Thursday 18th September 2025
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Hertford Archaeology Open Day: Medieval Oxford laid bare

Antonia Rogers
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Hertford Archaeology Open Day: Medieval Oxford laid bare

You may have spent the last year wondering what has been going on amongst all the scaffolding and construction noise at Hertford College. The Hertford Archaeological Open Day on Saturday 6th September provided the answer, with insight into the building work and rescue archaeology that has been taking place behind the College’s walls. 

Hertford is currently in the process of building a new library and archival storage, including a basement that will extend under the main Old Quad to the Old Chapel and up against the All Souls College boundary. Development in Oxford, and across the country, goes through a planning process whereby potential archaeological importance has to be taken into consideration. Archaeology companies are then contracted to excavate and record any finds before the construction can take place.

Oxford Archaeology have taken on the project. They are a commercial company which works all around the UK, not just in Oxford as the name may suggest. Ben Ford, senior project manager at Oxford Archaeology, told Cherwell: “Part of our remit is to invite members of the public in to show them what we’re finding…the project is quite complicated, because there are a lot of different aspects to working together with construction.” This means that they will probably be working until Christmas 2025, having already been at Hertford for almost a year.

During this long job they have found some decidedly interesting things. Tamsin, an archaeologist working on the site, told Cherwell: “There’s a lot of archaeology here. Our work varies based on what we think is there, and how it impacts the surrounding landscape.”

The excavations in the Quad have revealed that many different buildings and institutions once made up the Hertford we know today. Archaeological evidence, used alongside old maps, attests to the existence of three small, medieval academic halls: Black Hall, Catte Hall, and Hart Hall. Precursors to the college system, only Hart Hall was to survive, eventually becoming Hertford College. The Quad also has remains from the back gardens of properties that lined Catte Street, which was once the centre of hand-made book production in Oxford. This pairs nicely with the discovery of a collection of metal book clasps (which held books shut when they were made of parchment paper), as well as writing leads and styli.

Another archaeologist, James, walked me through some of their best finds, displayed in a glass case for the visitors to see. He said: “The [reading] lens is the best thing I’ve ever found. I’m still ecstatic about it. It came out perfectly; it was absolutely stunning.” He went on to add that, as reading lenses were popular before the 1300s, this one could be well over 700 years old. Other finds included German stoneware pottery, French jetons (a form of medieval currency), and a Scottish coin, showing that “we’ve got a large international population that’s coming to Oxford to interact with the University, and they’re bringing their culture with them”. 

The waste pits from the three halls have brought to light small everyday items. These include combs made from animal bone, metal buckles, drinking vessels, tableware, and even a set of wooden bowling balls, painting a picture of student life not far removed from our own. Eating, drinking, and leisure activities went hand-in-hand with academic studies, even in the medieval period.

Whilst the archaeologists may be done by the end of 2025, Olivia Warburton, Head of Communications at Hertford College, said that the library should be finished in time for the 2027/28 academic year. 

Oxford spinout OrganOx acquired by Terumo in record $1.5 billion deal

Mercedes Haas
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Oxford spinout OrganOx acquired by Terumo in record $1.5 billion deal

OrganOx, a University of Oxford spinout specialising in organ preservation technology, has been acquired by Japanese healthcare company Terumo Corporation for £1.18 billion. The deal announced this week marks the first time one of the University’s companies has been sold for more than £1 billion.

Founded in 2008 by Professor Constantin Coussios of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (IBME) and Professor Peter Friend of the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, OrganOx emerged from collaboration between Oxford’s engineers and clinicians. Its pioneering technology, Normothermic Machine Perfusion, keeps donor organs functioning outside the human body by circulating oxygenated fluid at body temperature. This process not only prolongs organ viability but also enables clinicians to assess function in real-time, significantly increasing the number of organs available for transplant.

Since its inception, OrganOx’s devices have been used in more than 6,000 transplants worldwide. They have enabled the use of organs from higher-risk donors that would previously have been discarded, while also reducing the need for emergency and night-time surgeries. Earlier this year, the company’s achievements were recognised with the Royal Academy of Engineering’s MacRobert Award, the UK’s most prestigious engineering innovation prize.

The acquisition builds on a longstanding partnership between OrganOx and Terumo, which first invested in the company through its corporate venture arm in February this year. The deal remains subject to regulatory approval but is expected to accelerate the technology’s global reach, expanding its benefits to patients and healthcare systems across multiple continents.

Professor Coussios, co-founder of OrganOx and Director of the IBME, reflected on the journey from lab to clinic: “From the outset our aim was to solve one of transplantation’s greatest challenges: preserving organs in a viable state for longer, so as to make it possible to assess and potentially transplant what was previously thought untransplantable. Seeing that vision realised for the benefit of patients across four continents has been incredibly rewarding.”

The former Director of the Oxford Transplant Centre, Professor Friend, added: “OrganOx technology is transforming the landscape of organ transplantation, with huge impact on both patients and surgeons. The success of this venture results from a highly effective synergy between Surgical Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, and from the University of Oxford’s support in translating our research into real-world impact.”

The University of Oxford was an early investor in OrganOx, providing proof-of-concept funding through the University Challenge Seed Fund and later supporting the company through its Spinout Equity Management Fund. The transaction represents a 50-fold return for founding investors and reinforces Oxford’s position as one of the world’s leading ecosystems for biomedical innovation.

5 Great Perfumes for Students Coming Back to University

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5 Great Perfumes for Students Coming Back to University

One of the finest methods to highlight your individuality is by choosing the perfect perfume. It forms a major portion of how others perceive you, sometimes more than the clothes one wears, or even one’s attitude towards others. Inspiring creativity, changing behavior, calming and boosting self-esteem are all possible outcomes.

It can also intensify emotions — which makes it a perfect companion for students stepping into a new academic year. Think about your perfume, which may become your signature scent even after you stop using it.

What should students look for in a perfume?

Of course, what you want is the most important thing when you choose the best women’s perfumes. You’ll be sensing your chosen scent for a long time every day, so you should enjoy it. Think about it: do you like strong floral notes or lemon scents that are clean and crisp?

Also consider your daily routine — classes, study groups, social events. A different fragrance may work better for long study days than for nights out with friends. Versatility and wearability are key when choosing perfumes for student life.

Fragrance trends in 2025

When selecting the best perfumes for students, it helps to consider current trends. Perfumes are deeply emotional choices that reflect your mood and lifestyle. In 2025, fragrances that blend freshness, harmony, and versatility are dominating the market — perfect for the multitasking student.

This year’s standout trends include long-lasting blends of bright florals and subtle sweetness. Think light, juicy peach or ripe, sun-warmed fruits. Citrus notes evoke the feeling of carefree summer breaks, while green tea offers a calming, focused vibe — ideal for a busy campus day.

Hibiscus is also having a moment, bringing tropical warmth and originality to the fragrance world. Sustainability and tech-driven perfume production continue to shape the market — a plus for conscious students making thoughtful choices.

Our Top 5 Perfumes for Students Heading Back to University

Whether you’re looking for an everyday signature scent or something to make you feel confident during presentations or nights out, here are five standout picks:

1. Prada Paradoxe
A voyage to femininity and discovery of new fragrances — ideal for students exploring new chapters. From bergamot, pear, and mandarin to orange flower, neroli, and jasmine, this scent evolves beautifully. The base is a blend of amber, benzoin, musk, and bourbon vanilla. Strikes the perfect balance between modern and classic — perfect for day-to-night campus life.

2. CHANEL Chance Eau Tendre
Fresh, optimistic, and full of possibility — just like the start of a new semester. This blend of white musk, citrus, rose, and jasmine feels light and inspiring. One of the best women’s perfumes for daily use, it’s delicate and fresh — a go-to for lectures, library sessions, or coffee runs.

3. CHANEL Coco Mademoiselle Intense
Confident, elegant, and undeniably bold. Flowery notes meet citrusy bergamot, lemon, and orange, with an addictive patchouli heart and warm base of musk, tonka bean, and Madagascar vanilla. Ideal for evening events, formal presentations, or simply when you want to make an impression.

4. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle
Every note of this scent is a reminder that life is beautiful. Orange, iris, jasmine blossoms, blackcurrant, and pear lead to a base of praline and patchouli. Sweet yet sophisticated — a great choice for students who want a signature scent that reflects joy and self-expression.

5. Carolina Herrera Good Girl
Playful yet powerful — just like student life. Jasmine and tuberose pair with cocoa, tonka bean, and almond in this daring fragrance. The high-heel bottle embodies the duality many young women navigate daily. A confident, attention-grabbing pick for campus events or nights out.

This collection of fragrances is expressive, long-lasting, and versatile — exactly what students need when returning to university. Whether you’re after everyday freshness or a fragrance that turns heads, MAKEUP offers a range of options to match your student lifestyle.

Stylish Dressing Table Chairs: Enhance Comfort and Aesthetics in Your Dressing Area

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Stylish Dressing Table Chairs: Enhance Comfort and Aesthetics in Your Dressing Area

When it comes to creating a stylish and functional space, a dressing table chair often gets overlooked. Yet, they play a crucial role in our daily routines, providing comfort and support as we prepare for the day ahead. A well-chosen chair not only enhances the aesthetic of our dressing area but also adds a touch of elegance and personality.

In this article, we’ll explore the various styles, materials, and features that make dressing table chairs a must-have in any bedroom. From modern designs to classic vintage looks, there’s a perfect chair out there for everyone. Let’s dive into the world of dressing table chairs and discover how they can elevate our personal spaces.

Overview of Dressing Table Chairs

Dressing table chairs serve a crucial role in enhancing both the functionality and the aesthetic appeal of dressing areas. These chairs provide comfort and support during daily routines, such as applying makeup or styling hair. Various styles cater to diverse preferences and needs, ranging from sleek modern designs to ornate vintage options.

Styles of Dressing Table Chairs

Modern Chairs

Modern chairs feature clean lines and minimalist designs, often made from materials like metal or plastic. They blend seamlessly into contemporary interiors, offering a chic look.

Vintage Chairs

Vintage chairs often showcase intricate detailing, vintage fabrics, or distressed wood finishes. They add character and charm, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.

Upholstered Chairs

Upholstered chairs provide added comfort with soft padding and fabric covers. Various patterns and colours complement decor while ensuring a cosy seating experience.

Stool Chairs

Stool chairs, typically without backs, offer a compact solution for smaller spaces. These functional options are easy to move while maintaining style.

Materials Used

Wood

Wooden chairs boast durability and timeless appeal. Common finishes include natural, stained, or painted options, enhancing versatility.

Metal

Metal chairs are lightweight and strong, often used in modern designs. They may incorporate fabric seats for added comfort.

Plastic

Plastic chairs offer affordability and ease of maintenance. Available in a variety of shapes and colours, they suit many styles.

Fabric

Fabric choices include velvet, cotton, or linen, each contributing to the overall aesthetic. Various patterns and textures enhance visual interest.

Features to Consider

Height

The chair’s height must complement the dressing table to ensure comfortable use. Adjustable height options cater to different preferences.

Mobility

Chairs with wheels allow easy movement around the space. Fixed chairs offer stability but may limit flexibility.

Storage

Some dressing table chairs feature built-in storage, helping to maintain organisation and tidy spaces.

Cushioning

Chairs with added cushioning enhance comfort, especially during prolonged use. Selecting the right level of padding can improve overall experience.

Dressing table chairs don’t just serve practical purposes; they also contribute significantly to the room’s overall style. By selecting the right design, material, and features, we create a functional yet inviting dressing area that reflects personal style.

Types of Dressing Table Chairs

Dressing table chairs come in various styles and materials, each offering unique benefits. Understanding these types helps in selecting the ideal chair for our dressing space.

Upholstered Chairs

Upholstered chairs provide comfort and style. They typically feature soft padding covered in fabric, making them ideal for lengthy beauty routines. Common options include velvet, linen, or faux leather. These materials add a touch of elegance and can enhance the overall decor. Available in diverse colours and patterns, upholstered chairs suit various interior designs, from modern to traditional.

Wooden Chairs

Wooden chairs exhibit durability and timeless appeal. Common types include solid wood, providing robust support and stability. Chair designs often feature sleek lines or intricate carvings that elevate the dressing area style. Wooden chairs also allow for staining or painting to match our decor preferences. They are suitable for both traditional and contemporary settings, adding warmth and character.

Metal Chairs

Metal chairs offer a contemporary, lightweight option. They often feature sleek designs and are easy to move and store, making them ideal for smaller spaces. Available in various finishes, including chrome and brushed steel, metal chairs provide a modern aesthetic. Some designs incorporate cushioned seats for added comfort, combining style with practicality. Metal chairs fit perfectly in minimalist and industrial-themed decors, enhancing our dressing area with a chic touch.

Key Features to Consider

Selecting the right dressing table chair involves considering various features that enhance both comfort and style. Key factors include comfort and ergonomics, style and design, and size and dimensions.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort plays a crucial role in our choice of dressing table chairs. An ergonomic design promotes proper posture, providing support to our back and neck during prolonged use. Look for features such as padded seats and adjustable height options to ensure a comfortable seating experience. Solid cushioning materials, like memory foam or high-density foam, offer additional comfort and can alleviate strain during our daily routines. Adjustable backrests further enhance support, allowing us to personalise our seating position.

Style and Design

The style and design of dressing table chairs contribute significantly to the overall aesthetic of the space. We can choose from various styles, including modern, vintage, or contemporary designs, all tailored to match our personal taste. Upholstered chairs in vibrant colours or rich patterns can serve as statement pieces, while wooden chairs add warmth and sophistication. Metallic finishes can introduce a sleek, modern touch. When selecting a chair, consider how its design complements the decor of the dressing area, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Size and Dimensions

Size and dimensions are essential to ensure our dressing table chair fits perfectly within the available space. We should measure the height of the dressing table and the chair seat to maintain an appropriate height difference for easy use. Additionally, consider the chair’s width and depth, especially in smaller areas, to avoid overcrowding. Folding or compact stools are ideal for tight spaces, while larger chairs can provide extra comfort. Ensuring the right size contributes to both comfort and functionality, allowing us to enjoy an ideal dressing experience.

Best Dressing Table Chairs on the Market

Dressing table chairs vary widely in style and price. We’ve curated a selection featuring affordable options as well as high-end choices that combine functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Affordable Options

We understand budget constraints are common when selecting dressing table chairs. Here are some excellent affordable choices:

IKEA MOPPE: This wooden chair features a clean design and compact size, perfect for smaller spaces. It’s sturdy and available at a low price point.

Argos Home Lousia Dressing Table Chair: With a chic tufted design, this affordable upholstered chair adds a touch of elegance while providing soft cushioning.

Wayfair Basics Folding Stool: This lightweight option folds away easily, making it exceptionally versatile for various spaces.

High-End Choices

Made.com Tamsin Chair: This chair offers a luxurious velvet finish and a contemporary silhouette, enhancing the sophistication of any dressing area.

Heals Dining Chair: Crafted from solid wood, this chair combines timeless style with exceptional durability, making it a worthwhile investment for longer-lasting use.

Jonathan Adler Monaco Chair: This designer piece features a striking design and high-quality materials, perfect for adding a statement element to your dressing space.

Conclusion

Choosing the right dressing table chair can transform our daily routines and elevate the overall aesthetic of our space. With a variety of styles and materials available we can find the perfect chair that complements our personal taste while providing comfort and support.

Whether we opt for a modern design or a vintage piece it’s essential to consider factors like height and ergonomics to ensure a comfortable experience. By selecting a chair that fits seamlessly into our dressing area we not only enhance functionality but also create a welcoming atmosphere that reflects our unique style.

Investing in a quality dressing table chair is a step towards making our everyday rituals more enjoyable and stylish.

The Blue Trail: Reviewed

Lara Machado
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The Blue Trail: Reviewed

★★★★☆

The Blue Trail (O Último Azul), this year’s winner of the Berlin International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize, is probably unlike most things you’ve seen before. Set in a quasi-dystopian – although not techno-futuristic – near-present Brazil, the film shows us a country that now sends all citizens over 80 to housing colonies, so that they don’t hinder the productivity of younger citizens. The protagonist Tereza, played sublimely by Denise Weinberg, refuses to comply with this and sets out on a journey down the Amazon in an attempt to fulfil her dream of flying. 

Speaking in Cinema Trindade in Porto, the director Gabriel Mascaro expressed his frustration at the way that stories about the elderly tend to unfold in cinema. When doing research for this film, he explained that he struggled to find films with elderly protagonists that weren’t about figures stuck in the past; frail bodies already dead to the present and simply waiting to die. The Blue Trail certainly opens up a path for a new way of filming old age, centred in a body of the present that still desires. 

This does not mean that Mascaro’s film shies away from the physicality of ageing: quite the opposite. With a 4:3 aspect ratio and frequent close-up shots, Weinberg’s body constantly takes up the screen. In one of the most beautiful scenes in the film, Tereza teaches Roberta (Miriam Soccarras) – an elderly ship captain she meets along the way – to dance. Their bodies and faces, close together, consume the screen.  

Although the film flirts at times with the mystical, there is nothing transcendent about it. One of the recurring elements of the plot is a snail whose trail is blue. This is a snail that, the film tells us, is only found when it wants to be and, when its trail is dripped into the eye, leads to visions that show one’s future. Importantly, when Tereza places the drops in both her eyes and those of Roberta we do not see their visions, only their bodies reacting to the effects of the substance. Mascaro seems to be able to play with the magical while always grounding himself in the earthly.

This is where the film’s setting is also very important. Here the Amazon is another body, far more ancient than Tereza’s but just as neglected. On her first boat trip, Tereza finds a bank covered with tyres that have been returned to the place their material first got cut down from. Outside the lush, green Amazonian wilderness, the towns and habitations seen in the film are poor and run-down. Although the society borders on dystopian, there is no technology in the film – as Mascaro himself points out – that doesn’t exist today. Everything is within the realm of the possible, and that makes it all the more affecting.

The original title does not actually translate to ‘The Blue Trail’ but instead to ‘The Last Blue’, which I think is key as a frame to the film. When discussing genre, Mascaro stated that he drew both from dystopian and coming-of-age films because they tend to centre themes of rebellion and self-discovery. Tereza, a single mother working all the time, at one point says that she never really had the time to think about what she wanted to do but that she still feels a desire to do something. She eventually decides on flying, and this is what takes her on a journey through the Amazon River in search of an ultra-light aircraft to take her. 

One flight, one radical moment of freedom before allowing herself to be sent to the colonies, the last blue. What she finds instead, aided by both the blue of the river and the snail trail, is arguably a much more profound freedom: an entirely new way of living, one which would have been impossible for her to picture at the start of the film and which rejects all forms of control. A future that the film does not close off for us, but is open and unfolding: the last blue.

Your Party society launched as ‘union of the left’ at Oxford

Amelia Gibbins and Laurence Cooke
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Your Party society launched as ‘union of the left’ at Oxford

A new political society promising to “facilitate the discussion of left-wing ideas” has been formed at Oxford University.

Your Party Society, inspired by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana’s alliance, was announced in an Instagram post this week, and will follow a similar democratic structure to the national Your Party movement. Students who attend its inaugural meeting are expected to help set the agenda. The society’s social events have not yet been decided.

The government’s response to ongoing Israeli attacks on civilians in Gaza, as well as its approach to trans rights and welfare spending, are all expected to be policy focuses for the new group. 

Callum Turnbull, co-founder alongside Esme Thomson, told Cherwell he wanted to see a “united front” of left-wing groups at the University, noting that no mainstream political societies had outwardly expressed support for Oxford Action for Palestine (OA4P). 

He added that Oxford Labour Club (OLC) has not done a “good enough job of actually calling out the government for not doing what a Labour government should be doing”, and alluded to “issues with the leadership of the Labour Party getting in the way” of OLC. 

The foundation of the new society at Oxford comes amid disaffiliations of student Labour societies from the national party, with those at Warwick and Manchester rescinding their affiliation in support of Corbyn and Sultana’s party.

Though the society is not officially associated with Your Party, Turnbull told Cherwell that this was an ambition “in a way that it doesn’t become so affiliated that it becomes like OLC, where we cannot call out things that we don’t like about the party”.

Adnan Hussain, an independent MP belonging to the Corbyn-Sultana alliance, sparked debate last week after declaring that trans women are “not biologically women”. Hussain voted against decriminalising abortion in June 2025. 

Turnbull told Cherwell that he expects “most people who will be coming to events would be disagreeing with [Hussain’s views], and that is something that we would want to be able to call out”.

He also alleged that OLC’s “top down” structure meant that figures in the Labour Party would “groom” those in senior roles at the society for a career in politics. 

Responding to Your Party Society’s comments, OLC told Cherwell: “While we welcome new left-wing voices, Your Party does not offer a progressive future. It welcomes members who openly oppose abortion, who question gay marriage, and who proudly refer to themselves as ‘conservative’. 

“A society tied to that party cannot be counted on to stand up for progressive causes. We hope that these voices will instead be used in the society that has proven itself to stand by those causes, and which has achieved genuine reform in Oxford and at this university to achieve them. That society is the Oxford Labour Club.”

Review: Sketches from a Curious Mind

Hannah Becker
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Review: Sketches from a Curious Mind

In 1962, Edward Anthony wrote: “Writing a book of poetry is like dropping a rose petal down the Grand Canyon and waiting for the echo”. The Oxford-based author Richard Churchill seems to desire a similar effect with his self-published poetry collection Sketches from a Curious Mind (2025), the first full anthology of his poems. The thematically structured collection encapsulates a wide range of ideas and worldly issues, spanning poetry written over two decades. The author himself calls it a mixture of “personal reflection, surreal daydreams, and tongue-in-cheek satire”. However, I am not sure whether the desired echo actually mirrors the effect this anthology produces. 

The opening interludes – occurring at the beginning of each thematic chapter – explain the poems, but consequently diminish any trace of confidence they should have ideally inspired in their readers. They not only pre-empt the contents of the texts themselves, but feel as if the author is trying so hard to place them in their accurate context that their chance to affect any subjective imprint is entirely denied. Consequently, the poems themselves don’t stand a chance to foster an emotional connection with their readers, nor are readers free enough to interpret them subjectively. The way they must be interpreted and understood has already been decided and communicated by the author which results in unwanted disinterest and vast reader frustration. Whilst the desire to contextualise creative writing is understandable, it unfortunately takes away from the poetry itself even when the intention is to add to it. Poems such as ‘Vernal Beauty’ are sweetly described, but ultimately unable to provoke an emotional response due to the overused metaphors employed to describe the changing seasons and beauties of the natural world. In ‘Autumnal Treasures’ the author exemplifies this simplicity by describing: “In comes spring with grace and promise,/The chill lifts,/Life awakes,/British rainfall,/Easter toothache,/A season of hope and beauty”. 

Its attempts at almost-rhymes, followed by accidental repetitions of words that do actually rhyme, and general lack of any consistent form cause it to be inherently unable to generate a sense of personal connection or poetic intensity. In ‘Christmas Splendour’, Churchill seems to be of the opinion that “manger” and “strangers” rhyme, however, simply deconstructing basic English grammar and word order – just to make a rhyme work (instead of reformulating it) – does not scream poetic mastery.

Conversely, the themes in the collection are generally relevant, insightful, and carefully chosen, resulting in poems such as ‘Little Blue Dress’, which culminates in a fascinating personal exploration of identity unravelling and the discovery of Drag. The only thing taking away from it is (again) the author over-explaining beforehand. The same goes for ‘The Piano’, a poem written from the perspective of a piano, which provides an interesting point of view, but is clumsily paced and therefore fails to live up to its full potential. The depiction of different countries in Haiku form is well done and rather amusing, accurately capturing the essence of the English as “Country of heroes/Sip tea under grey skies/Dreaming of days past”, whilst ‘The Poet’s Spell’ delivers a vulnerable insight into the author’s creative process. Equally, ‘Freshers’ successfully captures the madness that is Freshers’ week, a chaotic whirlwind of emotions and experiences known to all university students.

I was surprised and taken aback, however, at the following words opening his section ‘Memories in Motion’. The author actually writes: “Congratulations on making it this far—I’m genuinely impressed!”, which left me stunned as the author apparently believes neither in the quality of his own writing nor in the reader’s endurance. If he hasn’t lost the reader already, he definitely will at this point. The statement leaves you confused and frustrated with the anthology and what it is trying to do. 

The final part is more enjoyable with some thought-provoking questions being raised. Whilst ‘Oxymoron’ is refreshingly funny and ‘The people who made me’ marks a delicately wholesome ending to the anthology, I fear that the vast majority of the poetry in the collection suffers from stylistic problems. Churchill’s style seems too curated to appear honest or individual. Consequently, the anthology lacks the sophistication to transform itself into a profound vessel of communication – despite its promising ideas.

Oxford colleges take Aviva to High Court in COVID-19 insurance case

Laurence Cooke
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Oxford colleges take Aviva to High Court in COVID-19 insurance case

Twenty-nine Oxford colleges have launched High Court proceedings against insurance firm Aviva. The case, which was filed last month, concerns Aviva’s alleged breach of contract through failing to pay out for losses sustained during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The claim will be heard in the Commercial Court, a specialist court of the High Court of Justice. All undergraduate colleges are involved except Corpus Christi, Merton, Oriel, Queen’s, Regent’s Park, St Hilda’s, and St John’s. Postgraduate colleges including St Anthony’s, Linacre, and Wolfson are also listed among the claimants, alongside several colleges’ commercial ventures. These include LMH Hospitality Services Limited and Magdalen College Educational Conferences Limited. 

Since the pandemic, there has been a flurry of litigation surrounding business interruption insurance, which indemnifies policyholders when an unexpected event brings a halt to trading. In January 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled that COVID-19 counted as a single “catastrophe” under a reinsurance contract.

The coronavirus pandemic is widely seen as having had a largely negative impact on higher education institutions’ finances. This impact has ranged from lower international student numbers to lost revenue from accommodation rentals, catering, and event hire. Given Oxford’s location and prestige, hosting conferences and summer schools has become a big earner for many colleges. 

A spokesperson for the colleges involved in the case did not provide further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Aviva Insurance Ltd was similarly unable to comment.

Oxford Union sued for editing Susan Abulhawa’s speech

Noah Robson and Arina Makarina
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Oxford Union sued for editing Susan Abulhawa’s speech

The European Legal Support Center (ELSC) has filed a discrimination claim against the Oxford Union on behalf of Susan Abulhawa, Palestinian-American writer and activist. According to ELSC, the Union carried out “unlawful and unethical editing [of] the recording of her speech at the Oxford Union in a November 2024 debate”. Abulhawa attended the Union as a guest speaker, debating for the proposition: ‘This House believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide’.

“The Oxford Union’s decision to cut five key sections of her speech directly discriminates against abulhawa on the basis of her Palestinian ethnicity and indigenous identity, and anti-Zionist beliefs, in blatant violation of her right to freedom of expression,” ELSC have stated. 

Moreover, the legal claim alleges that the editing may constitute breach of contract, copyright infringement, and defamation. ELSC told Cherwell their client will be seeking remedies including a declaration that the Union unlawfully discriminated against Abulhawa, an order requiring the full speech be re-uploaded, and “compensation for injury to feelings”.

ELSC refer to two parts of Abulhawa’s speech that were edited out, including mentions of crimes committed by the IDF against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians, such as  abuse of doctors like Dr Adnan Al-Bursh and the usage of “booby trapped toys”.

ELSC have also accused the Union of failing to “substantively respond to abulhawa’s claims since 1 April 2025” in spite of “repeated demands”. ELSC’s Senior UK Legal Officer told Cherwell: “The Union responded only once…denying all the claims and refusing to reinstate the speech.” 

Abulhawa’s speech was uploaded in an edited form in December 2024. Cherwell understands the decision was made due to the risk of counter-terror charges being brought against the Union if the removed parts of the speech were included.

Abulhawa said: “In altering my words, the Oxford Union not only perverted my intellectual property without consent, but they also violated the public trust by distorting the historic record to suit a partisan narrative, thereby depriving the public and future generations of the full truth.

“Their decision to edit my speech is egregiously unethical. It tramples on the principles of open debate and freedom of expression—the very ideals the Oxford Union purports to uphold.”

Cherwell understands that members of the Union’s Standing Committee (TSC) were advised in a meeting on 16th June that publishing the video in full risked counter-terror charges. A vote on the issue was preceded by mass resignations after TSC members were made aware of the potential liability they faced. In addition, the Bursar and Deputy Bursar – the two most senior members of full-time staff – resigned at the time as Directors of Oxford Union Ltd on Companies House.

Police have been conducting enquiries related to the debate held in late November 2024. Cherwell revealed earlier this year that members of TSC could face criminal liability amid this ongoing counter-terrorism investigation.

Those who had not resigned from the governing body voted 6-4 to upload the video in full. However, as of 5th September, the video is yet to be published on the Union’s YouTube channel.

The Oxford Union declined to comment given the ongoing lawsuit.

What Baldur’s Gate 3 Gets Right (and Wrong) About Faerûn Lore

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What Baldur’s Gate 3 Gets Right (and Wrong) About Faerûn Lore

Baldur’s Gate 3 didn’t just crash into the gaming world—it kicked in the tavern doors, downed a health potion, and made everyone fall in love with turn-based RPGs again. Larian Studios pulled off a near-miracle: making a Dungeons & Dragons game that’s both accessible to new players and a love letter to the lore-obsessed veterans. But how well does it actually represent the world of Faerûn?

Let’s be clear: no adaptation will ever get everything right. Faerûn, the main continent in the Forgotten Realms setting, has been evolving for decades. Still, BG3 delivers more hits than misses—and a few fascinating stumbles worth talking about.

Nailed It: The Mood and Magic of the Forgotten Realms

One thing Baldur’s Gate 3 absolutely nails is the tone of the Forgotten Realms. From the moment you step off the Nautiloid and into the chaos of the Sword Coast, the world feels alive. There’s mystery in every abandoned ruin, danger in every shadowy cave, and just enough magic in the air to make you hesitate before opening a dusty old chest.

The use of familiar locations like Baldur’s Gate itself (eventually) and the Underdark is done with care and fan-service finesse. Longtime D&D fans will recognize landmarks, factions, and spells pulled straight from the sourcebooks. And the game doesn’t shy away from deep cuts—Mind Flayers, Githyanki, and the Dead Three aren’t just name-drops; they’re integral to the story.

Even better, the game lets you live the D&D experience. Want to shove an enemy off a ledge? Go for it. Cast “Speak with Dead” on a random skeleton? Absolutely. It’s the kind of chaotic freedom that tabletop fans dream of.

Lore-Twisting or Lore-Breaking?

Now, here’s where it gets messy. While BG3’s respect for the setting is clear, it also takes creative liberties—some small, some colossal. The biggest eyebrow-raiser? How the game handles the tadpole and Mind Flayer transformation. According to traditional Faerûn lore, ceremorphosis (the process of becoming a Mind Flayer) is brutal and irreversible. In BG3, you walk around for days with a tadpole in your brain and somehow get… cooler?

It’s a smart gameplay mechanic, no doubt. But for lore purists, it feels like a stretch. The same goes for certain companion storylines that bend canon to serve dramatic flair. The flexibility makes sense from a narrative design perspective, but if you’re used to D&D campaigns that hold tight to Wizards of the Coast’s rulebooks, some elements might feel more homebrew than holy writ.

Still, the tweaks are usually in service of storytelling. If anything, they make the world more dynamic for new players picking up the game after grabbing a few cheap Steam games to get started in the CRPG genre.

The Verdict: Mostly True, Slightly Twisted

Baldur’s Gate 3 walks a fine line between faithful adaptation and modern reimagining. The world it presents is dripping with atmosphere, magic, and reverence for its source material. But it’s not afraid to bend the rules when it makes the story stronger or the gameplay more compelling.

And honestly? That’s the spirit of D&D anyway. Every dungeon master adds their own flavor to the world. Larian just happens to be the DM for millions of players at once.

If you’re diving into Faerûn for the first time—or you’re a returning adventurer hoping to spot familiar lore tucked into new narratives—this game is worth your time. And if you’re looking to explore more digital worlds without breaking the bank, check out digital marketplaces like Eneba. It’s a great place to score deals on titles, including those legendary cheap Steam games you’ve been meaning to try.

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