Bangor University Students’ Union March Issue 2017 English Language Issue No. 261 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk

TAXI

2017

VARSITY 2017 COUNTDOWN EASTER TIME SEREN BUSINESS AWARDS ‘17 Undeb Sabbatical winners announced by EMMA JEWKES

he UNDEB sabbatical o cers for 2017-18 were announced last week following a record Tbreaking 2145 votes being cast by students from across the university. Altogether, sixteen candidates put themselves forward for the  ve Student Union Sabatical O cer positions.  ese were the UCMB President, SU President, VP for Education, VP for Societies and volunteering and the VP for Sport. With present SU President Conor Savage choosing not to run for re- election, and Becca Kent (VP for Sport) and Ifan James (UCMB President) having served the maximum two terms, only two existing sabatical o cers were seeking re-election. Helen Marchant and Matt Day had both been campaigning hard to remain as VP for Education and VP for Societies and Volunteering respectively.  e voting had run for three days with students ecouraged to vote for the candidates they believed in most. One of the most popular candidates had been Panos Kokkos who ran for the SU Presidency with a manifesto that promised, among other things, weekly meetings with his trusted group of psychic lizard people. He also pledged to untilise carrier pigeons for when UNDEB Sabbatical o cers 2017-18. From le to right UCMB President – Mirain Roberts, President – Ruth Plant, VP for Education – Helen Marchant, Blackboard crashed, make ceilings VP for Societies and Volunteering – James Williams, VP for Sport – Tatenda Shonhiwa higher in lecture rooms and to sell  e Caban to Aberystwyth. rival Ankita Goyle by 743 votes making rival  omas Lee by a mere 77 votes Elizabeth Strange and Ruth Plant. running for re-election. Taking the  e  rst result to be announced was her the only returning sabbatical in the 3rd round a er other candidates Despite being closely run by Elizabeth result to three rounds, he lost by 161 the UCMB President for which Mirain o cer for next year. She said: were eliminated. Clearly relieved, Strange, Ruth managed to win with votes to his successor James Williams Roberts was elected, her being the sole “It’s going to be an interesting year Tatenda said: “It’s like a huge weight 900 votes to Elizabeth’s 675. Clearly who took 838 votes. Becoming the  rst runner. She said: ‘“It’s great to take although it’ll de nitely be strange has been li ed o my shoulders and I overwhelmed she said: “It’s just a candidate to beat someone running over from Ifan James who has done without the old team.” can relax now. I’m looking forward to fantastic feeling.  ere’s nothing else for re-election in the SU elections, a great job. We’ve got a great team in  ird up was the VP for Sport. starting though and getting stuck in.” which compares job wise and the fact he said: “Obviously it’s controversial, place for next year.” Following Becca Kent’s completion of  e forth result to be announced was that we get to do it in this fantastic city due to beating Matt, but I’m just eager  e second result of the night was the maximum two successive terms, Ruth Plant as the new SU President. which I love is amazing.” to move forward as a union. I hold the VP for Education for which Helen a new candidate was required for the  is post had the largest number  e  nal result of the night was for volunteering close to my heart and I’m Marchant had been seeking a second job. In arguably the closest vote of of candidates with  ve students the hotly contested VP for Societies looking forward to helping the union term. Managing a huge 1080 votes in the night, Tatenda Shonhiwa was the competing for the position but a er and Volunteering for which last promote equality for all.” the  rst round, she beat her nearest successful candidate beating closest successive rounds it came down to year’s sabbatical o cer Matt Day was

March Issue 2017 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 5 News 4-7 Politics 8-9 Comment 10-11 Science 12-13 Environment 14-15 What’s On? 16-17 Union 18-19 EMILY RIMMER Societies 20-21 EDITOR [email protected] Varsity 22-23 Spring time has sprung in Bangor!! Music 24-25 42 The start of March always signi es the start of Spring for me, with TV 26-27 lambs being born, da odil’s rising Film 28-29 up and most importantly the warming of the weather. Bangor is Business Awards 2017 30 the perect place in Spring (when the sun is out not when we have Books 31 Spring showers) as this place is perfect for sunny walks and Games 32-33 adventures. March is also my birthday month Gadgets 34 and this year it signi ed the Fashion 36-37 dawning of me being an actual adult as I turned the ripe old age Lifestyle 38-39 of 22. To me 22 is the age where I have to accept I am now old and Travel 40-41 the good years such as 18 and 21 are behind me. To celebrate this Food & Drink 42-43 momentous occassion I nally got myself down to Bounce Below Breaktime 44 after 4 years of being in Bangor Sport 45-48 and wanting to go but just never getting round to it. I can honestly say it was well worth the money and the traveling down to the midle 48 20 of nowhere. This issue is our second to last one this academic year and so my second to last issue aswell. This month we are on the count down to Varsity at the end of the month which has come round quickly. We are preparing for the big day by getting a team together to report on the scores of all the events and all the happenings from each game, to keep the supporters back in Bangor up to speed. Our Twitter and Facebook wil be live and quicking throughout the day with live updates and photos of the day and the sporting events as they happen. Our website will tell you te latest scores from each game and the overall important score of who 12 is winning Varsity. As no one has 36 ever won away before, I feel like this year could be the year that Bangor clinches the trophy and brings it that 3 hour journey back hoe to where it belongs in Bangor. As we do not have an April issue this year because of the way the Easter holidays fall, I wish everyone a happy Easter with lots of choocolate eggs and bunnies. See you at the May issue. -----

The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of Seren TEAM CONTRIBUTORS Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Bangor University. Editor Emily Rimmer Gadgets Editor Jack Carr-Brickles Kayleigh Lavornia Nishanth Chinthangal Deputy Editor Emma Jewkes TV Editor Jordan King Abi Robinson ----- News Editor Beth Smith Film Editor Joe Caine Tiarna Armstrong Politics Editor Will Keeley Music Editor Finnian Shardlow Francesca Sciarrillo Seren is printed by NWN Media. Science Editor Azat Kalybay What’s On Editor Madeleine Towell Eleanor Kirk Books Editor Chloe Heath Lifestyle Editor Abbie Howard Lizzy Dillon Games Editor Megan Richards Fashion Editor Sash Deacon Ellie Webb Deputy Games Editor Laura Aspin Food & Drink Editor Charles Ben-Co e Faye Boyd Environment Editor Yendle Barwise Travel Editor Matty Rowland Sean Derby Comment Editor Simran Prasad Sport Editor Jack Hollinshead Alice Heeroma 4 Seren | March Issue 2017 NEWS IN Ysbyty Gwynedd £14m A&E gets BRIEF upgrade approved to treat up to 70,000 patients a year

Other improvements will see pae-  e current unit was built in 1984 diatrics facilities and waiting rooms to treat around 20,000 patients a year updated. but in 2015-16 roughly 52,217 patients Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian said the passed through its doors. current department is “way too small Health Secretary Vaughan Gething, and outdated” for the 52,000 patients who approved the £13.89m funding who use the service each year. for 2017-20, said it would make “a real Ms Gwenllian said: “ is had been di erence to patients accessing emer- High street a long time coming and I wish to gency and urgent care in North Wales.” thank all those who have vigorously Improvements consist of: Costa possibly pursued the need for brand new fa- • A single point of entry to the cilities and have campaigned with me department getting cut to get this investment.  e people of •  ree triage rooms North West Wales will now be much • A four-bay resuscitation area BANGOR high streets Costa, has a better served and I am particularly plus a separate isolation bay wobbly future a er it was o ered for pleased that children will be treated with external access let. in a separate area. I wish to thank the • Eight cubicles plus two treat-  e Costa store is being marketed sta s who have delivered a fantastic ment rooms by Mason Owen, Liverpool with a service here for many years despite • Eight chairs in minor injuries rental cost of £32,000 a year or £2,667 second rate facilities.  ey will now • An assessment unit including a month. face the di cult task of maintaining relatives’ waiting room Costa, which is owned by the early £14m worth of fund- resuscitation areas as well as more the service during the transforma- • Paediatrics facilities including Whitbread Company, also has a sec- ing announced today will pay treatment rooms at the hospital in tion and construction phase but I’m three assessment rooms and ond outlet on the city’s outskirts, above for extra triage rooms and Bangor. convinced that the upheaval will be dedicated waiting areas the Next store on Caernarfon Road. N well worth it in the end.” As the shop is now being o ered for let, Costa said it had taken the oppor- tunity to “review the location” of its store and that it was “evaluating” its Bangor student gets the chop for a options. A Costa spokesperson said, “I can con rm that we are reviewing the location of this store, this is an ongo- good cause ing discussion. Our store in Bangor is popular with our customers, and Bangor student is donating children. we are committed to ensuring we can her hair to charity with 65% of Carys stated that: “I’ve wanted to continue to serve our famous hand- the money going to  e Little raise some money for charity for a cra ed co ees in the best possible APrincess and the remaining 35% to while and cutting o 10 inches of my environment and location. We have Merseyside Christian Youth Camp. hair seems like a great idea. I’ve been therefore taken the opportunity to re- English Literature and Creative growing my hair out for over 6 months view the location of our store and are Writing student Carys Ealey is cutting and it grows extremely fast so cutting currently evaluating the existing loca- o a whopping 10 inches of hair to go the majority of it o won’t negatively tion as well as other opportunities in towards helping someone who needs a a ect me, but will positively help the town.” wig due to cancer treatment which has someone else who needs a wig as can- hindered their hair growth. cer treatment has hindered their own Whilst cutting o her hair for dona- hair growth. If I can bene t one child’s George tion, she is also raising money to gi life, then cutting o a lot of my hair is to Merseyside Christian Youth Camp entirely worth it.” Michael’s death to provide tech and sports equipment,  e big chop is happening on as well as donating money to  e Little April 20th and the site for dona- was of natural Princess trust.  e donations fundrais- tions is https://www.gofundme. ing Carys is partaking in allows her to com/10-hair-cut-for-charity?r=22133 causes improve the quality of life of multiple GEORGE Michael died as a result of heart and liver disease, a coroner has con rmed.  e pop star was su ering from di- lated cardiomyopathy with myocardi- tis and fatty liver, according to Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire.  e singer died aged 53 on Christmas Day at his home in Goring- Knife crime at its highest since 2011 on- ames, Oxfordshire. Due to there being a “natural cause communities, and those who carry of death”, the coroner said there was no he number of people caught blades should feel the full force of the need for an inquest. carrying knives in England and law.  ese  gures show that those con- On Tuesday, the coroner said in a Wales has risen to its highest Tlevel in six years. victed are more likely than ever to go statement: “Inquiries into the death of to prison, and for longer.” George Michael have been concluded Courts dealt with more than 19,000  e average sentence for knife pos- and the  nal post-mortem report re- knife possession cases last year which session was between seven and eight ceived. As there is a con rmed natural is the highest number since 2011. months, two months longer than the cause of death, being dilated cardio-  e Ministry of Justice said the rise average in 2008. myopathy with myocarditis and fatty has been driven most recently “by in- Roughly 34% of all sentences passed liver, the investigation is being discon- creases amongst juvenile o enders” are for immediate custody, 23% are tinued and there is no need for an in- as 41% of adult o enders were jailed, community sentences and 19% are quest or any further enquiries. No fur- while 11% of 10-17 year olds were sent suspended sentences whilst a further ther updates will be provided and the to prison. Almost a third of juvenile 64% of adult repeat o enders received family requests the media and public o enders received a caution. an immediate custodial sentence. respect their privacy.” Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: “Knife crime ruins lives and devastates March Issue 2017 | Seren 5 NEWS IN BRIEF

Labour peer takes in refugee a er visting the Calasis Jungle A senior Labour peer has taken a young Syrian refugee into his home a er visiting the Calais ‘jungle’ camp. Lord Bassam said he and his wife had been living with the woman at their home for the last  ve months. In an interview with  e House mag- Bangor University student saved from azine, Lord Bassam said: “I’ve done quite a bit of work on fundraising and stu , supported by colleagues in here. deportation with hours to spare We’ve currently got a young Syrian woman living with us. She’s been liv- by EMILY RIMMER attempts to speak to Minister Robert news we’ve all been hoping for. I’m so Secretary of State to restore a modi- ing with us for four or  ve months Goodwill, forced Hywel Williams to very glad that Shiromini and her mum cum of justice and fairness in our bro- now. She’s lovely. She managed to get successful third year Bangor raise the point of order in the House have had this deportation order re- ken system and give favourable con- out of Syria to do a Masters and she’s University student has been of Commons to  nally make a break- scinded and released from the deten- sideration to this case.”  nishing that and she has now, partly released hours before she through.  e Immigration Minister tion centre. I’d like to thank everyone It is unclear what the terms of the with our help, managed to make an Awas due to be deported following a then  nally met Mr Williams and in- who backed the campaign to have the release are as yet but we know that asylum application. So I think that’s failed asylum application. Shiromini formed him that Shiromini and her deportation order li ed. So much has she will now be allowed to complete been a really positive thing.” Satkunarajah and her mother Roshani mother would be released immediately. been achieved in so little time.” her studies at Bangor University. NUS Yvette Cooper and Nicola Sturgeon were released from the Yarl’s Wood Shiromini and her mother were due Duncan Lewis Solicitors, who are Wales Deputy President Carmen Smith have both personally pledged to take Detention Centre, Bedfordshire, where to board a Qatar Airways  ight to representing Shiromini, explained that said: “I am extremely grateful to all in Syrian refugees but no politician they have been held since  ursday Sri Lanka from Manchester Airport they were contacted Sunday following those who’ve stood alongside us, cam- apart from Lord Bassam is believed to a er being arrested at Bangor Police 9am Tuesday 28th February. Miss the national campaign on Shiromini paigning for the release of Shiromini have actually done so. station. Satkunarajah and her mother came behalf.  ey are due to  ll in an ap- and her mother: their local Member  is decision follows days of cam- to the UK in 2009,  eeing civil war plication in the morning for the Home of Parliament, Hywel Williams, the paigning against the deportation order in Sri Lanka to live with her father O ce to suspend removal but the Shadow Secretary of State for Wales from the local MP Hywel Williams, Satkunarajah Aiyampillai who was in solicitors said “there was no reason Christina Rees, Change.org, the me-  ousands of Bangor University, Undeb Bangor and the UK on a study visa. Before he died for Shiromini and her mother to be dia, Students’ Unions across Wales, a massive social media campaign that from bowel cancer surgery complica- obtained, they have committed no of- and many thousands more across the Welsh NHS saw over 80,000 people sign a change. tions in 2011, Mr Aiyampillai applied fense.”  ey hope to have Shiromini UK.  is shows what good we can org petition. It is believed that the for a visa extension but that applica- and her mother back in Bangor within achieve when we work together. sta ’s data Bishops of London and Bangor were tion was passed. the next 48 hours. “I remain of the steadfast view that among the many to sign for her release. Miss Satkunarajah was granted leave Raja Uruthiravinayagan, of Duncan deporting Shiromini would have been stolen in hack  e news was announced by Plaid to complete her secondary education Lewis, who is representing Shiromini an absolutely disgusting thing to do. Cymru MP Hywel Williams, who but had been trying to secure per- Satkunarajah, stated: “It is clear that is- It is imperative that we value people, DETAILS of thousands of medical had been busy in the Houses of mission to complete her BEng Hons sues of fairness and justice are at stake their skills, experiences, and cultures, sta in Wales have been stolen from a Parliament trying to raise the case degree in Bangor, which she began in in this case. It is telling how the plight whoever they are and wherever they private contractor’s computer server. with the Immigration Minister Robert 2014 and has only three months le to of Shiromini and her mother has gen- come from.” Names, dates of birth, radiation dos- Goodwill MP. A er multiple failed complete. erated a huge wave of public sympa- es and National Insurance numbers of Hywel Williams MP said: “ is is the thy and support. We are inviting the sta who work with X-rays were cop- ied by hackers.  e Welsh NHS described the data breach as “deeply disappointing” and Anglesey Council named as worst in it has started an investigation. A ected sta all use radiation dose- meter badges to measure their expo- Wales for abominating gender pay gap sure while working with X-rays.  is data is processed on behalf of the Welsh NHS by Landauer, whose nglesey is o cially the worst 13 claims and Conwy six. 2017, unequal pay is still even an issue. computer servers were attacked. place in Wales for equal pay Mrs Saunders, who is the Aberconwy Clearly, there are serious questions for Managers said radiographers, clean- according to new  gures re- Tory AM, said: “Women have a fun- local authorities to answer and it ap- ers and other sta at most health Aleased on International Women’s Day. damental right to equal pay, and it’s a pears that we are no closer to eradicat- boards in Wales are a ected. Some According to a Freedom of damning indictment that more than 45 ing the problem of unequal pay.” 654 sta at Betsi Cadwaladr University Information request, 557 female pub- years a er the Equal Pay Act, so many Anglesey Council claims that the Health Board had some personal de- lic sector workers are still awaiting women feel that they have no alterna- outstanding claims were received in tails compromised, as well as a num- compensation for being underpaid tive but to pursue legal avenues to get a 2014.  e authority is blaming the de- ber of people working for private den- over the years because of their gender. fair wage. Worryingly, this  gure only lay on waiting for the claimants to ac- tists and vets and NHS sta in England Anglesey Council is the worst o ender accounts for outstanding claims, so cept o ers currently on the table. and Scotland. in Wales with 234 women still waiting this could just be the tip of the iceberg  e Welsh NHS said di erent com- for their claims to be settled. in terms of the extent of the wider is- binations of personal data were copied Second on the list was Powys with sue. It’s a sad re ection of where we are and not everyone was a ected in the 159, Gwynedd Council has yet to settle that on International Women’s Day in same way. 6 Seren | March Issue 2017 NEWS IN Man claims poor Bangor housing has BRIEF killed his parrot housing association tenant autopsy done on the dead bird because for human habitation, never mind a is claiming damp and mould it would cost around £200. Mr Daniels p ar rot’s .” Caernarfon within his home has killed his insists that dampness and mould A spokesperson for CCG said all re- Apet parrot. throughout his house of 13 years have ported work at the property has been Castle gets a Andrew Daniels says his green- caused his pet to die and for him to de- addressed and that there is no indica- cheeked conure parrot named Sinbad velop asthma four years ago. tion of damp issues at the property. personalised died because of the conditions of He says he has complained to CCG “ e tenant was given advice on his CCG property in Victoria Street, on numerous occasions over the years how to minimise condensation at dragon Bangor. about problems with damp and mould the property, said a spokesperson for Mr Daniels, 50, claims to have found but nothing has ever come from these CCG. Since then, CCG have not been A giant one-tonne dragon has landed Sinbad lying  at on his chest in his complaints. allowed access to review the internal inside Caernarfon Castle and visitors cage with the vets resulting in having He stated that, “there is mould and condition of the property and to in- can meet the beast throughout March. to put him to sleep. damp in the front room, kitchen, din- spect the ventilation system which had  e enormous creature has pearles- CCG - which referred in its state- ing room and the only place not to get been previously blocked by the tenant. cent purple scales and emerald-green ment to Sinbad as a ‘budgie’ - denied it is the bathroom.  e pebble dash Attempts will now be made to rear- eyes and is named Dwynwen a er that damp and mould was responsible on the outside of the house has bro- range the appointment to discuss how Wales’s saint of lovers; she was sculpt- for the bird’s downfall and even denied ken and water is coming through like we can best assist our tenant.” ed before being cast out of  breglass by there were even any issues of the kind a sponge which is causing condensa- a team of 16 people over six weeks. already there. tion and mould. All they’ve done is  e arrival of the beast marks the But Mr Daniels is adamant. However plaster over the mould on the walls. It’s launch of Cadw’s Live the Legends he says he can’t a ord to have a full not good enough and the house isn’t campaign, which will bring Wales’s dramatic history to life during Visit Wales’s 2017 Year of Legends.  ere is no extra admission fee to meet Dwynwen at Caernarfon Castle throughout March. 31.5 million £1 coins in Wales need to Dewi is a black and red dragon who joined Dwynwen on the Maes for one day as a celebration of St David’s day. be spent in a hurry Dewi found fame a er breaking the banks of Caerphilly Castle on St elsh individuals are being developed High Security Feature, hid- David’s Day last year and will now encouraged to spend their den within the coin and detectable at reside at nearby Harlech Castle dur- £1 coins before they stop high speeds in banks and cash centres ing March before making a  yover to beingW legal tender later this year. will help in the battle against sophisti- Wrexham’s DragonFest on April 1st. New YouGov data reveals that over cated counterfeits, which cost taxpay- 31.5 million £1 coins are stashed away ers and businesses millions every year. across Wales whilst the Royal Mint is Commercial Secretary to the currently producing 1.5 billion new Treasury Baroness Neville Rolfe said: £1 coins ahead of its launch on March “ ere is just one month to go before 28th. we introduce the  rst new one pound  e current £1 will stop being le- coin since 1983 and this is a historic gal tender a er October 15 although moment for us all.” could still be cashed in at banks. CEO and Deputy Master of  e  e new 12-sided £1 coin will be Royal Mint, Adam Lawrence, said: the most secure coin in the world. Its “It’s been over 30 years since the old shape and composition make it very round pound was  rst introduced and di cult to reproduce. it seems a  tting send o that many  e coin also boasts several new se- of the coins that are returned will be Nicola Sturgeon curity features.  ese consist of a holo- melted down and reused to make the to seek second gram and  e Royal Mint’s specially new coins.” referendum NICOLA Sturgeon has con rmed she will ask for permission to hold Nike  nally reveals a high- a second referendum on Scottish independence. Ms Sturgeon said she wanted a vote performance Hijab to be held between the Autumn of 2018 and the Spring of the following year which would coincide with the ike has developed its  rst high- it to me. I cried when I tried it on for expected conclusion of the UK’s Brexit performance ‘Pro’ hijab, made the  rst time. I still cry looking at this negotiations. from a sportswear mesh fabric and how far we’ve come to change the  e Scottish  rst minister said the Ncomprised of tiny holes that guarantee perception of the world about us Arab move was needed to protect Scottish the best possible breathability. , covered women as we deal with the interests in the wake of the UK voting “ e Nike Pro Hijab may have been struggle of wearing it every day.” to leave the EU. more than a year in the making, but Sport England have also said that She will ask the Scottish Parliament its impetus can be traced much fur- they are pleased with the development. on the 21st of March to request a ther back, to an ongoing cultural “We want women from every back- Section 30 order from Westminster. shi that has seen more women than ground to feel they can get active in  is order would be needed to allow ever embracing sport,” Nike said in a whatever clothes they feel comfortable a new legally-binding referendum on statement. and con dent wearing,” Kate Dale of independence to be held. Due for release in spring 2018, the initiative  is Girl Can stated. “ e Prime Minister  eresa May has so development signi es a huge mile- gap in participation between men and far avoided saying whether or not she stone for female Muslim athletes who women is bigger in BAME communi- would grant permission. want to wear their hijabs whilst play- ties - so if this clothing range makes ing sports. sport and physical activity more rele- Manal Rostom, an Egyptian moun- vant and appealing to Muslim woman taineer who in the adverts, said on ins- then it’s something we really welcome.” tagram that “I cried when they showed March Issue 2017 | Seren 7 NEWS Bangor University subjects join elite in IN world table BRIEF ewly published analysis of the among last year’s 200 top Universities. and universities need to meet strict University’s academic reputation ap- latest in uential QS World Bangor’s School of Psychology is criteria to be included in the tables. pears to be steadily improving across Wales business University Rankings, saw placed in the top 150 psychology fac-  is year, 30 subjects taught at Bangor, most subjects, with 18 subjects having NBangor University soar to 411th posi- ulties worldwide. Environmental met those criteria. improved their scores this year. and council tion worldwide, now provides further Sciences is placed in the top 250 while Professor Jo Rycro -Malone Pro-  e fact that we’ve increased the information on rankings for di erent Bangor’s School of Linguistics ap- Vice Chancellor for Research & Impact number of subject included in the list leaders ‘lack di- subject areas among the world’s best pears in the top 300, and Biological at Bangor University commented: shows the breadth and depth of high- universities. Sciences and Medicine appear in the “Institutions are measured in this ta- quality research and impact at Bangor versity’ Six subjects and one subject area top 500 worldwide.  e Life Sciences ble by responses from their academic University, and re-emphasises our po- IMPORTANT decisions are be- taught at Bangor University feature and Medicine subject category, which peers and from employers, and on the sition on the world-stage.” ing made which are not re ective of among the world’s elite universities includes 6 sub- areas also appears in number of research papers published  e QS Subject Rankings were Wales’ diversity, and Equality and in this year’s release of the QS World the top 500, which provides an excel- and cited, so our increased pro le in launched in 2011 and provide a guide Human Rights Commission report University Rankings by Subject, with lent platform for future developments this year’s rankings re ects the grow- to a range of popular  elds of study in has said. Agriculture and Forestry appearing in this area. ing in uence of our researchers. universities around the world.  e report looked at politics, local in the top 100 institutions worldwide  e subject rankings consider re- Particularly gratifying is that an government and the private sector to who teach the subject and rising from search and international reputation, analysis of the data reveals that Bangor assess whether those in charge were representative of all those who live in Wales. It found just 6% of chief executives at Wales’ top 100 businesses were wom- en whilst disabled people made up only 3.7% of the public appointments Bangor set to get more student in 2015-16.  e report showed some areas of improvement like within the health accommodation sector where the percentage of women chief executives has jumped from 10% former nursing home in against the plans by saying it is an to 60% since 2014. Bangor is set to be transformed “over development of the site”. In 2013, 42% of disabled people were into student  ats.  ey said similar facilities already employed compared to 71% of the ABusinessman Huw Jones, of Bangor- exist in the area and this would “gener- wider Welsh population. based Bellevue Student Ltd, plans to ate more tra c, noise and disturbance June Milligan, Commissioner for transform the Bryn Llifon residential for residents”. Wales, Equality and Human Rights home into student accommodation Senior planner Gareth Jones is rec- Commission, said: “Now more than with 31 bedrooms. Bryn Llifon on ommending the plans be approved. ever, we all need to be con dent that Meirion Road, which was formerly run In his report, Mr Jones said the uni- the people who make the major deci- by the Baptist Union of Wales, opened versity has 9,311 full-time students sions that a ect our lives represent all in 2000 and closed in February 2015. and 2,943 bed spaces. of Wales. Overall, we report that while On behalf of the applicant’s, agent Mr Jones said: “It also appears that there has been some progress, women Berwyn Owen said the intention is to there is a shi in the type of accommo- are still signi cantly under-represent- provide en suite facilities for students dation that students are seeking, and ed at the most senior levels in most with a communal living room, dining that there is an increased demand for sectors in Wales.” room and kitchen. purpose-built accommodation.”  e accommodation will have a  e proposal is one of a number of laundry and resident warden  at, but applications for student  ats in Bangor. £400,000 invest- there will be no external alterations. Bangor City Council have protested ment for Tywyn home’s demen- tia care NEARLY £400,00 is being invested into care for people living with de- mentia in Gwynedd.  e money will see Llys Cadfan, Gwynedd loo has the potential for a council-run residential home in Tywyn, get it’s facilities extended.  e council said the £380,000 would beauty create extra support, allowing more n old loo could be remodelled is quite an attraction for the local area people to access respite services. into a three-storey holiday and is let out all year round. We believe Work has already been carried out home with one of the best we can o er something similar, with which included the renovation of  ve Aviews in Wales. the added attraction of potentially one rooms for long-term residents and A er buying the toilet block in 2013 of the best views in Wales together one room for respite care. from Gwynedd council, Jane Rose and with the quirkiness of once being a Helen Jones, the home’s manager, her family want to convert it into a public toilet.” said: “ e short-stay provision for stunning holiday property ‘Ty Bach’ - Presently Ty Bach ( e Toilet) is a those living with dementia will help adding two extra  oors on the original single story building and under the support people to continue to live loo building. plan there would be a bedroom built within their own communities. [It] In a statement prepared for planning, where the urinals were once situated can help avoid the unnecessary heart- Ms Rose said: “We aim to convert the with a newly constructed  rst  oor ache that comes from having to move property into a unique, environmen- that would accommodate a bedroom to another area to receive the care that tally friendly, small house, which will with a view of the harbour. they need and can also help give fami- be used by us as a holiday home and  e second  oor would consist of an lies and carers a break.” also as a holiday let. Our objective, in open plan living area that would have  e council is working with Betsi many ways is to mimic the experience astounding views of the harbour and Cadwaladr University Health Board of  e Old Lifeboat House in Aberdy Cardigan Bay. on the project, with funding pro- estuary which has won many awards, vided by the Welsh Government’s Intermediate Care Fund.  e work is expected to be complet- ed by the end of Summer 2017. 8 Seren | March Issue 2017 POLITICS IN BRIEF Iceland introduces Equal-Pay legislation

Five inspiring women you’ve never Minister for Social A airs and Equality,  orsteinn Viglundsson heard of By WILL KEELEY attempts destroyed her reputation for First World War, Edith Cavell is cel- ment, and spurred pro-slavery nov- over two centuries.  ere remains no ebrated for treating injured soldiers on els from southern authors. President he Icelandic Government has n celebration of International memorial to her life or actions. both sides of the war, while in service Abraham Lincoln joked that the book laid out plans to introduce leg- Women’s Day, which passed by on Valentina Tereshkova in Brussels. A er German occupation was partly to blame for the civil war. islation requiring all employers, the 8th of March, we’ve compiled “A bird cannot y with only one wing. of Belgium, Cavell helped over two Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Twith at least twenty  ve members of Human space ight cannot develop any hundred injured allied troops back to “I said as  rmly as I could, that I must I ve, relatively obscure, but inspiring sta , to prove they o er equal pay, re- women. How many do you know? further without the active participation the United Kingdom. For her part in have this or something else, that I could gardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality Mary Wollstonecra of women.” the escape, she was tried with 33 oth- not live without some real work.” or nationality.  e move will make Ice- “I do not wish [women] to have power Having become the  rst woman in ers by a German Military Court and  e  rst female doctor to qualify in land the  rst state to make it mandato- over men, but over themselves.” space at just 26 years old, and remain- shot by  ring squad. She has a memo- England, Elizabeth Garret Anderson ry for both private and public  rms to English writer and intellectual, Mary ing the only woman ever to have been rial near Trafalgar Square. paved the way for women’s medical have equal-salary certi cate policies. Wollstonecra , is most famous for on a solo space mission, Valentina Harriet Beecher Stowe education in the United Kingdom. Af-  e plans, announced in line with her work, A Vindication of the Rights Tereshkova inspired hundreds of wom- “ e longest way must have its close - ter being barred from medical school International Women’s day, are hoped of Woman (1792), where she made en to follow in her footsteps into what the gloomiest night will wear on to a in the United Kingdom, Anderson to contribute to Iceland’s desire to her case for the liberation of women was a male-dominated  eld. While her morning.” taught herself French and enrolled at completely eradicate the gender pay through education, considered radi- fame in the west has been surpassed by Author and social activist, Harriet the University of Paris, where in 1870, gap by 2022.  orsteinn Viglundsson, cal at the time. Arguably ‘the mother Sally Ride, the  rst American woman Beecher Stowe was most famous for she was the  rst woman to be awarded Minister for Social A airs and Equal- of feminism’, Wollstonecra ’s work in space, she remains a popular  gure her popular anti-slavery novel, Uncle an MD degree by the University. Two ity, argued “we need to make sure men became a cornerstone document of in Russia. She has received the United Tom’s Cabin. While anti-slave  ction years later, she opened the New Hos- and women enjoy equal opportunity the early feminist movement and in- Nations Gold Medal of Peace and was was unpopular, and Stowe was not an pital for Women in London, which in the workplace” saying “you have to spired the su ragettes a century later. recently celebrated by Russian Presi- established writer, the impact of the became the  rst institute to teach dare to take new steps and to be bold She died giving birth to her second dent, Vladimir Putin, on her eightieth novel was unprecedented and sold other British women to become doc- in the  ght against injustice”. child, Mary Shelley, the famed author birthday. over 300,000 copies in its  rst year tors. Four years later, partly due to her Despite ranking  rst worldwide for of Frankenstein. Following a biogra- Edith Cavell alone. Not only did the success provide campaigning, Parliament passed an act gender equality, Icelandic women phy written by her widower, revela- “Patriotism is not enough, I must have legitimacy to a female voice regarding permitting women to enter the medi- earn, based on simple averages, 14 to tions regarding love a airs and suicide no hatred or bitterness for anyone” current a airs, but it encouraged the cal profession. 18 percent less than men. Despite rela- Serving as a British nurse during the growth of a rising abolitionist senti- tive success, women’s rights remains a topical issue, with women rights groups having organized a march last October protesting the di erence; Irish Protest Abortion on leaving work at 2:38 p.m, a er which they argue women are working for free. Other means adopted by Iceland International Women’s day include quotas for female representa- tion on government committees and amendment, which gives recognition at least nine Irish women travel to Eng- rights.  e UN’s concluding observa- corporate boards, which while contro- rowds in Ireland have donned to the life of an unborn child and in- land or Wales every day to safely seek tions insists Irish Law be changed to versial in other countries, have proved black and gone on strike in pro- troduced a constitutional ban on abor- abortions (with Northern Ireland hav- allow for the introduction of amend- popular in Iceland.  e new proposal test against Ireland’s near-total tion, and chanting sayings such as “Get ing its own strict anti-abortion laws). ments regarding legislation governing is supported by both the centre-right Cban on abortion, organised in line with your rosaries o our ovaries” as they  e UN has relentlessly attacked access to abortions, and were timed for government and opposition and is International Women’s day. marched. Ireland regarding its unwillingness to release just ahead of the march. predicted to be implemented by 2020. An estimated ten to twelve thousand  e eighth amendment had been allow women to have abortions, with Despite private members bills, which people took to the streets of Dublin, passed in 1983, and prohibits abor- a 2016 UN report stating that the have been defeated, there have been no bringing parts of the capital to a total tion even in cases of rape, incest or ill ban “subjects women to discrimina- promising signs toward reform. standstill as crowds blocked tra c. health of the mother, only allowing for tory, cruel and degrading treatment”. A Demonstrators carried signs calling abortions where the mother’s life is in more recent statement argues that the for repeal of Ireland’s infamous eighth immediate danger. It is estimated that amendment violates women’s human March Issue 2017 | Seren 9 POLITICS IN BRIEF

Wilders demands to put the Dutch  rst

eert Wilders, head of the front-running Dutch Party for Freedom, which argues for GEurosceptic and anti-mass immigra- tion policies, has criticised the Prime Minister Mark Rutte as placing for- eigners ahead of the Dutch people, in a debate leading up to the election. Wilders demanded Turkish o cials to be expelled from the Netherlands following comments criticizing the Dutch government as reminiscent of  e First Few Months of the Trump Nazi Germany. In a broadcast directed toward Turkey following the Turk- ish riots in Rotterdam, Wilders com- Presidency mented “You are no Europeans, and you will never be. An Islamic State like Turkey does not belong to Europe.” by MEGAN RICHARDS Why did you support those candi- Why did you favor Trump over has worked its way too deeply into the Prime Minister Rutte ruled out ac- dates? Clinton? lives of Americans, and it would be tions against Turkish o cials in the oseph Giordano, a high school As an evangelical Christian, having In the 2016 election, both candidates irresponsible to (expensively) rid all senior from Central California, Netherlands, seeking to avoid escala- my beliefs represented in government failed to make me like them on a of the A ordable Care Act, and have tion of the diplomatic con ict, despite sheds light on his opinions regard- is very important to me. Rubio and personal level.  erefore, policy was many Americans without the insur- ingJ the  rst few months of the Trump Turkey having already expelled the Cruz did a great job at this. In regards everything for me. I side with Trump ance they once held. I also fall more presidency. Joseph considers himself Dutch ambassador from Ankara. to Trump, I supported him exclusively on domestic, foreign, economic, conservative socially than Trump--I Rutte ruled out any coalition with a supporter of the Republican party, for his conservative policies. and immigration issues, which was oppose same-sex marriage and al- who o en hold the majority in Kern Wilders, who is set to come  rst in the Why do you think Trump won the enough for me to back him. lowing transgenders to choose their upcoming election, criticising com- County, Joseph’s place of residence. election? Now that Trump has been in o ce bathroom. Do you believe in party loyalty? ments Wilders made regarding Mo- I believe Trump greatly appealed to nearly two months, how do you feel How do you feel about the backlash roccan criminals, which resulted in Ha, no. Republicans do not have a the working class of America. His about your vote? towards President Trump? How hate speech charges. “[Muslims will perfect track record. I am not afraid victory was possible because of his Trump has acted quite literally on his much of it is deserved? Undeserved? be] radicalised still further by saying to split with my party when I see  t. wins in blue states in the Rust Belt*, promises, unlike most politicians. I’m I think it’s absolutely ridiculous. Back- mosques will close and you will re- What things do you consider when where middle class whites turned very happy with him! lash began before he was even in the move Qur’ans from people’s homes,” voting for a candidate? out in droves for him. At the same Which of Trump’s policies do you White House! While Americans, of Rutte claimed. “I will not work with a I foremost look to the role God plays time, Clinton’s unpopularity pushed most strongly agree with? course, have the right to protest, they politician like that”. Despite political in their lives and their social and eco- Republicans and Independents to I agree with most of Trump’s iconic have accomplished nothing except disapproval, the comments had caused nomic policies. A er that, I consider back Trump, keeping the Romney promises as President-- the wall, infuriating half of America. a rise in Wilder’s opinion ratings. personality and other issues. Coalition and  ipping states like Iowa higher tari s to curve outsourcing, Finally, what do you think will come Who did you support throughout and Florida. and the temporary travel ban. about in terms of change in the next the timeline of the election? *[ e Rust Belt is a 1980s term for Which of Trump’s policies (if any) four years of Trump’s presidency? During the Republican primaries, I the American region from the Great do you disagree with? Why?  e American economy will  our- supported Marco Rubio. When he Lakes to the upper Midwest States, I do split with many in my party and ish and jobs will grow in the United Government dropped, I backed Ted Cruz. When he marked by economic disparity and a Trump on this issue; I don’t agree with States. Unfortunately, we will most dropped, I eventually backed Trump. fragile job market.] the complete repeal of Obamacare. It likely remain a very divided nation. wins battle with House of Lords Turkish President accuses Germany A er what was an apparent blow to the Brexit process, with the House of Lords demanding protection for of ‘Nazi Practices’ EU workers currently residing in the change in Turkey, which would see provided a more critical response, call- United Kingdom, and for a ‘meaning- transformation from a parliamentary ing on local Governments to pull the ful’ vote to be held in parliament re- into a presidential republic. Authori- plug on long-stalled moves to bring garding the  nal deal, the government ties justi ed the cancellations by rea- Turkey into the EU. has overcome the hurdle of the second sons from insu cient space, to being  e Dutch government followed chamber as MPs vote to overturn the misled regarding the purpose of the the action by withdrawing their own proposed amendments. event. permission for rallies to be held by Against overturning the amend-  e cancellations follow the arrest of Turkey’s Foreign Minister, Mevlut Ca- ments were largely Labour, the SNP German-Turkish journalist, Deniz Yu- vusoglu, within the Netherlands.  e and the Liberal Democrats, while for cel, accused of being a member of the withdrawal further angered Erdogan, was composed almost entirely of the outlawed Kurdish, le -wing militant who responded in a stunning outburst Conservative party, along with mem- group, the Kurdistan Workers Party. by calling the Dutch “Nazi remnants bers of the DUP and UKIPs single MP. Erdogan had called the journalist a and fascist”. Frustration stemmed from If, as expected, the House of Lords “German agent” and accused Germa- the Dutch justifying the withdrawal by does not seek to contest the rejection, ny of “aiding and harbouring terror.” judging the planned referendum as a the government will only need to await  e President’s rhetoric has become step back for democracy.  e Dutch royal assent before being able to apply increasingly  erce ahead of the refer- also claimed the Cavusoglu’s visit Article 50. by a Turkish minister.  e rallies were endum, as Erdogan seeks to muster would be a threat to public order. Ca- In a statement, Prime Minister May’s resident of Turkey, Recep Tayyip designed to encourage local Turks (of support from ultra-nationalistic voters vusoglu responded by criticising the spokesman reiterated that the planned Erdogan, has accused Germany which there are approximately 1.4 mil- within Turkey. move as not be tting that of an ally. date to notify the European Council of ‘Nazi Practices’ a er local lion currently residing within Germa- Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern of plans to leave the European Union authoritiesP cancelled rallies to be held ny) to approve a radical constitutional have not changed from the end of May. 10 March Issue 2017 | Seren COMMENT Could there be more like Dolly? by SIMRAN PRASAD Unfortunately the young goat died minutes a er birth because of lung ebruary 22nd 2017 marked 20 defects. years since the  rst successful  ough cloning is a major scien- mammal, Dolly, the sheep was ti c breakthrough in recent years, it cloned.F Here are a couple of other de nitely represents a factor of the mammals that have successfully been unknown due to our knowledge of the cloned since the famous legend, Dolly subject being limited. A major advan- the sheep: tage of cloning is, it has been used to 1) In 2005, South Korean research- protect endangered species and has ers cloned the endangered grey wolf, o en proven bene cial to medicine. which produced two pups.  e two A major disadvantage of cloning is the cloned wolves were produced from ge- main fact that everything is inherited, netic material taken from the ear cells including diseases and abnormali- of a female grey wolf. Researchers, ties, which can eventually lead up to a used eggs from dogs in order to host widespread epidemic. Lastly, the fear the genetic material, since it is ex- of the unknown causes scepticism tremely di cult and rare to obtain this with scientists. What would the reper- material from grey wolves in the wild. cussions be if we ever were to experi- 2) In 2009, scientists reported that, mentally clone humans? Would this be for the  rst time, they had cloned one of the most iconic breakthroughs an extinct mammal, the bucardo (a science has ever seen? Or would we type of wild goat also known as the knowingly in ict a chaotic situation Pyrenean ibex).  e researchers used for years to come? cells that originated from preserved samples of a captured bucardo in 1999, to produce the cloned animal.

 e True Cost of Cheap Fashion by KAYLEIGH LAVORNIA lie the major fashion moguls that we so quickly at such a low price, and sweatshops assembling Nike products truly analysing what we need and do have all come to recognize, including still be one of the most pro table in Indonesia were being paid $0.50 per not need, we can come to terms with n life, there are a multitude of basic outlets such as Nike, H&M, T.K. Maxx, industries? hour. the fact that the clothes on our backs fundamental needs that must be Zara, and other widely known brands Unfortunately, there is a method In Bangladesh, although the payout are enough. met in order to survive comfort- alike. Within these companies, cloth- behind the madness, and it is not a is slightly higher, workers hardly make When you do need to purchase ablyI in any culture or society. Food, ing cycles on and o the rack at weekly pretty one. In many instances, these over $2 an hour.  e payout, however, new clothing, make conscious deci- housing, clean water and an adequate intervals, creating a shocking 52 sea- companies pay pennies on the dollar does not compare to the cost of human sions based on where the clothing was education are amongst those things, as sons for our garments. In order to keep to sweatshops located in countries in life; in 2013, one unlicensed factory in made; there are plenty of fair trade is the clothing on our backs. the price of these products low enough which the standards we provide for Bangladesh collapsed, causing 1,100 and second-hand options available. Like many of our other possessions, for consumers to purchase new cloth- our workers are not recognized. A reported deaths and over 2,500 inju- Making any fashion statement with- we use fashion as a means of self-ex- ing regularly, a means of development multitude of hazardous conditions are ries. Although this may seem like an out  rst taking into account the hu- pression, with an endless selection of known as ‘fast fashion’ has become ignored for the sake of pro t, ranging elevated scenario, it is all but too com- man sacri ce our cheap clothing has brands, styles and colour combina- increasingly popular amongst major from crumbling structures, child la- mon in the fashion industry, and yet caused, and quite frankly, allowing this tions to choose from. companies of this nature. bour, intense hours, lack of basic  re the companies associated have still not, behavior on a large scale is de nitely  e fashion industry has become With fast fashion, companies found safety precautions, inability to form in any way, been held accountable. It is not attractive. one of the largest, and most pro table a means of producing trendy clothing workers unions, and a wage that falls evidently clear that if we as a consumer Changes begin from within  rst, and means of business, valued at 3 tril- that is cheaper than ever, and cheap well below what is necessary to live. society want change for these workers, let’s hope that this article sparks a little lion, 300 billion USD and accounting clothing that is trendier than ever. At Although wages are a spectrum de- it is pivotal that we begin purchasing food for thought, and makes a di er- for 2% of the world’s Gross Domestic some point, we must ask ourselves; pending on the company and coun- our clothing with more than just our- ence that impacts us all, positively. Product. At the top of this industry how is it that clothing can be produced try, to put things into perspective, selves in mind. By standing back and Seren | March Issue 2017 11 COMMENT INVEST IN YOURSELF: PODCASTS

eople o en question the valid- the art of self-help and personal de- opinions on the same topic, and being ity and importance of podcasts. velopment?  e people who conduct able to decide for yourself which ones  ey don’t seem very interesting these podcasts, have invested their have valuable advice to take on-board, andP can be drawn out and monoto- time and energy developing concepts which could e ectively ease your mind nous at times. However, when you and theories that have proved success- of current worries, help you love your- relate the topic of time investment to ful. From training your mind to being self more, or just maintain a positive podcasts, they can prove to be a vital productive, to conquering your inner mind. Sometimes, people are reluctant constant in the process of investing battles by yourself, the extent podcasts to listen to advice from loved ones. It in yourself. Personal development can vary are insurmountable.  e ‘in- may be necessary and important to lis- has to do with many in uential fac- vestment’ you make with podcasts ten but stubbornness and ego win over tors. Books you read, people you meet revolves around one factor: TIME. us sometimes. Personal development and places you go, are all major fac- Podcasts are completely free, and have podcasts o en deal with the same ad- tors that remind us to change habits, been introduced to us in order to im- vice, and sometimes listening to an change our appearance, and eventually pact our minds and bodies in a posi- unknown person telling you things change our personalities. Whether for tive, in uential sense.  e great thing you need to hear can ignite that spark the good or bad is debatable. Podcasts about them is a ordability and accessi- and prove to be a so er approach that are a brilliant way to shape your per- bility.  ey are free and can be listened will eventually lead up to that positive sonal development.  ink about it, to in the car, on the train, or even change you seek for yourself. A few how many people can say they’ve been when you do tasks such as cleaning podcasts I thoroughly enjoyed were: given a seat at the table, with popular, and cooking. You get to have this rare successful people who have mastered opportunity of listening to millions of 1. Life Coach School Podcast 2. Your Kick-Ass Life Podcast 3.  e Lively Show by Brooke Castillo by Andrea Owen by Jess Lively

 ese podcasts essentially teach you how to coach yourself;  is podcast was de nitely a special one for me. Andrea Owen  is podcast has been designed for ambitious, creative people. through any tough situation you may face in life.  ey range is a life coach who focuses on helping people conquer self- It’s relatable, motivational and raw. By the end of it, I was feel- from learning the art of forgiveness to the power of planning. doubt, cease their negative self-talk and e ectively conquer ing all charged up to take on my day. Here are 3 episodes that Here are 3 episodes that made me feel positive about conquering their goals. Her podcasts fuel the idea of maintaining a positive helped me remain optimistic and positive through tough times. life’s challenges: attitude. Here are 3 episodes that helped me put aside self-doubt and maintain a positive attitude:

Episode 139: Personal Struggles + connecting to your intuition Episode 6: Vulnerability vs Victim Mentality Episode 58: Expectation Hangover with Christine Hassler Episode 198: Internal and external love and approval Episode 74: Toxic People Episode 60: Why we self sabotage and how to stop Episode 189: Quantum Living: Why we don’t have to work as Episode 152: Fear Episode 131: 3 steps to let it go hard as we think we do

In a day, we o en have many internal battles.  ey include faults we  nd with our bodies, our personalities and our individuality. Here’s hoping these, and many more podcasts can quell the internal battle and instead we millennial’s can celebrate our bodies, be content with our personalities, and be proud of our individuality. Go forth read- ers, and embark on an adventure  lled with self-discovery. I wish you all the luck on your journey!

Farewell  rst year: It’s been a pleasure! by ABI ROBINSON strings and a half empty can of beans, signal becomes almost non- ask for anything better? And yes, we all have our trivial problems s this academic year is nearing to an end, I thought I would existent in halls (you  nd yourself relying on facetime audio a lot whether it be the 6am  re drill (I still feel as though I haven’t fully take some time to re ect and reminisce about my  rst year more o en than usual) and  nally accepting that no matter how recovered from that) or sitting in the library until an unhealthy at University. many times you told yourself you wouldn’t be seen in Academi at hour trying to meet that all important deadline- I’m sure it can be AUniversity was something I had been focused on throughout my the weekend, you most de nitely will be and shamelessly dancing agreed that student life is a gi . You meet the most amazing people, entire life, it was certainly a direction I knew I wanted to take. So, to ‘Pass out by Tinie Tempah’- although the free toast from the from all walks of life; you make the best memories together, laugh when I received my results in the summer and the reality of univer- Christian union seems to always make the drunken walk back up and cry together, share your breakdowns and successes. You essen- sity being the next milestone hit me, I was both apprehensive and Bitch Hill worth it. tially mature and grow together as young (and sometimes slightly excited about the people and experiences I would encounter. Now, We all like to complain about life in a small place like Bangor, but unstable) adults. looking back at the past 6 months, I feel there are many topics only whilst our fellow undergraduates in the big cities are dealing with  ere is no book, article or manual on how to successfully par- a community of Bangor University students would understand. the extortionate costs for things like accommodation, transport ticipate in university life you just learn to appreciate the highs and I have a love/hate relationship with student life. You learn to live and nights out we can barely grumble. Lectures are a scenic walk embrace the lows. It’s a time in your life like no other. It’s some- with strangers, deal with 9am lectures, ascend and descend the away, nightclubs are a, not so scenic but always eventful, walk away, thing you know you must make the most of, wherever that may many hills in Bangor at least twice a day, wash your own clothes there’s a sense of union between students as we all share this love/ be and I know that for me certainly, I wouldn’t want to experience (and always complain about the price of a wash), wonder how hate relationship and we wouldn’t change it for anything. We all ap- student life anywhere else but Bangor. you’ll make yourself a substantial meal with a packet of cheese preciate the hidden and modest gem that is Bangor. It’s a place that is home to adventure, beauty and Bella Bella pizza's- who could 12 Seren | March Issue 2017 SCIENCE

Can science help to break the two-hour marathon

he legend states that Philippi- a world record is now a routine record?time runners’ ‘hotspot’ can be contributed of oxygen per unit of body weight each stride. Nike has patented shoes des, who fought in the Battle of among top athletes.  e record is clos- to its mountain air that stimulates a that could be used by an athlete in a that they developed for long-distance Marathon in 490 BC, was sent er and closer to the two-hour mark, higher production of red blood cells, minute. Top runners use about 80% running and recruited three elite run- Tto Athens to announce the victory over but still, it would take a 2.5% perfor- which helps with aerobic respiration of their maximum capacity in a race. ners: Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Lelisa the Persians. It is said that Philippides mance improvement upon the current providing a physiological advantage Nevertheless, the upper limit is still Desisa of Ethiopia, and Zersenay Ta- ran the entire distance from Marathon best time to reach the target. Although during long-distance running. set by genetics despite being able to dese of Eritrea. Nike’s project, which to Athens and collapsed of exhaustion it doesn’t seem like much, the current  e initial project that started the increase VO2 through sustained pe- they named Breaking2 went through just a er exclaiming “we have won!”. estimation is that the 120 minutes will whole craze around the two-hour riod of high intensity training. Once a rigorous selection process trying to  e historical accuracy of the event be achieved only in about 2075. marathon record was the Sub2 project. an athlete has gone through the neces- recruit top athletes that have shown has been questioned, but more than Currently, the world record in a rec- Yannis Pitsiladis from the University sary training, there is little to be done sub-2:05 marathon or sub-60-minute two millenniums later the founders ognized marathon competition stands of Brighton is the founder of the ini- about maximum VO2.  at’s why it half-marathon time.  en, 18 run- of the modern Olympics drew inspi- at 2:02:57. It was set in the 2014 Berlin tiative. He explains that the team’s goal seems more likely that we will see ners were invited over to Nike HQ in ration from the story and included a Marathon by Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto. is to  nd and make every little ine - improvements in runner’s e ciency Oregon and underwent physiological new running course which they called  e top three fastest times are all with- ciency more productive.  ese poten- rather than power. We now know that examination, such as having to run a marathon. in 15 seconds to Kimetto’s record and tial opportunities include training op- only about 45% of the power that our two miles at a pace that would be re- Fast forward another century and were both set last year. Interestingly, timization, better nutritional schemes, legs produce while running is actually quired to beat the record followed by a half, now you have more than 500 top 25 fastest marathon times were hydration and application of wearable used to push us forward.  e rest is 400m sprint.  e team also assessed marathons held all over the world each all completed by runners from two technology to monitor physical shape. lost as soon as the foot hits the ground. athletes on their potential to improve year with more than half a million countries: Ethiopia and Kenya.  ese Fundamentally there are two ele- Here’s when sportswear giants such as and mental strength. marathon  nishers in the US alone. neighboring East African countries ments that need to be boosted to allow Nike and Adidas got involved in the Eluid Kipchoge is the Rio Olympics What makes current state of a airs are notable for raising a number of top a delivery of a sub2 hour run. First is game.  ese manufacturers are trying marathon champion with his 2:03:05 in marathon running exciting is that athletes primarily from three moun- power, second is e ciency. Runner’s to create shoes with various spring- best time making him the third fast- the records are being continuously tainous districts that go through the power is measured by what is called loaded soles that would recover some est runner in history. At the moment, broken. What only 20 years ago was Great Ri Valley. Some say that this a VO2 max or the maximum volume of the energy back to the legs with he is quite simply the best marathoner March Issue 2017 | Seren 13 SCIENCE

in the world, making him an obvious record stands at an astonishing 58:23, di erent manufacturers attempting to was still about four minutes behind is denying to comment whether their choice for Nike. Ethopia’s Lelisa De- more than a minute shorter than both enhance the performance, all with no the target. record is going to be certi ed by the sisa is the youngest of the three and is Kipchoge and Desisa’s best time at this signi cant success. With that in mind, But since these big players have both International Association of Athletics believed to have the greatest potential distance. such companies possess large resourc- committed to tackling the barrier put- Federation (IAAF). One last possibil- showing his best time of 2:04:45 at the Earlier this month, Adidas intro- es with access to top sports science ting their reputations on the line, some ity is of course doping, but all parties age of 23. Lelisa was the champion of duced the Adizero Sub2, that uses a knowledge base that could seriously suggest that Nike and Adidas are look- are willing to solve the problem with- the tragic Boston Marathon in 2013 unique foam that they claim is one advance the process to break the two- ing into ways of manipulating mete- out resorting to performance enhance- returning two years later to win once per cent more e cient compared to hour barrier. A pool of Adidas spon- orological conditions and slope gra- ment. Whatever happens, it will be in- more under much joyful circum- other footwear.  e new shoes use the sored marathoners include the record dients in favor of runners. Let’s say if teresting to observe what is to follow stances.  e dark horse of the trio is “Boost” technology, which has been holder Dennis Kimetto and sub 2:04 the course was all downhill preferably in the next  ve years… Zasebay Tadese. Tadese’s best mara- around for a few years, but is now runner Patrick Makau, while Kenya’s with a tail-wind or if the course was thon time is a whopping ten minutes made 150 grams lighter. Still, these Wilson Kipsang has already tried out held on below sea level terrain, this behind the two-hour barrier, but he is are mechanical solutions that may or the new shoes at the Tokyo Marathon. would provide an advantage of form also the fastest half-marathoner. His may not help as there is a history of Although Kipsang won the race, he that is not exactly fair.  is is why Nike 14 Seren | March Issue 2017 ENVIRONMENT

Post-Brexit environmental concerns raised by Lords

new House of Lords report has to ensure the Government and our oceans, or air pollution, the generation to leave the environment reduce global warming. suggested that the Govern- public bodies stayed true to their environment transcends political in a better state than we found it. We Catherine Weller, a senior ment is worryingly compla- environmental obligations, they boundaries, and the UK’s environment are committed to building on our long ClientEarth lawyer, said: ‘ e House Acent over how it will enforce environ- stressed. and Europe’s will remain inextricably history of wildlife and environmental of Lords today con rmed the immense mental regulations a er the UK leaves But it was clear that the committee linked. protection and securing the best deal risk to the UK environment posed the European Union. did not have con dence that the ‘We hear said.d evidence that 80 for Britain as we leave the EU. by Brexit, saying that maintaining Peers said European institutions – Government was planning to have per cent of the public support at least ‘We are clear that we are ready existing standards through the ‘Great such as the Commission and the Court such a system in the UK post-Brexit. the same level, if not higher levels of to deliver all of this Government’s Repeal Bill’ will be a hugely complex of Justice – have played a key role in  e report said: ‘ e Government’s environmental protection post-Brexit. priorities and will continue to build the task. ensuring member states upheld EU assurances that future Governments We need to continue to work together right skills, experience, and leadership ‘As a  rst step, the Government environmental regulations, with threat will, in e ect, be able to regulate and protect our shared environment to deal with the challenges, and take must enshrine current environmental of heavy  nes having a signi cant themselves, along with ministers’ for future generations.’ He also advantage of the opportunities, that lie protections in law – we’ll be watching deterrent e ect. Campaign groups like apparent confusion between political admitted that translating EU laws ahead.’ However, it did not address the the detail to ensure that they do, and ClientEarth have also been able to take accountability to Parliament and into British legislation would be an sub-committee’s concern that it was that they don’t sneak in a way to undo the Government to court in the UK to judicial oversight, are worryingly immensely complicated task. complacent about the enforcement of these protections overnight. force it to come up with an e ective complacent. Andrea Leadsom, the Environment environmental protections a er Brexit. ‘ e Lords rightly highlighted the plan to cut air pollution to levels ‘We note the concerns of witnesses Secretary, has repeatedly said it is ClientEarth has twice gone to court danger of a lack of oversight and considered to be safe. that existing domestic judicial review the Government’s ambition for this to force the Government to come enforcement once the UK leaves Under the Government’s plans procedures may be inadequate and generation to be the  rst to leave up with a better plan to reduce air the EU. We agree that a strong, for Brexit, much of EU law will be costly. It will be important for any the environment in a better state pollution – blamed for the premature independent domestic mechanism transferred onto the British statute e ective domestic enforcement than they found it. However, despite deaths of some 40,000 people a year in is crucial to make sure e ective book in an attempt to provide some mechanism to have both regular this vague but ambitious pledge, the UK – in order to comply with EU environmental laws are made and continuity. But, while the rules will oversight of the Government’s other Conservative politicians have air quality legislation that is expected followed. be broadly the same, members of the progress towards its environmental suggested Brexit is an opportunity to to be transferred into British law a er ‘ is mechanism must be Lord’s EU Energy and Environment objectives, and the ability, through the cut environmental protections. And Brexit. It is also threatening to sue the underpinned by judicial oversight, Sub-Committee said that an courts, to sanction non-compliance as some campaigners have expressed Government for allegedly breaching and people must be able to go to e ective and independent system of necessary.’ fears of a “bon re of regulations”. the UK Climate Change Act by court to defend the environment. enforcement would be required to Lord Teverson, who chairs the sub- In a statement, the Department repeatedly delaying publication of its  is is the only way to make sure the  ll the vacuum le by the European committee, said: ‘We’re leaving the for Environment, Food and Rural Emissions Reduction Plan, which is the environmental gains of the last 40 Commission.  is new procedure EU, but not Europe: whether it’s a A airs repeated the o cial mantra. It main method by which Britain will live years are not lost, and the best way to would need to be powerful enough question of migratory birds, managing said: ‘Our ambition is to be the  rst up to its international commitments to protect people and the planet.” March Issue 2017 | Seren 15 ENVIRONMENT Delays in implementing DERA blamed for unclean air in NY nvironmental activists have tions are $117 million as a result of claimed that Central New York national settlement stemming from and the rest of the state could be Volkswagen cheating on diesel emis- breathingE cleaner air if it weren’t for a sion standards and by law, they must delays in fully implementing a decade- go toward reducing diesel emissions. old law. Environmental Advocates has issued  e Diesel Emissions Reduction Act a new report that documents the (DERA) originally passed in 2006 and state’s lack of progress in implement- had nearly unanimous bi-partisan ing the law. Proulx says it would also support. Although applying to all apply to state contractors. ‘So, for in- heavy duty vehicles like plows and stance, when reconstruction was hap- dump trucks in the state’s  eet, Travis pening at the state fairgrounds.  ose Proulx with Environmental Advocates are o en contractors with heavy duty of New York says that nearly 11 years trucks who should be compliance with later, they’re still waiting. DERA, but aren’t.’ Proulx said: ‘‘When it was supposed He says 10 years ago, it seemed New to be implemented in 2010, that’s when York was ready to set an example and you saw the delays start. Over the clean up its own  eet of heavy duty years, various senators like John De- diesel vehicles perhaps toward broader Francisco say it has to do with money. adoption of retro tted  lters, or new-  ere’s not enough money available. er, greener vehicles. Proulx hopes the  at’s been an excuse they’ve starting settlement money is  nally enough using in recent years. But the bottom incentive to shi DERA into drive in line it’s really no longer an excuse now order to start reducing the high rates that you have these dedicated funds.’ of asthma, especially downstate.  e dedicated funds Proulx men- Is air pollution Volkswagen promises new getting worse? initiatives in the battle by EMMA JEWKES UK government has lost court cases over illegally dirty air. Also, a number ne of the main contributors to of car makers have recently been found ill health in the UK is arguably to be cheating tests on car emissions. against climate change air pollution but it is di cult Scientists are also now more con dent toO say by how much. Latest  gures on how air pollution can harm people suggest that ‘dirty air’ contributes to with recent tests  nding a link between the shortening of the lives of around that and dementia. 40,000 people a year, mainly by So if there is an increasing problem undermining the health of people with with pollution, how do we tackle it? existing heart or lung problems. Ultimately, solving air pollution needs It is important to understand how a many-sided approach.  e best value misleading headlines can be though. for money comes from targeting the While air pollution can be suggested really big individual polluters - that's as a major contributor to death in old buses and lorries in cities. Most big the UK, it is perhaps foolish to then cities are already doing that, although say that these people are killed by air critics say not fast enough. Insulating pollution, especially when pre-existing homes so they don't burn as much gas, conditions may actually be at fault. It would save pollution, cash and carbon is also foolish to take that 40,000  gure emissions in the long term - but critics at face value. It is only a statistic a er say the government appears to have no all and statistics can be misleading. strategy for this. Stopping the spread Government advisors argue that that of wood-burning stoves in cities might  gure might actually be a sixth bigger help a bit. Cutting pollution from than the real count of air pollution ships would be good in port cities. deaths. Reducing use of some chemicals in Regardless of the true  gure, if people the home would help a little. One of are dying from the air that we breath the more favoured options appears to by EMMA JEWKES revenues of €217.3bn (£190.4b) also when the VW Group has committed in our cities then that does make it a be taxing diesel cars more. Previous exceeded forecasts by €4bn (£3.5bn). to have solid state batteries in problem. Also, when you consider how governments encouraged the purchase olkswagen have outlined plans While acknowledging the challenges production.  ese are seen as the next it can a ect people with conditions of diesel cars because they produced to become a ‘role model in the company faced in the wake of technological step over the lithium ion such as asthma and hayfever then the fewer emissions of greenhouse gases. environmental protection, dieselgate, VW Group CEO Matthias batteries currently favoured by most Now though, petrol cars are almost as Vsafety and integrity’ according to CEO Muller said: ‘In 2016 we set the course manufacturers.  e VW Group has problem only becomes clearer. One thing does remain a clear fact; e cient and are much less polluting Matthias Muller who was speaking for the biggest transformation in the committed to have 30 battery-electric air pollution in our towns and cities locally, so scientists say it makes sense following record sales for the car history of the company - while at the vehicles on sale by 2025. is increasing and not just in the UK to tax diesel cars extra. Ministers are manufacturer in 2016. same time performing better in our Muller also highlighted recent joint but on a more global scale. In the UK, also under pressure to o er a £3,500 Last year, VW Group sold 10.3m operating business than many thought ventures in China with FAW and JAC, many big cities safe limits on harmful incentive for drivers to scrap old cars making it the largest car possible.. Volkswagen is back on track. the latter of which will lead to the co- particulates and oxides of nitrogen - diesel cars, which would incentivise manufacturer in the world. It made ‘We will still be one of the most development of a budget electric car NOx - are still regularly breached. And the purchase of new cleaner vehicles. €7.1bn euro (£6.2bn) in pro t a er successful automakers in 2025. But line, Tata in India and with Navistar in London, NOx levels at the roadside  e Green party says it would be allowances including €6.4bn (£5.6bn) we will also be a leading international in the American commercial vehicle have barely dropped at all. perverse to reward car makers with of losses to cover dieselgate costs. In provider of sustainable mobility and segment as examples of the  rm’s One big question could be, why the increased sales when they caused the 2015 expenses relating to dieselgate set the standard for new mobility commitment to forging partnerships to big concern at the moment? One of the problem in the  rst place by failing on amounted to €16.2bn (£14.2bn). services.’ boost sales success. He also con rmed reasons that the issue has been thrust their promises to government to make Most notably its sales in China, Chief among the new initiatives is a that the  rst economy vehicles to be into the news recently is because the diesel engines clean. where the e ects of the diesel crisis stated goal of taking leadership in the developed by the brand will go on sale were negligible, grew 12.2%. 2017 sales  eld of battery technology by 2025, in emerging markets in 2018. 16 Seren | March Issue 2017 WHAT’S ON? MARCH APRIL

17. Dare Devil Rides to Jarama Time: 7:30pm 01. Courtney Pine –  . Omar Time: 8pm Where:  eatr Colwyn Price: £12.50 Where: TBT Price: £22.50

18. A Musical Journey – from planet earth to space Time: 2:30pm 04. Le Vin herbé Time: 7:15pm Where: Studio Price: £6 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5

Marti Pellow - Mysterious Tour 2017 Time: 7:30pm 05. La bohème Time: 7:15pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £39.50 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5

19. Family Concert with BBC NOW Time: 3pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5

Bangor University Concert Band and Brass Band concert Time: 6:30pm Where: PJ Hall Price: £2.50

20-21. Yfory Time: 7:30pm Where: Galeria Price: £10 06. Freddy Kempf, Piano Time: 7:30pm 21. Comedy central live Time: 8pm Where: TBT Price: £10 Where: Studio Price: £8 Madam Butter y Time: 7:15pm Menopause -  e Musical Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £25 07. Yws Gwynedd with Fleur de Lys Time: 8pm 22. Sam Bailey: Sing my Heart Out Time: 7:30pm Where: TBT Price: £10 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £24.50 La bohème Time: 7:15pm 23. Anton & Erin ‘Swing Time’ Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £35 Kill for a Seat Comedy Club Time: 8pm 24. Rory Bremner: Party Political Time: 8pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £8.50 Where: TBT Price: £20 08. Madam Butter y Time: 7:15pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £5

09. European Union Chamber Orchestra Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £15

10.  e Bootleg Beatles Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £28.50

13. One Night of Elvis Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £25

25. Gerardo Nunez Quartet and Carmen Cortes Time: 8pm 14.  e Solid Silver 60s Time: 7:30pm Where: TBT Price: £13 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £29.50

VARSITY Time: All Day 15-16. Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom Time: various Where: Aberystwyth Price: Presold Where: Venue Cymru Price: £14

Stand By Me Musical Review Time: 7:30pm 18. Caro Emerald Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £26 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £22.50

26. USO: Symphonie Fantastique Time: 7:30pm 20-21. Race Horse Company - Super Sunday Time: 7:30pm Where: TBT Price: £5 Where: TBT Price: £12

27-31.  e Full Monty Time: 2:30/7:30pm 20. Daniel O’Donnell Time: 7:30pm Where; Venue Cymru Price: £9.50 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £37.50

28. Perfect Pitch Time: 7:30pm 25. Comedy Central Live Time: 8pm Where:  eatr Colwyn Price: £14 Where: Studio Price: £8

29. Teulon Quartet Concert Time: 6pm 26.  e Magic Flute Time: 7:30pm Where: Penrallt Baptist Church Price: £3 Where: TBT Price: £18

30. SODA: Fame Time: 7:30pm 28. Calan Time: 8pm Where: TBT Price: £7 Where: TBT Price: £13

31. Sklamberg and the Shepherds Time: 8pm 29 – 30. Far From the Madding Crowd Time: 7pm Where: TBT Price: £13 Where: JP Hall Price: £4

Ash Dykes: Suriving Madagascar Time: 7:30pm 29. Jack Rooke: Good Grief Time: 7:30pm Where: Galeri Price: £12 Where: Studio Price: £10

30. Cadw’r F am yn Fyw Time: 7pm Where: TBT Price: £10

 at’ll Be  e Day Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £22.50

TBT – Theatr Bryn Terfel - Pontio Blue - Music Studio– Pontio Light Blue - Dance and Circus PJ Hall – Main Arts, Bangor Pink - Drama Powis Hall – Main Arts, Bangor Red- Comedy JP Hall – Theatre next to Management Centre Black - anything else * all prices are based on student admission March Issue 2017 | Seren 17

£5 Student Tickets!

oing to watch the arts has nev- Madam Butter y, and Le Vin herbé. Le Vin herbé is a little known op- lin Concerto, Smetana’s  e Bartered and popular favourites. er been so cheap. In recent La bohème, composed by Puccini, is era, composed by Frank Martin. It Bride: Overture and Dvořak’s Sym- If you still think music isn’t your years both the BBC National a fantastic love story about a poor poet tells the story of two lovers who drink phony No. 7 followed by a Jam in the thing then keep your eyes out for GOrchestra of Wales and the Welsh Na- and a seamstress; set in bohemian par- a potion which has been spiked. As bar (Ffynnon Bar in Pontio). poster around the university adver- tional Opera have started to o er stu- is it tells the story of their hopes and in most operas, a er falling madly  e University’s Symphony Orches- tising several di erent artistic events. dents (and in the Welsh National Op- dreams before these are crushed and in love only tragedy can befall them. tra will also be o ering £5 tickets to BEDS, the Bangor English Drama So- era’s case, under 30’s) £5 tickets to see the story comes to a tragic end.  is opera also got a 5 star review in their concert in pontio, featuring the ciety, have a production of Far From both operas and orchestral concerts. Madam Butter y, also composed by the Guardian so is well worth going famous Symphonie Fantastique by the Madding Crowd to be presented at Whilst tickets are so cheap it’s a fan- Puccini, shows the cultural clashes to see. Berlioz.  is autobiographical sym- the end of April with £4 tickets and the tastic time to broaden your cultural of the Eastern and Western cultures If opera isn’t quite your cup of tea phony tells the story of desire, rejec- Dance Club will soon be holding their opportunities.  is month the Welsh through the the story of Butter y and then the Bangor University Symphony tion, love, jealousy and opium-fuelled summer show. National Opera is coming to Llandud- her American Naval O cer.  is op- Orchestra and BBC National Orches- nightmares .  ere are plenty of things to go and no to present three di erent operas in era also features several very famous tra of Wales are also o ering £5 tickets  e Universities Brass Band and see for under a  ver. Why not give Venue Cymru. For £5 you can watch pieces of classical music including to view their concert. Concert Band also have a joint concert some of them a go? You only get a one of several operas; La bohème, the Humming Chorus and the Flower BBC NOW will be playing Janáček’s this month with tickets from £2.50 in- chance like this once. Duet. Lachian Dances, Mendelssohn’s Vio- cluding a range of standard repertoire Charity Concert

he Teulon Quartet from Ban- songs including ‘All you need is love’ academic year I have been playing ing their talent to help raise funds gor University will be perform- by the Beatles. Tickets will be sold on music in a dementia care home, do- which will support people a ected by ing a concert at Penrallt Baptist the door. Standard ticket price is £5; ing ‘singing for the brain’ workshops, dementia in Wales. I hope people will TChurch, on Wednesday 29 March student discount ticket is £3. it has been really rewarding to bring come out and share their support of from 6-7.15pm, to raise money for Alice Teulon, concert organiser,  rst happiness and singing to the residents. what will be a very entertaining and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.  e quar- violinist and founder of the quartet, I hope you will come and support the inspiring evening.” tet members are all students at the said: “I wanted to raise money for Alz- cause, and enjoy some entertaining If you would like tickets for the University’s school of music. heimer’s Society Cymru because my quartet music.” event, please contact Alice Teulon  eir repertoire will include famous nan was diagnosed with dementia in Ruth Owen, Community Fund- at [email protected] or Ruth classics such as Eine Kleine Nachtmu- the later stages of her life. It is a disease raiser for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Owen on 01492 543946 or email sic by Mozart, movements from Boro- which a ected me and my family; the in North Wales said: “It’s great to see [email protected]. din’s String Quartet no. 2 and popular people who loved her. Over the past the students getting involved and us- Facts about Alzheimers and Dementia •  ere are currently 45,000 provide information and sup- on year and 225,000 will develop  is includes a £50 million people living with dementia in port, fund research, campaign to dementia this year - that’s one investment in the UK’s  rst Wales, half have yet to receive a improve care and create lasting every three minutes. dedicated Dementia Research formal diagnosis. change for people a ected by • Dementia costs the UK economy Institute. • It is estimated that by 2055 there dementia in England, Wales and over £26 billion per year.  is • Until the day we  nd a cure, will be over 100,000 people Northern Ireland. is the equivalent of more than Alzheimer’s Society will be here living with dementia in Wales. • Dementia devastates lives. £30,000 per person with de- for anyone a ected by dementia (King’s College, London) Alzheimer’s Society research mentia. - wherever they are, whatever • Dementia costs Welsh society shows that 850,000 people in the • Alzheimer’s Society funds they’re going through. Every- £1.4 Billion per year.  is is the UK have a form of dementia. By research into the cause, care, thing we do is informed and equivalent of more than £30,000 2021, 1 million people will be cure and prevention of all types inspired by them. per person with dementia. living with the condition.  is of dementia and has committed • Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s will soar to two million by 2051. to spend at least £150 million on leading dementia charity. We • Dementia deaths are rising year research over the next decade. 18 Seren | March Issue 2017 UNION AGM Bangor students plant trees to revive local The Undeb Bangor Annual Gen- eral Meeting will be taking place on Thursday 30th March at 7pm in green spaces Pontio PL5. This is your chance to hear what Undeb Bangor and your Student O cers have been doing, hold the elected o cers to account, pass policy and tell us what you want the Union to do in the future. The full agenda will be released at www.un- debangor.com on Friday 17th March.

Course Rep Dragons Den Four Fantastic Teams took part in this year’s Course Rep Dragons Den. After some great pitches on every- thing from improving local facilities to exciting eld trips, we are pleased to announce the School of Social Sci- ences as the winners. Huge congrat- ulations to Emma and Alex for a great pitch. The school of Social Sciences will now receive funding to take stu- dent form the School on a eld trip to the brand new Wrexham prison which will have a huge positive im- pact upon their learning.

n the 4th March a small group university buildings and the green arranged in groups of 2’s and 3’s bene ts are much more far reaching.” of student volunteers and spaces in the city of Bangor itself. The across Ffriddoedd site, but a larger The project has been taken on by Omembers of the sustainability trees used so far were obtained from group were situated behind Alaw Hub Cymru Africa, the Welsh Govern- action group went about planting a supplier local to the area. The trees halls of residence forming a mini or- ment Assembly’s link network with 40 fruit trees on Ffriddoedd site halls were made up of a selection of apple chard. The hard work was fueled by African development programmes, of residence as part of the campus and plum varieties so as to provide food provided by volunteers from and a sister project has been started greening project, providing fruit for fruit and  owers whilst also green- the Pay as You Feel Café in Bethesda. at Makerere University in Uganda to future generations. ing our community. The tools used to The rewards of the work should not match Bangor’s planting tree for tree. This project has been over 18 carry out the work were kindly lent to be long in the making, with the trees It is hoped that this work will both months in the making and is aiming the volunteers from the university’s expected to produce blossoms in the beautify or green spaces and provide to improve the quality of Bangor’s organic gardening society (HOGSoc). coming spring. a legacy for further sustainable pro- communal spaces for both recrea- Despite a little bit of rain, all the vol- Gabe Hibberd, project coordinator jects to develop. tion and wildlife. Native fruit trees unteers managed to remain cheerful said: have been planted around the Ban- and complete the work getting a to- “Increasing wildlife and promoting Chess gor University campus, with a view tal of 40 trees planted in 5 hours. The healthy diets is what we’re all about. society go to furthering this work in and around majority of the trees planted were It’s not just about planting trees, the to battle AU Dinner On the weekend of the 26th feb, U Dinner is our annual event sure that they receive the recogni- to have ever studied in Bangor and allocated. Please make a note in your our chess society competed in the celebrating our Athletic Un- tion they deserve. Our prestigious are recognised globally. For one diaries and spread the word, club British Universities Chess association ion successes throughout the colours and special awards are nomi- night only we swap our sweaty gear captains have received award alloca- competition held in Warwick and A year. This year the dinner will be nated by you to ensure that they are for glamour. tions for their club, all spare tickets placed 8th out of 14 in our division! held on Wednesday 3rd May in PJ only given to those who have really Tickets will be on sale for £35 on the will be available on a rst come rst It was a tough battle with the com- Hall. Nominations are open now and earnt it. Getting an award at the AU 31st of March in Bar UNO between served basis, please get to UNO early. petitors winning 3 out of 5 rounds, close on the 14th April, please share Dinner puts you in the same league 9am – 12pm, tickets can only be including the ever wonderful victory this around all your members to en- as those highest achieving students bought on this day between the time over Aberystwyth’s 2nd team! Just in time for Societies varsity later this month. Society president, Catriona wanted to make a special mention to their Board 1 player, Hai Tran, who got an individual Silver award for winning 7 and drawing 1 game. Seren | March Issue 2017 19 UNION Societies Dinner Course Rep Awards & SLTA’s he course rep awards shortlist has been decided as well as the SLTA’s. The shortlist for all awards can be seen on the Students’ union website. T A huge congratulations to all those shortlisted. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 28th April, PJ Hall. The shortlist for the awards are as follows:

Teacher of the Year Andrew Cooke Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences Dei Huws Ocean Sciences Dermot Cahill Law Graham Bird Environment, Natural Resources and Geography Lucy Huskinson Philosophy and Religion Mark Hyland Law Wendy Ashurst Business Postgraduate Teacher of the Year Louise Allen-WalkerPost Psychology Fiona Cameron English Literature Joseph Mearman Computer Science James Jackson Computer Science Joshua Andrews Philosophy and Religion Miriam Mbah Law Rebecca Jones Environment, Natual Resources and Geography New Teacher of the Year Iwan Llewelyn Jones Music Karin Koehler English Literature Rebecca Sharp Psychology Judith Field Healthcare Sciences Dissertation / Thesis Supervisor of the Year Dermot Cahill Law Mark Hyland Law Mattias Green Ocean Sciences Peter Shapely History and Archaeology Zhen Jing Law Award for Outstanding Pastoral Support ‘not to be missed’ event to throughout this year. Nominations a note in your diaries and spread the Sian Beidas School of Modern Languages and Cultures celebrate all your amazing are now open and close on the 14th word among society members. Tick- Sian Pierce Environment, Natural Resources and Geography Aachievements throughout the of April so don’t leave it too late! ets will be £25 and will be on a rst Stephen Clear Law year with all student societies under Please share this among your socie- come rst serve basis (Cash and Card Andrew Davies Chemistry one roof. This year the dinner will be ties to ensure they receive the recog- payments will be accepted). Any Ceri Evans Law held on Saturday the 29th of April in nition they deserve. purchases must provide the name, Geraint Ellis Creative Studies and Media PJ Hall. Our gold silver and bronze Tickets for the dinner will be on society, meal choice and any dietary/ Lucy Huskinson Philopsophy and Religion awards are only given to those who sale in Bar UNO on the 31st of March allergy requirements at the point of Student Services Department Award have earnt them. This is your chance between 1pm and 3pm. Tickets can sale. If this cannot be done, tickets Gwenda Blackmore Student Services to nominate individuals who you only be bought on this day during will not be sold. Marcel Clusa International Education Centre believe have earned recognition the allocated times above, so make Fiona Zinovie Miles Dyslexia Centre Dyslexia Team Miles Dyslexia Centre International Student Support O ce International Education Centre Support Sta Member / Team of the Year Beth Hamilton-Hine College of Business, Law, Education and Social Science SVB Awards Helen Albert Law Julie Boulton Electronic Engineering and Computer Science VB Awards will be hosted on Sioned Davies Social Sciences the 4th of May in Reichel Hall. If Iwan Davies Welsh Syou’ve ever been involved with School of Electronics Engineering and Computer Science Admin SVB be it a one o project or you vol- Student Engagement Award unteer for several projects, you are Andrew Davies Ocean Sciences welcome in our evening of celebra- David Perkins Computer Sciences tion of all things volunteering! You Lynda Yorke Environment, Natural Resources and Geography will be able to buy your tickets Mon- Kate Waddington History and Archaeology day 27th, Wednesday 29th and Friday Award for Welsh-Medium Education 31st, between 4-6pm on each day in Sarah Thomas-Morgan Law Bar UNO. Tickets will be £21 and will Nia Gri th Psychology be on a rst come rst serve basis Iwan Llewelyn Jones Music (Cash and Card payments will be ac- International Award cepted). Any purchases must provide Ali Khan International Education Centre the name, society, meal choice and Li Ling Tang Law any dietary/ allergy requirements at Miriam Mbah Law the point of sale. If this cannot be Open Award done, tickets will not be sold. Nomi- Nicola Property and Campus Services nations for the Awards will open on Patrick Hogan Academi Co ee Shop the 27th of March and will close on Thomas Caspari Medical Sciences the 20th of April! Sarah Cooper Linguistics and English Language Unsung Hero Award Fliss Ky n Education Christopher Shank Linguistics and English Language Dylan Wyn Jones Medical Sciences Euryn Rhys Roberts History and Archaeology Katherine Jones Biological Sciences Mike Hale Environment, Natural Resources and Geography Paul Maclean Property and Campus Services Teresa Crew Social Sciences John Cunningham Music School of the Year School of Environment, Natural Resources and Geography School of English Literature School of Law School of Music School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences 20 March Issue 2017 | Seren SOCIETIES Brass band and concert band join forces

FAME THE MUSICAL is coming to Pontio!

SODA - The University’s Musical Theatre Society have been rehearsing long and hard for the last few months on their performance of FAME.

Join the students of the ‘High School of Performing Arts’ for a night of tri- als and tribulations of their musical lives! Featuring dances, songs and comedic talent, FAME is a classic story of spirited teenagers navigating their way through high- school; with the added pressure of attending a top performing arts school.

Don’t miss this ONE-NIGHT-ONLY extravaganza on Thursday 30th of March.

Get your tickets now - start o your Easter vacation with song and dance!

Theatr Bryn Terfel, Pontio, Bangor Thursday, 30 March 7.30pm Afro-Carribbean Society he Afro-Carribbean Society around becoming the best in what cess of the event. The facilitators After the success of our joint concert at Christ- hosted a career and nancial you do, free services o ered to stu- were Dr Ama Eyo (Bangor School Tempowerment summit on the dents, Career and Investment op- of Law),Katerina Videnskaya (Inter- mas, Bangor University Brass Band and Bangor 1st of March, 2017. The event was portunities in the Uk and Services national Student Support O ce), University Concert Band are once again joining well attended and informative as o ered by the International student Monalisa Odibo (Bangor School of members were pleased to have par- support o ce. The facilitators also Law) and Mrs Diane Taylor(Santander forces to share with you another evening of spec- ticipated. Topics covered centered contributed immersely to the suc- Bank). tacular music in our Spring Showcase. A chance to show o some of our fantastic players and featuring music from the likes of Go Richards, we’d love it if you could join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening! There will be refreshments available in the break and Concert Band will be holding a ra e for their charity, Friends of Gwynedd Youth Music. Adults £3.50/Concessions £2.50 We hope to see you there! Seren | March Issue 2017 21 SOCIETIES Bangor Indian Society ties continued on the 11th of March, supportive members of the society, which was when members of the BIS your keenness to inform people of Society celebrated by dousing each our culture, and your constant eager- other with coloured powder and wa- ness to contribute to societal events ter. By the end of the afternoon, eve- never ceases to amaze me.” ryone had successfully managed to color their targets. The atmosphere was certainly a vibrant and vivacious experience, with dancing, music and an all round exhilarating experience. The Society Chairperson, Yasharth sheds some light on past experienc- es and talks about his plans for the Soceity and its progress throughout the years. “ I am very happy with the way the event has turned out. We were not expecting this amount of people to turn up, but the response has been great. I would like to con- gratulate my fellow committee mem- bers and volunteers who have put in a lot of hours of hard work to create such an amazing show in front of so many people. I would like to thank the International Education Centre and Students Union for helping us so much and giving us an opportunity to showcase the rich Indian culture in front of people from all around the world. I am very glad that events like these every year help us attract new members, not only from India or he Bangor Indian Society (BIS) the society opened up their doors which encompassed song and dance South Asia but people from all over recently celebrated the aus- for a variety of celebratory events, performances, refreshments, a henna the world. It has been an immense Tpicious festival of colors, also in honour of this symbolic festival. stall, and an open Bollywood music honor organizing such events and known as Holi. This festival celebrates On Thursday, the 9th of March, PJ dance  oor with a music set, courte- we look forward to many more in the the triumph of good over evil, and Hall was used to host the Holi Event, sy of the BIS’s resident DJ. The festivi- future. A hearty Thank you to all the 22 Seren | March Issue 2017 VARSITY

Varsity 2017 is nally upon us. Aberystwyth University grounds. Athletes will be tested, reputations Events include such things as will be put on the line and egos Canoeing, Basketball, Archery, will be severely bruised as Bangor Rugby Union, Cheerleading and take on Aber in the annual Varsity that staple of University competi- competition. For newer students, tion, Beer Pong. Last year, Bangor it is basically an olympics of sorts swept Aberystwyth away with a between the two universities AU score of 25-13 following a fantastic teams and is now in its 7th year. day of sport across Bangor. Here, Held in Aberystwyth this year, to get you in the mood for this Bangor are looking to make his- years competition are some of the tory by becoming the rst to win highlights of that great day. the coveted crown on away soil. Also, if Bangor do come away from Aberystwyth with the bragging rights, it will be for the third year in You’ll be able to keep up to date with all the a row. The bulk of the action takes results as they happen on our website: place on Saturday 25th March with competitions taking place at numerous sites across the seren.bangor.ac.uk/varsity2017 22 Seren | March Issue 2017 March Issue 2017 | Seren 23 VARSITY VARSITY F I X T U R E S 2 Varsity 2017 is nally upon us. Aberystwyth University grounds. Athletes will be tested, reputations Events include such things as will be put on the line and egos Canoeing, Basketball, Archery, will be severely bruised as Bangor Rugby Union, Cheerleading and take on Aber in the annual Varsity that staple of University competi- 0 competition. For newer students, tion, Beer Pong. Last year, Bangor it is basically an olympics of sorts swept Aberystwyth away with a between the two universities AU score of 25-13 following a fantastic teams and is now in its 7th year. day of sport across Bangor. Here, Held in Aberystwyth this year, to get you in the mood for this 1 Bangor are looking to make his- years competition are some of the tory by becoming the rst to win highlights of that great day. the coveted crown on away soil. Also, if Bangor do come away from Aberystwyth with the bragging rights, it will be for the third year in You’ll be able to keep up to date with all the 7 a row. The bulk of the action takes results as they happen on our website: place on Saturday 25th March with competitions taking place at numerous sites across the seren.bangor.ac.uk/varsity2017 24 Seren | March Issue 2017 MUSIC by FINNIAN SHARDLOW

I saw you back in 2015 at Bestival around the time you released single, Paper Walls. Since then you’ve released an EP, and now INTERVIEW you’ve just released another. Have you stopped to have a breather at any point? There was a period after Paper Walls where I was re ecting on how to go forward. But it wasn’t really a break. I was mainly writing and trying to get as many tracks together as I could. That’s when I came through with the EP, Chroma. I felt like there was a few di erent ways I could go with my sound. And the whole idea of singing on tracks was still quite new to me. I could have gone a more instrumental route or dance-y route with the music. So it was just a case of making as many tunes as possible and seeing which ones felt the most like me. Usually when I have an idea for a track, it’s either a theme or how it will sound in general. Then I’ll keep trying to make tracks until I get a good version of that idea. Sometimes it might take ten tries until it works. So it’s a lot of trial and error.

Is that the di culty of being a lone producer? Possibly. I do work with people sometimes, and it is good to have someone to bounce ideas o . Especially when you’ve been listening to something for so long and you can’t tell if it’s any good anymore. Usually you have an instinct, and you push through if something feels right. But the positive side of working on your own is that it’s down to you. You don’t have to compromise. It’s completely your own vision which you’re making happen. The other thing is, if you have a rehearsal, you’re the only person Jack Ritchie A.K.A that’s got to be there. That’s the problem with bands sometimes. It’s hard to get everyone in the same place at the same.

In that transition between Paper Walls and your debut EP, Chroma, what kind of things were you changing? BEARCUBS I wouldn’t say there were massive Talk us through your new EP, put unusual harmonies and chords I was looking for people to feature It’s probably too soon after your di erences. I was just honing in on Underwaterfall? on it. With some pitching e ects on on it. I had a few people but nothing new EP to ask, but is there new my sound. I was still experimenting, The title track Underwaterfall is how the vocals. really felt right. I couldn’t get across music on the horizon – possibly an but I felt like there was more of a base the EP started. I wanted to write a False Mirrors is more of an upbeat what I wanted them to bring to the album? to it. I don’t really consciously think: song that was about an experience or track but it’s a nice contrast to the song. So I thought I’d try to sing it I’m always writing literally every “This needs to be changed.” I just try a feeling instead of a historical event other two. myself so I get could get someone day. There is new music on the to get better with every song I make. that’s happened. So I wrote about the Finally, SL001, is quite a dancey else to sing it in the way I’d sung it. horizon. I don’t know what form it’s My voice, especially, is improving. experience of being underwater. The track. I originally wasn’t going to But actually it turned out alright. So I going to take yet but I am writing as I haven’t really been singing for feeling of freediving. Going down. include it but I think it ts nicely. started doing it for all the songs. much as I can. too long, so it’s something I’m still Completely alone underwater. It’s a There’s an arc to the EP, it starts practicing and working on. sensation that we’ve all experienced. quite chilled and it intensi es OFTEN I’LL HAVE AN IDEA FOR A SONG IN A VISUAL Because I’ve come from a complex It can be a bit scary but it’s also towards the end. An EP used to be background with more glitchy and relaxing. So the track is built on the a collection of songs but I’m making SENSE. SO I’M IMAGINING HOW IT WOULD LOOK IF mad rhythms, I’ve tried to re ne my contrast between those two ideas. mini-albums. Mostly people listen IT WERE A FILM OR VIDEO sound. Simplicity will always be the I’ve noticed when I read my lyrics to separate tracks anyway but if you most e ective way of expressing that often talk about senses. Often do listen to them in order it makes it It always makes for better music If I were writing an album I’d be very your ideas through music. But at the I’ll have an idea for a song in a visual more enjoyable. It has more of a  ow when you put yourself into it. It protective. I’m yet to write one and same time it’s a lot harder because sense. So I’m imagining how it would to it. comes from a realer place. Especially so far, I’m still building up to that. All all the sounds that are present in a look if it were a lm or a video. I had on the more lyric based songs. You the best albums are one solid piece simpler composition are more on this visual idea of being underwater You’ve talked about singing on need to be able to connect with lyrics in itself almost like a novel is. It has display. Each element becomes more and jumping into water. I do often your own tracks being a very new when you’re singing them. Some of to tell a story. Whether that’s through important when things are simple think about music visually, it’s made thing to you, tell me more about my lyrics are quite vague, but they’re sound or words. I’d take a long time that. still associated with my experiences. over an album. I wouldn’t be putting SIMPLICITY WILL ALWAYS BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE I’ve always wanted to include my My songs aren’t confessional any old demos on it unless they’re WAY OF EXPRESSING YOUR IDEAS THROUGH voice. Or at least do some form of though. They’re cryptic. And I think good. music with my voice. I was never that suits the style. I use lyrics as MUSIC sure if it was going to be for Bearcubs more of an instrument – a rhythmic because it’s a project which started device. I do try to give my songs a FULL INTERVIEW & AUDIO ON OUR There’s always a temptation when out of patterns and colours. out instrumentally. certain emotion but at the same time WEBSITE: you’ve got loads of ideas just to throw The opener, Burning Up, has a It all began with a track called I’m not going fully in. SEREN.BANGOR.AC.UK them all in. You’ve got to break down similar vibe to Underwaterfall. I’ve Touch. I wanted it to have a vocal so your sound to its simplest form. 24 Seren | March Issue 2017 Seren | March Issue 2017 25 MUSIC MUSIC by FINNIAN SHARDLOW

I saw you back in 2015 at Bestival around the time you released single, Paper Walls. Since then you’ve released an EP, and now INTERVIEW you’ve just released another. Have you stopped to have a breather at any point? There was a period after Paper Walls where I was re ecting on how to go forward. But it wasn’t really a break. I was mainly writing and trying to get as many tracks together as I could. That’s when I came through with the EP, Chroma. I felt like there was a few di erent ways I could go with my sound. And the whole idea of singing on tracks was still quite new to me. I could have gone a more instrumental route or dance-y route with the music. So it was just a case of making as many tunes as possible and seeing which ones felt the most like me. Usually when I have an idea for a #BritsSoWhite - One Year Later track, it’s either a theme or how it by TIARNA ARMSTRONG will sound in general. Then I’ll keep up a staggering four awards, only At last, with a ‘British Breakthrough Solo Artist’ which is a credit, not only Was it fair for David Bowie to trying to make tracks until I get a whole year has passed since the six of sixty-six nominees (including Act’ nomination, Stormzy got the for artists of colour but also women receive these awards posthumously? good version of that idea. Sometimes birth of the controversial point Drake, The Weeknd and Kendrick recognition he deserved from the artists of colour. Drake and A Tribe Of course, this leads into an entirely it might take ten tries until it works. of conversation #BritsSoWhite Lamar) were artists of colour. BRIT Awards, although losing the Called Quest were also awarded di erent argument. But, I do believe So it’s a lot of trial and error. A – a response to the lack of diversity at Additionally, last year, Stormzy – title to Rag’n’Bone Man. Skepta, the titles ‘International Male Solo that truly great artists deserve to be the 2016 BRIT Awards (made known one of the most successful grime who was also nominated for ‘British Artist’ and ‘International Group’ recognised for their contribution Is that the di culty of being a by the Academy Awards which saw artists in the UK – drew attention to Male Solo Artist’ as well as ‘Album of respectively. to the music industry and to the lone producer? the same issue arise). One year later, the fact that grime was completely the Year’ for Konnichiwa, also held a However, as a means of honouring world. However, I also believe that Possibly. I do work with people it is important to ask: was there any overlooked by the BRIT Awards last nomination in this category. David Bowie, the highly-acclaimed more attention should be paid to sometimes, and it is good to have sign of improvement at this year's year as well as criticising the awards Aside from this, there has clearly gure who passed away last January accrediting new artists (especially someone to bounce ideas o . BRIT Awards ceremony? Or is there for their lack of diversity. However, been a signi cant improvement with was awarded ‘British Male Solo Artist’ artists of colour, who seldom get Especially when you’ve been listening still a long way to go for people of since then, Stormzy (born Michael accrediting more diverse artists at as well as ‘British Album of the Year’ the attention they deserve in artistic to something for so long and you colour to get o cial recognition in Omari) succeeded in obtaining a the BRIT Awards. This year, Beyoncé for Blackstar. Leonard Cohen, who mediums in comparison to their can’t tell if it’s any good anymore. the music industry? Last year, just number one spot in the UK Album was awarded ‘International Female also passed away last year, was white counterparts) who could Usually you have an instinct, and to refresh your memory, while the Charts with his debut album Gang Solo Artist’ and our very own Emeli nominated for ‘International Male change the world, just as Cohen, you push through if something feels nation's sweetheart Adele swooped Signs & Prayer in March of this year. Sandé was awarded ‘British Female Solo Artist’. Bowie and many other greats did. right. But the positive side of working on your own is that it’s down to you. You don’t have to compromise. It’s Album Reviews: 2017 So Far completely your own vision which by FINNIAN SHARDLOW you’re making happen. The other thing is, if you have a rehearsal, you’re the only person Jack Ritchie A.K.A that’s got to be there. That’s the problem with bands sometimes. It’s hard to get everyone in the same place at the same.

In that transition between Paper Walls and your debut EP, Chroma, what kind of things were you changing? BEARCUBS I wouldn’t say there were massive Talk us through your new EP, put unusual harmonies and chords I was looking for people to feature It’s probably too soon after your di erences. I was just honing in on Underwaterfall? on it. With some pitching e ects on on it. I had a few people but nothing new EP to ask, but is there new my sound. I was still experimenting, The title track Underwaterfall is how the vocals. really felt right. I couldn’t get across music on the horizon – possibly an Ed Sheeran - Divide Charli XCX - Methyl Ethel - Vagabon - Infinite Thundercat - Drunk but I felt like there was more of a base the EP started. I wanted to write a False Mirrors is more of an upbeat what I wanted them to bring to the album? to it. I don’t really consciously think: song that was about an experience or track but it’s a nice contrast to the song. So I thought I’d try to sing it I’m always writing literally every Number 1 Angel Everything Is Worlds “This needs to be changed.” I just try a feeling instead of a historical event other two. myself so I get could get someone day. There is new music on the Forgotten to get better with every song I make. that’s happened. So I wrote about the Finally, SL001, is quite a dancey else to sing it in the way I’d sung it. horizon. I don’t know what form it’s My voice, especially, is improving. experience of being underwater. The track. I originally wasn’t going to But actually it turned out alright. So I going to take yet but I am writing as I haven’t really been singing for feeling of freediving. Going down. include it but I think it ts nicely. started doing it for all the songs. much as I can. n nite Worlds transports you ecome submerged in a too long, so it’s something I’m still his is an album that’s ust to prove I’m not ignorantly ith their second album Completely alone underwater. It’s a There’s an arc to the EP, it starts to those hazy mid-2000s. It’s moon tinted oasis of wobbly practicing and working on. left critics, well, divided. bashing Top 40 artists. Charli in as many years, Methyl sensation that we’ve all experienced. quite chilled and it intensi es a transient fuzz-rock whisper bass and wavy harmonies; Because I’ve come from a complex OFTEN I’LL HAVE AN IDEA FOR A SONG IN A VISUAL Some love it. Honestly, I’m XCX’s brilliant Number 1 Angel Ethel have found the I B It can be a bit scary but it’s also towards the end. An EP used to be T J W which sounds like a Polaroid Thundercat’s brain is an utterly background with more glitchy and nonplussed. It’s a foreseeable re- is as self-admittedly pop as it gets. infamous ‘di cult second album’ relaxing. So the track is built on the a collection of songs but I’m making SENSE. SO I’M IMAGINING HOW IT WOULD LOOK IF picture of a solemn spring evening. nonsensical place to be. mad rhythms, I’ve tried to re ne my emergence of the same old bag of Charli XCX has assembled a considerably less di cult than contrast between those two ideas. mini-albums. Mostly people listen IT WERE A FILM OR VIDEO Most of these tracks are crammed Drunk is compiled of  eeting sound. Simplicity will always be the tricks. majestic catwalk of strutting, their con icted rst. I’ve noticed when I read my lyrics to separate tracks anyway but if you with an angst soaked longing. 2-minute gushes of maniacal most e ective way of expressing Divide is littered with multiple consciously catchy choruses. Everything Is Forgotten preserves that often talk about senses. Often do listen to them in order it makes it It always makes for better music If I were writing an album I’d be very Vagabon animate the tears of pondering. This madness is your ideas through music. But at the droning, calculated three chorders. Number 1 Angel doesn’t profess those distinctive, snappy psych- I’ll have an idea for a song in a visual more enjoyable. It has more of a  ow when you put yourself into it. It protective. I’m yet to write one and frustration through elemental re ected sonically in the form same time it’s a lot harder because Galway Girl, Happier and Dive a profounder signi cance or a rock textures that Methyl Ethel sense. So I’m imagining how it would to it. comes from a realer place. Especially so far, I’m still building up to that. All roars of guitar and incensed, gut of zany keys and bizarre gospel- all the sounds that are present in a – I’m looking at you. Sheeran’s false sense of wisdom. It’s pure, solidi ed so uniformly on their look if it were a lm or a video. I had on the more lyric based songs. You the best albums are one solid piece pounding percussion. Though, esque vocals. I’ve never felt as simpler composition are more on songcraft is as mind-numbingly unashamed, unadulterated debut. However, this time round, this visual idea of being underwater You’ve talked about singing on need to be able to connect with lyrics in itself almost like a novel is. It has that’s not to say there aren’t  ickers absurd as I did singing along to display. Each element becomes more mathematical as his choice of bubble-gum. they’re instilled with a  are of and jumping into water. I do often your own tracks being a very new when you’re singing them. Some of to tell a story. Whether that’s through of subtle, re ective calm. the chorus of A Fan’s Mail: “It’s cool important when things are simple album titles. SOPHIE and A.G. Cook are just a personality. think about music visually, it’s made thing to you, tell me more about my lyrics are quite vague, but they’re sound or words. I’d take a long time Whilst tracks like Shape Of You few of the diverse host of producers They’ve dabbled with astral Opener, The Embers, illustrates to be a cat/Meow, meow, meow.” that. still associated with my experiences. over an album. I wouldn’t be putting and Supermarket Flowers  aunt a which extricate XCX from synths. They’ve experimented this balance perfectly. A bare If it sounds disconcerting so far, SIMPLICITY WILL ALWAYS BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE I’ve always wanted to include my My songs aren’t confessional any old demos on it unless they’re fraction of the sluggish ambition mundanity. The instrumentation with more eclectic song structures. acoustic guitar simmers until Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell Williams WAY OF EXPRESSING YOUR IDEAS THROUGH voice. Or at least do some form of though. They’re cryptic. And I think good. that his listenership proclaim is is punchy, wraithlike, and, Now they must elongate their a thick, gritty barrage of noise and Wiz Khalifa all feature to music with my voice. I was never that suits the style. I use lyrics as MUSIC ever burgeoning, I’m yet to eat a sometimes, adorably cheesy. creative process to cut out trigger launches the chorus. bu er the lunacy of Thundercat’s sure if it was going to be for Bearcubs more of an instrument – a rhythmic slice of humble Pi. 9/10 – Frighteningly good for happy album releases. 8/10 – Timid. Angry. musical musings. because it’s a project which started device. I do try to give my songs a FULL INTERVIEW & AUDIO ON OUR Contemplative. This is an album 8/10 – Thundercat maintains There’s always a temptation when 4/10 – Pap coated in a counterfeit what Charli XCX has called a 7.5/10 – A collection of frolicking out of patterns and colours. out instrumentally. certain emotion but at the same time WEBSITE: for all moods. neo-soul’s much-welcomed you’ve got loads of ideas just to throw modesty. That or Ed is the richest mixtape. indie-rock bliss. Methyl Ethel can The opener, Burning Up, has a It all began with a track called I’m not going fully in. SEREN.BANGOR.AC.UK busker on the planet. only improve from here. groovy revival. them all in. You’ve got to break down similar vibe to Underwaterfall. I’ve Touch. I wanted it to have a vocal so your sound to its simplest form. 26 Seren | March Issue 2017 TV Words and Content by Jordan King CATCH PREVIEW: Doctor Who UP REVIEW

The Voice UK The Nightly Show he last month saw The Voice UK n an attempt to diversify and return to our screens under its Americanise British television yet new broadcaster, ITV. With Tom Ifurther, ITV have entreated us to a T new week-nightly show, aptly called Jones back in and superstar Jennifer Hudson joining the fray, the series The Nightly Show. I would like to fore- is worth a catch up on. Though the warn that though this is by and large format is dulling now and xing al- a review, it probably won’t just con- legations are ever-present, there is a cern the show itself. lot of genuine talent to hear and it’s a The rst week’s shows were fronted painless way to spend a few hours if by national treasure David Walliams, you’ve got the time. Catch up now on LOOK WHO’S BACK! the comic actor turned children’s au- thor, who appears to have used the ITV Player, new episodes on Saturday ho’s that lurking just ing casual clothes, and y’know, be- about the end of the world as we show as a springboard to show he nights at 8:30pm with results on Sun- around the corner? No, ing called Bill. Mackie has described know it. Also Daleks are inbound and can still do the rude banter he regu- days at 7:45pm not exams, and not the the character as ‘cool, strong, sharp’ The Ice Warriors, who used to scare W larly produced on sketch show Little next of the seemingly never end- and ‘a little bit vulnerable’, and it’ll the bejeezus out of me, are making Britain (a show which was referenced ing deadlines. It’s only BBC stal- be exciting to see how she lls the their return too. Time to reacquaint by catchphrases at least twice a night wart and sci- juggernaut Doctor Clara shaped hole in Whovian hearts. yourself with the back of the sofa! and probably shifted a few DVDs on Who! Taking a step back into the Also, a familiar face is returning in the Sadly however, with all the new and Amazon too). TARDIS for one last series, usher- shape of Matt Lucas’ Nardole, hope- returning faces, this is to be Peter Ca- There were gay jokes at Simon ing out the old and heralding in the fully continuing to put smiles on our paldi’s last series on Doctor Who, and Cowell’s expense and politely cheeky new, is Peter Capaldi’s incarnation faces with his comic talent and devel- I for one want to go out on a limb and humour throughout the show, but of the iconic timelord. All change oping a deeper purpose in the series say that he has been simply incred- the problem is that it simply doesn’t at the helm with new showrunner moreso. ible. His manner evoked the early re- have the pulling power of its Ameri- Chris Chibnall making his debut Now for every good guy, Who ne- generations, Hartnell, Troughton and can inspirators. They get Fallon talk- with Series 10, and how time has cessitates villains, and the foes re- co, and his wit and energy more than ing to Johnny Depp, Beyonce, Sam-  own by since Christopher Eccles- vealed so far are of the very highest matched the excellency of David Secret Life Of The Zoo uel L. Jackson and any star they so ton stepped out of the big blue caliber. Michelle Gomez’ nutty Missy Tennant and Matt Smith. He has typi- f, like me, you are a bit of an arm- desire, whereas we get Martin Clunes box in his leather jacket and took has been con rmed as returning ed all that is great about the show chair Attenborough, then you’ll be and Meera Syal. Admittedly a bit of on extraterrestrial baddies with alongside the Cybermen, although and his performances in Heaven pleased to know that Secret Life British loyalty is great, but it makes I Rose Tyler. So what’s new, what’s they’ll be turning up in a way we Sent and Hell Bent last series weren’t Of The Zoo returned this month for for dull viewing against the retina- returning, and what could be com- haven’t seen them since the origi- just stand out Who episodes, they its third series. Chester Zoo’s doors burning bright set, and it feels a lit- ing in the latest series of Doctor nal series in the 60s. The Mondasian reached the heights of the cinematic have once again been opened for tle unnecessary; we have daytime TV Who? Let’s have a gander, shall we? Cybermen, hailing from the planet stylings and intensity of the likes of the keepers and the animals they for second-rate celeb interviews and For starters, Pearl Mackie will be Mondas, a twin of Earth, are retro Breaking Bad and WestWorld - truly tend to on a daily basis to entertain, Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton making her debut as new assistant Who at its spine-chilling nest, and they did. I can only hope this series emotionally toy with, and educate have big names covered. Bill, with teaser trailers pointing to- as they’ll be appearing as part of gives Capaldi the send-o he de- us. From bears to baby gira es, and Now as an alternative to watching wards a more fresh and modern the nale, I think it’s safe to presume serves, as he has been a delight and a otters to okapis, there’s something the news at 10pm and getting wor- companion, having bants and wear- Missy has yet another plan to bring privilege to watch. for everyone and I thoroughly rec- ried about humanity, I’m all for a lit- ommend catching up with this one. tle light relief, but with a half an hour Catch up now on All4, new episodes slot that roughly equates to 24 min- Tuesdays at 8pm. One To Watch utes after adverts, the idea seems as half-baked as the majority of my rst semester attempts at cooking. John Bishop’s week saw a slight improve- ment with Pamela Anderson and Tony Bellew amongst others on the sofa, but with the knowledge that Bishop already had his own talk show on BBC1 not that long ago, I couldn’t help but feel that there was no unique selling point - no Carpool Ka- raoke, no Wheel of Impressions, and Taboo no Mean Tweets other than those di- rected at the show itself. f you’re in need of a more dramatic COME INSIDE NO.9 In ITV’s attempt to emulate the American platform, they seem to x for your procrastinating hours, rom the genius and warped Gentleman and Psychoville. laughter and shock that makes Inside have missed the point a little, the Ilook no further than the stunning minds of messrs Shearsmith Now in its third series, the series has No. 9 one of the most bold and capti- best of British is simply not on the BBC series, Taboo. Starring Tom Hardy and Pemberton, BBC welcomes really broken the curse of declina- vating comedy series of recent times. as the slightly unhinged and wrongly F level of America for this kind of show. us back Inside No. 9 this month for tion when comedies go past the rst With the settling of the bill at the Put it on at 5pm instead of another thought dead James Delaney, this another six episodes of darkly comic two series - there’s a reason Gervais’ heart of episode one, a creepy story rehash of old arcade games with series has atmosphere and action, tales. The O ce ran for two series and the centred on a cryptic crossword in the tense music, give us 45 minutes, and style and - more importantly - sub- The show’s format, an anthology American equivalent began to burn second, and the world’s worst disco you’ll have my attention. Again, as I stance, and stands as a testament to series in the vein of Tales Of The Un- itself out by the time it nished for in the third, I can’t wait for what’s to have mentioned in a review before, the talent of director Ridley Scott and expected or The Twilight Zone, or example. There has been three epi- come. With three episodes left, and style over substance is a huge issue the intensity of Tom Hardy who is on Jackanory after dark to be more ex- sodes (well four technically, by the a fourth series commissioned, this plaguing modern British TV. This absolute top form. As the presumed act, takes us behind the doors of a time we go to print) so far this time looks set to become a classic in years programme is not o ensively bad, dead son of a wealthy father returns di erent ‘No. 9’ each week, where the around, and the originality and intel- to come. So get on board and claim or even not good, it’s just passive home upon his death, many secrets seemingly normal becomes bizarre ligence that characterised the last your place amongst mates to say ‘I consumption that could have been are unearthed and a dark web of con- and the bizarre becomes the norm two series is here again in full force. got you into that’, Catch up on iPlayer so much more with a little more tacts and conceits is unravelled with for fans who have grown accus- It is the ability to divine the dark now with new episodes on BBC2 Tues- thought and slightly higher aims. lethal consequence. Catch up now on tomed to the stylings of the writing and unnerving from the otherwise days, 10pm. BBC iPlayer. duo’s previous series - The League of trivial, and to push the limits of March Issue 2017 | Seren 27 TV

RND IN Top 3 RND NUMBERS Sketches ow my trade here is TV, but 1) Smithy To The Rescue this is not to say that I’m Naverse to using my precious pages to o er some high quality information to Joe public. Comic Relief and Red Nose Day have achieved a heck of a lot in their illustrious history, and here is a chance for myself to shine a light on the cause’s vital statistics whilst destroying the traditional format This sketch for Comic Relief 2011 of a newspaper and my very own starred Gavin & Stacey’s Smithy in page. ENJOY! an inspired bid to save Comic Relief and decide which of a smorgasbord of celebrities deserved to head to Africa for the campaign trail. Beginning with the world’s rst 29 Carpool Karaoke with the late, great Years since Red Nose Day George Michael, and featuring  rst took place, but it is in celebrities like Sir Paul McCartney, fact 32 years this year since Keira Knightley, Justin Bieber and Comic Relief was founded in Gordon Brown, the sketch sees 1985. some of the most well known faces of our time parody themselves, led COMIC RELIEF 2017! along by the inspired notion of Smithy directing proceedings. A his month sees everybody’s for; no o ence if I have triggered Norton and a ludicrously long red must see that drew a huge buzz for favourite charity telethon any impediment su erers. Fledg- sofa full of stars to look forward to, the cause. Tmake its way on to our ling national treasure Miranda Hart and the return of Mrs Brown’s Boys, screens. Comic Relief, as my nifty shall also be on hand to give us a not even to mention Stephen Hawk- 2) Tennant vs Tate little infographic to your left will new face, and returning from a long ing getting involved in the Beeb 2015 tell you, is now in its 29th year, hiatus shall be the delightful Dawn described ‘raucous horseplay’ of the and not only can we applaud the French and Jennifer Saunders. night. It looks set to be one of the The year that the total generosity and support of the na- But the question is, what are they best shows yet! raised by Comic Relief and tion who help the cause year upon going to present us with? What, a Make Your Funny Matter Red Nose Day hit £1 billion! year, but the spectacular televi- new heading is coming... This is the tagline for this year’s sion it provides us with too. This Sketches and Specials fundraiser, and a chance for myself year we’re in for a treat, and here The most highly anticipated spe- to implore any reader of this page are just some of the highlights and cial this year is undoubtedly Comic to get involved and, even if it’s just tidbits of info you’ll want before Relief Actually, director Richard a quid you would have spent on 2007, back when David Tennant the 24th March rolls around. Curtis’ mini-successor to British cheap shots, make a small donation was The Doctor and people still Presenters classic romcom Love Actually. The that will contribute to big change. watched Catherine Tate’s sketch As is always the case, a plethora special will see us catch up with the I’m broke but I’ll be giving what I show, Comic Relief saw two worlds of British icons shall be presenting characters’ lives now, and it should can, and not only do you get the collide in a truly memorable sketch. £104,436,278 Comic Relief 2017, with the legend be a cracker. reward of a ruddy good bit of TV Chavvy student Lauren Cooper, a that is Sir Lenny Henry kicking o Elsewhere we can expect to be en- to watch, you make the world just standout character in Tate’s series, The record amount raised proceedings as is only tting for the treated to the underrated genius of a tiny bit better for someone who has a new teacher for her English in one campaign, this stag- most loyal ambassador of the cause. Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer’s ‘The needs it. class; handily it turns out her teacher gering amount was raised in Jonathan Ross will be popping up as Stotts’, a new sketch based on the Comic Relief 2017 is on BBC1, 7pm, also happens to be a timelord. As 2011 and stands to this date is now the norm, ‘wawing to go and characters from their show Reeves 24th March. Text LOL to 70703 to give the pair spar over grammar and as the most raised by the weally’ give us something to laugh & Mortimer. Also we’ll have Graham £3. Tennant’s accent, the hilarity ramps charity in a year. up as Tennant’s teacher loses his cool and the Who references build to a truly memorable climax. Little did we know this was to be just a teaser of the fact the two would end up sharing a Tardis just a few years later! 40 3) Depp Meets Dibley Unique iterations of the infamous red nose, of which my personal favour- ite was 2003s, where you got yourself a nifty bit of hair gel for the  u y little fella (grow up!).

Although the Vicar of Dibley is sadly most often seen in the OVER TO YOU! graveyard of comedy greats that s you may well be aware, we page (and a sneaky chance to gage before and pose a big question, a is GOLD, 1999’s Comic Relief are approaching the  nal readership in the process). I’m not real brain boggler, about televi- treated audiences to a special 17,000+ of the show in its prime. Guest Afew weeks of the academic getting lazy don’t worry, no 3,000 sion. Something broad, general, Projects funded by Comic year, and whether it’s the end of a word submissions required, I sim- pertinent, pressing to you. Give starring Hollywood heartthrob Relief globally, educating,  rst like myself, or the  nal count- ply aim to challenge myself in the me a topic and I shall select one to Johnny Depp, the special not only protecting, and revitalis- down for you lucky folk ready to interim whilst I procrastinate away cover this very page with next is- was a comic masterclass, it was a ing the societies who need enter the free world, there’s time time I should be spending prep- sue. statement of the momentum the help the most, giving them for one last issue of SEREN before ping for my exams and assign- Email elu8 @bangor.ac.uk with charity had built up and its pulling a chance to forge a better we go. ments. your suggestions, and should this power This move set a precedent future With that being said, I feel there So here’s the shtick. I would like prove fruitless, I shall merely write for huge names lending a hand to is a great opportunity for a little you, whoever you may be, to bold- about something and say you told raise money, and we may just be community participation in the ly go where no student has gone me to! See you in May, Jordan. seeing more of French this RND! 28 Seren | March Issue 2017 FILM Film News in Brief Speilberg and Hanks Reunite It has been recently announced that Spielberg and Hanks are to work together again on a new project since Bridge of Spies, and to make matters even better, Meryl Streep will also be starring. The lm has been given the title ‘The Post’ and is based on a true story of politicians vs publishers during Nixon’s presidency. Hanks is set to play Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee and Streep is playing one of the publishers Kay Graham. This will mark Hanks fth lm with Spielberg, including Saving Private Ryan and Catch Me if you Can, whilst Streep and Spielberg have worked once be- fore on A.I. Though all-star line- ups don’t always guarantee criti- cal praise and success, you have to admit that the idea of these three cinema royalties teaming up does sound exciting. Kong: Skull Is- Logan Movie Review eventeen years after his rst ing with his healing abilities slowly also undoubtedly the most violent of well as the antagonists Zander Rice land takes over appearance as the fan favour- depleting) to protect and look after all the X-men lms and most super- and Donald Pierce respectfully, their Site comic book hero Wolverine, Professor X who is su ering with Alz- hero lms for that matter, even from characters themselves were quite B o x O  c e Hugh Jackman graced the big screen heimer’s whilst also being chau eur. the very rst scene, yet also the most forgettable, which is my only criti- once again in what is to be his nal Logan then comes across a woman sentimental because of its sad and cism of an otherwise perfect lm. After the massive success of Logan lm as the clawed hero, and what who asks him to drive her across the poignant ending. Despite originally stating that he last week, which topped the US box a lm it was. Right from the get go Canadian border with a young girl Along with Hugh Jackman, Patrick wouldn’t return as Wolverine, Jack- o ce, it was stomped of the top you knew this was going to be Jack- called Laura, but after an altercation Stewart was also phenomenal as Pro- man has since the lm’s release ex- spot by Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ Kong: man’s nest performance, giving his Logan is forced to protect the girl fessor X, which alike Jackman seems pressed a desire to work with Ryan Skull Island. The lm grossed $61 every last breath to leave the fans from a sinister corporation who are to be his nal lm in the role. Dafne Reynolds in a Wolverine and Dead- million in just the US box o ce alone with what is arguably the best X-Men after her DNA, which connects her to Keen also held her own amongst pool crossover movie, which I’m ($40-$50 million in just the opening movie to date, besides Deadpool. Wolverine. these two stellar actors through the sure many people, along with myself weekend) and $142.6 million world- The lm is set 12 years in the future, Logan cleverly mixes the thrilling lm, who I will look forward to see- would love to see. wide. The lm beats Peter Jackson’s in a time where the mutant popu- and non-stop action genre with oth- ing more of in future X-Men lms, An absolutely superb lm that I King Kong from 2005, which grossed lation has declined dramatically, er genres, such as Road drama with which director James Mangold has would recommend to anyone, not $51 million, though it doesn’t beat leading to the X-Men disbanding family themes, which is new and dif- teased. Whilst other actors Richard E just Marvel fans. 2014’s Godzilla, which received $91 and thus forcing Logan (who is ag- ferent for a superhero lm. This lm is Grant and Boyd Holbrook performed million. As a result of Kong’s success Logan dropped to second place. Other lms in the top ten include REVIEW the new and exciting horror thriller Get Out, The Lego Batman Movie and the Oscar nominated Hidden Figures. John Wick Chapter Two fell down to eighth place, whilst La La Land and Fifty Shades Darker sit in ninth and tenth place respectively. John Goodman Earns Star on Walk of Fame On 10th March 2017, the 64-year-old John Goodman re- ceived his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, just in time for the release of his new lm Kong: Skull Island. Goodman, who has appeared in over 70 lms, was joined by Kong co-stars Brie Larson and Tom Hiddleston, as Lego Batman Movie Review well as Big Lebowski co-star Je ollowing on from the largely also learning how to be part of a fam- perfect for pretty much everyone, it was never going to be), the lm did Bridges, who revived The Dude successful Lego Movie three ily again as he brings up the young Batman fans especially, with its many provide much enjoyment and, weird- during the event. With it just hav- years ago, the Lego Batman orphan Dick Grayson. references to the comics and all the ly to say, it’s probably the best DC ing been International Woman’s F Movie proved just as fun, impressive As well as The Lego Movie, this previous lms, all the way back to the comics lm to come out in the past 5 day, Goodman took the time to and exciting as its predecessor. Will lm is brilliantly animated through Adam West TV series of Batman. years or so, including Batman Vs Su- thank all the women in his life, his Arnett returns as the caped crusader stop motion as it maintains a de- The lm did also try to give the au- perman and Suicide Squad. Maybe mother who raised him alone, his along with many other major stars, cent amount of action and humour dience a catchy new song - ‘Friends Zack Snyder will have to take some wife Anna and daughter Molly. including Ralph Fiennes, Michael throughout. There were even mo- Are The Family You Choose’ - to stick inspiration from here before the re- Goodman earned multiple Gold- Cera, Rosario Dawson and so many ments of emotion as it goes deep in their heads long after the lm had lease of Justice League as well as Ben en Globe nominations and even others where Batman is tasked with into the character of Bruce Wayne/ nished, just like ‘Everything is Awe- A eck before his solo Batman lm. one win within his career, making saving Gotham City from every vil- Batman whilst also exploring the some’ did, but for me I forgot it by the I’d see this lm again, that’s for sure. him de nitely worthy of his Hol- lain he has ever faced (and I mean relationship he has with The Joker time I left the cinema. lywood star. every), plus some new ones whilst in an emotional yet comical way. It’s Though not as good as the rst (but March Issue 2017 | Seren 29 FILM REVIEW Films to look out for Moonlight Review Life

Life stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Deadpool’s very own Ryan Reyn- olds as part of a crew tasked with studying a sample from a space probe they found escaping Mars, which proves there to be extra- terrestrial life. The plan however back res and soon the crew a left ghting for their lives. Similar to that of Alien and Sunshine, this Sci-Fi horror looks like one to look out for. Free Fire best adapted screenplay Oscar win, and immersive performance in short camera work both being beautiful By JOE CAINE having been based on a play by Tarell time. I would have liked to have seen and making you part of the charac- Alvin McCraney. What also pleased more of his character. Acting praise ter’s lives, such as in the rst act when ultiple Oscar wins including me about this lm was its structure should also go to Naomi Harris who Juan (Mahershala Ali) is teaching Best Picture say it all really, as it was split into three acts, the rst remained impactful throughout all young Chiron how to swim. Man enjoyable piece of cin- being Chiron as a kid, the second a three acts as Chiron’s mother and Whilst this lm was enjoyable and ema that’s tells the story of a young teenager and the nal an adult. Each got an Oscar nomination as a result. worthy of a nomination for best pic- black boy Chiron through to adult- act was brilliant, but for me the rst Special praise should however go to ture and it more than deserved it, I hood who comes to terms with his two were by far the strongest when the three di erent Chirons who were did prefer lms like La La Land and true identity whilst living and grow- compared to the nal, which let its all as great as each other. Even the Manchester by the Sea, which were ing up in a rough neighbourhood in self-down right at the end. The rst little things impressed me, such as more enjoyable cinema experiences. Miami. act was led impressively by Maher- how well they mirrored each other, Overall, I’d de nitely watch the lm For a 2-hour long lm Moonlight shala Ali who received the best sup- adopting the same mannerisms to again but I’m not sure if I’d rush to do  ew by. There was never a moment porting actor Oscar, and was the make the audience truly believe that so. The acting was terri c and Barry where I felt it needed to speed up as rst Muslim to do so. He was unfor- they’re all playing the same person Jenkins did such a great job as both From the genius that is director I became immersed in the life of Chi- tunately only in the rst act, which but at di erent stages of their life. director and writer. Is it worth the Ben Wheatley (High Rise), this ac- ron, which just highlights how great emphasises how great he was, that Even from a technical stand point hype? I’d say yes but I can understand tion comedy is set in the 1970s in the script was and deserving of its he was able pull o such a powerful Moonlight was remarkable, with the if people would disagree. an abandoned warehouse where a meeting between two rival gangs spirals out of control. The lms has a stellar cast including Cillian Murphy and Oscar win- Academy Awards Round Up ner Brie Larson. The lm was very well received when it was shon he 26th February saw all of Hol- Adapted Screenplay and Manches- on the nal night of the London lywood’s nest gather to see ter by the Sea winning Best Original Film Festival. Twhich stars won what award Screenplay, both deservingly so. in their respective categories. The Other major category wins include Ghost in the most prestigious award Best Picture Zootopia winning Best Animated went to Moonlight in controversial lm amongst some hard competition Shell fashion as it was originally mistaken in Kubo and the Two Strings as well to be La La Land. Honestly, I thought as Moana. La La Land received the La La Land was a much better lm most Oscars as they also won Best but Moonlight was certainly deserv- Cinematography and Best Produc- ing. La La Land’s Damien Chazelle tion Design as well as Best Original became the youngest person to win Score and Best Song ‘City of Stars’. the best director Oscar at the age of Other big name lms didn’t go just 32. The acting Oscars were quite home empty handed too, with Hack- predictable but more than deserv- saw Ridge receiving Best Editing and ing. Casey A eck won best leading Arrival winning Best Sound Editing. actor for his real and stunning per- One other major debate sparked formance in Manchester by the Sea, during the evening was Suicide whilst Emma Stone won for her role Squad, one of the worst received in La La Land. The Supporting Actor lms of the year winning an Acad- Oscar went to Moonlight’s Maher- emy Award for Best Make Up, which An American Live action remake shala Ali, which I thought could have proved strange because it both be- of the Animated 1995 Japanese ver- easily gone to anyone nominated in ing critically panned and other lms sion, this lm stars the very talented this category, but Ali was the clear nominated such as Star Trek Beyond Scarlett Johansson as a cyborg po- favourite, while Viola Davis won the deserved it more. lice o cer known as The Major, who Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her The 89th Academy Awards proved along with her task force set out to performance in Fences after three to be a very interesting and enter- take down a hacker who is trying previous nominations, becoming the taining event, with a mix of rst time to interfere with the A.I Technology. rst black actress to win the triple winners, new records and talking From director Rupert Sanders and crown, an Oscar, Emmy and Tony. points. the writer of The Ring (2002) Ehren Moonlight also won the Best Kruger. April Issue 2016 | Seren 30 PRESENTS

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n Wednesday 8th March, this author went through is some- could comprehend,the raw emotions globe for shutting down misogyny found that 4 Beatrix Potter books are timelines and newsfeeds thing quite inspiring. Writing at a behind her writing provides you with and campaigning for the rights of sold every minute, showing the true Owere lled with empower- time where patriarchy was certainly inspiration that stays with you for women in all aspects of life. How legacy that this inspirational woman ing stu from women all around the in full force, against the norms and an age. “And still I rise” is one of my could I not mention J.K rowling here? has left behind. Arguably, another world! In light of this, some of the conventions of Regency Era society favourite poetry collections.Speci - Beatrix Potter milestone in her life has to be be- most powerful and inspiring writers, takes a lot of courage. Austen cally the poem “still I rise” uses writ- The multi- talented author and illus- coming the rst female president of past and present have been women. also wrote under a pseudonym, ing as a form of liberation to escape trator, provided us with some of the the Herdwick Sheep Breader’s asso- However, the struggles they had to or just published anonymously al- physical and mental oppression. most beautifully produced children’s ciation; so clearly she also took the go through demonstrate just how together, because Regency Society J.K. Rowling books that have been present in the agricultural world by storm too. sassy us women are! was just not overly fond of intelligent If you don’t follow the bae that is J.K childhoods of many. The simple sto- There are so many inspirational Jane Austen women writing some of the best lit- on twitter, you need to get on it. The ries give animals anthropomorphic female writers that I could mention It would be wrong to include a post erature of all time witty comebacks to Donald Trump, qualities that really allow you to get here, after all, in some way or anoth- without mentioning the woman who Maya Angelou the inspiration to women, and just to enter the stories from a personal er, the purpose of literature is to in- fuelled most of our GCSE English Now, where can I even begin with general badass attitude means that perspective; they help to expand spire the minds of generations, past Literature courses, Jane Austen. We Maya Angelou? Poet, author and yes, I am talking about J.K. for the your imagination. The most famous and present. have all been introduced to the clas- Civil Rights ctivist; Maya Angelou will second time in a year. Not only has story arguably is “The Tale of Peter sics such as Pride and Prejudice, at always be one of my favourite writ- she become one of the most- loved Rabbit”, and this heartwarming tale some point in our lives. ers of all time.Writing about some of authors of all time, she has become is one that will last with you for years However, the determination that the most di cult topics any author an inspiration to women all over the to come. Even today, it has been

Classics Corner: Wise Grace, Tamar and Children Laszlo the Beauti- by FRANCESCA SCIARRILLO ture and Drama. Therefore, I believe in the Early Modern period but is in- ise Children is centred upon that Carter is able to utilise Shake- stead accessible today for everyone. the lives of the Chance twins speare This, in my opinion, is just as Litera- ful named Nora and Dora and for her own purpose- to create a ture should be-accessible to all. This W by ELEANOR KIRK unsure of quite how to react. Set in story all about Shakespeare’s in u- is one of the many reasons for as to the narration is from the viewpoint Wales and with few male characters, of Dora. Themes of family, sexuality, ence and impact many generations why I believe this novel should be n this collection of short stories, after his death. The novebrings categorised as a classic. Deborah Kay Davies has succeed- Grace, Tamar and Laszlo the Beautiful theatre, death and aging encapsulate provides a peculiar, rarely seen side this novel, which begins with Dora Shakespeare into contemporary so- Ied in creating the most fragment- ciety, as all of ed of storylines. Whilst all the stories of literature. With hints to mental ill- and Nora’s seventy- fth birthday. As ness, sex, abuse and love, this collec- the story is similar to a memoir, Cart- the characters either perform as contain the same characters and are Shakespearian characters or direct in chronological order, the detached, tion truly challenges its reader with er captures that stereotypical and its enthralling manner and style. lovable honesty that Dora produces Shakespearian productions, whether What a joy almost jumpy manner in which she in her old age. The story traces the it be plays or lm. It soon becomes has pieced the works together leave memories and experiences of Dora very apparent that the reader cannot it is to dance the reader with a sense of unease, as and by extension Nora, in addition escape Shakespeare in this novel, and sing though we are being isolated and to their eccentric and theatrical fam- as on almost every page there is a left out of a secret. Following two ily. Crucially, the novel’s plot focuses reference to him, whether sisters through their birth, romances on the Chance family’s relationship it be, “Tempests of applause” or a and life struggles, Davies has created to theatre and more speci cally to memory of Dora’s grandmother, “in a piece of literature which is impos- Shakespeare. drag, famously as Hamlet”. Through sible to put down. The emotions Undoubtedly, whenever the name her playful and witty use of collo- produced by the stories are power- ‘Shakespeare’ crops up, you cannot quial language, Carter demonstrates ful and yet, they leave the reader help but think about classic Litera- that Shakespeare should not be left 32 Seren | March Issue 2017 GAMES  e Brave Little Switch: Nintendo Switch Review

lets, has its own stand for playing on A useful feature to the Nintendo eration of Nintendo consoles, like being nine games. The most promi- a surface. This is great for transport- Switch is the game that you’re play- the NES (or it’s classic remake) or nent, and well praised is The Legend REVIEW ing the switch from place to place – if ing can be projected onto a TV GameCube. Nintendo says it does of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Another you like to game on the go. Unfor- screen, using the docking cradle and intend to use other features, like notable game is Shovel Knight: Treas- Developers: Nintendo tunately, the screen’s small size can a HDMI cable. This is good, because it video on demand services, on the ure Trove – a collection of all the cur- make playing games this way di - can help to have a larger screen with console later this year, but have set rent Shovel Knight games. Despite Release Date: 3rd Mar 2017 cult, especially if you’re playing, while multiplayer games. It’s also ideal if no release date. Another service the this none of the other games seem to sitting on the  oor, or on any surface you want to try using the Switch as console lacks is an internet browser. be interesting or capable of bringing Multiplayer: Yes that’s much lower than your line of a home console, rather than just a There will also be a Nintendo Online the Switch a decent fanbase. sight. Furthermore, you can’t use the handheld. However, as mentioned service, which will be a paid experi- All in all, the Nintendo Switch feels stand while your Switch is charging, above, the docking cradle can scratch ence, similar Xbox Live Gold or PSN, like a console that has a lot of poten- he Nintendo Switch is a conun- and the console tends to warm up the Switch screen. Another issue with and will be released later this year. tial. If some adjustment were made, drum; it feels like both a step when playing high demand games. playing the console like this, is some- This service will allow for online mul- and more noteworthy content was Tforward for Nintendo, and a The most con icting and possibly times there’s a lag between control- tiplayer, chat and allow members released, it could be what brings Nin- step backwards. On one hand, using revealing, features to the Switch are ler commands and actions onscreen. to play a selection of classic games tendo back on form with consoles. only one screen at a time has made the Joycon controllers. The two con- The Nintendo Switch, from a soft- each month. While it’s refreshing to Currently, however, it isn’t quite playing games more streamlined. trollers can be used in multiple ways; ware perspective, seems to only have have a console with more of a focus there, and feels un nished, and the Whereas the console itself feels like they can be slotted onto the side of the bare minimum of what a mod- on gaming, the lack of features with available content feels weak. the bare minimum a console should the screen, used separately for multi- ern gaming console usually has. At the console does make it seem bare, As of writing this, the console has be these days, harkening back to player, slot into a control-style charg- launch, you can only use the console and a little bit un nished. sold out on Amazon and in GAME the Gamecube or NES Systems. That, ing grip, and can be used together to play and buy games. This makes At launch, there isn’t a wide vari- stores across the UK. however, doesn’t necessarily make it but in each hand, separately. The the console similar to the older gen- ety of games, with the current total a terrible console. most comfortable way to play is with The console was released on Friday the controllers slotted either side of 3rd March, and has since sold out the screen, as a handheld device. across the UK. Nintendo describes This comfort implies that the Switch the console as a hybrid. The Switch was originally meant to be a hand- can be played on the TV, via a dock- held device, rather than a hybrid ing station, and on a LCD tablet-like console. Using the controllers sepa- touchscreen, thus it can be used as a rately for multiplayer is possibly the handheld or home console. The Joy- most uncomfortable, as the Joycon con controllers, are also adaptable, as controllers are used sideways, and they can be used separately for mul- don’t quite t into the hands that are tiplayer games, or used together for much larger than a child’s. Using the single player games. Joycon controllers as one controller The Switch is a visually pleasing in di erent hands is less uncomfort- console. Both the grey and neon able, but it makes playing games feel variations have a minimalistic de- disjointed and awkward. The Charg- sign. For the most part it’s a very du- ing Controller also has issues, as rable console, with the shell material there doesn’t seem to be anywhere seems tough. That said, the screen to grip the controller, and your hands is fragile. Already, people have com- feel cramped under the controller plained that scratches are appearing itself. It also tends to make the Joy- on the screen after simply putting con controllers less responsive, and the Switch in its home console cra- sometimes things continue to move dle. The screen is the size of a small on screen, long after you nished us- tablet, but unlike most normal tab- ing the controller. March Issue 2017 | Seren 33 GAMES This Month in Games. Game BAFTA Nominees Announced By LAURA ASPIN For Best Performer the nominees are: Alex Hernadez for Lincoln Clay, he nominees for the Bafta Game in Ma a 3, Cissy Jones as Delilah in Awards have been announced, Firewatch, Navid Negaban as ‘Hajj Tand Uncharted 4 leads with Agha’ in 1979 Revolution: Black Fri- eight nominations, including: Best day, Emily Rose, Nolan North and Game, Music, Narrative and three ac- Troy Baker, as Elena Fisher, Nathan tors in the Best Performer category. Drake and Sam Drake respectively. Coming in at a close second, is Inside The nominees for Gaming Design with seven nominations, including: are: Battle eld 1, Dishonered 2, In- Best Game, Game Design and Nar- side, Overwatch, Titanfall 2 and The rative. Witness. All in all, there were fty games Those who have been nominted nominated for the awards, from sim- for Best British Game are: Batman: ple puzzle games and side-scrollers Arkham VR, Forza Horizon 3, No to blockbuster action games and VR Man’s Sky, Overcooked, Planet Coast- headset games. er and Virginia. The other nominees for the Best Finally, the nominees for Multiplay- Game award are: Firewatch, Over- er are: Battle eld 1, Forza Horizon 3, watch, Stardew Valley and Titanfall 2. Overcooked, Overwatch, Titanfall 2 Also, the nominees for BAFTA Ones and Tom Clancy’s The Division. to Watch are: Among the Stones, Pentagrab and Rebound.

generated games being developed Hello Labs by indie game developers with one New Developments from Hello Games By LAURA ASPIN such project currently in develop- ment, but no other details have come t 2017 Game Developers Con- to light. Sean Murray explained that ference, the head of Hello when the funding was set up, they AGames, Sean Murray, an- didn’t want to see new video game nounced that an initiative called developers fall into the same traps Hello Labs has been set up. It will that he did when he started working help and partially fund procedurally on developing games. No Man’s Sky: Path nder Update ecently, Hello Games released readjust them. And a new di culty a large update, called Path nd- mode, called permadeath, whereby Rer Update, for their game No upon dying in game, your save data Man’s Sky. It included, amongst oth- is wiped and you have to start over er things, several new vehicles that from scratch. As well, they have add- allow you to get from place to place ed graphical improvements, the abil- on your home planet much quicker ity to rename your spaceships and than before. Also, a photo mode weapons, new base building equip- that allows you to take images and ment and a new trading system. A New Breath of Life from Nintendo. reath of the Wild is the long health. A useful addition is the Shei- – who is still mute. Developers: Nintendo EPD Genre: Action Role-Playing awaited rst, open world Leg- kah slate, which acts like a map and Breath of the Wild is a very fun Bend of Zelda Game. You play as helps Link to unlock runes. These game, with engaging gameplay. Release Date: 3rd March 2017 Multiplayer: No Link, who is su ering from amnesia runes give the player powers, like While the story is formulaic, there are and has been resurrected one hun- magnetism, bombs and stopping enough things to do to keep you in- Platforms: Switch, Wii U Age Rating: 12 dred years after Hyrule fell to Calami- time, which are quite useful for ex- vested in the world of Hyrule. ty Ganon. Link must discover his past, ploring the landscape and ghting and save Hyrule. To do so, Link needs enemies. An irritating change, how- REVIEW to rescue four gigantic divine beasts, ever, is that weapons and shields save Princess Zelda and bring peace often break often, and so, you can’t once again to the kingdom. Whilst become attached to any weapon. the main plot is enjoyable, it still ts It’s especially annoying at the begin- into the typical formula of a Legend ning, when you don’t have a large of Zelda games. However, BotW has weapon inventory and there isn’t va- many interesting characters and side riety of good weapons. quests to keep you engaged, if you The visuals are stunning and the get bored of the main plot. animation feels as if it’s hand drawn, The open world feels like the next reminiscent to the art style of No logical step for a Zelda game. In this Man’s Sky. Breath of the Wild is a regard, the game can be compared colourful game and not too vibrant. to others like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim, However, there are darker sections of as it’s easy to get distracted with side the game, but they’re noticeable be- quests, hunting or exploring the land cause of the contrast with the usual of Hyrule. This can lead to some inter- bright colours. esting discoveries and truly immerse The music to Breath of the Wild is the player. wide ranging in tone, certain pieces Another new feature are the make you feel ready to go on an ad- Shrines, mini puzzle dungeons, the venture, while other pieces are calm- answers of which can seem either ing. Beyond this, however, it isn’t as too vague or obvious. Completing a memorable as other scores from Nin- shrine gives Link an orb, four of these tendo games. The games cut scenes can be traded for extra stamina or has a full voice cast, except for Link 34 Seren | March Issue 2017 GADGETS RISE OF THE ROBOTS

Ive Got a Brand New Combine Harvester...and You Dont Need a Key

Meet the "Autonomous Concept litigation issues. Matt Nielsen, market- Vehicle" the self-driving tractor set to ing director at Autonomous Solutions bring farming into the 21st century said that the new driverless design and beyond. It was developed by agri- will "deal with problems facing farm- cultural equipment manufacturer Case ers today such as the struggle to  nd IH in partnership with driverless tech skilled labour amidst an ever growing company Autonomous Solutions Inc. demand for produce." At 419bhp it’s a and was unveiled recently at a show in pretty gutsy solution to that problem Iowa USA. Although at the moment it too. is not available commercially due to Carry On Camping

BY JACK CARRBRICKLES of solving basic programming chal- chip.  ey recently unveiled the prod- lenges.  e system works by using a uct of their toil when they unleashed hilst perusing the media technique called program synthesis. ‘Handle’- their 6 and a half foot tall, for news articles and tech- By si ing through existing so ware bipedal nightmare on wheels which nological advancements I and extracting code DeepCoder is can travel at 9mph, jump 4 feet into deemedW to be worthy of your attention able to discern which pieces of code the air, traverse uneven ground and I came across a seemingly innocuous it needed whilst throwing away those go down stairs, but don’t worry if it article which noted that the machines that didn’t, enabling it to achieve the does because it can’t get back up them have now learnt to write their own desired outcome. What makes the ... yet. It is also incapable of opening code. program particularly impressive, or doors, so until someone brave (or Whilst reading I couldn’t help but scary, depending which side of the stupid) enough implants DeepCoder Introducing the Kolon Sport 'smart' not speakers, but are designed with feel that future generations might look fence you sit on, is that the program intelligence into one of these brushed- tent which employs the Solar-Air sound in mind.  ey funnel the back from their dystopian future and is able to learn what works and what aluminium job thieves and they work Tube system.  is enables it to gener- noises of nature into the tent, from cringe as they wonder how we were doesn’t, which improves its technique out how to operate the intricate hinge ate electricity from sunlight and also the majestic hoot of the owl to the unable to see the obvious threat that with each new problem it was able to system that our humanoid doors so creates a  ow of air through the tent. staggering drunken fellow in the tent these advancements posed, before be- solve successfully.  is is all well and thoughtlessly employ, were safe. Hmm.  ose circular features on top are next door. ing ushered back to serving their robot good whilst the robotic ‘intelligence’ I think my scepticism can be summed overlords. I am of course talking about is safely contained within the con nes up rather nicely by the iRobot quote the program known as DeepCoder; of a small silicone chip, however the “does thinking you’re the last sane created by Microso and University Boston Dynamics Robotics Company man on the face of the Earth make you  e Magical Conch? of Cambridge researchers it is capable might have large plans for that small crazy? ‘cause if it does, maybe I am.” SNAKES OR LADDERS? Any 90s kid worth their salt will to be seen, and I’m sure we can look remember borrowing their older sib- forwards to that in Youtube or meme lings or parents phone to play the roll- format soon. With the next big ip- ercoaster of emotions that is Nokia’s hone release around the corner (along snake game and no doubt be pleasant- with a he y price tag speculated to be ly surprised to hear that it is making a around the £1,000 mark!) it would ap- comeback in its original format on the pear that Nokia is struggling to keep new (sort of) Nokia3310, which is set up with the rapid pace at which new to be launched and available to buy in phones are evolving. Demand for the shops by summer this year. It will cost new Nokia is thought to be high and around £40 and apparently it WILL be it seems that there is a place in this Magic? Maybe not, but genius? Cer- Marinus Mieremet to catch the wind capable of browsing the internet, albeit increasingly modernised world for an tainly.  is shell-shaped wind turbine at the perfect angle, enabling it to har- quite slowly. It’s slimmer and rounder old friend; however this remains to be is the smarter younger brother which vest the clean energy at many times the than the original and comes in a varie- seen. So have Nokia landed on a snake is upstaging the traditional wind tur- e ciency of a traditional straight blad- ty of bright colours, whether or not it is or a ladder? Because they’ve certainly bine.  e Archimedes Windmill de- ed wind turbine. A revolution in wind indestructible like the old one remains rolled the dice with this one. signed by Dutch scientist/inventor farming? It certainly looks the part. Watch  is SpaceX Billionaire inventor, investor, engi- that Mars is on average 250million miles 2015. Musk’s Interplanetary Transport neer and business magnate Elon Musk, away from the Earth and that would take System initiative (which is as cool as it founder of Tesla Inc. (the company re- just 12.5 minutes …at the speed of light sounds) was laid out in September 2016 sponsible for making enormous thrusts (186,282mph) or 162 days at 36,000mph and  nally in February of this year he an- towards accelerating the world’s transi- in a 2006 era cra like the one used by nounced that they would be taking two tion to sustainable energy) announced NASA on their New Horizons mission private tourists on a space  ight around when he launched the Space Exploration to Pluto although that wasn’t designed the Moon in 2018.  is will be the  rst Technologies Corporation or SpaceX to carry a single person let alone a crew. time in 45 years that humans will return for short - a Private Aerospace com- SpaceX is serious though and this be- to space and they will be doing it faster pany founded in 2002, that his goal was came evident when the company became and going further than any before them. to create technologies to reduce space the  rst ever to send a privately funded, - “Equipped with his  ve senses, man ex- transportation costs and enable the colo- liquid propellant rocket (the Falcon 1) plores the universe around him and calls nization of Mars. Before we can do that, into orbit in 2008.  ey sent another the adventure science.”- Edwin Powell there needs to be some serious advances. cra (the Dragon) to the ISS in 2012 and Hubble. One of the not insigni cant problems is the DISCOVR beyond Earth’s orbit in AGM 2017 Fancy yourself as a journalist? Come join the family!

Seren Members editor@seren. 2016-17 bangor.ac.uk 36 Seren | March Issue 2017 FASHION  e best and worst of the Oscars by LIZZY DILLON his year’s Oscars did not disappoint in providing the world with an array of beautiful, daring and some downright shocking dresses. I’m sure I speak on behalf of many people when I say that every year, I’m actually more interested in what the celebrities wore to the Oscars,2017 than the awards they won. Therefore, I have whittled the dresses down to what I feel are the top ve best and Tworst from the red carpet.

Above are the 5 worst dresses of the event. ing and forgettable dress. rolled around in PVA glue and glitter to give the dress its nal 5. Charlize Theron wore a Christian Dior Couture dress that I 3. Busy Phillips wore an Elizabeth Kennedy dress. I feel that she touches. felt did nothing for her. The straps that rested on the edge of chose this dress in an attempt to be outrageous, stand out and 1. My least favourite dress from the red carpet has to be Dakota her shoulders made her look much broader than I’m sure she make headline news. However, this certainly has not worked. Al- Johnson’s Gucci dress. This dress certainly stood out from all the is. Similarly the band around her waist accentuated her hips far though the green velvet gave a lovely, shimmering e ect on the rest for all the wrong reasons. The strange yellow-gold colour too much making her look much bigger than we have ever seen red carpet, I can only assume the see through panels along the washed all colour from her face and the shell shaped feature on her before. length of the dress made concealing her modesty throughout her waist, along with the silk fabric, was downright absurd. It’s a 4. Scarlett Johansson wore an Azzedine Alaia dress. This was the evening rather di cult. very strange dress that I’m sure will be remembered for a very another dress that I felt did nothing for the gorgeous celebrity 2. Jannelle Monae wore an Elie Saab Couture dress. Although long time, not for the best of reasons, and one that I’m sure Mr wearing it, as it again gave her too much shape. Similarly to very striking, this dress was quite a mess. The shimmering sil- Grey would not approve of. Charlize Theron’s dress, this dress widened her hips and shoul- ver stood out brilliantly against her darker skin tone. However I ders that bit too much, and the choice of colour made for a bor- cannot help imagining that, once she had put on the dress, she

Above are the ve best dresses of the event. the actress, and is something I’m sure people will talk about for 1. My favourite dress from the Oscars has to be Cynthia Erivo’s 5. Kate McKinnon wore a Narciso Rodriguez dress. I really do a very long time. Monique Pean dress, as it is truly breathtaking. The dark base believe in the phrase ‘the simpler the better’, and Kate McKinnon 3. Brie Larson wore an Oscar de la Renta dress. Its gorgeous colour against her skin tone made the colourful pattern stand certainly proved me right on the red carpet. This simple black velvet fabric and stunning plunged, sweetheart neckline gave out brilliantly, and it really brought out her pale hair. The shoe dress, with a dramatic plunged neckline, really was a head turn- the dress an incredibly dramatic e ect. The bold folds and lace straps also e ectively took no attention away from the bod- er for all the right reasons. The shimmering top half of the dress curves of the fabric made the dress a real head turner that I’m ice of the dress. If I could, I would buy this dress for myself just to also added the perfect amount of ‘glam’ for the Oscars, without sure everyone couldn’t take their eyes o . hang in my wardrobe and admire for hours on end. going over the top. 2. Priyanka Chopra wore a Ralph & Russo dress. This gorgeous, 4. Emma Stone wore a Givenchy Haute Couture dress. This shapely dress hugged her gure perfectly and the pale colour breathtaking dress can only have been inspired by 1920s Flap- looked stunning against her darker skin tone. The subtle geo- per dresses, which excites the vintage hoarder inside me very metric pattern with the straight horizontal neckline de nitely Fashion fades, only style stays the much. Such an original dress was a very successful risk taken by makes this one of the most striking dresses I have ever seen. same. - Coco Chanel ‘My chipped cup!’ Beauty and the beast themed bag takes Primark store by storm

his maybe one of the craziest purse which the high street shop is that crazy for the purse. Customers fashion explosions I have ever selling, even includes a little golden are taking to social media to boast Theard of. Primark of all places, handle which is meant to be the han- about the fact they managed to get yes, I repeat Primark, have started dle of a tea cup. the last one before they sold out. selling a product for just £4 and they Disney is always going to be a mas- are selling like hotcakes. What with Beauty and the Beast sively popular business but who coming to cinema’s on the 17th of would have thought that a product The product in question is a purse this month, the product was sure that have been made in such mass, that is literally shaped like Chip the to be a hit for children and adults of would have been sold out before little teacup who befriends Belle all ages and genders. What is crazy most people can get to their cars. when she arrives at the Palace. Son is that a purse which is being sold to Mrs Potts and is shown to be a for under ve pound in the retailers small cup with a little chip in it with is selling for up to thirty pound on a purple pattern along the base. The ebay because customers are going March Issue 2017 | Seren 37 FASHION Woman gets turned away from boots interview young woman of 26 years her hair into a bun and despite en aback and embarrassed by was turned away from an the piercings, which she has this claim and took to the social Ainterview with Boots the claimed to have checked before media site twitter, to show o retailers which is a pharmacy as attending the interview; Rosie what she had been wearing and well as a health and beauty shop. looks lovely and very profession- asked Boots, what was so wrong The reason for turning away al for a young woman hoping to with the way she dressed. A 26 year old Rosie was because start a new job in retail. spokesperson for Boots has said of the way that she looked, in The interviewer was said to that they are investigating into particular the way that she was have told her that whilst her why the candidate’s interview dressed. style is nice and that they liked went that way. Seeing as she Rosie was wearing a conven- it, ‘’it wasn’t appropriate enough dressed appropriately and noth- tional blouse and skirt for the in- for boots and that she wasn’t ing seemed to be wrong. terview which had white pokad- conservative enough’’. Rosie was ots on the blouse. She has piled said to have been incredibly tak-

Belleverybody knows Belle runnerof up. Why the shouldn’t she thoseball! dresses and bring them from Beauty and the be? Belle’s morals were very in- to life. It was de nitely worth EBeast, whether they have  uential and as a fellow book- the wait in my opinion. seen the 1991 animated Disney worm, I identi ed with her a lot. The actress is most famous for lm or not. Everybody knows There are three main out ts playing Hermione Granger in who she is. Almost every girly that Belle changes into during the Harry Potter franchise, and girl had a Disney princess who the lm and each one is iconic, looks every inch the fairytale they idolised, Snow White was so naturally the world was wait- princess as her animated pre- mine but Belle was a very close ing to see Emma Watson wear decessor. The rst dress that we see Belle in is what is known as her peas- ant dress, this is a blue dress with a white blouse underneath. This is supposedly meant to represent her freedom and her independence. This is a pretty dress and when you consider the peasant dresses of some of the other princesses, this one isn’t actually that bad to begin with, despite the name that the dress has been attributed to.

The second dress is one that ap- pears during the song, ‘’Something There’. This out t is the red and white ‘Christmas cloak’. I have to be honest, this cloak is an item I always wanted to own when I was little; it’s such a beautiful, rich piece of cloth- ing, and the one in the live action Who wore it better? lm makes me just as envious, if eyonce: This $26,000 green Gucci gown upita Nyong'o: This is one of the most not more so, than when I rst saw  atters B’s pregnancy bump. The  ow- beautiful red carpet looks I have ever seen. it in the 1991  ick. It is commonly ing chi on material sits pleasantly The shade of the dress sets itself against known as the ‘Pink dress’. However, I B L around the curves and bumps that the ‘ir- the dark shade of the 12 years a slave actresses have always known it as the ‘Christ- replaceable’ songstress is currently sport- skin. The silver matches her earrings and her mas dress’ because of the fur lining. ing. The silver detailing around the dress headpiece beautifully. It may have helped that Finally, there is THE DRESS, the highlights the jewellery that she is wearing the actress twirled up the red carpet in the most iconic of all of Belles dresses. and the two complement each other nicely. dress which I think we can all agree was made The yellow/golden ball gown that However, I will say that with this plunging for twirling. The actress glowed as she strode she is seen wearing whilst dancing neckline of the dress it is a little too revealing up the carpet. The plunging neckline suited her with the beast to the song ‘Beauty in the chest area. Of course the lady is carry- gure perfectly and as a result the dress could and the Beast’, sometimes other- ing two babies, and therefore her breasts are not be deemed too revealing. The belt of the wise referred to as ‘Tale as old as going to be larger at the moment, the obvi- dress sat perfectly in line with her stomach and time’. WOW is the only word that ousness of it though in the dress isn’t as ap- she just radiated beauty and elegance. came to mind when I rst saw Wat- pealing and gives the dress more sex appeal son wearing that dress. She makes and less elegance, and with the style of the the dress look so magical and beau- pleated dress, elegance is clearly something tiful and so simply Belle. Many little the designer wanted. Not to say Beyonce girls wore this iconic yellow dress doesn’t look elegant, just that part of the whlist playing dress up, back when dress reveals her assets too well. I was small, and I think they will again. 38 Seren | March Issue 2017 LIFESTYLE SHINING A LIGHT ON... EXPECTATIONS his month seemed an ideal time There’s nothing wrong with set- self. Nor should you. to perhaps change the usual ting yourself goals in life, in fact, it Expectations are tricky; they’re not Tconcept of this article in order can be quite rewarding to aim to a terrible thing to have, but they’re to look at something slightly di er- achieve something and actually not something you should set your ent. Instead of looking at a physical or manage to ful l it. For example, scor- sights to withholding. Remember, mental disorder, illness or anything ing a certain number of points in a it’s important that you focus on your of that sort, let’s focus on expecta- game, or achieving the grade you own, but that your own are attain- tions. By de nition, expectations are wanted because you’ve worked so able. It’s no use setting yourself up to ‘a strong belief that something will hard for it. However, it’s incredibly fall, that’s not bene cial at all and will happen or be the case’, now I’m sure important that these goals remain only bring negativity in the inability you all know how it feels to withhold within a balance, that you can ac- to meet such standards. Start small such beliefs for yourself as well as to cept that there are various possible and build up. Any progress you make feel the weight of others expecta- outcomes to every situation and the is still progress, regardless of how tions upon you. Now, the thing with idealistic expectations you hold onto big or how small you may deem it to expectations is that though they aren’t always going to be the out- be and despite whether others can may not be realistic in the slightest, come you receive. You should never physically see it or not. You are the there’s always this little voice telling push yourself too far to the point in most important person in your life, you that they may just be possible, which you’re uncomfortable or grind your body is your shelter, your home, that they may just be reachable and yourself into the ground in order to your creation. Be who you want to be therefore once the seed of expecta- please others, that will never be fair and do what’s best for you in every tion has been sown, it seemingly re- on you and that will never end well. way, do what you’ve got to do for mains planted within your mind and Support from others should not and you. As long as you’re happy and it either grows, creating further ex- does not include feeling inadequate healthy (mentally and physically), pectations or it festers, causing you if something doesn’t go quite right, that is all that matters and if others nothing but further grief and misery if people truly want the best for you cannot accept that, then that’s their as you fail to live up to such. they’ll never have you doubt your- loss and more fool them. No Smoke, No Fire arch 8th welcomes National No Smoking Day, a campaign that has been running since 1983 where it was originally named ‘Quit for the MDay’. It intends to appeal to all smokers by publicising and explaining the numerous types of help available if and when they want to stop. Such techniques include capturing the attention of the media through supportive radio, newspaper and tv coverage; it is important to understand that this day is intended for those who wish to quit, it is not about harassing or criticising those who do smoke, nor does it intend to force anybody to quit smoking. No Smoking Day is simply built upon the commitment of thousands who aim to relaunch the campaign every year with new and fresh ideas, alongside na- tional helplines, local stop smoking services, drop-in centres, pharmacists and GPs in order to o er help and advice on the bene ts of stopping smoking, as well as support as they begin and throughout their stopping process.

You Nose You Want To n Friday 24th March will wit- and encourage as many people as of other merchandise available to ness the day that enables possible to get involved as they can. purchase, such as badges and wrist- Omillions of people all over There is even a fabulous free Fun- bands. the world to come together and do draising Kit available that’s packed Since the last Red Nose Day, money something funny for money whether with all the useful tools you need to raised has helped: over 860,000 chil- that be at home, work or school. Yes, get going and have yourself a suc- dren in Africa to be given life-saving it’s Red Nose Day! A day that encour- cessful sponsorship. The website is vaccines, over 43,000 people with a ages all to put aside any inhibitions, also the perfect place to download mental health condition in the UK to put on a Red Nose and start fundrais- your sponsorship forms, recruitment get the support they need and over ing in order to help make a di erence posters and set up an Online Giving 310,000 children, young people and to the lives of thousands of people Page, an e cient and easy way to their families who are at risk of abuse, across Africa and the UK who are fac- raise money. violence and exploitation to lead saf- ing injustice or living in poverty. This year welcomes nine new Red er lives. To get involved, you could partici- Nose characters that are available So dive on in, get involved and start pate in a classic bake sale or spon- in surprise bags, including an ultra- fundraising today, then sit back and sored silence, or you could even get rare Nose, Frankinose. All noses relax as you watch a night of TV lled creative. If you’re facing a creative can be purchased from your local with comedy and entertainment on block, the o cial Red Nose Day web- Sainsbury’s, Oxfam or online at red- the BBC. site has plenty of ideas to help inspire noseday.com. There’s also a variety March Issue 2017 | Seren 39 LIFESTYLE BEAUTY WITHOUT THE BEAST s we approach Spring 2017, UK. crystal-clear nail polish, representa- the world of all things beauty The set opens out into a doll-house tive of its glass casing. Mrs. Potts is Araises its head to the return of display and contains seven lipsticks naturally a sassy shade of pink for slick, high pony’s, bronzed cheeks and seven nail polishes all inspired both lipstick and polish, represented and eyes, two-tone eye-shadow, by the numerous iconic characters by a pearly packaging embossed grey lips, shimmering cheekbones, from the story; Belle, The Rose, The with a teacup silhouette. Lumiere is feathery false lashes and pin-straight Beast, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, Lumi- a re nes dusty rose lipstick paired hair. However, more importantly ere and Plumette. with a baby pink polish in a baroque than that, we witness the release of Both Belle’s lip and nail colour are packaging, coinciding with his ‘prop- the highly anticipated remake of Dis- a sweet, yet bold and feminine red, er’ personality. Cogsworth brings us ney’s Beauty & The Beast.To celebrate the cover embossed with her golden an orange-red duo, highlighting his this, L’oreal are o cially releasing an silhouette. The Beast set consists of a ery personality. Finally, Plumette absolutely gorgeous “Beauty and the rich brown lipstick paired with a royal gets a sexy, sultry plum combination, Beast” make up collection, however blue nail varnish, both presented in the packaging embossed with feath- there is a beastly twist to the tale, it’s casing with a savage scar design. The ers a kiss. exclusive to Amazon Italy and there- infamous enchanted rose consists Let’s hope an enchantment of some fore is not said to be launching in the of a blood-red lipstick paired with a sorts brings it to us here in the UK!

ST PATRICK’S VELVET FANCIES

St Patricks Day - March 17th 2017

Makes 6 £3.68 AT ASDA INGREDIENTS For THE CAKES: 100g SOFTENED BUTTER, PLUS EXTRA FOR greasing 175g LIGHT BROWN SOFT SUGAR 1 EGG 100g SELFRAISING FLOUR 50g GROUND ALMONDS 1/2tsp BICARBONATE OF SODA 5tbsp COCOA, PLUS EXTRA FOR DÉCOR 150ml GUINNESS For THE CREAM: 200ml DOUBLE CREAM 25g ICING SUGAR

METHOD

1) Heat oven to 180c /160c fan/ gas 4. 2) Grease and line a cake/mu n tray. 3) Mix the butter, sugar, egg,  our, ground almonds, bicarbonate, cocoa and Guinness into a mixing bowl and beat until lump-free. 4) Divide between the tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until risen and cooked. 5) Cool for 15 minutes, before removing from the tins and cooling completely. (Do NOT turn upside down.) 6) Whip the cream with the icing sugar until thick. 7) Spoon a dollop onto each cake and dust with the remaining cocoa.

RICOTTA STRAWBERRY FRENCH TOAST Mothering Sunday - 26th March 2017

SERVES 2 £1.38 PER SERVING AT ASDA INGREDIENTS 1 LARGE EGG, BEATEN 300ml MILK 4 SLICES THICKCUT WHITE BREAD 2tbsp BUTTER 50g RICOTTA 2tbsp HONEY 100g STRAWBERRIES, SLICES AND HALVED 2 MINT SPRIGS METHOD

1) Whisk the egg, milk and vanilla together. 2) Coat one side of the bread slices in the liquid,  ip over and leave to soak for 1-2 minutes. 3) Melt 1tbsp of the butter over a medium heat in a large non-stick frying pan and add two slices of bread. 4) Cook for 5 minutes, until golden, then  ip to cook the other side for another 5 minutes. 5) Transfer to a plate and cook the other slices in the remaining butter. 6) Halve the toast diagonally and spread each slice with ricotta. 7) Drizzle over honey and a pinch of sea-salt, arrange the strawberries and decorate with the mint. 40 Seren | March Issue 2017 TRAVEL Tranquility and Paradise on Earth By FAYE BOYD ardise or compromise nature. Just comprehend. We could appreciate that were dotted around the island. surname Boyd, had chosen to settle the rolling elds of sheep and the the lakes, the waterfalls, the glaciers, there due to its cinematic view of the mountains standing tall. For those the beaches, the  ords all in their Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, ew Zealand is very much an At Kaikoura, a modest coastal town; underappreciated country in few hours, we felt like the only hu- natural beauty. It was a geographer’s breath-taking sunsets along the ho- mans in existence. Growing up in the dream. It was like this for hours be- many British immigrants from gen- rizon and the opportunity to share Nmy eyes; best known for the erations before, ironically with the All Blacks Rugby Team and being the UK it’s something that you can’t quite fore coming across small settlements their home with an abundance of backdrop for the Lord of the Rings marine animals to Dusky Dolphins, movies; marooned in the corner of Sperm Whales and New Zealand Fur the world map, this amazing country Seals; giving visitors the chance to is sadly often forgotten about and its snorkel amongst these creatures in greatness overlooked. their natural habitat or watch them from above by helicopter. I was 8 years old when we took the 27 hour journey from Manches- “Queenstown is full of ter to Wellington. After disembark- ing the plane in ‘Windy Welly’ as the people with such a zest for locals called it, I was surprisingly life...” struck with how quiet and peaceful it seemed even though it’s the capital, contrasting greatly to the liveliness Although this contrasted greatly to of London. Their relaxed outlook the well-known adrenaline-junkie’s and outdoorsy way of life continues playground that is Queenstown, throughout the entirety of Kiwi cul- where many people visit to experi- ture. Although, despite having Aus- ence adventure sports such as bun- tralia as a neighbour, the weather gee jumping in the gorges, swinging very much resembles the temperate in the canyons, and jet-boating on climate of the UK, making it seem the Shotover river. Queenstown is more familiar and more like home to full of people with such a zest for life me and not just any old holiday des- and thirst for excitement, it’s quite tination. refreshing.

However, it was the one month O ering the most surreal activities campervan tour around the South throughout the country, experiences Island that really opened my eyes. anyone would treasure for a lifetime. At such a young age, I really got to It is a very unique country with no- appreciate how beautiful the Earth where else in the world quite like it. can be, with such phenomenal geo- Although New Zealand’s popular- graphical features and overwhelm- ity has grown throughout the world ing scenery that I could have looked over the years, it is so much more at forever. Driving for miles with than a small country with its abun- nothing; no people, no buildings, no dance of sheep. It’s tranquillity and toxic trace of man, nothing to jeop- paradise on Earth. Snowdonia’s Sleepless Serenity By SEAN DERBY taking views we had hoped for. As we gazed in disbelief, the sun slipped n a cold January afternoon, behind the Snowdon horseshoe, me and my Dad (who uses casting our surroundings into a red Ovisiting me as an excuse to go glow as we made our way to Castle into the mountains), headed o up of the Winds for our bivvy. the Y Gribin Ridge from the Ogwen carpark. Our mission; to sleep on top After a delicious freeze dried meal of Castell y Gwynt (which translates (seriously try them), we settled down to Castle of the Winds), for some for the night. Snug in our warm spectacular sunset and sunrise views. sleeping bags as the evening light We would sleep in a bivouac sack (or faded from the sky, we watched as a bivvy), a light weight waterproof thousands of stars greeted us above shelter that ts your sleeping bag our heads. The only downside to the snuggly and allows you to lie in the experience was having to leave the elements with relative warmth, while warmth of the sleeping bag for the enjoying the views you don’t get toilet every now and again, but the from a tent. nights’ beauty and numerous shoot- ing stars witnessed made up for the “The only downside to the sub-zero exposure. experience was having to After a mostly sleepless night, we woke just before dawn and had the leave the warmth of the pleasure of watching the morning sleeping bag for the toi- sun great the peaks around us. After let...” eating a quick breakfast consisting of dried Ready Brek, (don’t recom- mend that one) we headed o over The cloud was low and the peaks the top of Glyder Fach and down Bra- were hidden as we ascended the ich y Ddeugwm to the car, where we ridge, the walkers we passed head- ended the adventure with an excep- ing down gave us a grim outlook on tionally good breakfast at the Moel the conditions, saying there was no Siabod Cafe. Our objective complete, chance of cloud free summits ahead Dad dropped me back o at Bangor, I of us. Shrugging o the comments was shattered. with blind optimism we emerged on top of the ridge in thick cloud. In short, was it worth it? Most de - We stopped for a drink. In a moment nitely. the clouds suddenly vanished from around us and gave us the breath- 40 Seren | March Issue 2017 March Issue 2017 | Seren 41 TRAVEL TRAVEL Tranquility and Paradise on Earth Varsity: The Traveller’s Take By FAYE BOYD ardise or compromise nature. Just comprehend. We could appreciate that were dotted around the island. surname Boyd, had chosen to settle By MATTHEW ROWLAND from Aberystwyth to Birmingham someone from Bangor University’s ably shares its name with boats, not cle does seem to have developed a the rolling elds of sheep and the the lakes, the waterfalls, the glaciers, there due to its cinematic view of the too, but rather than ending up in the free-to-join debating society would a large one and not one with ‘H.M.S’ pattern. Perhaps there is something mountains standing tall. For those the beaches, the  ords all in their Seaward Kaikoura Mountain Range, ith Varsity on the horizon utopia of Holyhead and on to Dub- be capable of arguing that against pre xing it. The kind of boat that that Aberystwyth can do better than ew Zealand is very much an At Kaikoura, a modest coastal town; underappreciated country in few hours, we felt like the only hu- natural beauty. It was a geographer’s breath-taking sunsets along the ho- once again, this is it, the lin for the weekend, a similar length any one of Aberystwyth University’s would nd itself  oundering about Bangor; Aberystwyth has two SPARs mans in existence. Growing up in the dream. It was like this for hours be- many British immigrants from gen- rizon and the opportunity to share article everyone has been train journey could take you to Ma- pay-to-join clubs or societies. For be- in open water whilst one of the two which, as we all know, are the sign my eyes; best known for the erations before, ironically with the W N chynlleth, which is more of an argu- ing better in the things to do depart- H.M.S Bangor’s that have existed sail of a thriving civilisation. Unfortu- All Blacks Rugby Team and being the UK it’s something that you can’t quite fore coming across small settlements their home with an abundance of anxiously anticipating: a relatively backdrop for the Lord of the Rings marine animals to Dusky Dolphins, comprehensive travel guide, un- ment waiting to happen in a game of ment and not having to pay for the e ortlessly past. For having a strong nately for Aberystwyth, if you tried to movies; marooned in the corner of Sperm Whales and New Zealand Fur doubtedly, universally unbiased in Scrabble (the only form of entertain- argument, Bangor is better. vowel to consonant ratio and shar- wash your clothes in either of them, the world map, this amazing country Seals; giving visitors the chance to Bangor’s English language student ment in the area unless you really, ing its name with cool stu , Bangor it wouldn’t work. Because Late Stop is sadly often forgotten about and its snorkel amongst these creatures in newspaper, written by somebody really, really like birds) than a desti- “...Bangor is better.” is better. isn’t in Aberystwyth, Bangor is better. greatness overlooked. their natural habitat or watch them who has had the misfortune of visit- nation. Both, Bangor and Aberyst- from above by helicopter. ing both Aberystwyth and Bangor. It wyth have buses but Bangor’s don’t In terms of accommodation, Aber- It would appear that Bangor is bet- I was 8 years old when we took couldn’t be fairer. go directly to Machynlleth, therefore The place name itself, ‘Bangor’ is ystwyth would probably beat Ban- ter in every way conceivable, which I great. Really great. So great, that the 27 hour journey from Manches- “Queenstown is full of Bangor is better. gor quite comfortably, with a good don’t think anyone saw coming from ter to Wellington. After disembark- In terms of transport, Bangor is a we not only share it with the one in mix of luxury and more budget style the outset. ing the plane in ‘Windy Welly’ as the people with such a zest for clear winner. Direct trains to any- According to the undisputedly fac- Northern Ireland that we occasional- of hotel. That is of course on the as- locals called it, I was surprisingly life...” where in the world you could possi- tually accurate TripAdvisor, there are ly accidentally tag ourselves in on Fa- sumption that there was any point Hopefully the traveller’s take trans- struck with how quiet and peaceful it bly imagine travelling to (as long as a total of 36 things to do in Bangor cebook, but also one in the U.S. state going there in the rst place, which lates to triumph and the rst win seemed even though it’s the capital, your imagination is limited to some- in comparison with a meagre 32 in of Maine. Aberystwyth is not only there isn’t. For being not completely away between the two Universities contrasting greatly to the liveliness Although this contrasted greatly to where in between Holyhead and Bir- Aberystwyth. Perhaps Aberystwyth signi cantly harder to say for those dreadful, Bangor is better. in the competition so far. It should, of London. Their relaxed outlook the well-known adrenaline-junkie’s mingham or Holyhead and London). would argue that this is a case of of us unfamiliar with the blatant because Bangor is better. and outdoorsy way of life continues playground that is Queenstown, On balance, there are direct trains quantity over quality, but I’m sure omission of vowels, but also prob- I’ll admit that this unbiased arti- throughout the entirety of Kiwi cul- where many people visit to experi- ture. Although, despite having Aus- ence adventure sports such as bun- tralia as a neighbour, the weather gee jumping in the gorges, swinging very much resembles the temperate in the canyons, and jet-boating on climate of the UK, making it seem the Shotover river. Queenstown is more familiar and more like home to full of people with such a zest for life me and not just any old holiday des- and thirst for excitement, it’s quite tination. refreshing.

However, it was the one month O ering the most surreal activities campervan tour around the South throughout the country, experiences Island that really opened my eyes. anyone would treasure for a lifetime. Vs At such a young age, I really got to It is a very unique country with no- appreciate how beautiful the Earth where else in the world quite like it. can be, with such phenomenal geo- Although New Zealand’s popular- graphical features and overwhelm- ity has grown throughout the world ing scenery that I could have looked over the years, it is so much more at forever. Driving for miles with than a small country with its abun- nothing; no people, no buildings, no dance of sheep. It’s tranquillity and toxic trace of man, nothing to jeop- paradise on Earth. Snowdonia’s Sleepless Serenity An Ellie-vating Experience taking views we had hoped for. As By SEAN DERBY By ELLIE WEBB a short time. I’ve learnt to ski (badly), dance of country music. The night- we gazed in disbelief, the sun slipped studied political science, hiked across life really isn’t too shabby either and behind the Snowdon horseshoe, n a cold January afternoon, hoosing to study abroad is like some of the best trails Nova Scotia they even aired the Six Nations here, me and my Dad (who uses casting our surroundings into a red has to o er, eaten my body weight which is a bonus! glow as we made our way to Castle standing at the foot of a diving Ovisiting me as an excuse to go board for the rst time. First, in Poutine (that’s glori ed chips and into the mountains), headed o up of the Winds for our bivvy. C there is apprehension, there’s a com- gravy to you and me), travelled to However, the weather leaves some- the Y Gribin Ridge from the Ogwen Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, thing to be desired and is something After a delicious freeze dried meal bination of fear and adrenaline which carpark. Our mission; to sleep on top is followed by an overall uncertainty Kingston, Ottawa and New York and I never really prepared myself for of Castell y Gwynt (which translates (seriously try them), we settled down experienced my rst white Christ- despite reading No Great Mischief for the night. Snug in our warm of what you’re about to do. You have to Castle of the Winds), for some two options, you can dive head rst mas, attended a women’s march, beforehand. I’ve experienced minus spectacular sunset and sunrise views. sleeping bags as the evening light visited a Harry Potter cocktail bar, ex- twenty-one degrees, which is like faded from the sky, we watched as or walk away and regret it tomor- We would sleep in a bivouac sack (or row. As for me, I stumbled clumsily perienced Canada’s 150th birthday, being embraced by twenty fully- a bivvy), a light weight waterproof thousands of stars greeted us above watched live ice-hockey and basket- grown snowmen simultaneously. Bit- our heads. The only downside to the head rst and I never looked back. shelter that ts your sleeping bag Choosing to study abroad in Canada ball matches and shared Thanksgiv- terly cold and unbearable. The snow snuggly and allows you to lie in the experience was having to leave the ing dinner with refugee families to is stunningly beautiful for about a warmth of the sleeping bag for the was one of the best decisions I have elements with relative warmth, while made in my life. welcome them to Halifax. month until you’re shovelling your enjoying the views you don’t get toilet every now and again, but the way to 8am lectures. Never again nights’ beauty and numerous shoot- from a tent. Now, prior to my adventure, I had will I complain about the weather in ing stars witnessed made up for the “The snow is stunningly North Wales after experiencing the sub-zero exposure. never even heard of Halifax other “The only downside to the than using it as a banking service. I beautiful for about a month harshness of ten hour Canadian bliz- zards. Winter aside, Halifax o ered After a mostly sleepless night, we couldn't have pointed it out to you until you’re shoveling your experience was having to on a map if I tried my hardest. But me a picturesque Fall, from the slow woke just before dawn and had the way to 8am lectures.” changing of leaves to their full vi- leave the warmth of the pleasure of watching the morning if you'd have told me when I was sat on the 9am West Jet  ight via St brancy to an abundance of all things sleeping bag for the toi- sun great the peaks around us. After pumpkin spiced and cinnamon. It eating a quick breakfast consisting Johns that I would fall deeply in love Canada really is as stereotypically let...” with the beauty of this small, breath- friendly as it is beautiful. (And yes, really does make Autumn in the UK of dried Ready Brek, (don’t recom- look miserable. mend that one) we headed o over taking Canadian city, I would have Canadian’s really do say ay). There is The cloud was low and the peaks the top of Glyder Fach and down Bra- simultaneously dry heaved through always something to do, somewhere were hidden as we ascended the my ugly sobbing (I HATE  ying) and new to explore and something to Overall, my experience here has ich y Ddeugwm to the car, where we taught me a lot about myself and has ridge, the walkers we passed head- ended the adventure with an excep- laughed in your face. However, the learn. Canada has so many stories ing down gave us a grim outlook on overall nality and exhilaration of to tell and I’ve learnt so much since given me the con dence to continue tionally good breakfast at the Moel travelling after I graduate. I have met the conditions, saying there was no Siabod Cafe. Our objective complete, sitting on a  ight alone with your coming here. Halifax speci cally, is chance of cloud free summits ahead stale complimentary biscuits to an situated on East-coast and I am for- some truly fantastic and interesting Dad dropped me back o at Bangor, I people here, and studying abroad of us. Shrugging o the comments was shattered. unknown country is one of the scari- tunate enough to experience fantas- with blind optimism we emerged est but exciting feelings I have ever tic views of the Atlantic just minutes has opened many doors for future opportunities for me. on top of the ridge in thick cloud. In short, was it worth it? Most de - experienced. from my residence. It’s the nautical We stopped for a drink. In a moment nitely. city that you absolutely need to visit the clouds suddenly vanished from Since moving to Halifax, I have ex- if you enjoy rich Canadian history, So, for anyone that is hesitating around us and gave us the breath- perienced so many rsts in my such good wholesome food and an abun- about putting in that application form, just do it, you won’t regret it. 42 Seren | March Issue 2017 FOOD AND DRINK The Mile High Food IS IT TIME TO GIVE UP Club MILK?

irplane food and drink has been the butt of jokes for too Along now it seems and airlines are beginning to ght back. Armed with new research from food scien- tists that shows that variables such as noise, low pressure, dry air and plas- tic cutlery and cups are part of the reason food doesn’t taste so great in the sky. It’s been shown that our sensitiv- ity to sweet and salty foods drops by about 30 per cent when in the air as opposed to when we’re on the ground according to a 2010 study commissioned by Lufthansa and conducted by the Fraunhofer Insti- tute for Building Physics in Germany. And at 9,000 metres, cabin air is in- popular, food scientists across the proportion of us lack the ability to di- which are essential for bone growth credibly dry and in fact drier than the by CHARLES BENCOFIE globe are investing more and more gest casein, a protein found in dairy. in the body, that doesn’t mean it air in most deserts. This impairs our or lent this year I decided to fol- e ort into more authentic tasting Casein in milk is split into two types causes bone growth. In fact, one sense of smell, from which most of low the new fad trend and go dairy as well. - A1 and A2. Only cow’s milk in the large-scale Harvard study followed our taste is derived. Fwithout dairy. Why? Because Recent research shows that one in western world contains A1, due to 72,000 women for two decades and One of the rst airlines to take note I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion ve people have a form of dairy in- an evolution of the protein over the found no evidence that drinking milk of this is Cathay Paci c. They have that I was intolerant to dairy and with tolerance. However, only 5% of peo- years as cows were bred to be larger can prevent bone fractures or osteo- introduced on some  ights a beer the growing number of possible al- ple have a lactose intolerance. This is and produce greater quantities of porosis. brewed speci cally to taste good ternatives, maybe it’s time to give up caused when the body doesn’t pro- milk. All other milk, including human, It sounds almost sacrilegious to while the passenger is miles above milk for good. duce enough of the enzyme Lactase goat’s and sheep’s milk, contains A2 insinuate that something as central the earth. The beer also contains to break down the lactose sugar in casein, which is easier to digest. to a normal diet as milk may be bad honey and “dragon eye”. It turns out I’m not the only one. milk. The lactose stays in the diges- What about the bene ts of milk for you, but the evidence out there is Some airlines have also began ex- In the last 20 years, consumption tive system where it ferments, pro- though? It’s well known for its bone massive and is growing every day. perimenting with “sonic seasoning,” of dairy in the UK has dropped by ducing gases and leading to  atu- strengthening and growing abilities, like playing speci c sounds or tin- roughly 30%, with soy, rice, and nut lence, bloating, cramps, and even well... it turns out that’s nothing more kling music, because it brings out the milks enjoying a huge growth in diarrhoea. than a white lie. Whilst it’s true that sweetness in meals. popularity. As veganism grows ever Interestingly though, the larger milk contains calcium and vitamin D, FOOD REVIEW HYDEOUT, MENAI BRIDGE

by ALICE HEEROMA new BBQ restaurant, and transported I’ve ever been to, with a large choice it arrived and our plates were taken as the heat made it feel almost like As you can imagine, great authentic to the southern states of America. of food and drinks, and we were ex- and the mains were brought to us we were directly under the sun at American smoke houses are hard to In the last couple of months, Hyde- cited to begin. on wooden boards with a jar holding times. nd in Bangor. And after your 100th out has developed an almost cult like I ordered the half chicken with our coleslaw and a brush to spread All in all, an enjoyable experience! trip to Wetherspoons for a barbeque following and it clear to see why. The sweet potato fries and coleslaw, my BBQ sauce on my chicken, a de- A de nite second date there would burger, you may nd yourself want- sta were super friendly and relaxed whilst my partner ordered the beef lightful little addition to the meal. be amazing as the burgers were ing more. in their cowboy attire. We were led to brisket; we also decided to order a bit The BBQ sauce was sweet yet tangy de nitely bigger than my belly could Over the Menai bridge, hidden our table by a lovely lady who took of garlic bread for starters. The food and perfect for my half chicken. handle. With good overall prices and away o the main road, we were our drinks order and left us be to take was delivered quickly and we were If I was, however, to nd a negative lovely sta , our evening was com- greeted by the warm lights and in our new surroundings. Hydeout is delighted by the portions sizes. Our it would be that the low-lying lights plete with our lovely meal at Hyde- country music of Hydeout, the fairly by far the best BBQ restaurant that starter was eaten almost as quickly as really did evoke the southern states out BBQ restaurant. 42 Seren | March Issue 2017 March Issue 2017 | Seren 43 FOOD AND DRINK FOOD AND DRINK The Mile IS IT TIME TO GIVE UP What is Acrylamide? High Food And does burnt toast really give you cancer? Club MILK?

irplane food and drink has been the butt of jokes for too Along now it seems and airlines are beginning to ght back. Armed with new research from food scien- tists that shows that variables such as noise, low pressure, dry air and plas- tic cutlery and cups are part of the reason food doesn’t taste so great in the sky. It’s been shown that our sensitiv- ity to sweet and salty foods drops by about 30 per cent when in the air as opposed to when we’re on the ground according to a 2010 study crylamide is produced when rise in the vegetables at lower tem- chemical compound with the chemi- roasted, grilled or fried at high tem- What’s the risk? commissioned by Lufthansa and starchy foods are roasted, fried peratures, potentially increasing the cal formula C3H5NO. It is present in peratures. The darker the colour of conducted by the Fraunhofer Insti- Aor grilled for too long at high amount of acrylamide produced dur- many di erent types of food and a the crust, the more acrylamide is New research in animals has shown tute for Building Physics in Germany. temperatures. Two months ago, the ing cooking. natural by-product of the cooking present. Acrylamide is also found in that the chemical is toxic to DNA and And at 9,000 metres, cabin air is in- popular, food scientists across the proportion of us lack the ability to di- which are essential for bone growth Food Standards Agency (FSA) recom- However, Cancer Research UK dis- process. cigarette smoke carcinogenic. The FSA believes this credibly dry and in fact drier than the by CHARLES BENCOFIE globe are investing more and more gest casein, a protein found in dairy. in the body, that doesn’t mean it mended that we should start avoid- greed with the FSA and said the link Acrylamide is mostly found in foods During the browning process in will also translate into humans but as air in most deserts. This impairs our or lent this year I decided to fol- e ort into more authentic tasting Casein in milk is split into two types causes bone growth. In fact, one ing browning our starchy foods like was not proven in humans. Many with high starch content that have cooking; sugar, amino acids and wa- of now there is no evidence for that. sense of smell, from which most of low the new fad trend and go dairy as well. - A1 and A2. Only cow’s milk in the large-scale Harvard study followed potatoes to reduce the chances of have started taking precaution in been roasted or fried above 120C, ter present in foods combine to cre- The possible e ects of acrylamide our taste is derived. Fwithout dairy. Why? Because Recent research shows that one in western world contains A1, due to 72,000 women for two decades and cancer. This is because when cooked how they prepare their food. such as crisps, bread, breakfast ce- ate colour and acrylamide - as well as exposure include an increased life- One of the rst airlines to take note I’ve always had a sneaking suspicion ve people have a form of dairy in- an evolution of the protein over the found no evidence that drinking milk to a dark brown, the chemical ‘Acryla- reals, biscuits, crackers, cakes and  avour and aromas. The FSA says it time risk of cancer and e ects on the of this is Cathay Paci c. They have that I was intolerant to dairy and with tolerance. However, only 5% of peo- years as cows were bred to be larger can prevent bone fractures or osteo- mide’ is present in some foods. But what is acrylamide? And is it co ee, due to the roasted beans. It doesn’t know how much acrylamide nervous and reproductive systems. introduced on some  ights a beer the growing number of possible al- ple have a lactose intolerance. This is and produce greater quantities of porosis. More advice from the FSA is to keep that dangerous? is also prevalent in home cooking causes cancer but it believes we eat brewed speci cally to taste good ternatives, maybe it’s time to give up caused when the body doesn’t pro- milk. All other milk, including human, It sounds almost sacrilegious to potatoes and parsnips out of the when foods - such as potatoes, chips, too much of it. while the passenger is miles above milk for good. duce enough of the enzyme Lactase goat’s and sheep’s milk, contains A2 insinuate that something as central fridge. This is because sugar levels Acrylamide (or acrylic amide) is a bread and parsnips - are baked, the earth. The beer also contains to break down the lactose sugar in casein, which is easier to digest. to a normal diet as milk may be bad honey and “dragon eye”. It turns out I’m not the only one. milk. The lactose stays in the diges- What about the bene ts of milk for you, but the evidence out there is Cardi uni Some airlines have also began ex- In the last 20 years, consumption tive system where it ferments, pro- though? It’s well known for its bone massive and is growing every day. perimenting with “sonic seasoning,” of dairy in the UK has dropped by Nestle to reduce sugar content in grads turning ducing gases and leading to  atu- strengthening and growing abilities, like playing speci c sounds or tin- roughly 30%, with soy, rice, and nut lence, bloating, cramps, and even well... it turns out that’s nothing more kling music, because it brings out the milks enjoying a huge growth in diarrhoea. than a white lie. Whilst it’s true that lumpy fruit into sweetness in meals. popularity. As veganism grows ever Interestingly though, the larger milk contains calcium and vitamin D, popular chocolate bars by 10% ethical juices wo young entrepreneurs and Cardi University graduates, Tare turning the odd and irregu- lar fruit that is rejected into tasty and healthy natural fruit juices. FOOD REVIEW Supported by the Welsh govern- ment’s Big Ideas Wales programme, Get Wonky produces juices and smoothies from hand-picked fruit, re- gardless of it’s shape or size.Spurred by the tons of fruit thrown away due HYDEOUT, MENAI BRIDGE to their perceived imperfections and irregularity, Kacprzy and Sudenyte called this “one of the biggest chal- lenges of our time.” estlé have announced plans Nestlé’s plans are a reply to the Nestle is at the forefront of e orts better choices for our consumers Get Wonky also aims to tackle en- to cut the sugar content in UK government’s sugar taxes put in to research and develop new tech- while retaining the same great taste vironmental problems through their Nsome of their most popular place to help childhood obesity and nology that that they know and love.” business; and presently all cups and chocolate bars by ten percent by diabetes. bottles are made from at least 50% new BBQ restaurant, and transported I’ve ever been to, with a large choice it arrived and our plates were taken as the heat made it feel almost like by ALICE HEEROMA 2018. These changes will include Kit- makes food products better for – FIONA KENDRICK, CHAIRMAN recycled material but they are aiming to the southern states of America. of food and drinks, and we were ex- and the mains were brought to us we were directly under the sun at As you can imagine, great authentic Kat, Aero, Yorkie and Quality Street. “Our confectionery brands have our consumers. These innovations AND CEO OF NESTLE UK AND IRE- to make their drinks entirely carbon- In the last couple of months, Hyde- cited to begin. on wooden boards with a jar holding times. American smoke houses are hard to Nestlé have said it would use around been enjoyed in the UK for more will help us to reduce sugar in con- LAND neutral in the future. out has developed an almost cult like I ordered the half chicken with our coleslaw and a brush to spread All in all, an enjoyable experience! nd in Bangor. And after your 100th 7,500 tonnes less sugar to make its than a century and we know that fectionery when they are combined following and it clear to see why. The sweet potato fries and coleslaw, my BBQ sauce on my chicken, a de- A de nite second date there would trip to Wetherspoons for a barbeque products by nextyear. The sugar will if we can improve these products with other, more common meth- Last year, nestle announced that its sta were super friendly and relaxed whilst my partner ordered the beef lightful little addition to the meal. be amazing as the burgers were burger, you may nd yourself want- be replaced with higher quantities of nutritionally, provide more choice ods like reformulating recipes and researcher and development team in their cowboy attire. We were led to brisket; we also decided to order a bit The BBQ sauce was sweet yet tangy de nitely bigger than my belly could ing more. other existing ingredients or other, and information for the consumer, swapping sugar for other, non-arti- had made a scienti c breakthrough our table by a lovely lady who took of garlic bread for starters. The food and perfect for my half chicken. handle. With good overall prices and Over the Menai bridge, hidden non-arti cial ingredients. The com- together with other categories, we cial ingredients. by discovering a way to structure our drinks order and left us be to take was delivered quickly and we were If I was, however, to nd a negative lovely sta , our evening was com- away o the main road, we were pany will also aim to lower the calorie can have a signi cant impact on sugar di erently so 40% less is used. in our new surroundings. Hydeout is delighted by the portions sizes. Our it would be that the low-lying lights plete with our lovely meal at Hyde- greeted by the warm lights and count of their treat. public health. Making these improvements to by far the best BBQ restaurant that starter was eaten almost as quickly as really did evoke the southern states out BBQ restaurant. country music of Hydeout, the fairly our products is key to us delivering 44 Seren | March Issue 2017 BREAKTIME

THE SEREN WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU! EASY

HARD

APRIL BUNNIES FLOWERS TULIP EGGS GRASS SPRING NEST BUTTERFLY BASKET HOP EASTER CANDY DUCK CHICKS BONNET CHOCOLATE 44 Seren | March Issue 2017 March Issue 2017 | Seren 45 BREAKTIME SPORT RBS Six Nations

THE SEREN WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU! EASY

Wales victorious over Ireland but England retain Six Nations title. by JACK HOLLINSHEAD  e second half picked up where the rarily replaced Sexton, but still con- Stadio Olimpico in Rome. It was the will most likely belong to the French. HARD ngland extended their unbeaten  rst had le o , with Joseph securing verted a penalty for Ireland before the home side who took the lead through a For Italy, they will be aiming to  nish a run of games to 18 a er thrash- his hat-trick of tries and another con- returning Sexton was yellow carded try from Sergio Parisse, but they were poor tournament with at least one vic- ing Scotland 61-21 to secure version from Farrell before he kicked before half time, leading to Leigh Half- soon overwhelmed. Tries from Gael tory, as they take on Scotland. theirE second Six Nations title in a row. a penalty. Scotland managed to secure penny scoring the resulting penalty. Fickou, Virimi Vakatawa, Louis Pica-  e  nal round of  xtures takes In the Calcutta Cup (trophy awarded two tries from Huw Jones with Russell It was not long a er the interval be- moles and Brice Dulin, combined with place a er St Patrick’s day, on the to the winner of the annual Six Na- converting both, but England con- fore North claimed his second try of conversion and penalties from Camille 18th March. Scotland and Italy kick tions Championship match between tinued their dominance. Tries from the match, and the conversion from Lopez were more than enough to o proceedings at 12:30pm, followed APRIL BUNNIES FLOWERS England and Scotland), England per- Billy Vunipola and Danny Care (2), all Halfpenny put the home side up 15- claim the win. Carlo Canna kicked two by France against Wales at 2:45pm. soni ed how dominant they have converted by Farrell, ensured a com- 6. Sexton’s second penalty of the game penalties and a late Italian converted  e concluding game of the RBS Six been over the past year by smashing prehensive victory for the holders and provided the fans in attendance and try from Angelo Eposito only cush- Nations will be Ireland v England at TULIP EGGS GRASS Scotland 61-21. It was a sloppy start they not only won the Calcutta Cup, watching at home with a tentative con- ioned the blow of defeat. If France beat 5pm, to see if England can claim back- from the visitors, with Fraser Brown but retained their RBS Six Nations clusion to the game. Fortunately, it was Wales in tomorrow’s  xture and Eng- to-back grand slams and extend their dangerously tackling Elliot Daly, re- crown. Wales who scored the deciding try, land defeat Ireland, then second place unbeaten run to 19 games SPRING NEST BUTTERFLY sulting in a yellow card and Scotland a  is also equalled the All Black’s with Jamie Roberts snatching and run- man down. England immediately took record of 18 games unbeaten (2015- ning the ball home, with Halfpenny advantage with Jonathan Joseph scor- 2016), but that run was ended by Eng- once again converting to put the game BASKET HOP EASTER ing a try and Owen Farrell convert- land’s next opponents; Ireland, who all but out of Ireland’s reach. ing before he successfully kicked two stand in between a second successive  e victory for the Dragons means penalties to put the home side in front grand slam and a record 19 victories they are only one point behind Ire- CANDY DUCK CHICKS 13-0. Joseph and Farrell were on hand in a row. For Scotland, if results fall land, who face England next and a again to secure England’s second try in their favour, then they could easily point behind their opponents in the  - and conversion but Scotland regained move up the table and  nish the tour- nal game, France; second place is more BONNET CHOCOLATE some ground a er George Reid’s try nament strongly. than achievable with a win. However, and Finn Russell’s conversion. How- Wales scored a late try in Cardi to if Ireland manage to ruin England’s ever, the Twickenham fans soon saw secure a win over Ireland.  e visitors grand slam hopes, then they will claim the lead extended as Farrell was on scored early with a penalty from Jona- second spot. target with a penalty and converting thon Sexton, but the Dragons man- France placed the pressure on Ire- Anthony Watson’s try; leaving the half aged to get the game’s  rst try through land and Wales in the battle for second time score at England 30-7 Scotland. George North. Paddy Jackson tempo- by beating rock bottom Italy at the 46 Seren | March Issue 2017 SPORT

Boxing: David Haye vs Tony Bellew

he 4th March saw British box- ing to land routine jabs but nothing What was remarkable is that a er the tained in the sixth round, with Bellew is a big one.  e man everyone is talk- ing’s biggest  ght of the calen- to really scare one another. It wasn’t  ght, both competitors displayed vast breaking his hand even earlier. Since ing about in the heavyweight division, dar year so far; David Haye vs until the sixth round when the action amounts of respect towards one anoth- the  ghts conclusion, Bellew’s next op- Anthony Joshua, takes on Wladimir TTony Bellew. A er Bellew beat BJ Flo- intensi ed as Haye injured his ankle, er.  ey embraced and conducted the ponent could be reigning WBC world Klitschko in uni cation bout for the res last October, the Evertonian called causing him to fall to the canvas twice. post-match interview together. David heavyweight champion Deontay Wild- WBA ‘super’ title, at a sold-out Wemb- out Haye, who was present at ringside. It allowed Bellew to control the bout. Haye stated the better man won, and er; but Haye has mentioned he would ley Stadium on the 29th April.  e pair traded verbal onslaughts at To Bellew’s credit, he didn’t go  ying in did not blame his loss on injury like he love a rematch with Bellew, although In addition, Tyson Fury is still sus- various press conferences and media because despite being injured, he knew has in the past and been ridiculed for a repeat of the bout is not contracted. pended by the British Boxing Board appearances in the build-up, alongside Haye could still pose a threat with his in the process. On the undercard to the main event; of Control, so an in-ring return for the preparing physically for the  ght. experience. In the 11th round, Bellew In the a ermath, both  ghters con- Katie Taylor continued her  ne form former heavyweight champion does Both  ghters stated in those press struck Haye with the  nal blows, caus-  rmed they had su ered substantial with a 5th round stoppage of Monica not look to be happening anytime conferences that it would be a poten- ing the Hayemaker to fall through injuries; a testament to the pair as they Gentili, while Sam Eggington claimed soon. Also, rumors have emerged that tially quick a air, but that was not the the ropes and his corner threw in the battled till the end. David Haye was re- a victory over Paulie Malignaggi with a Amir Khan will not be facing Manny case. When the bout began, the pair white towel, making Bellew the winner leased from hospital a er undergoing brutal body shot. Pacquiao a er a potential bout be- were feeling each other out, manag- by TKO (technical knock-out). surgery on the Achilles injury he sus-  e next  ght for British fans to enjoy tween the pair has been called o . Football: Chinese Super League Troubles Cricket: MCC approve ing a game, showing they are certainly But for the likes of Oscar, Ramires not afraid to punish players over o and Axel Witsel, they are giving up the ball incidents. so much more in major honours and rule changes  e most frustrating thing about all Champions League football.  is is of this is what I eluded to earlier; the what is so disheartening when watch- purchases of players. Reverting back ing the transfers happen because these to the MLS once again because they are quality players who contribute have set the benchmark for emerging massively to their teams and it is such a ince clubs in the Chinese Su- leagues in the world of football; most shame that they are guided by money. per League have been spending teams have a wage cap. Witsel admitted that he was doing it millions and millions on aging By this, when players such as Steven for the money so he could provide for stars,S good young talents, and medio- Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea his family, which highlights that play- Pirlo moved to their respective teams ers are only human and want to do cre squad players, global football fans he MCC (Marylebone Cricket Also, England completed a one-day along with other players, the clubs can what is right for themselves and their have been waiting to see the standard Club) hold all the laws to the series whitewash victory over the West only have three players on wages above family. Also, we have to remember that of football increase and grab our atten- game and govern any decisions Indies, with Alex Hales and newly ap- a certain amount to maintain a form football is just a job, so to some players tion much like the MLS (Major League Tthat could see rules revised or new pointed test captain Joe Root striking of fair play. they will only care about earning the Soccer) did in the United States. How- ones introduce to continue with the hundreds in the  nal match.  is will Now, this works in a sense because maximum amount possible. ever; this is far from the case. evolution of cricket. please ODI captain Eoin Morgan, as the players who come over and are in- What crushes the game more than Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng were In recent weeks, lawmakers have England will be part of the ICC Cham- side the wage cap, they have chosen to anything is money. Not just in China, facing Liaoning Hongyun in a match approved new rules such as sending- pions Trophy in the summer, which play for the club over receiving extra but all over the globe. It governs the that was attended by only sixteen peo- o ’s, awarding penalty runs for poor will be held in England and Wales. zeros at the end of their cheque. game more than the burning passion ple. Yes, you read that correctly; six- behaviour and limiting the size of bats. Joe Root will have to wait until May With the Chinese Super League we are used to, especially here in Brit- teen people. Laughable to say the least.  e player o ences will be measured till he can captain his country for the though, the players have only signed ain. Clubs are turning into franchises Personally, this comes as no surprise through four di erent levels and the  rst time when South Africa will tour for the money; simple as that. Now, which means the fans su er due to because we don’t tend to associate punishments bestowed appropriately, before the West Indies visit again in for the record, I will say for the most ridiculous tickets prices and increas- teams sports with China as a nation, with bats having controlled maximum August. part, I do not blame them. Who in ing their merchandise sales.  e most compared to other countries like the dimensions to create a fairer playing  e long awaited return of the Ashes their right mind wouldn’t jump at the discouraging thing, as much as I love United States and Australia, where es-  eld. will be contested in Australia over the chance to earn millions upon millions football, is that nurses and soldiers are tablished players have moved to.  ese law will come into e ect as of winter, with the 5 test matches run of pounds? Especially the likes of Car- underwhelmingly paid next to these In another incident, Shanghai Shen- the 1st October 2017, giving manufac- from 23rd November till the 8th Janu- los Tevez, who are reaching the end of athletes.  e balance is incompara- hua’s Qin Sheng was  ned £35,000, tures time to make new bats but also ary 2018. their career and want to earn as much ble and I do not know how it will be dropped to the reserve team and for the players to think about how they as possible whilst playing at an average solved. faces a wage cut a er he deliberately will approach the game from now on. stamped on Axel Witsel’s foot in dur- level. 46 Seren | March Issue 2017 March Issue 2017 | Seren 47 SPORT SPORT British University and Colleges Sport Results Boxing: David Haye vs Tony Bellew

February 8th Bangor University 1st Mens Tennis: Edge Hill University 5th 8-82 Bangor University 1st 4.5-1.5 Bangor University 1st Mens Basketball - Bangor University Mens Rugby Union: MMU (Man- 1st 6-6 Bangor University 2nd Womens Hockey: Lancaster Univer- Mens Badminton: Lancaster Univer- 1st 71-70 Edge Hill University chester) 1st 83-3 Bangor University 1st Mens Badminton: Edge Hill Univer- sity 1st 7-1 Bangor University 1st sity 2nd 8-0 Bangor University 2nd Mens Tennis - Bangor University 1st Womens Netball: MMU (Manches- sity 1st 4-4 Bangor University 2nd Mens Squash: Lancaster University Mens Badminton: Liverpool John 8-4 Uni of Liverpool 2nd ter) 4th 35-45 Bangor University 1st Mens Rugby Union: Wrexham 1st 3-1 Bangor University 1st Moores University 1st 1-7 Bangor Uni- Mens Lacrosse - Bangor University Womens Basketball: University of Glyndwr University 1st 30-10 Bangor Mens Badminton: University of Cen- versity 1st 1st 0-23 Newcastle University 1st Liverpool 1st 54-51 Bangor University University 2nd tral Lancashire 1st 7-1 Bangor Univer- Sunday 5th March Womens Lacrosse - Bangor Univer- 1st Mens Lacrosse: Bangor University sity 1st Mens Futsal: MMU (Manchester) 1st sity 1st 20-2 Uni of Leeds 1st Saturday 11th February: 1st 0-27 University of Edinburgh 1st Womens Hockey: University of Liv- 7-5 Bangor University 1st Mens Badminton - Bangor Univer- Mens Rugby League: University of Mens Rugby Union: Bangor Univer- erpool 4th 5-0 Bangor University 2nd Mens Futsal: University of Salford 1st sity 1st 4-4 University of Hull 1st Hull 2nd 38-18 Bangor University 1st sity 1st 21-14 Chester 1st Mens Football: Bangor University 1st 6-4 Bangor University 1st Mens Squash - Bangor University 1st Mens Gaelic Football: Liverpool Mixed Golf: Bangor University 1st 5-2 University of Liverpool 2nd Mixed American Football: Bangor he 4th March saw British box- ing to land routine jabs but nothing What was remarkable is that a er the tained in the sixth round, with Bellew is a big one.  e man everyone is talk- 2-3 Keele University Mens 1st John Moores University 1st 33-0 Ban- 4-2 University of Leicester 1st Mens Hockey: Bangor University 1st University 1st 23-18 University of Ed- ing’s biggest  ght of the calen- to really scare one another. It wasn’t  ght, both competitors displayed vast breaking his hand even earlier. Since ing about in the heavyweight division, Mens Tennis: Bangor University 2nd gor University 1st Womens Tennis: Bangor University 6-5 University of Central Lancashire inburgh dar year so far; David Haye vs until the sixth round when the action amounts of respect towards one anoth- the  ghts conclusion, Bellew’s next op- Anthony Joshua, takes on Wladimir 10-2 Edge Hill University 1st Mens Volleyball: Bangor University 1st 6-6 University of Manchester 2nd 1st Wednesday March 8th: TTony Bellew. A er Bellew beat BJ Flo- intensi ed as Haye injured his ankle, er.  ey embraced and conducted the ponent could be reigning WBC world Klitschko in uni cation bout for the Mens Football: Bangor University 1st 2-0 University of Manchester 3rd Womens Netball: Bangor University Mens Badminton: Bangor University Mens Badminton: Bangor University res last October, the Evertonian called causing him to fall to the canvas twice. post-match interview together. David heavyweight champion Deontay Wild- WBA ‘super’ title, at a sold-out Wemb- 2nd 5-1 University of Central Lanca- Mens Volleyball: Banogr 1st 2-1 2nd 38-35 Keele University 2nd 3rd 8-0 Wrexham Glyndwr 1st 1st 4-4 Northumbria University 1st out Haye, who was present at ringside. It allowed Bellew to control the bout. Haye stated the better man won, and er; but Haye has mentioned he would ley Stadium on the 29th April. shire 5th Keele University 1st Men’s Badminton: Bangor University Womens Tennis: Bangor University (Bangor lost on sets - 8-9)  e pair traded verbal onslaughts at To Bellew’s credit, he didn’t go  ying in did not blame his loss on injury like he love a rematch with Bellew, although In addition, Tyson Fury is still sus- Mens Badminton: Bangor University Sunday 12th February: 1st 4-4 Newcastle University 1st 0-12 Keele University 1st Womens Rugby Union: Keele Uni- various press conferences and media because despite being injured, he knew has in the past and been ridiculed for a repeat of the bout is not contracted. pended by the British Boxing Board 2nd 7-1 Chester Mens 1st Mens Futsal: University of Chester Saturday 18th February: Womens Football: Bangor University versity 1st 39-5 Bangor University 1st appearances in the build-up, alongside Haye could still pose a threat with his in the process. On the undercard to the main event; of Control, so an in-ring return for the Womens Netball: Bangor University 1st 2-5 Bangor University 1st Mens Gaelic Football: Bangor Uni- 1st 3-1 Edge Hill University 1st Mens Badminton: Liverpool Hope preparing physically for the  ght. experience. In the 11th round, Bellew In the a ermath, both  ghters con- Katie Taylor continued her  ne form former heavyweight champion does 2nd 22-35 Chester 3rd Mens Futsal: Wrexham Glyndwr versity 1st 7-51 Liverpool John Moores Tuesday 28th February: University 2nd 0-8 Bangor University Both  ghters stated in those press struck Haye with the  nal blows, caus-  rmed they had su ered substantial with a 5th round stoppage of Monica not look to be happening anytime Womens Hockey: Bangor University University 1st 4-7 Bangor University University 1st Mens Basketball: Bangor University 3rd conferences that it would be a poten- ing the Hayemaker to fall through injuries; a testament to the pair as they Gentili, while Sam Eggington claimed soon. Also, rumors have emerged that 2nd 2-5 Chester 2nd 1st Womens Futsal: Bangor Unversity 1st 46-87 University of Manchester 1st Womens Netball: MMU (Manches- tially quick a air, but that was not the the ropes and his corner threw in the battled till the end. David Haye was re- a victory over Paulie Malignaggi with a Amir Khan will not be facing Manny Womens Hockey: Bangor University Mixed American Football: Univer- 1st 4-2 University of Edinburgh 2nd Wednesday March 1st ter) 6th 35-33 Bangor University 2nd case. When the bout began, the pair white towel, making Bellew the winner leased from hospital a er undergoing brutal body shot. Pacquiao a er a potential bout be- 1st 2-4 University of Liverpool 2nd sity of Chester 0-42 Bangor University Sunday 19th February: Mens Basketball: Bangor University Mens Fencing: University of Liv- were feeling each other out, manag- by TKO (technical knock-out). surgery on the Achilles injury he sus-  e next  ght for British fans to enjoy tween the pair has been called o . Mens Fencing: Aberdeen University 1st Mens Futsal: Bangor University 1st 1st 46-87 University of Manchester 1st erpool 1st 135-64 Bangor University 1st 135-79 Bangor University 1st Wednesday 15th February: 7-1 University of York 1st Womens Football: Mens 1st Mens Ultimate (Outdoor): Univer- Womens Hockey: Teesside Univer- Mixed American Football: Bangor Bangor University1st 3-4 Mens Lacrosse: University of Leeds Football: Chinese Super League Troubles Cricket: MCC approve sity of She eld 2nd 9-8 Bangor Uni- sity 1st 3-0 Bangor University 2nd University 1st 26-12 University of Northumbria University 2nd 1st 22-2 Bangor University 1st ing a game, showing they are certainly But for the likes of Oscar, Ramires versity 1st Mens Tennis: MMU (Manchester) Bradford 1st Womens Badminton: Bangor Uni- Sunday 12th March: not afraid to punish players over o and Axel Witsel, they are giving up Womens Tennis: Liverpool John 1st 4-8 Bangor University 1st Wednesday 22nd Febraury versity 1st 5-3 Mixed American Football: Univer- the ball incidents. so much more in major honours and rule changes Moores University 1st 12-0 Bangor Womens Football: Liverpool John Mens Tennis: Lancaster University University of Manchester 2nd sity of Leeds 1st 13-9 Bangor Univer-  e most frustrating thing about all Champions League football.  is is University 1st Moores University 1st 2-4 Bangor Uni- 2nd 4-8 Bangor University 1st Womens Hockey: Bangor University isty 1st of this is what I eluded to earlier; the what is so disheartening when watch- Mens Hockey: Keele University 1st versity 1st Mens Tennis: Liverpool John Moores 1st 2-1 Univeristy of Manchester 2nd Womens Rugby Union: University purchases of players. Reverting back ing the transfers happen because these 1-5 Bangor University 1st Womens Squash: Durham Univer- University 2nd 12-0 Bangor University Womens Basketball: Bangor Univer- of Central Lancashire 1st 64-5 Bangor to the MLS once again because they are quality players who contribute Mens Hockey: Liverpool John sity 2nd 3-1 Bangor University 1st 2nd sity 1st 61-34 Lancaster University 1st University 1st have set the benchmark for emerging massively to their teams and it is such a Moores University 2nd 18-0 Bangor Womens Basketball: Newcastle Uni- Mens Football: MMU (Cheshire) 8th Womens Netball: Bangor University Mens Futsal: University of Salford 1st ince clubs in the Chinese Su- leagues in the world of football; most shame that they are guided by money. University 2nd versity 2nd 60-57 Bangor University 2-7 Bangor University 2nd 2nd 56-32 Keele University 3rd 3-8 Bangor University 1st per League have been spending teams have a wage cap. Witsel admitted that he was doing it Mens Football: Chester 1st 3-1 1st Womens Netball: MMU (Cheshire) Mixed Golf: Aberdeen University 1st millions and millions on aging By this, when players such as Steven for the money so he could provide for stars,S good young talents, and medio- Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea his family, which highlights that play- Pirlo moved to their respective teams ers are only human and want to do cre squad players, global football fans he MCC (Marylebone Cricket Also, England completed a one-day along with other players, the clubs can what is right for themselves and their have been waiting to see the standard Club) hold all the laws to the series whitewash victory over the West only have three players on wages above family. Also, we have to remember that of football increase and grab our atten- game and govern any decisions Indies, with Alex Hales and newly ap- Citizen’s Corner - Bangor City Update tion much like the MLS (Major League a certain amount to maintain a form football is just a job, so to some players Tthat could see rules revised or new pointed test captain Joe Root striking of fair play. they will only care about earning the he Citizens remain in the top 4 zens beat Cardi Met 3-2. ensured the team is full of con dence Soccer) did in the United States. How- ones introduce to continue with the hundreds in the  nal match.  is will Now, this works in a sense because maximum amount possible. of the Dafabet Welsh Premier Heartbreak came in the quarter  - heading into their remaining  xtures ever; this is far from the case. evolution of cricket. please ODI captain Eoin Morgan, as Guizhou Hengfeng Zhicheng were the players who come over and are in- What crushes the game more than League but exited the JD Welsh nals of the JD Welsh Cup with an away of the season: In recent weeks, lawmakers have England will be part of the ICC Cham- TCup at the quarter  nal stage. trip to TNS ( e New Saints).  e Friday 17th March: Home v Bala side the wage cap, they have chosen to anything is money. Not just in China, facing Liaoning Hongyun in a match approved new rules such as sending- pions Trophy in the summer, which play for the club over receiving extra but all over the globe. It governs the  e beginning of February saw a 3-2 closely contested game needed extra Town 7:45pm that was attended by only sixteen peo- o ’s, awarding penalty runs for poor will be held in England and Wales. zeros at the end of their cheque. game more than the burning passion loss away to Bala Town. Daniel Nar- time, but Bangor’s Yalany Baio was Saturday 25th March: Away v Gap ple. Yes, you read that correctly; six- behaviour and limiting the size of bats. Joe Root will have to wait until May With the Chinese Super League we are used to, especially here in Brit- diello and Rodrigo Branco were on sent o in normal time. Henry Jones Connah’s Quay 2:30pm teen people. Laughable to say the least.  e player o ences will be measured till he can captain his country for the though, the players have only signed ain. Clubs are turning into franchises the score sheet, but skipper Gary Rob- was once again on the score sheet, but Sunday 9th April: Away v Cardi Personally, this comes as no surprise through four di erent levels and the  rst time when South Africa will tour for the money; simple as that. Now, which means the fans su er due to erts was sent o in an incident packed TNS made the extra man count, and Met 2:30pm because we don’t tend to associate punishments bestowed appropriately, before the West Indies visit again in for the record, I will say for the most ridiculous tickets prices and increas- game. came from behind to win 2-1. A devas- Friday 14th April: Home v  e New teams sports with China as a nation, with bats having controlled maximum August. part, I do not blame them. Who in ing their merchandise sales.  e most But Bangor were back to winning tating blow for the Citizens, but a good Saints 2:30pm compared to other countries like the dimensions to create a fairer playing  e long awaited return of the Ashes their right mind wouldn’t jump at the discouraging thing, as much as I love ways in the following weeks, in front experience for the team. Bangor met Saturday 22nd April: Home v United States and Australia, where es-  eld. will be contested in Australia over the chance to earn millions upon millions football, is that nurses and soldiers are of their home supporters. Mid elder TNS again in the league a week later, Carmarthen Town 5:15pm tablished players have moved to.  ese law will come into e ect as of winter, with the 5 test matches run of pounds? Especially the likes of Car- underwhelmingly paid next to these Henry Jones continuing his  ne form but were beaten 4-0. Furthermore, January signing Gary In another incident, Shanghai Shen- the 1st October 2017, giving manufac- from 23rd November till the 8th Janu- los Tevez, who are reaching the end of athletes.  e balance is incompara- by scoring twice to claim a 2-1 vic- Nonetheless, in last week’s  xture Taylor-Fletcher signed a assistant hua’s Qin Sheng was  ned £35,000, tures time to make new bats but also ary 2018. their career and want to earn as much ble and I do not know how it will be tory over Gap Connah’s Quay before away to Carmarthen Town, a Daniel manager-player deal, which will give dropped to the reserve team and for the players to think about how they as possible whilst playing at an average solved. he bagged another brace either side of Nardiello hat-trick helped the Citizens manager Ian Dawes and the club a real faces a wage cut a er he deliberately will approach the game from now on. stamped on Axel Witsel’s foot in dur- level. Dean Rittenberg’s  nish when the Citi- come back from behind, twice, and boost moving forward. Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT Bangor University Badminton Club Men’s First Team

Northern Conference Cup Finals at York University - Bangor vs Northumbria

by NISHANTH compete. posed with clinical  nishing, winning A er all the single matches had been bly one of the most successful seasons CHINTHANGAL  e  rst round of matches saw cap- their games in straight sets; 21-13, played, the score was 4-2, to Northum- Bangor Badminton Club has ever had, ednesday the 8th of March tain Will Peck face Northumbria’s 2nd 21-15. Old boys (fourth years) Andy bria. with the men’s 1st team dominating marked the date that our singles player, and Nishanth Chintha- Watson and Oscar Chan had a slightly Oscar and Andy put on one of their the league and securing promotion to Men’s 1st Badminton team ngal face Northumbria’s 1st singles tougher time, struggling to hit the best performances of the season,  nd- league 1A, as well as making it to the madeW the long and arduous journey to player. Nish, who had been called up mark in the  rst game, losing 21-19, ing their best form to beat Northum-  nal of the Conference Cup. the University of York, to play in the from the second team, played valiant- but turned their game on in the sec- bria’s 2nd doubles pairing in straight  e Bangor University Badminton conference cup  nal against Northum- ly, but was unfortunately outclassed ond two games, winning them in style sets, winning 21-13, 21-16. Charlie Club would like to give a massive bria University 1sts. by the sheer power and precision of 21-16, 21-13. At the halfway point, the and Josh seemed to be having a com- thank you to all those who helped  e team knew the competition the Northumbria player, who won score was 2-2. fortable time in their  xture against Bangor University Men’s 1st team would be  erce, as both teams had the match in straight sets. Will put up Nish then took on Northumbria’s the 1st doubles pairing, winning the achieve a successful season: William topped their respective leagues, but much more of a  ght in two very even second singles player, and despite giv-  rst game 21-14, but in the second Peck, Oscar Chan, Andy Watson, Mu- our men felt aptly prepared to deal games. But despite his hard work, Will ing his all, could not triumph, losing game, Northumbria really fought hasin Sinu, Josh McMullan, Charlie with the challenge.  e squad set o to struggled to  nd his rhythm, and was his games 21-8, 21-9. Captain Will back and tested our boys, but Josh and Hersant, William Toomey and Nishan- York with a team comprising of Andy beaten by Northumbria’s 2nd singles Peck had a huge amount of pressure in Charlie managed to keep their nerve, th Chinthangal. A huge thank you also Watson, Oscar Chan, Josh McMul- player in straight sets; 22-20, 21-19. his second singles match, as a win was and won the game 28-26, winning the to those who came to watch the match. lan, Charlie Hersant, and captain Will Despite the two losses, Bangor were needed in order to secure an overall match in two sets. Let’s hope that we continue our suc- Peck. 2nd Team Captain, Nishanth still con dent leading into the  rst team win. He gave his all, playing some  is meant the  nal score was 4-4; a cess into the 2017/18 season. Chinthangal (Nish), was called up to round of doubles, and with good rea- high-quality badminton, using every draw. But due to the knockout nature take the place of Will Toomey. son. First year pairing Josh McMul- net shot in the book, but unfortunately of the  xture, the result needed to go Support badminton and other A er the long journey (and an ex- lan and Charlie Hersant triumphed could not get the better of their  rst down to sets, and unfortunately a very sporting events at Varsity 2017 tensive walk around the York campus against the second Northumbria pair singles player, who is currently in Eng- strong Northumbria team were victo- on the 25th March in trying to  nd the ever-elusive sports with ease, pushing them around the land’s top 40 and was seeded top 16 in rious, by one set. Aberystwyth #letsgoBangor centre) they were ready and excited to court, and leaving them totally ex- BUCS nationals, losing 21-13, 21-12.  is is no way detracts from argua-