HOORAY for HENDRE! INSIDE: Sunday Monday Your Guide to Freshers' Week

Bangor Students’ Union’s English Language Newspaper

ISSN 1755-7585 Issue No. 213 Freshers’ Issue 2010 HOORAY FOR HENDRE! INSIDE: sunday monday Your guide to Freshers' Week

xx Jennyx

THREE BRAND NEW STUDENT EXCITEMENT AT REPLACEMENT NIGHTCLUB FEATURES!

er a summer of uncertainty for was deferred to a later planning meeting, we tra c were too severe. ey also suggested For now though, comments from Ms. existing students as well as Bangor’s were once again le with no suitable night- that the building was not purpose-built, as Caul eld saying that it is ‘imperative’ that new Freshers we may breathe a sigh club for the rst term of the new academic the recently demolished building was. Al- our new students are provided for have Aof relief as a temporary solution is o ered to year. Mike Goodwin, Director of Estates at though some community groups in Bangor prompted the university to do something house our Students’ Union nightclub. the University said, “As you will be aware the have supported the move to the Robinson about the nightclub situation. e Sabbs’ Hendre Hall has come to the rescue and University was disappointed that the deci- building, notably the People of Bangor Com- hard work and communication with the Uni- will now be the home of our club for the fore- sion regarding the work to the Robinson munity group, and Students’ Union Presi- versity has paid o and we now have Hendre seeable future. building was deferred…but we also recog- dent Jo Caul eld has spoken out to local resi- Hall to party in. Suggestions from the Sabbs e recent demolition of Amser/Time nise the right of others to have their say in dents, it has not yet been enough to change that students would be disappointed with the and Academi to make way for the Pontio terms of planning applications”. e question their opinion. e case will be re-heard in lack of nightlife and that it may even deter Project has created uproar amongst students. remains: why didn’t the university submit the the coming months, and ngers crossed we future entrants clearly struck a chord with e University appear disorganised destroy- application for the may have the University and they have come up with ing, the old union building before securing Robinson building Unfortunately, due to a huge the Robin- a safe and reasonable solution. a new one. Furthermore, complaints have sooner? Blaming amount of refurbishment, the son build- Just out of central Bangor, Hendre Hall been made at the university’s lack of urgency Gwynedd Council ing ap- promises to be a lively alternative location PECULIAR in nding a suitable replacement, leaving and residents for building will not be ready until the proved. to Robinson. Security and shuttle buses from the new sabbatical o cers at the Students’ using more time to end of Freshers’ Week In the several points in Bangor mean we are able to Union to communicate the concerns of the consider the appli- mean time, travel freely and safely to and from the build- HOTELS students and pressure the university into re- cation seems rather our Stu- ing to attend many of our favourite nights in- housing our union. like a polite passing of the buck. dents’ Union o ces can be found in the cluding Lost Property and good old Cheese. ACROSS THE For a while it looked as though the Rob- e decision by the council came a er a Oswald building directly behind Ffriddoedd Unfortunately, due to an ongoing refurbish- inson building, situated on Deniol Road, “substantial number of objections” from lo- site. is building houses the Advice Centre, ment, the building will not be ready until would be ideal for the period between now cal residents were brought to light including your sabbatical o cers, Student Finance and the end of Freshers’ Week. Surely a unique WORLD and Pontio - a suitable central location just concerns about improper sound proo ng. Student Volunteering Bangor. Ms. Caul eld three-roomed night club and free transport a stone’s throw away from the old union. e Bangor City Council’s planning and commented “the Oswald building is a tem- is better than nothing? However, a er the planning application sub- amenities committee voted to defer the plan- porary solution and is not ideal; we hope to (Continued on Page 3...) mitted by the university to Gwynedd council ning as their reservations about noise and be in the Robinson as soon as possible”.

When you book your Maes Glas Induction Maes Glas Sports and Leisure: 01248 382571 2 Freshers’ Issue 2010 EDITORIAL www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Hi folks! Welcome to the Freshers’ issue of Seren. I am writing this with 10 minutes to spare before the print deadline and have been awake for so many hours I have lost track of what day it is. Nevertheless, I have greatly enjoyed bringing you this, Freshers’ Issue 2010 my very ﬁ rst, issue of Seren which I hope you will read cover to cover to take in Contributors: all the journalistic genius, which for this issue includes a new three page feature, Georgia Mannion Aaron Wiles VERY important information on the National Demo and some need to know Kaden Wild info on your Students Union. For those of you who haven’t really heard of Seren Emily Collins before, there is a cross word on p17, start there and work your way through, I Jo Caulﬁ eld Luke Dobson guarantee there will be something you like! Hayley Neill If there is a feature or article that really gets you going, be sure to get in touch at: Barnaby Gilford Thom Flint [email protected] Martin Singleton I would love to know what you think of the new features, old classics and overall Danielle Giles content. You can also get involved, drop me a line and lets see if you make the Nik Hughes Jez Harvery cut! Amy Mulholland Until next time, enjoy Freshers’ Week, read Seren and welcome to Bangor,

Photography: Gemma XXX Gemma Ellis

Special thanks to: Daniel Turner Willow Smith

Proof reading: Luke Dobson Jennifer Krase Jo Caulﬁ eld Hayley Neill

RECYCLE ME! Hello hello hello! Welcome to Seren which is now made from 100% recycled paper. Get in on the action and recycle me and when you are done! 3 Freshers’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS BIG PLANS Continued from FOR BANGOR front page... Plans for two new develop- ments in Bangor, show promise for the city. Proposals are afoot e interim replacement o ers a student-dedicated alterna- for the old Post O ce on Dei- tive to e Octagon and Base and although some students have niol Road to be converted into a criticized the out-of-city move, security paid for by the University new leisure complex which when promises to keep students safe. completed will provide a Club, a e majority of students are supportive of the Students’ Un- medical practice and a food court ion for lobbying the University into nding an alternative to the for the locals and students of the Robinson building at such short notice. Students will now be able area and for a new H&M store to fundraise using the nightclub and societies will once again have to open in the Menai Centre in space for training and rehearsing. Hendre Hall also has both indoor the High Street. A meeting held and outdoor space, making it an exciting and unusual venue for a on the 6th of September saw the night out. Bangor City Council approve the Let’s not overshadow the excitement of Hendre by dwelling on proposal with councillors report- the University’s failure to procure a permanent building, for now edly very pleased about the ar- let’s thank the Students’ Union for ghting our corner and provid- rangement. e centre looks set ing us with another night-time venue. Hooray for Hendre! to become a major cultural hub for students and locals alike, as Gemma Ellis plans for piano, harp, violin and band music are planned along with regular shows by comedi- ans and singers live at the facil- ity. Dates for the renovation so far are uncon rmed, but with the recent loss of Time/Amser and Academi, we will no doubt be looking forward to the introduc- tion of a new club to the sporadic Join the ﬁ ght to nightlife in Bangor. BOYLE’S protect our education! BACK This November, students will be taking to the streets of London for a Director of Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Slumdog Mil- national demo to defend universities against cuts and an increase lionaire and Bangor Univer- sity graduate, Danny Boyle in fees, and to protect our future. has a new lm touring the lm festivals. Already wowing s a new term begins, it is a time out of the recession with a highly-skilled the critics, 127 Hours is the for mixed feelings. e new ed- and innovative workforce, rather than www.nus.org.uk story of Aron Ralston (played ucational year should be a time one that has had all aspiration sapped by James Franco) a moun- Afor excitement about the possibilities out of it whilst sitting on the dole-queue. tain climber who had a hor- and opportunities that lie ahead, and yet Many other countries, most notably the ri c accident in 2003. Whilst looming over us is a shadow that threat- USA and France, are investing in educa- adventuring in a Utah can- ens our future. tion for exactly this reason. Sadly, our yon a boulder dislodged and You can barely have escaped discus- government seems to be ignoring these trapped him by his arm. Stuck sion of government funding cuts to our arguments and investment lags well be- there for ve days Aron made education sector. ese savage cuts will hind the international average. the sickening yet life sav- a ect us all, and we now face an urgent Clearly then, a mixture of govern- ing choice of cutting his arm need to build a counter-consensus in fa- ment spending cuts and a rise in tuition o with the dull blade in his vour of investment. We can only do so by fees would spell disaster - both for the pack. He then had to rappel coming together. students who end up paying more for down a 65 canyon wall and In October, the government will out- less, and for the young people denied hike 8 miles out of the canyon. line where the next round of funding the opportunity of a university or college www.nus.org.uk is amazing story should be cuts will hit ese savage cuts will a ect us all, education. another hit for My Boyle but and a re- It is time www.nus.org.uk will it mean another Oscar for view of fees and we now face an urgent need to for us to our alumni director? and fund- build a counter-consensus in favour stand up to- ing will be of investment. We can only do so gether and be published. counted. NUS C h a p l a i n c y Sadly, we by coming together. are planning, do not have together with Team Lecture to wait until then to know that the cuts the lecturer’s trade union UCU, to hold will be both savage and deeply pain- a national demonstration against cuts to A new joint- venture of the ful – with more students crammed into the further and higher education sectors Chaplaincy Team this term is to lecture theatres, course closures, sta on Wednesday 10 November 2010, in www.demo2010.org.uk organise a public lecture within redundancies and less money available central London. We need as many of you the University. ese lectures are for student support. is year already, as possible to be with us on the day, to- intended to explore broad areas funding Bangor University has available gether we will demonstrate our strength where religion engages contem- to distribute to students in need has been and give the politicians no alternative porary society and ethical issues. slashed by 66%. but to listen and act. Our rst lecture will be on ‘God, is is all happening whilst university Bangor Students’ Union is organising Science, and Global Warming’ vice chancellors across the country are transport to get as many of you lot down in Main Arts Lecture eatre calling for a further hike in tuition fees there on 10th November – you can sign (MALT) on Wednesday No- – with the richest institutions wanting as up at Serendipity (the freshers’ fair) on vember 24th beginning at 7pm. much as £10,000 per year. is is clearly 22nd & 23rd of September and in the e speaker will be Sir John unacceptable and will make higher edu- near future you’ll be able to sign up on Houghton, an eminent scientist cation only available to those from ex- our (soon-to-be revamped) website: - former Oxford Professor, Chief ceptionally privileged backgrounds. bangorstudents.com. Let’s stand up and Exec of the Met O ce, and To make matters worse, this is all hap- be counted, let’s show them what we’re Chair of the Intergovernmental pening against a backdrop of increasing made of! Watch this space… Panel on Climate Change - and youth unemployment, which is expect- an active Christian. e lecture ed to pass million by next summer. It Jo Caulfield is free and open to University would therefore be sensible to have as sta and students plus members many people as possible in education of the public. and training, so that we are able to come www.demo2010.org.uk BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BRIEF IN BANGOR BRIEF IN BANGOR BRIEF IN BANGOR BRIEF IN BANGOR BRIEF IN BANGOR BRIEF IN BANGOR

4 Freshers’ Issue 2010 NEWS www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Battle of the Coalition Brothers Catch-up A brief summary of what the Tory-Liberal coalition has been up to with the country so far

his year we have seen our rst campaigning against VAT rises during the this government is bound to be known coalition government since the election) and seem to be arguing amongst for its wide-ranging and deep cuts to al- Second World War. We also have themselves with regards to higher educa- most everyone’s budgets and for some Tthe youngest Prime Minister in 200 years. tion funding (graduate tax, raising fees fairly marked turn-arounds by the Liberal Our current government is made up of etc – see page 6 for more detail). ere Democrat leader, Nick Clegg. two parties who many would say could e most pressing issues for us as stu- not be more politically opposed; but “This government is bound to dents are the results of the Browne review somehow they have managed to come to be known for its cuts to almost (which is looking into the best way to an agreement on how to run the country everyone’s budgets and some structure and deal with funding for higher together. marked turn-arounds by education) and the government’s response Since this agreement was formed, Nick Clegg” to it. You can nd a more detailed article there have been a reasonable number on this on page 6 and you can also nd Initially David Miliband held the lead in the race to be Labour Party of controversial moves made by the gov- have also been rumblings of the kinds of out how to get involved in ghting higher leader. However recently Ed has caught up making it likely that he ernment. In order to ll the gaping hole privatisation the Tories are infamous for fees by checking out e National Demo could snatch a victory with only a few votes... in the country’s nances they have been and large-scale redundancies are being on page 3. considering, suggesting and enforcing announced on a daily basis. Emily Collins cuts to a large variety of services (like the is all paints a fairly negative picture police force and NHS direct). ey have and it is important to note that things ith only two weeks to go in towards the Conservative Party and it is raised VAT to 20% (despite the Lib Dems may improve; but in its rst 6 months the battle to be Labour lead- these voters that he wants to attract. er, Ed and David Miliband Wget hot under the collar as they compete David, the senior brother, embodies for the top spot. the more traditional core values of New Cuts U-Turns Polls have shown that it is a two horse Labour; “equality, cooperation, compas- David Cameron has said he doesn’t want Here are a few of the more notable switches of opinion race with Andy Burnham, Ed Balls and sion” and whose slogan represents his this government to be known for mak- and public relations nightmares that have followed the Diane Abbott lagging behind the broth- objective, to bring Labour into power. ing cuts. There are quite a few going on, coalition’s formation... ers in the race to be leader. But who He suggests that a Conservative coali- though... - Clegg dropped plans requiring 55% of MPs to vote for a will be victorious? Candidates have to tion government will bring the wrong dissolution of Government. - Building Schools for the Future. £55bn. secure votes from three groups: party change to Britain and that he stands for 700 projects cancelled. - The coalition agreement said Capital Gains Tax would go up members, trade unionists and party the men and women seeking work, the to rates “similar or close to those applied to income”, but George Osborne only raised it to 28%. MPs and MEPs which each have a third pensioner and the student. - Child trust funds. £520m. of the vote making up the tripartite sys- Both candidates have potential and - Cameron made remarks about Islamabad’s terror record, anger- tem. Initially David Miliband held the embody the ideals of unity and fairness - Council funding. £1.165bn. ing Pakistan and later apologising. lead however, recently Ed has caught up within the party in di erent ways. e - Downing Street hurredly said Clegg was speaking in a personal making it likely that he could snatch a brothers seem de ned by each other, - Strategic health authorities and pri- capacity after he described the Iraq war as illegal. victory with only a few votes. even going as far as to promise to nomi- mary care trusts. £80bn - Cameron ruled out scrapping free school milk after idea Ed, the ‘Change to Win’ candidate nate the other as their second voting - Courts. £37m. 157 magistrates and county fl oated by a health minister. suggests that it is his “rejection of this preference. But which brother shall be courts to close. New Labour nostalgia that makes [him] pipped to the post and represent the La- - Crispin Blunt, a justice minister, said he would allow parties in prisons, but this angered No 10 and he was overruled. the modernising candidate at this elec- bour Party in the future? Seren will keep - Ministerial salaries. £3m. Ministers paid tion”. He suggests that the recent loss of you posted. 5% less than last year. - Nick Clegg said reform of the electoral system, which has always been a central plank of the party’s policy, was not his “sole Labour voters was due to Labour taking purpose in life.” the working class vote for granted and Gemma Ellis - Ministerial cars. £5m. mis-representing the people within the - At their fi rst press conference, Cameron said eating your words party. ese voters were then swayed - Proposed cuts to Higher Education was “an excellent diet” when reminded he had once called funding (see page 6 for more on that) Clegg a joke. - Cabinet Offi ce said Clegg made a “slip of the tongue” when he said the government would back a yes vote in the referendum on powers for the Welsh assembly. Government will be neutral. Costing your family fortunes! New pole shows almost half of us rely on money from family and friends to fund education.

ould you struggle with the cost ing help from their families two thirds are we receive in loans and grants which could of university without that extra from more privileged back grounds, mean- be bad news for us and those looking to go help from friends and family? ing that those of us from poorer houses are to university in the coming years (see Na- WDoes your loan only just cover the cost much less likely to receive hand outs from tional Demo article p3). "If the government misses this of your accommodation? A pole by the home. Aaron Porter, president of the NUS National Union of Students (NUS) and Ahead of the government’s plans to commented, "If the government misses this opportunity to implement a the HSBC has found that thousands of us cut spending we hope that they do not opportunity to implement a progressive progressive funding system, it would have dropped out of university with- miss the opportunity to invest in us, with- funding system, it is clear that many young out the nancial backing of our family. out the funding to go to university many people, particularly those from poorer is clear that many young peo- e survey of 3,863 students revealed of us with the talent to do so may miss backgrounds with the ability and ambition that almost half of us would not have the out and only those from wealthier back- to go to university, would have their oppor- ple, particularly those from money to survive at university without grounds will ll the places. Furthermore tunities restricted”. As a staggering number poorer backgrounds with the our families support, struggling with the as the funding our university has available of us already rely on family to fund our ed- cost of accommodation, gas and electricity to students has been more than halved this ucation can those on a lower income cope ability and bills, clothes, food and books. It seems that year the number of us receiving help from with cuts? Let Seren know what you think ambition to go to a large number of us are now indebted to home looks set to rise again in the coming on this, do you rely on your family to fund university, would have their our parents, having to ask for money dur- months. you? [email protected] opportunities restricted” ing the year to cope on our own, many of us even call on university hardship funds Lord Browne is considering a rise in Gemma Ellis for help. It also appears that of those receiv- tuition fees as well as assessing the amount 5 Freshers' Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS Can Britain cope with the Pope? Cost of visit: £20 million Taxpayers money: priceless? y the time you read this, the Pope the public events were free of entry charge. cases. will have started his visit to the UK. is year, by comparison, people are being Many of the protestors believe that until STUDENT is is the rst time in 28 years the charged up to £25 to attend public events. the Church changes its teachings and po- BPonti has visited the UK, and has caused e costs of the 1982 trip were also met sition on these life and death matters, the controversy from some fairly diverse largely by the Vatican. Pope should be regarded as a criminal, and groups. e rst issue that has provoked e other group angry at the visit is the far from being at the centre of a four day adverse reaction is that the taxpayer will collection of human rights activists, known state visit, should be arrested. SLUMS? be paying for a large percentage of the trip’s as Protest the Pope, who have got behind a Whilst it is unlikely that such a thing cost. is is because the Pope (as well as be- campaign to arrest the Pope for what they will be allowed to happen during the event, t o en seems that the students of housing. And while these worries could ing the Head of the Catholic Church) is the view as a variety of “crimes against human- it is an indication of the markedly changed Bangor can do no right in the eyes be justi ed Seren’s concern is the repu- Head of State of the Vatican, the city-state ity”. Groups are protesting due to the Cath- perception of the Catholic Church in this of the council and local residents. tation of students and how quickly the in Rome. olic Church’s teachings on certain issues in- country. IOnly recently have they rejected our council and spokes people are to damn Despite the Pope’s visit to the UK being cluding AIDS, LGBT rights and request for a new nightclub in the name our living conditions before they are a largely religious a air, as a Head of State, the cover up of sexual abuse of noise pollution limiting our student even built. It is worth remembering stu- it is standard for it to be paid for at the cost Jez Harvey experience and potentially deterring dent schemes such as ‘Give Rubbish the of the Government. However, 77% of peo- future entrants but now it seems our Chop’ and our student’s union constant ple polled by eos, a religious think-tank, housing is causing them concern. It is e orts to put money into the local econ- stated that they believed it was wrong for the amount of student housing which is omy with the creation of the ‘Love Ban- the taxpayer to pay. e same poll revealed raising alarm bells and leading some to gor’ card. Both of these things ought to that 24% believed it was wrong for the Pope compare the living conditions to “mod- be considered before speculating about to visit the country at all, with 49% of peo- ern day slums”. our potential to harm the city as well as ple feeling it was acceptable. is comes a er Gwynedd council the salient consideration that this is our e 4 day visit will cost around £20 mil- have given the go ahead to develop a site home too. lion, not including the costs associated with which already holds nine self contained policing all the events. Whilst the Vatican units and plans to develop nine more. are contributing roughly £9 million, many e town clerks concerns include having are still upset that they are not contributing little or no car parking facilities, limited Gemma Ellis more, arguing that with the Vatican’s wealth room for bins and waste and that having (estimated by Time Magazine at roughly so many people in such a small place will $10-15 billion), it could cover more of the encourage a slum like environment. e costs. Bangor and Anglesey mail even reported As well, many people are pointing to the cities ‘frustration’ over more student the last visit by a Pope in 1982, when all spOILing our oceans The spills you didnt know about

010 has seen the largest oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry. e Deepwater Horizon oil spill spill was the largest ever and therefore required a massive response, but 706 million gallons of oil enter the in the Gulf of Mexico dominated the news for much of the 86 days it was pumping toxic hydrocarbons ocean every year and if that oil isn’t threatening wealthy countries like the US, no one seems to talk or do into the waters around it and prompted high-pro le discussions between politicians and business men anything about it. In the example mentioned above o the coast of China, the media provided no coverage 2alike. US President Barack Obama condemned BP’s ‘negligence’ and referred to it as ‘British Petroleum’ (this and the clean-up operation involved local shermen being recruited to drag oil out of the sea with their hands, hasn’t been its name since 1998), causing anger at Britain and placing ten- bottles and shovels; quite a di erent picture to the military force used to sions on international relations. It was and continues to be a terrible event, Something that you may not have no- counter the spread of oil in the Gulf of Mexico. placing people’s lives, livelihoods and environments at risk and continuing to Oil has countless nasty e ects in the water, on animals and on shore- destroy the delicate eco-systems in, on and around the Ocean. ticed, however, is that during 2010 there lines. It is ammable, sticks to boats, people and birds and can form a thick Something that you may not have noticed, however, is that during 2010 have actually been 10 separate oil spills. mousse or tar balls. As well as killing sh and vegetation, it can also poison there have actually been 10 separate oil spills. None of them have been on the food chain so that humans who eat sh from an e ected area can be- the scale of e Deepwater Horizon oil spill, but one (o the coast of Egypt) come ill. e destruction of touristic areas can have severe e ects on the has been named the worst spill in Egyptian history, destroying 100s of miles of tourist beaches. Another spill economy of areas that rely on tourism for income. In short, the risks presented by the human race’s continued (o the coast of China) managed to spread to an area of 946km2. Did you hear about those in the news? Did reliance on oil far outweigh the bene ts of using it. ere are cleaner, safer, more progressive energy and fuel anyone put up £20 billion to spend on clearing them up or ghting over who would answer to Barack Obama’s sources and it is time these were pursued before the desperate measures to nd new oil sources and cut cor- anger? e answer is no. ners to maximise the huge pro ts of the oil companies manages to destroy more than it already has. Most of the people who are at risk from oil spills (generally the people who drill for and transport oil) have Emily Collins neither the power nor money to do anything about it when something goes wrong. e Deepwater Horizon 6 Freshers’ Issue 2010 COMMENT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Barnaby

t is well known that the Pope come forward for communion really is visiting the UK this week. It ought to hold their tongue.” Iis, however, a little known fact The Pope himself has that a group of Catholic’s have been declared a similar hosting a ‘gay friendly mass’ in one statement in their promises. For of their churches. This is a surprising the past an LGBT person who is event as the Catholic Church actively stating that Catholic I couldn’t even begin condemns homosexuality as immoral “Everyone to understand the difference this and Pope Benedict XVI seems has a must make. This mass had to be your columnist Barnaby, specifi cally set upon declaring it as place in sanctioned by the Vatican and if the welcoming you to freshers evil. t h e hierarchy of the Church can fi nally life in bangor The clergy at the London church c h u r c h , allow a safe haven for homosexuals ell here we are again, another Our Lady of the Assumption and e v e r y who want to take part in their faith, year of fresh meat for the St Gregory has established a mass p e r s o n it is a wonderful opportunity and an grinder. At this moment where homosexuals can celebrate w i t h o u t example to be made. W you are just trying to settle in, get mass without fear of condemnation. exception should be able to feel More and more parishes need to accustomed to your new environment, It has become a place of pastoral at home and never rejected.” The adopt a mass like this if there is to be pondering what your fl atmates are care, tapping into the core belief hypocrisy that resonates throughout any signifi cant progress made. The like, and how you want the interior of Christianity that is ‘Love thy that quote is, frankly, astounding Church is its much professed billions of your room to feel more like home neighbour’. as this Pope has been one of the of members. Without believers it which includes hoarding souvenirs The very existence of this mass is harshest and critically reviled of would have nothing. The power is in from the Highways Authority. just one of several signs that British recent times. With his non-inclusive the people of parishes all over the UK Your parents have left you for the Catholic’s seem to reject the Pope’s attitude, he has stopped the Church, and, hopefully, this will begin to push imminent future, struck with a case of teachings on homosexuality and with the aid of ‘traditionalists’, from through into Europe and beyond. polemic anguish of condemnation and instead follow their own consciences. moving forward. Female priests, A grassroots religious movement worry for your potential forthcoming We are now a decade into the twenty homosexuality, condoms and the based around love and acceptance: lifestyle, and envious nostalgia for a lost fi rst century and institutional hatred audacity to brush the child abuse the morals that a young carpenter time in their illustrious juvenile past. of a group of people should, after all, scandal under the carpet ‘for the sake from Galilee preached of. Maybe His You are their bright and best, with high be recognised for the appalling abuse of the Church’ are all issues which Holiness will then, fi nally, see the hopes of future success and hoisting of power and trust that it is. show this man to be an ignorant light. the family fl ag above the deluge of Yet there are some traditionalist bigot if not a fool. Luke Dobson underachievement in this lousy world. parishioners who pray outside the The hope that a mass such as this Yet you are about to embark on an church whilst the mass goes on, brings to me is amazing and I’m not adventure of your very own, one holding fi rm to the rotten dogma even religious. If religion can accept fi lled of jovial escapades, endearing of the Pope. The Archbishop of the people for who they are and move friendships, stupid o’clock paperwork, diocese supports the mass and has on to help them, and those in need and a plethora of opportunities to wet said that “Anybody who is trying to all around the world, regardless of the appetite of the modest of socialites cast a judgement on the people who any trait then they will live up to and ladder climbers. The spoils of student life is within your grasp, and like many other seasoned veterans here at Bangor, we will tell you to take as much as you can! So how does one subscribe to these treasures you ask? The answer is in Bobby’s on the ‘beat’ many ways, you are equipped with a golden ticket courtesy of the generous Do we still trust the police force? (and begrudgingly) taxpayers, and Pamela Somerville, brutally attacked. are let loose on this sugar coated new death, has recently been freedom. Chiefl y know your allies. suspended from practice Get to know who you are living with by the General Medical and indulge in many get-to-togethers, Council on charges of usually in the kitchen. Have fun and misconduct in as many learn about each others quirks. Go out as three earlier cases. “I had done abso- on the town together adopt a pub for a local (or many). Get some parties Few stories can lutely nothing wrong. on the go, themed ones are better. attract quite as much What happened to One time my esteemed (or steamed) media attention as those colleagues and I got a beach party in of police brutality, and me was extraordinary, our halls with palm trees and paddling the inevitable result pools. Be sure to check your place out, can only be to damage terrifying.” look for potential props and interesting the public image of a cubbyholes to exploit. We once found force which is likely an axe and a bottle of Magners in our to become stretched ceiling. thin in the future, and Join socials and clubs at Serendipity! at a time of possible There are loads to choose from, widespread civil unrest, be creative and try something new if their own sources are or keep to your strengths, there is to be believed. Among something for everyone. Explore, the left, one of the there is a lot around Bangor and the few perceived benefi ts wider area to do and see, Snowdonia of the new coalition is a must, along with Caernarfon and government could be Anglesey, Llandudno, where I once seen to be an end put to the mindless, extraordinary, terrifying, and no one walked into the parade of a Victorian war on terror era expansion of the fter just six days imprisoned, should ever be treated in the same festival, spiffi ng. Don’t be afraid to get police forces’ role within society. Sergeant Mark Andrews, the way ever again, no matter what they creative in the food department, beans The left will be hoping that the new AWiltshire Police Sergeant are said to have done.” on toast and pot noodles can be your government will be able to keep the charged with the 2008 attack on drink Andrews, a father of two, was break glass if emergency dinners. You police in check, as part of a wider driving suspect Pamela Somerville, branded ‘a disgrace to the force’ by can make some mean roasts in those restoral of civil liberties in the UK. Yet this week walked free on bail. colleagues after he was sentenced to kitchens, we got Christmas dinner for these stories do little to encourage The former army sergeant, 37, six months for assault causing. actual 10 out of one. The alternative is to confi dence in a new era of UK policing, was recorded by CCTV at Melksham bodily harm at Oxford Magistrate’s get your parents to airdrop some Red rather, it paints a grim picture for Police Station dragging the helpless Court. Cross parcels of home cooking. And a future of a nation of local police Mrs. Somerville, then 57, who had The news of Andrew’s release even though we all mourn the loss authorities running, overstretched, been detained after being discovered comes just days after story that a of the SU in Time and Academi do uncensured and scared, from the asleep in her car, across the fl oor of the post-mortem on the body of Ian not despair, as we are the source of threat of ruthless government station’s reception before catapulting Tomlinson, the newspaper seller invention for the new world, creating cutbacks, in a manner that will only her into a holding cell, leaving the who died at last year’s G20 protests, fun is a priority and Bangor will not be lead to repeats of incidents like injured woman, blood gushing from attracting widespread criticism of riot short of it. these dominating the UK her face, prostrate on the concrete police’s actions at the protest, was headlines. fl oor. The market researcher, now withheld from authorities, alongside Some of you won’t make the cut, 59, from Chippenham, may need and allegations of incompetence levelled but you might as well enjoy the ride operation to save the sight in her left at the offi cial coroner tasked with Thom Flint while you’re here. eye. She told reporters: establishing the cause of death. Dr. “I had done absolutely nothing Freddy Patel, who carried out the Good luck newbies. wrong. What happened to me was fi rst inquest into the innocent man’s Sergeant Mark Andrews B 7 Freshers' Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk FEATURES BRITVIC-TORY COCA-COLA KICKED OUT OF BANGOR UNIVERISTY!

f we ever nd life in the universe and they visit example of the most extreme crimes that Coca-Cola the University? us without destructive intentions one of their has allegedly covered up. e health con- rst questions will be “What is this Coca-Cola ere have been workers in China who have re- cerns have been Iwe’re seeing everywhere?” It is, a er all, the most vealed that the working conditions in the factories, very clear for years well known brand in the world. e company has including excessive working hours and inadequate now. e amount of stretched across the globe and touches every civilisa- rights, are appalling. In India the environmental ef- sugar and additives tion regardless of economic standing. Well not in Ban- fect of having a Coca-Cola in an area has been shown in the mixture that gor, not anymore. to be highly detrimental with pollution levels rising becomes many of Bangor University has cancelled its contract with Coke’s so drinks is Coca-Cola a er a well fought campaign by Bangor "Coke is as addictive as simply bad for us. Amnesty Student Society. Now every vending ma- When you drink chine and cafe under the veil of the university will cocaine and just as bad, a can of Coke 10 serve Britvic products. with all the human costs teaspoons of sugar But why? Innumerable hordes of people drink Co- (100% of your rec- ca-Cola’s products whether it is the eponymous Coke, that making, shipping ommended daily al- Fanta, Sprite and countless other beverages. It is loved lowance) hits your by many regardless of the health concerns. Yet I get and distributing the system and the only the feeling that you don’t really care about the insane illegal drug inﬂ ict" reason that you amounts of sugar. It’s coke; you’ve grown up with it. don’t vomit from e campaign, spearheaded on Facebook from the to the point where the groundwater and soil become this sudden intake ‘Kick Coca-Cola out of Bangor University!’ group, led polluted. e environment and adults aren’t the only of sugar is because the charge against the company because of the appar- ones being abused by the company; there are records the phosphoric ent crimes that have been committed in its factories of child labour being used in El Salvador. acid disguises it in India, China, Columbia, Turkey, Mexico etc etc. Of course it has become increasingly clear over from your body. Union leaders and factory workers in Columbia and the last few years that many companies are practising Within an hour you’ve had a sugar high which releas- farmers who grow the fruit that Britvic use, Guatemala have been illegally arrested, tortured and dubious corporate habits around the world and espe- es the same chemicals in your brain as if you’d taken and their factory workers, are being treated justly. even murdered by paramilitary groups under the su- cially in third world countries. So why then was Coca- heroin and, once you’ve been to the loo, have made ere will be people who are going to be say- pervision of the managers of the factories. is is an Cola targeted for commercial excommunication from your body evacuate all the water that was in the drink ing things such as “Why did they have to get rid of taking healthy nutrients from your body Coke?” and “What? Even Sprite?!” Be incredulous with it. Diabetes, heart disease and obesity because this is Coca-Cola and many students live o follow if you drink Coke o en. it as much as Primary School children but take into Involved in the abuse and murder of its account what the camnpsign was for. People have workers, causing massive health risks and been killed in their factories. Not faceless, nameless it’s detrimental to the environment. is numbers but actual men and women with thie rindid- is the company that created our image of ivual lives. Just because they were in country’s which Father Christmas. are politically restless does not mean that they can at- So what drinks can you buy from the tempt to cover it up. Until I began writing this article University cafes now? Don’t worry, we I was dubious about the decision myself. Yet being aren’t being le with water and Rola Cola. presented with the reasons why our Amnesty group Admittedly Britvic inspires images of began to campaign I have to agree with them and the orange juice in little glass bottles sold in University. Coke is as addictive as cocaine and just as the pub. However they are the parent dis- bad, with all the human costs that making, shipping tributer for Pepsi, 7UP, Tango, Robinsons, and distributing the illegal drug in ict. Mountain Dew, J2O, Gatorade, R Whites Even if you still don’t agree with the decision of the and many others. Compared with Coca- University to bow to the campaign I’m afraid that we Cola it is a shining example of a company. now have Britvic products to purchase on campus. Also there is little, if any, evidence that O campus there is no city wide ban on all Coca-Cola it has caused anything approaching the products; you can still go to Morrisons and buy a litre level of international controversy as our bottle of Coke. is change in policy is a statement ex-distributor has. In fact it would appear against a company which has committed corporate to be as ethical a company as there can be and humanitarian crimes and still dominates the with the webiste stating that “a number world with its endearing annual Christmas advert and of our suppliers have already undergone its blood red logo. third party ethical audits. We will shortly be commissioning further third party audits in Asia and South America to ensure Luke Dobson compliance of key suppliers in these loca- tions.” ese audits will make sure that the

Britvic alternatives to Coca Cola:

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Find Mouse at the internationally award winning Redskin Tattoo Tel: 01248-355-007 239 High Street www: redskintattoo.co.uk Bangor E-mail: [email protected] 8 Freshers’ Issue 2010 SOCIETIES www.seren.bangor.ac.uk f you have just arrived in Bangor, or you are staying in halls for another year, what better way to kick start the new academic year with a bit of halls rivalry? Our Ismashing new sabbatical team have created new Halls So- cieties to get each residential building competing for the top spot on a sports league table. e idea here is that each Hall becomes its own society; this includes all the buildings on Ffriddoedd site, normal site, Garth and Rathbone, and each building is to complete against the others in intramural sports. Each block will then have one sports representative and one welfare representative and amongst these two shall be the head reps. ese two reps will then communicate your ideas about sports and welfare to the appropriate VP’s meaning that any new ideas or suggestions can be carried straight to the top. With one rep on the sports committee and one rep on the welfare committee your ideas can be heard meaning you have more of a say in the way your society is run, and a er the rst trail year new sports can be added to the competition. Exciting isn’t it? So how do you get involved? Well usually to join any society in the university you need a societies card which is £2, however if you buy a Halls Societies card at the beginning of the year for only £5 you get your societies card free, meaning you can take part in halls competitions and join any society you fancy. By joining halls societies rst you can save money as it will cost you £7 if you decide to join later in the year a er already buying a societies card, bargain really! A team will be around Ffridd site on welcome weekend selling Halls Societies cards, you can also pick up your card from Serendipity or from the students union therea er. Football competitions begin on Monday the 11th of October so pick up your card before then to Halls compete. May the best hall win! Remember Halls Societies Gemma Ellis are not just about spots, your welfare reps are there to help and support you, so use issues, suggestions and praise send it Societies their way!

IMPSOC

Hello and welcome to Bangor from impsoc, we are Bangor’s improvised comedy society and are here to o er you something DIFFERENT! Fancy something to get your blood rushing and your sides splitting? Well improvised comedy might just be for you. But what on earth is it, i hear you ask? Well remember ‘who’s line is it anyway’? Its that! Ok so we’re not American, Im not 7 tall and our host isn’t morbidly obese, we are however very funny. Don’t believe me? Have a nosy on our facebook ( we are the only impsoc on their) and have a look through our vids. Or you can see us in real life either at Serendip- Fancy working for Bangor University’s ity or by popping down to the Belle View pub for a free taster. We are o ering you a monthly Star publication? dose of free comedy the rst wednesday of the month in the BV. And if you can’t wait that long we are doing an extra- special show in Freshers’ week on ursday the 23rd at 8pm and if you like what you see then come along to our ses- Well you can get involved, sions on a monday and wednesday, we meet in the main arts foyer and head up to LR5. Its only writing articles, design- £3 to join for the whole year and everyone is wel- ing pages, proof reading, come! Bargain! You can always get in touch before hand at distributing and more! [email protected] or nd us on facebook (search:impsoc) see you soon!

Come along to our stall at Serendipity (Freshers’ fair) and ask about our avaliable sub-editor positions.

You can also get in touch via email or facebook:

[email protected] 9 Freshers’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk SOCIETIES

ere at SVB, we’re all really excited about the new academic year and especially HFresher’s Week. We’ve got tonnes of exciting volunteering opportunities for you and WomSoc are a cosy group of self-defi ning one or two new projects in there to boot. If you’re women students and allies, armed with tea and interested in volunteering during your time at knitting needles who love a good rave in between Bangor, sign up to our Mailing list to learn more www. campaigning for gender equality. We like accurate, bangorstudents.com/svb or come along to one of our 2 open-minded safer sex education, student activism, Information Evenings on the 28th or the 30th September, volunteering for local aid organisations, raising hell 6pm Lecture Room 5, Main Arts building. about issues that affect us, and cake. We also like For those of you returning to Bangor this autumn, you’ll be aware that we BBQs, North Walian adventuring, and new members are no longer situated in the old Students’ Union building, but instead along of all religious, sexual, and gender identities. with the rest of the SU, we’re based in Oswalds’ on Victoria Drive. If you’d like to visit us any time, it’s business as usual. Our offi ce is located on the top fl oor and our children’s projects will take place in our new committee / project room situated on the ground fl oor. We hope you’ll all stop by and visit us.

Splodge This year we’re focussing our campaign effort on raising Children’s Club for 5-7yr olds, Tuesday, 5-8pm awareness of the Hidden Marks report which lays out the high Sblat levels of harassment and violence Children’s Club for 8-11 yr olds, Sunday, 12.30-4.30, directed at women students on UK campuses. We want to make Boomerang sure Bangor is the safest, most Children’s Club for 8-11yr olds, Thursday’s, 5-8pm welcoming university town for women students that it can possibly be! We are also learning Sbectrwm to knit (see: Stich ‘n’ Bitch) and Children’s Club for children affected by Autism and Aspergers, Every other we’ll be reporting our exploits Wednesday, 5-8pm back to NUS Women’s Campaign conference in March 2011. Red Cross Mobile Youth Bus Maybe you can help represent Mobile Youth Outreach Project in local areas, once weekly, 6-9pm our union there!

The Hergest Project Start off with a Tuesday Stitch ‘n’ Bitch session, or if you’re hungry come to our Tea & Cakeapalooza in the ﬁ rst Recreational befriending at the week of term. We have several open positions on our committee if you’re more for the politics, and we’re looking local Mental Health unit, Monday or for six amazing volunteers and a Project Leader to ﬁ ll up our Women’s Aid pilot program through SVB. Also, sign Wednesday, 6-9pm up for Sister ACTivist days, run by NUS Women’s Campaign- activism inspiration, training, and networking all in one, all around the country! Out and About Trips out for local pensioners, alternate Saturdays, 1-4pm

Reclaim the Night: late Oct/early Nov TBD, facebook National Demo: 10 Nov 2010, Hidden Marks SisterACTivist Training Days: (GET DATES) Safe, Sane, and Consensual: Sex for 2010 For more information Don’t Burn Your Bra- Recycle It!: March TBD, facebook on any of our projects, please email Other stuff [email protected]

Stitch ‘n’ Bitch, Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday 11:30AM- Meetings every 2nd Thursday 4:45 PM, Senior 1:30PM,Events Senior Common Room Neuadd Garth Common Room Neuadd Garth Women’s Aid volunteer project

nawdd nos gwasanaeth gwybodaeth a gwrando 01248 362121 nightline htt p://www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/nightline/ listening & informati on service

ave you ever been awake at 8pm to 8am in order to offer a non- nightline during the second week of for as long as they are part of the could be your chance. On the other 5am, unable to sleep because advisory listening and information term for interviews. The interview service. hand if you think you would rather be Hyou needed someone to talk to? service, to fellow university students. will determine whether you go on to As a possible caller you may ask, on the receiving end, don’t hesitate, Or have you ever been caught with a Nightline is a service that many training or not. All volunteers must what has Nightline got to offer that give us a call, add our friendly bear, sudden craving for pizza after a night universities throughout the UK have, undergo some necessary training any other helpline does not? Well Dafydd Nightline, on facebook, or out and no idea where to get some? and Bangor’s own has been up and which ensures that they are capable on the one hand, it is the only out join our group and keep in touch, Have you ever decided at midnight running since 1974. For years now, of handling all calls and generally of hours information and listening you never know when you might that you need the number for the Nightlines have been providing providing you with the best service service. Also, it is a service tailored next need something at 4 am when NHS that very instant? Wouldn’t it be support and information to university possible. Training takes place over a specifi cally for university students, everyone else is asleep or away! incredibly nifty if there was someone students, helping people through a certain weekend, where it is assured therefore also run by university If you would like to get in touch you could call who could provide you hard time, and giving its members that volunteers learn to abide by students. Who better to talk to with Nightline, or simply fi nd out with all of these things? Well guess the kind of satisfaction that only Nightline’s core principles, found than a fellow student? Also Bangor more about who we are and what what, there is. volunteering can give. on the website, and treat all calls nightline has all the information a we do, you can visit our website on Nightline is their name, and being “I’ve had problems in the past confi dentially and anonymously. student in Bangor may need, from www.bangorstudents.com/nightline helpful is their game! Nightline? You and got help and it’s so nice to be Also, it is an independent service, exam timetables, to personal tutors or email us on nightline@undeb. may say bewildered, but if you have able to give back and help others.” meaning that its members are not and Chinese deliveries numbers. In bangor.ac.uk. Additionally you can a look on the back of your student Volunteer, Essex Nightline there to impose their beliefs on you, short, Nightline is there for you to call go along to one of the SVB sessions, ID card, you will see a number there, Nightline also has a stand at but only to listen non-judgmentally to if what you need most is a friendly taking place on Tuesday the 28th of claiming to be theirs. If you call that Serendipity (Fresher’s Fair) every anything you may have to talk about. voice which is willing to help you out. September and Thursday the 30th, number, all your dreams will come year, where they recruit their Being a part of Nightline, you can I joined Nightline in the September at 6pm in LR5 in Main Arts, where true! (Ok, not really, but they would volunteers. This year Serendipity get involved as deeply as you like. of my fi rst year, intrigued by their you can learn about volunteering in listen to you talk about your dreams will be in Maes Glas sports centre on From giving only the required four witty posters, and the prospect of general, and also information about at 6 in the morning…) Nightline is Friddoedd Site. If you are interested nights per semester, to joining the being able to help in an original way. Nightline. Or of course, you could just an information and listening service in joining them, swing by their stand committee and seeing the service Shortly after, I was elected part of the give us a call! Remember, the number that is run by university students and leave your e-mail. They will from the inside out. How exactly do committee. A year later and I’m not is on the back of your student ID for university students, and is open soon get in contact with you and talk the shifts work? Each shift lasts for looking back, and I’m sure Nightline card. So what are you waiting for? every night during term-time. It is about arranging an interview. You 12 hours, from 8pm to 8am, and the will continue to be a big part of my run by volunteers, who work during will have to sign up online on the volunteers are fully supported, not life until the end of my degree! If you Miss A. Nonymous nights (hence “Night”-line) from website www.bangorstudents.com/ only during each shift, but generally, are looking to make a difference, this Freshers’ guide 2010! 11 Freshers’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk UNION Meet The Sabbs! Sabbs (sabbatical offi cers) are the 6 people who run the Students’ Union. They’re elected by you and spend their time improving life for students in Bangor!

Hi folks, welcome (back) to Bangor!

I write this to you with one hell of a year ahead of us. Not only are we facing location problems (see front page!), nightclub problems (see front page!), but we also have quite a challenging future in the Higher Education sector. Everyone is screaming “cuts!” and unfortunately, universities are very much in the fi ring line. This year more than ever, we need to show the strength of the student voice, to show that we will not be ignored and that university education should be the realm of the many, not just the fortunate few. I for one will be bang in the middle of this battle and I’d love it if you’d join me. Get in touch to be part of our representative systems, to really show the government (and in some cases, our own university) what we’re made of! Remember your Students’ Union is SEPARATE from the University and we’re here to REPRESENT YOU! i I’m Danielle Buckley and I am the VP Education and Look forward to hearing from you, Welfare here at Bangor Students’ Union. One of my main Jo Haims this year is to revamp the course rep system and make it more rewarding for students. I have been working hard jo.caulfi [email protected] all summer liaising with staff and throwing round ideas as to how we can get the system to be as successful as the peer guiding one. In addition to this, I have been working with the VP Sport and Healthy Living – Danielle Giles – on setting up Halls Societies and Inter Halls Competitions, which will be known as Intra Mural Sports. I am extremely keen this year to strengthen the platforms for interaction for all students from all different I’m Danielle the Vice President for Sport and backgrounds and I believe that Halls Societies are one of the Healthy Living, Here in Bangor we’re between ways that I can achieve this. We will also be recruiting reps for Snowdonia National Park and the menai strait, Sport and Welfare in each hall so that students can be more this means we can get you up a mountain, in a involved in all aspects Union life and we have direct channels lake and even on a boat. However, we also offer between students and sabbs so that we can be as proactive more sports than you can shake a stick (or a as possible when it comes to solving problems. Another key racket) at! area I want to focus on this year is raising awareness of There are many opportunists to compete as welfare issues to students and so I am also working alongside a club, society or just as a group of mates. Look Danielle Giles on this year’s Healthy Living weeks as I think out for the big 5 during the year. it is important to highlight the fact that healthy living is not To join a sports club you need to purchase just about the food you eat and the exercise you do, but also an Au card from Students’ union reception or about sexual health, mental health, stress management, cancer at serendipity. This provides insurance cover for awareness, personal safety and the wellbeing of an individual in the year and allow you to affi liated AU clubs. general. If you have any problems or just want to come in for a chat then do not hesitate to contact me. I hope you all have [email protected] a fab year in Bangor and I look forward to seeing you soon. [email protected]

Hi! I’m Sharyn and I’ll be your VP Welsh Affairs and Community for the Hi there, I’m Rich and I’m the year. My work trying to make Welsh lessons more accessible to students Vice President for Societies and will continue this year, and of course I’ve been continuing with the Love Sustainability. I do my best to make Bangor, signing up more businesses and planning even more campaigns. sure that all the great societies we have Of course we’ll be seeing the second ever Welsh Week, where once again at Bangor are doing as well as they we’ll be celebrating and promoting the Welsh language and culture, and possibly can, and to make sure that I’m sure that the Inter-collegiate Eisteddfod, which this year is being held the Union and University are as green in Cardiff, will once again see Bangor bringing home the trophy. as they can be. What I want to do this Continuing with the continuation theme, last year’s Use Your Vote year is to make it as easy as possible campaign will get a Welsh revival with this year’s Assembly elections, for people to start a society, because the expected Welsh Assembly powers referendum, and the possible AV they’re one of the best things about referendum, so the Union will be on hand to make sure you know what being at University. As well as this, I’m the issues are, to help you register and help you fi nd your way to the going to be getting on the University’s ballot boxes on the big day(s)! case about making it cheaper to print This year I hope to convince the University to make it easier for double sided and make sure Pontio is a students to change their language choice for offi cial communication post- sustainable place. What I really, really registration, and for a bilingual communication option to be added. want is for someone to start a society to On top of this is lots of community work, so get in touch if you’d like to hug polar bears, but no one has so until get involved with any of the above! then, I’ll be in my offi ce drinking tea. [email protected] [email protected]

I’m Matt Ison, Vice-President Communications and Events. This Remember the sabbatical means that I am responsible for organising Serendipity, the ﬂ agship ofﬁ cers are here to represent Freshers’ Week fair as well as the Summer Ball. I also oversee the work of our three media outlets: Seren, you so make sure you get in Y Llef and Storm FM. This year, I really want to revitalise the Summer touch and let them know Ball and think the best way to do this is pay attention to the student what’s happening! There’s voice. I’m also looking forward to the website undergoing a huge makeover and becoming a key port of call for loads to do and loads to get students, not just in terms of clubs and societies but also for the Union involved with so come on down to better represent!”

[email protected] to the Union and get stuck in! 12 FRIDAY octagon: 8pm onwards SATURDAY ‘BEATaMAXX’ £4 for your HENDRE HALL: ﬁ rst 2 drinks before 11.30 10pm Lost Propety

THURSDAY Bar Uno: Octagon: 8pm onwards ‘Beach Party’ Octagon: 8pm onwards ‘The Big with Storm fm 8pm onwards ‘Toast’ Night Out’ 25% off drinks Your guide 2 DJ’s, 3 Rooms £2 drinks MALT: before 11pm 7.30 Film viewing Bar Uno: Bar Uno: ‘The Boat That Rocked’ 8pm onwards ‘Welcome 8pm onwards ‘Giant to Wales UMCB party’ Rascals: ‘Deﬁ nition’ Drum games tournament’ to Freshers' and Bass night £3 MALT: 7.30pm Film viewing MALT: ‘Forrest Gump’ Week 7.30pm Film viewing ‘Robin Hood’ 2010 Rascals: ‘Addiction’ £2 free entry between 8-9pm Rascals: Open until 3am! Freshers Week Join ‘bangor sexy times’ on face- Lock yourself out Complete the book crossword on Join a club at Have a ‘beer and burg- p17 monday Serendipity er’ as a hangover cure Take a trip to Drink during the pier Octagon: Re-introduce 8pm onwards ‘Choose the day Fall up ‘Bitch’ Hill WEDNESDAY naps into your Cheese’ £1.50 drinks tuesday Octagon: day Octagon: sunday Bar Uno: 8pm onwards ‘Brains; St. Read Seren! Go to Lost Property 8pm onwards Karaoke 8pm onwards ‘drop the Trinian’s Party’ Pull an all- bomb’ 3 Jager Bombs for Octagon: Free lollipop in school uni- nighter £5 form £1.50 drinks pull a 12pm-4pm ‘Feed a Fresher’ MALT: (Main Arts Lecture Get a bus to randomer befriend a 8pm onwards ‘Cash Cube Theatre) Bar Uno: Bar Uno: Hendre Hall Give Away’ £1000 7.30pm Film viewing 7pm onwards, Big Quiz 8pm onwards ‘Food Fest’ bouncer ‘Frida’ Night. Play ‘ring of Bar Uno: Do your first MALT: fire’ 12pm-6pm Carvery Rascals: Open until 3am! MALT: independant shop Attempt From 7pm Storm fm Disco; 7.30pm Film viewing ‘Milk’ 7.30pm Film viewing centurion meet your ﬂ at mates ‘Moulin Rouge’ Do the cuisine Spend a day watching cutout on p14 attempt the mikes Rascals: Open until 3am! bite ‘greedy bas- Rascals: Open until 3am! box sets tard’

Dont forget to pick up your Love Bangor card from the Students PEER GUIDES: Pick up a stamp card from Ras- Union, it’s £11 and is in partnership with NUS Extra. That means cals and by buying a drink in there each night discount in many of our hight street stores as well as local stores in Bangor. Use your Love Bangor card for discount in Bar Uno. Bingo! of Freshers’ week you will gain £20 worth of drinks vouchers on Saturday the 25th. 12 FRIDAY octagon: 8pm onwards SATURDAY ‘BEATaMAXX’ £4 for your HENDRE HALL: ﬁ rst 2 drinks before 11.30 10pm Lost Propety

What’s On?

Bye bye Big Brother

The fi nal series of Big Brother has 975 saw the emergence of the fi rst all girl just drawn to a close and though rock band. Recording two albums and tour- many of us will be glad to see the back 1ing America and Japan with sold out shows, of it I have to admit that the quality The Runaways were rock stars. As with many such of this last series has made it hard to stories, this one did not last long as the lead singer say goodbye. I have become deeply Cheri Currie left soon after the tour in Japan. The attached to the beautiful Bristonian sensational story of this band, one which many will Josie and even after her departure have little knowledge of, is told in the eponymous watching Chantelle and Preston ‘take new fi lm The Runaways. two’ was a pleasure, im going to have Starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart to rate this highly! the fi lm relies upon Currie’s own book for the history of the band. It’s a biopic which leads the audience from the formational roots to the breakup but the director has carried it out deftly. The lead actors portray the main stars of the group Currie (Fanning) and Joan Jett (Stewart), who originally approached a music agent with the idea to create Ugly Americans an all woman band. The fi lm is powered by the strong and electric characters that have been revealed to us through The Mighty Boosh meets Family Currie’s book. We’re shown the rather intense Guy. This surreal animated comedy relationships which develop, especially between is set in the big apple and leaves Currie and Jett, which are just one part of the no twisted stone unturned. With a insane life that the band is plunged into. One scene creative approach to storytelling in particular depicts the kiss between the two this peculiar and rather enthralling main characters which is no doubt already all over American comedy provides an fairly YouTube. entertaining way of whittling away Seren recommends this fi lm because it is, for the hours. want of a better word, different. In the current fi lm climate where blockbusters created entirely from CGI blare out of every media outlet a relatively small fi lm such as this deserves a bit of extra publicity. It has fi re in its heart and gives you a kick to the punk in your soul. Watch it. Luke Dobson Leverage

This imaginative drama, currently airing it's 3rd series in the US and airing here in the UK is America’s answer to ‘Hustle’, albeit more gritty and subtle. The plot focuses upon an elite team of thieves and their one 'honest man' boss as they con the world to rights. Bad guys working for a good cause makes an interesting watch with a healthily diverse cast. I would recommend not dismissing f you’re looking for a nice, in- what’s not to like about a show that this series based solely on its rather depth look at urban legends and knows it’s camp? cringe-worthy pilot as it gains pace Ihorror stories, then you should The show hits its stride well rapidly and keeps the audiences’ stop reading now. Stopped? Good. into season 2, and once it does attention. For those who enjoy crime This show is all about the superfi cial, so it’s a fairly consistent plateau dramas without involving a motley and that’s not actually a bad thing. of quality. Episodes like “Yellow CSI-esque crew. Taking a fresh view The premise is straightforward: Fever”, “The Mystery Spot” and on sticking it to the man. ghosts, ghouls and demons exist “Hollywood Babylon” are full to the – so do people who hunt them brim with banter and good, clean, and kill them. They’re named, blood-spattered fun. And if you’ve somewhat imaginatively, Hunters. ever wanted to see grown men cry Two brothers, Dean and Sam, are their own weight in Manly-Tears- Hunters, and this box-set follows Of-Sadness then you’ve come to them from setting out to fi nd their the right place. While the fi rst missing father to getting tangled in series doesn’t give the same high the forth-coming Apocalypse. It’s a performance, persevere and you’ll LET IT BURN show that is built on the chemistry fi nd a good show with likeable leads ‘Let it burn! Let it burn!’ Were the between the characters - think and entertaining dialogue. It’s a only words that Peggy Mitchell could Starsky & Hutch, only without the show with heart, even if that heart manage as she watched her beloved sexual tension – rather than the is currently ripped out and being Queen Victoria pub burn to the strength of its stories. shown to you by a slavering beast ground. Her drug-addict/alcoholic It’s well aware of how silly it from the Netherworld. son, Phil, took a match to the is, and runs amok through urban Amy Mulholland building, threatening to take away legends with all the glee of a the one thing that means more to Labrador in a Frisbee factory. And if Peggy than anything, just like she did you’re looking for fan-service...well, to him. The fi re interrupts Janine and let’s just say that Jared Padalecki Ryan’s wedding reception and forces and Jensen Ackles are perfectly Stacey to escape with her baby, Lily, adequate examples of manhood. And from the fi rst fl oor of the Queen if nerdy, pretty-boys are more your Vic. It all results in Peggy saying an type, then surprise fan-favourite, emotional goodbye to Albert Square, Castiel, is introduced in season 4 and she really couldn’t go out of the to up the bad-ass factor. The show show after sixteen years with much is somewhat unfortunately lacking more of a bang! the female character department, but this is par for the course in American drama and thus doesn’t really provide more than a grumble of a complaint. Otherwise, it’s fairly obvious the cast and crew know how best to please their fans, and hey, What’s in? New Look Christian Siriano River Island £18 £34.99 River Island £16.99

New Look £19.99 River Island £12.99

River Island et another contestant from ‘Project cool, playful looks. Runway’ shows a successful line at The fashion crowd £44.99 Yfashion week. Christian Siriano, the has come to count on camp bubbly extrovert from season 4 has him for ruffl es, crazy had A+ reviews from fashion critics and this fabrics and fancy River Island is why. shoes. They weren’t The looks start very neutral with hints of disappointed. £34.99 colour injected into them then they gradually I’m really happy become more exciting with turquoise for Christian, whilst snakeskin, crocodile print and brushed on Project Runway metallics. There were the show-stopping you could see that gowns. Some were fl owy, and others were he was passionate like sea reefs created with tulle in cream and towards fashion. Get the crimson. According to Each outfi t came with shoes from press he wanted Christians’ new line. There were boots and to create strappy stilettos with heels that looked like “multicultural, cages made of chopsticks. elegant evening Maggie Grace and Katrina Bowden, wear”. I wonder Look! scenester Leigh Lezark, Siriano’s boyfriend what Tim Gunn Leopard print has always fared Brad Walsh (who also made the jewellery and thinks? well with the celebs, just check out chose the music for the show) and actor Alan Kaden Rihanna rocking the look. Want in on Cumming were all front row at the show. the action? All of these pieces can be Since “Project Runway” Christian has Wild proven himself season after season with bought in stores in Bangor! 2010 VMA’s cause fashion stir The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards gathered our musical stars who graced the red carpet walk giving us a visual feast. Some stars took to designer gowns whilst others went for a more low-key simple look. Here are my favourite three!

Katy Perry is wearing a Marchesa dress, Which I think makes her look like she has a huge tattoo! She also got her manicurist to put images of 1. herself and Russell Brand’s face on her ﬁ ngernails! Also how cool is her hair? I’m tempted to get some pink and blue in mine!

Lady Gaga paid tribute to Alexander McQueen, by wearing a gown from his last collection. It looks 2. dramatic and royal on her and the abundance of colours sure make her stand out!

Ciara rocked up in this edgy Givenchy black dress made from feathers and lace. In my opinion she looks like a model in this! Looking forward to 3. hearing some new music from her! 1. 2. 3. xx Jennyx

What’s in? very good paper has an agony auntie. The Stranger has Dan Savage. Ann Landers became nationally syndicated in America. Dear Deirdre takes The Sun from nearly intolerable to New Look barelyE palatable with her sex advice. So, Seren has What’s Up, a no-holds-barred advice column Christian Siriano River Island £18 £34.99 River Island where students can write in and have their burningest questions answered by a peer in the know. £16.99

Where can I find answers about my course/events for students/the Union/Halls/problems that crop up after I’ve recycled the pile of paper that got thrown at me during Freshers’ Week? New Look Q Your problems Paper. It’s everywhere after you move in. Once answer to the questions you’ll have; additionally they’re River Island you’ve gotten settled, and before you throw great if you need some advice, if you want to chat about £19.99 it all away, hopefully you’ll take a read of the being a little homesick, or where the best places are in £12.99 booklets, handbooks, contracts, and fl yers Bangor for coffee, food, shopping. They’re there to make answered! A you’ve been given. If you miss any information, sure you have a great, safe experience in Halls and help most is available online: Additionally if you’re living you connect with the information you need. (but not by a ‘doc’) in Halls you should always feel free to hunt down your resident Warden. They’re trained to know just about every River Island et another contestant from ‘Project cool, playful looks. Runway’ shows a successful line at The fashion crowd £44.99 Yfashion week. Christian Siriano, the has come to count on My friend is vomming on B*tch Hill after a night camp bubbly extrovert from season 4 has him for ruffl es, crazy out/I don’t remember what happened last night/I got had A+ reviews from fashion critics and this fabrics and fancy River Island is why. shoes. They weren’t told off by my Warden or Security for drunken be- The looks start very neutral with hints of disappointed. £34.99 Q haviour, what do I do now? colour injected into them then they gradually I’m really happy Alcohol is a pretty basic element of university life, even support networks all provide services ranging from medical testing become more exciting with turquoise for Christian, whilst if you yourself don’t drink. Keeping an eye out for friends to counselling and support for friends of assault victims. It’s a snakeskin, crocodile print and brushed on Project Runway whilst on a night out for drink spiking and dangerous good idea to know about these even if you never have to use metallics. There were the show-stopping you could see that levels of overconsumption is really important. ALWAYS them! Google is a good start but again- ask your Warden or visit gowns. Some were fl owy, and others were he was passionate A stick with at least one ‘buddy’ and if somebody seems the Student Advice Centre for more info, contact details or a cup like sea reefs created with tulle in cream and towards fashion. Get the uncoordinated, suddenly very intoxicated or confused, or is of tea. crimson. According to straight up being sick everywhere please stay with them and get Wardens and security are there for your welfare, primarily that can Each outfi t came with shoes from press he wanted some help. Alcohol poisoning is diffi cult to distinguish from being mean a lot of things. Often students feel they get just told off, and Christians’ new line. There were boots and to create very drunk unless you have training and it’s very dangerous. it does defi nitely happen. But the best thing to do is remember strappy stilettos with heels that looked like “multicultural, If you ever suspect you may have had your drink spiked, tell that everybody is living in pretty tight spaces, and even though cages made of chopsticks. elegant evening somebody. It doesn’t have to mean a big followup- but the more you might get told where to go if you come guns blazing in at 4am, Maggie Grace and Katrina Bowden, wear”. I wonder Look! the University and the Union are aware of this issue the easier they’re always there for you and they understand what it’s like scenester Leigh Lezark, Siriano’s boyfriend what Tim Gunn Leopard print has always fared it is for it to be stopped. Your friends, your Warden, and your being a student- they ARE students! Security do hang things for all Brad Walsh (who also made the jewellery and thinks? well with the celebs, just check out personal tutor all care about your welfare and will be happy to of us like keep crime on site low, keep our buildings and walkways chose the music for the show) and actor Alan Kaden Rihanna rocking the look. Want in on deal with the situation as you see fi t. Sometimes worse things safe, deliver our post, and protect us where we live. The best way Cumming were all front row at the show. the action? All of these pieces can be happen; unfortunately, drink spiking can be accompanied by to deal with living in managed accommodation is to try to build Since “Project Runway” Christian has Wild physical or sexual assault. The Union, the University, and outside rapport with your support team when you’re sober. proven himself season after season with bought in stores in Bangor!

Send any questions you have to I need a takeaway NOW! 2010 VMA’s [email protected] Q for some no holds The best takeaway in Upper Bangor is probably Bella Italia Late Stop (across from Morrisons) carry a modest selection of ready or Dragon Noodle. They do a variety of curries, kebabs, meals and snack foods as well as emergency toilet roll and milk. Just barred advice from cause fashion stir Chinese, and British food. Lower Bangor has the all time a note on safety- it’s really easy to forget about cooking when you’ve Bangor’s resident favourite Batty’s at the Railway end of the high street (near been on a night out. Fires are deﬁ nitely possible and it only takes about The 2010 MTV Video Music Awards gathered our A Fat Cat’s and Varsity) and Shahin Kebab and several chip 30 seconds to ﬁ ll an entire corridor with impenetrable smoke. Be safe agony aunt! musical stars who graced the red carpet walk giving shops at the residential end. Bella, Pizza House, and Domino’s all deliver and keep a few microwaveable pizzas or ready meals instead of pan or us a visual feast. Some stars took to designer gowns across Bangor. Unfortunately, most places close before or around 2am. oven chips for those times you just can’t get in before 4! whilst others went for a more low-key simple look. Here are my favourite three!

Katy Perry is wearing a Marchesa dress, Which Crossword Sudoku I think makes her look like she has a huge tattoo! She also got her manicurist to put images of ACROSS 1. herself and Russell Brand’s face on her ﬁ ngernails! 2. Students often spend this on things that they Also how cool is her hair? I’m tempted to get some shouldn’t pink and blue in mine! 3. The heart of the university 4. A display of all the societies on offer by the university Lady Gaga paid tribute to Alexander McQueen, 7. Something that most students dread at the by wearing a gown from his last collection. It looks end of the year dramatic and royal on her and the abundance of 8. Groups for students to join 2. 9. Materials to enrich your studies colours sure make her stand out! 10. A place where students go at night to have fun

Ciara rocked up in this edgy Givenchy black DOWN dress made from feathers and lace. In my opinion 1. There are over 50 of these in Bangor 2. Usually one hour sessions speciﬁ c to your she looks like a model in this! Looking forward to degree 3. hearing some new music from her! 5. A common fresher’s illness 6. The preferred drink during fresher’s week 1. 2. 3. 8. You’ll go here often when you lock yourself out 18 Freshers’ Issue 2010 MUSIC www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Aaron Wiles brings you what’s hot and what’s he crossover from actress to lyrics and catchy chorus, the have never imagined her not in music this month. rock goddess isn’t an easy song really sets an exciting start to to be so much of a rock Tpath, in the past a number the album. chick. I would defi nitely of actors have tried and failed; ‘Since You’re Gone’ is the second recommend their album Hilary Duff and Samantha Fox for track on the album with the lyrics to anyone, my personal example. Taylor Momsen looks set suggesting that it is a big f-you to highlights include to be the exception after already an ex of Taylor’s. It provides quirky ‘Make Me Wanna achieving success with her band, guitar rhythms and some forceful Die’, ‘Miss Nothing’, The Pretty Reckless. Regardless of singing from Taylor pointing out ‘My Medicine’ and Willow Smith - Whip My McFly - Party Girl the bad press towards her stroppy how great life is since a breakup. ‘You’. It was spoilt attitude, Taylor only recently This song is like a rock version of released earlier Older McFly used to be so much Hair turned 17 and is undeniably a Taylor Swift record; it’s a perfect this month so cooler, now they’re ripping off JLS The daughter of Will, she is nine, full talented as both an actress in the break-up anthem. get down and Twilight, poor form. of attitude and I love it. I’ve been ITV 2 hit show Gossip Girl and as ‘Light Me Up’ is the title track to HMV whipping my hair back and forth since Alesha DIxon - a singer. ‘Light Me Up’ is the debut from the album in which Taylor and grab I fi rst heard it. album and has already started confronts the criticisms made about a copy. Duck Sauce - Barbra Drummer Boy causing controversy thanks to its her and simply needing a pick- I think you either love or hate this cover image of a little girl with a me-up. This is followed by ‘Just Kaden Streisand track and I’m not a lover of this, it’s lit lighter. Tonight’ an obvious choice for next Wild A danced up Boney M track with far too noisy and too much is going Getting into the music ‘Light Me single, it sounds a bit like an Avril the constant repitition of BRABRA on. Up’ is a collection of 10 tracks which Lavigne song but still impressive STREISAND, I love it. show that The Pretty Reckless sure all the same! There is also ‘Factory Robbie & Gary - Shame can rock! ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ and Girl’ which would sound perfect Katy Perry - Firework Convenient title. ‘Miss Nothing’ are the only songs in a Skins episode, it’s so upbeat Expected to be the third single from from the album that have currently and racy and is made for one of Teenage Dream, the track is one of the The Wanted - Heart their hardcore rave best from the new album. “It provides quirky guitar scenes. Vacancy rhythms and some forceful singing The fi nal track The Ting Tings - Hands The Wanted, unwanted in my music on the album is a collection, cheers. I’ve been waiting a long time for the from Taylor.” melodic acoustic return of the Ting Tings and this new called ‘You’, another single is classic them, brilliant. of my favourites, been released, the fi rst hitting this track shows off Taylor’s soft number 16 in the UK charts and and vulnerable side with violins and the latter currently receiving plenty guitar strums. The song is about of radio attention. wanting someone who doesn’t feel The fi rst track on the album ‘My the same way back and lets the Seren Medicine’ is one of my favourites. listener see a completely different It opens with a cigarette being lit side of the Gossip Girl star, a side Recommends reminiscent to the cover art, and which will hopefully be seen much a puff of smoke getting blown more in their future albums. Hole - Reunion and Nobody’s Daughter out. Momsen clears her throats Overall, The Pretty Reckless’ and lets her unique grainy voice debut album is amazing; Taylor Semi Precious Weapons - You mix with soft guitar strums before Momsen has a beautiful yet Love You picking it up at the chorus. It’s all unexpected voice. From watching very grungy with its drug related Gossip Girl religiously I would YOUR This Month:

kadenwild or Folk’s Sake is a music website dedicated to out, having a bath or anything else you might need to Track Times Rated & the brightest folk talents around. It feels like a be lying down to do. Reviewed Ffriend’s comfy sofa, Other artists include: 1,493 and somewhere on this “You may wonder how you can Peggy Lee, Otis Redding Lady Gaga sofa they fi nd room for a and John Sebastian. bunch of interesting mix make a coffee playlist without Blur’s 942 tapes. One of the most The Saturdays recent compilations is #42 Coffee & TV, well apparently you See www.forfolkssake. – Coffee & Cake which, as can’t.” com for more information, Rihanna 921 you may have predicted, is a link to this playlist and themed around coffee and cake. others. It’s an interesting mix of new and old. Muddy Katy Perry 706 Waters’ Iodine In My Coffee is as slow, soulful and Georgia Mannion bluesy as you would expect and comes with harmonica and all. The Wave Pictures’ Instant Coffee Baby is Robyn 449 easily my favourite track. From the 2008 album of the same name released on Moshi Moshi Records, it’s catchy, happy and a little bit strange. It also contains Seren Example 344 the lyric “I can smoke one off the end of another, and I can say the right thing and piss off your mother”, Recommends Timbaland 272 what other reasons do you need to like this song? The Ramblin’ Jack Elliot track makes you feel like you could Mixtapes to give a go: be in the only saloon of a dustbowl town somewhere in Cheryl Cole 251 the American deep south, but then, I suppose that is the intention of most of his songs. Brians Mixtape #35: Leave the You may wonder how you can make a coffee and Animals Out of It Kelis 199 cake inspired playlist without including Blur’s Coffee & TV, well apparently you can’t. To me it stuck out as the track which didn’t quite fi t. This is one of few Brians Mixtape #32: Moseley Beyoncé 198 criticisms I have of the playlist. Another being that On Down Roger McGuinn & Calexico’s cover of One More Cup Aaron’s comments: Of Coffee from the I Am Here soundtrack is not the best version of that song. Similarly, Gracie Fields did Brians Mixtape #17: The Lau- Well I have to say I’m pretty impressed. Robyn, The a much better job of If I Knew You Were Coming I’d rel Canyon Have Baked A Cake than Bing Crosby and Bob Hope Saturdays, Katy Perry, Rihanna and Beyoncé all do in this playlist, but it’s all a matter of individual feature highly in my music collection. Only Timbaland lets it preferences and I may just be nitpicking. It’s a good, Brians Mixtape #15: The Rain eclectic mix, clearly put together with care by someone and The Wind down cos he ain’t cool. who has a lot of musical knowledge. The whole playlist is a good soundtrack for chilling Music Taste Rating: 9/10 19 Freshers’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk MUSIC n the last Seren of last year, seriously revamped for Pt. 2 and perfect. So who Body Talk Pt. 1 had just been given the single treatment. I better not mess Ireleased, since then Robyn went through a phase of having with Robyn, has wasted no time in getting this track on repeat for ages, it’s well the French, Pt. 2 out with Pt. 3 expected in like it’s the same song but it’s the Vatican, the the Autumn/Winter. We were totally different, it’s a lot more Russians, the pretty impressed with Pt. 1, apart enjoyable this time round and for FBI, the CIA, from the odd track it was a very me, you seem to get the message the prince of good album. So how does Pt.2 of the track a lot more. Do I think darkness, the compare? Very well actually. It it’s better than ‘Dancing On My whole industry kicks off with ‘In and now, My Eyes’, produced “In Pt. 1 Robyn tended to explore me. It’s by the masters b r i l l i a n t , behind ‘With Every the sadder emotions of heartbreak, potentially Heartbeat’, Kleerup Pt. 2 is no different.” my favourite and Robyn get the song of the party started. It’s year. Cannot very uptempo and poppy, it’s Own’? No, but it’s seriously close. get enough. a great track to get the album ‘We Dance To The Beat’ is The album going. probably the most divided song then reaches In Pt. 1, Robyn tended to on the album, I’ve seen a lot of it fi nale with explore the sadder emotions people saying that they either ‘Indestructible’, the of heartbreak but with the fast think it’s amazing or they don’t only acoustic song club beats, Pt. 2 is no different. like it at all. I have to say I like on the album, and if ‘Include Me Out’ and ‘Love Kills’ it, her lyrics are very observant we go with the logic, adopt the same strategy, the latter and clever and the repeating of this song will get the being a lot darker and harder. “we dance to the beat, we dance tune that it needs on Body And they are both very good, to the beat” means it gets stuck Talk Pt. 3. That I look forward the fi rst song mixing elements in your head, it’s catchy. Then to because it’s very nice as it is. of confi dence yet anxiety at the we fi nd ‘Criminal Intent’, it’s one So which do I prefer? I same time as she accommodates of the best tracks of Pt. 2. One honestly don’t have a favourite. for everyone from beggars, to of my favourite things about On the whole I think Pt. 2 is more mothers and to “trannies”, but Robyn is just how clever she is, consistent but Pt. 1 has tracks on at the same time she herself sorry to repeat myself but the it that can’t be ignored. I would doesn’t “want to be included out”. lyrics are so well written and this say they are both as good as We then get to ‘Hang With Me’, track, featured with its sirens and each other, which is a good thing originally fi rst heard on Pt. 1 as mismatched beats is brilliant. as both albums deserve a place in an acoustic track and was very And now we reach the true your music collection. Robyn for good, however it has been highlight of Body Talk Pt. me is one of the best pop artists 2. ‘U Should Know Better’, right now who can get you on the quickly found its way to dancefl oor whilst singing along to Seren the top of my favourite real emotion. I now await Body Robyn songs, it features Talk Pt. 3, bring it on. Recommends Snoop Dogg and is just bursting with attitude and Aaron Röyksopp - Junior power. The duo work so well together, it’s like they Wiles Róisín Murphy - just bounce off each other Overpowered with their fast rapping and the beat behind is just

fter a resoundingly Asuccessful fi rst year which saw Sonisphere collect Best New Festival at t h e festival as a jazz band at a funeral, with a show 2009 UK Festival Awards, Sonisphere 2010 had that replaced classics with an endless stream of a great deal to live up to. tracks from their most recent records. Maiden unshine helped to get a defi nite 5/5. He brought a Saturday’s headliners Rammstein, making die-hards were delighted, however for the Leeds festival off to a huge crowd to the NME tent, their fi rst ever UK festival appearance ensured greater number of regular festival goers, the Sbrilliant start whereas its performing some old classics that this year’s Sonisphere eclipsed the success festival ended with an anti-climax. sister festival Reading became including ‘I Knew Prufrock of Sonisphere 2009. The German metallers As in 2009, Sonisphere also boasted somewhat of a mud bath. Before He Was Famous’ and have made a name for themselves through their alternating stages. With no band on the main There must have been a few ‘The Road,’ as well as a couple energetic shows and pyrotechnical wizardry, two stages overlapping, the endless festival prayers said to mother nature of new songs, teaching the and nowhere can there be a more strange and agony of missing one band for another was for over this weekend to keep the crowd the words as he went wonderful sight than seeing musicians with the most part avoided. 2010 also saw Sonisphere showers away. Wristbands along. Frank certainly knows fl ame throwers attached to their faces blasting expand with a half-day on the Friday, headlined on, we entered the site to see how to get a crowd going out bursts of searing hot fi re, a singer wielding by golden oldie, Alice Cooper. headlining. I think that many thousands of tents with over however Crystal Castles had a bow and arrow loaded with fi reworks and a As with any new festival, there were a few people would have been 80,000 eager festival goers. to be the most interesting act keyboardist crowd-surfi ng in a boat. They were niggling issues. Regular camping was situated taken back to their teenage My fi rst festival experience of the day. One of the most also kind enough to play some equally mind- far too far away from the arena, the disabled years watching the band as was slightly worrying after unpredictable live acts around blowing music, with hits such as ‘Sonne’ and ‘Du platform was poorly designed and located and they performed their classics seeing a tent get crushed by a at the moment, and it wasn’t Riecht So Gut’ intertwined with tracks from their the entertainment area was particularly barren and joked around the stage, random group of four drunks, hard to see why they have latest record including ‘Haifi sch’ and ‘Rammlied’. when compared to other, more established just like they had when but I was told that this was to gained this title, Alice seemed Other highlights of Saturday included thrash festivals. they fi rst became famous. be expected. extremely drunk with alcohol giants Anthrax, Placebo and Britrock legends Sonisphere, however, is still young and Paramore, who I was sure to Friday midday saw piles of and cigarette in hand. She Skunk Anansie. already it is on the way to replacing Download as be a highlight turned out to fans enter the main arena. moved around the stage with Sunday saw another wonderfully diverse line the premier alternative festival in the UK. 2010 be somewhat disappointing, up with Iggy Pop taking a break from a busy prices were nearly £25 cheaper than Download After a decent night’s sleep, so much energy, occasionally Hayley Williams’ voice was schedule of fi lming Swiftcover car insurance and Reading & Leeds, and although it has and a few baby wipes we were stage diving into the crowd. lost in the crowd and they adverts to perform with The Stooges. Eighties become an internationally established festival refreshed and ready for a day The atmosphere was electric! seemed maybe a little out of post-punk band The Cult, Slayer and Alice overnight, thanks in part to the huge investment of music. A highlight of the day Saturday continued in the their depth, especially after in Chains all proved that they still have what in the brand and the line up, Sonisphere retains had to include Frank Turner, same fashion, with Blink 182 an amazing performance it takes to thrill crowds alongside newer a tight knit feel, with a slightly smaller, and from Weezer who were bands including Skindred, and chart-toppers certainly more laid back crowd than its main going to be a hard act for Pendulum. There is no denying that Sunday’s competitors; Sonisphere is certainly one to any band to follow. headliners Iron Maiden are still as brilliant watch, and without doubt one to experience for The overall highlight live as they were during their eighties heyday, yourself. Nik Hughes for me had to be the however their set-list was about as suited to a performance by Mumford and Sons, they played the NME tent and the sound carried so well. I didn’t realise the band had such a huge following! They defi nitely had the best crowd of the whole weekend, even when introducing fans to new songs. Overall, Leeds Festival was an awesome experience! Well worth the money, I’d defi nitely go again. Hayley Neill 20 Freshers’ Issue 2010 TRAVEL www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Best travel apps for your fancy phone Before you go Riskometer – Asks you where you questions about where you’re going, gives you a risk level and advice for when you’re there. World Customs - Local dos and don’ts for destinations around the world. Handy if you’re a ﬁ rst-timer.

The Weather Channel – In depth and customisable meteorology app, a must have for any self respecting, weather obsessed Brit.

Packing – If you don’t relish the precise folding, rolling and condensing of your suitcase to be as fun as others use this to create lists of the things you need and check them off as you go.

Trainline – Check your trains from wherever you are, even en route running slightly late to see when the next one is. Gives you information on changes and up to date schedule changes.

Travelocity - Check ﬂ ight schedules, gate numbers, security wait times, nearby hotels and even book your ﬂ ight through the app. When you’re there UrbanSpoon – Now here’s something cool, tell it what kind of restaurant you want to go you’re looking for, give it a shake and it’ll come up with a suggestion of where to go.

Wi-Fi Finder - Tracks over 200,000 hotspots in 135 countries. Not amazing at distinguishing between free and paid spots but useful nevertheless.

Room – Maybe slightly useless, but if you never remember your hotel room number, stick it in here and lose the minor dreading feeling as you approach what may or may not be your room.

Cheap Gas - shows you the cheapest place to get petrol wherever you are.

Where - Shows you what’s around you, from coffee shops to cinemas and show times.

Sit or squat – Don’t know where you are and need to ﬁ nd a loo? Download this app and never panic again! It’ll ﬁ nd the nearest one and let you review it and ones that aren’t in its info base. Sharing is caring.

Taxi! – For ﬁ nding cab companies in America. You can call straight from the app and It also offers user ratings, whether the company accepts credit cards and, according to the App Store’s description, a prescreened list based on hotel referrals. Staying in touch Twitter – For those who are yet to discover the joy of twitter,you can tweet from anywhere and include a picture of yourself on the beach to the envy of your friends. It’s also a good way to let people know you’ve touched down safely without having to stop on your way somewhere.

Postcards – Take a photo, write a message, upload it and they make a physical copy and send it home to your mum the same day! The app is free but sending postcards in the UK cost 99p but let’s face it, it’s worth it

Skype – Call your mum for free (or cheap) when you fi nd a wifi hotspot! Couch Surfi ng Cheaper ways of extending stays o you’re looking for budget accommodation their trip by cutting costs, but also to immerse information and tips available on your long awaited tour of the world. themselves in the local culture by participating before getting involved. SEnormous hostel dorms, overnight train in local life. The CouchSurfi ng community journeys and the odd snooze in uncomfortable Is it safe? The website has ample tips like continues to expand its horizons airport lounges, yes they are the cheap options hosts setting guidelines for surfers who are with members from over 69,000 but they get cheaper still. staying in their home. They have complete different cities, speaking 302 CouchSurfi ng.org is a website which control setting how often they want to host, for unique languages. 99.7% of all connects people from all over the world to how many days, how many surfers they want at their reported experiences are a network of friendly co-hospitality. Since a time, whether surfers can use the kitchen etc. positive ones. 2004 they have been providing people from There is a reference system in place also. Hosts The inclusive and congenial across 230 countries and nature of the territories with a safe and website is different place to spend “I can’t believe all the amazing people we have met refl ected even the night. more in the “How They say “We envision and the outrageous experiences we have shared while can I contribute Not quite doing it right... a world where everyone they have stayed in our home” to CouchSurfi ng’s can explore and create progress?” section of the website. meaningful connections with the people and and surfers give accounts of their experiences Surely this is where they guilt you into paying places we encounter. Building meaningful with each other so that people can essentially for premium membership or something? “I got off the train and met a stranger...I got connections across cultures enables us to pick and choose who they stay with. Members No. Although they do mention the option of back on the train and said goodbye to a friend” respond to diversity with curiosity, appreciation can also discuss their experiences with each donation later, it is not expected and defi nitely Samantha from the US said “We are hosts. It’s and respect. The appreciation of diversity other, host to host and surfer to surfer. not required. It’s free to join and use the a huge part of our lives now. I can’t believe spreads tolerance and creates a global Another safety feature is the vouching website and their fi rst suggestion for how you all the amazing people we have met and the community.” system. It shows a strong bond between two can help is “Being an active and well-informed outrageous experiences we have shared while Some members are hosts, some are travelers members and is a carefully considered sign of member is the fi rst way to contribute to the they have stayed in our home” (or “surfers”) and some are both. The hosts trust amongst members. Attempted scams and CouchSurfi ng community!”. You can fi nd more information at put the surfer up for free which allows them all bad behaviour is also reported and taken Some success stories include Viktor from www.couchsurfi ng.org to encounter diverse cultures without ever into consideration by everyone looking to host Germany who says “Borders between countries leaving their home. The surfer not only gets and surf. and minds disappear and more and more Georgia Mannion a free nights sleep and the chance to prolong It’s imperative to read all the safety people fi nd friends”. Kimmie from the UK says 21 Freshers’ Issue 2010 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk TRAVEL

Pass That Dutch veryone knows it’s legal to smoke still somewhat extralegal but not prosecuted the main Dutch tourist traps shouldn’t be to Germany (9.9%), the UK (15.8%) and Spain cannabis in Amsterdam. Knowing the because of a strict tolerance policy. A shop concerned with being caught up in the dodgy (16.4%). Comparatively few of these (0.44%) Edetails of the laws that allow this however cannot stock more than 500g of cannabis dealings of anomalous deviants. turn into “problem drug users”, well below doesn’t seem to be so widespread. Allow me to at any one time or sell more than 5g to an It would be easy to assume that the the average of 0.52% in the same compared shed some light… individual who may carry up to 5g for personal money generated from drug tourism is the countries. The law in The Netherlands clearly use without worry of breaching any laws. government’s primary motivation. In fact The reported number of deaths linked to the distinguishes between “hard” and “soft” Shops that break the rules are fi rmly the main objectives of Dutch drug policy are use of drugs in the Netherlands is also lower drugs. According to The A-Z Encyclopaedia than the EU average. The Dutch government is of Alcohol and Drug Abuse (yes, that actually “The Checkpoint coffee shop was found to be selling 400 times the able to support and treat around 90% of those exists) “hard” drugs are defi ned as addictive, legal amount of cannabis.” who seek help. psychoactive drugs that are especially Although we often look at the seemingly damaging. This would include cocaine, heroin, punished. In March of this year the owner of prevention and rehabilitation, to combat the liberal Dutch policy from a touristic point of LSD, morphine, ecstasy etc. “Soft” drugs are The Checkpoint coffee shop in Terneuzen, was production and traffi cking of drugs and to view, we should remember that it is affecting believed to be minimally addictive with fewer prosecuted after a raid of the shop found more reduce harm to users and nuisance endured by the lives of real people and providing promising dangers associated with their use. This includes than 400 times the allowed amount of cannabis the public. results. The idea that governs the whole Dutch cannabis and, until recently, magic mushrooms being stored there. The shop serviced up to The policy works on the basis that it is better policy is that hiding social negative phenomena although hundreds of people protested the 3,000 customers a day and a special car park to control a problem that has proved unsolvable makes them worse. Perhaps our own policy amendment to The Opium Act, which regulates was even built nearby to avoid congestion in rather than continue to enforce ineffective makers here at home could learn something drug use, which stated that the sale of the town which suggested a certain amount laws. This progressive attitude has paid off from our progressive neighbours. mushrooms in smart shops was to be outlawed of involvement by the townspeople. A jail when comparing European drug use statistics. in November 2008. sentence and 10 million euro fi ne followed. In the Netherlands 9.7% of young adults The sale of cannabis in coffee shops is This is a rare occurrence and travellers to consume “soft” drugs once a month compared Georgia Mannion

Jules Undersea Lodge

The most interesting places around the world to stay the night

hen looking for somewhere to stay, room has a wide round portal window which sanitation, breakfast and other fi nding something a little bit different looks out into the murky sea. The surrounding hotel facilities from an existing Woften pays off. A mere smattering of mangrove lagoon is a natural habitat for public infrastructure, so the hotel the diverse hotels around the world are listed many reef fi sh. Tropical angelfi sh, parrotfi sh, afford a "pay as you wish" system. here. You may be lucky enough to have visited barracuda and snappers peek in the windows, A night in dasparkhotel can cost some of them, but for those who haven’t, here while anemones, sponges, oysters and feather- as much as you can afford or want is a small taste of what you could experience. duster worms seem to cover every inch of to pay! Guests visit Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key this underwater world. Guests can explore the For $300 a night you can Largo, Florida, they discover that the name is no marine environment with scuba gear provided sleep in a wooden Free Spirit Aurora-Express marketing gimmick. The Lodge started out as by the Lodge. Sphere in the canopy of a giant the La Chalupa underwater research laboratory The rooms of the Costa Rican Tree House tree forest on Vancouver Island, in the 70s, and now guests have to dive 21 feet Lodge beautiful and exotic hotel are built around Canada. The creator’s dream before taking their bed for the night. Each a 100+ year-old sangrillo tree, is apparently founding entire which is still growing around colonies where you’ll live in such the house. The Tree House has spheres, hoisted in the air, asking two rooms and it can hold up “the forest is so enchanting, why to 6 people with all the luxuries would you chop down trees to live in you’d expect in a 4* hotel. The it?” Fair point, we may just join you. Tree House has been entirely The Aurora-Express built of sustainable woods. All is a Bed and Breakfast in the hard woods used on the Fairbanks, Alaska made out Tree House were obtained of authentic Alaska Railroad out of fallen trees. They did cars renovated into historical not cut any alive tree to build periods. Nostalgic and cosy, the Tree House. Fancy an eco the rooms overlook Tanana holiday without having to dig Valley & the Alaska Mountain up your own dinner? Here you Range. go. The external simplicity of http://www. dasparkhotel’s concrete unusualhotelsoftheworld. drain pipe cabins surrounds com/ is a good place to fi nd an unexpectedly comfortable more exotic interior. Full headroom, double bed, storage, light, power, woolly blanket and light cotton sleeping bag and all other “hotelery” devices Free Spirit Sphere are covered in the room and Georgia Mannion surrounding area. dasparkhotel Dasparkhotel get 22 Freshers’ Issue 2010 SPORT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Hiya Everyone! ’m Danielle the Vice President for Sport and Healthy Living, Here in Bangor we’re between Snowdonia National Park and the menai strait, this means we can get you up a mountain, in a lake Iand even on a boat. However, we also offer more sports than you can shake a stick (or a racket) at! BLMSUZ There are many opportunists to compete as a club, society or just as a group of mates. Look out for the big 5 during the year. To join a sports club you need to purchase an Au card from Students’ union reception or at serendipity. This provides insurance cover for the year and allow you to affi liated AU clubs. AU Clubs Taster Sessions Healthy Living 20/9/10 – 26/9/10 Week: CLUB DAY +DATE TIME VENUE his year the Athletic Union President and the VP Archery Wednesday 22/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall Education and Welfare are teaming up to give the Friday 24/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall Tstudents of Bangor, not one, but two Healthy Living Sunday 26/9 9 – 12pm Normal Sp. Hall Weeks. The aim this year is to promote healthy living as Athletics Friday 24/9 6 – 8pm Normal Gym 2 a lifestyle and we will be doing everything we can to get every student involved. American Football Sunday 26/9 12 – 4pm Maes Glas The fi rst week is in October and will be kicked off on Badminton Friday 24/9 11 – 1pm Main Hall the Monday 25th with a Healthy Living Fair at Main Arts, Saturday 25/9 10 – 12pm New Hall with stalls in the Foyer, and further stalls running right along the corridor just after the PJ Hall, all the way to Women Basketball Saturday 25/9 2 – 4pm Main Hall the stairs in the Old Arts Building. The fair is being Capoeira Monday 20/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 held between 11am -3pm and there will be plenty Cheerleading Saturday 25/9 12 – 2pm New Hall to do and see. There will also be people on hand to give information and advice about how to stay fi t and Fencing Saturday 25/9 1 – 4pm Normal Gym 1 healthy, as well as a raffl e at the end of the day where Men Football Friday 24/9 12 – 4pm Maes pitch 1 + 2 one lucky winner will win a hamper stuffed with fruit, Saturday 25/9 12 - 4 pm Maes pitch 1 + 2 salad and veg! Women Gaelic Saturday 25/9 3 – 5pm Treborth Not only will there be a health fair, throughout the Football Sunday 26/9 11 – 1pm Synthetic Pitch week there will be various different walks and bike rides taking place, along with the traditional pool party starting at 9pm on Wednesday 27th. In addition to this, this year Gymnastics Monday 20/9 7:30 – 9:30pm Gymnastics Hall we have also organised a trip to the Fun Centre in Caernarfon on Tuesday 26th with coaches being Wednesday 22/9 7:30 – 9:30pm Gymnastics Hall provided to and from the Students Union. Look out for more information shortly. Thursday 23/9 7 – 9pm Gymnastics Hall It has to be remembered that healthy living is not just about the food you eat and the exercise you Hockey Men Friday 24/9 10 - 2pm Synthetic Pitch do, it’s also about your wellbeing. It’s about looking after yourself and being aware of issues relating to your sexual health, mental health and personal safety. In addition to this, it’s about been aware of Hockey Women Friday 24/9 2 – 4pm Synthetic Pitch how to look after yourself through stress management, being drink aware and of course, maintaining Sunday 26/9 3 - 5pm Synthetic Pitch a healthy heart. Judo Thursday 23/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 That’s not all though. Because healthy living is such a diverse topic we are in the process of setting Ki-Aikido Wednesday 22/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 up pages on our website purely dedicated to Healthy Living. On it there will be tips about exercise, what Friday 24/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 foods you should avoid eating too much of, where you can go to get fruit and veg, plus information Sunday 26/9 12 – 2pm Normal Gym 2 about drinking, smoking, cancer and much more! Look out for it soon at www.bangorstudents.com. Mountain Walking Saturday 25/9 8.30 - 6pm Pick up at the SU Sunday 26/9 8.30 – 6pm HALLS SOCIETIES!! Rugby Men Thursday 23/9 2 – 4pm Treborth Saturday 25/9 1 – 3pm Treborth his year we have totally rebranded the old JCR’s and in their place are Halls Societies. Each block Rugby Women Friday 24/9 12 - 2pm Treborth on the Ffridd site, along with the two blocks on Normal Site, Bryn Eithan, Rathbone and the old Saturday 25/9 11 - 1pm Treborth TJMJ – now called Y Garth - are all having their own Halls Society. Rugby League Friday 24/9 2 – 4pm Treborth We would like to encourage as many students as possible to join their hall society – its only costs Saturday 25/9 3 – 5pm Treborth £5 and with that you get your halls society card which enables you to take place in the halls Intra Mural Sports events. You also get a FREE society card – allowing you to join as many societies as you Squash Monday 20/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts want for free! Wednesday 22/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts A stall will be around on both Welcome Weekend and at Serendipity to give residents of halls more Friday 24/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts information about what halls societies are and you will also be able to sign up there and then! Table Tennis Friday 24/9 9 – 11am Main Hall We are also looking to recruit Welfare Reps and Sports Reps – one of each for each Halls Society so that we can liaise with students directly and so that ultimately students get more of a say of what Tennis Friday 24/9 1 – 3pm Tennis courts happens – in terms of welfare and in the athletic union. If anyone is interested and wants more Sunday 26/9 12 – 2pm Tennis courts Trampoline Friday 24/9 1 – 3pm ½ New Hall information about becoming a rep then either speak to your warden or contact Danielle Giles on: Saturday 25/9 2 – 5pm ½ New Hall [email protected] Volleyball Saturday 25/9 12 – 2pm Main Hall Local Sport in Brief

Bangor City Off Wrexham Glory for Crusaders Flynn Takes the Wales to a Flyer Unconvincing Start Despite Defeat Hot-Seat

angor City continued their ne rexham have started the new espite a heroic performance, the Cru- ormer Wrexham and Wales under-21 coach run of form from last season, football season in unconvinc- saders lost their play-o game against Brian Flynn has been appointed as Wales’ with ve wins out of ve. Beat- ing style. Despite early goals and Hudders eld 18-12. e rise of the caretaker boss for the next two qualifying Bing the professional and big spend- Wpromising attacking play at times; apparent clubD has been rapid, despite nishing bot- Fgames. e former Welsh international won 66 ing Neath (who had just signed Lee lacks of concentration in the latter stages tom in their rst season, to have nished in caps and helped Wales to a quarter- nal place in Trundle from Championship side of games have proven costly. Pressure on the play-o s in their second season is a huge Euro 76. He is a well respected rst team coach at Swansea) on the opening game on Dean Saunders is relentless, with the team achievement. Brian Noble has worked wonders club level, and had been attributed with develop- the opening day of the season. Fol- being booed o a er they fail to win. With at the club, and a few quality and one or two ing the talents of Bale, Ramsey and Collison at Un- lowed up with impressive Saunders’ Wales role now in doubt, more high key signings have helped raise the team’s der-21 level. Chris Coleman, John Hartson, Kenny victories against time could be spent on the Wrexham set up. pro le. e signing of Gareth omas in par- Jacket and even Ryan Giggs (who if we are honest Bala, Llanelli, Having signed in excess of ticular (although a relatively s h o r t probably wouldn’t bother turning up to friendlies Carmar then 60 players in his short time team move), has helped t h e anyway if appointed) had all been tipped as strong and Airbus in charge, the team should team bond with the fans. candidates. Reports suggest that the long term UK, there is a nally be taking shape. Support at Wrex- strategy at the FAW is to team Flynn and Giggs up high degree of However, failure to chal- ham’s Racecourse as a one-two partnership; combining the technical optimism from lenge for a play-o space ground has been ability of Flynn with Giggs’ ability to inspire the fans at Far- before Christmas may far better than the young Welsh team. However Giggs’ play- rar Road. Away see fan pressure take initially expected, ing career may last for at least one more sea- the Port-Talbot its toll, and he could be with the north son, so perhaps the next world cup quali- this weekend, their leaving the Racecourse Walians providing ers are the real aim for the current batch next home xture is ground sooner than he strong and vocal of players. against local rivals Ab- had hoped. support to a edg- erystwyth on the 26th ling club. of September. 22 23 Freshers’ Issue 2010 Freshers’ Issue 2010 SPORT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk www.seren.bangor.ac.uk SPORT Hiya Everyone! ’m Danielle the Vice President for Sport and Healthy Living, Here in Bangor we’re between Snowdonia National Park and the menai strait, this means we can get you up a mountain, in a lake Iand even on a boat. However, we also offer more sports than you can shake a stick (or a racket) at! BLMSUZ There are many opportunists to compete as a club, society or just as a group of mates. Look out for injuries the big 5 during the year. To join a sports club you need to purchase an Au card from Students’ union reception or at serendipity. This provides insurance cover for the year What can cause them and how to reduce the risk and allow you to affi liated AU clubs. AU Clubs Taster Sessions nHealthy t some point, all of us will suffer from injury. In most Some other risk factors are more common than others. Healthy Living cases they are minor ailments but sometimes they Being overweight in particular can have a more negative 20/9/10 – 26/9/10 Aare severe, so it’s helpful to understand what causes long term impact, as this increases the load on muscles, Week: injury and how to avoid it in most cases. joint structures, tendons and ligaments. Similarly, limited CLUB DAY +DATE TIME VENUE The commonest cause of injury, certainly in contact fl exibility and joint laxity also increases the chance of Living! sports, is trauma; which can be a twisted or sprained joint harm; as do muscle imbalances. These highlight the case his year the Athletic Union President and the VP Archery Wednesday 22/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall or a broken limb. Generally speaking, there isn’t much you for gently introducing yourself to fi tness routines, and Education and Welfare are teaming up to give the Friday 24/9 8 – 10pm Normal Sp. Hall can do about this, except to follow the rules and guidelines warming up properly for sport activities. Some injuries are Tstudents of Bangor, not one, but two Healthy Living Sunday 26/9 9 – 12pm Normal Sp. Hall Weeks. The aim this year is to promote healthy living as of the sport in order to minimise the risk. However other unavoidable, but by minimising the risk, will ensure you will Athletics Friday 24/9 6 – 8pm Normal Gym 2 a lifestyle and we will be doing everything we can to get injuries occur overtime, with identifi able and treatable be able to compete for longer without spending too much every student involved. American Football Sunday 26/9 12 – 4pm Maes Glas problems. Soldiering on so to speak, can exacerbate the time on the sidelines.   problem and possibly increase the severity. If you do get injured, there are several things you can The fi rst week is in October and will be kicked off on Badminton Friday 24/9 11 – 1pm Main Hall The risk factors that lead to injury are usually classifi ed do. Obviously the most severe cases require immediate the Monday 25th with a Healthy Living Fair at Main Arts, Saturday 25/9 10 – 12pm New Hall with stalls in the Foyer, and further stalls running right as being extrinsic (outside the body) or intrinsic (personal medical attention, which will probably be dealt with by along the corridor just after the PJ Hall, all the way to Women Basketball Saturday 25/9 2 – 4pm Main Hall to your body). the on-site physio and then probably hospital treatment. However the most common symptom is infl ammatory, in the stairs in the Old Arts Building. The fair is being Capoeira Monday 20/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 Typical extrinsic factors include: held between 11am -3pm and there will be plenty • Excessive load on the body. The tissues of the body other words swelling and bruising. Despite being the body’s Cheerleading Saturday 25/9 12 – 2pm New Hall  are capable of withstanding considerable stress: more than natural response and healing process, excessive swelling to do and see. There will also be people on hand to give information and advice about how to stay fi t and Fencing Saturday 25/9 1 – 4pm Normal Gym 1 three times your weight can go through the body even can be damaging to the process. It is therefore important when jogging slowly. But tissues that aren’t accustomed to to treat swelling immediately. healthy, as well as a raffl e at the end of the day where Men Football Friday 24/9 12 – 4pm Maes pitch 1 + 2 such forces won’t have adapted to withstand them and are The best person to treat any injury you suffer is the one lucky winner will win a hamper stuffed with fruit, Saturday 25/9 12 - 4 pm Maes pitch 1 + 2 salad and veg! likely to be injured when they’re applied. When deciding relevant expert, so always take the advice of the trained Women Gaelic Saturday 25/9 3 – 5pm Treborth Not only will there be a health fair, throughout the physiotherapist and where relevant your GP. The content Football Sunday 26/9 11 – 1pm Synthetic Pitch week there will be various different walks and bike rides taking place, provided is for information only and not to be used in place along with the traditional pool party starting at 9pm on Wednesday 27th. In addition to this, this year Gymnastics Monday 20/9 7:30 – 9:30pm Gymnastics Hall The useful acronym NICER is a good reminder: of offi cial medical advice. Content reproduced from the BBC we have also organised a trip to the Fun Centre in Caernarfon on Tuesday 26th with coaches being Wednesday 22/9 7:30 – 9:30pm Gymnastics Hall Health website. provided to and from the Students Union. Look out for more information shortly. Thursday 23/9 7 – 9pm Gymnastics Hall N It has to be remembered that healthy living is not just about the food you eat and the exercise you Hockey Men Friday 24/9 10 - 2pm Synthetic Pitch Non-steroidal anti-infl ammatory drugs, such do, it’s also about your wellbeing. It’s about looking after yourself and being aware of issues relating as ibuprofen, which reduce infl ammation and to your sexual health, mental health and personal safety. In addition to this, it’s about been aware of Hockey Women Friday 24/9 2 – 4pm Synthetic Pitch Sunday 26/9 3 - 5pm Synthetic Pitch swelling, and alleviate pain (remember to how to look after yourself through stress management, being drink aware and of course, maintaining check the label for contraindications). a healthy heart. Judo Thursday 23/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 That’s not all though. Because healthy living is such a diverse topic we are in the process of setting Ki-Aikido Wednesday 22/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 up pages on our website purely dedicated to Healthy Living. On it there will be tips about exercise, what Friday 24/9 8 – 10pm Normal Gym 2 I foods you should avoid eating too much of, where you can go to get fruit and veg, plus information Ice, or cold therapy, since this decreases Sunday 26/9 12 – 2pm Normal Gym 2 about drinking, smoking, cancer and much more! Look out for it soon at www.bangorstudents.com. pain and limits the extent of the swelling. Ice Mountain Walking Saturday 25/9 8.30 - 6pm Pick up at the SU should never be placed directly against the Sunday 26/9 8.30 – 6pm skin, so use a few paper towels or tea towel. The time for which a tissue should be cooled Rugby Men Thursday 23/9 2 – 4pm Treborth HALLS SOCIETIES!! lthough running is granted, in an area such as Bangor quite a scenic depends upon the site and severity of the Saturday 25/9 1 – 3pm Treborth and enjoyable experience; one of the more popular and accessible injury. his year we have totally rebranded the old JCR’s and in their place are Halls Societies. Each block Rugby Women Friday 24/9 12 - 2pm Treborth Acardiovascular exercises is swimming. It burns a lot of calories, as on the Ffridd site, along with the two blocks on Normal Site, Bryn Eithan, Rathbone and the old Saturday 25/9 11 - 1pm Treborth well as being very good for your cardiovascular health; helping to build TJMJ – now called Y Garth - are all having their own Halls Society. muscle strength and endurance. Unlike running which can have a negative C Rugby League Friday 24/9 2 – 4pm Treborth We would like to encourage as many students as possible to join their hall society – its only costs effect on your lower body joints, the water supports your weight, making Compression, usually in the form of a Saturday 25/9 3 – 5pm Treborth £5 and with that you get your halls society card which enables you to take place in the halls Intra it ideal fi rst time exercise. Swimming is therefore one of the safest and compression bandage. This mechanically Mural Sports events. You also get a FREE society card – allowing you to join as many societies as you Squash Monday 20/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts less injury prone exercises; unless of course you drown or get hit by a limits the amount of swelling by restricting want for free! Wednesday 22/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts kayak which turn up out of the blue sometimes. There are four basic the amount of space in and around the A stall will be around on both Welcome Weekend and at Serendipity to give residents of halls more Friday 24/9 1:45 – 4pm Squash courts swimming stokes: the crawl, also known as freestyle; the backstroke; the injury. information about what halls societies are and you will also be able to sign up there and then! Table Tennis Friday 24/9 9 – 11am Main Hall breaststroke; and the butterfl y. Of these, the butterfl y and the breaststroke We are also looking to recruit Welfare Reps and Sports Reps – one of each for each Halls Society are harder to learn compared to the crawl and backstroke. Due to potential so that we can liaise with students directly and so that ultimately students get more of a say of what Tennis Friday 24/9 1 – 3pm Tennis courts libel risks, the How–To bit will be omitted, so only a general overview of E Sunday 26/9 12 – 2pm Tennis courts Elevation. This also helps control swelling happens – in terms of welfare and in the athletic union. If anyone is interested and wants more the swimming techniques will be provided. It’s always best to consult a since fl uid is drained more effectively from the Trampoline Friday 24/9 1 – 3pm ½ New Hall specialised instructor. injury. information about becoming a rep then either speak to your warden or contact Danielle Giles on: Saturday 25/9 2 – 5pm ½ New Hall [email protected] Volleyball Saturday 25/9 12 – 2pm Main Hall The Crawl, or Freestyle Amongst all the swimming strokes, the crawl is the most popular, and R Restricted activity. To allow the healing beginners fi nd it the easiest to learn. The technique involved in this process to proceed, the injured area must be swimming stroke is pretty simple. You fl oat on your belly in the water, and rested initially. propel yourself by rotating your arms in a windmill motion, and kick your legs in a fl uttering motion. The hardest part of this swimming technique is the coordination of the breathing while performing the strokes, since the Local Sport in Brief face remains in the water almost all the time. how often, how hard and for how long to exercise, you need to consider the impact on your muscles The Backstroke and joints build up gradually to avoid injury. • Poor technique. A number of so-called Bangor City Off Wrexham Glory for Crusaders Flynn Takes the Wales The backstroke is akin to the crawl, except that you fl oat on your back in ‘overuse injuries’ are related to sports or exercise the water. The arms are moved in a similar alternating windmill motion, and to a Flyer Unconvincing Start Despite Defeat Hot-Seat technique. Indeed, some injuries are even the legs kick in a similarly fl uttering motion. The two basic techniques of popularly named after their sport (for instance, a correct backstroke are: One, that the arms are moved with equal force, angor City continued their ne rexham have started the new espite a heroic performance, the Cru- ormer Wrexham and Wales under-21 coach tennis elbow). Often it’s the repetition of an action or else you will fi nd yourself swimming off towards one side. Two, that the with faulty technique that results in excessive load run of form from last season, football season in unconvinc- saders lost their play-o game against Brian Flynn has been appointed as Wales’ body should be rolled from one side to the other, so that the arms extend to on tissues and subsequent injury. with ve wins out of ve. Beat- ing style. Despite early goals and Hudders eld 18-12. e rise of the caretaker boss for the next two qualifying their utmost reach to propel you by catching enough water. Bing the professional and big spend- Wpromising attacking play at times; apparent clubD has been rapid, despite nishing bot- Fgames. e former Welsh international won 66 • Poor or inappropriate equipment, especially ing Neath (who had just signed Lee lacks of concentration in the latter stages tom in their rst season, to have nished in caps and helped Wales to a quarter- nal place in footwear and, in some sports, headgear. If your The Breaststroke activity involves impact (things such as running Trundle from Championship side of games have proven costly. Pressure on the play-o s in their second season is a huge Euro 76. He is a well respected rst team coach at Intricate timing is involved in the breaststroke. As a matter of fact, missing and jumping) then wearing proper footwear that supports Swansea) on the opening game on Dean Saunders is relentless, with the team achievement. Brian Noble has worked wonders club level, and had been attributed with develop- even a single stroke can disqualify you in a swimming competition. This your feet and cushions your body from shock is vital. Your the opening day of the season. Fol- being booed o a er they fail to win. With at the club, and a few quality and one or two ing the talents of Bale, Ramsey and Collison at Un- swimming technique involves a pattern wherein the body bobs upwards and need for specialist footwear – or other sports equipment lowed up with impressive Saunders’ Wales role now in doubt, more high key signings have helped raise the team’s der-21 level. Chris Coleman, John Hartson, Kenny downwards as you propel yourself forward in the water. The breaststroke – may be determined in part by intrinsic factors such as victories against time could be spent on the Wrexham set up. pro le. e signing of Gareth omas in par- Jacket and even Ryan Giggs (who if we are honest is a diffi cult swimming technique, and should not be chosen if you are just ‘over pronation’ (see below). Bala, Llanelli, Having signed in excess of ticular (although a relatively s h o r t probably wouldn’t bother turning up to friendlies beginning to learn swimming. Basically, this swimming stroke involves • Failure to warm up and warm down. Many of Carmar then 60 players in his short time team move), has helped t h e anyway if appointed) had all been tipped as strong pulling your arms through the water, as you bob up and breathe, and then the body’s tissues (particularly muscle) respond better and Airbus in charge, the team should team bond with the fans. candidates. Reports suggest that the long term kicking with your legs as you bob down and glide forward. The arm pulling to loading when they’re warm. The warming-up process and the leg kicking are done alternatively. UK, there is a nally be taking shape. Support at Wrex- strategy at the FAW is to team Flynn and Giggs up should include whole body exercise that increases blood fl ow to muscles and makes them more responsive. At high degree of However, failure to chal- ham’s Racecourse as a one-two partnership; combining the technical the end of every training session, you should also warm optimism from lenge for a play-o space ground has been ability of Flynn with Giggs’ ability to inspire The Butterfl y Stroke Similar to the breaststroke, the butterfl y is also a diffi cult swimming down, bringing your body back down to normal, usually the fans at Far- before Christmas may far better than the young Welsh team. However Giggs’ play- technique, and not advocated for beginning learners, since it involves a fair through low intensity activity, followed by fl exibility rar Road. Away see fan pressure take initially expected, ing career may last for at least one more sea- amount of strength as well as precise timing. While performing this stroke, exercises. the Port-Talbot its toll, and he could be with the north son, so perhaps the next world cup quali- the legs should be moved together akin to the movements of a dolphin’s tail, Intrinsic risk factors are mainly unique to the this weekend, their leaving the Racecourse Walians providing ers are the real aim for the current batch the arms should also be moved together, pushing the water downwards and individual. The shape and structure of the joints can next home xture is ground sooner than he strong and vocal of players. then backwards, while the torso moves forward in an undulating manner. have a more pronounced effect upon the individual, against local rivals Ab- had hoped. support to a edg- especially if poor technique is utilised. In perhaps the erystwyth on the 26th ling club. most widespread form of exercise, running, feet that ‘pronate’ or have a weak arch often contribute to lower leg of September. conditions, as do ‘bow legs’ and ‘knock knees’. Freshers’ Freshers’Freshers’ Fortnight FortnightFortnight Sat 18 Sun 19 Mon 20 Sat 18 Sat 18 Sun 19 Sun 19 Mon 20Mon 20

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