Burst Radio: Recent Episodes
Burst Radio
Burst Radio is Bristol University’s Student Radio Station, broadcasting 24/7 throughout term. We are affiliated with the University of Bristol Students’ Union (UBU) and are completely run by student volunteers. Visit us at our website (http://www.burstradio.org.uk)
Sam Stone interviews a Bristol band called Spang Sisters following their gig at the crofters rights.
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Saturday, it was Margarita. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Friday, it was Izzy. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Thursday, it was Lucia. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
Louis and Hester from Pillowtalk interview comedian Geoff Norcott before his upcoming gig in Bristol!
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Wednesday, it was Jess. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Tuesday, it was Amy. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
Each day of the week, James meets someone for a chat about mental illness over coffee. On Monday, it was Sam. #mind #coffeeconversations #jamesbeazley
A quick look at all of the students going for full time Student's Union Officer positions in 2017. #burst #bristol #su #balloon #affairs
This week on Burst radio, I interviewed UoB first year student and BFI award winning director and writer, Sam Jones. Sam’s most recent release, 'Lifeline', is a gripping short film receiving excellent critical reviews, and was even tweeted by Bristol alumni, Matt Lucus.
Report by Laura Abernathy
Last Monday President Trump announced he will seek a 54 billion dollar boost to defence spending. This includes funding for tanks, ships, and weapons systems. He called it “a public safety and national security budget” and that it “will include a historic increase in defence spending to rebuild the depleted military of the United States of America at a time we most need it.” $54 billion sounds like an incomprehensibly large amount- because it is. In fact, the United States currently spend more on defence than the next eight biggest defence-spending nations put together. The amount will be sourced through making cuts to foreign aid, environmental programmes and domestic agencies by the same amount, “dollar for dollar”. This includes a 25% cut in funds for the Environmental Protection Agency. The proposed spending comes in light of Trump saying he wants the US to get to the “top of the pack” with regards to nuclear capacity, and find “peace through strength.” However, concerns have been raised as to what message these choices would send to the rest of the world, revealing a vulnerable anxiety. A letter from 120 retired generals and admirals urged Trump and the American congress not to reduce the money available to diplomacy and aid. Seeing the money better spent on international cooperation, they believe this would reduce the need of ever having to go to such extremes with military equipment.
Report by Lucy Lorimer.
We’re excited to present a podcast that herald’s the arrival of the Varsity series, a historical challenge that encompasses a cross-section of sports, and is to be held between rivals UWE and Bristol. Seeing that Varsity commences this week, we dedicate this podcast to exploring the history of the event, providing a little look at what’s to come and showing you how to get involved.
It all began in 1995 when Bristol challenged UWE to a boat race in the Bristol Docks, making this the oldest event in the Varsity calendar. As part of a tradition upheld annually, the boat race begins with the much-anticipated weigh-in, an event that occurred last Wednesday in the Brass Pig.
As part of the Weigh-in, a rower from each team hits the scales and stands against their equivalent seat in the opposite team. This fun event links the two rival teams, encourages positive participation and strengthens links between the clubs. The Girls’ rowing team looks to be in a great place this year, as they are finally starting to see a rise in equal investment after receiving a brand-new Hudson eight.
We are sure you’ll agree that this is a super exciting way to begin proceedings and true to form, the Varsity hype starts here. Luckily, it’s a completely free event, with no tickets required… so make sure to grab a space on the docks in 2 weeks’ time!
Historically, the boat-race was swiftly followed by the Rugby and Football Varsities, which began in 1996 and 1997 respectively, at Bristol’s Memorial Stadium. These two events have the biggest turnout of the whole series, and are extremely popular in the social calendar, too.
It’s worth mentioning that the Men’s Bristol Rugby team are in an incredibly strong position this year. As for the football, it looks like it’s going to be a closer call, which is bound create an even more intense rivalry on the day. In any case, the stakes are set to be high.
New to the Varsity calendar, is the addition of Varsity cycling which began last year and the colour-run, which started this year to the excitement of many. The second year of Varsity cycling comes hot-off Great Britain’s success in Rio 2016, where Britain won a record-breaking 12 medals in the Velodrome.
The full programme can be found on the Varsity website, alongside transport links, ticket information and promo videos. This is a great place to keep up to date with the results too. A table will be made on the website, which will be updated as the results come in. I hand over to Maisie Boyers’ now, who investigates the significance of Varsity here at Bristol, and looks at events from a slightly different perspective. [Goes to Maisie]
Hello, I’m here to report on some lesser explored aspects of Varsity.
Whilst Varsity looks to be a positive and exhilarating event for both Universities, it has been met by criticism in the past. Sporting rivalry can often fuel underlying tensions between institutions, prompting poor sportsmanship and negativity.
We think that it’s important to preserve the integrity of the sporting arena here at Bristol, celebrating and recognising the value of sport and its ability to unite rather than divide, especially in 2017, since Bristol has been named the European City of Sport.
I interview Caroline Welsh, Cox of the Women’s Second Eight in the Boat club, about the importance of sportsmanship and its role in varsity. [Goes to Interview]
Q1) What does varsity mean to you?
Q2) What will you expect from your squad when it comes to upholding the values of sportsmanship at Varsity?
Q2) Any final messages for UWE?
After a further examination of attitudes surrounding Bristol Varsity, I think it is clear that both teams can benefit from participating in this event by embracing the fun elements of such a rivalry. I wish all teams good luck this series!
Imogen Serwotka and Maisie Hockin-Boyers
This year, the 89th Academy Awards, have shocked film goers across the globe both for the right reasons, but also unfortunately for the wrong.
After already being nominated for an astounding 11 nominations at the BAFTA’s earlier this year, ‘La La Land’ was already in the running for numerous awards and nominations at the Oscars. Directed by the young 32-year-old Damien Chazelle, ‘La La Land’ was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, concluding the evening with a commendable 4 awards, including Best Actress: Emma Stone and Best Director (and the youngest director to win an Oscar) Damien Chazelle. Casey Affleck took the award for Best Actor despite having faced allegations for sexual harassment in 2010 on the set of his film ‘I’m Still Here’. His acceptance speech, saw fellow nominee Denzil Washington looking particularly unsettled by the outcome, whilst Brie Larsson, having recently been part of a film that targeted the sexual abuse of women, was made to hand Affleck the award with uneasiness. Having been unaware of who she would be giving the award to, it is safe to say the organisers of the Oscar’s have a complete lack of care both for Larsson’s career and for the victims of sexual abuse. Affleck’s win, deserved or not, places him in a position of power that is certain to deter victims of sexual abuse from speaking out against harassment. His award provides Affleck with a powerful platform to demonstrate his wealth and prestige, making it particularly difficult for the women accusing him of harassment to now get the convicted outcome they may desire. It definitely does not seem like the Oscars position to highlight Casey Affleck as a paradigm for acting, when these accusations have yet to be disproved.
I turn to University of Bristol student Maya to comment on whether she believes Affleck should have won the award considering the circumstances…
Unfortunately, this was not the only insensitivity produced by the Oscar’s this year. ‘La La Land’ was said to have won the most prestigious award of the night for ‘Best Picture’ when in fact, it was actually the film ‘Moonlight’ who had won the award. It was only half way through ‘La La Land’s’ second acceptance speech, that presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway had to break the news to the cast that they had actually read out the wrong name. Beatty had been given the award card for Best Actress winner, Emma Stone for ‘La La Land’. Unsure what this meant, he had turned to Dunaway in reassurance who then announced ‘La La Land’ the winner of Best Picture.
Despite this awkward mishap, ‘Moonlight’s’ very deserving win has become one of the most diverse and positive things to have happened in Oscar history. It is the first LGBTQ film to take Best Picture and has also been the first film about black characters that has not been about racism. ‘Moonlight’ is about a young black man growing up in his neighbourhood in Miami. It’s based on the play ‘In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue’ by McCraney, and explores a young boy’s journey to manhood whilst growing up in Miami’s low income housing projects with his mother who is a drug addict. It is safe to say, ‘Moonlight’s’ win for Best Picture has been the most relevant thing to happen in Oscar’s history and this year’s diversity didn’t stop there.
Whilst 2016’s ‘#OscarsSoWhite’ campaign emphasised the lack of black actors nominated for awards for the second year in a row, 2017 is beginning to demonstrate perhaps a more promising and diverse future for Hollywood. Mahershala Ali is the first Muslim to win an Oscar, with his award for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Moonlight’, Dev Patel became the third actor of Indian descent to be recognised at the Oscars with his nomination for Best Supporting Actor in ‘Lion’ and Viola Davis also won Best Supporting Actress for her film ‘Fences’.
Of course, it still feels like the Oscars and Hollywood have a long way to come, with white actors still receiving a substantial number of awards in comparison. But ...
Izzy and Izzy came into the studio to chat about some events they have coming up, and why they are particularly relevant to Bristol students.
Jason Manford popped by the Burst studio to record his Absolute Radio podcast, and brought Phill Jupitus along with him. Burst's Patrick Thomas caught up with them for a quick chat.
Joe and Patrick attempt to bring some positivity to Donald Trump's inauguration by providing a variety of soundtracks to his speech.
On Saturday the 10th of December, Bristol’s City of Sanctuary Society held a demonstration march in support of migrants and refugees travelling to and living in the UK. They believe that Bristol hasn’t done enough in welcoming asylum seekers into the city, and hope that their protests will encourage the government to do more.
The march began at 11.30 at the Malcom X Community Centre, and ended at College Green. Speeches were lead by civic leaders including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the county of Bristol, the High Sheriff, The Dean of the Cathedral, Sanctuary seekers, faith leaders, STAR Presidents, Union leaders among others.
I went along to ask why people got involved, and what we can do in the future.
To get involved in future events, like the City of Sanctuary facebook page.
A team of physicists and chemists from the University of Bristol’s Cabot Institute have developed a new way of using nuclear waste. They have created a man-made diamond that, when placed in a radioactive field, is able to generate a small amount of electricity. I spoke to Professor Tom Scott about his involvement in this exciting development. Thanks very much to Tom for taking part in this interview. To get involved, use the hashtag ‘diamond battery’ to suggest potential uses for this technology.
2 weeks ago, on the 11th of November, a first year Bristol law student committed suicide. He was found dead in Churchill Hall, and the police confirmed he took his own life.
It comes as the 3rd reported suicide this term.
The university has described these events as ‘unrelated’ and have confirmed investigations will be carried out. A university spokesperson says ‘there is no reason to believe [these deaths] represent a wider issue , stating that the university of Bristol has around 22,000 students.’
However, Smaratins research shows that nationally 6,122 suicides were registered in the UK last year, corresponding to 1 in 10,000.
All 3 suicides have occurred in halls of residences and have led to questions being asked about the effectiveness of student support and counselling offered to Bristol university students.
Bristol SUs current campaign ‘Mind Your Head’ addresses the issues surrounding mental health, and urge any student struggling to make use of their services. If you've been affected by any of the issues discussed in this report, please contact contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org Bristols Student counselling services at 0117 954 6655 Sources http://epigram.org.uk/lead-article/2016/11/three-student-suicides-reported-term
http://www.samaritans.org/about-us/our-research/facts-and-figures-about-suicide
Stephen Port has been jailed for life with parole. The 41-year-old was convicted of quadruple homicide. Mr. Port is believed to have met his victims on the dating app Grindr, and following their drugging, it is understood he raped and murdered them.
The murders took place between June 2014 and September 2015. Mr. Port left their bodies in the street or in his local graveyard in Barking, east London.
On hearing of the court’s ruling, some members of the families of four victims are said to have cheered, while others hurled abuse and some remained still. Port sat motionless in the Old Bailey dock when Mr Justice Openshaw told him he must die behind bars.
The former bus garage chef joins Peter Sutcliffe, Ian Brady and Dennis Nilsen in the small group of prisoners serving whole life sentences.
The fact Mr. Port used the app Grindr has been cause for debate. While some say attempts by police to blame gay dating app for Port’s killings is ‘victim blaming’, others urge caution when using such apps.
The location-based hookup app has garnered more than six million users, with 2.5 of them joining in the last 12 months.
But the issue of the safety of Grindr has taken a backseat after various allegations have been made about the Metropolitan Police.
Since his capture, arrest and conviction, certain aspects of the investigation have come to light. These revelations concern the police’s handling of information passed to them by the mother of the first victim.
Sarah Sak, 50, said she repeatedly begged detectives to investigate Mr. Port after her son Anthony Walgate, 23, was found dead outside Port’s flat with traces of the date-rape drug GHB in his body.
She was told by police there was “nothing to investigate”.
Since the subsequent murders, Mrs. Sak has spoken out again calming “A child could have worked out the cases were linked but the police refused to answer any of my questions or reopen Anthony’s case. They have so much to answer for.”
Not only has the alleged poor handling of Mrs. Sak’s suspicious caused aspersions on the Metropolitan Police Force, but so to has the disclosure that there have been 58 unexplained deaths involving date-rape drugs in the last 5 years.
The deaths, involving the popular party drug GHB, occurred between June 2011 and October 2015 and are now being re-examined. Whether or not these deaths are linked to Mr. Port remains to be seen.
All that is known now is that the Grindr Killer is behind bars.
Bristol University Student Union has made the decision to stop Sir Roger Scrutton speaking at the University as part of the Richmond lectures, due his outspoken views against same-sex marriage
Scrutton is a conservative journalist and philosopher, who received complaints for his article called ‘Gay Marriage is Homophobic’ . This comes as Bristol University voted to remain in the NUS, whose ‘safe space’ policy’ has zero tolerance against hate speech, violence and harassment.
The decision has been controversial, raising criticism it infringes freedom of speech.
By Polly Ovenden
On the 15th of November, Twitter released its new measures to tackle abusive behaviour and
harassment on its site. The update allows users to block tweets in their mentions containing specific
words that they have chosen to ‘mute’. The company has also introduced a new reporting category,
to make it easier for users to report offensive comments, and has re-trained hundreds of its
moderation employees to better understand what to look for when analysing reported content.
The microblogging site has faced criticism in recent years over its poor handling of online abuse.
One stand-out case in particular is that of Ghostbusters actress and comedian, Leslie Jones. After
the release of the Ghostbusters remake, she suffered a torrent of racist and misogynistic abuse from
many trolls, lead by Breitbart editor, Milo Yiannopolous, who has since been banned from using the
site. Jones complained that Twitter’s moderators did little to block or punish the people who
harassed her. Last year, Twitter technically banned hateful conduct on its site, but this resulted in
little improvement. Its staff believe that this new feature will allow users to more effectively
monitor what they see on their own accounts and timelines.
This ‘self-moderation’ is an interesting move by the company, who were cautious of appearing to
limit freedom of expression. As they have not chosen to enforce a blanket ban on certain words or
phrases that may be considered hate speech, they have allowed users to protect themselves from
offensive material, while not limiting the expression of others.
Many users and journalists, however, disagree with this idea, claiming that the action of muting a
particular word is, in itself, an act of censorship. They believe that in order to have serious debate
about hate speech and its affect on society, we need to expose ourselves to it, and discuss it freely.
But is Twitter the correct platform on which to encourage debate? With its 140 character limit,
surely this microblogging site is incapable of allowing users to fully express what they mean.
Similarly, muting a particular word on one account does not forbid another from tweeting it, and so
can not be considered censorship.
So is this all too little too late for Twitter? With over 317 million users, moderation of every tweet
is impossible. The bad press surrounding cases of abuse on the site has also proved to be a
deterrent, with many celebrities deactivating their accounts. The lack of hands on moderation has
fostered an ‘anything goes’ culture, in which people feel safe attacking other users behind their veil
of anonymity. Twitter hopes to change this, stating that they hope these new measures will create a
“culture of collective support” on the site.
I spoke to student and Twitter user Chris about the matter:
Chris: I honestly think that Twitter is dying out, so I think they should have implemented something
like this ages ago, it doesn’t make sense to do it now when less people are using it. It is actually a
really good idea, but you have been able to block and mute accounts since the beginning so this
feature should have come with that as well.
By Laura Abernathy
In a statement made earlier this week, the Russian defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, has said Russia have restarted their offensive against Islamic State.
This offensive has taken the form of missile strikes in Syria. The missiles and jets are currently flying from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, which made a highly publicised trip from Russia to Syria last month.
In his statement, Mr. Shoigu did not mention Aleppo, where Russian bombing has been particularly prevalent.
Aleppo is currently divided into East and West. The Western, so called New Aleppo, is currently held by the Syrian government. The Easten side, from the citadel to the airport, is held by the rebels. Apart from governmental forces and the insurgents, within Aleppo there are also believed to be upwards of 200,000 trapped civilians.
It is currently understood that there is no Islamic State presence within Aleppo and this has lead the international community to question Russian’s motives. It has been suspected that Russia are using the offensive Islamic State as a scape goat to bomb those Syrians who oppose the rule of Assad. It seems Russian aggression has little opposition.
Despite concerns raised by the International community, Russian airstrikes have destroyed the last operating hospital in eastern Aleppo last Saturday. This has resulted in up to 250,000 residents without access to surgery or specialist care, and rebel-held districts at the point of collapse. Another four hospitals were hit and forced to close over the last month, before the Omar bin Abdul Aziz facility was struck this week, capping the most deadly day yet for the medical system in Syria’s second city.
It seems despite the international outcry, little will prevent Russia from assisting Assad. Despite Mr. Shoigu’s insistence Islamic State is the main target, it seems Russia are hellbent on targeting Syrian Rebels, Eastern Civilians, and the truth.
By James Beezley
A 14-year-old girl has won the right to have her body cryogenically frozen.
During the last months of her life, the teenager, who had a rare form of terminal cancer, used the internet to investigate cryonics. Cryonics is the low-temperature preservation of people who cannot be sustained by contemporary medicine. In freezing themselves, they hope they can be restored to full health in the far future.
Known only as JS, this 14 year old girl sent a letter to the court: “I have been asked to explain why I want this unusual thing done. I’m only 14 years old and I don’t want to die, but I know I am going to. I think being cryo‐preserved gives me a chance to be cured and woken up, even in hundreds of years’ time.’ The court later ruled in the girl’s favour
This ruling is fraught with controversy. Parental consent was the key point on which the court made their decision. However, it is understood that only JS’s mother, Mrs. S, consented to the post-humorous freezing. Whereas her father, Mr. S did not. The father’s concerns were not considered by the court due to the fact he is estranged, after the parents divorced in 2002. Since 2007, Mr.S has had no contact with JS due to the wishes of her mother.
Regardless of whether this ruling by the high court was just, the consequences have now been irreversible put into action. JS died in a London hospital on October 17 and was immediately prepared for freezing by volunteers from Cryonics UK, the only British organisation working in the unregulated field of cryo-preservation, at a cost of £37,000.
Since JS’s death, Mr. S has spoken of his profound sadness that he was prevented by a judge from saying goodbye to her. Mr. S is also suffering from cancer, and spent months in the same hospital as his daughter without ever being told she was there. He is believed to blame his ex-wife for preventing him from even seeing his daughter’s body before work began to embalm and freeze it.
It is unlikely Mr. S, Mrs. S, and indeed anybody who hears this news story will ever know if this young girl’s attempt to stave off death has worked. While her death may be reversible, the pain of the family is not.
By James Beezley
Earlier this week, Prince Harry released a statement condemning the media treatment of his now confirmed girlfriend, Megan Markle. In his statement, Harry defended Ms Markle against internet trolls and tabloid newspapers, such as The Sun, after a series of intrusive and defamatory acts against her by paparazzi and journalists. The statement also said that the Prince was “worried for Ms Markle’s safety” and was upset that he was unable to protect her. The actress, best known for her role as Rachel Zane in American TV drama ‘Suits’ and for her humanitarian work with the UN, has been at the centre of a media storm for a few months now. The Sun included an alleged smear report on their front page about footage from Suits uploaded on PornHub, and comments were made in the Daily Mail which the Palace railed against for their ‘racial undertones’ The Prince has had a turbulent relationship with the media since his mother’s death in 1997, following a car chase involving paparazzi in Paris. In 2002 Harry was exposed drinking underage and smoking cannabis, and in 2004 was involved in a scuffle outside a nightclub with paparazzi. The end of his previous relationships with Cressida Bonas and Chelsey Davy were also in part due to media intrusion. His brother, William, has also had problems dealing with the strong media presence in his life. Both him and Kate spoke out against the “dangerous tactics” used by paparazzi to gain pictures of their young son, George, with some camping out in woodland around their Norfolk home, and one creating a hideout in his car stationed near a public children’s play area. Despite the Palace’s assertion that Harry was not attempting to defend himself, but the safety and privacy of Ms Markle, many journalists have come out against his statement. Writing in the Daily Mail, Sarah Vine claimed that he could not expect the same privacy as a normal person, and the Sun argued that “he needs to get real. He is an heir to the throne, living a privileged life at public expense”. I asked Bristol students Ellie and Tom what they thought about the situation: Do you think Harry was right to make this statement? “Yeah, I think he was right to tell paparazzi to leave her alone if she was feeling threatened. He has a larger platform than her in the UK, so it makes sense that he should come out in defence of her, rather than she make a statement” Do you agree with the Mail’s point that he doesn’t have a right to complain? “I’m not sure, I think he should be entitled to privacy but he lives such a privileged lifestyle that he has to expect people to want to know what’s happening in his life” Do you agree? “Definitely not. I think everyone is entitled to privacy. Also, he’s not like a normal celebrity, he was born into the public eye rather than choosing to step into it. I think the media is making excuses for the celebrity culture it has created.”
The 44th president of the united states, Barack Hussein Obama II, is coming to the end of his time in office. From his inauguration on January 20, 2009, the face of America has changed. The economy is almost unrecognisable from the credit-crunch era left by George Bush - 13.7 million new jobs have been created over a 73-month streak of job growth, there has been a reduction in the federal budget deficit by two-thirds and unemployment has fallen from 10% to 5% during Obama’s time in office. Not only has the economy progressed, but so to has the American legal system which has seen two of the most progressive pieces of legalisation in America history. The first, Obamacare enacted on March 23, 2010. The second, and most revolutionary, the legalisation of same sex marriage in all states of America. As well as in America, Obama has shone on the international stage. He heavily championed the climate change agenda reaching a historic deal at the Paris COP21 climate talks. Old enemies of America have become, if not allies, less hostile: In August 2015, the U.S. reopened its embassy in Cuba, the first symbolic step to normalizing relations between the two countries and the first time the American flag has flown in Havana in 54 years. Not only mending broken bridges with Cuba, Obama fronted america as one of the six world powers to strike a landmark nuclear deal with Iran. Both of these not to mention Obama’s 2009 nobel peace prize, serves as part of his international legacy. Despite his ground-breaking achievements at home and abroad there has been a darker side to Obama’s reign, seldom mentioned by the press, which will see aftershocks stretching far past economic growth, progressive policies, and deals with past enemies. If Obama’s international legacy includes the placation of old enemies, it must also contain the creation of new ones. Obama’s administration has been one of drone warfare. Behind the friendly, confident exterior, Obama’s campaign in the White House has been tainted by the use of drones operating outside declared battlefields. In Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and Libya, Obama’s administration has overseen deaths of hundreds of civilians. Despite the white house releasing death tallies of “non-combatants” in the tens, the number of civilian casualties recorded by the Bureau of Journalism is six times higher than the US Government’s figure. Despite his undeniable achievements in office and the equally undeniable darker side of his administration, Barack Obama will in all likelihood go down in history not for his policies nor for his hostilities, but for the colour of his skin.
Patrick and Nathan (Afternoon Tea, Mondays 4-6) spoke to some members of BOPS about their upcoming performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Gondoliers - this Saturday at 2:00 and 19:30!
It’s the spookiest time of the year again and Bristol is out in full force. With the legendary Zombie walk, Day of the Dead activities at the Museum, pumpkin carving workshops and parties all across the city, Halloween lovers are spoilt for choice.
Why do we celebrate Halloween? But for those of you carving pumpkins, apple bobbing and perfecting your skeleton contour, do you know why you’re doing it? Halloween has become a multimillion pound holiday, and is even bigger business in America, but its origins are often forgotten or disputed.
Most commonly, Halloween is considered to have its roots in Roman, Celtic and Pagan traditions. Spirits of the dead were believed to roam the land of the living and destroy the crops, marking the end of harvest. Many dressed up in frightening costumes to protect themselves from ghostly attacks.
In an attempt to stop these Pagan traditions, Christians adopted similar practices as a celebration, and used the date to honour wandering souls. Various traditions were passed on and by the 1920’s, Halloween was a huge affair for America, which became increasingly popular on a global scale.
What are you dressing up as? But even without these traditions, it seems people relish any occasion for fancy dress- something students do very well. This Halloween sees a wealth of topical costumes, with Harley Quinn’s, Killer Clowns and Donald Trumps aplenty.
Here are classical studies students Flora and Ruby. Ruby, what was your costume this year? I was part of a group costume, there were 7 of us, and basically I went as Greed, one of the seven deadly sins. I had an umbrella and I taped money round the umbrella and had a sign saying Greed, then underneath it said ‘Making it rain since 1996’. So not a scary costume as such…Flora, do you think it’s important to go for scary costumes or not really? No, not necessarily. I think some of the best costumes I’ve seen this year have just been fun. In Motion the other night, there was a guy dressed up as Donal Trump. I think that’s way better than being scary. Whether you prefer a scare-free October or have planned a host of spooky activities, have a happy Halloween!!!
Between the 17th and the 20th of October the University of Bristol, after months of campaigning, voted to continue the SU's affiliation with the National Union of Students. The vote followed the successful petition signed by 355 students in May 2016, demanding the referendum. A total of 2,409 students voted to remain part of the confederation, amounting to 67% of the vote turnout, whilst 1,186 students opted for the disaffiliation. Bristol’s full time officer team said in a joint statement, that they were ‘pleased’ with the result and that they ‘look forward to continuing to work with NUS’. However, they ‘recognise the concerns that have been raised throughout this referendum’ and ‘urge’ students who would like to see changes within the NUS to ‘consider running to be a Bristol delegate to the NUS’s national conference’. James Heale, leader of the opposition campaign, BONUS, said in a statement that he hopes that the NUS’s ‘willingness to reform’ is in fact ‘the case’. Prior to the vote, a survey held by Epigram showed that a clear majority of students wanted to disaffiliate from the NUS. According to the survey, three quarter of students believed the NUS do not properly represent them. Other students across the country also oppose and have started campaigning for their SUs to end their relationships with the NUS. Many claim the nomination of Malia Bouattia as the NUS President, as the reason, amid accusations of anti-Semitism. Harry Jones, a first year law student, voted to disaffiliate Bristol’s SU from the NUS. Hi Harry, could you tell me why you decided to vote leave? I feel like the NUS does not properly represent us as students and that we don’t reap the rewards that we sow. The remain campaign used the comparison with ‘Brexit’ to scare monger students who naturally, for the most part, were remain voters for the last referendum. As Heale said, if the vote had been held in May when the referendum was called for, I think the outcome would have been very different. I suppose we’ll see how things pan out. Mary Barrett, a first year history student, voted to remain affiliated. Hello Mary, could you tell me why you voted remain? I think the NUS affiliation isn’t without its imperfections but I think disaffiliation isn’t the answer either. We do have benefits from being associated with the NUS, I just think the things we aren’t happy with will only improve if we remain supportive and try and progress together. I am thinking of running to be a Bristol delegate in order to try and make a difference first hand. The SU is important to me and I want to see it prosper. It is encouraging that such a large student demographic voted and it is without a doubt that the SU and the NUS’s association will only improve now that the student voice has been heard.
A group of migrants have been discovered in the back of a lorry.
Migrants were found inside a Lorry travelling into Bristol, last Saturday the 24th October. The driver raised the alarm after he heard noises in the back on the van, and called the police at the Shell Garage in Downend. When police inspected the refrigerated lorry, 5 adults and 2 children were found in the back, paramedics checked everyone over at the scene and all were produced well. However 3 men were detained for immigration offences and taken into custody, and the family were taken into the care of the Local Authority Avon and somerset police confirmed that the refrigerated lorry had come from Calais, and said the migrants had been inside the lorry for 2 weeks.
This week saw the return of the Cycling Hill Climb Championships. Bristol’s Andrew Kirby came 8th in the individual male and, along with team mates Hugh Brashaw and Oliver Walker-Hayes, achieved fourth place in the men’s team climb. In fencing news, the University of Bristol Men lost to the University of Bath 133-120 in their first bout of the season. They play Oxford University this week, who are yet to play this season. In Rugby Union, the University of bristol Men beat Swansea University continuing they 100% victory season. They remain top of the table with 20 points, 6 ahead of 2nd place Cardiff. They Play UWE on the 2nd of November, who are 10 points behind them. University of bristol women lost to university of Gloucestershire at rugby union by 38 to 25 points. The University of Bristol Mens Badminton Team lost to Cardiff met 5-3 continuing their unfortunate run of losses this season. Hopefully against Exeter, who are one place and three points above them, they can gain their first win of the season. While the men where playing Cardiff, the women badminton team lost to bath 8-0 in their second defeat of the season. Despite this set back, they remain in 3rd place in the league table ahead of their match against Exeter this weekend. Finally, in the basketball the University of Bristol Men have beaten the University of Winchester 73-57 to remain top of the league. They face UoB 2nds in their next match this weekend with top of the league at stake. Both teams have won every match so far this season. These results leave the university of bristol in 8th position in the overall rankings. For more information on the league table and upcoming matches visit the BUCS website at www.bucs.org.uk
On this week’s sport report:
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Bristol surfers, with BUCS surf championships 2016 coming to a dramatic close last week. Facing challenging weather, the overall female team managed to come an impressive 2nd, with Cardiff in first position. Bristol student Flora Lawton made the university proud by taking the top spot in the women’s final.
It’s less positive news for the women’s 2nd hockey team, who were defeated 4-0 by Plymouth 1st team in a disappointing away game. However, the women’s 1st still secured a solid 2-0 win against Cardiff whilst the men’s 2nd smashed the University of Gloucestershire in a 5-4 win. These successes leave both teams at the top of their respective leagues.
In a draw with Cambridge, the success of the women’s 1st lacrosse team was put on hold this week, following a dynamic win the previous game against Imperial college London. The men’s 1st team were more fortunate, and achieved a brilliant 5-18 victory against Oxford’s 1st team. This success could continue into next week with a string of games for the lacrosse teams happening at our very own Coombe Dingle.
Also coming up is an exciting week for football, with the Bristol 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams competing in cup games. Another event to look forward to is the UoB 1st mixed golf team come head to head the UWE Mixed 1st. These upcoming results could see Bristol moving up the BUCS league, where we currently stand at 7th.
Lucy Lorimer
On this week’s sport report:
It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Bristol surfers, with BUCS surf championships 2016 coming to a dramatic close last week. Facing challenging weather, the overall female team managed to come an impressive 2nd, with Cardiff in first position. Bristol student Flora Lawton made the university proud by taking the top spot in the women’s final.
It’s less positive news for the women’s 2nd hockey team, who were defeated 4-0 by Plymouth 1st team in a disappointing away game. However, the women’s 1st still secured a solid 2-0 win against Cardiff whilst the men’s 2nd smashed the University of Gloucestershire in a 5-4 win. These successes leave both teams at the top of their respective leagues.
In a draw with Cambridge, the success of the women’s 1st lacrosse team was put on hold this week, following a dynamic win the previous game against Imperial college London. The men’s 1st team were more fortunate, and achieved a brilliant 5-18 victory against Oxford’s 1st team. This success could continue into next week with a string of games for the lacrosse teams happening at our very own Coombe Dingle.
Also coming up is an exciting week for football, with the Bristol 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams competing in cup games. Another event to look forward to is the UoB 1st mixed golf team come head to head the UWE Mixed 1st. These upcoming results could see Bristol moving up the BUCS league, where we currently stand at 7th.
Lucy Lorimer
Last term, Theo Whitaker interviewed Tony Dyer, Bristol Mayor Candidate for the Green Party.
Last term, Theo Whitaker interviewed Charles Lucas, Bristol Mayor Candidate for the Conservative Party.
Joe Riley interviews Swim Deep for Burst Radio. #Burst #Radio #Music #Interview #SwimDeep
Abby Buck interviews Aku Naru for Burst Radio. #AkuNaru #Music #Interview #Burst #Radio
Last Tuesday, Byron Burger gave away burgers usually worth around £10.95 for just 25p. This was part of a scheme in conjunction with the charity ‘Two Feeds One’ to raise money for children living in some of the poorest communities in the world.
Whilst the burgers were for a good cause and for a cheap price, we asked Bristol students if it was really worth waiting two hours in line for.
Byron pledged to double the amount of funds raised on the day. So, whether or not you’d queue two hours for a burger, the restaurant promotion undoubtedly raised awareness for an important cause, and exposed the extent of world hunger.
Share your thoughts online with the hashtag #burgersforcharity’.
Izzy Ashby & Hattie Smail
Dionne Dakhoul interviews The Pretty Reckless for BURST #ThePrettyReckless #BURST #interview
Meg Mcgurk interviews Schoolboy's Death Trio for BURST Radio #BURST #SchoolboysDeathTrio #Intyerview #Jazz
Burst News talks about the Japanese Installation at Bristol Harbourside and its environmental significance.
Dionne Dakhoul & Annie Slinn interview Beartooth for BURST #Beartooth #BURST #interview
Bea Gentilli interviews one of the drummers from Submotion Orchestra #SubmotionOrchestra #BURST #interview
Sasha Brown interviews The Ramona Flowers at the O2 Academy #TheRamonaFlowers #BURST #interview #sashajadebrown
Sasha Brown interviews Ted Zed at Thekla in Bristol #TedZed #BURST #interview #sashajadebrown
Sasha Brown interviews Boy and Bear in the Bristol Anson Rooms #BoyandBear #BURST #interview #sashajadebrown
Meg Mcgurk interviews Gentleman's Dub Club for BURST #gentlemansdubclub #BURST #interview
Burst News spoke to students about the upcoming general election, and whether or not they think it is important to vote.
Burst News tells you all you need to know about the upcoming University of Bristol Media Ball.
Ella and Emily discuss the implications of wearing make-up and people's opinions of natural beauty #FemFM #Feminism #BurstRadio #make-up
Alex and Lily talk about the stereotypes given to men as well as women and how feminism is just as important for men. #FemFM #MaleStereotypes #BurstRadio
Burst News talks to Bristol students about the first ever Arts and Social Sciences bar crawl.
Dan Hill interviews Raleigh Ritchie for BURST Radio #music #interview #BURSTradio #RaleighRitchie
Louise Taylor Interviews Superfood for BURST Radio #music #interview #BURSTradio #Superfood
Will Soer Interviews Ragnboneman and Stig of the Dump #music #interview #Ragnboneman #StigoftheDump
Burst news interviews UBU Liberation Officer about the recent marches in London which campaigned for free further education for all.
Bristol council has announced plans to review the city's libraries in a bid to save £1.1 million. Burst news spoke to students about what they think of the plans.
Following from Epigram's article about student satisfaction, Burst news spoke to students about whether or not they think the university lives up to the city.
Bristol has been awarded the title of European Green Capital 2015. Burst news spoke to students about what they do to try to stay green.
The University and College Union (UCU) held an assessment boycott on November 6th in response to proposed alterations to their members’ pension plans.
The 1st November marks the start of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The Wills Memorial Building was lit up in pink to mark the start of a month of fundraising events across Bristol.
We review this year's jailbreak and give more information about how to get involved next time.
Reading week? Enhancement week? Enrichment week? We spoke to students about the confusion caused by week six.
This first BURST Football podcast introduces the hosts Seb and Connor and discusses this weeks matches.
The lovely ladies from TeachFirst came in to tell me all about their new promotion. If you're interested in becoming a teacher, visit teachfirst.org.uk.
The Hangover Brunch with Fraser Jackson. Fridays 12-2pm www.burstradio.org.uk
Singer-songwriter and final year Bristol student Shaunagh Duncan takes time out of her studies to stop by the Burst Radio studios and perform an exclusive two track live session for The Hangover Brunch with Whittingdale & Westington.
Singer-songwriter and final year Bristol student Joseph Ruddlestone stops by The Hangover Brunch with Whittingdale & Westington to perform 3x songs live in-studio exclusively for Burst Radio.
Fresh after releasing their 6th studio album, "We Were Here", on 30th September Olly Knights joined me at Thekla before their show to discuss Robbie Williams, meditation and poor timekeeping. Fairly excited before the show, Olly remained as cool as the bluesy-infuenced folk-rock he later performed on stage; both with a beaming smile and a genuine excitement to be on the road.
Ryan and Kelcey from Local Natives took time out from their extensive European tour to talk about the VMAs, Nandos and guilty pleasures before their show at the O2 Academy in Bristol. They're now on the final leg of the tour, traveling to Vienna, Rome, Madrid, Lisbon and Paris before finally taking a well-earned break, and some time in the studio. Very laid-back and happy to chat, they enjoyed the artistic delights of Bristol, heading off on a tour of Banksy's work.
Singer-songwriter and first year Bristol student Callum (aka. King Calcio) steps up as part of a Nightcap Records showcase to perform an original song live in studio for The Hangover Brunch with Whittingdale & Westington (14/11/2013).
Singer-songwriter and first year Bristol student Laura Williams steps up as part of a Nightcap Records showcase to perform her original song 'Best Friend' live in studio for The Hangover Brunch with Whittingdale & Westington (14/11/2013).
Singer-songwriter Georgia Rose performs 2x original songs in studio for The Hangover Brunch with Whittingdale & Westington (07/11/2013)
Originally named 'JablonCox' and founded in February 2012, The Jablo & Cox Show has now amassed 4 series's, 5 youtube videos, 35 episodes & 4 whole fans (see the awards :P ). Now on Bristol Uni's Burst Radio, we may have lost the swearing but hopefully we'll gain some listeners! (whilst continuing to be as politically incorrect as ever :D )
Burst Live Session with Bristol student and LiveSoc member Tim Levy. For more from Tim, check out his soundcloud http://soundcloud.com/tim-levy and for more live sessions tune into Acousa! 2pm every Sunday at www.burstradio.org.uk
The incredible Mike Battle came in to record the last Burst Live session of 2012. For more from Mike, head over to his Facebook page and for more live sessions don't forget to tune into Acousa! Sundays at 2pm www.burstradio.org.uk/shows/acousa
We were joined by Bristol student and singer/songwriter Jolyon for our second Burst Live Session. For more from Jolyon, check out his facebook page www.facebook.com/JolyonMusic and for more live sessions tune into Acousa! 2pm every Sunday at www.burstradio.org.uk
Hannah chats to Tim about her role within student health and sport at Bristol Uni. What the hell is Hannah Pollak up to? (With Tim Smith)