Bangor University Students’ Union May 2015 English Language Issue No. 248 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk SUMMER BALL EUROVISION 2015 LET’S TRAVEL!

Jolly good fellows

from le to right - Myrddin ap Dafydd, Gru Rhys, Huw Stephens

University names honorary fellowships by PHILLIP SUTCLIFFE ans.  e book of the latter earned him diversity promoter Meirion Prys Jones, dents and of the University, it’s also an for his contributions to pharmaceuti- MOTT a nomination for Welsh Book of the for his services to language across Eu- honour to highlight and reward oth- cal science. Year, while album Hotel Shampoo and rope; and head of Bangor-founded ers connected with Wales or the Uni- Bangor graduate Shireen Chambers, n the upcoming Graduation Week, collaboration Neon Neon have both family jeweller Nicholas Snowman, for versity who are excelling in their own Executive and Technical Director of musician Gru Rhys and DJ Huw won music prizes. his services to business. chosen  elds, and making a valued the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Stephens will be honoured for Huw Stephens, the youngest DJ to Vice-Chancellor Professor John C. contribution.” will be awarded an Honorary Fellow- theirI contributions to music and the ever work at BBC Radio 1 and co-host Hughes had the following to say: Several Bangor alumni are also being ship for her services for ecology and arts by Bangor University.  e Honor- of BBC Radio Cymru’s C2, is a writer “Bangor University has achieved honoured. Recent Bangor University forestry. Another Bangor graduate, ary Fellowships will be awarded dur- and broadcaster, and founded and great results in several areas this last retiree Dr David Roberts, who worked Jeremy Howell, is a professor at the ing ceremonies across 11th–17th July. curated C a r d i S ŵ n , a contemporary academic year: the University has at the university for 35 years as a regis- exclusive University of San Francisco Gru Rhys, both a solo artist and music festival. He is to be awarded for been ranked in the top 100 Universi- trar, is to be awarded for his services to and will be receiving an Honorary Fel- member of Super Furry Animals, re- his services to the Welsh music indus- ties in the world for its international the institution. Dr Roberts lives locally lowship for his contributions to Sport cently supplied the scores for Dylan try. outlook, and rated in the top 20 in the and is the author of Bangor University Science.  omas biopic Set Fire to the Stars and Also honoured are: Publishing house UK for student experience in addition 1884-2009. Bernard Taylor CBE, who American Interior, his own portrayal of Gwasg Carreg Gwalch founder Myrd- to having achieved excellent results in is the Chairman of Cambridge Labo- 18th century Welsh explorer John Ev- din ap Dafydd, for his services to the Research Assessment Exercise. As ratories Ltd and was Chief Executive Welsh literature in Llanrwst; linguistic we celebrate the success of our stu- of Glaxo Worldwide, will be honoured

THE TAP & SPILE BANGOR’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS

May Issue 2015 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 28

AMY BLACKWELL EDITOR 21 [email protected] Hi guys! This is me welcoming you to another issue of Seren for 30 the nal time! This is my last issue as editor, my swan song if you will! I would like to take this opportu- News 4-5 nity to say how much I’ve enjoyed my time at Seren, from my humble Politics 6 beginnings as the Books Editor last Comment 7 year to my term as Editor, this time 7 has been incredibly special for me. Union 8 6 It’s so odd to look back at the last year, to remember how nervous Societies 9 I was when I started as Editor and Business Awards 10-11 look at myself now and how con - dent I have gotten in the role and Summer Ball 12-13 how much I’ve grown as an editor Eurovision 14-15 and as a society chair. I want to say one massive nal thank you to my Science 16 team, those who have been with Environment 17 me in Seren from day one, those who aren’t with us any more and Film 19 the ones who have just joined the TV 20 ride. Thank you for making my ex- perience so special. I have made Games & Gadgets 21 some amazing friends through Seren and for that I am so grateful. Music 22 As per we have some cracking Books 23 content for you this issue! Page 6 gives you a view of the general Arts & Culture 24 election the day after it happened, Fashion 25 pages 10 and 11 announce the win- ners of this years Seren Business Health & Beauty 26 Awards, page 24 talks about Fox Food & Drink 27 news and boobies, on page 27 is a recipe for a fantastic lemon drizzle Travel 28 cake and on pages 30 and 31 we Sport 30-32 announce the winners from the AU dinner. I hope you enjoy the issue! I hope everyone has done well in 17 their exams and assignments and I hope you are nishing the year on a high! I wish everyone a fantastic summer! I wish the rst years good luck in second year and I and I am praying for the second years go- ing into third year (you can do it! Don’t lose faith!). It’s my last Seren but I won’t be leaving Bangor just yet, I have another year to get my head around leaving the city that has steadily become my home over the past three years, but with all my heart I wish my fellow third years well in whatever they decide to do. Class of 2015 good luck and goodbye! 22 The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University. #248 Seren is printed by NWN Media. THE TEAM Editor Amy Blackwell Science Chris Glass Health & Beauty Emily Rimmer CONTRIBUTORS Deputy Content Stephanie Environment Richard Dalison Creative Corner Liam Shipton Rhys Taylor Dan Parker LJ Taylor Yeabsley Music Hedd Thomas Arts & Culture Phillip Mott Lydia Richardson Jordan Glendenning Bethan May Deputy Design Ida Väisänen TV Ryan Jones Fashion Eleanor Hirst Mark Stanley Cristopher Crane Heddwen Creaney News Emily Houlston- Film Hannah Travel Kayla Jones Nicola Pye Jack Greenhalgh Kelly Norman Jones McFadyen Food & Drink Callum Muirhead Amy Beech Laura Sutton Sian Roberts Politics Kate Benn Games Joe Keep Sport Scott Willey Owen Jones Jenny Grice Kit Heeley Comment J.P. Bebbington Books Jack Upton 4 Seren | May Issue 2015 NEWS In Brief Opera chorus coming to Bangor AN award-winning opera company will be performing in Bangor this summer.  e Welsh National Opera Chorus are set to perform in Bangor Univer- sity’s Pritchard-Jones Hall on June 20th.  e announcement follows award success for the chorus.  e Bangor concert is just one in a list of concerts that the company will per- form around Wales this coming sum- mer, with the company performing in Newport, Swansea, and Brecon.  e company, which comprises of 40 members, will perform works by Brahms and Schubert, as well as no- table operatic classics, including ‘ e Witches’ Chorus’ from Verdi’s Mac- beth and ‘Anvil Chorus’ from Verdi’s Il Trovatore.  e company will be conducted by Welsh National Opera Chorus Master Alexander Martin. Tickets are available from the Pon- tio website (www.pontio.co.uk) and also from the Box O ce, who can be contacted via phone at 01248 382828. Additionally, they can be purchased directly from Welsh National Opera (www.wno.org.uk). Cost of rent “pushing Bangor grad becomes many into poverty” Opposition shared houses in the county is £368 per ity of the shared accommodation being in due to the increase of purpose built stu- month. According to the research, cur- houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s) dent accommodation across the city, and leader in South rent prices are nearly a third higher than in Bangor. Mr Goodwin said: “Statistics Gwynedd Council’s plans to cap student in 2010, when the average was £280 a can o en create a misleading picture as housing numbers by 10% will not go far Africa month, and 3.3% up on the 2013 average Gwynedd is a large county. enough. price of £357. “ ere is some limited evidence of “ is demonstrates the need for more SOWETO-BORN Bangor Universi- by IDA VÄISÄNEN Across local authorities in North Wales, rentals in shared accommodation in the housebuilding and rent controls in Wales ty graduate Mmusi Maimane, 34, has [email protected] the average room rent was £325 for Flint- larger towns of the county such as Pwll- to ensure that tenants can a ord and gain become the leader of South Africa’s shire, £277.33 for Anglesey and £264 for heli and Porthmadog.” access to quality and a ordable housing.” main opposition party, the Demo- wynedd is the most expensive Denbighshire.  ere are no  gures for Bangor University Students’ Union Ffrancon Williams, Chief Executive of cratic Alliance Party. part of North Wales to rent a Conwy due to the small sample size. President Rhys Taylor claimed the cost Cartre Cymunedol Gwynedd (CCG) Maimane is the  rst black leader of room. Estate agent Tim Goodwin, director of renting in the city was “pushing many housing association said it is accepted that G e statistics for the cost of private rent- the Democratic Alliance (DA), the of Williams and Goodwin  e Property students, and others, into poverty.” there is a shortage of a ordable homes main opposition to the African Na- ing, compiled by Rent O cers Wales, People, put the high prices down to a dis- Taylor said: “ ere is currently an across Wales. tional Congress (ANC). show the average rent price for rooms in tinct student market, with the vast major- over-supply of student housing in Bangor Mr Maimane, 34, who is considered to be a possible future president of the “Rainbow Nation”, told delegates his priorities would be  ghting for a fairer society with equal opportunities for all. Creative Writing professor Maimane said: “We can transcend racial inequality, but this can only happen if every South African ac- knowledges the injustices of apart- heid and if we all recognise that racial nominated for prestigious post inequality of the past still remains with us today. by IDA VÄISÄNEN Gregson believes the cultural shi answer may well be never.” and Geo rey Hill. “I simply don’t agree with those that towards the visual media over the last Prof Gregson argues for making Prof Helen Wilcox, Head of the say they don’t see colour, because if meritus Professor of Creative half-century poses a challenge to po- time for poetry as a very relevant cul- School of English Literature at Bangor you don’t see that I am black, then Writing at Bangor University, etry. He argues that we value imme- tural art form - one which in uenced University, said: “Creative writing is a you don’t see me at all.” Ian Gregson, has been nomi- diate and easy access, whereas poetry contemporary thinking as recently as great strength of our school and it was Mr Maimane completed his MA natedE for the post of Oxford Professor demands slowness and time to study the 1930s, when the diagnosis of one Ian who pioneered its teaching.  eology in Bangor and then went of Poetry. and look for its meaning. Professor of Poetry, W. H. Auden, of “a Student writers at Bangor today bene t on to lecture at the Gordon Institute  e historic position is an honor- Gregson said: “ ough great poetry sickness at the heart of capitalism” was from this legacy and are taught poetry by of Business Science in Johannesburg. ary part-time position which has been is still being written, it is no longer be- widely quoted. “ e post-Great War internationally respected writers such as Maimane has also managed his own awarded to some of the UK’s leading ing read by people, who are, in other era poets certainly in uenced popular Carol Rumens and Zoe Skoulding.” consultancy  rm. poets.  e  ve-year appointment in-  elds, interested in contemporary ideas of the day,” he added. A successful nomination for the posi- A spokesman for Bangor University volves delivering three prestigious literature, culture and the arts. Ask Since the post’s creation through an tion has to be supported by no fewer than said: “We’re delighted to see one of lectures a year and a speech at Oxford someone who has read Hilary Mantel’s endowment in 1708, 45 poets or aca- 50 Oxford graduates.  e results will be our graduates playing such a promi- University’s Honorary Degree Cer- Wolf Hall, or been to a new theatre demics have held the Oxford Profes- announced on 19th of June. nent role in politics and democracy emony. production recently, when they last sorship of Poetry. Recent incumbents in South Africa.” read a poem written a er 2000 and the include Seamus Heaney, James Fenton, May Issue 2015 | Seren 5 NEWS North Wales workers In Brief Tesco evacuation criticized for social media use incident STAFF and customers were evacu- ated during an incident at Bangor’s Tesco supermarket earlier this week.  e incident occurred on Monday, 18th of May at approximately 9:35 pm. A spokesman for North Wales Po- lice spoke of the incident, but refused to give any further details, other than con rming that an evacuation did indeed take place.  ey went on to say: “ ere was no threat of danger to the public and no one su ered any injuries. “ e matter has since been resolved and sta and customers were able to return to the store.”  e police also thanked store sta and customers for their patience and co-operation during the evacuation. Lee scoops Peer Guide Award THIS year’s recipient of the Bangor University Peer Guide of the Year has by IDA VÄISÄNEN Rescue Service (NWFRS) have each with tight controls in place to allow interactive discussions and share in- been announced. dismissed a worker. appropriate internet access for work formation on particular topics using a  e award went to third-year ublic service workers in North Wrexham council had the most in reasons and it also allows reasonable wide variety of social media. School of Ocean Sciences student Wales have landed themselves trouble for internet misuse with six, limited personal access. “However, use of the internet and Hannah Lee, who was commended in trouble over inappropriate followed by Gwynedd with four, An- “Relative to the size of the health social media can expose the  re and for her friendliness, approachabil- useP of the internet and posts on social glesey and Conwy both with three and board’s workforce, there have only rescue service and its employees to ity, and commitment. It was noted media. Denbighshire with one. been a small number of concerns that risks such as compromise of network at the ceremony that Hannah kept A Freedom of Information request Around 15,000 BCUHB workers have been raised over the last two and a systems and services, reputational in contact with her guided students by the Daily Post reveals nearly 60 have access to the internet. half years.  ese concerns have mostly damage and possible legal issues – and throughout the year, beginning with council employees, health workers and  ree were dismissed last year for related to comments posted from per- we take this very seriously. a few weeks prior to their arrival at  re service sta have either been  red, bringing the board into disrepute by sonal equipment and not health board “We therefore support the use of the Bangor. suspended, disciplined or demoted posting comments on social media, owned facilities. internet and social media by sta pro- Hannah was one of 40 nominees since 2013. while a further two were sacked for in- “However, the health board takes all vided that speci c guidelines and poli- for the award.  ousands of local authority, police, appropriate use of the internet, email these matters seriously and in cases cies are followed.”  re, health and university employees or internal messaging in 2013. where a breach of policy or code of Since 2013 Gwynedd council, who have access to the internet at work, A further 33 sta were either dis- conduct has been proven, these have allow its 2,701 sta with internet access Medieval with varying levels of personal use al- ciplined – ranging from informal ac- been dealt with appropriately in ac- personal use during their lunch break, lowed. tion to  nal written warnings – or cordance with our disciplinary proce- issued a verbal warning to an employee Five employees were  red at Betsi suspended with two cases still under du re .” for comments on Twitter, two written life comes to Cadwaladr University Health Board investigation. A NWFRS spokesman said: “We warnings for internet misuse, and one (BCUHB) over two years, while Con- A BCUHB spokeswoman said: “We recognise that the internet provides  nal warning for inappropriate use of Beaumaris wy council and North Wales Fire and have an internet usage policy together unique opportunities to participate in social media. SEVERAL of Bangor University’s clubs and societies will be teaming up with Beaumaris Town Council and Cadw to organize the annual Beaumaris Medieval Weekend.  e event, which will take place on the 6th and 7th of June, is in its   h Council elects year, and thus far proven to be a great success. Over a 100 students from the Archery Club, History and Ar- chaeology Society, Medieval Re-en- actment Society, Folk Music Society comedian Chairman and the English Drama Society will take part this year, o ering ‘have-a- by AMY BEECH Bwletin and S4C's popular Codi Hwyl, ly to the Azores without the security of of the council and to “lighten up a lot go’ sessions, as well as live theatre, in which he sails around the coasts a radio or satellite link. He then spent about the job”. He also aims to bridge archery displays, medieval combat his week Gwynedd County of Wales and Ireland with actor John time working with the Urdd and at the gap between the Council and the demonstrations and folk music per- Council announced the elec- Pierce Jones. the Glan-Llyn activity centre in Bala public.  is is especially true in the formances. tion of Bala Councillor Dilwyn His new job as Council Chairman before going on to become a National case of young people, as he believes Dan Parker, captain of the Archery TMorgan as their new chairman. is the latest chapter in what has so far Park warden at nearby Llyn Tegid. they are the group that need to be en- Club, said: “Not only is it a brilliant Councillor Morgan, 57, is already been a life full of adventures for a man  ese experiences have given him a couraged to be interested in politics. way for us to get together and do known to many as a stand-up come- who jokingly describes himself as “the unique view on the way he wishes to As for the present, he is looking forward what we enjoy most, it also puts us dian, appearing in a number of Welsh international man of mystery”. He is an take the Council forward, and in the to the challenges his new role will bring. in touch with the wider community language programmes including Ra- accomplished sailor, as shown in Codi near future he hopes to challenge the and allows us to share our own expe- dio Cymru's satirical weekly news quiz Hwyl, who once sailed single-handed- traditional perceptions people have riences with them. “ 6 Seren | May Issue 2015 POLITICS In Brief Nation shocked by result of MPs sworn into House of general election Commons

BEGINNING Tuesday of this e results of the 2015 general election are in, and now that week, MPs have begun gather- ing to be sworn into the House we’ve had a few weeks to digest the outcome, Seren of Commons. Re-elected Prime Minister David Cameron was one discusses what’s changed for the UK of the  rst to be sworn in and to resume his seat. He was preceded by Commons Speaker John Bes- cow and the new Father of the House, Sir Gerald Kaufman. Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband also took the oath, which all MPs must take if they are to vote in the House of Commons or take part in a debate.  ose swearing their allegiance to the Crown were given the choice of whether to "swear by Almighty God" on a holy book of their choice or to "a rm" if they did not wish to take a religious oath.  e swear- ing in of the MPs will be continu- ing until the following Tuesday. Cameron’s promise to boost NHS funding renewed

CAMERON’S  rst major post- election speech saw him renewing his promise to boost NHS funding and to create a “seven-day” health service. Previously, in a pre-elec- tion pledge, the PM vowed to in- by HEDD THOMAS that. It was – it is – quite simply as- repayments, spending cuts and indig- suaded that communicating beats ob- crease budgets by at least 8bn a year tounding. nant citizens in an ageing population fuscating, that leading beats following. by 2020, and has since promised to hursday May 7th and Friday Looking at the new political map, hostile to high immigration.  e elec- Perhaps. recruit 5,000 new GPs.  e British May 8th were an extraordinary one thing is all too apparent: the UK toral system, parliamentary sovereign- It was an extraordinary 24 hours. Medical Association, however, has 24 hours. is divided. ty and the Human Rights Act will all Now bring on that hat! stated that the government has yet TNobody could quite believe that exit Politically, the centre ground is be questioned. Pollsters will be pun- to explain how it intends to deliver poll when it emerged, not least Paddy now vacant, with the Lib Dems all ished, and perhaps leaders will be per- additional care at a time of "chron- Ashdown, who promised to eat his but wiped out, the Alliance Party of ic" doctor shortages, and doctors' hat if the poll was right. Against all Northern Ireland no more, and every representatives have called Cam- expectations the Conservatives were other party having stepped back quite eron’s announcement a strategy of thought to be the largest party yet shy a bit into their respective corners of "empty headline-grabbing". of a majority. Would they renew their the ring. vows with the Liberal Democrats to Geographically, patches of red are get over that magic mark of 226? Or con ned more than ever to urban Clegg tells Lib would Tory backbenchers prefer to centres, making England indistin- partner with the DUP and UKIP? guishable from a nighttime snap from Dems: Over the course of the night one big a NASA satellite, while its northern name a er another dropped like crest- neighbour of Scotland has never been “come together” fallen  ies. Simon Hughes. Jim Mur- more de ned. Only Wales with its phy. Vince Cable. Ed Balls. George blues, reds, yellow and greens seems LIB DEMS’ Nick Clegg has said Galloway. Nigel Farage (later to return prepared for pluralism. that the party has the potential to his role by request of his fellow In the media, the name-calling has to “hit the ground running” af- party-members). Perhaps most shock- already begun, with headlines such as ter the “disastrous” results of the ing of all was Douglas Alexander, who “ e country is screwed, the electorate general election, in which the only the day before must have been is evil…” by  e Guardian and Russell Liberal Democrats achieved only looking forward to a phone call from Brand saying, “ ere’s going to be no eight seats. Clegg called the result his party leader. “Dougie,” Prime Min- shortage of meanness over the next “crushing” but was quick to add ister Miliband would say, “We’ve done  ve years.” that "Whilst Labour continue to it. And you’re my Foreign Secretary.” “May you live in interesting times,” tear themselves apart in the sum- Instead, the Labour hopeful found they say, and interesting times the next mer we can immediately hit the himself ousted by 20-year-old student  ves years certainly shall be. Our two ground running a er the summer Mhairi Black. It was both inspiring to political unions will be tested, and will break as a united party - that is ab- witness this spirit of “Anything can either bend and survive or else snap. solutely essential in my view as we happen!” and frightening that Alex- Having brushed aside the Westminster conduct our  ghtback." With so ander’s good reputation and eighteen parties, Unionist ones like Northern few representatives in parliament, years of service counted for nothing. Ireland’s DUP and UUP will likely things don’t look promising for the By lunchtime the unimaginable had spring up in Scotland. Lib Dems, but Nick Clegg’s “stand happened: the Conservatives had won British socialism and liberalism will together” message is surprisingly an overall majority. No need to make be rethought, revamped and revived. optimistic. deals a er all. David Cameron would British conservatism will face the remain Prime Minister and that was challenge of juggling tax freezes, debt May Issue 2015 | Seren 7 COMMENT FOX HUNTING: THE SPORT OF GENTLEMEN OR BARBARIC CRUELTY?

Ida is an international student working in liasion with the in- ternational o ce. is is the last column about her experiences in Bangor. by IDA VÄISÄNEN

THE SWANSONG OF A MIGRANT BIRD

I rarely meet other Finns in Bangor but when I do, what usually comes up is their surprise when they  nd out that I’m not an Erasmus student. Yep, I have been here for three whole years. Now my time is up. I’m graduating in July.  is is my last column. As said, I don’t meet other Finns that o en.  e experience turned out to be stranger than I initially thought. Not only did these people speak my language, which I haven’t used as my main language of communication for three years, but we still shared an ac- cent. Not only that, these were the by J.P. BEBBINGTON dogs won’t let the fox go or even kill may have a point, but what about systems. I wouldn’t try to deny it. If it it mercifully. It will be torn to pieces the other British traditions of bear is necessary that fox numbers should people who, unlike my British friends, I share a cultural background with. We f you’ve been following the news as the dogs  ght other the fox’s now baiting, casual racism, or invading be reduced for the bene t of all I can grew up watching the same shows and you’ll know that one of the  rst tattered remains. other countries and stripping them of accept that - as long as the death is drank our orange juice from a carton policies the Tory government is I personally do not agree with hunt- anything valuable before burning our humane. Perhaps a painless poison rather than a bag. We were all taught tryingI to pass since the election is the the same language to express our basic ing for any reason other than provid- way back to blighty? Why is this one or some traps? I’m not an expert in reintroduction of the British tradition ing food, but my feelings are not so special that it alone should remain? vulpine euthanasia, but surely there is needs and attempts to convey our feel- ings of joy, hurt, love and self-doubt to of fox hunting. for everyone. Some people say that Now, I’m not unreasonable. I under- a kinder way than scaring it senseless, other people, within the same cultural Just to explain exactly what this hunting leads to a perfect reunion of stand that foxes can seriously detri- chasing it until it drops and tearing landscape brought together by a com- entails, a group of people gather on mankind and the natural world he ment farming communities - I live in it into so many pieces that it couldn’t plicated fusion of historical and social horseback and with their hounds and abandoned long ago, but if you read a small Cheshire village when I’m not possibly feel any pain because it’s developments among others. proceed to hunt a fox until it either my sleep-deprivation and co ee- chained to a library desk at Bangor, brain more closely resembles pâté What I am trying to say is that we were all once given the same send-o escapes - unlikely due to the large fuelled article on Sunny D you’ll for Heaven’s sake - and ruin liveli- than its intended form. into the world. Now we met in another number of dogs - or is caught. know what I think about nature. hoods. I also know that fox numbers country, each of us ending there for It sounds simple enough, and fairly Some people say that it’s a tradi- can rise to such levels where they can di ering amounts of time for di ering clean too, until you realise that the tion that should be preserved.  ey threaten to destabilise the local eco- reasons. Still they looked forward to coming back to Finland. I am looking forward staying here. Even though we are the same, something sets us apart. Studying abroad is a deeply unique experience. Every migrant bird has its Happy Holidays! own song. Mine didn’t come out eas- ily.  ree years has been  lled with tears, homesickness and frustrations of big and small. Still, through all that the roots started growing. I started to get a hang of it. Nowadays rye bread is an equal choice to a cheese and onion pasty. I still go for co ee rather than tea, but made my  rst spontaneous comment about the weather last week, by J.P. BEBBINGTON so I’d like to think there is still hope for s I’m sure you all know, sum- if I saw it?” I think summer might towns and cities are abandoned for six for whatever comes. Alternatively, me. mer is on the way. I didn’t re- be that time when it only rains every weeks, the only food that gets eaten you could spend six weeks watching Not many people get to decide where alise until a few days ago, but other day and we only get snow once is  sh and chips, ice cream and candy reruns of old television programmes they live. Not many people get the op- that’sA just my poor sense of time. I’m a month, but maybe I imagined  oss, and no one does any work.  e and slowly vegetate, with QI the only portunity to decide which culture they sure I’ve missed a few months - can that – it’s probably a legend told to only construction that gets done at thing keeping you even remotely sane would like to adapt and embrace as their own. I am incredibly lucky to not people hibernate without realising it? excite children – like Robin Hood or all is by families making sandcastles (I’m not speaking from experience, I only to experience this journey but to I joke of course, but it feels like time is dragons. on beaches across these frost-ridden promise!) share it with all of you, and will leave slipping through my  ngers. Hang on a moment – I remember islands. Whatever you choose to do, don’t this dear post as the Seren columnist  at begs the question of what to do now. Summer’s that time when eve- All joking aside, what can be done forget to enjoy the last few weeks in with a wistful heart. Kiitos. with all of that time over the summer, ryone in the UK goes crazy and goes over the summer?  ere’s always Bangor before you go away, be it to though I suppose since I’m from the shirtless because “it’s too hot”, and the sensible and pragmatic choice the UK or to more exotic climes. Also, north of England the more important somehow manages to burn themselves of preparing for your studies next use sun cream. question is, actually, “do I know what in the frankly pitiful levels of sunshine September, or  nding a job to  ll summer is and would I recognise it we get in this country. All inland up your savings so you’ll be ready 8 Seren | May Issue 2015 UNION Student Led Teaching Awards 2015

by LYDIA RICHARDSON  e SLTA’s gives students the op- sta members have made across all school, Vice President Choice by the received this year was outstanding. We portunity to show their support and services and schools. VP Education Welfare and  nally self- could not have such a strong student  e Student Led Teaching Awards appreciation to sta who have shown Adding to this, we had a revamp of nominate for the Ede and Ravenscro voice throughout education without returned bigger than ever for its 4th dedication and hard work throughout the Course Representative award this Innovation award. We also included our representatives, so it will great to annual ceremony, along with the much the students’ time at Bangor. With over year. Course reps were able to be nom- a surprise award this year for special see! anticipated Course Representative 300 nominations across 11 categories inated for Student Choice, by their recognition for contribution to Post- awards held on the same evening. this year, it is clear the student body peers; Sta choice by the sta mem- graduates educational experience.  e recognises the fantastic contribution bers they have worked with in their amount of recognition that these reps SLTA Winners 2015 Course Rep Awards Winners 2015 Vice President Education and Welfare Award Award for Outstanding Gillian Gri th , Music Pastoral Support Akifah Lynch, Darryl Clough, & Meaghan Mcblain, Naomi Coulton, Loretta Coles & Adam Hawker (Biological Science) Award for the Promotion of Peredur Webb-Davies, Max Zeronian Dalley, F ur Elin, Marianne Whitakker, & Natalie Bates (History, Welsh History and Archaeology) Welsh-Medium Education Linguistics Student Choice Award Richard Dallison (SENRGY) International Award Stephen Clear, Law Sta Choice Award Robin Owen (Sports, Health and Excercise Science) Dissertation Supervisor of the Nia Whiteley, Biological Year Sciences Special Recognition for Postgrad Engagement Pippa Beston (Psychology), Jeremy Harvey (Social Sciences) Support Sta Member of the Elizabeth Williams, Year Psychology

Student Service Department Kate Tindle. Counselling Summer Sessions Award Service

Postgraduate Teacher of the Year Rebecca Jones, SENRGy

New Teacher of the Year Matt Hayward, SENRGy

Fantastic Feedback Award Sarah Cooper, Linguistics

Open Award Coleen Suckling, Biological Science by MARK STANLEY in North Wales over the summer.  e Shopping Trips to Chester, Historical Teacher of the Year Mattias Green, Ocean Science project, which is coming into it’s third Tours of Bangor and a “Sel e” Trip Congratulations! It’s the end of an- year, has recently won an NUS Wales Competition! other year at Bangor, but whilst some Award for “Student Opportunities” for And always aiming to being bigger students are getting ready for the sum- breaking the mould of the September and better: Last year we did one ac- mer all over the globe, either back to May system by trying to facilitate tivity a week, and this week we’ll be home or travelling - some students are student led activity all through the bringing you two days of fun on the looking forward to a plethora of activ- year for students who want to get in- Wednesday and Saturday. ity here at the Students’ Union. We’re volved during a time where most Un- It’s going to be an incredible sum- happy to announce the start of another ions are taking a well-deserved break mer, and if you’re not already staying “Summer Sessions 2015”. – Not for us! in Bangor - then you should seriously  e Summer Sessions is a project  is year we will be encouraging stu- consider it! As always, we’re looking to provide activities for students over dents to get involved with Scuba Div- for volunteers to help out with these summer through July, August and Sep- ing, Sailing, Kayaking, Archery and activities so if you’re interested then tember designed to create opportuni- Gaming. We’ll also be giving students please contact the Activities Team at ties to participate in sports, societies, the chance to experience Pu n Island, Bangor Students’ Union. and trips for Students who are staying Beaumaris Castle,  e Summer Fete, May Issue 2015 | Seren 9 SOCIETIES

BUGS by OWEN JONES  roughout the year we go on several rally of the year, which will see over work we do. For anyone who’s look- ferent cultures and build international camps, including our annual Fresher’s 100 Scouts and Guides descending on ing to get involved with volunteering relationships. Over the next few years More than 100,000 over 18s are camp, and Christmas sleepover, as well the city for an adventure packed week- we can help put you in touch with lo- there are opportunities to attend many members of Scouting and Girlguid- as joint walking weekends with Shef- end. cal groups, and support you through di erent international events, such as ing in the UK, and some of them are  eld University’s group, StinGS. Next years events will see us heading your leader training. Don’t worry if Roverway in France, FinnJamboree in right here in Bangor! Whether you’re down to Cardi , Bristol and South- you can’t commit to helping regularly, Finland, and the World Scout Moot in already a member, or completely new Student Scouting and Guiding ampton, as well as possible joint camps as there are many events throughout Iceland. to the organisations, BUGS allows you As members of SSAGO, the Student with She eld and Aberystwyth, and the year who would be grateful for to either continue your involvement Scouting and Guiding Organisation, Witan, an international camp held any time you can give, including the If this sounds like something you’d whilst at university or discover some- we’re linked with universities up and every four years for SSAGO members upcoming Menai Bridge Ra Run and be interested in we can be found on thing completely new altogether. down the country. Several times a year which is being held in Berlin during Bangor Carnival. Facebook “BUGS – Bangor University We meet several times a month to large camps (“rallies”), and one formal the summer. Guides and Scouts” and Twitter @ban- do all sorts of activities, from walking ball, are organised for all members – International gorbugs! and light painting to bell-ringing and not only are these great ways to meet Community  is summer sees several of us jet- backwards cooking, as well as socials plenty of other students and escape Many of our members help out with ting o to Japan to support the 23rd and nights out – if there’s something from the stresses of uni work, there groups all across North Wales, and World Scout Jamboree, which will see new you want to try, we can do it! are also tons of activities on o er.  is we were recently awarded the Student over 30,000 under 18’s from 162 coun- summer Bangor plays host to the  nal Union’s “Community Award” for the tries come together to experience dif-

Societies collaborate for medieval weekend by DAN PARKER CADW and Beaumaris Town Coun- share our own experiences with them. eval Weekend which, now in its   h and further a eld.  ese events help cil; and now due to previous popular Many of the people we see through the year, has been building in popularity promote the important heritage we oin Bangor Students’ Societies, demand, the event has been extended day have never experienced anything year on year.  is year’s event will be have in Wales and raises the pro le of including Archery Club, Medieval to run over a whole weekend!  at’s a like it and are just fascinated by the over two days and visitors and locals CADW and the partners we are work- Re-enactment, History & Archae- whole weekend of our students show- history presented right there in front will be able to enjoy numerous activi- ing with.  is also has an economic ology,J English Drama and Folk Music ing you, your family, kids of all ages of them – especially the youngsters. ties, which they can watch and get in- bene t for the local businesses in the at Beaumaris Castle to explore the leg- and the local community what they do It’s really nice to see the enthusiasm on volved in to learn about how life was town as it draws in extra visitors who end of King Arthur and his Knights of best. their faces when they’re picking up a during the medieval times. can enjoy the local area.” the Round Table.  ey’ll be present- When asked by Bangor University, bow or a sword for the  rst time; and “CADW is keen to work with local ing you with live theatre, live music, Dan Parker, captain of the Archery still learning something factual!” community groups, such as Bangor You can expect a whole lot of comedy and the chance to get hands Club, said: Mike Williams, Head Custodian at University which Beaumaris Castle learning and a whole lot of fun, so on and interactive with weapons and “Not only is it a brilliant way for us Beaumaris Castle, said: “Beaumaris has done so now for a number of years. come on down - 6th & 7th June at armour of the past! to get together and do what we enjoy Castle and CADW are happy to wel-  is event brings the castle to life and Beaumaris Castle.  e event is strongly supported by most, it also puts us in touch with the come back the students of Bangor Uni- attracts lots of students from the Uni- the Welsh government history service wider community and allows us to versity who are putting on their Medi- versity, visitors from the local area, 10 Seren | May Issue 2015

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS, NOMINATED AND VOTED FOR BY YOU

“WE REALLY ARE GRATEFUL FOR EVE- RYONE’S SUPPORT AND WE APPRECI- ATE SO MUCH THAT EVERYONE KEEPS COMING FOR OUR FOOD AND CASK ALES. IT MEANS SO MUCH TO US, SO THANK YOU.”

TAP & SPILE

BANGOR’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS & BEST PUB

“IT MEANS A LOT FOR AN INDEPENDENT RESTAURANT TO BE APPRECIATED FOR THE ALL THE HARD WORK BE PUT IN, SO THANK YO U.”

NOODLE ONE BEST RESTAURANT & BEST INDEPENDENT

“I’M REALLY HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS AT SEREN 15 YEARS AGO WHEN I WAS AT UNI, SO THIS MEANS A L O T.”

BELLE VUE MOST STUDENT FRIENDLY May Issue 2015 | Seren 11

BEST TATTOO SHOP

BEST TAKEAWAY

BEST SALON

BEST CLUB

BEST HIGH STREET

JOHN’S CABS

BEST TAXIS BEST SUPERMARKET 12 Seren | May Issue 2015 Summer Ball 2015

by HEDDWEN CREANEY Summer Ball. worth taking into account the extra I think this is re ected in this year’s work it takes to get people like Jess he Summer Ball is the biggest sale rates. The Summer Ball was sold Glynne out to the North West of event of the year. Despite what out three and a half weeks before the Wales. Tskeptics have said, the ball is event. That is the fastest in ten years. So our location is awkward at times, not designed to make money. It’s The previous year, tickets sold out but there is no denying we have a held to o er the students who have two weeks before. Considering these beautiful building in a beautiful set- worked hard to get through their - sales, it’s fair to assume the consen- ting. The great thing about Bangor nals a chance to let loose and to do sus is it’s decent value for money! University, that most other uni’s don’t so in style. The summer ball provides an op- have, is that we have Hogwarts. On ticket sales alone, the event portunity to bring singers and acts Unfortunately Hogwarts-like build- would actually make a loss! When to Bangor who would never normally ings tend to come with a grade list- you add in the drink sales, they still come as far out as us. Our location ing. With a grade one listing, the only break even. Our tickets have works against us at times, and often summer ball presents a regular been sold to us at the same price for acts are reluctant to travel as far out. challenge: how do we organize a over ten years now. Everyone has The e ect of this is the cost to get great night with lighting and sound worked hard to keep the cost of tick- them to perform increases. complexities, while controlling hun- ets low, even with the additional ve Although we students haven’t felt dreds of celebrating, alcohol fueled hours that the last two years have this too much in the price of tick- students? At least Academi have it enjoyed, with the day events of the ets, as they’ve remained the same covered. regardless of who is preforming, it’s Day Events The day will be festival themed, with the rides and food stalls from the day still running through the evening events. Keep your eyes open for the extras. Last year there was a bucking bronco and a bungee run. Remember to wear sun-cream to make sure you’re not burnt for the evening do. Evening Events The festival will still be up and running through the evening, but with the added bonus of the PJ Hall and Powis hall. Seren Photographers will be working the night, as well as the SU photog- raphers and the opportunity to have some pro esiional photos taken in main arts reception. Traditions For a wonderful or even romantic conclusion to your Summer Ball, you can head to Mikes Bites or Belle Vue for a late night fry up and then watch the sun rise from Roman Camp. May Issue 2015 | Seren 13

Jess Glynne

by HEDDWEN CREANEY with Rather Be. Collaborating with of Clean Bandit, who went on to o er song sits comfortably within modern but I will still have no choice but to the four piece band who break from her a platform from which she gained culture. shimmy in my seat, or at the very least ess Glynne will be coming to the standard pop with their unusual popularity. The image ts perfectly with the real turn the volume to an anti-social level. Bangor for the Summer Ball. videos, bringing in ‘real instruments’, Home was nally released in February topic of discussion: the moment when So, lucky Bangor. Gracing our Summer JCombining an ino ensive dance- and mixing the raw sound with ar- 2014, after a well-played taster which life gets back to normal after a period of Ball we have the brilliant Jess Glynne track with her interesting but power- ti cial electronic sounds, the band got everyone excited to nally hear her being totally out of control. Having put who will no doubt be able to get every- ful voice, her music is both incredibly bring depth and a bit of class to after working with the Bandits. Glynne my dissertation behind me and Fresh- one dancing. There is no denying, you’ll catchy and expressive. Jess Glynne dance music. felt that the track “ ts in with the dance ers still haunting me today, I can totally be ready for this. brings her soulful and e ortless My Love perfectly demonstrates sensibility that’s so popular right now, understand both elements of the song, voice to songs that would otherwise Glynne’s control over her voice and but Bless production takes it in such and it encompasses the feeling per- FUN FACT: She applied for the feel like a generic club piece. Work- evocative tone. The acoustic version a di erent direction.” Touching on the fectly. ‘X Factor’ when she was 15, and ing with Clean Bandit, Jess Glynne allows her to showcase her voice with- very relatable moment in a girl’s life Personally, Hold My Hand is my fa- was rejected. Well played. jumped onto our radar in early 2014 out being distracted by the synthetics. when after a night out dancing and you vourite song of hers, purely because it It was this song that raised the interest travel home without your shoes, the forces me to dance. I may be driving,

Scouting for Girls

by RYAN JONES changed in 2015. wherever I went. Then other singles such as This Ain’t a Love Song and Love 2015 has shown that many people still I had promised myself that I’d buy were released such as She’s So Lovely, How It Hurts which could even rival have a lot of love for the band. In fact, I’d have to admit: I’ve been disap- a ticket for Summer Ball this year, no Heartbeat, and Elvis Ain’t Dead and I some of the tracks from the rst album. even say that most students have been pointed with the last two year’s matter how bad the lineup was, simply loved every single one of them too. The Despite this, Scouting for Girls still faded more excited for Scouting for Girls than ISummer Ball lineups. Acts such as because this is my last year at Bangor entire album turned out to be brilliant away from the spotlight and sunk lower the headline act Jess Glynne! Personally, Charlie XCX, Wretch 32 and Katy B University. However, when I discovered and I’d even go as far to say as it still in the charts. Scouting for Girls may I believe Scouting for Girls were an in- have failed to persuade me to buy that Scouting for Girls were involved ranks as one of my favourite albums of have lost their dominance in the UK credible choice, as they adhere to both Summer Ball tickets in previous years. in this year’s Summer Ball, I couldn’t of all time. charts, but they sure weren’t forgotten. pop and rock fans. This prevents Acade- Although I realise there is a large fan been happier! Unfortunately, Scouting for Girl’s Maybe Scouting for Girl’s recent slump mi from neglecting a huge percentage base for each of these acts, I still be- I’ve been a big fan of the band since debut album was their best. The next has been a blessing in disguise, as it has of students, which I believe they have lieve that the choices were lacking in they rst released their single, It’s Not two albums Everybody Want to Be on meant that the band are available to done in previous years. It sure will be variety and only adhered to a certain About You, in 2007. The song instantly TV and The Light Between Us received come and perform in Bangor! the best way to end three great years at segment of students. However, this became a favourite for me to such an mixed reviews. However, there were still The reaction to Scouting for Girl’s Bangor University. extent that I began humming the tune some great singles to come from them, inclusion in Bangor’s Summer Ball for 14 Seren | May Issue 2015

Graham Performer Non-English Graham wears Norton The UK win Norton country sings gets drunk traditional in English is sassy costume Someone Revealing Fireworks/ Presenters “Woo!” mentions costume Pyrotechnics  i r t Conchita

Someone Country Presenter winks at Nonsense you’ve visited makes awful camera song performs jokes

Someone Revealing The UK get Technical Innuendo 0 points issues says ‘Building costume bridges’

Host Performer Performer Key change Awkward changes dance routine drops to wears out t knees eccentric hat

Seren’s Sweepstake The Eurovision contest is back on our screens this week and to make things more interesting the Seren team has decided to do a sweepstake. We randomly picked countries out of a hat and will now pledge our full support to them. At least it gives one of us a chance of celebration with Britain’s repeated failures in the contest! Here’s who we picked and how we think they will get on in the contest.

Sweden Australia Spain Britain Belgium PHILLIP SUTCLIFFEMOTT JORDAN GLENDENNING CRISTOPHER CRANE IDA VÄISÄNEN RYAN JONES

SWEDEN’S 2015 Eurovision entry is THE Aussies are sending Guy Se- THE breathtaking blonde beauty FIRST glossy and pop- avoured. BELGIUM may not be high on the Heroes by Måns Zelmerlöw. The lyr- bastian to perform for them in this Edurne will be singing this year for Then  avourless, before nally turn- Bookies’ list of potential winners, but ics are similarly engineered towards year’s Eurovision, he will be sing- Spain, a song titled Amanecer. Sing- ing uninspiring. The UK’s entry for Eu- I’m backing them as a dark horse. minimalist crowd-pleasing. While ing ‘Tonight Again’. It’s a catchy ing in her native tongue, Edurne rovision this year isn’t horrible. Let’s When I pulled Belgium out of the hat the lyricizing video may not be used song, and the winner of Australian sings of the dawn. It tells of the pain- be honest though, it’s not brilliant for our Seren sweepstake, I thought during his stage performance, his Idol 2003 has written it speci cally ful story of a lost love and the quest either. Will the mixture of the swing- my chances of winning were over. crisp enunciation of simple words for the contest. It’s a serious take to retrieve joy and see the sunrise ing 1920’s and neon paint be enough But once I listened to their Eurovision will keep the ensemble an easy-to- of the contest, without some of again. It’s a spectacular performance, to win the contesting countries over? entry, I became incredibly more opti- receive package. The collective “we” the over the top frills we’ve come a great composition and a wonderful Maybe not. The song itself doesn’t mistic. The song is extremely catchy, when Zelmerlöw sings about heroes to expect of the contest; but that’s music production. Edurne has sung really stand out from the crowd and as I found myself singing some of the will please the audience, while refer- a good thing! Bringing a Bruno since she was only nine years old and even though it’s pleasant enough to lyrics hours after rst listening to it. ences to “the greatest anthem ever Mars-vibe and good cheer the her experience shows in this entry to earn some points but at the end of And if that isn’t good enough rea- heard” are barely veiled demands for Australians are making the best the competition. ¡Viva España! Me nal, with this song, UK is likely to son to vote for Belgium, then just re- adulation. Bar a few rough transla- e ort for their premier entry in Eu- encanta esta canción, porque es muy still be placed as one of the last in the member that they have provided us tions to English, Heroes is pleasant rope’s song contest. Go Australia! bueno y me recuerda el amanecer. competition. Not because the song with wa es and chocolate. How can and generic enough to be a high Hasta luego. is bad, just because it’s boring and you not love Belgium? scorer in your average Eurovision doesn’t really bring anything into Eu- competition. rovision. May Issue 2015 | Seren 15

Finland knocked out in semi- nal Band’s positive message potentially destroyed by early Eurovision exit by IDA VÄISÄNEN ment at the time, and fear that it still vision. However, I am afraid that this This leap into the unknown brought obnoxious anonymous minority, just holds true. won’t be recognised and the only us success in 2006. Pertti Kurikan Ni- in a more socially-acceptable form. o, Finland got knocked out of People were against sending the reason why we were kicked out at mipäivät started with a similar idea. In this the controversy sings its laud: Eurovision in the semi- nals. band into Eurovision, and with some this stage is our choice of performer. Still, without a track record of success “We are not like you, but we’re here SAs a Finn this does not awaken people this had very little to do with Why did we choose a distinctive act, in competitions to prove the haters still.” The song was good and mean- feelings of defeat as much as fear. musical taste. As a Finn I have read when we knew that at the end this wrong, the original joy of making ingful, explaining the frustrations of As author Jari Tervo said in his blog message boards with disgust and won’t bring us success in the compe- music and being yourself backlashes having others to make decisions on after Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät was shame, with the loud minority chant- tition? and becomes the reason for defeat. your behalf. “Aina mun pitää,” I always announced as our Eurovision can- ing the one and the same: “We’ll Because it was the right thing to do. If we had chosen the generic Satin have to. The song was important, the didate: “Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät be sent home rst and then I’ll be Petri Kurikan Nimipäivät getting Circus, this wouldn’t have happened. act was important but this important does good for the image of Finland ashamed to be a Finn.” nominated for Eurovision started o The message of positivity turns into message didn’t convoy to an interna- in front of hundreds of millions of Losing at an early stage is not the as a message of positivity. It’s not all negativity. We knew this would hap- tional audience. If sung in English, I viewers as tolerant, humane, open- worst, I think. No, the worst part will about competition. Instead of choos- pen. And now it did. think we would still be in Vienna. armed, relaxed, happy, tolerant to- be the loud, anonymous minority’s ing the bland and tasteless, we went Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät did not Still, I think we made the right choice. wards minorities and distinctive. We “I told you so.” It will not matter that for something distinctive and raspy. want to be recognised as a band What I am afraid of is next year, when all know that Finland isn’t like that, there must be technical reasons for This was the moment I was proud consisting of disabled people. Jour- this loud minority pipes up again to but this is the image of Finland we Finland’s early leaving of the com- of being Finnish, like when we won nalists have appeared intolerant to- ask that hate- lled question: What are talking about.” petition, such as the language of the with Lordi. We were di erent, looked ward the band, commenting on their happened last time? I considered this an accurate state- song. Historically songs sung in Finn- down upon by critics but rose above looks rather than their music. This is ish have not been successful in Euro- it with wings of Monster Hallelujah! the same hatred convoyed by the by HEDDWEN CREANEY

It is either an English Lit student’s best friend or nemesis: the Male Churn my butter, baby Gaze. The concept is born from when the audience or reader is presented with an idea or scene from a het- erosexual, male perspective. Funda- mentally, women become the object of the male observer (who is you, regardless of your gender or sexual orientation). A perfect example of the male gaze was Poland’s entry for Eurovision 2014. The music video is lled with  ashes of erogenous zones and girls in traditional dress baking, dancing, or churning but- ter. The women  aunting their well- tanned, toned and voluptuous bod- ies are reduced to merely objects by KAYLA JONES of pleasure for the onlooker. ‘My Słowianie’ (English: ‘We the Slavs’) The rst time I saw Eurovision was when Jedward were bopping around on presents itself to the listener as a the stage. I’m going to be honest and say that the event made me feel like song embracing the national iden- I was tripping on something real funky. All the colors, costumes and lights tity of the Polish woman, but there were a bit di erent for a southern girl like me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen is no denying that the video sends a all this Lady Gaga/Katy Perry stu that’s been going around for the last few very di erent message. If anything, years, but if I wanted to see a bunch of people dressed up like they were in the women are distanced from their a Hunger Games musical, I’d go to the movies. I love the idea that a bunch identities, their individuality, their of countries come together and compete in a music show, though, and it’s womanhood, and become lumped de nitely visually interesting to watch. It’s just that most of it is stuck in the together as general sexy-ness. Ob- ‘90s. But it beats being bored for hours watching the Superbowl just waiting jects of sexual desire. on a ve minute half show! 16 Seren | May Issue 2015 SCIENCE In Brief Nigel Brown to retire A MUCH loved member of the School of Biological Sciences (SBS) is to stand down a er 39 years devoted service. Nigel Brown, curator at Treborth Bo- tanic Garden and lecturer for SBS will retire on July 17th in order to spend more time with his family. Nigel took over the post of curator at the Bo- tanic Garden in 1976 and has seen it change signi cantly. He quickly be- • New Zealand  atworm came known for his enthusiasm for • E ects of the horse chestnut leaf-mining moth wildlife and unrivalled knowledge; the North Wales Wildlife Trust described him once as a “one-man encyclopaedia and all-round natural history guru.” Mr Brown received a standing ovation Citizen science expands from students and sta at the Student by RICHARD DALLISON better understand the state of the envi- the e ects of these worms on UK data in 2014.  e paper used data from Led Teachings Awards Ceremony on ronment, especially in key areas such earthworms and other animals, such almost 23,000 sites that have been sur- the 1st of May, a er a summary of his pen Air Laboratories (Opal) as air quality, urban spaces and pests. as moles and beetles. veyed through the Opal project, “ is career by Pro-Vice Chancellor Profes- is expanding its already very Dr David Slawson, Director of Opal Dr Slawson went on to further praise really does increase the number of sor Oliver Turnbull. Nigel Brown has successful citizen science has welcomed the expansion, citing citizen science projects and also ex- observations that experts alone would been a constant force for the upkeep schemeO to the rest of the United King- new activity on the New Zealand  at- pressed his delight that current stud- not be able to make,” said Dr Slawson. and improvement of Treborth over the dom.  e scheme, which has attracted worm as an example, “ e species was ies could now be expanded to the new  e Doctor went on to say that the decades and his continued enthusiasm 850,000 volunteers in England since its introduced into the UK in the 1960s participating countries. Studies such contribution made by citizen scientists for the gardens and the natural world, launch in 2007, will now also include and has been causing concern because as those being carried out on the horse was generally welcomed by profes- - particularly botany - have inspired project in Wales, Scotland and North- it feeds on earthworms, which are vital chestnut leaf-mining moth, can now sional researchers, justifying the accu- many students to take up careers in the ern Ireland, thanks to a grant from the for soil health. It is more prevalent in expand to Scotland and Northern Ire- racy of the collected data by explain-  eld. He will be sorely missed by all. Big Lottery Fund. Northern Ireland and Scotland than land, to  nd out populations there.  e ing, “We designed the surveys very  e scheme aims to engage people it is in England and Wales. Generally, caterpillars of the non-native moth, carefully, and we did not ask people to with nature and key environmental most of the pests and diseases tend to tunnel through leaves of infested trees, do anything that was too complicated. Catching fog issues, as well as to provide a learning come into South-East England and causing them to turn autumnal brown, For example, when it came to the tree experience and all the health and well- spread northwards. Here’s one that even in the middle of summer. Citizen health survey, we asked people to iden- being bene ts from being outdoors. might be moving in the opposite di- science has already helped in research tify insect pests, not fungal infections, in Chile Finally the project aims to provide val- rection.” It is hoped that this study will in this topic with a scienti c paper be- which are easy to identify.” IN the Atacama Desert, Chile research uable data to professional scientists to help scientists to further understand ing published using citizen collected has been conducted that could give the answer to providing water in some of the driest parts of the world. Average rainfall in the desert is less than 0.1 mm per year, with some parts not having seen precipitation for decades. While there is next to no precipitation, clouds still form and costal fogs are common.  ese fogs contain tiny drops of water, so small that they cannot fall as rain. It is for this reason that scientists in 1956 started to develop a method to capture moisture from these fogs, through a series of extremely  ne nets.  ese nets accumulate water droplets until they form big enough drops to drip into troughs.  ese catchers have been attributed to the apparent reversal of deserti cation in the area and it is also soon hoped that local villages can be connected to the supply, in addition to an artisan brewery which already pro- duces 24,000 litres of beer a year. LEDs disrupt marine Delay for UK community composition by JACK GREENHALGH is led primarily by the light produced water column (at 20cm depth).  e tion and attract tourism. Changes in space project from a full moon. panels were either: not arti cially lit the fundamental ecology and commu- Light is a factor that in uences ma- However, man-made lighting also at all (control), 19 Lux (a unit of illu- nity composition of these ecosystems INMARSAT this week has had to a ects organisms. A recent surge in minance) and 30 Lux using white LED will ultimately alter other organisms con rm the delay of its roll out of the rine organisms in a multitude of ways; disrupting navigation, altering com- LED lighting to be used at coastal resi- lights at the water’s surface. further up the food chain. new Global Xpress satellite network dential sites and industrial areas (oil It was found that the colonization  e e ects of night-time lighting on a er the failure to launch of a Russian munity composition, and dictating spawning events to name just a few. rigs) is illuminating marine ecosys- of a colonial ascidian, a sea squirt, benthic marine organisms is a poorly- Proton rocket.  is is the sixth loss of tems at night. Set to peak in 2020, it’s (Botrylloides leachii) and a hydroid studied  eld and its future e ects are a Proton rocket by Russia in 5 years Coral spawning is one of the most iconic light-triggered spawning events hoped that CO2 emissions and costs (Plumularia setacea) was dramati- greatly unknown. As the use of LED and has led to a lengthy investigation. will be reduced as a result of their in- cally reduced in both light treatments. lights is set to skyrocket in the next Inmarsat is now awaiting the results of in the natural world. On only a few nights a year a er a full moon, the en- troduction. However, the abundance of tube- 5 years, recruitment (the number of the Failure Review Oversight Board Stuart Jenkins from the School of building polychaete worms increased new individuals in a population) of before any further decisions on the tire Great Barrier Reef becomes sexu- ally synchronized. Many di erent spe- Ocean Sciences at Bangor University 3 fold under the LED light treatments. sessile invertebrates and community future of the project are made. For- and his team measured the impacts  ese worms are not too dissimilar in composition of epifaunal mobile in- tunately for Inmarsat, the company is cies of colonial corals, and coral polyps release their sperm and eggs in a mass- of this lighting on sessile and mobile their ecology from terrestrial worms; vertebrates will be measured in and able to make use of the two previously invertebrates.  e  ndings produced they help stabilise the sediment (from around North Wales with intensifying launched satellites (the delayed probe spawning event.  e gametes are then fertilised externally through subtle mixed results. wave action) and improve its mineral scrutiny to dashier future ecological to be the third and  nal), in the last For 12 weeks in July 2013, a  oating quality. Functioning as ecosystem en- impacts. few weeks they have bought news of movements of currents.  is unbeliev- able feat of coordination across species ra was deployed in the Menai Strait gineers, benthic invertebrates support the Nepal Earthquakes to the west. suspending wooden boards in the local  sheries, provide coastal protec- May Issue 2015 | Seren 17 ENVIRONMENT In Brief Big wind for S. England It has been announced that construc- tion on a new 400 megawatt wind- farm, situated eight miles of the Sussex coast, will begin in early 2016.  e 116 turbine system will generate enough power for up to 300,000 homes and will cost a predicted £1.3 billion.  e scheme will also help to create some 450 jobs in the main building phase and is predicted to cut UK CO2 emis- sions by up to 600,000 tonnes a year, once completed in 2018. Amber Rudd, the new Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said of the plans: “ is huge investment is a vote of con-  dence in the UK, creating local jobs, bringing business opportunities and England’s water quality crisis providing clean, home-grown energy.” Alasdair Cameron, a renewable energy by LAURA SUTTON until the end of September by Envi- ronment and business at the EA, said: ago, when only 65% of beaches were campaigner with Friends of the Earth, ronment Agency sta , in order to ob- “Good bathing water is essential for declared  t for bathing.  is improve- echoed this statement saying: “ is is report by the Environment tain water quality results. A er assess- people’s health, local tourism and eco- ment has been due to investments by positive news. O shore wind is a once Agency has warned that a re- ment at a centre in Exeter, all beaches nomic growth, and these new higher water companies since the 1990s, in a in a generation opportunity for the cord number of beaches in will be required to display their results standards for bathing water will fur- direct e ort to clean up bathing water UK, providing jobs, cutting emissions AEngland are facing water quality fail- with associated advice on whether or ther protect the public.” quality. and boosting our energy security.” ures compared to EU water quality not it is safe to swim. Beach ratings are changeable howev- Dr Stephen Bird, chief operating of- standards for the coming year. Classi-  e measurements collected will er, and the weather can play a key part  cer of South West Water said, “last  cations of beach quality have been re- look at the levels of certain bacteria in this. A er the long dry summer of year only one beach in the region valued for this year’s assessment, mak- such as E. coli and intestinal entero- 2013, many beaches were upgraded failed the standards. With the new Power ing it more di cult to obtain the top, cocci in every 100ml of water.  e rea- and obtained excellent ratings.  is tests, this could now be nine. We have excellent grade. In last year’s test over son for the potentially downgrading of was partly due to the fact that 2012 already invested a huge amount in the 99% of English beaches passed, this is beaches comes from new, more strin- was the second wettest summer on bathing waters if you look in to our warning for predicted to fall by 6% this year, mean- gent EU rules, meaning that to obtain record, which lead to pollution from previous investment of £2bn. We are ing that potentially 25 more beaches an ‘excellent’ rating, a beach can only agriculture and sewage companies be- talking about another £20m to achieve California will be classed as poor. have half the level of bacteria of what ing washed in to the sea, reducing its these tighter standards, so in terms of A REPORT published this week has is- In the at risk group are beaches such was previously allowed. Standards quality. additional investment, there’s virtually sued a stark warning the citizens and as, Margate, Ilfracombe, Blackpool, to not be rated in the ‘poor’ category Despite the potentially downgrading no signi cant impact on the bill at all government of California, it states that Lancing, Lyme Regis and Fleetwood. have also gone up, leading to concerns. of some beaches this year, the situation for these extra standards.” by the year 2050, continued periods All beaches will be tested every week Ed Mitchell, executive director of envi- is considerable better than two decades of drought, such as that being experi- enced currently, could lead to electric- ity shortages.  e paper, published in the journal Nature Climate Change by Matthew Bartos and Mikhail Chester warns that 46% of the 978 power sta- tions in western USA could face a de- crease in generation capacity by 2040- 2060.  is paper found that summer is set to bring particular strain, with air conditioners working hard in the pre- dicted warmer climate, especially with the predicted increase in population and ageing of power station equip- ment. At worst this could lead to roll- ing blackouts, but it is hoped that due to this early warning, that the Paci c north-west can collaborate with the south-west in order to avoid disaster. Arctic rules insu cient NEW measures to protect polar water Strong year for El Nino from pollution by shipping, to com- by RICHARD DALLISON pushed towards Australia, giving more extreme climate events or noticeable major impacts worldwide, is still un- mence in 2017, have been passed at a rain to the region, and subsequently changes in yearly weather in the past. known,” he continued to say, “We will meeting of the International Maritime signi cant El Nino e ect is re- making South America dryer. While Five years ago a strong El Nino event know in the summer how strong it is Organization (IMO) in London this ported to be developing in the ENSO can be hard to predict in ad- caused droughts in southern Australia, going to be.” week.  e measures ban ships from Paci c Ocean and is predicted vance, once an oscillation has started, the Philippines and Ecuador, as well as Despite the phenomenon being fairly releasing old, sewage, chemicals and Ato strengthen by September, poten- models can predict its development a lessening in strength of monsoons well studied in the paci c region and waste into the sea. However, environ- tially impacting upon world climate. over a period of six to nine months in Southeast Asia.  is event was also the United States, relatively little re- mentalists are concerned that meas- El Nino years come around every two with a reasonable degree of accuracy. linked to blizzards in the US and ex- search has been conducted on its e ect ures do not go far enough, the WWF to seven years.  e El Nino Southern El Nino years are predicted via a net- treme  ooding in Mexico. A strong El on Europe and the UK. It is therefore stating that “additional measures to Oscillation (ENSO), to give the e ect work of buoys in the Paci c Ocean, Nino event was also predicted for last unknown to what extent this oscilla- reduce the risk of invasive marine spe- its full name usually mainly e ects which measure ocean temperature, year, but this is failed to materialise, tion will a ect the UK in the coming cies; more stringent requirements for Australia and the South America. El currents and winds; this is combined showing the di cult nature of predict- months. What is known however, is oil spill response; banning the use and Nino years are characterised by drier with data from satellites and meteoro- ing such events. Prof Eric Guilyardi of that these El Nino events are set to get restricting carriage of heavy fuel oil by weather on the east coast of Australia logical observations, which is all fed the Department of Meteorology at the more common in the coming years as ships in the Arctic; reducing air emis- and wetter years in South America. into complex computer models de- University of Reading said, “ e likeli- global temperatures continue to rise. sions and black carbon; and address- Conversely, in La Nina years greater signed to predict an El Nino. hood of El Nino is high but its eventual ing underwater noise should all be amounts of moist tropical air are El Nino years have been linked to strength in the winter, when it has its taken into account.” COME & GET INVOLVED FEATURE WRITING NEWS REPORTS LIVE SPORT COVERAGE INTERVIEWS BROADCAST JOURNALISM CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS PROOFREADERS PHOTOGRAPHERS DESIGNERS

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EDITOR POSITIONS AVAILABLE http://seren.bangor.ac.uk May Issue 2015 | Seren 19 FILM

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE 2015 by HANNAH MCFADYEN one out, Gary ‘Eggsy’, the cheeky and Samuel L. Jackson and they don’t (they’re all named after the Knights James Bond as much as the next per- working-class boy with loyalty and disappoint. Colin Firth plays an aging of the Round Table) and he plays it son), but these  aws include foolish ingsman is a violent, action- a heart of gold. Eggsy is played by gentleman spy and he portrays a in true gru Michael Caine style. Fi- plots, sexist overtones, and self-right- comedy British spy spoof and Taron Egerton, who does a good job perfect mixture of politeness, danger nally, the evil tree-hugging million- eous millionaires. The actors work Kit goes to show, just like Shaun portraying his character as an en- and charm. At one point in the lm aire is played by Samuel L. Jackson, well together to create a hilarious of the Dead (a RomZomCom), some- dearing bit of rough, as well as keep- he is rudely threatened by a group who does a great job as a comedic and outrageous story about a young times fusion lms make the best ing up with the more experienced of youths and declares, ‘manners bad guy who can’t stand the sight of man who de es expectations to be- kinds of lms. The story is based actors of the lm (no small achieve- cost nothing’ before beating them blood (even his own). come a Gentleman spy and save the around a group of upper-class gen- ment). up with the assistance of his spy-um- Above all the lm is a hilarious world in blaze of bloody glory. tlemen spies and the lovable odd It holds a quite a famous cast brella. Michael Caine plays the head spoof of James Bond type lms and including Colin Firth, Michael Caine of the Kingsman, known as Arthur it pokes fun at their many  aws, (I like BEST HORROR OF 2015, SO FAR

by HANNAH MCFADYEN

Unfriended some very modern themes regard- cheap jump scares and it holds a The Woman in Black 2 much of the same creepiness of rst ing the internet, privacy and bullying rich subtext - it is more than just a lm in the form of old-fashioned toys AT rst, Unfriended comes across as and the whole thing is in the form of ‘scary lm’. The lm consists of a col- WHILE The Woman in Black 2 is moving by themselves and slam- just another ‘found footage’ lm but a video chat. If you like horror lms, lege student who winds up particu- nowhere near as good as its prede- ming doors. The plot isn’t half bad ei- it is far from that. The basis of the plot then don’t be put o by the ‘found larly worse o after sleeping with cessor, it has a certain charm to it ther and if you don’t expect anything revolves around a girl who commit- footage’ style of the lm - it’s a sinis- her dreamy boyfriend. It seems he because of its traditional feel. It is a too original and you enjoyed the rst ted suicide due to cyber bullying af- ter  ick that’s well worth a watch. has passed on a curse to her through ghost story of a small group of evac- lm, then give The Woman in Black 2 ter an embarrassing video of her was sex and now she is destined to be uees of World War 2 and it is set in the a go. posted online. The girl returns as an It Follows followed by a spectre until it nally same manor house from the rst lm. online presence one year later on the catches up with her and ends her life. If you want some slightly expectable anniversary of her death to try and IT Follows is an original and creepy The story follows her life after this thrills and don’t mind a little bit of nd out who posted the video that piece of work that won’t disappoint. shocking discovery. cliché, then The Woman in Black 2 she was shamed for. The lm holds It is a lm that does not just rely on is worth your time. It contains the 20 Seren | May Issue 2015 TV

 e Muppets’ TV Comeback by RYAN JONES revival and have given the show a think many of us have seen enough new direction after abandoning the continue his on and o relationship prime time slot. puppet sex for a lifetime! The show variety show format by saying that with Miss Piggy, but with the added lot of television shows have Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The will be lmed in a mockumentary they have to adapt to a more mod- twist of a new female pig joining the recieved the axe this month. Great Gonzo and the rest of the Mup- style, similar to shows such as The ern pop-culture to work as a satirical cast. Fozzie Bear will be searching for A Constantine, Revenge and pets cast will all return, but fans have O c e , 30 Rock and Parks and Recrea- comedy. This won’t mean that there his soulmate as he begins a relation- About a Boy were some of the many been told to expect a “more adult” tions. won’t be plenty of celebrity guests ship with a human, but her disap- shows to be cancelled, whilst The take on the Muppet series. The show Bill Brady (The Big Bang Theory’s however, as Miss Piggy will be host- proving parents may get in the way Mindy Project was saved at the brink will focus on the “Muppets’ personal producer) and Bob Kushell (Anger ing her very own talk show, to rival of their love. Many more crazy stories of death by Hulu. But it’s not all doom lives and relationships, both at home Management’s writer-producer) are other hosts such as Jimmy Fallon, Co- should be expected too! The Muppet and gloom in the television industry, and at work, as well as romances, behind the revival and will write the nan and our very own James Corden. Show will air on ABC this autumn on as there’s also been news that a cer- break-ups, achievements, disap- script together. Prady has assured After the two recent lms and now Tuesday nights at 8pm. It is currently tain green frog will be making a TV pointments, wants and desires.” To fans that The Muppets is in good this upcoming television series, it’s unknown where and when it will comeback. what extent they will push the adult hands by citing his past experience a great time to be a Muppets fan. air for British audiences, but it is ex- The Muppets’ return will end a 17 content of the show is currently un- working alongside Muppets’ founder There’s a lot to be excited for, as the pected that we’ll be getting as much year absence from television. Ameri- known, although after watching the Jim Henson. Prady also defended trailer has shown a lot of promise for puppet love as our American friends. can network ABC are behind the lm Team America: World Police, I his decision to take The Muppets in a drama and heartbreak. Kermit will

American Bore-or Story by AMY BLACKWELL (Murder House) was fantastic. Season dramatic and captivating, three re- the rst episode encouraged me to make a joke out of it. However, this three was still fantastic television ally talented actors. watch the rest. But, as a true fan of time it wasn’t even that which didn’t ike most students I’m a serial even though it felt tamer, horror- So you can imagine how excited I the show I trudged onwards. For me sit right with me. It might even be binge watcher and last year I be- wise, than its predecessors. was to settle down and start watch- it didn’t really get any better. I wasn’t down to the awful musical numbers Lcame obsessed with American The regular cast are a band of truly ing season four, Freakshow. That interested in what happened to any the writers have insisted on putting Horror Story, watching the rst three talented actors: Evan Peters the se- excitement soon dwindled. Halfway of the characters and I didn’t care for into the show, for a Freakshow active seasons in the space of about two ries heartthrob is more than just a through the rst episode I was bored the plot points. The most interesting in the 1950s, David Bowie’s 1973 hit weeks. I was hooked! I loved them. pretty face, Frances Conroy is de- and I just wanted it to end. The main things that happened were some of Life on Mars is hardly appropriate. Not They provided just enough horror for lightfully creepy and Kathy Bates plot of the season really got o to a the characters sordid backstories; to mention that Lily Rabe wasn’t a a wuss like me. I also really enjoyed does a fantastic job as usual! Emma slow start. Murderous clowns are kind Lange’s dominatrix, snu lm back- headliner in this season. However, on how real their stories tended to be. Roberts and Sarah Paulson can be of predictable, Jessica Lange’s terri- ground would of made a much bet- a positive note, Angela Bassett and They depicted human horrors as well a little tiresome, with their charac- ble German accent threw her charac- ter focus for the show. I would have Frances Conroy were as good as ever. as fantastical ones. ters all being a bit same-y, but they ter completely and we not only have chalked it up to my being uncomfort- Freakshow really did let me down Out of the three I enjoyed the sec- are still enjoyable to watch. The real to deal with one dull portrayal by Sa- able with media depictions of disabil- but I’m still faithful and hopeful that ond season (Asylum) the most even stars of the series have to be Jessica rah Paulson, we have two in her role ity, as my little brother is autistic and I season ve will return the to stand- though the twist in season one Lange, Lily Rabe and Angela Bassett. as Bette and Dot the conjoined twins. nd it hard to watch lms like Forrest ard of the previous seasons. Their character portrayals are always These things aside, nothing about Gump because they always seem to May Issue 2015 | Seren 21 GAMES AND GADGETS WHAT’S COMING UP

The third instalment of the Arkham franchise sees the biggest game in the franchise take form. Taking in- spiration from Arkham City, Arkham Knight has an open world, this time by IDA VÄISÄNEN their human form through charge- dalf, only that she comes back from with the case of the Crooked Man. traversable by Batmobile, let’s just able clamours, and most of Bigby’s the dead twice as annoying), Blue- Still personal limitations aside, hope it doesn’t grow too tedious he Wolf Among Us is an epi- ungrateful duties include dealing beard (his beard isn’t even blue!), even though the game is amazing, especially if they make you drive sodic interactive mystery with fables either unwilling or un- The Little Mermaid (aka the Sad it’s not perfect. The short time limit everywhere. A continuation of the Tdrama graphic adventure able to purchase clamours. Bigby Stripper) and a winged (alcoholic) given for the choices you can make storyline sees Scarecrow unite some video game based on Bill Willing- is not overly popular amongst the green monkey, among many others. adds a layer of stress into the game- iconic Batman villains, some we’ve play. Sometimes it seems physically ham's Fables comic book series. residents of Fabletown (hence Big Lets get one thing straight, I don’t already encountered and others we play games that much. Still I loved impossible to make a good choice The game is developed and pub- Bad Wolf), but the player gets to de- haven’t. (Expect the same game- this game to the extent that I stayed within the timeframe you’re given. lished by Telltale Games, the makers cide just how much he lives up to his play from the previous instalments, of The Walking Dead game. Familiar up till 5am to nish the last episode. (Even though answering nothing is something I have missed since the evil reputation. That’s the beauty of The world is well-developed, inter- also an option, it’s not nearly as fun!) fairy tale characters are brought to life 2011 Arkham City title.) this game. The monotonous sher- esting and engaging and the fact Also the game occasionally glitches, in this eye-appealing mystery where i duties are soon forgotten as you Released on 23 June that your choices a ect the game either freezing completely and cre- on PC, PS4 and Xbox One your choices a ect the overall plot. dive into Fabletown’s rst murder (even if only to an extent) makes it ating unintentional hilariousness at Divided into ve episodes, the sin- case. Say goodbye to a good night’s even better. As a Creative Writing 3am, or only o ering you blank op- gle player follows Sheri Bigby Wolf sleep as you click one episode after student I have to love the integra- tions in discussion. Luckily the game (gasp, the Big Bad Wolf!), who resem- another to nd out what happened! tion of familiar fairy tale characters saves itself often, so this doesn’t re- bles Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. The game doesn’t just feature and how they are brought to life in ally create much lost progress, it’s Bigby dutifully tries to keep the resi- Bigby Wolf and his wolf abs though, this very dark and twisted world more creating a general annoyance. dents of Fabletown, fairy tale char- many other fairy tale characters of prostitution, crime and oppor- Overall this game is amazing and acters in exile from their own world, hold a central role in the game tunism, even though some of the if you’re into mystery, you should out of public knowledge without a and half the fun is the ‘oh snap’ as characters were more culturally- de nitely give this one a chance! very positive response. Fables hold you realise who they are, includ- speci c than others and were un- ing Snow White (who is like Gan- fortunately lost on me, as I found

It’s that time of year again where SEREN’S BEST AND WORST GAMING MOMENTS the next wave of games is going to be announced, and E3 will hopefully be the place to be. With a sparse end of year so far with big contenders look- ing like Halo 5: Guardians, Metal Gear Solid: the Phantom Pain and Star Wars Battlefront I’m looking towards E3 to ll in the blanks, especially as games like Final Fantasy XV are releasing fur- ther details after a long production. by RYAN JONES by AMY BLACKWELL Also, with a year of disappointing re- leases you should expect the compa- My best gaming moment is easily If you’re as obsessed with the Sims nies to bring their A-game in order to the time when I caught all 150 Poke- as I am you’ll know about the Sims rekindle your interest. mon! I was only seven when I de- Legacy Challenge. When the Sims feated the Elite Four. I felt like a true went crazy online with the devel- champion, but then an in-game char- opment of the Sims 3 website and acter challenged me with a new task. forum, people started creating chal- “Complete your Pokedex and receive lenges. The game generally lacks a special gift” he said. I had no idea goals and as such can get a little dull what this special gift was at the time, after about six days of straight game as this was the stone-age before the play so challenges are a nice change internet was popular. My only guess from the norm. The Legacy Chal- was that it was the Legendary Mew lenge (and all the variations of it) is by JORDAN GLENDENNING a single shot; they’re ring from the who was not in the original Pokedex. a 10-generation challenge where This game marks the seventh instal- top of Mid. Bang. Another dead. Rear What else could it be? This made me you start out with a single founder ment in this branch of the franchise, Counter-Strike: Global Con ict. Five- guard down. excited and motivated me to catch and very humble beginnings and confusingly so despite the num- on- ve. Competitive. The CT defending B had a silenced every Pokemon possible. It proved try to lead the family to fame, for- bered title. This will be the last one in This round we had a full buy. We ri e, he takes down the man on my to be a di cult task, especially when tune and success over the course of this series, but don’t expect this to be were fully loaded: full Kevlar, AK- right, but my AK splatters brains on pursuing the elusive Chancey in the 10 generations. This challenge takes the end of Naruto games overall. The 47s, grenades, smoke bombs,  ash- the wall. I hear footsteps to my left, Safari Zone. Once I nally completed a long time to do, it’s a lot of e ort game features a combat system that bangs… the whole deal. I turn, crouch and spray half my clip. my Pokedex, I rushed to the charac- and sometimes stress. So, I have a reminds me of Star Ocean (not the The map was called Inferno, based Dead. Bomb planted. ter who had tasked me with the chal- terrible laptop that tries its very best best reference as I haven’t touched on a quaint European village. Chick- Three CTs left alive. They’re clever, lenge. But I was left bitterly disap- to run Sims 3 with four expansion it since the PS2 days!) with a com- ens roamed the streets, carts pro- they come in at the same time. Heart pointed. He did not reward me with packs; naturally it crashes a lot. Sims bat arena in which the ghters ght vided cover, a burnt-out car sat in a pounding, I throw a grenade at Ba- a Mew. Instead he said “Well done! is glitchy anyway, let alone on an old abandoning the 2D ghting lanes corner. Two bomb sites for us to tar- nana, shoot into Construction to Now hook up a Nintendo printer and Toshiba that needs to be plugged I was used to from the older Naruto get. We chose site B. We rushed up take out the CT sneaking up on me. you can print o your certi cate”. in to stay switched on. You can see games. This looks like anb interesting Banana, a street curved like the fruit. Voices in my ear telling me the other Su ce to say I was not happy, but I where this is going. It’s 2am, I’ve title and will be well worth your time Two of my team covered Mid, one is close, they’re getting louder still look back at that achievement been developing my legacy family if you enjoy ghters as previous titles burst- ring AKs up the centre to stop and I can’t hear his footsteps. I shout with great pride. for about three generations by this have impressed. the Counter Terrorists, CTs, from ad- for quiet, but they’re too excited. point and it’s taken be the best part Released on 8 July vancing, smoke bomb down to stop I’ve been hit! I turn, nger smashing of 24 hours. Had I at any point saved on PS4 and Xbox One their— Bang. Man down. An AWP, a the trigger. Boom, headshot! my game? No. It crashed. I’m an idiot. sniper ri e that takes a man out in “Terrorists Win.” I haven’t been on it since. 22 Seren | May Issue 2015 MUSIC Ios & Ciarán Come Home by EMILY HOULSTONJONES infuses the whole thing with an old- school sunshine haze. After attend- aesgeirchen Social Club is ing a ceremony of the indigenous set to play host to an emerg- Californian Pomo people, Zefur Ming alternative rock band Wolves even changed their tuning this June. down from A=440Hz to A=432Hz, a Zefur Wolves is a Welsh 5-piece frequency believed to be bene cial band, who have written songs in for healing. Welsh, English, and Spanish. They Speaking to The Daily Post, Estelle were formed when two talented spoke about the band’s journey: musicians began to work together “Things started a few years ago – both professionally and person- when we were out in California. I had ally. Super Furry Animals keyboardist lots of ideas and had a chance to Cian Ciarán and Baby Queens’ vocal- share those with Cian when we were ist Estelle Ios are romantic partners staying in this quiet region. as well as being the key collabora- “There were no distractions such Album Review: tors behind the  edgling band. as mobiles or the internet – it was a The Zefur Wolves line-up is com- good opportunity for creative focus.” pleted by Danny Wall on drums, Still, Wales also features heavily on Zirian Tahirili on guitar and Trystan this record. “Growing up in Wales I F The Tories by NxtGen Palfrey on bass. All band members think has made me aware of many are Welsh, and Estelle and Cian were issues,” Cian told the music website by HEDD THOMAS Gen, Donnelly came to prominence doubtedly ‘Jeremy Hunt Rap’, which born and bred in Bangor, though Louder than War. “I think it’s part of in 2011 when his ‘Andrew Lansley mocks James Naughtie’s infamous their music and outlook is very much our mind-set. We have a rich history.” ‘ aggie Maggie Maggie’ by Rap’ went viral on YouTube. Though Freudian slip on Radio 4’s Today Pro- multicultural. He and Estelle now live in Cardi . The Larks. ‘Margaret on the full of ad hominin attacks with the gramme. “Jeremy *cough*, Hunt / The rockers recorded their self- Critical acclaim has been quick to MGuillotine’ by Morrissey. refrain “Andrew Lansley, greedy / Sorry for my cough, I just had to clear styled debut album in California, and come, with Radio 6 DJ Lau- ‘How Does It Feel?’ by Crass. Re- Andrew Lansley, tosser / The NHS is it up,” goes the refrain. Unimpressed while the politically-charged lyrics ren Laverne select- member these? Unless you’re a Baby not for sale, you grey-haired manky with the changes to the NHS brought re ect their experiences - ‘Sin ing ‘No Borders’ Boomer or simply into your political codger,” it also contained substan- in by the previous government and Fronteras’ shows solidarity as one of her ‘80s rock, the likely answer is ‘No’. tially more criticism of actually policy having previously rapped about An- with Mexican communities ‘Free Songs of Perhaps you remember Klaus Nomi’s than his 1980s counterparts ever drew Lansley as Health Secretary, challenged by the world’s the Week’ and ‘Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead’ or could, thanks to the word-heavy me- NexGen could hardly leave his suc- busiest border crossing at Louder Than Elvis Costello’s ‘Tramp the Dirt Down’ dium of his choice. cessor alone: “It doesn’t matter who San Ysidro - so too does War proclaim- from April 2013 when, as the ever- NexGen has followed through that provides the service as long as it’s the music itself. The ing them Marmite Margaret Thatcher was lain success with a debut E.P., F The Tories, free. / Now you’re talking out you’re guitars are driven in ‘New Band of to rest, some fans mourned while which had the timely release date of a**e, p***k / ‘Cos private needs a a characteristically the Week’. It others protested and partied in the ten days before the Dissolution of market. / Billions will be spent and full alternative sounds like streets, reviving these morbid songs Parliament. Each of the seven tracks taken away from patient care where rock way but the their cool and making them more morbid still. lampoons a di erent government the heart is / Like commercial con- occasional slide, Cymru- The visceral lyrics of these songs policy or minister, starting with the tracts and advertising. / Private rms the fuzzy dis- California sound shocking today. “When they so-called Bedroom Tax. “We’ll save don’t care about your health or doing tortion and combo is nally put you in the ground / They'll £500 million. / What about £375 bil- the right thing.” the vocal a win- stand there laughing and tramp the lion we donated to the bankers that Whatever your personal politics, reverb ner. dirt down,” sang Costello. “When will they’d been milking?” raps NexGen it’s undeniably refreshing that at you die?” asked Morrissey ve times over a buzzing bass, tame drums and least one talented rapper is stretch- in a row, simply and directly. These some high-pitched sound e ects. ing beyond the exhausted subjects were divisive years, a decade when “And where is Labour? Come on, you of mainstream music and matching musicians wore their politics on need to get back to the left. / Some of his conscience with his art. With slurs their sleeves and sold their you need a slap to the head ‘cos some that fall short of death wishes, sim- anti-government tracks by of your hearts are actually dead.” No plistic though valid interpretations of the millions to political- doubt Yvette Cooper and Andy Burn- policy and a tongue as wickedly fast ly-passionate youths. ham are considering just this as they as it is sharp, NexGen’s album is wel- Since then, politics rally for support in their leadership come opposition in at a time when seems to have taken bids, though no doubt they are con- real opposition is in disarray. a back seat. It’s hard sidering even more earnestly to take to know whether their battered party back to the cen- F The Tories was released on 20th this is due to chang- tre ground. March and is available for £3 at ing attitudes on the A di erent mode entirely comes nxtgenuk.bandcamp.com part of the producer or with ‘Life on the the customer, or whether Dole’. Open piano it’s simply too dangerous chords gives it a to take an anti-establishment gentle 30-second stand lest the establishment itself introduction be- fore NexGen, who Zefur embraces it. David Cameron says works as a waste Wolves that The Jam and The Smiths were collector, raps his will be his favourite bands from his Eton sympathy for the perfor- days. Today’s anti-austerity protest- un- and underem- ming at ers merely recycle these ‘80s songs ployed. “Everyone’s Maesg- and lazily replace the appropriate quick to judge too eirchen names. soon / Agency gets Social Now that there’s a Conservative ma- you work once in a Club on jority government, however, prepare blue moon / A day Friday for a return to the old days. Charlotte here, a day there, 5th June. Church seems more than willing to be the poster girl of the sullen sing- what can you do? / Truth: this is the Tickets ers, though she has some catching life of most of new cost £5 on up to do, as carrying the torch at the youth.” the door. front so far is Sean Donnelly. Rapping under the name of Nxt- The funniest track on the E.P. is un- 22 Seren | May Issue 2015 May Issue 2015 | Seren 23 MUSIC BOOKS Ios & Ciarán Mega-Novels and their place in Fantasy Come Home by EMILY HOULSTONJONES infuses the whole thing with an old- school sunshine haze. After attend- aesgeirchen Social Club is ing a ceremony of the indigenous set to play host to an emerg- Californian Pomo people, Zefur Ming alternative rock band Wolves even changed their tuning this June. down from A=440Hz to A=432Hz, a Zefur Wolves is a Welsh 5-piece frequency believed to be bene cial band, who have written songs in for healing. Welsh, English, and Spanish. They Speaking to The Daily Post, Estelle were formed when two talented spoke about the band’s journey: musicians began to work together “Things started a few years ago – both professionally and person- when we were out in California. I had ally. Super Furry Animals keyboardist lots of ideas and had a chance to Cian Ciarán and Baby Queens’ vocal- share those with Cian when we were ist Estelle Ios are romantic partners staying in this quiet region. as well as being the key collabora- “There were no distractions such Album Review: tors behind the  edgling band. as mobiles or the internet – it was a The Zefur Wolves line-up is com- good opportunity for creative focus.” pleted by Danny Wall on drums, Still, Wales also features heavily on Zirian Tahirili on guitar and Trystan this record. “Growing up in Wales I F The Tories by NxtGen Palfrey on bass. All band members think has made me aware of many are Welsh, and Estelle and Cian were issues,” Cian told the music website by HEDD THOMAS Gen, Donnelly came to prominence doubtedly ‘Jeremy Hunt Rap’, which born and bred in Bangor, though Louder than War. “I think it’s part of in 2011 when his ‘Andrew Lansley mocks James Naughtie’s infamous their music and outlook is very much our mind-set. We have a rich history.” ‘ aggie Maggie Maggie’ by Rap’ went viral on YouTube. Though Freudian slip on Radio 4’s Today Pro- multicultural. He and Estelle now live in Cardi . The Larks. ‘Margaret on the full of ad hominin attacks with the gramme. “Jeremy *cough*, Hunt / The rockers recorded their self- Critical acclaim has been quick to MGuillotine’ by Morrissey. refrain “Andrew Lansley, greedy / Sorry for my cough, I just had to clear styled debut album in California, and come, with Radio 6 DJ Lau- ‘How Does It Feel?’ by Crass. Re- Andrew Lansley, tosser / The NHS is it up,” goes the refrain. Unimpressed while the politically-charged lyrics ren Laverne select- member these? Unless you’re a Baby not for sale, you grey-haired manky with the changes to the NHS brought re ect their experiences - ‘Sin ing ‘No Borders’ Boomer or simply into your political codger,” it also contained substan- in by the previous government and Fronteras’ shows solidarity as one of her ‘80s rock, the likely answer is ‘No’. tially more criticism of actually policy having previously rapped about An- with Mexican communities ‘Free Songs of Perhaps you remember Klaus Nomi’s than his 1980s counterparts ever drew Lansley as Health Secretary, challenged by the world’s the Week’ and ‘Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead’ or could, thanks to the word-heavy me- NexGen could hardly leave his suc- by JORDAN GLENDENNING Game of Thrones to the mainstream news is met with indi erence in my write only a single novel may well A series such as ASoIF has sold up- busiest border crossing at Louder Than Elvis Costello’s ‘Tramp the Dirt Down’ dium of his choice. cessor alone: “It doesn’t matter who public, where multiple books of huge mind. But, I do know that I am reluc- write a much better book than if she wards of 60 million copies world- San Ysidro - so too does War proclaim- from April 2013 when, as the ever- NexGen has followed through that provides the service as long as it’s ast week, Damien Walter wrote size are serialised and must be read tant to begin a series such as his if I had tried to create a nine-book epic wide; and with seven titles across ve the music itself. The ing them Marmite Margaret Thatcher was lain success with a debut E.P., F The Tories, free. / Now you’re talking out you’re an article for The Guardian in together to make sense. know that the story will not be com- from the word go. Fantasy books volumes you can spend anywhere guitars are driven in ‘New Band of to rest, some fans mourned while which had the timely release date of a**e, p***k / ‘Cos private needs a Lwhich he discusses serial novels Walter was arguing that the mega- plete in three books’ time, and I have should not rely upon such devices as from £28–£63 for the lot. Take from a characteristically the Week’. It others protested and partied in the ten days before the Dissolution of market. / Billions will be spent and in genre ction, particularly Fantasy. novel is over-saturating the Fantasy to wait for the next three to have clo- multi-book spanning plot arcs to tell that what you will, but there’s little full alternative sounds like streets, reviving these morbid songs Parliament. Each of the seven tracks taken away from patient care where He pointed to sci- author Eric Flint market. Author John Gwynne has sure. a good story. It is more than possible chance traditional publishing will rock way but the their cool and making them more morbid still. lampoons a di erent government the heart is / Like commercial con- and a recent essay where he coined received a six- gure deal for the These mega-novels take more writ- to write a compelling novel and t change any time soon. occasional slide, Cymru- The visceral lyrics of these songs policy or minister, starting with the tracts and advertising. / Private rms the term ‘mega-novel’ to better de- next three books in his series, The ing craft than the ordinary trilogy it into one volume. The problem for the fuzzy dis- California sound shocking today. “When they so-called Bedroom Tax. “We’ll save don’t care about your health or doing scribe Fantasy series such as A Song Faithful and the Fallen. I haven’t read or standalone book, which usually publishing houses is that this means tortion and combo is nally put you in the ground / They'll £500 million. / What about £375 bil- the right thing.” Of Ice And Fire, otherwise known as Gwynne’s original trilogy and so this means that a writer who chooses to their income is less secure. the vocal a win- stand there laughing and tramp the lion we donated to the bankers that Whatever your personal politics, reverb ner. dirt down,” sang Costello. “When will they’d been milking?” raps NexGen it’s undeniably refreshing that at you die?” asked Morrissey ve times over a buzzing bass, tame drums and least one talented rapper is stretch- in a row, simply and directly. These some high-pitched sound e ects. ing beyond the exhausted subjects were divisive years, a decade when “And where is Labour? Come on, you of mainstream music and matching musicians wore their politics on need to get back to the left. / Some of his conscience with his art. With slurs their sleeves and sold their you need a slap to the head ‘cos some that fall short of death wishes, sim- anti-government tracks by of your hearts are actually dead.” No plistic though valid interpretations of the millions to political- doubt Yvette Cooper and Andy Burn- policy and a tongue as wickedly fast ly-passionate youths. ham are considering just this as they as it is sharp, NexGen’s album is wel- Since then, politics rally for support in their leadership come opposition in at a time when seems to have taken bids, though no doubt they are con- real opposition is in disarray. a back seat. It’s hard sidering even more earnestly to take to know whether their battered party back to the cen- F The Tories was released on 20th this is due to chang- tre ground. March and is available for £3 at ing attitudes on the A di erent mode entirely comes nxtgenuk.bandcamp.com part of the producer or with ‘Life on the the customer, or whether Dole’. Open piano it’s simply too dangerous chords gives it a to take an anti-establishment gentle 30-second stand lest the establishment itself introduction be- fore NexGen, who Zefur embraces it. David Cameron says works as a waste Wolves that The Jam and The Smiths were collector, raps his will be his favourite bands from his Eton sympathy for the perfor- days. Today’s anti-austerity protest- un- and underem- ming at ers merely recycle these ‘80s songs ployed. “Everyone’s Maesg- and lazily replace the appropriate quick to judge too omniscient narrator commands plot, narrator and protagonist with the est power. It’s not stereotypical. It’s struggle to nd his reason. “Based eirchen names. by PHILLIP SUTCLIFFEMOTT soon / Agency gets milieu, and character with delicacy feeling of being in on the joke. It’s archetypal. Schulberg’s written voice on the last drunken days of F. Scott Social Now that there’s a Conservative ma- you work once in a he Disenchanted follows a Hol- that impels the 470-odd pages with self-aware but delicate ction that is that which sang out On The Water- Fitzgerald”, Schulberg’s novel echoes Club on jority government, however, prepare blue moon / A day lywood journeyman’s writing grace. dwarfs the extra- ctional novels that front and A Face In The Crowd, which Fitzgerald’s ability to capture the ju- Friday for a return to the old days. Charlotte here, a day there, partnership with his literary- This is a tting canvas for the sub- punctuate bookstore sales charts to- makes Schulberg an ostensible signi- bilance and cynicism of the capitalist 5th June. Church seems more than willing to T be the poster girl of the sullen sing- what can you do? old-guard hero with cool prose that ject of the delusions, neuroses, and day. er of the silver screen. dreamscape, and it leaves the reader / Truth: this is the leaves you in awe. Every line brims excuses of writers. A meta ctional There is at rst a sense of reading Anthony Burgess of A Clockwork with one certainty: the presence of Tickets ers, though she has some catching life of most of new with the sort of vision authors cre- construction of knowing craft: you under Hollywood’s shadow, but this Orange fame reads The Disen- mastery. cost £5 on up to do, as carrying the torch at the youth.” ate across novels, and the novel’s sit up and listen, bouncing between quickly becomes the novel’s great- chanted every other year, and it’s no the door. front so far is Sean Donnelly. Rapping under the name of Nxt- The funniest track on the E.P. is un- 24 Seren | May Issue 2015 ARTS AND CULTURE FOX NEWS TITS UP

by PHILLIP SUTCLIFFE MOTT (£102.6m) at Christie’s of New York’s not used the display of such an im- to have induced an overabundance driven by the insistent assertion that ox News. You’ve got the love spring auction, the newscaster – age as an opportunity to perpetuate of terror in their audience. Similarly, a women’s body is a sexual thing, them. It’s as though the journal- which has become infamous for fuel- the absurd fear of boobs that seems there tends not to be too much dis- but not in any way that she controls. Fism world prayed to the satire ling rape culture and belittling its fe- to be a primary concern in televisual parity across the spectra of gender That way, every misogynistic rant gods for a villain to write about and male employees with such misogyny media at the minute. and sexuality when it comes to how can be punctuated by hypocritical they delivered. Not content with no one but the characters of Mad It’s an odd fear to have. The tempo- people react to boobs, which means ads that would make even the male convincing half of the U.S. that Bill Men could surpass – plastered across rary producer who made the execu- that sexuality is only a minuscule fac- gaze wince. When I saw Les Femmes O’ Reilly is something akin to a half- its supercilious screen a facsimile of tive and somewhat idiotic decision tor of what most will agree is the in- d’Alger for the rst time, I read it as intelligent human and smirking vain- the painting. to blur our the breasts that feature escapable loveliness of bosoms. a celebration of the female form and gloriously behind our backs, the Re- Hold on, Mr. Arts Editor, should you of the cubist masterpiece must have Breasts. Mammaries. Chesticles. its place beyond the onlookers sense publican overlords have in the past not be all for the circulation of art in considered them scary or o ensive to That’s all they are, and it’s maybe of order and therefore control. Now, week excelled themselves. the mainstream? Well, journalistic have censored them so. One doesn’t the realization of this in the general it has become a rm two ngers to After record breaking Picasso paint- device I just shoehorned in to this ar- expect the sight of lactation glands public that Fox News fears most. The the sanctimony of media misogyny, ing Women of Algiers took $160m ticle, I would be happy had Fox News mounted into pectoral fat masses success of far-right media is in part and that is no bad thing at all.

 e Unexpected Horizons of a Gaming Goliath by JORDAN GLENDENNING Joseph Garrett, A.K.A Stampy, has a But, perhaps most surprising is ers to use in the game. Controlled teamed up with the UN to help de- inecraft is the name of a channel with more than 5.6 million that Minecraft is used in classrooms with Lua, a programming language, sign city spaces in developing coun- computer game that most subscribers and nearly 3.4 billion as a teaching aid. One company players can add robots called Tur- tries. Though they probably didn’t Mof you, if not all of you, will views. In 2014, it was the fourth big- modi ed the base code to create tles which can attempt a variety of use children for that one. know. If you don’t know, shame on gest channel on YouTube; nestled MinecraftEdu, a ‘school-ready remix tasks. Something this simple can be The project, called Block by Block, you. Where’ve you been living for the somewhere between Katy Perry and of the original smash hit’. It provides the beginning of a lifelong desire to brought about ideas for new green past six years? Shakira. discounted licences for schools to code. spaces in Kiberia, the largest slum Before its o cial release on 18th But what makes Minecraft spec- buy and a hosting service for their Not only are there direct learning in Nairobi and in Les Cayes, the third November 2011, the game spent tacular is its audience and the fact pupils to play together. situations available in the classroom, largest city in Haiti, a new waterfront roughly two years in a beta testing that it was envisioned by one man: MinecraftEdu’s website boasts competitions have been held for has been designed. period and, as of last year, had sold Markus Persson. that over 5,500 teachers in 40 plus children to design a national park Minecraft modelling group Fyre up to 60 million copies world-wide. The primary audience for Minecraft countries use the software to teach in Adelaide, Australia. The Austral- UK, whose channel on YouTube has Last year, Microsoft bought the com- appears to be young children, aged subjects from STEM to Language to ian government has set aside nearly 330,600 subscribers, recreated the pany Mojang and intellectual rights between nine and 15. These kids are History to Art. $10.4 million (£5.4 million) for the Undugu playground, the area of Ki- to Minecraft for $2.5 billion. maintaining worlds hosted on serv- Art is perhaps the most obvious project. beria, Nairobi, that is being remod- The BBC, the Telegraph, the Guard- ers that they manage themselves. subject in that list, but educators are The only rule is that, ‘It must be elled. Residents of the area can then ian, and more blog posts than you These servers allow groups of friends nding ways of approaching their able to be created in the real world’. in uence how they think the regen- can shake a stick at have all dis- to play online together. They spend pupils through a medium they know The Adelaide competition closes eration cash should be utilised. cussed the game over six years and countless hours watching other peo- will be exciting and engaging com- on the 12th June, and the winner will The UN said that the ease of which there’s very little indication that the ple play the game as much as play- pared to traditional methods and it be announced a month later. The the real world can be recreated in popularity of the game will wane any ing themselves. shows the level to which Minecraft prize is a trip to the Belair National the game was the reason it chose to time soon. The game has reached cult status. has become an in uence on today’s Park. work in the medium. By 2016, 300 ar- YouTubers who create Minecraft The merchandise available spans world. Further than that, the Danish eas the UN plans to reform will have videos on a regular basis have be- from hats to t-shirts, from mugs to One player-made mod for the government has mapped the en- been recreated in Minecraft allowing come such hits that it’s their full- books, and from physical Minecraft game is ComputerCraft which gives tire country as part of an educa- the people living there a say in how time job. One such man, 23-year old torches to action gures. the player programmable comput- tional project. And in 2012, Mojang their locale is changed. 24 Seren | May Issue 2015 May Issue 2015 | Seren 25 ARTS AND CULTURE FASHION FOX NEWS TITS UP Wales weaves its own sartorial magic

Top: Sarah Hellen: Local Designer based in Wrexham. Bottom: Tregwynt estate Above: Amy Blackwell in traditional Welsh dress Above: Satchels from the Cambrian Mills by KELLY NORMAN products are made from using only Museums such as the National Wool tailored into hats, caps, jackets, skirts, try.“ There are so many talented arti- e all know that Wales can luxury wool sourced locally. Accord- Museum in the Cambrian Mills are and capes. sans working across Wales practicing by PHILLIP SUTCLIFFE MOTT produce some amazing ing to Melin Tregwynt’s website, the a cog in the movement to celebrate However, the real movement to traditional crafts in small, cottage in- (£102.6m) at Christie’s of New York’s not used the display of such an im- to have induced an overabundance driven by the insistent assertion that Wthings. After all we only company embodies “a new spirit in this heritage. North Wales possesses keep traditional Welsh craft alive dustry style businesses and so many ox News. You’ve got the love spring auction, the newscaster – age as an opportunity to perpetuate of terror in their audience. Similarly, a women’s body is a sexual thing, have to look at the scenery surround- Welsh design with exclusive wool one of the last working woollen mills is done by incorporating it in with resources that could be co-opted them. It’s as though the journal- which has become infamous for fuel- the absurd fear of boobs that seems there tends not to be too much dis- but not in any way that she controls. ing us to con rm it. However, what is blankets, throws and cushions, fur- that played a vital part in this once modern fashion. It is Wales’s young into contemporary fashion. Visiting Fism world prayed to the satire ling rape culture and belittling its fe- to be a primary concern in televisual parity across the spectra of gender That way, every misogynistic rant a little known part of Wales to most niture, accessories and clothing that booming industry. Trefriw Woollen fashion designers and photogra- woollen mills and seeing the process gods for a villain to write about and male employees with such misogyny media at the minute. and sexuality when it comes to how can be punctuated by hypocritical people, is the country’s contribution combine authentic Welsh tradition mills located in Conwy Valley still phers such as Sarah Hellan from of how  eece is spun into yarn made they delivered. Not content with no one but the characters of Mad It’s an odd fear to have. The tempo- people react to boobs, which means ads that would make even the male to the fashion industry. with innovative and modern design.” produces traditional Welsh tapes- Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham that are the me look at wool in an entirely new convincing half of the U.S. that Bill Men could surpass – plastered across rary producer who made the execu- that sexuality is only a minuscule fac- gaze wince. When I saw Les Femmes What is common knowledge to The mill on the Tregwynt estate that try bedspreads, Welsh tapestry in a driving force. way. I think it's really important to O’ Reilly is something akin to a half- its supercilious screen a facsimile of tive and somewhat idiotic decision tor of what most will agree is the in- d’Alger for the rst time, I read it as most people is the Welsh monopoly they use dates back to the 18th cen- smaller pattern by the metre, tweeds The MA Fashion student at King- understand these processes, and it's intelligent human and smirking vain- the painting. to blur our the breasts that feature escapable loveliness of bosoms. a celebration of the female form and on some of the most sought after tury, but to keep up with modern and travelling rugs starting with the ston University, who debuted her fascinating to see how these tradi- gloriously behind our backs, the Re- Hold on, Mr. Arts Editor, should you of the cubist masterpiece must have Breasts. Mammaries. Chesticles. its place beyond the onlookers sense wool in the world with famous tradi- production demands they’ve re- raw wool. The Welsh tapestry is made collection at London Collections: tions are still practiced without any publican overlords have in the past not be all for the circulation of art in considered them scary or o ensive to That’s all they are, and it’s maybe of order and therefore control. Now, tional fashion brands such as Melin placed the older  ying shuttle looms up into cushions, dinner sets, shoul- Men Designer Showrooms in January, digital interference today too.” week excelled themselves. the mainstream? Well, journalistic have censored them so. One doesn’t the realization of this in the general it has become a rm two ngers to Tregwynt in Pembrokeshire whose with fast rapier looms. der bags and purses. The tweed is praised those involved in the indus- After record breaking Picasso paint- device I just shoehorned in to this ar- expect the sight of lactation glands public that Fox News fears most. The the sanctimony of media misogyny, ing Women of Algiers took $160m ticle, I would be happy had Fox News mounted into pectoral fat masses success of far-right media is in part and that is no bad thing at all. 5 Apps for the fashion conscious

 e Unexpected Horizons of a Gaming Goliath by JORDAN GLENDENNING Joseph Garrett, A.K.A Stampy, has a But, perhaps most surprising is ers to use in the game. Controlled teamed up with the UN to help de- inecraft is the name of a channel with more than 5.6 million that Minecraft is used in classrooms with Lua, a programming language, sign city spaces in developing coun- computer game that most subscribers and nearly 3.4 billion as a teaching aid. One company players can add robots called Tur- tries. Though they probably didn’t Mof you, if not all of you, will views. In 2014, it was the fourth big- modi ed the base code to create tles which can attempt a variety of use children for that one. know. If you don’t know, shame on gest channel on YouTube; nestled MinecraftEdu, a ‘school-ready remix tasks. Something this simple can be The project, called Block by Block, FEELS LIKE TO KNOW IT FAD STYLECT CHIC FEED you. Where’ve you been living for the somewhere between Katy Perry and of the original smash hit’. It provides the beginning of a lifelong desire to brought about ideas for new green past six years? Shakira. discounted licences for schools to code. spaces in Kiberia, the largest slum ‘Feels’ may seem like quite an odd Ever seen a piece online that you FAD is a fashion online dictionary Fan of shoes? You can browse Similar to Feels, but with this app, Before its o cial release on 18th But what makes Minecraft spec- buy and a hosting service for their Not only are there direct learning in Nairobi and in Les Cayes, the third name, but this app has been a long- just adore, but you have absolutely that is largely directed towards indi- through hundreds/thousands of I personally feel less obliged to November 2011, the game spent tacular is its audience and the fact pupils to play together. situations available in the classroom, largest city in Haiti, a new waterfront time a-coming for the fashion-con- no idea where to nd it. Once you viduals aspiring to work in fashion or shoes on this app and it details where take photos of myself. It focuses on roughly two years in a beta testing that it was envisioned by one man: MinecraftEdu’s website boasts competitions have been held for has been designed. scious. Anybody remember Look- sign in with your email, any insta- those that already do. It is an online you can buy them. This is de nitely ‘Streetstyle’, giving you inspiration gram you then like with a shopping on the latest looks on the street period and, as of last year, had sold Markus Persson. that over 5,500 teachers in 40 plus children to design a national park Minecraft modelling group Fyre book? Well this formats in a similar link will send you an email with it de- database detailing sewing styles, another risky app for those who are (quite literally). This features many up to 60 million copies world-wide. The primary audience for Minecraft countries use the software to teach in Adelaide, Australia. The Austral- UK, whose channel on YouTube has way, however if Lookbook was too tailing prices and where to buy. Quite fabrics and any fashion lingo you already too far into their overdraft. di erent snaps from people around Last year, Microsoft bought the com- appears to be young children, aged subjects from STEM to Language to ian government has set aside nearly 330,600 subscribers, recreated the intimidating for you, this is a new dangerous for the life of student con- don’t currently know, it is aimed at The format of this app is quite sim- the world, and is great for getting pany Mojang and intellectual rights between nine and 15. These kids are History to Art. $10.4 million (£5.4 million) for the Undugu playground, the area of Ki- one to check out and will also help sidering quite a few of us spend too the more hardcore of us fashion lov- ple and if you notice celebrity styles you motivated for actually making to Minecraft for $2.5 billion. maintaining worlds hosted on serv- Art is perhaps the most obvious project. beria, Nairobi, that is being remod- for those UK bloggers out there. much money (money we don’t have) ers. that you particularly like (shoe-wise) an e ort in the mornings clothes- The BBC, the Telegraph, the Guard- ers that they manage themselves. subject in that list, but educators are The only rule is that, ‘It must be elled. Residents of the area can then The app is quite new however is on things we don’t need. If you are This app is especially good for any- it’s a good one to go to. If you are wise. ian, and more blog posts than you These servers allow groups of friends nding ways of approaching their able to be created in the real world’. in uence how they think the regen- formatted quite brilliantly. You can in this risky category, it can be quite body doing a non-fashion related de- not particularly interested in celeb- Whilst you can de nitely upload can shake a stick at have all dis- to play online together. They spend pupils through a medium they know The Adelaide competition closes eration cash should be utilised. take photos of yourself or others in risky to download. gree but wants to get into the indus- rity culture, this app can be a bit of streetstyle photos of yourself to this cussed the game over six years and countless hours watching other peo- will be exciting and engaging com- on the 12th June, and the winner will The UN said that the ease of which out ts and upload them. It is also The major downside to the service try. For individuals working within a bummer, as it does function quite page, for those frustrated fashionis- a nice con dence boost when you is that if you are paranoid about the tas who have no idea what to wear there’s very little indication that the ple play the game as much as play- pared to traditional methods and it be announced a month later. The the real world can be recreated in get good feedback. I’ve been experi- internet and google, this wouldn’t be the fashion industry, it is an incred- like more low-end fashion maga- in the morning due to lack of inspi- popularity of the game will wane any ing themselves. shows the level to which Minecraft prize is a trip to the Belair National the game was the reason it chose to menting with this app and it func- for you. Also it is a bit of a pain as it is ibly broad industry and it is useful to zines. Celebrity culture is everywhere ration. time soon. The game has reached cult status. has become an in uence on today’s Park. work in the medium. By 2016, 300 ar- tions exactly the way I would like it not in an app format, and as I shop gain as much knowledge as possible at the moment, and if you are inter- There is plenty of  annel prints in YouTubers who create Minecraft The merchandise available spans world. Further than that, the Danish eas the UN plans to reform will have to. mostly online whenever I can (usu- in many di erent areas and this is a ested in ‘what such-and-such celeb- this issue and it is de nitely prone to videos on a regular basis have be- from hats to t-shirts, from mugs to One player-made mod for the government has mapped the en- been recreated in Minecraft allowing ally using 4G), I cannot access it eas- nice introduction to the industry. rity is wearing?’ this is a nice one for the hoody-wearing, denim jacketers come such hits that it’s their full- books, and from physical Minecraft game is ComputerCraft which gives tire country as part of an educa- the people living there a say in how ily via email. the curious. out there. time job. One such man, 23-year old torches to action gures. the player programmable comput- tional project. And in 2012, Mojang their locale is changed. 9/10 7/10 9/10 6/10 5/10 26 Seren | May Issue 2015 HEALTH AND BEAUTY ‘Souping’- Move over bottles, it’s all about the bowls Show me your... make up bag MUA’s Bon Bon blusher as it’s not too Show me your…essentials heavy looking, and possibly a touch My essentials would always have of Undress Your Skin Highlighting to be toner and moisturiser, if they Powder also by MUA depending on aren’t applied before my make-up how I’m feeling. I usually then just then I feel like I have committed a sin! nish o with lling my brows in My skin can go up and down from with Anastasia’s Dipbrow and add- dry to oily so it’s essential as part of ing Bourjois Paris 1001 Mascara for a my everyday routine to tone and more natural look. moisturise. At the moment I am us- by EMILY RIMMER ing Clinique’s Clarifying Lotion 2 and Show me your… night out make- their Dramatically Di erent Moistur- sed to seeing celebrities and up ising cream, they are part of a 3 step tness fanatics sipping on My night out make-up consists of system using the facial wash as well. Utheir bottles of green juice, me going a lot heavier than in the they are now getting their health day. I will start o with priming my Show me your… one o piece kick from green stu in bowls. face, then adding my foundation but My one o piece would have to Though it may not look the most maybe also adding a small amount be the MAC Mineralise Rich lipsticks appetising, ‘souping’ has become the of MAC’s Pro Longwear foundation in as I purchased one the other week new crave with celebrities like Jenifer quite a darker shade than normal to as I wanted a lighter pink lippy and Aniston and Gwyneth Paltrow eating start o the base of my contour. Then as much as the colour is prominent green soups for breakfast, lunch and I will apply my Anastasia Beverly Hills it gives my lips such a creamy and dinner. Like a traditional juice diet, Contour Kit to fully sculpt my face. moisturised texture whilst still look- ‘souping’ is thought to ease the load Then I will apply MAC’s See me, Hear ing lovely! on your digestive system and allow Me Extra Dimnsion Blush and Full of it to be cleansed and recalibrated to Joy Powder Blush to give a lighter Show me your… what you’ve just maximum e ciency but with feeling look! I will then ll my brows in with bought like a more satisfying meal. the Dipbrow once again, then maybe I’m still so thrilled with my new The vegetable soup contains tons use Urban Decay’s Naked 3 palette to make-up item and it is obviously of ber, vitamins and minerals, with- create a nude smokey eye then ap- Anastasia’s Contour Kit which I think out the high levels of natural sugar ply a layer of Soap & Glory’s Supercat a lot of girls are also keen on at the found in juices. The idea of the soup eyeliner and Maybelline’s New York moment. I decided not to order the is to include di erent ingredients for Eyestudio 01 shade eyeshadow just newer creamy ones, but instead stick di erent times of the day to keep underneath my brows to highlight with my instincts and go with the your body working to its potential. them and give more de nition. Then powder based one which I had been Experts say that eating only soup I will line my lips with a KIKO lipliner looking at for months. It may be quite transformed my eyebrows! Seems to all day can do more harm than good or Kardashian beauty Au Naturel lip pricey for some (including me) at £39 very issue I will take a look in- me she is just the expert on make-up though, as your body naturally liner and nish o with a MAC lippy, but trust me it is worth it! I love how side friends and readers make- and knows the score for what wom- cleanse itself so if you are eating a usually a light pink one or nude at it has 6 di erent shades - Vanilla, Ba- up bags to see what stories lie en want make-up-wise! high cleansing diet all the time, it E the moment. nana, Sand, Java, Fawn and Havana. I within and what they look for when may have long term e ects. But nu- think my favourite powder is the ba- buying their makeup. To continue Show me your… everyday make- tritionists say simply replace one of Show me your… favorite piece nana as it acts as a great highlighter, the feature I will take you inside up your meals a day with a soup and this My favourite piece is probably the especially on days where your eyes Seren readers, Jenny Grice’s makeup For my everyday make-up I like to can boost your energy levels and still Soap & Glory Supercat eyeliner at the are looking like tunnels. I just can’t bag and tell you all its secrets. either use Clinque Moisture Surge CC help you maintain a healthy weight. moment. A few of my friends used stress my love for it enough... I think Cream or L’Oreal True Match founda- it before me and I would always be I’ll be buying the cream contour kit Show me your…favourite make tion and a thin layer of powder which A ‘souping’ plan: questioning them on what eyeliner soon, just to see if that is as good and up brand is also Clinique’s Stay- Matte Sheer Breakfast: Blend avocado, lime, co- they used, I decided to invest in this obviously I can’t help myself as I’m My favourite make-up brand at the Pressed Powder or MUA’s Pressed conut water and milk one. It completely transforms my such a make-upholic! moment and probably always will be Powder Translucent as a cheaper al- Lunch: Blend boiled brown rice, eyes and for someone who doesn’t is Anastasia Beverly Hills. Ever since ternative which still e ectively looks chicken onion, broccoli and garlic wear eyeliner everyday, only nor- I discovered the wonderful DipBrow the same as the Clinique powder! Dinner: Blend chickpeas, cashew mally on nights out it is a real beauty! nuts, onion, spinach and beetroot Pomade I haven’t looked back as it I will then nish o with a touch of Barry M ‘Quick Dry’ Nail Varnish Summer beauty essentials The summer months are fast approaching us and even though it doesn’t seem like it at the moment, the sun will be out and before you know it you will be relaxing on a beach somewhere tropical but before that happens I need to tell you all the top beauty products to stock up on to keep yourself looking fresh.

The summer months are notorious Contouring has exploded onto the for drying things out and this is no scene recently and its still set to be exception when it comes to your lips. the hot makeup trend over the sum- My summer beauty essential for your mer, where the bronzer you look the lips is the ‘Maybelline Baby Lips’ lip better. Like myself, I know that you balm. I have been using this product all think contouring is just for expe- might be a bit late getting on for the past 6 months; all throughout rienced makeup artists out there but the hype but I have only recently the harsh winter months and it hasn’t it’s suddenly got a lot easier with Ibought the new Barry M ‘quick dry’ let me down so I am sticking with it ‘Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour nail polish and it without a doubt this summer. It leaves your lips soft Kit’. This kit simpli es the process does what it says on the bottle. The and plump even after it has worn o of contouring by giving you just the whole thing lives up to the name and the even better feature of it is three shades you need and a easy with an easy-apply brush tted to the range of colours it comes in from to follow set of instructions. So over the shape of the nail, which sweeps clear, to dark purple. the summer you can impress all your over it in seconds for perfect aplica- Superdrug £3.49 ends with your newfound make up tion. And before you have a chance skills. To complete my list of summer to nish painting the other hand the Boots £6.49 beauty essentials I have to mention nail polish is all dry and ready to go! the summer classic that is St. Tropez. The polish comes in a range of 9 col- We all know during the summer They have recently released the ‘Skin ours from lilac, grey, green, orange; our hair can take a battering from Illuminator’, which enhances and perfect for the upcoming summer the salt water and clorine especially complements your skin tone with its months when we need to change on holidays so I recommend ‘Ojon lustrous light-re ecting highlighters. out nail polish colour more times Dry Recovery Hydrating Shampoo’. It catches the sun on your face so it than our socks. The nail polish is per- This product is a godsend for dry gives you that summer glow that fect for anyone who is always on the ends or  at lifeless hair. It leaves your everyone desires but without the go and needs that quick change of hair feeling healthy and regenerated, handwork of fake tanning. It’s great application and colour. something you need when you are for all skin tones from gold for olive £3.99 from Superdrug o out all summer. skins and rose for fair skin tones. Boots £18.50 St.Tropez.com £12.26 May Issue 2015 | Seren 27 FOOD AND DRINK Seren’s Restaurant Recommendations Lemon Drizzle With summer and graduation fast approaching, many students are running out of time to make the most of their time in Bangor. Here are three restaurants which we at Seren believe you must go to before you leave Bangor. In addition these are great places to take the family, come graduation. Cake Recipe

by HEDDWEN CREANEY Dylan’s - Menai Bridge 1 egg 150g unsalted butter by CALLUM MUIRHEAD shores of the Menai Strait and sports caters to all sensibilities o ering its adults such as the delicious Elder- 200g caster sugar picturesque views of the Menai Strait own unique twist on family favour-  ower Lemonade which I would fully 150g self-raising  our ylan’s in Menai Bridge is a must and Snowdon and is makes the most ites. Be sure to try the pizzas at Dy- recommend to any of the non-drink- 2 lemons for any student at Bangor Uni- out of these views with terri c open lan’s which are as distinctive and ers who are reading this. Because of 70g granulated sugar versity and indeed anyone lo- lighting. This lighting adds to the delicious as their seafood. Dylan’s is the great food and drink I would fully D wonderful and relaxed ambience of a coast based restaurant and seafood recommend Dylan’s as a go to res- cal to the area, although Dylan’s has Dylan’s which is perfect for roman- is the highlight of its menu o ering taurant for a post-graduation meal 1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 a great reputation amongst most degrees Celsius. students in Bangor I have accounted tic and familial occasions alike. But fresh seafood with a wide variety of with your family. However I’d suggest many who have yet to dine at this the ambience is not the key draw of choices. While there I tried the Beet- booking ahead of time as this great establishment so if any of you have Dylan’s. In addition to the wonder- root Salmon Gravadlax, which was restaurant is high in demand. 2. Cream together 150g un- doubts allow me to put them to rest. ful ambience the sta are warm and a perfect start to a terri c meal and salted butter and 200g of cast- Dylan’s is located in Menai Bridge friendly and provide terri c service I would de nitely suggest having at Disclaimer: I was invited to review er sugar. on Anglesey. So it is easy enough to with a relaxed feel they are attentive least one seafood meal while at Dy- Dylan’s and my meal was paid for. get to after graduation or if you’re and welcoming. lan’s. However, I wasn’t required to write a 3. Add one egg and stir until just looking for a good evening The food at Dylan’s is incredibly The food is not the only draw of the positive review. diverse and never disappointing, menu at Dylan’s with a terri c selec- smooth before sifting in 150g out with your friends before you of self-raising  our. separate ways for the summer. The o ering both unique and home fa- tion of drinks, with both alcoholic vourites on its menu the restaurant and great non-alcoholic options for restaurant itself is situated on the 4. Mix in the  our and then squeeze the juice of one lem- on into the cake mixture, with a little pinch of salt. Stir well. 5. Grease the tin with butter or cut around the base in bak- ing paper, and set inside the tin before evenly ll ing with your cake mixture. 6. Place in the oven and bake for between 20 and 25 min- utes. 7. While it is baking, mix to- gether 70g of granulated Ky n - Bangor sugar and the juice from the second lemon. by HANNAH MCFADYEN olate with Cornish sea salt that I pur- chased on my last trip there. Of the four mains available on the 8. While the cake is still warm, Ky n is a lovely cafe in Bangor pierce the top with a fork re- that exists speci cally to provide its day I chose to have the asparagus customers with delicious vegetarian and tomato tart - it did not disap- peatedly to make lots of little and vegan food. They change the point and it came furnished with a holes. Then pour over the menu on a regular basis and you’ll wide variety of sides which included: lemon drizzle topping. nd some very interesting and deli- couscous, beetroot salad and various other tasty selections. Hickory’s - Rhos-on-Sea cious food - if you’re vegan, just let worth a shot. For those with a sweet Finally, because I am a big co ee by SIAN ROBERTS them know and they’ll be sure to tell tooth, their milkshakes are not to be This will feed 6, and will last you what on today’s menu is avail- lover, I must mention a new co ee- Whether it’s the last meal with your missed. If you don’t usually like milk- 3 days, or can be frozen for able for you. related addition that had appeared  atmates or a post-graduation cel- shake, don’t be put o . These shakes up to 2 months (but make The atmosphere of Ky n is relaxed on my last trip there: It was a Siphon ebration with your family, Hickory’s are worth the test, topped with mas- sure you don’t add the lem- and friendly and the decor seems to Co ee Maker and of course I could strikes the perfect balance of a wel- sive helpings of cream and chunks on icing until after you’ve be a delightful bohemian/tradition- not resist. I cannot tell you that the coming atmosphere and moreish of Oreo, brownie or even bacon, the al fusion. If you just want to have a co ee tasted speci cally di erent to defrosted it). If the mixture American cuisine, all for a reasonable ‘shakes are almost a meal by them- cup of tea or co ee and a catch up any other co ee that I have tried, but curdles (has too much liq- price. selves. with an old friend there are plenty I can tell you that it tasted like a very uid) simply add more of the From Gumbo to Brisket, burgers to If this is not enough to tempt you, of nooks for you to chat and unwind impressive cup of co ee. It came in solids ( our and sugar) until steak, Hickory’s will have something then the free popcorn on arrival is a in. Also, there’s plenty of vegetarian/ a very funky pot, so for any co ee to suit your taste, and the American de nite deal breaker. Because who the mixture turns thick and vegan products available around the lovers out there, I say it’s well worth sized portions are a challenge for the doesn’t like a freebie? smooth. shop for you to buy and take home a try. mightiest appetites, but it’s certainly with you, for example: the dark choc- 28 Seren | May Issue 2015 TRAVEL How to survive a solo trip during the summer by KAYLA JONES anyone else but myself, and that I quicker easy attractions and not so touristy You will learn as much about your- could spend some time away from When you are like me, sometimes places that I could visit before I left. self as you do the place your visiting burning my eyes on my computer. you need play by play directions. And there would have been no way With time alone, you notice how This summer if your friends are With a place like Barcelona, where I would have gured out how to get you personally deal with certain sit- working, or out of town, or just the streets are all designed like hexa- all those places on my own in that uations. How you get lost, deal with plain lazy and won’t travel with you, gons, getting from one block to the span of time. I am all up for exploring attention from other people, and ditch them and go anyway. Don’t next can be confusing. With a short on your own, but if you only have a process the sights you are seeing hold yourself back from your travel time span and me exploring on my day or two, plan your time out wise- dreams just because other people own, the satnav on my phone was ly. Sometimes that will mean having won’t go with you. Challenge your- perfect for me to follow along with someone else take the reins. self and hit the road! so I could get to the suburbs of Bar- Go with con dence, and be open celona from the main parts of the to making friends city. It was also helpful for being a When you are going somewhere covert way for me to not look like a like Barcelona where there is known massive target with a large map to to be pickpocketing, it always helps pick-pockets. I could plug in my mu- to look like you know what you’re sic, act like I was just another local doing, even if you don’t. There will be and get to my destination on time. times you will have anxiety, or worry about saying a menu option incor- rectly, go with your gut and know you can do this. You are a world Admitting you don’t know where traveler, you got this thing! Enjoy the you are with a smile goes a long way spontaneity, just be smart about it. I All I was given by the owner of the looked like I was con dent even with house I was staying was a train time- my huge backpacking rucksack that will admit, with all the travel writ- table and an email telling me I had a Canadian couple asked me for di- ing, exploring, and mayhem I get to transfer train lines once I landed rections. We were able to get talking, I myself into, I have never travelled at the airport. So when I got o the I showed them to the correct train alone. I don’t know if you’ve seen the second train, I was confused about stop and got some encouragement aren’t distracted by another traveler color of my hair, but its blonde, and I where to go next. Had I got on the If you only have a day somewhere, from them about how I should never whom you have to think about their am professing here on my last travel wrong train, who knows where in let someone else do the guiding quit traveling. You can always learn a wants and feelings. You have time page, that I am directionally chal- Spain I would have ended up. So I had one day in Barcelona. One ton from other people while you’re to decide if you think the La Familia lenged. I’ve been to a good bit of Eu- I took the courage to ask a woman day. That city is the third most visited on the road, so be open to meeting Sagrada is beautiful or absolutely rope, Mexico, took road trips across at one of the stops. She ended up city in the world. There is no way be- people. Just be safe about it. Being appalling without anyone else’s in- the States, and trail ridden my horse needing to go the same place I tween my dissertation, assignments in a Taken scenario is highly unlikely,  uence. You can stare at a painting o steep hills in the vast Smoky was, and she let me sit with her all and an internship I would have time for ten minutes or walk through the Mountains, but me with a map in my the way there. We talked about the to plan to see Barcelona in a day. entire museum in that time if you hands is a dreadful thing. places we vistited, the best places So I opted for a four hour bike tour want. If you want to obsess over So, when I decided to go to Spain to visit in Wales, and why her small around the city that would show me your relationship while your trave- for a few days for an internship, I hometown had the best beaches in the major sites and keep me active ling around or forget about every- was quietly terri ed. I know about Spain. She was so gracious in help- around the city. Places like the Pi- thing that is going on back home ve words in Spanish, two of those ing me, and in turn we got to talk casso museum were lined up for two you have the freedom to do that. I’m sure are just english words that about travel together for about an hours with tourists waiting to get in, Embrace this time alone to recon- I added an “o” to the end of it. I will hour. Had I not asked if she knew, we so with only one day, it made more nect with yourself in whatever way admit I wasn’t looking forward to never would have started a conver- sense to see an overview of the city you see t. ve days on my own. However, once sation. rather than waiting in line for one at- but there is no reason to put yourself I got there, I realized this was an op- Bringing a Satnav or having one traction. The tour guides were great in compromising situations. And sleep in. portunity not to have to worry about on your phone, will make things about helping with dinner locations, As long as you want. Where should you go this summer? Seren Editors share their holiday spots

by STEPHANIE YEABSLEY by BETHAN MAY by JOE KEEP by JACK GREENHALGH by LJ TAYLOR IS there anything better than driv- DUE to a sudden reduction in my THIS summer I’m jetting o to IF I travel anywhere this summer, it FROM the eerie Skeleton Coast, to ing around the wonderful French travel fund (and new clothes some- experience Croatia. Why Croatia I will be to Turkey’s cultural capital: Is- the red dunes of Sossusvlei and the countryside in summer with your how appearing in my wardrobe) I’m hear you ask. It’s quite simple actu- tanbul. Formally known as Constan- saline desert of the Etosha Pan, Na- loving family? This summer my fam- a little short to follow through on the ally, the Dalmatia Region. Just o tinople, it was once the capital of the mibia has suddenly worked its way ily have had the bright idea to drive wild three months of Asia I’d planned the coast of Split lie 13 islands ripe Eastern Roman Empire. to the top of my ‘must visit’ list. Nes- down to Dover, get the ferry to Calais, this summer, so I have settled on just for you to explore, all of which are I would start my weekend in its tled into the deep south of Africa, visit Paris and then explore France. Thailand. rife with natural beauty. Appar- vibrant and colourfully crazy Grand Namibia is a country rich with culture Sounds nice? I love Paris, and I’m Lady boys, full moon parties, el- ently according to Alfred Hitchcock, Bazaar, the oldest covered market and diverse landscapes that are beg- looking forward to show my mum ephant sanctuaries (I’ll research to Croatia has the world’s most beau- in the World, with over 3,000 shops. ging to be explored up close. I’d love around the city and stroll along the avoid the cruel ones), Thai food and tiful sunset and it is home to the After treating myself to a selection of the chance to spend part of my sum- Seine with the knowledge of previ- lots of sun means that I should be in smallest town. Croatia has over 116 local mezzes and kebabs I’d head to mer there - partially because I feel as ous travels. I’m sure the French coun- for an incredible summer. beaches, and is an amazing location one of the many trendy modern gal- though all of the surroundings would tryside will provide me with pictur- I’m travelling with four friends from for getting some sailing and sun in! leries, such as Arter or Rodeo (plat- make a beautiful photograph (around esque views - perhaps we’ll see the Chiang Mai to Pi to Bangkok and Also, with the region being about forms for contemporary Turkish art) a fth of the country is within Nation- beaches in Normandy, or a vineyard, then to all of the South Islands on 31 miles wide at its widest point, both located in the Beyoğlu district. al Park boundaries after all!) I don’t or a lake or two. But multiple hours a budget of £1500 (inc.  ights) but it makes travelling the area quick My weekend would end holding think it’s very likely I’ll be going to Na- stuck in a car with only my mum, dad, maybe if I return my clothes, I can af- and easy, even if you rely on public a pint in Taksim Square (located in mibia anytime soon but I can de nite- and annoying little sister for compa- ford Bali too! transport. All of this on a student the same districted) ready to sam- ly dream of sandboarding down 380 ny… I’ll let you know how I get on. I hope you all have great summers budget with spending money to ple some of the best nightclubs in metre sand dune ‘Big Daddy’, right? and maybe I’ll see some of you there! spare as well, see you there! Europe. May Issue 2015 | Seren 29

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

DOWN 1. American ... Story 2. ... are making a TV comeback! 3.  is issue the international column ends on the ... page 4. Of the sea 6. Read about the ... hunting debate on Comment section 7. It’s not rain it’s ... 8. ... smoked ham 10. Read Seren’s best and worst ... moments 14.  e ... among us ACROSS 5. Patrick Süskind’s novel 9. A long-awaited international singing competition 11. A er  nishing this, check out ... the di erence! 12. Why not travel to ... this summer? EASY 13.  e most expensive county to rent a room from. BEFORE

HARD AFTER 30 Seren | May Issue 2015 SPORT ALL PHOTOS BY TAKETHAT PHOTOGRAPHY COMPANY

AU DINNER 2015 by SCOTT WILLEY spectively.  e Steve Connor, Spirit of the AU Award was given to Netball he Athletic Union dinner is the who have raised a signi cant amount culmination of a year of sport- for charity this year.  e big award - ing achievements, celebrated club of the year, was won by Rowing, Tby a black-tie event in PJ Hall.  is who achieved this award due to their year’s event saw 250 athletes from 24-hour rowathon and success at vari- clubs across the Athletic Union in at- ous competitions throughout the year. tendance, alongside dignitaries from  is year the AU President’s Award the university.  e Vice-Chancellor of was awarded to Joe Heaford for his Bangor University, Professor John G. successful and memorable ‘Out in Hughes gave a keynote speech about Sport’ campaign. Joe spoke to Seren the value of sport throughout life, as about why he began the campaign: well as highlighting the University’s “Out in Sport is all about making investment in sport at Bangor over the sports clubs at Bangor more inclusive previous year. and accepting of LGBTQ+ students. Individual awards were given out  rough educating members in what throughout the evening. Half-colours LBGTQ+ means as well as the issues and Full Colours are nationally rec- faced by those students especially is- ognised achievements, awarded for sues surrounding sport participation. exceptional ability and sportsmanship By working with Nic we have ensured in the recipient’s chosen  eld or ex- that any student regardless of sexual- ceptional dedication to the club both ity or gender identity knows that they in its management and in the training can take part in activities without fear of its members. Blues, another nation- of entering a non-inclusive environ- ally recognised award, were awarded ment.” to athletes deemed to have excelled in Joe was extremely happy and proud their chosen sporting  eld, for exam- to win on the night saying: “I feel in- ple playing at county, national or inter- credibly priviliged to win the award. national level. Since High School taking part in sport Awards were given in recognition of has never been an easy experience and club and teams success, such as Var- this has meant that despite great op- sity Team of the Year which went to portunities I never took part in AU Triathlon a er their top four place  n- Sport.  rough Out in Sport I have ish over rivals Aberystwyth. Women’s been able to make an impact on mak- Basketball picked up Team of the Year ing participation in sport more inclu- a er  nishing second in their league sive for other students.” by goal di erence despite starting the At the end of the evening, outgoing season with only  ve players. Sports- Athletic Union President and Vice- man, Sportswoman and Male and Fe- President Sport and Healthy Living, male Fresher of the year were awarded Nicola Pye gave a farewell speech be- to Tom Curtis, Sam Hemming, Sam fore introducing AU President-elect Warburton and Bethan Williams re- Becca Kent, who will begin the role in June. May Issue 2015 | Seren 31 SPORT

Sports Man & Woman - Varsity Team of the Year - SAM HEMMING & TRIATHLON TOM CURTIS

Steve Connor Spirit of the AU- Fresher of the Year - NETBALL BETHAN WILLIAMS

Team of the Year - Fresher of the Year - WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SAM WARBUTON Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT

Main: Rowing win Club of the Year Below (L-R): Men’s Rugby scrum down, Bangor win Varsity 2015, Jaber Al-Mulla takes a shot for Bangor Handball YEAR IN REVIEW Photos by: Take at Photography & Seren Bangor

by SCOTT WILLEY 1A following their relegation play-o Unfortunately, these BUCS points history, with Bangor winning by dou- Connor - Spirit of the Athletic Union in the Premier. Men’s Table Tennis also have not translated into signi cant ad- ble Aber’s score.  e event was also a Award, hosted a charity netball tour- s the sporting year comes to a secured promotion to Northern 2A vances in the BUCS league tables, with success o the  eld, with the day host- nament, as well as promoting t-shirt close, we look at Bangor Ath- a er  nishing second in their league. Bangor  nishing 67th, an improve- ing more events than in previous years sales and a themed AU Night. Another letic Union’s achievements At the start of last season, only two ment of one place from 68th, the place and including tie-ins with the Out In themed AU Night in September raised Aover the past year. BUCS teams competed at Northern they  nished in the previous two years. Sport campaign, which included ath- money for the RNLI by bucket collec- On the court, Bangor have per- 1A or above, so this season has shown Although leading rivals Aberystwyth letes wearing rainbow laces and club tions. formed particularly well in the BUCS a marked improvement by Bangor’s for much of the season, a late surge captains signing a pledge on behalf of Recently crowned Club of the Year, leagues, with both Men’s Badminton standards. from Bangor’s Varsity rivals saw them their clubs. Bangor University Rowing Club, 1sts and Women’s Squash winning  ere were also achievements in the once again  nish ahead of Bangor by Other charity support through- raised money for charity by complet- their Northern 2A leagues and gain- cup for Women’s Squash, who did the two places. However, it is interesting to out the year included Movember, ing a 24 hour rowathon at Serendipity ing promotion to Northern 1A. Next double this season by adding the BUCS note that Bangor  nished 15th out of FeBRAry and RNLI fundraising. Mo- 2.  e rowing club have also attended season, there will be four Bangor Northern Conference Cup to their 36 Northern universities, while Aber vember, which promotes men’s health more competitions, recruited and teams competing in the  rst division, Northern 2A title. Men’s Badminton  nished 13th out of 23 universities. raised money via Athletic Union trained more members, and won more with Women’s Basketball losing on the also reached the  nal of the cup, but Despite the slender lead Aber hold events including a themed AU Night, competitions than in previous years to  nal day of the season to miss out on unfortunately lost out narrowly to the in the BUCS table, Bangor dominated t-shirt sales and quizzes. FeBRAry see themselves awarded with the title the title and promotion to the Premier, University of York. Men’s Table Tennis their local rivals at Varsity 2015, with raises awareness and funds for Breast of the Club of the Year. while Futsal drop down into Northern and Women’s Volleyball both reached the score 28 - 11 to the hosts.  is was Cancer Awareness.  e Netball club, the semi- nal stage. the biggest margin of victory in Varsity who were recently awarded the Steve