Bangor University Students’ Union December Issue 2017 English Language Issue No. 266 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk

PHILIP PULLMAN VISIT DUBLIN FESTIVE TUNES Your Chance to Make Change as UNDEB Nominations Open

nominations opening on Monday 11th students but working a 9-5 job my As the only Sabb not eligible for re- quiet student and I de nitely wouldn’t by EMMA JEWKES December. experience as President of UMCB for election having served the maximum say I was the stereotypical well known Current President of UNDEB, the last year has been amazing. two years, Helen urged those who ‘popular’ student to run for a role- I he sabbatical o cer Ruth Plant, said: “With nominations “As a  rst proper job it’s great might not ordinarily run to put just wanted to make a change. nominations for the Students opening soon it is really important to because the sta of the union o er themselves forward. She said: “ is “It hasn’t been easy, but it’s one of Union Sabb team 2018-19 think about what you might want to so much support and the experiences year I would love to see students from the most worthwhile ventures I’ve To cially opened this week, giving do and whether being an o cer is for I have will make my CV so full of all di erent backgrounds running for ever taken on. You grow so much, and Bangor University students the you!  ere are lots of pros and cons to unique opportunities. I can only take the role. learn so much and that’s the whole chance to put themselves forward being an o cer. this time to thank UNDEB Bangor “our student body is so diverse and it point of the job. You’re not expected to as candidates in March’s Sabbatical “Being able to make an impact around and to encourage all of you if you’re would be great for that to be re ected be an expert in the  eld, just to have O cer Election. Undeb, sitting on committees as the even considering going for any of the in the union. If you have the slightest an enthusiasm for the role. If you have  ose who are interested in running student voice and running campaigns Sabbatical roles to go for it, I will never interest in any of the roles, don’t be put ideas that you’re passionate about, have until 26th January 2018 to put that you are passionate about are just regret the decision to apply for this o . Come and chat to us- we’re here that’s half the battle.” themselves forward and all Bangor a few of the pros however it isn’t all role!” to support you on that journey. Even  ose who wish to run for election students are being encouraged to plain sailing and if you are planning on Last academic year, 15 candidates put if you only have the slightest inkling should head to www.undebbangor. think about running for one of the  ve running make sure you have a strong themselves forward for the 5 Sabbatical about it, it’s worth pursuing.” com/voice/elections/sabbelections in Sabbatical O cer positions. network behind you.” O cer positions with a record 2,145 Re ecticing on her own reasons for order to put their name forward.  ey  e positions up for grabs are Re ecticing on her own time as votes being cast in the  nal election in running in 2015, she continued: “I put should also check out the election President, UMCB President, VP for UMCB President, Mirain Llwyd said: March which saw a whole new team in myself forwards to be a sabb simply timetable for further information Education, VP for Sport and VP “Although it is hard going from the place save for the one returnee as VP because I had ideas that I wanted to see about important dates and advice for Societies and Volunteering with student life to still be surrounded by for Education, Helen Marchant developed in the union. I was quite a sessions. WHY NOT JOIN

WE HAVE AN ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE SO CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM NOW! Seren Members 2017-18 twitter.com/ serenbangor instagram.com/ serenbangor NEWS REPORTS PHOTOGRAPHERS WRITERSCONTRIBUTORS & MORE Pirates of the Carabina yn cyflwyno / present Clwb Comedi / Comedy Club Elephant Sessions Relentless Mike Bubbins Theatr Bryn Terfel Unstoppable Human Amy Gledhill Nos Wener 26 Ionawr, 8pm Machine (RUHM) Tudur Owen £14/£13 gostyngiadau Friday 26 January, 8pm Theatr Bryn Terfel Stiwdio £14/£13 concessions Ionawr/January 16 Nos Iau 25 Ionawr, 8pm £10.50/£8.50 myfyrwyr (Rhagddangosiad/Preview), 7.30pm Ionawr/January 17-20, 7.30pm Studio Ionawr/January 21, 2pm Thursday 25 January, 8pm £8-£16 £10.50/£8.50 students Noson drwy gyfrwng y Saesneg

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Gŵyl Gerdd Bangor Sophie Willan: Dr John Cooper Clarke Bangor Music Festival Branded With special guests/gyda gwesteion arbennig Theatr Bryn Terfel Stiwdio Nos Fercher 14 Chwefror Dydd Gwener 17 Mawrth, 8pm Thema: Gofod 8pm Friday 17 March, 8pm Drwy’r Dydd, £12/£10 myfyrwyr a dan 18 £16-£26.50 Dydd Sadwrn 3 Chwefror Studio 12+ Theme: Space Wednesday 14 February All Day , 8pm Saturday 3 February £12/£10 students and under 18

Pontio Seren 259x170mm Rhagfyr 17.indd 1 11/12/17 11:43 December Issue 2017 | Seren 3 CONTENTS

News 4-6 Politics 7 Union 9 EMMA JEWKES Comment 10-11 EDITOR Environment 12-13 12 [email protected] Science 14-15 Christmas is here!! As you may have gathered, Christmas is my Societies 16-17 favourite time of the year, not least Arts & Culture 18-19 because it gives me a few days away from uni work. I’m particularly Music 20-21 looking forward to this Christmas 27 as it’s the rst one I wil get to spend Breaktime 22-23 with Andy, my boyfriend. Last year, we both spent it in di erent parts Seren Christmas 24-25 of the country with our families so we just had a brief Christmas Games 26-27 Day phonecall and that was it. This Film 28-30 year, we’re going to his parents for Christmas day lunch before heading Travel 31 back to Bangor for an evenig of Chrstmas telly, Bailey’s and a lot of TV 32-34 chocolate and I can’t wait! On a more sombre note, this Pullman Interview 35 Christmas also marks the end of my penultimate semester here at Books 36-37 Bangor. Just one more semester Lifestyle 38-39 stands between me and graduation which I’m more sad about than Food & Drink 40-41 scared. Bangor has been such a huge part of my life for the past 3 Fashion 42 years nearly that I’ll be extremely 34 sad to leave. Sport 45-48 Anyway, onto this months Seren and what a cracker (see what I did there) we have for you. We’ve got a double dose of Breaktime to keep you occupied on that long journey home and we’ve got plenty of other Christmas content spread throughout the paper. We’ve also got an exclusive interview with Phillip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials trilogy who was in Bangor this month promoting his new book, Le 37 Belle Sauvage. Getting the chance to meet and speak with him was a personal University highlight of mine and I hope you enjoy the interview. Something else I want to bring to your attention is our front page 40 feature which is all about the CONTRIBUTORS upcoming Undeb nominations for the Sabbatical O cer positions. Will Joe Philpin It’s a great opportunity for you, George Gilham the student, to make real change Abi Robinson happen by becoming part of the Emma Kajiama decision process! Also, it looks great Landry Green on your CV, so even if you don’t TEAM think youll win or that you might Sian Robinson not be cut out for it, still give it a Francesca Sciarrillo go. Honestly, if Trump can get in Claire Powell the White House then anyone can 2017-18 Alex Moir get in the SU. Infact I may even run Eleanor Smart myself? Who knows? On a nal note, as this is the last Chloe Hearnden edition of Seren of 2017, I’d like to Editor - Emma Jewkes Music - Lizzy Dillon Rory Forstorm-Robert take this opportunity to wiah you all Deputy - Finnian Shardlow TV - Jordan King Ash Jones a very merry christmas and a happy News - Isabella Timpany Games Film - Megan Richards Laura Patari New Year! Sport - Katie Tew Books - Beth Smith Vicky Wilkes ----- Politics - Kayleigh Lavornia Lifestyle - Catrin Jones The views presented hereinafter Zach Reading do not represent the views of Seren Comment -Simrad Prasad Food & Drink - Paige Brook LJ Taylor Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Environment - Hannah Limberger Fashion - Sash Deacon Jess Simms Bangor University. Science - Laura Aspin Mental Wellbeing - Olivia Jones Arron Williams ----- Arts & Culture - Chloe Heath Creative Corner - Leia Tewnion Seren is printed by NWN Media. 4 Seren | December Issue 2017 NEWS IN BRIEF Long lost Winter Warmer Carnival masterpiece found hanging in Penrhyn & Beach Clean Castle SPANISH artist Bartolome Estebon Murillo has less than twelve known surviving paintings, one of which has been found in nowhere other than Penryhn castle.  is 17th century masterpiece has been hanging on the National Trust castle walls for nearly 120 years. A visit from an art expert identi ed the painting, which had pre- viously been believed to be a copy, of lit- tle value. Art scholar Berito Navarrete Prieto travelled from Seville to North Wales to take a look at the painting himself, revealing the true value of the painting. He described it as “magnetic”, “an absolute masterpiece”.  e painting is of the historian Don Diego Oritz de Zuniga, dressed in black with the insignia of the order of Santiago and measures 113cm by 94cm.  e paint- ing has now been taken to New York for an exhibition on the artist at the Frick Collection. A er the US exhibit, the painting will move to London's National Gallery in February. Many of Murillo's paintings are worth millions, and in July, Sotheby's in London sold one of his paintings, showing Christ in a crown of thorns, for £2.75 million. Starbucks controversial proposal for (Photos: Will Joe Philpin) also encourage volunteering activities  ere was entertainment from quirky workshop to give partygoers a glittery and donations, where 100% of all prof- local bands such as the popular Hedge festival makeover. Bangor drive-thru undraver (Will Joe Philpin) re- its made go to the local community Gods and solo performers, Penny, Overall it was a successful night, Starbucks have resubmitted con- cently teamed up with Bangor and conservation causes. Ronnie Walters, Zac Dylan, E y Jones around £550 was raised for North troversial plans for drive-thru cafe in University Surf Team (Callum Around 40 young people took part to name a few. Performances were Wales Housing and a few local marine Hudson)F and Bangor Windsurf Club in the litter pick which took place on Bangor city centre.  e application was later followed by DJ sets from Code conservation organisations including (Candace Flatley) to bring together initially submitted in December 2015 the beautiful beach of Rhosneigr.  e 13, Callum Procter, Xander Bairstow, Anglesey Sea Zoo Conservation and two concepts; partying and saving the to build the drive-thru cafe on green clean up supplies and equipment were George Gates and Will Philpin him- North Wales Wildlife Trust. environment.  e event summoned facilitated by Keep Wales Tidy. Philpin space and shrub land on the junction all do-gooders - students and locals self. Mulled wine, cider and mince It seems Will Philpin has more in was pleased with the turnout “for a with Deiniol Road and Sackville Road. included - to help participate in a big pies were on o er and there was a raf- store for Bangor as he plans to con-  e Bangor City Council and the Civic communal beach clean followed by cold November to get so many people  e which included prices contributed tinue his tree planting scheme and, as Society expressed their concern for an even bigger rave held at  e Belle out and helping was great.” by local businesses such as Two Guys for more Fundravers, is on the hunt for the loss of trees at the site and tra c Vue.  is is one of many ‘Fundravers’ A er a successful beach clean, the from Brussels, Ky n, Outside  e some out outdoors-y areas to throw and objected to the development.  e Philpin has organised, in an e ort to helpers returned to the Belle Vue, where Box and Gecko Rhosneigr. BU Dance some festival-style parties. Stay tuned proposal made by developer Morbaine not only put on free parties for stu- the party shortly fell into full swing. even got involved by setting up a glitter Bangor. was then withdrawn. However, now dents and the local community but to the application has been submitted, Morbaine said it had explored op- tions to retain as many of the trees as 7 Welsh Forgotten Festive Traditions possible but this would require rais- ake a walk back in time and male voices would gather and sing in up to Christmas, they would make was taken from the Anglo-Saxon ing the levels of the site which would you’ll  nd some very peculiar the local parish chapel. to ee (or ta y) and tell stories. and Tudor customs, the ornate bowl make the scheme “impractical”. Keith Welsh traditions taking place 3. Wren Day. On the 12th night 7. Wassail Bowls. Drinking from would be  lled with fruit, sugar, spic- Nutter, from Morbaine, said they had Tduring this festive time of the year. groups of men would go out ' h u n t - the Wassail bowl was thought to be es and topped up with warm beer. employed landscape architects and Some you'll wish we still performed, ing the wren'. When this tiny bird good luck for the New Year at the Some of these traditions are still to this others you'll be glad have been forgot- arboriculturalists to develop a replace- was captured it would be caged in a turn of the century.  is tradition day performed in rural parts of Wales. ten about. ment planting scheme. In a letter to wooden box and taken from door 1. e Mari Lwyd. A New Years rit- Gwynedd council planners he added to door for all to see. ual which took place in the early 19th “ e development will bring about 4. Calennig. From dawn until century. Villagers would take a horse regeneration of the site which at the noon on New Years Day children skull, drape it in a white sheet and dec- moment is vacant and derelict with would go from door to d o o r orate it with bells before placing it on no public access”. He added that due singing rhymes, splashing people top of a wooden pole. It would then be to derelict nature of the site, a recent with water and asking for Calennig paraded from door to door by a group, needle pick has to be carried out to (gi s of small change). challenging others to a battle of welsh recover hypodermic needles found 5. Holming. A less favour- verse. Surprisingly, this old and on site.  is cafe would also create able tradition, on boxing day the very peculiar tradition still takes place 20 new jobs in Bangor. Bangor Civic last person out of bed would be in parts of Wales. society has been against the proposal beaten with prickly holly sprigs! 2. Carols by Twilight.  is Plygain over fears about Bangor’s “iconic black 6. Christmas To ee. Or as they service would take place from 3am poplar trees” Bangor City Council also called it 'Noson Gy aith'. Families to 6am on Christmas morning in has concerns over tra c at the rounda- would invite their friends over for rural parts of Wales. Most would bout, on the junction and the removal supper and games during the run of several trees. stay up all night until the group of December Issue 2017 | Seren 5 NEWS Students Boast Creativity At IN BRIEF Student University Christmas Fair sets up Wildlife Tourism Company

ROBERT Brook, a Bangor University student from Blackpool, launched a website which provides information about Britain's wildlife to o er activi- ties that allow customers to  nd their favourite animals in the wild. HE came up with the idea dur- ing his  nal year whilst studying at the School of Ocean Sciences. He pitched the concept of 'Finding Nature' at the University's Santander Entrepreneurship competition where he became runner up. He was awarded £500 to pursue the business further, he then partnered up with his cousin, Adam Kinder, a professional web de- his years Christmas Markets, feel throughout the course of the day. Animal Sanctuary and Treborth Vergara-Pena which was presented signer who built Finding Nature's held by the B-Enterprising Santa Claus himself even paid PJ Hall Botanic Garden. by Diana Roberts from Santander platform. Robert said “Finding Nature team, proved to be another suc- a visit. Universities.  e winner for the most prides itself on its commitment to Tcess. A total of 12 sta & 178 students It was an all round triumphant day, innovative product chosen by Cerri Student Union clubs and societies animal welfare and has partnered with hosted 82 stalls, boasting creativity and stall owners bagged 15 BEA (Bangor held stalls to raise money for their Williams from the Welsh Government tour operators across the UK to deliver selling everything from home-made Employability Award) xp for running society budget, including RAG, dog was Coeden Noeth by Laura Haggett. unforgettable experiences for anyone gingerbread to crochet underwear! a stall and further points were earned walking society, Bangor Forestry Laura showcased her very own bath interested in wildlife.  e markets o ered an array of in- through participating in the support- Student Association and Bangor Afro- and body products which were free “It’s great knowing that we have a plat- ternational food, delicately cra ed ing workshops held during the weeks Caribbean Society. from plastic packaging, contained bio- form that can educate people about Yuletide gi s and tempting festive leading up to the event. Stall owners  e award for  e Best Stall was degradable ingredients and were suit- the UK’s wildlife. But, to be able to of- bakes. Live music from the University's donated some of their pro ts to lo- able for sensitive skin. given to Sandy Perez-Robles, Andrea fer activities where you can experience brass band delivered the true festive cal charities such as the Snowdonia Marin-Merizalde and Alejandra the wildlife up-close is just fantastic. It’s something that you simply can- not replace with pictures on a screen.” Based in Blackpool, Lancashire, Cinema Operator Finally Secured Finding Nature is an online platform where visitors can learn about the UK’s wildlife as well as the best places and activities to go out and enjoy it.  e company was founded in May 2017 For Bangor’s Parc Bryn Cegin and currently lists over 100 animal species that can be found in more than t has been revealed that the opera-  e complex will be twice the size laid empty for almost 20 years and have been di cult for major property 40 distinct locations across Britain. tor has signed up for a 40,000sq of Llandudno Junction cinema with disappointment that there has been developments like Parc Bryn Cegin,  cinema but developers need 10 screens and one super size screen. no progress in the 2 years that Liberty and while progress at the site has been moreI chain restaurants for scheme to Liberty’s development director Emyr Properties had been assigned the pro- slower than both we and the commu- happen. Williams says the securing the cinema ject. Hywell Williams MP who is also nity would have liked, we very much Fancy writing It was announced back in December operator was a major coup but despite disappointed with the lack of progress welcome recent developments which 2015 that the Welsh Government this they “need more restaurants to sit said “I realise such developments take mean that a number of businesses are had selected Liberty Properties alongside, we have two chains we have time, but local people have been look- now lined up to build there.“We are for Seren News? Developments LTD to create a 400-job agreed terms with, but we need six and ing forward to seeing Parc Bryn Cegin also very encouraged by the news that leisure scheme at the entrance to Parc this is currently a di cult market.” He  lled with companies providing well- Liberty has now secured a cinema op- Bryn Cegin, Bangor.  e proposal in- continues, “I can promise everyone we paid employment for many years, but it erator for the site and is in the process Contact Us: cluded a giant cinema complex with 5 are working hard on this, we would is still empty. I would be glad if Liberty of signing up restaurant chains - devel- restaurants, a family pub and a Welsh not be doing this if we didn't think it Properties could indicate where they opments that we anticipate will make a produce shop. could happen. As a North Walian, I are in the project and exactly what huge impact locally. [email protected] However, lack of progress on want to see this development built.” form of support is being provided to “Representatives of Liberty are due the scheme had le Plaid Cyrmu,  e company is targeting Nando’s, them by the Welsh Government.” to meet Gwynedd Council’s members MP Hywel Williams and AM Sian Pizza Express, Frankie & Benny’s, A Welsh Government spokesperson in January to provide them with a full Gwenllian frustrated and forced to put Pizza Hut and Chiquitos. said A Welsh Government spokes- update on progress at the site.” pressure on the government to speed Locally there is much frustration person said: “Global economic condi- up the project. and anger that Parc Bryn Cegin has tions have meant that the last few years 6 Seren | December Issue 2017 NEWS Pontio’s Robotic Petting Zoo

hilst passing through about ways we could get social robot- Bangor's Pontio centre ics and questions about the human this month, you may have interactions with robots into a public spottedW some robots roaming around setting.” Cross continues, “We have the second  oor. Fear not, for this is lots of clever laboratory experiments all part of a science experiment!  e where we can look at this in controlled “Robot Petting Zoo” includes 6 ro- environments, but here, we can bring botic vacuum cleaners which serve those questions to the public.” So, how a purpose far more intriguing than does the experiment work? Everyone just cleaning. Psychologists are eager visiting the experiment is given a cup to see how people react to the robots of plastic beads imitating “food” for which have been programmed to dis- the robots.  e beads are then swept play emotion. Professor Emily Cross up by the vacuums which are kept in a (co-director of Bangor's social brain specially designed pen. Each vacuum in action laboratory) explains that the has a di erent personality; grumpy, purpose of the experiment, which is happy, scared.  e public is then asked also acting as an art installation, is to to vote for their favourite robot.  e get the public engaged with science psychologists are recording the data to (Pictured: Professor Emily Cross & Artist Merel Bekking) and examine issues around robotics. later analyse. “We applied for some funding to think Bangor’s Answer To Back Pain his article by Dr Ned Hart el, who regularly practice yoga take shoulders and hips. Participants did Research O cer and Rhiannon fewer sick days than those who don’t four back care postures to develop Tudor Edwards, Professor of practice yoga. But very little research suppleness in the spine, and improve THealth Economics, Centre for Health has been done which looks into the posture.  is was completed with Economics and Medicines Evaluation, bene ts of implementing workplace relaxation techniques to create an School of Healthcare Sciences, programmes, like we did. overall feeling of positive health and was originally published on  e We worked with 150 NHS employees well-being. Conversation. from three hospitals in North Wales. A er eight weeks, the results showed Back pain is the single leading cause  e sta were randomly assigned to that most yoga participants had larger of disability in the world. In the UK, either a yoga group or an education reductions in back pain compared to back pain is one of the most common group.  e yoga group received a total the education group. A er six months, stress too. and Care Excellence (NICE) in the reasons for visits to the doctor, and of eight 60 minute yoga sessions, once employee sta records showed that In the US, about a quarter of all UK now recommends stretching, missed work. In fact, absence from a week for eight weeks. In addition the yoga participants had 20 times major employers deliver some form strengthening and yoga exercises as work due to back problems costs to this, the yoga participants were less sick leave due to musculoskeletal of meditation or yoga, but it has yet the  rst step in managing low back British employers more than £3 billion given a DVD and a poster for home conditions (including back pain) than to be taken up so widely in the UK, pain. Public Health England also every year. practice.  ey were invited to practice the education group. We also found or elsewhere in Europe. Insurance advises yoga classes in the workplace. But there is a potentially easy way to yoga at home for ten minutes a day that the yoga participants visited company Aetna, for example, o ers Since our initial work with the prevent this problem: yoga. Exercises for six months.  e education group health professionals for back pain only free yoga classes to their 55,000 NHS proved to be such a success, the from the ancient Indian practice can meanwhile received two instructional half as o en as education participants employees with reported annual Dru Yoga healthy back programme have very positive bene ts for back booklets for how to manage back pain during the six month study. savings of US$2,000 (£1,520) per used in the study has been delivered problems. Stretching, breathing, and reduce stress at work.  ose who improved the most were head in healthcare costs and a to sta at Merseyside Police, Great and relaxation methods can reduce  e yoga programme was based on participants who also practised yoga at US$3,000 (£2,280) gain per person Ormond Street Hospital, the Institute sickness absence due to back pain and Dru Yoga – which emphasises so , home for an average of 60 minutes or in productivity. Preventing back pain of Chartered Accountants, Siemens, musculoskeletal conditions.  owing movements – and consisted more each week. Ten minutes or more makes economic sense all round. Yoga Barclays, Santander and many other  ere has already been plenty of of four parts. To start each session, a day of home practice was associated seems not only good for employees private and public organisations. We research demonstrating the bene ts there was a series of gentle warm- with doubling the reduction in back and employers, but also for the now hope that many more will take up of yoga for NHS patients, showing up movements, followed by eight pain, and many participants noted economy as well. yoga to improve the health and well- that patients with chronic back pain stretches to release tension from the that it helped them to better manage  e National Institute for Health being of their employees. December Issue 2017 | Seren 7 POLITICS ELECTIONS: GERMANY IN CRISIS

by GEORGE GILHAM Initially Merkel sought a coalition Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Germany’s under pressure to create a coalition. having a pro-business Germany, led with the pro-business FDP (Free president and former SPD foreign So, what are the implications?  e by a CDU-FDP coalition could push t the point of writing, Democratic Party) and Greens. minister is pushing for a grand economic situation in Germany forward Brexit trade negotiations in Germany’s reputation as a However, the FDP soon pulled out coalition for the “good of the country”. remains strong with a drop of a less formal environment. Instead, country of centrist stability of coalition talks with the CDU/CSU Coalition talks have been rumoured, uncertainty. Socially, Germany has Britain may have to comply more with Ahangs in the balance. Angela Merkel, and Greens. Together the three parties thus the likelihood of a grand coalition a rising nationalistic presence with EU demands regarding a  nancial chancellor of the CDU/CSU (Christian would have a combined 53% of the is increasingly more likely, though still anti-EU sentiment gaining ground, settlement. Democratic Union/Christian Social vote, the Greens at 9% and the FDP at uncertain. Friction between the two hence the looming prospect of the AfD  e recent election in Germany Union) since 2005 is widely regarded 11%, thus a majority around Merkel parties arise because the CDU/CSU (Alternative for Germany) gaining has fractured the image of political an icon of e ciency amidst a period could have been formed. and the SPD hold very di erent views more than 13% of the vote if another stability attributed to Germany. of social instability in Europe with In the wake of the election, leader on European integration and social election is called. Macron is feeling  e solution in Germany is a tough right-wing populist movements gain- of the SPD (Social Democratic Party) welfare. uneasy as a central part of his agenda one with successful coalition talks ing ground. Despite receiving strong Martin Schulz, initially ruled out a Matters have been made more is further European integration and seemingly impossible to predict and criticism for her handling of the ref- grand coalition between the SPD and complex because Merkel initially ruled close co-operation with Germany. the threat of anti-EU populism further ugee crisis, surveys suggest 58% of CDU/CSU. Schulz and many SDP out working as a minority government For example, Macron has proposed infecting German politics. More than Germans want Merkel to remain chan- members hope to bring the party on ARD television, in favour of a new  nance ministers and a European ever, Germany needs to remain a cellor. In the recent German elections, back to its roots of social democracy. election. Her sentiment is not a lonely defence force, in addition, he has also bastion of democracy and stability the CDU/CSU lost 65 seats, achieving Despite his initial opposition to a one, with polls suggesting that only proposed syncing corporate tax rates in a period of political chaos that has 33% of the vote, leaving the CDU/CSU grand coalition, many centrists in the 30% of the population desire a minority with Germany. Without Merkel, it spread across the globe. From Brexit still the most popular party within SPD oppose his decision, including government. Meanwhile, some polls won’t be possible for Macron to further to Trump, reason and stability must Germany despite a diminished vote Andrea Nahles who is the new SPD suggest that 61% of Germans want his pro-EU agenda. For Britain, the prevail the anti-internationalist global share. leader in the Bundestag. Furthermore, coalition talks, so it seems Merkel is implications are also a negative one as haze. Catalonian Independence Movement

atalonia, a region of Spain that of Catalonia. in favour of independence. Yet in the the Spanish government.  rough the showed Catalonia their independ- has been seeking its independ- In the years following, 550 munici- years following the initial rekindling referendum, the national government ence, while chaos erupted throughout. ence since 1922, has seen an palities in Catalonia held referendums of the movement in 2006, no legisla- went as far as to shut down pro-in- In late October, Madrid, the country’s Cincrease of push for the movement’s of independence, in which the results tive progress has been made through dependence websites, and demanded capital, stripped Catalonian leader success in recent history, along with showed in favour of independence. these e orts, due to the Spanish gov- Google remove a voting location  nd- Carles Puigdemont from his position increased backlash from the Spanish Protest demonstrations for the move- ernment’s strong disapproval. er app from its app store. To pressure in o ce.  is decision will also see government in an attempt to suppress ment have seen utmost of one million In the 2017 referendum, which is Catalonian people into not voting, the removal of 150 ministers from the Catalonian nationalism.  is modern people, showing that independence is both the most recent and power- the national government seized ballot region, although some have vowed independence movement began in an extremely important value held by ful attempt Catalonia has made in papers and threatened those manning to continue their work. Currently, 2006 when the Spanish government the Catalonian people. Referendums achieving independence, Catalonian poll stations with he y  nes. Despite Catalonia is under control of Madrid attempted to overturn portions of the have been held in an attempt to vote government members declared that these setbacks, the referendum was until a new president and respective Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, on this divide in 2014 and 2017, all they would hold a vote regarding the held on October 1st, 2017. o cials are elected.  is election will which de nes the rights of the citizens resulting in a nearly unanimous vote issue with or without the support of  e results of the referendum take place on December 21st, 2017. 8 Seren | December Issue 2017 UNION December Issue 2017 | Seren 9 UNION WHAT A SEMESTER!

ver the 1st semester Undeb PJ and Powis Hall. Students got to sign some volunteering recruitment and by voting on Ideas they believe will masterclass session every month about Bangor have been very up to Clubs, societies, volunteering the BUCS began for the AU clubs, make their Bangor experience better, one aspect of your student led projects busy organising all kinds of projects and a few freebies were Societies passed the societies guild which in turn have been voted on from coaching and fundraising to activitiesO for you, our students. handed out, including thousands of and the cluster system was introduced. by UBC. From soya or almond milk  nances. We kicked o with Welcome slices of free pizza! Canine Calming during Destresstival provisions across campus to free- Two new campaigns to look out weekend where our Heroes were For the  rst time, the Undeb Bangor week brought students to see our access microwaves and making the for in the next few weeks include the back once again to help students Opportunities team held the Student cuddly canine friends and we raised trip registration form an online form, brand new Welfare Committee that move in to halls. We introduced a few Leadership Conference, helping £179.38 for Guide Dogs Wales. these are the changes that you want to our President is starting and, Tatenda, new activities, Meet and Mingle and student leaders become the leaders UMCB, the Welsh Students’ Union see happen across the University. VP for Sport’s brand new Welfare in Conversation Corners; a chance for you deserve.  e Student Leadership have had a very bust semester. We’ve run several campaigns Sport campaign. student to engage with each other in Conference was developed to help Highlights of their semester includes through the  rst half of the semester We have loads more to come in the a safe environment where they could empower the students as leaders their trip to the inter-college dance at including Welcome Week Wobbles, next semester and we are continually just have a conversation with like- and facilitate discussion around key Aberystwyth. UMCB Have also been Black History Month and  is Girl trying to improve the student minded people or play board games leadership areas. At Undeb Bangor busy collecting money for the local Can. We are currently working on experience. If you would like any and video games.  e events were well our vision is “to be completely relevant cancer ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd. With Disability History Month, our Housing more information on anything we attended and it was a pleasure to see to you” and events such as this aim a pledge auction, UMCB raised £1500 campaign, #Last Straw campaign and have going on next semester or would new and old students getting together to shape the ongoing discussions that for the ward. the Landlord Awards. Our Weekly like to know more about the things and enjoying themselves. Next up in we have with you and in uence how Across campus students have voted campaigns this term have included the we got up to this semester, please do welcome week was Serendipity, where things at Undeb Bangor are done. for their Undeb Bangor Councillors new PhTea; a lunch time get together get in touch. You can contact us via despite the beautiful rain of North During October some of our (UBC) and Course reps, so inevitably (12-2pm) for all PhD students to pop e-mail, or drop in to one of the drop Wales, we saw thousands of students key events included Destresstival, we have been busy with course rep in and out whenever they’re free. We’ve in sessions we have going on each day. work their way through the hundreds UBC and Course Rep Elections, councils and Undeb Bangor Council. also introduced a brand new initiative of stalls in the marquees outside and and Su’Mae Day. We started with Students have been getting involved called Opportunities Bitesize; a 1 hour

HAVE YOUR SAY Make Change Happen For the past  ve years, we’ve run a sur- vey for all students to take to inform our n Tuesday the 11th of committee is to create a forum where meeting and further establishing the plan and help out with events.  e work in the Students’ Union and this December, President Ruth the students can tell us exactly what aims and direction of the committee. next welfare committee meeting will year is no di erent. We want to know Plant, arranged the  rst they want with every aspect of their  e meetings are open to everyone, be in January, look out for information what you think about your Students’ meetingO of the brand new Welfare welfare.  e second and third meeting and the welfare committee are on the Undeb Bangor website and Union, your University and your stu- Committee.  e hope of the welfare will continue with the work of the  rst continuously looking for people to newsletter. dent experience. Simply by taking this survey, you’re al- ready helping students win!  is survey has helped us improve life for students at the University in countless ways, like 24 hour library during term time and free clubs and societies for all students. We have also ensured that no student has to print their assignments, saving you time and money, by working with the University to move to online only submission for assessments. Every response we get makes it easier for us to make the changes you want to see to your lives. Find the Bangor Student Survey on the Undeb Bangor website. 10 Seren | December Issue 2017 COMMENT Let’s talk Christmas! by ABI ROBINSON quicker as I have previously stated, chocolate sweets in tins, Christmas ing way too many mince pies and t’s that time of year when the but this only means the fairy lights cake, Yorkshire puddings, Ferrero spent too much money on the unan- winter lethargy has set in, and al- that decorate the many streets and Rocher’s and how could we ever forget, ticipated nights out, we have the day though we are trying to maintain houses around us are given more mince pies!  ey all share the spotlight we’ve all been waiting for; the 25th theI festive spirits of Christmas, the on- time to be appreciated. Bangor high on the aisles in our favourite super- of December! Your grandparents are coming deadlines and late-night study street has been given a glow, if only markets.  ey make the Christmas round, along with your favourite (or sessions are doing all but cheering our the fairy lights could remain to boost season what it has been for centuries. least favourite) Uncle, presents are souls for the holiday season.  e ad- our spirits on a permanent basis. Parties! Whether it be your favour- being exchanged, food is  nally be- verts on TV of families coming togeth- T’is the season of over indulgence- ite society’s Christmas dinner/ball, ing eaten (the tin of sweets saved for er, drinking mulled wine and enjoying spend as freely as you wish! Drink as or your course has hired PJ hall for today can now be opened) and fam- a competitive games night have all of many beverages as you please! And a festive themed party, it is certainly ily warmth and love is being felt all us students thinking about home; and buy that extra bar of chocolate! Why? a time to celebrate and have a dance. around. It’s a big build up for a mag- instead of making us feel warm and Because it’s Christmas, and we de-  is may include dressing as Santa, ni cent day we never tire of. It’s not cheery, we feel detached and irritated! serve it. I don’t recall any other season an elf or even something completely just about the materialistic things; in which this outlook is adopted and irrelevant to the season. Either way, in fact, that’s the least important as- For me, Christmas time is family pect on this day. It’s a celebration of time, and something I have struggled accepted. So, make the most of these everybody can get involved and months of leisure and excitement. have a laugh, forget about the work- unity in the home, and a day reserved to enjoy whilst being at University. for the ones we love and cherish. But as I have been feeling sorry for Food! A big part of all the seasons: load even for just a night and use the myself, submitting endless assign- autumn, we have to ee apples and best excuse we have; it’s Christmas! So, when you’re crying at your desk, ments and browsing at pictures of bon re to ee, pumpkin soup and During this time of year, one of my fa- screaming at the top of your lungs how my home county Lancashire, I do re- caramel lattes. Spring, lemon drizzle vourite things to do is to cosy up on the much you hate this time of year, bear alise this is something I need to snap cake and rhubarb pie. Summer, well sofa, or on my bed with a blanket and this in mind- as I believe we should out of and embrace. So, I decided to we do have the odd barbecue we can a hot chocolate, and spend the night all enjoy the Christmas season for the write this article for all of you sorry enjoy when the weather beats our ex- binge watching my favourite Christ- unique kind of happiness it does bring! souls who need to feel upli ed and pectations. However, the most com- mas movies. Home Alone being my  is time of year only comes around have the festive spirit reimbursed. mon, dreaded dish we can associate all-time favourite, how can we ignore once, so embrace the holiday season  ese are trying times, but when the with this season is salads.  e pressure the scene when the tarantula climbs and celebrate the festivities of Christ- days are shorter, and the darkness ar- for that summer body is upon us and over his face?! Hours pass, you’ve had mas in your unique, individual way! rives earlier, we are failing to see and divulging is something we all avoid. a chuckle, haven’t had to brace the Hoping everyone has a joyous Christ- enjoy the light, in literal and meta- Bland tasting salads we pretend to elements and not a single penny has mas,  lled with love, festivities and a phorical ways, even though we should! enjoy when we’d much rather be sip- been spent. What better way to spend lot of utterly delicious food! Enjoy ping a mulled wine and digging into a your time on a cold, wintery night! your moments with family, and treaure Fairy lights galore, they make the all the important memories that come world a more magical place, and they roast turkey. I believe ‘pigs in blankets’ And  nally, when the build up to should be the food of all seasons and your way! No doubt you’ll fondly look are also a  ne symbol of the Christ- the big day has been exhausted, we’re back at these memories next year! mas season. Yes, the night arrives not just winter. Cheese and biscuits, all skint because we’ve been buy- Invest in yourself: Recognize your privelege by SIMRAN PRASAD tough because of these problems, or think twice. Whereas people in the privilege. Recognize your platform of irony! Let’s put aside our entitled his time of the year usually problems similar to this. We drown in world struggle to  nd clean water that and the voice you have been given, selves, and start to truly recognize our brings about a lot of retrospect self-sympathy and expect people to be will be safe for them to drink. So o en and use gratefulness to your advan- privilege and the platform we have, as for me personally. Usually be- sympathetic, which in turn, feeds that in life, it becomes human tendency to tage. You have been given a platform it is one of the most important things Tcause it’s a month associated with so ego train. Now, I don’t mean to sound accept problems and react negatively. many people can only hope to have you could possibly be blessed with, in many positive, happy emotions, and philsophical in this article, but I o en We complain, vent to friends and be- one day, so promote and preach things a world like this. it’s the month that concludes a year catch myself out and can’t believe how lieve that our thoughts are justi ed. that matter to you and are important, of impeccable achievements and ex- big I make a problem! While we com-  ough we all do go through problems whilst not bashing things you dislike. periences. People o en celebrate love, plain about not having enough ward- of great magnitude at times, I think a It is important to remember that we joy, gratefulness and family spirit this robe space, children across the world new attribute I want to adopt is to stop do face problems, but how we handle month; however, I’d like to draw your tread unaccompanied to wells miles and remember what I do have. It is it says a whole other story about what attention to one very important aspect away to fetch water for their families. so easy to overlook the positives, and kind of people we are. Now, it’s an ob- of life and that is recognizing your  ey wear nothing but rags that once complain about what we don’t have. vious question that springs to mind: privilege.  ere have been countless were clothes. When thirsty, we walk Rather, let’s look at what we do have. How does recognizing your privilege times I’ve just let life pass me by and towards the nearest tap and  ll our-  is concept ties in with gratefulness, truly tie in to investing in yourself? By not stopped to think even once about selves a glass of water. Some girls can- which is such a thought-provoking recognizing your privilege, you build how blessed and privileged I am. So not go to school because they need to emotion. In ignites so many facets to a character you want for yourself. You many times in life, we complain about walk to the nearest well to take water life, and as an attribute, gratefulness is create a person you are proud to be. By how the water is too cold for a shower, back to their families.  e fact that as important as recognizing your priv- helping others, stopping to be grate- how inconvenient tra c is, and how girls cannot go to school, and have an ilege. I believe they work hand in hand ful, and celebrating your platform, we have no space in our wardrobes education that will allow them to pur- when it comes to living a harmonious you invest time, dedication, passion to squeeze in all our clothes.  ose sue their dreams, because they spend lifestyle.  ough it isn’t always possible and drive. Character traits that shape “problems” we have, are in actuality, the entire day walking to a well and to go through life’s problems feeling you as a person, and ultimately, ben- not even remotely related to actual fetching water, ba es me. Turning optimistic and positive, when we are e t you! It’s pretty unbelievable to hardships people face in life. We o en on a tap and  lling a glass of water is faced with a situation that is in a con- think that a small act of sel essness go about our day with this thought no part of my day. In fact, it’s o en a trol, rather than complain or act out, a can lead to an investment in your per- that our lives are so challenging and subconscious action of ours. We don’t good idea would be to recognize your sonal character.  at’s the de nition December Issue 2017 | Seren 11 COMMENT Is it possible to live your entire life without leaving a trace online? by SIMRAN PRASAD global platform, and the only way peo- as pioneers of the digital age, I believe new heights.  e digital age has cre- n today’s World, it’s almost impos- ple can reach that capacity is through it’s important to make full use of this ated outstanding entrepreneurs and sible to not leave a virtual foot- social media. Personally, I think that platform!  e cyber space is a portal pioneers that have all survived and print when it comes to the cyber it is important to live a life that does to things that extend past knowledge. thrived due to their in uential vir- network.I Whether it is social media exist past technology; however, your  e unique ability to make friends tual footprint, and this idea is crucial applications such as Facebook or Twit- virtual footprint has every right to be from anywhere in the world exists, the in terms of truly understanding the ter, or search engines like Google, we expressed! If you use it and your voice chance to meet inspiring role models depth and amount of importance the can’t seem to get enough. Almost 99% towards a cause or idea you are pas- and learn more about cultures and virtual footprint has today. With every of the time when you don’t know the sionate about for the right reasons, people are all unique opportunities passing day, you have the ability to answer to a question, your friend just then by all means use that platform that would not exist if we did not have grow your connections with people, says, “Why don’t you Google it?” and cement that virtual footprint. virtual footprints. meet new people and start fresh and  at’s how comfortable we‘ve got- As our lives today are so immersed  ough the Internet and cyber space exciting insightful conversations that ten with the web. However, this stable in technology, and we surround our- can be a very daunting place in gen- spark debate and change.  is power relationship with the net did not exist selves with people who have a similar eral, it is a gateway to exciting experi- can either be extremely positive or in the years preceding this digital age. mind-set, it’s impossible to complete- ences online, and this in itself is what substantially negative.  at’s where the When it came to writing up a report, ly exist without a virtual footprint. the digital age was established for. individuality of people and their deci- people heavily relied on hardback lit- By doing so, you would ultimately  ough we have countless opportuni- sions come into play. erature textbooks. Nowadays, we use exclude yourself from viral videos, ties to explore this space and create ex- It then comes down to the people peer-reviewed journals accessed on- trending topics and news controver- citing projects, the generations that are responsible to ensure their creative vi- line. Technology and the cyber space sies, and who wants that? It’s impor- to come a er us will have and create sion is ful lled, whilst standing their have de ned our lives to a point that tant to remember that the digital space many new and exciting trends, ideas ground when it comes to ideas.  is it seems near impossible in this gen- is an intricate dynamic forum that we and cyber connections that will grow tactic again sparks a  ood of creativity eration to exist without a trace. Many know very little about in actuality. and enhance their network.  is will when it comes to tailor-making your people believe the opinion they have We have the ability to learn so much spark ideas that will grow the cyber virtual footprint to be authentically has every right to be expressed on a through this information portal, and community that will allow it to reach you. Are optimism and success infectious? by SIMRAN PRASAD nothing to do with success! It could be the utmost courage and optimism. We to take away from this idea. We o en f you’ve ever read any motivational down to someone’s hard work, or dedi- approach these situations with keen question if optimism is really ben- books, or watched any motivation- cation to their job. It goes against hu- determination and motivate outselves e cial in terms of any success.  ese al documentaries inspired by the man nature to constantly be as happy to feel the positive emotions associated question tends to be raised when we’ve trialsI and tribulations of famous peo- and upbeat as optimism demands. It is with success. If this applies to one part been let down by our optimism. When ple, you’ve probably heard the phrase natural for us to feel beaten down, and of our lifestyle, it could be very pos- success doesn’t seem in sight, and op- “Success and Optimism are addictively having said this, do we attract negative sible that optimism is infectious. It is timism makes no sense and appears to infectious”. Of course this raises the traits when this happens?  is idea so infectious, that o en people have be a silly concept to adopt. I tend to question, are they really as infectious has no de nite pinpoint on a speci c the capacity to li the spirit of others look at these challenges as life simply as people claim? Optimism has been concept being correct. However it has around them. People have the capac- testing us, and your behaviour towards regarded as being the key to obtaining been proven that you do attract the en- ity to inspire others, motivate others, these challenges is entirely based on success when it comes to challenges. ergies you exude. Using this, it would and therefore help others succeed.  e the energy you want to put out into the  at unyielding positivity and  rm be safe to say that optimism does cor- interesting thing about this infectious universe. determination to always see the good relate to achieving success, in a way. In optimism is how positively it truly im- Choose wisely, as you might attract o en gets tested. When faced with a many ways, I agree with the idea that pacts people. e power to turn some- negative energies if you complain and tough decision, are you expected to al- you receive what you put out into the one else’s day around and help them sulk and don’t make the active deci- ways maintain that chirpy attitude and atmosphere. work towards a goal they have in mind sion to do somehting productive with 100-watt smile? We go through so many phases of life is truly an admirable feat. the situation. Let’s exude some infec-  at is exactly what entrepreneurs with this outlook. We form friendships So while the debate on if optimism tious optimism, and hope it creates and business moguls claim! Optimism based on similar personality traits and is really infectious goes on, I think I’ll the success we want in life, while still is such an infectious attitude that it similar wavelengths, as we form any stick to trying my best to exude that positively in uencing people around seems to attract positive traits similar relationship we have. We approach infectious positivity!. It doesn’t take us! It’s important to maintain a head- to it! When you exude that unwaver- new projects with willing optimism, away from you in any way, and instead strong, positive attitude whenever ing con dence, you exude good en- and if rejected, we take it as a lesson can make you feel really good and ex- yoou have the chance to do so, as life is ergy and positive attributes such as that contirbutes to our success in the cited about projects in your life, goals a rollercoaster of emotions that  uctu- perseverance.  is in turn attracts any future. We commit to decisions, force you hope to achieve and people you ate so rapidly at times that you’ll be le successes you hope to achieve. At least, ourselves to step outside our comfot want to interact with! It’s a very useful stunned. Harness that postive energy this is what countless pieces of litera- zones, and try to get inspired by peo- weapon to hold in your artillery, so use and choose to make an impact! I doubt ture have claimed.  e other side of ple of all walks of life simply because it! It costs nothing to be a kind human it will ever be a decision your regret! this idea is that maybe optimism has we approach all these situations with being, and this is an important lesson Get in touch and let us know if you’d like speci c topics to be discussed, or better yet, if you’d like to write for Comment! Comment is a section dedicated to exploring people’s opinions on various topics, so let us know if you’d like to be involved!

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A Time for Celebration, Good Tidings and a Whole Lot of Waste! o, I might be a self-confessed the equator 9 times. er area of sustainability which we can materials. An astounding amount of gi for a charity on their behalf.  ere’s scrooge, but Christmas has cer- 227,000 miles of wrapping paper is look to Sweden for inspiration – when wrapping paper is used at Christmas, a wide range of gi s starting from just tainly lost its appeal as I have thrown away. a new product is brought people have so how about using gi bags? – which a few pounds and can include things gottenS older. Maybe it’s the lack of free 6 million Christmas trees are dis- to pay a recycling fee and this provides can then be reused by other people for such as clean water and school sup- time, or the loss of all the chocolate carded every year. people with the incentive needed to other gi s, or what about newspaper? plies. Another solution is to buy expe- and colourful exciting toys I remem- 250 tonnes of Christmas trees are bring back items for recycling. Maybe It’s a great timeless looking alternative riences not gi s such as rock climbing ber playing with all the Christmas thrown away a er Christmas, when this sort of system is needed in the UK. which could look cute with some re- or photography lessons. season, but by the time Christmas has they could be used for compost. Recycling aside here are some tips on used red ribbon! actually came around a er the over ex- Approximately 2 million turkeys, 74 how to be less wasteful this Christmas. 7. Make homemade gi s cited, ambitious run up, the actual day million mince pies and 17.2 million 4. Christmas trees  ese a perfect thoughtful gi and a is kind of like, was that necessary? Brussel sprouts are thrown away every 1. Shopping locally Source real trees from sustain- great way to save some dollar.  e list Scrooge aside, there are actually Christmas.  is has lots of bene ts. Not only able sources and get it shredded a er of opportunities is endless! some reasons why the Christmas sea- 13,350 tonnes of glass are thrown out does local produce tend to have pack- Christmas, where it could be used as son isn’t actually so great. in the UK a er Christmas. aging you are drastically cutting your chippings for garden paths and chil- 8. Make a New Year’s Resolution  e UK produces 300 million tonnes 915,000 tonnes of electronic waste carbon footprint by reducing the dren’s play areas, instead of chucking it Yyour new year’s resolution could of waste per year, during this festive are produced by the UK each year, amount of air miles used as well as out. On the other hand, you could go be to reduce the amount of waste you season we produce 30% more waste which has led to an idea called the ‘ur- supporting your local economy. hip and make/ buy a cool wooden tree produce! You can be a good in uence than the usual. Research now has been ban mine’ following the launch of DE- (search Pinterest for inspiration). on those around you and you will feel done to show just how Christmas can FRA’s waste prevention programme in 2. Sending e-cards good for having such a positive impact have negative implications on our en- partnership with WRAP, which aims  ese are quickly gaining popularity, 5. Plan ahead on the environment. vironment. to instruct consumers and indus- so they may not be the traditional ap-  ere is always a lot of food waste at try on how to reduce waste.  e idea proach but it’s much better for the en- Christmas despite the initial worry that  ere’s heaps of tips and easy ways in Here are some key stats: presented involves utilising our scrap vironment. And this way you can still there will not be enough to go around. which to reduce your carbon footprint 300,000 tonnes of card packaging is electronic waste instead of going to send a sentimental card with any cho- So, plan meals ahead, and make you and the waste you produce, so maybe used at Christmas; enough to cover other countries to mine for precious sen graphics, music and custom mes- recycle food for future meals. this new year you will  nd inspiration London’s famous landmark, Big Ben, raw metals. sages included to those you care for. to implement a few of them. Happy almost 260,000 times. Whilst it’s crucial that we start to 6. Ethical Gi s Holidays! 1 billion cards end up in the bin, reduce and eradicate waste produced 3. Use recycled materials Don’t know what to buy for some- when they could be recycled. where possible, recycling still remains If you do go with traditional cards, at one? What do you get for someone  e amount of wrapping paper used a fundamental step in dealing with least for those who are closest to you who has everything? You should look for presents is enough to wrap around what we do produce.  is is yet anoth- then opt for those made with recycled into ‘gi aid’, you can buy a valuable David Attenboroughs’ Appeal to save the ‘future of humanity’ the heads of  sh, birds and turtles, and webs of interaction. A connection By HANNAH slowly strangle them. Other pieces of with nature is proven stress relief, and LIMBERGER plastic are so small that they are mis- can even improve how your nervous, ecently, David Attenborough taken for food and eaten, accumulat- endocrine and immune systems are opened up to the Radio Times ing in  shes’ stomachs, leaving them working. about the threats which the undernourished.” And there is still plenty of hope le . Rearth is facing, from global warming, “Surely we have a responsibility to We can still reduce the amount of to over shing and not forgetting the care for the planet on which we live? plastic which we use in our everyday 8 million tonnes of plastic which are  e future of humanity, and indeed of lives, and make small steps to help dumped into the sea each year. all life on Earth, now depends on us reduce the negative impacts on the “Plastic is now found everywhere in doing so,” said Attenborough planet. Which not only will improve the ocean, from its surface to its great- Our health and wellbeing can be the health of ecosystems in the long est depths,” Sir David wrote. “ ere are connected to the health of our envi- term but can also improve our own fragments of nets so big they entangle ronment and the oceans with complex well being. December Issue 2017 | Seren 13 ENVIRONMENT MPs reject animal sentience in withdrawal bill n the 15th November MPs that such a vote caused outrage among excuse for not supporting my animal voted to reject the EU the public and animal activists alike. sentience amendment last week. sentience bill (the admission Following lots of backlash and nega- #PMQs” thatO animals can’t feel pain or tive attention MPs were forced to deny So, despite May’s recent attempts emotions) into UK law. A claim which the recent vote, claiming that the vote to reconcile the situation there does not only undermines Michael Goves against transferring EU protocol on appear to still be a reason to be high animal welfare pledge, also animal sentience into UK law has been question how animal welfare will be in completely disregards the progress widely misconstrued. MPs took to so- better shape post Brexit if all animals that the scienti c community has cial media to declare that all MP’s be- in the UK are not covered under the made in proving the intelligence that lieve animals to be sentient beings, and Lisbon Treaty? Many organisations animals possess. In fact research now reassured the public that Brexit is seen have stood up to vent their angst over have found some species to possess as an opportunity to further strength- this bill, including the RSPCA who more complex emotional networks en animal welfare laws, Prime Minister agree with Lucas stating - the animal than our own.  eresa May Tweeted that despite the welfare act 2006 is not substantial 80% of animal welfare legislation rejection of this bill, the animal welfare enough, adding that not only does it comes from the EU, and the recog- act of 2006 is still on the statute books not cover sentience it also only covers nition of animals as sentient beings which still covers animal sentience. domestic animals. Richard Bowler – which occurred in 2009 a er years However, Green Party co-leader also joined in the fun by starting of campaigning by activists, has been Caroline Lucas remains disappointed. an online petition against the vote, a great step in improving animal wel- Whilst the government have and posting the following statement fare across the nation, including the committed to transferring all existing alongside a photo of a wild fox ‘Rosie’ banning of battery cages and stopping EU law on animal welfare into UK with obvious emotion in her eyes. “So animal testing for cosmetics. With ani- law, they have not supported article 13 MPs have voted and in their wisdom, mals no longer being acknowledged as of the Lisbon Treaty - the only treaty animals can no longer feel pain or sentient beings the UK, come 2019 which explicitly states animals to be emotions. It really beggars belief that animals could be facing a pretty grim sentient beings. in this day and age, this shower of future of exploitation, with possibly Que angry tweet from Lucas: “ e a government no longer recognises the reintroduction of hunting, lab test- Prime Minister is WRONG.  e animals as sentient beings.” ing with much more cruelty and much Animal Welfare Act (2006) does not less regulated farming. Its no wonder provide that protection. Absolutely no

Technologies Role in Combating Climate Change t the Paris agreement in 2015 by 2030 just to hold the planet at a less such controversial e orts to establish not economically viable. - for instance solar energy is now the world leaders agreed to hold ambitious two degrees of warming. zero emissions. Testing facilities are so With an average of a 1 degree of cheapest way to generate electricity. global warming to 1.5C above Carbon-Sucking is among some far showing no signs of progress, the warming already been seen, scientists Conversely some technologies I feel Apre-industrial times, a target which other new controversial technologies, necessary injection of C02 for it to stay and engineers are promoting the may cloud the e orts we still need was considered fundamental in order which whilst not fully developed yet, underground has a large risk of leaking launch of more ‘zero-emission’ to make, and remove focus from to protect the lowest lying countries aims to capture up to 90% of carbon emissions back into the atmosphere, technologies, in the hope of making simple, cheap proven approaches from rising sea levels, preventing more dioxide (C02) emissions produced and at a few testing facilities they have coal energy ‘clean’. However, such which will reduce global emissions increases in extreme weather events from fossil fuel processes, to then caused earthquakes by cracking the technologies working to make our such as; improving energy e ciency, and ensuring that food production store these emissions far underground rock during injection. unsustainable lifestyle ‘greener’, whilst promoting cleaner transport, eating doesn’t take a hit. However, whilst (several kilometres below the surface) Also, the price tag attached is being inherently risky is actually less meat, planting more trees and the world has continued to fail to in selected rock formations.  is sort of another big issue with carbon capture slowing our e orts to reduce our turning more to renewable energies. hit these targets scientists are now ‘tinkering’ with the earth’s systems can technology, current price estimates current greenhouse gas emissions. threatening that new costly carbon be very risky and there’s no surprise are 125% more wind power for each Technology can play a useful role sucking technologies will be needed that there are many sceptics against kilogram of carbon dioxide making it in helping us combat climate change

‘ e Urban Nurture’s 1 Week Plastic- less challenge!’ Are you up for it? and it becomes overwhelmingly appar- awareness and work towards creating By EMMA ent just how many products come in solutions to this unacceptable plastic KAJIAMA plastic and how much of it is unneces- problem. ou may have seen the photo that sary (plastic-wrapped grapefruit any- All you would need to do is answer 10 went viral recently, of a seahorse one?) quick questions about your experiences clinging onto a plastic cotton So, is there anything we can do to at the end of your week. You can choose Ybud. Or you might have seen the vid- change our actions and help our planet? any week but please email me your an- eos of the vast expanses of man-made For my part, I will be taking on the ‘1- swers before Christmas. rubbish  oating like islands in ‘pris- week Plastic-less Challenge’ to actively If you are interested in taking part, tine’ waters. In any case it has become reduce the amount of plastic I buy, and please email me at afu6a0@bangor. extremely clear that plastic and other I would like to invite you to join me. ac.uk or message me on Facebook at non-degradable materials are polluting At the end of this experiment I will be ‘ e Urban Nurture Project’.  ank whole ecosystems and negatively a ect- writing a piece to highlight how di - you! ing the species that depend on them. cult plastic-free living can be. Just one glance around a supermarket I believe that together we can raise 14 December Issue 2017 | Seren SCIENCE WINNERS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY PHOTO AWARDS ANNOUNCED ut of a 1100 photos that were submitted by photographers from around the world for the 2017 Royal Society Publishing Photography Competition – the most that have been ever submitted – the winners and runner ups have been announced, and their photos uploaded online for everyone to view. O  e winners for Astronomy, Micro-imaging, Behaviour and, Eciology and Environmental Science are listed below ASTRONOMY MICRO-IMAGING ‘Lunar Spotlight, South Pole, Antarctica,’ ‘Olive oil drop family hanging together,’ by Dr Danial Michalik. by Hervé Elettro and Marie Curie

Credit to : Hervé Elettro and Marie Curie,  e Royal Society, ( e Royal Society Publishing Competition) Credit to : Dr Danial Michalik,  e Royal Society, ( e Royal Society For just a brief moment, a camera captures the moment a collection of four olive oil droplets form on a strand of silk. Publishing Competition) For taking an awe-inspiring photo of suspended in the atmosphere, which a common phenomenon, that occurs creates a rare optical illusion: a pillar only in the South Pole, of ice crystals of light shining underneath the moon. ECOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ‘Respiro,’ by Antonia Doncila. SCIENCE ‘Waiting in the shallows,’ by Nico de Bruyn

Credit to : Dr Danial Michalik,  e Royal Society, ( e Royal Society Publishing Competition) Credit to : Nico de Bruyn,  e Royal Society, ( e Royal Society Publishing Competition) For taking a simple yet symbolic societal wrongdoings and the hope photo of a polar bear  nding that what has melted can become For taking a surreal photo of killer whales entering a small bay, surprising a small huddle of King Penguins busy preening an ice sheet to rest on, with his frozen once more. themselves in the water. absentminded gaze representing Seren | December Issue 2017 15 SCIENCE EXTINCT HORSESHOE CRAB NAMED AFTER DARTH VADER

long, long, long time ago and went the way of most ancient species survived for over four hundred and journal. It belonged to the extinct Darth Vader as there are many species on the planet that we live on, and became extinct. Unfortunately, we seventy million years. family called Austrolimulidae and of mites, wasps and beetles that are still a species of Horseshoe Crab, don’t know if it breathed in the iconic  e discovery of the fossil and its would have lived in shallow estuaries living amongst us today sporting the Awhich closely resembled the shape and way that Darth Vader himself did. odd name of Vaderlimulus tricki was dotted along the western coast of a name of this popular character. style of Darth Vader’s famous helmet, Horseshoe Crabs are a species that are announced in the Neues Jahrbuch für mysterious continent known only as roamed the shallow estuaries looking more related to scorpions and spiders Geologie und Paläontologie journal Pangea. However, this species isn’t the for food to eat, until it unfortunately then true species of crabs, and have – the world’s oldest palaeontological only one that has been named a er the Duck-Like Dinosaur Species Found to be Fossil Found Evolving ‘Backwards’

eventy million years ago, a poachers and was given to a museum turkey-sized dinosaur swam in Belgium, where it will reside for through the ancient wetlands of further research until eventually being ecent observations on a species lizard species do.  is rare anomaly other reptilian species that have been whatS is now Southern Mongolia, using given back to Mongolia. It has been of common lizard, that are was discovered when biologists evolving backwards, such as the its sensitive beak and strong forelimbs named Halszkaraptor escuilliei, a er a indigenous to Spain, have led were carrying out a genetic analysis Erycinae snakes that have regained Rresearchers to come to a startling of over seventy species of common the ability to lay eggs a er spending to hunt and feed on tiny  sh. It looked fossil dealer and collector who found like a duck, would have hunted like a the fossil, and is trying to  ght back conclusion that these lizards are lizards throughout Europe, with the sixty million years giving birth to live duck, however, it wasn’t a duck and against the illegal trade in fossils that reversing their own evolution and results being published online on young. closely related to Velociraptors. is unfortunately running rampant in are laying eggs, instead of giving bioRxiv. Whilst it may seem like a  e fossil was  rst rescued from Mongolia. birth to live young as most common one o , however, there have been 16 December Issue 2017 | Seren SOCIETIES HERPSOC HOSTS A SUCCESFUL VENOM DAY

by LANDRY GREEN from Georgia Southern University, Initiative (David).  ese are only a few and Captive and Field Herpetology, who, unfortunately, couldn’t make USA, and Maria Torres Sanchez, a PhD of the amazing speakers and talks from everyone got their full share of venom- it to the conference this year due to his year was the 7th annual student from Madrid, Spain. A little the day! related action. health issues. We wish you a speedy Venom Day conference, host- closer to home, Bangor University’s  is year was the  rst to invite A ra e was held to raise funds recovery, Tell! Overall, the ra e raised ed and organised by Bangor very own zoology lecturer and venom enthusiasts and experts to for the Global Snakebite Initiative a staggering £607!  is will go a long TUniversity’s Herpetological Society venom expert, Dr. Wolfgang Wüster, present a poster, covering an aspect (GSI) – a not-for-pro t organisation way to helping su erers of snakebite, alongside Bangor Uni alumnus, Dr. talked about the School of Biological of their venom-related work or which o ers aid and research to help so a huge thank you to all who Simon Maddock, and with 147 attend- Sciences’ yearly  eld trip to Arizona. interests. Posters covered everything those who su er from the under- participated in the ra e! ees, it was a full house and another Meanwhile, Bangor Uni alumni, Dr. from new scienti c discoveries to represented issue of venomous snake  e Herpetological Society would successful Venom Day! Axel Barlow, Dr. Nicholas Casewell how other countries deal with the bites throughout the world. Ra e like to thank all of the speakers, stall  e talks were a big hit, with guest and Dr. David Richards joined us to issue of venomous snake bites.  e prizes were donated from some of organisers, poster providers, Simon, speakers from all around the world, talk about King cobra genetics (Axel), poster event proved a big hit, and with the speakers and stall organisers, and most importantly, the guests, for including Dr. Marieke Dijkman from e ects of asexual breeding on venom stalls from renowned organisations and renowned artist and regular making the day the success it was, and  e Netherlands, Dr. Christian Cox (Nick) and the Global Snakebite such as Kanahua, Snake Professional Venom Day attendee, Tell Hicks we hope to see you there next year! Social Sciences HOGSOC Christmas Meal by CLAIRE POWELL desserts, including brownies, meal and celebrations. Your contribu- AND ALEX MOIR Christmas pudding and the best apple tions were all very much appreciated. Winter Ball crumble ever! A funky hats lucky dip It was wonderful to see everyone who by SIAN ROBINSON were the poker tables, thanks to Poker his year has been an industri- de nitely got us all in the Christmas attended. I hope you all thoroughly en- Society, which were hit with all who at- ous year for HOGSoc, so far we spirit and congratulations to ‘Quiz joyed the night. team Aguilera’ for the resounding win Merry Christmas to all and have a n the 8th December, the tended.  e society would also like to have built a series of hedgehog Thomes from recycled wood, set up bird at the Christmas Quiz. Happy New Year! Enjoy the break and Social Sciences Society hosted send special thanks to Titan Sound &  e night wouldn’t have been pos- we’ll see all members in 2018 for more our  rst ever Winter Ball.  is Light for the wonderful set up in our feeders and planted winter crops. So sible without- Tom Morrisey, Claire HOGSoc and STAG work parties and wasO the  rst big event which we had winter wonderland; and to DJ society what better way to round o the year Powell, Sarah Ellis, Mandy Davies, talks. We hope to hear you all soon! organised solely as a committee, so we for the fantastic choices of music to get than with a hearty celebration at the Bazil Shariman, Catherine Pearson,  e Horticultural Organic were both nervous and excited for a us all up and dancing our stresses away. HOGSoc STAG Christmas Meal? As Hannah Puckey, Emily Cooledge, Alex Gardening Society (HOGSoc) runs successful night. Hosted in Powis Hall, We’d also like to thank the university is customary, the event was hosted at Moir, Monica Howells, Ella Bowman every Sunday 1-4 (except when STAG it was beautifully decorated by our catering services for providing a bar Treborth Botanical Gardens. Where and Nynke Sylinde, and of course our runs events, once a month).  e committee for the Christmas-themed and a lovely spread of a Christmas buf- else can you have a real life Redwood wonderful HOGSoc and STAG mem- HogSoc Gardens are found adjacent to bash. To begin the night, we had four fet. Finally, I would like to thank my for a Christmas tree? Special thanks bers.  e meal wouldn’t be complete St James’ Church, opposite Morrisons. stunning performances from mem- committee, Ryan, Bekah, Emma and to Sarah Ellis, our coach driver for the without cheesy Christmas photos. More information can be located on bers of Pole Fit, who so kindly agreed Kirsty, for their organisation through- evening for making sure we all got to Enjoy the one included and there are our Facebook page- https://www.face- to attend our event. With paper plate out, and for preparing the room for the the venue. many more on the HOGSoc Facebook book.com/groups/hogsoc/ awards such as Best Lecturer, Social event, it wouldn’t have been a success Homemade mulled wine comple- page. Feel free to post any photos you Instagram- www.instagram.com/ Media Addict and Biggest Party Girl, without you. mented a full Christmas dinner with took on the night too.  e cheesier/ bu_hogsoc and a ra e to win a variety of prizes, We hope everyone who attended had the essential Christmas treat, pigs most Christmassy the better! A mas- Twitter- www.twitter.com/ the night was  lled with fun and en- a lovely and festive night, and that this in blankets!  is was followed by a sive thank you to all who worked tire- BangorHOGSoc joyment. Another brilliant feature will become an annual event! scrumptious selection of homemade lessly last night to produce a wonderful Seren | December Issue 2017 17 SOCIETIES Bangor University Concert Band and Bangor University Brass Band Christmas Concert by ELEANOR SMART  ere was then a short interval where the audience had the chance to enjoy some festive bakes, have some refreshments and purchase Bangor University Concert Band and Bangor University Brass tickets for the ra e.  e Concert Band, conducted by Sam Jones, Band Christmas Concert then performed for the second half of the concert, again with a  e University Concert Band and Brass band held their annual wide-ranging repertoire, occasionally turning to the cinema with Christmas concert on Saturday 9th December. Held in PJ there was music from Star Trek and Mulan.  ey began with Peter Graham’s a mix of music from classic  lms and Broadway hits to more sea- ‘Gaelforce’ and ended with ‘Sleigh Ride’.  ey were then joined sonal Christmas music to set the tone for the evening.  e Brass on stage by the members of the Brass Band to perform two carols Band, conducted by Elspeth Malcom began with ‘All  at Jazz’ which were sung by the audience before  nishing with a wonder- from the famous musical Chicago and had a wide-ranging reper- fully festive piece, ‘A Christmas Festival’! Both bands thoroughly toire,  nishing back in Broadway with ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’. enjoyed being able to showcase their hard work from this  rst semester.

WHO WE ARE: Here at Bangor University Photography Society we’re a mix of profes- sionals and hobbyists alike – welcoming everyone in between. We hold regular meetings on a Monday night, 7:30pm in Wheldon TS5. In our meetings we aim to teach photography basics and styles to all of our members in a fun, safe and caring environment. We host regular trips to fantastic locations as well as o er exciting opportunities to our members.

WHAT WE DO: Our meetings cover all areas of Photography – this semester we’ve cov- ered Photography Basics, Film Photography, Mobile photography, Light painting and more. In the coming semester we have even more excit- ing talks planned, including Editing, Wildlife Photography and Product Photography. Last semester we visited Portmeirion as well as Newbor- ough Beach, also holding a Photo Walk around Bangor and the Cegin Valley. Next semester we will be going to new locations such as Cwm Idwal and Chester Zoo. We’ve also o ered ‘Masterclasses’ to our members, Portraiture Workshops and Darkroom Development Sessions. Our Portrait by CHLOE HEARNDEN sessions visit beautiful scenic locations such as the Bangor Pier, The Cegin Valley and More. On occasion our portrait sessions are held indoors, using our professional studio equipment. Our Darkroom Development Sessions are held in our Darkroom, located in Academi. These are held on Wednes- days 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Portraiture Workshop) and 2:45pm – 4:45pm (Darkroom Development Sessions). In the coming semester we are proud to announce our Landscape Masterclass sessions. These new sessions will take members on a minibus to various beautiful scenic locations such as Snowdon, Bangor Mountain & Llanberis and will be £2 per person. These masterclasses are one of the ways we o er exciting opportunities and activities to our members. We also o er regular work opportunities to our members, helping them to get photography work experience. WHERE DO I SIGN UP?: We have several social media platforms you can follow us on – our Facebook group is titled Bangor University Photography Society, you can follow us on Instagram at @bu_photosoc, you can follow us on Twitter at @Bangor_PhotoSoc. You can also nd us on Snapchat at bu_photosoc. Alternatively, if you wish to contact us by email or hire us, you can contact us at [email protected], where we’ll answer all inquiries and questions you have. WE’RE HERE TO HELP: If you have any photography related questions don’t hesitate to come to our meetings to ask – no matter what the meeting is! You can also message any committee member with your questions whenever you like.

by CLAIRE POWELL

by ASH JONES 18 December Issue 2017 | Seren ARTS & CULTURE

Frazzled: a night with Ruby Wax

or as long as I can remember, I us tips based on how to deal with the dled. The approach of humour and ences of mental health, has got to ly goes to theatres for musicals rather have been a fan of Ruby Wax. So, anxieties of living in an advancing ease is precisely what we need to be one of the most powerful things than book tours, I went in with an Fwhen I saw that she was coming world. With a master’s degree in cog- breakdown the stigma to a problem I have ever experienced. The atmos- open mind. It is safe to say that Ruby to Pontio, naturally I screamed a lit- nitive based mindfulness therapy, it that 1 in 4 of us experience at some phere in the theatre shifted; emo- Wax lived up and surpassed any ex- tle (a lot), and prepared myself for an is safe to say this talented gal knows point in our lives. Not only did this tions were not only being taken in, pectation I had of the evening. I was evening listening in awe at a topic so what she is talking about. re ect Ruby’s true character, it also they were also being released and taught that it’s okay to not be okay, close to the lives of many of us: men- The evening consisted of two halves; showed to us her talents as an artist. dealt with in a way that was light and that book tours are something tal health. Frazzled is a book which the rst being Ruby discussing her The second half consisted of a ques- hearted. Mental health was not a big to go to again in the future. There is I believe we all need to be in pos- journey in the creation of the book, tion and answer session between deal and the sensitive, humorous no denying that I enjoyed the even- session of. We live in an age where and the most touching part, her own the audience and Ruby herself. This group of people making up the audi- ing; however, the personal highlight technology and the pace of modern experiences of mental health herself, part re ected the whole purpose of ence displayed that and for a second, of the evening was Ruby Wax danc- living is surpassing the emotional ca- and in her family. What was most the book tour, hearing the audience the stigma around mental health was ing around in a hula skirt. What more pabilities of us as humans. This book striking and wonderful, was the way get so emotionally involved and so gone. I was unsure what to expect of could you want in life? explains that so perfectly, and gives the issue of mental health was han- freely discussing their own experi- the evening. As someone who most- Wales Comic Con, Winter 2017

by EMMA JEWKES Brealey (Moriarty and Molly Hooper the photos were going on was great. (Boycie in Only Fools and Horses), a respectively) and this was followed He seemed to be really enjoying it, quietly spoken man and nothing like n the weekend of 2nd and 3rd by The Walking Dead panel with Mi- pulling funny poses an playing o his tv alter-ego, he seemed genu- December, Wales Comic Con chael Cudlitz (Abraham) and Scott the various cosplays. When my turn inely interested in talking to us. Sean Oonce again descended on the Wilson (Herschel). Due to problems came, I was a bag of nerves but he Pertwee was much the same in that Wrexham University campus, provid- with trains, both talks were very was great and, despite being in his respect. ing a unique opportunity to meet short which, for me, wasn’t great but fties, looks awfully good for his age. If I have one gripe with the day, it with heroes of tv and lm. This being unfortunately some things just can’t Following on from Sean Pertwee, I would be that it could get quite ex- only my second ever comic Con, I’m be helped. also had a The Walking Dead group pensive. For The Walking Dead pho- still a bit of a con newbie however Following on from the panels, I had photo booked and one with the to-op, it was £120. And on top of that, that didn’t quell the excitement I had my rst photo-op of the day booked. Game of Thrones group. Both were many guests charged for sel es on for this event. It was with Sean Pertwee who I had great thrills for me and my boyfriend top of autographs at their tables. For We decided to go on the Saturday been particularly looking forward as we are fans of both shows. It was Sting, the wrestler, it was £45 for an and despite an unbelievably long to meeting, ever since I’d seen Dog such a thrill to get to meet these he- autograph and £45 for a sel e mean- queue, we managed to get into the Soldiers years ago. This meant more roes of ours, let alone be breathing ing a visit to his table could cost £90! event reasonably early. The rst queueing which unfortunately be- the same air as them. By contrast, John Challis was charg- thing on our list was the Sherlock came a theme of the day. Seeing Despite the really premier guests, ing a tenner for an autograph and a Panel with Andrew Scott and Louise Sean with the other attendees while my favourite guest was John Challis free sel e! What a hero! Seren | December Issue 2017 19 ARTS & CULTURE

e Importance of Loving Vincent

by LAURA PÄTÄRI frames, which are each hand-painted painted, it used actors and lm cam- used, whether a prominent blue, found a place in his world. rom the easels in Poland, and oil paintings to explore the famous eras rst to set scenes and sequenc- dark red or light yellow, which we However, the message of mem- one animation studio in Greece, painter’s internal turmoil and the es. To list some most notable cast, recognise instantly from van Gogh’s ory, mourning and care resonates Fa new feature- lm like no other people around him. Employing 125 Robert Gulaczyk as Vincent, Saoirse famous works. With this, the lm noir throughout the lm, through family is on the lips of all arts enthusiasts. professional artists from around the Ronan as Marguerite Gachet and style, as well as realistic black-and- relationships, friends and ultimately, Premiering in the National Gallery globe, these paintings were pro- Douglas Booth as Armand Roulin white scenes to the large, abstract the legacy of Vincent’s paintings in London as part of the BFI (British duced in Poland and Greece, secret create a pleasantly enigmatic bridge and colourful impressionist strokes to the art world of his time and be- Film Institute) London Film Festival from the media - until February 2017, between real life and the two-dimen- of paint. yond. The lm’s title, Loving Vincent, this October, the lm Loving Vincent when rst trailers began to emerge. sional characters within paintings borrows the signature of van Gogh’s showcases as the rst fully painted Significance of film- letters to capitalise the deeply per- feature-length lm in the world. Painted films Impressionism making sonal angle of the lm’s storytelling. What a merit! Bringing traditional and modern comes to life Delving into the life and death of But most importantly, it reminds us Written and directed by Dorota art together is nothing new, but When watching the lm, each the legendary van Gogh is no light of the signi cance of making such Kobiela and Hugh Welchman, this weaving in techniques of animation brushstroke rst takes the viewer’s matter. The painter su ered men- lms; ones that take years of labour remarkable work tells the mysteri- and painting are rarely seen. Painted breath away. The lm uses multiple tal sickness, cut his own ear o and and love. It is to honour the labours ous story of Vincent van Gogh’s life short lms, such as from the artist- cinematic techniques, such as wide died of an assumed, self-in icted, of love that Vincent van Gogh’s hun- and death through van Gogh’s let- lmmaker Alexander Petrov who landscape shots, portrait-like, me- gunshot wound. The painting tech- dreds of paintings represent. After ters to his brother Theo, and voices paints oil on sheets of glass, exist, but dium closeups, as well as extreme niques have a haunting way to re ect all, to quote the man himself, “We of friends and strangers around are rarely longer works. The length of closeups to stretch the medium of oil this; the viewer cannot but wonder if cannot speak other than by our him. Bringing masterpieces like “The Loving Vincent alone speaks there- within the world of Vincent, and it’s the impressionistic, slightly distorted paintings.” Church at Auvers” and “Starry Night” fore, of the mammoth artistic task its incredible, because it’s nothing most and ‘noisy’ landscapes and portraits to life, the lm utilises near to 65,000 cast and crew have undertaken. of the audiences have ever seen be- are a product of an indecipherable Yes, cast! While the lm is fully fore. Di erent tonal techniques are mind of someone who never truly e star of 2017 How to get festive: Arts and Culture Edition think from about September, I hristmas is the perfect time for both amateur and professional thea- have had in mind who I think food, drink and most de nitely, tre companies performing them so deserves the crowning title of entertainment. The Festive timelessly, it means that even our StarI of 2017. And that person, un- C season provides us with some of the student pockets can a ord it. surprisingly is Imelda Staunton. Star- best entertainment suitable for all Really homing in on the traditional ring in some of National Theatre’s the family (even granny loves a pan- side of the festive season, is a carol best productions this year (not only tomime). concert. Whether it be in a church this year either), such as ‘Follies’ and Every year, a panto somehow man- with your family singing Come All Ye ‘Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf?,’ it is ages to really get everyone in the Faithful, or stood outside in the rain basically my duty to recognise her festive spirit. Adapting on family around a poorly lit Christmas tree for this. She has made herself some- favourites, such as our own musical with your friends (aided by cheap what of a national treasure, with 11 theatre group SODA, so wonder- mulled wine and Rocking Around prestigious Olivier awards, a BAFTA, fully performing Cinderella, there The Christmas Tree). There is noth- and cropping up in the Harry Potter is no surprise that this tradition is ing more entertaining than trying lms; Imelda Staunton is a name you something that has held its position your very best to hit that high note. hear so frequently. Her versatility and as a top Christmas time activity. The You don’t have to be able to sing, you raw talent as an actress means that routine involved in a pantomime just need to have the enthusiasm to she moulds herself into any role so also deviates away from the normal do so. perfectly. She is the physical embodi- theatre etiquette, meaning you can The next tip is to nd a brass band ment of “talent” and her presence in laugh like a seal and scream “he’s and keep them close by, always. It the theatre scene and lm industry, behind you” at the top of your lungs could be the height of summer and a is something that will continue to at- with nothing but pride. Pantomimes brass band gets us longing emotion- tract myself and thousands of other are also available all over; they are ally for the festive season enthusiasts for many years to come. . certainly not in short supply with 20 December Issue 2017 | Seren MUSIC LIVE MUSIC: e Allegri String Quartet In Pontio by ZACH READING he Allegri String Quartet have Friday afternoon, this late Beethoven to agree as the third movement’s become a recurring feature in string quartet was played expertly ending is found as a reprise at the Tthe Bangor musical calendar and had the audience gripped for the end of the forth. and it’s been a joy to hear them in as full fty minute duration. The Allegri’s playing and musicality diverse venues as Bangor Cathedral, Its ve movement form is similar to was truly beyond criticism and, while Powis Hall and Bryn Terfel Theatre that of Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony there were a few lapses of intona- during my time in Bangor. However, with the third comprising of a pro- tion, it was quite incredible to think it is in Studio, located on Pontio’s longed slow movement. Subtitled of these few cases in the context of second  oor, that they have found a the “Holy song of thanksgiving of a 50 minute musical marathon by home the last few years. The intimate a convalescent to the Deity, in the a composer whose music is regu- acoustic is perfect for the Allegri’s Lydian mode”, the music takes on, larly described as awkward to play close and personal playing. This understandably, something of a con- (which actually lends to its charm year’s formidable showing included tinuous prayer, always searching for more often than not). The group are string quartets by Mozart, Szyman- a higher existence and reaching be- a testament to the incredible e ect owski, Schubert and, lastly, Beethov- yond the earthly. It was the kind of of chamber music and I hope their en’s masterful Quartet in A minor performance that you never really place in the Pontio programme stays op 132. Filling the entire concert on wanted to end. Beethoven seemed for years to e Jazz Band At e Menai he University’s Jazz Band are a band that likes to have fun. allowed people to dance if they performed on the 7th of However they also played a number wanted to as there was no obligation TDecember in the Menai pub in of serious Jazz songs that showcased to sit politely or quietly, and people upper Bangor. Despite a late start their professional musical abilities could even play pool and board and some very rowdy punters, the brilliantly and will have undoubtedly games whilst they listened. Because band provided an enjoyable show helped them recruit more members, of this I think it would be hard for that certainly got the pub feeling as well as musical respect. The relaxed anyone to not have enjoyed the cosy Christmassy. The band played classic atmosphere made the concert even evening of music and booze. Overall, Christmas songs and sing along more enjoyable as the tipsy punters it was a fantastic performance that hits from musicals and famous pop could join in with the songs amongst showcased the band’s fun side, stars. This along with the fact that chats with their friends, and even professionalism and talent brilliantly. they were wearing Christmas hats eat meals or snacks as they enjoyed and tinsel really showed that they the performance. The pub setting

A Novel With A Soundtrack s if Tom Fletcher’s song writing with a soundtrack on a CD. Through- charts yet? Especially given its inspi- skills hadn’t blown us away al- out the novel, at the end of chap- rational music video. The tear jerking Aready with songs like Busted’s ters or after important events in the footage of a boy learning to perform ‘Year 3000’ and McFly’s ‘All About story, there are prompts that tell the skateboard-like tricks in his wheel- You’, this month he has opened up an reader when to play each track. This chair has left many YouTube viewers extremely exciting route for music, incredibly interesting combination asking why it wasn’t chosen as the that could change the music and the of reading and listening to music re- latest John Lewis advert. The huge book industry forever. In 2012, Tom ally brings the novel to life, but also, success of the musician and author’s Fletcher collaborated with his band nally gives McFly fans the music exciting endeavour is clear by the mate Dougie Poynter to co-write his they’ve been craving for so long. Al- fact that the theatre production of rst children’s book ‘The Dinosaur though the songs were written and the novel, ‘The Christmasaurus Live That Pooped Christmas’. Originally sung without his band mates, they On Stage’, sold out within minutes meant as a half hearted endeav- de nitely still have the classic McFly of its announcement, along with the our to make fun of their band mate feel and sound that all children of extra dates that were soon added. Danny Jones, millions of copies of the nineties and noughties adore. The show will be performed across the book were sold. As sequels and On the 17th November, Tom Fletcher Christmas this year, in London, with spin o stories were then commis- released one of the novel’s songs on a star studded cast that includes Tom sioned and released, Tom Fletcher YouTube with an accompanying mu- Fletcher himself, his wife Giovanna gradually became a recognised and sic video. The song ‘Afraid Of Heights’ Fletcher, and his band mate Harry established children’s writer, and in is a magical and heartwarming Judd. The interactive novel’s instant 2016, he released his rst solo novel Christmas song, that is catchy as well success will undoubtedly result in ‘The Christmasaurus’. However, at as being the perfect song to dance other novels of the same kind from the end of November, Tom Fletcher and sing along to at Christmas par- both Tom Fletcher and other authors. combined his talents as a singer and ties and get-togethers. It’s obvious It signals an extremely exciting intro- a writer, and released ‘The Christ- sprinkling of Tom Fletcher genius duction to the music industry that masaurus: The Musical Edition’. This means I cannot understand how this could permanently change the na- fascinating children’s novel comes song has not climbed the Christmas ture of the children’s novel. Seren | December Issue 2017 21 @seren_music MUSIC Is There Room For New The ‘Packing To Christmas Songs? Go Home For by VICKY WILKES o audiences still favour tra- As of the rst week of December, ditional over contemporary Buble’s album has already managed Christmas’ Playlist Dalbums and could newer re- to secure a position in the top fteen leases become more popular than of the o cial album chart, mean- the classics? while Sia fails to even break into the It’s nally December and time to top fty of the same chart with her shamelessly listen to Christmas mu- album released in mid-November. sic until January! A Looking at the charts, it is clear that large part of the festive season is classic albums and tracks are indeed nostalgia and tradition, and thus it still favourable to audiences. The is understandable for audiences to last Christmas song to top the o - turn to familiar tracks and albums. cial UK chart Band Aid 20’s ‘Do They Whilst most of us are dusting o Know Its Christmas?’ in 2004, and Michael Buble’s album ‘Christmas’, even this was a repeat of the already artists such as Sia are following the established track which reached the current theme for popular artists and number one spot in both 1984 (Band has also released Christmas album. Aid) and 1989 (Band Aid II). While Sia’s record ‘Everyday is Christmas’ Sia’s Christmas release appears to be lthough we’re all probably mas song that will remind you of contains ten original tracks such as performing reasonably better in the feeling very ready to go home warm evenings, watching Christmas ‘Santa’s Coming For Us’ and ‘Under- iTunes album chart, it is still over- after a tough rst semester, lms with your family and drinking neath the Mistletoe’ which, in addi- taken by the ‘Now That’s What I Call A packing for the Christmas holidays mulled wine. Therefore, it will re- tion to the sleigh bells and up-beat Christmas’ compilation album (2015) is always something we dread. Most mind you to pack your woolly jump- nature of the tracks the album does including classic tracks also covered of us procrastinate more when we ers, bed socks and  u y scarves that carry an overall Christmassy theme. by Buble. should be packing than when we are vital during the icy weeks of the Whereas, Buble’s 2011 album con- With regards to the Christmas should be doing assignments, so Christmas holiday. tains covers of already popular tracks charts, I would argue that it’s the fa- here’s a playlist of Christmas songs such as ‘It’s Beginning to Look A Lot miliar classics that will always over- that should make the process 4) ITS BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT Like Christmas’, ‘Santa Baby’ and ‘All take the new releases purely based more festive, if not more enjoyable. LIKE CHRISTMAS BY MICHAEL I Want For Christmas Is You’ all sung on audience’s nostalgia and love of BUBLE will ensure you don’t forget with his e ortless charm, promising classic tracks found in compilation 1) JINGLE BELLS BY MICHAEL to pack any Christmas presents that a swinging holiday full of big-band albums. BUBLE will get you singing and you have bought whilst in Bangor, sass. dancing before you take on the as images of Christmas trees sur- monstrous task of packing. Being rounded by presents will ll your the epitome of Christmas, this song mind. This only applies to the small Thanks For The Memories will make anyone feel optimistic majority of us who are unusually earing that Chico had per- wore as he sung P!nk’s ‘Get The Party and determined to take on the task organised, but it really would be a formed in Cube earlier this Started’. This was probably one of ahead. You’ll be humming the song disaster if they were left behind. month threw me back to my the most hypnotic performances the H for the rest of the day, so your joy childhood. I voted for him every show ever saw, if we don’t take into will last for hours. 5) DRIVING HOME FOR CHRIST- week without fail when he was on X account Wagner’s bongo playing MAS BY GAVIN JAMES will remind Factor, and how my copy of his num- during his rendition of ‘She Bangs/ 2) SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO you to pack the essentials for your ber one single ‘Chico Time’ didn’t Love Shack’. I’m sure Rylan’s echo- TOWN BY MICHAEL BUBLE will journey home. If it isn’t ve hours on wear out, I’ll never know. Hours were ing sobs still ring through the corri- help you choose which out ts to a train, you’ve probably got at least spent watching the song’s incred- dors of Nicole Scherzinger’s holiday take home with you. Although a three hour car journey to endure. ibly ‘noughties’ video and trying to mansion, and I even remembered you are probably not Santa Claus, Without headphones or a good learn all of Chico’s  awless dance my amazement when Susan Boyle the song will remind you of all the book, this could be unbearable, but moves, and I still remember a tragi- began to sing during her Britain’s Got Christmassy nights out on the town Gavin James is on hand to remind us cally high number of them. However, Talent audition. These acts really did you have ahead, as well as the family just how wonderful such items can along with these memories came provide quality Saturday night en- events that you will need to pack for. make our journeys and ensure they those of other classic X Factor con- tertainment, and the likes of Honey are not left behind. testants from the show’s heyday. I G just don’t reach the mark that the 3) LAST CHRISTMAS BY WHAM! is vividly remember the draping train previous contestants did. a relaxing and comforting Christ- of Rhydian’s grey fur coat that he

The Britain’s Got Talent winner has This long awaited album does not Well known for their chart topping This rather disjointed album will be This album is exactly what you released an album that will certain- disappoint. Listeners are thrown singles, yet disappointing albums, adored by his avid fans, but it will would expect from an X Factor win- ly not disappoint his loyal fans and into the strange opening track ‘Fort on the surface Little Mix’s fourth confuse others. ‘Ms Pepper’ has the ner’s debut album. It’s lead single voters. His combination of  awless Knox’ that suggests the album will album seems to buck this trend. classic sound of Robbie’s recent bal- ‘Sucker For You’ has a very ‘current’ piano playing, electronic music and have an unusual feel throughout However, on closer inspection, this lads like ‘I Love My Life’ and ‘Angels’. feel to it that sets the tone for the harmonised vocals creates a hyp- as the band experiment with a new seems to be because it is inundated This track is followed instantly by rest of the album perfectly. All the notising world within the album sound. However, Noel’s northern with singles that have already been ‘Bambi’, which has the sound of his songs have a very similar, extreme- that draws listeners in. Once you’ve humour bares its face at the start of released and topped the charts. more energetic songs like ‘Rock DJ’. ly ‘pop-y’, feel to them, making the started the album, the need to car- the album’s second song and lead- The album opens with the well After being given the impression album perfect for house parties, ry on listening until the very end is ing single ‘Holy Mountain’. Its clas- known songs ‘Shout Out To My Ex’ that Robbie was writing the album pre-drinks and get-togethers. Al- overwhelming, especially once you sic High Flying Birds sound shows and ‘Touch’, then a small number whilst going down memory lane, though enjoyable, this is not an al- recognise the track ‘Bloodstream’ that the experimental feel will not of new songs are weaved between listeners are then given a very unex- bum that you would listen to again as the piece he played during his continue, and instead, leads us into their recently released singles such pected cover of Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’. and again, and I can’t see it being Britain’s Got Talent audition. It is a the album we all hoped for. It is safe as ‘Power’ and ‘No More Sad Songs’. This is de nitely an anomalous track in the charts for long. Matt Terry fresh and mesmerising album that to say that both of the Gallagher Although an enjoyable album that that will surprise every listener and seems to have avoided the curse makes classical music cool. I cannot brothers have treated us with their is great to sing along to, it is unex- leave them feeling confused. Despite of the X Factor winner’s rst album wait to see what this guy releases new music this Christmas. citing and o ers little new material. being enjoyable, the album certainly being atrocious, even if it is slightly next. isn’t a Robbie classic. boring. 22 December Issue 2017 | Seren BREAKTIME 22 December Issue 2017 | Seren Seren | December Issue 2017 23 BREAKTIME BREAKTIME

THE SEREN CHRISTMAS SUDOKU! WORDSEARCH EASY

HARD

BELLS SEASON GREETINGS CANDLES SLEIGH HOLIDAY CANDYCANE STOCKING JOLLY CARDS TREE JOY CELEBRATE WREATH MERRY CHIMNEY ELVES MISTLETOE CHRISTMAS FROSTY NOEL RUDOLPH GIFT NORTHPOLE SANTA GIVING REINDEER 24 Seren | December Issue Student Tips for Christmas

When you’re a student, Christmas is never quite the same. The usual excitement and spirit is bled dry by the banality of upcoming assigments or the circumstance of being away from home - Oh! And the absense of money, which usually prevents any kind of involvement with extravagant festivities. However, do not despair. Whether you’re staying in Bangor or going back home, Seren’s got some tips to keep you covered.

Going back home

Do an assignment Empty the fridge Spend time with your Bring some things Take up a Christmas before you leave before you leave family and friends back with you job

I know, it’s getting to the end of Not necessarily a Christmas tip; It’s easy to take them for granted Remember all those things you You probably won’t enjoy your the semester. Nothing major is due merely housekeeping. However, I’m whilst your back at home. You may forgot or didn’t think you’d need Christmas break to the max with this until January. All you’re thinking helping you save your friendships regress to binge watching TV in your when you moved in. Fancy dress one. Nevertheless, you’ll address about now is getting back home, here. Don’t leave things like cheese room. This is your brief period of stu , formal dress, coat hangers, those money worries you had sitting in your pants and playing to fester. Your  atmates (and I’m time to make the most of the people slippers, door stop, a personal kettle. towards the end of the semester. Xbox. And that’s what you should be assuming prospective housemates) you left behind when you came Just a few of the things we tend not Saving some extra money over doing. You deserve it. So don’t ruin will only see what a disgusting to University. Whilst you’ve been bring to Uni rst time around. Also, holidays means you don’t have to get your Christmas break stressing over urchin you are. I guarantee there’ll making new friends and enjoying aesthetic things like posters, rugs part-time work during your studies. revision or an essay that you could be a secret consensus amongst your new things, your mates at home have and ornaments are things that help There’s plenty of temporary jobs over have got out the way a week before. peers about your poor hygiene. been in the same old situation. your room feel a tad more homely. Xmas so have a look.

Staying in Bangor

Do a secret santa Have some deserved Make sure you don’t Fill your time by Explore the wonderful before atmates go downtime isolate yourself volunteering city of Bangor

Not only is this a good way to bond Many of us haven’t stopped When you’re caught up in a sea of If you simply can’t hack solitude on Freshers Week is a drunken blur with  atmates. But it’s also a sure re grinding from about mid-October. deadlines, clubs/societies and trying Christmas Day, then volunteering is of  eeting memories mainly based way to guarantee yourself a present. Believe it or not, you deserve a to get 8 hours of sleep, it’s quite a valuable and sel ess use of your in Academi and Bella Bella. All of a If you’re staying at University over long sleep. You’ll be surprised how easy to forget about calling friends time - plus it looks decent on the sudden your semester starts and the break, the worst feeling is sitting hard January will hit you. Revise a and family at home. However, over old CV. Remember, you aren’t the you have no time to do anything. there on Christmas Day having not little here and there. Notch away Christmas, you’ve got no excuses. only person who’ll be spending Why not have a look around the engaged in the exchange of presents. at an assignment. But at least give Let them know you haven’t died and Christmas alone, there are plenty surrounding area you study in? After At the very least, make sure you’ve your brain a week o so that it isn’t give them a Skype. Try and enjoy the of opportunities to get involved all, you did pick it. We’re one of the given a present so you feel like you’re completely drained by the time your same kind of social interactions that helping out hospitals, care homes luckiest University’s in the world in somewhat involved in the festivities. exams and due dates roll around. you would on Christmas Day itself. and the homeless. terms of scenery. Go see it. 24 Seren | December Issue December Issue 2017 | 25 Student Tips for Christmas e Perfect Christmas...

When you’re a student, Christmas is never quite the same. The usual excitement and spirit is bled dry by the banality of upcoming assigments or the circumstance of being away from According to Seren home - Oh! And the absense of money, which usually prevents any kind of involvement with extravagant festivities. However, do not despair. Whether you’re staying in Bangor or going Emma Jewkes - back home, Seren’s got some tips to keep you covered. Editor I love a good fry up on Christmas morning. Then see the day out with Baileys and chocolate.

Megan Richards - Games Editor Me and my sixteen other family members all together at Going back home Christmas.

Do an assignment Empty the fridge Spend time with your Bring some things Take up a Christmas Isabella Maria before you leave before you leave family and friends back with you job Timpany - News Jack Hollinshead - Film Editor Editor Danny Mo at - Photographer I know, it’s getting to the end of Not necessarily a Christmas tip; It’s easy to take them for granted Remember all those things you You probably won’t enjoy your I dress up on Christmas day and put a shirt on. We always the semester. Nothing major is due merely housekeeping. However, I’m whilst your back at home. You may forgot or didn’t think you’d need Christmas break to the max with this Put Sky Sports News rst thing in the morning. Dust o Lots and lots of alcohol, until January. All you’re thinking helping you save your friendships regress to binge watching TV in your when you moved in. Fancy dress one. Nevertheless, you’ll address the Christmas mugs which come out once a year. Have a Wham on repeat. Plenty have salmon, scrambled egg and a croissant for breakfast. about now is getting back home, here. Don’t leave things like cheese room. This is your brief period of stu , formal dress, coat hangers, those money worries you had cup of tea whilst opening presents. That’s the tradition in of mince pies. Love being at home. Taking the dog for a walk. Just sitting in your pants and playing to fester. Your  atmates (and I’m time to make the most of the people slippers, door stop, a personal kettle. towards the end of the semester. our house. watching crap on TV until it gets to half 9. Then round it Xbox. And that’s what you should be assuming prospective housemates) you left behind when you came Just a few of the things we tend not Saving some extra money over o with a game of UNO. doing. You deserve it. So don’t ruin will only see what a disgusting to University. Whilst you’ve been bring to Uni rst time around. Also, holidays means you don’t have to get your Christmas break stressing over urchin you are. I guarantee there’ll making new friends and enjoying aesthetic things like posters, rugs part-time work during your studies. revision or an essay that you could be a secret consensus amongst your new things, your mates at home have and ornaments are things that help There’s plenty of temporary jobs over have got out the way a week before. peers about your poor hygiene. been in the same old situation. your room feel a tad more homely. Xmas so have a look. Laura Aspin - Science Editor Being with the family. Getting all the presents for free is a highlight.

Katie Tew - Sport Editor Staying in Bangor Seeing friends again. Christmas dinner. And I love a good Christmas lm: Nativity is the best. Do a secret santa Have some deserved Make sure you don’t Fill your time by Explore the wonderful before atmates go downtime isolate yourself volunteering city of Bangor

Not only is this a good way to bond Many of us haven’t stopped When you’re caught up in a sea of If you simply can’t hack solitude on Freshers Week is a drunken blur Jordan King - TV Editor Chloe Heath - Arts & Culture Editor with  atmates. But it’s also a sure re grinding from about mid-October. deadlines, clubs/societies and trying Christmas Day, then volunteering is of  eeting memories mainly based Finnian Shardlow - way to guarantee yourself a present. Believe it or not, you deserve a to get 8 hours of sleep, it’s quite a valuable and sel ess use of your in Academi and Bella Bella. All of a Deputy Editor If you’re staying at University over long sleep. You’ll be surprised how easy to forget about calling friends time - plus it looks decent on the sudden your semester starts and My perfect Christmas would be me waking up, being the break, the worst feeling is sitting hard January will hit you. Revise a and family at home. However, over old CV. Remember, you aren’t the you have no time to do anything. Being sat there in my pyjamas and eating a bowl of there on Christmas Day having not little here and there. Notch away Christmas, you’ve got no excuses. only person who’ll be spending Why not have a look around the stu ng. Inevitably disappoint myself with the Doctor Who Love watching my nan presented with a miniture dachshund puppy in a Mulberry engaged in the exchange of presents. at an assignment. But at least give Let them know you haven’t died and Christmas alone, there are plenty surrounding area you study in? After Christmas special. I think I have at least three portions of stand for the national handbag. For breakfast I’d eat my own bodyweight in At the very least, make sure you’ve your brain a week o so that it isn’t give them a Skype. Try and enjoy the of opportunities to get involved all, you did pick it. We’re one of the turkey on Christmas Day. Which ultimately leads to self- anthem when the cinnamon buns and start on the presecco immediately. given a present so you feel like you’re completely drained by the time your same kind of social interactions that helping out hospitals, care homes luckiest University’s in the world in Then I’d watch the Gavin and Stacey Xmas Special in PJ’s. somewhat involved in the festivities. exams and due dates roll around. you would on Christmas Day itself. and the homeless. terms of scenery. Go see it. loathing. Queen comes on. 26 Seren | December Issue 2017 GAMES Games To Play During  e Holidays Revisit an old Classic in LA Noire

ne of the best aspects about volved in a major corruption scandal and poke bodies with your ngers. not quite out of the uncanny valley. LA Noire is that it has very and The Black Dahlia case, one of the Some of the wording used in the in- There also is occasionally some lag, REVIEW Ogood plot. It’s a gripping, most infamous murders of it’s time. terview portions of the game have as I saw when the outside of some mystery thriller that pays homage to However, the game’s reliance on been changed. The Lie, Doubt and windows took a while to load. Developers: Team Bondi genres and tropes of the noir lms popular noir tropes makes the story Truth options have been switched The music was great to listen to, and of the mid-twentieth century. Each and characters seem somewhat cli- out with Accuse, Bad Cop and Good it has made me want to have another Release Date: 14th Nov new smaller mystery unlocks pieces chéd. Cop respectively. Despite being a listen to some of the tracks. It seems 2017 to a larger mystery, and the web of I played the game on the Nintendo Rockstar game, it must be known to have been plucked straight out of intrigue which your main character, Switch, which does have some no- that L.A. Noire isn’t Grand Theft Auto, a 1940s, noir detective lm. The voice Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Cole Phelps, (played by Aaron Sta- table di erences from other console and doesn’t allow you to get away acting was very good, and it is worth PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC ton) nds himself in. Often at times, versions. One of the more exciting with behaviour that would be toler- noting that Staton was nominated the context of the game informs the things the recent surge of games ated in the GTA franchise. for a BAFTA award for the Best Video Genre: Action, Adventure, player about the story, even before re-released for the Nintendo Switch, Whilst the graphics haven’t been Game Performance in 2012. they play. It’s set in the late 40’s, the is that you can play console games much improved from the Xbox LA Noire has a great plot, good Multiplayer: No heyday of the lm noir genre, and on a portable device. The Nintendo 360 and PS3 versions, they do look graphics and decent controls, but the just after World War 2, when America Switch portable mode utilises its slightly sharper, and the colour is less characters do feel cliched. However, Age Rating: 18 was at its most cynical. Also, it’s set touch screen, allowing you to  ip saturated. That said, the quality is not there is no doubt that the the best in LA, with speci c focus on the po- through the pages of Cole’s note- as good as the Xbox One or PS4 ver- part of the game is the ability to play lice force, which at the time, was in- book, investigate pieces of evidence sions, and the human faces are still the game on the go. Animal Crossing: App-alling? he premise to the newest Nin- to not get attached to any particular ful, using the same style as previous tendo mobile game is simple, style or piece of furniture, as you will Animal Crossing games. That said, af- REVIEW Tyou run a campsite. To invite consistently have to keep changing ter half an hour of play, the phone did Developers: Nintendo guests to your campsite, you must the furniture at your campsite to ac- start to feel very warm, and the game complete odd jobs and favours for commodate new animals. This is the does quickly drain your battery. Release Date: 22nd Nov the series famous anthropomorphic downside of having a campsite that The music is the usual, relaxing Ani- 2017 animals. The animals that visit are can only hold up to forty pieces of mal Crossing music. They have also then based upon what themed fur- furniture, and it can’t be expanded. kept the garbled noises the animals Platforms: Smart Phones niture you are currently using at the Instead, you spend time adding make, which is almost talking, but I time. amenities to your game to increase personally nd them really annoying. Genre:Social simulation Before you invite animals to your your maximum friendship with the I could understand if the voices are campsite, however, you must be- animals, and to encourage new ani- comforting to some people, or that Multiplayer: Yes, connect to friend them by doing jobs which mals to visit. On the plus side, your the voices make them feel nostalgic. other nearby players via employ mechanics from previous the camper van can be expanded and is The game works well as an ongo- wi Animal Crossing games, such as sh- completely customisable, probably ing mobile game, and is a nice addi- ing, bug catching and gathering fruit. so that player’s can still feel like they tion to the growing line of Nintendo Age Rating: 4+ You then create and place furniture, have some form of personalisation in Mobile Games. However, it is tedious, and the animals who have requested the game. but has enough things to keep a cas- that particular piece of furniture will It performs well on android mobile ual player occupied for some weeks. attend your campsite. It is advisable devices, and the graphics are colour- December Issue 2017 | Seren 27 GAMES Pokémon: is is e Alola You Remembered

elements added that weren’t in the ments that spice up the gameplay original. It centres around your char- somewhat. For example, the inclu- REVIEW acter moving to the tropical islands sion of a minigame called Mantine Developers: Nintendo of the Alola region, befriending Hau Surf, which has you sur ng and and helping the mysterious Lillie to performing tricks on the back of a Release Date: 17th Nov defeat new and returning enemies. It Mantine, the controls are tight and 2017 was released onto the Nintendo 3DS responsive, and a welcome addition. on the November 17th, 2017. Also, the Rotom living inside of the Platforms: Nintendo 3DS Like the previous game, it is gor- Pokedex can be befriended, which geous with newly added details that leads to some funny interactions be- Genre: Role-playing make the region feel more alive and tween you and the Rotom. Another active than any other region before great mechanic is that your trainer Multiplayer: Yes it. The character animations are now can interact with various Pokémon smoother, especially with Pokémon all over the region. However, the Age Rating: 7 battle animations that give more Alola Photo Club, whilst it is a nice personality to the Pokémon. Also, addition to the overall game it does new locations that have been added become boring after one or two tries don’t feel out of place and are a nice playing it. inclusion to the region. However, as Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra By LAURA ASPIN this is the same region as in the previ- Moon, has new gameplay additions ous game, the nostalgia can wear o and story elements that will keep you imilar to games such as Poké- quickly and tedium can set in when playing from sunrise to sunset. mon Platinum or Emerald, Poké- you are having to repeat some of the Smon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon same locations again. is a reskin of a previous Pokémon Although, Pokémon Ultra Sun and game, with new features and story Moon plays like other Pokémon games, there are new added ele-  is Month’s Gaming News is Year’s Game Awards’ Winners

by LAURA ASPIN n the 7th December 2017 at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles the 2017 Game Awards happened. The event was hosted by Geo Keigh- Oley. Out of 102 games nominated, the judges have chosen the winners and runners-up for the annual Game Awards, with several stand out titles tak- ing more than one award. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has the most awards won this year with a total of three. Here are the winners listed below: Game of the Year -  e Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Game Direction -  e Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Best Narrative - What Remains of Edith Finch? Best Art Direction - Cuphead Best Score/Music - NeiR: Automata Square Enix Announce A New Tomb Raider Game

by LAURA ASPIN

quare Enix have announced over on their o cial twitter ac- Scount, that a new Tomb Raider game is in development. The game is being developed by Eidos Interac- tive, the studio behind games such as Thief and Deus Ex, instead of Crystal Dynamics, who are instead working on a new Avengers game. The company has yet to reveal de- tails such as a title, release window or what platforms the game will be on. However, apparent information that was leaked in October of last year has suggested that the new Tomb Raider game would be called ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’. This claim is supported by eagle eyed fans who noted that the capital let- ters at the start of every paragraph in the announcement tweet spell out ‘SHADOW’. 28 December Issue 2017 | Seren FILM What To Watch From British Cinema

By ARRON WILLIAMS looking into a series of murders; al- ence gained from the rst watch. The sult, hilarity ensues. The chemistry much, as a lot of the time the cam- ritish lm is full of a wide of va- though, expect both action and hi- lm, however, does focus heavily on between the characters only adds to paigns in Africa and Arabia are for- riety of outstanding, hilarious larity as the duo attempt to resolve the themes of deceit, misperception the humour, with the various com- gotten as the western front of World Band moving lms. It is also an these occurrences. The lm acts as and consequence; overall, quite a ments and insults they throw be- War One is normally the prime focus. area of cinema I am personally pas- a parody of Hollywood blockbuster heart-felt lm, being both dramatic tween one another, and the ridicu- The lm is a cinematic marvel and all sionate about and really enjoy sup- action lms, which it succeeds in do- and brutal. lously stupid schemes they devise. round great lm to watch. Although, porting. The BFI (British Film Insti- ing in every aspect, from the editing Another great thing about the lm The acting in the lm is great and the downside is, is that it has a run tute) do a good job of ensuring and being fast paced and playing with is its cinematography. The camera really helps to bring the characters time of nearly four hours. aiding the development of British expectation, to great cinematogra- shots are outstanding, as they really to life and add to the humour, es- Attack the Block (2011) lms. This is a list of ve British lms phy and all-round great, funny per- help to build the atmosphere and pecially the characters Omar (Riz Lastly, moving once again back to that I would recommend to those formances from all the cast. There feel of the lm. Without mentioning Ahmed) and Waj (Kayvan Novak). The comedy, Attack the Block is a sci- wanting to watch some movies that are no dull moments in this lm, with or explaining it directly, as not to ruin lm is a great watch for the sheer hu- comedy, directed by Joe Cornish. Set have come from the industry. They continuous humour throughout and the lm, there is a particularly grip- mour it provides, as it is a laugh-out in a London, it follows a gang of teen- are by no means necessarily what I well-timed action scenes. The lm is ping and atmospheric scene which loud lm, but also a great watch for agers as they defend their block and regard as my top ve lms, but rather one I would de nitely recommend was all taken in one shot that lasts 5 the social commentary on attitudes suburban environment from an alien ve lms I would recommend to checking out if you have never seen minutes. Atonement is a wonderful towards Islam it provides within its invasion. those wanting to watch more British it. cinematic creation, with a well writ- undertones. The lm is really ridiculous and fun- cinema, and to get more of a feel for Atonement (2007) ten plot and worth a watch for lovers Lawrence of Arabia (1962) ny, putting young teenagers against its cinematic constructions. Atonement is entirely di erent to of dramatic lm and those wishing to Lawrence of Arabia is a historical killer, animalistic aliens. The lm fo- Hot Fuzz (2007) the previously mentioned lm Hot broaden their library. drama set in World War One, focus- cuses heavily on violence, especially Hot Fuzz is an action comedy and Fuzz. Atonement is a romantic drama Four Lions (2010) ing on the life of T. E. Lawrence and during the middle; however, the the second lm in the renowned Cor- set in WW2. The lm is also a much Moving away from the serious and his role in the war. The lm is directed alien appearance and commentary netto Trilogy of comedy lms star- slower pace and heavy-hitting than dramatic and heading back to com- by David Lean, as it follows Lawrence from the characters make it humor- ring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg. It is Hot Fuzz, but still a great lm. It is edy, Four Lions is a comedy focusing (Peter O’toole), who heads to Arabia ous. The acting in the lm from the also a personal favourite of mine. Hot directed by Joe Wright and based on on terrorism. I did debate about put- to work with the Arabs and British main two leads, Sam (Jodie Whit- Fuzz is directed by Edgar Wright, who the novel of the same name by Ian ting this on the list; however, it is just against the Turks. Lawrence is sent to taker) who is mugged by the young has recently wrote and directed Baby McEwan. too good lm not to. While the topic Arabia due to his knowledge of the gang, but ends up trapped in a sur- Driver (2017), and before the Cor- Atonement follows Cecilia Tallis of the lm is rather sensitive, the lm local tribes. While I won’t talk about vival situation with them, and Moses netto Trilogy, directed the TV series (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner does successfully blend great come- this lm as much as the others, Law- (John Boyega), the leader of the teen Spaced (1991-2001). (James McAvoy), who are young lov- dy with a deeper social commentary rence of Arabia is a staple of British gang who mugged her, is well deliv- Hot Fuzz follows Sergeant Angel ers, and their relationship while at a that underlies the overall lm. cinema and a lm which has left its ered. Sam, especially, is a character (Simon Pegg), a hardened London large, country estate. However, this The lm is directed by Christopher mark on cinema, being regarded as who feels like someone you might police o cer who is transferred to relationship is swiftly torn apart by Morris, and follows a small group of one of the greats. It is a classic. really know, and played in quite a down to a remote country village, where he Cecilia’s jealous younger sister, Brio- young men in She eld, who decide helping to change future cinema. earth manner. The lm is an overall teams up with inept PC Danny (Nick ny (Saoirse Ronan). There is not much to become terrorists and form a plan Another reason this lm is great to great watch for a good laugh. Frost). In following with a true police else that can directly be said about to be suicide bombers. However, the watch, is that it focuses on an area lm vibe, the two characters end up the lm without spoiling the experi- group prove to be inept and as a re- of history not really focused upon By JACK HOLLINSHEAD class, which we in Britain would class gled at that one too!), the principal of ased on the bestselling novel as being in a form at high school, they Beecher. Noah Jupe, Millie Davis, Elle Wonder Review by R. J. Palacio of the same have precepts, a general rule intend- McKinnon and Bryce Gheisar all play Bname, Wonder is about August ed to regulate behaviour or thought, great parts as children who Auggie “Auggie” Pullman (Jacob Tremblay), and one of those are the message becomes associated with in one way who is born with Treacher Collins that drives the book and resonates or another. syndrome, a genetic disorder that is through the movie; it reads, “when What I admire about the lm, is the characterized by deformities of the given the choice between being di erent dimensions of the story, ears, eyes, cheekbones and chin, right or being kind; choose kind”, and and how incredibly well balanced unfortunately leading to further it couldn’t be more prefect. Kindness they are, allowing you to understand complications with breathing, sight is something that comes few and far the characters on a personal level. and hearing which require surgery between at times, and the lm gives The balance of joy and sadness is and left him with facial scarring. For you the belief that it does exist, and perfect. You nd yourself alternating the early parts of his education, he even the littlest of gestures can make between laughter and tearing up, was home-schooled by his mother the biggest of di erences. your heartstrings being pulled from Isabel (Julia Roberts), but he is now Young Jacob Tremblay, who you’ll pillar to post, and come out falling enrolled in the fth grade at a private remember from his brilliant perfor- in love with this incredible story. In elementary school, Beecher Prep, for mance in Room alongside Brie Lar- the real world, you cannot begin to the rst time in his life, posing many son, is magical as Auggie. He cap- comprehend what someone with challenges not only for Auggie, but tures all of the emotion and heart any issue is facing is beginning to go everyone around him. that makes you fall in love with the through, let alone when they are a child, and that is something that the lm tackles superbly, as everyone in When given the choice between being right or being the lm is going through something kind; choose kind di erent, and they are all brought together by an amazing young man. An unbelievable tale that every- Without a doubt, this is one of my character. He absolutely shines in one should see, because the themes favourite lms of the year. It is utterly this lm and will undoubtedly be of acceptance, understanding and fantastic, and I cannot commend it one to watch in the future. Julia Rob- kindness are unparalleled. The pas- highly enough for its powerful and erts and Owen Wilson are brilliant as sion and soul that went into this endearing message to everyone Auggie’s parents, along with Izabela project is evident, and this inspiring who watches. In Auggie’s homeroom Vidovic as “Via” his sister, and Mandy story is a lm I urge everyone to take Patinkin as Mr Tushman (yes, I gig- the time to see. Seren | December Issue 2017 29 FILM Bangor University Stronger Review Film Society Winter Showcase

Poster LEFT COURTESY OF ALED GRIFFITHS & photo (above) courtesy of David Wiglesworth By JESS SIMMS mostly, herself. The short sets out experience their very own work on n Friday 8th December, the to emulate the feelings of someone the big screen”, and amazing it was. By JACK HOLLINSHEAD outstanding performance are well Film Society held their rst struggling with self-hatred. There was a clear buzz in the room. n 15th April 2013, at the n- deserved. As you can see from the showcase of the academic Broken: After his headphones You could feel the anticipation of the ish line of the annual Boston trailer and promotional poster, Je O year. The Winter Showcase was made break, Jack tries his best to ll the members and the excitement from OMarathon, two homemade uses prosthetic legs to walk, and up of 7 short lm screenings of vary- silence until his new pair arrive. This seeing their work on a big screen for pressure cooker bombs were deto- uses a wheelchair initially, showing ing genres, as well as Q&A sessions proves rather di cult when his  at- the rst time. nated, causing the death of 3 people, where he had to have the amputa- with a representative from each lm mate starts complaining about Jack’s He continued to say “I think I was and leaving hundreds injured, some tion. The visual e ects are incred- crew. Each group came up with their loud music. most impressed by the wide variety more fatal than others. An event ible, and when combined with Jake’s own original concepts based on the Dear Mother: This very visceral sto- of content that was produced, along that no one saw coming, ultimately performance, it is a stunning piece of theme of phobia, leading to a pleth- ry shows a woman as she struggles with the quality of the lms them- brought the proud citizens of Bos- cinema. ora of di erent ideas. It was really to come to terms with the broken selves. I have to say, I’m quite proud ton even closer together. Stronger is What is impressive about the lm is encouraging to see how the various relationship between herself and her of what all the members achieved about one of the fatally injured vic- that it does not shy away from reality. groups had created wildly di erent mother when she is forced to visit her over this semester and I’m more than tims Je Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal), Some of the scenes are gruelling and interpretations from the same key in hospital. A series of  ashbacks are ready to see the bigger and better whose legs were blown o and later horri c, but portrayed in the right topic. These shorts included a music very telling of her volatile upbringing work that will come out of the soci- amputated above the knee after he sense. You can’t begin to fathom just video and a comedy, alongside a few and how it has shaped her adult life. ety in the next semester.” was there to support his partner Erin how terrifying it would be to be in a dramas. Below, you can nd a brief Jane Says: The lm follows the pro- Ultimately, the showcase gave us a (Tatiana Maslany) and his journey situation like that, but Stronger gives synopsis of each lm; tagonist over the course of a week as sweet taster of what is yet to come. It back from the life changing tragedy you an insight into the devastation Quakers: A comedy short in which she tackles social anxiety, trying ex- was clear from this event that there and the inspiration he brought to that innocent people sadly have to a blogger moves into their new tremely hard to avoid everyone, get- is an abundance of enthusiastic peo- many. endure, but their bravery is unparal- house and decides to video their ex- ting pretty inventive with the ways in ple within the society and lots of new Gyllenhaal is staggering as Bau- leled, and the lm de nitely balance perience. Upon watching back the which she does this. talent. With those two things com- man, he truly is. His performance is the two wonderfully. footage, the blogger notices a duck bined, the only possible outcome is captivating and emotionally driven, The impact on Bauman is the main in the background and things get I think I was most impressed by the wide great lms. making you forget that you’re watch- focus, and is one of the brilliant lay- very weird, very quickly. variety of content that was produced, along The society will be holding another ing an actor on screen. The drawback ers of Gyllenhaal’s portrayal, but also, A Call For Help: Charlie is terri ed with the quality of the  lms themselves showcase in summer, one that prom- many have had with Gyllenhaal play- the impact to those around him. How of phones. Her job is at stake because ises to be even bigger and better. ing Bauman, and something that his partner, family and friends all try of this and things only get worse For a lot of crew members, this was But for now, you can nd the phobia crossed my mind at time, is that they their best to help and the personal when she gets trapped in an eleva- their rst time making a lm and be- short lms (mentioned above) online did not cast an actor with the same struggles they are dealt with during tor. When she is literally stuck, will ing on a set; but from the answers on the society’s YouTube channel. disability as Je , which would have Je rehabilitation. As much as the she call for help? given during the Q&A session, it was If you want to hear more from the been a huge step in the right direc- physical aspects of Je ’s injury im- Mirra: A music video with cinema- incredibly transparent not only that Film Society or get more information tion for Hollywood. Nevertheless, the pact his day-to-day life, the mental tography at its core. The video fol- the members had learnt a lot, but follow us on social media: way Gyllenhaal performs in speci c toughness is addressed and handled lows a young couple and plays with also had plenty of fun in the process. parts, and you’ll know which ones brilliantly. This lm does really hit the notions of re ections and the President of the Film Society, Lee I’m talking about when you see the home, and the clear messages are way in which they trigger memories. Carson, said “The showcase was a movie, are mind-boggling, and the unbelievably powerful and moving. Hiraeth: In this lm, the protago- great night. It was amazing to see recognition he is receiving for an A lm that everyone should take the nist is afraid of many things, but so many rst time lmmakers get to time to watch. By JACK HOLLINSHEAD The Greatest Bad Film Ever Made’. sessing, of course, natural chemistry, The Disaster Artist Review ack in 2003, a lm called The The book cites Greg’s experiences as which we have never seen before Room was released into the a struggling actor, his rst encoun- with this being their debut lm to- Bworld. Directed by, produced, ter with Tommy, how they became gether. This could have been a risk written and starring mysterious g- friends and the trials and tribula- due to the nature of Tommy and ure Tommy Wiseau, it tells the story tions that came when producing Greg’s relationship but they couldn’t of Johnny (Wiseau), who is betrayed The Room. A year later, Seth Rogan’s have picked a better project as they by his ‘future wife’ Lisa (Juliette Dan- production company, Point Grey Pic- are both superb. Supporting roles ielle) and his best friend Mark (Greg tures, acquired the book, adapted from Seth Rogan, Alison Brie and Sestro). The movie only grossed and based a screenplay via Scott a host of other actors round o the $1900 against a multi-million-dollar Neustadter and Michael H. Weber performances brilliantly. budget, being regarded by critics as and appointed James Franco as di- As funny as the lm is, the serious ‘one of the worst lms of all time’. rector, shortening the title to ‘The reality and heart that it possesses However, it’s appeared to of gained Disaster Artist’. capture the relationship between a cult-like following from some fans, This lm is simply brilliant, giving Tommy and Greg draws you in, calling it the ‘best worst movie’. The you a great insight into what it must which can be di cult with it being a reason the lm received such nega- have been like when making The combination of both real life and the tive responses, was due to its terrible Room back in the early 2000s. If you making-of a lm. But The Disaster performances, more plot holes than haven’t seen The Room or read the Artist balances it all wonderfully, and a slice of swiss cheese, unevolved memoir, don’t fear, you will be doing makes you appreciate how much script and so forth. Despite this, there after seeing this, but it is not essen- stress and tension goes into making is something charming about The tial before you head to the cinema. a lm and how friction can be creat- Room, and some of the plot points James Franco captures the essence ed in close quarter situations, whilst are deep and relevant to society; just of Tommy Wiseau, and his character nding some warming moments a shame they and the production Johnny amazingly, nailing his ac- that round the movie o nicely. were executed so incredibly poorly. cent and capturing his look, making Make sure you check out our Then, in 2013, Greg Sestro, who I you forget that it’s him under the website - www.seren.bangor.ac.uk alluded to earlier as playing Mark, prosthetic features and long hair. - for more  lm and other articles! released a memoir titled ‘The Disas- His younger brother Dave is great Including our Star Wars: Episode ter Artist: My Life Inside The Room, as Greg and Mark, with the two pos- VIII - The Last Jedi Review 30 December Issue 2017 | Seren FILM Get in touch via our social media platform for any information, latest news or @SerenFilm @seren lm  [email protected] to become involved with Seren! In nity War: 10 Years In The Making

By JACK HOLLINSHEAD gross of the MCU lms is over $13 bil- tion pictures. Also, we’ve seen char- titled Avengers: In nity War Trailer lot of others will be like in around 5 ll the way back in 2008, a uni- lion (December 2017); and the third acters exchange pleasantries, but not Teaser. They put together several months’ time. verse was born. Adapted from phase is nowhere near done. There to this magnitude where most, if not priceless fan reactions to their pre- A day after the trailer had been Aits comic book realm, Marvel are also TV series on both network all, are coming together. vious lm trailer releases, with some released, it racked up 230 million Studios, with Kevin Feige at the helm, channels and Net ix Originals that Obviously, as announcements on words reading “Everything You views, making it the most watched decided to make a fresh, continuing, exist in the MCU, however, they have casting are made, production be- Know… Everything You’ve Experi- trailer within the rst 24 hours of all intertwining franchise of lms, chris- not crossed paths with the movies gins & nishes and the opening date, enced… Everything You’ve Imag- time. That’s 9,583,333 views an hour; tening it the MCU - Marvel Cinematic just yet. But the next lm lined up 27th April 2018 for us lucky UK view- ined… It Has All… Been Leading… 159,722 a minute, 2,662 a second. Universe. Debuting with Iron Man, is Black Panther, which will bring us ers and 4th May 2018 for the United To This Moment”, stating that the Those gures are staggering, and it then onto The Incredible Hulk, Thor nicely to the main event; Avengers: States draws nearer, you are think- o cial teaser would drop the next just goes to show how much people and Captain America before they In nity War. 10 years in the making. ing to yourself, “where’s the trailer?!” day, sending everybody into a frenzy, love and adore the franchise 10 years would all culminate in The Aveng- Can you believe it? 10 years! Month after month, fans have been knowing it was coming very, very on. ers. With an overall successful string soon. I know we live in an age of superhe- of lms, calling the initial six lms It racked up 230 million views, making it the most watched So, nally, on the 29th November, roes, and with the MCU, 20th Century (which included Iron Man 2) Phase trailer within the  rst 24 hours of all time... 9,583,333 views it dropped. It was here, and it was Fox, Sony and the Warner Bros DCEU One, Phase Two began with more an hour; 159,722 a minute, 2,662 a second certainly worth the wait. I literally (Detective Comics Extended Uni- individual pictures from established watched it a thousand times; all my verse) all churning them out almost characters, and introducing new fac- favourite characters from the past once a month, I can see why lm fans es such as Ant-Man and the Guard- The reason why it’s such a massive wondering and waiting as to when decade coming together, even if it can become tired of them. But some- ians of the Galaxy, which became in- occasion is not only because of the we would get an o cial glimpse of was only for 2 minutes 30 seconds; how, the MCU has found a formula to stant hits due to their originality and decade anniversary, but because the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. Footage it was magni cent to see. As I allud- keep the quality of the performances comical essence. they have been building towards from San Diego Comic Con found its ed to earlier, there has always been so high that you can’t help but be- Now, by the end of 2017, we are this lm for pretty much that entire way online back in August, but Feige something in the background that’s come engrossed by its ore. I’m not well into Phase Three, already bring- period. It’s been a plot point in lms and directors of the lm, Joe and An- been setting up In nity War, and saying it has been a perfect stretch ing us Captain America: Civil War, and for characters, but also in the thony Russo, had given limited indi- that is the main villain of the MCU; of lms by any means necessary, but Doctor Strange, Guardians of the Gal- background as a gentle reminder to cation as to when a trailer would be Thanos. We are nally seeing him in when it’s really mattered, they’ve de- axy: Vol 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming viewers as to what is upon the hori- released worldwide. all his glory, and the trailer gives you livered, and I can’t see In nity War and the most recent instalment Thor: zon, which is what I think has helped Then, on the 28th November; hope. an idea as to what we are in for; you going any other way. Ragnarok, which has meant the total guide the MCU through so many mo- Marvel Studios released a video en- can only imagine what myself and a Films Released In January 2018: What To Watch In The New Year

Molly’s Game (1st January) Darkest Hour (12th January) Coco (19th January) Downsizing (19th January) 12 Strong (26th January) Based on the memoir from Molly Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) In Pixar’s latest lm, Miguel (An- Paul (Matt Damon) and his wife In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Bloom, tells the story of her rise to is faced with enormous amounts of thony Gonzalez) aspires to become Audrey (Kristen Wiig) decide to Task Force Dagger, a 12-man team, become Queen of the underground pressure as he ghts against Adolf a musician, and despite his family’s abandon their lives to shrink down are sent to Afghanistan to join with poker scene to FBI target in a fasci- Hitler and the German army during generational ban on music, he trav- into a new, downsized civilisation forces with the Northern Alliance nating true story. the Second World War. els to the Land of the Dead to follow that becomes a life changing adven- against Taliban forces. Starring Chrish All The Money In The World (5th Insidious: The Last Key (12th his dream. ture. Hemsworth and Michael Shannon. January) January) The Commuter (19th January) The Post (19th January) Maze Runner: The Death Cure Adapted from the book Painfully Following on the from the previous Michael McCauley (Liam Neeson) Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), (26th January) Rich: The Outrageous Fortunes & instalment, Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) is on his daily commute, that soon the rst female publisher of The Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his es- Misfortunes of the Heirs of J. Paul investigates recent supernatural dis- turns into a high stakes race against Washington Post, and its editor Ben caped group of Gladers have one last Getty, is about how Getty III be- turbances occurring in New Mexico, time, as he becomes involved in a Bradlee (Tom Hanks) put everything mission to rescue their friends and comes kidnapped and his mother is and experiences a haunting realiza- criminal conspiracy. they have on the line in the publish- get the answers they’ve been des- hell bent on returning him safe. tion. ing of the Pentagon Papers. perately wanting. December Issue 2017 | Seren 31 TRAVEL

Main: Temple Bar at night. Below: Guinness Storehouse and Dublin Castle. Dublin: A quick break from North Wales erhaps one of the biggest Dubliners and tourists chatter over park where you can take your time downsides of going to Bangor pints of Guinness and each bar hosts strolling through and enjoying the University, and living in the its very own brand of live music. It is many sculptures that reside within its area,P is that it’s miles for anywhere! Or a part of the city where day or night boundaries. at least, it’s miles from anywhere that you can feel part of something, the If it’s history that you’re a er then we might consider to be a ‘real’ city. atmosphere buzzing with ‘the craic’. you should start at the opposite end Studying at Bangor Uni means saying A short walk from Temple Bar of Gra on Street and Trinity College, get slightly cheaper tickets. Tours goodbye to Saturday a ernoons out is O’Connell Street, Dublin’s main Ireland’s most reputable university. run every half hour, 7 days a week, shopping in the city centre - unless thoroughfare and gateway to the Walking through the beautiful but once you’re inside are self guided Dublin on of course you’re a fan of the handful city’s history. Despite being largely buildings and the courtyards will and you can take as long as you like of shops Bangor has to o er. In destroyed during the struggle for instill a feeling of grandeur akin to that exploring the ‘world’s largest pint fact, I would go so far as to say that Irish Independence and the Irish of Oxford or Cambridge University glass’. Take a wander through the a budget shopping in Bangor is so boring that Civil War, O’Connell Street displays and o ers a de nite opportunity to get history of the famous drink, learn how  e most common criticism of it makes Llandudno seem an exciting much of Dublin’s history from the some Instagram likes. it’s made, just how much Guinness is Dublin seems to be that it is ‘too destination - even for those below the General Post O ce building (seized Just a short walk from the College exported each year and of course a expensive’. Well, it is a capital city but age of 80! during the ‘Easter Rising’ of 1916) to campus are other notable historic trip through Guinness’ interesting and really it is only as expensive as you With Chester and Liverpool o en the O’Connell Monument which still sites such as Dublin Castle, St Patrick’s famous advertising history. want it to be. becoming the ‘go-to’ destinations of has bullet holes from the uprising. Cathedral and St Audoen’s Catholic All this and more is waiting for you Most sites in Dublin are within North Wales residents who are looking  e street is also home to ‘ e Spire’ Church, with the former de nitely the in Dublin, a city that is well worth a walking distance. However, students for a city break it is easy to forget that thought to be the world’s tallest piece more grandiose. visit whilst you’re living so close in can get a ticket on one of the many one of Europe’s most vibrant capital of public art. Saving the best ‘til last though, you North Wales. At times the ferry can hop on, hop o buses for around €17. cities is just a stone’s throw away. Back on the Southside of the city may want to jump on the ‘hop on, hop be quite expensive, but if you’re not  ese tickets o en get you discounted Dublin is a mish-mash of warm is Dublin’s most popular shopping o ’ bus or public transport to take too bothered when you go away or or free entry into certain attractions culture and striking modernism destination - the lavish Gra on Street, you across the city to perhaps Dublin’s are prepared to act on impulse you around the city. shrouded in proud history and is home to Irish department store Brown most famous site; St James’ Gate can  nd a bargain ticket. For example, Eating out in Dublin can be surprisingly easy to get to from  omas. In the past the street had Brewery, home of Ireland’s most loved ferry company Stena Line were expensive, but there’s also a few Anglesey. All it takes is a short trip been home to the more expensive, export Guinness. recently o ering Christmas shopping places where you can get a decent over to Holyhead and then a ferry designer stores but now is also lined Whether you like Guinness or note, day trips to the city for just £12 return meal at a good price. A  lling burrito across the Irish Sea. with the more familiar high street the Storehouse is a must visit for any (or £5.50 on a Tuesday).  e best time for example, along with a free drink  e small capital, which bursts with names that you would expect to see in Dublin tourist. It was recently voted as to bag yourself a bargain though is the (thanks student card!) only costs character, is split in half by the River most cities. As you walk to the top of Dublin’s most popular site and is home week leading up to Paddy’s Day when around €6. Li ey  owing through the centre with the long street you will  nd yourself to 7 levels of history, culminating in Stena Line o er one way tickets for just  e most expensive part of the city, in a variety of di erent bridges allowing detouring o down side streets lined the roo op bar which o ers a stunning £1! my opinion, seems to be the drinking. pedestrians and drivers alike to travel with bright lights and packed with 360 degree view of the city (along with Irish Ferries also depart from Don’t expect to get a Guinness for less to and from all regions of the city. charming independent stores. a free pint of the ‘Black Stu ’). Holyhead and whilst their o ers don’t than €6. Much of Dublin’s charm lies south of Once you reach the top take a break It is de nitely worth booking in always seem to be quite as good as Staying over in Dublin? Hotels are the River Li ey in the famous cobbled from shopping and enjoy St Stephen’s advance if you want to visit the their competitors, they do o er a faster going to be expensive, but why not streets of the Temple Bar district where Green, a beautiful and historic Storehouse as you might be able to service across the sea. explore the option of a hostel? 32 Seren | December Issue 2017 TV ADS YULE ONES TO WATCH - FESTIVE SPECIAL REVIEW LOVE

ALDI - KEVIN & KATIE Aldi’s Christmas advert this year fol- lows the (apparently) popular Kevin The Walking the carrot as he somehow manages to nd himself aboard a train that Dead looks suspiciously similar to the Polar Express. Once aboard, he spies a fair damsel amidst a rather full Christmas by EMMA JEWKES table, and after saving her from a devastating fate, he utters the bril- liant line; ‘I think I just pea-d myself!’ The Walking Dead wrapped up the Christmas ad watchers can be sure rst half of season 8 this week and that Kevin and Katie the carrots (not it’s fair to say that the All Out War quite alliteration there Aldi, but at story-arc has received mixed views least you tried) will be delighting us from the shows die-hard fan base. with their Christmas tales for years to This season has seen Rick and the come. Alexandrians, along with the Hilltop CHRISTMAS CRACKERS and The Kingdom, ght back against the brutal regime of Negan and the Saviours. While the action has hristmas has come around increased, many fans are deserting again, and with that comes There’s something for everyone amongst us - from the show with the major complaint Ca festive bunch of pro- the sadists to the sweethearts - this Christmastime being that it’s lost its way. How has it grammes to overindulge ourselves lost its way though and how can the with. Now admittedly, there - in Christmas for three more episodes. Corrie, a bit of happiness will surely show nd its mojo again? my humble opinion - hasn’t been Royston Vasey is in danger, times be had with POG Dogs so tune in. One of the main problems with as many barnstorming announce- are a-changing, and so is the way of Catch POG Dogs on Christmas Day, this season has been that logic has ments this year as there was for the world - parallelling and possibly ITV, about mid-afternoon after the seemingly not mattered on too many last Christmas (no Bear Hunts commenting on the real world that Queen pretends things will be okay occasions. Why, for example, would John Lewis - gets more dystopian by the day. after Brexit and Trump. Moz the Monster even!), but that doesn’t mean your Rick trust the garbage people when trusty ol’ editor hasn’t found some Simply must-see British televisual they double-crossed him before gold, and if you’re not in the loop, go John Lewis opted for a cute yet gems for you all, so without fur- and then, locked him in a storage ther ado, what will you be watch- re up a dodgy browser or by a 1p Old People’s Home For 4 Year slightly creepy monster - Moz - this plus £1.27 postage copy of the box- Olds container with just his boxer shorts year. The advert follows a boy who is ing this Christmas if you’ve got any set on Amazon and strap yourself for company. Also, what was the sense? afraid of the dark, and so Moz helps in. Catch The League on 18th, 19th, In August, Channel 4 aired a mod- point in bringing back Morales, only to kill him o ve minutes later? him overcome his fear, before the Doctor Who 20th December on BBC Two after the estly viewed but immeasurably kid gets a planetarium and Moz is watershed. impactful two part show about an Also, for a show about zombies, no longer needed - ahh. The slightly old people’s home visited by four the zombie peril just isn’t there Peter Capaldi will one last time enter Black Mirror cynical side of me can’t help but feel the TARDIS this Christmas in Twice year olds in the hopes of healing much anymore. The war with Negan that it wasn’t quite festive enough some of the isolation often experi- is quickly making the show into a Upon A Time, the rst time since Just past Christmas but just before for me, especially as you can now the 50th anniversary that multiple enced by the elderly and educating revenge thriller which is something New Year - AKA the abyss of good- our future generation to give them buy Moz merchandise, making it less Doctors will cross paths, with David will and joy, step up Charlie Brooker the fans didn’t sign up for, certainly Bradley reprising the First Doctor the chance to build bridges across ‘Christmas spirit’, and more ‘market- with Black Mirror to save us from a generational gap that seems to not me. Don’t get me wrong, I love ing scheme’, but hey, whatever  oats role he has so deftly handled in the ourselves and scare us o ourselves. Negan and I think his deputy, Simon absence of the late, great William ever-widen as years go by sadly. your boat, or pops your cracker. The dystopian satirical anthology se- The result was heart-warming and is fantastic, and not just because I Hartnell. The special will see the ries returns on December 29th for six met him at Comic-Con recently. rst Doctor and the twelfth cur- tear-jerking in the best way, and the more episodes of delicious futuristic idea of raising awareness of isolation Also, with one of the main mudgeonly and a bit generally put fables, of which I won’t attempt to o the idea of regenerating and at Christmastime and reuniting the characters having been bitten at the say much as *SPOILER* it’ll be kick- oldies and the kiddy-winkles for a end of the mid-season nale, let’s having to change again, so they ing o my reviews in the new year don’t… well not to begin with. With Christmas get-together sounds just get his inevitable death over quickly, with a comprehensive dissection of about perfect for a season that’s Daleks and Germans and snow and all six episodes. So yeah, that’s all I’m get the mourning done and lets get multiple time lords to manoeuvre, ultimately all about being together saying and there ain’t nothing you and sharing love for one another. back to what we all want, namely would Christmas truly feel complete can do about it. Catch Black Mirror Rick, Daryl, Carol and the rest of without a bit of Who? Not for me it Catch Old People’s Home For 4 Year December 29th on Net ix. Olds this Christmas on Channel 4, air them kicking some serious Saviour wouldn’t! Catch Doctor Who Christ- ass! Let Negan, however amazing mas Day BBC1 shortly after tea time I date TBA. should expect. he may be, get his comeuppance Paddington - M & S So there’s something for everyone and lets bring on the Whisperers, the Saving the best ad for last, or may- POG Dogs amongst us - from the sadists to the next big bads if the show follows the League of Gentleman sweethearts - this Christmastime. comics. If nothing else, the zombie be that’s just because I’m biased, but We all like Christmas, and we ALL M&S’ Christmas advert is as sweet as It may not be as much of a smor- skin wearing weirdos should get the This is a local paper for local people, like a good ol’ heckin’ doggo am I gasbord of delights as we’ve had in viewers streaming back. marmalade, geddit? It follows every- right frens? Doin’ us heckin’ bamboo- and so going back to a local town previous years, or maybe me being one’s favourite bear, Paddington, as for local people is perfect this zles once again and… oh dear, this he mistakes a burglar for a certain is getting published isn’t it? Damn! a biased even if I try not to be writer Christmas… well that is if you fancy just is struggling to get excited for Saint Nick. In true festive spirit, by a trip to the darker side of comedy Basically, Paul O’Grady, the dog lov- GET CONNECTED! the end of the advert, Paddington in Royston Vasey with masters of ing equivalent of Mother Teresa, is Miranda and Strictly specials - who changes the burglar’s mind about the macabre Messrs Pemberton, returning this Christmas to warm the knows? All I do know is that what we FACEBOOK - stealing, and even o ers him his very Gatiss, Dyson, and Shearsmith, and cockles of our festive hearts by nd- have got looks set to be an abso- ing homes for dogs who’ve fallen by SEREN TV own marmalade sandwich in a lovely if not then there’s nothing for you lutely cracking little line-up here! Following a hiatus of 12 years the wayside and catching up with lil heartwarming moment that is a true pupperinos and pupperinas - dogs tear-jerker. It is adorable, and cap- since the understated self-aware TWITTER - masterpiece that was Apocalypse, I mean, who found forever homes tures the importance of giving dur- the league’s last appearance and a this year. When something blows @SEREN_TV ing the Christmas season perfectly. big screen one at that, we return this up in Eastenders or someone dies in December Issue 2017 | Seren 33 TV NEWS SPECIAL FEATURE - NEW YEAR EDITORS’ IN TIME CLASSICS FOR NOEL

Finnian - Deputy Editor Songs of Praise iPlayer Overhaul “It’s not Christmas til we’ve his yuletide, the Beeb are gift- praised him. We must praise ing us access to some of their Tgreatest hits of recent times, him. And by him, I mean Aled releasing reams of series to show that they’re ready to enter the ring Jones.” with the streaming top dogs over at Net ix and Amazon Instant Video. This is all in aid of promoting iPlay- er as the centre of the BBC’s future plans, and we should all bow down in praise as just a few of the series’ getting put on include the complete Peaky Blinders, Taboo, Wolf Hall, Line of Duty, Sherlock S2-4, Him & Her, Gavin & Stacey, every New Who re- generation episode and some of the Megan - Games Editor greatest Eastenders storylines and 2018 - A YEAR IN PREVIEW specials of years gone by. It is truly Batman The Animated Series heartening to see the home of Brit- ish television’s roots boldly stepping AND WHY IT WILL BE THE BEST FOR TV YET “Mark Hamill’s rst Joker ep. up to its wealthier competitors, with no sign of paling in comparison and las, 2017 has come and the murder case that made armchair duo are only in a couple of episodes It’s Batman. It’s Christmas. It’s every sign of going from strength to gone, and before long I’ll be juries of millions last year is set to that is one mighty hook to bait this a third year scraping togeth- pick up the case of Steven Avery, ol’ trout. ETA Spring 2018 Net ix great. ‘Nu said.” strength in 2018 A er my brain cells for a dissertation wrongly convicted sex o ender so that I don’t end up out of a job, turned wrongly (or maybe rightly, Britannia out of a future, and in a pile of debt. who knows?) convicted murderer. LOL jokes, 2018 is all about what I The series provides a fascinating To not only ll the GoT void in many think may be the greatest year of dissection of psychology and the millions of hearts, but by the looks TV yet - I know, ballsy, but I could judicial system, and I’m sure I’m not of it give it a run for its money and be right. With on-demand services the only one keen to go back to possibly leave it short for change, thriving, digital TV experiencing court - in a manner of speaking. ETA Britannia will kick o 2018 on Sky, a renaissance of quality original Summer-Autumn 2018 Net ix looking at the Roman conquest of series and refreshing reboots, and Britain in a time of Celts and Druids. bold cinematic level productions Castle Rock With an all star cast of British titans in the works, who’s to say it can’t of acting like Ian McDiarmid and Isabelle - News Editor be? Here are six shows that will 2017 saw Stephen King’s place as Mackenzie Crook, Britannia looks set The Simpsons NETFLIX OFFLINE! make 2018 one to remember. the master of horror reasserted with to be scintillating stu . the release of It and the blockbuster ever fear, the good ship Netf- Doctor Who release of The Dark Tower - not the “There’s like a bit where Bart lix hasn’t been sunk randomly greatest adaptation ever, but one Star Wars Underworld Novernight, but rather has had Jodie Whittaker, set to be glimpsed which brought the mainstream decants cranberry sauce into a the most radical update in its brief, in the upcoming Christmas special as populace a chance to access King’s I’ve saved a personal choice for yet bloody big history. WE CAN FI- the newly regenerated 13th Doctor magnum opus, and one of the last, the long-awaited live action bowl and I really like it. So yeah. NALLY FORGET WI-FI AND BUFFER- and the (about bloody time) rst greatest achievements in modern TV continuation of Star Wars, Star It’s my favourite.” ING, DOWNLOADS ARE HERE! Well female one at that! With Bradley literature. Further, Gerald’s Game Wars Underworld. Little is known of there isn’t quite unlimited power Walsh, Mandip Gill, and Tosin Cole and 1922 have ruled Net ix’s thriller the series other than Daniel Logan - being granted yet - sorry Emperor creating a trio of companions set market, so enter Castle Rock, starring young Boba Fett - is set to reprise his Palpatine fans, truly, I’m sorry, some to journey through time and space, new Pennywise Bill Skarsgard, a role in the series, which seemingly series aren’t yet downloadable, but and new showrunner Chris Chibnall series set to bring together some of shall centre around a young Bounty most Net ix originals are like Orange in tow, I for one cannot wait to get King’s nest creations and one which Hunter and his adventures between Is The New Black, Narcos, The Crown going with Series 11. ETA Autumn excites me greatly! ETA Summer 2018 the events of Episode III and Episode and Stranger Things, and new series 2018 BBC1 Net ix IV. Due this time next year, words are being added to the list constantly cannot describe how excited I am to so yeah… cheers Net ix. Perfect Making A Murderer Maniac get my eyes round this. Premiering Christmas present to soothe the ev- December 15, 2018. er-increasing pain of hiking subscrip- Everybody’s favourite psychological Jonah Hill, Emma Stone, Norwegian Jack - Film Editor tion fees. Art Attack is back! Well, not really, Psychodrama. I’d say more but that’s Gavin & Stacey but titles are deceiving.. Anyway, more than enough, and even if the “This is a necessity for my family and I. As massive fans of MERRY CHRISTMAS the show, what could be more AND A perfect than watching this HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLKS! classic on Christmas Day?” 34 Seren | December Issue 2017 TV  ippantly ‘I’m press mate’ - well I afraid to use it. don’t, but I do say that I’m with a TV ON TOUR - FTLOS 2017 student paper and bumblingly de- clare myself a fan of his even though I’ve only watched a few episodes of Knight Rider. He follows up with a ‘we’re doing interviews in here buddy so no can do’ and I’m on the ropes… I’m Rocky if Rocky couldn’t punch for to ee and The Ho was actually Thor’s hammer. I stumble out a ‘I just want to take a few pic- tures’ before, and I’m sorry I couldn’t be your hero guys, I get the full 2:30-3:15 p.m force of embarrassment as The Ho Halo again. Jack’s fault. says ‘it’s time to leave kid’ and the security guys get all up in my grill and escort me out of the Cantina with my tail between my legs and no Adrian awaiting me, just Jack - who laughed almost a little too enthu- siastically at my failure. So yeah, hassling The Ho earns you a one way ticket to Rekt-ville and looking like an idiot even when you’ve come with a poor man’s Eddie Redmayne to the event. 3:20-4:30 p.m n the midst of an otherwise not just an overpriced doll! We got emperor laugh! This entire time painfully industrial estate, I at- out alive and made a beeline for the Joonas Suotomo was making his rst was spent watch- tended Manchester’s premier main hangar - I don’t know if it was UK con appearance and was a com- I ing people get science  ction convention - For actually a hangar but it looked like plete treat of a guest as he quipped their photos taken The Love of Sci-Fi and here’s my one so stay with me folks. And it was about “Chewbacca-Vision” and told with the guests account of the day by way of retro- like stepping through the ward- the humble story of his landing the in anticipation of spective timeline. robe and nding Narnia, stepping role of the most lovable Wookiee in Shatner coming out of the TARDIS into a fantastical all the galaxy, being plucked from so Jack could 6:10 a.m world, or stumbling across all of my Finnish basketball league obscurity get a handshake. I woke up in the kind of tired stup- nerdgasmic dream materials collud- and relishing every moment of After 45 minutes, he came, not our that made me question whether ing in one place! A huge TIE Fighter his time on set. Daniel Logan and Jack. No handshake. Just a crummy I actually wanted to go to a sci- greeted us upon entry,  anked by a Jeremy Bulloch, prequel and original 1:30pm quality picture of Captain Kirk and a convention or whether I should just 9ft Wampa and The Incredible Hulk. trilogy Boba Fett respectively, and Following an overly long stint recov- happy man-boy beside me. stick on a Kylo Ren out t, take a self- The phantasmagorical wonderland Brian Muir (the man behind Vader’s ering my ego and playing Halo 3 in ie, and pretend so I could go back was there, in full Cosplay and proppy helmet- he made it!) rounded out the gaming room upstairs, Sherlock 4:30 p.m to sleep… but then my girlfriend Set-laden glory. Between moments the panel and all were fascinating to and I (he’s not Sherlock but may as A nal sweep of the main hangar, kicked me out of bed and told me to of just gasping and coming to grips hear from, though it was sad to see well be) set o for Dolph Lundgren’s some pics and a gathering of Jedi, get my act together so that was my with the size of the place and stop- Bulloch appearing so fragile, under- panel. Dolph talked about how he Sith, rebel scum and imperial bad- escape thwarted. ping for pictures with Greedo and standably though as he approaches meditates daily and trains even dies unlike anything my wildest Chewbacca, we did share a minor his nineties and still goes to so many more frequently, also fondly remi- dreams could conjure, and it was 6:58 a.m complaint - the queuing systems conventions! niscing on how - when lming Rocky just about time to say farewell. At this precise moment, I was run- were about as e cient as Trump’s - the shots of Ivan Drago gazing out After mosying across to see Ernie ning, literally running, in the rain, presidency… which is to say that at the arena of his iconic ght with Hudson and Jennifer Runyon talking in my long coat and Darth Vader either the runners didn’t know how Balboa are vivid memories for him about Ghostbusters, hunger from Christmas jumper, to try and make to handle their responsibilities to of the man behind the character a foodless day took hold and it was it to the station on time as “where accommodate the guests queuing ‘glimpsing Hollywood for the rst time to leave, not before my partner the bloody hell are you?” pierced my to splurge their money for 2 seconds time, changing in a way that you in crime decided he quite liked a cer- throbbing head courtesy of my mate with their heroes, or they simply never get back’. Lundgren handled tain cosplayer only to nd out when Jack on the phone. hadn’t known just how popular Dien’s interjections well however, they turned around it was actually a the event would prove - which and after answering hordes of ‘who’d 50-odd year old bloke. 7:02 a.m with a guest list including Shatner, win in a ght’ questions, the nal Made it on time. Just. Jack wasn’t McDiarmid, and Dolph Lundgren, I question fell to me. As Jack - the best pleased. See picture for staged think isn’t really possible. No clear Barker to my Corbett - sco ed evidence. signs were provided as to what the 12:10 p.m sweeties and begged me not to raise queues were for, and no railings Following a fruitless attempt to get my hand, Dien approached and the 9:15 a.m helped divide the queues from the into the full-on recreation of Mos mic was on me. Thousands of eyes Thanks to a cracking cabbie who  oor-Walking folk like myself and Eisley cantina, I decided to abandon were on me. And I asked a great actually wasn’t out to rip us o , Jack Jack. Not great, but not enough of Jack - who I trusted not to end up question, moving past the physical- and I - alike a Poundland Laurel & a pain to stop us having a cracking kicking the Batwing in my absence - ity of Lundgren’s acting to question Hardy - toddled along an endless time. and try my hand with the Press Pass his mental preparations - proper line of cosplayers, kids, and nerds, all I’d acquired. Phase one went well journalist over here! And he made a of whom had made the holy pilgrim- 11:35 as I strode past security, my Seren bant out of it, claiming Sharknado 5 age to Nerdtopia, and all of whom Over to the Sci-Fi LIVE Stage Jack lanyard dazzling their eyes and was the most mentally challenging The day was fantastic, an event to re- must have got there very early. The and I went for the 40 Years Of Star a rming that I’m a proper journo. role of his lifetime - it went down member, where I didn’t gamble my event was due to open at 10, and Wars panel, hosted by Casper Van Phase two wasn’t too bad either, I well with the crowds, I’d set him up time on queueing for proof I’d seen the line was a 10 minute walk to Dien who - in my humble and walked into the Cantina - it looked and he knocked it out the park, but I my heroes and instead just enjoyed reach the end of at quarter past 9… insigni cant opinion that does not brilliant, complete with Ponda Baba didn’t mean to. the occasion, things had started slightly hope- represent the paper’s views and ex- at the Bar and Muftak sipping on made the most lessly - though Judge Dredd’s elderly ercises my ability to speak freely - is some blue milk (which I’d later nd of the stage intonations and some snazzy look- possibly the most insu erable host out they’d sold out of… NO BLUE events, and got ing Mandalorians kept the  icker of I’ve ever witnessed. He didn’t know MILK IN MOS EISLEY! Damn BREXIT!!) some cracking excitement alive. the guests, he couldn’t escape seiz- then out of nowhere The Ho ap- 2:25 p.m pictures whilst ing every chance to namedrop his proaches! Actual Michael Knight, Back to the Cantina, not a Ho in spending time 10:10-11:20 two lms that nobody particularly actual guy on everything and sight, but teeming with cosplayers with a mate We were in, straight past a mas- remembers fondly, and on several anything you’ve ever taken a passing and booze-lovers to the point where that - though I sive Stay Puft and a  eet of some occasions the guests in attendance interest in! And I was thinking, here’s I couldn’t have thrown a nerf-herder jovially rip to of the most iconic cars in science seemed to be low-key taking the a scoop, a sneaky little rendezvous across the bar without causing a riot. shreds - was the perfect ally to tackle ction, and unswayed by the Trad- mickey out of him. But nevertheless, in the cantina to report back on, but Jack and I stumped up the £11 it the day with. After some grub at the ers Outpost full of unparalleled hearing Ian McDiarmid muse on no… it was so much more than that! cost for a Red Scorpion cocktail each Tra ord centre and a painful train delights… that I did come back the lming of the iconic Tragedy of I, average joe Jordan, HASSLED THE (a very nice cocktail I must add), journey back, I felt shattered but boy to later. To buy some art… and an Darth Plagueis and defend the ge- HOFF!!! He swaggers over, smelling downed it essentially, and went was it worth it. Next year, here we Obi-Wan fully articulated model nius of unfairly maligned God of Star like expensive furniture, and he says back into the eye of the geek storm come! For more pics, head over to gurine of high craftsmanship and Wars George Lucas was a complete ‘you’re not supposed to be here kid!’ below! See artistic bar piccy below, SEREN TV’s FB amd Twitter obvious future value and de nitely joy. And he did the laugh… the And I’m thinking, I got this, so I retort I had a snazzy camera and I wasn’t December Issue 2017 | Seren 35 BOOKS INTERVIEW: Philip Pullman

n Friday 11th December, following his sell-out appearance at Pontio, best selling author Phillip Pulman spent the morning with students in the School of English Literature at Bangor University. Starting o with a lecture, he spoke about his childhood and his own inspirations for writing. He also spoke about the His Dark Materials trilogy, for which he is perhaps best known. Following Othe lecture, he invited students to throw their own questions to him which he answered with great aplomb. As an honorary Professor of English Literature at Bangor University, he seemed keen to hear from the students and he followed this up with a book signing session. Prior to the lecture, Phillip was kind enough to sit down with Seren for a ten minute interview...

had in the last year, with Brexit and all I should do and I envy writers who said that I looked like a retired rodey characters there and they’re arguing by EMMA JEWKES of the discussion with that; they are have the stamina and strength to go now working in a petrol station. It’s about it, they can discuss it and talk ‘A Book of Dust’ is a return to the clearly profoundly important things. to di erent places. But I don’t like quite right, I did. But anyway, when about it and warn each other about universe you created in your ‘His I’m very concerned about Brexit. I travelling. It’s uncomfortable, it’s hot I nished it I ran downstairs and told it, urge each other on. It immediately Dark Materials’ series. What made think it’s a dreadful mistake and the and I’m an old man so I’d much rather my wife to cut it o ; so she cut it o becomes much more dynamic. So you want to go back there? country will rue it sourly, and I don’t go to the library and read about it. In and I felt free at last. I shall never that’s the problem the daemon solve Because I sensed the presence of see any reason why I should shut up any case, it’s my world so I can just make that vow again. I’ve still got the in the rst place.When I realised that other stories I hadn’t told yet. In ‘His about it. So how does America, or the make it up. pony tail, it’s in a ziplock bag and I’m I could show the di erence between Dark Materials’, Lyra was about 11, world, deal with President Trump? going to give it to the Bodwin Library. innocence of a child who’s daemon but clearly, she was a baby once and He’s out of control and clearly stark ‘His Dark Materials’ is going to be is mutable and changeable and an clearly, she’s going to be an adult. I raving mad. adapted by the BBC. Where do Is there a reason why you spell adult who’s daemon is xed, that was was interested in how she arrived at you think they can succeed where Daemons in the way you do? the moment I realised I could tell big Jordan College in the rst place and It’s almost like we’re living in an Hollywood perhaps failed? I just found myself writing it without a much bigger story. then, as I thought about that, I could alternative universe ourselves. Simply in length of time. As we’ve really thinking it. But then I realised I see a story developing that would Exactly! Historians of the future will, seen with a series like The Wire, or The wanted it to be prounonced ‘demon’. Are there any characters you’ve have consequences much later on in two or three hundred years time, Sopranos or Breaking Bad, you can tell It comes from the greek word created based on people you when she’s growing up, hence the look back at this patch of time and a long story that you can’t do with ‘daemon’ of course which means know? slightly unusual structure of this wonder what the hell happened. Did cinema. Cinema is limited to two, something like a guardian angel or No, not directly, no. I’ve known a trilogy. the world suddenly go mad? Did we maybe three hours for a very long attendent spirit, something like that. lot of girls like Lyra, a lot of boys like pass through a giant gas cloud that lm, but you can’t tell a whole novel But I knew if I wrote the word ‘demon’ Will and a lot of boys like Malcolm in How does this book, ‘Le Belle suddenly made everybody go mad? in that stretch of time. So you have to people would think I meant a devil or the new book. But not directly. The Sauvage’,  t with ‘His Dark So of course those things have an condense and cut and people kind something of that sort but spelling it only times when i was conscious Materials’? e ect on me and the things you think of expect, if they see a movie of a like this draws attention to the fact of a model when i was writing, so It’s not a prequel, not a sequel, but about come out in your writing, not book they love, they expect to feel that it’s a di erent kind of thing and to speak, was with the old nun, sis- an equal. Essentially, it’s a companion deliberately, but just because that’s disappointed in ways like ‘he doesn’t very quickly we understand through ter fenella in the new book who is piece; a companion novel. the way things are. look like that’, ‘she would never say the events that are going on, we very like my great aunt, auntie ethel that’, ‘they’ve changed the ending’ or understand how daemons work and whom i loved. She was a very gentle, You seem to write your female Your next book is going to be set ‘they’ve left my favourite bit out’. But what the relationship is between timid and frail lady who used to pot- characters as very strong, heroic some years ahead of ‘Le Belle television, because of the immense human and daemon and so on. ter about in the kitchen doing the even. With today’s climate, is it Sauvage’ when Lyra is an adult. Is time it gives you, you can get most of sort of things Sister Fenella is doing important to populate your books there a sense of evolution? it in so I’m looking forward to them Where did you get the idea that in the story. Characters come to me with strong feminist characters? It’s been very interesting for me doing that. daemons are the manifestation of more or less entire with their per- Yes, but I don’t write strong female to see Lyra at di erent ages and the soul and how it changes from sonalities intact and their aims and characters for particular reasons. I things have happened that I wasn’t You’re very superstitious, so you child to adult? background and their histories. So i just see girls and women as being expecting. Because although you didn’t cut your hair while writing I don’t know exactly but it’s the best suppose they come from my imagi- interesting and strong. That’s how I make this stu up, it feels as though ‘Le Belle Sauvage’ did you? idea I’ve ever had. Initially the rst nation but I never had to feel that I see them, but in order to make girls I’m getting to know Lyra as I’m writing Well I am superstitious and I, for appearence of the daemon in my should draw someone from life. seem strong, you don’t have to make about her. And things are happening some reason, formed the idea early in story, in my mind, was the solution to boys appear weak. I’m interested which took me completely by the writing of ‘Le Belle Sauvage’ that a technical problem. How to describe Finally, a question I’ve been asked in strong determined characters, surprise. if I didn’t cut the hair, the book would something happening when there by one of the Seren team to ask whatever sex they are. be alright. Once an idea like that is was only one person present. Because you is, how do you name the Your novels go to di erent areas lodged in your head, it’s very di cult when that’s the case you have to Daemons? Do world events, in our universe, and places so does your research to remove. My wife kept telling me explain what she’s thinking and tell In Lyra’s world, their parents name e ect what you write? mean you have to do a lot of ‘cut your hair, you look like a damn them what she’s going to do and it’s them. How do I name them? I don’t I’m not only a writer, I’m a citizen, traveling and interviews with fool’ and I did look like a damn fool. kind of labourious and it’s also not know, I just think them up. and clearly events such as we have people? In fact, The Bookseller magazine very dramatic. And if you’ve got two 36 Seren | December Issue 2017 BOOKS Happy Birthday... J.R.R. Tolkien by EMMA JEWKES School Certi cate papers in his Luthien which was published earlier role of Professor of Anglo Saxon this year. This is why, even today, orn on the 3rd January 1892, at Oxford, he found a blank page nearly 90 years after its creation, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is still and scribbled down the words, ‘In Tolkien’s Middle Earth continues to Boften referred to as one of the a hole in the ground, there lived a endure. greatest authors ever. As the creator Hobbit.’ This would later become of Middle Earth, he is responsible for the rst sentence in his book The no less than 76 publications and his Hobbit which was published to great work remains as relevant today as acclaim in 1937. the day he died 44 years ago. He followed this up with The Lord “If more of us Spending the rst three years of his of the Rings which he published in life in South Africa, his family moved three volumes titled The Fellowship back to England following the death of the Ring, The Two Towers and valued food of his father. This left his mother The Return of the King between without an income so she home 1954-55. Currently, The Lord of the and cheer and taught a young J.R.R. Tolkien and his Rings remains one of the best-selling younger brother until she died when novels ever written selling over 150 he was just 12. million copies world wide. song above In 1916, he was called up to ght in Following his death on the 2nd the First World War and he would go September, 1973 at the age of on to ght in the Battle of the Somme, 81, Tolkien had appointed his hoarded gold, something he was ‘lucky’ to survive. grandson, Christopher Tolkien, as his Following the war, his interest in the literary executor. Starting with The it would be a epic poem Beowulf peaked and in Silmarillion, Christopher continued 1926, he nished his own translation to publish much of his grandfathers which wouldn’t be published until work by going through the vast merrier world.” 2014 by his grandson, Christopher quantities of notes he left behind. Tolkien. Overall, 39 books have been In the early 1930’s, while grading published from these notes, the most recent of which was Beren and Five books to read before Christmas A Christmas Carol The Polar Express by The Lion, the Witch The Snow Queen Hercule Poirot’s By Charles Dickens | Chris Van Allsburg | and the Wardrobe by by Hans Christen Christmas by England USA C. S. Lewis | England Anderson | Denmark Agatha Christie | England ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a timeless Alongside the beautifully The rst of seven published novels that comprise ‘The This tale unfolds in a dream- classic. Since its publication in illustrated pictures and a relaxed For lovers of detective ction, Chronicles of Narnia’, ‘The Lion, like sequence and focuses on the 1843, the phrase ‘Merry Christmas’ narrative style, there is a story the perfect Christmas selection The Witch and the Wardrobe’ is struggle between good and evil has been popularised and the that carries a delicate poignancy would not be complete without a novel set in the winter of the by two children, Gerda and Kay. story has graced the bookshelves and deeper meaning. The novel an entry from the classic ctitious land of Narnia, complete When the boy’s grandmother of many generations. The follows a young boy who boards crime novelist Agatha Christie. with talking animals and curious, tells the children about the Snow simple allegory of an old miser an enchanted train headed for ‘Hercule Poirot’s Christmas’ is the mythical creatures. Having been Queen who rules over snow akes, portrays a moral transformation, the North Pole on Christmas Eve. ultimate holiday murder mystery evacuated from London due to known as ‘snow bees’, they begin continuing to teach readers to He arrives and he meets Santa and centres on a festive family the onset of WW1, the Pevensie to see the supernatural being honour Christmas in our hearts himself, who o ers him any gift gathering held by the multi- children live in an old house in the in places where the white specs and to spread love, joy and he desires. Receiving a bell from millionaire Simeon Lee. With countryside and nd an entrance cluster the most. Alongside charity. Dickens exposes Victorian a reindeer that only true believers numerous unexpected guests, to the mysterious land through wicked goblins, magic mirrors traditions and the desperate can hear, Chris Van Allsburg’s the house soon plays host to a the wardrobe in one of the rooms. and mischievous demons, plight of the poor in the mid 19th tale explores the themes of trust number of potential suspects When they enter the wardrobe, the story of the endurance of century. He was greatly in uenced and powerful imagination that when the revelry turns deadly. they embark on an adventure in a childhood friendship is present in by the Christmas of Western are intertwined with the magical This mystery is devoid of familiar, land ruled by the evil White Witch, Gerda’s search for her friend Kay, culture that we experience essence of Christmas. Yuletide cheer and instead, whose reign ensures that it is who has been abducted by the today, complete with its seasonal portrays disturbing scenes ‘always Winter, but not Christmas’. icy fairy and brought back to her gatherings, traditional food & in the house of a malevolent Caught in an endless winter, the palace. drink and heart-warming festive lecher. For the Belgian detective, novel is a perfect accompaniment spirit. this proves to be no holiday, as to festive reading and will allow secrets must be uncovered and imaginations to be stretched. all motives examined. Christie’s holiday novel is undoubtedly a page-turner. December Issue 2017 | Seren 37 BOOKS Classics corner Dr. Seuss’ How the REVIEW: The Hate U Give by Grinch Stole Christmas! Angie Thomas “Then the Grinch thought across it myself. It is fair to assume of something he hadn’t that this book is inspired by the pow- before. What if Christ- erful movement “Black Lives Matter”. “I’ve seen it happen over and over again: a mas, he thought, doesn’t The book unapologetically demands come from a store. What the reader to delve into the racial if Christmas, perhaps, bias in the American justice system black person gets killed just for being black, means a little bit more.” and the issues that it faces, with the hideously daunting number of un- armed black people being shot by and all hell breaks loose. I’ve tweeted RIP police o cers. There are teachings in there when it comes to the police on how a black individual should act when coming across a police o cer. hashtags, reblogged pictures on Tumblr, and The harsh reality of it is that this is a by FRANCESCA SCIARRILLO child reciting her parents teachings on how to survive a police stop. signed every petition out there. I always said ow the Grinch Stole Christmas With the murder happening right is an example of Dr. Seuss at at the beginning of the book, “The Hhis absolute nest. It has it all Hate U Give” is all about Starr’s pro- that if I saw it happen to somebody, I would the witty rhymes, (extremely) unique cess of dealing with the physical hor- characters and a plot which can be ror of seeing Khalil shot for doing returned to every Christmas without nothing wrong. Through Starr’s eyes a doubt. Despite being considered a have the loudest voice, making sure the world children’s narrative, Seuss’ tale can be his book is a must read. There and innocence, the reader witnesses read and enjoyed for anyone of any are books that hold power and rsthand how young black men are age. We are immediately immersed status because they touch on guilty until proven innocent. T knew what went down. in the world of Whoville, home of the extremely strong and relevant politi- The book focuses on the life of a Whos and the title gure, the Grinch, cal messages. They make their pres- teenage girl and all the hormones who de nitely warrants a Scrooge ence felt on the book market and that come with it. However, these re- Now I am that person, and I’m too afraid to like status for his utter disdain for “The Hate U Give” is one of those lationships don’t hinder the death of the Whos. We quickly learn that the books. Khalil, they make it more painful. Grinch’s dislike of the Whos is the The book itself is something I will Thomas has done an incredible reason he isolated himself away up never fully grasp the sheer reality of, job with this book. Yes, it is based in speak.” on Mount Crumpit. Although the and that’s because I’m white. I will America but the black lives matter Grinch demonstrates his hatred for never know the fear and struggles anywhere. The issues with the police the Whos all year round, Christmas those who don’t have my privilege are prominent within the U.K. too. I time is by far the worst and one face because I simply don’t come hope that people can learn from this book that a hairbrush is not a gun. Christmas he decides to disrupt all the festivities by concocting an evil plan. Whether you’ve seen the movie adaptation (which I would 100% recommend; Jim Carey is a genius) or you’ve read the story, How The Philip Pullman: The Magic of Grinch Stole Christmas is a perfect quick read for this time of year and will get you into the Christmas spirit for sure. It’s themes of kindness; for- Storytelling giveness and community certainly warrant it a place in this month’s clas- sics corner. by EMMA JEWKES focus on Le Bell Sauvage, the rst book in the Book of Dust trilogy, he hilip Pullman is one of the also spoke a lot about his inspirations most enduring authors of the and what he loves about writing. It’s Ppast thirty years. Perhaps most inspiring to listen to someone speak famous for the His Dark Materials so passionately about something trilogy, he is a writer who appeals to they clearly love. people of all ages which is why the The thing that strikes you about Bryn Terfel Theatre in Pontio was Philip Pullman is that he is a born lled to brimming as he o cially storyteller. He’s not interested in launched his brand new trilogy, The facts, one of the main reasons why he Book of Dust. created his own universe for which to Set in the same universe as His base his stories. As he says, “No one Dark Materials, Pullman hopes that can tell me I’m wrong. It’s my world, The Book of Dust will have the same I created it so I make up the rules.” enduring appeal. “It’s not a prequel”, He’s rmly in the Once Upon A Time he says, “nor is it a sequel. It’s an business as opposed to the message equal!” This is something he was keen business and when he speaks, all you to reiterate as he spoke candidly want to do is sit cross legged on the about his like and work to former  oor in front of him hanging o his BBC Wales arts correspondent, Jon every word. Gower. While the questions tended to

If you have any books related content (a review, academic literature, a book launch, etc.) that you would like featured on this page please email: [email protected] 38 Seren | December Issue 2017 LIFESTYLE Explained: Beauty Jargon Whats What and Whose Who Nontouring: Strobing: Cut Crease: Bleed: CC Cream:

A term that hasn’t been around Basically, another word for A line is drawn between the ‘Bleeding’ is when your lipstick It stands for ‘colour correcting’ often (one I’ve not heard of highlighting. By adding light- crease and the eyelid itself. By smudges onto parts of your and can help tackle problem skin anyways). The idea is similar re ecting makeup to your doing so it accentuates the outside lip, causing you lip such as, redness, dark circles or to that of contouring, but the cheekbones, eyebrow and nose colours both on top and bottom makeup to look untidy and sallowness. Colours frequently focus isn’t on using dark powder it helps create a sparkly yet dewy of your eye to give you a higher messy. To prevent this use a good used for target areas include, but instead working with light nish. de nition. lip liner to act as a barrier. green for redness, purple for powder. A softer version of dull complexion, and orange for contouring! adding warmth to cool skin tones

Beauty Hacks from Around the World

very country has its tricks for glowing skin or shiny hair, here are a few ways and a few places that have some tips I’m keen to try!

E India: Turmeric Morocco: Argan Oil Egypt: Milk and Honey Greece: Rosemary Water China: Rice Water

Used as a mask for radiant skin, I This ingredient has certainly made These ingredients were once used Used by Greek women as a natural The water that is left over from have seen this ingredient pop up its way into an abundance of hair in Cleopatra’s bathing ritual, used conditioner, the nutrients found in cooking rice can be used as a facial on multiple beauty websites. Indian and beauty products available on for their believed moisturizing and rosemary water are bene cial to cleanser. It is said by Chinese herbal women have been using this for the market currently. It is favoured exfoliating properties. Honey was protecting skin cells from frequent medicine that the nutrients that many, many years. If you have dry for its hydrating properties that can also added for its hydrating nature, sun damage. It also acts as a natural remained in the water can lift oil and skin try blending it with an oil based transform dry skin or hair to glowing double the moisture! The Body Shop antiseptic, therefore can be used as dirt from the skin. product such as, coconut or olive. and shiny. also have a range of products aimed a disinfectant for both skin and hair. If you have oily skin, then perhaps at sensitive skin featuring Almond Try Chinese Ginseng and Rice using a mix of yoghurt (it also helps One of my favourite products is Milk and Honey. It soothes irritation, Try Herbal Essences Bio:Renew Clarifying Polishing Mask, £17.00 at ght acne) and lemon juice would Superdrug’s own brand Coconut Oil redness, dehydration, and dryness. Shampoo Rosemary and Herbs, The Body Shop. work better for you. with Argan Oil, £2.49 at Superdrug. £6.00 at Boots. Try Almond Milk and Honey Try Kiehl’s Turmeric and Cranberry Soothing and Caring Shower Cream, Seed Energizing Radiance Mask, £5 (250ml) at The Body Shop. £29.00 at John Lewis. December Issue 2017 | Seren 39 LIFESTYLE Let’s Talk: Crohn’s and Humanities Colitis Awareness Notebook Week The Typical Student rohn’s Disease and Ulcerative People who su er with the disease regarded as invisible illnesses. Public Colitis awareness week is the can go for long periods of time awareness and understanding needs C1st-7th December. Using the without showing any symptoms or to be higher, taking part in wearing hashtag #MakingTheInvisibleVisible, with very mild symptoms. Ulcerative purple or fundraising for Crohn’s and the week aims to get people talking Colitis is a condition that also causes Colitis UK can help in so many ways. about both Crohn’s and Colitis, and in ammation and ulceration of how it a ects those who su er from the inner lining of the rectum and it. colon. These are two main forms of Pages for more information: In ammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). What is Crohn’s and Colitis? Crohn’s and Colitis Charity UK- Often viewed as ‘invisible illnesses’, Get Involved! https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org. Crohn’s disease is a long-term Go purple on purple Friday! Wearing uk/ condition that causes in ammation purple helps to make Crohn’s and of the lining of the digestive system. Colitis visible after constantly being

The ‘Let’s Talk’ segment is a section I hope will reoccur. This section will act as a platform to discuss areas including health and wellbeing, as well as raising awareness for particular areas. If you have anything you would like to highlight in this section then please get in touch with your ideas at [email protected]. Beauty Advent Calendars

he older you get the less exciting Christmas can sometimes get but it doesn’t have to be with the rise of beauty advent calendars! From The Body Shop to ASOS everyone’s joining the hype to ensure our Christmas stays sparkly. TYour toughest choice will be which one but more importantly, who you’ll be asking. So move over chocolate and feast your eyes on some of the best of this year’s beauty advent calendar haul.

The Body Shop 25 Days Deluxe Advent Calendar, £65 NYX, £50 Makeup Revolution, £30 by RORY FORMSTONE to beep and shout at everything they ASOS, £55 ROBERTS do. This damages their con dence. They will learn to get it right, they Soap and Glory, £40 are just going through the motions. 0% of students are out partying This is like being a student; we are Sleek Makeup, £35 on the weekend, 72% have learning the way and all the steps, we 8missed more than ten lectures, sometimes stall and stutter o the Jack Wills, £35 87% of students do not have a starting block but we will get there. job, and 68% are under the age of It does not help if you are judging us nineteen. The acts of students have and stunting us straight away. been investigated by a university in I sit in my lectures and engage; eager America. The study only highlights to learn and make the most out of negative views and has a hostile my life, but you can see the looks on Editors Picks: My Top 4 Lip approach to the topic. Lots of people, peoples’ faces. They cut into you like not just students, go out on the a knife through butter. Judging you weekend to have a release. The study before you pick your pen up to write. concentrates on the missed lectures, Yes, I understand that some students Products but if you review and convert the are just in it for the thrills, and do MAC, Velvet Teddy Kat Von D, Lolita II information into a positive outlook, not fully grasp the true concept of it is a good attendance average. university. But then I suppose the concept has changed. I see some A makeup lover staple. This colour I got this as a gift last Christmas and Some students do not want a job in students dragging themselves to has been sold out multiple times and with no previous brand experience I university because they fear that it lectures, then opening the  ood you’ll nd it in many a girl’s makeup was pleasantly surprised. The colour will a ect their overall performance gates at night, so I can see where ‘the bag. It is a universally  attering nude, is a brick red/brown and really of studying. typical student’ idea comes from. But not too pink and not too brown. compliments dark hair. A slightly As a community we are looked upon do not tar us all with the same mark. more expensive brand but worth the as young, dumb, drunk, and foolish. I We are all individuals with our own price tag. am here to say we are not that, we are NYX Lingerie, Teddy so much more. We are practitioners, hearts, minds, and souls. Some are dietitians, scientologists, theorists, currently driving through the fog without the headlights on, but they I own all 12 of NYX’s rst collection dreamers, and learners. Learners in Burt’s Bee’s, Grapefruit will learn how to turn them on; and and they are my pride and joy. I life, love, and the world. People think avour they will be able to drive through the am a fan of all their colours, nudes, these negative things, but what they rest of their life knowing where the browns, purples and everything in Every girl needs a favourite chapstick, forget is that they were once this right path is. between! But this is the one I reach especially in the winter! I despise young. for 9 times out of 10. I love a brown cracked lips and there is nothing Picture this, a learner driver just We are not typical students, we and something dark on the lips really more refreshing than the smell or setting o on their rst ever driving are unique people with di erent makes them stand out. taste of grapefruit. lesson. Then a more experienced driver gets behind them and starts directions in life. 40 Seren | December Issue 2017 FOOD & DRINK Fresh cuts for 2 GUYS DEFINITELY NOT FROM Freshers ampus life caters for a wide range of activities, Cbut if your fridge is ever BANGOR running low these are a few key dates you should keep in mind. Run by the Campus Life Mentors, these events aim to make integrating into a new environment more fun and more relaxing too. Making new friends and learning new recipes could never be easier! Be sure to check them out around University and ask any questions, John loves questions. Remember to book in advance if necessary but you can nd all details and more events on a Campus Life poster or online at: wo guys from Brussels has “CAME HERE WITH MY BUD, BUTANE BILL. ON CHRISTMAS EVE, SUNDAY 24TH OF REGULAR CUSTOMERS AND WOULD LIKE bangor.ac.uk/campus-life/index. stood on the 307-309 High GREAT GUY, ODD CHARACTER. ANYWAY, DECEMBER, 4PM. WE WILL DO AN EX- TO REMIND YOU ALL THAT A NEW LOAD php.en TStreet in Bangor for two ORDERED THE FLAT WHITE. GOD DAMN! CEPTIONAL FULL HIGH TEA FROM 10AM OF CHOCOLATES IS COMING IN FOR and a half years. Specialising in I’VE NEVER SEEN A COFFEE BEING PREPED TO 3PM AND WILL CLOSE THE SHUTTERS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND TREATS.” bringing the best from Belgium AND POURED WITH SUCH SASS, SOUL AND AT 4PM. RESERVATION ONLY. to our doorsteps, their menu CONFIDENCE. I WAS SLIGHTLY AROUSED. “THESE LAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS Looks like the whole of Bangor ranges from beers to choco- SAT DOWN ON THE SOFAS THAT INSTANTLY BARLOWS HAVE HAD IT’S UPS AND DOWNS, BOTH will be turning up for one nal lates, sweets to sauces; all made SWALLOW YOU. GREAT PLACE TO COME AND PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL, BUT escapade on Christmas eve! Be with love, dedication and pas- CHILL. GOOD PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH! EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE TRIED TO TURN sure to grab one nal taster of sion. PEACE”. THE BUSINESS AROUND THE FOOTFALL that Belgium goodness other- • Monday 11th December Holding a 5.0 rating on trip IN BANGOR IS SIMPLY NOT THERE TO wise  ights are currently looking Board games and Biscuits advisor, Two Guys from Brussels Their announcement was met MAKE IT VIABLE IN REGARDS TO RENT at around £113 on Sky Scanner. • Tuesday 12th December sets a new standard for bangor with great shock and sadness AND RATES. highstreet with their café holding over Facebook when they re- “SOME OF OUR STAFF ARE WORKING Learn to Cook – Mince Pies! an 88% excellent rating on their leased their statement of closure: ON A PROJECT TO BUILD SOMETHING reviews. A most recent review FROM THE ASHES OF TWO GUYS AND by Squidgyfattrix on trip advisor “IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I WILL BE INVOLVED TO SET IT UP WITH BRAINT COMMON ROOM describes their experience : TWO GUYS FROM BRUSSELS HAS TO THEM. ANNOUNCE ITS FINAL CLOSURE DATE “WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO THANK OUR

• Thursday 14th December Board games and Biscuits The Perfect Mulled Wine Recipe FRIDD Courtesy of Jill Shirley • Monday 4th Hot Chocolate Morning! Looking FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY SEASON drink? You’ve found it! Following JILL SHIRLEY’S VERY OWN SPECIAL reci- ST MARY’S VILLAGE pe, you will achieve a wonderful cup of festive fun bound to liven up any event this Christmas! • Monday 4th December Hot Chocolate Morning!

You will need: 12 lumps of sugar in a sauce pan • 2 bottles of Red Wine with 300ml of cold water. Bring • a lemon to the boil and cook till the sugar • orange has dissolved. Add 1 and a half • cinnamon sticks bottles of red wine and bring • nutmeg back to just below boiling point. • sugar and lots of it (Add 1 liqueur glass of brandy at • (Brandy optional) this point.) Strain into a hot jug and pour into Christmas mugs. Prep: Cut up the apples, peaches and For add extra crunch try adding oranges into thick slices apples and peaches sliced into Method: the mixture and taste the Christ- Put the peel of 1 lemon and 1 mas spirit. orange, 6 cloves, a stick of cin- namon, half a whole nutmeg and 40 Seren | December Issue 2017 December Issue 2017 | Seren 41 FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK Fresh cuts for 2 GUYS DEFINITELY NOT FROM CHRISTMAS ROASTS e CHRISTMAS FEAST HAS ITS ROOTS from before the Middle Ages, but it’s during the Victorian period that the dinner we now associate with Christmas began to take shape. Examination of early Victorian recipes shows that mince pies were initially made from meat, a tradition dating back to Tudor times. However, during the 19th Freshers century there was a revolution in the composition of this festive dish. Mixes without meat began to gain popularity within some of the higher echelons of society and became ampus life caters for a the mince pies we know today. wide range of activities, e ROAST TURKEY ALSO HAS ITS beginnings in Victorian Britain. Previously other forms of roasted meat such as beef and goose were the centrepiece of the Christ- but if your fridge is ever BANGOR mas dinner. e turkey was added to this by the wealthier sections of the community in the 19th century, but its perfect size for a middle-class family gathering meant it C became the dominant dish by the beginning of the 20th century. running low these are a few key dates you should keep in mind. So, THIS SEASON GIVE THANKS TO your Victorian ancestors while you bite deep into that gorgeous mince pie before you. Run by the Campus Life Mentors, these events aim to make integrating into a new environment more fun and more relaxing too. Making new friends and learning new recipes could never be easier! Be sure to check them out around University and ask any questions, John loves questions. Remember to book in advance if necessary but you can nd all details and more events on a Campus Life poster or online at: wo guys from Brussels has “CAME HERE WITH MY BUD, BUTANE BILL. ON CHRISTMAS EVE, SUNDAY 24TH OF REGULAR CUSTOMERS AND WOULD LIKE bangor.ac.uk/campus-life/index. stood on the 307-309 High GREAT GUY, ODD CHARACTER. ANYWAY, DECEMBER, 4PM. WE WILL DO AN EX- TO REMIND YOU ALL THAT A NEW LOAD php.en TStreet in Bangor for two ORDERED THE FLAT WHITE. GOD DAMN! CEPTIONAL FULL HIGH TEA FROM 10AM OF CHOCOLATES IS COMING IN FOR ere at Seren, have our own mental editor, reckons it’s have that crisp ball of joy of awkward conversations • LIZZY DILLON, music editor, and a half years. Specialising in I’VE NEVER SEEN A COFFEE BEING PREPED TO 3PM AND WILL CLOSE THE SHUTTERS CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND TREATS.” favourite piece of the tradi- got to be the alcohol! they call Sage and Onion with distance relatives. throws the curveball of bringing the best from Belgium AND POURED WITH SUCH SASS, SOUL AND AT 4PM. RESERVATION ONLY. Htional Christmas feast: stu ng without anybody Mince pies are good too. stu ng! to our doorsteps, their menu CONFIDENCE. I WAS SLIGHTLY AROUSED. “THESE LAST TWO AND A HALF YEARS Looks like the whole of Bangor • CHLOE HEATH, arts and cul- batting an eye... I recall a ranges from beers to choco- SAT DOWN ON THE SOFAS THAT INSTANTLY • Personally, I am a massive ture editor, claims best part Christmas where, because • KATIE TEW, sport editor, goes BARLOWS HAVE HAD IT’S UPS AND DOWNS, BOTH will be turning up for one nal lates, sweets to sauces; all made SWALLOW YOU. GREAT PLACE TO COME AND PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL, BUT escapade on Christmas eve! Be fan of Brussel Sproats, yes about Christmas dinner is I can’t eat Christmas pud- in strong with YORKSHIRE • FINNIAN SHARDLOW, deputy ed- with love, dedication and pas- CHILL. GOOD PLACE TO PEOPLE WATCH! EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE TRIED TO TURN sure to grab one nal taster of really. portion sizes are not re- ding (it makes me feel sick PUDDINGS. itor, votes the tedious con- sion. PEACE”. THE BUSINESS AROUND THE FOOTFALL that Belgium goodness other- stricted. as a dog that’s sick), I had versation. • Monday 11th December Holding a 5.0 rating on trip IN BANGOR IS SIMPLY NOT THERE TO wise  ights are currently looking • EMMA JEWKES, our editor, says stu ng for pudding and • And JACK CARR-BRICKLES, Travel Board games and Biscuits advisor, Two Guys from Brussels Their announcement was met MAKE IT VIABLE IN REGARDS TO RENT at around £113 on Sky Scanner. it’s got to be the pigs in • JORDAN KING, TV editor, got a gave no fucks whatsoever. editor, says roast potatoes blankets and roasties, how- bit creative with his choice Here’s to the stu ng! all the way to the sky. Well there you have it folks! • Tuesday 12th December sets a new standard for bangor with great shock and sadness AND RATES. highstreet with their café holding over Facebook when they re- “SOME OF OUR STAFF ARE WORKING ever put sproats near me and proclaimed: Stu ng, Learn to Cook – Mince Pies! an 88% excellent rating on their leased their statement of closure: ON A PROJECT TO BUILD SOMETHING and I will vomit! literally the reason I enjoy • SASH DEACON, fashion editor, reviews. A most recent review FROM THE ASHES OF TWO GUYS AND roasts... potatoes are great sides pigs in blankets. by Squidgyfattrix on trip advisor “IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I WILL BE INVOLVED TO SET IT UP WITH • BETH SMITH, local jester of the but you can have them BRAINT COMMON ROOM describes their experience : TWO GUYS FROM BRUSSELS HAS TO THEM. news team, is team pigs in whenever, pigs in blankets • ISABELLA MARIA TIMPANY, news Top Take Away ANNOUNCE ITS FINAL CLOSURE DATE “WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO THANK OUR blankets. are swell, and Yorkshire editor, supports Hannah puddings are Grand, but with alcohol, speci cally • HANNAH LIMBERGER, environ- only with a roast can you Red wine. To ease the pain • Thursday 14th December Deal of the Weeks Board games and Biscuits The Perfect Mulled Wine Recipe DOMINOES FRIDD Courtesy of Jill Shirley Salted Caramel • Monday 4th Hot Chocolate Hot Chocolate Morning! Looking FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY SEASON drink? You’ve found it! ilk, dark chocolate and Method: salted caramel sauce are Place the milk into a saucepan Following JILL SHIRLEY’S VERY OWN SPECIAL reci- Msimmered together with and bring to a simmer over a ST MARY’S VILLAGE pe, you will achieve a wonderful cup of festive fun bound to a blend of rich, warming spices in gentle heat. Remove from the liven up any event this Christmas! this luxurious hot chocolate, the heat and stir through the choco- • Monday 4th December Hot perfect treat to cosy up with on late, cinnamon, nutmeg, salted Christmas Eve. caramel and chilli. Stir until the Chocolate Morning! INGREDIENTS: chocolate has melted. Add the • 450ml whole milk sea salt, to taste. Return to the • 75g dark chocolate 70% co- heat, stirring, until it just starts to You will need: 12 lumps of sugar in a sauce pan coa solids, chopped, plus a simmer. • 2 bottles of Red Wine with 300ml of cold water. Bring little extra grated chocolate Pour into small cups. Serve with • a lemon to the boil and cook till the sugar to garnish the cinnamon sticks to use as stir- • orange has dissolved. Add 1 and a half • 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon rers, if using. Sprinkle with the Hollyoaks Hunger Buster £17.99 • cinnamon sticks bottles of red wine and bring • 1/8 tsp nutmeg grated chocolate. • nutmeg back to just below boiling point. • 3 tbsp Tesco Finest salted Tip: For an extreme salty-sweet his month’s deal goes For the rst time in my life • sugar and lots of it (Add 1 liqueur glass of brandy at caramel dessert sauce treat, brush the rim of the glass to Dominoes very they weren’t burnt on the • (Brandy optional) this point.) Strain into a hot jug • 1/8 tsp hot chilli powder with caramel dessert sauce and own Hollyoaks Hun- bottom either!! Buzz. and pour into Christmas mugs. • pinch sea salt, or to taste dip in a little of the salt. For a sub- T ger Buster for only £17.99. Prep: (see tip) tler  avour, dip in demerara sugar This wonderous package Get your hands on this Cut up the apples, peaches and For add extra crunch try adding • 4-6 cinnamon sticks, to mixed with a pinch of salt. sets you up with: amazing deal by calling oranges into thick slices apples and peaches sliced into serve (optional) 01248 351900, but re- Method: the mixture and taste the Christ- • 1 Medium Pizza (I went member there are time Put the peel of 1 lemon and 1 mas spirit. for the Italian style restrictions 5pm – 7pm orange, 6 cloves, a stick of cin- Verone 11.5”) weekdays. namon, half a whole nutmeg and • 7 Chicken strippers All this for £17.99 includ- with BBQ sauce ing DELIVERY!!!!!! • Garlic Pizza Bread • AND Dominoes Cook- ies #LOVEHALLS LIVED IT, LOVED IT COME BACK TO IT Halls, notj ust for your Live in one of our First award winning student year villages next year Book online now! WWW.BANGOR.AC.UK/MYROOM Opens 1st December LOW PRE-PAYMENT OF JUST £150 SHOW FLAT AVAILABLE #LOVEHALLS WANT TO SUPPORT OTHERS LIVING IN HALLS? LIVED IT, LOVED IT COME BACK TO IT JOIN THE WARDEN just TEAM! APPLY NOW www.bangor.ac.uk/accommodation Halls, not /halls/bewarden.php.en for your www.bangor.prospects.ac.uk ENJOY MEETING Live in one of our First PEOPLE AND award winning student year HAVING FUN? villages next year Book online now! JOIN THE WWW.BANGOR.AC.UK/MYROOM CAMPUS st , Opens 1 December FriendlyFun CREW! LOW PRE-PAYMENT OF & Inclusive APPLY NOW JUST £150 We’re looking for dedicated go-getterswww.bangor.ac.uk/campus-life who want to make a positive contribution to the hallswww.bangor.prospects.ac.uk community. SHOW FLAT AVAILABLE OPEN EVENING 24TH & 30TH JANUARY / 6.30PM Cledwyn Conference Room 3 CLOSING DATE: 5 ACTIVITY DAY: 24TH FEBURARY INTERVIEWS: 12 TH FEBURARY TH - 16TH MARCH HALLS OFFICE BANGOR UNIVERSITY 44 Seren | December Issue 2017 FASHION

Le : OppoSuits Suit + Tie Xmas Print - £65 Asos Right: Rollneck Christmas Sweater - £30 Next Christmas Party: What to wear Colours and trends to wear this year... Men Christmas suit: Why not be a little bit could potentially be the way to go. It is usually is a really smart casual look for the Christmas piece that is the most common choice for a works unconventional this year at your Christmas Party, best to wear a plain white shirt underneath the party this year. Not only is this a style that looks party.  is out t suggests that the man is more without ditching the traditional coat and tie look. suit, as the suit itself is usually got a lot of pattern really fashionable and smart, this is a look that relaxed and comfortable in the presence of their A Christmas suit is the way to go this year, it’s and you don’t need to add any new pattern as it looks to be really practical for the weather too. peers when they are wearing this out t rather funky and reveals just a little bit of personality could remove attention from the main attraction  e two layers would make this out t really than just a suit.  e colour combo that looks instead of the black or grey. You can get them in of the suit itself.  e tie also matches the jacket warm and comfortable as well as looking good. really nice together despite what you might think an array of di erent colours, styles and pattern. I and the trousers which mean there is a no part of  is is a look that a lot of men appear to be is a greyish tweed jacket mixed with a light brown have personally been to a few Christmas parties’ the out t that has been le unturned; every tiny wearing with jeans, regular black trouser don’t cable knit jumper.  ese colours are really suited where the gent has rocked up in a Christmas suit part of the out t has been taken into detail. A seem to match this out t, and most commonly to the winter and the autumn which really looks and it has been the life and soul of the party. It is pair of fancy black or brown shoes makes a nice jeans in the regular denim colour, or even in a good at the Christmas party. immediately the centre of attention and so if you juxtaposition to wear with this out t. black jean. Again this isn’t the conventional look consider yourself to be a bit of a showman this A tweed jacket with a cable knit jumper:  i s in comparison to the traditional black or grey 3 Women Red, white and black. It’s more the colours this be for the bottom of the out t. Skirts, dresses and for a Christmas party.  ere are many di erent dress but it is not very practical as the material is year with the women that are the stand out rath- bodysuits as well as blouses and playsuits.  ese types of the dresses.  ere are Rudolph dresses quite thin which means that it is not the warmest er than the styles with the women.  e red and colours pair together well no matter which item in which the dress is brown in a  t and  are type of out ts to wear in the festive period.  e other white colour mix is very traditional Christmas is red and which is white.  e black really breaks style.  e body of the dress is in the form of a festive dresses are a little less obvious and dress colours. However, adding some black leggings it up and adds a sassy edge to the out t and re- dress up reindeer with a hood on the dress as a up like, they have printed pictures of Santa  y- or some black skinny jeans.  is combo can be ally adds to the festive feel of the out t.  e black reindeer head.  ere are also ‘sexy’ dresses, these ing across the starry night, however, these dresses dressed up or dressed down. Also the colours can looks best as a belt or a jacket or even the shoes, are dresses that are a modern, feminine take on do appear to be slightly more childlike than the be used either way around. You can either where just a small accessory to add to the out t and add the traditional Santa suit. Again, this is a  t and other ones. a red skirt or a red pair of trousers or you could an elegance to it.  are dress with a halter neck style.  e white fur mix it up and where a red blouse or playsuit/bod- Christmas dress: Similar to the Christmas suit, trim is around the bottom of the dress as well as ysuit. Even a red dress.  e white could equally these dresses are a novelty form of dressing up along the bust line.  is one is a fun and  irty 44 Seren | December Issue 2017 December Issue 2017 | Seren 45 FASHION SPORT Battling Display Not Enough Women’s 2nd Hockey for Womens Handball Conquer Lancaster in n Sunday 3rd December, Ban- A er the vast e ort from each Bangor Alexia Malnight-Alvarez (1), who gor Women’s Handball Team girl, eventually the resistance broke by scored her  rst competitive goal in her Stormy Conditions ( e Serpents), faced a stern the persistent Lancaster team, despite  rst competitive game. testO against a vastly experienced Lan- a monumental e ort from our goal- Bangor Women’s Handball team will caster side. With Lancaster demolish- keeper, and peer-nominated “Player next take on University of Manchester ing their previous opponents by 42 of the Day” Nicole Jones, who made and LJMU on February 25th, for the goals, the girls knew they had to be in a staggering 28 saves in the game.  e next round of the Nationals competi- prime form to compete on the pitch. game unfortunately ended 17-7 to the tion. With a squad of 12 girls, possessing impressive Lancaster, but the girls had a mix of experience and natural tal- the fans purring at the progress this ent, the team went in well-prepared squad has made in the last month. and aiming for a successful match. A Despite a disappointing  nish to a Match Report: huge rally in the  rst 15 minutes le top-quality game of handball, there the girls level at 6 goals apiece, a er were numerous positives to take away fantastic goals from Malin Tillstrom, from Northgate Arena, with the focus Bangor - 7 Emma Smith, Hannah Davies, Ellie now shi ing to the upcoming matches Robinson and debutant Alexia Mal- against LJMU and Manchester. night-Alvarez. A late surge by Lancas- Our goal scorers were Malin Till- Lancaster - 17 ter le the goals trailing by just 3 goals strom (3), Emma Smith (1), Hannah at half-time. Davies (1), Ellie Robinson (1), and lots of attempts at goal and a penalty angor University Women’s corner Bangor failed to score in the Hockey 2nd team braved the  rst half so both teams went into half terrible weather conditions time with no point on the score board. Bat the Ffridd synthethis Wednesday  e change of ends at half time really to take on Lancaster 3rd team in the helped Bangor as they were able to Last 16 match of the BUCS Northern score and  nish the match 1-0.  is Conference Plate. win takes them through to the quarter In the  rst half Bangor played  nals of the British Universities & into the wind and rain and despite Colleges Sport (BUCS) Northern this stormy onslaught gave a great Conference Plate where they will be performance with lots of possession facing Newcastle 4th team in February. and play in the Lancaster half. Despite Le : OppoSuits Suit + Tie Xmas Print - £65 Asos Right: Rollneck Christmas Sweater - £30 Next Christmas Party: What to wear Colours and trends to wear this year... Mens Handball in National Championship

Men angor University Handball didn’t  nd the back of the net as he got Nathan James was facing a baptism resumed its campaign at the his  rst call up for the  rst team of the of  re in a position he had never Christmas suit: Why not be a little bit could potentially be the way to go. It is usually is a really smart casual look for the Christmas piece that is the most common choice for a works weekend in the National year. played in before, but still managed to unconventional this year at your Christmas Party, best to wear a plain white shirt underneath the party this year. Not only is this a style that looks party.  is out t suggests that the man is more BChampionship, with the Men’s teams Christmas came early for Cathan pull o 16 saves, some of which made without ditching the traditional coat and tie look. suit, as the suit itself is usually got a lot of pattern really fashionable and smart, this is a look that relaxed and comfortable in the presence of their taking on the LJMU  rsts and seconds. Rumney, who gi ed himself with his him look like a natural to the position. A Christmas suit is the way to go this year, it’s and you don’t need to add any new pattern as it looks to be really practical for the weather too. peers when they are wearing this out t rather Our  rst team were up against their  rst goals for Bangor which marked Alvaro Borrallo also managed to get funky and reveals just a little bit of personality could remove attention from the main attraction  e two layers would make this out t really than just a suit.  e colour combo that looks seconds and vice versa, as the  rst an impressive individual performance. his name onto the score sheet, as well instead of the black or grey. You can get them in of the suit itself.  e tie also matches the jacket warm and comfortable as well as looking good. really nice together despite what you might think team looked to battle for their  rst win  e Bangor team however might as converting 100% of his penalties an array of di erent colours, styles and pattern. I and the trousers which mean there is a no part of  is is a look that a lot of men appear to be is a greyish tweed jacket mixed with a light brown of the academic year. Despite going a want to work on their penalties in in the game. However, despite these have personally been to a few Christmas parties’ the out t that has been le unturned; every tiny wearing with jeans, regular black trouser don’t cable knit jumper.  ese colours are really suited goal down, the lads fought to earn a training, having scored only two out of e orts the LJMU side were just too where the gent has rocked up in a Christmas suit part of the out t has been taken into detail. A seem to match this out t, and most commonly to the winter and the autumn which really looks nine goal advantage early in the  rst a possible eight, nevertheless it was a experienced for our lads and  nished and it has been the life and soul of the party. It is pair of fancy black or brown shoes makes a nice jeans in the regular denim colour, or even in a good at the Christmas party. half, with a plethora of goals being fantastic performance from the boys, the game with 49 goals, in comparison immediately the centre of attention and so if you juxtaposition to wear with this out t. black jean. Again this isn’t the conventional look added to the score line, courtesy of Joel  nishing the game at 36-9 victors, and to Bangor’s 9, but the side will look to consider yourself to be a bit of a showman this A tweed jacket with a cable knit jumper:  i s in comparison to the traditional black or grey 3 Dench and Owen Middlemas. will look to continue to improve on take all the positives from their three Bangor entered the half time break these performances for the next round games so far as they look to improve 14-3 to the good, content with the way of games in February. going into the second semester. they had played so far.  e boys kept  e second team also featured at the First team scorers: Joel Dench (11), to their game plan in the second half, weekend against a strong LJMU  rst Steve  ornton (8), Owen Middlemas playing simple handball and using team, however, they were entering the (8), Max Duprez (5), Cathan Rumney the plays that they had been learning game on the back of a terri c victory (3), Sam Bentley (1) Women in training to increase the score even against UCLAN just two weeks prior. Second team scorers: Mike Corf (5), further. Well worked goals from Steve Con dence was high when captain Alvaro Borrallo (4) Red, white and black. It’s more the colours this be for the bottom of the out t. Skirts, dresses and for a Christmas party.  ere are many di erent dress but it is not very practical as the material is  ornton saw his tally reach double Josh Ballaam won the coin toss but year with the women that are the stand out rath- bodysuits as well as blouses and playsuits.  ese types of the dresses.  ere are Rudolph dresses quite thin which means that it is not the warmest  gures for the season whilst Joel it wasn’t long befor LJMU displayed er than the styles with the women.  e red and colours pair together well no matter which item in which the dress is brown in a  t and  are type of out ts to wear in the festive period.  e other Dench continued to hammer in the their intent by scoring six goals in white colour mix is very traditional Christmas is red and which is white.  e black really breaks style.  e body of the dress is in the form of a festive dresses are a little less obvious and dress goals from the right wing, netting the quick succession. Match Report: colours. However, adding some black leggings it up and adds a sassy edge to the out t and re- dress up reindeer with a hood on the dress as a up like, they have printed pictures of Santa  y- most amount of goals in a game ever It was an aggressive start for Bangor or some black skinny jeans.  is combo can be ally adds to the festive feel of the out t.  e black reindeer head.  ere are also ‘sexy’ dresses, these ing across the starry night, however, these dresses for a Bangor Handball side with an as they picked up two 2 minute Bangor 9 - 49 Liver- dressed up or dressed down. Also the colours can looks best as a belt or a jacket or even the shoes, are dresses that are a modern, feminine take on do appear to be slightly more childlike than the almighty 11 goals. suspensions and a yellow card, before pool John Moores be used either way around. You can either where just a small accessory to add to the out t and add the traditional Santa suit. Again, this is a  t and other ones. Defensively Bangor were strong. their  rst goal came from their top a red skirt or a red pair of trousers or you could an elegance to it.  are dress with a halter neck style.  e white fur LJMU seconds struggled to get many goal scorer Mike Corf, who took his mix it up and where a red blouse or playsuit/bod- Christmas dress: Similar to the Christmas suit, trim is around the bottom of the dress as well as shots away and even when they did, tally for the season into double  gures. ysuit. Even a red dress.  e white could equally these dresses are a novelty form of dressing up along the bust line.  is one is a fun and  irty Vern Frost was there to make sure they Stand in goal keeper 46 Seren | DecemberIssue 2017 SPORT Judo Bangor Gymnasts Dazzle in Bath am and Rhys are a liate members hirteen members from the podium for single elements in both, and continue with this demanding of the club, 17 yrs and 15 yrs old, Bangor Gymnastics team beginners and novice’s, female and but rewarding sport.  e team had both Welsh squad members. Sam headed to Bath for the Bath male; and many people received a fantastic time and Bath University TUniversity Gymnastics Competition. multiple certi cates. In addition, the were amazing hosts and it was a isS a visually impaired player who also trains with GB Paralympic team in Around a 100 competitions from team won 4 medals for overall: Emily friendly competition, everyone from Walsall.  ey both shone at this Welsh di erent university’s including: Exeter, Westlake was 2nd for beginner’s every team was very supportive and Schools Regional heat of the British Bath, Bangor, UWE Cambridge, women, Wesley Hundscheid, 2nd for there was no rivalry it made it an even Schools championships, Sam Gold and Manchester and FXU.  ere were beginners men, Hayley Winter was better experience. Our day ended with Rhys Silver thus gaining a place in 2018 6 Categories in which Bangor had 2nd for Women’s Novice and Anugerah a joint social of all clubs, it was great British Schools champs. Rhys won his representatives in the female and male Makmur 2nd for Men’s novice. to get to know everyone and the next  rst contest with a brilliant shoulder beginners, female and male novice and It was an extremely successful morning before leaving. throw in 4 seconds and his next with a female intermediate. weekend and the results encouraged hold down. Sam won his  rst with an  e competition was a great success our gymnasts, most of them who have inner thigh throw and had to pull out and Bangor placed 14 times on the started only this year, to train harder all the stops to win his second, this set up the  nal between them both. Rhys attacked Sam with an outer leg hook but Sam countered brilliantly. Steve Clarke 6th Dan, (coach at New Year, New me? Bangor Uni dine 1989) resolution. have achieved, so you can celebrate you are more likely to achieve your third of New Year Resolutions Is your goal smart? your success. goal if you focus on one aspect of your have failed by the end of Janu- Your goals should be smart — spe- Achievable: By any means stretch life. ary, so how can we pick the ci c, measurable, achievable, relevant and push your self to be the best you 2. Create sub-goals that are Rowing Aright resolution? and time-bound.  erefore you are can be but have small manageable measurable and time-based, so you Many people do not achieve their more likely to achieve them. steps. If you have an unrealistic goal, can see how much you have achieved he Bangor Rowing team headed goal because they pick a resolution Speci c: You need to have a clear idea then it may leave you frustrated so you and will give you more motivation. to Liverpool for the  rst com- created based on what someone else of what you want to achieve so you can are more likely to fail your goals. 3. Give yourself a small reward petition of the year. Bringing or society is telling them they should take steps towards your goal. A com- Relevant: does this goal really mat- whenever you achieve a sub-goal, Thome 2 gold medals for the senior change. A new years resolution is your mon New Years Resolution is want- ters to you, and are you making it for which will help to motivate you and men’s 8 and the senior women’s quad! goal and therefore should be what you ing to lose weight. Rather than saying the right reasons? You are more likely give you a sense of progress. For the novice men’s and the novice want to achieve so you are more likely ‘I want to lose weight’ ask yourself 2 to work harder and achieve your goal 4. Share your new year’s reso- woman’s they showed control and team to  nd success. In addition you need simple questions: How much weight if it is relevant to you. lution with your friends and family - work throughout. Even with the typi- to have a clear goal and aim, if a reso- do you want to lose and by what date? Time-bound: By having sub-goals you're more likely to get support and cal Welsh weather, which has meant lution is too vague you may not know Measurable: Logging progress into it will keep you motivated and in the want to avoid failure. that they have not had much water what you want to achieve which could a journal or making notes on your long term will result in your resolution 5. To stay motivated, make a time this semester, the hard work in limit your success because you need phone can reinforce the progress and it becoming part of your lifestyle. checklist of how achieving your reso- the gym really did pay o . All crews have a realistic plan for achieving your will also enable for you to see what you 1. Focus on one resolution- lution will help you. did fantastic!  e team spirit was really shown with everybody getting behind the boats and really supporting each other. A massive thank you to all of the coaches and everybody involved with Women’s Netball Rise up Against Craig Y Don the Rowing Club! Bangor 3rds 34 - 26 Craig Y Don Congratulations to Bangor Universi- ty Netball Club 3rds for winning their Competing  rst local league match of the season! A very strong start from the 3rds who made the match theirs from the Mountaineers beginning.  ere were lots of turned over balls throughout the game caused On the 3rd of November, some of the by defensive pressure from Gina Kel- Bangor University Mountaineering ly in mid court which the girls took society went to Beacon's Ultra Violet advantage of, bringing the ball back bouldering competition (Bouldering down court to allow for some excellent is climbing without ropes up to a set work in the circle from Zoe Laurence height with big mats on the  oor). We and Sioned Rowlands.  e girls went covered ourselves in uv paint, got our into each quarter with a solid lead but tick sheets and then hit the boulders. It this didn’t stop the determination they was self marked, so if you did a route needed to take the win of 34-26! in 3 goes you'd get 10 points, 5 points Player of the Match : Sioned Row- therea er. And 2 points for a con- lands trolled hold of the bonus only, o en Captain’s Player : Zoe Laurence half way through a route. If you want to win, you basically want to  ash (in 1 go) as many routes as possible so you don't waste too much energy. But most of us go to see how much we've improved since last time and to have fun. It also highlights areas you need Victory for Bangor’s Badminton team to improve on in order to become a better climber. I  nd in a competi- and  ght hard she did winning the re- holds, winning 21-4, 21-11. Neera and Liddy  nished the match tion environment, I'm much more hen the the Badminton La- maining two games 21-15, 21-15 and Hannah then took on the second sin- o , beating the second doubles pair- likely to go for a move that I otherwise dies team arrived in Ches- winning herself a very strong and what gles player of Chester, and played her ing, again with grace and sportsman- wouldn't normally do, especially with ter, they were greeted by became a very important point. socks o , leaving her hugely unfortu- ship - 21-7, 21-9. people shouting "come on" "yes" "you ChesterW as if they were old friends, and On next was Neera and Liddy, and nate not to take it to three sets, losing  is meant that for the  rst time in can do it". For this comp, I set myself then they got down to business. Han- despite dealing with some environ- 21-16, 21-10. Despite Aina’s earlier he- recent history, Bangor had triumphed the target of 100 and got 98, so pretty nah bravely took on a very high qual- mental problems (Chester has very roics, and using all her best shots, she over their geographical neighbours in happy with myself as also did some ity and polite 1st singles player, losing obscure lighting in their hall) they couldn’t triumph against the Chester a hard fought 5-3 win! Player of the things I didn't know I could do. Plus in straight sets, but not without play- came back strong using Neera’s wis- 1st singles player, losing in straight match goes to every single member of found I need to work on trusting my- ing some of her classic cross court net dom and Liddy’s power to win their sets. the women’s team, who le their heart self to do moves that I am completely shots! Aina, who had  re in her belly  rst match against the  rst doubles Louise and Ella then returned to and souls on the court, to earn a hard capable of doing. Competing is such a er a series of successful training pairing, 21-19, 21-12. Ella and Lou- the court to play against Chester’s 1s fought victory. a good way to push yourself to see sessions, went on court with a nerv- ise followed up by beating the second & played with  nesse & style, with  is leaves the women’s team sitting what you can do, make friends and of ous, but strong stride, and played her doubles pairing comfortably, winning Louise setting Ella up for her notori- pretty and joint top of the table (at the course have fun! little heart out. Despite losing 19-21, in straight sets & displaying the strong ous un-returnable smashes, winning moment), setting us up for a pretty ex- aina showed the resolve to  ght back, sporting values that Bangor University the game in straight sets, 21-13, 21-14. citing 2018! 46 Seren | DecemberIssue 2017 December Issue 2017 | Seren 47 SPORT SPORT Judo Bangor Gymnasts Dazzle in Bath am and Rhys are a liate members hirteen members from the podium for single elements in both, and continue with this demanding Bangor Gymnastics team beginners and novice’s, female and but rewarding sport.  e team had Pole Fitness Winter Showcase of the club, 17 yrs and 15 yrs old, both Welsh squad members. Sam headed to Bath for the Bath male; and many people received a fantastic time and Bath University TUniversity Gymnastics Competition. multiple certi cates. In addition, the were amazing hosts and it was a isS a visually impaired player who also trains with GB Paralympic team in Around a 100 competitions from team won 4 medals for overall: Emily friendly competition, everyone from Walsall.  ey both shone at this Welsh di erent university’s including: Exeter, Westlake was 2nd for beginner’s every team was very supportive and Schools Regional heat of the British Bath, Bangor, UWE Cambridge, women, Wesley Hundscheid, 2nd for there was no rivalry it made it an even Schools championships, Sam Gold and Manchester and FXU.  ere were beginners men, Hayley Winter was better experience. Our day ended with Rhys Silver thus gaining a place in 2018 6 Categories in which Bangor had 2nd for Women’s Novice and Anugerah a joint social of all clubs, it was great British Schools champs. Rhys won his representatives in the female and male Makmur 2nd for Men’s novice. to get to know everyone and the next  rst contest with a brilliant shoulder beginners, female and male novice and It was an extremely successful morning before leaving. throw in 4 seconds and his next with a female intermediate. weekend and the results encouraged hold down. Sam won his  rst with an  e competition was a great success our gymnasts, most of them who have inner thigh throw and had to pull out and Bangor placed 14 times on the started only this year, to train harder all the stops to win his second, this set up the  nal between them both. Rhys attacked Sam with an outer leg hook but Sam countered brilliantly. Steve Clarke 6th Dan, (coach at New Year, New me? Bangor Uni dine 1989) resolution. have achieved, so you can celebrate you are more likely to achieve your third of New Year Resolutions Is your goal smart? your success. goal if you focus on one aspect of your have failed by the end of Janu- Your goals should be smart — spe- Achievable: By any means stretch life. ary, so how can we pick the ci c, measurable, achievable, relevant and push your self to be the best you 2. Create sub-goals that are Rowing Aright resolution? and time-bound.  erefore you are can be but have small manageable measurable and time-based, so you Many people do not achieve their more likely to achieve them. steps. If you have an unrealistic goal, can see how much you have achieved he Bangor Rowing team headed goal because they pick a resolution Speci c: You need to have a clear idea then it may leave you frustrated so you and will give you more motivation. to Liverpool for the  rst com- created based on what someone else of what you want to achieve so you can are more likely to fail your goals. 3. Give yourself a small reward petition of the year. Bringing or society is telling them they should take steps towards your goal. A com- Relevant: does this goal really mat- whenever you achieve a sub-goal, Thome 2 gold medals for the senior change. A new years resolution is your mon New Years Resolution is want- ters to you, and are you making it for which will help to motivate you and men’s 8 and the senior women’s quad! goal and therefore should be what you ing to lose weight. Rather than saying the right reasons? You are more likely give you a sense of progress. For the novice men’s and the novice want to achieve so you are more likely ‘I want to lose weight’ ask yourself 2 to work harder and achieve your goal 4. Share your new year’s reso- woman’s they showed control and team to  nd success. In addition you need simple questions: How much weight if it is relevant to you. lution with your friends and family - work throughout. Even with the typi- to have a clear goal and aim, if a reso- do you want to lose and by what date? Time-bound: By having sub-goals you're more likely to get support and cal Welsh weather, which has meant lution is too vague you may not know Measurable: Logging progress into it will keep you motivated and in the want to avoid failure. that they have not had much water what you want to achieve which could a journal or making notes on your long term will result in your resolution 5. To stay motivated, make a time this semester, the hard work in limit your success because you need phone can reinforce the progress and it becoming part of your lifestyle. checklist of how achieving your reso- the gym really did pay o . All crews have a realistic plan for achieving your will also enable for you to see what you 1. Focus on one resolution- lution will help you. did fantastic!  e team spirit was really shown with everybody getting behind the boats and really supporting each other. A massive thank you to all of the coaches and everybody involved with Women’s Netball Rise up Against Craig Y Don the Rowing Club! Bangor 3rds 34 - 26 Craig Y Don Congratulations to Bangor Universi- n the 5th December the alone dance! A variety of styles were ty Netball Club 3rds for winning their Bangor University Pole Club showcased across the night including Competing  rst local league match of the season! sparkled in Pontio for their Jazz, Burlesque, Contemporary and annualO Winter Pole Showcase. With Rock, there really was something for A very strong start from the 3rds who made the match theirs from the proceeds going towards the club and everyone. Mountaineers beginning.  ere were lots of turned Great Ormond Street Hospital it was a At the end of the evening was a  rst over balls throughout the game caused great evening. for Bangor, a group performance; this On the 3rd of November, some of the by defensive pressure from Gina Kel- A quick thank you to all the really showcased the team work and Bangor University Mountaineering ly in mid court which the girls took businesses who contributed prizes friendships which have formed within society went to Beacon's Ultra Violet advantage of, bringing the ball back for the ra e. It was a  rst for me and the group. A special mention must go bouldering competition (Bouldering down court to allow for some excellent to be honest I wasn’t sure what to to the choreographer, Natasha Clowes is climbing without ropes up to a set work in the circle from Zoe Laurence expect but I was impressed! For me (however all members of the routine height with big mats on the  oor). We and Sioned Rowlands.  e girls went the strength and endurance needed by were also part of the choreography covered ourselves in uv paint, got our into each quarter with a solid lead but the performers (and the pole cleaners) process). tick sheets and then hit the boulders. It this didn’t stop the determination they really stood out. Pole dancing is not  e audience could see the sheer was self marked, so if you did a route needed to take the win of 34-26! only a technical sport, but it also tests enjoyment all the performers were in 3 goes you'd get 10 points, 5 points Player of the Match : Sioned Row- their performance skills.  is was having, and it really was a fun evening. therea er. And 2 points for a con- lands aided by the amazing costumes, you With many of the performers new to trolled hold of the bonus only, o en Captain’s Player : Zoe Laurence could de nitely see them sparkling on the sport, and others seasoned pros, all half way through a route. If you want stage, and did exceptionally well and should be to win, you basically want to  ash (in I question how some of the members very proud of themselves. 1 go) as many routes as possible so managed to walk in heels that high, let you don't waste too much energy. But most of us go to see how much we've improved since last time and to have fun. It also highlights areas you need Victory for Bangor’s Badminton team to improve on in order to become a better climber. I  nd in a competi- and  ght hard she did winning the re- holds, winning 21-4, 21-11. Neera and Liddy  nished the match tion environment, I'm much more hen the the Badminton La- maining two games 21-15, 21-15 and Hannah then took on the second sin- o , beating the second doubles pair- INTERVIEW: Catrin Jones likely to go for a move that I otherwise dies team arrived in Ches- winning herself a very strong and what gles player of Chester, and played her ing, again with grace and sportsman- atrin Jones, 18, who studies the Youth Commonwealth Games in weightli ing about four years ago. She wouldn't normally do, especially with ter, they were greeted by became a very important point. socks o , leaving her hugely unfortu- ship - 21-7, 21-9. Psychology here at Bangor and Australia. claims the key to her success is down people shouting "come on" "yes" "you ChesterW as if they were old friends, and On next was Neera and Liddy, and nate not to take it to three sets, losing  is meant that for the  rst time in is in her  rst year has been Jones said: “ e support I have to her hard work and dedication. can do it". For this comp, I set myself then they got down to business. Han- despite dealing with some environ- 21-16, 21-10. Despite Aina’s earlier he- recent history, Bangor had triumphed Cawarded the BBC Wales Carwyn James received from Bangor University has As a result of her success she has been the target of 100 and got 98, so pretty nah bravely took on a very high qual- mental problems (Chester has very roics, and using all her best shots, she over their geographical neighbours in Young Sportswoman of the Year 2017 been incredible, and I am very grateful. selected for next year’s Gold Coast happy with myself as also did some ity and polite 1st singles player, losing obscure lighting in their hall) they couldn’t triumph against the Chester a hard fought 5-3 win! Player of the award for her performance in Weight  e University’s Sports Scholarship Commonwealth Games.  e team things I didn't know I could do. Plus in straight sets, but not without play- came back strong using Neera’s wis- 1st singles player, losing in straight match goes to every single member of Li ing. Catrin is a Welsh record holder has bene ted me massively, as it has also includes Harry Misangyi who is found I need to work on trusting my- ing some of her classic cross court net dom and Liddy’s power to win their sets. the women’s team, who le their heart at 3 di erent weight classes, 44kg, 48kg allowed me to concentrate on both my also a student at Bangor University self to do moves that I am completely shots! Aina, who had  re in her belly  rst match against the  rst doubles Louise and Ella then returned to and souls on the court, to earn a hard and 53kg class and a British record studies and training to the best of my and former student Hannah Powell, capable of doing. Competing is such a er a series of successful training pairing, 21-19, 21-12. Ella and Lou- the court to play against Chester’s 1s fought victory. holder in the 44kg and 48kg class. She abilities. I also have access to excellent Seth Casidsid from Bangor and Gareth a good way to push yourself to see sessions, went on court with a nerv- ise followed up by beating the second & played with  nesse & style, with  is leaves the women’s team sitting received the Wales Sport Awards in training facilities and coaching at Evans from Valley, who works at what you can do, make friends and of ous, but strong stride, and played her doubles pairing comfortably, winning Louise setting Ella up for her notori- pretty and joint top of the table (at the Newport, with the top athletes from Canolfan Brailsford.” Canolfan Brailsford. course have fun! little heart out. Despite losing 19-21, in straight sets & displaying the strong ous un-returnable smashes, winning moment), setting us up for a pretty ex- across Wales. is year she became the Jones can li the equivalent of aina showed the resolve to  ght back, sporting values that Bangor University the game in straight sets, 21-13, 21-14. citing 2018! Welsh Champion and won silver at a 14 stone man, and only took up Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT Wales Beat New Zealand in Intense Showdown

Match Report:

Wales - 24 New Zealand - 22

BY MEGAN RICHARDS travagant pyrotechnics as the Welsh kick from Dan Biggar. Wales domi- minute, then a try and conversion in but they failed to convert it. However, team entered the pitch, with the Py- nated the  rst ten minutes.  ere was the 36th minute. they did score a try and convert it in n Saturday the 2nd December, rotechnicians making full use of the an attempted try in the  rst minute, Wales also scored one more try and the 55th minute.  ey also managed Wales played South Africa at dragon imagery using at least eight but they weren’t successful. However, conversion, before the end of the  rst to thwart two Welsh attempts at tries the Principality Stadium in  amethrowers and six small  reworks. they did successfully score two tries, half, in the 33rd minute.  is ended of their own in the 48th minute, and CardiO .  is is an annual autumn test  is was all rounded of by the sing- and convert them in the 5th and 7th the  rst half with Wales at 21 points, 63rd minute. match at the Cardi Stadium. It was ing of the two anthems, led by Trystan minutes.  ere was even an attempt and South Africa 10. However, South Africa’s luck ran out the  nal match of the Under Armour Gri ths. for a third try in the 10th minute, but  e half time entertainment was the in the 69th minute as they gave away 2017 series.  e Springboks returned  ese pre-match shows made the it wasn’t successful.  is gave Wales an anthem singer, Trystan Gri ths per- a penalty kick to Wales, a er two to this year a er the home team beat atmosphere energetic, but not nega- early 14 point lead by the end of the forming his own version of the Welsh three minutes of putting pressure on them 27 to 13. All in all, there were tively. O en throughout the match  rst ten minutes. Hymn: Calon Lân. the other team.  e penalty was scored 65,317 people in attendance. the Welsh fans, and even occasion- South Africa attempted a try at the As the players retook the  eld for the by Leigh Halfpenny, who scored all of  e pre-match fanfare worked well ally the South Africa fans would burst 18th minute, and it was unclear at  rst second half of the game, South Africa Wales’ conversions and it’s one penalty. to ignite excitement in fans of both into songs, or chanting.  is included whether it would be awarded to them, put the pressure on Wales for the  rst South Africa tried for one last try in teams.  ere was a lot singing, in the fans old and young, with the younger but in the end the TMO (Television  ve minutes of the second half.  e the  nal minutes o the match, but half an hour prior, led by a collabo- fans using the free posters to assist the Match O cial) ruled against them. South African defence was a lot bet- they were unsuccessful.  is meant ration of many Welsh choirs and the noise that they made whenever a team However, they managed to gain some ter in the  rst ten minutes of the sec- Wales won. Meanwhile, the man of the regimental band. However, the most scored. points, towards the end of the  rst ond half.  eir persistence rewarded match was Welsh number 12 player, notable event was the incredibly ex-  e game then  nally began with a half. First of all, a penalty in the 30th them with a try in the 46th minute, Hadleigh Parkes.