APRIL 2021 EDITION WWW.TURTON.UK.COM 01204 333293 Turton High School Bromley Cross Road Bromley Cross Bolton BL7 9LT Editor’s Note Finally, we are back in college! I am sure I speak on the behalf of many students when I say that the shift from Teams and Zoom to in-person contact has been such a relief. Of course, it is still not under ideal circumstances, but it is a start. I would like to begin by congratulating all Year 12 students for their efforts during Assessment Week, as well as my Year 13 peers who are also sitting assessments at the moment. It is definitely a difficult time for us all, but the hard work will be worth it in the end. As always, this edition has been extremely collaborative, and I would like to thank everyone who got involved! We have an impressive range of articles to read, from more light-hearted pieces to perhaps more politically motivated features… we have something for all occasions! If anyone would like to get involved in the next edition (whether that is writing an article or sending a suggestion for a topic), please feel free to contact me or James here: Raechel : [email protected] James : [email protected] Manchester Marathon for Crohns and Colitis Last month, while my family and I were sitting eating lunch, my mum alluded to the idea of entering the Manchester Marathon, that is set to take place in October, and of me doing it with her. Of course, I dismissed the idea (I thought she was joking) until she sprung it on me a few days later that she had in fact entered with a couple of other people from our gym. So, in a spur of the moment decision (which I have since spent sleepless nights over), due to a mix of FOMO and increased hormone levels, I too entered, ordering a ‘training for the Manchester marathon’ T-shirt as I was so pleased with myself. I have since come to my senses and I am in a constant state of fear at the idea of running 26 miles. However, the idea of raising money for Crohn’s and Colitis is one that has provided some much- needed motivation. Since Cameron’s passing, my mum had been thinking about a way to raise money for his fund. Obviously, the 6 half marathons in 6 months she had done previously for another cause was insufficient, hence the marathon idea. While I did not know Cameron like her and my dad, I think the fund that his family has established (as well as their work to raise money and awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis) is absolutely inspirational and both my mother and I would like to do anything we can to assist their hard work. We, therefore, hope that people will help us support the cause and will donate to the Duxbury’s Just Giving page; hopefully, the idea of us being in pain for 5 hours will provide incentive as well as it being for an amazing cause. Training has been daunting, but we plan on slowly increasing our miles and hopefully we will manage to drag ourselves over the finish line when the time comes. I have said it before as a joke that I will end up being one of those people who has to roll over the finish line and then get driven away in an ambulance at the end, but this is now becoming an ever-present fear. But, in all seriousness, I am so thankful that my mum and I are doing this together. She is profoundly determined which definitely inspires me, however her unrelenting optimism does get annoying at times. This is especially the case when she tries to chat to me whilst we are mid-way up a fat hill. It has only been a couple of weeks and it is already an unspoken fact that she is not to talk to me when we are running up any sort of incline. I assume I will finish a good hour behind her in the real thing; she is just an absolute machine. There has definitely been benefits of training so far, such as the obvious one on mental health and well-being, but it has also allowed us to see the lovely parts of Bolton that we do not always get to see. By October, I assume most of the local community will probably have seen us out running. However, I would not recommend going to Entwistle reservoir on a Sunday morning if even the slightest bit of sun is out - it is an absolute nightmare. Do not even get me started on the dogs and little children running around everywhere. Also, one criticism I would make about the ‘training for the Manchester marathon’ merch, they have really got it wrong with the T-shirt, a vest would have been much more practical. I am not saying that everyone should make a spur of the moment decision like myself and enter the Manchester Marathon, however, since properly getting back into running, I really have felt the benefits both mentally and physically. So, if you ever need some ‘me time’, and since there is not much else to do at the minute, I would definitely recommend getting out for a run. Once you get over the idea that people are probably going to see you sweating profusely, red, and panting for breath, it is pretty enjoyable. Above all, however, I hope you will donate towards Crohn’s and Colitis, as this is what we are doing it all for! Link to the Duxbury’s JustGiving page: justgiving.com/fundraising/cameronduxbury/ Maya Bali, Y13 Grammys 2021: A summary of the night This year's Grammys were eventful to say the least, with Beyonce and Taylor Swift both breaking records, and show-stopping performances shocking the 8.8 million viewers. The 63rd Grammy Awards were fruitful with splendour, fashion, and brilliant versatility throughout the night. Opening with first time nominee Harry Styles who performed ‘Watermelon Sugar’, the night started on a definite high. Styles performed the upbeat and totally unique song with a similarly unique and intriguing lime green feather boa, an extravagant accessory to offset his matching retro leather suit. In true ‘Harry’ style, he brought flair and panache to his performance that did not disappoint. Harry later went on to win a Grammy for Best Pop Performance Song. Other notable winners consist of Megan Thee Stallion, who became the first female rapper to win the Grammy for Best New Artist since Lauren Hill in 1999. Along with this incredible win, the 26-year-old rapper also had her first performance, showcasing ‘Savage’ and ‘WAP’, joined by Cardi B for the latter. The songs were embedded with flawless choreography along with Megan’s awe-inspiring charisma onstage. A truly mesmerising watch. Even bigger news of the night however was Beyonce’s historic sweep of 4 Grammys, making her the first woman ever to win a total of 28 Grammys and to be nominated for 79. Almost unbelievably, even Beyonce’s daughter, Blue Ivy, won an award for Best Music Video. She is the second youngest person ever to win a Grammy; Beyonce and her daughter are undeniably a powerful pair in the world of music. Another notable record-breaking moment was Taylor Swift’s win of Album of the Year with ‘Folklore’. She became the first ever woman to achieve this with prestigious accomplishment and joins the likes of Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Stevie Wonder as the only people to accomplish this. The night was full of eventful moments and celebrity interactions, aspects which have been rare for the past year. Yet, all in all, the Grammys this year were more so a joyous victory for women in music, supporting each other and smashing records, a true show of solidarity much needed at his time. Grace Lavin, Y13 An “authoritarian” Britain? The Coronavirus Act, introduced during last year’s lockdown, is due for its 6-month renewal. Yet, many are calling out its ‘disproportionate and excessive’ nature, with a Tory rebellion on the horizon in Westminster. The Act was first introduced to allow the government, and the police force, to enforce lockdown restrictions on the general public, requiring a top-up every 6 months. Understandably, these powers were in dire need to ensure stability and public order, but now, after a successful vaccination rollout and a clear decline in hospital admissions, are they still a necessity for the government? It is clear that this Act comes at a sensitive period this year, with many other issues causing public outrage, bound to contribute to the disapproval seen this week. However, Johnson not only faces an agitated general public, but now also a problem much closer to home. Tory MPs plan to stage a revolt in the Commons this Thursday, arguing the success of the vaccination programme and the decline in deaths mean that the powers are no longer needed. It is expected to be carried by votes from Labour, and other opposition parties, but a backbench rebellion would, nonetheless, be damaging for the Prime Minister’s authority. Those who will stand by the Act on Thursday argue that extending the Coronavirus Act will provide the legal framework for England’s lockdown roadmap to continue as planned which, in a best-case scenario, would see all restrictions on social distancing, lifted on the 21st of June 2021. The 6-month extension does not mean lockdown measures will be extended for 6 months, although they could be if it is deemed necessary.