behind you’” or “oh no it isn’t!’” or even boo passionately when the cartoonish villain appears onstage. This British pastime usually crops up around Christmas, and no matter the story Dick Whittington, Snow White, or Aladdin, the list
goes on you can be sure it will gather a crowd.
A few crucial ingredients must come together to create a pantomime: crossdressing, slapstick comedy, and audience participation usually feature in a full production. And of course, no pantomime would be complete without boisterous fun and rowdy storytelling. Part of the joy of a pantomime, although it may be a bore to some, is that the story is familiar. This way, the audience already knows who is good, bad, and who is destined to ‘win.” When the curtain rises and the audience sees a soot-covered young girl asleep by a fireplace, we know to root for our Cinderella. But what really makes pantomimes special is that anyone can organise their own. From well-established theatres to community halls, pantomimes do not discriminate.
The word pantomime is actually Ancient Greek, meaning ‘imitator of all.’ Originally, it referred to a dancer or actor who would play multiple roles in a theatrical production
not quite what a modern audience imagines when hearing the word today. This cultural mix-up was the result of a perfect storm of conflicting terms and theatre styles. First, understanding the 18th century popularity of ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ an Italian predecessor to the modern pantomime is crucial. This form of entertainment involved dancing, music, and a revolving set of stock characters: “Harlequin and his companions, including Scaramouche, Pantaloon, Pierrot, Arlecchino and loveinterest Columbine,” to name the major players. The confusion occurred initially in 1717, when John Weaver used ‘pantomime’ to promote his production of ‘The Love of Mars and Venus.’ He used the word accurately, referring to the multitalented cast. But as all mishaps do people started to get their wires crossed when he produced another show featuring an English version of Arlecchino and his lover
Winter reading
MColumbine. Audiences had yet to watch a ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ with dialogue, and so, the Italian Harlequin merged with spoken theatre to become the English pantomime. As for why pantomimes became a Christmas tradition, we have David Garrick to thank. As manager of the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane, and a contemporary of Weaver, he despised pantomimes. Acknowledging their popularity though, he would permit a pantomime in his beloved theatre once a year at Christmas. Whether you love or can’t stand pantomimes, they’ve come a long way to make people laugh every Christmas. So next time you walk past a poster advertising a roster of memorable, kooky characters in vibrant costumes, consider how that same poster might have looked on the streets of 18th-century London. Love or hate it, the pantomime is a brilliant example of how art forms evolve and I, for one, am glad they’ve stuck around for so long.
Arts and Lit writers recommend three books to read when the days get colder this Christmas
The Secret History — Donna Tartt
Y recommendation for this winter is a murderous twist on dark academia: The Secret History by Donna Tartt, a modern classic in my opinion. Narrated in the unique style of the protagonist recalling his life at university, the novel immediately opens with details of a murder. The book centres around a priviliged and complex group of friends at a private college in snowy Vermont and how their studies of Latin and Greek push them into bacchanalian chaos. Whist this might not be a cosy recommendation, The Secret History is thoroughly gripping and completely immerses you into its cold and chaotic world.
Christina Chapman
FOR many, the annual Christmas Day countryside walk is a favourite tradition. However, if too comatose from a third helping of roast potatoes, Stella Gibbons’s rural melodrama Cold Comfort Farm offers a cosy and wickedly funny alternative, transporting one to the rolling hills of 1930s Sussex. The orphaned Flora Poste (evocative of Austen’s Emma) must leave her chic city ways and seek the charity of her eccentric and absurd family: the Starkadders. Believing few troubles in life unable to be ameliorated by good hygiene and the right fashion, she sets out to curb the family of their wayward social, sexual and psychological issues (including, but not limited to, incest and hellfire). Light-hearted and witty, ‘Cold Comfort Farm’ is the perfect Christmas read, namely because the dysfunctionality of the Starkadders will blast all inevitable holiday family dramas into insignificance. It can be followed by a helping of the BBC film adaptation, featuring Sir Ian Mckellen and Stephen Fry, or further Christmas delights in ‘Christmas at Cold Comfort Farm’
Kizzy Rollings
Reading locally
Annabel
TDThe Book Thief — Markus Zusak
HE Book Thief is an easy yet gripping and thought-provoking read that will stay with you for years. Narrated by Death himself, The Book Thief follows the story of a displaced young girl, Liesel, in Nazi Germany. As an unwilling participant in an authoritarian state hell-bent on censorship, Liesel commits the greatest act of rebellion possible for a child: she reads. Although the book spans many years and seasons, I have always associated it with winter. Certainly, the story picks up in the snowy January of 1939 and there is a heartwarming scene where a snowman is built in a basement in the true convivial spirit of the Holidays.
Audrey Alvey, Satire Editor
Gowling recommends the works of Agatha Christie and Samuel Taylor Coleridge
EVON has a rich literacy heritage, serving as the home and inspiration for many acclaimed writers across various genres and eras.
Among its most famous figures are Agatha Christie, the world-renowned detective novelist and playwright, celebrated for her iconic characters Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Born in Torquay, Christie drew inspiration from Devon’s idyllic landscapes and her former home, Greenway Estate. Today, this remains a site for literary pilgrimage.
Equally notable is Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the influential Romantic poet born in Ottery St Mary. He is widely known for masterpieces like The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla Khan. Coleridge’s work reflects the deep philosophical and imaginative themes marked by the Romantic era.
Agatha Christe’s work has left an indelible mark on the mystery and detective fiction genre — her distinctive style of writing and crafting intricate plots- captivate readers and audiences. Her works are known for their complex plots, often employing red herrings, creating unsuspecting twists she would further provide the readers with the clues needed to solve the mystery, challenging them to piece together the puzzle alongside her detectives. Human psychology and social commentary are reoccurring themes in her work. At the heart of her mysteries, she explores human behaviour, motivations and morality while reflecting on the darker sides of human nature like greed, jealousy and revenge. Christie cites the social dynamics of her time, looking at class distinctions, gender roles, and the changing landscape of the 20th century.
A personal favourite of mine and one of her bestselling novels, is And Then There Were None. An innovative plot, suspenseful pacing, and a bold departure from traditional detective narrativesmake this novel in particular stand out.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a key figure in the English Romantic movement, known for his imaginative and philosophically profound poetry. Coleridge delves into themes of nature, the supernatural, human psychology and metaphysics. He is celebrated for his unparalleled ability to blend reality with the fantastical, creating vivid imagery.
Coleridge grapples with themes of guilt and isolation, adding a philosophical depth to his poetry. He also explores ideas in German idealism questioning imagination, creativity, and human perceptions. Coleridge’s most famous work The Rime of
the Ancient Mariner is a multi-layered poem that explores human responsibility toward nature and the consequences of our actions. The poem is a cautionary tale, blending elements of adventure, supernatural horror, and profound moral and spiritual themes.
Agatha Christie and Samuel Taylor Coleridge are two iconic writers, highly influential for their time, and still continue to captivate and inspire today. Christie’s mastery in crafting intricate mysteries, paired with her insight into human psychology and social dynamics, solidified her place as a cornerstone of detective fiction. Meanwhile, Coleridge’s profound poetic vision, rich in imagination and philosophical depthhas left a mark on the Romantic movement. Together, their works underscore Devon’s enduring influence on the literary world, making it a haven for creativity and inspiration.
Cold Comfort Farm — Stella Gibson
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MUSIC
Palace review
Brooke Taylor, Music Editor, reports on the band's recent Bristol performance
HE
THE alt-rock band Palace have concluded their 2024 UK and Europe tour. The London-based group began the tour in Paris in October, and closed at the Apollo in the home city. I was able to see their sold-out performance at the O2 Academy in Bristol, and can safely say it had some of the best live vocals I’ve heard at a gig. The tour is in light of the release of their latest album, Ultrasound , which was released in April of this year — the set opened with the grungy instrumental song 'Cocoon' and then sailed into 'Goodnight, Farewell' from this new album. For fans of the band’s earlier albums, like 2016’s So Long Forever , the music from this new album will definitely feel somewhat heavier. Even visually, the band has moved away from the oceanic blues and greens of their previous releases to a black-and-white photograph, still of the rocky sea, with red lettering. This change in tone is due to the content the album tackles: it follows the journey of the band through a period of intense grief and hardship when frontman Leo Wyndham’s partner suffered a late miscarriage. Despite the album’s chronological narrative, the band departed from this order in the live show, starting with tracks from the new album out of order, then delving into
old favourites from their aforementioned debut So Long Forever . The band then played two more songs from Ultrasound : 'Bleach' and 'Son'. These two songs were a highlight of the show for me. 'Bleach' is a great indie love song, which feels so bouncy and youthful; it was a joy to watch it even if you didn’t know it well. The mood then slowed as the band pivoted into 'Son', which was the song I had on repeat on the train back from the concert. The original album release is phenomenal; it’s simple and moving in its lyricism and sound, but hits entirely differently when performed, as it was, with such raw emotion.
Aside from 'Son', the band’s performance of their most popular song 'Live Well' was the highlight for me. As soon as the opening notes were played, the venue lit up as everyone cheered for the fan favourite. The concert ended with an encore of 'Veins', for which the band was joined by Ben Andrew on guitar from the now dissolved ban The Native. I would highly recommend going to see Palace for yourself if you get the chance; perhaps you can catch them on their USA and Canada tour in 2025.
Band Aid at 40
Katie Roberts, Lifestyle Editor, asks if the track is a nostalgic throwback or a broken record
FORTY years after its original release, Band Aid is back with a revamped version of 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?." This time, however, the track has failed to crack the UK Top 40 in its first week. As Christmas music purists bemoan its altered sound, the rerelease has reignited debates over its controversial portrayal of Africa, with Ed Sheeran also voicing dissatisfaction over his inclusion in the latest rendition. In 2024, this revival feels more like
a worn-out relic than a cherished holiday classic. Labelling itself “the ultimate mix,” this version splices together elements from the previous three renditions, featuring stars from across its 40-year history including the late George Michael, Sinéad O’Connor, David Bowie, and Liam Payne. Yet, the result feels overwrought. The iconic drumbeat has been toned down and replaced with a cinematic synthesizer, layered with sam-
ples from a 1984 news report. The muted percussion detracts from the song's musical appeal, amplifying the track’s polemical message instead.
The original 1984 Band Aid was inspired by Michael Buerk’s harrowing news report on the famine in Ethiopia. Bob Geldof organised the project to raise awareness and funds for relief efforts. The star-studded track soared to number one, raising £8 million in its first year and nearly £150 million to date. Its rhythmic drumbeat, catchy lyrics, and authentic sense of camaraderie — captured during recording sessions at Notting Hill’s Sarm Studios — cemented its place on Christmas playlists for decades. With rereleases in 2004, 2014, and now 2024, however, the song’s shortcomings have become increasingly difficult to overlook.
From the original cover art depicting emaciated children juxtaposed with festive imagery, to problematic lyrics like “tonight, thank God it’s them instead of you,” and the sampling of Buerk’s report, the track has faced criticism for perpetuating outdated and harmful stereotypes of Africa. These elements, revived with every rerelease, feel tone-deaf in today’s world. British-Ghanaian rapper Fuse ODG, who declined to participate in the
2014 version, candidly articulated the problems: "[Band Aid] takes one issue from one country and paints the whole continent with it… While [it] may generate sympathy and donations, [it] perpetuates damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism, and investment — destroying its dignity, pride, and identity.”
In 2024, with greater awareness of the complexities of global issues, Fuse ODG’s critique underscores how Band Aid’s approach to charity feels increasingly outdated.
It should be acknowledged that in 1984, a case could be made that ignorance of the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia allowed governments to turn a blind eye. The track offered an immediate way to raise awareness and funds in an era before social media. Its success in mobilising global attention and resources shouldn’t be entirely condemned, as it achieved its goals in a way the world hadn’t seen before.
However, times have changed. The methods and messaging that worked in 1984 are no longer sufficient — or appropriate. Perhaps it’s time to let 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' remain in its original era and for Band Aid 50 to embrace a fresh approach 10 years down the line. Band aid could be handed over to African artists, rooted in their perspectives and voices, to reinvent the project and rewrite the messages portrayed, honouring the spirit of the original while resonating with today’s world.
Image: Brooke Taylor
Image:Alfred Weidinger, Wikimedia Commons
AI has become a normalised part of our day to day lives and media consumption, perhaps to the point where we can no longer identify it. As we see a rise in the use of AI, it has sparked a worldwide debate on whether AI is an efficient new tool for content creation in music, film and media, or could it instead threaten the trust and belief we put into the media we consume? Is it just the inevitable future?
However, despite this mixed response, there is still a boom of AI-generated content taking over much bigger screens than our phones. Instead we are faced with AI being used and centred in Hollywood films, advertisements, and even so far as AI film festivals taking place all over the world.
For example, earlier this year, one of America’s largest film festivals, Tribeca, in collaboration with AI company Runway, began to feature a new category — Human Powered: AI Shorts Program — debuting a variety of new shorts films
GEDITORS: Harry Morrison and Brooke Taylor
AI and music videos
Christina Chapman depicts the use of AI in the music industery
and music videos produced or edited using AI software. In a description of the festival on the company website, Runway commented that “the lines between technology and creativity are blurring”. This statement made me question what we even define as “creativity” today, as the modern music and film industry has become corrupt with prioritising the financial gain and quick production of music and content over genuine “creativity”. This logic is perhaps a motivator for these large industries to use AI software in order increase productivity. With these new events being introduced in film festivals, we have seen generative AI even being used in high budgeted mainstream films such as Here by Robert Zemeckis, set for a UK release in January 2025. In the trailer, the narrative is centred around a home and family throughout many decades. Starring Tom Hanks digitally de-aged with the help of AI, creating an incredibly uncanny visual for the viewer,
who wouldn’t have seen Hanks at a young age since the 1980s. The audience response to this film was unsurprisingly mixed: Here had a budget of $45 million, yet only grossed $13 million worldwide on it’s opening weekend. One online critic, Mae Abdulbaki, even commenting that “It’s a film so soulless I questioned the point of it”, as a result of the poorly dubbed voiceovers and “jarring” de-aging. Is this a critical reception a Reflection of the future of filmmaking with AI? Or was this simply a poorly constructed film that cooincidentally used AI?
As a result of this mass debate between the potential effects of AI, artists are forced to make a choice as to wether embrace the unavoidable wave of AI, or they resist and face falling behind in the fast moving creative industries. As we can undoubtedly see, generative AI and machine learning will change the future of visual effects in cinema and the music industry, whether we can decide if it’s ethical or not.
Sailor Song
Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor, writes on exciting upcoming talent, Gigi Perez
IANNA Brielle Perez, or Gigi Perez as we all know her, rose to fame when her songs Sometimes (Backwood), and her more recent hit, Sailor Song, both went viral. Although both the two are lyrical masterpieces, Perez’s songs are more than the backing track to a TikTok video. Her songs encapsulate an immense amount of grief and recovery. Celene is written about her sister, who sadly passed in 2020. Expressing her love for her sister, Perez uses her writing as a way of coping. 'Sailor Song', arguably her most famous single, is a soft and beautiful queer anthem. The raw lyrics and gentle guitar strums describe her unconditional love for a girl who looks like Anne Hathaway. Though 'Sailor Song' is incredible, I personally prefer 'Fable', another ode to her sister. It's an angelic piece of music, and contains so much emotion. “I feel when I question my skin starts to burn," can be applied to so many situations of questioning your own
identity, and feeling hatred in your own skin. In this instance, Perez describes her experiences of being a lesbian in a religious environment, where it may be frowned upon. The verse following, “Love was the law and religion was taught," encapsulates navigating this identity contradiction throughout the grief of losing someone close to you. I think 'Fable' is a letter to her sister, where she expresses her queer identity and the struggles that she faced — something she may not have fully been able to do during her life. It is through this single that Gigi describes that love came first, and no matter what religion or belief, no relationship, love, or identity, should be frowned upon — something we should all take into our daily lives. In a world where the LGBTQ+ community still faces prejudice, Fable is an important single to anyone struggling with their own identity.
Artist spotlight:
Morrison, Music
HDogpark
AILING from Richmond, Virginia, male indie-rock band Dogpark are gaining a growing presence on the east coast indie scene, taking the spotlight internationally with their presence both onstage and online.
First meeting and performing at the University of Richmond, the band has relocated, with members now residing in New York. Dogpark consists of Eamon Moore (lead vocals), Chris Conte (Drums), Declan Harris (lead guitar), Billy Apostolou (bass/guitar), and Will Harford (vocals/bass/guitar). Together, their collaborative style of indie-rock has been dubbed by American music festival Mighty Root as transforming ‘their career from a backyard band to a mainstream group.’
Nearing three-hundred thousand followers and eight and a half million likes on TikTok, the band is growing a mass of fans through the online indie scene. If those numbers weren’t impressive enough, then check out their lead singer’s channel ‘Eamon Mo’: with half a million followers and over 18 million likes, he’s a real social media superstar, being the reason that so many indie fans are taking a liking to the group.
Dogpark has recently been taking on new endeavours with both their music and stage presence. Since their first release in October 2023, with a single titled ‘Now It’s Over,’ the
band has also released their first EP called ‘Breaking in Brooklyn.’ Grooving with sharp funk-rock and indie inspired guitar riffs, the tone of Eamon Moore’s vocals blend perfectly into a sound worth paying attention to. Some recommendations within the EP are ‘Washington Square Park’ and the opening song of ‘Breaking in Brooklyn’ but given their small discography it’s all worth listening to.
Currently, the band is on their streak of nearsold-out tours. The ‘Breaking in America tour ’24’ is their current endeavour, spanning the nation and seeing concerts in locations such as their hometown of Richmond, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Boston. Sadly, due to my location in Exeter, and their tour taking place across the Atlantic Ocean, I have not been able to go to a show myself. However, from online videos, their stage presence and crowd appreciation look unreal, bringing the Dogpark energy to every performance they give. With sell-out shows, a forever growing online presence and a position firmly on track to releasing their first full-length album, who knows what’s next for Dogpark. Whatever it is, it’s going to be good. Fingers crossed they come to Europe at some point, bringing the east coast indie and funky vibes with them.
Image: ClearMaxim via Deviant Music
Image: Jorgé Lascar, Flickr
screen
What is this feeling?: a Wicked review
Zandie Howells, Online Music Editor, reviews the hit musical film that took the world by tornado
SPOILERS AHEAD
EXPERIENCING Jon M. Chu’s Wicked on its release weekend was an absolute joy. Bursting with colour and charm, music and magic, I loved it. Ariana Grande is just phenomenal. It feels weird to say ‘give Ariana Grande an Oscar’, and yet it now feels so right; she is nothing short of exceptional. She probably has the greatest voice in all of music — the way she adapts it to fit Glinda’s character with a more musical style is dazzling; her singing is incredible. She is also absolutely hilarious. What a performance.
And if Ariana can sing, my God, can Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba belt out a tune too. Her ‘Defying Gravity’ is astonishing. In fact, the whole end sequence left the cinema in awe, I am sure many experienced goosebumps watching it.
THE WHOLE END SEQUENCE LEFT THE CINEMA IN AWE
My favourite moments in this film are when the two leads are interacting and bouncing off one another, their chemistry is wonderful and it really drives the film. They also share my favourite song, ‘Popular’, which is just an absolute joy. The facial expressions, the mannerisms, Grande’s line delivery — “Don’t be offended by my frank analysis, think of it as personality dialysis” — is genius.
Jonathan Bailey just oozes elegance. ‘Dancing Through Life’ is one of the highlights of the film and Bailey shines in his spotlight moment. One of the many hidden easter eggs appears in the song, when
the camera depicts the ladders in the moving library at the exact moment they form an ‘O’ and a ‘Z’ to spell out Oz.
The ensemble are phenomenal. Chu really knows how to direct a group dance; they are all fantastically shot. I love the choreo, every cast member is giving their absolute all and it really makes the film so wonderful — having this great selection of talent bringing Oz alive with excellent dance numbers.
The Shiz University entrance looks amazing, the rainbow
fields are gorgeous (did you notice the brief shot of Dorothy and co.?) and the woods carry a great sense of fantasy and mystery (probably my favourite location design in the whole film).
Also, the shots of the cliffs as Elphaba runs along them singing ‘The Wizard And I’ are wonderful. There is a fantastic moment where Elphaba leaps in the air as a rainbow appears in the background, a lovely nod to the song ‘Over The Rainbow’ from the original 1939 Wizard of Oz.
Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth (the original Elphaba and Glinda) also make an appearance! A lot of big smiling beams were earnt in that moment. I have mentioned a few already, but there are just so many hidden details and quirks throughout the film. I will leave it up to you to discover them yourself, and I am sure upon rewatch I will find lots more too. So yes, Wicked is a lot of fun. I now cannot wait for part two next year. Oh, and give Ariana that Oscar right now!
on screen
Anna Spencer, Lifestyle Editor, reminisces on a snowy favourite in light of Exeter’s recent winter wonderland
EVERY time it snows it feels especially wintery and I am always reminded of my favourite scenes in movies and TV shows. In light of the recent snowfall in Exeter, I have been reminiscing about my favourite film set in snowy locations. This would have to be the 1994 version of Little Women, directed by Gillian Armstrong. Despite the more recent Greta Gerwig version from 2019, this the earlier one remains my personal favourite.
This film is based on the original novel by Louisa May Alcott, a coming-of-age story set in New England during the Civil War, and follows the lives of the four March sisters — Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and their journey from childhood to adulthood. The story is autobiographical of Alcott’s childhood and centres around a cheery family and their home. Importantly, Little Women also shows the audience the female experience of struggling between duties to one’s family and to oneself, exploring feminist themes of power and choice.
The film stars Winona Ryder as Jo, Trini Alvarado as Meg, Claire Danes as Beth, and Kirsten Dunst as Amy, who make up the inseparable March sisters, along with Christian Bale as Laurie, their young neighbour.
Even though the film travels through all the seasons, I have always thought of Little Women as a Christmas film. The movie opens with a snowy scene of a very cold winter, and one of the most wholesome scenes is when the sisters make a Christmas breakfast for a hungry family of German immigrants, walking down the snow-covered
lanes, arm in arm with each other and singing all the while. Another scene which I always remember, is where Jo and Laurie go ice-skating on a lake, and Amy tries to follow them but falls through the ice into the freezing water until Laurie saves her. Although it is a scary scene, the entire backdrop of this scene is an icy, wintery New England forest.
The score sounds very Christmassy too, composed by Thomas Newman, with sparkly and joyful tunes that remind me of the winter season. This film is also very nostalgic for me, as I watched it many times growing up, and that also adds to how this is the perfect snowy film for me. Filled with holiday imagery, music, and gratitude, this film is perfect for a winter evening when hoping for snow!
A perfect ending
April Frain discusses a film that they believe should remain untouched
DISNEY’S Treasure Planet (2002) may have flopped at the box office, but it has since become a cult classic and is my all-time favourite. A futuristic retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island , the film follows Jim Hawkins, a misunderstood teenager seek ing to prove himself in a uni verse that underestimates him.
The most touching aspect of the film for me is Jim’s heartfelt relationship with Long John Silver. Though they initially bump heads, the two eventually form a deeply mov ing father-and-son bond. With Jim’s
own father having abandoned him years earlier, Silver’s belief in him fills a great void in Jim’s life in the most charming way. To me, the ending of Treasure Planet is perfectly bittersweet. After an exhilarating space adventure, Silver — true to his morally dubious nature — steals away on a longboat to avoid capture. In a tearful farewell scene, Jim and Silver embrace, with Jim ready to face his future, independently, with newfound confidence. While Silver disappears to continue his swashbuckling escapades, his influence lingers as a strong, supporting presence. The final scene, with Jim returning home to his mother as John Rzeznik’s ‘Always Know Where You Are’ plays, is incredibly poignant. The song encapsulates the idea that, despite their separation across many galaxies, Jim will always feel Silver’s presence and influence whenever he sees himself. Though it’s unlikely to happen, I fear any continuation of Treasure Planet would only spoil its beautifully crafted conclusion. If you haven’t watched it yet, or haven’t in a while, I wholeheartedly recommend revisiting this touching masterpiece.
Image: Jobstore, via FMT
Image: Amazon Snow
Image: Mexycan, via Flickr
Image: Aranel. via GoodFon.Com Image: Flaezk, via Flickr
CHU REALLY KNOWS HOW TO DIRECT A GROUP DANCE
Image: Internet Archive, via picryl
The next great epic
Charlie McCormack, Screen Editor, suggests the new Dune franchise has the cinematic potential of The Lord of the Rings
FRANK Herbert’s Dune and J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings are vastly different pieces of fiction, both in genre and philosophy. What binds them together, and what will form our point of comparison here, is their canonical importance to their respective genres and their formal quality as epics. In 1997, Peter Jackson took on the titanic task of adapting Tolkien’s masterpiece into what would become one of the greatest and most beloved cinema trilogies to grace the sil-
ver screen. The trilogy ranks number two on The Independent’s greatest movie trilogies of all time, only losing to the original Star Wars trilogy, which brings me nicely back to Dune, without which Star Wars would have never existed...
Contrasting the immediate critical success of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, attempts to adapt Dune had been floundering from as early as 1971. The ‘70s hosted a wealth of directors attempting to attack an adaptation, including Ridley Scott, but it wasn’t until 1981 that David Lynch would ‘successfully’ adapt the beast into a film. I say ‘successfully,’ because the film released to largely negative reviews, flopping at the boxoffice and is largely only admired today under a cult-following of viewers who see in it the potential and visual flair of what could have been. It wouldn’t be until 2021 that Dune would receive the adaptation it deserved, with sci-fi savant director Denis Villeneuve at the helm. After the critical and commercial success of Dune: Part Two in 2024, it seems momentum is behind
AVilleneuve (despite his reluctance to call it a trilogy) to create the end to what I argue could be an epic series that rivals even The Lord of the Rings I’m willing to step up to the mound and say that Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy (sorry Denis), will become an epic as beloved and seminal and Jackson’s fantastical film series now over 20 years old. Dune (2021) has the echoes of the brilliant set-up that made The Fellowship of the Ring such a great opener. Both films cover an intense amount of worldbuilding ground about as elegantly-paced as they can, helped in no small part by great performances from everyone. Whilst I will say that Dune (2021) struggles more as a standalone film than The Fellowship, you really must take these franchises as a whole, and Dune (2021) has no problem getting you invested for the treat that is Dune: Part Two. Much like The Lord of the Rings trilogy, I expect the second film of the Dune trilogy to become the crown jewel of the franchise. It’s a
Again, again!
truly epic piece of cinema that remains dutiful to both the author and the material it works from. I truly believe the Dune trilogy will enter the discourse of cinema’s ‘greats’, taking its rightful place alongside The Lord of the Rings as the goldstandard of staggering adaptations and of epic worlds that will awe and inspire for years to come.
THE DUNE TRILOGY WILL TAKE ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE ALONGSIDE THE LORD OF THE RINGS AS THE GOLDSTANDARD OF EPICS
Audrey Alvey, Satire Editor, highlights a show that is begging to be continued
SHOW so good that I convinced several teachers to watch it, The Wilds on Amazon Prime met its premature end in 2022 when its second season tanked. What went wrong, and why does it deserve a second chance?
Following a group of teenage girls whose plane crashes on a deserted island, the first season is split into three arcs: the girls’ time on the island, flashbacks to their lives in the months before and interviews from “FBI agents” postrescue. We quickly find out that the crash was part of an experiment orchestrated by sociologist Gretchen Klein — played by Globe Award winner Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under) — and that one of the girls is secretly in on it. But who? Where season one exceeded above all other shows in its genre was in its ensemble: each and
every character was fleshed out with such great care and detail that you couldn’t help but get emotionally invested in them. Without falling into stereotypes, each of the girls has aspects that feel instantly familiar if you have ever been or known a teenage girl. The actresses were not much older than their roles, adding to their authenticity, and all but one were yet to be on any “big”projects. Remaining close friends to this day, the group had an unrivaled chemistry that lent itself perfectly to the show’s found family troupe. It had me and too many other girls wishing we could be stranded on a deserted island for some time — far from male judgement — and just be.
In 2022, Amazon invited me to a prescreening of the first episodes of season two. An evening that started out with palpable excitement
and a collective buzz from the audience ended as a night that left everyone with a horrible mix of uncertainty: we were excited to get to see more of my favourite show’s development, but anxious that it would be taken away by the thing it had once sought to destroy: the patriarchy. The new season introduced a new island with boys on it — a completely original idea that hasn’t been done to death. A show that once failed the reverse-Bechdel test in every single scene suddenly devoted over 50 per cent of its time to guys without giving us neither time nor reason to care about them. They were underdeveloped wastes of young talent and funding, turning swathes of their original audience away.
And yeah, I get it, I’m just a whiny feminist or whatever — but let’s face it objectively: trying
to balance 16 main characters in the space of eight 40 minute episodes isn’t exactly conducive to great storytelling. The fact that it was for the sake of centering men — the traditional subjects of Robinsonades — when the show was about the importance of women having space to freely exist without them, was just insult to injury.
The Wilds did a wild U-turn from the greatest feminisation of Lord of the Flies to a cheap knockoff, discarding the original female characters known and loved by the audience in favour of underdeveloped new guys on some other island.
The solution? Demote the boys to minor characters: there isn’t time or money for a principal cast this large, it’s not Grey’s Anatomy. And, if budgeting is still a problem, I’m sure Bezos won’t suffer a tiny hit to his not-so-tiny wallet anyway.
The Apprentice and the political biopic Joseph James examines the merits and pitfalls of the genre in light of the controversial Trump biopic
ALI Abbasi’s 2024 film The Apprentice follows a young Donald Trump (played excellently by Sebastian Stan) as he becomes a successful New York businessman under the mentorship of Roy Cohn (Jeremy Strong), and in the process loses his humanity and moral compass.
THE APPRENTICE FOLLOWS A YOUNG DONALD TRUMP... UNDER THE MENTORSHIP OF ROY COHN
Whilst The Apprentice isn’t explicitly political in terms of its content — the film takes place before Trump’s presidential campaigns and largely doesn’t tackle his political views at all — it is clearly anti-Trump. The film acts to discredit Trump’s character, showing his greed, lack of empathy and at times criminal behaviour. The timing of the film’s US release (the 11th October, three and a half weeks before the US election) also shows how the film clearly wanted, and arguably failed, to impact the 2024 election. Trump himself posted on his social media platform Truth Social, de -
scribing the film as “a cheap, defamatory, and politically disgusting hatchet job” and that the filmmakers are ‘human scum’, indicat ing that he has a lessthan-favourable view of the film. Due to the film’s criticisms of Trump, fans of the President-elect are unlikely to be fans of the film and will likely see it as overly biased. However, I do think that it has enough nu ance in its portrayal of Trump to overcome these criticisms. Trump at the start of the film, whilst power-hungry, is not overly cruel or selfish — instead, we see how he learned these characteristics from
Roy Cohn, and consequently how he becomes the monster that we know him as today. Ultimately, the film is as much of an analysis of the conditions in which people lose their decency as it is a film specifically about Trump and his politics, and in my opinion is more effective as a result.
This difference can be shown by comparing T he Apprentice to another recently released biopic of a political figure, Adam McKay’s Vice is about Dick Cheney, the U.S. Vice President under George W. Bush who presided over the controversial U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan. In this film, Cheney is essentially portrayed as evil from the very start of his life, with the film pro -
viding few nuances to his character or giving any reason for his actions. Whilst I do personally agree with the political views held by the filmmakers, I found that the film was too onenote to give an effective insight into Cheney.
In comparison, The Apprentice allows its audience to better understand why Trump is how he is and therefore crafts a more effective argument as to why he is unsuitable to be President.
The one aspect that I felt The Apprentice tackled poorly was Trump’s relationship with his first wife, Ivanka, which lacked the nuance that the other storylines provided and seems like it was only included for shock value.
Despite this, The Apprentice is largely successful at what it sets out to do — it shows why Trump is unfit for office, whilst also showing how he became the monster he is today. In my opinion, it is worth watching.
IT SHOWS WHY TRUMP IS UNFIT FOR OFFICE, WHILST ALSO SHOWING HOW HE BECAME THE MONSTER HE IS TODAY
Image: Gage Skidmore, The Watcher Post
Image: Pixabay
Image: Luca Galuzzi, The Wildcat Tribune
E x etera Exetera...
Let’s Talk About It...
Veronica Purtak adresses stigma, support and the need to transform the mental health conversation
This
WHEN we think about mental health, we often approach it clinically — diagnoses, prescriptions, and therapies dominate the conversation, much like treating a physical illness. And whilst this is important, it’s not the full picture. Mental health is deeply influenced by our environment, our relationships and how we feel about asking for help. With depression rates at an all-time high and 13 per cent of the UK population relying on NHSprescribed antidepressants, the conversation around mental health has never been more urgent.
While medications and therapies can be crucial for improving symptoms, social and environmental influences are often overlooked. This is where organisations, such as the local charity Goodwill in Action to Prevent Suicide, step in. Guided by a philosophy of kindness, connection and empowerment, the charity is dedicated to reducing suicide rates through a holistic approach to mental health. Their mission is simple but vital: to create spaces where vulnerability is embraced and asking for help is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
When I spoke to founder, Chukumeka Maxwell, he explained that stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. “People feel too ashamed to ask for help,” he said, adding that in some parts of the world, suicide is still criminalised — a stigma that discourages individuals from reaching out for the life-saving support they need. Maxwell also described the “mechanical nature of modern life,” which often ignores the emotional and spiritual connections that help people thrive. It’s not just about treatment — it’s about con-
nection. The charity encourages the use of social prescribing, an approach that links indi viduals with community-based resources, like support groups and creative projects, to address mental health in a more holistic way. As Max well explains, when individuals are encour aged to build connections with others, the isolation that weighs them down begins to lift.
As a volunteer counsellor for Childline, I’ve seen how transformative these connections can be. A listening ear, a compassionate presence, or even the smallest gesture of kindness can make a world of difference. Maxwell’s message for students is clear, “you don’t need professional training to be a natural helper. Your lived experiences make you uniquely qualified to offer empathy and support.” By offering an attentive ear, a kind heart, and showing compassion for your loved ones in tough times, you can be just as impactful as professional interventions.
Recipe: Veggie Christmas Dinner
IT’S that time of year again, when student houses and flats across Exeter prepare their own Christmas dinner (or alternatively head on a group trip to Toby Carvery).
It can be a tricky time however for vegetarian students, especially if your meat-eating housemates are pulling out all the stops with a roast chicken or turkey (or goose, you genuinely never know in Exeter), leaving you with a few boiled sprouts and a heap of stuffing if you’re lucky. However, not eating meat shouldn’t deny you a great roast dinner — here are a few different sides that ensure the trimmings can be the real star of the show.
Sprouts that actually taste nice
For anyone struggling with their mental health, Maxwell has a message of hope, “there’s always hope — things change.” Whether through supporting a friend, volunteering with a mental health initiative, or simply being kind to those around you, we all have a role to play in creating a more compassionate community. By sharing empathy and reaching out, we can create a culture of care that allows for open conversations about mental health, helping prevent crises before they escalate. Mental health is not just an individual journey — it’s a collective responsibility. Together, we can all be natural helpers and build a community where no one is left to suffer in silence.
All you need for this is Brussels sprouts, butter, oil and miso paste. These can be made vegan by switching the butter for additional oil.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Meanwhile bring a pan of salted water to the boil, add the sprouts and cook for four to five minutes. Whilst these are cooking, melt butter in a pan (not too hot or you’ll burn it), and once it’s melted remove from the heat before adding at least three heaped teaspoons of miso paste and mixing. Once the sprouts are done, toss them in a roasting tin with the miso/ butter mixture and vegetable or olive oil. Cook for around 15-20
minutes until the sprouts are slightly browned and crispy.
Honey-roasted carrots
For this you need carrots, honey and butter. Apple cider vinegar is also a nice addition to take away some of the sweetness. Heat the oven to 200 °C. Toss the carrots, honey, butter and vinegar to a roasting dish (make sure to only add a teaspoon or two of honey), and season with salt, pepper and rosemary if you have it. Roast for around one hour until the carrots are sticky and tender.
Cauliflower cheese
For this, you need cauliflower, butter, flour, milk, cheddar cheese. A teaspoon of mustard also adds extra flavour. Preheat the oven to around 190 °C. Meanwhile, chop the cauliflower into florets of an even size and bring to the boil for four to five minutes. Drain and make the sauce. Heat butter in a saucepan and once it’s melted, sift in the flour. Add milk gradually, stirring each time you add. You can keep adding milk and flour in varying amounts until it’s thick and slightly gloopy. Season with salt and pepper, add a teaspoon of mustard and add plenty of grated cheese. Mix in the cauliflower and pour the whole mixture into a baking dish, scat- tering even more cheese on top (there’s no such thing as too much cheese so go crazy). Bake for around 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief
Exeposé archives: a candid interview with Father Christmas
BEFORE there was Satire, there was Exeposé’s Features section, and in this article from December 2013, Features takes a turn for the comical through an exclusive interview with Saint Nicholas himself. In this case, it doesn’t go quite to plan, with Father Christmas immediately announcing “I ain’t taking questions on ‘Elf and Safety’”. It swiftly transpires that this Santa is one only interested in “pure, hard free market capital”, making money off sponsership and merchandise — “every Coca-Cola advert that tells you its Christmas time, that’s $3 million transferred to my offshore bank account in Lapland. Every shopping centre I visit, I charge £100 per child’s dream come true.”
Father Christmas outlines his ‘Santa Prime’
service “which would require anxious parents to pay a healthy subsidy to recieve their children’s gifts on the morning of the 25th rather than three to five working days after.” Whether it’s breaking labour laws or snorting mistletoe — the Father Christmas conjured up by Exeposé’ s 2013 writers isn’t exactly big with the Christmas spirit., and is far more focused on his numerous side projects —”his now defunct metal outfit, Sleigher, and series of workout videos, Chimney Slim .” Unfortunately (or fortunately?), our Features section this year did not manage to secure an interview with an evil incarnation of Santa, but there’s always next year!
Amy Rushton, Editor-in-Chief
Image: Amy Rushton
article contains discussion of mental health struggles which may be triggering for some students
STUDY BREAK
CROSSWORD
Across
7 Answer (8)
8 Mysterious — weird (4)
9 Request (3,3)
10 Capsicum pod (6)
11 Ship’s post (4)
13 Harmful form of precipitation (4,4)
15 Refuse collector (US) (8)
17 Flat (4)
18 Leapt — bounded (6)
20 Ban (6)
22 Part of the eye (4)
23 Fully (2,6)
Down
1 Beer ingredient (4)
2 Set of clothes (6)
3 False witness (4)
4 Idleness (8)
5 Unit of (silk) weight — Nereid? (anagram) (6)
6 Rial (anagram) — extra seed covering (botany) (4)
12 Broadcast (3)
13 Type of brandy — can a gram (anagram) (8)
14 Frozen water (3)
16 Racquet sport (6)
17 Dimensions (6)
19 Sound of a contented cat (4)
20 Lego (anagram) — leer (4)
21 Opponent (of a policy, for example) (4)
ANSWERS
SUDOKU
TRIVIA CORNER
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Henry Anderson
Jed H. Gibbins
Exeter abroad: Japan
Henry Anderson, International Editor, interviews Louis Armitage
about his experience studying
THIS is the first of a small series of stories about our student body studying abroad.
As some of our readers begin to make their choices, we hope we can provide some insights into the various places you can go around the world.
This week, we start with Louis, who is studying in the small city of Akita, in northern Honshu. Akita University is a small international university, with around 1000 students, a quarter of which are international.
To get to Akita, you land in Tokyo, which gave Louis his first impression of Japan. “You are bombarded with stimuli,” he says. “They have lights and sounds on everything; the convenience stores, the advertisements, the doors. And yet, the people are usually silent and quiet.” He was also hit by the scale of it. “Everything is so spacious. The roads are big, the pavements wide.”
The Greater Tokyo Area is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with a population of 41 million and an area of 13,000 square kilometres.
Although impressive, Louis thought Tokyo was a little soulless and too commercialised — and not why he had come to Japan. As he moved north and into the countryside, he began to see
in Akita, northern Japan
a little more of the Japan he had read and was expecting. “It’s just so beautiful; I take it for granted. There is a tree outside my accommodation with yellow leaves. It looks like its dripping gold; it’s in credible. In the wider area, you have large forests that could be from California. The coast looks weatherbeaten, almost Irish, and there are paddy fields like in southeast Asia. There is just so much variety.”
The campus it self is on the outskirts of the city, usually a train and bus or two bus rides away, with these being more frequent on the weekends. A lover of coffee and good music, Louis feels at home in its multitude of in-
Bolsonaro — guilty?
Audrey Alvey, Satire Editor, uncovers the criminal investigation into ex-Brazillian president Jair Bolsonaro
AFTER two years of investigation by the Brazilian Federal Police, Brazilian ex-President Jair Bolsonaro, has been formally accused by police of plotting to stage a coup in the lead-up to the 2022 election. The report which was unsealed on the 26th November claims that the evidence “unequivocally” demonstrated that he “planned, acted on and controlled [the plot].” 36 other people were indicted in the report, among which are former spy chief, Alexandre Ramagem, and Navy commander Admiral Santos. Police credit other senior army officials in high command with successfully resisting Bolsonaro’s orders, and thus stopping, the attempted coup. Bolsonaro was President for four years until his narrow defeat to the Worker’s Party in 2022, after which he falsely claimed that the election was fraudulent. As a result, the courts banned him from running for office until 2030 on the grounds of undermining democracy. His supporters also refused to accept the results. Inspired by the United States Capitol attack two years prior, they led a mob attack on government buildings in the capital city of Brasília.
THE COURTS BANNED HIM FROM RUNNING FOR OFFICE UNTIL 2030
Biden’s US administration was instrumental in the coup’s failure, according to political commentator Octavio Guedes. However, given his close personal and political allyship with Donald Trump, Bolsonaro
will help him escape criminal charges via imposing economic sanctions on Brazil long enough for him to stand for re-election in 2026. “Trump is back,” he told The Wall Street Journal, “and it’s a sign we’ll be too.”
dependent coffee shops and jazz bars, which are constantly holding events, both night and day. The University has a close-knit community, and he always knows what’s happening, especially amongst the international students. Although this is where most of his friends are, an older Japanese student has taken him and some other students under his wing, showing them the city, driving them around and inviting them to meals. He says that these older students are a little more welcoming than the younger undergrads. Academically, the course is challenging for those from abroad. “I am only doing three modules, but the last couple of weeks
I feel like I am constantly doing work,” he says, “and there are some who do five modules! I hardly see them anymore.” It’s not all doom and gloom though. Although Louis studies History, he gets a lot of choice in what he does — and there are opportunities outside academia at the University. “Everyone is learning a new hobby. They have language courses, and traditional art. I’m doing traditional archery.” There is a lot to do, you just have to put the effort in, he says.
THEY HAVE LANGUAGE COURSES AND TRADITIONAL ART
When asked for advice, there seemed to be no end to Louis’s suggestions, so these are some rapid-fire ones: learn Japanese etiquette before going, preferably have a driving license, take up a hobby, don’t stay in your room, don’t take it for granted, befriend the older Japanese students, go for the full year, and explore the area around Akita. Most importantly, make the most of it!
Finnish off the year in Finland
Jed H. Gibbins, International Editor, dives into Finland’s Christmas tourism inustry
ROVANIEMI Airport (RVN) is the gateway to enter Finland’s Lapland. Yle, the Finnish national broadcaster, has reported that Lapland airports will receive 20 per cent more traffic this Christmas thanks to newly opened flight routes, such as flights from Berlin, Madrid and Vienna. This increased tourism has Lapland bracing for a ‘super winter’ with more tourists expected than ever before.
Lapland is advertised as the home of Santa Claus. It has a substantial Santa’s village with the local post office receiving 30,000 letters to Santa a day over the Christmas period. With an average snow depth of between 50 to 100 centimetres over the winter months, it is understandable why Lapland claims to be the home of Santa. This picturesque landscape paired with high chances of visible Northern Lights draw people from over the world to visit Lapland. For adults, there are many activities too, including dog or reindeer sledding, hiking trails, caving and museums. The Times has reported the highest number of tourists come from France, the UK and the Netherlands, however Chinese citizens are increasingly visiting Lapland too on package tours.
30,000 LETTERS TO SANTA A DAY
Disney’s Frozen franchise has been a catalyst for increased tourism to Lapland. Frozen draws on the culture of the Sami people, indigenous to northern
Scandinavia. Although the success of Frozen has caused an economic boom in Lapland, Sami representatives have complained that their culture has been exploited and misinterpreted. This includes the increase of dog sled tours, which are not a native practice in northern Finland. Moreover, Yle carried out an investigation which found that foreign workers in Lapland were working in poor and stress inducing conditions for illegally low remuneration.
WORKING IN POOR AND STRESS INDUCING CONDITIONS
hopes that the incoming US incumbent
Image: Palácio do Planalto, Wikimedia Commons
Image: Vincent Guth, Wikimedia Commons
Image: Louis Armitage
Laos poisonings
Sanjiti Banerjee discusses the recent poisonings which have left several backpackers dead
IN a devastating incident, six tourists have died from methanol poisoning in Laos. The victims, including two Australians, one British national, one American and two Danish citizens, fell victim to toxic free shots distributed at hostels, with local authorities now moving to ban the local tiger vodka in response to the crisis.
The Australian advisory board has issued a stark warning, advising travellers to “be alert to the potential risks particularly with spirit-based drinks including cocktails.” This guidance comes as reports emerge of hostel owners attempting to suppress negative feedback by deleting Google reviews and dismissing critical comments as “slander” further eroding trust in the local hospitality sector. Following the incident, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has
also updated its travel advisory for Laos, signalling the gravity of the situation.
Travellers interviewed by news.com.au said they will now categorically avoid locally brewed alcohol or even give up alcohol as a whole, reflecting the profound psychological impact of this tragedy. The incident underscores a critical message about personal safety, particularly among young travellers who might be desensitised to the “free drink” culture prevalent in social settings.
Local authorities in Laos are reportedly investigating the incident, but the damage to the country’s tourism reputation may take significantly longer to repair, likely deterring backpackers and student travellers from the region. Universities and travel advisory boards are expected to recommend heightened caution, potentially leading to reduced travel numbers.
Students planning to visit southeast Asia should now prioritise extreme vigilance, thoroughly researching accommodation, avoiding free drinks, purchasing alcohol only from reputable establishments, and maintaining constant awareness of their surroundings. One has to be extra cautious considering how methanol is particularly insidious, as it is virtually undetectable by smell or taste, making the potential risk even more dire.
As the international community continues to process this shocking event, one message resonates clearly: when travelling, trust your instincts before anything else. What might appear to be a gesture of hospitality can quickly turn deadly.
MULTILINGUAL ARTICLE
Deutsche Weihnachtsmärkte
Eloise Grainger, Sportredakteurin, erklärt die traditionellen Aktivitäten und Süßigkeiten, die es auf Weihnachtsmärkten gibt.
DER deutsche Weihnachtsmarkt ist ein großer Teil der traditionellen deutschen Kultur. Es handelt sich um einen Straßenmarkt, der in den Wochen vor Weihnachten stattfindet. Es stammt aus dem 16. Jahrhundert und war ursprünglich eine Möglichkeit für die Menschen, sich auf die Wintermonate vorzubere iten, indem sie sich mit dem Nötigsten eindeckten. Die Händler verkaufen ihre Waren an Ständen unter freiem Himmel — man kann dort Essen, Getränke und saisonale Artikel kaufen. Beliebte Attraktionen unter den Ständen sind der Tannen baum und die Krippe. Zu den beliebten Speisen gehören gebrannte Mandeln, traditionelle deutsche Kekse und Glühwein. Glühwein, der heißer Rotwein mit Gewürzen ist, ist eine tolle Möglichkeit, sich an der kalten Luft warm zu halten.
Dieses Fest findet typischerweise im Stadtzentrum vieler Großstädte statt. In Deutschland sind beispielsweise Frankfurt, Stuttgart und München beliebte Weihnachtsmärkte. Interessant ist, dass sich diese deutsche Veranstaltung weltweit verbreitet hat und jetzt man kann Weihnachtsmärkte in Städten im Vereinigten Königreich wie Edinburgh, Manchester und Birmingham finden. Heutzutage sind Weihnachtsmärkte immer noch beliebt aber sie sind sehr geschäftsorientiert geworden. Der Wert von Weihnachtsmärkten bestand darin, die Gemeinschaft zusammenzubringen, doch heute beinhalten die Aktivitäten oft teure Geschenke und Leckereien. Aber das hält die Besucher nicht davon ab, immer noch vorbeizuschauen, und die Veranstaltung ist bei Paaren sehr beliebt.
German Christmas Markets
Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, explains the traditional activities and sweet treats available at christmas markets
THE German Christmas market is a big part of traditional German culture. It is a street market that takes place during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Dating back to the 16th century, it was originally a way for people to prepare themselves for the winter months by stocking up on the essentials. Traders sell their goods in open air stalls — one can buy food, drinks and seasonal items.
ONE CAN BUY FOOD, DRINKS AND SEASONAL ITEMS
Popular attractions amongst the stalls are the Christmas tree and the crib. Popular food includes candied/toasted almonds, tra -
ditional German cookies, and mulled wine. Mulled wine, which is hot red wine with spices, is a great way to stay warm in the cold air. This festival is typically held in the town centre of many big cities. For example, in Germany, popular Christmas markets include Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Munich. It is interesting that this German event has spread worldwide and now one can find Christmas markets in towns in the United Kingdom such as Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham. Nowadays, Christmas markets are still popular but they have become very business orientated. The value of Christmas markets was to bring the community together but now the activities often include expensive gifts and treats. But that doesn’t stop people still visiting and the event is very popular among couples.
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Sci-Tech
Wearable cell devices: a breakthrough for brain health
Amberly Wright, Online Deputy Editor, discusses the advancements that subcellular devices could provide.
AS far as wearable medical devices go, we have seen glucose monitors, heart monitors and hearing devices. One may even consider prescription glasses and contact lenses in this category. There is a broad range of medical technology, but the brain is generally where we fall short.
The brain is generally where we fall short
Now however, MIT have announced their recent project, the development of a device that wraps around neurons, which was detailed in a recent paper. As a psychology student, this caught my interest it aims to restore brain function that is lost due to neurodegenerative conditions.
The device wraps around the axon, the body of the neuron, where the signal passes through, and probes subcellular regions through wireless actuation, using light. This allows signals, that are otherwise inaccessible unless using invasive techniques, to be measured and modulated, specifically tar-
geting electrical and metabolic activity. The device can be injected thousands of times into the same person, increasing the activity that is measurable to thousands of neurons.
This allows signals, that are otherwise inaccessible unless using invasive techniques, to be measured and modulated
The axon of a neuron is covered by a thin layer called myelin, a material that insulates the axons and increases the electrical impulses strengths and frequencies, known as action potential. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia and Multiple Sclerosis lead to a loss of myelin, which does not restore. However, the device is able wrap around the axon and act as a synthetic myelin, which allows the axon to maintain its action potential, correct for potentiation across the synapse, allowing for better neurological connections and better brain and neurological function.
The material, azobenzene, is an insulator, which is perfect for a synthetic myelin. If the neurodegeneration is further down the axon, by the dendrites, the device can be fitted here too, and can be used together with other technologies, for endless signal-monitoring possibilities. Made from azobenzene, a soft polymer which reacts to light, is deposited into a sacrificial layer, which is composed of a watersoluble material. Here, it can be moulded into any shape desired, using a stamp, fitting perfectly to each individual neuron. Once stamped, it is baked at a high temperature, evaporating the solvents, and dissolving the sacrificial layer, leaving only the device.
It can be moulded into any shape desired [...] fitting perfectly to each individual neuron
The technology is described as a “founding stone that brings about immense possibilities for future research”
at MIT. This is a positive outlook for what's to come in the medical
wearables field of research and can potentially set off a new string of research.
Revolutionising CO 2 recycling
Ella-Jade Smith, Sci-Tech Editor, assesses new-found methods of transforming CO 2 into sustainable resources
IN addition to brightening up your day, new studies have demonstrated how sunlight may help us in the fight against climate change. Groundbreaking research, courtesy of scientists at the University of Illinois (UoI), reveals that visible light could hold the secret to transforming harmful CO2 into valuable resources. As the primary greenhouse gas driving climate change, CO 2 has long posed a formidable challenge to scientists and policymakers alike.
Carbon Dioxide has long posed a formidable challenge to scientists and policymakers alike
The significant role CO2 has played in global warming, alongside the difficulties that have been faced in the attempts to recycle the harmful gas, have made it a target for innovative capture and recycling solutions. Utilising visible light to transform the efficiency of CO2 recycling, making it more sustainable, and cost efficient, is groundbreaking in regard to the ongoing climate crisis.
The discovery of UoI scientists uses a method that harnesses visible light to catalyse the CO 2 recycling process. In comparison to traditional methods, which require high energy inputs causing further strain on the planet, this new approach capitalises on the abundant and renewable resource of sunlight to drive chemical reactions. Dubbed the ‘two-forone’ effect, a single photon of light is able to trigger multiple reactions. By significantly enhancing the efficiency of the chemical process necessary for CO2 recycling, this method demonstrates benefits in respect of both cost, and energy effectiveness. But how exactly does this work? The process relies on photocatalysts, materials capable of absorbing light as an energy source to initiate further chemical reactions. These catalysts facilitate the conversion of CO 2 into more useful compounds such as methanol or synthetic fuel. What makes this approach particularly effective is its ability to harness visible light. Unlike ultraviolet light, which is less abundant, visible light is plentiful and easily accessible, making the CO2 conversion process both
more efficient and cost-effective.
The benefits of this new method extend beyond removing CO 2 from the atmosphere. With the ability to convert greenhouse gas into valuable materials, this research is helping to close the loop on carbon emissions. When compared to energy-intensive alternatives such as mechanical compression or chemical absorption, the method developed at UoI offers a renewable solution to lower carbon footprints whilst simultaneously providing a new sustainable source of materials.
With the ability to convert greenhouse gas into valuable materials, this research is helping to close the loop on carbon emissions
Moreover, this technology is adaptable. For sectors such as manufacturing and industrial operations, where the production of CO 2 emissions pose a major concern, the ability to retrofit these reimagined methods into preexisting infrastructures would reduce their carbon footprints without over-
hauling entire production processes.
Whilst these developments might appear as the solution to the climate crisis, it is vital to understand that this research exists in a stage of early development. Despite the successes witnessed at lab-scale, real-world application to industrial emissions is complex. The quantity of emissions produced by big corporations should not be understated, and it is naive to ignore the significant hurdles that prevent this technology from operating on such a large scale.
Furthermore, with this process reliant on sunlight, areas with long winters or heavy cloud coverage would struggle to implement this technology without assistance of artificial light sources. It should also be noted that photocatalysts degrade over time, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the cost of operation.
This advancement represents a step in the right direction towards sustainable carbon management. Although it currently faces challenges of limited application — especially on a larger scale — as research continues, this research could become a cornerstone of global ef -
forts to mitigate climate change.
by Deblina Sarker, the senior author of the paper detailing the device, and an assistant professor
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What is Bluesky?
Ella-Jade Smith, Sci-Tech Editor, explores the newest social media platform rivalling X
MOVE over X, there’s a new bird in town, and it’s called Bluesky. Developed by former Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, Bluesky is the newest social media platform set to rival X (formally Twitter). With its familiar design, but revitalised focus on user control and promise of decentralisation, Bluesky appeals to users of X who find themselves disgruntled, describing X as a ‘toxic media platform.’ With 20 million users and counting, it is time to ask: what is Bluesky? Does it truly offer a new social media experience?
Familiar design, but revitalised focus on user control and promise of decentralisation
Tagged as ‘social media as it should be’, the X alternative boasts similarities in regard to the interface, logo, and colour. However, unlike Twitter, X, or Threads, Bluesky is decentralised. Whilst a complicated term, a decentralised platform just means that users are able to host their data on servers other than those owned by the company. As I found when creating my own account, new users will be provided with a username ending
in ‘.bsky.social.’ After creating an account, you are then able to use the features of decentralisation and alter this to reflect an account that you, yourself own. Despite claims of being decentralised, a custom Bluesky domain is not available without payment, and annual fees begin around £20.
celebrities, with pop singer Lizzo to TaskMaster star Greg Davies, being just two of the big names that have shifted their loyalty to Bluesky.
Users are able to host their data on servers other than those owned by the company
Bluesky has been around since 2019, but remained invite-only until February 2024. It seems to have surged in popularity following the US presidential election in November, and this is no coincidence.
[Bluesky] seems to have surged in popularity following the US Presidential election
With competitor X’s owner — Elon Musk — significantly involved with Donald Trump and his election campaign, political division has hit. Many former X users have left the app in protest. This departure from X has also been recognised amongst
With Elon Musk Significantly involved with Donald Trump... Many former X users have left the app in protest
Aside from its arguably right-wing atmosphere, X has also been criticised for its influx of advertisements. Despite the fact advertising has always been the primary source of revenue for social media sites, Bluesky’s founder has said that this is something he wishes to avoid. Whilst his prior platform, Twitter, made a majority of its money through advertisements, Dorsey has shifted to offering paid services such as the aforementioned custom domain names scheme. It is not unusual for tech start-ups to make very little profit. Despite its prevalence, X only made a profit twice in its eight-years prior to its purchase by Musk. This trailblazing shift will certainly offer a unqiue user-experience, setting Bluesky aside from other adridden social medias, but it is inevitable that Bluesky will have to expand their sources of income if they wish
to keep expanding the platform.
Compared to X’s estimated 250 million users, Bluesky still has a way to go before it is considered a threat. The up-and-coming social media platform is also yet to overcome European Union disclosure regulations, a misstep that has sparked concerns over the transparency and account -
ability of the app. Whilst a decentralised model seeks to empower users, it also raises questions about how the platform will navigate regulatory environments. Although proclaimed as an ethical alternative to X, criticisms of its credibility and unsustainable model design may cloud Bluesky’s position in the sphere of social media.
Mapping 1.6 million cells to revolutionise treatments
Kristyna Collins uncovers the findings of a study that mapped 1.6 million gut cells
ATEAM of scientists from the Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI) has mapped 1.6 million gut cells by combining over 25 datasets, providing the largest uniformed database of gut cells in the world to date. They took tissue samples from healthy and diseased individuals including those with gastric and colorectal cancer, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). By including
individuals suffering from these diseases, we can begin to look at and understand the influence of gut cells. This research allows mapping of the cells to understand which cells are present in the gut, their exact locations, and their interactions with their environment — and therefore can help us understand how diseased individuals’ gut cells differ from the norm. This insight can expand our un-
derstanding of how the body responds to diseases. It does this by highlighting the cellular changes and interactions within a specific part of the body: the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The GI tract is a collection of organs that connect to allow digestion and move the food through the body. It is made up of the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
Over seven million people suffer from IBD worldwide, which includes conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and bowel cancer affects nearly two million people each year in the UK. These diseases often affect the systems within the GI tract, including how it acts as a barrier to pathogens. Therefore, it is imperative to improve the understanding of the interaction of these diseases within the body in order to develop effective treatments.
One major insight from this research is the discovery of a new role of a specific gut cell: metaplastic cells. It was previously known for its role in healing the stomach lining, but this research has also uncovered its contributions to inflammation. With these cells
sharing genetic similarities with known inflammatory cells in the gut, it is implied that they contribute to the cycle of inflammation, which often causes individuals pain and distress. Understanding the cycle of inflammation could pave the way for new treatments.
It is imperative to improve the understanding of the interaction of these diseases within the body in order to develop effective treatments
Before, a large obstacle affecting the understanding of the cellular structure in the gut was previous research processes. Despite extensive research, studies often had different processes and labelling systems, which made comparing data across studies much more complex. This has been overcome by the WSI by the invention of a system that can comprise databases enabling researchers to see a complete picture of the gut cells. Not only does this assist gut cell research, but it also provides a
framework for studying other organs which in turn could provide insights into an array of other conditions. This could allow for tailored treatments by looking at an individual’s gut cells and, in the future, potentially other organs in more detail, as well as adjusting treatments to best tackle the condition. With millions suffering from these conditions every year ,these implications could be monumental and transform the development of treatments as we know it.
With millions suffering with these conditions every year these implications could be monumental
This research is part of the Human Cell Atlas initiative which aims to map and understand every cell in the body in order to improve our understanding of diseases. This research is one of 40 recently published in the Nature Journal to date, showing the exponential growth in data in this field.
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The four-time Flying Dutchman
Eloise Grainger, Sport Editor, reports on Verstappen's fourth consecutive World Drivers Championship win
"A ND that is four in a row Max!"
These were the words of Gianpiero Lambiase (Verstappen’s race engineer) that filled the airwaves as the Red Bull driver crossed the line in Las Vegas. The Driver’s Championship 2024 was sealed in the deserts of Nevada, where Max finished fifth, just ahead of McLaren driver, and primary rival for this year, Lando Norris.
Verstappen start ed the season out strong, winning seven of the first 10 races. But Red Bull suffered a slump in form since then that has persisted throughout the remain der of the season. This
coincided with McLaren emerging as a consist ent front-runner with both of their drivers and Ferrari making a leap forward since the
and Norris was at its highest in July, with 84 points separating them after the British Grand Prix. The competition really narrowed after Norris won the Sprint Race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the points gap down to 44 — this truly spiced up the Championship,
Djokovic x Murray
Connor Myers, Online Sport Editor, details a legendary coaching hire for world number seven, Novak Djokovic
" IT was perhaps one of the most jolting pieces of tennis news I’ve ever heard" were the words of Tennis broadcaster Catherine Whitaker in response to Novak Djokovic’s announcement that he would be working with Andy Murray as coach for the 2025 Australian Open. After just four months away from the sport, the Scot will return to the court in his first coaching role in an attempt to be the man to guide Djokovic to his 25th Grand Slam title and this sent shockwaves around the world of tennis.
It caps off what has been a strange year for the Serb. A semi-final defeat in Melbourne, a meniscus injury in Paris, a battering at the hands of Carlos Alcaraz in the final at Wimbledon, and a shock third-round loss to Alexei Popyrin in New York all meant that 2024 was Djokovic’s first year without a Grand Slam title win since 2017.
In August, he managed to finally clinch the Olympic singles gold medal that had eluded him all throughout his career, and in doing so became only the third man to complete the ‘Career Golden Slam’. But the seizing of the medal wasn’t enough to distract from the fact that he looked a level below the stars of the new generation Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for most of the year.
At times, questions were raised about Djokovic’s motivation, not helped by his own admission back in September that he was "done" with smaller tournaments, and that the Slams and playing for his national team were his main priorities.
He’s not getting any younger either. He appeared to defy science by not only
as it looked tight coming into the closing races with Norris looking able to clinch his first WDC title. But after a commandeering drive from Verstappen in Brazil — where he went from 17th on the grid to the top spot — the title race turned back in Max’s favour. Meanwhile, during the same race, Norris faltered from pole position down to sixth, his title chances looking slim.
For the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Norris just had to finish ahead of Verstappen to stay in with a chance of keeping the title fight alive. Norris struggled with a lack of pace and ended the night under the lights down in sixth, just one position behind Verstappen.
playing at Wimbledon but mak ing the final, just weeks after tearing his medial meniscus. Yet he was forced to pull out of the Paris Masters and the end of year ATP finals due to injury, his lack of recovery finally catching up to him. So, who better to try and get Djokovic back over the line to win his 11th Aus tralian Open trophy than one of the men who spent his whole career studying the Serbian’s game and trying to work out how to beat him?
Ever a keen student of the game, Murray had expressed a desire to go into coaching once his career finally came to end. However, teaming up immediately with a long-term friend and rival was unlikely to have been on anyone’s tennis offseason bingo cards.
Djokovic has said that while the partnership came as a "surprise," he believes it to be "ex citing" for tennis. It won’t be until the conclusion of the Australian Open come January however that we’ll be able to see if "exciting" translates to successful.
He went from seventeenth on the grid to the
top spot
Verstappen joins an elite club — he is the sixth driver in the sport’s history to win four titles; he sits alongside F1 stars Vettel, Prost, Schumacher, Hamilton and Fangio. Although the
2024 season has seen seven different drivers win a GP (with the season finale remaining) compared to just three last season, Max still seems to be in a league of his own. Despite not having the most competitive car, he is most certainly deserving of being crownedthis year’s World Drivers Champion.
Thomas Baker recounts Thierry Neuville's first World Rally Championship World
IRally Champion
T took 15 years, a mind-boggling points system and a sprinkling of good fortune, but Thierry Neuville has finally clinched his first World Rally Championship, and the first Drivers championship for Hyundai. In an eventful Rally Japan to conclude the season, the Belgian only needed a sixth place to secure the title as his teammate and main rival for the championship, Ott Tanak, crashed out on the final day while in a commanding lead of the event. The crash all but secured Neuville a title that has long alluded him, for his previous best result was the runnerup spot a record five times.
Elfyn Evans inherited the lead from Tanak and never relinquished it to finally win his first rally of the season, a positive end to what has been a disappointing year for the Welshman who was considered a title favourite.
With a formidable Toyota at his disposal and his two title-winning teammates, Sebastian Ogier and the double-defending world champion Kalle Rovanpera both running reduced schedules, the door was wide open for Evans to finally end his long run of being the bridesmaid and win it himself. Instead, Neuville seemed omnipotent all season, taking the championship lead
and seeing off challenges from Tanak and a revitalised Ogier (who, after a marvellous run of mid-season form, decided to drive full time for the rest of the season).
In the manufacturer’s championship, Evans's rally stage antics secured Toyota another title, though only by the skin of their teeth as Hyundai sit just three points behind. In another world, the eight rally wins by Toyota would have put them miles ahead, but inconsistency was severely punished in a new and peculiar points system introduced for this season, where points were accumulated depending on where the drivers stood at the end of each day of running. While the purists screamed blasphemy at the fact that rally winners received fewer points than second place at times, Neuville’s consistency and speed shone through regardless.
The only question that remains is whether Neuville will be able to defend his title come next year, when the chaos of the World Rally Championship resumes for another nail-biting season.
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Manchester's football struggles
Fabian Karssens reviews Manchester United
THE current form of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remains a significant talking point that astonishes the majority of fans across the nation. Although the better part of Premier League spectators remain pleasantly surprised by the change of guard at the top of table, the pressure continues to mount on the team in sky blue. While Manchester United’s simultaneous troubles maintain their place on the agenda following another managerial switch, the recent struggles of the 'Citizens' are deserving of equal attention. Guardiola’s side has been winless since October. At the time of writing this streak has now extended to seven games following the defeat at Anfield. This unexpected downturn for Pep and Manchester City can be attributed to several key factors. First and foremost, the immediate focus must be directed towards personnel issues in the lineup. As feared in the early stages of the season, Rodri’s seasonending ACL rupture has not gone unnoticed with the clubs inability to replace the newly crowned Ballon d’or winner. Without the Spaniard, City’s midfield balance has been weakened with the team often rendered vulnerable in transition. In the past, the midfielder's influence has been extraordinary, with City having lost just 11 per cent of their games with him in the side, compared to 24 per cent without him. With the addition of recent defeats, the latter figure continues to grow. Furthermore, in the absence of Rodri, other pivotal players have failed to step in. Erling Haaland’s productivity in front of goal has dropped considerably
Tfrom his previously outstanding record, with only two goals from a combined xG of 8.03 across eight Premier League games. Similarly, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva are way off their usual high standard with both players yet to score in the league this season.
In fact, Man City are going through a rebuild, which has so far proved to be challenging. With a different lineup presented in each new game, it remains unclear whether Pep knows his current best 11. Lewis, Savio, Nunes and others have been integrated into the lineup, which in turn left no room for Walker and De Bruyne and often Dias — leaders of the dressing room one must say. Whether or not Guardiola truly plans a reconstruction, there’s no denying that City’s squad is ageing with several key players in their thirties and showing signs of slowing down. Maybe Pep himself has run out of steam, the way Jurgen Klopp did in the previ ous campaign. This could be a transitional, trophyless season for City, or perhaps not. The festive period will be telling.
IT is fair to say that things at Manchester United have not been the most awe inspiring as of late, with the recent sacking of Erik Ten Hag symbolising the coalescence of everything wrong at the club.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the head of all footballing operations, following INEOS’ acquisition of 27.7 per cent of shares in the club, the club has undergone a full revamp. Omar Berrada, pried away from Manchester City, is now the CEO at Old Trafford.
There is hope this can really shake off the old habits of the team as well as providing a completely new outlook on how the team will play their football.
In his first press conference, the Portuguese coach stated he “prefers to risk but push in the first moment” regarding his new system, clearly giving an insight into his confidence in his managerial capabilities.
As these appointments were made with Ten Hag already in place, they may not have been in full support of the Dutch man, potentially giving the board the reason they sought to sack the Dutch coach and begin on a clean slate.
The appointment of the highly respected Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP to the Theatre of Dreams has reignited hope in the club once again. A well-furnished 3-4-3 tactical approach, blossoming in Lisbon, has been immediately implemented into the side.
Going into his first Premier League on the 24th of November, there was much anticipation for an immediate click to take place. This was not the case. The travelling Reds took an extremely early lead in the second minute but failed to inspire any sort of momentum at Portman Road. Ipswich's outrageous equaliser in the forty third minute through Hutchinson sealed the fate of the game at 1-1. Vital points dropped against a team desperately struggling in the relegation zone. Although not the ideal start for Amorim, it highlighted the scale of the task he must take on and reveals the weaknesses within his squad. Also, revealing which players are more likely to suit his system and those that may see themselves leave as early as January. Despite the negative start, the Reds managed to secure a momentous 4-0 victory over Everton this weekend in Ruben Amorim’s first home Premier League game. Only four points off Manchester City in fifth, there is still plenty of hope for Manchester United’s 2024-2025 campaign, especially with twenty-five games to go.
End of an era: Gary Lineker's MOTD exit
Nial O'Mara reflects on Lineker's legacy and the future of Match of the Day
HERE is arguably is no show more iconic on TV today than Match of the Day. Whether you have been tuning in at 10:25 on a Saturday evening or bright and early for the repeat on a Sunday morning, for the past 25 years you will have been greeted by Gary Lineker. The 63-year-old began presenting the show in 1999 replacing, Des Lynman and it’s fair to say it’s been quite the journey for the former England striker-turned-broadcaster. Since the start of the century, Lineker has overseen ‘the invincible’ Arsenal team of 2003/04, The Fergie domination era, the iconic Aguero goal against QPR dramatically securing the title and has even presented the show in his ‘undies’ following Leicester City’s Premier League win in the 2015/16 season.
However, to say it’s been a straightforward reign would be misleading; an array of guests and at times a difficult relationship with the BBC — In March 2023, Linker was suspended from Match of the Day after sharing criticism for the then Conservative government’s immigration policy, which prompted a boycott from his fellow presenters as well as pundits and commentators — love him or hate him you can’t deny Lineker’s outstanding charm and ease in front of the camera each week.
Yet on the 11th November Gary Lineker confirmed that he will be stepping down as the host of Match of the Day at the end of the current football season, and leaving the BBC completely after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mex -
ico and Canada. Lineker’s departure truly marks the end of an era and leads the BBC to question — what is the new direction for the show and what will Saturday evenings look like in the future for Match of the Day?
Immediately after this announcement, the footballing world began to ask, who will become the show’s sixth main presenter in its 60-year history? Some of the favourites so far: Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Kate Scott, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, and the list goes on! A range of experience through all names circulating social media and all are capable of doing a brilliant job and would continue the legacy of the show. Whoever takes on the job it’s fair to say: they will have large boots to fill!
Mikhail Shklover reviews Manchester City
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Sport
Exeter Fencing Team on Point
THE University of Exeter Fencing Club (UoEFC) has enjoyed recent BUCS success away in Cardiff.
The club facilitates the exciting and dynamic sport of Olympic fencing and gives students the opportunity to develop their skills with all three weapon types; these include the foil (a lightweight weapon where the target is limited to the torso), the Épée (a heavier weapon with a larger blade where the entire body is a target), and the Sabre (a fast, cutting weapon that looks similar to a pirate’s sword).
Training with any of these weapon types builds key skills such as agility, strategy, and men tal focus — all of which are integral to faring well in the sport. It’s important to have a clear mindset as it allows for quick adaptability during matches, particularly dur ing high-pressure moments, where a splitsecond decision can be the difference between winning or losing.
incorporate a mix of drills and sparring sessions. At weekends, training is then focussed onto specific weapons, and this is intended to not only develop the players’ skillset but also improve their fitness.
Whilst discipline and a winning mindset is crucial for players, so too is their relationship with one another. GB fencer and BUCS competitor, Tom Raut, stressed that “maintaining a positive and supportive team atmosphere” is just as essential as how an individual practices their skills. When faced with unexpected challenges, he claims the camaraderie within the team is what motivates players and keeps them level-headed.
The first match in the National Cup for Southern Fencing kicked off in late November with the Men’s 1s going up against their Welsh counterparts.
The team works hard to stay composed so that fewer mistakes are made and more chances for victory materialise. In the lead up to big games, the team engages with weekly training sessions that
T. Crawford, J. Elsworth, and M. Wong competed using the Foil weapon. Those with the Épée sword included B. Farago and J. Thornton.
Tom Raut and F. McCombie fought with the sabre and J. Courtney participated in all three categories.
Cardiff may have had the home advantage, but this didn’t stop the visiting side — Exeter emerged victorious with a solid 135-96 win. Raut claimed that this strong result gave the team a massive confidence boost ahead of more matches to come.
With the Exeter side having a few of their top players absent when going up against a fierce opponent, it seemed set to be a tough battle. Cardiff had two strong fencers who had the potential to pip Exeter of the win, but everyone at UoEFC stepped up to ensure the win was in Exeter’s name.
Exeter emerged victorious with a solid 135-96 win
Tom Raut is no newcomer to the sport, having first picked up a fencing foil at the age of 11. After training with friends at a local club, he swiftly moved through the different weapon types and converted to the fastest and most entertaining weapon — the sabre — at the age of thirteen. His competitive nature spurred him on to train harder and his determination and dedication to the sport led him to compete at a national level. Raut went on to win the England Youth National Championship (U15) which encouraged him to work towards more. His consistent performance at competitions earned him enough points to secure a place on Team GB.
Although Raut started his fencing journey at a young age, he comments that it is never too late to pick up a sword and start practicing. The supportive club culture within UoEFC has cultivated an environment where success has been evident across all levels — from beginners or intermediates winning local competitions to newcomers taking home BUCS medals.
After Raut suffered a knee dislocation,
he couldn’t compete to his usual level but the setback hasn’t stopped him engaging with the sport. Whilst rehab is still ongoing, Raut has moved onto the senior category and has even placed 5th out of 120 at BUCS individuals and won the Senior Southwest Region Sabre Championship. Raut is looking to return to competitive fencing upon graduating and meanwhile UoEFC has provided him with a space to continue training whilst on the road to recovery.
All student athletes encounter challenges maintaining a work-life balance, and it can be particularly demanding for those competing at high levels. The club’s captain, Jack Courtney, has found the university initiative to request no classes on a Wednesday (to make way for training) particularly beneficial. This allowed Courtney to compete internationally for the GB team in countries such as Georgia, Greece, and New Zealand without, as he says: “causing him to suffer academically” as a result.
All student-athletes encounter challenges
The team is made up of fencers from a diverse background, many of whom represent countries such as Guernsey, Northern Ireland, Angola, Hong Kong, and Hungary. All these talented athletes bring their own experiences and create a rich environment for growth, learning, and competition. Looking ahead, the team is appearing stronger than ever before with fresh blood in all three teams. The currently
undefeated Women’s 1s have their eyes set on a place on the Big BUCS Wednesday stage in Loughborough for the final of the National Trophy. The Men’s 1s are also hoping to make it to the Trophy final too. The Men’s 2s team is a blend of experienced fencers and former novices — and they’re all looking competitive following their promotion to the Western Tier 1 league alongside the Men’s 1s. UoEFC is perfect for students who are looking to find a sport that encompasses a combination of athleticism, tactical thinking, and teamwork. The club is proud to welcome twenty-two new beginners this year — a record high uptake with the space available! Those on committee work hard to ensure the sport stays accessible and cost-effective for all. Use their @ExeterUniFence Instagram account to find out more!
SPORT EDITORS:
Eloise Grainger
Ben Scott
Image: Amelia Dwight
Eloise Grainger Sport Editor
Image: Student Guild
Image: Student Guild