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BEAVER
NEWSPAPER OF THE LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS
STUDENTS' UNION
issue 238
UNION GENERAL MEETING EVERY THURS, 1.00PM IN O.T.
November 4th 1985
RACISTATTACK ATLSE.
'IT'S NOT OUR RESPONSIBILITY' SAYS SCHOOL.
At a party on Friday 11th October, an LSE student was seriously injured at the Fitzroy-Maple Street Flats. The subsequent Thursday, a first year woman student was the victim of a violent racist attack, which was followed by a further attack on Monday 21st.

¦¦	.* "v.



Anti-Semitic Graffiti on the walls of Tracey's room
The reaction from the Stu- went unreported to the school
dents Union, and School administrators to both incidents has been one of shock and dismay. Tracey, a resident at Rosebery Hall, was walking towards a bus stop on the Aldwych at approximately 7pm, after attending a Law Society Meeting. On seeing an old Jewish man having some difficulties with some dropped shopping, she immediately set down her own bags to offer assistance.
After helping him Tracey, while picking up her own baggage was dazed by a massive blow to her face - the impact of which has left her badly bruised, with torn neck ligaments, a permanent depression of her left eye socket and recurring headaches. While stunned she heard a threatening male voice 'You Jewish lover, I'll be watching you'
Unfortunately, in her state of bewilderment, the incident
authorities. Tracey had returned to an empty Houghton Street after being violently hit, but then, panicking, ran to catch a bus to her ball of residence. It was only on arriving that she realised that her keys had fallen when she put down her bags on the Aldwych. The police were informed of the assault on Saturday - Tracey's only support was from her fellow students. In the light of the further anti-semetic attack on the 21st, it is sad that Tracey, as a first year, was uninformed of the help that was available which could have prevented the second incident.
On Monday 21st, Tracey's double room was broken into. Anti-semitic slogans were scrawled on her walls, a star of David drawn with red ink splattered on it. In addition, red ink had been daubed on some underwear taken from a drawer and the head deliberately snapped off a red rose she had been given. The' racist attackers left
without stealing and, most importantly, without being seen.
One question which necessarily arises is was it merely through helping the old man that the assault occured or the fact that Tracey, although not Jewish herself, was (and is) considering coonversion to orthodox Judaism? There has been a strong reaction from Paul Lewis, Chairperson of the LSE Jewish Society on this unacceptable incident: "LSE students must be made aware of the magnitude and implications of this outrage. It means that a person concerned about Jewish people or Jewish issues may be intimidated away by fear of physical force. Like all forms of racism, we should be determined to stamp it out'
However, perhaps all that could have been done to catch the culprit was not carried out. In the words of Elwyn Watkins, General Secretary of LSE Student's Union 'The School only got involved when pushed into it by the Student's Union - that is the tragedy of it'
It was Rory O'Driscoll, a third year student and resident at Rosebery Avenue, who first arranged a meeting for Tracey with several involved people -Miss R. Nixon (assistant registrar), Dr. Jan Stockdale (Woman's Officer), Paul Lewis and Elwyn Watkins. It was Rory and Elwyn who went twice to discuss the racist attack with the Director, along with the startling possibility of the attacker being an LSE student. The bursar, Mr. John Lauw-erys, claimed that the school had no direct responsibility to help Tracey, stating 'The incident occured outside the school buildings, so it was up to the student body to respond.' But, the majority of the Staff feel strongly that this is a matter for much concern. 'Any attack of any kind, especially a racist one" in this cosmopolitan environment, must be opposed' (Dr.
' I.G.Patel, Director of LSE)
Although Mr. Bursey, the academic registrar, has underplayed publicity for fear of a witchhunt, many students are unaware that such a shameful incident has occured to a fellow student. A vague message at a Student Union meeting, and a short request for information in the circular seems to be the only outward concern the School has displayed. Even the warden of Rosebery Hall, Mr. Klappholz, appeared unsure of how to handle the attack and did not report the break-in to the police
continued page 5
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Sfudenr
The last issue of London Student carried what is now a well-publicized lead story describing the LSE as the 'School for Drugs'. Claims were made that the School has become a national centre for drug dealing, where drugs are freely offered to all comers.
The Editor of London Stu- As far as the LSE Health dent, Ms Joanna Toch, assured Service is concerned, drug
us that the story was run in an effort to curb the problem of drtig abuse in London University as a whole. She admitted that no effort had been made to establish whether LSE had a serious problem in relation to that at other London Colleges.
She further admitted on behalf of herself and of the student journalists who wrote the story that no thought had been given to the possible ramifications of publishing such a sensationalist and vicious attack, thus abdicating any form of journalistic responsibility. In the article, two reporters, Graham Parker and Marc Lane-Martin, allege that they were 'offered drugs' at the LSE, and that 'an open drugs mar-kefflourishes' here. Allegations have been made that LSE's refusal in the past to subscribe to the financially insecure London Student may have played a part in the motivation for the story.
The reaction at the LSE to the story has been angry. Both the School and the Students' Union feel that the story is inaccurate, sensationalist and spiteful. As a result of the article, the gutter press have been attempting to find fresh revelations. "This has meant that all students must provide identification in order to visit the Three Tuns bar.
related health problems at the LSE are negligable in relation to those at other colleges.
A statement has been agreed by the Executive, to be run on the front page of the next issue of London Student, which runs as follows:
The Executive condemns the sensationalist and spiteful attack on the LSE published in London Student. The article cannot in any way be described as an aid to curbing problems of drug abuse in London University. It contained incorrect allegations and irresponsible journalistic methods were used to obtain information. The Union and the School reaffirm their opposition to drug abuse, and will continue their efforts -which have been seriously put back by this, article - to curb the problem.
The Executive feel that, in the light of the seriousness of this matter, the Editor of London Student should accept responsibility for bad journalism and offer her resignation.
Inside This Issue
WAR AGAINST RACISM WEEK
Diary of the week and a collection of articles
gay and lesbian society
At last, some proper coverage of gay and lesbian life for students.
the royal family
A sideways look at the status of the Royal Family in this country.
Num and udm
An analysis of the split in the coal union and its consequences for trade unionism.
arts and sports
Coverage of the latest London plays and the endeavours of the LSE Athletics Union.
D-_
* T
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 2
picket panic
swss
LETTERS
claims bonus thoughts from
Dear Editors,
Brian Moore's article on Supplementary Benefit in last week's issue concluded with the advice, 'If in doubt, claim — you can only get turned down - and then at least you'll know for certain.' From personal experience I can assure you that even if you are entitled to Supplementary Benefit, you may not get it.
Last January I claimed SB for two weeks from Brixton DHSS. By March T still hadn't got the money. In rapid succession, the Brixton DHSS lost my papers, lost the duplicates I produced, and then mistakenly transferred my claim to Acton. I made numerous 'phone calls to the office, but all in vain - no employee would take responsibility, and not one would disclose his name - so each time I "phoned I was back to square one. May arrived and I still hadn't got my money.
For those of you who believe this was a case in isolation, it wasn't. In May, angry and frustrated, I went personally to Brixton DHSS. I waited for four-and-a-half hours to be seen. During that time the police were called in twice. Why? Because the DHSS had lost case papers, mislaid giro cheques and were refusing to pay the money in question -when the people concerned were dependant upon prompt payment if they were to feed themselves and their families. Little wonder that the atmosphere was explosive.
I eventually got my money -in July - six months after I had put in my claim. I only got it because I took the matter up with my MP (Labour).
So my advice to any student wishing to claim would be - find out what you're entitled to before you claim and even then be prepared to fight for your rights. And if you do run into trouble, use your MP. (Be prepared to fight very hard if he/ she isn't Labour). Remember, you may be fortunate enough not to need the money desperately, but many people do, and the more complaints that reach government ears, the more likely it is that something will be done about the appalling apathy prevalent in the DHSS.
Catherine Bruce
Dear Editors,
Much has been said about the legitimacy or otherwise of the pickets of various services on October the 24th.
The accusations levelled at those who took part, mostly members of SWSS but also of the Labour Club find members of the Anti-Apartheid Society, include that of intimidating Union staff and preventing essential services from being supplied.
These slanders must be answered:
1)	At no time did the pickets intimidate anyone. Staff were asked not to go in to work but were told that no attempt would be made to prevent them from going in. The general attitude from staff was not of hostility but confusion, largely due, we believe, to the total abdication of leadership shown by the SU executive on that day.
2)	Essential services were not hit. the staff expressed a wish to keep them going, a wish respected by the pickets.
Of far more fundamental importance is the question of why a picket at all. The motive behind our action was simple: October 24th was a National Day of Action against Apartheid. On that day, we felt, NUS and our local union should shut down in solidarity with the struggle in South Africe. We knew that some staff wanted to take action. We were toek that if a picket was on, they would refuse to cross it.
In the face or these facts, it is really rather childish for some people to complain that they weren't able to but their salami roll in Florries. All the more so when one considers the heroic struggle of black people in South Africa, who have suffered 800 deaths this year alone.
The picket, contrary to some people's opinion, was a sucess. It was respected by all union staff, many of whom came on the picket-cum-demo in the Strand. More importantly, it raised the question of South Africa in a dramatic and direct way.
Some may argue that more thorough consultation should have taken place between the prospective pickets and the SU Executive. That's as may be; nevertheless, our Executive are the body who have a duty and a responsibility to lead the Union on all matters, and this they signally failed to do. Where they failed, we stepped in.
It is a credit to those members of the Labour Club and independents on the Executive that they chose to back the picket. By their actions they stand head and shoulders above those who, by their carping, showed how much they really support the struggle against apartheid in South Africa.
Nic Cicutti
Socialist Worker Student Society
Dear Editors,
The picket of the Student Union facilities organised by the Socialist Workers' Student Society and others was pitiful. There was a time at the LSE some fifteen to twenty years ago when hundreds of brethren would have flocked to their side; nowadays, it is a success to gather a mere handful of fellow braves - the last vestiges of a once potent student attitude.
The picket struck a sorrowful sight. LSE students wandered about their daily business groaning intermittently of having to queue longer at Wright's for the morning's coffee.The aim of the picket was to publicise the N.U.S. day of action, the result of it was the temporary closure of the Student Union facilities and the humiliating defeat of its propogators in the Union meeting - the actual act of admonishment by the Union of the picketers far outshadowed why the picket was there in the first place. "The staff never pays any attention to the posters we put up, but this (the picket) will get through' was the comment of
Dear Editors,
The guhru(sic) of the SWP, Tony Cliff, speaking at a student fringe meeting, outlined the parties(sic) ethos regarding student demonstrations. The
stated objectives of a sit-in or picket were irrelevant: the sole purpose of being in the forefront of organising such actions was to increase S.W.S.S.(Socialist Worker Student Society) membership. If the organisation gained one extra recruit, then the demonstration could be pronounced a success.
I was not surprised when I
BEAVER CREDITS
EDITORS: Ed Richards Giles Perritt,
Arts Editors: Carol Atack, Becky Lunn
Sports Editor: Shannon Ellsmore Photography: Mark Moore, Alan Peakall
Societies Editor: Jack Frost Manager: Andrew Oldland
BEAVER TEAM: Eleanor Edwardes, Sarah Bronzite, Natalia Berkowitz, Richard Jones, Catherine Bruce, Hughes Chikako Nakazawa, James Reeves, Jutta Vossieg, Judith Chappel , Jonathan Smith, Kate Barnes.
Other contributors as credited.
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Published by the London School of Economics Students' Union, East Building, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE Beaver Copyright 1985_
one member of the picket. Are not the hammer and sickle being used a little too forcibly to drive home the point? Had it not occured to him that the staff may have chosen to ignore the posters previously? Instead now some staff were put in the awkward position of having to take a political standpoint when in their capacity as Student Union administrators they should not act with political bias. It is funny how suqh menial things as the freedom of choice are discarded by the S.W.P. and others in the cause of the "greater' end.
However, it would be a great pity to see the total extinction of this rare breed of student who believe in rebellion for rebellion's sake. Long may the Socialist Workers' Party haunt future Union meetings, we as students of the LSE need these relics to remind us of a by-gone age and to act as souvenirs of our inglorious past.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Oldland
STRAIGHT OR GAY, AIDS IS YOUR PROBLEM
Regardless of your sexual preference, it is becoming increasingly likely that Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ^AIDS) will affect your life. AIDS does not discriminate among its victims on the basis of sex, race, religion, nationality, etc. A colleague, friend, family member, lover or even you may be exposed to the virus suspected of causing AIDS. Less directly, you will be called upon to finance the staggering costs of coping with the disease as a taxpayer in your respective home country. It makes good sense, therefore, to take the opportunity to learn more about AIDS. ^
On Wednesday, 13 November, at 13.00 in t^ New Theatre (E171), a representative of the Terrence Higgins Trust will speak to member of the LSE community and the general public about AIDS. The Terrence Higgms Trust is a registered charity to inform, advise and help on AIDS. Be aware, be concerned, or just be curious. Please attend this presentation and be your questions answered. Remember: AIDS affects all
of us.
The LSE Lesbian and Gay Society
heard this at a NUS Conference in Blackpool; neither was I surprised when last Thursday, LSE SWSS organized a picket against Student Union Services. No rational reason exists why preventing students having a cheap lunch in Florries is going to contribute to the struggle against apartheid(the stated objective of the picket). What did surprise me was the presence of members of the Labour Club(and even elected officers of the union were encouraging them). I know the Labour Club is suffering reduced meetings, only 20 students attending, but do they believe the answer to this is stripping other students of ther democrtic rights to decide what policy they think fit at UGMs? Just as the banning of AIESEC was totally illegal, so too was the picket, and each time the left push their politics down our throats, the UGM, when given the chance, has regurgitated them.
I suppose all this goes towards making Union Meetings more fun(which Sean O'Neill was lamenting about in Beaver), which must be much better than attempting to develop the role of the union and the services it provides for students.
Yours in bureaucracy and bullshit,
Michael Mosynskismdom
CAREERS DAY Wednesday 6th November 1985
This Wednesday afternoon an event will take place which could drastically alter the course of your life. It could mean the difference between you spending the rest of your life earning vast sums of money, jet-setting abroad on business trips and achieving professional qualifications or joining the queue at the local dole office.
Companies attending the Careers Day include many of Britains leading firms: Marks and Spencer, IBM, Mobil, Shell, Lloyds Bank, Procter and Gamble, Arthur Andersens, Midland ' Bank International, Thomson McLintock, C and A, Wool-worths, National Avait Office,B.P, Legal and General,Institute of Actuaries, Arthur Young... In fact there will be about 50 major graduate recruiters there. Each of them will send a few representatives who will hold a stall at the Careers Day. They will be ready to discuss informally career prospects wirh any interested students. They will all have literature and application forms for anyone who wants them.
So if you are a student seeking a worthwhile career in business within the next year or so you will find that a few hours spent at the Careers Day will be time well spent. Whether you are looking for a career in general/retail management, management consultancy, law, computing, domestic, international or merchant banking, or insurance, you will find something of importance to you at the Careers Day. This will probably be your last chance to see such a variety of companies represented in one place at one time. Invest in your future now.
AISEC looks forward to seeing you, whether or not you are an AISEC member, at the Careers Day.
The AIESEC Careers Day will take pace in A45, A85 and A86 (Old Building) on Wednesday 6th of November 2pm 6pm.
Any AIESEC members interested in becoming involved with the organisation at the Careers Day should attend the AIESEC meeting on Monday 4th November on the Societies Room at 6pm.
AIESEC LSE Careers Day Organisers
page 3
Beaver November 4th 1985
AT THE UNION
The Tories are at a loss. A vast improvement in the chairing of the meeting, thanks to both O'Driscoll and Ellis, has deprived the Right of their favourite obstructionist tactics, ie petty, laborious, unproductive questioning of officers.
The product of this change in the nature of the meeting is that the Tories have now become ''nice", "reasonable", and "agreeable"; it seems that they have decided that polite persuasiveness is the way to woo the votes and defeat the swarms of motions emerging all around them.
The master and originator of agreeable opposition is none other than the devilishly handsome Andrew Tinney. Each time Andrew stands up, invariably to oppose, never to propose, a motion, everyone at the meeting can predict his first words - "Of course, I agree entirely, indeed totally, with the sentiments expressed here, why, I see that you've put forward some very good arguments, but...". And what follows is the monotonous old Tory claptrap, about how Andrew actually disagrees with everything the previous speaker has said.
It's actually quite refreshing when someone can then stand up and tell Andrew to get stuffed, as the speaker from the ANC did a couple of weeks ago when he told Thatcher (and by iirplication, Tinney) to go to hell.
Of course, it would be all right if it was only Tinney, but they're all at it. Jack Frost, for instance, always prancing around asking questions, eager to learn, picking out flaws; and Simon McVicker, surely we all expected a hardline anti-Republican speech from him on the Ireland motion - after all he was up there singing "The Queen" when the Bloody Sunday issue was raised last year - but no, Simon, neatly attired, popped up to the microphone and started mumbling some nonsense about political footballs.
Finally there's Kilby, a man for whom being reasonable used to mean kicking somebody in the balls to help them forget about the pain from their broken jaw, he's gone really soft. Take the Maire O'Shea motion, naturally he agreed with the motion entirely -except for the bit that cast a slur on British justice, which, of course, was what the whole motion was about. Once upon a time Nigel would have got up and given us a i-eactionary rant about murderous IRA grannies - but not these days.
It's like the days when Diane Lye was in the Chair. Tory obstructionism then meant challenging the chair, avoiding debate when they knew they were beaten and picking certain issues on which to field their best speakers. The difference now is that they haven't got a rousing speaker. As for the challenge - that must be the first vote Simon Ellis has won in years.
Perhaps the most influential speaker we have seen this year has been Simon Bexon. Two weeks ago he achieved the distinction of being the angriest person ever seen at a UGM, since Richard Bacon (first author of the word 'bastard' in Beaver, until now) got upset over a telephone-. His indignation proved both forceful and convincing, and not even silver-tongued Nic Cicutti could persuade the meeting in Bexon's aftermath that shutting Florries was helpful to the Anti-Apartheid struggle. Bexon continues to flourish. Last week he slaughtered Moszynski at the microphone, twice! Yet more evidence that last year's Senior Treasurer is a spent force.
The Left, meanwhile, is displaying a new air of positivism -business is getting done, motions are winning (Ireland. O'Shea, the Pryces) and almost every speaker exudes confidence. Kevin Hug-gins-Cooper silenced the Old Theatre with a powerful and passionate speech on the Pryce campaign and related police racism. Peter Wilcock is growing in stature (and putting on weight as well). His greatest success to date being his demolition of Tinney's arguments about the sanctity of democracy in Northern Ireland. Maybe this could be a bid for the Labour Club sabbatical nomination now that Gerard McMahon's career seems threatened.
There's a point for Jack Frost. What happened to the censure motion on McMahon - come on, get off your ass and censure the bastard (cor, twice in one article), let's have some action. What about a few motions from the Right? Let's face it, in the great big game of student politics it can get really dull when things become one-sided.
Sean O'Neill
PICKETS
HIT STRAND
Over one hundred students from the LSE took part in a 'flying picket' of two Barclays Banks in the Strand and finished off with a demosnstration outside the South African Embassy in Trafalgar Square. The picket, called as part of the NUS Day of Actin against Apartheid on October 24th, was supportedby up to 100 other students from City, Kings College and Central London Poly.
The presence of these pickets in Central London was in stark contrast to the total lack of leadership shown by the NUS both nationally and in London.
The Day of Action followed the debaacle on the previous Saturday, when the majority of students on the Anti-Apartheid demonstration preferred a militant picket of South Africa House to a sheep-like procession to Jubilee Gardens.
Before October 24th members of the LSE Anti-Apartheid Society phoned NUS to ask what kind of activity to engage in. They were tolk that 'basically it was up to you' - the suggestion they managed to come up with was people to open up accounts at Barclays wuth a £1 so as to clog uO the service tills!
The willingness and the need of students to come together on the day was clearly demonstrated by the fact that without any co-ordination and at one or two days' notice, one or two hundred students didcome together to picket.
The sad thing is, that if the NUS in London had organised things instead, many more people could have been drawn into activity.
Nic Cicutti
THE FUTURE OF JEWS IN THE
LABOUR MOVEMENT.
The growing threat to racism especialy anti-semitism is a trend that is manifesting itself in present day Europe, particularly France and Germany and may even have reached British shores.
This was the central point of Mr. Freesons speech on Tuesday. What future can the Jews and other racial minorities have when racism is endemic? According to him, racism is currently being used by populists to further thheir own ends, people are being manipulated at the expense of others.
The problem is not confined to the far right. The Labour Party is at best apathetic, a total of 6 out ofi-eOO constituency party's submitted reports on race relations in their areas.
Poale Zion, a Jewish organisation of which Mr. Freeson is chairman has suggested a remedy. Though opposed to the setting up of black sections he has proposed the establishment of branches of local black socialists along the lines of the Fabian Society and Poale Zion itself So far the party has failed to recruit and consult black people about inner city prob-
lems. Problems that should be central to party policy.
On a more positive note, Mr. Freeson showed how the UK can learn from Israeli example. Histadarut the national trade union runs 40% of state business and owns Black Hapoalim, that is the harmony towards which British industry should strive.
He had to admit, however, that British Jewry are moving to the right, his reason being the lack of intelectual ferment in the community. Against this he believes the future to be a good one, older generations are losing the Uncle Tom attitudes they once held and the psychology of 2,000 years is fading, hance showing the needs of a new era.
Even though the topic was about the UK, the Middle East crept in. Having stated that the PLO had flunked yet another opportunity towards peace by not signing British proposals, accepting Israels right to exist; Mr. Freeson was asked why reciprocal action was not expected of Israel.
Haider Ali
One warden does not a security guard make - the consequences of gate-crashing at Carr-Saunders
The main issue facing the Carr-Saunders complex this week (for lack of anything else out of the ordinary) is rapidly fading into obscurity (naturally) because of its delicate nature. Although the beating/slashing incidents at the Fitzroy flats on 11th October have prompted discussions regarding the tightening of security measures, the physical situation of the complex hinders immediate change. Police are still investigating the incedent. Apparently, they have arrested two people, but little else is known. However, Ed Kuska and Jim Mclnally called an "emergency" hall meeting, and tried to elicit feedback as to what changes Carr-Saunders might consider. The immediate result: The extension of lodge hours and the
enforcement of party regulations. The front desk at Carr-Saunders will remain open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, in order to provide extra security. The possibility of creating lodges in the ¦ Fitzroy and Maple Street flats was also raised, but this could not be implemented immediately. Also, one of the residents suggested making greater use of the intercom. Again, this would take time -and money.
Party regulations exist simply to guard against potential problems. Even though those regulations will be enforced more intently, people will be expected to take greater responsibility for their guests. They should also consider precautionary
measures, such as keeping the front door closed at all times. It seems a shame that a smashing success of a party must stop at such an "early" hour (1:30), but no one should have to be seriously injured in order for the matter to be taken more seriously.
As for other business, the Carr-Saunders bar and disco (those great bastions of good fun) will conduct its "normal" activities. The next issue of Carr-Saunders news promises to be much more entertaining - I have refrained from my usual wry wit because I feel the incidents at the Fitzroy flats deserve serious reflection.
Nina Kaufman
AT THE
IJ
H
T 1
C)
N
©M8S
Rve-w-ft
" Yes Yts Yesi"
'No Ho Mol"
" tzRM... We.i 4..., fvvyijfe,.
LSE SU Executive member Gerard McMahon enjoys the chance of a lifetime - to be arrested next to Billy Bragg at the Anti-Apartheid demonstration
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 4
THE PURPLE PRESS: MONARCHY AND MEDIA DEFERENCE-
Monday 21st October, the day after 20 million viewers had sat 'spellbound' by the 45-minute pre-recorded TV interview with Prince Charles and Diana, should have been renamed "Born-again Royalist Day". After previous controversy surrounding the Royal couple following the publication of a highly scathing article by Tina Brown in Vanity Fair, the media establishment, self-appointed pundits of news values, rallied to defend "The Chas and Di Show" in the sychophantic manner which they know best.
Every national newspaper, with the exceptions of the Times, Guardian and Morning Star, splashed the Royal couple across their front pages. The Daily Mail, not wishing to be outshone by the other popular rags in their unquestioning loyalty, gave over pages one, two and three entirely to Royal-mania.
ITV had laid on their most professional and experienced producers, cameramen and technicians to make the extravaganza. Sir Alistair Burnett, recently knighted by the Tories together with the editors of the Mail and Express (David English and Larry Lamb) for services rendered, acted as host in a programme conducted as a right of reply for the Royals to allegations which had been gradually permeating the media. It is highly significant that timid criticisms the media are prepared to entertain are of the personal foibles of the couple and never of the institution and functions per se.
For 45 minutes, Diana, looking like a decorative dolly, droned on and on about the very ordinary domestic details of her life - clothes, music, kids etc. Her definitive comment was "I feel my role is supporting my
Arthur Koestler.
However, the important issue that has to be addressed is the relevance of the Royal fantasy world to Britain 1985 and the origins of deference to Royalty that infests the British people. Any sensible observer looking at Britain today cannot help but see a desperately divided and depressed society. Four million people unemployed, entrenched urban decay, squalid housing, increasing poverty, higher levels of crime and violence, youth driven to suicide and rioting by economic deprivation and social alienation, a collapsing Welfare State and a pervading psychological attitude of demoralisation. The institution of the Monarchy, ceremonious and ostentatious, is absolutely and irrevocably removed from common cause with the vast devastated community that is growing in Britain.
Although I reluctantly welcome the recent remarks made by Prince Charles about the need to take action to prevent urban Britain becoming more divided and distressed, one must not be misled into believing that the monarchy can become relevant spokespersotjs and catalysts of change on behalf of the dispossessed and



husband whenever I can and always being behind him, encouraging him. And most important, being a mother and wife."
Charles, dry and dull, was clearly in a different intellectual league. But what he did have to say erf interest was clearly ommitted from the ravings of the tabloid press the next day. Speaking of his interest in alternative or 'complementary' medicine, he said that he believed it important to return to the classical idea of man as a whole being rather than as a machine as modern scientific medicine increasingly accepted. He also declared his interest in para-psychology stimulated by the author
deprived. Although these remarks indicate that some members of the privileged aristocracy are suddenly discovering their liberal consciences and common sense after six years of Thatcherism, the point is that the institution of the monarchy is so closely bound up with the capitalist establishment responsible for the policies that have brought Britain to the brink of social and economic devastation and civil strife. The Monarchy is a potent symbol reinforcing conservative values like inherited privilege and wealth, deference to social status and tradition, and support for the status quo and the position of the ruling elite. As an institution it stands four-
square behind the political ideals of British conservatism -slow transitional progress and maximum freedon for the profiteers of the City.
Thus, inevitably the Monarchy is a fundamental obstacle to any kind of revolutionary socialist government elected by the people or chosen by them in whatever way. Such a government would unlikely be the Labour Party who seem inadequate of breaking away froni Royal deference. It was Crossland who once said "I don't want to see the Queen riding a bicycle or anything so drab as that." Any government which attempted to fundamentally transform society from capitalism into socialism, with the corresponding massive shift in the balance of power and wealth, would encounter a conspiratorial alliance of bankers, industrialists, the army and police with the monarchy leading the cohort. Unquestionably the institution of the monarchy is as inherent a part of the British Capitalist State as is the Stock Exchange.
So how is it that many peole in Britain have such affection and devotion to an institution" which is not only irrelevant but also antithetical to their common interests? Of those 20 million viewers it is undesirable that a large proportion were drawn from the swelling ranks of the homeless, jobless and working poor whose interests stand diametrically opposite to those enshrined by the Royal Family. Of course part of the answer lies in the deep political and socio-cultural tradition and psyche of the British Nation -Empire, Victorianism, the Protestant moral code etc - but these origins are today deeply entrenched and sustained by the mass media.
The media establishment share a great part of the blame for the deferential attitudes of the British public towards the monarchy. In a thoroughly conscious manner they have refused to give expression to republican sentiment or anti-monarchist propaganda. As in their one-sided reporting of Northern Ireland, they have acted as conscious censors by denying the public the right to balanced debate. Although they may not have the power to change people's attitude they have the ability to reinforce opinions and structure the way people think about issues by the selective choice of information given. In other words they can set the terms, or agenda, of debate.
An explanation of why the media establishment behaves so irresponsibly may be found in the similarities between them and the Royal Family. Unelected, unaccountable and unresponsive to the mass of British public opinion they are drawn from the same social background and have obvious vested interests in the presentation of the Ancien Regime. Educated through the same channels - the classrooms and playing fields of Eton, Winchester, Oxford and Cambridge - totally aloof from the experiences of working people - they have absorbed a common set of values and beliefs. Perhaps their bias is not a product of conspiracy, but of unconscious vetting - nevertheless it is still
bias.
Of course deferential reporting of the monarchy is symbolic of a much deeper malaise in the British press. Since the success of the "Sun", serious reporting has been substituted for sensationalist pop-journalism and a daily rag-bag of sexy stories. Bingo and political trivia. Individuals and their private lives are portrayed as more important than events. Political debate is reduced to a gladito-rial contest between Maggie and Neil with scant reference to political programme and policies. Looking randomly at some headlines in 'The Sun' on the same Monday would have forced any observer to some depressing conclusions - "Boy George's Dolly Daydreams", "Kentucky Chick Stole My Guy", "Come Back Nixon, All Is Forgiven", "No Retreat by Maggie".
If the capitalist media continue to be anti-trade union, anti-labour, anti any opposition that resists the return to Victorian Capitalism, then we must begin to look in other direction. In the case of the Monarchy all that is demanded is that the other side of the debate is aired. Part of the process of giving
power back to the people must be the free access to information. The arguments about inheritance, privilege, social status and wealth that the monarchy enjoy must be opened up. How many people know that in 1983/84 the Queen received a total grant of about 18.9 million pounds from the government for her upkeep and that of the royal hangers-on? If the debate were put in the terms of why poor people in Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester should pay taxes to such an irrelevant institution, then maybe the terrain would shift.
On the role of the media, Tony Benn says it is an essential aspect of the democratic struggle. "In the old days the powers of the medieval church to put a priest in every pulpit of every parish on every Sunday to preach to the faithful the view of an established Church reinforced the power of the Monarch. This was challenged by the dissenters who said "We want the right to elect our own lecturers". This is a battle which has to be fought and won again."
Julian Ozanne

Central London's 500 best cafes atxl satxlwich L>ars
Did you know that there are more sandwich bars in Central London than pillar boxes or banks? Or where the capitals cheapest sandwiches can be found? (ECl) Or, of the countless fillings available, the most popular is still...cheese?
These are just a few of the interesting morsels to be found in 'The Kiri Guide to Lunchtime London' (Darter £2.50), a new paperback review of Central London's best 500 sandwich bars and cafes._________
YOUR CLAIMS MADE MORE PLAIN
My article 'Housing Benefit -Your claims made plain' in the last edition of the Beaver was submitted on my suggestion to the LSE welfare rights officer for perusal, as she is obviously more au-fait with specialised student problems than I am! I agreed with most of her little additions to my humble article, but I must draw her attention to the fact that she is under a misconception with regard to Single Payments, which are one-off grants paid by the DHSS to many recipients of Supplementary Benefit for such items as essential furniture etc. She added to my article that 'These grants are about to be 'phased out' and are extremely difficult to get'. I would like to state that this is most certainly not the case! I would draw her attention to Supplementary Benefit (Single Payments) Regulations (!) which lays down the guidelines as to exactly who is eligible to claim single payment, and how to go about it. As I have previously said, single payments are one-off grants paid from the local DHSS office; they are to help you cope with special expenses which cannot be paid out of your weekly benefit. (Incidentally, Regulation 4 of Supplementary Benefit (Require-
ments) Regulations 1983 list the following as items to be bought from your weekly giro: 'food; household fuel; the purchase, cleaning, repair and replacement of clothing and foot-wear; normal travel costs; weekly laundry costs; miscellaneous household expenses such as toilet articles; cleaning materials; window cleaning and the replacement of small household goods and leisure and amenity items such a television licence and rental, newspapers, confectionary and tobacco!! You've never had it so good!) To claim a single payment, you have to be in receipt of S.B., and you will not be eligible if you have savings of more than £500. Another condition is that you must have a need for the item in question, but however desperate your need, you cannot get a single payment in any circumstances for such things as an educational or training need, school uniform or meals, mobility needs, holidays, telephone, T.V. and radio costs etc. etc. The DHSS must look at your circumstances at the date of the claim when deciding whether a need exists. This means that your claim is not affected if you buy the item or borrow it after you have claimed the single payment.
page o
Beaver November 4th 1985
.The item you require must not be one you possess already, and you must not have a suitable alternative item to use instead. Nor must you have 'unreasonably disposed' of the item you now want a single payment for. You cannot get a single payment twice for the same item if your circumstances have not changed.
The DHSS encourage clients to claim everything by letter these days, so you should write and explain in as much detail as you can about how you satisfy the regulations. If your request is for an item other than bedding, clothes or shoes (though clothes, shoes and fridges and washing machines are very hard to claim!), then you should send in two estimates of how much the item will cost. In most cases, the DHSS will pay for items of 'reasonable quality', i.e. usually good quality second-hand, so you will have to get estimats from second-hand shops. For example, if you're on S.B., savings of less than £500 and just had a baby, you will need such items as pram, cot, nappies etc. Get two estimates for secondhand pram and cot, and verification from the ^health visitor of the amount of nappies you need. Send all the information to the DHSS and tell them why you need them. Hopefully within a few weeks, you will receive some news.
Remember that you can always appeal against any decision made by the DHSS. If you feel that you've been turned down unfairly, appeal and try to get help from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. It's the Exeter Welfare Information Project's proud boast that we've got a success rate of about 80% when we represent clients at tribunals.
So, if you satisfy the regulations for a single payment, it is certainly not the case that they are 'extremely difficult to get'. If your need is a genuine one, and you provide all the right information with regard to the claim(s), then there should be no problem. Have a look at ,-^HSS leaflet S.B.16 for definitive information - it's slightly less unreadable than some DHSS hand-outs around.
Single Payments are not about to be 'phased out'. There appears to be confusion here about the government's recom-mendations for the restructuring of the Social Security system as laid out in the recent green paper, and the law as it stands at present. If all the proposals of the green paper are carried out (and that's a BIG 'if), then the new system will make things much harder for anyone who receives the projected replacement for Supplementary Benefit (called 'Income Support'.)
April 1987 is the Government's date for the implementation of the new proposals. Things will almost definitely not happen for a while after April '87 - especially since so many people and organisations have voiced their objections to the projected plans. Until such time as the regulations change, then things stay as they are. The general conditions for claiming single payments are laid out above -but again, the message is 'beware!' Don't take what I've said as gospel. And if you think you've got a chance - apply -you can only be turned down.
Brian Moore
Deputy Supervisor
Exeter Welfare Information Project
JEWISH ATTACK
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till the next day (Tuesday).
The issues of security and student welfare are- therefore raised. Arising from the incident at the flats where a student was injured by outsiders (two of whom have since been caught) are the suggestions (from the Student Union and Bursar's office) that electronic surveillance could be used and that receptions in Halls be staffed later at weekends. It was also incidentally discovered that there are some identical lock combinations in Rosebery Avenue - a grave security risk. What is more, students, particularly first years, are imaware of school procedures — some-
thing which the Student Union and School hope to rectify. The reaction from the Union of Jewish Students says: 'The news of this attack has sickened us all. It brings to attention a whole series and increasing number of anti-semitic and other racist attacks which are not publicised.' (Adrian Cohen, Chairperson, National U.J.S.) With 800 Jewish people (including 400 American Jews) and a multi-cultural society, the attack on Tracey and on Jews in general is of concern to us all. We disregard it at our peril.
Sangeeta Ahuja
AIESEC IN ACTION
A weekend training conference was held for new AIESEC members last week.
Students from LSE, Exeter, Southampton, Bristol and Cardiff Universities spent two hectic days marketing, conferencing and best of all partying.
For the correspondent and other students this was our first taste of AIESEC, hence its aims and ideals were explained. With the use of slie shows, talks and mock interviews, vague ideas were clarified and the central concept taken for what it is: Brilliant! Namely bridging the gap between students and industry.
In due course AIESEC members at LSE will sell AIESEC to you. Pointing out the opportunities open to AIESECers . Selling to you is easy; who wouldn't want to work with Citicorp in the U.S. during their holidays of even a year. At seminars such as this one, interview techniques are taught as are time management and how to speak in piblic. If you take a more active interest, contacts can be built up with corporations.
The harder aim is to sell AIESEC to businesses, explaining the benefits they can derive, from giving us financial support and offering us traineeships. (For each one of those we raise one of us can work abroad through AIESEC)
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'BIGGER MEN DO MORE FISH'
what women don't get out of trade unions
The heroine of last issue's front page article. Jay Ginn, spoke at the Women's Group meeting on Tuesday, 22nd October. Armed with alarming statistics about the discrimination against women in pay and job grading schemes, Ms. Ginn led an informative discussion as to what she felt was an historical lack of concern for women in trade unions.
In many unions, women constitute approximately 50% or more of the union membership. However, very few of them are active in trade unions, primarily because they are encouraged to see their fundamental role as a domestic one. According to Ms. Ginn, women are 'handicapped' as soon as they have children. Trade unions have made few claims regarding maternity leave, child care and allowances for part-time jobs. Alas, women are expected to do all household activities in addition to taking care of the children. Women spend approximately 35 hours per week on household duties, whereas men spend approximately 9 hours per week. On the basis of these time constraints alone, women clearly
do not have a great deal of time for trade unions.
Jay Ginn noted that another factor working against women in trade unions is the devaluation (or lack of comparable evaluation) of work done by women. While brute strength is held in high esteem, dexterity is greatly undervalued, which brings to light the difficulty of determining comparab> worth and equalising job grading schemes. At the risk of over-dramatisation, this example was set forth in the discussion: a woman brought to the attention of her union that she felt she was being discriminated against because she received lower wages than her male counterpart for cleaning fish. A committee evaluated her work and determined that, in fact, she was not doing an equal job -she was doing better work. Therefore, her claim for equal pay for equal work was discredited.
The discussion concluded with information from a 1980 United Nations report: 'Women....perform nearly two-thirds of the world's work hours and receive one-tenth of the world's income...'
Has our sense of justice gone to sleep?
Nina Kaufman
WOMEN'S WRITE
Ever have the feeling that you've been misled? As we grew up we were told of exploratory travellers, leaders of science, heads of state, clever business people, wonderful and dynamic things we could do with our lives.
; Reluctantly we were forced to realize, through daily experience, that none of these come easily, and with greater difficulty if you happen to be a woman.
Further, it comes as a shock and a disappointment to find constant limitations on our minds whilst we are studying and carrying out research. We women ALL experience daily belittling of our intelligence with patronising and irrelevant comments.
Not all women have the opportunity to realise the damage to their self-esteem and the undermining of their self-image (hence discouraging women to voice their opinions in classes, union meetings and beyond) that this perpetuates. Certainly within all of us, is the conflict and confusion these situations provoke.
Take for example Dr.Cyril Smith's statistics lecture where a student asked how to deal with three groups of data if the material was not the same? Reply: "Don't worry, those nasty things won't happen to a pretty girl like you!"
Thank you Dr. Smith for reassuring us that the most important issue at hand is looking
pretty in lectures. (The student in that incident was 40 years old!!; in the same class, similar comments have been made to other students).
The Industrial Relations department it seems, is full of encouragement for women students. A mature woman student saw Dr.David Guest for a preliminary interview prior to the start of term and was told "Well you are of what we call a sus-ceptable age and there's really no way for women to enter industry except by the back door" (no sexual innuendoes there!!), further, "you're simply not a good investment!" When asked if she had any special area of interest within industrial relations she indicated an interest in women in trade unions, to which Dr.Guest obliged a very patronising "yes, well, we do all have our pet topics" - hardly encouraging study of a grossly under-unionised section of the workforce.
So now that you're sitting pretty, girls, with all those pet subjects up your sleeves and assured that you're a lousy investment for and employer, we should all be set for a very fulfilling period of study ahead. And if you do come up against any 'little' nasties like the above, please share them with us in the women's room or inform the Women's Officer so that we can do something about all these demeaning situations.
LSE Women
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 6
COMING OUT AT THE
LSE
A PERSONAL VIEW.
The question of my sexuality was one that I refused to consider, until I actually came out just over a year ago. I had been brought up in a heterosexual environment, inculcated with heterosexual attitudes towards personal relationships, and I did my best to imbibe those values. I failed: I never had a girlfriend, though I made an effort; socially, I was unsuccessful. But worse than that I could never rationalise my relationships with male friends. Some of them I loved, but that is only something that I can see in retrospect. So in the end emotional frustrations usually led me to break off those friendships. Would it have helped if I had been aware of my homosexuality then? I think I could have coped with people better; but without the support of other gays, and there seemed to be no others at school, I think I should have suffered less in ignorance. I remained sure I was "normal' and I managed, despite my indefinable affection for some of my contemporaries, to parcel up and ignore my doubts.
At University I remember looking to see what the GaySoc. were up to, but only out of curiosity, I told myself. I never knew a single gay person in my first 18 months there, and I think I would have felt ill at ease if I had. Despite that I knew I was attracted to some male students, but to my mind it was the attractions of friendship, not love. So everything was enormously untroubling. The closet remained firmly closed. If you had asked me then if I was gay, I would have said no. If you had told me what gay meant - that it was more or less than a Quentin Crisp stereotype, that sexual attraction to men could not be reconciled with heterose-xuality and that being in love with men WAS acceptable I would have said, 'Maybe, but don't tell anyone.' Even when Howard, one of my closest friends, came out to me in May 1984 I would not admit my own gayness to myself — let alone him. I didn't mind about him, I said magnanimously.
I finally came out 3 months later to a gay student I met and who was afterwards to be my boyfriend. There had been no long-preceeding discussions with anyone (gay or straight), and no tortuous period of 'self-reflection' or 'deep inward analysis' etc. I suddenly knew that I was in love with him, and that he was not likely to react unfavourably.
It was only then that past emotional responses which had been so confused could be explained. And it was then too that a period of worry set in. Was I to tell anyone? How would they react? Would it break up dear friendships? I decided to tell no-one - apart from Howard. It soon became clear though that to live like that was to deny my own belief in the acceptability of homosexuality. In effect the closet was still closed.
I went to the GaySoc. with Howard the following term and I think that was a turning point in my life. I was surprised to see so many people there I knew; none were then friends, but many became so. To talk with other gay people, to discuss gay
issues, was to legitimise what one was, even to achieve a certain pride. Within a few months, inspired by my new gay friends, I had come out to many of my straight ii iends at University. I had decided that if I was sure I was happy being gay, for my friends then to refuse their 'blessing' really amounted to a denial of that friendship. Perhaps I was being rash, but I was reconciled to losing all my straight friends; in the event I lost none, and indeed, some became even closer. To the closet gay that has to be the greatest worry -the apparent dichotomy between faith in oneself, and the preservation of existing friendships. That has to be a personal decision therefore, though one I think best arrived at by talking to other gays. Take comfort from the fact that the dichotomy is more apparent than real.
Dear Student,
Welcome! I'm writing to you specifically to remind you that there are about 4000 of us here at LSE and the conventional wisdom is that at least 400 of us are gay. More of us are bisexual and even more of us have had or will have homosexual experiences. Isn't it nice to know that you're not alone? There are literally hundreds of us here on Houghton Street!
If you've already acknowledged to yourself that you're gay, either comfortably so or not comfortably so, please join us at a meeting of the LSE Lesbian and Gay society. You'll be among friends and colleagues. If you're still questioning your sexuality it may be even more helpful for you to join us at one of our meetings or contact one of us individually. You will also be among friends and, more importantly,with people who will try to answer any questions you may have. At one time or another and to one degree or another we have all experienced the curiosity and uncertainty that goes along with discovering our sexuality.
Five years ago,having just finished my undergraduate studies, I came to London for a loiif.
holiday. I suspected for some time that I wasn't heterosexual, but even thinking of the prospect that I might be 'gay' terrified me. Like most people I had been taught to think that a 'queer' was sick, sinful and/or unnatural. I don't really know if I believed what I had been taught, but I knew a lot of other people did and I certainly didn't want anyone to think such av.'ful things about me. In any event, during my visit to London and the Continent, I visited gay bookshops, restaurants, bars, etc. It was my opportunity to 'discover' gay people, to move among them openly and to learn about myself. I guess it was time to rethink what I had been taught about gays. I could do all this,you see,because I was safely 3,000 miles away from home: I could make discoveries without being discovered.
Well, what I discovered on that voyage five years ago was astonishingly simple. I realised I was essentially the same person that I'd always been - a good son,a good brother and untie, a good friend, not bad at playing basketball and an even better swimmer, etc. Best of all I realised that I just happened
to be gay. I'd 'come out of the closet' to myself, so to speak, and to myself only. For me, that's been the hardest person to tell.
Today, I'm still 'coming out to friends and colleagues: it's something you pretty much have to do because most people naively assume that everyone is heterosexual. Five years from now, I'll probably still being going at it. Who knows and, frankly, who cares, because once you've answered the questions about yourself, for yourself, and started liking the answers, being gay becomes second nature.
I guess what I'm trying to tell you is that if you know you're gay, come and meet friends at the LSE Lesbian and Gay Society. More importantly if you're far from home and curious or uncertain about your sexuality, you don't have to discover it by travelling all over London and Europe — alone. There are people right here on Houghton Street who will talk with you and, hopefully, make it easier for you.
Sincerely Yours,
David Cooper.
ASIAN AND GAY?
I came out to my mother last June. I fully expected it to upset her, and it did. But what sort of relationship could we have had if I hid from her the most important things in my life? And would it not be so much more hurtful to hear it from someone else? Telling parents has to be a very personal decision too: it is better for some not to be told, though there is then the danger that future consequences may turn out to be even worse, and the aim to preserve a close relationship with parents is consequently defeated. I have no regrets.
The realisation of one's sexuality is a rite of passage from immaturity to maturity and self-awareness. Gay men and women must overcome enormous obstacles en route, and for some those obstacles seem too great. For the rest of us there is no clear goal; to fight the repressive heterosexuality of our society, and to ease the expression and realistion of homosexuality. That, I would argue, implies support for lesbian and gay rights, an end to discrimination, and a healthy open and constructive discussion of homosexuality. We must be ask how best there can be achieved.
Chris Gordon
Asian and Gay? It's so easy and yet difficult to reconcile the two. In a predominantly white gay world, Asians have a difficult time in adjusting. Coming out may be the greatest cultural gay event and one can understand the implications for being true, true both to oneself and to friends.
However, being brought up in the Indian way - with 'hundreds' of relatives, the social pressures to conform are even greater. One can just completely take on the whole scene and lose with great bitterness all that one held up to be good. In doing so one faces the possible loss of contact with ones family.
The other option is bottling it all up - knuckling down to marriage pressures and becoming cankered in ones emotional growth is the price we pay for this.
Parents are not unwilling to hear their children out. If they
are really a very important part of your life, try it ask them, tell them. My parenti- understand, my father especially. We talked about my 'tendencies' and he appreciates the difficulties of living in a world where kissing another man is an offence.
In this way I kept hold onto sanity and my fear is controlled. However, none of this has been possible without the help of my friends. We support each other and realise that it is most important to have someone with whom you can talk and who understands. It's true being gay colours my entire conception of the world. It is an integral part of my being, as natural to me as the the colour of my eyes. A feeling that a lot of us seem to have is that we existed alone, without friends, without anyone who was like us.
All lies, we gave a history, yet to be written and rewritten. A long history of lesbian and gay people who have contributed to history and the development of knowledge. It is strange that
London Lesbian and Gay Centre
A complex including a gay community centre, womens floor, cafe and bookshop.
Opening hours - Mon. closed Tues. & Wed. 6pm-12pm Thurs & Sun 12am-12pm Fri & Sat 12am-2am 69, Cowcross Street, London ECl 01-608 1471
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the world refuses to recognise and state and try to understand how lesbian and gay peoples work was so affected by their friends, by the people they were closest with, their lovers.
One's greatest feeling is that of anger and frustration in the face of such obvious travesties of truth. Homosexuality is not an illness and should not be classified as such. Attempts to 'cure it' are, therefore, invariably destructive. Homosexuality is not a handicap or incapacity, but a positive desire to relate to other people of the same sex. Ntozake Shange spoke of 'the havoc wrought on the souls of people who aren't supposed to exist.' All gays are bom into a straight world and socialised to be straight; consequently we have internalised the enemy, and all political struggle must be simultaneously a self-criticism and self-invenjton.
It's always nice to finish off an article with a lovely summing up - no way - just look out, we're coming out from the cold!
LSE Lesbian and Gay Society
Mon 7pm-9pm Room S175 November:
4th: Film "Another Country". Rupe baby with Zsa Zsa Gabor. GWR 7-9pm.
10th:Sunday, Pretty Policeman's Ball at the Piccadilly Theatre.
11th: Regular meeting in GWR 7-9pm.
12th: Tuesday, speaker from Gay's the Word Bookshop to speak to Labour Club, l-2pm. 18th: Joint meeting with ULU Lesbian and Gay Society, either at ULU or LSE.
December
2nd: Regular meeting GWR 7-9pm.
9th: Christmas party-get your make-up kit out! Food, sympathy, love and fab company. GWR 7-11pm.
page 7
Beaver November 4th 1985
THE GAY AND LESBIAN DEBATE
In recent years the Gay Rights debate has become increasingly focussed on local government bodies such as the GLC and the Manchester City Council have be denounced as anti-christian and guilty of anti-heterosexual discrimination by Fleet Street while Rugby and Sandwell have hosted angry - and sometimes violent - clashes between gay groups and "bigoted" authorities.
The usually fatal desease AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) has become the standard weapon most notably in the unprecedented enforced hospitalisation of a gay man by Manchester Health authority and the concentration of gay households into "ghettos" by Lambeth Council. The former was to defend the public against a perceived threat but the latter was a reaction against violence and threats of violence against gay men, the victims of AIDS hysteria.
GLC leader Ken Livingstone is one of the politicians whose involvement in the controversy has led to his own sexual practices being questioned. In Rugby crowds chanted that one leading councillor was a "bigot, a bigot, and probably a faggot" as insubstantial rumours spread concerning a previous conviction involving a farm ^ard animal. The Islington Gazette predicted that the next mayor and Lady Mayoress of that borough would both be "fellas" and the current Mayor of Barnet expressed sympathy for gay men and lesbians, indeed sympathy for anybody living such twisted lifestyle.
LSE students of quite diverse sexual practices have been involved in all these campaigns and comprised a sizeable portion of the public in the Gallery for the Barnet Council's debate on Monday 21st October during which the minority proposed motion that the council avoid being derogatory and dsicri-minatory to the borough's gay citizens. A generally dismissive majority response was characterized by the principal Tory saying, in reference to bereavement difficulties in the gay community, "I know nothing of what it is like to be homosexual. I am, therefore, unable to give this my support". Another added "I really do not see what this has to do with Barnet".
Outside the chamber the response to both these statements was one of frustration and rage. One former resident and LSE student had a great deal to say.
have to accept. I'm unlikely to ever have kids of my own and local authorities make damn sure I'll never adopt but do they have to take the children of lesbian mothers from them?"
"I used to get angry about jobs and things. I wanted to teach but you can't be openly gay and work with young people." The more you say you want to, the more
they think you're just trying to get into their pants. I don't care anymore — they've taken that from me and they're never going to give that back. I'm not going back into the closet for anyone.
"AIDS is what scares me. Councils brand nine-year-old kids with the "killer plague", and bring down the full glare of the national media, ban them from school and then tell me to act responsibly! Just who is being irresponsible, who's being the threat to that boy's development?
"100 gay men are dying in London and we try to stay calm, to tackle the problem; 1 heterosexual gets a positive test result and the queer-bashing starts again.
"He wants to know what it's like to be gay now? Going to my lover's flat, a neighbor threw a litre bottle at me from a second-floor balcony; kids daub on the door; rubbish is dumped on the step; his last car was vandalized beyond repair; the replacement had paint poured all over it as I was walking up the street; we've had smashed windows, obscene phone calls; the last time they broke in, they just stole crazy stuff; love letters, gay books; they turned the bed upside-down and went through our laundry. Cheque books and cash thy left. I just hope they put the moisturizer to as good use as we did. They wanted to scare us I suppose; well okay, we're scared. I'm scared every time either of us goes back there alone but our Council is trying to arrange a transfer; they're on our side. No matter what the bigots do it's better out in the open than in that closet. At the moment it's tough but we're getting there."
The councillor mentioned above did vote on the motion. Like the rest of the Majority he voted to delete all but the first line.
"This council records its warm appreciation of the work of the Gay Bereavement Project and recognizes the special problems faced by gays in bereavement."
Move to amend delete "warm" insert "tepid". Very consoling.
"There are some things you
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V
GAY SWEATSHOP
'Gay sweatshop' has been producing lesbian and gay work since 1975. 'Gay Sweatshop Times Ten', a festival of plays, poetry, workshops and cabaret, took place at the Drill Hall (Chenies street off Tottenham Court Road) for three weeks during October.
Ten to fifteen years ago. Gay Sweatshop along with other organisations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality, were taking part in the fight to establish London with some kind of visible gay community. With the laser-lit clubs, the gay pop heroes, the successful West End plays etc., it is easy to forget the magnificent effort of those who campaigned so the foundations of a relatively open gay culture could be laid.
However if we do forget or become indifferent to the constant need to try to increase opportunities for lesbians and gays to come out (by social groups, political organisations, university/college societies-,meeting at 7pm on Mondays in S175 or Tuesdays 11am, Graduate Students Common Room, we merely serve the interests of those who wish to suppress or ignore us. Margaret Thatcher was talking about, amongst others, lesbians and gays when
she once said "...it is high time society turned its back on the claptrap of the 60s.'
Among the many plays performed by Gay Sweatshop was 'Skin Deep' by Nigel Pugh, which revealed starkly to me the variety of disguises which, in this case, two gay men can use to hide their homosexuality. A young teacher in a comprehensive school, Martin, shows us through monologue and through acting out important scenes with the only other character in the play, the story of Spike, a skinhead and apparently a thug, as he progresses through the school aged 11-16.
Martin is not 'out' to his pupils which he persuades us is reasonable - certain verbal and possible physical attacks from pupils,possible dismissal - and admits to dressing trendily in tracksuits from Covent Garden. We soon see him as a likeable enough, intelligent young man in a tricky position in being a gay teacher and genuinely wanting to 'come out'.
Spike is portrayed in the classroom as sullen and aggressive but in his monologues we arc gradually shown more of his sensitivity, his surprising awareness of the importance of the level of conditioning he receives from his apparantly very right wing and notoriously violent family, and, most
touchingly, his unfulfilled need for affection. This is best illustrated by an incident in which he encounters an obviously cute kitten to which he gently talks and which he tries to stroke, only to kick it away when it responds by approaching him,offering trust and affection. •
We increasingly sense that Spike too is gay and finally he comes out to Martin in an intensely emotional scene, and declares he has been in love with his teacher for five years, painfully revealing the anguish he has felt at being ignored by Martin and at being treated with indifference or hostility-,assumed to be a mindless, straight thug.
At once Spike seems strong and brave and deserving of our love, and Martin weak and hypocritical as he stumbles through a series of reasons for not coming out or taking more interest in Spike, whose disguise as an aggressive skinhead is immediate and obnoxious but which we now realise to be much less dishonest than that of the together, right-on teacher.
We wish Gay Sweatshop continued success and stimulating-,challenging entertainment.
'RAISING THE — WRECK'-
BY SUE PRUMIN, PERFORMED BY THE GAY SWEATSHOP CO.
The Gay Sweatshop Company celebrate their tenth anniversary this year with a festival specifically geared towards representing women, ethnic minorities, lesbian and gay productions.
One contribution to the festival is an all woman production - 'Raising the Wreck' by Sue Frumin. The play is about female pirates, and although the characters are fictitious, they are based upon true life documentation of woman pirates.
The play opens with four characters - three pirates, one Chinese, one Irish and one Afro-Carribean -and one slave. They are spending eternity together on a wreck at the bottom of the ocean, passing the time playing games and fishing. A pre-sent-day journalist is caught up in their net, and the story of how they all came to be there unfolds. During the reminiscing an expedition above is busy trying to raise the wreck, and things begin to disappear....
This is a strong production, with many well-timed one liners which were appreciated by both sexes in the audience! Watch out for Hazel Maycock as Grace O'Malley who gives a parti-
cularly good performance. The show runs for approximately 2 hours with an interval, tickets are 3.50, with concessions at 2.50.
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Beaver November 4th 1985
page 8
page i
ANTI-SEMITISM - THE ATTACK ON JEWISH IDENTITY
For manj^ people Anti-Semitism ceased to be a viable force with the downfall of Nazi- Germany. Sush a concept,
however, is a fallacy.
Anti-Semitism is as old as the Jewish dogged by this multi-faceted disease.
Firstly, it would be more precise to clarify this phenomena as anti-Jewishness, thus isolating the particular group it affects, rather than anti-Semitism, which generally refers to the Semitic peoples of the Middle East.
Anti-Jewishness manifests irself throughout history, as and attack on Jewish identity,
or a particular facet of that identity. Originally being synonymous with the doctrines and teachings of the Church, as an attack on the religious beliefs of the Jews, resulting in pogroms and blood liables. The most famous was the 1648 Chel-monisky Massacres of Central and Eastern Europe, which ended in the destruction of 10%
of the world's Jewish population.
TOwards the end of the 19th century Anti-Jewishness became more intellectualized and intricate, and attacks were
WAR AGAIN S'
aimed at the supposed financial tne political power of Jews. Ideas were expressed in a publication called "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion", which spokfe of a Jewish conspiracy for world domination.
Today, the area of Jewish identity being attacked is its identification withe the State of Israel and the term anti-Semitism, being politically unfashionable, is replaced by a new term, anti-Zionism.
Anti-Jewishness ranges from the sublime and ridiculous, such as recent claims by a Greek newspaper that AIDS was a Zionist induced disease aimed at world domination, to the more serious, such as the refusal of the World Health Organisation to admit, as a member, the Jewish equivalent of the Red Cross, MAGEN DAVID ADOM.
Physical attacks and persecution of Jews and Jewish communities hardly need mentioning!!
For further information on above topic, of related topics please contact The Jewish Society.

Andrew Fields
PUTTING IT IN BLACK AND WHITE.
'There is no evidence that the media are biased in a right-wing direction ..." Baroness Cox, Daily Mail, 22.4.85.
Any examination of the Fleet Street papers would quickly draw the conclusion that they are racist, whether it be crudely, subtly, or unintentionally.
One of the most familiar types of story refer to immigration, with warnings of 'swamping' by immigrants. Based on dubious or no 'evidence', such stories are a clear attempt to create a climate favourable to tighten immigration controls.
On 30th May this year, 'scare' stories appeared in the tabloids, the Daily Express and The Times, as Britain accepted 1000 Tamils, fleeing the troubles of Sri Lanka. Little mention was made of France accepting 19000 or W.Germany accepting Tamils.The Times warned of Sri Lanka's disturbances being used as a pretext to evade the strictness of immigration controls.
Can you imagine such outrage if white South Africans demanded refuge in Britain?
Such 'scare' stories of 'a good flood of Tamils' did not occur in isolation, but were intrinsically linked to the previous day's decision by the European Court of Human Rights, on the entrance of foreign husbands, which could result in more (largely black) immigrants.
Similarly, in August, the Daily Mail proclaimed 'Scandal of brides for sale' - saying that
teenage girls of Asian descent-,were being "sold" by. parents to strangers seeking UK citizenship. It was no great surprise when, a few weeks^later, the Government forced women and fiancees claiming a legal right to enter Britain, to the back of a two year long queue.
This example is typical of the notoriously racist Daily Mail, which in 1934 exclaimed "Hurrah for the Blackshirts" and decades later printed the wholly -fictitious "one in five babies in Britain are coloured"
This drew condemnation from The Times, the very paper which gives racist academic Roger ^Scruton a column, to expound such views as suppoty for Bradford headmaster Ray Honeyford.
Within recent weeks, with inner-city rioting sweeping across London, Birmingham and Liverpool, reports consistently portrays the rioters as 'black' and 'criminals'. No wonder reporters have become targets for physical attack, when they falsely preseny blacks as rioters looters and political subversives.
Attempts to change the racists in Fleet Street will be long term but the Working Group against Daily Mail Racism, has gained mass support. As well as pickets and meetins, and exhibition of Mail racism, opposite their Manchester offices, attracted 3000 supporters from passers-by. Attempts are now being made to link with Trade Unions to combat racist journalism.
ANTI-IRISH RACISM
Thick Micks, stupid Paddys, red nosed drunks, brutal gun toting thugs ... all familiar and solidly institutionalised images of the Irish people. Such sterotypes are frequently reinforced by the popular press, television and radio as they milk the anti-Irish prejudice in this country for cheap laughs and more deep rooted political motives.
We've all seen the novelty from the anti-imperialist
goods that litter gift shops in English tourist resorts, the 'Irish Mugs' with the handle on the inside. We've all heard the stories, like the one from the English tourist, who, having held his camera the wrong way around and taken 24 pictures of his right ear, could raise a laugh by saying: "It must have been an Irish camera".
Harmless jokes, you might say. But,how does the Irish community, Britain's largest ethic minority, react to this Racist	sterotyping.
Unfortunately the widespread anger which greeted Sir John Junor's remark, in the Sunday Express this time last year, that he would rather admit to being 'a pig' than being Irish, is not the typical response of the Irish in Britian. The association of Irishness with stupidity and violence has caused much distresss amongst Irish people. Many feel obliged to try and deny their Irish identity, people disguise their accents in shops, and in schools Irish children are often forced by fear of ridicule to hide their backgrounds.
The roots of anti-Irish racism lie in the colonial conquest of Ireland by the Englsih crown. The Irish experience in many respects mirrors British colonial policy all over the globe. Atrocities of many kinds, from Cromwell's massacre at Drogheda, to the slave trade, to the appropriation of vast tracks of land across the world, have been justified on the ground of Anglo Saxon religious,, cultural and racial superiority. Rudyard Kipling, the most poetic apologist for British global barbarism, referred to Ireland as a 'damn pernicious little bitch of a country' and viewed Irish nationalists as diseased with 'outbreaks of foot and mouth'.
These attitudes lie not far beneath the surface today and there has been little attempt to correct them. Even here, at the supposedly progressive LSE, the little Irish history that is taught is lumped together with British domestic history and only considered in regard to its impact on white, British, male parliamentary politics - a narrow view that excludes any analysis of Ireland's experience
standpoint.
Since the renewal of violent confrontation in the Irish War in 1969, anti-Irish prejudice has swelled up again to distort the reasons underlying the British prescence in Ireland. The media - with the newspaper cartoons of 'Jak' (The Standard) and 'Cummings' (The Daily Express) most outstanding in their racism - have sought to portray the British role in Ireland as that of a disinterested third party, only there to keep the peace between two factions of the ignorant, violent Irish. Peregrine Worsthorne wrote in the Sunday Telegraph only days before the death of Bobby Sands MP on hunger strike: "The English have every reason to feel proud of their country's recent record in Northern Ireland, since it sets the whole world a uniquely impressive example of altruistic service in the cause of peace."
It is unlikely that a reactionary like Worsthorne would publicly acknowledge Britain's direct interest in the preservation of the Northern Irish state as a vital strategic base in the 'defence' of her western flank, but, then again, it is hard to believe that a reputedly educated person could write the hogwash he does.
Anti-racism week should encourage English people to look closely at their own history. They must examine and dispel the myths of Anglo-Saxon superiroty upon which support for colonial atrocities was won - maybe then they could understand why, all over the world, the Union Jack is popularly known as 'The Butcher's Apron'. Only then can the English renounce that institutionalised racism, fostered and encouraged by an imperalist tradition, and perpetuated today by the popular media, which serves to maintain an unjust occupation of six countries of Ireland, and to use the West Indian and Asian communities as scapegoats for the failure of Britain's political and economic system.
Sean O'Neil
THE ACTIVITIES
When speaking of the National Front it is understand that this party which rose to p the mid-seventies is, and always has been, often precarious coalition of right wing ex NF was formed in 1967 as various factioi existing Nazi organizations, such as Co National Socialist Movement and John Tj ter Britain Movement, sought to win powe ballot box. The fact is that the NF is only on organisations, although the best known and biggest.
Today the NF's political fortunes appear to have declined since the mid-seventies; they no longer threaten to become a major political party, and it is torn by internal fighting between the traditional Hitlerites such as the recently expelled Martin Webster and the Strasserites such as the up and coming Nick Griffin. This decline can be attributed to various things such as the anti-Nazi activities of the late seventies, the traditional British dislike of Hitlerite politics, but perhaps most notably the rise of Thatcherism which has mirrored the NF's decline. As the Conservative party has swung massively to the right it has been able to claim for itself the very issues that the NF was previously able to champion in the days of Edward Heath and Harold Wilson. Such issues as racism, nationalism, militarism, law and order, anti homosexuality, sexism, hatred of working class organisations,
and a belief in Britain's inherent greatness now belong to the Conservatives. As a result those persons who might previously have previously have voted for or joined the NF are now voting for and joining the Conservatives, as can be seen by the defection of former NF supporters such as Harvey Proctor and Robin Davies.
While many National Front supporters chose to transfer their dubious alliegance to the Conservatives, many others,
particularily the young working class members, sought to further their aims not by writing manifestos but through force and terror. Volence has
always been of Nazism, a; sought throu channels, tl belief, as arj by Goebbels that he who street will al trol of the Front in Nat to the front ii is because ^ considered t heroic troops that are attt mine the na tasge. In Gei ties this enei and in Britia the blacks. Tl are charact( and cowardly
Since 1980, pie have bee attacks in E; and countless beaten up, sp; intimidated, j and the med these inciden' find out abot or someone 3 victims. Beca are white, r don't know r ethnic commi get the imp] violence goes rarely. The fe of families a live in const attack or oth violence is' appreciated.
Such violen on ethnic gro is done to an; stand up to t seen from tl members on 1 ing the anti r
Women and Ra<
The problems of women from ethnic minority groups are innumerable -from the obvious cultural antagonisms to violent attacks; an impossible double battle is con-tinuosly being fought against racism and sexism.
First generation black women are pressurised by the dual forces of a western society and an ethnic background. The dichotomy of attitudes which divides such women and their parents adds another burden, as they are torn between accepting a traditional heritage as against the more modern ideals of this society.
Understanding is the missing factor dividing the different cultures in Britain. Just as some cannot comprehend why many Moslem women are in 'purdah', so the liberal western moral standards are hard to accept by much of the immigrant population. Thus conflict by a seeming unwillingness to integrate is generated.
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page 8
page 9
Beaver November 4th 1985
INST RACISM
S^CTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL FRONT
ing of the National Front it is necessary to hat this party which rose to prominence in nties is, and always has been, a looose and ious coalition of right wing extremists. The led in 1967 as various factions of already :i organizations, such as Collin Jordan's iialist Movement and John Tyndall's Grea-[ovement, sought to win power through the ?he fact is that the NF is only one of many such although the
always been a central dymamic of Nazism, and whilst power is sought through the traditional channels, there is still the belief, as argued prophetically by Goebbels in the twenties, that he who has control of the street will also soon have control of the government. The Front in National Front refers to the front in warfare, and this is because Nazis have always considered themselves to be heroic troops fighting the forces that are attempting to undermine the nation's racial heri-tasge. In Germany in the fhir-ties this enemy was the Jews, and in Britian in the 80's it is the blacks. The tactics involved are characteristically brutal and cowardly.
Since 1980, more than 20 people have been killed in racist attacks in East London alone, and countless others have been beaten up, spat on, insulted and intimidated. Because the police and the media tend to ignore these incidents you only tend to find out about them when you or someone you know are the victims. Because most students are white, middle class, and don't know many members of ethnic communities, we tend to get the impression that such violence goes on, but only very rarely. The fact that thousands of families across the country live in constant fear of arson attack or other forms of racist violence is sadly not fully appreciated.
Such violence is usually used on ethnic groups, but the same is done to anyone who dares to stand up to them. This can be seen from the attack by NF members on LSE students during the anti racism week of two
1 biggest. F's political for-o have declined 3venties; they no n to become a party, and it is irnal fighting aditional Hitler-; recently expel-ehster and the :h as the up and Griffin. This B attributed to such as the anti-3f the late seven-onal British dis-te politics, but Dtably the rise of vhich has mir-decline. As the larty has swung he right it has lim for itself the at the NF was to champion in ivard Heath and Such 'issues as lalism, militar-d order, anti sexism, hatred ;s organisations, Britain's inhe-now belong to /es. As a result who might pre-)reviously have ned the NF are and joining the as can be seen n of former NF ch as Harvey Din Davies. National Front ise to transfer lliegance to the many others, le young work-bers, sought to ms not by writ-3 but through ir. Volence has
year's ago, and the similar attack on the Red Skins rock band last summer. Such attacks are carried out by gangs of National Front, British Move-merit, British National Party, or Collumn 88, thugs with pseudo military names like 'Instant Response - Unit'. It is undoubtably these same groups that are behind arson attacks and other terrorising. This sort of violence is fundamental to Nazism and at a time when their ideological initiatives have been taken from them it is one of the main ways in which to involve new recruits in the organisations.
The National Front and its members have never gone away. They are still in our midst, disorganised politically but still functioning. That is to say, Nazi organisations are recruiting, holding meetings,
holding marches, and terrorising those whom they consider to be their enemies. A frightening prospect which cannot be ignored is the possibility of a huge growth in NF popularity under the next Labour government, as has occurred in France with the growth of the Front Nationale since the Mitterand government came to power in 1980. The way in which it is to be prevented is for people to take action now. Racists and fascists must be denied any means of expressing their poisonous sentiments. We who are committed to a multi-racial society have absoloutely nothing to gain from allowing the National Front and Nazi organisations to meet, march, speak, and organise, and in many way we have everything to lose.

imen and Racism.
is of women c minority inumerable -ious cultural 3 to violent impossible tie is con-;ing fought $m and sex-
on black women 1 by the dual ern society and ;kground. The ittitudes which )men and their jther burden, as iween accepting heritage as B modern ideals
y is the missing [le different cul-1. Just as some end why many are in 'purdah', western moral ird to accept by ligrant popula-ct by a seeming o integrate is
A further barrier is that of ¦ language, as several immigrant women speak little, if any, English. Difficulties also arise because of a basic ignorance of rights that women encounter when faced with the system of welfare benefits: housing, education, etc. Two particularly controversial areas where the rights of women, especially black women, are in issue are immigration and policing.
Historically, women have always been discriminated against in British Nationality and immigration legislation. Sexist assumptions about women's dependence on men have been grafted onto state policies designed to exclude black men and women from this country. The main discriminatory factor, before the latest legislation, was that a man settled in the United Kingdom can bring his wife to join him, yet the 'Primary Purpose Rule', introduced by the Conservative party in 1979, effectively debarred women from the same right.
On 28th May 1985, the European Court found the United
Kingdom guilty of a violation of the European Human Rights Convention whereupon the government was found guilty of sexual discrimination. Although the decision vindicated women's rights, they have been diminished by the government's latest proposals on immigration. The incidence of 'virginity testing' by immigration officials in the past is further evidence of the injustice against black women.
Another area of concern is that of deportation. Pending the end of a marriage, for example as a result of a violent husband, the woman faces deportation due to her lack of independent status; in this situation a woman is often expected to choose between a violent marriage and deportation. Two women who experienced this are Nafat Chaffee and Malika Benkheliffa.
Policing practice is another issue of considerable concern. Last year the Policy Studies Institute's report into the Metropolitan Police revealed widespread prejudice ranging from a 'cult of masculinity' to overt discrimination. In the case of domestic violence often anti -racist and anti - sexist strug-
gles come into conflict. Many endure years of violence before contacting the police because of the phenomenal family and social pressures for a marriage to work. Yet, when contacted, the police inaction and unsympathetic approach serves only to heighten the isolation of victims of violence. One dramatic example of the consequence of this inaction is in the case of Krishna Sharma - a twenty -six year old woman found hanged after eight years of continuous violence from her husband. Before she died, she had been advised by the police to pursue a private prosecution: a totally unnacceptable response.
This non - interventionist approach therefore leads the law to endorse institutionalised male violence as acceptable.
In writing this article our main objective has been to point out that the struggle for women against inherent racism cannot be divorced from the sometimes opposing struggle of sexual oppression in our society.
Renu Anand
and Sangeeta Ahuja
JUSTICE FOR THE PRYCES?
On the 29th of November 1984, a 16 year old boy, Eustacia Pryce, was savagely stabbed to death by racists on the streets of Newham. What was the response of police? They arrested his brother Gerald 'on the grounds that he was in a distraught state and looked as though he were about to do something dangerous.' He was denied the right to go with his dying brother to hospital, being instead taken to Plaistow Police Station. When his Aunt tried to visit him with news of Eustace's death, she was not allowed to see him. The news was broken to him hours later on his release.
Gerald was re-arrested on December 18th and charged with affray. Not until January 7th was he granted bail - and then under conditions banning him from Newham. He was unable to visit his pregnant girlfriend, and was denied the basic human right of mourning with his family for his dead brother.
Meanwhile the police had arrested the racist murderer -but only after considerable community pressure. They continued to treat the racist attack as a 'gang fight', and refused to recognise the fact that Eustace had been murdered - the racist was only charged with manslaughter.
The murderer, indeed, put forward a plea of self-defence, claiming that due to a blow to the head he was dazed, and not responsible for his actions. He has shown no remorse for his brutal actions and the courts are allowing him to be hailed as some sort of 'hero' amongst racists in the East End.
The murderer decided to go into the witness box in his own defence - thankfully his obvious lies considerably worsened his situation.
A conviction for manslaughter will not satisfy the Pryce family or the campaign. It will instead only serve to worsen the rift between the black community and the Police in Newham. The case has shown that the black community cannot expect protection from the Police and courts - only harrassment and criminalisation.
There will be a mass rally on 7th Novemberat 7.30pm in the Labour Party Hall at 241E High Street North, E6 (East Ham Tube). Speakers will be present from Handsworth, Brixton, and the Broadwater Farm Estate Defence Campaigns. 'No matter which area of Britain he may live in, this is one and the same struggle, so please make every effort to attend and encourage support for the campaigns. Justice for the Pryces Support Committee Bulletin.
NEWHAM MONITORING PROJECT
'At the end of the day, there is no substitute for your involvement in the anti-racist struggle. The ultimate success of the Project and our work depends on your active participation'
So ended the Newham Monitoring Project's general report 1984. The statement outlines the role of monitoring projects in society today. They provide immediate support for victims of racial attacks and police harassment - for example, NMP has three full time counsellors and a 24 hour emergency service operated by a network of volunteers.
However, such projcts must not be seen as 'social welfare' agencies - they are also instruments for change. As the annual report of NMP 1984 said: 'If we were going to talk of achieving any fundamental change in society viz the problem of racism and racist attacks, then it was imprtant to turn cases into issues instead of the project substituting for them.'
The NMP is a community organisation; it grows and changes in response to the needs of the people of the borough. In a time when the anti-racist and anti-fascist movement is fragmented, organisations such as NMP serve the purpose of co-ordination -as a nucleus for action and education within the community. Since, for example, the NMP's move to Catherine Road El5, it is evolving as a local resource centre. There is now a library on policing — with press
cuttings since 1980 - a minibus, and audio — visual, and printing equipment.
Centres to co-ordinate community organisation and resistance are of paramount importance for the 1980's fascists are ever-present and need to be constantly opposed and systematically stamped out.
Such centres are the places to fight state racism as well as racism on the streets. This was proven in the courts in the Newham 8 - and subsequently the Newham 7 - case, which reaffirmed the basic right to self-defence in the face of a lack of police protection for the Asian community in Newham.
Community action must also be brought to bear on Parliament - the new Public Order Bill published in May is a grimly repressive measure, calculated to destroy the rights of communities and pressure groups to publicly voice their protests. Organisations such as NMP are the ideal mustering places for resistance - they will not be silenced.
Monitoring Project addresses -Get involved NOW - Organisations such as these depend heavily on volunteers.
NMP: PO Box 273, Forest Gate, London. E7. Tel. 555 8151. (Full list available from 'Policing London' - Bulletin of GLC Police Committee Support Unit).
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 10
THE LONDON ARTS
THEATRE



'.« >»
SUCCESSES OF THE SUMMER
If genes were to determine acting ability then Natasha Richardson should, by now, be deaf to the sound of the telephone ringing. She is the eldest daughter from the marriage between one of our finest actresses, Vanessa Redgrave, and film director Tony Richardson, and therefore a member of Britain's
premier acting dynasty, the Redgrave family.
Since leaving the Central School of Drama in June 1983, she has in fact been in steady employment, but the role of Nina in the critically acclaimed "The Seagull' by Anton Chekhov, at the Queen's Theatre, marks her West End debut, ironi-
caUy alongside her mother.
From the very first moments of meeting, you cannot help but notice' her enthusiasm and love for the play and for the part of the doomed Nina. She has been working on the play since April when it initially opened to poor reviews at the I^yric Hammersmith, and she agrees that her early performances would bear little relationship to the way she interprets the role now. Contribu-toi^r factors Natasha points out, have not only been the input of 'Jonathan Pryce, my mum and Julia Swift who are all so brilliant that they sparl? new ideas', but also the fact that ail the actors are working in 'something they beleive in' so that as the play has progressed you learn 'why certain things work and others don't.'
I first saw the play at the beginning of its run at the Queen's and came away with the view that Chekhov had a negative view of life. After all, didn't all the characters seem to be in love with the wrong people, leading to so much pain and tension? Natasha disagreed from the first. '1 just want to know why it's so negative....He's not portraying life as it ought to be, he's showing life as it is. How often do people fall in love and live happily
ever after? He's showing people as they are with their stupidity and failings and some of their strengths as well, that's why he's a wonderful writer.'
After seeing the play a second time, you realise how right she is. There is no more pathetic a sight than Nina's entrance in the last act as we see how her love for Trigorin (Piyce) has destroyed her beauty and mind, but she has the inner strength to carry on living, unlike Konstantin (John Lynch).
Although it was a part her mother plaved 20 years ago in theatre and on film, she did not go to her for advice, nor did she watch the film, albeit a bad one, since she said, 'If it had been very good, I would have got the image into my mind. You have to create from inside, I have to anyway.'
As fop people's comparison between her and her mother, who she admires greatly, she tries 'not to think of it too much', although it does occasionally get to her. 'I know she is a brilliant actress and that we are bound to be compared, but sometimes you get the impression that people are comparing you in the sense that are you going to be another Vanessa, rather than are you going to be another Natasha?'
Although you are struck by the fact that she does sound and look like her mother, she stresses she is her own person and that 'we couldn't be more different in all sorts of ways.' Vanessa Redgrave has often been attacked through her open pro-Palestinian attack. Natasha, when asked, refused to reveal her political standpoint, saying her views were 'strictly private.'
So what of the future? Her plans when I spoke to her in August were hazy. The Seagull continues until the 26th of October, and then it may possibly transfer to Broadway. Her performance in the play has generated 'a lot of interest, which is very nice', but she would like to try a variety of parts - maybe comedy or even a musical. Maybe she will follow in her father's footsteps, but that would be in the 'very distant future', yet film work in general greatly appeals to her.
As Nina says in the play, '1 was going to let fate decide whether I was going onto the stage or not' - in the case of Natasha, I would say that was never in doubt.
Julie Oldroyd
'THE CASTLE' -
'CRIMES IN HOT COUNTRIES' -
'DOWNCHILD' -
These new productions stand because the rest of the commercial theatre Is fuU of entertaining rubbish. I felt no compulsion to clap. It seems right that love, power, humanity, strength, desire etc. should be discussed on stage, and that new plays are performed but I left the Pit concerned for my well being having been shown that all is not right in the mind of England. Barker gives ideas that 1 recognise, have heard before and 1 am not sure are true - modern myths as to why there is no love. The issues are interesting, much of the play sounds good - but the sound of the play is sickening.
I don't know whether nudity, sex or swearing have a place in the theatre, but I know that dwelling upon these and deliberate creations of effect are not what the theatre is about. Barker has seen this, Ray Scadding's comment to his mistress' mother's sexual fantasy is 'The Mobile Library'. So what is the mind absorbing? - Beguiled by fine acting and thought provoking stuff which gave these plays good reviews the mind accepts and what then creeps in?
'The Castle' has so much in it -the play of the mind, the grip of ideas and the coming of the English desert - that it is so sad that we have to hear so much rubbish. On stage is a reflection of Man's insensibility, his lack of love. A lard returns from the crusades with one soldier and a foreign genius to find a community with a harmony. The selfish desire for security and love mantfests and creates a castle and a desert, in both the landscape and the mind.
The desert is the setting for 'Crimes' and the mind takes hold and plays its part. All the actions come from beliefs, ideas - it is a world where 'thought is pleasure, real thought', there is no perspective however, no real thought: Each
character wants to be something and somewhere he is not. We are shown they are sick of self but their search for happiness ends in mis ery as they search for 'happiness for me'. Selfish sexuality is shown several times in Barker's insights on the new England; the greatest democracy of intercourse.
it is absurd, a game; the charac ters are beguOed by the magic of language: the audience are won too, judging the reviews we write and comments we pass. The hero of 'Downchild' uses and abuses language in the manner of the educated who have knowledge but no knowing. Who wants to know about the failings of labour politicians in the sixties, the warped sexuality of aristocrats, the cynical socialists? The plays raise powerful ideas, but do the intentions justify the attempt?
•These plays talk about hings but don't do anything or go anywhere. There is 'No dignity, no wisdom, no serenity, no peace'. Barker comments on other people, he does not write about Man. Yet, what else do we have? Theatre needs new plays. It is never too late to enjoy dumb entertainment or are we left, with all respect to Howard Barker and the RSC, 'the mad stuck in the ignorant'?
Peter Barnes last play 'Red Noses' (Also the RSC at the Barbican) raised the same issue beautifully and without the harshnes. It was good to leave a theatre refreshed and nourished, rather than with the mind full of tension. So there is good stuff out there and a little of it is in these three plays but there are so many bad influences atop of it all. Why the cynicism? ViHiy the anger? Why the struggle and so-called 'realism' when we know the truth is much simpler?
Gre| Thompson
The Dragons Tail-
m
What, you might wonder, could possibly ensue from a middle-aged couple accidentally running down a tent in the depths of a Welsh forest miles from an3fwhere; the answer is Douglas Watkinsons new play 'The Dragons Tail'.
From this situation springs the taut psychological interplay of four characters; Dylan and Apricot -orphaned brother and sister,- plus Mary and Frank - already lovers for twenty years. Thus from stereotyped characters the clicheed conflict of generations is protrayed; the idea being that it is the adults who posess the feelings of insecurity, inadequacy and fear generally associated with youth, whilst Dylan and Apricot show a wisdom and experience of life beyond their years.
If aU this sounds heavy going the play is actually overloaded with repartee and witty one-liners so that there is an inharmonious mixture of the desperate and the light-hearted. A mixture which is not resolved very convincingly by the ending.
Watkinson has been accused of manipulating the character of Mary into the perfect cast for Penelope Keith. Indeed, one does recognise similarities with Margot from 'The Good Life', especially Marys ability to steam roll opponents with a
stinging verbal precision. However, there is a psychology to this character which makes this an unusual role for Miss Keith. Marys hyperac-tiveness and fraught energy are both of a burnt-out, exhausted and fear-ridden personality. This is a woman grad.ually smoking and drinking herself into complete oblivion.
The motif of the dragon is rather crudely overstated at times. Dylan, the sensitive, perceptive and, above all, honest foil to Mary, presents us with the formula behind the play with his words:
'Do you know what dragons use their tails for; knocking people down and killing them.
At a later stage Penelope Keith admits that she is a sad rather than a formidable dragon.
'My tail's been docked and the fire's gone out of my mouth.'
Mark Kingston as Frank plays a benign doctor figure hiding his own inadequacy behind has concern for Mary and not daring to face her.
The play ends with the prospect of blissful family harmony which surely poses a large question mark more than an answer. Could this be the Romantic cliche that dragons may, after all, be tamed by love and not the sword?...
M. Lnckhurst.
PLANET REENIE
This is a particularly poignant play for all those who are new to London and the land of the lonely bedsit. The opening scene portrays Reenie returning to her desolate room at the end of a long day. She is angry and tense, worn .down by the aggression, impersonal and seemingly uncaring mass of 'city people'.
To combat the pain and drear of reality Reenie launches herself into the world of her imagination and acts out of , the role of a rich and ruthless London citizen. 'Planet Reenie' is a colourful, vital and thought-provoking endeavor to show the de-humanising effect of twentieth century obsessions. Reenie becomes an increasingly psychotic figure, steeped in her own ego-centricity, greed and mercenary attitude to others. This drama/ musical might well l)e seen as a comment on the gradual loss of emotion and individuality in an increasingly materialistic society. In addition to this, her dreams reflect subtle doubts she harbours regarding her own character. We gather she feels deeply misunderstood by her parents and the grief Bradley her ex-boyfriend has caused shiness through everything. Denise Black as Reenie can only be described as quite extraordinary. This very demanding one woman show is rendered absolutely captivating by her unquestionable talent and versatility. It is easy to see why she won Actress of the Year Award in 1982. Her deep, rich voice positively fills the theatre.
This play is ultimately a plea for individuality and an attack on the superficiality of a society 'where no-one looks beneath the surface for fear of finding a corpse.'
The twist at the end is that her imagination thrives in her being alone. Whilst hating her isolation is is her very safe-guard from becoming part of the anonymous conglomerate.
M. Luckhurst.
page 11
Beaver November 4th 1985
FILMS
Maxwell Caolfield; a 'boy next door'
THE BOYS NEXT DOOR
No-one, I hope, is going to disagree with me when I say that whatever their excuse most people's interest in the cinema is to watch hunky boys in action. We have had to suffer a great deaJ of tedious analysis and home psychology during two hours of James Dean or whoever this month's face may be. Few films about the agony of youth have been anything more than the rationale for filming a famous pout. 'Boys Next Door' director Penelope Spheeris nearly succeeded in-her low-budget study of Californian punks, 'Suburbia' - if only because cheap actors are rarely pretty ones.
Using star names Charlie Sheen and Maxwell Caulfield to study the motivation and genesis of that fascinating American figure, the psychopath serial murderer, dooms the project from the start.
It's all so obvious; her stars are alienated at ''very turn, reviled by their schoohnates, given factory jobs, and worst of all not invited to parties. So of course they're going to rampage round Los Angeles killing anyone who crosses them. The mysteiy of why such lifeless characters as they encounter needed to be clubbed to death when the heavy-handed direction had
already got to them provided most of the interest for this reviewer, apart from Charlie Sheen's desperate but cute attempts to act.
There are some gory and brutal murders, a veiy unpleasant rape, convincing punk extras, and two Cramps songs on the soundtrack. The nastiness of this film is not justified by its minimal contribution to our understanding of what makes Americans want to kill each other, but tasteless voyeurs may well appreciate it more than I did.
Carol Atack
THE FLAMINGO KID
¦Matt Dillon takes the title role in this gently humorous movie. He stars as Jeffrey Wilks, the dependable boy from the solid family background, enticed from his -dane-ttfe DJT tEe~lufel)f the lurid 'El Flamingo Club' in the summer of '63.
His deterioration is rapid - loose women, gambling and jail soon follow. The malevolant influence comes in the form of a stereo-typed car-salesman, Phil Brodie, a smooth-talking wide-boy who's a dab hand at cards. A wedge is driven between the innocent boy and his reliable homestead - but of course, this being Hollywood, a happy ending is assured. Dillon, as the 'good guy made bad guy made good' learns his lesson - there is no short-cut to success - and we are left in little doubt that he will make it in the end.
Dillon, looking like a compact, more handsome Morrissey, turns in a competent performance. He has often been compared to James Dean, but unlike Dean he here gets his chance to show he can turn his hand to comedy.
Dave Bridges
MAD MAX III - Beyond the Pale?
It has been said that after World War III the next war will be fought with Bows and Arrows. It should perhaps be added that people will also drive vehicles that look more Uke skeletons than cars, that they will develop an unhealthy obsession mth ritual, that Mohican haircuts will suddenly is_Min^^-Jj«<»ffl»--v0fy-fasnionalDle and that camels will be sold with independent suspension.
If there v/ere ever a case for a good identity crisis, it must surely be Mel Gibson when he ventures beyond the Thunderdome. One assumes that if he ever reaches the age of 60 (and he is lucky to have lived beyond 10), he will retire a very confused man. For in Mad Max HI he is not only the classic mega-hero but also a Messiah and Revolutionary leader
In 'the Thunderdome' Mad Max takes on capitalisation with all the gusto of a deranged Trotslqr and, judging by the ensuing mayhem, with consideralby more success. It is in Barter Town, a surreal mix of a Hong Kong that has gone wild and the Ifet of the Mohicans, that the distinctly hairy Mel Gibson meets his prey, Tina Turner and succeeds in impressing her to such an extent tht she sentences him to almost certain death in the Thunderdome, a sort of past apocalyptic coliseum where combatants bounce around on elastic and people forget to put petrol in the chain saw.
There then follows a ceremony that has aU tha surreal proportions of 'The Price is Right' except that instead of winning a car you have the choice of death or almost certain Death. But here again its not quite certain enough and insted of meeting the Gods, he is treated as one himself. No doubt a more pleasant role than being battered to death by a twenty stone thug, but none the less, a bewildering one which Mad Max assumes with little conviction but still less choice.
Anyway, he whizzes back to Barter Town, starts a revolution in a pig farm cum power station, kills lots of people with silly names, rescues a dwarf and discovers a train. There follow large explosions, car chases, riots, mass panic and perhaps most horrifying of all, the discovery of Sydney.
Perhaps not the most intellectually inspiring of films, 'Beyond the Thunderdome' is excellent entertainment. Mel Gibsons performance is characteristically heroic whilst Tina Turner would no doubt be advised to stick to singing. The fact that she can't act is however quite insignificant. Firstly because there is no-one in the film to show her up and secondly because she loooks wonderful and that is really aU that matters. And if she has invested her savings in chain mail and hair spray, she will make as much in dividends as she did out of the film. Who, except a deranged pig farmer would begrudge her that?
Toby Kramers
EXHIBITIONS-
GWEN JOHN AT THE BARBICAN
The exhibition is subtitled 'an interior life', culled from a characteristically self-deprecating statement by John on her work; 'As to whether I have anything worth expressing, that is apart from the question. I may never have anything to express, except this desire for a more interior life.' And the paintings, with their quiet colour harmonies and simple composition, do express a sad yearning for inward contentment.
The sincerity of Gwen John's art did not allow for brashness, imprecision of impulsive inspiration. Her range of subjects was very narrow; the exhibition is dominated by melancholy pictures of melancholy women. John makes us feel the loneliness and frustration of her female subjects. Their wide-eyed and hand-wringing unhappiness touches a raw nerve. Her interiors are rather 'Monet indoors', paying great attention to the subtleties of light and colour that evoke within the viewer a strong sense of sympathy, even a kind of perverse nostalgia, for those long dull days spent impotently indoors.
A large section of the exhibition shows the influence of French painters like Edouard Vuillard and Pierre Bonnard. Those painters emphasised pattern and colour over depth and form, but whereas they depicted outdoor scenes, John
stayed firmly indoors. Earlier works show the use of the long established 'Dutch' technique; a dark palette with the paint applied thinly with varnish, under flesh. But the later, French influenced, paint-pastel greens, blues, pinks and greys, all thickly and dryly applied, relying for their success on the perfection of the harmony and composition.
There are also many fine drawings, which John approached as seriously as her painting, and a surprising sketch with colour notes that reminds us of the patience and thought that went into even her simplest paintings.
The exhibition is small (and since John completed only some two hundred paintings it could not be otherwise) and this-Is much in its favour. Eveiy picture deserves one's full attention and for once one is able to give it.
After Gwen John, Roderick O'Connor's paintings (upstairs) seem loud and insincere, almost pastiche. This nominal artist never really decided to which movement he belonged, a fatal mistake for any aspiring artist in early twentieth century Europe. That is unkind, but Gwen John is a hard act to follow.
'Gwen John: An interior life' is on at the Barbican until November 10th.
SHOTS OF STYLE - Victoria and Albert
Basically... This exhibition is the latest of a series of adventures and exciting projects at the V S" A. With the basement's Boilerhouse Project, the museum of design, and a new annexe, the V fi? A now has the capability to put on exhibitions away from the main halls but stiU complementing them.
'Shots of Style' Is an exhibition of fashion photography from 1911 to the present day. It would obviously be impossible for it to be a complete record of aU styles of clothing and photography, but then this collection in no way sets out to achieve this; it Is a selection based on subjective excellence (Eh? - Ed), with David Bailey as arbiter. The result is a small but visually stimulating exhibition which provides
many interesting comparisons. Changes can be seen in a number of forms - changing photographical techniques, changing style, changes in the use of the model and the role of women. Some use their models 'straight' in the studio, others attempt comedy. Sometimes the model is only one element in the pictorial framework.'
Many of the photos in this interesting exhibition represent the excellence of this artform. The constraints of size and the limit on exhibits mean it is not a complete record but this in no way invalidates this satls^Tlngly compact show. Running tlU the middle of January, entrance to this show is free.
Colin Clarke
An excellent artform at the V fr A
'Beaver Novemher 4th 1985
page 12
MUSIC
if
i-D AT
IGA
On first'/impressions it's fairly easy to view the Institute of Con-temporaiy Arts at the top of the Mall as London's last bastion of pretension, some hide-away for the self-consciously arty, a watering-. hole for the disaffected. Certainly many of its clients do little to dispel this notion. I distinctly remember attending sonjig Derek Jarman premiere where lots of naughty art-school boys infeted oh taking polaroids of each c^ers' nether regions
in the Gents. But fear not!...
In an effort to draw in a few more 'real people' the ICA started organising rock weeks some five years ago. Each is usually a six night long seasonal series of events based around some theme aimed at staging the brightest of up-and-coming rock acts. And they tend to pick them very well; the first I ever attended featured The Smiths, Coc-teau Twins, Paul Haig, and Strawberry Switchblade. Last year they
had Billy Bragg, the Redskins and Bronski Beat on the same biU. Add to this a Student Artpass (priced at a meagre £6) you get half-price admission into the bargain. It all spells ENTERTAINMENT.
Last week seemed a bit of a break with the past with pretentiousness returning as part of the fun provided courtesy of i-D magazine, whose pop-pickers Nick Trulocke and Dylan Jones created a veritable convention for London's self-styled cool cats.
Touted as 'the Big Lig' or alternatively 'the Mega Mash', fashion shows, photo sessions, Personal Appearances, tattooists, DJs and even the odd band aU competed for the audience's undivided attention. Perhaps though it's wrong to single out any au,dience as such, because for once everyone seemed involved. The payers were as much a part of the scene as the performers, who were simply holding up mirrors to those in front of them. Frequently it all succumbed to the Emporer's New Clothes Syndrome that i-D magazine itself wallows in. Yeah so some people were TRYING TOO HARD, but at least, it could be argued, they were all alive, dahling.
Anyway the best band we saw were the Jazz DefeWors, cutting a truly wicked funk-salsa groove. Well hard! Crucial! Or whatever other cliche is most relevant. Suffice it to say that they were so brilliant I rang their manager the following day and booked them for our Xmas baU.
Friday night had its moments as well. Rather than bands there were Personal Appearances, which in this case meant aspirational pop-stars singing to their latest fab waxing. Altogether a far preferable alternative to boring old musicians.
SUZANNE VEGA -ROMANCE, MENTAL
That Suzanne Vega's only UK appearance was 'the most important college gig since the Pistols played Imperial' is an interesting thought. Such comments are often made without a great deal ^f consideration, as was this one. 'J%t it may well be true if for very different reasons. Suzanne Vega is not destined to create controversy but she will certainly fill venues very much larger than the Old Theatre.
Ms Vega can be viewed as either a victim or a succesful product of the somewhat incestuous circles that inhabit Greenwich Village, New York City. Many of Laurie Andersons 'speechpoems' from Big Science and Mister Heartbreak find a niche in Vega's" work. She is equally reminiscent of Lou Reed, or at least Reed in his mire tender moments. Yet finally asfolk-rolk, singer-songwriter, 8he is perhaps closest to the Canadian Joni Mitchell.
Rising to the challenge of a live radio recordii^ Vega began with the purely vocal 'Tony's Diner', a tale of a coincidental meeting in New York. It was a brave gesture with a 'cold' voice. In response the packed audience immediately acquiesced to Vega's innocent lure.
It seemed important that she should stand as a competent guitarist, it wa's a process which revealed the depth of talent Vega posseses. Quick evidence that each of her songs could survive without the backing band. More than once Ms Vega dispensed with their services. On each occasion it illustrated that the group merely added colour to songs which could stand up to any test in black and white.
On occasions Vega over indulges
HEALTH AND RENT.
her Dylanesque love of the allegorical character. While wrestling with the role of Pawns and Jesters, the Queen and Soldier meet in rhyme and more pieces have entered the fray on the chessboard of 'Knight-moves'.
She sang of romance, of mental health and of its closely related cousin, rent payment. The set was received with the warm affection that the intimacy the Old Theatre allows, the most rapturous applause being saved for the single
release 'Marlene On The Wall'. This tells of an image of Marlene Dietrich 'whose nagging smile says it all' as she observes the authors changing life and those who pass into and out of it.
Suzanne Vega will probably be around for a long time. Possibly she is two decades too late to be really succesful, nevertheless she is a Welcome addition for those still enamoured of the Greenwich Village genre.
B.Edwards
Suzanne Vegs; talent with depth
FREE THE WORLD_
It seems that the struggle against apartheid is of prime interest to us now, so to remind us of the concurrent struggle of the Namibian people against illegal and intense military occupation by South Africa, and to publicise and raise money for SWAPO, the Namibian national liberation movement, Jerry Dammers and Robert Wyatt have made 'The Wind Of Change' (Rough Trade RT168). Featuring the SWAPO singers here at last is a protest song which doesn't patronise its cause; celebrating African determination, plaintively listing African hopes, this is possibly a better record than 'Free Nelson Mandela', and equally important. Authentic, compelling, and more than just another worthy purchase. Buy this record.
I presume. Of these , Keanan was the wildest, miming along to his non-hit 'Watersport' with admirable gusto. But then I've always been a sucker for boys in spandex biking shorts.
The evening was leading up to the debut of the Richmond/Cornejo fashion show, which duly appeared at about 10.30. The models strutting mindlessly up and down, drug-crazed and evidently most out of touch with proceedings. The clothes weren't much cop either, but then
I'm no fashion correspondent. However I do smell a rat when I see Shock Tactics being used to disguise mediocrity. There were a lot of Shock Tactics throughout the fashion show; nudity, strobe lights, disorientation etc.
So there we are, another Rook Week safely over. Some excitement, some frivolity, some stupidity, but as always interest and entertainment as good as guaranteed.
James Bailey
Could this b(3 you next summer?
SOUL SLOT
A quick glance at the disco charts this week is enough to convince anyone of the massive strength of the current 70s soul revival. In fact, all the top three 'new' entries are re-released 12-inch versions of 70s classics: 'Wicky-Wacky' by the Fatback Band quite rightly achieves the highest position, and is followed quickly by the Streetsounds double A-sided release containing 'Aint No Stoppin' Us How' by McFadden and Whitehead and Billy Paul's 'Bring The Family'. The last of the trio is the Blackbyrds with IValk-ing in Rhythm' Needless to say, these are three records which I would strongly recommend you to
A Taste Of Cindy_
invest your grant in.
However, for those who prefer more recent soul offerings keep an eye out for the Team's latest release. Entitled Hfe Are The Team' and featuring Gee Bello this certainly ^ems to be one of the better dance-funk records available at the present time, though as yet it is still lingering in the disappointingly lower reaches of toe charts. Also, if you haven't bought it already, and feel a bit mellow Bobby Womack's 'I Wish He Didnt Trust Me So Much' is a fine cut which does more than adequate justice to the sad man's voice. Check it out. Baz Perkins
Turn your drug-crazed minds to the following:
Nov 8 'Anti-racism Benefit' now headlined by rising stars of the club scene 'Curiosity Killed The Cat' A reassuring press release says that Satisfaction Brought It Back. Previous booking Float Up CP will stay at home nursing severe musical diffrences. Meanwhile 'Economy 7' Bexon brings you free in the Tuns on Nov 7 The Housemartins. Also on Wednesday 22 American country/psychedelic rockers Green On Bed.
SUZANNE VEGA fever has hit the Beaver office (see article). At the concert itself sundry Ents personnel fell over themselves to assist Harvey Goldsmith (Mr Live-Aid). Poor Harvey wouldn't come in without his 'driver' and thus missed out in the scramble for seats. The midget impresario was struggling on his tiptoes when a career-minded Jamie gallantly assisted him to a better view behind the mixing desk.
A generation mourns. Sisters of Her^ split. After a new album
('Definitely Last and Always'?), is completed Wayne will depart, though not, despite his dreams, to work with the immensely popular Cult. The Sisters will then be but Andrew Eldritch, a drum machine and a battered felt hat.
If that didn't grab you, how about another mention for Gerard Mac-Mahon's latest career move/right-on expression of solidarity (his arrest, you sloths). Rumours that the Labour Club's very own sharp-dressed man is being wooed by A S' R men the world over are obviously not true, but publicity-shy Gerard has confided that he now feels trendy enough to venture to the Crimson Club. See you on Tuesday, girls.
Jamie drools over...
Keanan - 'Watersport'
Madonna - 'Dress You Up'
Jesus And Mary Chain - 'Just Like Honey
The Cramps - 'Can Your Pussy Do The Dog'
Husker Du - Flip Yer wig
Cindy
page 13
Beaver November 4th 1985
THE SETTING UP OF A 'GAFFER'S UNION'
Nic Cicutti
The decision last week by miners in Nottinghamshire and other'areas to leave the NUM and form a separate 'Union of Democratic Mineworkers' is a blow to activists inside and outside the labour movement. The setting-up of the UDM will pose long-term problems to the National Union of Mineworkers, the Trade Union Congress and the Labour Party.
The newly-formed UDM claims a total membership of over 30,000. Even though this figure is inflated by the claim on the part of Roy Lynk (UDM General Secretary) that he now represents even those who voted to stay loyal to the NUM — not much sign of democracy there! — the size of the vote favour of the UDM
in
in
(17,000 votes to 7,000 Nottinghamshire for example) shows that the 'Loyalists' will have a hard fight on their hand to snuff out their new rivals.
the folly of num leaders
Both before and after the ballot, industrial commentators were at pains to show that the vote would be a judgement by the members on Arthur Scargill's leadership of the NUM during the last few years, and especially during the year-long miners strike. The Financial Times, in its editorial on 17th October, the day of the ballot, spelt things out; "The vote ... is a direct consequence, of the folly of the leadership of the national uniton of Mineworkers. By ... imposing a strike, often through coercion, they forfeited the trust of many - perhaps most - of their members."
The truth is somewhat different. The vote last week represents the ignorance and greed of many Notts and other miners, the naked ambition of their leaders and a comtempt for the rules of democratic trade-unionism which goes back over many years. These factors, coupled with a willingnesss by the National Coal Board to bend over backwards to favour Link and Co. have helped to create a new 'gaffers union'.
The origins of the split between Nottinghamshire and the National Union go back a lot further than the recent miners strike. They are the result of several years of pay bargaining which massively increased the differentials between Notts miners and most other coalfields. Added to this Notts has always had a particularly weak and right-wing union leadership, uninterested in putting
forward the arguments against pit closures and in favour of the unity of all NUM members. Up to 1977, wage rates for British miners were nationally negotiated. It was this 'National Power Loading Agreement', in operation since 1966, which played a large part in the impressive unity of the miners strikes of 1972 and 1974. The situation changed in October 1977. The Coal Board offered the NUM incentive schemes instead of an across the board wage rise. The fact that only ihree years before a national ballot had overwhelmingly thrown out such a scheme because if its divisive nature, didn't deter the 'arch-democrats' in Nottingham, who successfully forced through another ballot on the subject. They were helped by the then Minister for Energy, Tony Benn, who urged miners to 'give the scheme a go', hi spite of them, the arguments for unity and against setting pit against pit won again; the second ballot decisively rejected a national incentive scheme.
Undeterred by this, Notts NUM almost immediately began negotiations with the Coal board over a local scheme. In so doing they laid the seeds of the split we see today.
In defiance
The result of such a scheme has been to pit miners in the more geologically sound areas aginst those such as Kent, Scotland and South Wales, where coal is more difficult to mine. The lack of any principled leadersip, and the wide disparities in wages earned between Nottingham and other coalfields brought sbout a situation where, in the words of a Kent miner; 'When we go down our pit we go down on our knees to dig coal but stand tall when we go outside. In Notts they dig standing up and crawl when they come out."
In January 1985, there were further signs of a split. The Notts Area Council voted to delete the Area's rule 30 which stated that in the event of a conflict between national and area rules the matter would be subject to a decision by the National Executive Committee. This deletion of rule 30 served notice that Nottinghamshire NUM was bent on a path of confrontation with the National Union; they narrowly avoided expulsion after a compromise was pushed through by the National Executive of the NUM.
split causes problems
All the signs are that the leaders in Nottingham were men in search of a split from early on. During the strike itself, super-scab Chris Butcher from Bevercoates Colliery, the infamous 'Silver Birch', received massive support from, in his words, 'wealthy business people who want the strike to finish'. The 'Who's Who' of those who backed 'Dutch Elm' covers an impressive list of Tories, including the Economics Editor of the 'Times', Sarah Hogg, who offered advice on how to handle media coverage. She is the wife of Douglas Hogg, Conservative MP for Grantham, whose Conservative Association chairman was a partner in the Nottingham firm of solicitors which acted on behalf of the scab miners. 'Dutch Elm's' mentor was David Hart, described in the 'Times' as 'a special advisor to Mrs Thatcher'. He wrote an article in the "Times' in Au^st 1984 eulogising the Nottinghamshire scabs; 'The Nottinghamshire men are fighting a battle not just for themselves, but for their country .' It is hard to believe that an Area Union whose long-term intentions were against a split would have countenanced such a blatant attack on Arthur Scargill and the NUM.
ditch rule 30
Whatever the apportioning of guilt, it is clear that the setting up of the UDM will cause panic at TUC and Labour Party Headquarters.
The TUC itself is embroiled in a long-running dispute with the engineers unin (AUEW) and the electricains (EETPU) about accepting government funding for ballots. The prospect of an alternative right-wing Union Congress looms large in the minds of the TUC General Council. They know that Roy Lynk has had several meetings with the leaders of the EETPU with a view to a federation between the UDM and the Electricians Union. The possibility of single-union no-strike agreements becoming the norm under a right-wing federation of unions sends shiver down the spines of Norman Willis and other TUC bureaucrats. That is why they have been busy in the last week trying to fix up meetings between the NUM and the USM in the hope of bringing about a re-merger. Such an unprincipled deal would be a kick in the teeth to those NUM members who have stayed loyal to their union in Nottingham despite massive intimidation by Lynk and the National Coal Board combined. It should be opposed by all activists.
As for the Labour Party, it too is worried. Up to six seats are up for grabs in Nottinghamshire and the split between the NUM and the UDM brings with it the possibility of Nottinghamshire (and much of the Midlands) becoming barren ground for Labour. In Nottingham,- the UDM has the enthusiastic support of at least one Labour MP, Don Concannon, who has waxed lyrical about the relative merits of Arthur Scargill and Roy Lynk. The indications are that Neil Kinnock, despite his call on Notts miners to stay loyal to the NUM in the run-up to the recent ballot, would like nothing more than some kind of a compromise, especially if it could be tied to the ditching of Scargill, whom he regards as an electoral liability. It is certainly the case that local Labour parties in Nottinghamshire have taken little if any action to expel the organisers of the UDM. It seems likely that in the event of a re-merger not taking place, Kinnock will quietly aquiesce in the Labour Party being supported by Roy Link's union.
ter. It will mean systematic campaigning on the small issues like working conditions, bonuses, incentives. It will mean giving leadership and advice where the UDM quite clearly is unable to offer either. It will mean working with members of the new union to show tH'em in practice that irrespective of what Roy Lynk and company may say, it is the NUM which really has at heart the interests of all mineworkers.
It won't be an easy job. It will take years; Those who stay loyal to the NUM will, initially at least, be forced into the wilderness. They will be intimidated, and some may even be sacked, as the Coad Board tries to demonstrate the true nature of its 'impartiality'. It is, nonetheless, a necessary and urgent task if this modern version of Spencerism 'born in the colliery office, supplied with Tory beer and fed in Tory clubs' as A J Cook called it in 1927, is to be defeated.
The NUM has a fight on its hands. It is up to all of us to support them.

And the NUM? There are a number of options for them too. One of them, eloquently put forward by Henry Friedman, ex-covenor at Ford Dagenham and well-respected left wing author on trade uniin issues, is that the NUM has to pay the full price for the split. Scargill, he says, had led the NUM to massive defeat. The price to pay for his leadership has been immense. He should now acknowledge his failure and go. This 'would allow a realignment of the National Union of Mineworkers towards the centre' aiding the prospect of re-unification between the two rivals.
This view should be rejected. The defeat of the miners strike did not come about because Scargill was a 'bad' leader. Of far more fundamental importance was the attitude of the TUC and the Labour Party who refused to give the NUM the kind of support which was necessary for the strike to win. Ritual disembowelment by Arthur Scargill will not change that fact. The tactics the NUM will have to adopt will of necessity have to be much more long-term, the formation of Spencer's 'non-political' union in Nottinghamshire during the 1920's and 30's tooke eleven years to be defeated. We could be talking about a similar time-span in this case.
The formation of the UDM will place the onus on NUM loyalists to prove their union is bet-
HEROES
'Heroes' is now available on album and cassette. It has been produced by the Northumberland and Durham Miners' Support Groups in conjunction with the Consett Unemployed Music Project. Its fourteen" tracks provide a history of the miners' strike, and include tracks from Billy Bragg, Flying Pickets, Alan Hull, Prelude, Eve Bland, and many more. All proceeds go to sacked miners and their families.
It is vitally important {hat we remember the events of the miners' strike and more importantly continue the struggle. New pit closures are constantly being announced. The NUM is under continuing attack in the workplace — most of the pits in Durham have striked for at least twenty-four hours in the last month. Over six hundred miners remain sacked. Past sacrifices must not be in vain. The fight goes on for an energy policy based on coal. We must support calls for a general amnesty of all sacked and imprisoned miners.
'Heroes' is a small part in this campaign. £5 is a small price to pay for 'Heroes'. Please encourage your union and organisation to buy copies to sell to its members. Available at LSE in E203, or ring 01 555 0158. For bulk orders write to Consett Miners Hall, Delves Lane, Consett, Co. Durham.
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 14
SOCIETIES
room bookings
The room booking procedure now seems to have settled down after a few critical hiccups. It is, unfortunate that long notices of
room requirements are still needed, but we are awaiting a further meeting with the School to attempt to improve this.
Any feed- back on room bookings, please get in touch via the Societies Room pigeon-hole.
societies room
Please check your pigeon-holes frequently for letters, inter-LSE communications, etc. Do all letters you expect get through, or have any gone astray? Again, feedback would be appreciated.
Also, please contribute to communal harmony by keeping the Societies Room tidy.
three tuns club
The Three Tuns Club is available for all societies for holding parties, etc, on Saturday Nights. What's more, if the amount of liquor consumed amounts to more than £200 worth, then the use of this amazing venue is absolutely FREE! For more information, contact Jack Frost in the Societies pigeon-hole.
printing facilities
Thanks to the dynamic enthusiasm of the SU printer, Kevin Cooper, all society leaflets can now be printed in the SU print room (E203). I.eaflets - with electro-stencil and duplicating paper (available from the Students' Union Shop) - should be handed to the primer. They will normally be ready for collection 24 hours later, although please try to avoid Wednesdays as this is given over to the production of SU agendas. Priority is given to SU Admin. All other leaflets printed strictly in rotation.
The opening hours of the print room are 10-1 and 2-3pm.
1)	They may be hand or type written.
2)	They must be dark (in black ink or red, brown, blue markers) print for good quality reproduction.
3)	Leave a margin - do not write right to the edge of A4 paper.
4)	Aviod large solid dark areas as these tend to cause over-inking, blurred copy, or damage to your stencil.
5)	Space out your leaflet, as cramming too much on will cause damage to the stencil.
6)	Nothing larger than A4 can be produced.
m

dates for your diary
Tuesday 5th November
LAW SOCIETY 1pm. Film 'Policing London' (GLC Police Committee). See posters for venue
5 November: Kate Marshall of the RCP will discuss "Women's Reproductive Rights." In the Women's Cen-tre(C 023), from l-2pm. Tuesday 12th November
Shirley Williams, 1pm. Watch notice boards for venue.
JEWISH SOCIETY, 1pm
Professor Higgins of our own LSE will be speaking on a topic concerning Jews and Russia. See you in S017, and come early for a cream cheeese bagel lunch!
12 November: Ann Sedley of the NCCL and Jan Stockdale, LSE Advisor to Women, will discuss "Sexual Harassment", from l-2pm in the Women's Centre.
Wednesday	13th
November
AIESEC Careers Day, 2-
6pm. Come along to A45, A85, and A86 for an opportunity for students to discuss informally career prospects with major firms.
Tuesday 19th November
LAW SOCIETY, 1pm. Michael Joseph, author of "Lawyers can seriously damage your health" - why legal education robs the lawyer of his critical faculties. Watch notice boards for venue.
PUMPING IRON Women! Have you used the Polygym in the main buildng basement?
This collection of mediaeval torture apparatus can actually be fun. Why not supplement your self-defence technique and your assertiveness training with muscle-building? Don't let anyone convince you that women should be weak. The Polygym can help you carry your books, move your furniture, repel a rapist, add zest to your sex life, and much much more!
Natalia Berkowitz
(NB the LSE Rugby Club trains in the Gym on Mondays and Thursdays 6-7pm. Ladies visiting to warm up for their body building would be welcome both by the rugby team, and the small group of ladies who already train with us. - Jack Frost, Societies Officer)
grimshaw-detente at its worst
Ever thought of going to Moscow? Strut round Red Square ignoring the crafty KGB agent who is just waiting to pounce and confiscate the crumpled copy of Elwyn Watkins' memoirs, which you are trying to smuggle to a Moscow Poly radical student (all for the price of a few pairs of flared Levis and a cracked Beatles LP)?
No? Well, if getting drunk on cheap Vodka and stuffing yourself with caviar, Marx and Engels meatballs doesn't appeal to you, then why not try a cheap visit to the major European 'institutions' in Strasbourg and Brussels, including our own supercompetition at NATO HQ to see wno can get to the red button first and scramble the RAF, US Airforce and Luftwaffe all in one go?
Still not interested? How about helping to pioneer a British delegation in a federation of European students to attend a conference in Munich later this year?
Well, if you hadn't noticed, Grimshaw is the International Relations society, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs at the LSE. Not only are we running the aforementioned trips, but, depending on your demand, others can be arranged to Israel and Africa. However, we also arrange outside speakers from all over the world and
lesbian and gay soc
There is an LSE Lesbian and Gay Society that meets every Monday in S175 at 7pm until 9pm. We're a very open, friendly social group, so come and see us any week. If you're shy you can always leave a note in our pigeon-hole in the Societies Room above Florries, and we'll contact 3'ou. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Deirdre MacGinley
from a very diverse reange of political beliefs raning from a Cuban envoy to exponents of limited nuclear war in Europe.
Anyone interested should see me at the inaugural lecture by a representative from the UN High Commission for Refugees (one of our less controversial speakers!) on the 7TH NOVEMBER IN THE NEW THEATRE AT 6pm (to be confirmed), or at our second party on the 12th November (details to be arranged, so watch out for poster), or you can leave a note in the Grimshaw pigeon-hole in the Societies Room. Our newsletter will be issued for all paid-up members within the fortnight. Join Grimshaw and save the world...!
Chris Riley
President of Grimshaw
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BEAVER CLASSIFIED
Bedford House Girls Project
:is looking for Women Volunteers.
We would like women who have an interest in working with girls and young women, and who have the ability to organise sports, crafts, discussion, activities with groups or individuals.
We are particularly looking for women on Monday or Thursday 7-10p.m. and Wednesday 5-7p.m.
Support and Training are available and expenses will be paid.
If you require any further information please write to Sue Milne, Bedford House or phone her on 405 2379 and leave your number if she isn't available.
Accommodaton
Single room required please, as nice as possible, as cheap as possible (about £30), as near to LSE as possible!
Please contact Shannon Ellsmore (Sports Ed.) Beaver Office.
are you a spanish or portugese student?
As Spain and Portugal join the European Community on 1 January 1986, students from these countries will qualify for the lower rate of fees for home students. Students who are nationals of other EEC countries (including the U.K.) and who have, until now, been charged the overseas rate on the grounds that they were resident in Spain or Portugal, may also now qualify for the lower rate of
fee. Most students affected by this change will have been contacted directly, but any students who believe themselves entitled to the lower rate should contact the Registry (if undergraduate) or the Graduate School office (if postgraduate). The lower rate will operate from January onwards, so you will be charged overseas students fees for Michaelmas Term 1985.
nus diary november
5 "Target 326" Rally 9 Women's Aggregate 16-17 NUS London Con-fGrcncB NUS Scotland Confer-
6I1C6
23-24 NUS Wales / UCMC Conference
Lesbian and Gay Liberation
Conference
26	Joint Union Rallies
27	Joint Union Delegate Lobby of Parliament
30 Youth Rally: Sheffield
page 15
Beaver November 4th 1985
LADIES HOCKEY
LSE2ndXIv RHNBC
Meeting at Waterloo at 9.30 after discos at Carr Saunders and Rosebery the night before (O.K. So who's responsible for clashing the discos) is not exactly a recipe for a full team. Melanie turned up at the last minute making our number up to 7!! The train journey to Egham was taken up deciding whether we wanted only defenders or only attackers. If you read the report if the previous Wednesday then you'll understand why we chose to be a team of defenders! (without a goalie) (Any budding goalies out there for Sturdays - see me!)
With the odds against us(RHNBC had a full team) we, surprisingly, began the game with enthusiasm nd energy. We contained them well with all of the team running around the field covering all the emplty positions. Eventhe umpire came over at half-time to congratulate us. 'If only you didn't let in so many stupid goals'-EJulia's pained expression of exhaustion at the end summed up the effort that we underdogs put into the game and naturally, as a result, fun was had by all. The hospitality afterwards was even better. No 'player of the match' because our mutual appreciation society (that seems to rear its head at the end of every match) decided we all played equally well!! Thanks to the players - great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Annabel Ironside (capt)
LSE II V KENT
The good news is that we didn't lose 13-0, contrary to the malicious gossip floating about the Tuns, saved by an alert umpire one of the many Kent goals was disallowed. The bad news is, our first game of the season, LSE II's managed an uprecedented score of 12-0. The excuse is that it was a Wednesday.
To give credit to the Kent team, they took full advantage of our rather fruitless efforts to realise the potential of our team. By half time, with the
score 7-0 down, the team was feeling slighty pessimistic and, sad to say, put up little fight during the second half of the game. Needless to say we played a defensive, rather than offensive strategy. Well done to the goal keeper and defense for actually making it through both halves - they had a tough game, to say the least!
To be more optimistic, however, this was the first game of the season - with the enlistment of several new members, we were very much a 'novel' team.
Welcome to the new members of the team and our new captain, Annabel. I'm sure it will be a great season, so let's not get too disheartened by our disgusting performance.
P.S. New members are very welcome - leave note on Hockey noticeboard in Florries.
MIXED HOCKEY
A perfect afternoon began at 12.45 at Holborn Station on Sunday. Several hours later Tarek led the way down Turkey Street and 11 highly excited hockey players prepared for kickoff
Surrounded by horses, cows and real trees, we really played rather brilliantly. Particularly noteworthy were the goals scored by Paul Lowcock, Tarek and, by general consensus, Tim Rogmans. Particluarly un-noteworthy were the performances of the ladies of the womens 2nd XI. Perhaps some-ome should have pointed out to the Dutch contingent led by Tim Rogmans that the idea of a hockey match is to play for a whole hour. Following their departure, however, we did manage to maintain our lead, despite John Patten trying to insure an invaluable member of the team (me).
It must be said that everyone played very well and there was an incredibly moving esprit de corps and entente cordiale among the players. A good time was had by all and we finished the afternoon by treking down Turkey Street euphoric with drink and the emotion of our victory.
Shireen Kanji.
FOOT BALL
1st XI
LSE 1st KENT 4
XI 2
Playing a pacey Kent team, the LSE Ists were rather unfortunate not to emerge with at least a draw. Having fallen 2-0 down by half time, LSE appeared rejuvenated by their oranges and completely dominated the secind half. After persistent pressure, Wayne Dooley volleyed home an excellent goal following good work by Bradley on the right.
At 2-1 a penalty appeal was turned down by the referee who instead gave a corner. Adam Markin was picked out and in a spirit of regrettable philanthropy he passed the ball to a Kent player who ran the length of the pitch to secure Kents victory. The Scholls final (i.e. second) goal was again scored by Dooley, culminating a fine solo run.
The result was a disappointment for the Ists, but the performances of many players, in particular Dooley, Markin and Nolan promised much for the coming season.
LSE 1st XI 2 St GEORGES 1
A thrilling cup tie gave LSE their first win of the season. The referee, Mr Versatility Dooley, allowed the game to flow -i.e. missed the fouls.
Inspired by some excellent midfield work by Adam Markin, and the now fully fit Neil Hutchinson LSE took a deserved lead just after half time. Ray Bradley once again provided the decisive touch. However, with Nolan wandering up field, St Georges equalised with surely the luckiest goal of the season. The winning goal was scored by Justin Rus-sel capping a useful performance, by himself and the LSE.
LSE 2nd XI 1 KENT 1
Having dominated the first quarter, the LSE seconds considered themselves unlucky to trail Kent. A freak defensive error by captain West led to the Kent centre-forward rifling the ball into the LSE goal. However, LSE fought their way back into contention with great defensive play from Shingler and Scott.
The arrival of John Shipstone at half-time provided the spearhead in attack that was lacking in the first half. Persistent aggression exposed ten minutes before the final whistle. Good work by Rob Easton enabled Steven Gould to turn the ball in from close range, capping an encouraging all-round performance.
Andy Shingler.
LSE 2nd XI 2 UC 2nd XI 5
Despite starting the game with 10 men and Nick West reverting to keeper, the mid-field powerhouse of Martin Sabeli and Richard Rheingold soon took firm control. Poor refereeing led to the first UC goal.A hand-ball by a UC palyer an the line went unnoticed and a break-away led to the UC centre forward placing the ball fiercely past the part-time keeper.
The 2nd half saw the LSE thrpw everything at the opposition but the resultant gaps in defence led to 2 further UC goals. 2 brilliantly taken goals by Sabeli and Rheingold were inadequate consolation for a generally disappointing after-
4th XI
LSE 4th XI 2 St MARY 0 (UAU)
'Football is never a dull or physical game', Damon Powell once said. What a complete nonsense his words turned out to. be. In what proved to be an uninspiring and brutal episode, the mandarins of LSE soccer limped off, after having inflicted a 2-0 defeat upon their rugged opposition.
The first half saw LSE displaying some ferocious ball-winning technique which ensured almost continual possession. The goals, bewilder-ingly, did not arrive. The LSE defence and in particular Gareth Morgan (now a butcher of LSE soccer) provided a minefield for the oppositions front runners. As the half wore on, the holder of last years golden boot award, Francis Grant, somehow edged his precious head forward to meet a calculated Mike Stratten cross. There was now an appetite for goals and it took the goal-shy Jim Rutherford to hammer his critics. Rutherford went skilfully round two rugby-like tackles before unleashing a stunning shot which left the keeper without a prayer.
Tiredness killed off the remaining sparkles in what was already a disappointing match in the second half While Jim Mclnally and Stuart Barber continued the struggle, the other nine players seemed to be busy in finding a place to leave their poisonous studs.
Jimmy Toh.
RED DRAGON MEETS RED FLAG
Contrary to popular belief, this year's party conference season did not end in Blackpool. Last weekend, delegates converged on the ferry-port of Holyhead, on Anglesey for the Annual Conference of Plaid Cymru. Admittedly, unpretentious Holyhead is a less select resort than down-town Bournemouth, or even Blackpool for that matter, but this in itself says something for Plaid Cymru.
The events of the^ past twelve months had ensured that this year's Conference was to mark a significant break through for Plaid Cymru as a political force in Wales. In particular, the miners' strike had allowed the party to confirm its position as the real defender of Welsh jobs and communities. The high profile enjoyed by the Plaid President, Dafydd Elis Thomas MP, as a result of his committment not only to the miners' case but also to the womens' movement and to nuclear disarmament, induced a flood of journalists to Holyhead with an unpre-
cedented amount of media coverage.
One could not help feeling that the new politics, oft talked about but seldom seen, was for the first tiine manifested at Holyhead last week. Miners, many of whom joined Plaid Cymru from Labour during the year-long strike, shared a position of prominence on the conference platform with the vastly increased number of women delegates.
With the mesage 'YMLAEN GYDA'S BLAID' Forward with Plaid, emblazoned above the Conference platform, it was evident that the emphasis was to be set firmly on the future. Among the original motions submitted by various branches but not selected for debate at conference, was one proposing to change the name of the party to 'The Socialist Pary of Wales'. Antoher sought party affiliation to the Socialist International body. Far from signalling a departure from Plaid's previous aims and beliefs, such
motions imply the realization by members that the main diffi-cutly facing the party is one of presentation, not of nolicv.
A diversity of motions recieved the support of the delegates at Holyhead, including a declaration of increased support for the mining^ communities and an energy policy based on coal, as well as one calling for a conr-plete boycott of all South Afi*i-can goods and a unanimous condemnation of the Welsh Rugby Union for its persistent links with apartheid South Africa.
The standard of debate throughout conference was of an exceptionally high standard, owing something one feels, to the extra dimension added by the increased proportion of women speakers during the sessions. The strenuous efforts of the radical Womens' Section of Plaid Cymru to introduce a policy of.complete equal representation for women in the party, failed by first four votes, marking perhaps the only new-
point of conference. However, equal representation will live to fight another day and another Conference, and seems destined to make Plaid Cymru the first-political party in western Europe to implement such a policy throughout its constitution, from branch to national executive level.
A BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE
Dafydd Elis Thomas, the energetic young President who has succeeded in rejuvenating the party so much during his relatively short term of office, spoke of a possible alliance between Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party in the next election ,which would hold the balance of power in a hung Parliament. His presidential address reaffirmed the party's commitment ot decentralised socialism. Devolution, said Mr. Thomas, was a defunct concept. The granting of token autonomy to the so-called 'peripheral
regions of England' was simply a means of ensuring tighter control by central government.
The only real alterntive is a situation where the economic base is firmly entrenched in the local communities. A stagnant Labour Party could offer nothing to the Welsh working class, declared Mr. Thomas. Neil Kinnock's only concern was achieving electoral viability in South East England, not the fulfillment of promises for the future of the Welsh communities and their peoples.
So Plaid Cymru Conference ended in a mood of euphoria and optimism, with the stage seemingly set for the creation of an independent, socialist Wales. The question most delegates were asking as they left Holyhead was how soon, not if, this will be accomplished.
Laura McAllister
Beaver November 4th 1985
page 16
BEAVER SPORT
RUGBY
1st XV
LSE 1st XV 0 KENT 10 (16 Oct.)
LSE came off second best in a physical battle in which a player from each side left the contest in an ambulance. The forwards did not concede defeat and did particularly well in the set-scrummage. The backs, however, despite strong tackling were not impressive going forward. The Kent pressure paid off with 2 tries and a conversion bringing the final score to Kent 10 LSE 0.
LSE 1st XV 8 St MARYS COLLEGE 4 (26 Oct.)
The 1st XV faced uncompromising opposition in a closely contested match at Strawberry Hill.
Tim Frost led the pack throughout with his 'true blue' grit. Tom Walker at fly half perfomed well as did the rest of the backs, with tries either side of half time coming from Anthony Foley and 'Tony' Jaffar.
2nd XV
LSE 2nd XV 7 KENT 2nd XV 12 (19 Oct.)
The seconds performed well in a closely fought game and were 7-6 ahead up to the last ten minutes. John Morabito scored the try with Tom Walker adding a penalty. Unfortunately the midfield defence let in Kent for the winning score.
Kent won merely because they are a better 'drilled' side, which is a result of being a campus university.
LSE 2nd XV 21 CHELSEA/QEC 1st 13 (26 Oct.)
The season took an upturn here with our best performance so far. Some ferocious tackling by Chris Macmillan and two tries from John Omino spurred the LSE to batter and overwhelm a competent Chelsea side. The forwards dominated the set pieces whilst the backs tackled well in defence. The final score somewhat flattered the opposition.
Uther match results:-
LSE 2nd XV 21 CHELSEA COL-LEGE/QEC 13
FOR	ALL
SPORTS KEEP AN EYE ON THE SPORTS BOARDS IN THE FLORRIES EXTENSION.
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO THE A.U. OFFICE (E65) OR CONACT PEOPLE VIA THE AU PIGEON HOLES OUTSIDE THE AU.
ANYONE WISHING TO PLAY FOOTBALL FOR LSE PLEASE CONTACT JOHN NOLAN OR JIMMY TOH IN THE AU (E65) OR VIA THE AU PIGEON HOLES.

0^
Please note that meeting on the Old Building steps on Wednesday is actually only for pre-booked lessons and not for joining the Riding Club as reported in the last issue.
If you are interested in joining the Riding Club, please get in touch with Jane Beestock or Sharon Mitchell via the Riding Club pigeon holes or by phoning the numbers on the AU notice board.
My apologies (Sports Ed.)
If anyone is interested in covering any national/ international sports issues please contact Shannon Ellsmore in the Beaver Office {E204).
LADIES 2nd XI HOCKEY
1st XI
League Results: 19-10-85 LSE 1 UC Ists 0
23-10-85 GUYS 2 LSE 0
26-10-85 LSE 5 UC 2nds 2
The LSE Ladies first team began their season with 9 players, 1 hungover alcoholic and only 8 'sticks'. Emergency measures, however, produced a healthier team (no drinking until AFTER the match!), 3 more sticks and a referee.
-	Penalty -
Despite considerable LSE pressure on the UC defence the LSE did not score until late in the first half with Sedor, our token colonial, striking home a penalty.
In the second half LSE made an even more determined effort to penetrate the UC defence. Several attempts on goal were enraged by very poor umpiring. The scoreline, however, remained a mere 1-fl in oiir favour.
-	Wrath of Umbers -
Wednesday saw a hashly rearranged outing to Guys Hospital. An apathetic LSE team showed little desire to score against a team they could so easily have beaten.
Even the wrath of Umbers could not induce a serious effort on goal. The defence, badly bruised, could not prevent the Guys captain striking twice. Guys 2 LSE 0.
By Saturday, the team was reduced to nine players, due to assorted injuries and a brain drain to Aiesec. Against the odds, LSE gained their second league victory against UC seconds, who were basically lacking in technical expertise.
- Faulkus scores at last-
Caroline Faulkus started the onslaught in the first minute, with her first ever goal in competitive hockey, and then went on to score a hat trick -Ellsmore casually scored the other LSE goals- one off a corner and the other after a brilliant individual effort from the half-way line.
Although LSE were unfortunately caught twice in defence, the goal keeping talent of Kil-dunne was unveiled for all to see. LSE 5 UC 2nd 2.
AU's TALACE'-E65
The AU office has now been decorated and fitted with a luxury carpet (not one cigarette burn).
In the near future it hopes to aquire a kettle, toaster, a cooker, a fridge, a microwave, a drinks cabinet and fully trained staff!
- Pop in for a chat -
LSE 2nd XI 0 ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL 9
Well ,at least we kept the goal differenc into single figures this week! Despite strong opposition and being a player short, LSE seconds held their ground but unfortunately lost their balls (twice in the undergrowth).
The first half passed quickly, the defence doing really well in fending off a continuous and advancing line of forwards. The speed and skill of the Royal Free forwards, however, proved too much for the team and our defence no option but to concede 4 goals.
MENS HOCKEY
LSE 1st XI1 Royal Vets 1
After conceding an early goal scored in somewhat dubious circumstances, LSE came back strongly to dominate the rest of the first half. Perhaps due to the late start, it seemed that the LSE team were sufficiently awake to reverse the defeat they had suffered in the UAU competition against Kent a week earlier. The new midfield system seemed to be working well, an impression confirmed when LSE equalised through their quick-silver centre-forward Tarek Fadtallah.
In the second half the vets pushed on. Forfunately, the lamentable inefficiency of the Vets umpire prevented LSE from conceeding anovher goal.
So LSE emerged from the game unscarred. Adrain Cart-wright who had been hit on the head a few days before, played well in goal (its amazing what relocation of the brain can do). We are confident that next weeks UAU game will see LSE back to their winning ways.
After a serious team talk at half time we were determined as ever to put up a fight. Unfortunately the excellent tackles and dribbling skills displayed by the LSE did not materialise into goals. In the closing seconds of the match LSE missed the goal by literlly inches -the cry of agony from the field said it all.
Well done to all the players, particularly to Shireen Kanji in defence along with Julie Williams & Sandra. Thanks for a good turn-out. Keep it up - we will score a goal eventually I promis!
Jo

Before the match these UAU matches were viewed simply as team practise against vastly superior opposition. The second team though with 80*^ of the play, outclassed good opposition only to lose to a single goal in the first couple of minutes.In three years of playing with various good and bad LSE hockey teams, I have never seen a better display of sheer determination and awareness of the game.
Credit should go to the outstanding performance by the past captain Chris (maniac) Riley who never once let a ball, or for that matter a player, get past him. Newcomer John Horn proved an invaluable assetto the team,tightening the defence considerably and convering well for a certain fagged out
rpintflin


HOUGHTON STREET HARRY
Ten millions dollars are to be won on Saturday at Aqueduct with Pebbles, after her devastating performance in the champion stakes at Newmarket. The question is however will she stay the one and half miles at New York. This should be no problem for her if she is ridden quietly from behind as at Newmarket. The race of the day should be the Breeders Cup Mile with Shadeed, Never So Bold and Rousillon. Shadeed back at his best after beating Telemprompter last month should win but it will not be an easy victory.
With the National Hunt season already ten weeks old, two horses to watch closely, particularly if the ground stays hard are Browns Gazette and Never so Bold. However, the best bet of the year, without any shadow of a doubt, is Burnley for the 4th division title.