Cymraeg at Pontio's Heart

Bangor University Students’ Union August 2013 English Language Issue No. 233 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor Seren.Bangor.ac.uk - COMMUNITY EDITION - BOYCOTT OLYMPICS? INTERVIEW: NOODLE ONE FEELING THE HEAT

Cymraeg at Pontio’s heart

Main: e Pontio Centre is starting to come together Inset: Artistic Director, Elan ap Robert, at the Eisteddfod First Welsh language production announced By LJ TAYLOR the opening in September next year. ber of 2012, has nally started to take Deiniol Road in Lower Bangor, was said Ms ap Robert. ‘Chwalfa’ was published in 1946 shape in the last six months. home to the University’s Students’ Running up to the opening of the angor’s Pontio project will team and is now considered a Welsh liter- “ e cinema has a roof on it and the Union and eatr Gwynedd before building the Pontio Project will con- up with eatr Cymru to stage ary classic. Whilst set in the ctional metal frame of the building is clear. being knocked down to make way for tinue to organise a number of events the rst Welsh language perfor- quarry town Llechfaen, the story is e size and extent of it is also becom- the state-of-the-art building. Pontio, in Bangor for students and the local Bmance in the upcoming centre. actually based on the ‘Great Strike’ ing apparent” said Elen ap Robert, the when nished, will house a new Stu- community alike. e production, which was an- of Penrhyn Quarry in Bethesda some Artistic Director, at the Eisteddfod’s dents’ Union as well as lecture thea- eir next event, Grand Convert - nounced at this year’s Eisteddfod, forty years earlier, between 1900 and announcement. tres and other facilities designed for Reaching for the Stars, will take place will be an adaptation of T Rowland 1903. Once the £44 million complex is n- students. on 1st September and will feature Hughes’ ‘Chwalfa’. eatr Cymru is just one of the ex- ished it will o er a 450 capacity thea- “Pontio aims to bridge the gap be- West End and Broadway star John It will be the rst time the Welsh isting arts organisations that Pontio tre as well as a smaller theatre. ere tween the University and the com- Owen Jones. novel has been performed on stage have and will team up with. will also be a an outdoor ampitheatre, munity. We will be reaching out into and is scheduled to take place around e building, which was originally a cinema, bars and dining facilities. the community on a whole range of scheduled for completion in Septem- e site of the construction on projects of great bene t to both sides”

August , 2013 | Seren 3 CONTENTS e T e a m LJ, BECKI AND BECCI [email protected] Once upon a time Bangor was full of students and we were up to our eyeballs in dedicated Seren members. Then it was Summer. 6 27 However, a select few of us (just 9 the three then) now call Bangor Pages our home and have no reason News 4-7 to leave when term ends and so Comment 8-9 we thought why not do a special edition of everyone’s favourite Volunteer Feature 10-11 student newspaper for you guys; the local community! Business 12-13 It’s been a tough week, as we’re Music 14-15 used to a much bigger team, but luckily we’ve had the support of Film 16-17 the guys at home. TV 18-19 We really hope that you enjoy this special Seren and that we can Games 20 justify doing more of them. Gadgets 21 As we write this we can con rm we have just been joined in the Arts and Culture 22-23 o ce (at 3am), which is encom- Books 24 passed in 90s music, by a wasp. He subsequently fried himself on Local Events 25 the lightbulb. Awkward. The issue has all the usual that Creative 26 you can expect from Seren; Food 27 local news, lm and tv reviews, cool artwork and Breaktime 28 photography and even an inter- 5 view. We’ve also tried to focus on the Travel 29 community a little more with our Sport 30-32 upcoming events page and our feature which tells you about all the fantastic volunteering Bangor students do out in the 26 community. STOP PRESS: 10-11 The wasp is back, somehow he survived. Then ew himself into the bin. Which to be honest was pretty thoughtful of him. Things are getting intense in the o ce. Working on Seren can be a little crazy at times but it’s great fun, why else would we do it? Did you know that you don’t have to be a student to become a member of Seren (though we’ll take students too!). So if you fancy getting involved just get in touch. 19 You never know, the Editor The views presented hereinafter do position may be up for grabs if not represent the views of Seren Becki doesn’t return from her Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or ght with the back from the dead 14 Bangor University. (again) wasp!

20 32 4 Seren | Community Issue NEWS In Brief Dolphin swims up River Dee A DOLPHIN that has swum miles up the River Dee is being monitored by a marine rescue charity. e mammal was rst spotted by Connah’s Quay docks on Monday before it swam upstream. Volunteer animal medics say that the dolphin, which is now heading back downstream, is continuing its progress towards the sea, but that it still has miles le . “Sometimes it goes back up stream and then turns around, but it seems to be okay,” said veterinary surgeon Phillipa Mahon, Whitch- urch. Internet trolls face jail over April Jones messages INTERNET trolls who sent abu- sive messages on Facebook mock- Main: Waterloo Street ing the search for murdered April Inset: Ei an Wyn Davies Hughes Jones are facing jail. Liam Young, 25, from Ayrshire, posted o ensive remarks online two days a er the 5-year old went missing from near her home in Machynlleth in October 2012. Tributes paid to former He admitted disorderly conduct by sending indecent and o ensive comments, and has been freed on bail for sentencing at a later date. college lecturer Co-accused Gordon Mullen, 24, denies a similar charge but a war- rant was issued for his arrest a er 84 year old man killed a er a van rolled down Waterloo Street he failed to appear at Kilmarnock Sheri Court. Normal College. thought not to have been in the vehi- his family and friends in North and Mr. Hughes was hit and injured cle at the time of the accident, and has South Wales” when a van rolled down Waterloo been questioned by the police. Mr. Hughes worked at Bangor Nor- Raider caught Street near the Deiniol Shopping Born in Wrexham, Mr. Hughes was mal College between 1963 and 1989, Centre and crashed into the window an active man despite his age, who by which time he was Head of Sci- on CCTV of Britannia Building Society. He was o en went on walks and was also de- ence. by EMMA ASBERG rushed to Ysbyty Gwynedd by para- scribed by his wife Caryl as a talented An ex-student, who does not wish putting mask on [email protected] medics, but passed away six days later. watercolour artist whose works could to be named, said “He was lovely man. North Wales senior coroner Dewi be seen at various galleries, including He was so ly spoken but knew his outside shop n 84-year-old man killed in Pritchard Jones, based in Caer- Royal Cambrian and Oriel Mon. He stu . He encouraged us to teach sci- a car accident in Bangor was narfon, said an investigation has was also one of the organists at Penuel ence to children in primary schools A COURT heard earlier this week formally named on 16th Au- been launched into the accident that Chapel. and to do it through the medium of how an internet conman tricked Agust as Ei on Wyn Davies Hughes, occurred prior to Hughes’ death on Having been happily married for 54 Welsh at a time when it wasn’t fash- fans desperate for Olympic open- a former college teacher at Bangor Stryd Waterloo in Bangor. e own- years, Mrs. Hughes said that her hus- ionable to do either.” ing ceremony tickets out of more er of the Volkswagen panel van was band “will be very much missed by all than £5,000. Conman Daniel Jones, 28, from Abergele, was jailed for two years a er admitting six fraud charges and twenty o ences. Jones had told Cannabis factory police his intention was to fund his gambling addiction. Judge John Rogers QC at Caer- narfon Crown Court described Jones as having a “formidable re- discovered in Rhyl cord for committing similar of- ered a cannabis factory. Six hundred those wanting to take advantage of Nguyen had “no place in the chain of fences”, telling him, “ e upset you cannabis plants were discovered with people less fortunate than themselves. command” and perhaps would not re- must have caused to those people a street value of around £200,000. Mr. Nguyen admitted to being in- ceive a share of the pro ts. you defrauded is incalculable.” Extra o cers were brought in to volved in the production of the class B e prosecution spoke of how out of assist at 4.15pm on 12th April and a drug and was jailed for een months. the 600 plants, 458 were mature plants Record no. man was arrested. Forty-year-old Dam Gwyn Jones added that his client, de- and the others were seedlings. Police of rare leek by TOM BICKERDIKE anh Nguyen, an illegal immigrant spite entering the UK in 2010, had also discovered pots, fertilisers and [email protected] from Vietnam, arrived in the UK with only been at the property for twelve equipment. e bath contained a liq- AN EIGHT foot tall wild leek has n 16th August, a court heard the assurance of a job as a cleaner and days. When interviewed, Mr. Nguyen uid which was being fed to the plants yielded a record display on Angle- how two police o cers were gardener to tend to the plants. How- said he had been promised between by hoses. sey. Plant charity Plantlife counted on mobile patrol in Rhyl, ever, he ended up with no money and £200 and £400 a month, but did not e landlords discovered damage in 84 heads for the wild leek Allium whenO they came across a very pungent was locked in the premises. receive any money. all the rooms, with the kitchen being ampeloprasum, compared to only smell close to a property in Paradise Gwyn Jones, defending, told Mold e judge described the property taken out and the electric supply by- 16 recorded in 2002. It is only Street. All the windows were cov- Crown Court that Mr. Nguyen soon as “a sophisticated cannabis factory” passed. Unfortunately, they will be out found at three sites in Wales. ered in polythene and they uncov- came to realise that “the streets were and that every room had growing of pocket as the property was only in- not paved with gold” and there were areas. He also spoke about how Mr sured for damage up to £5,000. August , 2013 | Seren 5 NEWS In Brief Snowdonia electric storage plans ammended

PLANS for a £100m storage facility in Snowdonia may be amended following an appeal by a local Gwynedd councillor. e area surrounding Glyn Rhonwy Quarry and Cefn Du, above Llanberis, is looking to be transformed into a major sustainable energy scheme by Quarry Battery. Water will be pumped to an uphill reservoir and then back down through a turbine to generate power, stored in a battery, before being sold to the Na- tional Grid. is scheme is similar to the one used by Dinorwig’s Elec- tric Mountain; Gwynedd Council have received a planning applica- Main: Prince William at the Anglesey Show last week tion. Inset: William with wife, Kate, and newborn son Prince George Woman prosecuted for harassing ex A Royal farewell KELLY Leanne Evans, a victim of domestic abuse who contacted her attacker on Facebook, has been prosecuted for harassment. Her ex- to Anglesey partner, Steven Southall, had been sent to prison, but she made three attempts to contact him whilst he Prince William says goodbye during special appearance at Anglesey Show was staying at a hotel near Bangor. Evans admitted harassment a er helicopter pilot at RAF Valley, adding, mensely special place for us both. before being presented with his very being charged by the police. Dis- “I know that I speak for Catherine Catherine and I look forward to re- own falconry glove during a display trict Judge Andrew Shaw gave her when I say that I have never in my life turning again and again over the by Sophie Large, 11, from Wrexham, a 12-month conditional discharge known somewhere as beautiful and as coming years with our family.” who then went on to help Prince Wil- and ordered she pay £100 costs. welcoming as Anglesey.” e appearance at the show was one liam take part in the display of Harris Drawing roars from the crowd by of the duke’s rst public engagements Hawks. by NICOLA HOBAN beginning his speech in Welsh, Prince since the birth of his son George Al- “It was very special. I know it is a More GCSE [email protected] William continued in English, saying exander Louis on the 22nd July. privilege to be able to meet him. He he Duke of Cambridge last of himself and his wife, “I know that e prince revealed, “I thought was kind and very nice,” Sophie said. pupils in FE week bid farewell to Anglesey both of us will miss it terribly when search and rescue duties over Snow- Speaking in Welsh, the duke con- CAREERS Wales have discovered during his visit as he prepares my search and rescue tour of duty donia were physically and mentally cluded his speech, saying, “ ank the 85% of Year 11 pupils went on Tto leave the island next month a er comes to an end next month and we demanding but looking a er a three- you to the people of Anglesey. It’s into further education and 8% having been based there since 2009. have to move elsewhere. From the week-old baby is right up there. a pleasure to be here. I’m so glad to into employment or worked-based Prince William, who spoke at An- bottom of my heart, thank you for “[Catherine] and George would have lived on Anglesey – the mother training in 2012. ese are similar glesey’s annual agricultural show, making my wife and me so welcome have loved to have been here. He’s of Wales.” results to 2011 and suggest that revealed to the large crowd - which when we arrived here, as you do thou- pretty loud and of course, extremely He added in English, joking: “My schools leavers are not deterred by consisted of well over a thousand peo- sands of visitors each year. good looking.” Welsh pronunciation isn’t great yet, the current economic climate and ple - how the island had been a “spe- “ is island has been our rst home roughout the day, the prince but it is certainly getting better, I costs of Higher Education. Chief cial place” throughout his work as a together, and will always be an im- was introduced to civic dignitaries h op e .” Executive for Careers Wales, Ray Collier, said it was “comforting to see that the majority of students are successful in gaining a place in education, employment or work-based Make Anglesey a renewable training, which suggests students are taking the time to carefully consider their options.” energy world leader, says MP Trio jailed for ‘episode of RWE npower are discussing plans for be operated for up to 25 years as e lence” that will work with communi- a tidal farm o the Skerries. Anglesey Skerries Array will have capacity of ties, industry and politicians and to madness’ MP Albert Owen hopes the project over 10MW. maximise the bene ts for low carbon THE trio of men who attacked will create employment in the region, e foundational structures of the technology in the area. 22-year-old Owen Bayliss have saying, “Anglesey and North West project look to be planned for the He also said, “As a seafaring nation been jailed for three years and four Wales can be world leaders in low summer of 2014 with grid connection and community we can adapt to the months. Bayliss was le with multi- by RHYS JONES carbon technology, nuclear, tidal and scheduled for 2015. future energy needs by turning tidal ple fractures of facial bones, dam- [email protected] other renewables. e project’s onshore developments energy into electricity. We must be age to his nose and an eye socket, “As an Energy Island we can lead still have to gain planning permis- bold and back up our existing re- blurred vision and numbness in lans have been made to ensure the way in the British Isles, making it sion, therefore the developments have sources and link up with Bangor Uni- his teeth. Kieron Michael Payne- that Anglesey becomes one of attractive for investment for outside yet to be decided. versity’s School of Ocean Sciences to Linforth, 22, Ryan Hinton, 21, the world leaders in sustainable investment and local companies and During a visit to a similar MCT pro- undertake research and development and Adam Funnell, 25, all pleaded renewableP energy. p e op l e .” ject in Strangford Lough in North- and provide the skills set, along with guilty to wounding with intent and SeaGen Wales, a partnership be- SeaGen Wales has secured consent ern Ireland, Mr Owen said he would using our coast and port infrastruc- assault to incident which took place tween Marine Current Turbines and for the o shore project which looks to market Anglesey as a “centre of excel- ture in a visionary way.” in Buckley on 15th February. 6 Seren | Community Issue NEWS

InPensioner Brief sorry for child porn compulsion A 70-year-old pensioner from Anglesey has admitted having a child porn “compulsion” to a court. Robert O’Brien from Benl- lech had 235,000 images of child sex abuse, as well as 870 indecent videos. Judge Phillip Hughes of Caernarfon Crown Court told the defendant that the court will be “considering all its options including a custodial sentence”. James Conod, defending, told the court how Mr. O’Brien found himself “in the grip of a compulsion to collect these images, that was his primary motivation”. He added that Mr. O’Brien was “extremely ashamed and deeply sorry”. Holyhead incident appeal launched POLICE are asking for anyone Main: Outside Bangor’s Cathedral with information to come forward Inset: e interior of the Cathedral regarding a man who was found injured in Holyhead. e man, believed to be in his 50s, was found in Turkey Shore Road at 9.30AM on Friday 16th August. A spokesman for North Wales Police said, “ e Spring clean for Cathedral man was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor by the Helimed with in- A volunteer camp will be helping to preserve Britain’s oldest Cathedral juries to his head and back.” Any- and will be overseen by the Cathedral’s unteers are taking part in the Duke of Ms Benjamin has been working one who may have witnessed any Dean, Sue Jones. e volunteers will Edinburgh award meaning that they closely with both Bangor University incident around the Fish Dock take part in a number of tasks such will be required to undertake other and Bangor Students’ Union who have in Holyhead is advised to contact as cleaning the stained glass windows tasks such as cooking for the group. both o ered to help her organise ac- North Wales Police on 101, or can and painting the fences. Bangor Cathedral rst got involved tivities for the days o . anonymously call Crimestoppers “ e main idea is to do a bit of spring with CSV Heritage last year and, a er “I’d really like to thank everyone on 0800 555 111. by LJ TAYLOR cleaning, anything from cleaning the success of last year, have signed for their support and help. We’ve had [email protected] the stained glass, painting walls and up for the help of the volunteers once members of sta at the university of- Biker injured fences, and maintaining the garden, again this year. fering to take us on a picnic to Aber group of nine young volun- to polishing and dusting,” explained “All of the volunteers will be sleep- Falls and Steve Barnard, at the Stu- in Penrhyn Bay teers are to spend the next Annabel Benjamin, co-leader of the ing in the Cathedral for the week and dents’ Union, is trying to sort out kay- A MOTORCYCLIST was injured week doing work around Ban- group of volunteers. “We won’t actu- will be spending the rst day getting aking for the group,” she said. in a crash 19th August in Penrhyn Agor’s Cathedral and grounds. ally know what we’re doing until the to know each other. We have Sunday Bangor Cathedral was founded in Bay. e accident, which occurred e group, led by Bangor student day when the Dean tells us.” o , and also Monday due to the bank 525AD by Saint Deiniol and is the shortly a er 4pm, saw the biker Annabel Benjamin and Nicholas Vun, e volunteers are from Britain, holiday and are free to do whatever oldest in Britain. It underwent exten- come o his bike and crash into has been organised by CSV Heritage with the exception of Nicholas, who we wish during our time o ,” said Ms sive work in 1868, supervised by Sir a hedge. Only one vehicle was in- whose ‘mission is to enable people to is a British student from Malaysia, Benjamin. “I am very keen to show George Gilbert Scott. e Bible Gar- volved in the crash, which le the take an active role in their communi- and one volunteer who will be com- them North Wales, weather permit- den in the Cathedral’s grounds has one 20-year-old male driver su ering ties’. Work will begin today ( ursday) ing from Spain. A number of the vol- ting!” of every plant mentioned in the Bible. from back pains. A WAS spokesperson said: “We sent a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance to the scene. “We took a 20 year-old male Search ends as body of to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd with back pains.” Other motorists were advised by o cers via Twitter to avoid the area. missing woman found Please do not Llandudno woman’s body found on Merseyside beach not been seen since disappearing Chris O’Neal, from Bangor, and Ja- 13th August, the body of a woman feed the seagulls from her parents’ home in Llandudno son Jones, from Llandudno, who are was washed up on Formby beach in on 3rd August. Her sister, Sheena Wil- both from IPP Security in Bangor, ad- Se on, Merseyside. TOURISTS and locals in Llan- liams, said that she believed that the ditionally organised a separate search “Merseyside Police coordinated the dudno are urging people not to pressure of motherhood may have with 55 volunteers turning up to help recovery of the woman’s body and feed seagulls a er vicious encoun- been troubling the mum of two boys, look in other areas. the subsequent post mortem exami- ters this summer. Numbers of her- by NICOLA HOBAN who are aged ve and four. It had earlier been said that Ann was nation. Identi cation has now been ring gulls are increasing in coastal [email protected] e discovery follows a large search “not in a very stable state of mind” complete and the body was con rmed areas, due to tourists throwing he body of a woman found on operation that had been conducted when she went missing. as that of 29-year old Llandudno them scraps of food. Mayor Gary a Merseyside beach has been focusing on the Great Orme. O cers were alerted to the discov- woman Ann-Marie Sarjantson who Burchett has suggested introduc- identi ed as missing Ann Ma- North Wales Police, RNLI, coast- ery a er a report was received from has been missing from home since ing a bylaw to stop people feeding Trie Sarjantson. guards and the RAF Valley search and a member of the public that they had 3rd August 2013. Her family have them. However, Conwy County e police con rmed the identity of rescue Sea King helicopter had car- found a body on the beach. been informed of this development. Council has ruled out the option the body last week a er the discovery ried out a massive search around that A spokesman from North Wales po- Police are not treating the death as of culling. was made at Formby beach in Se on. area. lice said, “On the morning of Tuesday suspicious.” e 29 year old mother-of-two had August , 2013 | Seren 7 NEWS In Brief Chemical leak sparks alert at Holyhead Port A CHEMICAL leak sparked an environmental scare early last week as re- ghters were called out to Holyhead Port. Up to twenty re- ghters were called out to deal with the spillage in the early hours of 14th August. North Wales Fire and Rescue said crews from the surrounding areas responded to the call to deal with the incident a er a spill from an articulated lorry trailer. Fire ghters tackle Amlwch barn re FIRE-FIGHTERS were called out on the morning of 19th August a er a barn caught re near Aml- wch. It took ten re- ghters, from both Holyhead and Rhosneigr crews, to tackle it at Rhos y Bol. A North Wales Fire and Rescue spokesperson said that ve large bales of hay were destroyed, but that the ames were under control Bangor scientist investigates a er re- ghters battled for two hours. e re was accidental. ‘brain doping’ RSPCA seize ‘Brain-doping’ to aid performance and focus animals in dog University School of Psychology, has might learn faster and better.” tentially you could focus better and raids suggested that a brain stimulation Dr Davis has been exploring how have quicker reactions. POLICE and RSPCA seized over technique might be able to provide the non-invasive technique known Revealing his ndings in an arti- 30 animals earlier this week in similar results to performance en- as tDCS has the potential to aid elite cle for the scienti c Sports Medi- raids at six properties across North hancing drugs. sports men and women. tDCS in- cine journal, the scientist addition- Wales. Dr Davis said of the investigation, volves placing an electrodes patch ally suggested that neurodoping may e raids came a er a crackdown by NICOLA HOBAN “ e technique is used extensively in above parts of the brain that have have alternate uses in di erent sports on dog ghting and dog baiting, [email protected] science and medicine, such as in aid- been identi ed and then a current is and that each sport must determine and North Wales Police said it set ing those rehabilitating from a stroke, sent through that circuit. whether it was cheating or a legiti- up Operation Morpheus with the Bangor University scientist is but it occurred to me that this very Dr Davis stated that there were two mate training tool. RSPCA to target “certain individu- conducting an investigation technique could also be used to im- ways that brain stimulation could Conclusively he added: “ is re- a l s”. into whether athletes could be prove sporting performance. possibly improve sports performance. search is in its early stages, and could Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of the Ausing ‘brain doping’ to achieve suc- “For example, for a tennis player to Continuing, he said: “One is during be potentially dangerous, especially RSPCA’s special operations unit, cess. have a strong serve they need to prac- training, when it could help you focus as we don’t know of any long-term ef- said: “We have worked closely with Dr Nick Davis, from the Bangor tise a great deal, if they practised their and help you learn motor actions, the fects yet.” the wildlife crime team and we ap- motor skills wearing electrodes, they other aspect is performance, so po- preciate their assistance in helping us track down those suspected of organised animal cruelty.” Soldier airli ed Controversial plans revived a er Snowdonia Council and locals still opposed to plans for old Jewson Site mountain fall A SOLDIER was airli ed to a seven new buildings of 162 units on further away from other student sites, in the year. A new site of two three- hospital a er falling from Snow- the old Jewson site, were originally is ‘in the wrong place’ and will ‘a ect storey buildings of 36 units will be don late last week. turned down by Bangor City Council amenities for the local people’. Resi- built on the site of the old Victoria A rescue helicopter was called in November 2011 on the grounds of dents of Penmon Gardens, Ambrose Building on Plas Llwyd Terrace, de- out a er a group of soldiers, who overdevelopment and an appeal was Street and Strand Street would all be spite the objections of local residents. were conducting a training exer- thrown out by the Welsh Govern- a ected by this development. Cllr ere is increasing demand for spe- cise, saw their group leader fall by BECKI WATSON ment. e amended plans now pro- Forsyth went on to state that building ci c student residential areas, as more 60 . [email protected] pose a build of four new buildings to a student site on the land would take and more students are preferring to e man, who had been trying house 109 units, including vehicle ac- away the potential to build houses move into residential sites, meaning to help colleagues, fell on Glyder ew plans for student accom- cess and site landscaping. on it for local people. ere was also that this could potentially free up Fach. modation on a controversial Despite the new alterations, both the a vigorous public protest against the housing for local families. However, e three men were escorted o Bangor High Street site have council and the local people remain site, with eighty people staging a pro- the Council’s stance remains un- the mountain by Ogwen Valley Nbeen submitted. opposed to the site. Cllr Jean Forsyth test outside the site in June 2011. changed, and feels that the site could mountain rescue team. e soldier e plans, submitted by Llangefni has stated that she and other coun- ese plans follow the approval of better be used for residential housing. was own to a hospital in Bangor developers Hughes Bros Ltd. to build cillors feel that the site, being much new student accommodation earlier with suspected rib injuries. 8 Seren | Community Issue COMMENT

Soviet Union, not Civil Union thing that says YOLO or “carrot t” (a er con rmation from the Russian but not countries like Afghanistan this is scaremongering, over-hyped jeans - a name as stupid as the things Government that they will receive no or Iraq. Engagement is an argument fears of history repeating or legiti- In defence of Directioners themselves) then I would be fully protection from these laws) but also that provides cover for politicians to mate concerns of the darker path this supportive of their e orts. Sadly, this as a statement of disapproval against allow Western businesses to continue may lead Russia. is isn’t just about s everyone who is a regular Taylor Swi . e lm’s focus on these gets, is there really anything that crazy ally caused riots over the performance is because Russia has recently signed the laws. to make many millions of pounds laws against the promotion of LGBT user of the site will know, it’s seemingly crazy activities drew some about a pre-teen girl hanging up post- of their favourite team, and the prima- into law some of the most draconian, ere is much debate about whether working alongside despotic regimes issues, or the basic fact of it’s exist- hard to log into Twitter these criticism, especially from the fans ers of a popular boy band in her bed- ry fan base of football clubs are about by JEZ HARVEY homophobic legislation on the planet. or not to take a stand against the laws that regularly use slavery, torture, ence. Violent homophobia is endemic Adays without One Direction being the themselves, and a Twitter hashtag room? It’s also worth remembering as far away as it’s possible to be from [email protected] It is now illegal to publicly announce in such a way. It apparently comes repression and violence against their across Russia - in St Petersburg it is subject of a trending topic. While their # isIsNotUs (a play on the title of that Directioners are not the rst fan teenage girls. When Jez isn’t ranting and raving your homosexuality or your support down to a debate between whether own people. We have “engaged” with estimated that 15% of all LGBT peo- huge internet presence is mostly down One Direction’s upcoming lm, is group to go completely over the top in Obviously the levels of obsession for Seren he enjoys fine wine, of homosexuality. is law equally or not engagement works with these Saudi Arabia and its lovely, delicious ple in the city have been the victim by BECKI WATSON to the band’s massive success, it can Is Us) was spread by irate Directioners their devotion. e hype surrounding and intensity in the One Direction great food and being beaten at applies to foreigners, who can be nations that have laws that we nd oil since the rise to the throne via the of violence based on their sexuality. [email protected] also be attributed to their rabid online who argued that they were portrayed e Beatles reached unprecedented fan base are concerning, but people Fifa by LJ. held for up to 14 days before being distasteful or repugnant, but it almost assassination of his half-brother of Reports to the police go unrespond- Becki loves garlic bread, she will fan base, which was subject to a docu- as ‘insane’, in contrast to how the fan levels, where the screams of the fans at shouldn’t vilify them for simply liking This issue he shares his thoughts deported. is has largely only made certainly is more to do with the - King Khalid in 1976. However, Saudi ed, and indeed there are suggestions likely cause the apocalypse when mentary lm this month. base really is. concerts would actually drown out the a boy band. Every group will have the on Russia’s controversial stance the headlines because of the potential nancial implications. As we saw with Arabia remains the only country on of links between the police and the she eats the world’s supply of it. Channel 4’s ‘Crazy about One Di- But in their defence, the Directioners music played by the band, girls would people who take things to the extreme, against homosexuality and the impact this could have on the upcom- the London Olympics last year, the earth where women can’t drive and gangs that perpetuate these crimes. Between garlic bread, she spends rection’ exposed some of the most do have a point, as the lm did seem regularly faint in their presence, and and it’s not fair to judge the whole campaign against them, spear- ing 2014 Winter Olympics due to be sponsors run much of the show - and remains the single largest nancial Would we be having this debate if her time getting too emotionally neurotic behaviour of the Direction- to focus on a small group of obsessive one fan reportedly almost died when community for their behaviour, be- headed by Stephen Fry. held in Russia. any boycott or moving of the Games backer of Islamic terrorism. Engage- we were discussing whether or not involved in tv shows. ers’, from girls practically stalking the fans. Everyone had their thing that she tried to mail herself to the band in cause as long as you’re being thought- e laws have made recent head- would be costly to them. ment does not work. Jewish athletes would be allowed to Whilst not a One Direction fan, band in their e orts to meet them, they loved when they were teenagers, a giant box. Furthermore, this extreme ful and respectful, there’s nothing t is illegal to wear rainbow sus- lines because of a global campaign, is idea that engagement is the best Another example of engagement compete in Iran or women in Saudi Becki feels it’s important to defend and hoards of fans harassing the boys’ but while accusations of stalking and behaviour is not just found in music; wrong with being a fan girl every once penders in Russia. If this was fronted in the UK by Stephen Fry, way forward in confronting oppres- would be 1930s Germany. Links Arabia? We would not. Homosexual- those who simply love a band. ex-girlfriends, including the pop star harassment are about as serious as it sports fans across the world have liter- in a while. because Russia had instigated a to take the Winter Olympics away sive, racist, sexist, homophobic or just have been drawn between the anti- ity is as natural as anything. We must newI fashion police and was crack- from Russia or to boycott them, in plain evil regimes is one that is used Semitic legislation drawn up prior to take a stand. Engagement won’t win. ing down on them (along with any- part because of the dangers such laws only occasionally. It is used to support the Second World War and the Rus- Taking a real stand will, a lesson we present to the athletes and spectators Western relations with Saudi Arabia sian anti-LGBT legislation - whether should learn from the past. Wake up, Britain! ast month, I stumbled upon a ‘ e Nightmare Room’, which looks Turing Plinth’ and to have the dis- battle against nervousness on a daily disused Daily Mail on a train like a cross between a dream catcher played statue change periodically as is basis in order to crack the secret Nazi e great train debate to Euston, and what I found and a mobile above a baby’s cot. e the case currently. is ingratitude is codes in the Second World War that n a move that surprised a grand hours and £60 away. For others, es- meanwhile, has frozen prices for the tained sporadically and usually far Linside should be entitled ‘ e Daily piece takes its name from a room infuriating! Granted, Gordon Brown secured victory over National Social- total of no-one, the average cost pecially those who change trains fre- foreseeable future. Wales has yet to too late. Our long distance locomo- Hate Mail’. It was a cruel article enti- in which Turing conducted chemi- issued to Turing a posthumous apol- ism, he was then punished for homo- of an English train ticket is soon quently, the cost is even higher. But decide on a plan for the next year, tives are slower, pricier and ten years tled ‘Why I believe it’s wrong to par- cal experimentation with substances ogy in 2009, but why are Britons so sexuality by chemical castration: His setI to rise yet again. e BBC have where is all the money going? I haven’t but travel from north to south o en older than they should be, while our don Bletchley Park code breaker Alan such as cyanide, a room he called ‘ e very reluctant celebrate Alan Turing’s role in maintaining our liberation by ROSIE MACLEOD announced that prices will rise by an seen any marked improvement on the necessitates dipping back into Eng- underground systems are even more Turing for breaking the anti-gay laws Nightmare Room’. e piece has since achievements with all guns blazing? I from Nazi clutches was neither here [email protected] average of 4.2% in the coming year, a tracks or in the carriages since the last land anyway. As such this increase ancient and grimy, forgotten save for of his time’ (sic!). Was this journalist been commissioned for exhibition by really can’t work it out. Homophobia? nor there. He was so committed to by CALLUM LEWIS full 1% above in ation. Charges be- price hike, nor indeed the year before will a ect every train journey Bangor when the rare MP ventures below the Rosie is both Seren’s most even aware that without the e orts the Mission Gallery in Swansea. Is the issue that he was gay still taboo? serving science that he willingly put [email protected] tween the major cities are expected that. Is it just the west that’s being ig- students take out of North Wales, re- streets. Our days as the proud cham- sophisticated and most eccentric of timid, homosexual mathemati- e Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Are Robert Harris’ novel ‘Enigma’ himself through paces that deserved Callum studies Journalism and to be even higher, in some places ap- nored, or the country as a whole? I’d gardless of what the country decides. pion of the tracks are far behind us, member. In her spare time she cian Alan Turing at Bletchley Park, Square is traditionally occupied by and the resulting awful lm that in- the title ‘Nightmare’. Also, Alan Tu- Media, filling his spare time proaching the 10% mark. How can say the latter, judging by the protests It shouldn’t be the case that trav- as are the days when train hopping can be found at museums and they would never have the freedom no permanently a xed statues but in- accurately depicts him as a James ring is hailed as the grandfather of with fierce and vaguely relevant this be justi ed in the wake of Brit- outside London’s major stations. elling by car is rapidly becoming was spur of the moment rather than poetry readings. to even make let alone print such a stead by gurines that change period- Bond-like hero to blame? David computing as we know it. Why, in the debates, taking to the stage and ain’s already ravaged economy? Other countries keep a closer eye cheaper than public transport, or that an exercise in planning routes, scour- She’s currently disgruntled at the comment? is shocked me, for the ically. e tradition stems from when Beckham was on the Fourth Plinth digital age, would we not wish to cele- nurturing his ego. For tight-walleted students this on the ever-rising price of these eye a single train journey is enough to ing websites comparing prices and choice of national ‘heroes’ that we centenary year of Turing’s birth, 2012, funds for a permanent statue there during the 2002 Korea-Japan World brate a man who laid the foundations Today’s debate concerns the marks another year of reaching ever watering cuts of cardboard; Scotland’s make many think twice about where hoping to be ripped o less than we’re see in statues and on currency was marked and celebrated in Wales. ran out. Some internet research re- Cup: A, with respect, frivolous choice of computing, upon which we are increasing price of the train ticket deeper into tortured pockets, won- ticket prices are also set to rise, but they want to go. UK ticket prices rank used to. Another year and another and thinks Britain has more to Some artists who met at the Blinc Dg- veals that there are live e-petitions en- against Turing’s history-shaping and now so reliant? It’s things like this that and what that means for someone dering if the trip home for Easter is their government is committed to consistently far higher than those of price rise, but how many more until offer. ital Arts Festival in Conwy in October titled ‘No statue of Alan Turing on the nation-defending achievements that make me want to scream “WAKE UP, in Bangor. worth the savings drain. I’ve certainly keeping the increase at no more than mainland Europe, yet our trains are we can no longer pay? 2012 have, this year, collaborated and fourth plinth’; one particular petition he accomplished notwithstanding his BRITAIN!” had the dilemma myself, living ve the rate of in ation. Northern Ireland, older and less comfortable, main- produced a piece of visual art entitled is for the plinth to be named the ‘Alan social awkwardness. Not only did he 10 FEATURE Seren | Community Issue STUDENTS VOLUNTEERING IN THE COMMUNITY

Student Volunteering Bangor is a department within the Bangor University Students’ Union that encourages students to engage in voluntary activities during their time at university. Their main aim is to assist students in leading their own volunteering projects, and provide the training needed in order to run projects that are bene cial both to students and the local community. Currently, Student Volunteering Bangor assists in running over 20 community based projects, as well as organising huge charity events, such as the ones listed below. RAG Donations Bangor University RAG (Raising and The four charities chosen by the RAG team Giving) is a sub-group of Student Volun- this year were Kidscan, Ty Gobaith/Hope teering Bangor that is committed to raising House, Bangor University Nightline and De- funds for two local and two national charities mentia UK, and each one of these charities through a number of events held throughout received a total of £1392. the year. The society has a committee of ten As well as this , RAG have held many one to make all the major decisions, but their da- o events during the year to raise funds for tabase of volunteers is huge, and each person several other charities, including the Poppy can give as much or a little time as they want. Appeal, Marie Curie, Concern Universal, Vit- This year, the events have included a Harry ligo UK, the Everyman Campaign, the Breast Potter Halloween Feast, a virtual cycle across Cancer Campaign, Athritis UK and Barnardos, Gambia, and various street collections. raising a grand total of £9,496.46. The BIG Give When the thousands of students living in This year, The Big Give has collected over one halls move out at the end of the academic year, and a half tonnes of clothing, over half a tonne it’s inevitable that a lot of items will be left be- of rags for recycling and 37 bags of shoes and hind. But in an e ort to stop these things lling handbags which have all been donated to lo- up land lls and going to waste, Student Vol- cal charity shops along with 18 boxes of bric-a- unteering Bangor has organised a movement brac. Over 60 large boxes of household items called The Big Give in order to nd these items have been donated to St. Mary’s Hostel in a new home. Bangor, run by the North Wales Housing Asso- Run anually by Student Volunteering, blue ciation which will then be used to help people collection boxes are placed in each hall build- who are moving on to independent living. ing and collections are then made regularly 13 boxes of food and toiletries were donated over a period of a month as students move to the Lighthouse in Holyhead, a centre for out, allowing them to get rid of items that they roughsleepers and homeless people. Due to no longer want or need. These things are then the volume of the donation, surplus food was donated to the local community. passed on to 2 local food banks. 10 FEATURE Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren FEATURE 11 As well as organising these events and raising thousands of pounds for very worthy causes, Student Volunteering Bangor runs many locally based projects in the community. STUDENTS VOLUNTEERING The volunteers work with many di erent people within the area, from vulnerable adults and USEFUL young children, and SVB provides the volunteers with full training when necessary (for example, when working with children on the autism spectrum). Additionally, SVB also run projects STATISTICS IN THE COMMUNITY aimed at improving the environment, such as litter picking on the coastal areas of Gwynedd and Anglesey. Here are a few examples of the great work being done in the local community: £1774.69 amount of money raised by RAG’s Out and About Harry Potter feast

‘Out and About’ is a service run and about with like-minded people. by SVB which provides trips out on The student volunteers accompany alternate Saturday afternoons for the elderly from their front doors people in the Bangor community to the minibuses provided by the over the age of 60. The project service, and then help out on the aims to promote independence and trips to local attractions. Some improve the quality of life for people previous day outs have included a who may have di culty in travelling day trip to Snowden. 118 alone, are unable to drive, are more The project visits a di erent con dent travelling in the company location in the area every fortnight. of others, or simply want to get out number of duvets collected on The Big Give and donated to three local animal Student Volunteering Bangor is a department within the Bangor University Students’ Union that encourages stu- Tea Parties shelters This project organises a fes- As well as this, Student Volunteer- dents to engage in voluntary activities during their time at university. Their main aim is to assist students in leading tive afternoon tea for elderly local ing Bangor have collaborated with residents around Christmas and Contact the Elderly to provide a their own volunteering projects, and provide the training needed in order to run projects that are bene cial both Easter, with volunteers getting into monthly afternoon tea session for to students and the local community. Currently, Student Volunteering Bangor assists in running over 20 community the holiday spirit and leading the people over the age of 70 in order celebrations. Voluntary roles within to socialise with others. Taking place based projects, as well as organising huge charity events, such as the ones listed below. this project, taking place in Neuadd in Agorfa on the High Street, the Willis on College Road, range from afternoon also consists of games, providing the entertainment to bingo, quizzes and presentations 63% socialising with the guests and from outside guests. serving the food and drink. percentage of students involved RAG in formal volunteering in the Donations Community UK Bangor University RAG (Raising and The four charities chosen by the RAG team Giving) is a sub-group of Student Volun- this year were Kidscan, Ty Gobaith/Hope teering Bangor that is committed to raising House, Bangor University Nightline and De- funds for two local and two national charities mentia UK, and each one of these charities through a number of events held throughout received a total of £1392. Sports the year. The society has a committee of ten As well as this , RAG have held many one to make all the major decisions, but their da- o events during the year to raise funds for Following from the success of the ties and, ultimately, to lead a more 400 tabase of volunteers is huge, and each person several other charities, including the Poppy 2012 London Olympic Games, the healthy lifestyle. The project takes can give as much or a little time as they want. Appeal, Marie Curie, Concern Universal, Vit- Welsh Government has created a place in schools throughout Bangor total number of This year, the events have included a Harry ligo UK, the Everyman Campaign, the Breast new initiative aimed towards im- and the surrounding areas. volunteering hours Potter Halloween Feast, a virtual cycle across Cancer Campaign, Athritis UK and Barnardos, proving the health of young people Another new project that has Gambia, and various street collections. raising a grand total of £9,496.46. across Wales. The 5x60 prgramme been launched by SVB is Sport Anal- by SVB volunteers aims to get secondary school stu- ysis. Volunteers provide community per week dents exercising for 60 minutes at sports clubs and groups with ac- least 5 times per week. cess to high end equipment, usu- In order to support this pro- ally only available at elite level. The gramme, Student Volunteering volunteers lm the team’s training The BIG Give Bangor have created SVB Com- sessions, and use specialist equip- When the thousands of students living in This year, The Big Give has collected over one munity Sports. The project aims to ment to analyse the performance of halls move out at the end of the academic year, and a half tonnes of clothing, over half a tonne organise and facilitate weekly and the team or individual players. This it’s inevitable that a lot of items will be left be- of rags for recycling and 37 bags of shoes and one o sports activities with local provides invaluable feedback to the hind. But in an e ort to stop these things lling handbags which have all been donated to lo- secondary school children after club, coaching sta , and players. 1,500 up land lls and going to waste, Student Vol- cal charity shops along with 18 boxes of bric-a- school. This will hopefully encour- This service is available at various unteering Bangor has organised a movement brac. Over 60 large boxes of household items age the pupils to try out new sports, lovations throughout Gwynedd miles travelled called The Big Give in order to nd these items have been donated to St. Mary’s Hostel in engage in more sporting activi- and Anglesey. in 30 hours by the a new home. Bangor, run by the North Wales Housing Asso- winning Jailbreak Run anually by Student Volunteering, blue ciation which will then be used to help people If you think you have some time to spare to volunteer in your local community, collection boxes are placed in each hall build- who are moving on to independent living. team to raise ing and collections are then made regularly 13 boxes of food and toiletries were donated or if your chairty would like to get involved with Student Volunteering Bangor, over a period of a month as students move to the Lighthouse in Holyhead, a centre for money for Kidscan out, allowing them to get rid of items that they roughsleepers and homeless people. Due to phone the o ce on 01248 388021, or email at [email protected] no longer want or need. These things are then the volume of the donation, surplus food was donated to the local community. passed on to 2 local food banks. 12 Seren | Community Issue BUSINESS THIS YEAR SEREN DECIDED TO AWARD THE GREAT BUSINESSES IN AND AROUND BANGOR. THE STUDENTS VOTED AND HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

LATE STOP

MOSTSTUDENT FRIENDLY BEST VALUE BANGOR’S FAVOURITE FOR MONEY BUSINESS AND BEST TATTOO STUDIO

As a way to forge links between students and local businesses, Seren set up the Local Business Awards to celebrate the businesses that are important to the students. The three main winners, The Rogues Gallery, The Late Stop and Tap VOTERS’ CHOICE AWARD: G.WILLIAMS & SON BUTCHERS and Spile got a free full page advert in Seren, and all winners got certi - cates and stickers to go in their shop windows. We hope that these awards will bring awareness to the hard working local businesses and add BEST SUPERMARKET some healthy competition between them. We feel our rst Business Awards were a great success and we hope BEST HAIR SALON to continue them for years to come. So remember to keep visiting your favourite shops, restau- BEST GARAGE rants and pubs and look out for the Awards next year and vote for your favourite hideaway. BEST TAKEOUT

BEST NIGHTCLUB

BEST HIGH STREET BEST LOCAL INDEPENDENT BEST CHARITY SHOP BEST PUB 12 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 13 BUSINESS BUSINESS THIS YEAR SEREN DECIDED TO AWARD THE Noodle One to one GREAT BUSINESSES IN AND AROUND BANGOR. THE STUDENTS VOTED AND HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

LATE STOP BEST RESTAURANT

A er winning Seren Business Award’s Best Restaurant, Seren caught up with the owners of Noodle One, Mary Phillips and Iwan Parry to talk new plans, unprecedented success and hard to pronounce Japanese dishes. MOSTSTUDENT FRIENDLY BEST VALUE By LJ TAYLOR What do you o er in Bangor that use fresh food here, we don’t pre- to help them so it takes some in- other restaurants don’t? cook anything. We had to sit down tense training to be able to answer If you had to convince someone to BANGOR’S FAVOURITE FOR MONEY How long have you been in Ban- People should come here because right at the beginning and make a the questions, especially for the rst come to Noodle One in ve words gor as a business? we’ve got all the credentials, we’ve decision, are we going to be fresh couple of months. We had a chef what would you say? BUSINESS AND BEST TATTOO STUDIO Well, we bought Noodle One in Oc- worked very hard to get a 5/5 hy- and accept that we’re not going to that started here who kept calling all Something a little bit di erent. tober last year but my partner, Iwan giene rating. We’ve won the Seren be able to o er everything every the dishes wrong but everyone gets and I have both been time or are we going to it eventually. It seems like a nice place to work: previous employees make sure everything is All the sta are friendly, we all have As a way to forge links between students and local businesses, Seren here. We’ve had a THIS BUSINESS IS LIKE OUR BABY, I on the menu but sacri ce How do you see the business de- a good laugh. If the sta are enjoy- set up the Local Business Awards to celebrate the businesses that are good ten months so CAN GET QUITE UPSET SOMETIMES IF I quality and we just decid- veloping in the next ve years? ing their work, it will show on their far. I went to talk to GET A BIT OF CRITICISM. ed that we would rather We are looking into what to do faces. There’s little, tiny smiley face important to the students. the previous owner run out and make sure it’s next, we feel a bit more settled here stickers dotted around the back yard The three main winners, The Rogues Gallery, The Late Stop and Tap one day and said, all fresh. now, and we’re under control most and it always makes people smile VOTERS’ CHOICE AWARD: ‘Look, I know this is a bit out of the Best Business Award so we must be It’s very unpredictable how busy days.(laughs) There’s the possibility when they spot a new one that they G.WILLIAMS & SON BUTCHERS and Spile got a free full page advert in Seren, and all winners got certi - blue but if you ever do want to sell doing something right. We’ve also you are. We can sometimes be bus- of a Noodle Two somewhere else, haven’t seen before. As long as the cates and stickers to go in their shop windows. this place, can you let me know?’ He got the TripAdvisor Certi cate of Ex- ier on a Wednesday than we are on we did look in Llandudno for a little job gets done then we are quite re- said, ‘Well if you can keep a secret? cellence and that’s something we’re a Saturday, its hard to plan for that. while. We haven’t decided on any- laxed, we poke fun at each other. I We hope that these awards will bring awareness to the hard It’s actually for sale on the internet.’ quite proud of. We have been fth in thing at the moment. We de nitely think everyone enjoys working here working local businesses and add BEST SUPERMARKET So I went straight to have a look. So Bangor on TripAdvisor. Getting established for other in- want to expand in some shape or and that’s half the battle. If the sta that’s how it came about, I thought dependent businesses can be dif- form, just can’t decide how yet. want you to do well and succeed some healthy competition between ‘Brilliant!’ TripAdvisor is a good way to learn cult but you’ve been lucky here: (laughs) Although we’re settled, the then you can’t really ask for much them. what people think: Everyone already knew about Noo- idea of taking on something else more. So we are very lucky with the We feel our rst Business Awards Noodle One obviously means It’s a really big thing. It’s a double dle One but that’s a double edged does still terrify a little bit. So we sta that we’ve got. They’re all on something to you: edged sword, though, for a business sword as well because you take the might give it another six months our side and want us to do well, so were a great success and we hope Yeah, I’ve always had happy mem- owner. It’s great that you get all the good but also the bad aspects of the (laughs) and get through the busy we feel really lucky to have them. to continue them for years to ories here, it was a really nice place positive feedback but equally, its previous business BEST HAIR SALON quite open to subjective interpreta- so you have to How did you nd out to work. I always wanted my own IT FELT REALLY NICE TO BE RECOGNISED, come. So remember to keep visit- business. Iwan was comfortable with tion. This business is like our baby, weigh up the pros about the Seren Busi- ing your favourite shops, restau- the food, I was comfortable on how I can get quite upset sometimes if I and the cons of AFTER THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF HARD ness Awards and how BEST GARAGE to run the front of house and my dad get a bit of criticism on TripAdvisor. taking on an exist- WORK, TO KNOW IT WASN’T FOR NOTHING. did it feel to win it? rants and pubs and look out for the had his own businesses when I was Obviously, I appreciate the criticism ing business. It felt great to win it. Awards next year and vote for your growing up so we had him to fall and we always try and x what the is- It was really good, we favourite hideaway. back on to help us. We really wanted sue was. We had one really bad one, Why did you decide to keep the Christmas period. were so pleased. I found out about something to sink our teeth into and we had just opened and we were name ‘Noodle One’? We have actually hired a des- it through one of my waitresses. So BEST TAKEOUT this is what we went for in the end. still ailing around, so that was quite When we were looking into buying sert chef, when we rst arrived we we put a blackboard up in the res- Brave or stupid, (laughs) I’m not sure hard to take. So since then we’ve Noodle One, we were looking at oth- bought in desserts but now we’re taurant saying ‘if you like what you’re which. tried really hard to make sure every- er places as well so we weren’t tun- slowly changing to homemade. It eating, vote for us’. It felt really nice BEST NIGHTCLUB one leaves having had a nice time. If nel-visioned on Noodle One. We felt shows a bit more care to have home- to get recognised, after the rst six What do you want to achieve from you are straight and open with the it was the right time to be getting made and they are starting to sell months of really hard work, to know the business? customer then generally you’ll nd into this sort of cuisine, Japanese is really well. it wasn’t for nothing. We were go- We wanted to mainly concentrate they leave happy in the end. kind of becoming a new trend. It was ing in the right direction and we just on the consistency of the food, of the up and coming new fad. Has running a business been what need to keep doing what we are do- making sure that no matter what What challenges do you face run- you expected? ing. chef was on, what time of day it is, ning an independent business? How do people react to the menu? When we were looking into buying what day of the week, the food was One of the things I found quite We still get people who are scep- it, we identi ed what we thought Is there anything else you want to always the same. It was an issue be- strange is that franchises seem to tical about the menu or scared would be the toughest aspects of add? fore and we’ve concentrated really have deals set up with the suppli- even, so we try to help them into running a business and now ten Just watch this space, we’re branch- BEST HIGH STREET BEST LOCAL hard on it. We get a lot of regulars ers that unfortunately don’t seem it. The rst day when I worked here, months on, the things we identi ed ing out. Like us on Facebook and INDEPENDENT in here so if it is di erent one time to be that available for independent I looked at the menu and thought have not been anywhere near the keep up with what we’re getting on BEST CHARITY SHOP they’ll spot it straight away. People businesses. So that’s a bit tough to I’m never going to understand any toughest aspects. It’s been a surprise with. We do put o ers on Facebook BEST PUB are not shy in telling you if it’s not take sometimes. One of the hardest of this, I can’t even read most of it. It what the tricky things have turned sometimes so it’s worth watching it right. (laughs) aspects is keeping everything avail- can be quite tricky training up new out to be, we didn’t see it coming. for that. We reward our Facebook fol- able on the menu because we only sta . Customers do look to the sta (laughs) lowers. 14 Seren | Community Issue MUSIC In Brief Clash trio to appear on 6 Music THE THREE surviving members of the Clash are to come together for an exclusive interview for BBC Radio 6 Music next month. Mick Jones, Paul Simonon and Topper Headon will be interviewed by Cerys Matthews in front of a live audience at London’s Maida Vale Studios, which will be pre-recorded on 6th September. However, the date of the broadcast is yet to be announced. During the show, the trio will be taking questions from the audience. Foo Fighters’ new album set for 2014 Out t: Performance Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball FOO FIGHTERS’ leadman Dave By LJ TAYLOR and make a big thing about itself. I of a rave, it’s relaxing and it’s nice on eighth track on the ten track album Grohl recently con rmed that their couldn’t nd myself constantly lis- the ears but it’s nothing you need to (or last track if your iTunes is messed follow-up album to Wasting Light Performance is out now tening to the album over and over, make a song and dance about. up like mine), is probably my third fa- will have a 2014 release date. Grohl except perhaps House of Fire, or I’ve mentioned, a few times now, vourite. The intro reminds me of the told XFM on August 16th that he ately I’ve found myself listen- memorising my favourite tracks and how I really like the third track on kind of tunes you’d hear in a set from thought next year was set to be “a re- ing to the radio on the drive to then adding them to playlists like the album, House of Fire. There’s a the fabulous (half) Bangor based ally big year” for the band. Guitarist Lwork, perhaps because my CDs I do with other bands. This isn’t a darker edge to it, a somewhat eerie Deaf By Disco. It also sounds a lot Chris Shi ett revealed that they are have started to skip. One night, af- negative point however, it’s just that feel, that my rock and metal loving like I’ve got the Fifa menu on in the planning to begin recording early ter working until 2am, I was driving the album ows so well as one and it background draws me to. There’s a background, though I can’t nd any next year. He told Rolling Stone, “We home to the sound of an unfamiliar doesn’t feel right to interrupt it. (Ex- great beat to it and the bridge builds evidence that it actually is on their actually just started making a new Radio One DJ. From what I can re- cept of course to listen to House of up to a nale that will satisfy your tracklist. Foo Fighters record within the last member it was a show featuring the Fire repeatedly). eardrums. The album has been two years in few weeks. We’ve started rehearsing.” kind of bands that all the cool DJs The vepiece call themselves a psy- the making and was recorded in a Grohl also hinted that the record knew about and that the radio is just chedelic pop group though I’m not Other notable tracks on the album number of di erent locations. It’s would be made “in a way that no startin to discover. I heard a song sure how much I agree. Their music is include the second track, I want a strong debut from the band who one’s ever done before”. and I loved it. So I rushed into the di erent, and at points quite experi- what’s best, which is much more up- I feel will be noticed in the right house and googled the lyrics. It was mental, but they don’t do anything to beat. It begins o calm, just like the scene, though don’t expect it to go Out t’s House on Fire. radical, from song to song you begin rest of the album, but then when you viral and your Aunt to be download- Until I got hold of my review copy I to understand what to expect from least expect it a key change helps it ing it. If you’re a fan of music that could only listen to the song on a 30 their music. The vocals, provided by nd its way into your head for the makes a bold statement and that Gem Archer second loop on the iTunes store, but frontman Andrew Hunt, are soft and rest of the day. There’s also a nice you want to blast out of the window it was worth it. calm; you could easily fall asleep little bit of piano work, the chords of your car then maybe this isn’t the latest Performance, the debut album of to this music and that’s meant in a accentuating the song leaving you one for you. If, like me, you like the positive way. A lot of Performance unable to just listen to it in the back- occasional calm and melodic music BEADY EYE’S guitarist Gem Archer the band hailing from Liverpool, is sounds as though you could happily ground as with the others. in the background then Out t are is making “slow and steady” progress beautiful from start to nish yet it listen to it as a wind down after a bit Thank God I was dreaming, the de nitely worth checking out. following his accident on August doesn’t stand out from the crowd 1st, according to his wife Lou. He was hospitalised with severe head trauma after falling down a ight of stairs, leading to Beady Eye cancel- ling all scheduled live performances for August, including the V Festival. In other Oasis related news, Noel Gallagher has rejected the idea of an Oasis reunion next year to celebrate the 20th anniversary of De nitely Maybe. However, in June, his brother Liam told NME that the band had “un nished business”. Madina Lake Lawson is Everywhere YOU Go! farewell By NICOLA HOBAN guitarist Joel Peat, and drummer The band went on to release their ion Theatre September 28th, before he British band Lawson are Adam Pitts. Currently based in Lon- album “Chapman Square” in October they kick o their fourteen-show AMERICAN alt-rock band Madina heading o on their headline don, the band have been together 2012. tour in Doncaster. Lake are embarking on their nal tour “Everywhere We Go” next since 2009, although their big break This summer alone has seen the On tour, band member Andy UK tour. The band, who have been T month, where they’ll be seen play- didn’t happen until 2011 when they band unveil their new single and Brown said: “When the band rst together since 2005, have released ing to some of their biggest audi- supported The Wanted on their “Be- video “Brokenhearted” featuring started, we always wanted to tour their nal EP, and will be touring ences yet. hind Bars” tour, and later on their B.O.B., perform at the ever-popular V all over the world. Now we’ve been the country to bid farewell to the The band, which originated in Liv- “The Code” tour. Festival, and for the next few weeks, to America, Asia, Australia, Europe fans. Festival favourites, Madina Lake erpool, consists of lead vocalist and In September 2011, it was an- they’ll be travelling the USA before and it’s just getting bigger and bet- experienced much greater success acoustic guitarist Andy Brown, back- nounced that the band had been heading back home to tour the UK. ter. But there’s no better feeling than here than in the US, and the band say ing vocalist and bass guitarist Ryan signed to Polydor Records, and their This will be the band’s rst time playing a tour at home in the UK.” that the UK was the ‘obvious choice’ Fletcher, backing vocalist and lead rst o cial single “When She Was headlining in North Wales, where for their last hurrah. Mine” made their debut in May 2012. they’ll be performing at Rhyl Pavil- August , 2013 | Seren 15 MUSIC

Bruce Springsteen: Wrecking Ball By NICOLA HOBAN at home to make myself feel better. seats, highly anticipating the perfor- ts of giggles as they too rocked out dium (which was full to bursting) up Date: 15th June So when I got the chance to see mance to come, myself more than to Bruce. and stamping their feet, clapping Location: Wembley Arena, Lon- him when he decided to extend his the others as I had never seen him The main man himself was just their hands, singing themselves don “Wrecking Ball” tour and come back live before. simply amazing! You wouldn’t think hoarse. He played for hours on end ruce Springsteen. The Boss. El to the UK, I leapt at the opportunity. Attending a concert with three Bruce Springsteen was 63 years old with no breaks and had no support- Capitano! I mean, was there any doubt that I middle-aged men was an experi- as he hurtled himself around the ing act to relieve him either. Phew! B OK, so I made up the last one, wouldn’t go!? ence all on its own since I’ve only stage, jazzing it out with the E-Street Su ce it to say overall that Bruce but you get the idea. I think this man Come June 15th, my dad and I been to concerts with girls my age, band, which he is a member of for Springsteen has only gotten better is awesome, and having grown up were bundled up in the car making but to be honest, it was hilarious, those of you who aren’t familiar with and better over the decades, and listening to his music (thanks Dad), I the long drive down to London to and I was de nitely the only adult Springsteen. The man is made from I advise you that the next time he was gutted last year when my sister see ‘The Boss’ in Wembley Stadium. there mentally. A highlight was see- Duracell batteries, I swear – I’m 22 comes to the UK and you’re sitting got to go and see him on tour while We’d luckily snagged ourselves ing three fully grown men dancing in and had to sit down to rest my legs on the fence about going to see him, I was left behind to mope, holding a some pretty swanky seats, and when the style of ‘Walk like an Egyptian’ up at points, but Springsteen was run- get your butts moving and buy your- Bruce Springsteen music marathon the doors opened, myself, my dad and down an aisle, which was comi- ning, jumping and dancing all over self a ticket, you will not regret it! and two friends of his led into our cal and had the people around us in that stage and had the entire sta-

The Who: Quadrophenia By THOMAS BICKERDIKE The Who’s current tour celebrates O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again. perform live. However, its choice was Who may play Newcastle, and Town- Date: 20th June 40 years since the release of Quad- I was slightly disappointed that nei- well justi ed. shend greeted the audience “from Location: Metro Radio Arena, rophenia. They performed all 17 ther The Kids Are Alright nor My Encouragingly I was not the young- both sides of the rivers, because I’ve Newcastle album tracks, including recordings Generation got a mention, however, est in the audience as several young got family from each.” A tting touch. ne of the greatest bands of all with the other two original mem- they ended with Tea and Theatre, a teenagers accompanied their par- They were well supported by Ameri- time paying tribute to their bers, bassist John Entwhistle and much more subtle and gentle song ents! It’s nice to think they have in- can blues rock band Vintage Trouble. Oclassic album. Amazingly, The legendary drummer Keith Moon. On than other possibilities. herited good taste in music. As a A very good friend came too; last Who are approaching their 50th an- stage alongside to perform The Dirty I am less familiar with Quadrophe- tribute to the lm Quadrophenia, year we saw the Red Hot Chili Pep- niversary and you can still see the Jobs was Simon Townshend, Pete’s nia than with other Who classics like many of the audience wore Phil Dan- pers. My words to him on the way talent and brilliance of Roger Dal- brother. Afterwards, they concluded Tommy; even Pete Townshend has iels coats, and true a cionados rode home – “So, who are we going to see trey’s voice and Pete Townshend’s with some of the expected classics admitted that it is neither their most mopeds on the way there. next year?” windmills. Who Are You?, Pinball Wizard, Baba accessible album nor the easiest to It was perhaps the last time The 16 Seren | Community Issue FILM In Brief New York Film Festival was slightly worried about to get revenge for his father's death. spect for even includ- The 51st New York Film Festival is how I would feel about this It is unusual that Jim Carrey has re- ing a song like that. It about to kick o at the Lincoln Cent- lm, the rst one was such fused to publicise his own participa- was good to see how er from 27th September until 13th I a big success and it pushed tion in the lm, it didn't ll me with Mindy dealt with the ritual October. It may not be as ground- boundaries with violence a lot of con dence that the stars humiliation that is dished breaking as Cannes or Toronto, but it and shocked us with Hit Girl's have turned their backs on it. To be out and expected from a has started to attract quite successful language. In this one Chloe fair, Carrey isn't in the lm for the high school queen bee. It is lms and has premiered lms such as Grace Moretz is a little older second half but he did seem to en- interesting that they tried The Social Network and Lincoln. This so we are more accepting of joy beating the hell out of a group of to go a di erent direction is where the pre-awards buzz will the language and it seems Chinese pimps. Taylor-Johnson and but it shows how lost at sea start and the favourites become ap- that the violence of the rst Moretz work well together although they were with Kick-Ass' parent. These two weeks of lm will one wasn't enough. In the they seem to be missing the spark story. The constant repeti- showcase at least thirty ve movies second one they’ve had to that was in the rst lm, its like they tion of 'this is not a comic take it up a notch which are just going through the motions. book, its real life' grated within various languages and budg- might be too much for some The supporting cast seem much after a while, it’s as if ets. The new blockbusters may show people. more enthusiastic, especially Mintz- they tried to get serious themselves here. Kick-Ass 2 sees Kick-Ass Plasse's band of crooks, Mother Rus- with it but it just didn't (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) tak- sia (Olga Kurkulina) is terrifying with work. A lm like this, it is ing his crime ghting to her seemingly unbeatable physique expected to be overly vi- Expendables 3 the next level and joins and the fact that they had to let her olent and slightly unreal- a band of mis t superhe- out of prison because one day she istic, trying to make it real roes headed by Jim Car- decided to eat her cell mate. Look makes it too violent and Starts Shooting rey's Captain Stars and Stripes. out for Turk from Scrubs as Dr. Grav- takes us out of the story. Meanwhile Hit Girl is trying ity and Game of Thrones' Iain Glen as The rst lm is greatly su- Production has started in Bulgaria to t in with her cliqued high Uncle Ralph D'Amico. perior and anyone who is and in the Nu Boyana Studios and all school friends but as always The story consists of the usual re- expecting anything like the cast members are set to return it never goes as planned. Af- venge attempt and there is very it, will be greatly disap- except, of course, Bruce Willis who ter the events of the rst lm, much a sense of 'an eye for an eye' pointed. It’s not bad on has been replaced by Harrison Ford. Christopher Mintz Plasse has with what unfolds. It was refresh- its own but I believe it will (Over money issues apparently but I transformed himself into the ing to see Hit Girl/ Mindy try to be a be forgotten pretty quickly don’t think Ford will be cheap.) New- world's greatest super villain normal teenage girl, the downside is and dragged up again when comers include Wesley Snipes, Mel with a name that I can't reason- that she was convinced into it by a they inevitably make the Gibson and Antonio Banderas. In ably write down and has vowed Union J video. The makers lose all re- third one. this story, Stallone’s character Barney will face o with Gibson’s ominous Stonebanks. Guardians adds Gregg Henry

Guardians of the Galaxy director monsters of Oozma Kappa, James Gunn has added another ac- the lowest frat house on the tor to his stellar line up. Gregg Henry popularity scale that is run from who is best known for his roles in the house of one of the member’s Payback and Slither, has worked mums, provides a lot of laughs. They with Gunn before so it should be a are all so individual and wacky and good combination. He is the second have resigned themselves to being Gunn favourite to enter the project at the bottom, with the help of Mike after Michael Rooker who worked and Sulley they hope to climb that with the director on his previous two social ladder. lms. The beauty of Monsters University is that it works as an origin story but also as an almost teen coming of Alpha Papa age story. The initiations into the fraternities are Number One onsters University sees the humour, a good Ratzenberg- funny and original and de- rst Disney Pixar prequel, amount of foreshadowing er’s cameo as lightfully re ect the American uni- Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge lm Mwe take a peek at Mike (Billy and a strong enough sto- the Abomina- versity experience with a bit of add- Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) has topped the UK box o ce this ryline for the lm to carry itself. It is ble Snowman ed monster. A highlight was seeing in their freshman days at Monsters week, raking in nearly £4 million in possible to watch Monsters Universi- is very small but is Mike Wazowski, yes I did have to look University and the mayhem that is ty and not have any previous knowl- an extra treat for fans of the its opening weekend. Partridge sees unleashed as they try to become up how to spell it, as a little monster. edge of Monsters Inc. which is great original lm. A newcomer to the fran- himself in a bit of bother, his radio scarers and get in with the right Constantly being overlooked and station has been Starbucked, taken fraternities. The usually best friends for the younger viewer. chise is Helen Mirren as the terrifying undervalued but still determined to over by a large company which sets were not always that close and this It is excellent to see everyone re- Dean Hardscrabble who manages to become a scarer. His eye literally cov- in motion events that end in a violent is the story of them forming that turn for the lm, John Goodman and scare her pupils and everyone else ers half of his little face. There was siege on his building. Right behind friendship as well as setting up the Billy Crystal are on great form, fold- with her straight laced demeanour a collective ‘awww’ in the cinema Alpha Papa is Greek mythology se- events for Monsters Inc. This is the ing back to the roles as if they never and unbeaten scream record. I didn’t when we saw him. quel Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters perfect summer lm for kids and big left. Their chemistry is as good as realise it was her to begin with which Overall Monsters University is which sets the young hero a chal- kids like me, who are experiencing ever and it is interesting to see their is testament to how good she is. much better than expected, it is lenge: to hunt for the lost Golden university for themselves. characters almost hate each other Hardscrabble is the villain of the lm funny, heart-warming and com- Fleece that is said to heal anything. Sequels and prequels are never as the lm begins. Steve Buscemi is which works perfectly. Every student pletely refreshing. It ends very tidily expected to be as popular as their great as a naive, young Randall who had that one teacher who pushed and isn’t too over the top, in a weird originals and with this I was pleas- unfortunately turns into the monster them, it is exactly what would matter way it is almost realistic. A delight for antly surprised, there is just enough we know by the end of the lm. John to an eighteen year old monster. The both children and their parents. 16 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 17 FILM FILM In Brief New York Film Festival was slightly worried about to get revenge for his father's death. spect for even includ- The 51st New York Film Festival is how I would feel about this It is unusual that Jim Carrey has re- ing a song like that. It about to kick o at the Lincoln Cent- lm, the rst one was such fused to publicise his own participa- was good to see how er from 27th September until 13th I a big success and it pushed tion in the lm, it didn't ll me with Mindy dealt with the ritual October. It may not be as ground- boundaries with violence a lot of con dence that the stars humiliation that is dished breaking as Cannes or Toronto, but it and shocked us with Hit Girl's have turned their backs on it. To be out and expected from a has started to attract quite successful language. In this one Chloe fair, Carrey isn't in the lm for the high school queen bee. It is lms and has premiered lms such as Grace Moretz is a little older second half but he did seem to en- interesting that they tried The Social Network and Lincoln. This so we are more accepting of joy beating the hell out of a group of to go a di erent direction is where the pre-awards buzz will the language and it seems Chinese pimps. Taylor-Johnson and but it shows how lost at sea that the violence of the rst Moretz work well together although they were with Kick-Ass' aul Feig’s latest blockbuster, Heat is very much character based, cat in the hope of some comfort. er like phone books o of crimi- his role as Bi in Back To The Future, start and the favourites become ap- The Heat, sees him reunited so in the end I didn't care who the nal heads. There is hugging and who plays McCarthy's downtrodden parent. These two weeks of lm will one wasn't enough. In the they seem to be missing the spark story. The constant repeti- second one they’ve had to that was in the rst lm, its like they tion of 'this is not a comic Pwith Oscar nominated Melissa bad guy was, although it has be- McCarthy on the other hand is foul boss. In one scene, McCarthy takes showcase at least thirty ve movies take it up a notch which are just going through the motions. book, its real life' grated McCarthy as they look to take the come necessary for there to be a mouthed, frequently over the top, learning, although it appears that apart his o ce apparently looking within various languages and budg- might be too much for some The supporting cast seem much after a while, it’s as if buddy-cop genre by storm. Sandra dirty cop in every lm ever these and uses violence to get her point McCarthy's character has not for his balls. I don't even know what ets. The new blockbusters may show people. more enthusiastic, especially Mintz- they tried to get serious Bullock stars in her rst role since her days. across. You would not want to meet changed at all and has just been a to say to that. themselves here. Kick-Ass 2 sees Kick-Ass Plasse's band of crooks, Mother Rus- with it but it just didn't Oscar win as an uptight FBI agent It is slightly annoying that there her in a dark alley and she is the last bad in uence on Bullock's FBI agent, The jokes come thick and fast, (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) tak- sia (Olga Kurkulina) is terrifying with work. A lm like this, it is who doesn't play well with others seems to be no other female police person who I would consider a role who even after being rude and most at the expense of an albino ing his crime ghting to her seemingly unbeatable physique expected to be overly vi- who has to team up with McCarthy's o cers in either the FBI or the Bos- model. It's not empowering, it’s crin- swearing at her boss, still manages DEA agent, because all albinos are Expendables 3 the next level and joins and the fact that they had to let her olent and slightly unreal- no nonsense Boston street cop to ton PD; in fact the only other wom- gey. to get the promotion she wanted. always the bad guys, and we even a band of mis t superhe- out of prison because one day she istic, trying to make it real take on a mysterious drug lord. en in the lm are stereotypical New Bullock shows us that she is still a It was interesting to see Marlon have clips of Matrix: Reloaded and roes headed by Jim Car- decided to eat her cell mate. Look makes it too violent and It is a genre that seemed to domi- England girlfriends, less than loving dab hand at comedy playing a simi- Wayans (White Chicks) not playing Foul Play to rea rm the point. Not Starts Shooting rey's Captain Stars and Stripes. out for Turk from Scrubs as Dr. Grav- takes us out of the story. nate the eighties and nineties and, mothers, and drugged up prosti- lar role to her Miss Congeniality char- the idiot and it pleased my mad lm all the jokes land but there is enough Meanwhile Hit Girl is trying ity and Game of Thrones' Iain Glen as The rst lm is greatly su- to be honest, I thought we'd seen tutes. There is not a good standing acter, but she does, at times, seem mind to see that him and Sandra of them that the bad ones seem to Production has started in Bulgaria to t in with her cliqued high Uncle Ralph D'Amico. perior and anyone who is the last of it. It is refreshing but also for any women apart from the two a little in awe of her overwhelm- Bullock still work for the FBI. He add- be overshadowed. There is certainly and in the Nu Boyana Studios and all school friends but as always The story consists of the usual re- expecting anything like clichéd to see two females in these leads, and even then there seems to ing teammate, which may also be ed some normalcy to the madness a sense of quantity not quality. the cast members are set to return it never goes as planned. Af- venge attempt and there is very it, will be greatly disap- roles. Unfortunately it makes me be a minimal amount of empower- how the audience feels. McCarthy and it helped as in the scenes with If you want a good buddy cop except, of course, Bruce Willis who ter the events of the rst lm, much a sense of 'an eye for an eye' pointed. It’s not bad on pine for the days of Murtaugh and ment as Bullock is waiting on her seems to relish every moment, it is him the audience could breathe for comedy, this is not it. I recommend has been replaced by Harrison Ford. Christopher Mintz Plasse has with what unfolds. It was refresh- its own but I believe it will Riggs, even the Rush Hour mov- male superior to promote her, she as if the more rude and vulgar she a second. I was surprised to see Tom The Other Guys or even better hints at a failed marriage, and even is, the more she enjoys it. The pair- Wilson in this lm, best known for (Over money issues apparently but I transformed himself into the ing to see Hit Girl/ Mindy try to be a be forgotten pretty quickly ies are more enjoyable. The story seemed to be inconsequential and has to occasionally steal ing works well and they bounce don’t think Ford will be cheap.) New- world's greatest super villain normal teenage girl, the downside is and dragged up again when with a name that I can't reason- that she was convinced into it by a they inevitably make the they could have been hunting after the neighbour’s o each oth- comers include Wesley Snipes, Mel a cactus thief for all I know. The Gibson and Antonio Banderas. In ably write down and has vowed Union J video. The makers lose all re- third one. this story, Stallone’s character Barney will face o with Gibson’s ominous Stonebanks. Guardians adds Gregg Henry

Guardians of the Galaxy director monsters of Oozma Kappa, James Gunn has added another ac- the lowest frat house on the tor to his stellar line up. Gregg Henry popularity scale that is run from who is best known for his roles in the house of one of the member’s Payback and Slither, has worked mums, provides a lot of laughs. They with Gunn before so it should be a are all so individual and wacky and good combination. He is the second have resigned themselves to being Gunn favourite to enter the project at the bottom, with the help of Mike after Michael Rooker who worked and Sulley they hope to climb that with the director on his previous two social ladder. lms. The beauty of Monsters By LJ TAYLOR Daddario), daughter of Athena, the modern twists. From the three eye- to have a supporting character make greatly from the rst but it does feel University is that it works as satyr Grover (Brandon T. Jackson) sharing taxi drivers based on the this transition rather than the hero. a little more grown up, we know the an origin story but also as fter nally accepting his demi- and the rst lm’s baddie, son of Graeae of mythology to the Thermos One of the best parts of the lm characters and we know the world, an almost teen coming of God status, and saving the Hermes, Luke (Jake Abel). Unable to containing the four winds you can comes from Nathan Fillion of Fire y so we’re straight into the action and Alpha Papa age story. The initiations Aworld from near destruction let his daughter die Zeus saves her rarely go a moment without a nod to fame’s appearance as Hermes, the it feels like more is at risk. Or is that into the fraternities are at the hands of a fellow demi-God, in the only way he can, turning her the stories of old. messenger of the Gods. Our heroes perhaps something to do with Luke’s Number One onsters University sees the humour, a good Ratzenberg- funny and original and de- Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is liv- into a great tree that guards Camp Whilst most of the cast from the nd him in the most unlikely yet threat of resurrecting Kronos, the rst Disney Pixar prequel, amount of foreshadowing er’s cameo as lightfully re ect the American uni- ing the life at Camp Half Blood. Or at Half Blood and creates the barrier, rst lm returning, bar Pierce Bros- likely place; a UPS Depot. Not only is most evil of all the Titans? Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge lm Mwe take a peek at Mike (Billy and a strong enough sto- the Abomina- versity experience with a bit of add- least he is until his con dence takes protecting the camp from any future nan who is a little randomly replaced he good fun but he is the only Olym- Despite the more grown up char- Crystal) and Sulley (John Goodman) has topped the UK box o ce this ryline for the lm to carry itself. It is ble Snowman ed monster. A highlight was seeing a beating and a giant bronze bull danger. as Chiron by Anthony Stewart Head, pian God we actually see in this lm acters though, the lm o ers little in their freshman days at Monsters week, raking in nearly £4 million in possible to watch Monsters Universi- is very small but is Mike Wazowski, yes I did have to look breaks through the camp’s protec- However, Luke returns from his de- Percy 2 introduces us to a number as opposed to the whole ensemble chance for any character develop- University and the mayhem that is ty and not have any previous knowl- an extra treat for fans of the tive barrier, hurling Percy and his feat in The Lightning Thief still intent of new characters. One of the main from The Lightning Thief. He gifts ment and it feels as though Percy its opening weekend. Partridge sees unleashed as they try to become up how to spell it, as a little monster. edge of Monsters Inc. which is great original lm. A newcomer to the fran- friends into a journey to nd the on destroying the Gods of Olympus new characters is the cyclops Ty- the gang with parcel tape which will does little more than ght a few himself in a bit of bother, his radio scarers and get in with the right Constantly being overlooked and for the younger viewer. chise is Helen Mirren as the terrifying Golden Fleece. and poisons Thalia’s tree. With the son (Douglas Smith) who comes to delete anything it borders and the monsters and then come home in station has been Starbucked, taken fraternities. The usually best friends undervalued but still determined to barrier destroyed the camp’s demi- Camp Half Blood claiming to be the Thermos of Winds featuring a Her- time for dinner. The only develop- It is excellent to see everyone re- Dean Hardscrabble who manages to Set after the events of the 2010 over by a large company which sets were not always that close and this become a scarer. His eye literally cov- movie Percy Jackson and the Light- Gods must nd a way to retrieve son of Poseidon, making him Percy’s cules: Bust Heads tv show design, ment we see is from Tyson and other turn for the lm, John Goodman and scare her pupils and everyone else in motion events that end in a violent is the story of them forming that ers half of his little face. There was ning Thief, Percy Jackson: Sea of the Golden Fleece which is said to half brother. It is Tyson’s relation- prompting a blatant Fire y refer- newcomer Clarisse. Billy Crystal are on great form, fold- with her straight laced demeanour siege on his building. Right behind friendship as well as setting up the a collective ‘awww’ in the cinema Monsters follows the story of Rick have the ability to heal anyone or ships with the other characters that ence. It’s a perfect moment for any The lm is de nitely worth a watch, Alpha Papa is Greek mythology se- events for Monsters Inc. This is the ing back to the roles as if they never and unbeaten scream record. I didn’t when we saw him. Riordan’s book of the same name anything. And so begins the quest is the real heart of the movie, he is Fillion or Fire y fan. or two, whether you’re looking for quel Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters perfect summer lm for kids and big left. Their chemistry is as good as realise it was her to begin with which Overall Monsters University is from his New York Times bestselling of hot-shot demi-God, and daughter essentially the new kid, the one who Whilst it isn’t essential that you see somewhere to take the kids in these which sets the young hero a chal- kids like me, who are experiencing ever and it is interesting to see their is testament to how good she is. much better than expected, it is series; Percy Jackson and the Olym- of Ares, Clarisse (Leven Rambin) with doesn’t t in and who has to prove Percy Jackson and the Lightning last few weeks of summer, just fancy lenge: to hunt for the lost Golden university for themselves. characters almost hate each other Hardscrabble is the villain of the lm funny, heart-warming and com- pians. the help of Percy and his friends, of himself to his friends. It’s a typical Thief before seeing Sea of Monsters an afternoon at the cinema or like Fleece that is said to heal anything. Sequels and prequels are never as the lm begins. Steve Buscemi is which works perfectly. Every student pletely refreshing. It ends very tidily Sea of Monsters’ plot stems from course. character development that we see it would make sense and you will me, are a big kid at heart. It’s de - expected to be as popular as their great as a naive, young Randall who had that one teacher who pushed and isn’t too over the top, in a weird the story of Thalia, daughter of Zeus, Sea of Monsters is an action- in a number of lms and tv shows de nitely appreciate and under- nitely an exciting hour and half and originals and with this I was pleas- unfortunately turns into the monster them, it is exactly what would matter way it is almost realistic. A delight for who gave her life many years ago for packed, fun- lled, thrill ride through these days but what is nice is that he stand it more if you do. The second it’ll help you brush up on your Greek Greek Mythology with ingenious isn’t the main character, it feels fresh in the franchise doesn’t di er too Mythology. antly surprised, there is just enough we know by the end of the lm. John to an eighteen year old monster. The both children and their parents. three friends; Annabeth (Alexandra 18 Seren | Community Issue TV

Tired of reality shows giving their home towns a bad name, a group of Welsh locals have started a campaign to show what Wales is really all about, while showcasing their local heroes and bringing the community together. by BECKI WATSON struck back at the media giant with The people in the area don’t mind their own portrayal of life in Wales poking fun at themselves, but as ll there seems to be on televi- with The Valleys are Here. Alex explains, ‘MTV has chosen the sion these days is one reality The premise of The Valleys is to place because of its reputation and Ashow after another; if it isn’t take a group of Welsh youngsters problems. Poverty is a real problem The Only Way is Essex, it’s Made dreaming of stardom, plucking which many of the people have ex- in Chelsea or Geordie Shore. But them from their ‘hamlet towns’ and perience of and it's not funny.’ But MTV’s latest outing, The Valleys set seeing how they survive big city life while acknowledging that The Val- in Wales, has proven to be the last in Cardi . However, the show has leys have their bad points, the pro- straw. A few of the locals have de- attracted widespread criticism from ject aims to showcase the people cided enough is enough, Welsh nationals, with Plaid Cymru trying to improve it (‘We wanted to and have leader Leanne Wood branding it put the spotlight on people who do ’cheap’ and ’tacky’ and Alex Jones good work in the area.’), such as lo- from The One Show saying that the cal artists, photographers and those show does not set a good example working in the media, as well as sup- or provide good role models for porting local charities on their web- girls. Additionally, one of the main site. cast members Leteysha Grace was But what started as a small group arrested for assaulting a woman of campaign o cers and graphic in a nightclub, and MTV have designers running the project on ignored a campaign by the lo- their weekends has turned into cal people to donate 5% of the something much more. In the past show’s pro ts to the charity Val- year, with no funding whatsoever, leys Kids. the team have used their links with The Valleys are Here team hosted a screening of the lm for the com- In response to MTV’s at- small businesses and charities to get munity, as well as a concert featuring local bands. titude, a group of locals de- the project o the ground. The team cided that enough is enough. have created a lm in partnership is more to the South Wales Valleys campaign's e ect in the Valleys, ‘For Alex, from The Valleys are Here with SSP Media, a media company than what people tend to think... it’d me I think the campaign has shown team, said, ‘We were fed up run by Bangor University students about focusing on those individuals that when asked directly, people will with the bad image given of and graduates, who have volun- who create their own opportuni- bring incredible contributions to the area, and when we talked teered their expertise out of their ties in The Valleys and learning from an e ort that builds power for their to our friends, we found out we own free time.. The team have live them.’ community.’ With The Valleys are weren’t the only ones. Instead streamed the lm on SSP Media’s They’re now extending the project Here growing in strength every day, of sitting around whinging, we website, organised lm showings to new areas, such as getting behind perhaps the negative stereotypes thought we’d try to do some- and gigs in the local community, the potential BBC Wales move to perpetuated by MTV will nally be thing positive.’ and have premiered the lm at the the Valleys and showcasing inspir- put to rest. Launched in May last year, recent Rhondda Rocks festival. Os- ing local heroes, like The Aber Valley the aim of the project wasn’t to ian Williams, a Bangor student and Heritage Group, who run a museum If you want to get involved, go to brush over the troubles in the director of the lm, said, ‘The main and heritage centre purely through thevalleysarehere.com or like them Charlotte Church, Nigel area, but to provide an authentic reason for making this lm is to the e orts of local volunteers. Alex and SSP Media on Facebook to nd Owen and other Welsh celebrities took look at what The Valleys really are. help people understand that there added his personal view on the out more. to Twitter to condemn the show 18 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 19 TV TV

This summer, Jez hasn’t had anything better to do other than watch hours and hours of television. Luckily, this means that Seren is here to give you the scoop on the hottest shows from across the pond. Tired of reality shows giving their home towns a bad name, a group of Welsh locals have started a campaign to show what Wales is really all Orange is the New Black about, while showcasing their local heroes and bringing the by JEZ HARVEY views, was still an excellent thing violence, lesbians, sex, lesbian sex and wants to make life better for her possible to pigeonhole neatly. It is to have back on our screens, having and tension. The lesbian card is, fellow inmates, yet is also a schem- funny, dark, touching. It is a warning community together. he rise of online streaming ser- lost none of its quirky and o beat frankly, played rather a lot in the ing, emotionally-blackmailing nar- on the foolishness of prison systems charm and humour with the only show, though it doesn’t su er for cissist. The ance, played by Jason that seek only to control people and by BECKI WATSON struck back at the media giant with The people in the area don’t mind vices such as Net ix and Love- their own portrayal of life in Wales poking fun at themselves, but as T lm have had an unforeseen negative words to be said for the it. It is interesting to note that the Biggs of American Pie fame, further a stark education on the realities of way the series acted almost entirely only sexually active lesbians are the re ects this, as do many of the other race in America. It’s also silly, with ll there seems to be on televi- with The Valleys are Here. Alex explains, ‘MTV has chosen the change in how television works. as an update to what has happened thin, pretty women, and it can make characters. some moments of surrealness that sion these days is one reality The premise of The Valleys is to place because of its reputation and Aside from simply providing peo- to the family in the seven years it you wonder whether or not this was For all the moments that this show are desperately needed, and yet no show after another; if it isn’t take a group of Welsh youngsters problems. Poverty is a real problem ple with a large range of lms and A TV-shows to watch on-demand, the has been gone. House of Cards re- more of a decision based on what makes you start to itch with distaste more unbelievable than those surre- The Only Way is Essex, it’s Made dreaming of stardom, plucking which many of the people have ex- ceived almost universal praise, with will make people watch, than an ac- at the actions of the characters, it al moments that happen in our lives. in Chelsea or Geordie Shore. But them from their ‘hamlet towns’ and perience of and it's not funny.’ But companies are now producing TV Kevin Spacey playing the Machiavel- curate re ection of prison life in the has moments of real warmth and Ultimately, it is a good story, a tale MTV’s latest outing, The Valleys set seeing how they survive big city life while acknowledging that The Val- shows of their own. lian anti-hero, playing the game of most obese nation on earth. love. A prisoner is released, bringing that could be told in a huge range in Wales, has proven to be the last in Cardi . However, the show has leys have their bad points, the pro- Net ix have had three such shows politics on it’s most intense stage in The shows exploration of how life the whole, often fractured, commu- of settings, and that is what the best straw. A few of the locals have de- attracted widespread criticism from ject aims to showcase the people launch in the last year: the reboot of Washington D.C. with such power- can change because of a single mis- nity together to see her o . Another television is. The Sopranos wasn’t a cided enough is enough, Welsh nationals, with Plaid Cymru trying to improve it (‘We wanted to one of the best comedies America ful, charming darkness that it’s im- take in the long distant past both prisoner, who has long been institu- show about gangsters, it was about and have leader Leanne Wood branding it put the spotlight on people who do has produced, Arrested Develop- ’cheap’ and ’tacky’ and Alex Jones good work in the area.’), such as lo- ment; the US adaption of the British possible to not root for him. makes you feel for the characters, tionalised, receives a letter from an guilt and family and morality; Fawlty from The One Show saying that the cal artists, photographers and those political drama House of Cards and The latest arrival has been Orange and at the same time start to feel a old love and hope blossoms for her. Towers wasn’t about hotels, it was show does not set a good example working in the media, as well as sup- most recently, the prison drama/ is the New Black, a darkly funny slight itch. Put people into a terri- We see the whole range of emotions about desperation and snobbery. or provide good role models for porting local charities on their web- comedy Orange is the New Black. show, based on the real-life experi- ble situation, and you will often see brought to a simmering point before Orange is the New Black isn’t about girls. Additionally, one of the main site. Arrested Development, whilst ences of a woman convicted of drug the worst. The lead character, for in- exploding in a climactic series nale, prisons, it is about us. cast members Leteysha Grace was But what started as a small group returning to somewhat mixed re- tra cking. This show seemingly has stance, is a charming if ditzy liberal leaving us wishing for more. arrested for assaulting a woman of campaign o cers and graphic it all - humour, lesbians, intrigue, New Yorker, who seemingly cares This show is many things, and im- in a nightclub, and MTV have designers running the project on ignored a campaign by the lo- their weekends has turned into cal people to donate 5% of the something much more. In the past show’s pro ts to the charity Val- year, with no funding whatsoever, leys Kids. the team have used their links with The Valleys are Here team hosted a screening of the lm for the com- In response to MTV’s at- small businesses and charities to get Breaking Bad munity, as well as a concert featuring local bands. hours after being aired in the US. the last ve series have been a rich, hearted shrew, others as patient If you’ve never seen the show be- titude, a group of locals de- the project o the ground. The team by JEZ HARVEY If you have never watched the moving and often shocking explora- and understanding saint, and oth- fore, I would strongly advise you cided that enough is enough. have created a lm in partnership is more to the South Wales Valleys campaign's e ect in the Valleys, ‘For show before, it makes a Net ix sub- tion of what can happen to any of us ers simply as a re ection of Walters’ change that soon. If you have, try Alex, from The Valleys are Here with SSP Media, a media company than what people tend to think... it’d me I think the campaign has shown he next few weeks will see the scription worthwhile on its own (and if pushed to the limit. own descent into the darker regions and avoid the hundred and thou- team, said, ‘We were fed up run by Bangor University students about focusing on those individuals that when asked directly, people will run up to the most highly an- there’s much more excellent televi- Bryan Cranston, probably best of the mind, a meathead brother-in- sands of sites that are speculating with the bad image given of and graduates, who have volun- who create their own opportuni- bring incredible contributions to Tticipated nal episode of a TV sion available). Following a meek yet known as the Dad from Malcolm in law who works for the Drug Enforce- about how the series will end. The the area, and when we talked teered their expertise out of their ties in The Valleys and learning from an e ort that builds power for their show for nearly a decade, as the cul- highly intelligent chemistry teacher the Middle and more recently Argo, ment Agency, and Walter’s partner show has consistently been so smart, to our friends, we found out we own free time.. The team have live them.’ community.’ With The Valleys are mination of Breaking Bad approach- after his diagnosis with terminal gives a consistently powerful perfor- in crime Jesse Pinkman, a former so good and so surprising that much weren’t the only ones. Instead streamed the lm on SSP Media’s They’re now extending the project Here growing in strength every day, es. The nal weeks of our time with cancer as he comes to terms with mance; the usually e ortless switch- student whose own descent is all the of the pleasure is in the anticipation. of sitting around whinging, we website, organised lm showings to new areas, such as getting behind perhaps the negative stereotypes Walter White are upon us, and his his short time left with his family and ing from his home-persona of the more painful to watch, as each con- Having watched much of the show thought we’d try to do some- and gigs in the local community, the potential BBC Wales move to perpetuated by MTV will nally be descent from mild mannered chem- the crushing nancial implications mild and wise father to his power- current drop into hell is punctuated in large chunks at a time on Net ix, thing positive.’ and have premiered the lm at the the Valleys and showcasing inspir- put to rest. istry teacher to the drug baron mass- of this diagnosis (which immediately and-ego crazed monster alter-ego, with seeming reprieves and escapes instead of episodically, I am thrilled Launched in May last year, recent Rhondda Rocks festival. Os- ing local heroes, like The Aber Valley murderer will have people across the marks this as an American TV show Heisenberg, only occasionally break- open to him. For Jesse, hell isn’t a to be able to watch it as was intend- the aim of the project wasn’t to ian Williams, a Bangor student and Heritage Group, who run a museum If you want to get involved, go to world glued to their TV’s. Though it - everywhere else in the world the ing at times of acute stress. The sup- descent, it’s a thousand steps up the ed. This is the end of Breaking Bad, brush over the troubles in the director of the lm, said, ‘The main and heritage centre purely through thevalleysarehere.com or like them never successfully made it onto any show would be one episode long porting characters are also excellent, mountain, followed by a long, pain- and I can’t wait to nd out if this is Charlotte Church, Nigel area, but to provide an authentic reason for making this lm is to the e orts of local volunteers. Alex and SSP Media on Facebook to nd of the British channels, it is available as he is taken straight into surgery), including a wife some view as a cold- ful fall, over and over again. also the end of Walter White. Owen and other Welsh celebrities took look at what The Valleys really are. help people understand that there added his personal view on the out more. in the UK through Net ix only 24 to Twitter to condemn the show Arkham Origins 25th October

20 Seren | Community Issue GAMES

THE BIG GAME PREVIEW: SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2013 IT’S GETTING TO THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN, WHEN YOU’RE STARTING TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. LUCKILY FOR US GAMERS PUTTING TOGETHER OUR WISHLISTS WON’T BE DIFFICULT: THERE’S IMMINENTLY PLENTY TO CHOOSE FROM THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. id-September sees the start of the big stealing cars, shooting everything in sight or 17th September guns with Grand Theft Auto making doing the side missions. In an age where vid- Mits highly anticipated return with GTA eo games tend to o er little replay value you V on X-Box and Playstation 3. Likely to have can’t criticise Rockstar and the million di erent many similarities to the previous games, GTA things they o er you in one game (and that’s V does have one big change: You play as three before the multiplayer). characters. The game is set in the ctional city Whilst I’ve yet to see enough evidence to of Los Santos and boasts a game world which prove that the wait we’ve had for this fth in- is ve times larger than that of GTA: San An- stalment has been worth it in terms of a much dreas, GTA: IV and Red Dead Redemption com- better game, I reckon you’d be a fool not to bined. get hold of a copy when it hits shelves next As per usual, the game will give players the month. Whatever you think of it the Grand option to follow the storyline through a range Theft Auto franchise is up there with the gam- of missions, a di erent one for each character, ing elites and I for one can’t wait to get back while other missions see characters collabo- into Rockstar’s world. rate, or to go on a rampage through the city eptember 27th is perhaps a date more an- much more realistic and, combined with pure ticipated than the start of the actual Pre- shot, is aimed to make you feel as though you 27th September Smier League: It will see the release of the are right on that pitch. next in the Fifa franchise. Fifa 14 will hit shelves The thing I always struggle with most in Fifa is at the end of next month for both the Playsta- tackling, I’m rubbish at it in life too, and so it’s tion 3 and the X Box 360 with a copy also re- great to see that EA Sports will be introducing leased on the PC (if anyone still plays it there). 2nd chance tackle which will allow your player As always the main feature of a new Fifa is that to recover quicker from a missed tackle and it has an updated roster and the graphics are have another chance in the extended tackle a little better. So, if you’re like me and, owing zone. to the handy ‘edit teams’ option, don’t care too Career mode in the 2014 edition looks as much about who’s playing for who, then it’s though it’s going to have a little more focus easy to bypass an instalment or two until they on scouting, but other than that it will unlikely are £2 in Game’s pre-owned section. vary too much from Fifa 13. However, some hardcore fans like to save up If you’re a hardcore Fifa-holic then I probably their pennies and get the latest copy on the don’t need to advise you to buy it because you day it arrives on shelves. So for those amongst already pre-ordered eighteen months ago. us, here are Fifa 14’s new features:- If you’re like me and occasionally like to play Pure shot sees the shooting mechanics of the some football then maybe you’re best grab- game transformed, leaving players intelligent bing Fifa 12 for a ver. enough to adjust their stride or pace as they The game will also be available on the next approach the net and even shoot when they generation consoles, Playstation 4 and the X are o balance. The new pure shot feature al- Box One, but the release dates for those are yet legedly makes scoring feel more satisfying. The to be con rmed. ball has also undergone some work, making it he Dark Knight returns to the games greatly from the previous games, but just with console on October 25th in the fol- a few added features including a new gadget Tlow up to Arkham City, Arkham Ori- called the Remote Claw. A fast travel system gins. As with all good game franchises, will allow Batman to instantly summon the there comes a time when we must return Batwing, making travel across the game world to the beginning because there’s no story much easier and faster. However, it’s not as sim- left to tell and so it comes as no surprise that ple as it sounds because in some enemy areas the next in the Batman: Arkham series is a you’ll have to do a bit of work before you’re able prequel. to summon your plane. There’s a new combat The game will see the return of all the charac- tracking system so you can see how well you’re ters from the franchise so far. It will also intro- doing and there’s a few new enemy types to duce us to a number of new villains including spice things up a bit. crimelord Black Mask, who made a cameo in Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Arkham the last game. Origins is the ‘Crime in Progress’ option which Set ve years before Arkham Asylum, Origins allows Batman to go and assist Gotham City PD, sees the rise of Batman from crime- ghting also helping his reputation with them. vigilante to superhero when he is faced with The game sounds like a nice little addition to his rst real threat: Eight master assassins with the collection but, unlike its predecessors, prob- a bounty on his head. This time Gotham PD ably won’t pose too much threat in a Game of aren’t on the caped crusader’s side, too wary of the Year competition. It will be available on PS3 whether he is a force of good or bad. and X-Box, as well as the Wii U and PC. Gameplay-wise, Origins will not di er too August , 2013 | Seren 21 GADGETS

THE TAKEOVER? JEZ TAKES A LOOK AT ALL THE UPCOMING PRODUCTS FROM EVERYONE’S FAVOURITE SEARCH ENGINE AND TRIES TO CONVINCE US THAT APPLE DOESN’T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ONE OF YOUR FIVE A DAY. by JEZ HARVEY amount of press from their battles with Ap- the Google Nexus range. Preferring the stock their search engine than technology), they al- ple, as well as solidify their place as the main Android and the lower prices Google sell the low the user to decide how best they want to his summer has seen the launch of sev- provider of Android phones. However, many phone for, I expect great things of it, not least use their device and because they are happy eral new Android and Google products, of the features of the S4 can best be described the long-awaited for Android 5.0, or Key Lime to launch something before it’s perfect, know- Tsome exciting, others more mundane. as gimmicky; whilst the translation system that Pie as it is expected to be called. ing that the best people to test a device are The most newsworthy and covered is the comes with the phone is hugely impressive One product that Google has launched in re- people themselves. This means that the really launch earlier in the year of Google Glass - An- (immediate, voice and text translation, with cent months is the new version of the hugely keen people who buy a product the day it is droid powered specs that link to your phone no need for a data or internet connection) I fail popular Nexus 7 tablet. When launched, many announced discover all the bugs, Google x and is currently out in the world being tested to think of more than one occasion in the last people (often Apple employees) were dis- them, and by the time you and I come to buy and played with by developers who are work- two years I have needed that capability. The missive of the chances of it catching on. Who one three months later, they’ve been sorted. ing out what exactly the potential of this de- big selling point of the HTC is the high quality wants a tablet that’s halfway between a phone One nal point to end on - the Google Play vice could be. Google have a lot of form in this stereo speakers and camera. The camera has and a proper tablet, they said? Well, over 7 services. This is Google’s version of the App area - a blue skies project that they release to received rave reviews and the stereo speak- million people did. The low price, high specs store and iTunes rolled into one. Movie, book the wider public to develop. This means that ers apparently are top-notch. Though, really, and growth of the Google Play services meant and magazine stores have been with us for a much of their products are developed by peo- I hate people who use their phone without that it was hugely popular, and a few months while, with at rst a fairly poor range that has ple in everyday life, rather than engineers and headphones, so this could just make the an- later plans were announced for an iPad Mini. grown into an impressive o ering, and it has technicians in The latest version has continued this trend, recently been updated in the UK to include labs and o ces. with better specs than the iPad Mini and $100 the full Play Music service (Access All Areas - On a broader lev- WHO WANTS A TABLET THAT’S HALFWAY cheaper at the bottom of the range of both. Spotify, but with the ability to easily buy and el, this also pow- BETWEEN A PHONE AND A PROPER TABLET? The other product launched was the Google sync across devices) and the Television store. ers much of the Chromecast, a USB adapter that plugs into Both already have an excellent range - in the content on things your TV and allows you to easily stream any TV store, for instance, you can immediately like Google Maps noying kid on the bus playing terrible music content from your phone, tablet or computer have the latest episodes of Breaking Bad de- and other things; by tying these services and much more frustrating. (and unlike the tight- sted lot at Apple, this livered straight to your devices as soon as it is technologies into the real lives of people, a Both phones now sit comfortably at the top can be done from any Android, Windows or released. Google Play is quickly becoming a much richer experience is created. The launch of most tech sites top ten phones, but how Apple device) from Youtube and Net ix at pre- real selling point for Google, something that of this comes alongside the development of a they’ll stand up against the expected new iP- sent, but with far more providers to come in has long been waited for. similar product - smart watches that display hone depends largely on whether or not Ap- the future. This technology has been around information and can be easily viewed. Whilst ple have managed to innovate or will continue for awhile, notably the Apple TV. Aside from from a technical and geek point of view these to ape features from Android - the launch of the fact that you don’t need to be tied into one smart watches and glasses are very cool, the iOS7 recently would suggest otherwise. The operating system though, the main selling question remains - how di cult is it to get your launch of the MotoX, probably the only re- point is that the device in the US costs just $35 phone out of your pocket? cently launched phone that could stand up (prices not available as yet for the UK). This is In terms of phones, two new big beasts were against these two will sadly not be coming to three times cheaper than Apple TV. This device released to the public in the widely anticipat- these shores. However, I will be waiting until best shows why Google has overtaken Apple ed Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One. With October before upgrading, with then be- in the tech world. They are happy to sell at cost the S3, Samsung managed to garner a huge ing the expected release date of the latest in (because they make vastly more money from DUAL PLAYER APP by BECCI JAMESON

Dual Player is an app that enables the user to listen to two songs simultaneously; it’s great if you want to mix songs and see if they t together. I was recommended it by my brother who is a music student, as it’s ideal for his course and for those who love to tinker. The app lets two songs play at once with one song to each headphone, so no one has to argue over what to listen to. You can change the volume of each and what speed they play at and at what point they play from. It can be played while minimised and has repeat and shu e capabilities. There are many apps on various app stores with similar names to Dual Player. Dou- ble Song and Dual Player are free while Double Player For Music with Headphones is £0.69 on the Apple App Store. There doesn’t appear to be anything like this on Android yet. It works well with and without headphones, although it is a lot better when you get the surround of two songs through your headphones. It sometimes has a bit of a glitch and closes when a certain song is played - it might just be my music, but my app did not like Abraham’s Daughter by Arcade Fire but seemed ne with every other song that I tried. Oth- er than that the app is great, it’s easy to use and it’s enjoyable to try and sync up music from your collection. 22 Seren | Community Issue ARTS AND CULTURE WILL SELF, FRANZ KAFKA’S

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Seren Meets: e American Poet Laureate By ROSIE MACLEOD ems. e main themes that resonate loose term, nationalities. She is poet school confessed...’In the past twenty poetry and the process of poetry writ- through her poetry are: Colonialism, of cultural identities. At her reading, years, I’ve written some poems.’” It ing can sow the seeds of future hope. n September 2013, United States indigenousness and, conversely, ex- Trethewey reads from a poem writ- was newsworthy. at use of the word She recounts the story of her brother Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey ile and feeling ostracised. For anyone ten partly in Hispanic. It is about a “confessed” leads Trethewey to her visiting prison inmates who write po- will enter a second term of Lau- who studied the AQA exam board mixed-race child whom, she explains, next point- poetry in secret; clandes- etry. Choked on emotion and ght- reateship.I On 19th June, 2013, Seren’s module ‘Poems from other Cultures is seen as “fading from one culture to tine poets. “I wonder how many of ing back tears, Trethewey asserts that Culture Editor went to see her ad- and Traditions’ for GCSE English, her another”. Her new collection, ‘Beyond you are secret poets...?” She says as troubled people channel into poetry dress a mainly American audience at poems pleasantly ring many bells and Katrina’, set in the a ermath of Hur- she playfully scours a pointed nger their desire to “work towards a fu- London’s Royal Automobile Club, Pall deservingly lend themselves to com- ricane Katrina, focuses on the theme over audience, her eyes glaring in jest. ture better than the di cult present Mall. mendable comparison with Maya An- of “human destruction versus natural To her mind, poetry is more popu- time”: A desire held in poetry verses. Composers start with chords and gelou. Trethewey explained that, when destruction”. For “human destruction”, lar a pastime than we give it credit Overcome with the emotion, the poet songwriters with an idea. In her po- constructing a poem dealing with ‘Empire’ seems the likely implication. for. gracefully steps down from the podi- etry construction, Natasha Trethewey indigenousness, she rstly consulted - Having established her keen inter- Poignantly, Natasha Trethewey um and is handed a tissue. No further starts with a point in history and “a closed her talk by a rming that questions. historical question that I will then attempt to answer through my poems.” POETRY IS MORE POPULAR A PASTIME Trethewey explains that she chooses to answer her self-set historical ques- THAN WE GIVE IT CREDIT FOR tions in order to “make peace with our own personal past and our country’s own historical past.” Colonial- ism. Empire. Making sense of – let and was very surprised by - the OED’s est in cultural identity and the issues alone making peace with - the past is a de nition of ‘Native’: e dictionary and history surrounding this, Nata- tall order, so how does she embark on describes native as one “committed to sha Trethewey engages her audience such a task? e answer is not a vague upholding the values of the place in on the topic of the purpose, the use, but distinct one: She consults diction- which they dwell”. Nevertheless, this function and relevance of poetry in ary de nitions, looking up vocabulary surprise provided her with some inspi- modern and everyday life. Firstly, her fundamental to her given “historical ration and served as a lexicographical father also wrote poetry while she was question”. Speci cally, she refers to the springboard for her artistry. growing up and poetry writing served Oxford English Dictionary (OED). It Natasha Trethewey is a great ad- as a family activity. e two engaged may seem odd that an American writ- mirer of many British poets to whom in a friendly father-daughter artistic er should reference a source rooted she looks for inspiration: Metaphysical rivalry; “We always wanted to write in British English and not American poet John Donne, Northern Ireland’s a poem (each) about our memorable English, but the OED is a reigning Seamus Heany, Liverpool-educated trip away, for years I kept putting it authority on good English. It is the Carol Ann Du y and former UK poet o ”, she laughs. As it stands, she has prescribed, standard account of cor- Laureates Ted Hughes and Andrew succeeded in writing this poem, while rect English usage, the source that is Motion. Trethewey’s inspiration by her ‘rival’ has not. Trethewey believes instinctively consulted on any issue of British poets, coupled with her use poetry holds relevance beyond a fam- ambiguity about the English language. of the OED, a British publication, re- ily unit; “A er 9/11, people turned to Trethewey is the daughter of a black minds us that Britons and Americans poetry for help and comfort”. father, also a poet, and white mother, are divided by a common language. e most memorable anecdote of who married when mixed race mar- It is tting that her poetry generates Natasha Trethewey’s talk was the riage was still illegal in the US. Ideas this message, for she is a poet rmly story of her brother’s school reun- of cultural identity recur in her po- focussed on the concept of, to use a ion; “the most popular girl in high Natasha Trethewey explores the meaning of being ‘native’ in her work. August , 2013 | Seren 23 ARTS AND CULTURE WILL SELF, FRANZ KAFKA’S

BIGGEST FAN

Although famous for his TV appearances, Will Self is also an authority on author Franz Ka a. By ROSIE MACLEOD disinterested and irritable Grumpy I noticed that the age demographic of morphosis’ (most of us), Ka a’s trou- this essay, Self paints a picture of di- Old Man, but when the email subject his followers is somewhat wide-rang- blesome wounds that Self speaks of lapidated housing; “ ats in north-east ou may know Will Self as a line ashed up “Invitation: Will Self’s ing; from undergraduate age to silver- remind us of the apple that is lodged Glasgow, a series of huge steel-framed Grumpy Old Man, a BBC lecture on Ka a”, I simply could not haired readers. in Gregor Samsa’s back when he towers and ‘slabs’ clearly visible from panellist, a writer, journal- resist. My hand had automatically Will Self, wearing a crumpled and morphs into a giant cockroach: Foul, the M8 as you drive into the city.” Self’s Yist or as a critic. He is the author of found its way to the ‘reserve tickets’ creased jacket, opens his lecture on nine novels including ‘ e Book of portal on the screen before I even Franz Ka a by apologising for his Dave’, centred around an unwell taxi knew it. It’s Will Self- a regular on attire. On the day of his lecture, he driver, and seven short story collec- Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Grumpy neglects a smart appearance since WILL SELF AWARDS FRANZ KAFKA THE tions, notably ‘Grey Area’. He is also Old Men and other shows that are the roof of his house had caved in quite possibly the biggest ever fan of a boys’ night in masquerading as a that very morning and he has “spent TITLE OF “THE KING OF THE GROTESQUE” the Prague writer Franz Ka a (1883- television programme. He is also no the whole day on the ‘phone to in- 1924). BBC Space is currently feeding stranger to BBC Question Time and surance companies.” is is deli- Will Self’s insatiable appetite for Kaf- Newsnight Review. His readers and ciously ironic given that Franz Kaf- ka. e programme ‘Will Self’s Prague viewers are genuinely interested in ka, the topic of Self’s lecture, worked rotting and stubbornly remaining. dark depiction of unpleasant, unchar- Journey’ is currently available on the what he has to say, which asserts his for an insurance company! Will Self A er the lecture, I am shaking like a acteristic and hostile ats displays a BBC Space website, and it follows Self regular place on so many panel shows. awards Franz Ka a the title of “ e leaf as I ask for his autograph. “Yes” he clear in uence of- you’ve guessed it: as he traces Ka a’s footsteps through at Self is so unafraid to speak his King of the Grotesque”. e lecture says, naturally. Shockingly enough, he Franz Ka a’s Prague, where the ne- his home city. e website also boasts mind and won’t ght to be liked only is lmed by the BBC for their ‘ e was only too happy to sign my copy of glected and derelict ats were o en Space’ website. Self appears com- e London Review of Books and he empty and very cheap to rent. pletely immune to the cameras and even let me borrow his pen in order In early 2012, Will Self became a wires occupying the space between to add my name to an events mailing Professor of Contemporary ought THAT SELF IS SO UNAFRAID TO SPEAK HIS his panel and his audience. e list. We move over to the free wine ta- at Brunel University. is year, he was MIND... ONLY IMPROVES HIS POPULARITY lecture tagline is ‘Ka a’s Wound’; ble to join his American editor, who, it rumoured to be commencing a role as Ka a was a sickly and unwell writer. turns out, is a fan of Charlotte Brontë. BBC Radio Four’s writer in residence, Will self explains the signi cance of Will Self is fond of vintage objects; which has yet to materialise. What the wound in Ka a; “ e lesions he is a keen collector and repairer of will he do next? Ka a was su ering in August 1917 typewriters and, over drinks, grasps You can read the transcript of Will a transcript of Will Self’s London lec- improves his popularity. were a ‘symbol’ of the greater ‘wound’ his cigarette holder prior to stepping Self’s London lecture on Ka a and ture on Ka a. Seren’s Culture Editor Despite his appearance and reputa- – a manifestation of a deep-seated outside. watch ‘Will Self’s Prague Journey’ by was in attendance and discovered tion as a malcontent, if you catch Will malaise. e wound examined by the When he can be separated from a visiting thespace.org and selecting the more personable side to the Self - Self discussing topics that please him, country doctor is caused by Ka a’s copy of Ka a for ve minutes, the ‘Literature and Spoken Word’ or by turns out he is not always a grumpy such as Franz Ka a, he is surprisingly tuberculosis, its rings ripple out from Oxford graduate is a keen critic. He entering ‘Will Self’s Prague Journey’ old man a er all. perky and engaged. Sitting in the lec- Ka a’s tuberculosis, through his writ- reviewed Owen Hatherley’s architec- and ‘Will Self’s Digital Essay’ into the I was genuinely nervous about meet- ture theatre of City University and ex- ings, and into the wider world.” For ture essay, ‘A Guide to the Ruins of search bar. ing Will Self, the famously deadpan, citedly awaiting for his lecture to start, anyone who has read Ka a’s ‘Meta- Great Britain’. When commenting on 24 Seren | Community Issue BOOKS S.J. BOULTON TALKS GOTHIC

Bolton’s debut novel, Sacri ce, is set to be made into a feature lm.

S.J Boulton regales Leighton Buzzard with her Gothic talk on ‘Folklore and Forenscis’. Seren’s Rosie MacLeod went to see her and learnt some valuable lessons from the reluctant writer. By ROSIE MACLEOD Mills and Boon story is probably clos- dilapidated churches, graveyards and itechapel and was never caught to face it’s a di erent story. I feel much bet- est she will ever get to twee romance storms generate fear because they justice. S.J. Boulton’s novel ‘Now You ter because I am the one in control.” n Tuesday, 16th July 2013, and chick lit. So how did she make may be haunted or allow ghostly ap- See Me’ is based on the idea of “What Although Social Realism is a genre Lancashire crime writer S.J. the transition from attempting to pen paritions, the Gothic novel does not if Jack the Ripper happened again?” readily associated with working class Boulton visited the bright a Mills and Boon to wanting to scare harbour ghosts: ere is no use of the e female protagonist is Lacey Flint, issues, her novel ‘Dead Scared’, set at lightsO of Leighton Buzzard to give a her readership witless through Gothic harmful paranormal- only acts of hu- the detective attempting to solve the Cambridge University, tells of acts of talk entitled ‘Folklore and Forensics’. crime ction? e answer she gave mans behaving in an inhuman, ghoul- case of a murderer at large and, Boul- human evil and is perhaps an example It is fair to say she has something of publicly paraphrases an explanation ish, demonic and evil way, inciting ton explains, “If I’ve done my job of Social Realism not entirely rooted a Bedfordian following, set to grow published on her website; “For thou- terror and being driven to distraction properly, at some point my readers in working-class issues, not exclusive upon the lm release of her novel sands of years our world has scared by it. Emily Brontë loved to write in will think she is the serial killer.” e to any particular social class. ‘Sacri ce’. us. For thousands of years, we have the Gothic style and the Gothic novel audio book recording of this novel did A valuable lesson to take away from S.J. Boulton never thought she could dealt with our fears by experienc- was parodied in Jane Austen’s, novel not entirely satisfy the author “ e Boulton’s ‘Folklore and Forensics’ talk write professionally; “My friend Ruth ing them vicariously in our culture. Northanger Abbey (appearing earlier actress just sounded too posh to play is that, according to the writer herself, was far more able, and if either of us When we sat around camp res the than the Brontës). Lacey! But she could do the many dif- “Successful writers are just the ones would ever become a writer, it would stories we told were of random acts S.J. Boulton talked about what has fering accents.” who don’t give up. Unsuccessful ones be her”, she modestly told her audi- of destruction, of Her novel do or have given up.” Although she ence of poised and intent bookworms. human evil and ‘Dead Scared’ has now had several books published, Her rst career was in PR, a life of, as its consequenc- ‘ALMOST FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE, I tells the story of she initially encountered rejection af- she described it, “short skirts and long es, and of the WANT MY READERS TO BE SCARED...’ student suicides ter rejection. She now compares the lunches”. Yet at some point between nameless terrors on campus at naturalness of her penning a line or courses and adjusting hemlines, she that haunt our Cambridge a section to the instinct with which developed her skill of writing and dreams. Today, University; sui- Harry Potter ies on a broom to play “soon the habit of writing a thousand through books, cides resulting Quidditch. words a day became second nature”. lms and dramas we look our demons inspired her writing in the Gothic from internet trolling and cyber bul- e use of the Gothic is not the With this skill in hand, she learned in the face and, to the extent that it is vein and style. She recounted a fam- lying, coupled with the pressures and only thing she has in common with that it is possible to write a Mills and possible, come to terms with them.” ily anecdote; “My sister and her hus- expectations of attending university. Emily Brontë. Like Brontë, Boul- Boon novel of “50,000 words and get Boulton’s books are based on a need band returned to their house one Boulton talked about the modernity ton needed to use a pseudonym that paid £15,000, so I decided to have for therapeutic confrontation of hu- night. Now, in my mind, it’s a dark of such a dark theme; “It’s a murder in would not reveal her gender because a go. I set it in the only exotic, fara- man evil that, we cannot deny, lives and stormy night, but it was prob- which the murderer has no direct con- “Men wouldn’t want to read a horror way place that, at that time, I had ever and dwells among us: “Almost from ably warm mid-July evening! In their nection to the victim; they may not story written by a woman and, I later been: California” and based the hero the very rst page, I want my readers garden, they discovered a piece of a even know who each other are.” Her learned, Sharon’s not a posh enough on her own ideal man; “Let’s face it, to be scared...I don’t do chick lit.” skull from the adjacent graveyard.” Al- research for this book required her to n am e .” ladies, we’ve all got one”, she joked. So what is this ‘Gothic’ that you’ve though the explanation was innocent, confront some undeniably very dark S.J. Boulton’s novel ‘Sacri ce’ based is was not the outset to a talk you heard so much about hitherto in this this Boulton drew on the story to write material; going into chat (red: online on the Celtic legend that beings re- would expect from a writer whose article? S.J. Boulton, in the style of a Gothic crime. As well as the Gothic, abuse) rooms and reading the troll sembling men kidnap women to bare extremely dark, grim, chilling and university professor, illuminated a the Victorian also plays a part in her comments; “When I’m researching a their children; the latter survive while Gothic, fear-generating novels about PowerPoint slide explaining the fea- inspiration pool. Speci cally, the no- book, I’m going into a dark place and, the former perish. It is currently be- crime and hate crimes have gone viral tures of Gothic literature: “Dilapi- torious true story of Jack the Ripper, for a while, can feel low, distressed by ing made into a Hollywood lm. You both at home and in the US. Boulton’s dated churches. Graveyards. Storms. who murdered women by strangula- the information I’m encountering. But heard it here rst. repeatedly rejected and unpublished Human acts of evil.” Although the tion down secluded alleyways in Wh- once I start the writing based upon it, 24 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 25 BOOKS EVENTS S.J. BOULTON TALKS GOTHIC UPCOMING EVENTS

Menai Seafood Festival Price: Free The Menai Seafood Festival is an annual event showcasing the wonderful variety & quality of seafood available from around our shores. The festival will boast a bustling market environment with local sherman, seafood suppliers, local farmers and artisan producers from on and around the Isle of Anglesey. It will also feature a demonstration with local chefs & students from Coleg Menai, an air/sea rescue demonstration on the Strait, craft hall & local schools and artists displaying artwork around the town, a Beer & Oyster tent, a funfair and street performers with live music at various venues, and mutliple talks and guided tours around the town. A fantastic event, and a great chance to taste the culinary delights of

Bolton’s debut novel, Sacri ce, is set to be made into a feature lm.

S.J Boulton regales Leighton Buzzard with her Gothic talk on ‘Folklore and Forenscis’. Seren’s Rosie MacLeod went to see her and learnt some valuable lessons from the reluctant writer. By ROSIE MACLEOD Mills and Boon story is probably clos- dilapidated churches, graveyards and itechapel and was never caught to face it’s a di erent story. I feel much bet- est she will ever get to twee romance storms generate fear because they justice. S.J. Boulton’s novel ‘Now You ter because I am the one in control.” Bangor City Fixtures Rhyl Air Show 2013 TPRF’s Peace For People Presentation n Tuesday, 16th July 2013, and chick lit. So how did she make may be haunted or allow ghostly ap- See Me’ is based on the idea of “What Although Social Realism is a genre Where: Nantporth, Bangor Where: Rhyl Seafront Where: Caer Mor Hotel, Llandudno Lancashire crime writer S.J. the transition from attempting to pen paritions, the Gothic novel does not if Jack the Ripper happened again?” readily associated with working class When: 30th Aug/14th Sept - 2.30pm When: 31st August-1st September, 10am- 5pm When: 31st August, 2.30pm Boulton visited the bright a Mills and Boon to wanting to scare harbour ghosts: ere is no use of the e female protagonist is Lacey Flint, issues, her novel ‘Dead Scared’, set at Price: £3-£8 lightsO of Leighton Buzzard to give a her readership witless through Gothic harmful paranormal- only acts of hu- the detective attempting to solve the Cambridge University, tells of acts of Price: Free Price: Free talk entitled ‘Folklore and Forensics’. crime ction? e answer she gave mans behaving in an inhuman, ghoul- case of a murderer at large and, Boul- human evil and is perhaps an example Bangor City start their Premier Rhyl Air Show will bring together a huge variety As part of their Peace For People 2013 cam- It is fair to say she has something of publicly paraphrases an explanation ish, demonic and evil way, inciting ton explains, “If I’ve done my job of Social Realism not entirely rooted League campaign this month, playing of Aircraft, including military and commercial air- paign for this years International Day of Peace, a Bedfordian following, set to grow published on her website; “For thou- terror and being driven to distraction properly, at some point my readers in working-class issues, not exclusive hosts to Prestatyn Town on the 30th craft. As well as the action in the air, there will be Peacetalks North Wales hosting a video presen- upon the lm release of her novel sands of years our world has scared by it. Emily Brontë loved to write in will think she is the serial killer.” e to any particular social class. and Port Talbot on the 14th. tation (free of admission and with refreshments ‘Sacri ce’. us. For thousands of years, we have the Gothic style and the Gothic novel audio book recording of this novel did A valuable lesson to take away from funfair rides, static displays, food stalls and much S.J. Boulton never thought she could dealt with our fears by experienc- was parodied in Jane Austen’s, novel not entirely satisfy the author “ e Boulton’s ‘Folklore and Forensics’ talk more to give a great day out for all the family. provided) to provide more details about write professionally; “My friend Ruth ing them vicariously in our culture. Northanger Abbey (appearing earlier actress just sounded too posh to play is that, according to the writer herself, their initiative. was far more able, and if either of us When we sat around camp res the than the Brontës). Lacey! But she could do the many dif- “Successful writers are just the ones would ever become a writer, it would stories we told were of random acts S.J. Boulton talked about what has fering accents.” who don’t give up. Unsuccessful ones be her”, she modestly told her audi- of destruction, of Her novel do or have given up.” Although she ence of poised and intent bookworms. human evil and ‘Dead Scared’ has now had several books published, Her rst career was in PR, a life of, as its consequenc- ‘ALMOST FROM THE VERY FIRST PAGE, I tells the story of she initially encountered rejection af- she described it, “short skirts and long es, and of the WANT MY READERS TO BE SCARED...’ student suicides ter rejection. She now compares the lunches”. Yet at some point between nameless terrors on campus at naturalness of her penning a line or courses and adjusting hemlines, she that haunt our Cambridge a section to the instinct with which developed her skill of writing and dreams. Today, University; sui- Harry Potter ies on a broom to play “soon the habit of writing a thousand through books, cides resulting Quidditch. words a day became second nature”. lms and dramas we look our demons inspired her writing in the Gothic from internet trolling and cyber bul- e use of the Gothic is not the With this skill in hand, she learned in the face and, to the extent that it is vein and style. She recounted a fam- lying, coupled with the pressures and only thing she has in common with that it is possible to write a Mills and possible, come to terms with them.” ily anecdote; “My sister and her hus- expectations of attending university. Emily Brontë. Like Brontë, Boul- Boon novel of “50,000 words and get Boulton’s books are based on a need band returned to their house one Boulton talked about the modernity ton needed to use a pseudonym that paid £15,000, so I decided to have for therapeutic confrontation of hu- night. Now, in my mind, it’s a dark of such a dark theme; “It’s a murder in would not reveal her gender because a go. I set it in the only exotic, fara- man evil that, we cannot deny, lives and stormy night, but it was prob- which the murderer has no direct con- “Men wouldn’t want to read a horror Conwy Honey Fair ‘I'm With the Band’ - Tim Price North Wales International Music Festival way place that, at that time, I had ever and dwells among us: “Almost from ably warm mid-July evening! In their nection to the victim; they may not story written by a woman and, I later Where: Conwy High Stree Where: John Phillips Hall, Bangor University the very rst page, I want my readers garden, they discovered a piece of a even know who each other are.” Her learned, Sharon’s not a posh enough Where: St Asaph Cathedral been: California” and based the hero When: 13th September, 9am to 4pm on her own ideal man; “Let’s face it, to be scared...I don’t do chick lit.” skull from the adjacent graveyard.” Al- research for this book required her to n am e .” When: 28th/29th September, 6.45pm When: 20th - 28th September ladies, we’ve all got one”, she joked. So what is this ‘Gothic’ that you’ve though the explanation was innocent, confront some undeniably very dark S.J. Boulton’s novel ‘Sacri ce’ based Price: Free Price: £8/£5 concessions Price: Varying depending on the event is was not the outset to a talk you heard so much about hitherto in this this Boulton drew on the story to write material; going into chat (red: online on the Celtic legend that beings re- Founded 700 years ago by Edward I, the Con- ‘I’m With the Band’ is a new drama straight article? S.J. Boulton, in the style of a Gothic crime. As well as the Gothic, abuse) rooms and reading the troll sembling men kidnap women to bare The acclaimed North Wales International Music would expect from a writer whose wy Honey fair remains one of the most popular from the Edinburgh Fringe and is getting some Festival returns for another year of classical music. extremely dark, grim, chilling and university professor, illuminated a the Victorian also plays a part in her comments; “When I’m researching a their children; the latter survive while amazing reviews. It's on for two nights, plus two PowerPoint slide explaining the fea- inspiration pool. Speci cally, the no- book, I’m going into a dark place and, the former perish. It is currently be- charter fairs in the area. With an abundance Highlights include the BBC National Orchestra of Gothic, fear-generating novels about local bands are going to be performing in the crime and hate crimes have gone viral tures of Gothic literature: “Dilapi- torious true story of Jack the Ripper, for a while, can feel low, distressed by ing made into a Hollywood lm. You of stalls featuring crafts, local produce and, of Wales and harpist Catrin Finch. Book early to avoid foyer before the show. Written by Welsh play- both at home and in the US. Boulton’s dated churches. Graveyards. Storms. who murdered women by strangula- the information I’m encountering. But heard it here rst. course, many varieties of honey, this event is disappointment. repeatedly rejected and unpublished Human acts of evil.” Although the tion down secluded alleyways in Wh- once I start the writing based upon it, wright Tim Price, don’t miss this great drama. not to be missed. 26 CREATIVE Seren | Community Issue

ADAM PICKARD NIAGRA FALLS

LJ TAYLOR RHOSNEIGR BEACH

ADAM PICKARD TORONTO SKYLINE

LJ TAYLOR RHOSNEIGR BEACH

THINK YOU’VE GOT AN EYE FOR DETAIL? HANDY WITH A PAINT- BRUSH? TRIGGER HAPPY WITH A CAMERA? OR EVEN A POET AND WE DON’T YET KNOW IT?

GET IN TOUCH : [email protected]

AND YOU COULD BE FEATURED! PAINTING BY REBECCA JOHNSTON

LJ TAYLOR

JASON COLBECK LEEDS

JO CAULFIELD PAINTING BY CEMAES BAY REBECCA JOHNSTON August , 2013 | Seren 27 FOOD

practice, even though the parmesan the island are all on o er, including the meat always cooked to an excellent never really gone away. None of this is By JEZ HARVEY tub she had in the fridge was illustrat- oysters from the Menai Straits, with standard and the dishes charmingly a negative though, and for me who has ed with a picture of it being sprinkled locally sourced meat and veg comple- presented. If there’s a sight more ap- only read and heard about eating in hen I was young, aged over the same dish. menting the menu e prices haven’t petising than a half lobster on top of a Britain in the 70’s, it conjures a strange about ten, my family were is began my fascination with the changed much according to my par- llet steak, I’ve yet to nd it. feeling of time travel. staying with my Granny restaurant they went to, the Lobster ents, though they remain at the higher e location, sat a hundred yards e Lobster Pot should be on the list inW Anglesey. One night, my younger Pot, in Church Bay on Anglesey. Af- end of the spectrum, from £30 for from the shoreline, takes a lot of trav- of every foodie in North Wales, and brother and I were le to have dinner ter een years of waiting, my dream three, grilled half lobsters to £12 for elling if coming from Bangor or the should be respected for having kept at home whilst my parents went out to came true and since then, we’ve re- a salmon llet, though it must be said south of the island, and whilst the res- ying the ag of good, local, freshly a restaurant without us. is memory turned several times. the wine list so ens the blow consid- taurant has been nicely redecorated, cooked food during the dark ages. I has partly stuck in my head because An Anglesey institution, set up in erably, and contains some real gems there is still a sense that you’ve trav- hope that now the revival of serious of an argument my brother and I had 1946, the place has become one of the for very decent prices. elled back 35 years to the 1970’s. Cof- food production and cooking is alive with our granny about topping the nest seafood places on Anglesey, one Luckily, the quality more than fee is still served in a lounge, “retro” and well, it’ll retain it’s place amongst spaghetti bolognese we had with par- of many great locations around the is- matches the prices. e seafood is al- dishes like steak diane and duck a the new blood. mesan. She refused to accept such a land. Lobsters, crabs, sh from around ways blisteringly fresh and well sized, l'orange don’t feel retro, but they’ve

SEREN RECOMMENDS 1kg/2lb 4oz Charlotte potatoes 250g/8oz lardons/streaky bacon TARTIFLETTE 1 medium to large onion 1 garlic clove is dish, whilst not at all complicated, can to bubble away until the liquid has reached a By JEZ HARVEY become ddly and warrants a drink to be fairly thick consistency, roughly ve minutes. 100ml/3½ oz white wine on hand for when you want to smash things Slice the potatoes very ne lengthways (this 200ml/7 oz double cream t was an unusual event if you were invit- against the wall. If one of these moments come, is the ddly bit, and I hugely recommend a ed to dinner to my house in the rst six and it may well, take a deep breath, a deep mandolin), and layer the potatoes, onion, sea salt and freshly ground black months of the year and were not served drink and trust me when I say it’ll be worth it. bacon, salt and pepper in a low sided baking pepper tartiI ette. A er the rst mouthful, a worrying Start by par-boiling the potatoes, whole and dish. Pour over the cream, and top with slices addiction quickly took hold (though I am a peeled or unpeeled to taste. I prefer the taste of the cheese (usually available in Tesco’s Ban- 1 whole Reblochon cheese man of whom addiction has an easy relation- of the skins, but it does make the slicing af- gor; gruyere can replace it if necessary). Bake (about 450g/1lb), sliced ship), that resulted in me quite quickly putting ter cooking slightly trickier. Once they’re at 180C, for roughly 30 - 45 minutes until the on a lot more weight than normal. A dish from parboiled, leave to cool slightly. Whilst the top is golden brown and the cream is bubbling. the Alps, this is not one for those who want to potatoes are cooking, chop the onion and is is best served with roast chickenn, but is be conscious of calories, but it is cheap and re- garlic and heat gently with some butter and oil. equally delicious cold the next day, with a fried markably tasty, and has entirely replaced pota- Add the chopped lardons, and allow all to turn egg on top. toes dauphinoise in my kitchen. golden. When you add the white wine leave 28 Seren | Community Issue

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

DOWN 1. Mammal seen swimming up the River Dee (7) 2. Name of Breaking Bad chemistry teacher (6) ACROSS 5.Surname of artist kinown as The 3. S.J. Boulton’s genre of writing (6) Boss (11) 4.___ Self, Grumpty Old Man (4) 6. Messenger of the Greek Gods (6) 7. 10. Language spoken in Brazil (10) 8.Surname of one-eyed monster 9. £200,000 of which class B Mike (8) drug was found in Rhyl (8) 12. The___ Gallery, Bangor’s favour- 10. News Editor Nicola visited this ite business (60 European country over the summer (6) 15. The G in LGBT (3) 11. Month GTA V is released (9) 17 The New ___, Welsh football 13. Dave ___, Foo Fighters frontman (5) team, winners of Welsh Premier 14. ___ Direction, band with upcoming League titles (6) lm, This Is Us (3) 16. First name of the American Poet Laureate (7) 18. ___ million people bought the Nexus 7 tablet (5)

SUDOKU! EASY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Look at our ‘identical’ photos BEFORE of our friends at RAG, can you nd MEDIUM the seven di erences?

AFTER 28 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 29 TRAVEL Seren Summer Getaways Portugal THE SEREN CROSSWORD

DOWN 1. Mammal seen swimming up the River Dee (7) 2. Name of Breaking Bad chemistry teacher (6) 5.Surname of artist kinown as The ACROSS Boss (11) 3. S.J. Boulton’s genre of writing (6) 6. Messenger of the Greek Gods (6) 4.___ Self, Grumpty Old Man (4) by BECKI WATSON in the year, the temperatures soared Praia da Luz is the huge range of There are a lot more choices when Less popular than Lagos or Luz, the 8.Surname of one-eyed monster 7. 10. Language spoken in Brazil (10) to the high 20s and 30s every day, restaurants available for dining out. it comes to shopping, with a wide beaches and restaurants are less Mike (8) 9. £200,000 of which class B espite not being as popular but it was perfect for us sun-seeking One of the main highlights for us range of independent shops as well crowded and still boast some spec- 12. The___ Gallery, Bangor’s favour- drug was found in Rhyl (8) as its neighbouring Spain, Brits (even though we had to stock was The Dolphin, a family run South as street vendors. Another popular tacular scenery. The highlight of the ite business (60 10. News Editor Nicola visited this DPortugal has long been one up on sun cream). Praia da Luz is sit- African themed restaurant with deli- destination is the Lagos Marina, with town for me is the Corso Pizzeria, 15. The G in LGBT (3) European country over the summer (6) of mine and my family’s favourite uated about an hour away from Faro cious food and exceptional service. many bars and restaurants to stop situated in Burgau’s main square, 17 The New ___, Welsh football 11. Month GTA V is released (9) holiday destinations. We’ve been airport, but is well worth the lengthy Another brilliant night out was at o in. There is also a little known which served some of the best pizza team, winners of Welsh Premier 13. Dave ___, Foo Fighters frontman (5) visiting the Algarve since my broth- airport transfer. The town’s small The Fort restaurant; although slight- beach by the train station we’ve dis- I’ve ever had, as well as some deli- League titles (6) 14. ___ Direction, band with upcoming er and I were children (with my par- enough to mean that everything is ly pricey, the food was great and the covered through many years of visit- cious homemade Italian ice cream. lm, This Is Us (3) ents travelling there since before I within a 10 or 15 minute walk, but sea views were to die for. Admitted- ing which, although di cult to get All in all, I would absolutely recom- 16. First name of the American Poet was even born!), and it is still a great large enough so there is a wide va- ly, the night-life isn’t great if you’re to, is well worth a visit. mend Praia de Luz and the Algarve Laureate (7) summer getaway. riety of things going on. The main looking for more of a nightclubbing But one of the real hidden treas- as a summer holiday destination. 18. ___ million people bought the Nexus 7 This year, we stayed in the beach attraction of the town is, of course, atmosphere, but a great range of ures in the Algarve is the small sh- With a wide variety of high quality tablet (5) town of Praia da Luz in late June, the beach; it’s a well sized stretch of bars and pubs (including the ‘Brits ing town of Burgau. Sheltered in a beaches, restaurants and places to taking advantage of my brother’s white sand, with waves that can be a abroad’ pub The Black Bull) will en- small cove, it can be reached by a 10 visit, you’ll be guaranteed to return recent graduation of high school to little choppy but are well life-guard- sure you a great night out. minute taxi drive from Luz or, for the for many years to come. avoid the school summer holiday ed. There is also a good availability If you want to travel away from more adventurous, a walk of about rush. Despite being slightly earlier of sunbeds and shades to rent. Luz for a while, the obvious choice an hour along the coast which in- Another one of the highlights of is Lagos, the biggest city in the area. cludes some perilous cli edges. SUDOKU! EASY SPOT THE Sweden DIFFERENCE Look at our ‘identical’ photos BEFORE of our friends at RAG, can you nd MEDIUM By NICOLA HOBAN Since I live in Wales and we go to Gatwick over to Gothenburg. The before we took o for the weekend zarre, but it was hilarious. the seven university here, I felt that she was airport waiting and the 2-hour ight to Onsala, the family summer house, The day after we went sailing in his summer I went on a holiday being short changed a little, so I was over were pretty uneventful, so when to celebrate Midsummer’s. This is an teams and raced each other on J80s that actually involved my step- determined to show this country at we landed we led o the plane, annual celebration, and is a big deal (a type of sailing boat), and this be- di erences? Tping on a plane and leaving the its best. Unfortunately, this didn’t picked up our luggage and went to throughout Scandinavia. ing my rst time sailing I loved it and country. Considering that this was go quite to plan as her trip to North meet her parents, Karin and Per, who Emma’s relatives this year organised kept wanting to go again, even after I my rst holiday in about six years East Wales coincided with a heavy were patiently waiting to collect us a huge party at Onsala, with around nearly fell overboard (whoops!). that involved me using a passport, snow fall, leaving around three feet and drive us home. 60 guests attending. Midsummer it- Overall, the whole trip was awe- this was a big deal to me. of snow sitting outside my front Driving in Sweden took some get- self consists of a celebration lasting some. There are so many things that I So where did I go? Well, to Sweden door and pretty much obliterating ting used to, I’ve got to say. My all day, involving tonnes of sea food loved about my visit to Sweden that I of course! Gothenburg to be more any chance of doing the huge list of nerves were screaming as my brain (seriously, my plate was lled to the could go and on for pages, but I’ll just precise. My friend Emma lives there things that I had planned. Still, riding kept repeating “Wrong side! We’re on brim with crab, prawns and cray sh!), have to name some of the highlights: and we’d arranged earlier in the year in the back of a Land Rover through the wrong side of the road!!” Every copious amounts of alcohol, singing the theme park Liseberg was im- that she would stay at my house for a country lanes, building snow forts time we went around a roundabout (one song about swimming away mense; the boat tour around Goth- visit, and then I would visit her in the and having snowball ghts was still I inched, but it was something I ad- from sharks was my favourite, and enburg and nding out the history summer, since we both wanted some immensely fun. justed to. they kindly performed it in English of the city was enlightening; the food sort of vacation but our funds were When June nally came around, I The following two weeks in Swe- too), and dancing like leaping frogs and the people… just everything pretty scarce. made my way down South to meet den were just amazing. We’d only around our homemade maypole. It about this city made me fall in love AFTER up with Emma before we ew from been in Gothenburg for a few days sounds bizarre and de nitely felt bi- with it, and I hope to return next year! 30 Seren | Community Issue SPORT In Brief Coleman con dent of new contract WALES manager Chris Coleman has stated that he’s con dent of sign- ing a new contract with the Football Association of Wales. Coleman, whose current deal runs out in the summer of 2014, has been impressed with the way talks have been conducted and expects to sign a new deal. Coleman was appointed Wales boss in January 2012 on a two-and-a-half year contract following the death of Gary Speed. Wales lost their rst four games under Coleman but have won three of their last six matches. Coleman stated that both he and the FA are keen to sort out the details so they cna move forward. He added: “I’ll never do a bigger job than the one I’m doing now. It will always mean the most to me and the one I always wanted to do.” Welsh pre-season round up Welsh teams have had mixed results in the run up to the next season Blues attempt to ons were ned €30,000 and forced to as kind to the Welshmen, who despite e Citizens will hope to build on play their next round matches with trying their hardest weren’t able to up- their solid Welsh Cup run from last keep ‘iconic’ a partial stadium amidst claims of set the odds, partly down to a Rimo season as well. With the nal taking racism and discrimination.Despite Hunt hat-trick that saw the home side place at Racecourse Wrexham, the Lions pair the result, the performance from the progress to the next round. 2012/2013 match was a more illus- Welsh champions will have impressed Closer to home, Bangor City have trious a air being broadcast live on TALKS to keep “iconic” players Sam boss Carl Darlington, whose side will had a fairly strong pre-season and no S4C’s Sgorio on May 6. A quick goal Warburton and Leigh Halfpenny in by MATT JACKSON [email protected] hope that they can retain the Welsh doubt Nev Powell’s men will be hop- from Prestatyn’s Price (2’) was can- Wales are going well, according to hilst South Welsh team Premier League title for the third con- ing to continue their form following celled out by a Simm strike midway Cardi Blues chairman Peter omas. Swansea City have been secutive time when the season kicks an 8-2 win against Llanberis in which through the second half (60’). How- Both Warburton and Halfpenny, basking in the glitz and o . striker Jamie McDaid netted three. ever, the Seasiders were not going to who played for Lions this summer, are glamW that Michu and Wilfried Bony Wales’ Europa League spot this year e part-time striker took to twitter go out easy and a 103rd minute goal out of contract at the Blues at the end brought to Wales, the story for the went to Bala Town, who successfully saying, “Scored another hatrick for from Parkinson was followed by Price of the 2013-14 season. other Welsh football clubs is a little bit navigated the newly formed Europe @bangorcityfc #happy”. Bangor will securing his brace, and the winner, on e Blues saw their Wales and Li- di erent. play-o s to secure their rst ever Eu- also look towards veteran striker Les the 111th minute. ons centre, Jamie Roberts, move to e New Saints (based in Oswestry) ropean trip. A late winner against Port Davies. Many will remember Davies Bangor also have a new sponsor France and sign a contract with Rac- secured themselves the Welsh Premier Talbot followed a win against Bangor from his shock inclusion on the 32- this year, acquired in an unusual way. ing Metro 92 in Paris this summer. League title, making this the seventh to set up a meeting with Estonian man UEFA Best Player shortlist last e club o ered local businesses the However, Chairman omas claims time that they’ve picked up the highest Levadia Tallinn. Bala started o the season. e Bangor favourite made chance to buy a £100 ra e ticket in that Welsh rugby will do everything domestic honour available to teams campaign well as striker Ian Sheri- the shortlist a er a vote from a sin- order to be in the running to be the in its powerto make sure they keep representing Wales in the Champions dan pounced on fan favourite Kenny gle journalist. However, his goalscor- shirt sponsor, amongst other advertis- playing rugby in Wales: “I know our League. eir 4-1 aggregate loss to Le- Lunt’s corner in the 4th minute to seal ing prowess was only enough to help ing opportunities such as advertising governing body, the Welsh Rugby Un- gia Warsaw was overshadowed with a 1-0 home win to the Welsh part-tim- Bangor to a third place nish in the at the Book People Stadium. ion, working in conjunction with us controversy when the Polish champi- ers. e away leg however wasn’t quite league. at Cardi Blues, will do everything to retain them in Wales.” Despite this, Warburton has stated that he’s in no rush to decide his future. Football Predictions Our Sports Editor gives his predictions for the upcoming football season Welsh footballer (1st - 4th) – Chelsea, Manchester City, • Relegation – Barnsley, She eld Manchester United, Liverpool Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers Now, the nal division: Skybet living the • Europa League Quali cation (5th) League 2. With newly promoted New- - Fulham Onto the Skybet League 1. With port County adding to the number of American Dream • Relegation – Cardi City, Wolverhampton Wanderers su ering Welsh teams to break into the English WELSH soccer sensation Shan Southampton, Sunderland back to back relegations from the Pre- Leagues, it will be interesting to see Jones completed a stunning debut by KEVIN GRIFFIN mier League and the Championship, if they can gain as much success as season with Virginia Beach Piranhas [email protected] Next up is the Skybet Champion- they will be looking to bounce straight Swansea City have in the past decade. in the USL W-League. ship. In my opinion, this is the tough- back up and are surely the favourites • Champions – Oxford United tarting with the Barclays Pre- est league exit via promotion in the within the division. With Brentford • Automatic Promotion spot 1 – e 22-year-old from Felinheli mier League, it is becoming in- world. With quality teams like Not- also looking to earn promotion a er Exeter City helped the Piranhas to victory in the creasingly obvious that the gulf tingham Forest, QPR, Watford, Read- su ering defeat in the playo nal at • Automatic Promotion spot 2 – Regular Northeastern Conference inS class between the top six and the ing, Wigan and many more former Wembley to Yeovil last season, this Southend United League, and she has also won three rest of the premier league is shrink- Premier League teams. e majority will make an interesting season in • Promotion via Playo s – Newport prestigious personal awards: the W- ing. is can be seen by looking at of the teams in this league have fea- League One. County League’s Rookie of the Year, Most the results from the rst game of the tured in the Premier League in the • Champions – Wolverhampton • Relegation – Cheltenham Town, Valuable Player and the Goal Scoring season, e.g Arsenal 1 – 3 Aston Villa. past decade. It is easier to drop out of Wanderers Hartlepool Champion prize for scoring 11 goals Last season, Villa were real candidates the league than it is to climb the table • Automatic Promotion spot - in 11 games. for relegation but starting the season and win promotion. Brentford To nish my prediction, here are “I consider this past season to be with a win away at Arsenal shows real • Champions – Nottingham Forest • Promotion via Playo s – She eld my winners for the FA Cup and the one of my best, both individually and intent to succeed. • Automatic Promotion spot – United League Cup:- as a team player,” said Jones. “I man- • Winners – Chelsea Watford • Relegation – Carlisle, Tranmere FA Cup Winners – Chelsea • Champions League Quali cation aged to reach levels that I had always • Promotion via Playo s – QPR Rovers, Notts County, Coventry League Cup winners – Fulham dreamed about.” 30 Seren | Community Issue August , 2013 | Seren 31 SPORT SPORT In Brief In Brief Coleman Brewerton con dent of new injury puts contract WALES manager Chris Coleman career in has stated that he’s con dent of sign- ing a new contract with the Football jeopardy Association of Wales. Coleman, whose current deal runs JAMES Brewerton’s future at Ban- out in the summer of 2014, has been gor City hangs in the balance a er he impressed with the way talks have su ered a potentially career-ending been conducted and expects to sign a knee injury in a pre-season friendly. new deal. Brewerton went down in an agonis- Coleman was appointed Wales boss ing collision during the rst half of in January 2012 on a two-and-a-half City’s clash with Burscough on 18th year contract following the death of August. e injury is thought to be a Gary Speed. reoccurence of an injury incurred 5 Wales lost their rst four games un- months ago, where the Bangor captain der Coleman but have won three of Main: Resurfacing of the tennis and netball courts dislocated his knee in the warm up for their last six matches. a match against e New Saints. It is Coleman stated that both he and the Inset: The new gymnastics hall the latest in a series of injury setbacks FA are keen to sort out the details so which have hampered the career of they cna move forward. He added: Brewerton, who who still managed to “I’ll never do a bigger job than the one make 300 Welsh Premier League ap- I’m doing now. It will always mean pearances last term. the most to me and the one I always Bangor secratary Gwynfor Jones wanted to do.” commented, “ is is a massive blow Welsh pre-season round up Maes Glas refurb underway for both the club and the player. Brewie has been a huge player for Welsh teams have had mixed results in the run up to the next season Temporary layout open in September to encourage community customers Bangor City and an inspiration and a by 1st September, meaning that it will rector of Sport at Maes Glas. are based at Maes Glas” said Mr Ben- Blues attempt to ons were ned €30,000 and forced to as kind to the Welshmen, who despite e Citizens will hope to build on true leader every time he’s stepped on be ready for when students return to “By closing next week we are making nett. play their next round matches with trying their hardest weren’t able to up- their solid Welsh Cup run from last to the eld.” keep ‘iconic’ a partial stadium amidst claims of set the odds, partly down to a Rimo season as well. With the nal taking the city. A refurbished gymnastics hall sure that we are able to provide some “We are hoping that everyone will be racism and discrimination.Despite Hunt hat-trick that saw the home side place at Racecourse Wrexham, the was completed in May. level of service to all our customers keen to work with us for the duration Lions pair the result, the performance from the progress to the next round. 2012/2013 match was a more illus- Maes Glas will be closed for a week throughout the next 9 months” he of the works in order that we can all Welsh champions will have impressed Closer to home, Bangor City have trious a air being broadcast live on beginning 26th August, opening again said. enjoy a much improved Maes Glas in TALKS to keep “iconic” players Sam by MATT JACKSON boss Carl Darlington, whose side will had a fairly strong pre-season and no S4C’s Sgorio on May 6. A quick goal by LJ TAYLOR on 2nd September, in order to get im- e nished renovation will also see 2014” Jenkins keen Warburton and Leigh Halfpenny in portant electrical and maintenance a dedicated aerobics room, a café and Maes Glas has seen an increase in [email protected] hope that they can retain the Welsh doubt Nev Powell’s men will be hop- from Prestatyn’s Price (2’) was can- [email protected] Wales are going well, according to hilst South Welsh team Premier League title for the third con- ing to continue their form following celled out by a Simm strike midway work done. e closure will also allow upgraded changing room facilities, in- footfall since they lowered their prices to return to Cardi Blues chairman Peter omas. secutive time when the season kicks an 8-2 win against Llanberis in which through the second half (60’). How- the centre to be transformed into its cluding parent and child cubicles. last year, charging just £90 a year for Swansea City have been ork is well underway for Both Warburton and Halfpenny, o . striker Jamie McDaid netted three. ever, the Seasiders were not going to temporary layout, which will be used Along with the dome, one of the students and £280 for the public. e international basking in the glitz and the refurbishment of Maes who played for Lions this summer, are glamW that Michu and Wilfried Bony Wales’ Europa League spot this year e part-time striker took to twitter go out easy and a 103rd minute goal until completion of the project next biggest changes will be the new gym centre has also promised that these Glas Sports Centre on went to Bala Town, who successfully saying, “Scored another hatrick for from Parkinson was followed by Price year. layout. e current gym, spread across prices will be staying as they are, de- rugby out of contract at the Blues at the end brought to Wales, the story for the FfriddoeddW Site. navigated the newly formed Europe @bangorcityfc #happy”. Bangor will securing his brace, and the winner, on “We want to make sure that Maes three rooms, will become one big, spite the upgrade to the facility. of the 2013-14 season. other Welsh football clubs is a little bit e revamp, which is estimated to GETHIN Jenkins has stated that he play-o s to secure their rst ever Eu- also look towards veteran striker Les the 111th minute. Glas is available to all our community two- oored, area with windows look- e refurbishment of the University e Blues saw their Wales and Li- di erent. be completed by July 2014, has al- still has internation rugby ambitions ropean trip. A late winner against Port Davies. Many will remember Davies Bangor also have a new sponsor customers when the schools go back ing out at the front of the building. owned sports centre is part of their ons centre, Jamie Roberts, move to e New Saints (based in Oswestry) ready seen a new oor put down in despite being forced to retire from the Talbot followed a win against Bangor from his shock inclusion on the 32- this year, acquired in an unusual way. in September and give us some time to “Whilst everything will be on a estates strategy which will see a reno- France and sign a contract with Rac- secured themselves the Welsh Premier the Sports Hall and work on Sports Lions tour due to injury. to set up a meeting with Estonian man UEFA Best Player shortlist last e club o ered local businesses the do any tweaking that might be neces- slightly reduced scale we have worked vation of St Mary’s Site and upgrades ing Metro 92 in Paris this summer. League title, making this the seventh Dome, which will house indoor tennis Jenkins, who was forced to head Levadia Tallinn. Bala started o the season. e Bangor favourite made chance to buy a £100 ra e ticket in sary before the students return a few hard to nd some space for the 50+ to the Main Arts building, as well as However, Chairman omas claims time that they’ve picked up the highest and netball courts, has already begun. home a er a calf injury, admitted that campaign well as striker Ian Sheri- the shortlist a er a vote from a sin- order to be in the running to be the weeks later” said Richard Bennett, Di- community and 54 student clubs that others. that Welsh rugby will do everything domestic honour available to teams is work is on track for completion it was di cult to watch the Lions win dan pounced on fan favourite Kenny gle journalist. However, his goalscor- shirt sponsor, amongst other advertis- in its powerto make sure they keep representing Wales in the Champions while back at home, but was also re- Lunt’s corner in the 4th minute to seal ing prowess was only enough to help ing opportunities such as advertising playing rugby in Wales: “I know our League. eir 4-1 aggregate loss to Le- lieved to avoid the controversy caused a 1-0 home win to the Welsh part-tim- Bangor to a third place nish in the at the Book People Stadium. governing body, the Welsh Rugby Un- gia Warsaw was overshadowed with by some of coach Warren Gatland’s ers. e away leg however wasn’t quite league. ion, working in conjunction with us controversy when the Polish champi- player decision. at Cardi Blues, will do everything to e loosehead prop has decided to retain them in Wales.” Keith Wood stands by leave European Heineken Cup win- Despite this, Warburton has stat- ners Toulon in favour of returning to ed that he’s in no rush to decide his the Cardi Blues. He later said, ‘I am future. Football Predictions just doing all I can now o the eld to O’Driscoll comments look a er myself tness-wise and try Our Sports Editor gives his predictions for the upcoming football season to get back on that eld to represent Welsh footballer (1st - 4th) – Chelsea, Manchester City, • Relegation – Barnsley, She eld Former Lions player believes Gatland was wrong to bench O’Driscoll in crucial Wales.’ Manchester United, Liverpool Wednesday, Blackburn Rovers Now, the nal division: Skybet living the • Europa League Quali cation (5th) League 2. With newly promoted New- match against Australia - Fulham Onto the Skybet League 1. With port County adding to the number of the series 2-1. see the Lions win at the end, abso- “My view still is that the best option Rhyl FC American Dream • Relegation – Cardi City, Wolverhampton Wanderers su ering Welsh teams to break into the English However, when Wood was asked if lutely. But I thought it could have been was to have him on the squad as a WELSH soccer sensation Shan Southampton, Sunderland back to back relegations from the Pre- Leagues, it will be interesting to see he rescinded the strength of his state- more exciting. I thought there could leader, as everything else in it. destined for a Jones completed a stunning debut by KEVIN GRIFFIN mier League and the Championship, if they can gain as much success as ment, he replied: “I don’t, no”. have been a bit more air, a bit more “ e fact that he wasn’t needed on season with Virginia Beach Piranhas [email protected] Next up is the Skybet Champion- they will be looking to bounce straight Swansea City have in the past decade. It was widely expected that a er of a blend of the four teams. the day doesn’t actually change that bright future in the USL W-League. ship. In my opinion, this is the tough- back up and are surely the favourites • Champions – Oxford United Wales anker Sam Warburton tore a “Someone asked me earlier on: ‘Was view. It’s fantastic [that we won] and WALES manager Chris Coleman tarting with the Barclays Pre- est league exit via promotion in the within the division. With Brentford • Automatic Promotion spot 1 – e 22-year-old from Felinheli by NICOLA HOBAN hamstring throughout the second Test he [Gatland] vindicated?’ I think [he we did need to win and I argue against believes that Rhyl FC are detined mier League, it is becoming in- world. With quality teams like Not- also looking to earn promotion a er Exeter City [email protected] in Melbourne in June, O’Driscoll, 34, was] vindicated to the point that Lions myself a little bit in relation to that.” helped the Piranhas to victory in the for a bright future a er the team an- creasingly obvious that the gulf tingham Forest, QPR, Watford, Read- su ering defeat in the playo nal at • Automatic Promotion spot 2 – would be named as captain. Gatland won a Test series. But in some way I Wood went on to say that he rmly Regular Northeastern Conference inS class between the top six and the ing, Wigan and many more former Wembley to Yeovil last season, this Southend United nounced a new sponsorship deal. eith Wood, former British however omitted him from the squad. think the Lions lost a little bit in the believes that Wales will go into the Six League, and she has also won three rest of the premier league is shrink- Premier League teams. e majority will make an interesting season in • Promotion via Playo s – Newport and Irish Lions hooker, who Wood – who himself played on two summer because I didn’t think it was a Nations as “overwhelming favourites”, Rhyl’s deal with the betting and prestigious personal awards: the W- ing. is can be seen by looking at of the teams in this league have fea- League One. County criticised Warren Gatland’s Lions tours, to South Africa in 1997 blend of four teams.” having won the 2013 tournament, gaming company Corbett Sports League’s Rookie of the Year, Most the results from the rst game of the tured in the Premier League in the • Champions – Wolverhampton • Relegation – Cheltenham Town, handlingK of the team in Australia, is and Australia in 2001 - had said before Wood continued to add that he has then providing the bulk of the Lions means that the’r ground will change Valuable Player and the Goal Scoring season, e.g Arsenal 1 – 3 Aston Villa. past decade. It is easier to drop out of Wanderers Hartlepool standing by his comments. the third Test that Gatland’s decision “not even vaguely” criticised the selec- tour party. from thr Belle Vue stadium to e Champion prize for scoring 11 goals Last season, Villa were real candidates the league than it is to climb the table • Automatic Promotion spot - Wood has said that Gatland’s deci- had le him “totally at a loss”. tion of 15 Welsh players for the tour: “It’s up to everybody else to continue Corbett Sports Stadium. Corbett in 11 games. for relegation but starting the season and win promotion. Brentford To nish my prediction, here are sion to bench Brian O’Driscoll, former While he accepted that the Lions did “I’ve never said there were too many telling them that and to see if they can Sports also has a signi cant invest- “I consider this past season to be with a win away at Arsenal shows real • Champions – Nottingham Forest • Promotion via Playo s – She eld my winners for the FA Cup and the captain of the Lions, for the third Test produce a memorable display in the Welsh players on the team. at wasn’t knock them [Wales] o the perch a ment in the league sponsorship. one of my best, both individually and intent to succeed. • Automatic Promotion spot – United League Cup:- against the Wallabies in July was “a ter- third Test, he still felt that such a per- the point.” bit.” Coleman said at the launch of the as a team player,” said Jones. “I man- • Winners – Chelsea Watford • Relegation – Carlisle, Tranmere FA Cup Winners – Chelsea rible mistake”. formance could have been delivered However, he stated that O’Driscoll 2013/14 premier league season event • Champions League Quali cation aged to reach levels that I had always • Promotion via Playo s – QPR Rovers, Notts County, Coventry League Cup winners – Fulham Even without Driscoll playing cen- in the opening two encounters against had come through the controversy , “With the backing of Corbett’s, I can dreamed about.” tre, the Lions won the Test 41-16, and the Wallabies, saying: “I was glad to “fantastically well”. see good times ahead for Rhyl FC.” MaesGlas Refurb page 31 SPORT

Finnish frustrations

of the net from Finnish forward Kas- Welsh team to recover. One more goal triot Kastrati, a signfor of things to come. from VayrynenWales and the Welsh fate was It was only four minutes later when sealed with the match ending 5-1. Wales conceded yet another goal this “It was a disappointing result but it time o the boot of Tim Vayrynen; the just means that Wales owe us another rst of his hat trick. visit to put it right,” joked Mr Jones. by LJ TAYLOR “Finland were much more clinical e club have received a lot of posi- [email protected] in front of goal,” said Mr Jones of the tive feedback from the match which angor City played host to the fantastic performance from the Finns. sold out and much to the relief of sold out under 21’s Euro 2015 ey dominated the game in both those who worked hard to organise it. quali er between Wales and possession and skill, leaving them de- “We’ve been working with the Welsh BFinland last week. serving of the win. FA since January on this and it has “It’s been a real team e ort and quite e rst half of the match ended at been a stressful three weeks but worth an achievement for us, the rst time 4-0 with another goal from Vayrynen every second” he continued. we’ve hosted a competitive interna- and one from Yaghoubi. Bangor City, and their 18 month old tional in over twenty years,” said Gw- A er the second half it felt as though stadium, are the only club with the ynfor Jones, Bangor’s General Man- there was a little more heart in the facilities to host these kinds of games ager and Club Secretary. Welsh side as they fought hard to get and so the pressure was on to pull it e Welsh team, which was miss- back into the game. Towards the be- o . ing a few key players from it’s usual ginning of the second half they gained Following the success of the Wales starting 11, were outmatched by their more possession than in the previous v Finland match the club have been Scandinavian opponents from the 45 minutes. awarded the Victory Shield nal in start. Despite a penalty awarded in the November which will be broadcast on Just 7 minutes into the game and 47th minute leading to a goal from Sky Sports. their opponents had already taken Manchester City mid elder Emyr Finland dominated the match from start to nish the lead with a shot hitting the back Huws, there wasn’t enough le in the