News

The Butcher’s Deli in Durham closes just one year after opening
The deli, which was located on Saddler Street, was forced to close after opening in April 2021. Owner John Stirk cited high rent and rates and low sales as the reason for the sudden closure.

National demonstration to be staged in Durham against Derwentside Immigration Centre
The demonstration will take place at Palace Green on Saturday 14th May, between 12pm-3pm. Protestors are calling for the Derwentside Immigration Centre to close down immediately.

DSU announces new postgraduate fund to support academic participation
The new fund will support postgraduate students with the “hidden costs” of academic participation, with grants of up to £750 being made available this academic year.

Whinney Hill planning application sparks debate on city’s ‘studentification’
An application to build a two-storey extension to a house in Whinney Hill led some councillors to claim that the plans would aid the supposed “studentification” of the area.

Durham offers staff up to £1,000 to avoid marking boycott
Durham UCU will vote next week on a deal put forward by the University which includes one-off payments to all staff and a joint statement on pensions cuts. More than 900 students have signed an open letter in recent days calling on the University to ensure the upcoming UCU marking boycott is prevented.

City of Culture 2025 judges visit Durham as part of county’s bid for the title
A panel of 11 judges for the UK City of Culture 2025 visited several sites in County Durham this week, to see how the title of City of Culture could benefit the region.

90% of Durham University’s research rated “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”
The figures published by the Research Excellence Framework also showed that four subject areas at Durham are ranked in the top five nationally for the overall quality of their research.
Comment

Has the South College Formal fiasco been rewritten?
Olivia Montgomery and Max Wilkinson question the identity of the principal editor of Professor Tim Luckhurst’s Wikipedia page and its implications for free speech

Do calorie-labelled menus show a disregard for mental health in the UK?
In this long read, Ellen Campbell argues that the recent enforcement of calorie-labelled menus shows a lack of care for mental health within UK legislation.

Johnson must go
Owen Bell argues that having been found to have broken the Covid-19 laws he created Boris Johnson must resign.

Elizabeth Holmes: the exploitation of Silicon Valley’s fallen star
Christian Bland argues the response to the Elizabeth Holmes case has highlighted the failures of the scientific community.

What is the problem with girlboss feminism?
Florence Clifford analyses what a ‘girlboss’ might really stand for and how it might be a false promise.

Can we use music as a weapon against the Russian invasion?
Amber Vallarino-Law takes a look at the importance of music in a political context both for freedom and suppression.

Interviewing for internships: a flawed process?
Jeremy Chang looks at the pressures of finding internships and the difficult process to do so.
Politics

Asset freezes, embargoes, and transaction bans: an overview of sanctions against Russia
Jonas Balkus reviews Western sanctions response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Wagner Group’s deployment to Mali
Against the backdrop of decades of conflict and internal strife, Mali’s military government welcomed the Russian private military company Wagner Group last year. Matthew Egger examines the group’s disagreeable history and their plans for the African country.

The dawn of a new space age? Billionaires and digital warfare
Will we see the Roaring Twenties? Eli Rasmussen looks at how aerospace is evolving with private interests and global politics.

Vision 2030, sportswashing and Saudi Arabia’s ulterior motives
Waseem Mohamed takes a look at grand plans of change from the Saudi Arabian government and assesses criticism that label them a ‘cover-up’.

Facebook in trouble: the changing landscape of social media
Will Brown takes a look at Facebook’s recent struggles and how it plans to combat its reputation in an evolving sector.

What must the West do to stop Russia?
Ellie Boyden weighs up the West’s current responses to the Ukraine invasion and what world leaders could do better.

A French presidency
As the French presidency enters its fourth month overseeing the council of the European Union, Madeleine Ballay explains what France has done, what it plans to do and what the topic means for President Macron.
Sport

The myth of an ‘African style’: how prejudice still lines football discourse
“We must leave our expectations at the door, lest we miss out on appreciating the unexpected”: Luke Power discusses the dangers of lazy stereotyping in football discourse in the wake of England’s friendly win over Ivory Coast.

Collingwood deny Trevs double to take home Men’s Football Floodlit Cup
Joe Harston reports on a Men’s Football Floodlit Cup victory for Collingwood.

Sport in a time of war: the predicament of Russian athletes
Anna Noble assesses the sanctions posed on Russian and Belarusian athletes by sporting organisations.

What do we do about football’s money addiction?
“Sport should be a recluse from the strains of geopolitics, not a vector for the dissemination of the ideals of one group or another”: Ben Pawlowski discusses football’s ownership problem in the wake of the Chelsea-Newcastle clash.

We race as one – without the women
“Christian Horner claimed that young girls’ growing interest in the sport is due to ‘good-looking’ drivers”: Duru Akin discusses how women are viewed in F1.

Harry Kane: Should he stay or should he go?
Oliver Jervis considers the future of Tottenham striker Harry Kane with the upcoming transfer window approaching.

The tale of Marcelo Bielsa and English football
Joe Harston looks back on Marcelo Bielsa’s reign as Leeds manager and the effect he had on English football.
Profile

Nathan Law: “we’re not entitled to lose hope”
Nathan Law on global democratic decline, idealism in student activism and maintaining hope in the future of Hong Kong.

Crispin Blunt: “Right around the world, people like me are criminalised”
Profile speaks to MP Crispin Blunt about his time at Durham, the government’s response to the pandemic, and Partygate

George Arbuthnott: “The Prime Minister’s handling of the pandemic has been one of the most scandalous failures of political leadership in British history”
Profile speaks to Sunday Times journalist and Durham alumnus, George Arbuthnott, about Boris Johnson’s leadership, the government’s handling of the pandemic, and myths in journalism

Dr Philip Rushbrook: joining the real world
Thomas Hennessy talks to Dr Philip Rushbrook, British governor of St Helena, about societal change, cabbage trees and local democracy

Stuart Heritage: “A fifteen-year career, and I’ve cashed it all in for some coconut cake”
Profile speaks to writer and Guardian columnist Stuart Heritage about his career in journalism, Mission Impossible, and white chocolate coconut bundt cake

Edith Hall: “if you can’t be a proper moral agent, then you’re never going to be truly happy”
Thomas Hennessy talks to Edith Hall about Aristotle, classism in Classics and the meaning of life.

Carla Denyer: “Our electoral system is embarrassingly out of date”
Profile interviews Carla Denyer, the co-leader of the Green Party, about universities, her time at Durham, and
what she would like to achieve as co-leader of the UK’s fastest-growing political party
SciTech

In bloom: genes controlling flowering time in chickpeas identified
The research, which involves Durham bioscientists, has already led to a new variety of chickpea that is improving yields in Turkey and Syria.

Atlantropa: one man’s outrageous plan to drain the Mediterranean Sea
This undoubtedly ambitious macro-engineering project could have solved Europe’s food and energy problems but was marred by fatal flaws, not least the colonial mindset of its architect.

Durham-led Neglected Tropical Diseases Network fights for funding
The international network, directed by Durham University’s Professor Paul Denny, is seeking new funding to continue its vital research into tropical diseases.

The Digital Markets Act is a major blow to Big Tech
With the Digital Markets Act currently under consideration by the European Commission, Patrick Stephens explores its potential impacts.

Drink up! Pint of Science returns to Durham next month
The world’s largest festival of public science talks will return in-person to three city centre venues this May.

How to live a fulfilling life, according to science
Thomas Bainbridge discusses the relationship between meaning and happiness, according to psychological research

UK’s aim to go nuclear lacks plan for radioactive waste
Nuclear power could help the UK to reach net zero carbon emissions and secure energy independence. But where do we put the radioactive waste?
Features

Cultural straddlers: navigating the fine line between “who I am” and “who I’m not”
“I started to experience an identity crisis because I did not know where I belonged in this world”: Ian Cheung, a second-generation Asian immigrant, details his experience being raised in a predominantly Western society and the cultural dissonance felt by studying abroad.

Durham’s drinking culture: the importance of knowing your limits
“There was an unspoken dogma to ‘partake’ in this new university life stage through drinking games and big nights out”: Velina Peykova discusses the dangers of excessive drinking and offers an alternative approach to enjoying nights out.

“You don’t look sick?”: the reality of living with an invisible illness
“My body constantly has to fight an invisible battle that it cannot win”: Jami Anderson-Smith clarifies misconceptions of invisible illnesses and offers advice to those who wish to help.

Government plans for higher education: why humanities and arts degrees still matter
“Looking at education solely in the contexts of graduate employment and economic growth can be problematic”: Tom Harbottle explores what government plans for higher education means for students.

The joys of returning home for Easter
“For me, Easter marks a big change in attitudes.” Josie Sherman looks forward to the Easter break as Epiphany term comes to a close.

Regrets: the miserable and the magical
“You don’t need to forget in order to move on.” Michelle Leung offers a positive perspective on regret and how we should learn from it.

International Women’s Day, every day
“International Women’s Day deserves celebration not for one day, but every day.” This International Women’s Day, Pearl Cheng encourages us to celebrate women in our day-to-day lives.
Books

Fine-Tuning Your Shelf: ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’
In this edition of ‘Fine-Tuning Your Shelf’, Marni Ward offers a playlist to accompany Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’.

My degree has ruined my relationship with reading
Has your degree ruined your relationship with reading? Holly Downes examines her relationship with books since beginning her degree. Can it be reclaimed?

“It gives me the long-term perspective that I often lose, especially in exam season”: comfort reads for exam season
“We should not view books as tasks to be completed, but as forms of art like any other”. Eleanor Strain offers an insight into the power of re-reading in times of exam stress.

‘Returning to this book is paying a visit to my childhood best friend’: comfort reads for exam season
“Re-reading this book is me looking back on my past in a non-critical, loving way”. In Books’ Comfort Reads Series, Sea Pawanrat Vachanavuttivong returns to an old friend, Leigh Badugo’s ‘Six of Crows’.

Colleen Hoover: the author for a Sad Girl Summer?
Is ‘CoHo’ worth the hype? TikTok seems to think so. Jessica Donaldson does a deep dive into what precisely it is that’s made Colleen Hoover so popular and if she’s worth the hype.

“It has fundamentally shaped me in the best of ways”: a reader’s ode to BookTube
“To stumble on this community of readers making videos about books on the Internet was genuinely life-changing for me”. Amy Whitaker elucidates the powers of BookTube and gives her recommendations for top channels.

Diversifying dark academia: some key works
Emily Mitchell offers her selections of works that diversify the ‘dark academia’ genre.
Food & Drink

#CookForUkraine: discovering Ukrainian cuisine for an essential cause
“The campaign is so important as it encourages us to appreciate the individuality of Ukrainian culture, as well as donate to a great cause”: Chloe Codling shares her experience cooking Ukrainian pancakes.

Spring’s savoury staples
Three students share their favourite spring vegtables to brighten your plate.

Seeking refuge in hot cross buns
“I came to appreciate the thrill of experimenting in baking as a way to work away my stress.” Food and Drink Editor Nia Kile celebrates the comfort of spring baking.

Pancake Day: a celebration that can(’t) be topped
“Pancakes, while seemingly straightforward, can come in multifarious varieties”: Eve Kirman tells all you need to know about this fabulous, food-centred festival.

Chinese fusion rolls
Emerson Shams shares his north-south Chinese fusion recipe following Lunar New Year.

Morsels of love
Food and Drink Editor Emerson Shams shares his easy to make chocolate bites.

Savoured, cherished and protected: the Italian art of espresso
“Granting a place to the ritual of espresso will ensure its protection and, crucially, will maintain its link to Italy.” Food and Drink Editor Nia Kile explores the value of the famous Italian espresso.
Film & TV

Review: Anatomy of a Scandal
“It is a must-watch and will leave you considering its terrifyingly real implications”: Erin Waks reviews ‘Anatomy of a Scandal’.

The popularity of ‘Heartstopper’
“I finally caved and watched ‘Heartstopper’”: Paul Ray gives his personal take on the popularity of the new Netflix series.

Review: C’mon C’mon
“The film above all else is contemplative. Of course, it’s warm and intimate, but at its heart ‘C’mon C’mon’ forces you to project your own lives onto those you witness on screen.”: Sam Dobinson reviews Mike Mills’ ‘C’mon C’mon’.

Must-watch docs: ‘Joan Didion: The Centre Will Not Hold’
“Her unscripted testimonies are crafted just as strikingly as those read from her acclaimed novels and essays”: Elizabeth Buckley is fascinated by ‘Joan Didion: The Centre Will Not Hold’.

The enigma of Nicholas Cage
‘If the man can steal the Declaration of Independence, then he can definitely steal my heart too…’ — Nicholas Lemieux offers a comical review of Nicholas Cage’s expansive career in light of Cineworld’s newest phenomenon, ‘Cagefest’.

Moon Knight and the rise of Marvel TV
“The MCU might start to buckle under its own weight”: Will Brown reviews ‘Moon Knight’ and contends with Marvel’s increasing television output.

Taskmaster: the best of British comedy
“One of the best shows on TV”: Emily Doughty looks back on Taskmaster’s memorable moments and makes predictions for the latest season.
Stage

Review: The Trail to Oregon
“A light-hearted and self-aware romp without a single weak link in cast or crew.” Ellen Olley reviews The Trail To Oregon.

Review: BTC’s ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’
“An energetic, tongue in cheek performance that is colourful and light-hearted: if you go go go go see this show you will not be disappointed.” Molly Knox enjoys BTC’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

Review: The Durham Showcase
“The variety of pieces on display not only highlighted each performer distinctly but also enhanced the show in its entirety offering the audience an ideal mix of genres, characters, and scenarios to watch and fall in love with.” Flo Lunnon is most impressed by the Durham Finalist’s Showcase.

Review: Touch by Suffragette Theatre Company
“Vicky Jones’s Touch is described as ‘a glorious cocktail of sex and self-discovery’ and was transferred onto the AR stage as a fruity cocktail of masterful acting and laughs”: Louise Coggrave has a great time with Suffragette Theatre Company’s ‘Touch’ by Vicky Jones.

Review: A Night of Voices by Sightline Theatre Company
“As a whole, it was a pleasantly bite-sized experience of new and better-known talent.” Ellen Olley enjoys a Night of Voices with Sightline Theatre Company.

The Durham Finalist’s Showcase
“In our long days of rehearsing with different troupe members one by one, with every actor who stepped in the room, the energy of the room transformed” Stage Editor and DST director Saniya Saraf talks about her experience directing the Durham Finalist’s Showcase.

Review: Blood Wedding by Wrong Tree Theatre Company
“Wrong Tree’s Blood Wedding is an assured and slick reimagining that showcases some of Durham’s most exciting and experienced talent”: Ellen Olley reviews Wrong Tree Theatre Company’s ‘Blood Wedding’.
Fashion

Boohoo and the ‘barely-there’ dress
“What is objectification and what is empowerment?”: Fleur de Bono discusses Boohoo’s recent controversy.

A look back at DUCFS…
“It was one of the best experiences of my time in Durham.”: Grace Jessop and Anna Johns chat to model Chris Newton about his DUCFS experience.

The power of lingerie
“The hidden beauty of such items form their appeal.”: Erin Waks explores her relationship with lingerie.

The fountain of youth
“The face that never ages”: Grace Jessop discusses the worrying rise in the use of Botox amongst young women.

The most iconic models of the current era
“Since the late 2010s, models have undoubtedly gained a larger presence in popular culture.”: Valeria Prado-Benavides asks who are the most iconic models of the 2020s.

‘Euphoria’: femininity and feelings through the lens of fashion
“The second season of Euphoria is officially back on the air.”: Katerina Panayiotou explores the series’ iconic fashion.

Fashion: F1’s next sponsorship opportunity?
Deputy Sport Editor Mary Atkinson looks at the business side of F1 and fashion as a sponsorship opportunity for the sport.
Visual Arts

‘Derek Jarman Protest!’: autobiography and abstraction
“Watching the footage in the exhibition felt almost voyeuristic.” Grace Clare Marshall reviews Derek Jarman’s work, on display at the Manchester Art Gallery.

Painting spring: a snapshot of a season
Visual Arts contributors discuss a selection of paintings which epitomise spring.

Digitalising Donatello: should we turn art’s masterpieces into NFTs?
Ælfred Hillman delves into the implications of housing digitalised versions of some of the world’s most acclaimed masterpieces.

Looking beyond the crown: Britain’s most insightful royal portraits (1800-2022)
“They reveal something far more poignant than any display of pomp and power ever can.” Ælfred Hillman discusses modern royal portraits in the final part of this series.

The Lakota Massacre and the ‘stolen’ artefact
“There is a huge advantage to exhibiting objects in historical context.” Hugo T. Millard delves into the ethical implications of ‘stealing’ artefacts.

Valentine’s Day: painted across the ages
“The brightness of her facial expression encapsulates feelings of safety, desire and, above all, love.” Visual Arts contributors contemplate love’s meaning in art.

Looking beyond the crown: Britain’s most insightful royal portraits (1500-1800)
“We are given a lonely father’s gaze, demanding our empathy.” Ælfred Hillman delves into the most awe-inspiring portraits of the royal family.
Music

A Guide to: Passiontide choral music
“Music, being the cross-denominational instrument of worship it is, is central to the commemoration of the Lenten season.” In our ‘A Guide to Series’, Music Editor Annabelle Bulag introduces some of their Lenten favourites.

Gig Review: Brockhampton at the O2 Academy in Brixton
“Brockhampton’s penultimate concert, the culmination of a half-decade’s work” Dite Bagdonaite reviews Brockhampton’s concert at the O2 Academy in Brixton.

Gig Review: ‘An Evening of Standards’ — After Hours #1: Durham University Jazz Society at Cafédral
“Drenched in warm atmospheric lighting and surrounded by an abundance of plants and greenery, its intimate ambience would prove to be the perfect setting.” Henry Bashford reviews Jazz Society’s first After Hours gig of the year.

Facing the music: Durham University Palatinate Orchestra (DUPO)
‘Facing the Music’, the series in which we introduce Durham University’s music societies. In this instalment, DUPO lets us in on what they have to offer.

Facing the music: Durham University Big Band (DUBB)
‘Facing the Music’, the series in which we introduce Durham University’s music societies. In this instalment, DUBB tells what they have to offer.

Loving Yourself this Valentine’s
Join Music Editor Annabelle Bulag and these LGBTQ+ artists on a self-love journey.

London Nu-Jazz: The aspirant soul of modern Britain
“British Nu-Jazz remains to be fully embraced, or perhaps discovered, by its progenitors.” Peter Hipkin introduces the London Nu-Jazz scene.
Creative Writing

Follicles
Grace Wakefield examines the stigma still associated with women’s body hair in this artful poem.

Woman
“That dares love twice as much as venus”: Laura Gibbs shares her experiences of bisexual womanhood in this powerful poem.

Is it just me?
Eleanor Tait talks Mother’s day, daffodils and being a daughter in this candid prose.

Before I really knew what a womb was
‘How could something be so painful and so bright’ — on International Women’s Day, Molly Knox beautifully explores her own relationship with menstruation and her body.

It must be love
Who says the season of love has to end in February? Matthew Ainley’s short story celebrates a moment between lovers.

Stupid in love
‘Figuring out my thoughts that fly with rose tinted glasses’
Charlie Williamson delves into the hazy world of love sickness in this quirky poem.

A deep shade of you
Colour, music, art and nature combine in this delicate love poem by Freya Barker.
Travel

Easter escapes
Three contributors give us a guide to unusual short breaks for a refreshing Easter holiday.

Barnard Castle: rediscovering UK’s historic spots
Caitlin Ball explores the rising popularity of the historic spot, Barnard Castle.

The rise of ‘workations’
Hugo Millard explores whether the future of travel combines work and play.

The best locations to eat as a vegan
Olivia Hargood explores her top three UK locations to visit as a vegan.

A love letter to Venice
Marking Valentines Day, Goya Verity captures her undying love for the Italian city.

Will cruise holidays ever appeal to the young?
“Virgin Voyages seem to think there’s a future for cruises for the young”: Cosmo Adair discusses whether cruise holidays will ever appeal to younger crowds.

Sustainable travel in 2022: is it possible?
Goya Verity explores whether it is possible we can sustainably travel in 2022.
Interview

Nightline: meeting the voices on the other side of the screen
Interview Editor Josie Lockwood meets with Nightline volunteers to discuss Durham’s student-led active listening service.

A bold story of home: Khaled Khalifa
Interview editor Lara Moamar speaks to award-winning Syrian author Khaled Khalifa.

Behind the lens with Callum Robson
Interview Editor Steph Ormond speaks to Callum Robson about street photography in England and Spain, and his biggest project — Humans of Durham.

Talking fashion with Eleanor Pritchard
Arjun Seth meets with DUCFS fashion director, Eleanor Pritchard.

Anya Fedorov: the healing power of crochet
Interview Editor Josie Lockwood meets with President of the DU Crochet society, Anya Fedorov, to discuss craft, mental health, and charity.

Inside PalatiDates: Durham’s matchmakers
Arjun Seth discusses romance in Durham and lockdown dating with Katie, one of the organisers of PalatiDates.

In conversation with Camilla Tominey
Arjun Seth speaks to award-winning Royal Commentator and Associate Editor of The Telegraph Camilla Tominey, about truth, Megxit, and a defence of the journalistic trade.