Goodbye 2020 by Platform Magazine NTU

GOODBYE 2020 EDITION

NTU’s Award-Winning Magazine ISSUE #22 FREE

MEET THE COMMITTEE Design by Thomas Duffin

MEET THE 2020-21

COMMITTEE Faith Pring Editor in Chief

Jamie Morris Deputy Editor

Sam Phillips Head of Marketing

Lollie Hancock Fashion and Beauty Editor

Meg Chadderton Head of Design

Sophie Puffet Deputy Design

Katie Green Culture and Entertainment

Jessica Goddard Travel and Lifestyle Editor

Alex Mace Music Editor

Robbie Nichols Creative Corner

Olympia Zagnat News Editor

Alex Brinton Sports Editor

Matthew Lee Online Editor

George Cowell Social Secretary

Emily Braeger Treasurer

CONTENTS Design by Meg Chadderton & Thomas Duffin

CONTENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

A letter from our Editor-in-Chief and the president 3 of the SU

NEWS AND FEATURES

What do US students leave behind in 2020? We talk to some students in America about how 2020 has shaped their lives. Worst and Best news A timeline of some of the unforgettable moments that the world saw and experienced in 2020. Final year feelings We found out how some of our final year undergrads and postgrads are feeling about finishing their university experience Expectations vs. Reality One of our writers details the way in which university was a different experience in 2020 Frozen in time Find out how one mother turned her daughter’s tragic fate into a life-long legacy around the world

6 8

CREATIVE CORNER

Looking Forward 29 A poem for those in need of reflection Creative Timeline 30 A group of our writers let their creative juices flow in an imaginative look back at the year A Year in Photos 32 What did your 2020 look like? This was ours

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

Industries That Thrived in 2020 34 It wasn’t all doom and gloom, and for some companies 10 it was a great year. See if you can guess who How 2020 Changed Me 36 One writer tells us all about her 2020 and why she’s 12 only looking forward Cancelled Travel Plans 38 Were you meant to go on holiday this year? We 14 were. *sad face*

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

An Interview With Nottingham Contemporary If you want to know how the gallery survived the FASHION AND BEAUTY pandemic, look no further 16 The Future of Fashion Shows Platform’s Book Club We detail the ways in which COVID has forever 2020 saw the launch of our book club and changed the world of fashion and some of its collaboration with NTU’s WRAP. Here’s what we biggest events got up to... Fast fashion, lockdown and me 18 TikTok taking over One writer explains how lockdown and quarantine It was a year of TikTok, but was it a saving grace or has changed the world’s relationship with clothing a reminder of what we lost? 20 Fashion trends of 2020 Future of Theatre We look back at some of our favourite, and least The pandemic has affected a lot of industries, none favourite, trends from the year more so than entertainment. WIll theatre survive this threat?

MUSIC

2020 Musical Timeline Music got us through, so let’s take a look at which of the biggest songs helped us survive My dream post-COVID festival Have your got a dream festival line-up? Here’s ours. 2020 in the world of music 2020 was a massive year for some of the world’s biggest stars, and we doubt you can remember everything that happened. Here’s a reminder. Goodbye 2020 playlist If you’re looking for a fitting way to leave 2020 behind, we’ve created a playlist perfect for the occasion.

40 42

44 46

SPORT

Jake Farnworth’s 2020 48 We spoke to rugby star Jake Farnworth about his 24 2020 and a post-covid rugby world A Year in the Life of Nottingham Forest 50 26 How did the local team fair in one of the most turbulent years? NTU Basketball 52 One of our writers caught up with the team to find 28 out how they approached a cancelled season of play

EDITOR’S AND STUDENT’S UNION NOTE Design by Sophie Puffett, Words by Faith Pring and NTSU Representatives

EDITOR’S NOTE

STUDENT’S UNION NOTE

Dear Reader, What a year it has been. 2020 was a year that tested us. It brought challenges we could never have imagined and emotions we didn’t know we had. But it also brought positives. We found a new meaning of connection, whether that be through video calling, socially-distant walking or just talking, we relied on those closest to us and we got through some of the biggest obstacles of our generation. It often felt like, as students, we were overlooked, but when it was needed our student body rallied together and supported each other right through the year. Here at Platform, we wanted to say goodbye to 2020 and welcome 2021 in with open arms, and what better way than to highlight all the highs and lows of the year gone by? We’ve had an amazing year at Platform, winning and being runner up in a number of national and regional awards, breaking our own record for the monthly number of unique site views on our website, launching a collaboration with Refine Magazine and Temple University in Pennsylvania, USA, and the year isn’t over yet. There is so much more that we are bound to achieve before the year is up. In this issue, our writers, designers and editors have been hard at work crafting an issue that is a perfect send off to 2020. We discuss the rise of TikTok, Platform’s newly launched book club, the highs and lows of local football and we discover how our final years are feeling, ending their university journey in a pandemic. As we head into our second semester of the year we know there will be challenges and maybe it will be hard and maybe you’ll want to say something about it. If that sounds like you, do not hesitate to contact us. Throughout your time at NTU we are your platform for whatever is on your mind. Until next time, Faith x

Throughout term one right up until the end of 2020 your Officer Team have been working hard to represent and support you during what has been a challenging year like no other and they’ve provided us with some short quotes on what they have done in 2020. Conor Naughton (President) Term one saw me lead on a hugely successful welcome week, lobby the government for more support on a range of issues for students, design a student experience survey that lead to positive changes and much more. As we say goodbye to 2020 I want to acknowledge the challenges every student has faced in 2020 and look ahead to continuing to fight for the best experience for all students in 2021. Zoë Mallett (VP Community and Welfare) Students have come together more than ever to help promote the support available for those struggling with mental health. From the services inside NTU to the external charities available students are helping spread the word that it’s okay not to be okay and where to go for help. Our information and advice service has also helped 1,000s of students in term one. Cam Sutton (VP Opportunities) Societies have done incredibly well to keep their members engaged from the start of the pandemic right the way through summer and term 1, and although we’ve seen an expected drop in membership numbers from the previous year, they’re actually still on par with two years ago. Keep up the good work! Troy Brocklebank (VP Education) Term one saw restrictions cause untold hardships for our members in terms of accessing and engaging with learning. Students have told the us as an exec and through our Academic Reps about the value of face-to-face teaching, access to space, and digital learning when they’re unable to attend in person. We have been successful in influencing alternative course delivery, providing additional support and new study spaces.

JOIN OUR TEAM Design by Thomas Duffin

NEWS Design by Anna Elias, Words by Irene Bisoni

The Best and Worst of 2020 As 2020 comes to an end, it is time for us to sum up how this year went by. And boy, what a year it has been! Here is our round-up of the best and worst news of 2020.

Coronavirus Pandemic

I could not start the list of the worst news of 2020 without the covid pandemic. The outbreak was recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a pandemic by March 2020 and it has been considered the greatest threat since WWI. We cannot deny the impact that this pandemic had on the globe. Our lives have been turned upside down like never before. Lockdowns are having a toll on people’s wellbeing and mental health issues have been exacerbated because of it. Economic recession and unemployment have risen dramatically with long-lasting effects.

George Floyd’s Death

The death of George Floyd sparked massive protests throughout the world with millions of people on the streets against police brutalities in the US. Peaceful protests were also accompanied by looting and rioting, which exacerbated, at times, police violence against the protesters. This huge movement 7

Photo credits: ‘Pexels’ & ‘Pixabay’

is having a worldwide impact, with people taking stands on systemic racism, inequality, and neo-colonialism.

Australian Bushfire

The Australian bushfire had its most destructive effects at the beginning of 2020. Millions of people have been affected by this calamity. It killed at least 34 people, destroyed 18.6 million hectares of land and more than 5,000 buildings. The pollution and smoke caused by fire over a long period of time have had detrimental effects on people’s health, according to the Medical Journal of Australia. The devastating fires also had catastrophic effects on animals’ lives, driving many species to the brink of extinction.

Coronavirus Vaccine

There has been very positive news about a coronavirus vaccine, which reported promising results. Early data from Moderna, the US company working on the vaccine, showed that 95 per cent of the vaccine is effective. The UK leading company, AstraZeneca, which has also developed a vaccine with 90 per cent of effectiveness, has reached an agreement with governments and international health organizations to keep its vaccine’s cost at around $2.50 a dose and will hopefully be easily accessible for developing and low-income countries. Although this news comes at a very early stage of experimentation, it is news which shows a glimmer of light for the new year.

A glimmer of light for the new year Marcus Rashord’s Campaign

Marcus Rashford and his campaign to provide free food to kids in need has had amazing results in a matter of months. The aim of the campaign was to extend free meals over the October half term and Easter 2021. Rashford’s petition reached more than 1m signatures, with thousands of businesses stepping in to help. This forced a government U-turn which was initially reluctant to provide investments to curb food poverty. The widespread support of common citizens made this initiative an even greater success and restored many people’s faith in humanity.

Biden and Harris’ Election

Another piece of good news for the world has been the election of Joe Biden. His victory has restored people’s hope in democracy, human rights and empathy and hopefully a turning point in favour of the protection of our planet. This historical victory has also seen the vice-president elected, Kamala Harris. She will be the first female to become Vice-President of the United States and inspired young girls across the planet to strive for their dreams. Her speech will certainly remain in history and will inspire women for years to come.

NEWS Design by Mark Bamo, Words by Faith Pring

Final Year Feelings: What’s next for the class of 2020? It’s no secret that this year has been a challenge for everyone, but the effect on students has been unprecedented. For those who are due to graduate this summer, opportunities and experiences have never looked so bleak, so we set out to talk to some of Platform’s final years to find out how they’re feeling.

that she has beeen forced to look at alternative study options due to the fear of being unable to find a job after finishing her degree.

hopeful than I did before I started my MA.”

Platform’s Creative Corner added that although he wants to start a career in journalism, She admitted: “I have applied it will depend heavily on what to do a masters degree next happens in the economy year to ensure that I’m doing and the industry. He added: something with my year, just “There’s a very strong general in case we find ourselves in feeling of ‘what are we the same situation that we supposed to do now?’. During are in now. At least that can lockdown, journalism hasn’t be done from home.” been made any less necessary, Emily Braeger, 20, is a final Emily also believes that if anything people are relying year English student, and is students have been treated as on it more. I also think that currently fearful for how her an afterthought and not been universities, especially at future is looking. She said: given enough support by the NTU, there has been lot more “Job searching has been very UK government. support this time round, a lot daunting. My friends who more than the first lockdown.” graduated last summer, some Robbie Nichols, 22, is an MA have been unable to find work News Journalism student “In general, from everyone, due to the pandemic, and I here at Nottingham Trent, I think students have been can’t help but think we will and has been on an emotional treated badly during the be in a similar situation. I am roller-coaster this year. pandemic and we’ve been worried that I will miss out After ‘graduating’ from his used as a bit of scapegoat for on opportunities I would have law undergraduate degree other people to benefit from.” otherwise had if everything in 2020, he believes the As a class of 2020 NTU had been normal.” pandemic has taken its toll graduate myself, and a on his self-belief and his current MA student due to The Office for National employability. “It changes graduate at the end of this Statistics revealed that day to day, some days I feel year, this year has come nationwide unemployment positive, other days I feel not with many dilemmas, but reached 4.9 per cent between so positive, but I would say it has also come with many August and October of 2020 I’m quite a positive person.” highs. Whilst it’s easy to focus (1.69 million people), largely on the negatives, the worries thought to be a result of “Job opportunities could be and the preoccupations redundancies made during better, but they might still surrounding what the future the Covid-19 pandemic. happen, who knows? I feel holds, it’s important to see Unemployment among young like having the chance to the positives too. people also saw a rise of 17% speak to people in the field in 2020 compared with the during sessions on my course same figure from 2019. has reassured me that there Platform’s treasurer admitted are opportunities, I feel more 9

“Students have been forgotten about this year, we are at a crucial point in our lives and careers and I’m trying to be hopeful that the pandemic doesn’t impact our futures too severely.” Here’s to all our students and staff who have persevered through the past year, and to whatever 2021 holds for all of us here at NTU. 10

NEWS Design by Kirsty Lemm, Words by Olimpia Zagnat

Nottingham mum turns her daughter’s tragic murder into a life-long legacy for communities around the world “For me, Rosie May has been frozen in time”, says Mary after taking a long breath. “And it will never be the same”. Olimpia Zagnat meets a Nottingham mum who is helping the vulnerable during covid in the name of her 10-year-old murdered daughter.

“We went to the Christmas gathering as a family of five, and we returned as a family of four.”

Not many things in this world can equal a mum’s tragic loss of a child. Similarly, nothing can replace the emptiness left by Rosie May’s murder. But Mary It was 17 years ago when Mary Storrie’s daughter was murdered and her husband Graham, 61, have since built up a legacy in at a family Christmas party, their daughter’s name, so her strangled to death by another 10-year-old little girl didn’t die family’s son. On December 28, in vain. Rosie May and her family were taken to intensive care, where “I would in a heartbeat turn the the 10-year-old was put onto clock back, but if we’re looking ventilation as her pulse had come back and lightened a spark at this from a positive outlook, which I always try and do, of hope in her parents’ hearts. it has given me more strength, But that spark did not last resilience and empathy to too long. “Two days later we have a more insightful approach”, had to make the heartbreaking she says. decision to turn off the life support unit”, adds Mary. Alongside the new source of strength and empathy that changed Mary’s perspective on life, there was one more thing that motivated the Storrie family to start a new journey - Rosie May’s symbolic presence a year after her death. In December 2004, the family now composed of Rosie May’s brothers and parents went on

a holiday to South East Asia, far away from Nottingham and the heartbreaking memories left there. On Christmas Day, they planted a palm tree in loving memory of the little girl. Following this on Boxing day, a tsunami hit in the Indian Ocean, causing death to more than 230,000 lives across fourteen different countries - one of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded. Shocked to hear that they were lucky to have survived the catastrophe, the Storrie family returned to find the tiny palm tree planted days before. This is the moment when the family was convinced that the little girl was watching over them, and the inspiration that Mary needed to start her daughter’s legacy - the Rosie May foundation.

“It’s been a lifeline for us, for me and our family. It has enabled us to turn something negative into something positive” She explains. “The charity has helped us to channel our grief.”

And just like this, Mary was about to open a new chapter of her life. In 2012, she graduated from NTU with first class honours in Global Studies, and was also awarded the Vice Chancellors Award for Humanitarian services and high academic achievement.

“When you go through an experience like this, you feel like you need to do something that is different and takes you away from the life that you had before.”

where women are trained to drive taxis to keep other women and children safe and lift themselves out of poverty.

Nottingham communities were given food, other essentials and, maybe the most important, a sign of hope and joy.

But ‘Rosie The Little Pink Tuk Tuk’ comes with a strong message to the Nottingham community. This initiative raises awareness of the charity’s Think Pink Project in Sri Lanka which supports vulnerable single mums who don’t earn an income, Through the foundation’s programmes, Rosie May’s legacy and provides personal safety is alive and enables communities following studies that have to have a better life, especially in shown that over 90 per cent these unprecedented times due of children and women in Sri to the pandemic. A new initiative Lanka have experienced sexual harassment on public transport. she started allowed them to support the local community Over Christmas, the tuk tuk was during the pandemic utilising “set and ready to go” to give a pink tuk-tuk imported from some festive spirit to the people India to the UK. It is identical of Nottingham. “We will have to the ones used in Sri Lanka through the ‘Think Pink’ project a tuk tuk Santa”, said Mary in a more joyful tone.

Tuk tuk Santa visits children and allows them to have a socially distanced chat outside, both Santa and his helpers wearing a mask to follow Covid guidelines and promote the importance wearing of masks in the community. “Everything will be COVID safe and help to bring some good cheer at Christmas.”

“We found that the mental health side of lockdown is quite catastrophic for so many people.This is to raise spirits, bring them cheer, and give a positive spin on lockdown.” Although Mary would turn the clock back in a heartbeat, the legacy she created helped communities in Nottingham and beyond to find their peace. Whether it is aiding abused women in Sri Lanka, or helping the vulnerable families in local communities, she will always find a way. “I felt like this was a good way to be able to help other people. To be able to create a legacy that kept Rosie May’s name and memories alive.”

FASHION AND BEAUTY Design by Karima Morsli, Words by Harriet Casey

The Future of Fashion Shows Fashion Weeks are undoubtedly the biggest and busiest time of the year for the fashion industry, but since the outbreak of COVID-19 they haven’t quite looked or felt the same. Many brands were forced to show their collections online and through social media, with others cancelling their shows completely. However, some will argue that this is the best thing to happen to an industry that was becoming too wasteful for our planet. Pre-pandemic, fashion shows were lavish events that thousands of buyers, designers, influencers, press, celebrities and influencers would fly in for, and which required months of hard-work and planning. But are these events worth the impacts they’re beginning to have on our environment? It is estimated 241,000 tons of CO2 emissions a year are from the air-travel to Fashion Weeks around the world from buyers and designers alone. Even before the pandemic, brands were being pushed to start thinking sustainably, and the outbreak of COVID-19 has only sped this process up. Since the pandemic, some brands have embraced the new digital world.

One of the first big designers to do this was Giorgio Armani in February earlier this year. Armani avoided having any physical guests and switched to sharing his shows digitally, stating that “there will always be a place for a performative approach to fashion” but brands need to think carefully about staging such lavish events in the future. Fashion giant Balmain teamed up with LG and created a front row display of A-Listers who who watched through screens, including Cara Delevingne, Anna Wintour, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. Some of the big label brands have been itching for the return of the pre-pandemic fashion shows, with Marc Jacobs even labelling his clothes with the word ‘Runway” and the dates of his runway shows. Many brands are missing these events as it is difficult to create the same energy and atmosphere that you can with the physical shows. When the Fashion Shows were in person, designers could see an immediate reaction from their audience, which is harder to recreate digitally.

In spite of this, it’s an amazing opportunity for brands to be more creative and get more involved with some of the exciting advancements that have been happening with technology. For instance, there have been many improvements with 3D technology, specifically building and creating 3D avatars. Using this could make watching fashion shows not just more interesting, but they would feel more accessible as they could reach a wider audience. Problems have emerged with the ‘phygital’ shows during the pandemic, with the digital livestreams generating less than a third of online engagement than usual. London Fashion Week had 55% less online engagement, showing that even though full-throttle fashion shows can no longer go ahead, neither can purely digital shows. Unfortunately, there is a grey area between these two extremes and brands need to work to find the sweet spot to engage and excite their viewers. Designers like Jacquemus, Dolce & Gabanna and Louis Vuitton still staged socially distanced, exclusive shows this year, but had many criticisms that they still felt like virtual simulations. It is thought that independent, niche brands have adapted better to the virtual fashion weeks as they have a better ability to speak to their specific customer.

Holding values that are strong and identifiable can increase loyalty with customers, which has become essential in the current climate. In my opinion, designers who want to stay engaged with the system need to figure out where, when and how they’re going to show their collections. I think the digital strategy is the way forward for future fashion weeks, however just showing livestreams of catwalks is not going to engage viewers as it cannot replace the experience of seeing a runway in real life. Digitally enhanced fashion weeks should begin to dominate the industry in years to come, especially with younger talents beginning to enter the industry with more ideas on incorporating technologies and being more sustainable. The physical shows used to be crucial if you were a new, emerging designer in the industry, as it was the only way to really launch your career. Progressions in social media have revolutionised this, making it easier to be noticed. Timeless brands will carry on being timeless, still creating their magnificent clothes for the world to see. Digital shows can and will work. Our lives have become more digital, so it makes sense that the fashion industry (one of the biggest industries in the world!) follows suit.

FASHION AND BEAUTY Design by Matthew Rose, Illustration by Aamina Mahmood, Words by Yujin Gong

FAST FASHION, LOCKDOWN AND ME

efore Christmas came about, we all

did this tosome extentbefore, but now we are critically

suffered through an inevitable second

questioning ourselves about the necessity of the item

lockdown. After 8 long months with

and are breaking away from our old impulsive buying

Covid-19 following us everywhere, we

habits in favour of more planned and practical buying

have all been forced to become accustomed to our new

patterns. During lockdown, the country’s fashion

indoor-life, a social-bubble society, and the absence of

industry has seen an overall decrease in fast fashion

outside activities. Honestly, with this ongoing situation

spending, and an increase in demand for second-hand

and our previous lockdown experiences, we pretty much

and charity shops. Our shopping behaviours seem to

got used to online socializing and the world of online

have been reshaped to fit the current climate. There’s

shopping. During this latest Christmas lockdown, we

no need for a new cocktail dress if we’re not going out

became especially busy with the online world, focusing

and drinking the cocktails!

on connecing with our families and friends regardless of where we were. But still, the harsh isolation had a

This year, many of us have gained a more positive image

huge impact on everyone’s lives. The pandemic has

of secondhand and vintage fashion products and enjoy

been driving down consumption throughout the year

buying them and taking pride in our collection. This

and with the continuing economic downward spiral,

year, eBay saw a staggering 22% sales growth worldwide

this recent lockdown broke the spine of traditional

and the general online sales of used goods increased

consumption, none more so than that of fashion.

by 30% over the course of the year. It is obvious that online commerce in general is growing in popularity,

We have started asking ourselves the question

but resale in particular is becoming more mainstream

“is this really what I need right now?”. Of course, we

than ever. Brands such as Stella McCartney, who focus

on sustainable products, have seen a much greater

the course cohort. The fashion industry is currently

spike in product sales than other similar brands. This

the 2nd most polluting industry in the world and the

paints a clear picture of how we, as fashion consumers,

large majority of us are still unaware of how harmful

are becoming more conscious about the impact that

our fashion consumption is to the environment. The

our behaviour has on the environment.

pandemic has allowed us to move quickly towards a world of “slow fashion” and a more sustainable way of

We could say that throughout this lockdown our

getting our hands on the latest trends. Although all of

lifestyles have changed dramatically, as reflected in

us are having a hard time with the virus, tier restrictions

our new shopping habits. Our wardrobes are still

and social-distancing, maybe a nationwide lockdown

full, our make-up sits untouched, and the only time

was what the fashion industry needed after-all.

we’re dressing up is for our weekly online quiz with

Platform 2020 trends

FASHION AND BEAUTY Design by Gracie Elliott, Words by Rucsandra Moldoveanu, Courtney McLaven, Lollie Hancock

2020 has taught us a lot about fashion - how to wear the same outfit throughout lockdown and not feel guilty, how to style your make-up to go with your face mask, and why comfy clothes are the way to go. We asked three of our writers what they’ve loved, and hated, during the year of fashion in 2020.

LOVE: JUICY COUTURE TRACKSUITS Trackies, joggers and loungewear are easily the biggest trends of the year, but one tracksuit reigns supreme over the others. The iconic velour set with a diamante logo is so recognizable, comfy and give off major Y2K nostalgia. With a 2020 twist for the brands 25th Anniversary, Juicy collaborated with Apparis to create a faux fur version of the classic velour set. Or, stick to the OG version and get transported back to 2002. The original sets allow every wearer to tap into their inner Paris Hilton, and wearing a Juicy tracksuit out will have everyone you see telling you ‘That’s Hot’.

HATE: ‘FASHIONABLE’ FACE MASKS We couldn’t go through this without mentioning Face Masks; an item that didn’t exist last year but has now become an essential for all. Arguably the biggest must-have of 2020, as you’re required to by law in shops, but what about when face masks are designed in a way that prevents them from doing the job they were made for? Patterned and branded fabric masks is one thing, but the mesh, diamante and sheer face masks available from online fashion brands such as Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo. Wanting to add your own twist on face masks is a fun way to add your own stamp; defeating the purpose of them and putting yourself and others in danger is another. Lollie Hancock

LOVE: SOAP BROWS Brow trends are forever changing, so it was not a surprise when a new trend came about this year. 2020 is the year of the soap brow, the easiest way to get your eyebrows looking like a model’s. The premise is easy, grab your spoolie, a bar of soap and set those brows down exactly where you want them. I used to spend so long filling in my brows as part of my makeup routine, but now I’ve learned this hack my brows take 5 minutes and look the best they ever have. This step in my makeup routine has become an essential one, I could never go back to having precise brows. I love how natural and messy you can make your brows look when setting them with soap; no two brow days are ever the same.

HATE: LOW RISE JEANS Don’t get me wrong, there are some iconic fashion statements from the early 2000’s that have deserved a comeback this year, such as velour tracksuits and butterfly prints. Some, however, should’ve stayed in the 00s. No 2020 reemergence fills me with fear quite as much as low rise jeans. Growing up in a time when Topshop’s iconic Joni Jeans reigned supreme, high waisted bottoms are just a must for me. If you take the “ick’ from the dating world and apply it to fashion, my biggest ick is low waisted jeans. They worked in 2001, and should do us all a favour and remain there. Courtney McLaven

LOVE: OVERSIZED SLEEVES One of the most eye catching trends of 2020 has to be oversized sleeves. Taking over both high end and high street fashion, brands like MaxMara, Fendi, and Zara have all brought their own visions and versions of puff sleeves to life. A timeless trend, oversized sleeves

have been having a fashion moment since all the way back in the 17th century. It’s no surprise sleeves have managed to bring themselves back into style century after century, as there’s so many factors that lead to their success. Not only acting as a statement piece, because of their size, larger puff sleeve sleeves create the illusion of a slimmer waist, giving the impression of the hourglass silhouette some spend hours in the gym working towards. They also blend femininity with boldness, giving wearers the chance to make their presence felt and stand out in a crowd. So, if you really want to make a fashion statement while, at the same time, looking delicate as ever, oversized sleeves are definitely the way to go.

HATE: MICRO MINI BAGS The micro mini bags were brought into this world by Simon Porte Jacquemus when he introduced the Le Sac Chiquito, his miniature 3-inch top-handle purse. The oh-so famous bags now come in a range of sizes, from the Le Petit Chiquito mini bag to the Le Chiquito mini bag, which is the “biggest” one out of the collection. The price of the mini bags varies depending on the size, fabric, and print of them, ranging from £195 to £650, with a multitude of brands now putting their own spin on the microscopic accessories. However, despite the cuteness of these bags, there is absolutely nothing practical about them, as you would struggle to fit even just one AirPod inside the tiniest version. There isn’t really that much of a chic feeling to them either as they almost went unnoticed when they made their runway debut, so next time you feel the urge to buy one of these ask yourself, is it really worth it? The answer is no. Rucsandra Moldoveanu

photo credit: nappy

MUSIC Design by Abigail Booth, Words by Courtney McLaven

The 2020 Musical Timeline 2020 has been, probably, the strangest year of our lives so far. But let’s take a look back on the year through music, and see which tracks can sum up each of the crazy 12 months we have lived through this year. JANUARY Good Feeling - Flo Rida 2020 started with so much optimism to be the best year get, with everyone ready to go into the new year with positive mindsets ready to start the new century with a bang. We really all did have a good feeling about it but in hindsight, we should probably try again for 2021. FEBRUARY Monster - The Automatic “What’s that coming over the hill? Is it a monster?” No, it’s

COVID-19. February was when Coronavirus started to become more real (and quite scary). We had known about it for about two months now, yet, as it began to spread internationally and other countries began to go into lockdown, the idea of an impending pandemic loomed over the UK. MARCH Lockdown- Anderson .Paak I feel as though this one is going to be expected and pretty self explanatory. This song is good vibes incarnate, which are probably unmatched to the feelings we all had when we were plummeted into a national lockdown, but it perfectly sums up the month nonetheless. It

was a good song to have on in the background of your zoom quizzes and virtual socialising, unless you’d rather have the word “lockdown” on mute. APRIL Ghost Town- The Specials With the entire country being closed, I think describing the month of April as a ghost town is extremely fitting. A time where the government only allowed us on one walk a day, the dystopian feeling of this month. Even going to the supermarkets was a strange experience, it being practically empty within and large queues outside. MAY Bored In The House- Tyga, Curtis Roach If you’re on TikTok, then you know you couldn’t go five minutes without hearing this song. By this point we had all been inside for too long and I if it hadn’t already, the boredom

had severely set in and was at its highest point. There’s only so much you can do to try and occupy yourself when you’re only allowed to go for a walk or go food shopping alone. JUNE Work From Home- Fifth Harmony, Ty Dolla $ign Things started looking up in June. We could finally see the end of the lengthy lockdown as it was reversed on the 23rd of June. However, many people were still working from home even with the reopening of civilisation as we (kind of) knew it. Most of us students were all finishing up assignments and exams from home too (but I couldn’t find a song called ‘doing a degree from home’). JULY Mask On- Ceylon “Stay inside, keep that mask on”. So we were finally allowed to start living our lives, but the rules were very clear on having to wear masks in public places. This was, and still is, the new normal from 2020. I think this song could arguably work for most of the months, and we’re probably all very sick of wearing them now, but we’re all doing our bit to keep ourselves and each other safe. AUGUST Summer- The Courteeners Picture this. Lockdown was over, restrictions were lifted

and summer had finally began. For the first time this year, life was good and the good vibes had returned. Beer gardens with friends, summer walks and late night adventures, August definitely has to have been the best month of a disastrous year and this feel good song sums it up beatifically. I can imagine driving with the windows down with this song blasting. SEPTEMBER Red Light Green Light- Duke Dumont, Shaun Ross While this song is a whole bop, I couldn’t help but relate it to the mixed signals we were receiving in the month of September. Stay at home, go to work, don’t go out but go to uni. The month as a whole was just extremely chaotic, especially for us students who were faced back to campus and then blamed for the rise in cases.

NOVEMBER The Sound of Darkness- Simon and Garfunkel Hello darkness my old friend. Lockdown 2.0. Just when we thought the year couldn’t get any worse, we plunged into a second period of lockdown. As if the first one was bad enough, the daylight now disappeared at 4pm and the cold weather set in. This means November was arguably worse than the first lockdown, at least in the summer we could enjoy nice walks and drinks in our gardens, so I think this song speaks for itself in regards to the month of November.

DECEMBER Survivor- Destiny’s Child We did it. We survived 2020. A global pandemic, working from home and no pubs for the most part. These are all things we would have never even imagined ourselves living through, but even in a really dark year there OCTOBER is now a light at the end of the See Nobody- Wes Nelson, tunnel. We’re still waiting for Hardy Caprio normality, and we can only hope Here come the tiers. Did we see that 2021 will bring better things anyone throughout the month of than this year. October? Not unless they were your flatmates. Here in Notts, we were always in high tiers so we had no hope of being able to go back to our usual uni life. Even when we were allowed to the pub with our house mates, the 10pm curfew put a big downer on the social side of uni culture. At least we had more time to focus on our course work right?

MUSIC Design by Eleanor Jarvis, Words by Amber Malley

MY DREAM POST - COVID FESTIVAL... 2020 has left us with many holes in our lives and while some are more serious than others, the lack of live music is taking its toll on many.

at Reading festival, I would spend every penny I own on these music-filled weekends of muck. While many festivals (especially Glastonbury) do their best at creating a weekend of music to fit all, there would be nothing quite as good as a festival designed specifically for you and that is what I am going to create from the location to the outfits I will be describing the ins and outs of my dream music festival.

It did not come as a surprise to many when music festivals were one of the first to be cancelled and, along with it, the heart and soul of music industry. When looking at festivals through a covid-cautious frame of mind they don’t seem the most clean place but usually, that’s all part of the fun, right? To start your own festival a location is key and coming the garden of England “Festivals have always from Kent - there is no place that I been my favourite would choose above it. It was no question to me that this festival place to be.” would have to take place in England because there is nothing What can be better than friends quite like having to take every and family, music and maybe single item of your wardrobe a little bit of alcohol? From due to the unpredictability of being as lucky as to spend two the British weather and when Glastonbury festivals with my it does inevitability rain the family, to meeting my boyfriend transformation that takes place

“...from sunbathing in your thoroughly thought out festival outfits to belly sliding in mountains of mud...” coating these clothes in layer of brown is a sight that cannot be mistaken at any UK festival. So with Kent, England being the confirmed location, it’s time to

get down to the specifics. The Kentish coastline which shares a space in my heart with festivals

is inevitably going to be the location of my dream festival and with combination from Boardmasters, that beach and music mix I know that this will be the perfect location. Let’s be honest, who would not want to spend their days chilling on the beach, listening to music with the view of France on the horizon.

While I am partial to fancy dress and love the idea of theme day, enforcing this would take away one of my favourite aspects of a festival. People and their personalities come alive at these long weekends and one way this is expressed is through clothing, whether you are a glitter girl through and through (which we all are at heart) or festival veteran who rocks the merch from years before;

will have an equal split of male and female artists and there will be a multitude of stages to accommodate for all genres.

“Though some festivals try to stick to a genre, mixing different music is the best way because you get to experience music that you never normally would.”

they also make for the best live performers, the anthems of Gerry Cinnamon can capture a crowd like no other and so that is a must for my dream festival.

“Of course, there will be a stage dedicated towards the indie crowd featuring the Wombats, the Vaccines, the Kooks, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Blossoms just to name a small few.”

The stages will consist of a mix between tents and stages Some other names that will be because the atmosphere in tents getting a place on my post-covid is irreplaceable and there will be a stage for upcoming artists to give new musicians the platform they need.

“...the freedom in outfits is really what makes these places so perfect.”

But down to lineup, while I could go into full detail I will just drop a few names for you and though my first choice could be seen as disappointing to some, this artist deserves the recognition she missed out on in 2020, she is the biggest selling female artist of the moment and has conquered the music industry breaking the charts with every album released so one of my headlines will have to be Taylor Swift.

So for my dream festival, everyone shall dress how their heart desires and be fashion free for at least a few days. Now comes to the real reason for these glorious events - the music. As this is my dream music festival, accommodating for my music taste will lack consistency but a bit of variety never hurt anyone. There is no doubt that my festival in 2021

The second headline spot will be taken by the legend Sir Elton John, nothing would do him justice than a two-hour headline slot to attempt to try and perform even just a few of the classic hits produced by this brilliant artist. Sam Fender and Gerry Cinnamon will both be sitting at the top of the bill for me too because while they are two of my favourite artists

festival are Celeste, Loyle Carner, Tom Misch, Ady Suleiman, Easy Life and any other artists that feature on my 26-hour Spotify playlist! Just to please my friends (because I need someone to go with),

“...Travis Scott, Slow Thai and Brockhampton might have to make a feature too.” Photo credit: ‘Unsplash.com’

MUSIC Design by Gayatri Rana, Words by Rucsandra Moldoveanu

Sure, this year hasn’t necessarily been the best, but this didn’t stop the music world from running. Overlooking the pandemic’s success in the media, 2020 has been quite the year for the music industry. Whether we’re talking about the exciting moments like Billie Eilish dominating the Grammy’s in January, or confusing moments like Kanye running for president, 2020 has been a complete rollercoaster music-wise. Here’s a closer look at all that has happened this year in the world of music.

Billie Eilish makes history After dominating the charts throughout the whole of 2019, the LA-born singer made history at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in January by taking home the Big Four of awards: Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year (Bad Guy), Album Of The Year (When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?), and Best New Artist. Eilish also managed to win a fifth category, Best Pop Vocal Album, which led to her captioning her post-Grammy Instagram post “FIVE ARE YOU KIDDING”. Having such a triumphant victory, the 18-yearold became the youngest and first woman in history to achieve such heights at the annual awards, making the 62nd edition of the Grammy’s a memorable one.

‘Ye announces he’s running for US President

“We must now realize the promise of America by trusting God, unifying our vision and building our future. I am running for president of the United States! #2020VISION”. That’s how Kanye West officially made it public on Independence Day that he was going to be one of the 2020 presidential candidates for the Birthday Party, “because when we win, it’s everybody’s birthday”. However, the announcement came as no surprise due to the rapper’s 2015 VMA’s statement, “And yes, as you probably could have guessed by this moment, I have decided in 2020 to run for president.”. West’s attempt to appear on the ballot in all 50 states turned out to be unsuccessful since he did not receive enough signatures in order to run as an independent candidate and he also failed to submit key documents on time. None of the 11 states that included his name on the ballot were battleground states and, therefore, with a total of around 60,000 votes, Kanye’s electoral campaign turned out to only benefit the promotion of his brand (the $80 VOTE KANYE hoodies are still available on his website). Kanye admitted his defeat on Twitter and has already confirmed that he will run for president once more in 2024, so we’ve got to keep “all eyes on ‘Ye”.

Getting through lockdown(s) with music 2020 has witnessed the releases of some record-breaking albums, but what makes them special is the fact that they were put out into the world during lockdown. Having only social media as a means to promote their new records, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter have been flooded with pictures, videos, and teasers by various singers. Some artists even took it a bit further and went

live on their social media platforms to either talk about their upcoming albums, like Dua Lipa, or to play snippets of unreleased songs, like The Weeknd. Dua Lipa shared the exciting news of her Future Nostalgia album coming out a week earlier than it was supposed to during an Instagram livestream. The English singer took the surprising decision in order to “bring some happiness” to her fans, given the tough impact the pandemic might have had on their mental health. Her second studio album turned out to be a success, becoming the most streamed album in a day by a British female artist globally on Spotify and being featured in millions of TikToks (we all did a full 180 at some point, eh?). The Weekend is another artist who adhered to the IG livestream trend. A few days after releasing his latest studio album, After Hours, the Canadian singer decided to play four unreleased songs during a series of livestreams, although, to his fans’ disappointment, only three of them made it on After Hours (Deluxe) which was released 10 days after the main version, on March 30. The album’s main single, Blinding Lights, has been taking over radio waves, TikTok, and the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the past 50 weeks (a.k.a. since it was released this time last year), making the 80’slike record the perfect song for when the “city’s cold and empty” because of lockdown. If we’re talking lockdown 2.0 then Little Mix’s Confetti is definitely worth mentioning given that it’s their first album away from SYCO, Simon Cowell’s label. Full of empowering, joyful songs, we’re all grateful to have a new record to get us through the second national lockdown.

#saveourvenues

On April 27, the Music Venue Trust launched the Save Our Venues campaign which aims to save over 550 UK grassroots venues that are at imminent risk of being permanently closed down due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The campaign has so far raised over £1.2 million from various sources like live music lovers who chipped it as much as they could, huge companies involved in the music industry (Amazon Music, Sony Music, Beggars Group), and even well-known figures like the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. You could get involved as well to help #saveourvenues by going to saveourvenues.co.uk and donating to the national Crowdfunder campaign or by simply spreading the word on social media because “we need these places to survive and thrive”.

Rock ‘n’ Roll legend, Little Richard dies aged 87 May 9 proved itself to be a sad day for the music industry as Little Richard, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s founding fathers, as named by Rolling Stone, died at the age of 87. He died of bone cancer at his home, with his brother, sister, and adopted son, Danny Jones Penniman. The flamboyant Tutti Frutti singer shaped the rock ‘n’ roll industry at a point in time when it took a lot of confidence to break through as a black male musician wearing make-up and flashy costumes, making him a timeless legend whose legacy will live on through everything that he was.

MUSIC Design by Tara Thomas, Written by Robbie Nichols

Goodbye 2020 Playlist This year has been pretty disastrous, I don’t think I need to explain that to anyone. But, as we get closer and closer to the end of the year, it’s feeling like 2021 might be a slightly better year with all the news of vaccines going around. So, looking towards that brighter year, let’s wave 2020 goodbye with a great musical accompaniment. In this list, we break down the songs that best represent the 12 months of increasing misery.

F**k You – Lily Allen

I think this addition to the playlist is selfexplanatory. This year has been rather draining, and I’m sure we’re all feeling the same way that Lily Allen does in this song right about now. Press play, give it a listen and just vent your frustrations.

I Want to Break Free – Queen

This song was constantly playing through my head during lockdown, whether that was because I started viewing my bedroom as a prison or because of my constant replaying of the Bohemian Rhapsody soundtrack is another discussion. I just feel as though we a want to break free of this year; Freddie and the gang can help.

U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer

Again, I feel as though so many songs on this playlist are self-explanatory. You can’t touch this? Social Distancing? I think you get the idea...

I know what you’re thinking - what does this have to do with 2020? Well, let’s pretend the castle on the hill is Barnard Castle. Ed Sheeran is Dominic Cummings, and he’s driving at 90 down those country lanes to test his eyesight. Let’s get nostalgic about those crazy times.

Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars This is just the song I listen to every Wednesday when I realise I won’t be going to Ocean yet again...

Cheers (Drink to That) – Rihanna

I’m not really sure why this song feels so apt for 2020 to me. It might be because my response to any bad coronavirus news was “I’ll drink to that”. Also, this song is just quite a feel good song so I feel like any time there’s bad news, you can listen to this song.

It’s the End of the World as We Know It – R.E.M.

Take Yourself Home – Troye Sivan

Maybe a tad dramatic, but it truly feels like we are living in a world nothing like the one we lived in last year. I still sit and watch old programmes and think ‘you can’t do that anymore’ when people hug in the street.

Honestly, 2020 feels like an annoying exboyfriend who just won’t leave us alone, and Sivan’s statement of “If I’m gonna waste my time then it’s time to go, take yourself home.” is exactly what I want to say to 2020 by this point.

Yesterday – The Beatles

Impossible Year – Panic! At the Disco

If someone told me The Beatles were back and had written this song about this year, I would believe them. It’s been on repeat in my playlists this year whenever I’ve wanted to wallow a little bit.

Burnin’ Up – Jonas Brothers

We all know a temperature is a key corona symptom. This isn’t a clever joke. It’s also just a banging song from the Jonas Brothers that we should all listen to.

Castle on the Hill – Ed Sheeran

I mean, a pretty sad note to end this playlist on. But, realistically, this year has felt like we’ve had ten years of events in one. It’s been a pretty impossible year.

CREATIVE WRITING Design by Alex Haylock, Words by Jody Cook

Looking Forward Appreciate is a word that is misunderstood Like when it starts to rain and you chose a coat with a hood, We think it means enjoying a coffee after having a bad night, Or going for a picnic when the weather is crisp and bright. Letting out a huge sigh when you just make the train, Or indicating over to get into the fast lane, Times like these we thought we should appreciate, While we neglected things that carried more significant weight. The way you feel important in a vast group of friends, You can say what you like, you don’t have to pretend, Coming together for a Sunday roast, To be with the people you love the most. Wanting to hear your lecturers voice, Going in for that 9:00am to be a choice, Sitting in front of your mirror, applying mascara, top charts playing, Shouting from your room, you can’t hear what your housemates are saying. The club music burst through your ears, Drinks are flowing, have a couple more beers, Stumbling home at 4:00am, God, I can’t wait to do that again. If this year has taught me anything it’s this, Appreciate the important things, as these you will miss, Don’t say I am too tired for a night out ever again, Don’t you dare go to bed before the clock strikes ten. Make time to pick up the phone to your mum when she calls, Patch things up with your sister, break down those walls, Forget ‘being a man’ give your mates a hug, We want this year over, let’s pull the plug. Unable to see those that taught you what love really means, Is the most difficult task, when it’s all through a screen, Not having the time won’t be an option next year, People come and go, there’s always time for a career. I am looking forward to having a better perspective, To seeing what matters, to become more reflective, To knowing what is truly valuable and rare. Human love is everything; Nothing else can compare.

CREATIVE WRITING Design by Meg Chadderton, Words by Faith Pring, Jody Cook, Kyran Wood, Jack Thurlow, Robbie Nichols, Yujin Gong, Daniela Loffreda

A year in stories...

JANUARY New year, new me. You can be who you want to be. It’s the very first month of a brand new year, and you put aside your worry and fear. This year will be better than the last, Now that it’s all in the past. That was then… Will we feel that way again? Faith Pring

APRIL Homemade haircuts back again, but not the return of the bowl cut. The sound of clippers erupted around the country, as pounds of hair hit the grass. Pictures of shaved sides flooded Instagram. Then came the bleach and the bottle dye. Orange hair for those unlucky enough, a brand-new look for the rest. Kyran Wood

JULY I slowly opened the door, my breath stolen behind the mask that covers my fears. I step out, eager to taste what freedom means. Everything is different now, I want this to succeed. It’s been a long few months of uncertainty and we’re ready for change, instead of feeling short-changed. Faith Pring

OCTOBER As the leaves on the trees turn red, we see another season left for dead. As the nights grow darker, wave two becomes starker. Plans get put aside, as we huddle inside. Pretend we’re just sheltering from the cold, and look ahead to better times foretold. Robbie Nichols

FEBRUARY

MARCH

Days are always dark Light never touches my room I live in darkness I miss the airs breeze These four walls are not my friends My body rigid Time is no concept Dates are meaningless in here I set no alarm

“How Mummy? Why Mummy? When Mummy?” My patience thin like paper as my feet stumble on terrifying dolls bodies. The living room is a murder scene. She is my everything, but I feel nothing. My home is a prison and yet I am the only inmate. “Mummy, what’s wrong?” Jody Cook

Jody Cook

MAY

JUNE

What day is it?’ ‘Let’s see, I think it’s been four days since Gogglebox and two days until the next Clap for Our Carers, so that makes it Tuesday.’ ‘Ah good, I wonder who will do the daily briefing tonight?’ ‘Hope we’ll be back from our walk, in time for it.’ - Repeat Daily

Relationships are like sand The more you try to grasp for it, the more sand passes through your fingers Take the time to build strong castles with strong forts You never know what size wave will come along Jody Cook

Kyran Wood

AUGUST United Kingdom Deli 30 degree days £16.00 Covid-19 cases pass 25 million £25.00 Cardi B – WAP released £21.00 Chadwick Boseman dies £43.00 Africa eradicates polio £33.00 subtotal £184.00 Eat out to help out discount (50%) total £92.00

SEPTEMBER the shadow adrift… as opportunity knocks on! Onward he goes Jack Thurlow

Kyran wood

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

It’s been two months since I left my home country. My inner thoughts turn into desolation and hover in darkness. Was I supposed to be like this? Or did this era make me like this? However, the anticipation of Christmas becomes a warm ray of light to me that pierces the darkness.

December looked at the other months with a sad gaze and wondered if people would enjoy spending time with them this year. But little did December know that all the months envied its vivacious personality. December had always had a special way of bringing out the best in people.

Yujin Gong

Daniela Loffreda

A YEAR IN PHOTOS Design by Meg Chadderton, Photos by Platform Members

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE Design by Alex Haylock, Words by Frankie Cummings

How This Year MeMeMeMeMe It has been quite a year. Truly, I mean, when toasting the new year with my friends at home, we really had no idea what was to come. I had just started to make some great friends at university and was looking forward to coming out of my shell more and becoming more adventurous.

‘Little did I know that the biggest challenges were coming.’ Going back to uni after Christmas was all a bit of a blur. I was excited to get back to studying (I know, I’m that person), to have a breather from the chaos of being back home after my first taste of independence, and honestly, I had a lot of exciting things to look forward to this year. Of course, there were whispers of some far-off virus – but there were also whispers that Trump was about to initiate WW3, so we didn’t take things seriously. Things didn’t start to feel real 35

until one of my presentations was cancelled in March. At this point, we sat and talked about the fact that if our lecturers were worried about us being able to come in for an assessment, then things were getting pretty scary. Of course, we listened to the announcements that universities across the country were shutting down – anxiously waiting to hear what would be happening at NTU. Cue a weekend of stress eating (no judgment please) and then on the afternoon of Monday 16 th March, NTU stated that everything would be moving online. Which led to immediate panic, phone calls with my mum about what I should do, and the decision was made that I would travel home on the Thursday, in advance of our impending move (good timing, right?). So that led to another great experience that I got during a pandemic: moving to a new house. There was a sense of panic and urgency with everyone who helped us. We were unsure

whether or not to hug family and friends on greeting, and the estate agents quickly established Covid-19 friendly guidelines for the move. But we were able to move into the new house without too many problems, and in reality, it was probably quite a good distraction. Side note: myself, my mum and my 16-year old brother were moving in with my mum’s partner for the first time. And boy was that a challenge, especially when furlough kicked in.

‘I remember hugging my boyfriend and his family goodbye and thinking that I would see them soon.’ However, when lockdown was announced, I remember the realisation that I had no idea when I would see him next. This, paired with the fact that our Wi-Fi hadn’t been installed yet – (IT TOOK 3 WEEKS), made the first lockdown pretty stressful. Oh, and did I mention that the first week of lockdown

Has Changed MeMeMeMeMe also coincided with an online exam and a deadline for an assignment? Let’s make that very stressful!

elderly people thanking me for my hard work and we were gifted a box of chocolates from one of our regulars.

So after (illegally) camping out in my Dad’s house for a day to get all of my work done, we finally got communication from our lecturers – telling US that THEY needed more time to mark the work. Where was this understanding when we had work due?

I genuinely got to interact with people in a very different way.

I also worked full-time at my local Co-Op during lockdown. I have had the job since starting sixth form, and if you’ve ever worked in retail, then you’ll know that people can be challenging. But lockdown really did bring out a different side of people. I was sworn at for not letting people in when the opening hours changed, people hurled abuse at me for asking them to step into a designated area, and don’t even get me started on the introduction of face masks. At the same time though, I had

So, I’m glad that I was able to work during the pandemic; not only because I was able to earn money in a time that has been hard for so many, but because I was able to get out of the house to work at something and interact with people other than those under my roof.

how it was before. I didn’t have to worry about getting too close to people, I got more than an hour per week of contact with people outside of my flat, and I didn’t have an overwhelming sense of panic every time I looked at the news or went outside. But whilst this year has definitely impacted my mental health, making me anxious with days where I honestly felt like I couldn’t carry on, there have been positive things as well. I bought my own car through the money I made working through lockdown. I started exercising more – I can run 5K solidly now (even if I do look like a tomato afterwards), I moved in with my boyfriend (getting stuck in a second lockdown together has actually been a good bonding experience), ‘I have gained a new appreciation for my friends and family.’

Flash forward to today. I recently celebrated my 21st birthday in the second lockdown, and I am still adjusting to online uni while trying to work out how I am going to celebrate Christmas. I miss a lot of things about life before COVID: nights out, hugging my friends and family, and actually going into uni! But Let’s just hope that we get some mostly, I miss the easiness of sense of normality back soon.

TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE Design by Sophie Puffett, Words by Sian Hills, Ellie Jacobson & Laycie Beck

TRAVEL PLANS THAT 202 Sian Hills This year I had hoped to travel plenty, especially because of the extended summer I had received after finishing my exams in May. Sadly, this wasn’t the case due to the ongoing pandemic that halted everyone’s travel plans for the year. This meant cancelling several holidays and losing out on making many memories, unfortunately.

people need is a holiday to relax and recuperate, it seemed to be impossible.

Finally, I had planned to travel to Italy in the Easter holiday with my best friend. Since going to different universities, we hadn’t seen much of each other. We were desperate to go away for a trip, and Italy was the desired location. When the This year I had planned to go on my first holiday pandemic hit and the lockdown started in March, with my boyfriend. It was only a short stay in Bath we were still hopeful we would be able to travel in a nice apartment, but the dates fell in June to Italy for the week. However, it quickly became whilst we were still under the rules of the first apparent that Italy was suffering greatly with the lockdown, meaning this had to be cancelled. It Coronavirus, and they banned all travel to the had been a birthday present as well, so we were country. So once again, it was postponed. both gutted that it could no longer go ahead. We had also hoped to travel to Wales with his family. Hopefully next year we will be able to resume Once again, this would have been my first family travelling and make up for all the time lost. But holiday with them and was told of many exciting for now, this is a distant dream, and the suitcases things planned for that week. Unfortunately, the remain unpacked. owner of the lodge cancelled the holiday as he was unsure it was safe to continue. It was yet another blow to everyone. On a year where all

Ellie Jacobson 2020 was the year of possibilities for me. I was on my gap year and had come back from interrailing around Europe in September 2019. I celebrated New Year in California, and my number one New The summer of 2020 for me was supposed to be Year Resolution was to travel. I felt I had the world full of adventure. In late May, I was supposed to at my fingertips and then Covid-19 arrived, and be leaving for Morocco to be a volunteer childcare lockdown cancelled it all. I had hoped to visit assistant for a week. Then throughout the month Scandinavia in the remainder of my gap year from of July, I had planned to use an Interrail pass to Copenhagen, to Stockholm, to Helsinki, but with travel across Europe, as a way to celebrate my the uncertainty of COVID, the safest thing to upcoming 21st birthday by having my dream do was to stay at home and reschedule holiday. During August I had also planned to Scandinavia to 2021. travel to Romania as part of NTU’s international volunteering programme. However, all of my Though 2020 has brought us many unexpected plans had been cancelled due to Covid-19, but I challenges, with halted travel trips and hearing managed to still have a short trip to Scotland as the word ‘unprecedented’ enough times to last well as a camping trip to Wales before university us the decade, I hope 2021 will be the year of began. I’m looking forward to the summer of 2021 travel and by the summer of 2021 everyone will be when most of my trips have been rebooked for. back adventuring.

Laycie Beck

Words by Shannon Samecki, Jessica Piazzi, Ellie Daglish & Harriet Bidder

20 TOOK AWAY FROM US Shannon Samecki This year I turned 18 and had planned to take a trip to Paris during the May bank holiday weekend. However, the pandemic hit, and my Paris plans were filed neatly into the back of the planner; Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel tower would sadly have to wait another year. Paris is still at the top of my list of places to visit, and the only reason I willingly suffered through three years of GCSE French - scraping a pass! My pre-exam holiday to Gran Canaria was also cancelled – a huge loss at the time. Next year I would love to travel anywhere that there is sun to have some well-needed rest and relaxation and a visit to Paris could only be a bonus.

Jessica Piazzi If my 2020 travel plans went as expected, I probably would not be sitting at my desk to write this contribution, nor be in Trent and not even in this country. When the lockdown started, and every border in the world was closed, my suitcase was ready. My one-way flight to Malaysia was supposed to be in two days, and I could not wait to start my internship overseas. Apart from working, I had multiple plans for the upcoming months: going back to Korea, visiting a friend in Brunei, getting lost in the Laotian jungle. Unpacking my suitcase and letting all my dreams go has not been easy but accepting that life is unexpected helped me a lot. The circumstances have made it possible for me to be here, studying abroad during a pandemic, with new ambitions for my future.

Ellie Daglish The year 2020 was filled with missed opportunities. For me, it was the missed opportunity of roaming around Europe for a month and romanticising the thought of living in hostels with strangers I’d never met. For the summer before my start at university, I had planned on visiting six beautiful locations, each one different to the last. I had planned to start my trip from my small town of Darlington and travel down to Paris on the Eurostar for five days in the ‘City of Love’, and from there on to Ljubljana to immerse myself into their old town, then to Venice, Zagreb and Prague with my last location being Amsterdam.

Harriet Bidder I had terrible luck this year with travel plans. From September 2019, I set foot in Germany for the first part of my year Abroad at NTU then I ventured to Spain for the second half. I felt fortunate to have spent nearly two months in the beautiful city, but my happy-go-lucky life in sunny Spain turned into doom and gloom in the blink of an eye. I said goodbye to new friends, my exciting lifestyle and returned home four months early.

I’m definitely planning to move back to Spain to advance my language skills and explore the Instead of my wild rollick around Europe, I spent country but also take back what 2020 took from my 18th birthday in lockdown with a trip to Sainsbury’s to mark the occasion, here’s to hoping me. I think I can speak for everyone when I say I won’t ever take travelling for granted again! 2021 treats us better!

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Design by Marina Garcia Salcedo, Words by Eleanor Ephgrave

An Interview with the Nottingham Contemporary Coronavirus propelled many providers of arts and culture into closing their doors, but how did one of the largest contemporary galleries in the UK - The Nottingham Contemporary - survive the pandemic? We spoke to Marketing Manager Laura – Jade Vaughn, to gain an insight into how the Contemporary was affected and what they hope for the future in uncertain times for arts and culture. Q: Have there been any positive takeaways from the effect lockdown and coronavirus had on the Contemporary? A: “Although it has been disappointing to have to close our exhibitions to the public, we have used this time to think about how we can continue to stimulate ideas and inspire creativity, even without a venue. We have started live-streaming a range of events and producing digital family activities – which has been a steep learning curve for us – but by embracing the new, it has allowed us to connect with a range of new audiences, who might be based all over the world.” Q: How has the visitor experience changed due to coronavirus? A: I was really proud of Nottingham Contemporary for adopting such thorough safety precautions. As a visitor, you are met by a team member at the entrance who talks you through the guidelines and can answer any questions. Besides needing to do Test and Trace, wearing a mask and applying hand gel, I imagine the experience would remain similar to before. We have large gallery spaces, making social distancing a lot easier. Obviously, it has been quieter than usual, but we’ve found a lot of people saying how pleased they were to visit us, which has been quite touching.

Q: During Lockdown, did the Contemporary find other ways to reach their audience and still provide them with a taste of arts and culture? A: “We did. Luckily, we already have virtual reality versions of our exhibitions from the past 3 years, scanned by V21 Artspace. We are still hosting important discussions and original research online - both through live-streamed events, and our online research platform - The Contemporary Journal. We’ve had regular online events, including a discussion with our exhibiting artist, Jimmy Robert; a series of informal study sessions where participants can discuss texts and explore ideas together; and fortnightly readings relating to the life of Grace Jones; and much more. For families, we are producing many activities which can be done at home, often not requiring much room or many resources to allow more families to take part.” Q: Do you feel that events such as lockdown have urged people to be more interactive with arts and culture? A: “It’s hard to gauge, but I think the events of this year has stimulated wider discussion about the value of arts and culture within society. Through social media, we are receiving lots of messages of support which we are hugely appreciative of, as it is a challenging time for the arts. We have continued our Loudspeaker programme online, which are free creative workshops for women to develop creative ideas, to meet other people, to grow in confidence through focusing on contemporary art. We have been posting packs of art materials and activity ideas to participants in between sessions that are then used during the Zoom activities. We’ve been bowled over by how resilient participants have been in overcoming technical hurdles, and in learning to communicate on Zoom. Loudspeaker online sessions offer

women a weekly morning of essential escape to online exhibitions might better suit the display focus on art, artists and ideas, and are proving as of digital artwork, or it might allow us to curate popular as in-person sessions.” a space without the limitations of a venue. We’re actually exploring a project along these lines, so Q: Do you feel the emergence of online exhibitions watch this space…” and virtual galleries will rival the Contemporary or is this new virtual way something that can Q: When things hopefully become closer to normal, enhance it? what excites you most for the contemporary? A: “We have been presenting virtual reality scans of our exhibitions for a while now, including fully immersive VR experiences. This year, we have tried new formats of exhibiting art without a gallery, including our annual Aftermath exhibition presenting the work of students based at Nottingham Trent University, and also curation students from Royal College of Art, London, used our digital channels to host moving image work in their ‘Sets and Scenario’ event. I think digital and real-life exhibitions are both different but can’t replace each other. It is great that more people can access our shows, but I think there will always be something special about being in the physical space and seeing artwork first-hand. We’re keen to experiment with technology and

A: “We look forward to being able to open again, as we have two really amazing exhibitions Grace Before Jones, and a solo-show by Jimmy Robert, Akimbo. We have experience of reopening after a lockdown, so we have had time to test and refine our processes to keep a safe space that’s still enjoyable for the visitor.”

Just like many other facilities across the city, they face challenging times in a world post- Covid. However, for those like the Nottingham Contemporary they will fight on to keep the arts and culture world alive, especially in such a culturerich city such as Nottingham. 40

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Design by Meg Chadderton, Words by Scarlett Acres

A Look in with the Platform Book Club - Top Reviews Of 2020 This year, Platform established its own book club. Through this, we provided all our readers with reviews each week, including recommendations of books for them to read – provided by our own dedicated team of book club readers and writers. Here is a look back on the top five reviews of the year. 1. The Last Days Of Summer by Sophie Pembroke Review by Kirke Viira Published 9 October 2020

In The Last Days of Summer, we see the unravelling of family secrets in this romantic and intriguing page-turner. We follow Saskia as she returns to her family home for her grandparents Golden Wedding anniversary to try and reconnect with her family following a past incident. However, she soon discovers the family have sins even worse to discover. Viira found the plot well developed, whilst also keeping you on your toes. The author portrays the settings very well and Pembroke also makes you think about very important topics like loss and pain. The only criticism is that the ending was disappointing compared to what was expected.

2. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez Review by Tyler Archer Published 19 October 2020

This book combines studies, research and stories from across the world, showing the ways women continue to be forgotten. The novel resonates with all women, as we continue to be hidden in society. Perez shows this through data of labour division and pay gaps and topics you wouldn’t think about like crash test dummies and cardiological conditions. Tyler shows that books like this are so important in society, showing inequality still exists as Tyler even used the information she’s learnt in a workshop about gender.

3. These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong Reviewed by Scarlett Acres Published 31 October 2020

Scarlett Acres was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader’s copy of this novel. These Violent Delights follows two rival gangs trying to destroy a monster in this Romeo and Juliet inspired book - set in 1920s Shanghai. Scarlett speaks about the importance

a book like this is with how it finally makes people feel more represented in books, not only with the book set in Shanghai but also including LGBTQ+ characters - a topic that seriously lacks in fiction. She saw it as a definite five stars that everyone needed to read.

4. True Believer by Nicholas Sparks Reviewed by Faith Pring Published 5 October 2020

Faith Pring’s opening piece for the book club in early October recommended this captivating romance. The story follows a scientific journalist teaming up with a librarian to investigate mysterious lights appearing in the town’s graveyard. Faith spoke of how it follows the typical Nicholas Sparks themes of romance and drama and so was easily predictable, still enjoying it nonetheless.

5. Becoming Nicole – The Transformation of An American Family by Amy Ellis Nutt Reviewed by Faith Pring Published 9 October 2020

Another review from Platform’s own Editor-inChief Faith, this book follows an inspiring true story of transgender actress Nicole Maines (best known for Supergirl). We follow the struggles of Nicole’s transition and what she had to go through during this period, particularly with her parents and community. Faith recommends this book to everyone who wishes to learn more about the struggles that the transgender community face in this well detailed and heart wrenching book. The Platform Book club has been a great success for the short time it has been established and will go into the new year with even more books for readers to add to their reading list. As we say goodbye to 2020, we take the Platform Book club with us into 2021!

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Design by Ruby Kerr, Words by Frankie Cummings

A Look in with the Platform Book Club - Interview with WRAP Platform have been working with WRAP – the new initiative at Trent for Writing, Reading and Pleasure. Iqra Kataria, a WRAP worker, spoke to us about the initiative and how she is currently writing her own novel. Last year, Iqra completed her MA in Creative Writing at NTU, and is currently working on her first novel. “My grandma has most definitely inspired my narrative, and my dad has inspired my writing. It’s always nice when someone else believes in your work, almost as though a confirmation that it has value.” Cultural and historical elements have influenced Iqra’s writing. Her current favourite authors - Khaled Hosseini and A Helwa – have impacted her writing. “My novel, Imaan, can be classed under historical memoir/fiction and focuses on the true story of my Grandma who was born as a Hindu in India Occupied Kashmir and was kidnapped during the Indo-Pak war and taken to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir where she died as a Muslim.” She admits that writing her novel has had its challenges: “Largely to do with research, history, and the fact that I am a Kashmiri Muslim who is somewhat writing about Kashmiri Muslims and Hindus in a way that could hurt their cultural or religious sentiment.” “Though my novel is not religion heavy - I didn’t want to shy away from the fact that people on both sides of the border were divided due to religion and many lost their lives in ways other than just by death. The hope is that readers from my culture and religion would reach the end and feel it was a balanced narrative and one that has perhaps had little to no voice for the mothers and daughters of that time.” Iqra has also been working closely with WRAP this year. “It is an amazing initiative which I wish was around when I was at University as it gives everyone a chance to share their work, meet like-minded people and be part of a writing community. I joined as part of an internship as a WRAP coordinator.” WRAP runs events throughout the year, encouraging students to embrace their creative side, finding enjoyment in reading for pleasure.

For Iqra, the path to becoming an author wasn’t obvious, despite always loving writing. “Since I was in primary school and I would share some of my work with my close friends. It wasn’t till after my undergraduate and a few challenging years I decided to take time out to focus more on my writing in a way that wasn’t just for leisure. I aspire to write for who I feel are the minority, those who are unheard and this is best achieved by engaging with those people on a personal level.”

However, Iqra feels it’s difficult to fully dedicate a fulltime career to writing. “Writing, for now, is my side hustle you could say? It’s still in some ways for pleasure at the moment, but writing a novel, I intend for it to become more than just a pleasure activity and something I am recognised for. “With COVID (or even without), consistent work in the writing industry can be difficult to find so I’m currently focusing on completing my novel and seeing where this journey takes me.” And for all the eager writers out there, Iqra recommends not getting hung up on the negatives:

“Criticism is part of the process and should be welcomed. However, you need to believe in your writing too, there is no solid answer of what makes a good read, it’s all dependent on what the recipient is looking for, so for some people your writing style will work and for others it won’t and that shouldn’t be personalised.” Contact WRAP at NTU for more information on how to get involved with the scheme.

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Design by Kirsty Lemm, Words by Shannon Samecki

Tik Tok is the social platform where users can make up to sixty second videos on just about any subject that comes to mind! The app took over from Musically in 2018 and has since massively grown in popularity. Dances such as the Renegade, WAP and Savage Love got the nation dancing in their bedrooms to the captivating moves. Thanks to the popular dance routines, songs shot to the top of the charts taking over the music scene. However, the app has faced huge amounts of backlash as in August 2020 Donald Trump threatened to ban Tik Tok from the US. He warned that Tik Tok is a security threat due to its connections with China. US officials stated that they are concerned that data collected from the app may be passed onto the Chinese government. Tik Tok have denied all allegations Trump put forward, and are currently in the process of suing the Trump government for their “unlawful” order. Due to the app’s popularity, users shared their anger towards this decision as many were set to lose a source of income they had gained through the platform.

Following For you

TIKTOK TIKTOK

INNOCENT INNOCENT HOBBIES HOBBIES

OR OR INSIDIOUS INSIDIOUS INTENTION INTENTION

The app has made stars such as Addison Rae, Noah Beck, Poppy Mead and Charli D’amelio - with just over 192 million followers between them. Tik Tok has been the driving force in the rise to fame for these vibrant personalities, who have found enormous success making a living from posting viral videos and starting internet trends. Despite seeming like an engaging and even profitable hobby, trouble lurks just beneath the surface. The exposure of creators - many of them minors - has caused an influx of scrutiny. This has resulted in waves of hate comments picking apart every aspect of their appearances, wealth, and lifestyle factors. 43

Covi wo W d

K: K:

SS NS? NS?

Putting aside the highs and success stories, this internet phenomenon does not come without its lows. The app has been accused of glamourising eating disorders and encouraging inappropriate commentary on users’ appearances. This type of content is often featured on impressionable, young children’s feeds causing more harm than good. Although the app has attempted to remove this type of content, users have voiced their concerns that the videos in question are not being taken down fast enough - despite the fact that this content violates the Tik Tok community guidelines. For better or for worse the introduction of the app has revolutionised older - yet still widely used - social media platforms. An example of Tik Tok’s influence is the latest update to Instagram – specifically “Reels” which encourages users to submit videos in a similar format of that to Tik Tok. While this may have been designed to compete with Tik Tok, the majority of Instagram “Reels” seem to be reuploaded Tik Tok videos. In this way, instead of stimulating the creation of new and original content, Instagram may have unintentionally aided the rise of its competitor. Tik Tok has some negative connotations connected to it like any social media platform does, but the app has undoubtedly entertained millions. Especially during the lockdown period, Tik Tok has given those a space to create and share their work. Not to mention the app has saved some careers, especially those in the entertainment industry. Their audience this year has been a virtual one on platforms like Tik Tok which has given their talent the exposure needed in an industry forgotten about by the Government.

The world has seen huge economic and social impacts id-19 has taken over the since the pandemic started as well as a decline in orld, but so has Tik Tok. employment and mental health. Therefore, this With its catchy tunes, short light-hearted app was and still is the outlet that dance routines and comedy many need to escape the real world right now. sketches, Tik Tok was there And this is why Tik Tok will remain as popular as to save our sanity during the it has this year, right into the new year. months of lockdown. 44

CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT Design by Sophie Puffett, Illustration by Meg Chadderton, Words by Faith Pring

The Future of Theatre In a world full of streaming services and ondemand video, it could be argued that the film, television and music industry - although forever changed - won’t feel as much of the damage as the theatre industry will. Live theatre relies on an in-person audience, people to fill seats and for actors to feel the presence and environment of theatre attendees. Without an audience, live theatre would be completely different. Pantomimes would suffer almost indefinitely. With the absent actoraudience interaction and a lack of laughing families, it could be debated that this wouldn’t even be considered as a traditional pantomime. Even for the actors and theatre staff themselves, their jobs would be completely different. Instead of performing in front of a crowd - with bright and beaming faces - they would be faced with emptiness, and it’s highly likely that could change their performance.

LIVE THEATRE MAY HAVE TO BEAR THE BRUNT OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC FOR A WHILE, BUT IF ANYTHING, THE SECTOR WILL COME BACK STRONGER! The UK’s theatre industry employs 290,000 workers, with almost three quarters of those being freelance. The entertainment industry is one of the most precarious in terms of stable employment and that was even before the pandemic came along. However recent statistics have claimed that at least one in three of theatre employees have been excluded from government help through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Theatre Support Fund was set up during the pandemic to help combat these issues and help support all the industry workers who found themselves without employment. Supported by famous faces such as Judi Dench, Keira Knightley and Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the fund has created

a brand of merchandise in partnership with 16 of the West End’s most popular productions, including Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton and Six. The fund has been supported by over 30,000 sales and has raised over £500,000 from theatre fans nationwide to aid the UK’s theatre sector and ensure its survival post-pandemic. So, what does the future of theatre look like post-COVID? It is likely that social distancing measures will still be implemented, until Easter at the earliest, and this could have a detrimental impact on the revenue generated by performances. For some theatres, social distancing measures could reduce theatres to between 20-30% capacity, greatly reducing the profits made from each production. However, the emergency support package offered to the entertainment industry by the government acted as a lifesaver, granting £1.57 billion to help support those who work in the arts. As a result, it’s likely that the theatre industry - although dormant now - will be revitalised in the near future and find new innovative ways to ensure its survival. Although the majority of West End shows aren’t expected to resume until the Spring, some theatre shows have found new innovative ways to adapt to the new social distancing requirements. Six, a musical telling the stories of Henry Viii’s wives, is starting its socially distant run in December and has seen a huge demand for tickets. Admittedly, this is probably the easiest show to adapt for new guidelines, with there only being six cast members (therefore abiding by the government’s “rule of six”), but this is just a single example of how stage shows are starting to adapt to the new normal circumstances the world is facing. Live theatre may have to bear the brunt of the coronavirus pandemic for a while, but if anything, the sector will come back stronger and more determined than ever to prove just how vital live performances are for the public, even in the midst of a pandemic.

SPORTS Design by Jezzie Hill, Words by George Cowell

Nottingham Rugby’s Jake Farnworth on life in lockdown and the postCOVID-19 rugby landscape. After a tough and turbulent year in which one season was halted, and a new one failed to start, where does COVID-19 leave professional rugby players? George Cowell spoke to Nottingham Rugby hooker Jake Farnworth about his lockdown experience and rugby’s uncertain future.

thrown out, Farnworth could have been forgiven for letting the pressure get to him. Alongside his rugby career, he is a final-year undergraduate studying Law at Nottingham Trent University.

That allowed him to maintain a life structure outside rugby, even admitting that university When the 2019/20 Greene King IPA work is easier to build a routine around than Championship season was suspended in March rugby. The hooker views this period as a Nottingham Rugby were sixth in the table with “blessing in disguise” conceding that many of his a promotion play-off place still a possibility. teammates have nothing else to fill their time apart Hooker Jake Farnworth points out that for a from “working out, Netflix and PlayStation.” club of Nottingham’s resources that represented “I’m happy in my own company and having encouraging progress. But being forced into plenty of work is keeping me distracted,” lockdown presented huge challenges. he said. “When the weather was nice it was frustrating to be inside during the first lockdown The physicality of the modern - I’d rather be outside training or at the pub.”

game means that players are required to keep their bodies at peak performance, even in the off-season.

Farnworth seems to have the mental resilience to cope with his current situation, no matter how challenging it may be. However, the real challenges for him and the sport of rugby lie ahead.

In an average week, Farnworth will put himself through two gruelling gym sessions, while also The future of the Championship was put in completing auxiliary-based training, including power, mobility, injury prevention. That’s all before jeopardy when the RFU decided to cut its funding over the next few seasons. RFU Chief Executive factoring in the actual games every weekend. Bill Sweeney said that “there are no clear “One of the biggest issues in lockdown, and benefits” on spending money on the second tier. something I was genuinely struggling with, was maintaining weight,” he said. “I wasn’t training as The question remains is there any point having much, not eating as much as usual, and weight a system of promotion and relegation when there is a lack of competition? Although there maintenance is pretty key.” The average rugby player would consume around 6,000 calories per was national outcry when the funding cuts were made public, how can the RFU invest in a league day, three times the recommended amount for system that is not profitable? the average person. It’s not just about physical condition, though. Leading players have to maintain a high level of mental toughness. With his routine completely 47

Farnworth believes that rugby in England will need to re-model itself.

“It needs to either become a league which operates as a feeder to the Premiership or becoming a highly talented semi-professional league,” he said. Calls of the Premiership to be ring-fenced have been spoken about for years, but Farnworth believes for all intent and purposes it is “already ring-fenced”. “The same teams come up and down every year, and only certain clubs can come up because they have the stadium capacity that the Premiership requires and the money to sustain themselves.” Farnworth has a multitude of ideas about how rugby can move forward, but only one thing is certain that COVID has shown to the world is the “cracks in rugby.”

Recently the government announced another package to help support sports across the United Kingdom. More specifically, the RFU was handed another £130 million, with the Championship being awarded a meagre £9 million. Although most likely to keep it ticking over, is this small number an indicator for the future of Championship clubs? In comparison, the top division was given almost £50 million more. Sports across the country are facing massive financial difficulties and rugby is no exception, many clubs in the Championship are holding on by their fingernails, with many wondering whether the rugby we have come to know, and love will ever be the same again.

This global crisis in rugby came to a head in July when World Rugby, the game’s governing body, created an £80 million relief fund to help relieve the pressure on the global game. Whatever the future of rugby holds, it is obvious that COVID-19 has simply only accelerated some things that were inevitable, and the future looks uncertain for fans and players alike. The 2020/21 Championship was meant to begin this coming January, with more eyes on it than ever, with a powerhouse such as Saracens joining their ranks. However, as time has progressed, and the Covid-19 pandemic has surged onward, it is looking more and more bleak for the second-tier restart. Clubs such as Nottingham, Hartpury, Cornish Pirates and Doncaster Knights, are all waiting eagerly to know exactly when, and indeed IF, they can play games again. 48

SPORT Design by Rebecca Whitley-Jones, Words by Pete Trifunovic

From West Coast to Westwood ...it’s been a wild journey for NTU basketball’s latest arrival

lmost a year ago, Mady Burdett and her teammates at Whitman College, Washington State were flying to Maine ahead of their round of 16 tie in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament after winning the Northwest Conference. Four years full of blood, sweat, tears and three-pointers had all come down to this. It would’ve been the icing on the cake of a fine college career for the guard, who is one of just a handful of Whitman alumni to be in their 1,000-point club. It requires little explanation as to why the tournament was cancelled and why the Whitman College Blues were forced to fly home without having even stepped onto court.

“Seeing him take that as motivation and become one of the best shooting guards of all time - that’s just so inspiring to me. “It also helps because we’re the same position, so being able to watch YouTube videos of him and learn from them was

Determined not to see her basketball career end like that, Burdett looked further afield. “I didn’t want to stop playing. As soon as Covid-19 cancelled our season, it really hit me, I was like wow I need to keep playing,” she told us, “I need that closure but also, I couldn’t give it up quite yet. Luckily, I was given this opportunity [to come to Nottingham Trent] and I was so thankful because I couldn’t see myself sitting around at home, not playing competitively.” That determination to overcome obstacles is something Burdett is well accustomed to. She cites two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and three-time NBA champion Steph Curry as her inspiration. “I feel like his story is similar to mine; he grew up as the underdog small guard, he didn’t really get looked at by the big universities and he just put his head down and worked all the time.

something I did a lot growing up.” It was a childhood full of sport for Burdett. Growing up in Seattle alongside her three siblings, soccer, volleyball, softball and crosscountry were some of the sports they played. But basketball was always number one. Since kindergarten she’s been shooting hoops, with her father Michael, a former college player himself, as coach. “I just grew up playing with my twin sister and my dad was always my coach, so it was always in the family. I have a younger brother that also played so I just remember playing outside all the time with my family.”

From one family to another, Burdett discussed how she went from being unable to find her feet during the early stages of her college career to being a key part of one of Whitman’s most successful teams. “Being there constantly made me more confident and helped me to find my role in the team,” she explained. “Then, luckily, in my junior and senior year, I found that footing and gained that confidence, and played really well for those two years.” Training took place every day of the week

“There’s going to be times when you want to quit, but if you love it so much, don’t give up.” “I think there were times where I was like, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore’ but then I’d settle down and think about how much I love this sport. There’s going to be challenges, there’s going to be times when you want to quit, but if you love it so much, don’t give up.” Referring back to her role model Curry, Burdett added: “I watched so many documentaries with him talking about mental toughness and so being able to stick it out and knowing that the hard work would pay off is what kept me going.” She admitted that she mostly watched the likes of Curry and his rivals in the NBA growing up as opposed to the WNBA but believes that the standard of women’s basketball is only going one way.

except for on Sundays, with at least one match per week on a Friday or Saturday. Matches were mostly within Washington State, but they also had occasional trips to the likes of California and Texas. It was a relentless lifestyle for Burdett, who lived with four of her teammates for two years, and she admitted that, “there were times when we’d all get sick of each other, but it was like a family, it definitely made us a lot closer and helped build team chemistry.” It was that bond, combined with her passion for the sport, that helped her through the challenging times during her college career.

“As I got older, I absorbed the WNBA more and started going to Seattle Storm games, just wanting to look up to those players. “The talent is getting so much stronger, there’s more opportunities for people to train with high-level trainers and I think the media coverage is improving as well.” It was that impressive talent shown by Burdett herself that earned her the opportunity to come and play for NTU. However, the process was far from easy. A global pandemic, a never-ending visa process and almost too many suitcases to carry were just some of the issues that she faced along the way before arriving in

SPORT Design by Rebecca Whitley-Jones, Words by Pete Trifunovic

Above: Mady Burdett playing for NTU

Photo credit: Luke Simcock

“I’m so grateful to just be playing.” Robin Hood country. Despite arriving in the midst of a lockdown and having to quarantine, it’s not stopped her from exploring all that our city has to offer.

making the team of the week after a 20-point performance against Reading Rockets and ranking highly in the three-point percentage and efficiency tables.

“I’ve been trying to walk around a lot, I love the parks too.” However, she reluctantly admitted that cars driving on the left-hand side are still taking some getting used to “I’ve almost been hit by a car so many times!”

“My teammates are super helpful and understanding, same with the coaching staff as well, I’ve just been having a lot of fun. I’m so grateful to just be playing.”

Despite still acclimatising to British culture off the court, on the court, Burdett has taken no time at all getting into the swing of things. She’s already impressed in the WNBL, 53

With a nickname like “straight buckets”, Burdett is certain to bring excitement to the court, with her teammates hoping she’ll help bring some of that US college success to the East Midlands this season.