Texas in Transition: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Progressivism in the Lone Star State

Texas, a land where God, guns, and gas reign supreme, embodies the spirit of American conservatism and patriotism. However, beneath its bold exterior, the political landscape is changing, and experts predict that the deep-red Texas we know today may soon be a thing of the past. So, how did Texas become a Republican stronghold, and what does the future hold for Democrats in the Lone Star State?

Texas in Transition: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Progressivism in the Lone Star State

A Quick Guide to Chopsticks

As a school, we all love lunch. I’m sure that many teachers, especially during the run-up to period 5, are bored of hearing “I’m so hungry” or “I can’t wait for lunch” from some eager Year 10s. As a sixth-former, I always hear the phrase “Do you want Leon or Itsu?” being thrown around a lot in Cafe Sixth. But we always forget about one of the most important parts of food, no matter what nationality: cutlery. Sure, there are your typical spoons and forks, sometimes the rogue knife, but one of the best pieces of cutlery out there (subjectively) are chopsticks.

A Quick Guide to Chopsticks

The naming of the London Overground lines:

I don’t know how many of you take the London Overground line on a regular basis but those of you who do may have noticed they’re sporting exciting new names. Whilst some names may be more recognisable than others, all have connections to British History and culture. As someone who lives near a London Overground station, I’m fascinated by the naming process and the controversies that surround the process, and I hope you will find it as interesting as I do.

Changing the names within itself inspired some outrage. The renaming cost £6.3 million pounds, which for context could fund home tuition fees at a UK university for 660 years or attending Harvard University for 89 years*. Understandably Sadik Khan, mayor of London, came under fire for this decision particularly as this was more than the £4 million (419 years at a UK university or 56 years at Harvard) TFL initially put aside for the project. If like me you’re wondering how a simple naming project could cost so much money, TFL has had to unveil 6000 new signs, tube maps, digital screens and on-train information, as well as updating visual and audio announcements at the relevant stations.  TFL have justified this change by saying that it will make the London overground easier to navigate and Sadik Khan says “They celebrate the best of London” and ‘The London Overground is now a reminder that we wouldn’t be the city we are today without the energy and diverse experiences of everyone who lives here.’

So, without further ado: what are the new lines and what is the meaning behind them?

The Lioness line (yellow)

Running between Watford Junction and Euston) the Lioness line celebrates England’s brilliant women’s football team, the Lionesses. The Lionesses won the Women’s European Championship in 2022 and the line appropriately passes through Wembley, where the Lionesses train. Kay Cossington, The FA’s Women’s Technical Director, said: “Hopefully any girl travelling on the Lioness line feels inspired to strengthen their relationship with the sport and the legacy lives on for years and years to come.”

The Mildmay line (blue)

The Mildmay runs between Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford. It is named after the Mildmay Hospital in Bethnal Green. The Mildmay Hospital was the first AIDS hospice in Europe and still is the only hospital in the UK that specializes in AIDS/HIV. It also now aims to care for the homeless and other marginalised communities. Not only does the name represent a key part in LGBTQ+ history TFL have also said that it is commemorating the key role the NHS plays in our society. The only criticism relating to this name is that Mildmay Hospital’s closest station can be found on the Windrush line and not the Mildmay line.

The Windrush line (red)

Arguably one of the more famous names, the Windrush line runs from Highbury & Islington to New Cross, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace and West Croydon. The name comes from the ship the Empire Windrush which in turn gives its name to a generation of people who were invited to the UK from the Caribbean to rebuild after the war. Once again, the line runs through many areas of London that have a strong Caribbean heritage and Mica Paris MBE, UK Queen of Soul, has said how happy she is to have her home station, Brockley, on the Windrush line.

The Weaver line (Maroon)

The Weaver line runs from Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt and Chingford. TFL has stated the name comes from many different stories. It references the Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Spitalfields, near Liverpool Street station. The Huguenots were French people, and they brought over new skills and fashions. It also references the Petticoat Lane market (also in Spitalfields), which has a history dating back to the 1650s. Petticoat Lane market gained its name not only from the sale of petticoats that occurred there but also from the rumour that said, “They would steal your petticoat at one end of the market and sell it back to you at the other.” Furthermore, the London College of Fashion can also be found on this line. TFL also credits Jewish and Bangladeshi immigrants who helped maintain the area as a centre for clothing and food. Finally, William Moris is mentioned who lived in Walthamstow. This feels a little bit more of a stretch as William Moris was not most famous for being a weaver but nonetheless played a key part in the British textiles industry.

The Suffragette line (green)

Another more famous name, the Suffragette Line runs from Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside. The Suffragettes campaigned for women’s rights in the early 1900s. TFL has stated that the name is particularly in tribute to the East London Federation of Suffragettes which was made up of working-class women. TFL particularly credits Annie Huggett who lived in Barking and started campaigning for rights as a teenager. She organised meetings at her local pub, then called the Three Lamps from the age of 18 and regularly held tea for the Pankhurst family. Huggett was also the longest card-carrying member of the Labour Party. TFL also mentions the Women Activists of East London and The Fawcett Society who continue to campaign for equal rights. Whilst not directly mentioned by TFL, I particularly like that the Suffragette line is green, one of the colours of the East London Federation of Suffragettes.

Liberty (grey)  

The last line is the Liberty line which travels between Romford and Upminster.

The liberty line references the motto of the London Borough of Havering, which also is referenced in the Liberty shopping centre. TFL also states that the line provides freedom to the people of that area as it connects it to the rest of London through the Elizabeth line providing them with the “liberty” to travel where they wish. TFL also says it celebrates the independence of the area.

Noticeably the new lines do not pay tribute to any individual people, instead referencing larger groups. Personally, I think this was a good decision, everyone is human, and figures of the past and present have made mistakes and choices that not everyone will agree with. In choosing to celebrate larger populations TFL has ensured that the lines will be able to commemorate marginalized groups without controversy over the actions of individuals.

Overall, I hope you enjoyed learning about the new lines, and you can now fascinate (or bore) your companions as you travel on them and join me in attempting to travel on them all!

The naming of the London Overground lines:

Who is Belsnickel?

Belsnickel is a combination of Saint Nikolas, the original German Santa Claus – a jolly character who rewards good children and Krampus, a half-goat character and the antithesis of Santa Claus, who torments bad children. Being a combination of these two characters, Belsnickel is both kind to the good children and torments the naughty ones.

Who is Belsnickel?

Ukraine: Marking 1000 days of war

The war in Ukraine has now surpassed the milestone of 1,000 days, a period marked by devastation, resilience, and geopolitical upheaval. This seemingly endless conflict has reshaped the world’s understanding of 21st-century warfare, exposing the fragile balance of global security, the endurance of the Ukrainian people, and the profound ripple effects far beyond Eastern Europe.

Ukraine: Marking 1000 days of war