Get Your C-Card SU Supports Safe Sex Scheme by IDA VÄISÄNEN He Best Things in Life Are Free Priate Advice and Information

Bangor University Students’ Union October 2014 English Language Issue No. 242 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk STREET SAMBA HALLOWEEN SPECIAL STUDY ABROAD

Sex in the Student’s

Before givingUnion your V-Card; get your C-Card SU supports safe sex scheme by IDA VÄISÄNEN he best things in life are free priate advice and information. high standard of sexual health aware- and Bangor University’s Stu- At the Students’ Union two sabbati- ness for all students without having to dent Union is opening a treas- cal o cers - Lydia and Guto - as well spend extortionate amounts on con- Ture chest of inexpensive joys, o ering as three members of sta at reception traception in supermarkets.” students access to free condoms and - Rachelle, Dawn and Sharon - are From the Seren point of view the C- sexual health advice as a part of the trained to allocate the C-Card. e card scheme does o er great things; “All Wales C-Card (Condom Card) con dential service is an excellent free contraception with some advice Scheme”. opportunity for a student to ask ques- and information on the side. Univer- e C-Card Scheme provides a sex- tions and learn about sexual health. sity students might already be self-ed- ual health service for young people e service is available at Students’ ucated on this matter, compared to the under the age of 25, o ering free con- Union, Student Services and JMJ halls scheme’s usual clientele of high school doms, information and advice. on certain days. age. Still, some good advice never hurt A young person registered with the Lydia Richardson (VP Education anyone and putting something on the scheme carries a card, on which is a and Welfare) commented on the end of it is certainly something every- personal identi cation number, that scheme, saying: “I believe that this will one needs to remember while wander- allows the service provider to monitor be a really important campaign as it ing in the temptations of student life! access whilst maintaining user con - gives Bangor students the opportunity To obtain a C-Card, students can dentiality. to have local access throughout the register with the sta in Students’ Un- C-Card Schemes provide an op- University to sexual health advice.” ion (Monday to Friday 9am-4:30pm), portunity to support young people in “ e fact that all of the condoms Student Services (Monday to Friday safely managing their sexual health, given out to students are completely 9am-4.30pm) or Neuadd JMJ Halls which is a better option than general free and the only thing that students (Tuesday and Wednesday 1pm-5pm). condom distribution schemes where need to do is register a chosen name condoms are freely available to take and birth date, means that the ser- at will, in any quantity, without appro- vice is very cost e ective and ensure a

October Issue 2014 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 47 AMY BLACKWELL EDITOR 36 [email protected] Hey ya’ll! I hope your year is going well so far and that everyone’s settled into Bangor life. We’re back with our October issue and a brand 11 new Seren team! Everyone has done an amazing job at designing News 4-7 their pages and writing content. I’m so insanely proud of them all! Politics 8-9 This week has been busy but nice. Comment 10-11 I feel like my team had a good time putting the issue together and it Science 12-13 was nice for me to not have to do Environment 14-15 everything for a change. A full team is better than three people. I want Interview 16 to give huge thanks to Ida “the tarty Postgrad Society 17 princess nun” (aka deputy design) and Joe “the treasure(r)” Keep for Societies 18-19 sticking with me until 5:30 in the Union 20-21 morning. I want to thank all my new 32 (and old) sub-editors who have re- Halloween 22-23 ally done well this issue and for being excited and passionate about Music 24-25 Seren. TV 26-27 So what’s good in this issue? On page 27 there is Seren’s top 5 TV Film 28 - 29 monsters, including my favourite. Games & Gadgets 30 - 31 Page 13 has 40 ways to reuse Seren, 27 can you think of any more? Get cre- Books 32-33 ative! Seren’s new “Challenge Seren” Health & Beauty 34-35 project is on page 17, please let us know if you want to get involved! Fashion 36-37 On page 39 you can read up on Po- Travel 38-39 land and all it’s beauty. And, page 44 gives you a glimpse of what’s Food & Drink 40-41 coming up in November! Breaktime 42 So, take a break from partying ( rst years), sleeping (second years) Whats On? 44 and stressing (third years) and in- dulge in our October issue! Thank Sport 45-48 you for reading! Happy Halloween!

The views presented hereinafter do not represent the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ 14 Union or Bangor University. Seren is printed by NWN Media. #242 CONTRIBUTORS Jack Watkinson Jesse Young Anastasia Jeune Andy Wells Andrew Locke Shannen Stoner Rebecca Semple William Gurney Conor Glackin Nathan Bullen Lydia Richarson Robyn Myring Tom Brady Rhys Taylor John Packut Sam Green Mark Stanley Aiden Jones THE TEAM Josh Bebbinton Guto Gwilym Kelly Norman Editor Amy Blackwell Science Chris Glass Health & Beauty Daniel Blaney Gemma Simons Eva Christodoulou DeputyContent: Stephanie Environment Richard Dalison Fashion Emily Rimmer Daniel Gallant Laura Sutton Claire Bennet Deputy Design: Yeabsley Music Hedd Thomas Travel Eleanor Hirst News Ida Vaisanen TV Ryan Jones Food & Drink Kayla Jones Becca Kent Kirsty Elliot Keziah Taylor Emily Houlston- Film Liam Shipton Sport Olivia Bence Jennifer Irwin James Lloyd Yi-Ann Fang Politics Jones Games Joe Keep Design Scott Willey Nicola Pye Fritha West Megan Yates Comment Kate Benn Books Jack Upton Dan Turner Georgia Mitchell Max Zeronian Dalley Iona Pinches LJ Taylor Jodie Williams Tierna Coughlan 4 Seren | October Issue 2014 NEWS In Brief McDonald’s’ new opening hours Pontio delayed again opposed BANGOR councillors have publicly opposed McDonald’s’ licensing application, to extend the fast-food restau- rant’s opening hours. e business, which is located on Caernarfon Road, wishes to remain open until 2am, seven days a week, and submitted an application which would allow it to do so to Gwynedd Council. e application was approved, but Bangor City Council are vehemently opposing the new hours. Cllr Derek Hainge commented that “people there want to have their sleep – they deserve to have their rest,” and also said that local residents were “up in arms” a er hearing about the proposal.

Bangor Law School hosts Lord Chief Justice THE Rt. Honorable the Lord omas of Cwmigedd, Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, visited Bangor University on October 9th to deliver the 2014 Public Law Lecture. e title of the lecture was “ e Importance of Public Inquiries,” a timely subject following several high pro le public inquiries, such as the Leveson Inquiry. ‘Chwalfa’ production cancelled admist further setbacks e Lord Chief Justice also o - cially opened Bangor Law School’s Project currently 2 years behind schedule Moot courtroom; a mock courtroom where Law students can host imita- by NATHAN BULLEN that work on the building project is port that we received. years behind schedule and looking tion trials and compete against other unlikely to be completed in time for “We are looking forward to return- likely to take at least another year. Law Schools. onstruction work on Bangor’s us to reschedule Chwalfa in February ing as soon as it will be possible. We is has been met with frustration e Law School also hosted the rst Pontio building has yet again as originally hoped.” also wish Pontio every success as they from students. meeting of the Law Commission of been hit with further setbacks, “We sincerely apologise to the hard- prepare to open their doors and we Danielle Nunnerley, 20, says “It England & Wales’ Welsh Advisory Cforcing plans for a February 2015 working cast, the crew and our audi- look forward to visiting the Centre seems as though every time it gets Committee on October 9th. ey show to be cancelled. ences, and we share their disappoint- with a wealth of productions in the close to the time it was supposed to were joined by the President of the e planned theatre and university ment. f utu re .” be opening it gets pushed further back Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger, for facilities complex has had to cancel “Our priority is on working to com- ose who bought tickets will be again. It is getting boring now.” the Annual Legal Wales conference eatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s produc- plete the building and deliver a high- reimbursed and sta hired by Pontio Adam Penney, 19, added “I’m really on the 10th of October. e confer- tion of Chwalfa, a er having already quality artistic opening programme. will continue to be paid despite the disappointed at this setback, I was told ence discussed the implications for rescheduled it from an earlier date. As building work develops, we will building being closed. it was going to be open when I started Wales following the Scottish Refer- Professor John G Hughes, Bangor make further announcements.” e Pontio building was initially University last September and there is endum, as well as recent develop- University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: eatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s artis- meant to be open by 2012 a er plans still no sign of it being ready.” ments in family law, with over 150 “Following detailed discussions with tic director Arwel Gru ydd added: were submitted in 2010. e cost of the Pontio building academics and leading legal gures the contractor, and with eatr Gen- “We would like to thank the residents is latest setback is simply one of works is estimated to be around £44m. in attendance. edlaethol Cymru, it has become clear of the area for the welcome and sup- many, with the project already two Hurricane Gonzalo hits north Wales Bangor lecturers scoop awards

HURRICANE Gonzalo caused chaos tional Teaching Fellows for excellence over the past 10 years – their learning, been included on a number of teach- across Wales in the past week, batter- in Higher Education at an award cer- engagement, and enjoyment makes ing and learning initiatives. ing the north Wales coast with winds emony, held on the 8th of October. it all worthwhile. And I’m grateful to e award consisted of £10,000, and of up to 70mph. Professor Intriligator is a Professor Bangor University and, in particular, was given to just 55 higher education Ferries crossing from Holyhead to of Innovation and Consumer Psychol- the School of Psychology, which has sta from across the United Kingdom. Dublin were cancelled, leaving sev- ogy, while Ms. Murphy is a Nurse Lec- given me freedom and support – both e awards added to Bangor Univer- eral holidaymakers stranded in both turer. Both are experienced in their of which are required for innovative sity’s impressive track record, with the ports. by EMILY HOULSTON JONES elds, with Professor Intriligator be- teaching.” university now having received more A vehicle towing a cattle-trailer [email protected] ing a pioneer in the eld of consumer Ms. Murphy said: “I am absolutely awards than any other Welsh Univer- was overcome by the winds and psychology, while Ms. Murphy is an delighted to receive the National sity. overturned on A4244 in Gwynedd, wo Bangor University lecturers experienced nurse, having worked in Teaching Fellowship. I have only Professor George Turnball, Bangor though no injuries were reported. have been presented with pres- both the UK and Australia. recently begun to work at Bangor University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, has e wind speeds in Wales were tigious teaching awards. Both have commented on receiv- University and I have already been commented on the awards, saying “It amongst the highest in the UK, but TProfessor James Intriligator and ing the award. Professor Intriligator amazed by the support I have received was a delight to attend the awards cer- no injuries have been reported in the Peggy James, both members of Ban- said: “I am very honoured to have re- from the School of Healthcare Scienc- emony, and to see such wonderful lec- region. gor University’s College of Health & ceived this award. I owe a great deal es team. e School is a dynamic place turers rewarded for their e orts.” Behavioural Sciences, received Na- of thanks to my wonderful students to work and right from the start I have October Issue 2014 | Seren 5 NEWS In Brief Bangor High St. to recieve cash injection THE city is due to recieve £45,000. e plans were announced by Lesley Gri ths, the Welsh Government’s Minister for Communities and Tack- ling Poverty, who commented on the measure, saying that the money will enable the city to “celebrate the vital role town centres and high streets play in creating a sense of community and providing us with a place to shop, do business, socialise, and live. “Our high streets should be the heart of our towns, creating a vibrant local economy and bustling economy” e money awarded to Bangor is planned to be put towards property improvements, marketing and a pop- Bangor Ebola fears quashed up shop initiative. donning protective clothing for medi- A statement issued by Public Health Titled “Ebola scare in Bangor cal emergency in Bangor on October Wales said: “ e Welsh Ambulance Gwynedd”, it showed a man in a white 14th. Service con rms that as part of good t-shirt walking from the house to the An ambulance was sent to an ad- practice they did transfer an individu- ambulance. Both paramedics were dress in the Hirael area of Bangor a er al wearing personal protective equip- wearing masks as well as the yellow Bangor school- receiving reports a man having been ment this morning.” suits. by IDA VÄISÄNEN taken ill. “Having consulted with appropriate Two women walked out of the house girls targeted on [email protected] Neighbours who saw the man walk- experts, BCUHB con rms that the in- and were seen chatting to the man being into the emergency ambulance by dividual is not being treated as a case fore the vehicle doors were closed. Facebook ealth o cials con rm no one the yellow-suited paramedics went of Ebola. No further clinical details e two-minute clip was later re- THREE Bangor schoolgirls have been at a Betsi Cadwaladr Univer- onto social media websites to voice will be provided.” moved. sent sexually explicit messages via Fa- sity Health Board (BCUHB) their concern the incident may have e video clip was posted on several A Gwynedd Council spokesman cebook, it has emerged this week. hospitalH is under investigation for Eb- been connected to Ebola. One even online social media websites later on said they had not been noti ed of the Christine Vize, the mother of one ola virus disease despite paramedics posted a video of the incident online. the same day. incident. of the girls targeted, spoke to the Daily Post concerning the incidents. She also contacted North Wales Po- lice, who have indicated that they are looking into the matter. e three girls, who are pupils at Ysgol Friars, were approached on Facebook by an account holder who claimed to be a 19-year-old woman. Gwynedd Council Lauren, Ms. Vize’s daughter, showed the messages to her mother, who said: “I’m really proud of her and the way she handled this.” She added: “I know that two other girls at the school have also been con- considers merge tacted by this person and they have been sent even more explicit sexual messages.” A North Wales Police spokesperson has commented on the incident, saying: “I have advised the individuals involved in relation to internet safety and o cers are currently looking into the matter.”

Menai Strait body identi ed THE body of a local man that was recovered from the Menai Strait has been identi ed. Gwilym Jones, aged 52, was discovered by a member of by IDA VÄISÄNEN Councillors, responding to the cillors have already rejected a volun- “ is includes discussing the possi- the public at 11am on 5th October. Welsh Government’s consultation on tary merger. bility of merging with another council A police representative stated that the death is not being treated as sus- iscussions about Gwynedd local government, approved a recom- Presenting a report to the council or councils if certain assurances are picious. e pier was closed during Council possibly merging mendation that talks be considered as meeting in Caernarfon on 9th Octo- secured.” this time as the coast guard and po- with another local authority long as “it can be clearly demonstrated ber, the authority’s leader Dyfed Ed- ese assurances include a dialogue lice dealt with the incident. e body areD to be held. it would be the best option for safe- wards, said: “It is no exaggeration to on public services at a more local was immediately taken to Ysbyty A Gwynedd spokesman con rmed guarding the interests of Gwynedd say that local government in Wales level than takes place at present, and a Gwynedd for post-mortem examina- 47 councillors were in favour of dis- residents and protecting local ser- is at a crossroads, and di cult deci- policy to support the Welsh language tion. e Coroner’s O ce said that cussions, three voted against and ve vices”. sions now need to be taken if we are would be crucial for any new council. an investigation has begun into Mr abstained. It has been suggested Gwynedd may to avoid a scenario where change is merge with Anglesey, but island coun- forced upon us.” Jones’ death. 6 Seren | October Issue 2014 NEWS In Brief Bangor University merge rumours denied BANGOR University has denied rumours of a merge with troubled Glyndŵr University, following an open letter from Wrexham MP Ian Lucas to the Higher Education Fund- ing Council of Wales (HEFCW), which claimed that talks were underway. A spokesperson at Bangor Univer- sity categorically denied Mr. Lucas’s assertion, saying that his letter was “misguided.” e spokesperson went on to say that any discussions between the two universities focused only on Bangor University’s “willing to assist in order to safeguard the interests of the students” at Glyndŵr University. However, Dr David Blaney, chief executive of the HEFCW, indicated that the public body would support Glyndŵr University as it explored plans to stay open, saying: “It is no secret that we have believed and still believe that higher education in north east Wales would have a stronger and more sustainable future as part of a larger structure, which would be better able to withstand the current climate of recruitment, funding and international competition.” He added that it is best not to “close our minds” in devising solutions for Glyndŵr’s future. Bangor hacker scoops bounty Jamie Woodrow wins £1000 bounty in Moscow Hackathon by WILL GURNEY a bounty for his work. Mr Woodru Alejandro Saucedo, said that “Jamie sorship provides Mr Woodru with AM praises donated the money to the Hacka- Woodru is the best and most pas- his computer equipment and travel- Bangor amie Woodru , a student in the Global, a community lead non-pro t sionate ethical hacker I have ever met.” ling expenses. Computer Sciences department organisation dedicated to connecting Mr Woodru is not only a bounty Speaking of the event, Mr Woodru University’s at Bangor University has been programmers from around the world. winning hacker but also a quali ed said: “I was really excited to be invited awardedJ a £1000 bounty, a er com- is was not Mr Woodru ’s only penetration engineer and winner of to Russia, it’s one of many internation- schools peting in a 56-hour hackathon in achievement this year. He has also the best hack category at the South- al events that I will be attending this Moscow, Russia. found privacy vulnerabilities in hamptom Hackathon in April. In ad- year, even though I’m dyslexic and partnerships Mr Woodru won the money by VK.com (a Russian social media web- dition to this he has gained sponsor- dyspraxic. is just goes to show that nding privacy vulnerabilities in Fa- site) as well as several banking com- ship from Varsity Living IT Security anyone can do anything when they put THE Welsh Assembly’s Minister cebook, who then the rewarded him panies. e founder of HackaGlobal, Experts and Core Security. e spon- their mind to it.” for Education, Huw Lewis AM, has praised Bangor University’s schools partnerships. e praise came following visits to three partner schools: Ysgol y Hendre in Caernarfon; Ysgol Maesincla, also in Caernarfon; and Ysgol Glancegin Bangor Professor in Bangor. All three schools have been the bene ciaries of university-funded projects and partnerships. Following the visits, Mr Lewis said: “It was a pleasure to visit widening launches mental health index access and outreach projects under the auspices of Bangor University and Reaching Wider North and Mid Peter Huxley is a Professor of Mental Health Research Wales Partnership in Caernarfon and Bangor. New index will recommend ways to integrate su erers of mental health disorders “ ere was a common theme running through the three projects, and e Mental Health Integration In- was a member of an expert team advis- clusion, even in higher rated countries. that was the interaction between the dex explored, for the rst time, the ing on which items should be included Examples of best policy and practice children, their parents, teachers and challenges of integrating Europeans in the four sections of the Index: en- are not con ned to the high scoring university sta , and the inspiration with mental illnesses into society and vironment, access, opportunities and countries and can be found in many which that brought about. employment within Europe’s twenty governance. Huxley commented on other places in Europe and indeed, the “Partnerships like these have the eight member states and Norway and the report ndings, saying: rest of the world.” potential to change lives and it was by IDA VÄISÄNEN Switzerland. e research initiative “While we all face great challenges According to the ndings, employ- wonderful to see the university’s ex- [email protected] was commissioned by Janssen and in providing appropriate support to ment is the eld of greatest concern for pertise bene ting its local community Bangor expert in mental health undertaken by the Economics Intelli- people with mental health problems, it those with mental illness. e report in such ways.” research has helped launch the gence Unit. is gratifying to see that the UK comes makes recommendations in order to European Mental Health Inte- Peter Huxley, Professor of Mental second in the integration index. ere improve the integration of people liv- Agration Index (MHII). Health Research at Bangor University, is still a lot to do to improve social in- ing with mental illness into society. October Issue 2014 | Seren 7 NEWS In Brief Men arrested following police car chase

FOUR suspected shopli ers have been detained in Y Felinheli, a small village close to Caernarfon, following a car chase. e incident began in Caernarfon, where police cars followed a Volvo in which the four men travelled in from Morrisons. e vehicle failed to stop when agged down by police. Wit- nesses to the chase said that items were thrown from the Volvo at police cars, in an attempt to distract o cers. e four men were arrested at 8:45pm, with the arrest being lmed by Kimberly Edwards. e video was later released to e Daily Post. e four men remain in custody.

Local singer scouted by Ryan Seacrest A LOCAL teenage singer has rock- eted to the nal ve of a global music contest, run by American TV per- sonality Ryan Seacrest. Bronwen Hughes, 17, went through two rounds of YouTube voting to reach the nal. She was scouted by Ryan Seacrest’s team, who found a video of her singing a cover of ‘Am- Taller than ever? nesia,’ originally by Five Seconds of Summer. Snowdon may be taller than previously thought Known as ‘Bronnie’ to her friends, the aspiring singer’s family are from 1,085m previously thought following a don’s summit for 1,085.67m, rounded amazing kit and we’ve worked with Llandudno. Of her family, Bronwen detailed survey. up to 1,086m. them in the past to promote hills or said: “My family have been telling e measuring project was under- Despite this new nd Ordnance Sur- demote mountains that they’ve sur- everyone to vote for me, they’ve been taken by John Barnard of Mold, with vey maps will continue to show the veyed, but this occasion is slightly dif- amazing.” friends Myrddyn Phillips and Graham former gure of 1,085m. ferent. e real di erence with Snow- Bronwen also writes and performs Jackson. John said he had wanted to Snowdon is scaled by more than don is that there is essentially a small her own material, and writes about by STEPHANIE measure the height of Snowdon “for a 400,000 people every year and John village at the top, including a concrete her blossoming music career on her YEABSLEY number of years” so the opportunity to Barnard stated that “when that extra plinth at the summit and a café built in twitter account, @Bronwen4WALES. [email protected] do so was too good to miss. John and metre of summit plinth is gained they 2009. Our view is that we measure the his team reached the summit in the are peering down on land and sea actual rock summit, which remains new survey suggests that late evening accompanied by a televi- 1,086m below them.” unchanged at 1085m.” Ghost at Harlech Snowdon, Wales’ tallest moun- sion crew and spent the night in the However, the Ordnance Survey are You can see the surveyors carry tain, is a metre taller than cafe. denying the claims of Mr. Barnard out their work in an ITV Wales pro- Castle? Ashown on o cial maps. Experts made eir equipment was le in place and his friends. A spokesman for the gramme – ‘Climbing New Heights,’ MEDIUM Christine Hamlett, of the claim that the mountain actu- for three hours to collect the data. e mapping company commented on the which is available to watch on ITV- Northwich, Cheshire, recently ally measures 1,086m instead of the survey determined the top of Snow- new ndings, saying: “ ese guys have Player. claimed to have seen a ghostly monk in the arrow windows of Harlech Castle. Mrs. Hamlett, a self-described rescue-clairvoyant, captured a photo of what she says is a ghostly apparition A55 chaos continues while holidaying in north Wales. by NATHAN BULLEN taking place.” though North Wales Police have yet proving the A55. Of the image, she said: “I didn’t no- In the last few months the road has to o cially comment, beyond saying “We are developing emergency ref- tice anything at the time, but I was he A55 expressway, which runs also seen several accidents, one that that a full investigation is currently uges to enable stranded vehicles to looking at it recently and I said to my from Chester to Holyhead, has le a man ghting for his life. underway. move o the road, while work is on husband ‘What’s that in the window?’ come under scrutiny follow- Gwion Williams, 21, of Bethel, near North Wales Assembly Member ongoing on a £42 million project to “It looks like it’s wearing a monk’s Ting several incidents in the past few Caernarfon, was involved in a crash Aled Roberts said: “ ere needs to improve the A55 tunnels, to prevent ro b e .” months. on the 3rd of September, less than 2 be a joined up approach. We are told ooding at Talybont and on plans to Mrs. Hamlett claims to have had Ongoing road works have been tak- hours a er a pair of lorries collided in they’re doing junction improvements relieve congestion on the Britannia another ghostly experience in the ing place over the past few months on nearly the same spot. and sorting out drainage issues. Bridge.” area, saying that she heard ghostly the road, leading to huge tailbacks. Mr Williams, was taken to a hospital “It’s time that the Welsh Government Transport Minister Edwina Hart has footsteps whilst sleeping in her Tal- Clwyd West Assembly Member Dar- in Stoke to undergo emergency sur- came up with a concerted programme also called for an o cial investigation y-Bont caravan: “When we were in ren Millar says he has been contacted gery. to address the inadequacies of the following recent events, saying “I am the caravan at Tal-y-Bont we kept by dozens of angry motorists about e incident lead to miles of tail- A55.” actually having a further look at ways hearing someone walking around the roadworks. backs and the road being shut for over A government spokesperson, regard- of improving junctions on the A55. I at night, so we took a picture and a Speaking at the Welsh Assembly 12 hours, which further exacerbated ing the incident, said: “Despite contin- have asked o cials to undertake fur- white gure showed up. Senate, he said: “ ere are miles and existing roadworks issues. ere is ued cuts to the Welsh block grant from ther work in that regard, as a result of “ ey (spirits) tend to follow me miles of cones across the A55, but also speculation that the roadworks UK Government, a number of current positive discussions that we have been about so it’s not unusual.” there appears to be precious little work may have indirectly caused the matter, projects show our commitment to im- having about the use of capital.” 8 Seren | October Issue 2014 POLITICS In Brief “GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECOGNISE THE STATE OF PALESTINE ALONGSIDE Outrage: “Dis- abled people not THE STATE OF ISRAEL” SAY UK MPs worth the mini- UK Parliament puts up a seemingly united front for Palestine Statehood mum wage”, says MP

is month not one but two MPs have sparked outrage across the nation with their comments on employment for people with disabilities. Welfare Minister Lord Freud has been forced by David Cameron to apologise for his comment that disabled people are “not worth the mini- mum wage of £6.50 an hour”. Despite later issuing a “full and unreserved apology”, the Prime Minister is still facing insistences that Freud should be sacked. e dust had not even settled from Freud’s o ensive “suggestion” when Justice Minister Andrew Selous was alleged to have indicated that “disabled people work harder because they are grateful to have a job.” Selous was said to have been “recounting conversations he’s had with employers.” e news of these accusations has brought staining, it's impossible to ignore the doing so would in some way aid the with Israel following the recent Israeli by KATE BENN idea that despite the vote on Monday peace processes. Although, the recent attacks on the territory of Palestinians a fresh wave of indignation from both th the public and the Parliament. 13 October, Britain is still very much vote changes little, perhaps we can say living in the Gaza Strip. Williams was ast week saw UK Parliament 'on the fence' when it comes to Pales- that it does promise future changes. one of the rst MPs to call for Parlia- pass a motion to recognise Pal- tine. Closer to home, Plaid Cymru's ment to be recalled for debate over the MPs Back ‘power estine as a state alongside Israel. Despite the uncertainty, MPs in fa- Afron MP Hywel Williams has voted crisis in Palestine, and takes a rm LBut although the movement passed vour of Palestine's statehood remain in favour of the motion to recognise view that recognising statehood for of recall’ with a resounding 247 votes to 12, the hopeful. Labour MP Grahame Mor- Palestine as a state, saying that: “It is Palestine is the way forward. He prais- country was far from uni ed. ris calls the motion a “small but sym- time for the UK Government to show es Gwynedd Council for their con- bolic” step in support of Palestine's leadership on this issue and listen to demnation of the Israeli Government's THE Government has backed a Many MPs – more than half, in fact – self-determination, in that while the what many of us have been saying for violent part in the recent con ict. e motion to give voters the “power opted to abstain. is leaves more than government may not have o cially years, that Palestine should be o cial- local message is loud and clear: peace of recall” if an MP is found to have a little room for doubt as to just how recognised Palestine as a state. It has ly recognised as a state.” Mr Williams is the priority. Whether further steps committed serious wrongdoing. is strongly in favour of the motion our created a precedent for the future by is utilising the passage of the motion to will be taken on a national level to en- means that an MP can be unseated government actually is. With Prime asserting that it can - and will - recog- show support for Gwynedd Council's sure this remains to be seen. in the event that 10% of voters sign Minister David Cameron himself ab- nise Palestine's statehood if it feels that decision against investing in or trading a petition calling for this. Following this, the MP would be given a pro- longed Commons ban or could even be jailed. ese plans were backed without New Government Legislation: Internet Trolls any need for a vote and having been one of the promises in the 2010 Coa- lition Agreement between Conserva- Will Face More Time Behind Bars tives and Liberal Democrats, seems that they are a long time coming. Government discusses raising the sentence for threatening corre- ‘Gagging’ spondence online to two years following rape threats sent to TV’s Chloe Madeley. accusation for The 1number in of online7 trolls the current six-month sentence”. He regard to the prospect of this new leg- actually jailed for their crimes by KATE BENN has been shown support by TV pre- islation. Bangor Council senter Chloe Madeley, who received Stella Creasy, a Labour MP who ou've heard it a million times rape threats on Twitter a er defending herself has been a victim of internet clerk a comment made on daytime televi- trolling, expressed reservations as to BANGOR Council clerk Gwyn before: the internet can be a dangerous place to be. ou- sion by her mother, Judy Finnigan, in the e ectiveness of raising the sen- Hughes was recently accused of at- sandsY of people every day tence for threatening correspondence tempting to “gag” councillors by receive threats and har- online. She argued that “there is har- 30 preventing them from speaking to rassment through Twitter, rassment legislation in this country – INTERNET TROLLS ARE The number of the press without rst obtaining his Reddit, Tumblr and the POISONING OUR NATIONAL LIFE the challenge is to get the police and permission. ese accusations were like. Many would argue the CPS to use that legislation to un- people convicted made known by members of the pub- that there's no such thing derstand the risks that people face on of online harrass- lic calling themselves ‘Dewis y Bobl’ as a 'safe space' on the in- and o ine when somebody threatens ment per week ternet. But Justice Secretary Chris them”. According to Creasy, the prob- ( e People’s Choice’), who tweeted which she said that convicted rapist lem is not lack of legislation, but rather saying that two councillors had told Grayling means to try and change that with a new crackdown, increasing the Ched Evans' actions were “not violent”. that current legislation should be bet- Hughes that a recently updated me- current six month sentence to a sen- Madeley described the online abuse ter implemented, and that this, rather dia and press proposal was “a gagging tence of two years. she received as “terrifying” and said than the introduction of new laws, order.” Grayling has said that “internet trolls she was “pleased the government are should be the government's focus. 1 in 3 Hughes has denied attempting to are poisoning our national life” and now talking about ways to deter trolls”. Grayling's proposal to “quadruple” the The number of young people to “gag” councillors, but did indicate indicated that he means to help put an However, she also worried that more sentence for online trolls is, as Made- experience cyber-threats online that press requests for interviews end to this widespread and far-reach- should be done to tackle the “persis- ley calls it, “a step in the right direc- should be elded by the council clerk, ing problem by pledging to “quadruple tent” abuse, and she has not been the tion”, but it will only prove e ective if only person to show scepticism with it is properly enforced. deputy or chairman. October Issue 2014 | Seren 9 POLITICS Hywel Williams: Afron MP

was really happy to support the campaign over the Disabled Stu- dent Allowance. e NUS had put forwardI a compelling case, not least the arguments based on the survey ‘Degrees of Discrimination’. But I was pretty amazed I have to say when the government caved in. ‘He for She’ is “ROTTEN” To be clear though, all they have promised so far is to postpone the decision to withdraw the Allowance for two years so that they can listen again to students’ concerns and make sure Backlash from Emma Watson’s ‘He for She’ speech reaches fever that no-one is hit hard by the cut. pitch – but is it unfounded? at’s quite a tall order of itself. But remember also that over the next two by KATE BENN far as to call the campaign “Rotten about a campaign that reinforces a a 'loaded' or 'scary' word by making it years we have a general election for for Men”, and what's really interesting gender binary that is harmful to peo- approachable and accessible. Westminster next May and a general e know her as Hermione about her – rather extreme! - response ple whose gender identities don't t 'He for She' is problematic. ere's election for the Welsh Assembly the Granger, but there wasn't a is that it comes from a female perspec- into such tidy boxes”, and who asserts really no two ways about it. e following May. wand or pointy hat in sight tive. Young is no testosterone-fuelled that Emma Watson “knows only a lit- campaign does little to acknowledge It’s a principle of the democratic sys- whenW Emma Watson took her place at “Men's Rights” blogger, and yet she's tle about” these issues. Women every- people of other gender identities and tem that no government can bind the the UN headquarters in New York for adamant that “feminism in its present where are singling out problems with inherently states, through its name hands of its successor. So who knows the 'He for She' campaign, launched form has too o en ignored sexist bi- 'He for She', and these aws are di - alone, that men need to step up and what the next Westminster govern- this September. Her nerves were ap- ases against males, and sometimes has cult to ignore. Was Watson's vision of show support for women, as opposed ment will say. And if we see all the parent, but her message was clear: actively contributed to them” - some- feminism perfect? No. But are we too to having men and women support- changes to devolution that are now in “Gender equality is your issue too”, thing she believes the 'He for She' quick to forget the positives it does of- ing each other. And yes, these are is- the air, it might be Cardi rather than she said, entreating men to raise their campaign, with its implicit prioritisa- fer, in our eagerness to criticise? 'He sues we need to recognise. But is 'He London that decides anyway. voices in a conversation she believes tion of women's needs over men's, is for She' o ers something vital to femi- for She' really “rotten”? Is it the “sex- So the answer is clear. Lobby all they have up until now not felt “wel- only too guilty of. nist politics: it encourages communi- ist nonsense” that avoiceformen.com the Westminster and Cardi candi- come to participate” in. On the face of Nor is she the only woman to criti- cation – open communication – and touts it as? Come on, people: Emma dates really hard. Pin their ears to the it, the speech she gave was a thought- cise Watson's speech, and by exten- that, surely, is a step in the right direc- Watson spoke up. Not to divide us, ground. You know they love it really! ful and inclusive one – so why the sion the campaign in general. Among tion. e campaign encourages vital but to get us talking, too. What do you enormous backlash she has received others is Amy McCarthy, for both discussion between men and women, think? Is 'He for She' a 'game changer', in its wake? Hu ngton Post and Time.com, who and seeks to promote the idea that or does it create far more problems here was bad news for EU stu- Time.com's Cathy Young goes as writes that “there is nothing feminist men, too, can be feminists. It aims to than it actually solves? dents in Bangor with the loss debunk notions of feminism as being of National Insurance Service T(NINO) in north and mid Wales. EU citizens looking for work whilst studying have to have a national insurance number. From now on anyone wanting an appointment to sort this out will have to travel to Welshpool or UKIP: Rising Star or Solar Eclipse? Liverpool – neither of which is easy or cheap to reach. UK, a er the Conservatives and the I am taking this up with the govern- by JOSH BEBBINGTON Labour party) has said that o ering ment, more in hope than certainty UKIP - a party with only one seat in that they will relent. KIP. Unless you've been living the House of Commons to the SNP's But who knows. When they wanted in a cave in the middle of the six - a place in the debate is "utterly to close the Porthmadog tax o ce, woods for the past two years, unacceptable”, and Plaid Cymru has the two local Plaid Cymru members Uyou know who they are. Depending on also made objections, citing it as un- waved maps of north Wales ferocious- your stance, they are either an up-and- fair. ly at them and they gave in - eventu- coming breath of fresh air in politics, Even David Cameron, whose objec- ally. or a group of particularly right-wing tion to the debates as a whole is well eurosceptics and former Conserva- known, has stated that he "can't see he Minister for Universities tives. Either way, the in uence they how you can have a party in that has was sacked in the last reshu e. have had of British politics since the one seat in parliament but not anoth- It’s not an easy job, what with 2010 election, and especially in the last Tcontinually having to contend with e r ”. two years, is undeniable. UKP has made great progress in en- cuts and some very clever people to Leader Nigel Farage recently took tering the higher tiers of British poli- placate. part in a televised debate on the Euro- David Willetts was, and is, a very ombudsman which organises elec- tionalist Party and the Green Party. tics, but while UKIP's star is burning pean Union with Deputy Prime Min- bright and pulls voters and MPs from nice and thoughtful man. Very ister Nick Clegg, possibly introducing tions - announcing that UKIP would Former Green leader Caroline Lucas be classi ed, albeit temporarily, as a the gravity of the major parties, is it thoughtful indeed. His nickname at the idea of UKIP taking part in elec- has been MP for Brighton Pavillion Westminster is ‘Two brains’. major party and as such would be wel- since 2010, yet no invitations were ex- also eclipsing other parties that are tion debates. More recently, on 9th My spies tell me however that he was come in party debates for the General tended. Current party leader Natalie equally as or more deserving than October 2014, Tory defector Douglas not in the least bit unhappy to lose his Election next year. Bennett has said that they are "deadly UKIP? Carswell won his old seat in the Clac- job. In fact it is said that on hearing It has been noted that other parties ton constituency by approximately serious" about legal action. the news he was heard to cry ‘Free at seem to have been denied this acco- 12,000 more votes than his nearest ri- Similarly, Angus Robertson MP of last! Lord almighty, free at last! vals. is lead to Ofcom - the electoral lade - most notably the Scottish Na- the SNP (the third largest party in the 10 Seren | October Issue 2014 COMMENT Feeling Down? Let’s talk about it

by IONA PINCHES problem? Because of the stigma at- wards mental health issues. to change society and healthcare sci- tached to it. You can practically hear October the 10th hosted World Men- ence students promoted healthy liv- he rose tinted spectacles have the intake of breath at the mention of tal Health Day, a day aiming to raise ing with a smoothie bike, a fun way to once again come o and the depression, but with 20% of students awareness for mental health, and simi- get people active and enjoy free fruit reality of what this forthcom- believing themselves to have a mental lar to the ‘time to change’ campaign, smoothies. Mental health is impor- Ting academic year has in has started health problem, whilst 1 in 5 report attempting to tackle the astigmatism tant in leading happy lifestyles and to set in. Freshers week is a distant suicidal thoughts, there is nothing associated with it. Bangor University we shouldn’t discriminate against memory and those all important ex- more important it, only tackle and help people ams are starting to creep up on you. than breaking 20% of students believe themselves with it. We will be launching a In times like these it is easy to feel down these bar- similar day on February 13th stressed, anxious and depressed, but riers and actually to have a mental health problem, 2015 during the Students Un- how do you tackle these feelings? talking about it! whilst 1 in 5 report suicidal ion healthy living week.” Where can you go for help and who is At Bangor there Mental health is an impor- around to support you? is a broad student thoughts... tant issue, if you feel like you’re e prominence of mental health support network struggling, don’t be afraid to among students is growing every year, dedicated to dealing speci cally with held their own event to which Nicola talk about it and seek the help you with the number of students seeking a any mental health issues. e Univer- Pye (VP Sport and Healthy Living, may need. Equally, if you know of counselor rising by a third since 2008. sity has two dedicated mental health pictured on smoothie bike) attended; someone struggling with mental However, there is still a great taboo advisers along with o ering coun- “On Friday 10th October, health care health, talk about it. Support is in- in talking about it. Mental health is seling and facilitating any speci c sup- sciences and the students Union cel- clusive of anyone a ected whether it just as important and just as real as port that an individual may require. ebrated World Mental Health Day in is marginally or signi cantly. It’s OK any kind of physical illness. If you (To nd out more please visit bangor. Reichel. It was a successful event, with not to be OK – just know who to talk had a nonstop pain in your stomach ac.uk/studentservices/mentalhealth). a number of local North Wales men- to when you’re not. you wouldn’t think twice about going Not only is there support from stu- tal health services that came to the to see a Doctor, so why are we scared dent services, but also the SU who event. e AU dance club performed to go and see a mental health profes- are working closely with the ‘time to an inclusive Zumba routine twice in sional when we have a mental health change’ campaign, the rst national the day. Help and advice was available campaign to end the stigmatism to- from stall holders including our time Other support available:

Nightline Headcase Students Against Rethink Mental Illness Samaritans A CONFIDENTIAL listening “A WELCOMING, supportive and Depression A MENTAL health charity which PROVIDES 24 hour, con dential support network run by Bangor fun place to learn about and share “A WEBSITE o ering advice, in- “provide[s] expert, accredited advice non-judgmental support for those students for students open between information, stories and helpful tips formation, guidance and resources to and information to everyone a ected experiencing feelings of distress or 8pm and 8am every night of term. about common head-wobbles”, Web- those a ected by low mood, depres- by mental health problems”, Website: despair, Telephone: 08457 90 90 90; Telephone: 01284 383880; Website: site: inmyheadcase.com; Twitter: @ sion and suicidal thinking”, Website: rethink.org; Twitter: @Rethink_; Fa- Website: Samaritans.org; Email: jo@ bangor.nightline.ac.uk; Twitter: @ myheadcase; Facebook: headcase; studentsagainstdepression.org; Twit- cebook: Rethink Mental Illness; Ad- samaritans.org; Twitter: @Samaritans; BangorNightline; Facebook: Bangor Email: [email protected]). ter: @SADwebsite; Facebook: Students vice phone line (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm): Facebook: Samaritans University Nightline Against Depression. 0300 5000 927 October Issue 2014 | Seren 11 COMMENT

Ida is an international student working in liasion with the international o ce. Every issue she’ll write about her experiences in Bangor. by IDA VÄISÄNEN veryone has their own view, no matter what the issue. Living Don’t Fall Into The Trap! abroad is no exception. Before by STEPHANIE and force them to spend money on Freshers that they need to buy a Fresh- Ball’ ticket before I arrived in Bangor. IE came to Bangor I was desperate to YEABSLEY tickets to events they don’t even need. ers Week ticket for their nightclub as I was assured this was a must go to connect with my fellow countrymen And this is before they’ve even arrived seen by other, bigger, city universi- event and I know that many univer- and women living abroad, known as You goin’ Peep tonight? Need any in Bangor. ties. Ranging anywhere from £5 - £20 sities do a Ball at the end of Freshers “Out nns.” Finns living in Britain have Academi tickets? £1 jagerbombs! Club promoters and student ticket these tickets are a waste of money and week. I assumed this was a university a notorious online community which We’re the best club in Bangor you sellers spam the Facebook groups set Freshers end up being ripped o by the run event. I soon found out this was I did check out, but never ended up know!”“ With the fun of Fresher’s week up to help new Freshers nd their clubs. Not a great way to start o your just another night in one of Bangor’s joining. Why? comes the Bangor nightclubs and bars atmates and friends in order to feel student life. clubs. It was a waste of my money and One of the biggest reasons was di- attempts to lure in the new Freshers more con dent on arrival. By posting An anonymous source spoke to the club was empty.” vision of attitudes. Finns are notori- in these groups they convince the new Seren: “I spent over £10 on a ‘Freshers ous for complaining, but at the same time we have this bizarre mindset that we shouldn’t complain. Either grit your teeth and take it, or don’t do it at all! When in Rome do as the romans do, or go back to Finland! It’s like choosing to live somewhere takes away all your rights to be criti- cal. I couldn’t deal with that, because I complain. All the time. Wherever I am. Complaining is healthy for you. When you let out that unnecessary aggression as a steady ow of complaining about checkbooks or the weather, you have less of an out- burst when things really go wrong. Also I think every place has their own good and bad sides, ignoring either wouldn’t make any sense because they’d still be there. This leads to another reason why I never joined the online community. I’d like to call them “world citizens.” These are the people who notoriously hate their country of origin and everything about it. Because everything has its pros and cons, this is ridiculous. The people who blindly praise one country are under this same subheading. You are allowed to praise. You are allowed to complain. The thing is having a balance between the two. That’s why I never joined in. Be- cause even if you share a native Rape Crime language with someone, it doesn’t mean they necessarily understand you. What is consent? You still have time to take part in by AMY BLACKWELL I do want to talk about is some of the couldn’t she just have forgotten that regardless of whether someone is this year’s Culture Challenge and win shocking comments I’ve seen being she had given consent? It’s comments drunk or if they say yes or no, should prizes, including a trip to China! The f you’re triggered by the subject of made by the British public. like these that got me into a little de- you not have enough common sense Culture Challenge is a great way to rape and dubious consent, do not A particular incident I will be re- bate with one woman. I replied to a and decency to take a step back and meet new people and learn about read on. ferring to is on ITV’s mid morning comment saying “If you’re not allowed think “this probably isn’t a good idea”? di erent cultures. Teams compete IIn April 2012 footballer Ched Evans talk show “ is Morning’s” Facebook to sign legal documents under the in- In my eyes consent is only consent if against each other in a general knowledge quiz and group presen- was found guilty of raping a 19 year- page. e show posted a status as it of- uence, due to questionable consent given under safe, sober circumstances. tation. All teams must include 1 UK ten does asking for peoples views on then why should sex be any di er- In a world dominated by “lad culture” old girl. e girl had been under the national, 1 Chinese national and 2 in uence of alcohol, which at the time a topic, and were interviewing Evans’ ent?” Others became my personal and attitudes displayed by people on other nationalities. You can enter as sparked many debates on what ex- girlfriend who is standing by him. I’m heroes, saying things like: “men don’t this Facebook status, I’m worried a team of four, a smaller group or actly counted as full consent. Recently not passing comment on that one. have a right to have sex with you just about the future of sexual respect and an individual, in which case you will Ched Evans’ case has been brought Some of the replies to that post actu- because you’re drunk, as soon as you common decency. be allocated to a team. The Culture back into the public light, should ally disgusted me. get to a point where you are unable to If you have been a ected by any of Challenge is open to all Bangor Uni- he be able to play football again and One woman commented “If she was consent, it’s a no.” the issues raised, please contact Ban- versity students. Closing date for en- was there a miscarriage of justice in drunk how does she know she didn’t is is my point, just because a per- gor Nightline on 01248 383880 tries is on 6th of November. For more his trial? Now, I’m not here to debate give consent and woke up and thought son is drunk, or nice or wearing re- information, please contact the In- ternational Student Support o ce in whether or not he was guilty but what I’m on to a money maker here”, oth- vealing clothing does not mean they Rathbone. ers saying similar. If she was drunk consent to having sex. As an adult,

12 Seren | October Issue 2014 SCIENCE EBOLA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Ebola virus under a microscope

• Wild fruit bat sold as bushmeat • All of the a ected countries during the outbreak e Ebola outbreak has caught the public eye and in recent months has gotten hold of global headlines with a vice-like grip. But what are the facts and gures of the outbreak? SEREN Science explains it all! by CHRIS GLASS How the outbreak has Bush Meat Fears developed Key Facts The latest outbreak has created a lot of questions. Two questions in particular 28th December 2013 are, where has Ebola come from? And how has it entered the human population? First recorded death in the town of Ebola virus disease (EVD) rst appeared in 1976 in remote The virus originated in fruit bats and was rst detected near the Ebola River in Guéckédou in Guinea villages in Central Africa. the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976. The origin of the current outbreak was traced to a two-year-old child in South-eastern Guinea in a village called 22nd March 2014 It is thought that the natural hosts of the Ebola virus is the Gueckedou. The population of this area is known for eating wild bush meat. Bush Guinea con rms the fever to be Ebola fruit bat. meat is a term used for any wild animal that is killed for consumption, bat meat a er 59 deaths being one common type of bush meat eaten in this area. The child’s family stated Ebola infects the human population through close contact that they’d hunted two species of bat which carry EVD. 28th March 2014 with bodily uids of infected animals such as chimpanzees, According to the Centre of International Forestry Research, an estimated ve Ebola reported in Liberia fruit bats and forest antelope. million tonnes of bushmeat is consumed in Africa’s Congo basin each year, and in many communities hunting bush meat is a longstanding tradition and is widely 26th May 2014 Ebola spreads throughout human populations through direct consumed as an important source of meat in many lower income countries. WHO con rms the virus has spread contact with broken skin or mucous membranes, blood and The transmission of Ebola from bushmeat is a very rare event and it must be to Sierra Leone other bodily uids or any surfaces contaminated with such noted that this has only occurred at the beginning of the outbreak, every other uids. transmission has occurred via human to human contact. 25th July 2014 First reported death in Nigeria The incubation time of EVD varies between 2 – 21 days, with humans not becoming infectious until they develop symptoms. 27th July 2014 This makes detecting the virus within populations very di cult Liberia closes border crossings a er rst deaths in the country There is currently no proven treatment for EVD, however Country Number of Deaths there are a selection of experimental treatments undergoing 8th August 2014 tests. Liberia 2484 WHO declares the Ebola outbreak to be an ‘international health emergen- The average fatality rate is around 50%, however in past cases Guinea 862 cy’ this number has varied from 25% to 90%. The current fatality Sierra Leone 1200 rate for the West Africa outbreak is 70%. 12th August 2014 Nigeria 8 Use of experimental drugs are allowed in order to treat the outbreak

12th August 2014 Ebola Symptoms Death toll exceeds 1000 Due to the incubation time of the virus, the Possible cure? 24th August 2014 symptons take time to develop within an induvidual, however after the incubation time, As yet there is no o cial cure for Ebola. The research and creation of drugs to British nurse William Pooley is cure Ebola has been slow as developing such a drug is extremely expensive and treated with the experimental drug the individual will experience the following symptoms. up until now there has been no nancial incentives, however this does seem to ZMapp, who then makes a full be changing. recovery Fever Severe Headache Experimental drugs such as ZMapp have proved successful in treating cases of Ebola. William Pooley, the British nurse was infected on the 24th August. Al- 26th August 2014 Muscle Pain Vomiting though after treatment traces of the virus within the blood seemed to decrease. e Democratic Republic of Congo He has since returned to Sierra Leone to help tackle the crisis, and it is believed reports of an Ebola outbreak, Diarrhoea Stomach pain that since treatment his immune system should be able to ght the disease, however this is later con rmed to be however the extent of his immunity is yet unknown. a di erent strain of the virus Unexplained bleeding and bruising

29th August 2014 16th September 26th September 7th October 9th October 2014 14th October 2014 17th October 2014 19th October Ebola strikes Senegal 2014 2014 Spanish Nurse be- Temperature screening is e fatality rate of the WHO declares 2014 US sends 3000 Death toll reaches comes the rst person introduced at Gatwick and virus reaches 70%. Senegal to be free of WHO declares 5th September 2014 troops to help ght 3091 to contract the virus out- Heathrow for passengers Total deaths in West Ebola Nigeria to be free arriving from West Africa Africa reach 4554 Death toll reaches 2,100 the outbreak side of Western Africa of Ebola October Issue 2014 | Seren 13 SCIENCE In Brief Waterways Invaded by JAMES LLOYD

SCIENTISTS have warned that foreign species from Eastern Europe are invading the waterways in Britain. It was con rmed in a river in Lon- don, the Quagga mussel was discovered just weeks ago. ese organisms are known to foul hulls and block water pipes causing signi cant economic damage. ere is also a huge concern over the killer shrimp that spread at a rapid rate and cause mass destruction to native species. A study from the University of Cambridge looks at several invasive species that originate from the Black, Azov and Caspian seas. ey blamed the invasion across the West of Europe on canal construction that has assisted the organisms to migrate from their native habitat. e areas at Plants CO2 role under-estimated greatest risk of multiple invaders include the rivers Great Ouse, Severn, by RICHARD DALLISON leaves and found that the gas is ab- fundamental processes and modellers a di erence to atmospheric CO2 and ames. However, the whole of sorbed faster than previously thought. who model those processes in a large trends." the UK is under threat. ew research published in the In the period between 1901 and 2010, scale model, it takes time for the two While these ndings will require Globalisation and increased travel journal, Proceedings of the the research suggests the amount groups to understand each other.” global climate models to be recali- and freight, is causing the accelerated National Academy of Scienc- of carbon uptake to be 1,057 billion Further warnings have come from brated, they do not change the need increase of invasive species in Britain Nes this week claims that global climate from the Europe. Posing a serious tonnes, an increase of 16% on the pre- other parts of the scienti c communi- for long-term emissions cuts to limit models underestimate the amount of vious estimate of 915 billion tonnes. ty however, with some researchers be- the impact of carbon dioxide. Dr threat to the conservation of British aquatic ecosystems. CO2 being absorbed by plants, lead- Researches have long believed that lieving that while the new work could Chris Huntingford, a climate mod- ing to models consistently overesti- At the beginning of the 20th Centu- Earth system models have overesti- help clarify current models it may not eller at the Centre for Ecology and ry, it took up to thirty years for a spe- mating the growth rate of carbon in mated the amount of carbon in the mean any great delay in global warm- Hydrology stated: " is new research cies to move from Europe to the Brit- the atmosphere. is rate of carbon atmosphere by about 17%, the new ing. Dr Pep Canadell of the Global implies it will be slightly easier to ful l ish Isles. Recently, this has reduced to growth is important when trying to ndings of this study go a long way to Carbon Project at CSIRO Australia the target of keeping global warming ve. A researcher stated, soon people assess the future impacts of climate explaining this gap. said: "Having more carbon taken up below two degrees. Overall, the cuts will look in any water in Britain and change and important when setting One of the authors of the research, by plants would slow down climate in CO2 emissions over the next few discover that actually 90% of the bio- emissions targets and various other Dr Lianhong Gu, has warned how- change but there are many other pro- decades will still have to be very large mass is non-native organisms, which policies. ever that it may be some time before cesses which lay in between this work if we want to keep warming below two is what it's like in Western Europe al- e research looked at a process the new knowledge is put into climate and the ultimate capacity of terrestrial degrees." ready. called mesophyll di usion, the pro- change models, stating: " ere is a ecosystems to remove carbon dioxide cess by which CO2 spreads inside time lag between scientists who study and store it for long enough to make e ‘O’ in Love by FRITHA WEST

OXYTOCIN, known as “the love drug” or “cuddle hormone”, is used by our bodies for lots of things; it stimulates maternal behaviour, social interactions, and even calms us down when we are physically or emotionally stressed. A recent study by Rockfeller Uni- versity (USA) reports that oxytocin controls sexual behaviour in mice, this occurs due to a little group of interneurons in the prefrontal cor- tex. Miho Nakajima found that if she “silenced” these neurones in fe- • Artists impression of Siding Spring from Mars male mice, and then gave them the choice between two chambers (one containing a male mouse and the second containing a Lego toy) the results varied depending of the ani- Stellar audience for comet mals stage in the estrous cycle. Dur- ing diestrus, a period with little to no introduction of Comets into the inner the dawn of man but is now just com- Oort cloud visitor. Other orbiting sat- sexual activity or interest, the results by CHRIS GLASS solar system. ing in.” Carey Lisse then went on to ellites studied the interaction between were just as expected, with the fe- recently discovered comet On the 19th October, Siding Spring explain that the reason that the comet the comets coma and the Martian males having no particular interest has given scientists a unique made its closest approach to Mars. can be observed in such detail is due atmosphere. e two rovers Curios- in the male, some choosing the Lego chance to study an object e comet was seen to race past Mars to the manmade satellites and rovers ity and Opportunity also studied the toy and others choosing to socialise. Afrom the farthest reaches of our So- During estrus, the most sexually ac- at 56km per second at a distance of which have been placed on mars. comets interaction with the Martian lar System. e comet, named ‘sid- 139,500km away from the planet. e e passing of Siding Spring was ob- ‘air’ from the surface. tive point in the cycle, the mice ac- ing spring’, was discovered on the 3rd comet is believes to have formed more served by NASA’s ve robotic explor- Siding Spring is thought to only tively preferred the plastic toy. January 2013 and is believed to have than 4.5 billion years and has changed ers, three orbiters and two rovers, as complete a pass through the solar Dr Heintz told the BBC: "It doesn't mean it's uniquely responsible be- originated from the region of the so- little since then. Carey Lisse, from the well as one ESA spacecra and India’s system every 1 to 2 million years. A lar system known as the Oort cloud. cause the hormone acts in several Johns Hopkins University Applied spacecra , which only arrived at the team member from NASA’s Curiosity important places in the brain but it e Oort cloud is a spherical cloud of Physics Laboratory, stated that, “Sid- red planet at the end of September. and Opportunity rovers said “It is very does show that this particular cell predominately icy objects which sur- ing Spring was knocked into the inner NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbit- much a once-in-a-lifetime event for us type is required for this aspect of rounds the solar system, this spherical Solar System by the passage of a star er was tasked with photographing and and our rovers.” female social behaviour." e study region of space on the outer edge of near the Oort Cloud, and has been resolving the comets shape, something brings science one step closer to un- the solar system is responsible for the travelling into the solar system since that has never been observed with an derstanding the inner workings of the brain. 14 Seren | October Issue 2014 ENVIRONMENT In Brief Hydro Half Way to Target AN ambitious project in Snowdonia National Park has passed the halfway stage in its e ort to raise funds to develop a 270 kW run-of-river hydro- electricity scheme. e community of Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, and the founding directors of Ynni Anafon Energy Cyf, the community organisation set up to manage the scheme, are • Filming of the Greenpeace video hoping to raise £300,000 by the end of November to ensure construction can begin in the new year. e scheme has already raised over £165,500 through a share o er, o ering people the chance Lego ditch Shell a er to be part of the project for as little as £250. e target date for rst energy production currently stands at De- cember 2015, a er this, all pro ts will international pressure be gi aided to a fund in the village to by GEMMA SIMMONS in the Arctic has come under intense such a spill would have on the Arctic’s e campaign took on a new sense be spent on local community projects. scrutiny in recent years as concerns unique wildlife and landscape. of urgency in July a er Shell’s Alas- er overwhelming pressure about environmental damage and how Many felt that Shell were using their ka announcement and Greenpeace from a campaign led by envi- the practice will contribute to global partnership with Lego to divert atten- launched a global campaign calling US Stage for ronmental group Greenpeace, warming have been raised; Green- tion away from its dangerous plans as upon Lego to end its partnership. e Alast month toy company Lego an- peace have been leading the campaign well as to help clean up its dirty im- campaign involved a viral video de- Bangor Prof nounced the end of its 50 year co-pro- to save the Arctic for a number of years age. Greenpeace argue that Lego had picting Lego characters drowning in motion partnership with oil company A professor from Bangor University’s now. forti ed its responsibility to children oil that received over 6 million hits Shell. School of Ocean Sciences is set to trav- In July Shell said they were scrapping by allowing Shell to wheedle its way on YouTube, as well as a petition and Shell is infamously known for choos- el to Massachusetts this week as one of plans to drill in the Arctic this year into playtime and normalise its brand peaceful protest. As Lego’s status as a ing to ignore climate change as well only 12 scientists invited to speak at but stated they still intend to do so in for the next generation. A Greenpeace trusted and family friendly children’s as being the front runners in the race the International Arctic Science Com- the future, they also announced plans spokesperson also said that Lego is a brand came into jeopardy, a response to exploit the Arctic for oil. Sea ice in mittee. Professor Tim Rippeth, who to resume drilling in Alaska this year. great company with fantastic social nally came from the initially silent the Arctic has been disappearing at a gained his PhD is in Physical Ocean- Scientists claim that a potential oil spill and environmental values, making company, resulting in Lego’s monu- record rate in recent years due to cli- ography at Bangor in 1994, is to talk in the Arctic would be catastrophic great leaps forward in reducing its en- mental decision to withdraw from mate change meaning that oil com- to the conference about how the dis- and near impossible to clean up due vironmental impact in recent years but the partnership. Lego has not yet said panies like Shell can now reach pre- appearance of Arctic sea ice will a ect to factors such as oating icebergs and that its partnership with Shell meant when the contract partnership with viously untouched and unreachable the rest of the world. Professor Rip- stormy seas and say it is not worth the that they were not living up to those Shell ends but has con rmed it will parts of the Arctic to exploit its natural peth will warn that the loss of ice cover risk of the devastating consequences high standards. not renew. oil reserves. e practice of drilling could be the cause of extreme weather in the UK; such as the wet summers and severe winters experienced in recent years. Backpacker’s ree Inch Surprise A backpacker from Edinburgh got an unwelcome surprise a whole month a er returning from a trip to Cambo- dia and Vietnam. Daniela Liverani, 24, found a three inch leech living in her nose a full four weeks a er returning from her trip a er presuming it was a blood clot following a motorcycle crash. e leech, nicknamed Mr Curly, • Growing potatoes requires a lot of fresh water, Dutch potatoes give hope of ending this dependence was discovered when it crawled out of Ms Liverani’s nose in the shower; the animal was swi ly removed from her nose at accident and emergency and Ms Liverani disposed of the creature Dutch farmer invents salt in “an Edinburgh City Council bin.” Conservation resistant potato by LAURA SUTTON but thrives on it. all over the world, the UK has a £270 coming ever more present, these num- Law Breached Inspired by the Sea Cabbage, which million plant on the river ames bers are only set to increase meaning s “ e Lord of the Rings” fa- grows locally, the 59 year old farmer and Saudi Arabia produces 70% of its that without salt tolerant crops like BRITAIN is being threatened with mously said: “boil ‘em, mash court action by the European Com- setup Salt Farm Texel and teamed up drinking water this way. However this this food production will decrease. ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew”. e with the Free University in Amster- is a very expensive way of producing anks to this pioneering project mission within the next 2 months Ahumble potato has many uses and is for what it sees as a failure to protect dam to create their non-GM crop. e drinking water, demanding a lot of several tonnes of potato seed are on now on the verge of launching a food crop contains no more salt than the energy and the le over concentrated their way to Pakistan where thousands Harbour Porpoises. e threat comes revolution. On a small island called a er the number of the cetaceans has average potato; the experiments found brine must be disposed of. Due to the of hectares of what was unproductive Texel (pronounced Tessel), part of the that the more salty the environment expense of the process it is not a reli- land will be used to grow and adapt the plummeted in recent years due to inju- Netherlands, a group of scientists have ries from boats, underwater noise and the more sugar the plant produces, any able method for poor countries. crop to a warmer climate. If this ex- pioneered a species of potato that is excess salt in the plant is con ned to e scarcity of fresh water has been periment works the crop could trans- sheries bycatch. To avoid court ac- grown using diluted sea water. While tion the UK needs to introduce more the leaves of the plant. labelled as one of the planet’s most form the agricultural landscape of most farmers go to great lengths to Van Rijsselberghe said that. “Up until desperate issues by the World Bank, countries, such as Bangladesh, where designated protection sites under the keep salt water away from their crops Habitats Directive so as to protect the now everyone has been concentrating NGOs, Governments and Environ- coastal ood waters wipe out crops Marc Van Rijsselberghe, an entrepre- on how to turn the salt water into fresh mentalists alike; 89% of the world’s with increasing regularity and the lives cetaceans from “seriously compromise neurial organic farmer has embraced to their ecological character”, some- water; we are looking at what nature water is salinized and 50% of agricul- of 250 million people who live in salt- the salty water and developed a potato has already provided us with.” Desali- tural land is threatened by salt water. a ected soil areas hang in the balance. thing that could happen should num- that is not only tolerant of salt water, bers continue to fall. nation plants have been constructed With the e ects of climate change be- October Issue 2014 | Seren 15 ENVIRONMENT 40 uses for Seren once you have read it! BANDANA PRESERVING FRUIT by RICHARD DALLISON AND KIRSTY ELLIOTT CHRISTMAS DECORA Simply fold a full page TIONS Wrap each piece individu- his month Seren Environment decided to do something a little bit di er- of Seren diagonally into ere is a range of decora- 13 26 ally to stop it going o ent and bring you 40 uses for a Seren, a er you have read it obviously! 12 about on inch wide strip tions you can make for your house for is month’s Seren is 48 pages long and we have printed 3,000 copies, to keep your hair out of your face, Christmas using a Seren. From paper SPIDER WEB Tthat’s a lot of paper and here at Environment we hate to think of all that paper Deputy Editor Steph models this CATCHER chains, to colourful snow akes. Crea- just going into land ll, so even if you don’t want to do any of the things we list, look beautifully, below. tivity is your only limit! 27 Roll and fringe one end to please recycle your copy when you are done! We had a lot of fun making this get rid of those pesky webs! feature and we hope you enjoy reading it and trying out our ideas! PLACE MATS AND PLANT POTS PAPER AIRPLANES! COASTERS Newspaper makes a great Who doesn’t love a paper airplane?! We had great fun in the Seren of- 14 Another essential item 28 temporary plant pot for 01 ce competing di erent designs! e winning design is show below, that a lot of student houses lack, place any seeds you might be given! getting ready to be own by Environment Editor, Richard. mats and coasters. Why not use Seren to protect your tables and furniture TABLE CLOTH from scratches and marks? What student gets sent to 29 uni with a table cloth?! Use FOOD INSULATOR a Seren to protect your table. Newspaper acts as a sur- GIFT BAGS 15 prisingly good insulator, Fold a Seren into a bag for so if you have something you need 30 an easy way to present gi s to keep warm, why not wrap it in a (that you’ve wrapped in Seren)! Seren, and then read the paper as you TOILET PAPER eat your lunch. Now you would have to be ORIGAMI 16 pretty desperate, but who Get online to nd yourself hasn’t been caught short in a student FANCY DRESS 31 some templates, then have house with no toilet paper?! Just be Stuck for a fancy dress fun making swans etc. careful which section you use, some idea? Make yourself some 17 editors might take it personally! UPCYCLING FURNI- Seren clothes to stand out in the TURE & DECOUPAGE crowd! We knocked up this fetching PRANKING FRIENDS 32 See example below. out t for Chris from Science in under Although we aren’t con- TABLE STABILISER BUNTING 10 minutes, he tells us it is very warm! 18 doning doing anything Yet another common Bunting is all the rage at dangerous, everyone gets a prank 02 problem in the student 03 the moment, so why not played on them at some point at uni; home, tables with uneven legs. Seren decorate your room for free with tin foiling a room is a classic, but why can be a handy quick x for this. some Seren bunting. not mix it up by covering your friend’s room in Seren! UMBRELLA DRYING SHOES PAPIER-MÂCHÉ We all know the Welsh Another one for a er CLEANING BOOTS Everybody loves papier 04 weather can be more than 05 the heavens have opened Newspaper makes a great 33 mâché! Bring back your a little unpredictable, which is a why without warning, ball up pages of 19 boot cleaner a er you childhood by reviving this lost skill. a Seren can be a very useful (if short Seren and wedge them in your shoes have been out and about enjoying the FIRE-STARTER lived) emergency rain shield. We tried to help dry them out. ey can also great scenery in North Wales. Use Seren to get your it out with a watering can outside the help to keep the shape of your shoes 34 BBQs going, maybe not o ce, Joe was kept 100% dry! afer they have got wet. USE AS A MEGA- until next summer though! PHONE CAR SEAT COVERS PACKING DELICATE 20 Everybody needs to get Fed up with people getting ITEMS someone’s attention at some time or in your car with muddy Whether you use it to another, a handy rolled up Seren can 35 06 PROTECT YOUR WIND- clothes? Use Seren to protect your wrap delicate items in, or shred it to help you get noticed SCREEN FROM FROST seats from getting dirty. form packing material, Seren is great 21 A useful one for any stu- PRESSING FLOWERS way to protect you stu from break- dents who have a car and have to be up AND FERNS PET LITTER TRAY ing when moving to and from uni. early in the morning, put Seren pages 22 Quite a niche use we ad- MATERIAL on your windscreen (under your wip- mit, but for those of you who might 36 If you are one of those have to do this as part of your course, rare students who has a pet, shred CLEANING WINDOWS ers) to stop frost forming on it, saving you precious minutes in the morning! Seren is very handy! your Seren and use it as bedding, or AND MIRRORS lay sheets at to act as a an absorbent 07 It might be an old wives BECOMING A SPY layer. tale, but newspaper really is the best DRAFT EXCLUDER All you wannabe James Bonds can conduct all your espionage behind thing to clean your mirrors and win- A lot of student houses can a copy of Seren, see the example below of how to spy on other people. dows with, along with vinegar. 23 37 be quite dra y, if yours is, roll up Seren and stick to the bottom CLEARING UP WRAPPING PAPER of your door to act as a dra exclu- SPILLAGES Who can a ord the wrap- deer. 08 No student house ever has 09 ping paper in the shops CRAFTS a mop when you need one so Seren these days, give your friends two pre- 38 ere is a whole host of can make a good subsitute. sents; the gi and some interesting cra s you can do with pa- reading. per, so why not give some a go! DOORSTOP MUFFLE LOUD ALARM Seren can be useful to help CLOCKS 10 wedge pesky doors that 39 Self-explanatory really! won’t stay open, open. WRAP A BUNCH OF FLOWERS MAKING RANSOM 40 Simply roll a bunch of NOTES owers in paper and tape, then fold 11 Now, we aren’t suggesting up the end and tape. you actually take someone ransom to We hope you enjoyed our quick run put this one into practice, but making down of the best things to do with a note to get the rest of your house to PIRATE HATS BALL GAMES your Seren once you have read it. clean up their mess could also work. If Find a simple template Procastination at its best, Once you have reused it or nished you can’t nd a pen, but do have scis- 24 online and get folding, an 25 ball up a Seren and play reading it, please remember to recy- sors and glue! easy way to jazz up a fancy dress out t. whatever you want. cle it too! 16 Seren | October Issue 2014 INTERVIEW GUTO GWILYM INTERVIEW UMCB PRESIDENT

Guto with the other Sabbs

Guto is this year’s UMCB - “Undeb Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Bangor” - president and Seren inter- viewed him to nd out more about UMCB and what it can o er to non-Welsh students

by AMY BLACKWELL been a keen member of UMCB since How can we get involved and why deithas Llywelyn are also starting a the day I arrived at Bangor by going What is there for non-Welsh stu- should we? lunch break event starting in Options is month Seren were really in- to social events and by supporting the dents? at 1 on Wednesday 29th of October if terested in nding out more about Welsh language campaign nationally. You can get involved by simply you want to pop over and see what’s UMCB. We know pretty well by now If you are interested in learning joining Cymdeithas Llywelyn or by on o er. how the general Student’s Union is run What is UMCB? Welsh, we have an amazing society going to our Clwb Cymru nights in And something about what you’ve and what there is for us to do within it called Cymdeithas Llywelyn (Llywe- Academi which is a night of Welsh been up to recently? but UMCB has (to all us non-Welsh UMCB is an union for any Welsh lyn’s Society) for learners which is music. While you’re in Wales it is im- speakers) always been a mystery and speaker, Welsh learner or anyone in- a great place to practice and learn portant to see what there is for you Lately I have been working on Di- most English/International students terested in the Welsh language or cul- Welsh in a less formal way than the and by simply learning a few phrases wrnod Shwmae Sumae which is a haven’t got a clue. Being non-Welsh ture. (Welsh is a hard day to promote the learning of Welsh speaking but born and bred in Wales language to learn and to use it to start conversations. I I was especially intrigued. So, we What kind of things UMCB IS A UNION FOR WELSH SPEAKERS, if you’re up for the have also been busy organising the do they do? challenge) it will many di erent events such as getting thought who better to ask than Guto, WELSH LEARNERS OR ANYONE INTERESTED UMCB president. be appreciated around 175 people up to Edinburgh We o er events IN WELSH LANGUAGE OR CULTURE and you will be in February. I have also been working Tell us a bit about yourself. throughout the year surprised at how on a report with recommendations to such as the rugby trip good our music is the university on the motives of Welsh Since coming to Bangor to study to Edinburgh this year as well! students while choosing the medium psychology I have been a part of many and intercollegiate events with other classroom. We are also looking to in- of their modules. di erent aspects of the University. Be- universities in Wales. We also of- clude other students that are speaking Any upcoming events or useful info? ing a part of psych soc for two years fer representation to Welsh students another minority language for a large Diolch ( ank you). with organising the Winter Ball last with regards to their education and event next year, so get in touch if you Our next Clwb Cymru is on the 28th year was a de nite highlight. I’ve also any services through the medium of do speak a minority language. of November with the theme of ‘Char- Welsh in the University. acters’! Do with it as you please. Cym- October Issue 2014 | Seren 17 SOCIETIES

Challenge!

few years back here at Seren we tricked two unsuspecting freshers into being our ‘Society Girls’. This meant, for each issue the pair had to go and join another society (or AU Club) and report Aback to us on what it was like! The girls were blasted by paintballs, thrown around by cheerleaders, tackled in American Football and even climbed a few walls - all for the good of Seren! This year we’ve decided we want to put our team through their paces once more and next issue will be launching Challenge Seren! Each issue a few of our members will get involved with a di erent club or society and try to beat them at their own game! You should be warned that here at Seren HQ (a rather untidy o ce on the rst oor of the Students’ Union) we put our team through rigorous training such as; making them stay awake until ungodly hours to nish their pages and incur the wrath of LJ. Plus when that’s all over we make them run around Ffridd Site delivering copies of the latest issue! So, think your club or society is up to the challenge? Get in touch with us and let the games begin! Meet the by JEZ HARVEY We hold regular events for postgrads to meet launching soon. things. Whether every other Monday. Our next meet is at the We’re also working alongside post- you want to organise he Postgraduate Society is a student-led Harp Inn at half 8 on the 3rd of November, so graduate peer guides, course reps and aca- a social, academic event society which provides vibrant extra and come along to meet members of the society demic societies, so that we can build a better or anything, we’re re- Tco-curricular activities for all postgradu- and committee. We’ve also got plans for day- academic community for postgrads at Bangor. ally eager to not simply ate students here in Bangor. The society is time meets, big events and trips to places so We’ve also got plans in motion for an academ- plan things for you, but brand new and works to create a lively and you can get to see some of the area. We’re ic newsletter so you can nd out what’s going to help you organise and engaging University-wide postgraduate com- working with other societies and the Univer- on in other schools and around the University. plan your own events. We munity alongside the Students’ Union and sity to put on trips. Representation know not everyone can academic schools. The society will be running Academic The Students’ Union are responsible for rep- give up their time to be on a committee a range of social events as well as interesting We work closely with the University in publi- resenting postgraduate students to the Uni- full-time, but anyone interested in running a interdisciplinary opportunities throughout cising and arranging chances for postgraduate versity, through the President and the Post- small project or event should de nitely get in the course of the year. students to be involved with academic events, graduate Senators. However, we work closely touch. The society also organises the biennial Ban- but we also want to work with you to put on with the SU to ensure that the postgraduate All postgraduate students are automatically gor University Postgraduate Conference (next the sort of events that you want to see. From experience is given the attention it deserves. members of the society, and welcome to get one due spring 2015), which invites PG stu- small, topic-focused seminars to larger confer- You can always come to us with any issues and involved in creating and suggesting events. dents from across the UK to experience Ban- ences, our aim is to create and build an excit- we can help make sure that you speak to the You can contact the society committee via e- gor as an active research community, to pre- ing community of academic support amongst right people. mail on [email protected], on sent their work in a conference environment, postgraduate students. We need you! Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Ban- and to explore new ideas in an interdiscipli- We’ll also be hosting some more relaxed, in- We have a committee that works hard to or- gorPGSociety and on Twitter at https://twitter. nary setting. novative ways to get postgrads talking about ganise our events, but we need you to bring us com/BangorPGSoc Events their research and projects, which we’ll be your ideas, plans and suggestions to improve GET PAID TO BE A STUDENT REVIEWER! For more information and to apply, visit: Bangor.ac.uk/studentengagement/student-reviewers 18 Seren | October Issue 2014 SOCIETIES Share the Bubble Love ant, smoky, exploding, UV and even by REBECCA KENT square bubbles. Throughout this year we plan to e welcome you to join Ban- get out and about bubbling on gor Uni’s hottest new soci- walks, beaches, mountains and even Wety; Bubble Soc. We are a go for a bit of cheeky guerrilla bub- group of chilled out people with a bling in unexpected places. We plan mutual love of all things bubbly. Our to do some out of the box fund- mission this year is to cover Bangor raising for the charity ‘Bubbles not in bubbles. Bombs’, which aims to get bubbles The best thing about our society is out to children a ected by war who that anyone can blow a bubble and deserve to play the most. pick up a few tricks in minutes to The excitement never stops with become a bubble artist. We always bubbles, so please join our Face- experiment and look for the lat- book group, Bangor University Bub- est exciting thing happening in the ble Society (BUBS), get involved with bubble world. A few things we are our bubbly activities and spread the excited about at the moment are gi- bubble love.

Airsoft: Who are we? by TIERNAN COUGHLAN soft games are very tactical, and usu- strong resemblance to modern day realistic colours. This is important for declares that he or she is hit by ally require teamwork to complete a rearms, and as such are referred to immersion and camou age in game. shouting ‘Hit’, and leaving play to irsoft has its origins in Japan mission such as eliminating the en- as ‘Realistic Imitation Firearms’. In the Airsoft di ers from Paintball in a respawn or wait for the game to end. in the 1970s. It soon spread emy team or capturing a location. UK, RIFs are controlled and as such few ways; rstly, Airsoft guns re Airsoft is also cheaper than Paintball Ato Hong Kong and China and Recently Airsoft has gained a lot of Airsoft guns must be bought in ‘Two much more accurately, and at further in the long run, as the small plastic subsequently around the world. Air- its popularity due to Youtube videos Tone’, where over 50% of the gun is distances, due to the smaller size of BBs are much cheaper to make than soft itself is a sport that is centered of Airsoft games and Airsoft guns, brightly coloured. Serious Airsofters the projectile. This further aids with the paint- lled Paintballs. Finally the on the airsoft gun, a replica rearm and the subsequent increase in avail- who prove they are Airsoft Skirmish- realism, but the question is brought realistic nature of the guns makes that propels 6mm plastic pellets via ability of budget Airsoft guns from ers can join the United Kingdom Air- up by many a hopeful player of how the game more immersive and real- gas, spring or electrical methods. Air- the web. soft Retailers Association (UKARA) hits are counted. Airsoft is based on istic. The guns used in airsoft bear a and legally possess Airsoft guns in an ‘Honour System’, where a player

Part of a society? Want to be featured in Seren? Maybe you have a big event coming up? Maybe the event has already happened? Whatever your society news you should de nitely get in touch!

All you have to do is send us an email: [email protected] October Issue 2014 | Seren 19 SOCIETIES

BUHAS invade France by MAX ZERONIANDALLEY the archaeology of the Musée des than others, I might add. opportunity to thank the Musée des nations, for their hospitality and the ver the summer, the Dark Temps Barbares in Marle, Northern All in all it was an excellent week, Temps Barbares and their resident many friends that we made whilst Age re-enactors from the His- France. Whilst there the society took where we can safely say we did the re-enactors ‘Le Clan du Vestfold’ for there. But nally and by no means Otory and Archaeology Society part in daily combat displays and University proud, as after every sin- inviting us to take part in what was least thanks to the members of BU- were invited to attend ‘Semaine Vi- lived authentic lives, within a recon- gle combat tournament, a member the largest Viking Age festival in HAS, as without them this trip would king de Marle’. A week-long festival struction of an early medieval house. of our group was in the nal. Did I France last year. We would also like not have been possible. in an early medieval village which Cooking over res, and even trying also mention we survived the mas- to thank the various groups from has been reconstructed based upon our hands at some authentic crafting sive battle at the end? not only France, but also Germany, techniques; some more successfully We would therefore like to take this Poland, Norway and other European

A Decade of Geog Soc by ANASTASIA JEUNE Geography, but we are open to the ity, structure and dynamics of Ant- cial reputation into this year. good night and, of course, we will all whole university. arctic Ice Shelves. Over 80 students Our events o cer, Jasmine Chin- be dressed to impress! angor Geographical Society is Our anniversary year has kicked o attended, as well as sta from the nery, has started to lay down plans We will also be holding an EGM to in its 10th year and big things to a great start already. After win- SENRGy department. for our Christmas ball, which last elect a new Field Trips o cer, whose Bare planned. Our member ning Academic Society of the Year The social secretary, Jason Crock- year took place at Hendre Hall. As role will be to provide a ordable numbers have more than doubled 2013/14, we have started the aca- ett, has already arranged some with all GeogSoc events, trips and trips around north wales and maybe since our rst year, and today we demic talk season again. On Thurs- amazing socials, starting o with our socials, the Christmas ball is open to further a eld. have over 260 members! We are a day 16th October we had our rst ‘White-T Social’ and then our ‘Call it everyone in the university who is a So if it’s a good night out, an aca- society based in the School of En- talk of the year. Our speaker was Dr. what you want social.’ GeogSoc are part of our Facebook group. Follow- demic talk or a trip out, you know vironment, Natural Resources and Tom Holt from Aberystwyth Univer- well known for our nights out, and ing the success of last years Christ- who to look for. sity and his talk was on the instabil- we are planning to continue our so- mas Ball we are hoping for another 20 Seren | October Issue 2014 UNION Disabled Students Forum THE disabled students’ forum provides an opportunity to meet students with other disabilities in order to build communities and get to know new people throughout the Univer- sity. Both Lydia Richardson, your VP Education and Welfare as well as your Disabled Students’ Senator, Lexi Whit- taker, will be working towards developing this forum to ensure it is a hub for feedback and development. It will allow for discussion of topics such as access, funding and awareness campaigns for example, where the feedback will be used to improve your student experience at Bangor. Students who have all had di erent experiences will be given the opportunity to create a more inclusive environment that is enjoyable for everyone. We hope to have the forum up and running in the next few weeks. If you would like to know more, feel free to get in touch via email with Lydia at lydia.richardson@ SU responds to Pontio delays bangorstudents.com, Lexi at hiu03e@ bangor.ac.uk or pop into the Students’ angor Students’ Union was dis- University since the rst announce- We hope that the University contin- that student activities and involvement Union! appointed to hear that Pontio ment was made to delay the opening ues to put pressure on contractors to in the Pontio project are equally as im- was not opening at the start of of Pontio to ensure that we are aware deliver the project to a new revised portant to the success of the project. Bthe 2014 academic term. e Students’ of the changes to the timescale for the timescale, and that any nancial im- Over the next few weeks we will be Union does however appreciate the opening of the centre. plications do not impact on the deliv- meeting with the University and Pon- scale of the project and the complica- e Students’ Union is disappointed ery of the Pontio project or the wider tio to make our expectations clear and Annual tions that may arise as part of such a to hear that there are further delays student experience. to again establish our vision for the big development. We also recognise to the opening of the Pontio build- We’ve also stressed the fact that the life of your Students’ Union within the the signi cant investment both nan- ing, and we echo the frustration that Students’ Union isn’t just another part Pontio building and project. Student cially and culturally that this will bring students have expressed following the of the building. We have made it clear to the area. most recent announcement in Octo- that students are an integral part of Statement We have been in contact with the ber about further delays. the life and programme of Pontio, and THE Annual Student Statement is one of our proudest pieces of work. You can read our statements on our website, but put simply, it’s a report entirely based on what you tell us about Bangor Students’ Union your academic experience. From books on shelves, to computer labs, to feedback on your work and module choices. We work with the University to im- praised for track record on plement recommendations on how you can work in partnership with the University to improve your experience by shaping how you’re taught, how you progress and how you want your expe- sustainability rience to look and feel. It’s your education, and we believe that you’re the experts, so it should be us students informing decisions. Head to our website to view the last two years’ Statements.

ustainability is one of our core munities thrive. Between 2013/14 and 2014/15 Ban- of the Year - Non-Trading award. House values as a Students’ Union. We’re embedding these principles gor Students’ Union has spent almost 2% reduction in electricity usage in Whether it’s nancial investment in our new Community Partnership, £50,000 on sustainability activity. Here halls of residence, over 12 tonnes of forS our environmental volunteering Love Bangor, which will bring com- are some of the highlights; CO2 and nearly £2,020 saved via the of projects and societies, the work that munities together to campaign around 15 departments took part taking 260 Student Switch O campaign in con- we do around the sustainability of the shared interests to in uence change on greening actions audited by 9 trained junction with infrastructural changes Horrors Welsh language and culture, the sus- a range of issues, furthering the wider students, helping to save an estimated made on campus. tainability of local communities and sustainability agenda that is at the core 4.8tonnes of carbon and £10,162. NUS said, “ is impressive progress Here at the Students’ Union, we are local projects, or our work in promot- of all of our work. As part of Green Impact Students’ demonstrates just how signi cant an looking for the worst pictures you can ing democracy and civic engagement. We’re pleased to see that our work Unions, the Bangor University Stu- impact individual actions can have nd of damp, mold, bad windows, Each and every one of those activities, on sustainability is being recognised dents’ Union was awarded a Gold when carried out collectively, and sta grimy kitchens, insecure doors and and more, all contribute to a healthy nationally, and that our progress in award for their e orts, achieving an and students at Bangor University other student housing blunders! ink society. We’re committed to minimis- recent years, in collaboration with the impressive total score for the year of should be commended for their e orts you have some horrible housing? Send ing our impact on the environment University, shows that working collec- 445, and winning the Ecologist and to promote more e cient and more us your photos to lydia.richardson@ and promoting the need for an en- tively around shared issues can have Resurgence Communications Chal- sustainable energy, waste, transport bangorstudents.com gaged and healthy society where com- an impact on the world around us. lenge award & the prestigious Union and food behaviours on campus.” October Issue 2014 | Seren 21 UNION ree Years Later

nterested in having a record of to take part by recording short updates a lot more besides this. As a reward for taking part in all you’re interested, get in touch with us your three years at Bangor? Inter- for us on their life as a student at Ban- All volunteers will be given a video three years, we’re o ering a free Sum- at danielle.barnard@bangorstudents. ested in helping us make life better gor over the next three years at di er- camera and asked to send in short vid- mer Ball ticket every year and you’ll be com for more information. forI everyone? ent points. eos of about 5 – 10 minutes at several able to keep the cameras a erwards. We are launching an exciting and We want to know how Welcome points during term time and we’ll be We’re looking for students from all innovative new project called ree Week was for you, how you found using the videos to help us put togeth- sorts of backgrounds – international Years Later. We’re looking for 6 stu- your rst assignment and what it’s re- er a really in-depth understanding of students, research students, under- dents from a variety of backgrounds ally like being in a club or society and life at Bangor for students. graduates, Welsh speakers – so if Love Bangor: It’s now or never

e’re responsible for prob- resentatives, who will determine the of pounds raised by students for local interests enabling them to win using Bangor to campaign around key is- lems with rubbish. e future of Bangor and the wider com- charities, how students diversify the the power that they already have. sues such as housing, waste and refuse, poor appearance of hous- munity, and if we fail to challenge local population and contribute mas- Together we will transform com- sustainability, noise, citizenship, and ingW is because of the way we live. Any these stereotypes now, our local ‘repre- sively to the local economy, and how munities and enable people to e ect parking. noise made a er 12am is de nitely sentatives’ will speak against us, rather lack of information on living in the change. A number of volunteering projects caused by students. We’re to blame for than for us. Bangor will continue to community leaves students at a loose At its heart, community organising is will be launched to meet the aims of all of Bangor’s problems and it’d be a be home to divided communities, and end. about supporting people to recognise the Partnership, to campaign, and to better place without us. will continue to lose out when discus- We have a solution. Love Bangor. and use the power they have in line facilitate the building of relationships, Or at least this is what people are led sions about ‘student’ issues and ‘resi- e Love Bangor Community Part- with the values that the student move- networks and leaders. Led by students, to believe. dent’ issues continue to exist. nership is a community organising ment was built upon: transforming these projects will engage individuals Even some of the people who claim I rmly believe that we can change project, where we will do what we do collective power into collective action and communities, changing hearts, to represent us peddle the same dam- hearts and minds. Our message of the best. Love Bangor will bring people and making positive change. minds, and media headlines. aging myths about students. It’s unac- value of students in our community is together, bride social groups, provide Love Bangor will put students at Love Bangor is nothing new, but the ceptable and dangerous for the sus- beginning to catch on, because it is our opportunities, broaden opinions, and the heart of uniting students, perma- way in which we talk about student in- tainability of local communities. community - the hundreds of hours give people a voice by building net- nent residents, Bangor University, volvement in the wider community is. We challenge this, now or never. volunteered by students every week works, relationships and leaders. It will Gwynedd Council, businesses, and In 2017 people will elect local rep- in the local community, the thousands bring people together around shared many other community groups across

Be paid to make sure we’re in Win a Kindle Fire OR the past three years, we’ve during term time, Wednesday a er- run a survey for all students to noons’ free for all and free member- take, that aims to inform our ship of clubs and societies for all stu- before May 2015 workF in the Students’ Union, and this dents. year we are giving away ve Kindle Every response we get makes it easier Fire tablets to some lucky students for you to see the changes that you who complete our survey. want to see at your University. Simply by taking this survey, you’re Head to the bangorstudents.com to helping students win! complete the survey! is survey has helped us improve life for students at the University in countless ways, from a 24 hour library

LECTORAL registration has the ballot box to determine who will sions to the detriment of our genera- changed in the UK. Where we govern Britain for the next ve years. tion and generations to come. could be block registered to vote Yet on the 7th of May 2015, young If you’d like to join a team of inE halls or in our houses, it’s now an people up and down the country canvassers to get out on the streets individual’s responsibility to get them- won’t turn out to vote. Our voices will and engage students in the process of selves onto the electoral register. It gets go unheard by a system that continues registering to vote ahead of the 2015 people engaging in our democracy, to let us down. We’ll continue to be let General Election and be paid for up but it also has potential to wipe thou- down by politicians who fail to speak to 37 hours a week at £7.11 an hour, sands o the register – leaving thou- on our behalf at a time when the odds for more information head to the SU sands without a voice. are already against us. Continually let website. On May 7th millions will head to down by a system that makes deci- 22 Seren | October Issue 2014

This month Seren went a little Halloween crazy! We’ve given you the “low down” on our favourite Halloween events in North Wales, along with some cheap but fun decorating ideas. Also! Get 10% o your costume at SPARX with our voucher! 5 Spooky Halloween Events

Llangollen Railway- Conwy Ghost Bus The RSPB Conwy - Venue Cymru - Anglesey Sea Zoo - Friday Night on the Pumpkin Bird Halloween Party Boo at the Zoo Ghost Train GHOSTS and ghouls will be lurking at Hunt every turn if you dare to step on the GET spooky at Venue Cymru’s Hal- COME face to face with fairy-tale THERE will be spooky storytelling on Conwy Ghost Bus. The new venture EVERY year around this time of year, loween Party in the Orme Suite. Easy- creatures but with a twist at Angle- the train as it travels through Dee Val- takes its victims on a surreal tour of a fat orange bird appears at the re- beat band and DJ Dave Hanson will sey Sea Zoo this Halloween. Organ- ley. Booking is essential as the event Llandrillo cemetery with characters verse and help is needed to track him be providing the music on the even- isers recommend bringing a torch was a sell out last year. such as the Professor and Harry the down. Booking is essential. ing. and booking in advance is recom- Where: Llangollen Railway, The Sta- Old Sea Captain to guide the way. Where: RSPB Conwy nature reserve, Where: Orme Suite, Venue Cymru, mended. tion, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Den- Where: Kinmel Hotel, Llandudno at North Wales Expressway, Conwy The Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy, Where: Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsien- bighshire, LL208SN 6.30pm, and Conwy Tourist LL31 9XZ. Friday 31st October. 11am- LL30 1BB cyn, Isle of Anglesey / Ynys Mon, LL61 Information Centre at 6.45pm. 12pm. 6TQ 10% OFF with this voucher on halloween stock valid until 31/10/14 10% OFF Fancy dress and costume hire • 208A High St. Bangor 22 Seren | October Issue 2014 October Issue 2014 | Seren 23

£1 Tombstone

£15 Miss Frankenstein’s This month Seren went a little Halloween crazy! We’ve given you the “low down” on our Congenihorrity Monster favourite Halloween events in North Wales, along with some cheap but fun decorating ideas. Also! Get 10% o your costume at SPARX with our voucher! £4.99 Bag o’ bones £16 5 Spooky Halloween Events

Llangollen Railway- Conwy Ghost Bus The RSPB Conwy - Venue Cymru - Anglesey Sea Zoo - Friday Night on the Pumpkin Bird Halloween Party Boo at the Zoo Ghost Train GHOSTS and ghouls will be lurking at Hunt £2.99 every turn if you dare to step on the GET spooky at Venue Cymru’s Hal- COME face to face with fairy-tale 59p Sweeties Doggy Horror THERE will be spooky storytelling on Conwy Ghost Bus. The new venture EVERY year around this time of year, loween Party in the Orme Suite. Easy- creatures but with a twist at Angle- the train as it travels through Dee Val- takes its victims on a surreal tour of a fat orange bird appears at the re- beat band and DJ Dave Hanson will sey Sea Zoo this Halloween. Organ- ley. Booking is essential as the event Llandrillo cemetery with characters verse and help is needed to track him be providing the music on the even- isers recommend bringing a torch was a sell out last year. such as the Professor and Harry the down. Booking is essential. ing. and booking in advance is recom- Where: Llangollen Railway, The Sta- Old Sea Captain to guide the way. Where: RSPB Conwy nature reserve, Where: Orme Suite, Venue Cymru, mended. tion, Abbey Road, Llangollen, Den- Where: Kinmel Hotel, Llandudno at North Wales Expressway, Conwy The Promenade, Llandudno, Conwy, Where: Anglesey Sea Zoo, Brynsien- bighshire, LL208SN 6.30pm, and Conwy Tourist LL31 9XZ. Friday 31st October. 11am- LL30 1BB cyn, Isle of Anglesey / Ynys Mon, LL61 Information Centre at 6.45pm. 12pm. 6TQ 10% OFF with this voucher on halloween stock valid until 31/10/14 10% OFF Fancy dress and costume hire • 208A High St. Bangor £12 Wolfy Slippers £1 Eerie Eyeballs 24 Seren | October Issue 2014 MUSIC

Students bring Samba to the street

by HEDD THOMAS its contribution to musical styles all Nevertheless, she herself had never bers were dressed in distinctive, bril- around the world, including samba. drummed before. So why start now liant patterns of red, black and white, ozens of drummers braved Bangor University students and lo- in Bangor? designed in Brazil exclusively for the a blustery Bangor on Satur- cal residents had rehearsed for two “It reminds me of home! I feel less group. Larger in number, they beat Dday afternoon to bring the weeks in order to perform on Satur- homesick now. Also, I just wanted to their drums with zeal while carefully sounds of samba to the street. Part day. They were joined by two estab- learn one of the instruments. They all following Davies' signals for when of the annual Black History Month, lished local samba drumming bands: sound so exciting!” On Saturday, she rhythmic changes should come which takes place every October, the Batala Bangor and Bloco Sŵn. played the terceira surdo, a medium- about. It was a joy to see the musi- organisers of the 40-minute-long ex- One such student who took part is sized drum that's hit with a large, cians clearly enjoying themselves travaganza at the Clock Tower chose Camilla, an exchange student from soft beater. as they threw their whole bodies to make this year's event with a cel- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the city whose Anna, also an exchange student, into their instruments and into their ebration of the drum, recognising annual Carnival has helped to make is from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, the restrained but perfectly executed its central role in Black History and samba a globally recognised music. credited birthplace of samba and dance steps. home to a carnival even bigger than An added and perhaps unexpected Rio's. Indeed, the Salvador Carnival is treat for the public on the street that in the Guinness Book of Records as morning was a capoeira demon- being the largest party in the world. stration given by members of the Anna remembers some experience Treborth-based Capoeira Mocambo, of making samba music long ago with Camilla joining in from time to in school but other than that she, time. They ipped their bodies and like Camilla, learnt everything from spun their legs along to the mu- scratch in time for Saturday. Her cho- sic with such uncanny control as to Bryn Davies, leader of Batala Bangor sen instrument was the chocalho, leave many a mouth gaping rstly in a shaker consisting of rows of small disbelief and then in loud cheers. metal discs piled on top of each Finally it was the turn of students of Samba’s long other. “It reminds me of my city,” she the University to make their much- said. anticipated rst public performance. journey to Once the nal runner of the Bangor Consisting of both home and inter- 10k Race had crossed the nish line national students, including a num- Bangor it was time for the performance at ber from Brazil here in Bangor for 17th century – Bantu people from the Clock Tower to begin. Bloco Sŵn, a year on exchange, they grabbed Angola and the Congo are taken to led by Colin Daimond, kicked o pro- their drums, bells and shakers, and Bahia to work on sugar plantations ceedings with a rush of rhythms, pre- joined Batala and Bloco Sŵn in front as slaves. They take their rhythms cisely played by his small group of of the Clock Tower. Daimond led and dances with them. An early elite musicians. They accompanied the now sizeable band through two form of samba develops. a dance performed by four members powerfully pulsating pieces, show- Late 19th century – Emancipated of the University's Afro-Caribbean ing everyone around just how joyful slaves migrate to Rio de Janeiro, Society, which was greatly appreci- samba music can be. a cosmopolitan city where samba ated by the growing crowd. No unprompted dancing broke comes into contact with other Afri- “I rst heard Brazilian music when out among the Bangor public, which can, European and Brazilian musics. I was fteen years old and got im- was lined four people deep in some It gradually develops into the sound mediately hooked,” said Daimond. places as they stood and listened on we know today. When he tried his hand at samba the High Street, but even so every Mid 20th century – Samba music be- drumming soon after, he realised foot was visibly tapping and many comes a globally-recognised sym- its accessible nature meant he was a hip were twitching, itching to get bol of Brazil and Carnival. Compris- able to play with 35 other drummers into the swing of things. The groove ing of drums, shakers, bells and almost immediately, but concedes, continued for a good quarter of an whistles, with guitars, trombones “that doesn't mean you know eve- hour then, after some teasing false and voices sometimes added to the rything there is to know instantly!” climaxes, a nal booming beat si- mix, samba bands become popular Daimond founded Bloco Sŵn in multaneously on every instrument and tour the world. 2012 to accompany a dance project brought a chorus of clapping and 1995 – Samba Bangor Commu- for children at Harlech Castle. Since cheering from the grateful crowd. nity Music is founded to promote then they have toured throughout What did the two exchange stu- Brazilian music, dance and carnival North Wales including at the Rhyl Air dents from Brazil think of it all after throughout North Wales. Show and also right here in Bangor the adrenaline of their performance 2005 – UNESCO adds samba to its at Greek Taverna. had nally waned? “It was a lot of Heritage of Humanity list. Bryn Davies and his Batala Bangor fun!” said Anna. “Yes,” said Camilla, “I 2014 – Bangor University students group were next. Part of a global want to carry on with it now. De - perform samba music at the Clock network of samba bands, their mem- nitely!” Tower together with bands Batala Anna with a chocalho and Camilla with a terceira surdo Bangor and Bloco Sŵn. 24 Seren | October Issue 2014 October Issue 2014 | Seren 25 MUSIC MUSIC PRSforMusic says Get Registered and Get Paid

by HEDD THOMAS musicians can make good money through sales alone. The answer is to et registered and get paid. look beyond the increasingly narrow That was the message given world of the music industry and to Gby John Hywel Morris, the instead embrace the wider world of Welsh representative for PRSforMu- media as a whole. sic, who spoke at the Careers in Mu- “Look at lm and TV, computer sic conference hosted by Bangor Uni- games, corporate videos. There's a versity on Friday 17th October. Topics lot of money outside the music in- included securing royalties for music, dustry,” said Morris. But for the purist the future of music formats and the among musicians, isn't putting your best avenues for making a living music secondary to a moving image DJ SOC from your music. loads or being given orders by corporate For musicians who have written is a marketers simply selling out? Not their own work, be that singers per- doomed so, according to Morris. “The more Track Review: forming their own songs around format,” says experienced you are, the higher up Bangor's pubs, bands that have pro- Morris, “because I the industry you go and you can put Cirez D - ‘Ruby’ duced CDs or composers who have think that the whole way your own stamp on things. There is a published their own material, PRS- the internet is going is that means of putting your own style into by TOM BRADY Caution- people will never own things, that.” forMusic, which has around 3,500 he mighty Eric Prydz returns ing against they'll just contract into things. Not only that, but opportunities members in Wales, claims back the with his rst Cirez D release in this approach, Streaming is based on that. For in- in the commercial world can open performing and mechanical rights over 12 months. The man be- royalties from venues, broadcasters Morris continued, stance, some people don't see the doors in the art music world that T hind the more reputed & melodic “It's something that people come to point of owning a piece of music if might otherwise stay shut. “Film and or online services and passes that Pryda pseudonym shows us his at di erent times in their lives but if they can stream it anytime they like.” TV writers are working with orches- money onto the musicians who own darker side with this driving Techno Students bring Samba to the street those rights. you've got a piece of music that's out Securing a fair deal from streaming tras all the time. There's one very gem. there that's being performed in pub- services for music is a problem that good Welsh example where he really “It's very easy to register a piece of ‘Ruby’ is a darker journey into Pry- lic or broadcast in any way then sud- PRSforMusic acknowledges. “Mone- makes a big in uence in the industry by HEDD THOMAS its contribution to musical styles all Nevertheless, she herself had never bers were dressed in distinctive, bril- music,” said Morris, who was a pro- dz’ heavily synth-focused produc- denly you should be more than just tising that, of course, is the big ques- and likes to think of himself as a big around the world, including samba. drummed before. So why start now liant patterns of red, black and white, fessional rock musician for ve years tions, demonstrating his faultless thinking about joining [PRSforMusic], tion for the music industry,” said their classical composer now as well.” ozens of drummers braved Bangor University students and lo- in Bangor? designed in Brazil exclusively for the before joining his current employer. production talent & ability to deliver you should be joining.” Welsh representative. With ongoing The PRSforMusic representative for a blustery Bangor on Satur- cal residents had rehearsed for two “It reminds me of home! I feel less group. Larger in number, they beat As with many young musicians, the across genres. The sole track hallows What of the future of music for- con icts between YouTube and in- Wales pushed this point, ending his day afternoon to bring the weeks in order to perform on Satur- homesick now. Also, I just wanted to their drums with zeal while carefully PRSforMusic representative used to progression through formulaic per- D neglect the money-making part of mats? Vinyl records were once a dependent record labels, it remains talk on a personal note. “I've written sounds of samba to the street. Part day. They were joined by two estab- learn one of the instruments. They all following Davies' signals for when niche market but with the rise of rock to be seen if this question will be an- cussion rolls, with plenty of punch of the annual Black History Month, lished local samba drumming bands: sound so exciting!” On Saturday, she rhythmic changes should come his career. “When I was your age,” he an orchestral work but of course I've and roll in the 1950s they exploded swered satisfactorily for all involved. to keep the listener committed to an which takes place every October, the Batala Bangor and Bloco Sŵn. played the terceira surdo, a medium- about. It was a joy to see the musi- told the room of students, “I'd done a never had it performed. I've written onto the global market. Since then, Finally, John Hywel Morris talked eerie yet fervent rhythm. organisers of the 40-minute-long ex- One such student who took part is sized drum that's hit with a large, cians clearly enjoying themselves few TV sessions on S4C and had writ- a song cycle that I've never even had rival formats have come and all but about the challenge of making a liv- The Swedish DJ & producer focus- travaganza at the Clock Tower chose Camilla, an exchange student from soft beater. as they threw their whole bodies ten a lot of works but I hadn't even performed. I suspect if I'd been a TV gone: 8-track, cassettes, CDs. Now, ing through music in today's world. es on delivering a tough yet groove- to make this year's event with a cel- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the city whose Anna, also an exchange student, into their instruments and into their thought about joining PRS. It was the musician I'd have had the opportu- the battle is between downloads and He explained that because of the fuelled track, enriching his impecca- ebration of the drum, recognising annual Carnival has helped to make is from Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, the restrained but perfectly executed business end of things. I just wanted nities to actually realise some of the streaming. rise of cheap or free music online ble drum assembly with ne-tuned its central role in Black History and samba a globally recognised music. credited birthplace of samba and dance steps. to make music.” stu I really wanted to do.” “In my personal opinion, down- together with rampant piracy, few melodious sounds. A solid ware- home to a carnival even bigger than An added and perhaps unexpected house track that truly requires such Rio's. Indeed, the Salvador Carnival is treat for the public on the street that a setting, or at least an apt system, to in the Guinness Book of Records as morning was a capoeira demon- appreciate its monstrous potential. being the largest party in the world. stration given by members of the Album review: ‘Ruby’ is now available exclusively Anna remembers some experience Treborth-based Capoeira Mocambo, on Cirez D purpose label ‘Mouseville’. of making samba music long ago with Camilla joining in from time to Gespenst - Dogma Overall - 4/5 in school but other than that she, time. They ipped their bodies and like Camilla, learnt everything from spun their legs along to the mu- scratch in time for Saturday. Her cho- sic with such uncanny control as to Bryn Davies, leader of Batala Bangor sen instrument was the chocalho, leave many a mouth gaping rstly in Dates for your Diary a shaker consisting of rows of small disbelief and then in loud cheers. metal discs piled on top of each Finally it was the turn of students of Samba’s long other. “It reminds me of my city,” she the University to make their much- Brass said. anticipated rst public performance. journey to Menai Bridge Brass Once the nal runner of the Bangor Consisting of both home and inter- Band 10k Race had crossed the nish line national students, including a num- Bangor st it was time for the performance at ber from Brazil here in Bangor for 17th century – Bantu people from Saturday 1 November, the Clock Tower to begin. Bloco Sŵn, a year on exchange, they grabbed Angola and the Congo are taken to 7.30pm led by Colin Daimond, kicked o pro- their drums, bells and shakers, and Bahia to work on sugar plantations at Ysgol David Hughes, ceedings with a rush of rhythms, pre- joined Batala and Bloco Sŵn in front as slaves. They take their rhythms Menai Bridge, cisely played by his small group of of the Clock Tower. Daimond led and dances with them. An early elite musicians. They accompanied the now sizeable band through two form of samba develops. £8 for over 16s a dance performed by four members powerfully pulsating pieces, show- Late 19th century – Emancipated accompanied by long, steady syn- of the University's Afro-Caribbean ing everyone around just how joyful slaves migrate to Rio de Janeiro, Jazz thesised string ensemble sounds. At Society, which was greatly appreci- samba music can be. a cosmopolitan city where samba Gramophone Five Plus least they sound synthesised, empty ated by the growing crowd. No unprompted dancing broke comes into contact with other Afri- Four and lifeless. The guitars reenter in “I rst heard Brazilian music when out among the Bangor public, which can, European and Brazilian musics. Wednesday 22nd October, their characteristic fashion halfway I was fteen years old and got im- was lined four people deep in some It gradually develops into the sound through but by that time the dam- mediately hooked,” said Daimond. places as they stood and listened on we know today. 8.30pm age has already been done. When he tried his hand at samba the High Street, but even so every Mid 20th century – Samba music beat Victoria Hotel, Menai The same problem appears in the drumming soon after, he realised foot was visibly tapping and many comes a globally-recognised sym- Bridge, nal track, a mournful piece called its accessible nature meant he was a hip were twitching, itching to get bol of Brazil and Carnival. Compris- £5.50 for students 'Everything Ends'. The synthesised able to play with 35 other drummers into the swing of things. The groove ing of drums, shakers, bells and cello plays a very simple line that almost immediately, but concedes, continued for a good quarter of an whistles, with guitars, trombones by HEDD THOMAS quality headphones for the full ef- could pack an emotional punch if “that doesn't mean you know eve- hour then, after some teasing false and voices sometimes added to the Classical fect. You'll want to take them o it were rich in tone but instead is rything there is to know instantly!” climaxes, a nal booming beat si- mix, samba bands become popular My Friend he second album by post-rock again for the eponymous track of the so thin and threaded as to be com- Daimond founded Bloco Sŵn in multaneously on every instrument and tour the world. Dylan Thomas-Festival duo Gespenst, Dogma is a hyp- album, though, and turn the volume pletely unengaging. The line is so 2012 to accompany a dance project brought a chorus of clapping and 1995 – Samba Bangor Commu- 25th-30th October, all Tnotic, initially alluring album up to 11 for the complete contrast straightforward that a live recording that's presented: full-bodied guitar for children at Harlech Castle. Since cheering from the grateful crowd. nity Music is founded to promote 7.30pm full of the darkness of the night that would have taken no time at all. The then they have toured throughout What did the two exchange stu- Brazilian music, dance and carnival tapers in quality towards the end. strumming, raw and rough. Kuala Lumpur-based duo do pique North Wales including at the Rhyl Air dents from Brazil think of it all after throughout North Wales. at various locations Opening in a minimalist style, the Combined, the following two interest once again when the drums Show and also right here in Bangor the adrenaline of their performance 2005 – UNESCO adds samba to its around rst track 'Grace' introduces layer tracks take up half of the album's and guitars appear, but in an era at Greek Taverna. had nally waned? “It was a lot of Heritage of Humanity list. Bangor University, upon layer of electronic sounds in a total length and continue in a simi- when it's so easy to skip a track with Bryn Davies and his Batala Bangor fun!” said Anna. “Yes,” said Camilla, “I 2014 – Bangor University students all £3 for students tasteful and expertly mastered way, lar style. Change comes later with a sopori c start, that might not be group were next. Part of a global want to carry on with it now. De - perform samba music at the Clock keeping you on tenterhooks as to 'Rebirth', which begins with a mel- good enough. network of samba bands, their mem- nitely!” Tower together with bands Batala when and where the next noise will ancholic ri high in the piano, then Dogma was released on 4th Octo- Anna with a chocalho and Camilla with a terceira surdo Bangor and Bloco Sŵn. appear. Listen to this one with high together with a lower line, and then ber 2014 by Fluttery Records. 26 Seren | October Issue 2014 TV Seren’s Favourite Five: Animated TV Series Last month, two titans in animated television had a crossover. Few could believe their eyes as the Simpsons and the Gri n family shared the screen. Both The Simpsons and Family Guy have paved the way for more animated TV shows, proving that cartoons aren’t always just for children. In their honour, everyone at Seren decided to vote for our favourite animated TV series. Here are the results:

The Simpsons Family Guy South Park Bob’s Burgers Futurama

by NATHAN BULLEN by LIAM SHIPTON by RYAN JONES by AMY BLACKWELL by EMILY HOULSTONJONES

The Simpsons is my favourite ani- I grew up watching The Simpsons South Park is often criticised for Bob's Burgers is by far my favour- Futurama skips the sometimes- mated show for a variety of reasons. and would never have believed its o ensive humour. Trey Parker ite "grown-up" cartoon. It breaks tired "cartoon family get into vari- The fact that it has now been on air that I’d vote for anything else as and Matt Stone have pushed the the mould from the crude and ous hijinks, with hilarious results" for 25 years is evidence enough to my favourite animated show. But boundaries so often that they have overdone humour. The characters trope, and in the process creates an prove that The Simpsons deserves I think what distinguishes Family received numerous complaints and are funny, loveable, irritating and animated show which is as unique to be known as the father of all ani- Guy from its friends in Spring eld even death threats, giving South extremely relatable in all the right as they come. Co-created by The mated television shows. I loved the is that Family Guy takes its hu- Park the honour of being one of ways. I often channel my inner Tina! Simpsons creator Matt Groening, show as a child and as I have grown mour to a place that The Simpsons most controversial shows in his- It's quotable, enjoyable and I've Futurama somehow manages to older I have enjoyed it just as much, are afraid to go. Seth MacFarlane tory. However, there is much more never had an uncomfortable mo- break out of its predecessors shad- if not more, as the show has jokes doesn’t discriminate with his jokes to South Park than just its crude hu- ment whilst watching. Bob's Burg- ow. No small task, considering The that appeal to both children and – no celebrity or public gure is ex- mour. South Park is a satirical com- ers manages to be inclusive in a Simpsons’ monumental success. adults. Some of the episodes can empt from the show making fun of edy that has the guts to challenge way that it's competitors have just Futurama succeeds due to its genu- make you laugh whilst some can be them. With its brilliant pop-culture anyone and anything. Due to the not been able to grasp. This unique inely hilarious and wacky storylines, heart-breaking. I love every charac- references, sexist and racist hu- short time it takes to produce an ep- comedy makes use of inside jokes which include parallel dimensions, ter in The Simpsons from Moe to Mr mour, numerous musical numbers isode, the writers are able to ridicule and (shock horror) character devel- a basketball team from another Burns, Dr Nick to Dr Hibbert as they and random but hysterical cuta- current a airs. This makes the show opment, which really sets it apart planet, and a dead dog. But it sets all have their moments of brilliance. ways, Family Guy is destined to go unique and is one of many reasons from other animations whilst still al- itself above other shows due to its With such a wide range of stories down in history as one of the great- why South Park is my favourite ani- lowing for a good fart joke. Besides, heart. When I watched the last ever and characters, what isn't there to est animated shows ever. mated show. who doesn't love a bit of sexy dance episode of the show, I was genu- love about The Simpsons? ghting?! inely tearing up. Not many silly animated comedies can do that.

The Walking Dead: returning in bloody glory

by ELEANOR HIRST fans. The overload of publicity for we all saw how zombie programmes result, we saw the rekindling of char- main one of the key themes, and the this season has made the anticipa- can actually have incredibly well acter relationships in the show once show in that respect harkens back to he Walking Dead is still alive tion twice as painful, as we all waited thought-out storylines. again ourish. At many points in this the initial few seasons. and kicking with guts as it en- for our weekly x of horror. To the The rst episode of the fth sea- episode, the audience found them- With the hype of the fth season, Tters its fth season running. appreciation of fans, the rst epi- son was fantastic. Crossbow bolts selves asking the question ‘what I was expecting to be disappointed. Monday, the 13th of October saw sode really lived up to the hype. Af- were replenished, Andrew Lincoln’s would you do?’ and the whole epi- In the last few seasons, at points the the return of The Walking Dead to ter the initial launch of The Walking ‘deep south’ accent was improved sode made the audience reconsider storyline has lagged and the multi- our screens once again, much to the Dead, the show has seen many ups and Carol was nally reunited with what we would do to survive. Ter- ple storylines did not help this factor. delight of its loyal fanbase. But did and downs. In my opinion, the rst the group. The show returned to minus made our survivors question The fth season of The Walking Dead the premiere drag its fans in or leave two seasons of the show were the its former, bloody glory in this rst what it is to be human and the canni- sees itself returning to its bloody them screaming in the opposite di- best, with the perfect balance of sto- episode. We saw the return of a large balistic undertones of the terminus glory and let’s just hope that the re- rection? ryline and gore. Everybody and their group, whereas previously, there residents made our survivors a little mainder of the season lives up to the The fth season of The Walking mums (including mine) were watch- were many di erent storylines in more human than the last season. quality of its rst episode. Dead has been long awaited by its ing this show when it launched and various situations and settings. As a Compassion and understanding re- October Issue 2014 | Seren 27 TV

Is it time for Mo at to pass on the torch? by RYAN JONES & STEPHANIE over as showrunner, lead writer and to disagree. He is imaginative and Russell T Davies bid his farewell. ers such as Gatiss (Cold War, Robot of YEABSLEY executive producer of Doctor Who funny, if at times too complicated. Gone are the days when the sea- Sherwood, etc), who fail to impress. in 2010 he was already responsible However it is this complication in son would slowly build towards an Even if you still enjoy the series, s we approach the end of Pe- for two of my favourite episodes: his episodes I enjoy and which sets explosive climax, as Mo at prefers and have no problem with Mo at ter Capaldi’s debut season, “Blink” and “The Girl in the Fireplace.” him apart from other Who writers. his episodes to be self contained. remaining as showrunner, do you Ayou can sense a rift between He is also to blame for the nightmare I have found myself both ba ed Bad Wolf and The Master are per- not think it would be good to see Whovians. No longer are they united inducing “are you my mummy?” gas and amazed by the twists in his sto- fect examples to show why Davies some change? Doctor Who is all by love of their favourite TV show, as masked children from Christopher rylines whilst crying and laughing at was a master of seasonal story arcs. about change. Every few years we’ll concerns begin to grow about the Eccleston’s era of Who. I do, however, the life he breathes into his charac- Mo at doesn’t seem able to reach either be treated to a new compan- showrunner, Steven Mo at. When have to admit that I have enjoyed his ters (bow ties are cool). Mo at’s time this high standard and his dislike for ion or a new Doctor. The writers pro- 2015 arrives, Mo at will have been solo episodes more than his story to regenerate will come but I believe two-parter episodes isn’t helping. vide the only consistency for Doctor at the helm of Doctor Who for as arcs. Clara’s “Impossible Girl” story he has more to give yet. Under Mo at, there seems to be far Who, but maybe that needs to be many years as Russell T Davies was. never really made sense and was YES! There is no doubting Mo at’s too many episodes that act as llers changed. The future of the series So the question must arise: Is it time unnecessary, and don’t even get me skill as a writer, but I have never been rather than contributors to the over- is unclear at the moment, but I feel for Mo at to pass on the torch? started on this season’s opener… convinced by him as a showrunner, all story. Mo at’s choice of guest that it's in need of a regeneration NO! Before Steven Mo at took Fans of Doctor Who have called as I believe that the quality of the writers also bemuses me at times, as sooner rather than later. for Mo at to step down but I have series has slowly declined since he continues to put his trust in writ- Halloween Special: Seren’s favourite monsters and villains As we approach Halloween, Seren has taken its time to pick our favourite monsters and villains in TV. This may be a good opportunity to give you ideas for Halloween costumes if you’re struggling for inspiration.

Walkers Weeping Angels ManBearPig Bloody Face Eric Northman The Walking Dead Doctor Who South Park American Horror Story True Blood by RYAN JONES by STEPHANIE YEABSLEY by RYAN JONES by AMY BLACKWELL by IDA VÄISÄNEN

They may not be original or “Don’t blink… Blink, and you’re “There is something out there Bloody Face is a notorious se- Eric Northman de nitely held the unique monsters, as they are ba- dead. Good luck.” The Weeping An- that threatens our very existence rial killer and the villain of American candle as the most terrifying vam- sically generic zombies, but I still gels are, for me, the scariest Doctor and maybe the end to the human Horror Story season 2. That isn't to pire in True Blood… until season 4 believe that the Walkers deserve Who monster. They are essentially race as we know it. I’m talking of say he's the only villain, as every- of course. A 1000-year old Viking their place in our favourite ve. The stone statues that sneak up on you course about ManBearPig” is the one in AHS is a little "cray". Season vampire portrayed by Alexander Walking Dead is entering its fth every time you’re not looking and warning from Al Gore in South Park. 2 is set in mental hospital Briarcli Skarsgård starts o as a badass, season, yet the groans of the walk- then deposit you back in time so Described as being half-man, half- Manor during the 1960s. In my opin- spreading blood and guts and ers still cause me to tense up. This they can feed on the time energy bear and half-pig, ManBearPig wins ion, season 2 is ten times scarier and heartbroken women in his way comes as no surprise as they have created. Or as seen in one episode, points for originality. However, quite creepier than its predecessor. This before becoming intolerably bor- killed so many of our beloved char- they simply snap your neck. No predictably, ManBearPig is just a g- is mostly thanks to Bloody Face. In ing after losing his memory. Grow- acters. There surely can be nothing thank you, I’d rather take on the ment of Al Gore’s imagination. Yet the previous season, as a viewer you ing a conscience after su ering worse than having to kill the peo- Daleks any day. I think what makes this changes once the South Park could distance yourself from the amnesia is cute and all, but it also ple that you love in Walker form. To them so scary is the notion that boys nd themselves in Imagina- haunted "Murder House" but there is stopped him from being a monster make them worse, they can only be every single statue might secretly tion Land. ManBearPig manages to something scarily human about the in anyone’s book. Eric as a nice guy killed by a blow to the head, so no be disguised as a Weeping Angel… enter our own world and kills a few horrors of season 2. Bloody Face for is basically Edward Cullen. Why matter how many limbs you cut o , And let’s not forget that they took scientists during a rampage. Man- me is the embodiment of all things couldn’t he just stay evil? they’ll still keep on biting. our beloved Pond from us! BearPig’s absurdity and ruthless vio- wrong with humanity and that lence makes him worthy of my vote. makes him terrifying! 28 Seren | October Issue 2014 FILM GONE GIRL: BEN AFFLECK’S WIFE GOES MISSING – UNFORTUNATELY HE’S STILL WITH US

by LIAM SHIPTON ter o typing “funny cats” into You- Nick of having murdered his wife, performance is actually not that bad, is that as a fellow writer – I hope the Tube than you would by paying to thereby untangling a web of lies, de- but it’s unfortunately dragged down book is better. osamund Pike’s arms must watch this awful, train wreck of a ceit, in delity and conspiracy as they by those around her. As for the direction: congratula- hurt terribly after trying so lm. pursue their investigation. The writing is atrocious. It’s almost tions, David Fincher; you managed Rhard to carry Ben A eck’s per- The lm is Gillian Flynn’s adapta- Sounds good, right? Well it’s not. as if Gillian Flynn sat herself down to make a murder mystery lm less formance in Gone Girl, a lm which tion of her novel of the same name, Let’s start with the acting; If Ben and challenged herself to t as many exciting than a lm about Facebook. is supposedly the must-see lm of and is directed by David Fincher (The A eck were any more wooden then clichés into one storyline as humanly I give this lm 2 and a half stars – 2014. I’m not entirely sure what that Social Network). It is the story of Nick he’d be mistaken for a co ee table – a possible. The smooth-talking lawyer one star for each hour of my life that says for every other lm released this Dunne (A eck) who discovers his really, really boring co ee table. Neil who’s never lost a case, the hard- it has wasted. I paid just under £8 for year. wife (Pike) has gone missing on the Patrick Harris plays the ‘creepy, stalk- nosed cop who doesn’t take any s**t, my ticket; I can only hope that Ben If you’re looking for something day of their fth anniversary. The au- er, ex-boyfriend’ role; he deserves a the fugitive dyeing her hair in a pet- A eck uses his share of that to pay stimulating and intelligent to watch thorities quickly discover that some- pat on the head for trying really hard, rol station’s bathroom and buying for some much-needed acting les- this autumn, you’d probably be bet- thing is amiss and begin to suspect but not much more. Rosamund Pike’s fake glasses. All I can say for Flynn sons.

CLASSIC FILM OF THE MONTH BY GOLLY YA GOT TROUBLE… IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ by LIAM SHIPTON The lm follows the shenanigans pose only, and that is to entertain of ‘Professor’ Harold Hill (played by its viewers. The jokes are innocent, did not want to watch this lm. Robert Preston): a smooth-talking the characters are simple and the It’s old, I didn’t recognise any of traveling salesman who arrives in musical numbers are spectacularly Ithe cast and let’s be honest: it’s a River City with a promise to teach enjoyable. musical. I’ve never been a fan of lms its children how to play musical in- All of you Family Guy fans will also where the main character bursts into struments – despite not being able notice just how many times this lm song in the middle of a scene and 50 to play a single note himself – whilst is referenced in the show. Head on townspeople appear behind him as at the same time, trying to bed the over to YouTube and watch the car- a choir, backed by an invisible or- town librarian (Shirley Jones). toon’s creator Seth MacFarlane per- chestra and all dancing in perfectly After reading that last paragraph form Music Man showstopper ‘Ya choreographed step. I watched this back to myself, it still doesn’t sound Got Trouble’ at the BBC Proms – it’s lm because I had been told it’s a like a good lm. But it is. well worth a watch. ‘classic’ and I felt like I had to. Let go of all your expectations All in all, I would describe this lm But all of my reservations about that trashy modern Hollywood has as a pleasant surprise. It takes you The Music Man quickly disappeared imposed upon you; there’s no sex, back to a simpler and more innocent as I realised exactly why this lm still there are no explosions, there’s no time and is well deserving of its label gets called a classic over 50 years af- swearing – there is only fun. This of one of the most classic lms of all ter its original release. lm has one purpose and one pur- time. October Issue 2014 | Seren 29 FILM 20 YEARS OF “WHO YOU GONNA CALL?” PULP FICTION ASKS A HOPEFUL by LIAM SHIPTON cently, Django Unchained. He is currently working on his GILLIAN ANDERSON ctober 14th marked the 20th next venture entitled The Hateful anniversary of the release of Eight, which is said to be another by LIAM SHIPTON online. Paul Feig, cast me now! Start Quentin Tarantino’s master- Western, but Tarantino has stated a Twitter petition! I’m free!!!!! I’m free O t was recently announced that I’m free and I’m funny, goddamnit!” piece Pulp Fiction. that it is not a sequel to Django. The Bridesmaids director Paul Feig The news of the new Ghostbusters It’s impossible to pick an all-time lm’s cast is yet to be formally an- has big plans for his re-boot of favourite lm, but this is easily a nounced, but it is expected to con- I format received mixed reactions Sci-Fi classic Ghostbusters – the from movie fans, and many of them contender. From the acting and the tain a mixture of Tarantino veterans most surprising of which being dialogue, to the music and the cin- such as Tim Roth, Michael Madsen took to Twitter to state their disap- his decision to cast women as the pointment. ematography, this is about as close and Samuel L. Jackson, and other movie’s main characters. as you are going to get to the per- actors yet to work with him – Jen- All joking aside, I personally think Upon hearing this news, The that it’s a bold and brave choice and fect lm. nifer Lawrence is currently in talks X Files star Gillian Anderson an- Previous to the making of Pulp to join the cast. I look forward to seeing the nished nounced her availability and her product. Fiction, Tarantino rose to fame with So 20 years on, Quentin Tarantino overwhelming desire to be a part the low budget, independently re- is working just as hard as ever to Gillian Anderson would make a of the project. wonderful Ghostbuster. leased cult hit Reservoir Dogs. This bring his own unique brand of lm During a Reddit ‘Ask-Me-Any- lm put him and his style of writ- to the big screen, and Pulp Fiction thing’ session, Anderson showed ing and directing on the map. Pulp stands the test of time, proving to Get in touch at [email protected] her excitement at the prospect of gor.ac.uk to let us know who you Fiction secured his status as one of be just as popular and enjoyable as joining a female-led Ghostbusters the nest lmmakers of his genera- it was in 1994. think should be cast in the up- cast. coming lm, or nd us on Twitter tion. He went on to make hits such Long may the genius of Quentin “OH MY GOD, I just looked it up as Jackie Brown, Kill Bill (Vol. 1 & 2), Tarantino continue. @seren lm. Inglourious Basterds and most re- HALLOWEEN SPECIAL: TOP 5 HORROR FILMS

by JACK WATKINSON cam. These lm techniques have much as a shudder from me anymore So when asked to write an article this is a simple concept that Holly- done a thorough job of damaging and all the excitement and suspense about my 5 top horror lms, I have wood seems to struggle with, when he horror genre has recently horror and it’s unlikely to get any has been reduced to cheap tactics to to look back in time to nd lms that in fact some of the best horror lms taken something of a nosedive better. get a response from the audience. provide a genuine scare. Now some contain little to no gore by compari- Tin quality; we are expected to Now it has gotten to the point Jump-scares don’t scare at all; sure, people might confuse ‘horror lms’ son with the steaming piles of tripe be happy with rubbish jump-scares, where newly released horror lms if executed well it will make the au- with ‘ lms deliberately designed to produced by Hollywood in the name deliberately deceptive camera an- can’t seem to hold a candle to the dience jump in their seats but that freak you out’ (e.g. The Human Centi- of making a quick buck. This is a list gles, and perhaps worst of all: shaky- old classics; newer lms fail to get so doesn’t mean that they are scared. pede). But gore doesn’t equal horror; of the classics: the best in horror!

1. ALIEN 2. THE THING 3. HALLOWEEN 4. THE SHINING 5. THE EXORCIST

FIRST up is an absolute classic: IN this 1982 classic horror directed NON sci- horrors are arguably THE Shining is a classic psycho- THE story of Heaven and Hell is a a lm that blends sci- and sus- by John Carpenter, a team of Ameri- harder to make, because without logical horror. When an unsuspect- story that has been told to death; penseful horror. Ridley Scott di- can researchers in the Antarctic are an alien villain or an extra-terrestri- ing family agree to take care of two more recent examples are rected this 1979 classic sci- horror interrupted by a commotion origi- al setting, a lot of the horror aspect an empty hotel during the winter ‘Constantine’ and ‘Dogma’, and about the crew of an oil re nery nating from a nearby Norwegian has to come from the audience’s season, they nd themselves fac- while both lms are fantastic, if ship that wakes up to a mysterious camp, after investigating which imagination; after all, a hockey ing an enemy that cannot be easily you want a real hellish experi- message. Unable to decipher the they discover a body with two fac- mask wearing lunatic with a knife defeated: boredom. Jack Torrance ence, then look no further than message, the crew are ordered by es. They bring the body back to the is only human. But Halloween (Jack Nicholson) takes the position The Exorcist. Jason Miller plays an their Captain (Tom Skerritt) to de- American camp and chaos ensues; found a way to make the hockey of caretaker of the hotel in order to ex-priest who performs an exor- tour from their journey home to with nowhere to go the team nd mask wearing lunatic a lot scarier, nd solitude to continue writing cism on a young girl controlled by nd the source of the message, but themselves trapped with a mon- simply by making the intended his book; however as the days turn the Devil. This 1973 lm directed when they arrive they open Pando- ster! Starring Kurt Russell, Wilford victims helpless. Intimidation and to weeks and weeks into months, by William Friedkin would later ra’s Box and their world becomes a Brimley, Keith David, T. K. Carter and cold-blooded calculated murders Jack starts to lose grip of reality become a cult classic; its scenes nightmare. Starring John Hurt, Ian Donald Mo at, this lm will have make this lm a hell of a fright, and starts to see his wife and child inspirational, and its soundtrack Holm, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica you hiding behind the sofa. even without monsters or tight, as obstacles that need to be elimi- iconic. If you can forgive the aged Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, metallic corridors. Directed by nated. This lm may not give you cinematography then you are in and Yaphet Kotto, this lm is not to John Carpenter, this 1978 slasher the jump scares that you might be for a treat. Halloween would not be missed! will have you on the edge of your used to in horror, but it will de - be complete without a showing seat. nitely give you the goosebumps. of this iconic lm. 30 Seren | October Issue 2014 GAMES AND GADGETS WHAT’S COMING UP

POKEMON: ALPHA SAPPHIRE OMEGA RUBY

THE latest release by Gamefreak is set to bring the third generation to 3D. Expect your childhood to be re- peated as all of those Mudkip memes come back to the surface. However, to many Pokémon fans, this was the de ning game, and to see it in 3D could make them explode. The re- make adds little to the original, allowing the construction of a secret base that you can make into your own gym. However, this small addi- tion is something many fans have been wanting for a long time to really test their friends. Available on 28 November on Nintendo 3DS

DRAGON AGE: ONE GAME TO RULE THEM ALL INQUISITION by JESSE YOUNG Then, after watching a video, it moment-to-moment gameplay in proved experience. The gameplay went immediately to the top of my Mordor is second to none; I've never builds it up so magni cently that it iddle Earth: Shadow of Mor- THE third release in the Dragon age list. Shadow Of Mordor is fascinat- seen so many satisfying moments in becomes easy to get excited about dor is a greater game than it series is set after the rst two games. ing to see in action, and there are an unscripted setting. where it's all going. Having caught has any right to be. With the main aim of this game be- M systems in place here that will likely It's when I turn to the actual script wind, however, that the ending was Ponder a moment on the premise: ing to ‘save the world from itself’, the be used by many games to come. that I begin to wonder about Shad- fairly disappointing, I set my expec- you play as Talion, whose wife and player has a huge number of deci- That in itself seems funny to say, ow of Mordor's connection to Tolk- tations accordingly, had an incred- son are killed right in front of him sions in-game to choose how this given that the game clearly rips el- ien's Middle-Earth. Being relatively ibly fun time and shrugged the end- before he is possessed, in a sense, happens. ements from the Assassin's Creed fond of the Lord of the Rings moving o . by a wraith. As a result, he's "ban- The game is rolling back to the rst and Arkham Asylum series, but the ies and a huge fan of the book The Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor ished from death" (as the game puts game in the character customisation touted Nemesis system is touted for Hobbit (and ONLY the book), but comes heartily recommended, al- it) and gets a bunch of wraith pow- area, allowing many races - other good reason. A dynamically gener- nonetheless ignorant of the grander beit with one quali cation: Don't ers. He proceeds to put his powers than just human - to be chosen, with ated hierarchy of Uruks with their lore, it seems to me that Mordor is ul- worry about the story, treat it like a to use in terrorizing an open-world a new playable race, the Qunari, en- strengths, weaknesses, their con- timately limited by the setting. The purely open-world game and you'll Mordor, killing a whole lot of orcs (or tering the mix. The combat is seem- stant power struggles in which you story itself is passable at best, and have on your hands the best open- rather, uruks) along the way, seeking ingly a hybrid of the rst two games, actively interfere, not to mention at a couple of points I was tempted world game on the market, Lord of revenge and an end to his curse. The taking the almost hack and slash the situational dialogue that makes to do something I never do; skip The Rings fan or no. concept of the main character alone elements of the second and merg- each and every one of these Uruks the cutscenes. Still, it would have Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor is sounds like fan ction. The marketing with the ability to queue orders seem like an individual character. served its purpose as a vehicle for avaliable on PS4, Xbox one and PC ing buzz I heard did nothing to ease across characters from the rst. Avail- It seems Molyneaux-esque on the the gameplay had the last hours not now, coming to Xbox 360 and PS3 my scepticism, and I avoided watch- able on 21 November on PC and all scale of grand promises, but the curi- been so fumbled. on 21 November. ing a single video of it until the week consoles. ous thing is that this system actually To know, up front, that the ending of release. achieves its goal magni cently. The does not deliver is to have an im- WORLD OF WARCRAFT: WARLORDS OF DRAENOR THE fth expansion in the MMO promises to add even more to the already vibrant universe. Raising the level cap to 100 and of- fering a one-time 90 level character with every copy sold, players who may have taken a break are o ered an option to catapult back into the POPPING THE CAP fray whilst exploring the Orc home RECORD THIS! world of Draenor. Alongside this, by JOE KEEP players will be open to 7 new dun- ON THE FUTURE? et me introduce to you the straight out the box, you will strug- by ANDREW LOCKE it o ; if done correctly, the bottle geons and 2 raids. Expect this to suck cap will be stuck to a magnet at the you in - or back in - with ease. Avail- Philips voice tracer, more specif- gle to ll this up. ically the DVT6000 model. After There is also the price. With this or a long time now, the most edge of the gadget. That’s all there able on 13 November on PC and Mac. L is to it. I’ve been a proud owner of only playing with the Dictaphone for Dictaphone setting you back by £90 common method of getting a couple of minutes, I had grasped there are much cheaper options out Finto a crown cap bottle has one for three years, and, although it ASSASSIN’S how to use it. there that will provide a quality suit- been to crank the lid o with a tra- has picked up a few scratches, it still CREED UNITY The audio quality, especially in a able for your university life. You are ditional bottle opener. While these produces the same excellent results one to one interview, is superb. How- de nitely paying for a quality prod- metal contraptions do the job, I’ve whenever I use it. never been able to get the hang of If you’re interested in buying a Sen- THE latest Assassin’s Creed game ever, I ran into a little more trouble uct but, with it being crafted for use them; I would end up struggling with tol, then you will have to take your doesn’t look to disappoint. It looks when trying to record from further on a day to day basis, it may not be the bottle for far too long, spilling search to the internet. Ebay is the beautiful and has built on the initial away. As the product attempts to fo- the sort of investment many stu- half of my drink out onto the table in best place to nd them these days, game mechanics, making them even cus in on the source of speech, you dents are after. the process. where they are being sold for around more uid. The game has the ele- have to be extremely careful about However, if you intend to hold onto Fortunately there is a solution for £11. This isn’t a xed rate though; ment of polish you’d expect to keep when you hit the record button so it the Dictaphone for the possibility of this issue, the Sentol Bottle Opener. there may be some better deals out you playing and the graphics to fully actually focuses on the interviewee, going for interviews or maybe even It’s a cylindrical device which has there if you look around carefully. immerse you. This game could be the not the guy two seats over with a to record important meetings, this been speci cally designed to ease To cap it o , you can even nd some reason many of us aren’t seen for a runny nose. Dictaphone will last the test of time the bottle opening process. To use sellers o ering di erent designs if few weeks, but it’ll be well worth it. The memory in the Dictaphone and prove to be a very reliable and the Sentol, all you have to do is press you browse enough. Available on 13 November on PC, is also immense. Being able to hold prudent purchase. it down over a bottles’ neck, and lift PS4 and Xbox One. a total of around 93 hours of audio Head to Philips to pick yours up. October Issue 2014 | Seren 31 GAMES AND GADGETS

With every passing year we see the next iteration of the phone we love, or are expected to upgrade a piece of software or hardware to remain at the cutting edge of technology. But are these prices getting so fantastically high that the average student can’t a ord to be on that edge? ARE YOUR GADGETS GETTING TOO EXPENSIVE? YES NO by NATHAN BULLEN by JOE KEEP

think that the sky high prices of the latest Students are now struggling to a ord the hese upgrades aren’t all that pricey. being passed down the ranges. So, not only personal gadgets is horrendous for stu- top ranges of phones. However, this isn’t just With the speed that they are coming do people receive a better quality product, I dents. We all like to have the latest gadgets, a phone issue. Two of the gaming industry’s Tout, it creates only small incremen- but they get it at a much cheaper price than but many of us will struggle to a ord the latest most successful companies, Sony and Mi- tal price increases, especially in the area of expected. The main question to be asked is tech. crosoft, also seem to be doing a good job of TVs. TV prices are so incredibly cheap for how long will this last. An example of this is the new iPhone 6. With pricing out a huge amount of their target au- what you get, a 40 inch LED, HD ready TV for We may be getting all this now, but what companies asking for upfront prices of over dience. about £300, that’s incredible pricing. happens when there is no major develop- £100 and a monthly contract fee of £30+ many With their PlayStation 4 and Xbox One re- This is all possible because of what is comments in the pipeline? This could be where people with full time jobs would nd it hard spectively costing around £350 (a comedown ing next, 4k and 5k TVs. Price drops are hap- gadgets begin getting far too expensive to have that kind of money to put towards a of £50 from when they launched in November pening purely to fund the next step, but this for a student. However, it also has to be phone a month. 2013) each new with a game and controller step won’t be occurring until late 2015 or stressed that a lot of industries in which the Or you could buy one outright for at least it is not as costly as the new iPhone you may 2016 meaning that the investment will be prices are acceptable and seem too good to £500, again another gure that seems like an think, but when you consider each game costs well worth it. be true are failing industries. awful lot for a phone. With the new iPhone around £50, it soon becomes just as costly. This isn’t just limited to TVs though, cam- TVs are trying to boost sales because peo- meaning iPhone 5’s are not the newest model, Want another controller so your friend can eras are also being made cheaper in order to ple are moving to their laptops and comput- their price has started to plummet and consid- play? That’d be another £40. Want a headset so push the development of the higher class, ers for TV with the rise of Net ix and catch ering the major di erences are the size of the you can speak to your friends online? That’s at professional cameras. up services, while cameras are at the hands screen and thickness, it seems like a good idea least another £25. The amateur and point and click cameras of the all-encompassing mobile phone. to get that instead. The price of gadgets like the iPhone and Play- however form a large section of sales for Again, we must ask, when will this come to Prices for the iPhone 5 are now around £300 Station has left me, like many other students, this industry, especially with the advent of a close and stabilise meaning we see a rise new and £200 used, so you could save your- prepared to wait and wait until the price nally Facebook and the importance being placed in prices? self between £200-300 just for the sake of a drops low enough so that we can a ord them on the photos uploaded, have made the af- However, for the time being, it is all com- few inches of screen size. There’s also the is- whilst still being able to pay for somewhere to fordability of these paramount. ing up students in these areas. sue that in some circumstances, the iPhone 6 live and being able to eat. But, with the advances in professional can bend which is not something you’d ideally cameras, we see elements that seem to be want when you’re spending so much money needed for the amateurs, such as auto focus, on a phone.

JUST WHAT IS GAMERGATE?

by JESSE YOUNG

hose who have been brows- word blog post was written about single hashtag: #Gamergate. Under and publishing of these women's gation, the writer was discovered to ing the annals of Twitter over games developer Zoe Quinn. Her this new name, the movement solidi- personal information. Industry have never even reviewed any of her Tthe past few months have ex-boyfriend Eron Gjoni, in this ed, and is still being used alongside women - Zoe Quinn, Anita Sarkee- games. likely come into a recurring hashtag: lengthy series of accusations, made countless death and rape threats to sian, Jenn Frank and most recently The consequences of harassment Gamergate. Many are touting this one particular claim that stood out women all over the industry. Brianna Wu - have had to ee their are real, and damaging to the in- hashtag as part of what they see as in the typical post-breakup rage. It goes without saying that this is homes and call the authorities at dustry that Gamergate's adherents a movement in the gaming industry. According to him, Quinn had slept inexcusable behaviour. But are the various times. Some, like Jenn frank claim to be protecting. A movement Often it is claimed that Gamergate is with a writer on the popular gam- perpetrators just a (very) vocal mi- and Mattie Brice, have chosen to founded on falsehood and predomi- about journalistic integrity and the ing website Kotaku. From here the nority? Is this movement, at its core, leave the industry altogether. In ex- nantly linked to illegal, abusive activ- protection of gaming as a hobby. The oodgates of accusation opened, all about integrity in gaming jour- plaining why, Frank had the follow- ities is incapable of doing anything -gate su x, with its history, evokes and Quinn was continuously har- nalism? Sadly that’s irrelevant: what- ing to say: "My unabashed love for but destroy. Zoe Quinn, in one of her the notion that a great scandal has assed by people claiming she had ever one may protest, it has become video games, my colleagues and my impassioned Twitter tirades, said it occurred, and dramatic action must breached journalistic integrity. On the latest vessel for misogynists to work have a con ict of interest with best: "how do you think you can get be taken to prevent such scandals in the 22nd of August, a conspiracy do awful things, ranging from har- my own terror." rid of corruption in journalism when the future. But what is this supposed video emerged, taking Gjoni’s claims assment to full-blown criminal activ- To top this all o , the very accusa- you can't rid your own movement of scandal? What is Gamergate? at face value and attacking Quinn ity. While the aforementioned death tion that was Gamergate's initial it?" To answer these questions, we over her alleged corruption. On the and rape threats are bad enough on rallying cry - that Quinn slept with a must go back a little ways. On the 27th, a link to the video was shared their own, they're made far worse Kotaku writer for the sake of a good 16th of August, a furious 9,000- by actor Adam Baldwin, along with a when coupled with the obtaining review - is a falsehood. Upon investi- 32 Seren | October Issue 2014 BOOKS TOP 5 SCARIEST READS EVER READ A BOOK THAT CHILLED YOUR BONES? IN HONOUR OF HALLOWEEN, SEREN ASKS STUDENTS: WHAT IS THE SCARIEST BOOK YOU’VE EVER READ? Der Struwwelpeter

by JACK UPTON scared. In fact, he inspired a love of yellow cover, the bizarre illustrations ironic and dark. But no matter how fairy-tales and fantasy, however, one or even the mention of the name ‘Stru- hard you try, you can’t escape the he most nightmarish book I’ve book enlightened me to what the hor- wwelpeter’ makes me cringe with fear. frightening imagery or terrifying char- ever had the pleasure of reading rors of a fairy-tale truly could be! You might pick up this book and acters in the writings. e illustrations has to be the fairy-tale novella, is novella is lled to the brim with think it is silly or grotesque but in re- in particular are indescribably unique. TDer Stuwwelpeter by Heinrich Ho - all the traditional fairy-tale ingredi- ality it is a fantastic example of what And if you still don’t believe that a man, 1844. ents; wit, morality, a lesson to teach, Fairy Tales used to be: fear mongering fairy tale can scare the living day lights My father had always given me but you daren’t hope for a happy end- stories to get children and adults alike out of a grown man then I leave you books on giants, hobbits, dragons ing.Black humour and an element to behave. Trust me, if any of the char- with this: (Poem: e Story Of Little and strange curses, before Der Struw- of gore that would put the Brothers acters in this book were real then I’d Suck-a- umb, See Right) welpeter, and I had never once been Grimm to shame are also thrown into be a saint! the mix. Even to this day, the garish Ho man’s novella is amusing and Dracula

by JOSH BEBBINGTON only a few exceptions, prior vampire and is nally driven out of England by self who inspires fascination. He is a novels featured the mindless undead, Doctor Van Helsing. soulless monster, but also a charis- his archetypal vampire novel is returned from beyond the grave to Despite an archaic writing style, matic gentleman, a gracious host and certainly the most famous of its feast upon the living. Stoker’s Dracula Dracula remains a blood-chilling read violent murderer - he is an enigma kind and its impact upon sub- could not have been more di erent: and is rare among horror novels in with countless untold stories that will Tsequent literature, lm - even Hallow- a charming and sophisticated Count that it has no real hero: Jonathan and re the imagination for years to come. een costumes - cannot be overstated. who enlists solicitor Jonathan Parker Dr Van Helsing, whilst clearly as the Dracula would lament the fact that the Written in 1896, it popularised hor- in helping him to expand his infernal ones who consign the Count to oblivi- novel is immortal in ways the Count ror for the masses with its epony- kingdom and from his native Tran- on, must be seen as the protagonists of himself could only dream of. mous villain, Count Dracula. With sylvania to England. Whilst there he the piece but fade into the background enchants a young woman, kills many as minor details - it is the Count him- We Need to Talk About Kevin

by SHANNEN STONER a mother dissected. From the birth her pregnancy and from the moment moment in this book there is some- of her son we get glimpses of what a Kevin is born she is indignant of the thing around the corner that will shat- lthough, I am not an avid hellish child he is and how detached fact she has lost her gure and what ter it into pieces. It is a read that con- reader of the horror genre. they are from each other because of is most important to her, her career. fronts apportion of blame, crime and ose who are would probably it. However, despite Kevin being the She suspects that Kevin is psychotic punishment, forgiveness, redemption Adisagree that ‘We Need To Talk About object of the book, eventually commit- yet fails to do anything about it! It is as and the complexities that come from Kevin’ could fall into this category but ting horrible crimes amassing to mul- though she wants him to be punished asking ‘why?’ something happened to personally, I found this just as neurotic tiple homicide, it is not the acts that for burdening her. Still, her perspicac- you and not someone else. as any other horror book out there. Kevin commits that unhinges you. It’s ity and wit lead you to pitying her for If this isn’t frightening then I don’t As Eva Khatchadourian writes let- Eva who takes the spot light. what she has endured for the 16 years know what is. ters to her husband, we see her life as She is caustic and resentful about she mothered Kevin. For every happy The Miserable Mill

by CONOR GLACKIN mill. ey meet “Sir”, the owner of the end, barefoot and almost blind (No to top it all o , an innocent man is bru- mill, and are forced to work illegally glasses). tally sawed into bits in the process. his is the fourth book in a goth- for coupons, gum and casserole. My is forces Violet and Sunny to run De nitely a happy and loving book ic series by Lemony Snicket. younger self was slightly freaked by a daring mission to save their brother for a young 9 year old child. Yet despite When I rst read it I was 9 years this child labour, but it only got worse: from the evil doctor’s hypnotic eyes. the lack of sleep and vivid nightmares Told and had read the three previous Klaus gets hypnotised by a manipu- e rescue operation is not a fairy- that came from this book and its pre- books with only one or two frights. lative doctor who wears eye-designed tale rescue. ere are no knights in decessors, I still continue to read the is book starts o with the three tights, something which terri ed me shining armour to save the three or- rest of the series. I guess that’s why I heroes: Violet, Klaus and Sunny, being giving me nightmares. She forces him phans. ey have to ght tooth and never slept as a child. dropped o at Lucky Smells Lumber- to work in the sawmill for hours on nail to get free of the Lumbermill. And Haunted

by ROBYN MYRING e main idea of the novel is that as realised that in reality people are the to standard blood and guts, ‘Haunted’ the reader you are invited to join the real monsters, not ghouls and demons. is a genuinely terrifying novel, making thought I knew what to expect anonymous retreat that all the char- e characters in this story are de ned you question what is human. from Chuck Palahniuk (writer of acters are visiting and, in doing so, by their personal experiences and ac- is book kept my brain occupied Fight Club) but the idea of him invited to want the drama, blood and tions. ‘Haunted’ really does change the for hours on end re-evaluating how I writingI in a horror genre captured me. gore that proceeds. e more blood, camp re stories and late night tales see people and wondering what was I knew I had to read it when I discov- the more gore, the grittier it gets, and (something you’d expect from a chil- real and what was just ction. e ered that a speci c reading from the as the reader you are encapsulated by dren’s book) to something of the truly sickness and crudeness will keep you book actually caused people to fall o that. It becomes scarily enticing. horri c. hooked but it will also keep you up chairs, cry, scream and faint. I bought e human nature is exposed in From cannibalism, male sexual ex- with a churning stomach. ‘Haunted’ in an instant. horri c ways and a er reading this I perimentation gone wrong all the way October Issue 2014 | Seren 33 BOOKS NEW DISCOVER BOOKS

BANGOR’S POETRY HALLOWEEN

SEASON Night of nights, of frights, of fears, Lurking lantern’s golden tears. Pumpkin smiles on plump skin faces, THE STORY OF To tradition we are disgraces. LITTLE SUCK-A- What horror we had in our supersti- THUMB tions, Now bubbled down in to kid’s tradi- e great tall tailor always comes tions. To little boys who suck their thumbs; We used to respect the great unknown, And ere they dream what he’s about, He takes his great sharp scissors out, Now all we do is greedily roam, And cuts their thumbs clean o --and For candied apples and buckets of then, Storm sweets, You know, they never grow again.” Just to go home and gorge and eat. e door ew open, in he ran, But don’t forget all that was feared, e great, long, red-legged scissor- Tim Minchin man. Olga Pek (Poet) For one day when no one is near, Oh! children, see! the tailor’s come at Jack-o’-lantern grin will start to And caught out little Suck-a- umb. gnash and gnaw, Snip! Snap! Snip! the scissors go; It’s candlelight heart will begin to roar, And Conrad cries out “Oh! Oh! Oh!” Snip! Snap! Snip! ey go so fast, Ol’Pumpkin Jack will nd those who at both his thumbs are o at last. mocked, Such as you in your Halloween frock, And he’ll extend his claw and knock, And then gobble you up until you are not.

-John PACKUT Poems Are A Voice Bangor Pier his October, Bangor hosted pos- Sky Cafe with Czech artist, Martin INQUISITIVE sibly one of the biggest literary Zet, who also hosted several poetry Tappreciation events in the UK of meetings and practical sessions. EVIL 2014; an entire month dedicated to There was also a National Poetry poetry. Day on Menai Bridge and even Ban- Blood, bone and gore with lots to spare, I’m sure most of you approach this gor University opened up its lecture Featured POEM: subject with a pinch of salt, I person- rooms to esteemed poets from all Yet all anyone can do is stop and stare. But what creature, monster or beast Heinrich HOFFMAN ally have never been excited by poet- over the world such as Hu Dong (Chi- (See REVIEW ry and for the poetry lovers out there, na), Ivana Milankov (Servia), Wioletta could do such a revolting crime? I’m sure most of you did not know Grzegorzewska (UK-Poland), Victor Could it have been me, all along, as I We Need what to expect from Poetry Month. Rodriguez Núňez (Cuba), Olga Pek wrote this revolting rhyme? However, the sheer breadth of Ban- (Czech Republic), Zuzana Husarova To Talk gor Poetry Season perhaps gave me (Slovakia) and Welsh poets such as -Aidan JONES hope for the Poetic Arts, after all. Nia Davies, Robert Minhinnick, Twm About... The turnout was incredible and the Morys and Amoeba Twins with Ste- enthusiasm was contagious – to the ven Hitchins. WRITERS COLUMN Kevin Bridges extent that you can now pronounce With such a variety of artists rang- me a convert to poetry. ing from more traditional poetry to very issue, I will be gathering short stories, poetry and any works of lit- There were poetry events left, right all kinds of modern form, there was erature from Bangor University Students on the literary scene. My hope and centre ranging from poem and something for everyone in the audi- Eis to broaden what we all read and love to that of the local talent. This book readings by local artists hosted ence. This truly was a showcase of tal- is a chance for those writers out there to be proud of their work and for our by P.A.P.E.R.S.(Poets, Authors, Play- ent from all over the world and, more readers out there to discover new authors and to get enthusiastic about new wrights, Editors and Readers’ Society) importantly, a statement that poetry material. ‘O The Pages’ Event, to explorations is still very much alive and kicking in If any of you would like the chance to get your short stories or poems into of Sound and Silence in The Blue Bangor at least. Seren Newspaper’s Writer’s Column then please don’t hesitate to contact me at: [email protected]

SEREN MEETS THE UNDERGROUND POETS O the Pages OF TOMORROW by LIAM SHIPTON of others, which has restored at least of applause following feedback from somebody who enjoys good writ- a little of my faith in humanity. anyone who was particularly moved ing, I cannot recommend this event ead into the Belle Vue on a “O The Pages” is a fortnightly by the work. enough; the people are friendly, the Thursday night; creep into open mic session started by Rhys The readings varied between po- sta at the Belle Vue are among the Hone of the dimly-lit sheds in Eyles, claiming he wanted to create a etry, short stories, excerpts from most accommodating that I’ve en- the beer garden, and you may be “safe place, where people could read novels, and song lyrics, with genres countered, and the level of talent is lucky enough to nd a congregation their work without any fear of judge- ranging from sci- , fantasy, horror, completely awe-inspiring. of poets and authors reading their ment”. love, alcoholism, fan- ction and Us work by relight. It would seem that the P.A.P.E.R.S everything in between. It all sounds For more information, check out What’s even more refreshing, is Chair has succeeded in his task; very serious, but the atmosphere the PAPER.Soc Facebook group David that you’ll also nd people who everybody who read their work was was beautifully laid-back, with a tre- and you can nd out all you need aren’t there to read something that given the complete silence, atten- mendous amount of laughter and to know. Nicholls they’ve written – they’re simply tion and respect of the room, and banter in between readings. there to enjoy and absorb the work each reading was met with a round So whether you’re a writer or just 34 Seren | October Issue 2014 HEALTH AND BEAUTY The big Autumn hair trends: Hair Bringing glamour back to Bangor retro revival 50’s Ballerina Buns I SIT DOWN WITH YI, THE OWNER OF THE NAIL STUDIO nspired by Audrey Hepburns icon- IN UPPER BANGOR TO TALK BUSINESS AND MOST OF ALL, BEAUTY. ic look in the lm ‘Breakfast at Tif- Ifany’s’, this style can be done in 3 easy steps:

1.Blow dry damp hair into a smooth sleek nish.

2.Brush hair backwards over your crown, then tie hair in a high ponytail.

3.Wrap the ponytail around itself to make a bun and secure with Kir- by grips. Tease hair with ngers to give volume.

90’s Twirled Dreads

his grungy look has been done by Chanel and Moschino on the Tcatwalks and is great for taming curly locks or even unwashed hair

1. Damp hair with a generous amount of salt spray from root to tip by EMILY RIMMER ver felt de ated or stressed from eyelash lifting, facials, massages and very wide range. We have younger tion you must have regulars come 2. Twirl 2 inch section in the palm student life? Well there is a small spray tanning for both women and students and locals coming in and in? of your hand. Set the dreadlock in Ebeauty salon in Upper Bangor men. The men’s treatments such as middle aged women. But we are Yes, we do have people coming in place with a hairdryer and blast that you need to visit to put yourself waxing and spray tanning having be- always very busy around the time every 2 to 3 weeks to have their nails with dry shampoo back on track. The Nail Studio in Up- come increasingly popular. when the summer ball comes along done or their eyelashes or generally per Bangor is run by manger Yi and with girls wanting their nail and eye- just come in for a little relaxation. We 3. Spray hairspray onto your her team and o ers a great place to What are your price ranges? brows done. tend to have more local regulars than escape to. With plenty of treatments They can start from as cheap as £5 students but we also do have loyal palm and smooth over each dread to o er at great prices, you are bound for an eyebrow wax or a full set of What’s been your biggest high- students who always come as well. to set them to fall in love just as I did when I vis- acrylics for £30 but students get 20% light since opening up the shop? ited to ask Yi all about her business o everything, as we understand stu- I think I would say probably being For anyone who hasn’t heard of here in Bangor. dents are limited with budget. We of- able to make people feel fabulous you before, how would you de- ten do bundle deals where we com- when they walk in through the door scribe the business in 3 words? How long have you been in Ban- bine many treatments for less of the and make them feel even better Professional, unique and welcom- gor for? price and they are very popular, es- when they walk out, that’s the big- ing. A lot of people say we have a A year now, literally a year ago last pecially in the summer with people gest satisfaction. di erent feel to many other nail or September. I’ve been working here going on holiday beauty studios but in a good way! full time since February as I have re- and weddings. What is the cently took over management duty customer’s What treatment is your favorite but there is a lot more dedication to- Who are you “WE OFFER 20% OFF TO feedback? and what do you recommend? wards the business now targeting? STUDENTS” The custom- I love doing the nails and the nail art Because of our ers always feel and doing eyelashes so I have to rec- What made you want to set up location we are relaxed and ommend our amazing nail art. Nicola the business? very student pampered likes to do everything and Tash is I came here in 2004 for my masters’ friendly but we try and cater for both when they leave and as you can see very strong on massages and facials. degree and met my husband here needs of students and locals. I would we o er quite a chilled atmosphere So we all have our own strengths so and got married. This shop actually like to think because we are all fairly (as I slide back into my chair getting it makes for a strong team. used to be a bookshop where I use young people that work here, we can my nails done). A customer favourite to work but it went bankrupt so I saw relate to the students. Our prices are is that we book people in making If you are interested in an ap- an opportunity to take it over and reasonable for students as well; they sure we leave enough time between pointment you can contact Yi and introduce a little glamour back into can get an eyebrow wax for the same each one so they don’t feel rushed her team on 01248 209685 or pop Bangor. price as a bottle of wine! (We are talk- and feel like they got a personalised in to book. The studio is located at ing simple Blossom Hill here girls) service. We always welcome cus- 43 Holyhead Road, Bangor. What treatments do you o er? tomer’s opinions, as we are open to We started just from doing nails Who’s would you say is your main change and to learn as we go. and eyebrows but now we have ex- consumer? panded to doing eyelash extensions, I would say are consumer age is a With this great customer satisfac- October Issue 2014 | Seren 35 HEALTH AND BEAUTY Creepy sick Halloween Show me your makeup bag! make-up by EMILY RIMMER very issue I will take a look in- WITH Halloween just around side friends and readers’ make- the corner, you want to stand up bags to see what stories lie out amongst your friends and E other trickster. I will show you this within and what they look for when buying their makeup. To continue October the easiest way to stand the feature I will take you inside my out without having to spend a friends’ makeup bag and tell you all load on a fancy dress costume. its secrets. My friend this week is Lexi and she de nitely knows a thing or Halloween Lips two about make up. Use Pro 32 Color Lip Gloss Lipstick Palette Cosmetic Makeup Kit Set for Show me your…favourite make £4.99 from ebay to create these looks up brand My favourite brand is MAC because they o er many choices when it comes to their products and also of- fers a wide range of colours to choice from. It is also the best brand for me because its di cult to match my skin colour exactly and with MAC they are able to nd make up that is compat- ible with my skin. MAC is also a very good quality make up.

Show me your… everyday makeup I normally wear Mac concealer, Smash Box BB cream, MAC primer but then just add on some extras its multi purposeful. And it gives me be a decent buy. so I have a good base, Rimmel lash to make the make up stand out like great results. accelerator, eye brow pencil, Bobby eyelash gel to make them longer Show me your… what you’ve just Brown set powder and bronzer. I use and sometimes wear fake eyelashes. Show me your…essentials bought these products because they are not I usually wear liquid eyeliner for de - I cannot live with out my mascara, I bought Naked eye shadow pal- too heavy on my skin. nition and MAC lipstick. concealer and bronzer because they ettes a couple of days ago and I love make up a good base. them. I bought two di erent palettes Show me your… night out make- Show me your… favourite piece so I have a verity of colours. up Mascara lash accelerator is my fa- Show me your… one o piece I generally just add more to what vourite because I can use it for both I once got NYC lip crayon as I just I already have on during the day everyday use and for nights out so wanted to try it and it turned out to Sober October: e best non-alcoholic drinks by EMILY RIMMER Halloween Nails Apply a coloured base coat and then use Barry M nail art pen in vari- re you going sober for Octo- 2. Luscombe Hot Ginger Beer. The ous colours from superdrug for £4.99 ber or fancy a break from the default substitute for temporary tee- Abooze? totallers, ginger beer can be a sickly This month Macmillan has sugar rush. launched its ‘Go Sober for October campaign 2014’ encouraging peo- 3. Peter Spanton Cardamom Tonic. ple to lay o the drink for the en- This bijou mixer – sold at Selfridges tire month, hoping to raise money and other exclusive outlets – is one and save peoples pockets at the of seven tonics designed to enhance same time; with the average person any drink. Put a spalsh of elder ower spending £997.71 a year on booze and cranberry juice with this and you alone. have created your very own mock- This is a di cult goal to achieve for tail. any person because lets be honest we are all drinkers; watching the TV, 4. Bavaria Wit Beer. Sometimes you having a beer with dinner or a glass need one. This cloudy 0% beer has of wine or cocktail night in with the the fruity notes of an ordinary wheat girls but for us stereotypical stu- beer. dents, it’s almost impossible! To help you get through this month 5. Eisberg Alcohol-free Rosé. Har- I have found some alcoholic free al- vested and produced in the normal ternatives to do what you will with. way, with the alcohol removed at the end of the process, this wine has a 1. James White Russet Apple Juice. pleasant, fruity nose and an appeal- Made on a fruit farm outside Ipswich ing if sweetish rose-and-strawberry using 100% pressed apples, this rich- avour. tasting, pungent, silky textured drink might well be the nest apple juice To donate, go to macmillian.org. around. Mix it with a bit of lemonade uk. and it will give it that kick. 36 Seren | October Issue 2014 FASHION The dark side of fashion - and I don’t mean the little black dress Having Flashbacks

by ELEANOR HIRST ferent than chain shops, and allow you to adapt and develop your own new vintage shop has opened personal style. The variety and types on Bangor’s high street pro- of clothes produced over decades Aviding both students and means that there is something for locals with quirky and interesting everyone. clothes. Three years ago, Paula de- When people think of vintage cided to open a vintage shop to shops, many of us think of expen- by KELLY NORMAN of the clothes. However, Galliano race. Rightly so, on 1st March 2011, accommodate to all those with a sive, overpriced clothing. Whilst cannot be singled out, as he has not Dior announced that it had begun quirky bone in their body. Originally many of us love certain styles over ohn Galliano, a celebrated de- been the rst major fashion designer procedures of dismissal for Galliano, called ‘Ebenezers’, the shop has re- the decades, it is simply not a ord- signer with a career spanning to have made a controversial move; with Dior's chief executive Sidney launched itself as ‘Flashbacks’ and is able for many students. Flashbacks Jfrom 1995 to 2011, heading from Coco Chanel’s a liation with Toledano stating, "I very rmly con- located at 370 High Street (Next to o ers decently priced ‘vintage’ and iconic leading brands Christian Dior the Nazis during WW2 to her heir demn what was said by John Gal- The Harp Inn). retro clothing, from the fties to the and Givenchy and the creator of his Karl Lagerfeld’s controversial stance liano". However, Dior announced it Paula spent her youth perusing nineties. The di erent styles over own label John Galliano. However, on thin models. The fashion industry will continue to support the Galli- through cheap charity shops in Lon- these decades mean that vintage all that success sadly came to an hangs by a thread when it desires ano brand nancially due to licence don and has always been interested clothing can be adapted to many abrupt halt in 2011, when he went for the public to see fashion as an despite the scandal, and Bill Gaytten in clothes with a smidge of quirki- styles and you can, in Paula’s words, on a drunken anti-Semitic rant to art form that can express and in u- would replace John Galliano as crea- ness to them. She emphasises how ‘step out of the box’ in your personal other customers in a Paris café, re- ence serious world issues; for exam- tive director at the helm of Dior and vintage clothing is ‘made to last’ and style. grettably just before the Autumn/ ple Chanel’s feminist grand nale at the Galliano brand. how time and e ort have gone into Flashbacks is open six days a week, Winter 2011-2012 Paris Fashion this year’s Paris Fashion Week. Yet, si- In early 2013, Galliano ac- the clothes she sells. Vintage clothes o ers 10% student discount and of- Week. multaneously, the big brands in the cepted an invitation from Oscar de provide something a little bit dif- fers Bangor with new and interest- A time when the fashion-loving industry do much to hide designers’ la Renta, brokered by Anna Wintour, ing clothing. public and designers alike should true opinions, especially when they for a temporary residency at de la have been focusing on what peo- don’t conform to the general con- Renta's design studio to help pre- ple love about fashion, which is the sensus. pare for a showing of his Fall 2013 magni cent designs that are pro- After the incident, Gal- ready-to-wear collection during duced by the creative geniuses in liano, through his lawyer, denied February New York Fashion Week the big fashion houses around the the allegations against him, and af- and has since made a full comeback. world year after year. Instead this rmed that “anti- Semitism had no He is now currently at the French la- only highlights the often hidden, place in our society”. Despite this, bel, Maison Martin Margiela. dark side of fashion. on 8 September 2011, Galliano was The question is how much It is no secret that Galliano found guilty of making anti-Semitic attention should we pay to what is very much inspired by his love of remarks and sentenced to pay a to- fashion designers say or do? Or the theatre, but his performance tal of €6,000 in suspended nes after should we just sit back and enjoy the de nitely pushed him unfavourably a French court found him guilty of clothes they create? into the limelight and has forced the giving public insults on account of public to scrutinise the man, instead Fashion trends you can adopt for Halloween

by ELEANOR HIRST t is once again that time of Gatsby themed year, where students across the Pop on a apper dress or smart country dress up like little kids and clean suit and you can be the I Princess Leia to celebrate Halloween. Hated by Togas suave person at the party. The some, but loved by most, Hallow- You can never beat a toga. All Leia is probably the easiest 1920s saw the rise of a ‘mascu- een is one of the biggest student you need is a sheet essentially. costume you can adopt for Hal- line’ style for women, straight cut Elton John loween. Similarly to the toga events of the year (along with nine- He’s certainly still standing and They were famous in Roman times out ts and ‘boyish’ looks were ties night of course!) in Bangor. and were only worn by men; with idea, you can adapt a white all the rage. Whilst men donned his fashion has been iconic over sheet for the whole gown. The I’ll be taking a look at some of the past few decades. Shaded women adopting the stola. Why a clean sharp suit for those oc- the best (and worst) styles you can not adopt a toga this Halloween? problem for many would be casions. You can also use these glasses and straw-hats galore is how to adopt that hairstyle… adopt for this Halloween… what this rocketman is famous in out ts for other occasions, and fashion for and he certainly shows won’t be costumes that you will it by rocking them every time. have to put in the back of your wardrobe forever. October Issue 2014 | Seren 37 FASHION Everyone’s wearing tartan… Again!

by CLAIRE BENNETT Westwood. The plaid print is surpris- red. For those who favour a revival trend for this season however they ingly easy to incorporate into any of 90s grunge that has also been a are notoriously di cult to pull o . nce again, the cooler weather wardrobe, as you can simply add a dominant trend over the summer, The best way to wear them is to try has returned, and so has the ash of tartan to an out t in the form try a plaid shirt teamed with a leath- an understated darker colour as it Oclassic tartan check. The icon- of a scarf, bag or shoe. This simple er jacket, ripped jeans and some instantly makes them more atter- ic print hailing from the Highlands method is a great way of introduc- chunky biker boots to add a little 90s ing and less garish than the brighter continually reappears as a popular ing yourself to the style without fully glam to your winter. tartans. winter wardrobe must-have for the committing to a head-to-toe tartan Alternatively, tartan can be While tartan is a bold pattern it’s colder weather. Worn by both the getup reminiscent of Cher Horowitz’ worn to instantly bring a chic splash incredibly accessible as a seasonal young and the old it’s a print that iconic yellow co-ord in ‘Clueless’. of colour to an otherwise dull day, a trend, from the noticeable bright uni es the generations as well as the It is important to nd the classic red tartan dress can be put reds to the subtle hues of green and sexes. right modern tartan print that suits with black tights to create a cute 60s navy, tartan is an iconic print that will Tartan is considered one of you as there is a great variety avail- style. Similarly, a plaid skirt, skort or never go out of style. So embellish the biggest prints to come out of the able on the high street, navy and pair of shorts teamed with a white your wardrobe with the traditional heavily in uential grunge trend of green provide a popular subtle blouse adds a little geek-chic to an Scottish style and brighten up a dull the 90s, as well as being profoundly substitute to the traditional bright out t. Tartan trousers are a chief winter with some colourful check. New Look, featured in the designs of Vivienne Blue and Red Tartan Scarf, £9.99

Topshop, Buttercup New Look, Mono Chrome Jumper, £45 Check Contrast Jumper, £19.99

Topshop, Topman, Green Tartan ‘Tansy Boucle Shift Dress’ Longline Shirt, £32 (Annie Greenbelle), £20 Topshop, Red Tartan River Island, Purple Over- Dress by Oh My Love*, £30 dye Check Shirt, £25 Style Inspirations and the Importance of Fashion by EVA CHRISTODOULOU items, shoes and accessories. started seeing book characters as I started making use of the colours style icons, so ery Lolita was the t is rather ridiculous to admit that around me, so a white house with rst to lend me her red lipstick. Ad- I was a ve year old with a passion blue window- frames would turn to ditionally, music played an impor- Ifor tartan skirts and red jumpers a white dress and a turquoise neck- tant role to forming a sense of style. (at least, that’s what my mum has lace. I came to realise that I could Gwen Stefani’s e ortless style mash- been telling me). Acquiring up and Debbie Harry’s popu- a sense of style became in- larisation of punk are iconic terwoven with obtaining a “YOU CAN NEVER BE examples of converting musi- sense of self, a strong iden- OVERDRESSED OR cal notes to fashion. tity I could use as a canvas OVEREDUCATED” Defending fashion, I can and the possibilities were only support that it is much endless. They still are. OSCAR WILDE more than just ‘playing dress- Growing up in a small town up’. It is a way of expressing provided me with a strong will to de- create a new world, where forests emotions and forming an under- ne myself through the way I dress. would transform to fur vests (always standing of the world around them. Summers in Greece during the 90’s synthetic ones, animals are friends After all, as Oscar Wilde said: “you would shout for my mum’s maxi but- after all!) and Bauhaus architecture can never be overdressed or over- ton down dresses and my dad’s linen could become a leather t- shirt. educated”. shirts. That’s how I realised I was able Getting a wardrobe together to get inspired by the things around shouldn’t stop at visual inspirations, me and translate them into clothing however. As I was getting older, I 38 Seren | October Issue 2014 TRAVEL Yo Ho Yo Ho! A Caribbean Life for Me: Studying Abroad on the Island of Martinique Now...Bring Me That Horizon - Jack Sparrow

by KEZIAH TAYLOR I said I didn’t spend a lot of time on university. And then just when you for Jack Sparrow while he sails the the beach, but can you blame me thought it couldn’t get harder, you high seas. If you want to experience orth Wales may have Snow- when I’m on a Caribbean Island? nd out they don’t have tea, nor do a unique new life for a year abroad, donia, but I am doubting stu- My weekends are lled with trips the locals know the di erence be- why not try out the Caribbean? Ndents are being served shark out kayaking, snorkeling with exotic tween England and Wales. and octopus in Bangor. Studying sh, and swimming through water- Still, the new environment has abroad for a semester in the Carib- falls. Though, being from Wales, I been an amazing experience for me. bean, new and unusual food has still haven’t gotten used to the 30+ The culture and lifestyles of people become the norm for my stay on the degree weather, and sincerely regret here never would have been expe- Island of Martinique. the insu cient use of sunscreen on rienced fully by just reading about I spend my Monday afternoons long days out. it at Bangor. As a French and Span- sur ng and body-boarding on the Martinique is absolutely beautiful, ish student, I’m getting to expand Atlantic Coast and Fridays wake- but its not without culture shock my languages by studying Creole; boarding and Kayaking in the Car- like any new place you would study a language spoken on most of the ibbean Sea. Yes, my university here abroad. There is still the rst stress- islands in the Caribbean. includes sur ng and kayaking as ac- ful week when you’re desperately So between the tropical sh, sun- tual classes. trying to nd your feet in a foreign soaked days and adventure lled Summer lives on here throughout place and work through all of the weekends, the Caribbean is much the seasons, and I would be lying if paperwork and timetables of a new more than just treasure hunting A Walking Tour of Wroclaw, Poland Poland is one of the largest countries in Europe by both area and population, and a fabulous destination for the budget traveller. Yet, it remains a relatively untravelled destination by students. Hedd Thomas, Seren’s Sub-Editor for Music covers one city in particular, Wrocław where he has lived in the past year. He believes the hidden gem makes for the perfect city break and encourages every Bangor student to visit!

roclaw is a favourite city for with his (there’s only one lone lady Later, head out to see the Centen- er and you’ll be met with a fantastic Poles but little visited by dwarf among them) own name and nial Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage view of the entire city. Spend a while Wforeign travelers except for occupation. If you’re travelling in a Site that holds one of the largest spotting all the places you’ve visited Germans, who often go to discover group, make it a competition be- domes in the world. The Hall in its before descending the tower and their family roots. Wroclaw, after all, tween you all as to whom can spot 101-year-long history has hosted catching the bus back to the airport. was a German area for hundreds of the most! Expos, Nazi rallies, the Dalai Lama, years and called “Breslau”, but be- grand operas and charity balls and, Useful phrases for Wrocław: came part of Poland following the this year, the FIVA Volleyball Men’s Cześć. – Cheh-sh-ch – Hello. Second World War. World Championship. Dzięki dzięki. – Jen-ki Jen-ki – Ta very A host city for UEFA Euro 2012 Next, explore the pre-war archi- much. and the European Capital of Culture tecture of the Triangle District, one ing, check out the city’s Jewish histo- Duże piwo proszę. – Doo-zheh pee- 2016, Wroclaw has seen some major of the best-preserved places of its ry with a visit to the newly-restored voh prosh-eoh – A large beer, please. investment in recent years, including kind in Europe. Take away the satel- White Stork Synagogue and the Kocham cię! – ko-ham tsi-eoh - I love a brand new, bright and cheerful air- lite dishes that speckle the balconies Jewish Cemetery. Whatever you do, you! port. There are direct Ryanair ights and it looks exactly as it would have make sure you end your adventure Zobacz, kolejny krasnoludek! - Zoh- from Liverpool that take just over done a century ago. It’s a favourite in Wrocław by climbing the tower of batch koh-lay-nuh krass-noh-loo- two hours to reach, Copernicus Air- Get some fresh air into your lungs St Elizabeth Church just o the Mar- deck - Look, another dwarf! port, Wroclaw. From there take bus with a stroll around the Cathedral ket Square. A few hundred steps lat- no. 406 to the city centre. It takes half Island. This complex of ancient re- an hour and costs 3zł (55p). ligious buildings actually spans two The beating heart of the city is islands and a peninsular. Leave your a market square known as the padlock and your love on Tumski “Rynek”, an architectural splendour Bridge and explore the expansive with quality but a ordable restau- Botanical Gardens that are just a few rants and shops, full of the electric steps away. energy of students, buskers and One tourist attraction that certainly street performers. Formed around a lives up to its hype is the Panorama medieval town hall, the buildings lin- Museum, a purpose-built rotunda spot for lm-makers for this very ing the four sides of the square are that houses a mammoth panoramic reason, and has previously stood in each unique with multi-coloured fa- painting. The subject is a battle be- for the streets of 1930s Rotterdam cades and quirky gables. tween the Russian and Polish armies and Berlin for the silver screen. But Walking around, you may think in 1794, and when viewing it you’ll beware, the area has a rough repu- you’re seeing things. Little things. not only be amazed by the artistic tation and is a ectionately known Little... men?! Don’t worry, that’s per- achievement all around you, but also as Bermuda Triangle. “Who will enter fectly normal in Wroclaw. The city the feat of preserving and present- here, will not exit alive,” reads inscrip- centre is dotted with hundreds of ing it to the public. Entrance is 18zł tions on the walls. bronze dwarves, each individual (£3.40) for students. For something a little less threaten- October Issue 2014 | Seren 39 TRAVEL A Haunting We Will Go! Halloween Events turn travel destinations into Creepy Castles and Haunted Houses. Looking for more than just a night out in Bangor for Halloween? How about a trip through dark castle dungeons or frightening jails? Travel Editor Kayla Jones takes us through these popular sites in North Wales that are only a bus or train ride away to get you in the mood for The Night of the Living Dead. Beaumaris Gaol Beaumaris Castle If you want a more grueling experience, learn about the crimi- nals of Beaumaris by visiting the Beaumaris Goal that held murder- ers and thieves during the Victo- rian era. Known for its hangings, escapes and brutal prisoner treatment, the chilling jail cells and corridors hold ghostly stories and leg- ends that will get you in the mood for your Haunted night out.

Built in 1282, the large moated castle has all kinds of hidden nooks and crannys to explore on All Hallow’s Eve. Though events are during the day from 11-4pm, don’t let the sunlight Penhryn Castle fool you! You can tour the ruins of the castle through a “terrifying” trail. Welsh Highland Railway Jump ON THE “GHOULISH TRAIN” FROM the Welsh Highland Railway in Caer- narfron. Get dressed up early in fancy dress for re- works, live music and food for a twilight ride across How much of a scaredy cat are you? From the 28-31st of October Penhryn Castle the welsh countryside. is taking you back in time with Twilight Ghost Tours inside the Victorian Castle. The country house that is designed like an old Norman Castle is the perfect place to get your spook on to learn a bit of history, have a few laugh with friends and be scared silly. Plas Newydd caernarfon Castle Though Caernarfon is known for being the place Prince Charles became prince of Wales, for Halloween its all about carv- ing the perfect pumpkin. For the more The gardens and mansion of Plas Newydd have more than just artistic travelers, grab your friends and travel to Caernarfon Castle to tourists visiting its grounds this Halloween. The country house is challenge one another to the Best Carved Pumpkin Contest! Explore full of ghost and goblins down in the cellar, that is usually o the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum and the extensive castles walls with a limits to guests. Be prepared to be haunted by the dead at every spooky trail. corner of the cellar, by cobwebs, screams and historical stories that could make the hairs on the back of your head go up! 40 Seren | October Issue 2014 FOOD AND DRINK 5 SIMPLE MEALS halloween drinks by MEGAN YATES Ever wondered what a horrifying drink would taste like? Well, your in luck! Check out these spooky recipes for a truly deathly taste. Love at Bleeding Bloody Black First Bite Pumpkin Nora Magic e all know the struggles of university-cooking and Wwe all know the person, who only ever seems to eat noodles upon noodles, in the hope that they never have to touch the oven. That’s where we come in; to provide a few pointers for those with less cooking expertise than others. Firstly, there are the common denominators: beans, bread, soup, noodles etc. but of course this routine alone gets very boring! We all like to mix things up now again so here are my 5 top student meals on a budget:

Ingredients Ingredients Ingredients Ingredients - Curry: Rice (Asda smartprice 40p) Curry sauce (Asda smartprice 20p) 25ml/1 oz vanilla vodka tropical fruit juice 2 tsp lemon juice 1/4 cup ice 1 tbsp sour apple liqueur 25ml/1 oz grenadine 50ml/2 oz gin 1/2 cup orange juice - Chilli: Rice, frozen mincemeat 2 tsp butterscotch schnapps 1 orange, top sliced o 100ml/4 oz vegetable juice 1 1/2 ounces black vodka (usually around £4 a bag but the 25ml/1 oz fresh pressed apple 1 green drinking straw 2 dashes Tabasco sauce 1/2 ounce triple sec bag lasts at least 4 meals) chilli juice 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce orange wedge, for garnish sauce (smartprice 55p) 1 tsp grenadine pinch celery salt candy oss cobweb, to garnish Preparation method pinch freshly ground black pep- - Potatoes are great to have with per Preparation method tuna, cheese, beans, chilli or just Preparation method Fill a highball glass with crushed splash ruby port butter and are so easy to zap in the ice. Top up with tropical fruit juice, 1 asparagus spear, cooked, to In a cocktail shaker, add orange microwave for 10 minutes. Place the vodka, apple liqueur, but- then drizzle over the grenadine to garnish juice and triple sec over ice. Shake terscotch schnapps, apple juice and create a bleeding e ect. well, and strain into a glass. - Frozen food is an absolute god- grenadine into a cocktail shaker, Cut a hole in the top of the orange Preparation method Using the back of a spoon, pour send! Turkey dinosaurs, chicken add a handful of ice and shake well. top and push the drinking straw black vodka slowly into a glass so nuggets, chips, all easy, cheap (usu- Strain the cocktail into a couplette through it. Place the orange top Place all of the cocktail ingredients, that the vodka sits atop the orange ally on o er for £1) things to ll you glass and garnish with the candy- and straw over the top of the glass except the asparagus, into a cock- juice and triple sec mix. up. oss cobweb and serve. tail shaker, add a handful of ice, and Carefully dip one edge of the or- shake well. ange wedge into the vodka for a - You can’t go wrong with general To serve, strain the cocktail into a spooky presentation, and sit the fridge llers such as: ham, cheese, large wine glass and garnish with wedge on the rim of the glass. sausage and bacon. All of which can the asparagus spear. all be purchased at a reasonable price from all supermarkets.

- Remember with the main meals such as: Chilli, curry, shepherd’s pie, bolognaise, always make more than enough so that you can freeze it and have it again before it goes out of date. DRINK OF THE MONTH

1. Place one sugar cube into the cocktail mixer 2. Throw in two ‘dashes’ of Angus- The Old Fashioned tora bitters. You needn’t worry how much speci cally, play around with Yes, its October, the month of it. Halloween, winter nights and the 3. Put in one cherry and half a slice dreaded rain. Time to warm up with of orange this cosy winter drink. 4. Mash, muddle the ingredients 5. Put in two measures of rye whis- Ingredients key - Sugar cubes 6. Pour in ice cubes - Angustora Bitters 7. Stir, pour into glass (tumbler pre- - Rye whiskey ferred) - Cherries 8. Peel a small strip of orange zest, - Oranges twist it tightly to release juices, then - Ice rub the juices around the glass lip, before placing it inside the drink. October Issue 2014 | Seren 41 FOOD AND DRINK Deathly EATING CHEAP BUT Desserts HALLOWEEN HEALTHY CUPCAKES by YI ANN FANG SIMPLE CHILI CHICKEN MIX

What you will need: • 2-3 slices of cooked chicken (or • 1/6 cucumber other kinds of meat) • 1/2 a stick of celery Ingredients • 1/5 cup of frozen mixed vegeta- • 1 cup of water bles • Optional amount of chili sauce • 125g/4½oz plain our • 1 tomato • 25g/1oz cocoa powder • 1½ tsp baking powder Steps: • 150g/5oz caster sugar 1. Preheat the sauce pan on stove (gently heat, no cooking oil required), •50g/2oz butter, softened at pour a cup of water to boil. room temperature 2. Chop up the tomato, cucumber, and celery. Pop them in the boiling water • 1 free-range egg along with the frozen vegetables. • 8 tbsp milk 3. Once they are cooked in about 4-5 minutes, add the cooked chicken along with your desired amount of chili sauce. For the cream cheese icing 4. Cap the lid until it starts to emit a nice smell and scoop it on a plate. You • 50g/2oz cream cheese can serve it with rice, bread or noodles. Enjoy! • 25g/1oz butter, softened at room temperature • 125g/4oz icing sugar, sifted • ½ tsp vanilla essence STEAMY SALAD For the chocolate icing 25g/1oz icing sugar 1 tbsp cocoa powder What you will need: Preparation method • 2-3 leaves of lettuce • 1/2 a stick of celery • 1/2 carrot • 1-2 teaspoon of soy sauce • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ • 1/4 onion Gas 4. Line a mu n tray with 9 • 1 tomato paper cases. • 1/6 cucumber Sift the our, cocoa powder and baking powder into a bowl. Add the sugar and butter and beat Steps: the mixture together until well combined. • Whisk in the egg and milk until 1. Chop or slice the carrot, tomato, onion, cucumber and lettuce in small the mixture is thick and smooth. pieces (Arrange them if you like). Pop them in a bowl or small pie dish. 2. Microwave for 2-3 minutes. There will be juices because of the heating • Divide the mixture between the on the bottom of the bowl, you can choose to leave it as it is or drain it o . paper case and bake in the oven 3. Sprinkle some soy sauce and dig in! for 20-25 minutes, or until springy to the touch and skewer inserted into the middle of one of the cakes comes out clean. • Set aside to cool on a wire rack. • For the cream cheese icing, MIXED VEGETABLES AND beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl until well SCRAMBLED EGG ON TOAST combined. Beat in the icing sugar and vanilla. What you will need: • Spoon the icing onto the cupcakes, leaving a small border • 1-2 pieces of whole wheat toast around the edge. • 1 egg • For the chocolate icing, sift the • 1/2 cup of mixed frozen vegetables icing sugar and cocoa powder into • 1 tomato a bowl. Stir in 2 tablespoons of wa- • Salt, meat or other kinds of sauce is optional ter to form a smooth, thick icing. • Transfer the mixture to a piping Steps: bag with a ne nozzle. (Alterna- tively, spoon the mixture into the 1. Preheat the sauce pan on stove (gently heat, no cooking oil required) and corner of a sandwich bag and crack the egg in. (You don’t need to place the lid on just yet) snip o the corner, to form a small 2. When the egg is half done (or thoroughly cooked), pour half a cup of fro- hole.) zen vegetables (or more to your liking) and place the lid. 3. Chop the tomato into small pieces and put them in the sauce pan. • Carefully pipe 3 concentric circles 4. (Optional) Add a pinch of salt, meat or any kind of sauce you prefer. onto each cupcake. Run a tooth- 5. Toast the bread. pick from the centre to the edge of the cake, through each circle of 6. Pierce a piece of vegetable (ex: broccoli) on a fork to scramble the egg, icing, at 2cm/1in intervals to create that way you won’t damage the sauce pan. a cobweb e ect. 7. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes. (The toast should be done by then) Put the toast on a plate, and cover it with the nicely cooked food. • Set aside 20 minutes for the icing to harden. Bon Appétit! 42 October Issue 2014 | Seren

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

Across 7. Who you gonna call? 9. Our editor is Amy ______10. The upcoming art center 11. A Scary horror lm 12. ‘Ebenezers’ has launched itself as______. 15. Eric Northman is a ______16. ______council considers merge

Down 1. Palahniuk’s novel 2. Dutch farmer invents a ______resistant potato 3. One of the best animated shows 4. EU ______law breached in the UK 5. Bram Stoker’s famous novel 6. Trees get ______injections in Northamptonshire 8. ______October 13. UK advises _____ on sustainable cities 14. Which dance conquered Bangor in celebration of the Black History Month? BEFORE SUDOKU! EASY

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Look at the ‘identical’ photos of our team, can AFTER HARD you nd the six di erences? October Issue 2014 | Seren 43 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 1 2014 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 WRITERS LEAGUE: Lock-in @ 6-10PM! (Location TBA.)

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 WRITERS CRAFT AND CHRISTIAN DEBATING ENDEAVOUR : LEAGUE: SEWING: UNION: SOCIETY: RSPB trip! Writing Session, 24-hour Science and Public debate Drama Rehealsal knitathon for Faith talk @ on legalisation Room, children in 7.30PM, of cannibis 6.30PM. need! Main Arts. 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 BEDS: HERPETOLOGI First play of the year, CAL “Journey’s end”, SOCIETY: shows until 23rd, Venom day, JP Hall. Brambell A12, £8 whole day! 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 BEDS & SODA: Victorian day in ROSTRA: Beaumaris! “Grimm’s tales”, 28-29th, METHSOC: JP Hall. Remembrance Event. 2:30pm MALT 30 WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR MINECRAFT ORIENTED STORM FM: ENDEAVOUR: MOBS: BANGOR SOCI ETY MOBS: Big Push Sea watches on last 24-hour Trip to Wales throughout Saturday Live Stream Comic Con! November! of the month! for Movember!

October Issue 2014 | Seren 45 SPORT Meet your Athletic Union Team Nicola Pye Dan Blaney Dan Gallant Jennifer Irwin Georgia Vice President BUCS O cer Healthy Living Campus Sport Mitchell (Sport and O c e r O c e r Communica- Healthy tion and Living) Publicity O c e r

Hi, I’m Dan and I am studying a Masters in Sport and Exercise Psy- chology, so I will be remaining in the position of BUCS O cer for another year. My job is primarily to help our BUCS Wednesday teams to prepare for their matches and to ensure the right forms go to the right places with the right things written on them (no, Hi everyone, I’m your Healthy Living Hi, I’m Jennifer, and I am a second I am Nicola Pye, your VP Sport and 999 is not a valid emergency contact). O cer for the next year and I’m hop- year sport science student. As well as Healthy Living o cer. I am your elect- I also keep the BUCS tables around the ing to meet a lot of you over the next being the Campus Sport O cer, I have ed student o cer and representative University updated. is year I would year! roughout the year I will be at- also been entrusted with the role of for sport here in Bangor. really like to see weekly results posted tending club and AU events, as well as Vice Club Captain for the Women’s is is my second year in o ce and at AU night in Academi, and to make organising a successful Healthy Living Football club. As the Campus Sport my job here is to ensure you get the sure there is plenty of publicity for our Week. I am a personal trainer and will O cer, I will be responsible for pro- best sporting experience at Bangor. BUCS teams’ achievements in the new be around in the university gym a lot moting the programme within the I am 20 years old and a third year I am the key contact for the sports Pontio building. I am also really keen so if you see me say hello! Alongside university, be responsible for helping Marine Biology student. I will be your clubs, liaising with British Universities to see more involvement in our Stu- this I will be writing a regular blog on coordinate the xtures and running of Communication and Publicity O cer and Colleges Sport (BUCS); leading dents’ Union charity months Movem- lots of di erent subjects to do with the events and be responsible in help- for the coming academic year, which on the administration, planning and ber and FeBRAry. My best sporting healthy living. I hope you all have a ing with the Summer Session activities. means I am responsible for publicis- logistics of all competitive and non- experience in Bangor is taking part in great year of sport and exercise! My aims for this year include bringing ing AU events by keeping the website competitive sporting activities; as well Mountain Biking for BUCS. A week- in a bigger variety of sports to try as and social media up to date. It’s going as running events and campaigns to end in the sun riding bikes with your well as extending that o er throughout to be an exciting and busy year for the encourage students to lead healthier friends is always a good one, especially the year giving students a later oppor- Athletic Union with the newly opened and more active lifestyles. with a bit of competition at the end. I Becca Kent tunity to try something new, especially Canolfan Brailsford and a home Var- Some of my plans for this year: am also founding Captain of the Cy- our international students arriving in sity. - Shape the campus sport pro- cling Club, a merger of the Mountain Events O cer second semester. I loved my rst year is year will be my second year as gramme. Biking and Road Cycling Clubs. of university and it is by far the best Captain of the Trampoline Club and - Work with the University to lobby decision I have ever made! Now that I hope that it will be as rewarding as possible free gym memberships for I’m here I want to make everybody’s my rst year where we ranked highly students. experience as good as my own if not at competitions alongside larger, well - Ensure you still get your free Scott Willey better and I can’t think of a better way accomplished clubs such as Lough- wednesday a ernoons so you can get of doing that than through sport! borough, Bath and Liverpool. I spend involved. News O cer most of my evenings in Canolfan Have a great year, and get involved! Brailsford either coaching local chil- Jodie Williams dren at the community trampoline club, Bangoroos or coaching and Secretary training at the university club. I also AU play an active role in the breast cancer awareness charity, Coppafeel and this year will be my second year as a Stu- dent Union hero. Executive e AU has given me a lot of opportunities over my past two years at Ban- gor. ey have awarded me Fresher of Committee Hey, I’m Becca, I’m 20 years old and the Year last year and the Trampoline in my 3rd year of Marine Environmen- Club have won Club of the Year under tal Studies. I have loved my experience my captaincy. It is now time for me e AU executive with the AU so much during my time to contribute a bit back to the AU to here at Bangor and have been involved make other student’s experiences as committee is an elected in the Windsur ng and Sub Aqua good as mine. Hi, I’m Scott and I am a third year Clubs speci cally. I am also Sub Aqua group from within the psychology student, and handball club Club Captain. is year I am really membership of the captain. is year I will be the News excited to be your AU Events O cer. O cer, ensuring that your clubs get Athletic Union. e key part of my role is to organise the publicity and voice that they need. the weekly AU Night. It is a great way is group is commit- is can be anything from match re- for all the AU clubs and teams to come Hello, I’m Jodie and my role will insults to fundraising events, and you ted to working towards and celebrate their achievements and volve me assisting with emails and tak- can get in touch via the AU News Fa- successes, raise money for your clubs ing the minutes of meetings. is will the aims and objectives cebook page, twitter, or email. I will and general AU activities and a great be my 5th year in Bangor so I’ve been of the AU and is your also be running a “Club of the Week” way to mingle and strengthen the here a while but I only started to get feature, highlighting the work and point of call for many bonds within your club and to create involved in the AU a year and a half achievements of one of our clubs every inter club relations. I will also be or- ago and it was one of the best decisions of the things that are week, to coincide with a “Fixture of the ganising other AU events throughout I made. I am also on the committee for Week”, which I will attend and report going on. the year such as Varsity and the AU Women’s Basketball. If anyone has got on. Your club could be next! Dinner. any questions, feel free to message me. 46 Seren | October Issue 2014 SPORT Green third in Snowman Squash try their Triathlon arm at Racketball by ANDY WELLS is more likely to go out. e racketball racquet is also shorter than the squash ave you thought about try- version, although the racquet head is ing something new? Do you much larger so that the racquet resem- want to have a great workout bles a paddle. e equipment makes withoutH putting excessive pressure on the game a lot easier to play, as there joints and muscles? Have you thought is more chance of hitting the ball and about joining a club, getting more in- enjoying longer rallies with your op- volved with university life and meet- ponent. You don’t need to be the fastest ing new people? en look no further nor strongest of human beings to play than playing racketball with Bangor this game because too much power University Squash Club. will make the ball y around the room, Racketball was brought to Britain in making your shot easier for the oppo- the 1970s as a variation of the Ameri- nent to return. can game of the same name – Racquet- Racketball is something the Squash ball. e British variation has spread Club have been planning to introduce throughout the Commonwealth and for a while now, and this was achieved across Europe; it is now more popular by a racketball taster session, pro- than squash and has one of the high- vided by Wales Squash & Racketball’s est participation rates of any sport. Its Coaching & Development O cer, popularity lies with the fact that it is Mike Workman. It coincided with the easier to play than squash and has a tail end of the Squash Club’s week as large social side. Racketball is an ideal “AU News Club of the Week” which game for any beginner to start playing ensured a sizeable turnout for the tast- and for the more experienced racquet- er session. It was a great a ernoon en- sport player to use as an alternative joyed by all and the Squash Club will game to squash. de nitely be inviting Mike back again To put it simply, racketball is a faster in the near future. by SAM GREEN Sam’s achievement in the Snowman bad race, Sam knew the bike was his paced variation of squash. It is similar If you’d like to take up the opportu- is even more incredible when it is strongest discipline. It was only with a to squash in the sense that it is played nity to play racketball or squash then am Green recently nished 3rd taken into consideration that his rst quarter of the race le that Sam found on a squash court and that they share come down to the open sessions at in the Snowdonia Snowman. podium nish was only six weeks ago. out his current position – 6th place. some rules. e aim of the game is to Canolfan Brailsford squash courts on Sam completed his rst triathlon, e Snowman was the last big race of He said to Seren “that really kicked me play a shot that your opponent can- Sundays at 1-2:30pm or Mondays at theS Snowdonia Slateman, in May 2011 the season for Sam, and it involves a into gear and helped me take a couple not return. However, the ball is bigger 4:45-7pm – all abilities are welcome! having had no previous experience in 750m swim in Llyn Mymbyr at Plas more places before coming into transi- and bouncier than a squash ball, so it multisport events. He soon became y Brenin, a 69km cycle to Beddgelert tion. e start of the run was probably hooked on spending long hours on the and Blaenau Ffestiniog, and a 9km run my lowest point; I thought I had gone bike around Snowdonia, and had tak- up and down Moel Siabod. Looking too hard on the bike and I su ered a en up running in his rst year at uni- ahead to the race, Sam wanted to im- lot at the start of the run” However, he versity (September 2010). Sam credits prove on his 10th place nish last year. got stronger at the top, and the motiva- the friendly atmosphere of university He did that and more - improving his tion of holding onto third place kept sports clubs as the single most impor- time by over 11 minutes. Sam credits the Bangor University student going tant factor in having got him to the this vast improvement down to his on the descent. Sam said that it was point of being strongly competitive. focus in training on his swimming. a “big shock” for him to nish on the He moved up the eld over the last few Sam’s transition onto the bike almost podium, due to the level of athletes years and progressed his training year proved costly, as the swim was so cold the Snowman event attracts. Sam is on year accordingly, to the point that he found himself numb, and there- now looking forward to next season, Sam is now putting in 12-15 hours per fore struggled to take o his wetsuit. knowing that he can really challenge week. Although thinking he was having a for position. Netball 2nd’s secure rst win of the season

Charlotte Eaves, along with substitute from the Bangor defence meant that squared o against a tough Edge Hill lead in the rst quarter but Bangor by REBECCA SEMPLE Becca omas. At the end of the rst the home team could counter attack 2nd’s side. is looked to be a close were still within distance of turning it quarter Bangor were leading 12-4, but and secure their lead thanks to great match based on the previous season’s around. Unfortunately, this Edge Hill angor University Netball 2nd’s Keele weren’t going to lie down. Fight- shooting from Prince and Evans. Al- results, which ended with one victory side proved too strong and experi- stormed their way to victory in ing back in the second quarter Keele though Keele won the last quarter and one defeat for both teams. e enced, playing uidly together against their rst match of the BUCS tried to reduce the de cit, but Bangor 9-11, it was too little too late. Bangor starting seven for Bangor were GK Jess a new look Bangor side. Bangor looked Bseason against Keele 3rd’s on Wednes- replied each time, taking the score to held on to take the win 39-30. Club Young, GD Sophie Coulson (Captain), to reduce the de cit but Edge Hill took day with a 39-30 win. e starting 20-12. Keele fought hard all the way, captain and wide defender, Rebecca WD Becky Gordon, C Emma May, WA the win, the nal score 37-27. Bangor’s seven were GK Michaela Casey, GD never letting Bangor think that they Semple, was awarded player of the Esme Kendrick, GA Melissa Greenwell player of the match was Sophie Coul- Becca Pierce, WD Emma Kennedy, C had secured victory. Whenever Keele match. and GS Olivia Sheil, with substitute son for her excellent defensive work Ellen Coulson, WA Rebecca Semple, couldn’t take their chances, great work Immediately a er, Bangor 1st’s Lucy Stinger. Edge Hill took an early and rebounds collection. GA Hannah Prince (Captain) and GS October Issue 2014 | Seren 47 SPORT Fencing take all three categories against Liverpool BUCS Scores Basketball Chester Men’s 1st’s 74 - 50 Bangor Men’s 1st’s Netball

Bangor 1st’s 27 - 37 Edge Hill 2nd’s

Bangor 2nd’s 39 - 30 Keele 3rd’s Hockey by JOE KEEP Liverpool who were now looking to Chris Smith taking up the weapon, de- allows momentum to be built from prevent Bangor gaining more points. spite his lack of con dence at competi- the rst game.” Going into their next Bangor Men’s 1st’s 3 - 3 Chester angor University Fencing Men’s Despite the shake-up, Bangor took the tion level in this category. Bangor were match away to Bradford on 29 Octo- Men’s 1st’s 1st’s got o to an explosive start rst round 43 – 25 giving them an edge just ve points from victory and Chris ber, Hill believes that “if the team is in the BUCS league, with a re- going into the next weapon. could have taken it in the rst duel, passionate enough, we should come Lancaster Women’s 3rds 0 - 3 Ban- Bsounding victory over Liverpool 2nd’s, gor Women’s 2nd’s With momentum on their side, Ban- however, it was Simon Taylor who got away with a win, especially with to- beating them 133 – 85. gor looked to recreate the rst round the winning point. Liverpool looked day’s victory.” Similar sentiments were e rst weapon, épée, was a show- and put an unassailable lead between like they could hold their own with held by Liverpool captain James, “ e Football case of what both teams were about themselves and Liverpool. Again, ag- this weapon though, keeping pace team did their best and I’m pleased with Bangor’s Tom Kitto coming out gression seemed to be Bangor’s main with Bangor throughout and pushing with how they fenced. e team is UCLAN Men’s 1sts 3 - 1 Bangor energetic and o ensively minded, tactic, forcing Liverpool to concede them all the way, the round nishing new this year; two of them have only Men’s 1st’s whilst Liverpool captain James looked points under an unrelenting assault. 45 – 30. fenced once before today.” Bangor’s to absorb pressure, relying on a coun- With the round ending 45 – 21 in Bangor captain, Michael Hill, com- next home match is on 5 November Cumbria Men’s 3rd’s 0 - 5 Bangor ter attack to score points. However, Bangor’s favour, the home team were mented: “ e scoreline doesn’t re ect when they play host to Leeds. Men’s 2nd’s Bangor were able to accrue a large lead pretty much home and dry. how hard they were.” However, he was early on putting Liverpool on the back e third weapon, sabre, proved to be also pleased by his side’s performance Bangor Men’s 3rds 2 - 1 Keele Men’s foot. is led to a tactical rework by a little more di cult for Bangor, with as it “showcases what they’ve got and 2nd’s

UCLAN Women’s 1st’s 8 - 1 Bangor Women’s 1st’s Lacrosse

Bangor Women’s 1st’s 5 - 12 LJMU Women’s 1st’s

Bangor Men’s 1st’s 2 - 7 Chester Men’s 1st’s Squash Keele Men’s 1st’s 5 - 0 Bangor Men’s 1st’s Badminton Bangor Men’s 1st’s 7 - 1 Man Met Men’s 3rd’s

Bangor Men’s 2nd’s 4 - 4 Chester Men’s 1st’s

Bangor Men’s 3rd’s 2 - 6 Man Met Rugby sweep aside Salford Men’s 4th’s by SCOTT WILLEY try-line. Bangor’s forwards dominated cal move to the rst try, the Bangor it 38 – 0 to Bangor a er the conver- Man Met Women’s 1st’s 4 - 4 Bangor both line-outs and scrums throughout forwards drove before winger Morris sion. It was then time for team captain Women’s 1st’s angor University Men’s Rugby the game. A er driving from the line- smashed straight through a tackle to and player of the match, Terry Linay, Union 1st’s took on Salford 1st’s out, scrum-half Rob Horwood passed score his second try of the match. to get on the score sheet. e number in their opening game of the the ball through the backs to opposite A er a few minutes of Salford pos- eight drove through two Salford chal- Rugby Union BBUCS season. e team had recently winger Ethan Morris, who touched session, Bangor turned over the ball lenges to slide under the posts. beat local side Holyhead handsomely, Bangor Men’s 1st’s 59 - 0 Salford the ball down over the try-line to give for the third time in the match. Unfor- Armstrong made it 50 – 0 not long Men’s 1st’s and were looking for a good result to Bangor the rst score. tunately, Tomlinson knocked on. From a er. e third year had the option of push for promotion. Minutes later, a break from the home the resulting scrum, Horwood made the overlap, but instead dummied the e game started well for Salford, side’s Tom Bosley resulted in another Salford’s scrum-half’s day even worse, pass, and broke through the gap le by Tennis who pinned Bangor into their own try. A good run drew in defenders, stealing the ball before launching the naïve defender. half for the rst ten minutes. e pres- before an o oad to new player Bodhi winger Fraser Ashman on the attack. e game won, Bangor made six Liverpool Men’s 1st’s 6 - 6 Bangor sure resulted in a penalty and Salford Gorringe, who made it 10 – 0 to Ban- He drew the last defender before pass- substitutions not long a er half-time. Men’s 1st’s chose to kick for the points, but the gor. It was 17 – 0 not soon a er, with ing o to Bosley, who slid under the Salford came out a er the break and ball ew wide. Out of their own half Gorringe breaking through the Salford posts to make it 31 points to Bangor. looked likely to get on the score sheet, Liverpool Women’s 1st’s 12 - 0 Ban- for the rst time, the home team won a defence to put Bangor ve metres out. Club captain, Chester Armstrong, although good counter-rucking from gor Women’s 1st’s line-out on halfway, and y-half Luke e ball was recycled, and Elliot Tom- scored the fourth try of the game with Bangor’s replacements kept the clean Boyd switched the ball to outside cen- linson broke through under the posts. a brilliant breakaway from the team’s sheet remained intact. Bangor looked tre Chester Armstrong, who skipped Salford started to fall apart at this own 22m. e outside-centre dodged for more tries as they ran a penalty, Golf past three Salford tackles. Salford point, with poor passing from a scrum two tackles before being brought down with Adam Carey scoring the last of Leeds Mixed 1st’s 4 - 2 Bangor ill-discipline at the ruck and Bangor in their 22m resulting in a scrambled by a third. Not held, he got up and ran Bangor’s points. Mixed 1st’s found touch from a penalty to put kick for touch. In an almost identi- the remaining half of the eld, making them ve metres from the opposition Sam Green 3rd in Snowman page 46 SPORT Basketball dunk opposition

69 47

by SCOTT WILLEY Unfortunately for the away team, it for the rest of the quarter. did little for their performance, with Bangor started quickly in the third ast night (21st October), Bangor Bangor retaining their lead. Jordan quarter, not allowing Lancaster a shot University Men’s Basketball won Lamb, an international student from for the rst three minutes. Great de- convincingly in their rst home the University of Maine, twice went fensive work meant Bangor constantly Lgame of the year. A er losing last week close to scoring a 3-pointer, with Ban- harassed the Lancaster team, o en to local rivals Chester, Bangor were gor collecting the rebounds and scor- stealing the ball and launching a coun- looking to kick-start their BUCS cam- ing two baskets. Lancaster had little of ter attack. However, the harassment paign against league newcomers Lan- the play, o en only scoring from free of the Lancaster point-guard was too caster. throws, meaning the gap between the much for the referee, who felt the need Lancaster won the tip-o , but from teams stayed at 10. At the end of the to give Jordan Lamb a talking to. then onwards Bangor were in the as- quarter, no. 6 Joseph Robinson scored In the nal quarter, Bangor added cendancy. e home side scored a a great shot from near the halfway line another 9 points, to make the nal quick 6 points without reply, before to make it Bangor 25 – 13 Lancaster. score Bangor 69 – 47 Lancaster, in winning a rst free-throw. Player of As the second quarter began, no. 1 front of a packed home crowd. the Match, Jack Bamber ,stepped up Lewis Organ scored twice in quick Bangor Women’s Basketball won and scored both attempts. At 8 – 0 succession to increase Bangor’s lead to today (22nd October) 67 - 49 against down, Lancaster called a time-out. 15 points. Lancaster’s shooting became Lancaster as well. A good week all worse, and the lead remained the same round for Bangor Basketball!