Courier 1371

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Interview Years & Years take us behind the world of Palo Santo Page 15

News Celebrating culture of the North this summer Page 7

Monday 9 July 2018 Issue 1371 Free

Graduation Revisit Willy Wonka in the Grad Ball feature Page 18-19

Class of 2018 graduates The independent voice of Newcastle students

Inside today >>>

Strike action in review Reviewing the unprecidented strike action that polarised students nationwide.

News, page 4

Prayer space resolution?

James Sproston evaluates whether the prayer space protest has been resolved.

News, page 5

Graduation food reviews Our editors review some of the most popular graduation meal hotspots Lifestyle, page 8-9

What to wear?

Miranda Stoner answers the eternal graduation day dilemma.

Fashion, page 24

Greatest uni games

Gerry Hart reflects on the games that influenced his timer here at Newcastle.

Gaming, page 30

Fond farewells

Outgoing editors say a final goodbye to their favorite parts of Newcatle.

Feature, page 20-21

Students begin to celebrate their sucesses as summer congregations begin Image: Newcastle University

Louise Hall Editor 18/19 So that’s it, you’ve managed not to fall up the stairs on your way to collect your certificate, made grandma proud, and taken all the photos you could ever need for your instagram outside the arches in your fancy gown. Now what.

Even if you have your 5 year plan completely in action down to the last detail, at a turning point like graduation, it’s very hard not to feel bewildered and a little dubious about what may come next.

And while alas, I cannot provide you with all the answers as to where your future may lead in the upcoming days and months, I can reflect a little on all that this year has brought us here at Newcastle. Help you count your chickens, per se.

Having earned yourself a sparklingly

impressive degree in whatever subject it is you chose all those years ago, you have in fact earned much more. The times you’ve experienced here at Newcastle cannot be valued in numbers or awarded with a piece of paper, but will have more of a lasting impact than all academic qualifications combined.

Whether it be something as simple as learning how to change a dishwasher filter, something as stupid as how to survive on cheese toasties for the best part of a year or something as meaningful as making lifelong friends that you actually keep in touch with after graduation day, your time at Newcastle university will stay with you in your very core for a long time to come.

And importantly, despite what the statistics may say, with your degree you’ve earned the ability to take on society and prove that us graduates aren’t just avocado eating narcissists who can’t get jobs.

To evidence this you only need to look at the work we have accomplished this

“Even if your future is not certain, you can be certain that as you stand here today to celebrate your graduation you have many things to be proud of”

year individuals, as groups and as an entire student body. Because although, as the class of 2018 we faced a severely

challenging year, having to deal with ongoing strikes that affected many of our studies and experiencing the literal end of the world as we knew it when the beast from the east hit campus, we’ve come out the other end in one piece and even have something to show for ourselves. So even if your future is not certain, you can be certain that as you stand here today to celebrate your graduation you have many things to be proud of, even if not in the way you’d expect.

But in the name of stifling that quarter life crisis for a hot second longer, feel free to sit back, relax, and take in all the fabulous content of this very special graduation edition of the Inside Courier, and know that I wish you the very best of luck in your endeavors, whatever they may be. Even though I have no idea who you are, I’m pretty sure they’ll be great.

New Team Newcastle kit launches AU officer Maggie Elstob shares details of the Cantebury Kit Launch.

Sport, page 17

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thecourier ‘You may well have loved and lost, tried The Courier is a weekly newspaper produced by students, for students. It’s never too late to get involved in the paper, whether you’re a writer, illustrator or photographer. Just visit thecourieronline.co.uk/about for more information.

Editor Louise Hall Co-Editor James Sproston

and failed, learnt and forgotten, but it’s all part of the process.’

James Sproston Editor 17/18 It’s about bloody time you’re leaving.

You’ve been here for three or four years, and now your time at university has come to a resolute end.

If you dare look at your student card one last time, you’d see a very different person staring back at you. That freshfaced 18-year-old represents distant memories now, probably embarrassing ones back when you were desperately trying to impress new flatmates.

Between then and now you may have learnt to take a good photo, grown a beard, or lost the bangs, but it didn’t come easy. Since then you may well have loved and lost, tried and failed, learnt and forgotten, but it’s all part of the process.

In that time, you’ve gone from ring of fire to first time buyer, never have I ever to career-orientated endeavour, and flip cup to a criminal amount of plaque build-up. That person on that student

card has seen and done a lot of things.

But what have you got to show for it besides an unprecedented amount of body hair and a slightly slower metabolism? I bet you’ve got a lot.

Though you’re probably glad that you’ll never have to learn about the Geopolitics of Kyrgyzstan again, you’ve managed to come out with a degree. It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride, but you’ll be delighted to hear that the piece of paper means that this process has been worthwhile.

You may have even come out with some more skills, be those academic or otherwise. Like most, you’ve probably learnt how to pretend that you’ve read a reference just to throw it in your bibliography, and you may well have learnt how use tae kwon do to kick someone in the chops as well, which will almost certainly come in useful.

Those lucky ones among you may even gone the full 12 rounds in the ring with sociology at university, and emerged with a plan to become an accountant.

University is so good for teaching us what we love and hate about our courses

‘I’m probably not the only person to leave Newcastle and say the highlight was the people.’

- Rebecca Bainbridge Rebecca Bainbridge Activities Officer

The Courier NUSU King’s Walk Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8QB Tel: 0191 239 3940 The Courier is printed by: Trinity Mirror Printing, Barton Road, Riverside Park Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, TS2 1UT

At age 18, we all have the opportunity to fly the nest and choose to study at a University as far away from home as possible. However, I was in a minority and chose to live at home instead of moving into halls. I loved the course at Newcastle, the campus was ten minutes away on the metro and it cost less than £10 to get a taxi home after a night in Flares, so coming to Newcastle and still living with my parents made sense.

As wonderful as it was to come back to a warm house and not have to cook three times a day, not having flatmates in halls already put me at a disadvantage. Feeling fully integrated into the social life of University was a challenge.

And this challenge is one that is underestimated by many. It was because of the

decisions I made early on which allowed me to have almost the same experience as a ‘normal’ student.

I’m probably not the only person to leave Newcastle University and say the highlight was the people. Of course, I already knew you won’t meet a friendlier person than a Geordie, but the friends I have made at Newcastle made University the best five years of my life. Getting involved with the Modern Languages and Dance Societies was the best decision I could have made. It’s because of the societies I had the same social life as students in halls, grew in confidence and ultimately became Activities Officer.

To the Freshers who might still be living at home, throw yourself into volunteering, societies and other NUSU programmes as soon as possible. To the second and third years, it’s never to late to try something new!

and beyond, so even if you don’t have a proper plan put together, you’ve probably got a decent idea of what to have a crack at next.

But what’s more than all that is the experience, and the people who experienced it with you. Though you may still enjoy ferrying yourself back to Skipton every summer to have a few scoops in the local Spoons, there’s nothing like the bonds that you build with the people you spend every single day with. Some of them you’ll never see again, some of them you’ll probably forget even existed, but there’ll be those that will babysit your kids, just make sure it’s the right ones.

It’s been a long journey from sitting in that booth and getting your mug slapped onto a bit of plastic, but you’ve earned the flashy send off. It really is bloody time that you’re leaving, but know that you’re leaving with a whole suitcase and then some of skills, memories and friends that you’ve collected on the way; it’s up to you now to make the most of them.

‘I will look back on my time working in NUSU with incredibly fond memories and no doubt in the near future will be back!’

- Sarah Craggs

Established in 1948, the Courier is the fully independent student newspaper of the Students’ Union at Newcastle University. The Courier is published weekly during term time, and is free of charge.

The design, text, photographs and graphics are copyright of the Courier and its individual contributors. No parts of this newspaper may be reproduced without the prior permission of the Editor. Any views expressed in this newspaper’s opinion pieces are those of the individual writing, and not of the Courier, the Students’ Union or Newcastle University.

James Sproston is handing over his title as Editor after a sucessful year in student media Image: Team Newcastle

Sarah speaking at this Inspiring Women’s Conference at NUSU Image: Chloe Burton

Sarah Craggs Welfare and Equality Officer Rebecca organised an incredibly popular graduation ball this year that sold out for the first time in years.

Image: NUSU

My time working in NUSU has been incredibly varied, but I have taken so much from it. It has been an interesting year to be a Sabbatical Officer, but I strongly feel as a team we have achieved a lot. I have massively enjoyed working with the University and NUSU staff

when running campaigns and events, and making tangible changes. One of my key achievements of the year was extending the 15 minute break time policy to 30 minutes, and working with the Library team to improve wellbeing in study spaces.

I will look back on my time working in NUSU with incredibly fond memories, and no doubt in the near future will be back!

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@TheCourier_News courier.news@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/news

Martin Luther King legacy written in stone

Hanson Jones News Editor

Marking 50 years since the visit of Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. to Newcastle upon Tyne, Freedom City 2017 celebrated the honorary degree awarded to him by Newcastle University in 1967.

Organised by the University, Northern Roots, and the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, the programme featured public lectures, many of which have been held at the University, and various music and theatrical performances as part of the programme, starting on 16th January, known as Martin Luther King Day in the US. On the 13th November 1967, Newcastle University gave Dr Martin Luther King an honorary degree in recognition of his lifelong devotion to civil rights, and was the only university in the UK to do so during his lifetime. With his acceptance speech featuring the themes of war, poverty and racism, these have also been key issues brought forth in the various events forming the Freedom City initiative.

A great drama took place thoughout Newcastle and Gateshead on 29th October 2017, inspired by Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and stories of civil rights struggles around the world. The performance was directed by acclaimed theatre director Tim Supple, scripted by BAFTA-award winning playwright Roy Williams and adapted by Katie Ebner-

Landy.

Freedom City 2017 culminated in another historic event at Newcastle University on the 50th anniversary of Dr King’s visit, when a statue was unveiled in his honour and honorary degrees awarded to four notable civil rights advocates. The statue, at two metres tall, was sculpted by renowned artist Nigel Boonham, and unveiled Ambassador Andrew Young, a close friend and colleague of Dr King’s and who accompanied him to Newcastle in 1967.

The four honorary degrees were awarded to Ambassador Andrew Young, anti-apartheid activist and political leader Archibald Sibeko, Children’s author Malorie Blackman OBE, and Tyneside anti-racism campaigner, Tom Caulker.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Day, said: “The award of these honorary degrees reflect the significant contribution each of our honorands has made to society through their work to promote equality and social justice. We are proud to welcome them to Newcastle University on the day we mark such an important milestone.

“The ‘urgent and great’ problems of war, poverty and racism that Dr King spoke about are as relevant today as they were in 1967. Recognising the achievements of those who we’re honouring today provides an opportunity for reflection on these themes and for us all to re-commit to the aims and values Dr King stood for.”

The Martin Luther King Jr. statue was unveiled by Ambassador Andrew Young in November Image: Newcastle University

University Challenge team breaks records at semi-finals James Sproston Editor Newcastle University achieved a record performance in BBC’s University Challenge, having reached the semi-finals for the first time in the team’s history.

A team comprising of Jack Reynard, Molly Nielsen and Adam Lowery alongside captain Jonathan Noble, beat four universities on their way to the semifinals, where they were finally undone by a mesmeric performance by Merton College, Oxford.

Their journey endured a subdued start, beating Sheffield Hallam 170-40 back in September 2017, before the academic year had even got underway. Not only was it the lowest scoring bout in the first round, it is thought to be one of the lowest cumulative scores in the show’s recent history.

Despite the slow start, Newcastle kicked on. They faced big hitters Southampton, who were the second highest scorers in the first round with 280 points, only behind eventual finalists Merton College.

After a tight opening few minutes, Newcastle pulled away from their southern opponents, upsetting Southampton by a margin of 85 points. The 215-130 victory was inspired by captain Noble, though Lowery caught the imagination of the British public, with punters pointing to his vague resemblance to Eddie Redmayne in Fantastic Beasts, in dress sense if nothing else.

To progress to the semi-finals, Newcastle had to win two of their three quarter-finals. The first university they faced was Bristol, an impressive outfit having convincingly beaten both Trinity Colleges, by 135 against Cambridge and 105 against their Oxford counterparts.

In front of a packed crowd in Luther’s Bar, Newcastle put in a sterling performance to win 225-130, bettering their result against Southampton. The contest was finely poised at 50-45 to Bristol, but Noble again inspired the team to take the lead and stretch it to 95-50.

Much like the England squad, the Newcastle team appeared and acted like a solid unit, supporting each other throughout. Noble’s encouragement of Reynard epitomised that, with the third year medicine student going on to pull a few world class answers out of the top drawer.

In their second quarter-final, Newcastle fell to a tight but disappointing 160-135 loss to St John’s College, Cam-

Newcastle won four of their six contests in the 2017/18 competition Image: YouTube

bridge. That loss set up a crunch knockout match against Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, after their own narrow victory against Emmanuel College, Cambridge.

Much like the England squad, the Newcastle team appeared and acted like a solid unit

Newcastle students will have been spread across the country for the last quarter-final of the round, with the en-

counter taking place on 2nd April during the Easter holidays. Though both teams started well, it was again Newcastle that pulled away, with Nielsen putting in an impressive performance.

Having made history in the quarters, Newcastle were drawn against Merton College, Oxford in the second semifinal. Throughout the competition so far, Merton had looked on form, not scoring below 210 in of their previous rounds.

Despite a sterling effort, Newcastle didn’t have enough on the day to overcome their opponents. The semi-final was watched by a packed crowd in Luther’s Bar, with the team being very appreciative of the support received from

the student body.

Post-show, Lowery said: “It is also really humbling to see how many people turned up tonight and were supporting us, and throughout the entire process.

Every time we had a live screening on, so many people turned up and that felt so good.”

On Newcastle’s opposition he added: “You meet a lot of the teams and the further you go on, the more you interact with some of the teams, and I think everyone on our team will agree that we got along really well with them.”

“We were obviously sad to lose, however we were very happy to get this far and to compete against such a great team.”

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Student body polarised by strike action Louise Hall Editor

Industrial action undertaken by the UCU in protest of proposed cuts to pensions caused unrest within both the

“students voted against two conflicting motions proposing to support or oppose the strike at student council.”

student and staff bodies for a prolonged period of time throughout this academic year.

The strikes took place over the course of four weeks, lasting for a total of fourteen days during which lecturers ceased teaching completely.

The strikes hit 65 universities from the 22nd of February causing disruption to regular teaching schedules and academic support for students.

Estimates by the NUS suggested that up to 1 million students were affected by the walkouts.

A significant amount of the student body were in support of the action, joining staff on the picket lines on strike days to show support for the ongoing action.

However, other proportions of students were concerned about the impact the strike action would have on their studies fearing it would be of significant detriment to their overall classification, with students from Cardiff University starting a petition calling for reimbursement

of the funds lost due to lost teaching.

As a result of the polarising attitudes towards strike action, Newcastle University Students Union was left in limbo in regards to it’s position as students voted against two conflicting motions proposing to support or oppose the strike at student council.

The tensions over the position of the union climaxed in a dramatic end to student council, where Emily Sherwood, NUSU Marginalised Genders Officer resigned their position and denounced the Student’s Union for the lack of support in their and other Part-time Officers’, campaigns and efforts throughout the year so far.

Sherwood had been in favour of, and proposed the motion to, support the lecturer strikes.

Newcastle University however, did express direct support for the action, as Vice Chancellor Chris Day published a statement in which he commented: “I absolutely support staff ’s decision to strike,” Day stated. “I’m not sure what else they can do to express their concerns about the situation we now find ourselves in.”

While the university made promises that students would not be assessed on content that will be missed, and the online Personal Extenuating Circumstances (PEC) system allowed students for a short period of time to request that these circumstances be taken into account at the end of their semester, the general disruption caused by the action has still left many individual and schools of students affected.

Students have revieved some form of compensation from the university through the utilisation of the salaries of staff members involved in the strike

action to pay for graduation gown hire, and offer 50% discount on library food throughout the exam period.

On the 13 April UCU members voted to end the strike action, voting to accept the terms of UUK to review the current pension scheme and put forward new changes.

The general secretary of UCU Sally Hunt

said: “Now we have agreement to move forward jointly, looking again at the USS valuation alongside a commitment from the employers to a guaranteed, defined benefit scheme. USS, the regulator and government now need to ensure that UCU and UUK have the space to implement the agreement effectively.”

Universities UK said the decision to ap-

point an expert panel and suspend industrial action would reassure students that their exams would not be affected: “Working in partnership with UCU, we will now appoint a jointly agreed chair for the panel as soon as possible before developing its terms of reference, order of work and timescales.”

Numbers of staff and students alike gathered daily on the picket lines throughout the strike.

Image: Saffrom Kershaw-Mee

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Prayer space debate still to be concluded

James Sproston Editor 17/18

One of the biggest issues of the 2017/18 academic year concerned the Muslim prayer space in the King George VI building. Having gone through a consultation period, asking whether it should be changed to a multi-faith space, the student voice seemed to support remaining as it is, with the construction of a multi-faith centre a long-term future plan.

The issue arose when the University

“In October, hundreds of students protested outside of the prayer space in attempt to regain access and Reid wrote a letter to the University Registrar”

set out to address the asbestos in the King George VI building, with the recently introduced School of Pharmacy moving in. During that process, the University closed the building, including the prayer space. The opportunity to repurpose the room was taken as a multi-faith space, having been operational as Muslim-only for 30 years, since it no longer could offer the Windsor Terrace chaplaincy.

The University also had the motivation of changing how the space was run,

with the Islamic Society having autonomous control at the time. From a “legal liability perspective”, the University wanted to transfer control of the space to a staff member, especially to stop members of the public using the room.

With this move came an outcry from the Muslim student community, and resistance to the change. Then President of the Students’ Union, Ronnie Reid, published an open letter supporting the space being for Muslim staff and students, but conceded that the University would probably have to take control of the space themselves.

In response, the University shifted their position, and proposed a period of consultation through the Autumn term, with a decision to be made on its future in December 2017.

After the asbestos had been removed, the prayer space reopened in late September, run by a University faith space coordinator. However, the opening hours became a point of contention, as staffing costs and logistics prevented the space being open every day for all five daily prayers.

In October, hundreds of students protested outside of the prayer space in attempt to regain access, with the room only being open from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, and even more limited on Sundays. Mielad Niekzad, a Biomedical Science student, said: “If you go to the library, it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays. The university is aware that students study during weekends. And likewise, we pray throughout the week.

It’s very important for us – praying is part of our lives.”

Reid wrote a letter to the University Registrar, John Hogan, and set up a task and finish group with the relevant

“Having secured a future for a Muslim prayer space on campus seven days a week, attention turned to the long-term plans”

stakeholders to discuss the issue. In mid-November, it was agreed that the opening hours would be extended at the weekend to cater for Muslim staff and students.

Having secured a future for a Muslim prayer space on campus seven days a week, attention turned to the longterm plans to provide faith spaces on Newcastle’s campus. Through Student Council, a motion proposed by Ronnie Reid resolved for the Union to lobby the University to build a multi-faith centre that would accommodate for all students’ faith needs. The motion passed with 89% in favour.

Issues still persist, with no permanent short-term replacement for the dilapidated Windsor Terrace chaplaincy site.

The current aim for the Union is to get a concrete commitment to a multifaith centre in the coming years, much like the one being built in Preston for UCLAN students.

The muslim community of Newcastle University carried out peaceful protests around campus.

Image: Qiushi Song

RAG raises estimated £75,000 for charity Ciara Ritson-Courtney Culture Editor

Another year, another graduation, and another RAG week! 2018 has proven to be a huge success for RAG society which has grown bigger than better than ever.

340

Student Volunteered throughout the duration of RAG week this year.

RAG week 2018 ran from 27th January3rd February 2018 and had a schedule jam packed with fundraising.

The week attracted over 340 volunteers, all of whom donned fancy dress for the duration in the name of some great causes. The Week supported two local charities, Heel and toe children’s charity that support children with cerebral palsy and bright red who aim to improve the lives of those living with blood cancer in the north east. The national charities which were voted in included Dementia UK who provide specialist support for dementia and Student minds who specialise in helping student s with mental health issues.

The international charities included Emergency uk who provide free health-

“The week supported two local charities, one national and one international charity”

care to victims of war and Doctors of the World who also provide worldwide healthcare.

2018 saw the welcomed return of Newcastle’s favourite event, Take me Out, and while Paddy McGuinness may not have been present, the donations

most certainly saw the money. Over £1,300 was raised at the event alone and its reputation as a jam packed night of embarrassing hilarity lived to see another year. Other fantastic events included the talent show which saw some of the best talent Newcastle University has to offer and a Ceilidh that showcased quite a few RAG members lack of talent in dancing.

Purely through RAG week alone the society managed to raise over £8,000 for the 6 charities supported. However the good work didn’t stop at RAG week as throughout the year multiple events such as pub quizzes, nights out, and speed dating.

For the first time in the history of

“a new, slightly risqué event was added to the calendar. Hundreds of students flocked down to venue fancy dressed in ‘release your inner animal’ theme”

RAG a new, slightly risqué event was added to the calendar with the premiere of the Night of controversy. Hundreds of students flocked down to venue fancy dressed in ‘release your inner animal’ theme” and partook in a night in association with Newcastle Student Unions Welfare Officer.

While the academic year may have ended, RAG still hasn’t, with volunteers still raising money for treks up Kilimanjaro and trips to build playgrounds in Africa. The current estimate of the money raised this year is around £75,000 and it couldn’t have been done without the amazing students of Newcastle University. Congratulations on Graduating and a massive thank you for

This years RAG week was a soaring sucess on campus raising over £8000 Image: RAG

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Calls for secure student documents have been ‘HEAR’d Isabel Sykes News Editor

The Student Progress Service at Newcastle University will be launching the new Digitary CORE system from July 2018, providing students with access to secure and verified documents. The

“Students will be given lifelong access to the secure system and their electronic certificates and documents.”

service is planned to begin with the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR), a new certificate which provides a comprehensive record of a student’s achievements in higher education. HEAR claims to be more comprehensive than other standard academic reports by including extracurricular activities, prizes and employability awards, voluntary work and offices held in student union clubs and societies that have been verified by the institution.

The Digitary CORE service will eventually provide students with online access to their degree certificates in a secure electronic form. Degree certificates are currently only available in print, and while Student Progress was firm to re-

assure students that they will continue to be issued in print, they will soon be available through the online service.

The system is easy to use and will be available through mobile devices. Students will be given lifelong access to the secure system and their electronic certificates and documents.

After a rigorous process, the company Digitary was awarded a contract by the University in June 2017. Digitary is well-established in the sector and specialise in the provision of secure and verified electronic documents.

Student Progress also points out the advantages to both graduates and continuing undergraduate students.

Namely, employers will be able to verify documents and certificates from higher education institutions using the quicker online platform instead of requesting physical copies. For continuing students, an interim HEAR document will be issued at the end of each stage. This not only provides a certified copy of the results received so far, but will also feature extra-curricular activities such as roles in NUSU societies or other achievements that a student has gained such as the ncl+ Award.

Emails will be sent to students when new documents are issued for easy access, after which students can access the service using their University login, as well as providing a personal email address so personal documents can be accessed after graduating. More information about the coming Digitary CORE service at ncl.ac.uk

Student’s will be able to acess theiir academic documents securely onlline.

Image: Flick, rawpixel

Newcastle hosts biggest event of 2018 Isabel Sykes News Editor Great Exhibition of the North is a free, summer-long exhibition running from the 22nd of June until the 9th of September to celebrate art, design, and innovation in the North of England.

The extensive programme of exhibits, performances and new artwork displays makes this the country’s biggest event in 2018. Expected attendance is currently estimated at around 3 million visitors.

The exhibition consists of the three trails starting at different landmarks in the city: the Baltic, Sage Gateshead, and Hancock museum. Each walking trail offers visitors a unique programme of events designed to celebrate either art, The exhibition will host three months of different cultural exhibits and events Image: The Great Exhibition of the North

design, or innovation in the North. A new app is being launched to help visitors navigate the city and make the most of the exhibits.

The innovation trail takes visitors through the heart of Newcastle University’s campus, and the University itself will also be involved in some of the event’s main attractions. The Future Homes exhibition, for example, has been developed by academics in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Through display of a virtual reality home, visitors can see how current technology could transform the way we build and power our homes in the future.

The University are also running an ‘Inspired By’ programme alongside the main events to display some of the

University’s world-class research. For example, ‘A History of Computing’ ex-

“The exhibition offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase the amazing art, culture and innovation that has come out of the North”

Professor Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs at Newcastle University

hibition in the Urban Sciences Building will display a Ferranti Pegasus comput-

er, believed to be the first ever computer in the North East, and offers visitors the chance to explore the evolution of computing over the last 60 years.

Professor Eric Cross, Dean of Cultural Affairs at Newcastle University, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Great Exhibition of the North. It offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase the amazing art, culture and innovation that has come out of the North - from the inventions of the past that revolutionised the way we live to how we are leading the way in creating a sustainable future.”

Other highlights to be put on display during the 80-day exhibition include John Lennon’s piano, Emily Brontë’s writing desk, and the spacesuit of Britain’s first astronaut.

At the event’s opening night on June 22nd at the Quayside, the UK’s largest water sculpture will be revealed. The ‘Angel of the North’ fountain will be 80 meters long, as tall as the Tyne Bridge, and is designed to emulate the ‘wings’ of the Angel of the North as the water rises and falls. The fountain will start in the evening on the 22nd, accompanied by a light display, and perform hourly every day for the duration of the exhibition.

The launch night will also include a film screening, firework display, and musical performances from local rock band Maximo Park, folk singer Kate Rusby, electronic music duo Darkstar, and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

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life & style

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Affordable elegance: Hotel Du Vin & Bistro

JaymeLouise Hudspith offers a Lifestyle Editors perspective on this luxury hotels three course a la carte graduation menu Food: Service: Atmosphere: Value: Overall:

N

ewcastle is a culturally rich and diverse city notorious for its party life and cheap drinks, every student’s priority. However, when it comes to high end dining there is a distinct lack of options available. So, when it comes to a once in a lifetime celebratory event like your graduation, it can be tricky to choose the right place.

You want to pretend you’re fancy for the night but don’t want to go blow the bank, you want good food but can’t exactly go for a fat hippo burger – no matter how good they are, and finally you’ll want some individuality. I could probably count on one hand the restaurants that accurately fit this description and occasion. One of which is the Hotel Du Vin & Bistro. Although it was my first-time dining at this bistro, it delivered a memorable experience throughout the visit.

The hotel and bistro’s interior design follow seamlessly on from one another, incorporating features, such as the original shipping gates located

in the outside seating area, into the overall theme to give an effortlessly classic and sophisticated vibe to the evening. The bar area leading to the restaurant is designed to suit the tone of the evening, although it is small it’s been cleverly designed to provide privacy and comfort. One noteworthy feature of the restaurant is the glass wine room, with a wine specialist on sight to recommend the perfect combination with your meal and to your palette.

The hotel has a wide variety of options available, so you don’t have to worry about the fussy eater in the family going hungry. Furthermore, the restaurant has created a special three course graduation set menu, alongside revamping their al le carte menu allowing you to feel classy yet savvy with your bargain deal while you celebrate (or commiserate) your hard work over the last few years.

During my visit I opted for three courses from the new al le carte menu: the porc et lapin pate, the lamb gigot with Jersey royal potatoes, a classic creme Brule and fresh bread for the table.

The pate was not what I expected at first glance but left me pleasantly surprised. The rich flavouring of the pate itself was complimented by the creamy outer layer and the

questionable looking relish that accompanied the dish. I would personally recommend spreading the pate on bread and only eating the relish with the pate as alone it is an intense combination but together balances beautifully.

If like me you like your lamb served pink, then please request this during ordering as it did not come as standard. The leg of lamb comes cooked in a beautiful mint coating and at a generous portion size, so it would be a shame to ruin it by over or under cooking it based on your preference. The dish is served with a side of jersey royal salted potatoes which when cooked properly were light, fluffy and a delicious addition. The waiting staff and the wine

expert will recommend the best wine combinations to accompany the dishes. Sadly, I suffer from migraines and did not sample their wines but my guest, a self-confessed wine lover, rated them very highly and was in awe over the vast options available.

Pushing the boat out and being adventurous, I ordered the crème Brule. Despite hating custard, I thoroughly enjoyed this dish, it was glazed to perfection. The only criticism, which is hardly a criticism, would be the portion size. It was far too large for how sweet it was, resulting in a large portion of the dessert being discarded. However, there were a variety of classic and unique dessert available.

Images: JaymeLouise Hudspith

Best of british with a twist: Blackfriars

Outgoing Editor James Sproston reflects on a unique and historical meal at the oldest dining room in Food: Service: Atmosphere: Value: Overall:

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arely do students have the opportunity to tuck into a three course meal in the oldest dining room in the UK. Blackfriars confidently lays that claim, dating back to 1239 when a group of friars of the Spanish Dominican Order opted to settled in Newcastle. They got their name from their black and white cloaks, which inspired the Newcastle United colour scheme.

Since then, the historic establishment hosted King Henry III, but the residents were forced to leave when King Henry VIII decreed that all mon-

The restaraunt has been perfectly adapted to the needs of the modern day

asteries were to be closed. However, the buildings were granted to the local guilds in 1960, with generations of bakers, butchers and the like preserved the site.

Restaraunters Sam and Andy Hook embraced the unique setting to open the restaurant itself in 2001, which is where we find ourselves. Approaching the cloisters area of the building, like much of Newcastle, you get a sense of the history, and it has been perfectly adapted to the needs of the modern day.

Inside, the setting is welcoming and rustic,

though we had a quick realisation that we were the first through the door at 5.45pm, having opened just 15 minutes before. We were treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly as we sat down, but were slightly conscious of speaking too loudly knowing that it was just us and the staff in the building.

As more people arrived, so did the starters. Three back-pudding fritters, accompanied by shallots and a poached egg, was a light but taste-filled way to start the meal. Being from Manchester, my standards of high, with black pudding produc-

tion in Bury dating back to 1810. It lived up to my expectations and more, with the runny yolk and pickled shallots perfectly complimenting the crisp fritters, and the dash of ‘broon sauce’ was powerful but not overbearing.

On the other side of the table, a North Sea fishcake was served. It arrived in the centre of the plate in a bed of salad, orbited by a stroke of home-made tartare sauce and a hefty wedge of lemon. The

breading of the fishcake was suitably brittle, with satisfaction being taken from breaking the casing, and from the flakiness of the fillet.

Following the fishcake and fritters were the mains: The pan-roasted breast of chicken and the crispy pork belly. The chicken was cooked to perfection, with the light ricotta complimenting the tough and salty bacon. Though the gnocchi that accompanied the dish was fresh, it did lack flavour, and the texture wasn’t pleasurable in the mouth.

The pork dish was full of flavour, with the pork belly’s natural saltiness being matched by the barbecued onions. In terms of texture, the crispiness of the belly’s outer layer was satisfying when combined with the creamy mash potato, though the meat itself was perhaps too chewy.

For dessert, the options sounded so appealing that it was the hardest choice to make on the night.

I settled for a sticky toffee pudding, which is a personal favourite at any establishment. As all sticky toffee puddings should, it was served with a very sweet caramel sauce and refreshing ice cream. The ice cream, which always trumps cream, had hints of banana, together with the sauce created that

if you (or your parents) are willing to splash out and dress up nice for a graduation meal in a beautiful location, then there are few better places.

uniquely British banoffee flavour.

The second dessert was a lemon cheesecake with yoghurt ice cream. It’s difficult to go wrong

with a lemon-flavoured dessert, and the taste was zesty and refreshing, as it should be. However, the cheesecake was too jelly-like, not being as light and smooth as would be expected of the dish.

Across the three courses, the taste was outstanding, though the food was occasionally let down by some unsatisfying textures. As a whole across the meal, the quantities weren’t too small, though I didn’t leave the restaurant on a full stomach.

The service in the establishment was both swift and pleasant, and we were catered for through-

Images: James Sproston

out our meal. As a student, I did feel slightly out of place, wearing jeans surrounded by fully suited and booted customers. However, if you (or your parents) are willing to splash out and dress up nice for a graduation meal in a beautiful location, then there are few better places.

the courier

Reviews life & style

Monday 9 July 2018

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Incoming Editor Louise Hall reviews two of the most popular graduation hostspots for friends and family celebrations

Formal familiarity: Dobson and Parnell Food: Service: Atmosphere: Value: Overall:

Despite what the garish scaffolding outside would have you believe, Dobson and Parnell, situated on Queen Street right next to the quayside, struck me with an atmosphere of simple sophistication in both its food and its aesthetic during my evening sampling their a la carte graduation menu to report back to the Courier.

Opened in December 2016, the restaurant serves a British and European menu within a Victorian Grade II listed building and is named after the architects who designed the original building back in 1863. With stripped back walls and hanging light bulbs, the restaurant’s décor maintains its rustic yet ornate feel. The atmosphere was very classy, but also notably unintimidating. I didn’t feel out of my bounds trying to figure out which cutlery to use or which wine to order, which in general, for me, makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.

After being sat very politely at our table and greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco we were left to examine the menu, and I decided on the cured Scottish salmon with horseradish crème fraiche and beetroot, and the ham hock terrine with pickled veg and pumpernickel bread to get the (dinner) party started.

The salmon dish was particularly light and fresh; the intricate mix of garnish alongside the smooth crème fresh creating a medley of complex textures and tastes. My boyfriend, having never tasted terrine in his life, and slightly dubi-

ous about the concept, came away from the dish feeling both enlightened and content with his choice to push the boat out and try something new. Having a mix between familiar and more original dishes on the menu really lends itself to a meal like graduation where you may want to keep traditional tasters happy alongside trying something different.

For the main however, we decided to stick with what we knew and simultaneously ordered the charred rump steak with beef fat chips and pepper sauce. While this dish comes with a £4 supplement to the set menu price, It’s a small price

to pay for the quality you receive in return. The beef fat chips were mouth-wateringly crispy, even pipping my grandma’s famous homemade deep fried chips to the post, (sorry grandma.)

Every single ounce of the steak was edible, not a sliver of fat to be seen. And although the portion size didn’t seem huge, I wasn’t left wanting by the end of the dish, but in fact very content with the serving.

Speaking of which, the service itself was almost effortless and particularly human in its nature, the staff making inquisitive yet unawkward small talk between courses and during that strange silence where someone expects you to taste the wine as if you know what you’re doing. We were even provided with some small sub-meal courses, such as a cod emulsion and a vegan chocolate mousse with gooseberries, both of which were very similar in texture, but thankfully severely different in taste.

For desert we were treated to a chocolate delice with caramel popcorn and a Yorkshire strawberry and elderflower Eton mess. While the chocolate delice was particularly difficult to eat, it’s solid bottom making a mockery of my round edged spoon, once I did eventually get to taste it I was pleasantly surprised. The taste wasn’t too rich to be particularly heavy and the popcorn offered once again that sense of elevated familiarity that makes their food comfortably satisfying. Sadly I didn’t get to taste the Eton mess, after the 5 seconds it took my boyfriend to finish said mess, he assured me it was good.

One bottle of red wine and a few hours later, I found myself reflecting on the meal in the taxi back home and back to the reality of my generally unimpressive student diet. Overall my experience of Dobson and Parnell was one of relaxing luxury, and definitely a restaurant to which I felt my rather large graduation party would significantly enjoy, so much so, that I decided to book in a table for 10 to celebrate my graduation

later this month, and if that in itself is not a rave review, I don’t know what is.

Images: Louise Hall

Fairytale hideaway: Jesmond Dene House Food: Service: Atmosphere: Value: Overall: Driving up to Jesmond dene house in my taxi on my way to review their dining and accommodation for the Courier, I was left a tad speechless.

I couldn’t fathom how I had never before been aware of this fairytale building, hidden away in the depths of the dene.

Inside the house was an interesting mix of both classic and contemporary aesthetic, retaining its grand elegance while integrating modern features as to not feel outdated.

The venue lends itself to those looking for particularly lavish graduation celebrations, with a recently renovated great hall, large private rooms and a cheeky secret garden down the back of the dene, this would be the perfect place to escape the harsh reality of student life and enter a world of luxury,

even if just for a weekend.

Dining with two of my friends, we enjoyed the sophistication of the food, sampling the residents three course set menu. I chose to have the Gazpacho soup, Chargrilled rump Steak and Rhubarb and White Chocolate Pave with Rhubarb Sorbet.

While if I’m honest my friend’s choice of the Dried Serrano Ham looked a tad more appealing than the gazpacho, I enjoyed it nonetheless. The main was cooked perfectly, the garlic butter mousse on the side offering an interesting interpretation on a

I couldn’t fathom how I had never before been aware of this fairytale building

classic dish. The desert however was my favorite of all three courses, not only was it presented beautifully but also provided a refreshing end to the meal that countered the rich latter courses ideally.

After dinner I sent my friends on their way, contented by their dinners, and went to explore the standard room I’d been allocated with my boyfriend Joe, who I’d collared for the rest of the even-

ing to help me take photos and offer his perspective on the hotel.

The room was the perfect balance between practical and luxury, being in the West Wing it was particularly modern with a newly renovated bathroom, king size bed, fully stocked mini bar and the biggest variation of hotel toiletries I’d ever seen in one room alone.

After a perfect nights sleep, I woke in the morning at 7am absolutely dreading having to leave the bed for work but did so none the less to squeeze in a swift breakfast before our departure. However, the service at breakfast was not as speedy as I would have hoped, our order getting lost in translation we had to wait a prolonged period of time to receive our food, although I don’t think this would have bothered me as much if I didn’t have to make it for my 9am start at work. Despite this, the food itself was of a high standard, and the continental buffet was as sophisticated as expected.

Overall, this is the type of place I’d love to recommend to friends and family looking for somewhere to stay at graduation, although it may not be one of the most affordable options in the city, the experience of the house alone makes it worth splashing out on for those special occasions.

Images: Louise Hall

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10

life & style

Monday 9 July 2018

Graduation make up Cádiz taught me to live Laura Greatrex on how to look your best for a great send off

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raduation is a special and memorable occasion that we all wish to look our best for. Many people opt to get their makeup done professionally, but many others, myself included, choose to do it ourselves. Graduation make-up isn’t simply about looking good on the big day; it also needs to survive the countless photographs, pre-ceremony nerves and potential tears. Ultimately your final make-up look should be all about you, something that you feel comfortable and happy wearing. I’ve collected together some hints and ideas for those of you looking for advice or inspiration.

We’re all hoping that our graduation will fall on a bright and sunshiny day. However, sweat and sunlight can play havoc with your face. Therefore, the right base is the first, and probably most vital, step for ensuring your make-up doesn’t melt off in the heat. I recommend priming your face with a matte product. There are loads available, so if you’re spoilt for choice, my personal favourites are Smashbox’s Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer, and Benefit’s Porefessional Primer. If you’re planning on wearing eyeshadow also don’t forget to prime your eyelids with a long-lasting product, or even some concealer, to create a firm base for the pigments to cling to.

When it comes to foundation, stick to what you know best. If you have a well-loved product that works for you and your skin type, I wouldn’t recommend experimenting with something new, as this could potentially end in disaster. If you don’t usually wear foundation, but are looking to use it for this special occasion, go for a light-to-medium coverage formula, as this can be built up as necessary. Something like Benefit’s newly released Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation, which is said to even out skintone and blur any imperfections while still allowing your skin to breathe, would be perfect. To achieve a smooth and even foundation application, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to blend, blend, blend, and when you think you’re finished blending, blend a little more! Pay particular attention to buffing the product into your jawline, and make sure it is well blended around your mouth, to prevent creasing from all the smiling! Set your foundation and concealer with powder to soak up excess sweat and oil, remembering that a little goes a long way - powder is easy to build up but difficult to remove.

Eyeshadow is where you can really express yourself and create a graduation look unique to you.

My current favourite eyeshadow palette is Jacyln Hill’s collaboration with Morphe. This versatile product is every make-up lover’s dream, with a huge range of colours, including a mix of mattes and glitters, each with stunning pigmentation. It even has a selection of blues which could be used to incorporate Newcastle University’s signature colour into your look. Alternatively you could coordinate your eye shades with the colour of your graduation gown’s hood (these can be found on the university website under ‘Academic Dress’).

If colours scare you a little, go for a glamorous nude eye. I recommend using waterproof mascara, in case of any tears, and if you’re a lover of false eyelashes, Eylure have a gorgeous range of naturallooking styles.

On your lips, you’re going to want to wear something that stands out but also is easy to maintain and touch up throughout the day. Some bright lipsticks are said to make your teeth appear whiter, something we all want, especially in photos.

However, these can be tricky to keep in place, so if you go for a vibrant shade remember to prime, line, set, and blot your lip colour. Matte liquid lipsticks are long lasting and come in a variety of shades, but they can be drying. If your lips are prone to extreme dryness, I recommend looking for something with a more satin finish. To really make your lip colour last, you could try popping on a lip tint or stain underneath your final lip product. A dab of ligloss in the centre gives the allusion of a plumper pout, and remember to check your teeth for lipstick after every touch up.

Finally, a good setting spray is a must for keeping your look locked down all day. I adore and would wholly recommend the cult favourite Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray. This can also be purchased in a handy travel sized bottle, perfect if you don’t want to splash out on the full sized one, or it can also be popped in your bag to refresh your face throughout the day.

Overall, create your graduation make-up look as something that reflects you, and which you’re happy and comfortable wearing. This is a day you’ll remember forever - and not just because of all the photos! Congratulations to all my fellow graduates, I wish you all the best, and hope you have a beautiful day!

t doesn’t matter if you’ve spent your whole uni life in sweatpants and the free Dominos t-shirt from Fresher’s Fair, Graduation is a day when a certain degree of polish is desired.

Even if you don’t normally dress up, it’s important to choose an outfit that still reflects your style, so here are a few tips on how to graduate top of the sass.

world, it’s important to always remember that it doesn’t mean you have to dress like it. Shoes are a great way to add your own personal flair to the graduation look. Personally, I love the overthe-top charm of Irregular Choice, although they are quite pricey. They are specially designed for comfort and you will eventually get your pence per wear out of them.

Gals

Guys

Graduation: top of the sass Miranda Stoner runs you through how to dress to impress I The word graduation may at first evoke images of posh dresses and heels, but trousers or a skirt with flats can be just as elegant and are often more sensible, for those of us worried about tripping on the stairs. Jumpsuits are also a great choice for comfort and style. To avoid looking too much like a magician in your robes, it’s best to go for bright colours. That doesn’t mean dark colours can’t be done though; black with a contrasting pattern or textured effect are great alternatives.

Practically speaking, the graduation gown is quite a bulky garment, so for your outfit it’s best to prioritise comfort and slinkiness, and avoid big ruffled shoulder details. One of the major challenges of graduation dressing is that most of your outfit won’t be visible for the majority of the day. This means when picking your outfit, focus on the neckline details, such as the collar, which is your chance to bring out your elaborate jewellery.

The best way to add a more sophisticated edge to your look is to steer away from sequins and metallic materials to focus on clean lines and sharp tailoring. However, just because you’re supposed to have entered the grown-up

Image: Asos

One way to keep your look fresh and on trend is through your suit. Why stick to black, navy and grey when ASOS is offering you tartan, paisley or floral? However, the same applies to guys as girls, the robe will be covering up most of your suit or outfit, so the best way to express yourself is through the smaller things like shoes.

At the moment, monster trainers are terrorising the run-way, in all manner of colours and levels of eccentricity, so channel your inner Dr. Who and rock that suit and sneaker combination. For a more classic look, smart shoes with touches of colour or an outrageous pattern can make all the difference to your outfit, as the Parisians say: “It’s best to be bold with shoes because you can always hide them under the table.

Cufflinks and ties are also customisable to compliment your scroll. There are loads of small independent companies making fancy cufflinks for every interest, from guitar plectrums to Lego blocks; the internet is your oyster. For the more daring of dressers, there is the option of a flamboyant tie. Whether you make it extra through colour, pattern, shape or the length you wear it, is all up to you; don’t forget that your best accessory to making a punchy personal statement is your smile!

Jade Scheepers discusses her personal discovery of flamenco, and

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group erupts into a spontaneous flamenco session in the street, the beat articulated by the members of the circle through their hand-clapping, foot-stamping and verbal encouragement for the one currently leading the impromptu celebration. Animated faces turn towards each other as the focus shifts from one participant to another, whether through baile, dance, cante, song, or simply an exchange of rhythms, and the energy swells until reaching a climax. The hands come together, held aloft, and then relax. Smiling and laughing, they once again join the throng of passers-by, festivities finished for the moment.

Having lost my heart to flamenco at the age of five, in Málaga where the dancers with their flamboyant costumes, stamping their feet and throwing themselves into the emotive music left me stunned, being in Cádiz, in the heart of flamenco’s cultural homeland, was a long-standing dream come true. A dedicated student of flamenco dancing in my free time, I eagerly seized the opportunity to spend some of my Erasmus year in Andalusia, to experience ‘authentic’ flamenco both as a dancer and as a spectator.

My wanderings through Cádiz revealed several studios dotted around the city, such as the purpose-built Centro Municipal de Arte Flamenco la Merced where even the walls had been designed to support the sounds generated, as well as theatres and unassuming peñas, artistic spaces with their understated publicity advertising the next show or competition. When not in use, these places quietly contrast with the passion and energy that go–es into creating flamenco, born from a rich history of migration and evolution of the gitano people. The gitano were gypsies who were expelled from what is known today as India and who traversed the then-Persia and other Middle Eastern countries, northern Africa and then entered Andalusia via the Strait of Gibraltar. Here they settled, mixing with the andaluz people, resulting in an extraordinary fusion of cultures, styles and artistic expression.

Cádiz can easily leave the enthralled visitor wanting more For six months, I immersed myself in the flamenco scene as much as my internship commitments and budget would allow. My new teacher further fuelled my zeal for flamenco as a whole – it was no longer only dance that captivated me but I also drank in shows by singers and guitarists. I learnt that one of the main issues facing flamenco today was how the bastion of ‘traditional’ flamenco and the ‘contemporary’ movement struggle to strike a balance between holding on to the past and embracing innovation – a difficult quest as each side has a right to its expression, whereby one would have perished had it not evolved and the other would never have existed without its ancestor.

This tension between looking to the future and looking to the past seems to resonate with Cádiz’s physical design, as its ancient roots take it back to

1104 BC when the part known today as the ‘casco antiguo’ was created by the Phoenicians at the end of the peninsula, containing the city with its natural sea barrier. The ‘parte nueva’ joins Cádiz to the mainland and reflects decades of modernisation in structures such as the newly-built and acclaimed La Pepa bridge, which stands proud but is unable to eclipse Cádiz’s renowned wonders, the majestic Cathedral and the Torre Tavira.

Flamenco’s wild and untamed nature is echoed in the powerful winds that regularly whip Cádiz, the Levante and Poniente, which, against the backdrop of attractive blue skies and sunshine, create a pocket of weather patterns that can at times feel extreme. The Levante chooses the same route of entry as the gypsies did, entering Spain from Africa and bringing with it an oppressive heat, an inclination towards listlessness but also a fiery energy when provoked. The Poniente, by contrast, sweeps cool air off the Atlantic and blows it through the warmth and open doors of the city. During summer months, temperatures soar rapidly and unpredictably, up to the mid-forties Celsius in June alone. In an effort to combat the elemental forces, the architecture typically offers light, airy and cooling living spaces with the social focus of an inner courtyard at the heart of most buildings. Large windows, balconies and azoteas,

Zoë Crowther on

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scape from Bar Blanc and the Hancock, try food from anywhere other than Pizza Express and Fat Hippo… Here is a guide for the library-weary students who want to experience all that Newcastle has to offer, before the reality of graduate life kicks in.

Kiln

Ouseburn, home to impressive industrial architecture and the notorious Cluny, is well known as Newcastle’s creative quarter. Despite this, many students never fully explore the wonders hidden there, and Kiln should be at the top of your list.

A Mediterranean bar and kitchen with a unique menu, it co-exists with 1265 Degrees North, a pottery and ceramics workshop which produces beautiful handmade products. Kiln also hosts quiz nights and live music events, so there is never a dull moment.

The Bohemian

Image: Zoë Crowther

A must for any vegetarians or vegans, or indeed anyone wanting to discover exciting flavours. It

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11

life & style

Monday 9 July 2018

e and breathe flamenco Living in the how the dance’s cultural homeland became her new spiritual home

Image: Flavio~ on Flickr

rooftop terraces, are also important features, with many people making use of the windows as a means of communication, calling to a friend or family member from the street below, whilst the window blinds loll out over the edge.

Communication is not the only thing the windows facilitate – snatches of flamenco music escape along with rich cooking smells that seep through doorways into courtyards, momentarily arresting the attention as one passes. The locals also stop in the street to animatedly exchange greetings whilst walking their canine companions and we all play peek-a-boo with the sun, which relentlessly attempts to saturate the labyrinth of streets and alleyways. The sheer vibrancy and spirit of the gaditanos, which play an integral part in flamenco, are juxtaposed with Cádiz’s somewhat secluded location, with their habit of ‘economising’ the Spanish language by shortening words (although the effect is somewhat counterbalanced by the sheer velocity with which they speak) and their unhurried lifestyle.

While Cádiz boasts its share of designer shops, many seem to value a cool cerveza or a plate of pescaíto frito in good company over posing with the latest consumer goods. ‘Tranquilo’ is a popular refrain and this attitude serves to differentiate those from Cádiz from the tourists, many of whom

pour into the city for well-known events such as Carnival or Holy Week, Semana Santa. The region’s popular ‘Sherry Triangle’ attracts visitors to neighbouring Jerez, a city generally accepted as home to some of the ‘purest’ flamenco still in existence. This city’s flamenco shops overflow with colour, impact and effervescence, as corners are crammed up to the ceiling with flamenco articles – fans, shoes, shawls, castanets, roses, earrings, combs, skirts and, perhaps most impressive of all, the trajes de flamenca. These vivacious dresses, weighted down by voluptuous frills in all colours and patterns, can be best seen during Jerez’s famous flamenco festival and in the numerous ferias throughout the spring and summertime in the cities and towns surrounding Cádiz.

And yet, these accoutrements mean little without the people who make them come alive. The people in my flamenco classes radiated instantaneous warmth when I revealed my hungry interest in their culture and their impassioned personalities rendered the classes dynamic and uplifting.

Feelings were often expressed openly and all were actively engaged and emotionally responsive participants. This inclusiveness was palpable, not only in the way that two class members had Downs Syndrome, one of whom was regularly overcome by tears during a class due to the intensity of the emotions he was experiencing. It was almost as if he were more able than the rest of us to reach the ‘ultimate state’ of flamenco, that of ‘duende’, the phenomenon that is so hard to define and yet that so many try to capture. Some spectators have described it as what happens when a performance moves you to such a degree that you enter a ‘heightened state’ – the goosebumps on your arm, the lump in your throat, the inability to blink or look away from the sensory-rich spectacle before you. It need not be during a professional show, as many of the top stars in flamenco today grapple with social themes, sometimes rendering their performances more focussed on what they are communicating than the dances themselves.

Rather, the alchemy of ‘duende’ can happen in the simplest of circumstances, overpowering rational thought by softly melting away the commonplace matters of the everyday and opening a space where people of all ages and walks of life can connect with their deepest thoughts, fears and dreams.

Cádiz can easily leave the enthralled visitor wanting more. The beaches with their aquamarine waters glistened invitingly in the late afternoon sun and the evening air buzzed with electricity as the Spaniards filled local bars and restaurants – I was not ready to say goodbye. With the constant undercurrents of flamenco that coursed through my daily life, it dawned upon me how my appreciation had been both heightened and deepened and that this opportunity, coupled with a growing command of Spanish, allowed me to engage with the local people and their culture in a way that I had never dared to imagine. I found myself returning home to complete my education, contesting the magnetic draw that irresistibly calls me back to Cádiz and its enchanting world of flamenco with the many kind offers of hospitality still echoing in my ears, ‘cualquier cosa que necesites, ya sabes’.

the things to do before you leave also includes a vinyl record shop for any music enthusiasts who, alongside sharing platters of international food, want to spend away their final student loan.

Mobike

Over the past year, everyone has become familiar with the orange Mobikes scattered around Newcastle city centre and Jesmond. But have you taken the plunge and given them a go?

Having recently expanded the range, using this bike hire scheme you can take them as far South as the Quayside and as far North as Newcastle Racecourse. You don’t always need a set destination in mind: you could hop on a Mobike and explore parts of the city outside of the student routine.

Alnmouth coastal village

If you’re leaving the North-East for good, you should make sure not to miss out on the spectacular Northumberland coastline. Everyone has visited Tynemouth and tried the delicious fish and chips on offer, but try pushing the boat out by

getting a train: a half an hour journey can take you to Alnmouth, a cute village with pubs, gift shops and a lovely beach. Remember to take a Frisbee.

Newcastle Pride

If you’re around in Newcastle for your graduation, consider extending your stay to coincide with Newcastle Pride weekend. With a launch party on Friday 20th July, the parade on Saturday 21st, and continuous celebrations through to the Sunday, it would be a perfect way to celebrate Pride and some of the city’s best venues and DJs.

Summer Nights at Tyneside Cinema

Tyneside Cinema has an excellent choice of popular and independent films, but also offers the chance to try something different and embrace some cheesy summer lovin’. Between mid-July and mid-August, Summer Nights includes screenings of Dirty Dancing and Grease, as well as the launch of Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again, followed by after-parties featuring cocktail deals, karaoke and fancy-dress prizes in the Tyneside Bar Café.

former GDR

Annabel Tiplady recalls her realisations in eastern Germany

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f you are a speaker of the German language, you will know that “Frohe Zukunft” literally means ‘happy future’. This was the name of my neighborhood in my little eastern German town, Halle (Saale). At first sight, living in a tiny town in the former German Democratic Republic does not seem top year abroad travel content but much to my surprise, it became my own personal mecca for culture and historical tourism, and was further enhanced by weekend trips away to worldly capitals.

Everywhere I look, I can see attempts to create a futuristic escape from old eastern Germany What is completely ironic about living here is that you can still see old Plattenbauten (concrete apartment blocks) from the old GDR and the famous Ampelmännchen (little traffic light men) where, if you cross when it’s red, the police will come after you. Everything is archaic and worn here, really mimicking the old GDR. Everywhere I look, I can see attempts to create a futuristic escape from old eastern Germany, but it only feels like a desperate attempt that has failed drastically.

The only signs of futuristic development are the newly built houses sporadically placed between Plattenbauten. These buildings are surprisingly aesthetically pleasing; completely modern but still retaining some sort of character, unlike the simple designs in the UK. Plus, they are all painted in pastel colors, creating a placid atmosphere when I walk to the bus stop every morning. Barely any traffic, just drizzle and vibrant buildings, it’s always so serene.

“Come to Berlin for the weekend!” shouted all the Erasmus students to me when I arrived at my campus. I have always had an unwavering belief that Berlin would be everything I expected and so much more. Not as worldly as Paris but so much edgier than London; Berlin was a gritty capital that didn’t cease to forever astound me. I signed up for the trip, eager to see if this world capital would meet my expectations. It turned out to be the perfect mix of contemporary and historical, but that could only be said for the architecture, just like the whole of East Germany, it wasn’t well wired like Far East Asia or the States, and you could still see snapshots of it’s rocky history in the GDR. Connecting wirelessly is scarce and the city is not really up to speed with the newest technology, trapping me in old East Germany once again.

Nevertheless, the city still had much to offer and lots of modern contrasts.

Design matters are pretty bleak here but these are disguised by the intricate sculptures aloft the prominent political buildings. In the back of the double-decker bus, I watched the city from above until the Brandenburg Gate arrived for me. A blurry image of columns and grand staircases passed me by as we continued on (we would see it up close later on a grand tour). It was during this rather relaxing ride that I recognized everything was suddenly surreal. After a stressful month of cultural adapting, I had arrived at the beginning of my travels, which was undeniably one of my desired purposes of this year abroad. I had finally ditched the dismay of the first few difficult weeks and was heading for a year of country hopping and culture swapping.

So the culture really began with the Bundestag.

I could talk to you about it in all its splendor, but what really stood out to me, was the sculpture and structure of the building. From the distinguished dome, decorated in droplets, you would never believe the scene as you see all of Berlin’s cityscape in a panoramic view. You can revel in all the famous landmarks; no other place will make you appreciate Germany’s usual greenery than from up here. Then we made our way along an organised tour of all the sights: The Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower, the

holocaust memorial, Alexanderplatz, checkpoint Charlie and the the Berlin Wall.

At the end of the day we gathered into a large group to hear a special speech. It was so surreal as the speaker recounted events during the time of the Berlin Wall and how the citizen were trapped in the old GDR. Then with the crowd chanting ‘Die Mauer muss weg!’ (The wall must go), we all ran and broke through a made up paper wall and into this metaphorical freedom: the Spree river. What was exciting was that we finally got to see some German art work; what was left of the Berlin wall had provided us with an open air viewing gallery.

Every part of the wall was filled with gorgeous colors and imaginary scenes, a lasting dreamscape.

The city centre was unpretentious and crowded, just like any other capital, but it was perfect for me. I loved being immersed in the metropolis air, surrounded by an array of grand buildings and stain-glassed skyways where you could spontaneously come across an ultra modern shopping centre on Alexander Platz. We continued on down many city routes, taking in the surroundings of Berlin’s course history which can be seen practically everywhere.

Fast forward one month and I am on another weekend trip to Vienna; a city that gave a new sense of sight to me. Shrouded in opulence and affluence, the streets showcased the rush and riches of the locals who lived their lives in the fast lane. Vienna was almost haunted for me; it was a city steeped in history and, at the same time, it possessed an eerie culture, reflecting the imperial age. I surveyed the buildings with ravenous detail; the grand palaces and baroque-style architecture engulfed me, bringing it’s history to life. The city really succeeded in setting the stage for the time of the Habsburg Monarchy; I could practically see the horses galloping through the storybook streetscapes and Sisi (the Empress of Austria) elegantly dealing with her political affairs. All caught between the towering royal buildings, with gold topped roofs and marble-statue-decorated entrances, I was lost in the gorgeous sound of the bustling city and the viennese grandeur.

So we toured a trove of exactly 3 viennese palaces: Schloss Belvedere, Schloss Schönbrunn and the Hofburg Palace. Walking through the Emperor’s apartments and the corridors of the Imperial Silver Collection in these immense palaces, I could feel the royal atmosphere permeate the majestic hallways. Likewise, I got a deeper insight into the lives of the Austrian Emperors/Empresses which was surprisingly intriguing. For example Sisi was also known as the lonely Empress as her life unexpectedly turned inward and she spent most of her life depressed.

The streets showcased the rush and riches of the locals In the evenings, I saw rays of ultraviolet light across the copious amount of bars and restaurants, dusted with starlight in the narrow side streets.

Vienna, by night, boasted a genuine designer skyline. Here the city came to life. The square was surrounded with twinkling city lights and lively souls. The soft glow from the Christmas markets could be seen, infiltrating the venetian blue sky.

This changed on the other side of the subway, towards Central Station, where explosions could never make a sound. The eerie silence, marking the end of the night, once again reminded me of the chilling and turbulent history of the Austrian Empire.

Comparing the different regions whilst travelling on this year abroad is what really resonated with me. Upon experiencing the intimacy of a tiny German town, with it’s history constantly unravelling before my eyes, compared with bustling metropolises which were bristling with superlatives, I really became conscious of Europe’s dynamics and cultural contrasts.

thecourier thecourieronline.co.uk

Fashion Fashion Society’s Freshers’ Week flash-catwalk Page 15

Science The merits and challenges of the Nobel prizes Page 30

Monday 16 October 2017 Issue 1354 Free

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Comment Our view on Louis Theroux’s view on Trump Page 8

Gaming Fallout’s history is put under the microscope Page 27

Campus shocked by sexual assaults The independent voice of Newcastle students

Reports from students have left staff outraged

Louise Hall News Editor

Recent reports of assault and rape has revealed the persisting levels of sexual assault experienced by students on campus and at University led events during freshers’.

Statistics from the Report of the Universities UK Taskforce examining violence against women, harassment and hate crime affecting university students, and the high frequency of individually reported cases in Newcastle, have revealed the continuing severity of the issue of sexual harassment and assault for large proportions of Newcastle students on and off campus during Freshers’ Week.

17%

of students are victims of sexual harassment in their first week of term

Members of staff have also reported a worrying surge in reports of students seeking advice and guidance following assaults at Newcastle University events since the start of the academic term.

This has brought the serious and persistent issue of sexual harassment and assault on our campus and at fresher’s events into heated discussion throughout the university.

A 2015 NUS poll of new students found that 17% of respondents had been victims of some form of sexual harassment during their first week of term and 29% had witnessed sexual harassment directed at someone else.

Surveys from within Newcastle University itself have revealed the same outcome. Last year, NUSU’s Marginalised Genders Officer, Saffron Kershaw Mee gathered data from over 110 students of which 70% of respondents had been

sexually harassed or raped in the city of Newcastle (18% on University campus).

Saffron commented: “This data shows only a portion of the deeply rooted problem at hand – the trivialisation and silencing of sexual assault, harassment and rape cases.”

Statistics like these are raising concerns about the effectiveness of safeguarding measures employed during student events on campus and the extent to which the University’s responsibility to educate and enforce the idea of consent on campus in freshers’ week and beyond is being fulfilled.

In an interview with the Courier, Stacy Gillis, Chair of Equality and Diversity in the SELLL NU steering committee and lecturer in English Literature gave her opinion on the recent reports: “I’m sickened by the endemic culture of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is about power, plain and simple – the exercising of power over someone else. Why do men, and I know that women can also sexually harass, but the majority of time it is done by men, feel that they can do this? Because of the fact that we live in a culture which endorses models of male power through patriarchal discourse.

Our social institutions work to disguise those who sexually harass – Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, Hugh Hefner. The model being offered by them is that it is fine to sexually harass, fine to sexually abuse, so long as you can get away with it by threatening people.”

When asked how we should be working together to combat this issue she said: “We need to talk to one another; get angry; organise; argue; resist; educate; call out this behaviour.

Consent and Conduct sessions should be mandatory for all students, male, female and binary, and should happen early on in Fresher’s Week.”

Attempting to tackle this issue Newcastle University encouraged students to participate in a workshop entitled ‘Respect’ during freshers’ week, a new initiative run jointly by NUSU, Student Wellbeing and the police with the aim of tackling the issue of sexual misconduct,

thecourier courier

Est 1948

Stacy Gillis, English Literature lecturer

“As part of our campaigning this year, we are planning on attending SU events to hand out anti-spiking bottle toppers for drinks, provide rape alarms to students and inform students about the importance of consent.

“As well as being directly involved with how the university tackles assault on campus, we want to become an inspiration for other universities in how they respond to their students needs.”

The question of compulsory consent classes has previously caused tension across UK Universities when last year Durham, Oxford and Cambridge University made the decision to make their sexual consent workshops compulsory for incoming freshers.

While the evidence considered by the Taskforce report emphasised the importance of adopting and embedding a zero-tolerance approach to facilitate meaningful cultural change, many are still sceptical about the classes being “patronising” and “unnecessary.”

Staff and students hope to combat this issue by working together, educating about consent and supporting anyone who is a victim of sexual assault.

Armed robbery at Lonsdale

Est 1948

Laura Higgins News Editor

On Monday 16th October at 11.45pm, Northumbria police were called to the popular Lonsdale Pub, located next to the West Jesmond Metro Station, to respond and defend the public after an attempted robbery.

Northumbria Police revealed that “a man had gone into the pub armed with what was believed to be a handgun, however it is not known whether the weapon was real or for intimidation, and threatened a member of staff.” Despite the ambiguity of the situation, police officers responded efficiently at the crime scene and arrested the man who has now been released under investigation.

When The Courier contacted The Lonsdale for a statement, a spokesper-

It’s back: The Courier’s Travel section returns p18

James Sproston Editor

Newcastle University Student’s Union Welfare & Equality Officer has called for all students who were victims of sexual harassment during Freshers’ Week and in the weeks since to utilise the support provided by the Students’ Union.

In an interview with The Courier, Sarah Craggs admitted her frustration at the lack of awareness of Student Union support channels, and highlighted the resources available for students can really make a massive difference.

“We have so much on offer, so we really just need to make sure the awareness is there. There’s a lot of support within

full interview on page 10

The Lonsdale Pub Photography: Izzi Watkins

The issue of initiation events within sports societies in the name of ‘hazing’ new recruits are once again causing controversy across campus.

The ceremonies are reported to involve ‘team building’ activities and dares in which new members are pressured to participate to earn status within the society.

continued on page 7

Catalonian independence

Munroe Burgdorf

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NUMHC in Durham draw

Degrees go digital

Autumn Jumpers

Stanley Kubrick overview

The apocalypse nears?

Newcastle squash Leeds

Ciara Ritson-Courtney reports on the latest redevelopment to open its doors again to the student population News, page 4

Our writers give their opinions on the politics of police brutality in Catalonia and elsewhere Comment page 8

Amanda Goh and Celeste Dsouza delve into the controversy surrounding the sacked transgender model Beauty, page 16

Newcastle’s best loved clubs come under scrutiny by Mollie Middle, upsetting many in the process Music, page 20

The men’s hockey 3s drop two points against a stubborn Durham side at the fortress in Longbenton Sport, page 38

Newcastle University has partnered with Digitary made the move to issue digitise degree certificates News, page 6

Emily Scott advises on how to deal with the worsening weather with some high street option Fashion page 16

Kubrick’s filmography is thrown into the spotlight as his filmography and creative direction are debated Film, page 26

Newcastle’s odd red sky is analysed and the reasons behind it’s colour are explored Science, page 32

Leeds travelled up north to take on Newcastle 3s at Eldon Leisure, only for Newcastle to win comfortably Sport, page 39

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Travel Talia Gillin talks us through her adventures in South East Asia Page 18

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Fashion Bridie Lonsdale tears into faux fur as a musthave fashion trend Page 14

Science The latest development in sex robots is weighed up against humans Page 30

Noise reports to be passed onto landlords The independent voice of Newcastle students

Est 1948

Gaming 2017's biggest political statement in gaming is reviewed Page 27

The independent voice of Newcastle students

Newcastle University students could be faced with housing issues after the Students In Newcastle Forum’s Crime and Antisocial behaviour (ASB) subgroup announced that unwitnessed noise complaints will be reported directly to landlords.

In an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour in residential areas of Newcastle, Tracy McCann, a Senior Practitioner in Anti-Social Behaviour, listed a number of updates, one of which states “all landlords will, as of 2017, be informed of all complaints, even if they have not been witnessed (landlords have asked for this so they may be aware at the earliest opportunity).”

Speaking to The Courier, a spokesperson for Newcastle City Council said: “We have a duty to ensure landlords are managing their properties in accordance with the conditions of their licence and this includes the management of tenants who cause antisocial behaviour or nuisance to their neighbours.

“Sharing this information could be a breach of the data protection act”

Sarah Craggs, NUSU Welfare Officer

“As part of this we need to ensure landlords are aware of any potential issues relating to their properties so that they can provide appropriate reminders for their tenants to comply with the terms of their tenancy agreements where necessary.

“If a report of anti-social behaviour is received about an incident that has not been independently witnessed this is made clear to landlords and such a report would be insufficient grounds for a landlord to take formal action against their tenants.

“We believe early intervention and avoidance of future complaints is key to ensuring good neighbour relations and seek to avoid complaints escalating

to formal action. When matters are investigated formally this would be done in line with procedures which are designed to ensure tenants are not treated unfairly.”

According to Newcastle University Students’ Union’s Welfare and Equality Officer, Sarah Craggs, informing landlords about unwitnessed noise complaints could potentially put a number of students in difficult situations: “Whilst NUSU have been working with students and the council to tackle antisocial behaviour, I do have some concerns about this new development.

“We would need to conduct more investigatory work into this but these concerns relate to whether or not this applies to just students or all tenants, how landlords might react to this, and whether or not sharing this information could be a breach of the data protection act. I plan to work with the Student Advice Centre and the City Council to discuss these concerns and find out more about the intended purpose of this is.”

For some students, unwitnessed noise complaints have already caused unnecessary distress. Third year Electrical Engineering student Ciara Ritson-Courtney has been the recipient of a number of complaints from a neighbour.

“Over the last two months our neighbour filed several noise complaints against us. One of them was whilst we were eating tea, and another we weren’t even in the house, so it must have been totally unfounded. I’ve already contacted by the university about it, and if this goes through then our landlord will think we’re disruptive, even though we’re not. The last thing I want is to be on the wrong side of an antagonistic landlord.”

On a regional scale, this is just the latest development about the relationship with students and the community.

Earlier this year, Tracy McCann was involved in the production of a number of informative videos about house parties, which were produced because the City Council were “increasingly concerned about the nature of some parties.”

However, there have been signs of tension between local communities and students for years in Newcastle. continued on page 4

Kemi Adediran elected Racial Equality Officer

Council motion passed to scrap Autumn elections

James Sproston Editor

‘McCarthyist’ MP criticised

Veganism debate

Student life hacks

Chris Heaton-Harris has been criticised for “intimidation” in an open letter to universities News, page 6

Jack Coles and Jamie Cameron go head-to-head in a convenience vs survival discussion Comment page 8

Grace Dean tells you why you should say goodbye to your picky side and eat mouldy food Lifestyle, page 12

Yellow is the new black

‘My Week As A Muslim’

Ultimate returns

Jaymelouise Hudspith runs us through the best way to don yellow from the high street Fashion page 15

The controversial TV documentary gets a good going over by our Culture Editor Errol Kerr TV, page 22

We’ve got mixed indoor regional followed by the BUCS curtain raiser for you to sink your teeth into Sport, page 38

Beauty Breaking the mould with make-up Page 12

Arts 50 years on: MLK's legacy on Newcastle University Page 29

Monday 27 November 2017 Issue 1360 Free

Comment Trump's failure to commit to protecting our planet discussed Page 8 Est 1948

Zoe Crowther

On 13 November peers in the House of Lords discussed the reassessment of the provision of allowance for dyslexic students attending university. Lord Addington, president of the British Dyslexia Association, called for a review of the system as he claimed it discriminates against students with dyslexia.

According to the British Dyslexia Association, 10% of people in the UK are dyslexic, meaning the issue concerns a large proportion of the Newcastle University student body and students throughout the UK. Inequity is particularly marked by the costs incurred: in this academic year, Newcastle University students can typically access a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia at £275, although this can vary according to the type of assessment.

The Student Wellbeing website states: “It is the student’s responsibility to pay any costs. However, there are subsidies available of up to £300, which are nonmeans tested and can be claimed following the assessment, regardless of the outcome."

This issue also affects students with other learning disabilities, as students with dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and autism spectrum disorders are being similarly assessed. The House of Lords debate raised the importance of reassessment to ensure the fair distribution of finance and resources across all those with disadvantages.

A Newcastle University spokesperson explained how the institutation in particular can assisst these students: “Newcastle University offers students with specific learning difficulties a range of support throughout their studies. For example, specialist study skills tuition is available to students who have identified difficulties such as memory, processing, attention, organisation and time management typically associated with a specific learning difficulty.

"This support is tailored to meet individual learning needs with the aim of developing study strategies and skills

This year’s first winners of the Society of the Month, chosen by Activities Officer Rebecca Bainbridge, is the Fashion Society following an exceptional month of activities and campaigns over the course of October.

The society began their hard work early on in the year, giving out popcorn and getting themselves noticed at the clubs and societies fair before term had even began, leading to a significant

increase in membership. Entertaining campus, they later organised a flash catwalk to pop up outside the Students’ Union to show off their members’ superb confidence and style.

Not only have the society been showing off their ability to pull off stunning and engaging fashion shows with consummate ease, but they have also been hard at work teaching their members fun and practical skills through highly attended illustration and sewing classes.

The weekly classes have only gone to further prove how welcoming and innovative the society has been this month.

While the Fashion Society have shown off their organisational, warm and inventive side to earn the award, they have also had some exceptional collaborations throughout October. The society teamed up with Give It A Go to run sessions for students through NUSU, while they have also been setting up a Go Volunteer project to benefit both students and the general population outside of the society.

The society has gone from strength to strength, and this is reflected in a membership which has increased fivefold since September.

“There was only one eligible candidate and this was the last Autumn elections”

George Watkins, NUSU Rep and Dem

Inside today >>>

Faith space policy updated

Cosmetic chemicals

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Newcastle University has altered their faith space policy amidst protests from the Muslim student community News, page 3

Science Editor Jack Coles runs us through what's in our favourite beauty products and what it does to our skin Beauty page 17

Our Music section give you all the information you need to get the best out of our student radio Music, page 20

Al Ridley gets to the meat and potatoes of what animals do when they're on the Discovery Channel Science, page 31

In the most unconventional report that The Courier has seen in years, Newcastle's 2s beat Liverpool 2s Sport, page 38

thecourier courier The independent voice of Newcastle students

Zoë Godden, Students with Disabilities Officer

Zoë Godden, Students with Disabilities Officer at Newcastle University Students’ Union, said: “Dyslexic students should never be expected to pay such a high fee to be reassessed for a condition they have already been confirmed to have, especially when for many other disabilities, a doctor's letter is the only evidence needed.”

They further added: “It's important to note that Disabled Students Allowance does not offer monetary aid, but instead funds equipment, tutoring and other services that can help students, so if a dyslexic student is having to pay around £600 to be reassessed, the items they then would be eligible for via DSA may actually not be of equal value to their assessment cost.

"No one should be expected to apply for a Hardship Fund just so they can prove their disability is still valid.”

Deborah Akun

Students call for week off after exams Alex Hendley Deputy Editor

A survey questioning students over their interest in a January break after exams has closed, resulting in a significant majority in favour of the extra holiday.

The poll, proposed and distributed by Education Officer Rowan South, closed on Friday following 1023 votes, 62% of those in favour. With the survey now concluded, South, who was elected with the proposal as a key manifesto point, will be looking to use the results as a mandate to take to the university in January.

The result comes after months of communication with faculty deans and

University heads in order to gauge the interest and the viability of the proposal. Now with the backing of the student body and plans to submit a formal paper to the university on the matter in the new year, South will hope to get the change implemented before the end of the academic year.

Student surveys are rarely well responded to, but with over a thousand votes, the Education Officer is hopeful that it will prove to the university that the change is necessary. Speaking to the Courier, South said “It's great to see so many people voting on this idea; clearly there is a significant majority of students that agree with the proposal so I'm looking forward to bringing this to the university in January!”

Students currently complete their exams and assignments during the January exam period, before beginning the university’s second semester in early February.

1023

votes were cast in the Union's survey

This, in turn, throws up the possibility of sitting an exam on a Saturday and restarting lectures the following Monday – a potential inconvenience which South is keen to rectify in order to aid students’ mental recuperation following a commonly stressful period.

Full interview on page 10

Inside today >>>

Alex Turner, NUBC’s president, said: “The calendar is a fantastic way to fundraise for the club and raise awareness for our charity. It really unites everyone and breaks down any barriers that might exist at the beginning of the new year.

“Our charity this year is Mind, the mental health charity. They do great work in the North East and mental health is an aspect of both sporting and university life that deserves more recognition, something we are keen to play a major part in.”

Last year’s calendar raised over £800, and the total has topped £1,000 in the past.

The new calendars can be pre-ordered from NUBC’s website, and for a £2 delivery charged will be sent out as soon as they are ready.

Newcastle University has recently discussed changing its policy regarding employment stipulations for international students holding a Tier 4 visa.

This new restriction will allow Tier 4 visa students to undertake one contracted part-time job with the University only.

Before this decision was discussed at a recent Education Executive Meeting, Tier 4 visa students had a permit to undertake up to 20 hours of paid employment per week; this could be spread across multiple jobs. These included jobs which are administered and remunerated via a claims form rather than a formal contract.

Timur (Computing Science PGR School Rep) and Olga (Architecture PGT School Rep) who were both present at the Education Executive Meeting expressed their concern about these employment stipulations that will be restricting international students. They both pointed out that “This has the potential to both restrict their opportunities for paid work compared to UK and EU students. And for those wishing to gain experience in teaching or demonstrating, make it more likely that they will need to undertake unpaid work to do so.”

Rowan South, the Students' Union Education Officer also expressed his concern about the implications that this might have on current and future international students. “Our students are clearly not happy with this decision so I will do everything I can to bring about a resolution”, he said.

If the decision had to be taken to further steps, these students, who are a significant percentage in the overall number of students at the University, could feel in a disadvantaged position compared to their fellow students from the UK and EU countries.

According to the University's figures and financial information, 2,228 undergraduate overseas students studied in

Image: Tufnell Photography, @benedict_tufnell

NUBC reveals pictures to launch new naked calendar

Mark Sleightholm

The cold weather hasn’t stopped Newcastle University Boat Club from getting their kit off for their 2018 naked calendars. This annual tradition raises money for the club and for charity, and gives another view of one of the Univeristy’s most successful clubs.

The club have produced a men’s and a women’s calendar, with each costing £10. Each year the club donates 10% of the money raised to charity, with mental health charity Mind their chosen part-

ner for this year. The rest of the money goes towards funding NUBC’s activities, with rowing equipment notoriously expensive.

In particular, money raised through sales of the calendars supports NUBC’s beginners programme, which introduces new rowers to the sport. The club is one of the largest in the AU, and contributed more BUCS points to Newcastle’s 2016-17 total than any other sport apart bar fencing.

£800

raised by NUBC last year, 10% of which went to Brocklehurst Neurosurgical Fund

Newcastle University in the academic year 2016/2017. In addition, 4766 were postgraduate international students.

Questions remain whether the University’s recent decision may have an impact on the number of international students that will choose Newcastle for the next academic year.

“Our student are clearly not happy with this decision, so I will do everything I can to bring about a resolution"

Rowan South, NUSU Education Officer

A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “The University has a duty to protect the Tier 4 (general) students it employs.

“UK Visas and Immigration has very strict rules about the hours they can work and the consequences for anyone breaching these terms by working more than their permitted hours could be very severe.

“This means we have had to change the way we engage Tier 4 (general) students in work to prevent any accidental breaches occurring. Tier 4 (general) students can still be engaged in Teaching & Demonstrating roles, through Jobs On Campus or under a formal contract of employment but may no longer hold multiple positions. This is for their protection and so that Newcastle University meets its obligations as a Visa Sponsor.

“The changes have been discussed with Newcastle University Students’ Union. If students have any questions they can email studentemployment. tier4general@ncl.ac.uk or they should speak to their School or Institute manager.”

South also added that he will be speaking directly to the University for more information and further clarification about the issue. He hopes to find a compromise for the international students that do not want to lose the right to undertake the employment they wish to during their time at the University.

Inside today >>>

This Girl Can, and did

Discover our city's markets

Reviews of the week's This Girl Can action, with in depth reports and analysis News & Sport, page 5 & 35

From the Quayside to Jesmond, the delights of Newcastle's market scene are uncovered Lifestyle page 12

Volunteers not always a blessing Katy Prophet gets to the heart of 'mindful' tourism across the planet Travel, page 18

Appropriation on Halloween Charlotte Brook tells us when a costume become an act of perpetuating a cultural stereotype Fashion, page 16

Top 5 horror TV shows For those in love with Halloween TV, here’s our selection of what shows are out there for you TV, page 24

Club Tropicana: Zombies Local zombie hunter Jack Coles mentions Wetherspoons as he talks us through daywalkers as a gaming staple Gaming, page 29

Robot doppelgängers Conor Newton explores whether the world would notice if any of us were replaced Science, page 32

The ISoc protest Image: Qiushi Song

Muslim community outraged Protest surrounding changes to the King George VI prayer space

100 people protested to regain 24/7 access Valentina Egorova News Editor

The Muslim community of Newcastle University carried out a peaceful protest against the university’s alleged plans to limit access to the campus prayer space.

On Sunday, October 23, members of the Islam Society gathered to pray outside the King George VI Building in an attempt to show how important that the prayer space remains open throughout the week. Despite the strong gusts of wind, about 100 people came to take part in the protest in a hope to regain the 24/7 access to the room, as it used to be for years before.

This summer, the prayer space was closed for two months to remove asbestos from ducts beneath the room. It was reopened by the beginning of the academic year in late September with new opening times, limiting access during weekends. It is now open on weekdays, and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, despite the fact that the religion of Islam requires five prayers each day throughout the year.

“If you go to the library, it’s open on Saturdays and Sundays. The university is aware that students study during weekends. And likewise, we pray throughout the week. It’s very important for us - praying is part of our lives”, said Mielad Niekzad, a Biomedical Science student.

5

hours on a Saturday - the only opening times on a weekend are 8am to 1pm on a Saturday

Currently, during weekends, Muslim students are forced to pray either outdoors on the ground or seek alternative

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hideouts on campus to avoid the public eye.

“The bare minimum we can ask for is somewhere to pray and express our religious freedom”

Omar Ali, Medicine Student

“A prayer is something very personal and private in your life, and when people walk past, they’re scared and staring at us. So, we ask the university to let us pray in a specially dedicated place”, said Niekzad.

The Muslim community on campus comes to a few thousand students, and the Islam Society boasts to be the largest and the most ethnically diverse society on campus. The prayer space brings the Muslim community together, and most of them see it as a place to escape from

the mundane problems and meet with the “sisters” and “brothers”.

“You can work hard for hours at university, and then come to the prayer space to find that relaxation and to meditate”, added Niekzad.

“There is a huge number of Muslims on campus, and a lot of them are international students, who are paying huge tuition fees. The bare minimum we can ask for is somewhere to pray and express our religious freedom”, said Omar Ali, a medical student.

“This prayer space is a well-established place. It has been here for decades. Why is it suddenly being removed?”

Talking to The Courier, the members of the Islam Society admitted that they fear there is a “hidden agenda” behind these plans, referring to the Islamophobic sentiments injected by the mass media.

But the university denies such allegations, pointing to the “unexpected building issues”. continued on page 7

thecourier Lifestyle Time to get your facial hair in shape for the winter Page 12

Halloween quiz Have a go at our Thriller Night puzzle, as well as your regular crossword and sudoku Puzzles, page 35

The Great Senior Editor Carve Off The Courier’s senior editors were tested to the extreme in the Harrison Place tent, as they each carved a pumpkin and are pitted against each other Feature, page 10-11

Monday 20 November 2017 Issue 1359 Free

Music The winner of the World Cup of Retro Songs is revealed Page 23

Positive response to Trans Awareness W

w

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Last week, a series of events celebrating Trans Awareness Week took place across campus. The week aimed to educate people interested in learning more about transgender history and experiences, whilst providing safe spaces for trans and gender non-conforming students. The events were organised by Marginalised Genders Officer, Emily Sherwood, in collaboration with the LGBT+ Society and the Feminist Society.

Trans Awareness Week started with a charity bake sale held outside the Students Union on Monday 13th November. This was ran by volunteers from the LGBT+ Society and Feminist Society committees, alongside Emily.

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The documentary was very interesting, giving opinions from trans women who were there, and used old footage to show how trans people were treated at a time when dressing as a woman was illegal. The screening was well-received by those present, with many including myself having little idea of the riot before the event.

7 On Wednesday afternoon, a ‘Trans 101’ discussion was led by James Fitzgerald, the Trans Rep for the LGBT+ Society. His presentation explained trans-specific terminology, how to support your trans friends and his personal experiences with coming out. This was educational, and even as someone who is very involved with the LGBT+ Society, I still learnt new information. The audience were open to discussion after the presentation, with some interesting debate around mixed gende

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The bake sale raised money for Action For Trans Health, a charity that assists trans people with access to healthcare.

Despite the cold weather, there was good engagement from people on campus donating money and asking for information about the cause. The LGBT+ Society are hoping to collaborate with Action For Trans Health next semester to provide further support for their trans and non-binary members.

On Tuesday evening, there was a film screening of ‘Screaming Queens’, a documentary about a riot in San Francisco led by drag queens, trans women and sex workers to protest police harassment. The riot is little-known compared to the famous riots of Stonewall in 1969, despite this ‘Compton’s Cafeteria’ riot being one of the first scenes of LGBT community protest in 1966.

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that will be of benefit not only for academic study but which may also be transferable to some work placement opportunities as well. In addition, all students with disabilities are considered for appropriate examination adjustments; extended library loans; access to quiet study spaces; and access to computers with assistive technologies.

"This is alongside support and guidance from a Student Wellbeing Adviser.

This support is arranged and funded directly by the University."

The consensus among peers was that a review of the system is overdue, in order to reduce disparities between disability assessments. In the mean time, the 2010 Equality Act ensures that students with specific learning disabilities are eligible for particular allowances, and Newcastle University provides options for both UK and international students.

“No one should be expected to apply for a Hardship Fund just so they can prove their disability is still valid"

votes for Kemi Adediran for the Racial Equality Officer position

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Nevertheless, in the May 2016 PTO elections, Safiya Robinson was elected as Racial Equality Officer with 451 votes, which is still a considerable difference to this year’s Autumn’s elections.

In the first Student Council of the 2017/18 academic year, NUSU Presi-

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dent Ronnie Reid presented Motion 303 to tackle the issues with the Autumn eections. According to the NUSU website “The Election of a vacant PTO position’ passed meaning that if the March elections fail to elect a PTO position, NUSU can now hold an less formal election before the end of summer term to fill vacant positions. This gives us the flexibility to ensure a full team of Part Time Officers at the start of the year.”

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Speaking about the election turnout and the motion, NUSU Representation and Democracy Manager George Watkins stated: “A great deal of effort was put into promoting the vacant Racial Equality position during the nomination period. Once we were able to confirm that there was only one eligible candidate and this was the last Autumn elections, following the passing of The Election of a vacant PTO position motion at October’s Student Council, during the voting period we were happy to leave the majority of the elections promotion to the candidate.

However, Watkins denied that the election wasn’t promoted enough by NUSU. “The voting period was supported with a NUSU website presence and social media posts. We now look forward to and will start planning the Spring elections where we will look to elect a new officer team for 2018/19."

Alex Hendley Deputy Editor

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Kemi Adediran has been elected as Newcastle University Students’ Union’s Racial Equality Officer for the 2017/18 academic year during the last Autumn elections period.

Adediran follows Safiya Robinson as NUSU’s elected officer to represent BAME students on campus, stating: “I am ecstatic to become the NUSU Racial Equality Officer, this position holds much importance to me personally and I hope while in this position my passion will show through in my work at NUSU.” A spokesperson from the Union said “Congratulations to Stage 1 Media, Communication & Cultural Studies student Kemi Adediran, who has been elected as the NUSU Racial Equality Officer for 2017/18. With Kemi now elected to the role, we are delighted to announce that NUSU now has a full officer team for the academic year, who are all working hard to represent your

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Only 34 votes were cast in the student election

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Racial Equality Officer elected in last NUSU Autumn election

Council to inform landlords of all noise complaints against their tenants, with or without evidence

James Sproston Editor

Monday 13 November 2017 Issue 1358 Free

interests.”

Kemi was elected with 33 votes, with the Re-open Nominations (R.O.N.) option having 1 vote. The low voting figures could be considered typical of the Autumn elections, as voting figures are consistently lower than those in March.

Last year, the Disabilities Officer, Scrutiny Officer and Students with Faith or Belief Officer positions, all contested, respectively received 196, 166 and 202 votes, although the Freshers’ Week Organiser roles often receive more votes, receiving 482 and 343 votes in 2015 and 2016 respectively.

The March 2017 elections saw all but one of the eight Part-time Officer (PTO) positions achieve over 1000 votes, and the majority of those positions were uncontested. However, the year before when Sabbatical and Part-time Officer elections were separate, none of the candidates received more than 500 votes.

The independent voice of Newcastle students

Northumbria Police

Despite the attempted robbery at the Lonsdale, it is believed that the student friendly pub will continue to thrive.

Northumbria Police have urged anyone with more information to come forward.

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“A man had gone into the pub armed with what was believed to be a handgun, however it is not known whether the weapon was real or for intimidation”

team building, instil needed humility in new members, establish a necessary hierarchy and allow individuals free choice regarding their participation.

The reality of these ceremonies is however somewhat different with many cases of Students throughout the country being prosecuted, seriously injured or even killed because of or during such activities.”

They also asked that students report any of these events to the University welfare team.

Last year, initiation ceremonies faced severe backlash when Newcastle University Student, Edward Farmer, allegedly died as a result of excessive drinking

Louise Hall News Editor

Monday 30 October 2017 Issue 1356 Free

students have been reminded to stay safe in the university surrounding areas.

The Complete University Guide has outlined ten points on how to stay safe after dark, which students should adhere to including ‘taking responsibility of yourself which includes pre-booking a registered taxi and carrying a charged mobile phone, watching how much you drink, insuring your valuable property and ensuring that your house is secure’.

Following these tips is considered to be best practice for students to enjoy city nightlife safely.

Accounts of such events often reveal that the ceremonies revolve around the excessive drinking of alcohol, embarrassment and physical abuse of students, nudity, and consumption of inedible foods.

Newcastle University distributed an email to its students warning against the organisation and participation in initiation ceremonies in name of sports teams, as they are officially banned.

The Student Union attempted to remind students of the dangers of such ceremonies, commenting in their email, signed off by Athletic Union Officer Clara Pettitt and Rebecca Bainbridge: “These ceremonies and behaviours have gained acceptance among some students and student groups because they are believed to accomplish or improve

Email from Students’ Union outlines six points explaining why to avoid initiations

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son said: “We can confirm that there was an attempted robbery at the Lonsdale Hotel on 16th October, fortunately no team or guests were hurt during the incident and no property was stolen. We are working closely with the Police, and as this is a live investigation it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”

Local resident and student, Teddy Lee, was shocked at the incident. “I can’t believe something like this could happen in the Lonsdale. First Sainsbury’s, now my local, my place of worship, I’m just angry really.”

For Mr. Lee, this is becoming a more common occurrence. Last February, an individual who stole cash before heading towards Lyndhurst Avenue targeted the Sainsbury’s Local next to The Lonsdale. Mr. Lee thinks the two might be linked. “All I’m saying is that it’s definitely a strange coincidence that two establishments have been hit are side by side. Where next? Well, they might take my supermarket, but they’ll never take my pub” Other than the aforementioned cases, this is not the first time that Jesmond has been victimised by attempted robbery. In 2015, disguised men targeted Jules B on Acorn Road and stole money and clothing before fleeing the scene in the direction of Osborne Road.

In response to the most recent event,

Students warned against initiation chaos

Craggs is the port-of-call

the SU and the University itself.”

She added that the Student’s Union acts as a useful go-between.

“We also have external support that we can signpost students to as well, such as the Reach Centre and Arch. Our Student Advice service and the student and campus liaison police officers are open for students to book appointments and drop in, so we have plenty of resources available for support.”

When questioned about what changes were being made, Craggs added that the ‘changing the culture’ policy is taking place throughout the university, with the aim of tackling the rape culture on campus.

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but the event was non-compulsory.

New Newcastle University student led organisation It Happens Here also aims to tackle the issue of sexual assault and harassment and provide survivor support to Newcastle University students.

Fae Horsley, Campaigns officer for It Happens Here commented: “As our name states, sexual violence is something that happens here, it happens everywhere, and it needs to be addressed now. Our main goal this year is to set up a peer support group for women survivors of sexual assault; which is a service that is in demand but currently non-existent.

“Consent session should be mandatory for all students”

Monday 23 October 2017 Issue 1355 Free

Lifestyle Where should you go on your Xmas snacky break?

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PEC victory for carers The independent voice of Newcastle students

Laura Staniforth Copy Editor

A decision has been made by the University to support PEC form submissions for dependents of student parents and carers.

Students with caring responsibilities were not guaranteed to be considered for mediations if their forms detailed circumstances relating to their dependents that affected their studies. Previously, there was inconsistency in the way university schools would handle these instances; Sarah Craggs, the Welfare and Equality Officer, stated that “some would not accept PEC forms if the student themselves weren’t ill, even though their academic interests would be impacted.”

It was found that the Personal Extenuating Circumstances Policy had no mention of what to do in regards to dependents, or indeed a checklist of circumstances in which PEC forms would be allowed. Holly Waddell, the Student Parents, Guardians and Carers Officer, highlighted that these affected students were not being represented fairly.

Backed by Craggs and Rowan South, the Education Officer, in a PEC working group that took place at the end of November, it was decided that this was unacceptable.

The policy is now being updated to ensure that PEC forms relating to issues with dependents will be considered on merit, with the same weight granted to them as with personal student circumstances. Students who submit reasonable evidence, for instance a note from a doctor or childcare, would meet the criteria for a successful PEC application. It’s a victory hard won for a subset of students often forgotten by wider university policy.

Craggs made it known that “there are always more improvements needed for

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parents and carers, but I think that the university is making great steps now to represent this demographic of students.”

She noted that Holly Waddell was working tirelessly to ensure fairness and support for students with such responsibilities, including holding more childcare opportunities through sessions at the Hatton Gallery.

Waddell commented “I am very pleased to see that changes are being made to PEC procedures to make it easier for Parents and Carers to submit PEC forms and therefore have proper and adequate support. This is an issue I have been campaigning over my time in post and I am very proud to see changes being made to improve the experiences of students with caring responsibilities.”

South was also pleased, adding: “It’s great that Student Parents and Carers now have adequate considerations in the PEC Policy, it ensures they are not disadvantaged in their learning which is something we are delighted to have achieved”.

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The policy is now being updated to ensure that PEC forms relating to issues with dependents will be considered on merit

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A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “We review the PEC guidelines regularly to ensure that they remain helpful for both students and staff.

However, while we have agreed to clarify the PEC guidance for next year as a way of helping students who are parents and/or carers balance their studies with their caring responsibilities, the precise wording still requires approval.”

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Nominations for Students' Union officer positions open Nominations are now open for the six full time sabbatical officer positions and part time officer positions that represent you in the Union, the University, locally and nationally.

Any student can stand, and with the option of a full time, paid position or become a part time (voluntary) of-

Monday 11 December 2017 Issue 1362 Free

ficer. Sabbatical officer positions are President, Education Officer, Welfare and Equality Officer, Activities Officer, Athletic Union Officer and Editor of the Courier. Part time officers include Students with Disabilities Officer, Chair of Student Council and International Officer.

Each sabbatical officer receives an annual salary of over £19,000 and is a full time member of staff, as well as being a member of the Trustee Board.

Leading an organisation with a £4 million turnover and a registered charity, before they have even graduated, puts officers in a great position, developing skills in leadership and organisation and learning about finances, democracy, education, event management and a whole host of other skills. All officers gain experience of chairing meetings, leading campaigns, managing budgets, communicating and team building, both full time and part time.

Nominations close at 12pm on Thursday 15 February 2018 and full details on how to run can be found at nusu.co.uk/ elections. We also have a number of training and information sessions on in case you are unsure on running or the process. Details of these can be found in the candidates resources section of www.nusu.co.uk/elections If you want to find out more about each role, go to nusu.co.uk/representation/officers/.

Get your puzzle on The ever expanding team has masterminded a Christmas feast for you Puzzles, page 30-31

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Comment Discussions on sexism within charity Page 8

Film A rare five star film review, but who for?

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Students vote against strike position The independent voice of Newcastle students

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proposed and presented the motion, many other students, including other Part Time Officers and even whole student societies such as the Young Greens and the Working Class Students Network seconded the motion.

A record number of students applied for the 20 casual places, and even those who were unsuccessful in earning a voting place still attended, making the History Room a crowded and stuffy room for the long meeting.

Many of the Council members speaking for and against both motions had pre-prepared statements with well-researched arguments. Chair of Council Errol Kerr strictly enforced time limits on speeches and expressly stated that personal or offensive comments would not be allowed.

At an open meeting about the strikes and their potential impact on students earlier in the afternoon Reid was heckled by audience members, and tensions were running high in the lead up to the Council meeting.

After Reid’s motion was heavily rejected he shifted his position to argue that NUSU should not present a single stance on the strikes when there was clearly such diversity in student opinion. He also stressed that he respected the democratic process and commended the high turnout at Council.

Sherwood’s motion specifically called for the Union’s Sabbatical Officers to “ensure NUSU expresses support for the actions of the striking lecturers”.

Reid proposed an amendment removing this resolution, concerned that Sabbatical Officers would be locked in to a single stance which they would be unable to adjust regardless of future developments. Sherwood did not accept this amendment and so it went to a vote of Council members, who promptly rejected it. This was soon proved insignificant, however, since the motion was itself voted down. Sherwood then announced their resignation from their role as Marginalised Genders Officer.

Reid said after the meeting: “As a result of the Student Council meeting of 8 February, it is right that NUSU will take a neutral stance on the proposed industrial strikes beginning on 22 February.

“NUSU will fully focus on supporting all students that may be impacted by the action. This includes gaining ring fenced assurances on PEC forms for affected dissertations and assignments.’’

Union will not support or oppose lecturers' strike

Mark Sleightholm

Student Council rejected two rival motions supporting and opposing the lecturers’ strike organized by UCU. Lecturers at 61 universities, including Newcastle, have voted to strike on 14 days across February and March in rejection of changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) that could see their pensions reduced.

The USS plans to reduce the amount employers such as Newcastle University pay into the scheme, but UCU, the main trade union representing academic staff, argues that this will leave lecturers worse off.

“NUSU will fully focus on supporting all students that may be impacted by the action"

Ronnie Reid, NUSU President

Ronnie Reid, the Students’ Union’s president, proposed a motion calling for NUSU to officially oppose UCU’s position. Emily Sherwood, Marginalised Genders Officer at NUSU, proposed a counter motion where NUSU would support the lecturers’ strike.

Neither motion was ultimately accepted by Student Council. Reid’s motion fell well short of the required 50% support, while Sherwood’s motion gained 48% and so also failed.

Reid’s motion developed from a statement he published on his official NUSU President Facebook page on 1 February.

In this statement Reid expressed his belief that unless universities can contribute less to the USS they will be forced to either cut service provision or raise tuition fees. His motion at Thursday’s Council meeting was designed to engage students in discussion and develop NUSU’s official stance in a transparent and democratic manner.

The motion, however, attracted widespread opposition from students, many of whom organised the motion in support of the strikes. While Sherwood

The scheme is set to start in March 2018 Esther Michel-Spraggett

Dramatic Council ends in resignation James Sproston Editor

Emily Sherwood publicly resigned as NUSU Marginalised Genders Officer at Student Council following the defeat of their motion to ‘Support the Upcoming UCU Strike Over Pensions’.

In a scathing speech, Sherwood denounced the Students’ Union for the lack of support in their, and other Parttime Officers’, campaigns and efforts throughout the year so far.

After depositing their purple PTO hoodie and NUSU badge on the desk by the Chair of Council, Errol Kerr, Sherwood delivered their speech before returning to their seat in the Council Chamber.

Sherwood had earlier proposed a

late notice motion to support lecturer strikes in protest of measures to change employer pension contributions. Holly Waddell, Newcastle University Feminist Society, Newcastle University Labour Society, Newcastle University Working Class Students Network, Young Greens, Hannah Fitzpatrick, and Zoë Godden seconded the motion.

Afterwards, Sherwood said: “The tension in council was so thick you could cut it with a knife. A lot of people had registered who hadn’t ever been to council before because they were so passionate about the upcoming UCU industrial action. It was a surreal feeling standing up before a podium, as it’s something I’ve never done before.

“I would normally avoid it at all costs but the motion to support the strike was crucial to determining the stance

the union would take. For me, this motion was critical in deciding what sort of union NUSU is and aims to be: either a union which acts like one and supports on-campus struggles, or an institution which functions only in the interests of university management.

“After already experiencing a lack of support and feeling alienated by the actions of members of NUSU, I made the decision that I would not want to represent the sort of union NUSU has become. I resigned then and there, detective style, handing my hoodie and badge to Errol.

"I am pretty disappointed about missing the raffle at the end though, but I guess that’s what you get when you decide to stick to your principles.”

At the time of writing, no formal resignation has been received by the Union.

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The independent voice of Newcastle students

Monday 5 March 2018 Issue 1366 Free

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On 28 February, Universities UK (UUK) agreed to enter into conciliation talks with University and College Union (UCU) to try and resolve the ongoing dispute.

Talks are set to begin on Monday 5 march and are to be mediated by the conciliation service Acas

NUSU Elections: Of�icer candidates grilled in live debates as voting opens p4 and pullout

Staff at 61 universities across the country took industrial action beginning on 22 February over proposals for pension reform, which has caused severe disruption to lectures and classes at these institutions.

Both sides of the dispute have agreed to begin talks to try and end the disruptive action. Talks are set to begin on Monday 5 March and are to be mediated by the conciliation service Acas.

Ahead of discussions, UCU have outlined a table of proposals that it believes will help to solve the dispute. These proposals include providing a guaran-

teed pension for members of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) at around half the extra cost suggested in their previous plans. This means contributions would increase by 4.1%, split 65/35 between employers and employees, rather than the previously proposed 8.3%. This plan would mean universities accepting a small amount of increased risk, but in response to a UUK consultation, 58% of institutions said they were happy to accept the current risk levels or increase them.

UCU has called for collaboration with employers on a number of issues in order to avoid disputes like this in the future, such as a study into alternative ways of providing pension benefits.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “We are pleased the employers have agreed to more talks. UCU tabled proposals which provide the basis for settling this damaging dispute. We have listened not just to our members, but also to the many university leaders who have contributed ideas.”

“At the core of our proposals is for universities to accept a small amount of increased risk, but only at a level a majority have recently said they are comfortable with. Doing this would enable us to provide a decent, guaranteed pension at a more modest cost with smaller contribution increases.

“Our proposals for long-term reform reflect an attempt to reach a consensus around the challenges we face.”

Beast from the East causes chaos on campus delays and closures throughout the city.

The storm is causing unusual and severe conditions in the region, as local areas have been forecasted to experience as much as a 40cm blanket of snow, along with strong winds leading to snow drifts, severe wind chill and even the possibility of white lightning.

And while these snowy conditions may have made for some seriously aesthetic Instagram posts of campus, sadly it has also caused significant disruption to a series of events planned by NUSU. Events affected by the wather include: The Inspiring Women’s conference, Creative Careers, The Wellbeing Fair, and a Day in the Life of Politics, Civil Service and Policy workshop.

Some of these events have been postponed and reorganised for later dates.

The Inspiring Women’s conference will now be taking place on the 18th of May. Sarah Craggs, NUSU’s Welfare and Equality officer, states on the Welfare Fair’s Facebook page that the event will now be postponed until after Easter.

However, many others have been outright cancelled and will not be rescheduled.

Sports and athletic events have also suffered due to the snow, causing interruption of scheduled matches and training sessions.

Izzy Reid, 2nd Year History Student and Tennis Society Social Secretary, commented: ‘The snow caused our ten-

nis match to be cancelled this Wednesday - the other team weren’t able to get here due to transport issues, which is perfectly understandable. However, we received very little contact from the SU over the matter and spoke to the team ourselves directly.

"There was a clear lack of organisation from Lancaster and their plans involving travel and the snow".

And while the University website states that is officially ‘open for business’, many students have experienced cancelled seminars and lectures due to staff being unable to make it into work due to circumstances caused by these weather conditions.

The Marjorie Robinson Library was

also forced to close early on the 28th of February as there was an insufficient number of staff, which meant the University could not keep the building running until its usual closing time of 12pm.

Newcastle University urges students to consider whether it is safe to travel to and from the University, particularly if travelling by car, after a series of serious car pile-ups occurred locally as a result of the ice and snow.

But students using public transport to commute to and from University have also experienced delays, after metro closures and interruption of bus services made public transport unreliable in the height of the storm last week.

Strikes to go on?

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Louise Hall News Editor

The bad weather conditions and snow caused by storm Emma in the last week has led to severe interruption to the lives of students and staff within the university.

Many timetabled events from within the university have also been brought to a severe standstill, having been cancelled or postponed by organisers and staff.

After the met office issued an amber warning for the Northeast region, snow and wind has caused severe disruptions to roads and public transport, causing

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Comment Scrutinising the wealth and privilege in British media Page 8

Lifestyle Body positivity: battling societal expectations Page 15

Monday 7 May 2018 Issue 1369 Free

Housing policy sparks local election debate City Council aims to create ‘balanced communities’ NUSU President accused of ‘scaremongering’

James Sproston Editor

Thousands of students took to the ballot box last week amid debate over housing policy in student residential areas.

A Newcastle City Council policy that has been scrutinised by student representatives was the centre of attention going into polling day, with Newcastle University Students’ Union President Ronnie Reid writing an article that claimed that the Council has been “silently trying to put in place policies which will stop students living in sociable and affordable housing.”

The article has been considered inherently political by some students, who believe the piece to be critical of the Labour-controlled City Council, after Reid encouraged the student body to vote in the upcoming elections at the end of the piece.

However, the process of incentivising the construction of purpose built student accommodation (PBSAs) and the conversion of empty houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) into family dwellings to ‘rebalance communities’ outlined by Reid has been a City Council policy since 2007, when the Council was controlled by the Liberal Democrats.

In early April, Ronnie Reid wrote and publicised an article on NUSU’s website with the headline ‘They want you out, we want you in!’, detailing the Union’s stance on a housing policy document produced by Newcastle City Council.

Reid’s qualms were with the description of students as a “transient community” that impact on the community through “increased crime” as well as a “fear of crime” and “anti-social behavior, noise and nuisance” in the Maintaining Sustainable Communities policy document, written by the City Council.

Reid considered these descriptions to be an unfair image of students. His stance was swiftly followed by an article of similar tone in The Tab, though both articles are no longer available.

Though Reid’s view was echoed by a number of students, he faced a backlash from a portion of the student community, with some branding his views as “ill-informed scaremongering” and “complete fabrication.”

Many took issue with the timing of Reid’s article, just weeks before the May 2018 local elections. The article encouraged students to register to vote, prompting comments on the NUSU President’s Facebook post that referred to the article as “blatant anti-Newcastle City Council propaganda.”

Reid justified this by telling The Chronicle that the campaign was “about getting students to register and using a student facing policy to engage them,” adding: “The first paragraph of my article does encourage students to read the policy for themselves so they can make their own minds up.”

Newcastle University Labour Society refuted this, claiming: “Either Reid does not understand the policy or he’s trying to discredit our Labourled council ahead of the local elections (a clear abuse of his power), or, more likely, both. Either way, students will see through it, Newcastle hasn’t had a Tory councillor in 23 years and that’s not about to change because of some amateurish scaremongering.”

The process has been a City Council policy since 2007, when the Council was controlled by the Liberal Democrats

Three weeks prior, Reid was interviewed by Newcastle Student Radio for a news piece that opened saying: “Newcastle City Council wants to move students out of Jesmond and Heaton, and into purpose built student accommodation in the city centre.”

Reid shared the video on his Union Facebook page, within which he expressed concern that some students would be priced out of student residential areas.

Issue has also been taken with the factual accuracy of Reid’s article, specifically around his interpretation of the development of HMOs. Reid’s assertion that the Council “plans to incentivise landlords to transition properties from student housing to family dwellings” has been considered problematic.

According to the document, the grant funding of £2,000 to £10,000 will only be accessible to small landlords whose properties have “remained empty for long periods” to bring the property up to the Newcastle Accreditation Standard.

However, there is little doubt that this funding is accessible for the purpose of converting student-orientated HMO

properties “back to family accommodation,” with the document stating that this process will be monitored to “ensure appropriate assistance is made available to realise the potential of the existing housing stock to create sustainable communities.”

Whilst this seems to propose that HMOs will be taken out of the housing market, a Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “The policy does not seek to reduce houses of multiple occupation, but instead control the loss of further family housing to student accommodation in the interests of the wider community.”

The City Council have defended the intention of the policy: “The purpose of the Maintaining Sustainable Communities policy is to create balanced communities where there is a good range of housing, access to jobs and services that meet the needs of our communities.”

Though blame for the policy has fallen at the feet of the City Council, controlled by Labour before and after the May 2018 local elections, another Council document (the Interim Planning Guidance on Purpose Built Student Housing) introduced the process in November 2007.

In the document, the then Liberal Democrat-controlled City Council proposed: “Alongside encouraging the development of purpose built student accommodation, the Council is seeking to discourage the conversion of family houses into flats or houses in multiple occupation.”

Whilst it recognises that students bring “prestige and recognition”, “increased spending in the local economy”, and “investment into older properties that would potentially otherwise be in decline”, the framework advises the building of PBSAs to avoid “anti–social behaviour and marginalisation of long standing communities”.

It is in this local development framework that the idea of ‘balance’ in communities is first raised, and this is carried through to the current policy. The 2007 document encourages a process of ‘destudentification’, and claims that the higher cost of PBSAs is offset by fewer transportation costs by virtue of living in the city centre, even though many students commute on foot to university.

37 potential sites for PBSAs are identified, with a total estimated capacity of 13,604-16,420 students. On this list there are several sites that now host PBSAs, whilst several others are currently under construction, such as ‘Richardson Road Halls of Residence’ and ‘Newgate Shopping Centre’. continued on page 5

Isabel Sykes News Editor

On Friday afternoon, the Vice-Chancellor Chris Day held an open-forum discussion about the strike action expected to begin on Thursday 22 February.

The session began at 3:30pm in the Herschel building and was well attended. As people entered, students were stood outside the lecture hall handing out UCU leaflets and other material supporting the strike. At the start of the discussion, the Vice-Chancellor made it clear that the session would be filmed and recorded for ReCap for all students who were unable to attend.

The Vice-Chancellor Chris Day began by expressing how difficult the current

situation was for all involved. He outlined his view of the economic origins of the issue and explained the university’s position on the matter. This was chiefly that a decision had been made that universities could not afford the contributions the UCU were suggesting, and that they are not sure more money would solve the problem. Day then raised the issue of the impact of the strike dispute on students, saying: “If I’m sitting in your shoes, the questions are: what effect is this going to have on me?”

He then opened the session up to questions from the audience, which lasted just over an hour. To begin with, one student stood up and spoke passionately against the University’s stance on the strikes, defending the lecturers’

Inside today >>>

Uni poverty premium

Wellbeing and welfare

A new report reveals the hidden costs faced by working class students at university News, page 3

Welfare and Equality Officer Sarah Craggs talks wellbeing fairs, doggy days and inspiring women Voice, page 10

Cruising on canals

Criminally famous

It’s certainly different, but Maddy Bainbridge reckons canal holidays are the next big thing Travel, page 20

Is it time we had a rethink about the way we treat celebrities who break the law?

TV, page 25

More than a pretty face

Next stop, Kilimanjaro

The mental and physical health benefits of keeping pets has now been scientifically proven Science, page 32

Cycling the length of Britain was just phase one of Newcastle student’s charity challenge Sport, page 37

position, which received applause from the audience. This was followed by a brief but quite heated exchange between the student and Day, before another audience member turned the discussion specifically onto the potential impact of the strikes on students.

Many students expressed fervent concerns over how the strikes would personally affect their work and asked how the university planned to deal with this, with some calling specifically for financial compensation. Consistently, the response was that it was difficult to plan, but that the University would endeavour to ensure the impact on students’ degree experience was minimal.

Day said: “I believe that common sense on both sides will prevail in the end.”

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Music Jukebox: Music's Mothers' Day special Page 22

Inside today >>>

St Mary's bus route revived

PTO Resignation

Following Ronnie Reid's motion, Newcastle University will trial a free bus from St Mary's College News, page 5

Former Marginalised Genders Officer Emily Sherwood's resignation statement is published in its entirety Student Voice page 10

Shadow of the Colossus

Nipple censorship

The PS2 favourite returns to the gaming scene with a stunning PS4 remaster Gaming page 28

The female body is at the centre of attention after Manchester Art Gallery removed a revealing painting Arts, page 27

Monday 12 March 2018 Issue 1367 Free

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London Fashion Week The most bizarre trends emerging from this year's London Fashion Week are in the limelight Fashion, page 11

Are we the funniest?

TV take a look at how a small island has had such a huge comic impact TV, page 24

Put 'em up!

Sabbatical team for 2018 unveiled at election night Three candidates drop out during election week

James Sproston Editor

Six new Sabbatical Officers and four Part Time Officers were elected on Friday in an election week characterised by candidate withdrawal and poor engagement.

19,692 votes were cast as Raff Marioni, Jonny Hall, Jack Green, Sophie McDermott, Maggie Elstob and Louise Hall are the new the six Sabbatical Officer candidates chosen by the student body to lead

Harry Parsons, Deputy Station Manager of NSR

Whilst all three of those contenders were present for the Newcastle Student Radio debates the preceding week, three other students listed on the initial

candidate list opted out of the process before the election week started. Even at the close of nominations, there were only 25 nominations, compared to 35 the year before, and 26 and 47 in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

Though it started out with four candidates, the race for President of the Students’ Union ended up being a head-to-head between Holly Waddell, current President of the Working Class Students’ Network, and Raff Marioni, co-founder of Hardly Athletic FC. The voting figures were relatively tight, as Marioni was elected President with 1050 compared to Waddell’s 850.

Marioni exclaimed: “Blimey! I’ve got to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted and the candidates who ran against me…you’re all brilliant people.

Thanks to the dance society, my rugby league boys, Bayswater boys… Everyone who helped me out! That’s all I got.”

Do video games have something to answer for in today's gun culture?

Gaming, page 30

Back to basics for puzzles After two weeks of themed specials, Joey's gone back to the drawing board Puzzles, page 35

On your bike Meet the man cycling around the UK and then climbing Africa's highest mountain Sport, page 36 & 37

TV Sick and tired of other people calling the shots, w w awards w we run our own P Page 28-29

proach to negotiation was ‘their way or no way’.

Next, Trade Union Congress Regional Secretary, Beth Farhat talked about the Trade Union bill, saying that it was ideologically driven and constructed in a way that would make it harder for employees to withdraw their labour to protect their rights.

She also addressed students, suggesting that as soon as they start working, they should join a trade union.

Matt Perry, Vice Chair of the UCU Newcastle branch spoke next, and talked about the first recorded workers strike, by the pyramid builders, who demanded garlic to protect themselves from mosquitos.

That the pyramids exist was proof that they were successful. Perry also said that while 14 days of strikes would be costly for lecturers, it would be worth it to ensure that they could afford to use their central heating when they retire.

Sarah Elton, from Durham University said that students are being turned into

Steven Ross The first day of Newcastle lecturers’ strike over pension reform began on 22nd February with a rally at Grey’s Monument.

It was organised by the president of the University and College Union (UCU), Bruce Baker, who is also a History lecturer at Newcastle.

Baker began by reading an announcement from Newcastle University Vicechancellor Chris Day, which stated that he understood why lecturers were striking and that he would be meeting with vice-chancellors from other universities, urging for a return to negotiations.

The first speaker, Unite Regional Officer, Dave Telford spoke about how none of the staff wanted to be in a position where they had to strike but that the administration had left them with no other option.

He stated that the administration’s ap-

Dave Telford stated that the administration's approach to negotiation was "their way or no way"

Finally, UCU Head of Higher Education, Paul Bridge, told the crowd that the degree of anger among union members was palpable. However, he said that he was prepared to negotiate with the Vice-chancellor, and it was now up to the administration to come to them.

Henry Holborn, Campaign Officer of Newcastle University Labour Society,

attended the rally.

He said that the administration was using false figures to justify cuts and that lecturers are already under strain with constant assessments like the Raising the Bar initiative.

He also said that lecturers helped him at university, so he wanted to support them.

Stephen Burrell, a PhD student from Durham University, said that this was the first time that politics has affected him directly as, going into academia, his future pension plan would suffer because of the proposed cuts.

In an interview with the Chronicle, UCU regional official Iain Owens said of the dispute: “Nobody wants to take strike action, but staff at Newcastle and Durham feel they have no choice.

It is staggering that the universities have refused to engage with the union and a real insult to staff and to students.We hope students will continue to put pressure on the vice-chancellors to get their reps back round the negotiating table.”

TV BBC’s decision to recast put under the microscope Page 22

The independent voice of Newcastle students

SU and Uni of the Year two of four awards won

Zoë Crowther News Editor

On Thursday 26 April, the Educate North Awards saw Newcastle University win four awards, including Best External Relations Team, the Student Experience Award, 2018 Students’ Union of the Year, and 2018 University of the Year.

The Educate North Awards is a prestigious event that celebrates, recognises and shares excellent practice among the Northern education sector. With this year’s event taking place in the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester, hundreds of academics, students and professionals attended.

This year was expected to be highly competitive, with entries increased by 40% from 2017. Nevertheless, Newcastle University achieved great success, and the Students’ Union was commended for its extensive volunteering opportunities and contributions to student experience.

Other institutions nominated included Huddersfield, Leeds Trinity, Liverpool Hope and the University of Chester.

This year’s success is a continuation of how Newcastle has fared in the past: at the 2017 Awards, it won an award for business collaboration and was highly commended for its links with environmental industry.

NUSU President, Ronnie Reid, said: “We are thrilled to receive this recognition for all of our efforts and success achieved for our students this year. We

Oxfam Crisis discussed The Courier's writers debate the morality of Oxfams actions following revelations about the charity Comment, page 5

Royalty or activism?

Who sets the hottest trends in the 21st century: our beloved royals or those who take to the streets in protest Fashion page 17

No to single-use plastic The BBC want the substance banned by 2020 following the success of Planet Earth II Science page 28

Monday 30 April 2018 Issue 1368 Free

Inside today >>>

Maddy Bainbridge answers your questions on joining the vegan bandwagon Lifestyle, page 13

Appropriation on Halloween Shine a light! Our Beauty editor Lois Johnston analyses the effects of UV and what we can do Beauty, page 16

All you need is... Ed? Sheeran’s new film about the Beatles has raised a few eyebrows in our film section Film, page 24

It’ll be over in a week or two Just why has Fortnite Battle Royal captured the hearts of millions of gamers?

Gaming, page 31

Cod Army’s new recruit Find out if Joey Barton will be staying on following his appointment in the North West Puzzles, page 35

No relegation for ruggers

NUSU staff react to winning Students’ Union of the Year Image: Don’t Panic Events

House of Smith wins appeal to stay open been made that reflect the gravity of the offences.”

The initial closures spanned from late December to early January. During this time, police seized £17,000 as well as an estimated £14,000 worth of cocaine from the venues.

An imitation pistol was also found and is being held as evidence along with the drugs.

Undercover police reports claim that drug dealers would roam freely between the clubs and were given “celebrity status”, bypassing queues and entering VIP areas without being searched.

A total of 21 people were arrested along with the initial closures but have since been released as they pend further investigation.

Illicit drug supply and use in Newcastle has increased in recent years, with an intensive drugs review published in 2014 finding that the North East has the “highest rates of drug related deaths in the UK”.

In 2017, Public Health England identified the region as “an area with marked deprivation, health inequalities and a high prevalence of drug use.”

In response to this increasing problem, Northumbria police have claimed they are taking control of the issue, stating in October that “...a lot of work is being done in partnership with Newcastle City Council to tackle it.”

It is hoped that the recent investigations and arrests signifies a step forward for the police department in this regard.

Read our report on Rugby Union’s heroics as they preserved their division place Sport, page 38

Courier’s Art Gallery We’ve collated a Smörgåsbord of student art for your delectation.

Find our double page spread of poetry, photography and much more inside Arts, page 28-29

Monday 14 May 2018 Issue 1370 Free

Gm Gaming H Have a look into our crystal ball, as w we look on to 2018/19 P Page 37

Deposit nightmare for student tenants Student tenants of ATS Properties have been left hundreds of pounds out of pocket after deposit disputes with the Newcastle-based landlord and agency.

Complaints have been made concerning the company’s malpractice surrounding deposits, as students have been unaware that their deposit in protection (DIP) scheme expired after a matter of months.

The complaints against the company are rooted in the insufficient issuing of prescribed information about the deposit scheme that the student tenants have signed up to, with employees of the company delaying deposit payments and being found difficult to contact.

ATS Properties employees are known to offer a ‘knockdown’ price in order to satisfy tenants, but for most this can still be a figure upwards of £500.

Mr Taylor, a former ATS Properties tenant that preferred not to give his full name, remembers: “After continued assurances of deposit return for several months, three months down the line there was no response to e-mails texts or phone calls.

“Following advice from the Student Advice Centre, we found out that three months had already elapsed, which was the window to open dispute, therefore our deposit had already been released to the landlord as we had missed our window.”

The tenancy deposit protection scheme outlines that the tenants must be “protected in an authorised scheme”, and that “the tenants must be provided with Prescribed Information about where their deposit was protected and how the tenancy deposit protection scheme operated.” The landlord is obligated to provide this information to the tenants within 30 days of receiving the deposit.

All of this information is initially outlined in the 2004 Housing Act, but was further amended by the Housing Order of 2007, clearly defining the contents of the prescribed information that landlords should provide to tenants.

Crucially, this amendment not only outlined that tenants should be thoroughly informed about the scheme that they have signed onto soon after it is protected, but this information should also include “the procedures that apply under the scheme where either the landlord or the tenant is not contactable at the end of the tenancy.”

In the case of ATS Properties, this has been a consistent story. Having not been given any deposit information until 15 months after his deposit was protected, Mr Jones, another former tenant, was left waiting for over a month for evidence that the prescribed information regarding the deposit protection was provided and when. He had still not received the information when he contacted the City Council about the dispute.

Tenants’ deposits are not the only issues that have been reported about ATS Properties, with the quality of the properties and poor maintenance also being called into question.

Mr Jones suffered issues relating to damp and roof leakage, whilst Mr Taylor moved into a house in a dirty state, with mould coating many surfaces, bins filled with refuse and a dysfunctional central heating system.

Both experienced cases where ATS Properties were unresponsive to requests to fix these issues, and were subsequently charged out of their deposits at the end of their respective tenancies.

Newcastle University Students’ Union’s Student Advice Centre (SAC) provides specialist housing advice for students, and deals with multiple cases each year relating to students that are either current or former tenants of ATS Properties.

Most of these cases are not able to be resolved, with the housing charity Shelter advising not taking the incidents to court. However, SAC advisors have made efforts to register ATS Properties on the City Council’s rogue landlord database at the earliest opportunity, though they fear that may come too late before students start to sign for a place to live in the 2019/20 academic year.

The SAC’s housing advisor, Ruth Gibson said: “The SAC monitors the cases that come forward, which allows us to identify where issues are reoccurring.

We use this information in various ways including notifying all students of the issues and by informing relevant authorities especially if it concerns breaches of legislation or regulation.”

Sarah Craggs, the Union’s Welfare and Equality Officer, encourages students to spend time doing some research into who they’re signing with: “It is very easy for students to rush into signing for a house due to the pressures from housing agents from November. There’s no need to be so early when signing for a house, and deciding who you want to live with for the next year, so we recommend that students don’t panic, and not to sign a house until after the Christmas break.”

We have been unable to get in contact ATS Properties for a comment.

Summe hoo The Cou e Fa h on head o e mond Dene Hou e o an a ema e pho o hoo p14 15

Inside today >>>

Affordability review

PTO Elections

Ronnie Reid’s ‘Affordability Agenda’ is put under the microscope News, page 6

Read through the manifestos of five of the candidates running Elections, page 7

Stressed Out Students

Winding down

Take a look at the events and planner for the upcoming campaign Voice, page 10

Make sure that you give yourself time to destress this exam period Lifestyle, page 12

The meaning of beauty

Changing tastes

Lois Johnston explores how ‘beauty’ is

Four of our Music writers recount how their tastes have changed at uni Music, page 24

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Veganism: What’s it all about?

are committed to empowering our students to reach their full potential and this award is powerful evidence of our effectiveness this year.

“It is a measure of the exceptional efforts that all of our students and staff put in every hour of every day, making Newcastle a great place to teach and learn.”

Marc Lintern, Director of Employability and Student Success, said: “Winning the Student Experience Award for our University Employability and Enterprise Strategy is a great reflection of the commitment and work of colleagues in the Careers Service, as well as staff across the University.”

A total of 17 categories were awarded, with the presentation of the University of the Year rounding off the evening.

Judged by a number of leading industry experts and professionals in education, leadership, business and marketing, Educate North sought to celebrate a variety of outstanding achievements, from entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, to social mobility and environmental protection.

The awards extended beyond universities and encompassed other educational institutions, with Wigan & Leigh College winning Further Education College of the Year, and Birkenhead Sixth Form winning Sixth Form of the Year.

The Educate North Awards was delivered in association with RM Production, Don’t Panic Events and Prolific North, and was sponsored by a number of marketing firms, radio partners, recruitment agencies and entrepreneurial schemes.

By hosting this event every year, these firms assist in the recognition and promotion of the region’s thriving education sector.

A temporary shutdown was ordered by the council until further investigation could take place.

Despite the seriousness of the offences, Newcastle City Council has since accepted the appeal of owners against further closures. They have stated that they are satisfied with the changes put in place by the clubs’ management.

The Apartment Group, who as well as owning the clubs manage a number of restaurants and hotels in the NorthEast, have apparently put into place 15 new regulations that have been demanded by the council.

“We are comfortable the Apartment group have fully addressed all the issues that were raised,” the Council have stated. “...significant changes have since

Inside today >>>

Science How well do you know your toxicity?

Page 33

Newcastle bags four at Educate North Awards

The owners of Newcastle nightclubs House of Smith, Floritas and Madame Koo have won their appeal against further closures, after police found evidence of staff allowing drugs to be distributed on the premises.

The closures came as a shock to many, with the Diamond Strip on Collingwood Street being a popular clubbing scene in the city centre.

The undercover investigation was conducted by Northumbria police last December and raised “concerns about serious criminal activity, namely the supply of Class A drugs taking place both on and near to the premises”.

continued on page 4

consumers, and lecturers into service providers. She argued that if lecturers did not act now, higher education as we know it will not exist in five years.

thecourier

Amber Marwick

thecourier courier on n o u

Students showing their support Image: Saffron Kershaw-Mee

thecourieronline.co.uk

Mark Sleightholm has been brushing up on campus' history and its projected plans Feature, page 8 & 9

“The standout voting figure from the whole election cycle has got to be the 13% turnout which the incoming team have got to address"

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Vice-Chancellor backs the strikes

Fashion Spring clean your wardrobe with these top tips Page 14

Science Pain in VR? You're pulling my leg...

Page 33

Ghost of campus future

Student turnout reaches record low in election

The independent voice of Newcastle students

Picket lines are drawn in the UCU strikes Birthday celebrations: The Angel of the North turns twenty Arts Online

Both rent prices and tuition fees are coming under student criticism News, page 5

day, Errol Kerr and Lucy Butterworth, respectively standing for Activities Officer and Welfare and Equality Officer, both withdrew from the process, followed by Presidential candidate Chris Murray the next day.

Stan Calvert Relive all the Stan Calvert action as it happened 8 Page Pullout

continued on page 4

Inside today >>>

Newcastle University Students’ Union.

They will be joined by new Part Time Officers Adam Warner, Lauren Sykes, Charlotte Boulton, and Jamie Cameron for the 2018/19 academic year.

Only 3387 students voted in this year’s Newcastle University Students’ Union elections, 2052 down on last year, as the overall turnout proportion dropped from 23% to 13%. It’s the lowest turnout NUSU has seen since 2012 in terms of the number of individual voters, and the lowest since in terms of overall turnout proportion since records began.

The huge drop in voter turnout has been attributed to the strike action and adverse weather conditions leading to fewer students on campus during campaigns week. Moreover, the lack of November by-elections and NUS delegate elections probably would account for a 9% fall in turnout.

Interestingly, for the first time in recent history, candidates have dropped out of the running for NUSU roles during the election week itself. On Mon-

Tuesday 27 February 2018 Issue 1365 Free

Mark Sleightholm

Uni fees under scrutiny

Ten new officers elected to represent students

Film What does Black Panther mean for the future of film?

Page 26

Professor Chris Day, the Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, has expressed support for staff striking in protest at changes to their pensions.

Staff at 64 universities across the UK, including Newcastle, began 14 days of industrial action on 22 February amid a dispute over changes to the Universities Superannuation Scheme which they argue could leave them up to £200,000 worse off.

Professor Day’s statement was published via Twitter in the early hours of Thursday morning, just before staff and students arrived on campus to set up picket lines for the strike.

“I absolutely support staff ’s decision to strike,” Day stated. “I’m not sure what else they can do to express their concerns about the situation we now find ourselves in.”

Day went on to point out the national nature of the dispute, with Newcastle just one of 64 universities affected by strike action.

Day is a member of Universities UK, a grouping of UK Vice-Chancellors that represents the interests of universities and was responsible for the changes to the USS pension scheme. According to his statement Day “will urge strongly that negotiations need to recommence” with striking staff, represented by the University and College Union.

The independent voice of Newcastle students

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Discover Indonesia Week: Cultural festival hits campus p5

Lifestyle GIAG takes Lauren Sneath to the Dog and Scone Page 14

Image: Leo Ma

thecourier

Interview wM Saffron K Kershaw-Mee m speaks on gender, fame and G Genderquake Page 23

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so residents could live across the street from active students.

Newcastle University stated that the aims of the campaign were to: ‘It will promote among residents the many good things which students are doing, which residents often don’t know about’ to encourage students to ‘think about things which could improve the relationship which they have with their neighbours’ and to ‘have an opportunity to meet with residents and other members of the judging panel, and discuss how things are going.’

Ultimately they aim is to remind students of social responsibility and to “build on some bridges”, improving relationships between students and local residents.

As representatives of the university in local areas, students have a chance to demonstrate respect and belonging to communities, and the scheme not only encourages but provides opportunity to do this.

Ronnie Reid, President of Newcastle University Student Union commented: I do hope that BNOC will be a great success, and illuminate much of the great work that students do when going above and beyond in the local community.

Often students get a bad wrap in Jesmond and across the city, but with a 16% decrease in anti-social behaviour, things are certainly moving in the right direction.

The awards will run from February through to May and depending on the success of the initiative, awards will start again the following academic year.

Each winning household of this year will be invited to the Pride of Newcastle Awards Ceremony held at the Civic Centre on 7 June.

Vice-Chancellor hosts strike open forum

h ou

Music Looking back to your first live music encounters Page 22

The independent voice of Newcastle students

Marc Lintern, Careers Service Director

“Any residential area where our students are living can be involved” Students do not have to be living in a popular student area such as Jesmond to be included. Any Newcastle University student household can be nominated.

The initiative also appreciates that student households neighbour each other

Comment Writers' thoughts on media regulation Page 11

Sport All 32 teams vying to be the best are put under the microscope Page 36

Isabel Sykes News Editor

“Students get a bad press because of the loud parties, the noise, or the litter, and what this competition is about is actually showing that the majority of students are really decent people"

thecourieronline.co.uk

Discussions over pensions resume as strike continues

Images: James Sproston

After a year of collaboration and preparation with the city council and local communities, the University and the Students’ Union presents a new student competition to find the Best Neighbour on Campus. The project, launched on Monday 5 February, aims to reward students who have been active members of their community and respectful neighbours.

"Students get a bad press because of the loud parties, the noise, or the litter and what this competition is about is actually showing that the majority of students are really decent people", said Marc Lintern, Careers Service Director.

A diverse judging panel, including residents, council representatives and Nick Brown, in order to determine the winners of the title and prize, will assess each month, nominated student households.

The Best Neighbour on Campus will receive up to £1,000 worth of contribution to living costs. The winning household will be able to choose whether the prize should be a contribution to rent, utility bills or food, excluding alcohol and tobacco. The prize is a real incen-

tive for students to make an effort to get to know their neighbours and live in consideration of them.

To be eligible, households must be nominated by local residents with case studies of good work and consideration. Activities range from community volunteering to helping out a neighbour with small tasks to simply being considerate. For example, if a house party is planned, giving neighbours a few days’ notice and managing the volume of the music after a certain time is respectful. The Students’ Union GoVolunteer programme will be able to suggest local projects for students to get involved with.

thecourier courier thecourieronline.co.uk

Puzzles Joey has a proposition for you, but are you up to the challenge?

Page 33

BNOC launches £1,000 for the winners of the monthly award

India Gerritsen gave an impassioned speech in support of the UCU strike Image: Jared Moore

Science Norway shows Britain how to properly recycle Page 31

The independent voice of Newcastle students

"Best Neighbours On Campus" to be rewarded

Inside today >>>

Legendary Lego

thecourier

Monday 19 February 2018 Issue 1364 Free

2017/18

culture

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Monday 9 July 2018

The games that defined my uni years

Courier Gaming legend Gerry Hart recalls the best procrastination games across his time at uni

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ell, looks like old man Gerry’s finally leaving his academic comfort zone after six years and try his hand at living like a normal person in the real world. So my last act as gaming editor, what better way to round things off by looking back at some of the games I played that stood out when I should’ve been working instead. After all I’m nothing if not selfindulgent.

The first game that springs to mind is Fallout: New Vegas. Back in 2015 I had to temporarily suspend studies so with plenty of free time on my hands, I decided to explore games like New Vegas that had passed me by at the time. Arguably the highlight of the franchise, New Vegas is a masterpiece writing, managing to somehow both incorporate discussions on Hegelian dialectics and quests involving fixing broken down sex robots into one incredible game. Would that Bethesda would give Obsidian another crack at the franchise.

Besides, you’re at uni now. Its not like yer da can yell at you for hogging the computer Second on the list is The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. Essentially a tanked up remake of the original Binding of Isaac, Rebirth has in many ways become the benchmark for future roguelikes by building its procedural elements around a solid core design. But the real reason I’m including it here is how great Rebirth works as a revision aid (no, seriously). For me, Rebirth falls into the same category as World of Warcraft and Euro Truck Simulator 2 in that you can almost zone out whilst playing them, which is great for listening to podcasts. So during my third year exams I’d load up recap and blast through a few levels. It might sound strange but you’d be surprised how information much you can absorb this way (results not guaranteed).

And finally we have Undertale. As I’ve alluded to, 2015 was a shit year personally but it was redeemed in part by the quality of the games released and

Image: IGDB.com

somehow Undertale, a humble game developed by one guy on GameMaker Studio managed to stand out alongside the best of them. Whilst charming and wistful in its story and character design, Undertale arguably presents one of the most nuanced critiques of violence in video games. Rather than a mechanical necessity, violence is a deliberate choice the player makes that they then must face actual, meaningful consequences for, both mechanically and narratively. Granted its fanbase can be a little…eccentric but don’t let that put you off

giving it a try.

So remember kids, play your video games. Yeah you could do stuff in the real world but who wants to deal with that hassle? After all, playing video games got me writing for The Courier and meeting some fantastic people. Besides, you’re at uni now. Its not like yer da can yell at you for hogging the computer. So go mutilate cacodemons or catch Pokeymans to your heart’s content (addemdum: Don’t actually neglect real world stuff. That would be bad).

Who said life can’t be all fun and games?

Image: Chuff Media

Here’s to y

Georgina Howlett reflects on the capacity of our passions to influence the fates of our futures Outgoing Film Editor Dan Haygarth University is a time of change. That’s what path that I’d never even considered before. All of rented our first flat where we’ve got every modern

everyone always tells you when you reveal your plans to go and study in the wild world of higher education, and having finished my degree earlier this year, I can wholeheartedly say that this is true. However, I never could have predicted some of the changes that would occur – especially with regard to my interest in video games.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always loved video games. Ever since discovering Pokémon through trading the cards on my primary school playground, I’ve been hooked on gaming and all the merchandise and memorabilia that comes with it.

But, I’d never thought of the video game industry as one that I could ever work in, or video games themselves as much for me to do with beyond enjoying a few in my spare time. I figured games would always remain a hobby, an interest, and not a career – and studying for an English Literature degree, and being obsessed with reading as much as gaming, only served to convince me further that my future would lie in bookselling or publishing rather than writing or games.

But now? I’m not so sure.

For the past three years, I’ve been surrounded with like-minded people who love video games just as much as I do. I’ve constantly been discussing games, keeping up-to-date with the latest releases, and even got involved with this very paper – The Courier – to write about games and improve my journalism skills, as that was yet another career

that, and the fact that I’d worked as a Christmas temp at GAME in my second year, made me question whether a career in games would actually be possible for someone like me.

To test the waters further, this past academic year I acted as one of the Courier’s Gaming Editors, secured for myself several freelance opportunities in games journalism, and returned to working for GAME as part of one of their Belong Arenas.

I’m now seriously scouring the market for opportunities in games journalism, PR, or marketing – and it’s all down to the fact that I came to university and had all of these opportunities to nurture my interest and take it further than I ever thought I could before.

Truly, university has been a transformational time for me with regard to gaming.

As a hobby, it now completely dominates my spare time (sorry, books – I still love you though), and it’s also the entire basis of my current working life. I even met my current boyfriend through working for GAME, and we’ve just

games console set up and ready to play on (with plenty of retro ones available, too) – and it’s a completely different world to the one I imagined myself living in when I first started my degree at the end of 2015. So, the moral of this article? Don’t count any of your interests or opportunities out when coming to university. You might be pursuing one, and then another might take you by surprise.

And that’s absolutely fine.

M

ike Nichols’ 1967 classic The Graduate was the seminal film of the era of American filmmaking known as ‘New Hollywood’. Ushered in by Bonnie and Clyde and Nichols’ film, this cinematic renaissance was a marked change from the domination enjoyed by musicals and religious epics during the previous decades.

Possessing new freedom due to a relaxation of censorship, New Hollywood instead focused on contemporary American stories, embraced realism and gave a voice to a new generation of directors, which included Nichols, Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola.

Nichols’ film questions whether life satisfaction should be sacrificed for financial benefit

Image: Game

The Graduate tells the story of the recently graduated Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) as he returns home to bourgeois boredom. Completely lacking direction and growing to despise the money-centric conservative values held by his parents, Ben loses himself in his long summer. Frequently

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culture

Interview: Years and Years Monday 9 July 2018

In his farewell to The Courier Music, Toby Bryant chatted to the London synthpop band about their second album offering

“L

ife is pressure,” Emre Turkmen from Years and Years jokes as he speaks to The Courier, two weeks before the release of the band’s sophomore record, Palo Santo.

After the draw-dropping success of 2015’s debut, Communion, there are high expectations of a group who are fast becoming Britain’s pop-pride.

Emre plays down the achievements of Communion, a plaque in his own small studio the only nod to the record, although he takes deserved pride in being able to say, “me and my friends did that”. It’s an album that broke the pop mould and Palo Santo is a rip-roaring return that will please fans to no end.

Singles ‘Sanctify’ and ‘If You’re Over Me’ have gone down a treat, that latter’s feel-good, tongue in cheek lyrics delivered by frontman Olly Alexander with a wink as it shot up the charts.

“The idea to create a world is an awesome one for us, down to the video details like our own currency and ID cards”

you, The Graduate

“It does seem like a happier album and every track is very different to the other. There’s also quite a lot of stuff we haven’t put on there, one particular release that isn’t so happy. The idea was to make a big pop album, one that’s grander in scale.”

Everything about Palo Santo boasts a grandeur, every detail carefully planned out, even extending into the cinematographic with the music videos released to date. The world of Palo Santo is the brainchild of lead-singer, Olly Alexander, and a short film is set to come out with the record, the trailer for which narrated by none other than Judi Dench.

“It was the idea to do that from the very beginning, before there even was music. We all love scifi, video games and fantasy. The idea to create a world is an awesome one for us, down to the video details like our own currency and ID cards.”

“It happened because Olly did a part in a Judi Dench play several years ago, so he knew her from then. She’s just a great woman who has a great sense of humour. We almost worked with her on Communion, she was going to be in the ‘Desire’ video but it fell through as she was doing another film. It was a brilliant bit of casting as the mother

of Palo Santo, she’s got that voice!”

On Palo Santo, after ‘Sanctify’ opens, ‘Hallelujah’ is a groovy celebration of dance and once it’s got you moving, there’s no sign of the band letting you stop, as the percussion of ‘All For You’ starts to throb. ‘Karma’ may see the band’s infamous synths slow down, but the result is a superbly catchy chorus. ‘Preacher’ is another standout which sees Alexander’s vocals soar in what has all the hallmarks of a top track live. For Emre, it’s either ‘Rendezvous’ or title-track, ‘Palo Santo’, that are closest to his heart: “I kind of go into the darker stuff personally.

‘Rendezvous’ was one that we did in a very Years and Years style, with the three of us. We’ve started playing that live as well and it’s a lot of fun too. It’s cool when songs translate well to the stage.”

The live show is where Years and Years thrive.

The three-piece recently announced their UK tour for later this year which sees them stop off at The SSE Hydro and Barclaycard Arena before a huge night at The O2 in London.

“The size of the shows is mad… MAD. I don’t know what we’re doing. We played Wembley at the end of the tour last time and that was 11,000 people which was insane. Now it’s going a level up and it blows my mind, I don’t understand where these people come from. These big shows are a different vibe, it’s a blockbuster thing, you’ve got to go in all guns-blazing.”

Anyone who tuned into Radio 1’s Biggest Weekend this year will have seen Olly hoisted into the air with a long cloak draped from his costume, later removed to reveal a green, chest baring number.

We asked Emre if fans can expect more trademark extravagance on the Palo Santo Tour:

8,841

copies of Communion sold in the US alone in its first week

“They can expect Olly dicing with his life every night, hoisted up however many feet it is. We’ve got a really cool set design and visuals. Essentially, the concept is to bring Palo Santo to the people and have a night of sci-fi cabaret.”

Everything that surrounds Palo Santo is an exciting growth from Communion with a clear direction. We already know that Years and Years have something special going on and Palo Santo will cement their position as THE pop-group to beat.

h celebrates the coming-of-age film that challenged society’s norms questioned about his career prospects, the ‘awardwinning scholar’ has a stock response: “I’m just a little worried about my future”.

The Graduate’s challenge to the status quo strikes a chord with this stubborn and vaguely pretentious humanities student As the film progresses, Ben finds himself engaged in a sexual relationship with family friend Mrs. Robinson and falls in love with her daughter, Elaine, at the same time. It is probably this romantic angle and the accompanying Simon and Garfunkel soundtrack that the film is best known for.

However, the film’s New Hollywood authenticity and accessibility ensure that, over fifty years later, The Graduate still encapsulates the feeling of limbo and insecurity among directionless students. Yours truly, a soon-to-be English and Politics graduate, certainly shares Ben’s worries about the future. Underwhelmed by the prospect of spending next year flogging overpriced shoes, a panic Master’s degree

and a subsequent increase in student debt loom dangerously on the horizon. However, where I do divert from Ben’s experience is that there seems to be no sign of a Mrs. Robinson in my life.

Away from its sumptuous cinematography and first-class cast, one of The Graduate’s finest aspects is that it challenges the notion that University’s sole purpose is to open doors to high-paying jobs for its students. As a talented athlete, editor of his student newspaper, debate team captain, ‘Alpingham Award winner’ and the friend of innumerable rich families, Ben’s LinkedIn page would take some reading. Yet, he rejects the wishes of his parents and their friends to use his degree to amass wealth, nervously declaring, ‘I just want to be different’. While money is vital for survival and to be financially comfortable in the long term would be lovely, Nichols’ film questions whether life satisfaction should be sacrificed for financial benefit, thus encapsulating the rebellious and youthful nature of New Hollywood.

The Graduate’s challenge to the status quo strikes a chord with this stubborn and vaguely pretentious humanities student. Although I leave Newcastle University hopelessly unemployed and scraping through the last of my student loan, life as a student has served me well and the last three years will take some beating. Nevertheless, for now, with career prospects looking bleak, it may be a case of hello Master’s, my old friend.

Image: Best & Worst Ever Photo Blog

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culture

Monday 9 July 2018

Don’t think about your future, think about summery artists Carys Thomas tells you where to appreciate art this summer

W

ith graduation behind you and a wonderfully intimidating Rest Of Your Life laid out ahead of you, you may be feeling a bit daunted by the future. Lets focus on a period of time that lies ahead of us that’s a little less daunting: summer. Specifically, summery works of art you may stumble upon or seek out during your long and lazy summer (of unemployment).

Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (National Gallery, London)

A cultural classic, an artistic icon, and often mistakably thought to be just on painting. Van Gogh’s Sunflowers consist of two series of still life sunflower paintings Van Gogh did. The Paris Sunflowers, a series of sunflowers lying on the ground; the second series, The Arles Sunflowers, are of sunflowers in vases. It is one of these than can be seen in London’s National Gallery. There is a chance you may find yourself in London this summer. Be through holiday, internship, or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to find yourself residing in London post-uni, in a £1000 a month studio flat with no double glazing and some rather questionable damp patches. If you’re there, make your way to the National Gallery and have a peep at the Sunflowers residing there. Their warm colours and wibbly-wonky shapes can’t help but conjure up a feeling of lazing in glorious French sun in summer, a glass of iced tea in one hand, a book in the other and a sunflower in your hair.

The Remnants of SUPERFLEX’s One Two Three Swing! (Tate Modern, London) If you do find yourself in London and the weather permits it, make your way over to the Tate Modern too. not only does its new Blavatnik building have one of London’s finest viewing platforms, but behind the gallery you can now find the swings

featured in SUPERFLUX’s exhibition in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall earlier this year. As long as you’re willing to battle with the swarms of children fighting for a go on the swings, you and two or three pals can share one of the multi-seat swings and relive a moment in your childhood when university was still to come and you thought it was 100% fact that when you became an adult, houses would be affordable, jobs would be accessible and the future wouldn’t really be all that daunting.

Zoe Walker & Neil Bromwich have dropped this colourbomb in the centre of Newcastle

The Worker’s Maypole (Monument, Newcastle) Many of you with a particularly attentive eye may already have noticed this one, but for the less attentive grads among you, allow me to enlighten you. Newcastle’s very own Grey’s Monument has been transformed into what looks like a gigantic seaside Stick of Rock. It has in fact however been turned into a giant Maypole. Zoe Walker & Neil Bromwich have dropped this colourbomb in the centre of Newcastle as a celebration of the collective values of the North East, with said values stitched into the fabric. If you have time to kill between graduation and your celebratory grad meal with your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cats, etc., be sure to check it out. Let it give you a most beautiful and colourful send-off from University, and for some, from Newcastle altogether. Its vibrancy will hopefully remind you of all the happy times you’ve had at university, as well as the glow of the tacky multicoloured Flares dance floor we all love to hate, yet secretly treasure.

Image: @etiennelefleur

Celebrating Prides place in 2018 Welfare Officer Jack Green discusses the importance of maintaning Pride in our society and how to make the most of this years celebrations.

P

ride – or Gay Pride as it is sometimes known is a term that usually refers to an annual celebration, centred around the LGBTQ+ community, starting with a parade through the streets.

But with same-sex marriage now legal in Britain, do we now have equal rights? Is Pride still necessary?

You may be asking yourself or may have been asked; “Why don’t we have a straight pride?” The

So much more needs to be done to achieve equal rights

Image: Newcastle University

answer is clear, heterosexual people do not face discrimination because of their sexuality. “You’re so gay”, remains as a phrase used as a derogatory insult, amongst many other homophobic terms, but discrimination does not end there.

Stonewall, a leading charity on LGBTQ+ rights found that one in five LGBTQ+ people had experienced a hate crime in the last 12 months.

They found that those who identify as transgender had experienced a hate crime incident as frequently as 2 in every 5 transgender people.

27% of trans young people have tried to commit suicide and 89% have contemplated it.

It is important to remember that Pride is a way to show support to those in 1 of the 8 countries where there is evidence that governments still uphold the death penalty. In 72 countries being in a same-sex

relationship is still criminalised – where in 45 the law applies to women as well as men.

In an ideal world Gay Pride would never have been necessary. However with the fight for equality ongoing; Pride is an important time to reflect on all those who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and remember those we have lost to ignorance and discrimination.

Celebrating and appreciating the achievements of those who have stood up for LGBTQ+ rights and created the positive changes in the society we live in today is as important as ever. Unfortunately, it is still not a perfect world and there is so much more that needs to be done to achieve equal rights for those within the community.

Lauren Sykes, LGBT+ Officer told the Courier; “It’s important to understand that pride is more than a party. It is a celebration of freedom of expression and equal rights. It is the celebration of being ourselves without consequence. However, we must use pride as a time to remember that not everyone is able to celebrate in the same way.

We must show solidarity and support for those in counties where it is still punishable for being LGBT+” Newcastle Pride is on the 21st July starting at 12 noon from the Civic Centre. Newcastle SU will be having a pre-pride get-together in Luther’s Bar before the parade starts and is open from 10am on the day.

LGBTQ+ as denoted by the plus in the name – has grown from a small community into a far bigger one, becoming a safe space for those who do not identify as heterosexual, or even those who do not identify as male or female gender.

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sport

Monday 9 July 2018

New year, new Team Newcastle Maggie Elstob AU Officer 2018/19

Newcastle University Students’ Union, in partnership with Newcastle University, is pleased to announce Sportsworld NE Ltd. as the new kit supplier for Athletic Union Sports Clubs.

is expected to be significantly shorter than in previous years, and at a comparable price.

This is the first time that all AU Sports Clubs will be sourcing kit from the same supplier and wearing the same style playing and training gear. We expect this will result in a more professional, streamlined look that captures the spirit of togetherness we encourage on the playing fields.

With an exclusive relationship with the supplier and a dedicated accounts manager, we hope this becomes a long-lasting deal. Although the contract is agreed until 31 March 2020, there are options to extend this until 31 March 2022, and we hope our association extends well beyond this.

AU Clubs and Staff can currently order their playing kit and leisurewear through Andrew

Hodgson, the Managing Director, at jah@ sportsworldrugby.co.uk until the online shop is created.

Mr Hodgson quoted ‘we are delighted to be continuing our association with Newcastle University and supplying a wide range of sports kit to the staff and students at Newcastle University’.

MAGGIE ELSTOB Maggie Elstob, next years Athletic Union officer, has been part of Netballs 4th team for three years and is now offically in charge of launching the new cantebury kit.

Sportsworld NE Ltd will be supplier of high quality Canterbury kit to students that join and AU Sports Club. They will also source the leisurewear for the CPRS, Estates Support and Sports and Exercise Science Staff.

Clara Pettitt, NUSU AU Officer 2017-18 commented: ‘we are delighted that Canterbury will be the sports kit supplier for AU Clubs and our individual athletes, as we come to an agreement with them to supply both playing kits and training wear for the 2018-19 academic year.’ Maggie Elstob, NUSU AU Officer for 2018-19 commented: ‘I’m really looking forward to working with Canterbury over the next few years, and seeing what our clubs can do in their sharp new kit.’

The kit will be ordered through a local supplier with the added benefit of a dedicated online shop providing a portal for students to purchase their sportswear quickly and easily.

All products will also be available in the NUSU Shop (both online and in store) and directly from the supplier.

Sportsworld NE Ltd is a family run business in Northumberland that has previous experience working with AU Clubs, and we hope this proves to be a huge advantage. Delivery time for products

Last years AU officer and members of Team Newcaslte sporting Canteburry branded kit at the soft launch.

Image: Newcastle University Student Union

Feature

the courier

Monday 9 July 2018

Graduation Ball 2

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Feature

Monday 9 July 2018

2018

Images: Newcastle University Studetnts Union

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farewells

Monday 9 July 2018

Time to move on for the Shandy Alex Hendley, laments leaveing a place many Jesmond-ers fear to tread

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efore I leave this place behind, I thought it appropriate to bid farewell to some of the things that have made it a bearable experience. That, or James and Louise just asked me to and I was too bored to say no.

Initially, the Courier and NSR came to mind, along with stalwarts of my university years such as the Courtyard Café, the Five Swans or maybe even my friends, but I don’t think any of them deserve a eulogy until they actually die, and even then, I’d have to be at a loose end.

All roads lead to Rome, unless you’re in Sandyford, where most streets lead up to the Starbeck Chippy portcullis In the end, it became clear that the one constant throughout my time in Newcastle has been my area of residence. To those who don’t know, I’m talking about the Former Toonoslav Republic of Masandonia (FTRM), known to everyone outside the parallel universe within my head as simply ‘Sandyford’.

Sure, Osborne Road is class if you’re basic, 12, or embarrassingly dressed with inflatables for pub golf, but if you’ve actually bothered to save some money on your rent and do some research into crime rates then there’s really no point going. Nobody knows where Heaton is and if you live in the city centre then you’re basically already retired, or you just have no friends.

Sandyford, however, has the lot. Mascalzone, a sweet little Sardinian ristorante at the heart of the holy land, is rated the second best place for scran in the whole of bloody Newcastle, while just up the road Sapori and Harissa come in at 8th and 14th respectively on a list voted for by the general public and the TripAdvisor owl himself, if he can be bothered to get out of his dressing gown before last orders.

Michael H. hairdressers is run by a man who looks more like Pascal Sauvage than John Mal-

kovich does, and can Family Shopper provide you with every illegal food item on Earth from caged hens to discoloured mince? My fragrant, French arse it can. All roads lead to Rome, unless you’re in Sandyford, where most streets lead up to the Starbeck Chippy portcullis, an establishment that loves you even more than you love it, headed up by staff that post videos of themselves on Facebook singing ‘One Step Beyond’ while delivering Just Eat orders around the city.

Deep into the Sandy behemoth the Bluebell pub has a quiz that lasts so long you could watch four Coronation Street omnibuses (omnibi?) back-toback and it would still only be the music round, while Runwell Chop Suey were knocking on your door with your order before you even knew you were hungry. Polar opposites sitting amicably in the same neighbourhood – a microcosm for the cultural melting pot that I have been proud to call my home for three years.

The place is friendly: a neighbourhood where students and locals actually get on and bother to smile at each other when they pass on the sleepy streets, with a mutual understanding that, having chosen to live on Grantham Road rather than Glenthorn Road, they’re probably not a bastard.

ALEX HENDLEY The one-time Golden Boy of The Courier served loyally under the reign of Puzzles Dictator Joseph Barton. He still claims that only revisiting the decaying ruins of the Punch Bowl kept him sane

To those who will take up the mantle of our little breakaway nation: never let Sandyford change.

I say that, because we have witnessed a shifting in the balances, a disturbance in the force, some nobheads in our midst. Mr Lynch’s recently hiked its prices and changed its name to the largely insensitive and pretentious ‘Holy Hobo’, an encroachment of Jesmond’s middle-class shithousery into our territory; you proud Sandyfordians are the last bastion of defence against such crimes. Go safe, Dinsdale defenders, stay strong, Helmsley hounds, and stand your ground, Goldspink guardians. Never give in.

Hendley was part of the team that brought home a prestigious third place for The Courier in the Best Design category Image: James Sproston

Riding the uni From Toon to tractors Jared Moore proves that the old saying ‘those who can, do; those who can’t, teach’ may be true

H

aving spent the last three years studying a degree in Journalism it only seems fitting that I say goodbye to this prestigious university and captivating city through our beloved University Newspaper.

As a graduate moving out of the city, I’d like to use this space to describe what I’ll miss about Newcastle, our University and how the culture of both has shaped my last three years. Moving to the south to go into teaching means trading in student nights for school nights and that means abandoning a few of Newcastle’s core characteristics.

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our years. Four bloody years. Who knew it took this long to attain an undergraduate degree? Higher education reform, I say. Four years of blood, sweat, tears, laughs, drinks, hangovers, essays, exams, sleepless nights, and phone calls

HANSON JONES

News Editor, Fllying Solo creator and all around solid boi, Hanson Jones is finishing his degree in Modern Languages to jump into teaching abroad in the upcoming year

JARED MOORE

Having gone from the bottom to within reaching distance of the totem pole at The Courier, Jared gave it all up to become a monk at a school in Ipswich

I’ve scoped out some of the finer bars and nightclubs in coast-based Ipswich and I cannot see a treble in sight; let alone three for a fiver. Additionally, gone now are the days of the Toon army. Instead, I’ll have to find a new home with The Tractor Boys, a nickname that doesn’t exactly inspire any confidence.

It’s without a shadow of a doubt that I shall miss two of the most influential people from my life throughout my time at Newcastle. So here’s to you, Philip and Marjorie Robinson. A late-night caffeine fuelled session perhaps didn’t seem pleasant

Hanson Jones reflects on the ups an

Moore was a pundit at the Spring 2018 edition of Fight Night down in NUSU Venue Image: Louise Hall at one point in time but now those memories hold a level of short-term nostalgia that can’t be replicated.

Newcastle stands tall in the north, iconic for its

Geordie charm, colourful nightlife and historic football club. To me though it’s been a place that I’ve called home for three years and moving away is a sorrowful affair.

of desperation. It’s been a tough ride, and one of many mixed emotions.

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty, it’s that I’m a changed man, and probably for the better. I have made many friends, learnt so much, and had many varied and fascinating experiences. Moving to Newcastle was the first time I had moved out of the home I grew up in since birth and the start of adulthood. Well, maybe not adulthood. I don’t think we’re really adults when we’re students, but rather big kids in charge of their own finances and making terrible decisions.

First year was a rollercoaster. Making the most of my youth and new-found freedom, I embraced the student lifestyle of ready meals and vodka.

I don’t remember freshers’ week, and that’s not a joke. While it’s a time of my life I’m not particularly proud of, I suppose that first year is the best time to let yourself loose and do the crazy/stupid things.

After all, first year doesn’t count, right? Yet somehow, I still made it to most lectures and passed with

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farewells

Monday 9 July 2018

yford boy From south to Sinners Jack Coles reflects on the perks of travelling north and his uncertain future in the land of the grim

I

remember my choice to go to Newcastle raising more than a few eyebrows at my school.

Like, why would anyone willingly go so far north? Well, at the time it was a pretty arbitrary decision on my part, but I’ll be honest, it worked out great.

JACK COLES

Winner of the Courier’s ‘best dumb quote of the year’ Award, Jack Coles will forever be known around the office for his skills as a science editor and for his fondness for yoghurt welfare.

Every southerner that moves up here says this, but honestly, things really are so much cheaper up here. Pubs aren’t bad, either – back home there’s only about three pubs worth going to and one of them is obviously a Wetherspoons. Newcastle’s given me some great memories, such as graduating, having a few barbecues, going to nearby ska concerts, drinking in pubs, and moving out of Richardson Road accommodation (because seriously that place was such a dump, I’m so glad I left).

Honestly, this might not even be goodbye. I have no idea what I’m actually doing after summer, and I haven’t even finished my course yet. I graduate in December – yes, I’m one of those weirdos – so for all I know I could wind up in Sunderland next year.

But anyway, I’m not great at the whole “expressing your emotions” thing, so uh… that’ll do, pig.

Having travelled from down south to study at Newcastle, Coles found a home in the couriers science section Image: Lois Johnston

An ode to Newcastle’s watering holes Good time guy Tom Shirimplin considers his favorite places to lose ones dignity in the Toon

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ni Rollecoaster

and downs of his time at Newcastle

75. Shame first year didn’t count.

At that point, graduation seemed so unimaginable far away (yes, three years away seemed unimaginably far away) that it wasn’t worth thinking about. It was almost as if it would simply never happen. Yet here we are – second and third year flew by. My second year was much a continuation of the silly mistakes of first year, but this time I felt bad about them, and my third year abroad was somewhere between a glorified holiday and a nightmare.

Landing back in the UK, and into final year, presented me with so many opportunities. I managed to wiggle my way back into The Courier, became President of the Modern Languages Society, and even got to edit a magazine all by myself. I made so many new friends, had some unforgettable experiences and quadrupled the value of my CV. But at the same time, fourth year was not fun. Because of these things, which on one hand were fantastic opportunities, gave me too much to do. Of course, these were on top of academic duties in the year that counts the most. Lectures, exams, essays, and of course the dreaded dissertation – the single worst decision of my university career.

Having said this, I somehow managed to come out on the other side with an excellent grade. Four years later – four years?! – I have a degree from Newcastle University. I feel vindicated, like it was all worth it, but there’s still some residual bitterness I need to shake off. I can’t easily sum up my experiences very well. I feel conflicted. But I do feel wiser, more competent, and more prepared for whatever the world throws at me. This year I have said many a time that I won’t miss Newcastle, but perhaps I will. Give it a decade.

eing a student at Newcastle has absolutely fantastic, but after 3 years as an undergraduate and nearly 1 year as a postgraduate my time is almost up, and it is time to move into the world of adulting. Part of this amazing experience has been the many pubs and bars I went to with my mates, so below are a few I think students should go and visit.

First of all, Hustlers. Full to the brim with full size snooker tables, pool tables and dart boards, is a great hangout for you and your mates to have a

TOM SHRIMPLIN

Resident Courier legend and giver of christmas gifts, In the future we are sure to find Tom Shrimplin either getting his head down teaching in Thailand, or face forward in a plate of Jalfrezi at the Koh I Noor.

couple of drinks and games in while in town. The nachos are surprisingly good too.

Secondly, Osbournes is one of my favourite bars on the eponymous road and while it has the same lively atmosphere, it has nicer food and is not as busy as its neighbours. There’s also a chance to win free drinks during the happy hour game if I couldn’t sell it to you more.

Next, is Wylam Brewery Tap in Exhibition Park.

It is definitely one of the most beautiful locations for a bar, and the specialist craft beers served there make it a good place those fancying something a bit different.

Last but certainly not least, The Lonsdale, my old local and the first place you say whenever your mates message “Pub?”. It’s your quintessential modern-ish drinking establishment with the accompanying TV’s, pool tables and pub grub- the ‘Find the Joker’ raffle where you can win up to £2000 being its only distinctive feature. Yet you will always have good time in that black hole of a pub and it is great local for anyone living in Jesmond.

These are just 4 out of the countless bars and pubs in and around this amazing, lively city. So, don’t be afraid to try as many of them out while you can, and you will no doubt make some fantastic memories on the way.

A loyal member of the courier’s sport team, Shrimplin has on more than one occasion worked overnight to complete their annual Stan Calvert pullout.

Image: Courtney Strait

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sport

Monday 9 July 2018

Football’s comin’ home? Fourth consecutive

Rebecca Johnson writes about her pre-World Cup thoughts, and why the England national team have such a terrible record at major tournaments After a long wait, four whole years to be precise, the World Cup 2018 in Russia started last Thursday with Russia kicking off proceedings in style with a 5-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Although the World Cup is one of the great sporting events, it brings the same vicious circle for England fans.

This of course is the classic optimism felt by England fans before a major tournament (a personal favourite being “Football’s coming home!”) before being ultimately let down by their team.

Admittedly, this is no different to being a Sunderland fan, so I’m quite hardened to this feeling now.

The knockout usually happens in the group stages or last 16. Take Euro 2016 for example, where England were knocked out by Iceland in the tournament, to be branded as one of the most humiliating defeats in England’s footballing history.

One game into the World Cup 2018, and England have beaten Tunisia 2-1 in their opening match, with a last minute goal from Harry Kane being England’s saviour. All across the country, the optimism rumbles, with constant references to the song “Three Lions” and its most famous line- it’s coming home. The question remains though, why haven’t England won a major tournament since the World Cup 1966?

One reason England haven’t won a major tournament since 1966 is the role of the media, especially in recent years.

The press hold a huge influence over the England team and the decisions made, particularly concerning managerial appointments; this is a shift in the type of journalism produced before and during 1966.

Take former England manager Sir Bobby Robson who managed the team between 1982-1990. The Guardian argue that he was the first manager to be the victim of tabloid press, with The Sun calling for Robson’s sacking as England manager as early as 1984. Throughout his time as manager, Robson was subject to a vicious media campaign and eventually left the role after Italia 1990, being the second coach only to take an England team to the semi-final of a World Cup. Furthermore, Sven Goran Eriksson in the build up to the World Cup in 2006 was subject to a media campaign calling for him to be removed from the role of England manager. However, this was further antagonised by the fact that Eriksson was a victim of a sting by The News of the World where Eriksson was recorded agreeing to leave England for Aston Villa after being led to believe a wealthy Arab would buy the club and appoint Eriksson as manager. Eriksson’s

personal life was also heavily documented in the tabloid press, and this must have had an effect upon the players with an awareness of how their manager was being portrayed in the press.

Clearly, the role of the press suggests that they reflect the interests of the general public and their interests, therefore if the press call for a manager to be sacked there is an implication of popular discontent amongst the general public. The English Football Association pay far more attention nowadays to the media when making their decision about England’s future than before 1966. Thus the media must be a crucial influencer upon England’s performance in tournaments, especially where managerial appointments are concerned.

Another reason for England’s lack of success is also due to the role of club football, with the impact of foreign players in the Premier League particularly. This is a weaker reason for England’s lack of success, especially recently due to the FA’s rules about English players, with at least eight homegrown players being in a squad.

I’ll be in the pub in my England “Italia ’90” shirt having a pint and singing “Three Lions” on repeat, because football’s coming home

However, take the last World Cup that took place in Brazil in 2014. England didn’t even get out of their group, ranking last. Look at the winners of the 2013/14 Premier League, Manchester City, they just had the minimum eight homegrown players within their squad, but only two of the English players (Joe Hart and James Milner) had any sort of regular appearance for the club.

Compare this to the 2014 World Cup winners Germany and the winners of the 2013/2014 German Bundesliga, Bayern Munich. Bayern had twelve German players in their 27-man squad, with seven of these players getting regular football.

This highlights a difference in homegrown talent in England, with a focus on foreign talent for big clubs like Manchester City in England, whereas Germany seems to focus on giving German nationals regular football.

However, I would probably dismiss this reason due to England’s 2018 World Cup team. For example, 2018 Premier League winners Manchester City have four players in the England squad who are all regular starters. In fact virtually all of the England players this year are regular starters for their club, these clubs being “big clubs” in the Premier League. Manchester United have four players in the England squad, Tottenham Hotspur have five and Leicester, Chelsea and Liverpool have two each.

This highlights that there seems to be a bigger effort by clubs recently to play English players in their teams compared to the previous World Cup. Therefore it shows that there is a bigger presence of English players in English club football than previously, implicating that foreign players aren’t “taking over” the Premier League due to the steady rise of English talent seen in the past few years.

The final possible reason for England’s lack of success in major tournaments is one I myself hadn’t even considered until recently watching a documentary called “The Impossible Job” about England managers. That reason being the everlasting presence of 1966 itself.

Take the song “Three Lions” in 1996 with one of the lines being “thirty years of hurt, never stopped me dreaming”, 1966 is a recurring theme in English football. Former England manager Fabio Capello argued in the documentary that during his time as manager, the success of 1966 was always mentioned and he describes it as being “a ghost”. It appears that the FA is obsessed by the success of England in 1966, and it is an underlying ethos of their policies for English football to replicate 1966.

Whether this is a conscious or unconscious ethos, the goal for future managers is the same: to replicate the success of 1966 in any major tournament.

In my opinion, this isn’t a bad thing.

Every England fan wants England to win a tournament, especially a World Cup, but in order to do this; it is crucial to look forward. England won the World Cup in 1966 – 52 years ago. Of course a World Cup win is well overdue, but England can’t live in past glories.

We need to move away from the obsession of 1966 and adapt our international football policy to the modern time by focusing on future talent and developing this for future football.

Whatever your opinion on England’s tournament success (or lack of) in recent years, I reckon we’ve got a solid chance of winning the World Cup this year. If you need me I’ll be in the pub in my England “Italia ’90” shirt having a pint and singing “Three Lions” on repeat, because football’s coming home.

No more years of hurt, no more need for dreaming Image: YouTube

There were just two races with both crews managing to fit in one photo Image: David Stephenson and Fergus Mainland

The Berocca Ju INTRAMURAL MEN’S FOOTBALL

James Sproston Berocca Juniors Correspondent For those of you that have read this paper regularly over the past few years, they’ll know that there are two intramural football teams that have really captured our hearts. One is of course Hardly Athletic, the other is the far more established Berocca Juniors.

The Juniors made their debut in the paper way back in 2016, recounting their first and second seasons as a club.

As is well documented, the first was an unmitigated disaster, but built the character of several of the players.

Captain Harri Saunders has been a leader both on and off the pitch since he arrived. Our die-hard fans will remember him wearing the blood of the opposition on his yellow jersey, but he’s also shown his quality time and time again.

His five-goal hauls against KFC and Team Froggy proved his quality, and his goal of the season chip in 2016 and volley at the start of this season were something to behold.

In those early games, the Juniors struggled to make an impact. James Sproston may have scored the first goals for the club from the penalty spot, but it was Jake Hawkyard that broke new ground in demonstrating the lads’ attacking prowess.

Bringing the ball out of defence, Hawkyard saw his teammates marked out of the game, so unleashed the cannon to fire the ball past the keeper from

50 yards out. So powerful was the shot, that it shattered both his shins, forcing the poor lad to a lifetime of servitude in net. It took Jake 1190 days to score his next goal for the team, adding the fifth in BJFC’s 9-1 testimonial victory.

Those early games were a testing time for the club, especially when co-founder Jack Cryer injured his wrist in a questionable warm-up routine before the first game. Cryer, who has turned out 68 times for the Juniors, was replaced

by BJFC Worst Signing Anthony Offer, who offered little in either defence or attack. Cryer recovered, and was sent out on loan to Chengdu for his troubles, but returned on a mission, being the last ever BJFC player to touch a ball in the iconic yellow strip, and scoring the club’s 500th goal in the process.

The last of the team’s usual cohort was Northern Irish wonder Niall Nagar. Being possessed with very little pace and perhaps even less technical ability, Niall fashioned himself as the team’s brick shithouse, bulking up to become a defensive maestro. Nagar left with just 5 goals in his 40 appearances, but he’ll be remembered for his three masterful man of the match performances.

Towards the end of the first season, the lads went on a recruitment drive, attempting to find anyone willing to battle it out in the toughest league in the world. Playing in Fenham is no walk in the park, primarily because it doesn’t have any parks, so many were put off signing the contract. However, two local thugs, Harry Van Der Hoek and Jack Edwards, were up for the challenge.

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Monday 9 July 2018

e Boat Race of the North triumph for Blue Star ROWING

Mark Sleightholm at Durham Regatta

A narrow win in the men’s race and a comfortable victory in the women’s saw Newcastle’s rowers once again claim the Boat Race of the North.

Rescheduled and relocated, 2018’s race formed part of the prestigious Durham Regatta, a weekend of races involving teams from all over the country. Newcastle went into the event as the reigning Boat Race of the North champions, having won the overall title at each of the three previous events. They took to the Wear at lunchtime on Saturday just a month after winning the Victor Ludorum title at the BUCS Regatta and even with a Pride of Newcastle award under their belts as they prepared to battle once again against their fiercest rivals.

With Club President Alex Turner as their cox, the men’s team made steady progress but were unable to shake off a determined Durham contingent. 100 seconds into the 700m race and the boats remained level and it was only with a final flourish that Newcastle could claim the narrowest of victories, the Durham boat crossing the finish line just three feet behind.

Angelo Savarino, Newcastle’s Head of Rowing and the man credited with turning the club’s fortunes around since he arrived in 2005, said afterwards: “We knew it would have been a close call for the boys, as the result of a three feet victory shows, because they were missing one of the top rowers and having to rearrange the order of the crew for that reason.”

There were no such issues for the women’s team, who opened up a convincing lead in the opening stages of their race. For the fourth time in four years the Blue Stars, who finished 1.75 boat lengths in front, soundly beat Dur-

uniors fairytale ends Van Der Hoek was brought up on the mean streets of Uluru, transferring to Croyden Town at a young age. He immediately impressed, scoring on his debut, as well as adding a host of goals throughout his second season, including a crucial five against Man Bro Number 5 in a 12-11 win. Though an ankle injury kept him out of much of 2017/18, he recovered to bag four in the 9-1 win over Hardly Athletic.

Converse to HVDH’s cultured style of play; Jack Edwards has made a reputation as the club’s resident hardman. He’s a fan of a tackle, even if it’s at his own expense, having ended up concussed on a number of occasions. Though he’s often known as ‘Jacky No Goals’, there’s little doubt that he’s got a worldie in the locker, his most famous being the 2014/15 Goal of the Season.

With six regular players, the Berocca Juniors squad was taking shape, though no points were claimed by the end of 2014/15. In an attempt to make himself look better, The Gaffer pulled us out of the local league and entered us into a student one, and snapped up Ryan Craig and James Edwards on free transfers.

Craig joined the club as a Northern Irish golfing international, with very little footballing experience. Channelling his inner Santiago Muñez, he’d often charge his way through on goal, paying little attention to his teammates. However, after a year under The Gaffer’s regime, he became the superstar he always had the potential to be, netting five and assisting another four against She Was

Only XI. In contrast, James Edwards treated his move to the club as a step towards retirement, with his locker being filled with nothing more than a pair of slippers and a copy of January 1983’s edition of ActiveOver50. However, The Gaffer revitalised him, incorporating Edwards’ architectural mind to the game by scoring from seemingly impossible angles and having the pre-match tactics down drawn out in blueprints.

500

goals scored across the club’s 101 games

It was a success-filled year for the boys, capped off by a fantastic performance in the Soccer Gods Cup in May 2016.

However, it didn’t always look so rosy, as several of the regulars couldn’t make it.

Step up Tom Coulthard and Will Nicoll, two men that would go on to break Berocca Juniors’ goalscoring records.

Coulthard was mis-sold to the club as a central defender with a rocket of a right foot, an assessment that was merely half-correct. Coulthard instantaneously showed his worth, performing well in the Soccer Gods Cup before cracking on to become the club’s top goalscorer two seasons on the trot. He also found his range in the 7s format, taking full advantage of the taller nets to curl in some beauties.

Perhaps the most cultured player to have played for the club, Nicoll’s qualities were immediately evident after a

cheeky flick set up Jack Edwards in the Soccer Gods Cup. Though the odd pass may be one risk too many, his copious amounts of goals and assists speak for themselves. His five goals in one of the several games against Scouse Bounce was a special highlight, taking home one and two thirds of the match balls.

Throughout their third year, the Juniors tasted what could be considered the golden era, with their squad gelling together in the best possible way. Come the end of 2016/17, most presumed it was the last for the club; but then if people truly thought the Juniors were gone, they underestimate how many times Jimmy Gannon returned to Stockport County.

Berocca Juniors’ fourth and final year may have been one of little success in the new 7s format, but they displayed some of the 5s form that few would have believed if they’d seen them in Fenham back in 2015. Fittingly enough, the Juniors returned to Soccerworld to compete for their final season, playing out their days in Division 2 obscurity, much like Ipswich Town.

Many thanks have to go to the club’s dedicated fans and supporting cast, especially Teddy Lee, Rowan Franks, Jared Moore and Brad Metcalfe. The latter was one of the eight players that turned out for the exhibition match against Hardly Athletic, BJFC’s de facto testimonial match, which the lads uncharacteristically won 9-1.

Will the Juniors ever return to action and reclaim their mantle? Only time will tell.

ham’s women.

On Sunday the same team returned to their boat for a rematch, this time as part of the Championship 8s in the Regatta. A swift win against one Durham team saw them take on another in the final, and once again it was Newcastle who came out victorious.

In the men’s Championship 8s three Newcastle teams battled it out for the Reverend C J Saunders trophy, named in honour of a Durham University rower of a century ago. A preliminary race between Newcastle’s first and second teams ended in a definitive win for the firsts, who then swept passed Tyne Amateur Rowing Club in the next round to set up a final against Newcastle’s lightweight team. The Blue Star battle ended with a resounding win for the first team, making it four out of four for Newcastle in the weekend’s 8s races.

Newcastle’s victory away from home marks a decade since Durham last won the overall trophy

Although other Newcastle teams took part in some of the weekend’s 208 races none were able to better this success, although Lizzie Fuller and Kat Bulmer did make it into the final of the women’s elite coxless pairs.

It was the Boat Race, though, that really saw the Blue Stars shine, with club coach Alex Leight describing the atmosphere on the banks of the Wear as “noticeably electric” during the headto-head race.

That the race happened at all was tes-

tament to the organisational skills of the Durham and Newcastle rowing clubs.

The original event in March had to be cancelled due to bad weather, with snow blocking roads across the North East and the teams unable to even get their boats safely to the Tyne, let alone row down it.

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outright Boat Race wins for Durham, though they’ve not won the event since 2008

Unlike the 2000 and 2003 editions, however, bad weather didn’t stop the race completely, and a slimmed-down event was eventually rearranged to take place alongside the Durham Regatta.

Only the senior men’s and women’s teams competed and, for the first time in the event’s 21-year history, the action took place on the River Wear.

Newcastle’s victory away from home marks a decade since Durham last won the overall trophy, although this is in part due to their refusal to take part in the event from 2011-14. Since the race was first held in 1997 Durham have won outright on eight occasions, while 2018 is Newcastle’s fourth.

The winning boats Men

Women

Cormac Molloy Dan Graham James Robson Will New David Willcox Rob Fuller Freddie Allinson Barney StroudTurp

Megan Barry Rachel Webb Hannah Cowie Anna van De Braak Gabby Munyard Chloë Deyermond Pheobe Truett Lucy Stanhope

cox: Alex Turner

cox: Hannah Taylor

The Juniors closed their account in style with a 9-1 win over Hardly Athletic Image: Harry Parsons

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Monday 9 July 2018 Issue 1371 Free

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BEROCCA JUNIORS

THE WORLD CUP

It’s a fond farewell from the famous boys in yellow Page 22

Rebecca Johnson reveals her preWorld Cup thoughts Page 22

Newcastle sign off for the year Image: Northumbria Sport

END OF YEAR REVIEW

Mark Sleightholm Outgoing Sport Editor “Northumbria too much for Newcastle,” declared our first back page of the year. The words would have served us well for most of the subsequent issues, but local rivalries aside, it’s not been a bad year for the Royals.

2018 may have seen the Courier Sport toppled from its section-of-the-year perch but there was no such decline from the teams we reported on. The expanded and improved sporting facilities we described in October should put the University in a better place to keep up with the successes of its athletes; with the likes of men’s football and men’s and women’s basketball breaking all sorts of club records, this can’t come quickly enough.

In a year when two water polo teams won promotion and another made it to BUCS Big Wednesday, a swimming pool would be a nice addition to the set-up, but space couldn’t be found on this occa-

sion, so the water-wait goes on.

At the less formal end of the sporting spectrum, an overhaul of the Hall Sports programme gave us Campus Leagues, while the engineering societies (mechanical and chemical) continued to dominate the Campus Sports tournaments. Hardly Athletic shook up the lower levels of Intra Mural 11s, ruining their pointless run with a win in the last week of the season, yet making into the Courier Sport with suspicious regularity.

Bad weather delayed a string of BUCS fixtures and also the Boat Race, held on the Wear for the first time, while Clash of the Titans evolved into an even bigger affair at St James’ Park. Stan Calvert was such a shambolic whitewash that the clamour for a change in format is now deafening, with the success of the inaugural Fun Run suggesting a possible new direction for the competition.

So this year’s sporting calendar looked a little different, but then appearances can be deceptive. We still beat Durham in the Boat Race, got walloped by North-

umbria in Stan Calvert, finished tenth in the overall BUCS rankings (just behind Northumbria), the women’s rugby team narrowly avoided relegation and we bossed it in squash, rowing and basketball.

Admittedly, the overall BUCS tally is never an exciting watch. Newcastle have come ninth, tenth or eleventh in all but two of the past twelve years, while Loughborough have topped the table every years since 1979. Much as we might resent their level of spending, Northumbria are the only university to break into the BUCS elite in the past decade.

But sport is about more than statistics. The joy of the rowers winning only their second Victor Ludorum title at the BUCS Regatta, the korfball crescendo that swept through all branches of Newcastle’s student media, the women’s powerlifters qualifying for the World University Championships or the rugby lads’ stunning turnaround to beat Northumbria at St James’ Park; these are the things that will stick in the memory.

@Courier_Sport courier.sport@ncl.ac.uk thecourieronline.co.uk/sport

THE BOAT RACE

Newcastle take deserved victory on the Wear Page 23