Halloween Issue 2007 NEUADD BILLI$

STUDENTS’ ANGER OVER EXTRA COSTS IN PRIVATE HALLS

he Neuadd Willis apartments ap- simple, and in  scal terms, you could easily rooms are kitted with trendy furnishings Sounds fair enough? Perhaps, if it wasn’t peared to many to be an ideal living plan where you will be at the end of the year. and comforting little extras. Indeed, from for the fact the internet connection is patchy During your tenancy, if your  at exceeds spot. Located in the centre of town in Landlords and the Halls O ce are not naïve the outset, Neuadd Willis looks to be a stu- at best, and a download limit was recently its water and electricity entitlement each Tan extensively refurbished, well-furnished about the type of tenant they are accommo- dents dream. introduced, causing many students to reach month you’ll end up stumping up extra cash building radiating style and sophistication, dating; students certainly aren’t the cleanest But while signing your contract, moving their limit within a couple of days. Students to pay the di erence, even if you personally the halls certainly have many appealing bunch, but the returns on a property let to your things in and spending your  rst weeks claim not to have been directed to informa- never  ush the toilet or turn on a light. If characteristics. students are very high and they are generally in luxury, the words ‘too good to be true’ tion about what the download limit is or you don’t take out your kitchen rubbish you e base prices in many cases were simi- happy to accept minor damage in exchange consistently play on your mind, and ‘too when the next download allocation will be- will be charged £2.50 per bag removed for lar to the cost of living on the Ffriddoedd for higher rental income than they would good to be true’ certainly is what it is. gin. What they do know is that they have to you by the cleaners. And if you are not hap- Site, and as the accommodation is more lux- get from a family let. e price appears reasonable for the pay additional fees if they want to continue py with the accommodation once you are in urious than all other forms of student halls But within the last two years, a new type quality of the accommodation, but it is only using the internet once they have reached it, you will be charged £50 in administration and  ats, the deal was lapped up by many of student accommodation has emerged. A once the deal has been signed that the mon- their limit. fees to move either within or out of the ac- people looking forward to a year in upmar- tried and tested part of many big towns and ey starts to roll out. What about the IP telephony and the in- commodation. ket lodgings. But a year a er the halls  rst cities, but a new product for the city of Ban- Neuadd Willis presents tenants with a surance? Well, the handset rental covers only But Seren has learnt that some students opened, we uncover why Neuadd Willis is gor, luxury apartments certainly changed huge, 54-item list of potential charges they the handset rental; there is an additional fee were surprised to receive substantial bills not all it may seem. many students’ perspectives when looking can incur in their ‘welcome pack’, so nobody of £11.75 per month if you want to make or from Neuadd Willis a er their tenancy had e management of Neuadd Willis were for housing. can claim that they haven’t been warned, but receive any external phone calls. And stu- ended. At the end of the academic year, just asked to comment on this article but at the Neuadd Willis was di erent to standard what tenants are missing is transparent cost dents who already have content insurance when money is tight for students, Neuadd time of going to press, no response had been accommodation in many ways. e  rst is calculations and clear guidelines on how may not want or need additional insurance. Willis hit these students with bills in the received. its location: situated in the centre of Bangor, “reasonable wear and tear” is determined. e “underground” car parking facilities hundreds of pounds for alleged damage to ose opting for a house would usu- it was certainly ideal for reaching most key In addition to these potential charges may sound quite attractive to students, but it property. ally experience average tenant- landlord areas of the city. and your rent, you will face a booking fee comes at a cost of £200 per year. relationships, based on a refundable deposit e second is its interior. e luxury of £210, which covers internet provision, the On top of this, £250 is charged for wa- and a plain and simple contract, leaving rooms and surrounding areas are comprised rental of an IP telephony handset, insurance ter and electricity, leaving some people with everyone clear on where they stood. e of newly furnished kitchens, so carpets and administration costs. bills of up to £700 before they have even CONTINUED ON University halls situation is also clear and and sophisticated living spaces. e en-suite paid their  rst rent instalment. PAGE 5

STEREOPHONICS Inside WIN!! WIN!! WE ARE HARD-FI This WIN!!SCIENTISTS ONE-YEAR PASSES SEREN PINT STAR TICKETS GLASS Issue ON FRIDAYS INTERVIEWS 2 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 Contributors North Wales’ Supplement University Bands EDITORIAL is month’s issue of Star, the Seren sup- Attractions plement (only the second, since the idea compilation In the centre pages, we have included a was relaunched) features stunning original e cover CD in the previous issue Editor: Jack Peat elcome once again to all read- guide to North Wales’ Attractions. Bangor proved to be a big success. In light of this, we ers in this, our second issue of work from the Photography Society on the is located in the centre of some of the most front page. is is going to be a continuing have decided to make a compilation CD of the year. Halloween is upon us beautiful scenery in the UK. In this light, we University bands. e CD will feature on the Stephen Davies Walready, o en signalling a change in student theme throughout the year with the Star have decided to produce a guide to some of issue released just a er Easter, and should mentality, shi ing from the ‘play hard, work supplement showcasing their work. As well Willow Manuel the most scenic spots and best attractions. as this, we have provided an entertainment feature most (if not all) bands at Bangor little’ ethic to the ‘I’ve got deadlines’ thought. Days out in North Wales can be a really fun University. It will take the form of either a Katy Sandford e few weeks of staring at the computer guide, which includes tickets to be won for thing to do, whether with a group of friends, We Are Scientists and Alan Fletcher (aka compilation album, or a live lounge album. Iain Dalton screen wondering whether it will write itself a romantic trip or just somewhere to clear If you are in, or know of anybody who is in if you stare hard enough are imminent, but Dr Karl Kennedy), as well as TEN, YEAR your head, North Wales certainly provides LONG PASSES to Friday nights at Amser/ a band at this University, please contact us Zoe Dean as always, we are here to keep you lightly the answers. For more information look on on the email address below. As well as be- entertained and hopefully well informed as Time nightclub. With so many chances to Nathan Lee the web for their sites which will provide you win you’d be crazy to miss out. ing featured on the CD, the bands will have University life really starts to kick in. with everything you will need to know. a chance to record their tracks live in the Spencer George 25 years newly revamped Storm studio, and feature at Bethan Williams In this issue we are both rec- our SIN night in Academi bar in April. ognising the past and writing the Sophie de L’Orme future. As our 25th anniversary is Contributors Bianca Murray approaching, we start the  rst of My apologies also go out to all the con-  ve issues that will count down to tributors not mentioned on the list in the last Tabitha McGuinness the Silver Anniversary issue, due issue. is was a technical fault, and all e ort Rachel Eales to be published at the end of the will be made to make sure that this doesn’t academic year. e prestigious is- happen again. Once again thankyou to eve- Rebecca E Hussey sue will commemorate the life and ryone involved in this issue. Bryn Young-Roberts times of Bangor University’s Seren newspaper, highlighting the suc- Enjoy the issue! Rachel Bellian cess of the past 25 years. e  rst Loran Perkins issues, printed in black and white on A4 paper certainly emphasise Jack Peat Sophie Shanahan how far the paper has come since Katrina Hanford then. We are certainly not the  nished article however, and is- editor@seren. John Jackson sues such as this show how much Ralph Dutton more can be done, and how much further we can be pushed. We have bangor.ac.uk Ian Davies interviews from Stereophonics and David Horn Hard Fi, which is certainly an un- precedented change. Interest from Chris Carter bands and promotion companies Emma Dixon has certainly highlighted the suc- cess of the current paper. Lee Howson Jack Green Mark Varley School of Welsh hosts Robert Mann

Kevin Smith Recorde c e n t l y , Breaking EventBangor, where Emma McCall B a n g o r ’s students enjoy Jen Stanley School of notable success. STAND UP FOR JOURNALISM WelshR played host Not only Laura Reilly to a record break- is the lecture rging solidarity between students register concern over any potential decline ing one day lecture important for Paul Johnson nationwide and the general body in standards, to be found at www.ipetitions. course, attended by students, but Will Varley of the media profession, the Na- com/petition/standupforjournalism. As a over 350 pupils – it is crucial to tionalU Union of Journalists (NUJ) is holding further move, the NUJ is also urging those the largest number the university’s Adam Pearce a co-ordinated day of action, in defence of who wish to get involved to send a postcard yet for such an links with lo- Noellin Imoh quality journalism, on November 5th. Cit- to their local MP to sign the Early Day Mo- event! cal Secondary ing a marked decline in job numbers and tion of 1994 which also  ags up anxiety over e feat was Schools, where Luke May industry standards, as well as reduced wages the decline in journalism standards. e achieved as a re- a large propor- Andy John despite an increased burden overall in terms Motion makes explicit reference to sta cuts sult of an annual tion of Bangor’s of workload commitments, the NUJ is con- and tumult within the industry stemming course organised by the School of Welsh to future undergraduates hail from. Siobhan Holt cerned these detriments have been wrought from media ownership being tied down to assist pupils and teachers with the Welsh As for what Prof. Wiliams hopes students by media conglomerates in the wake of an only a few corporate sources. e postcards First Language AS and A2 syllabus. Invites took out of this day, not only does he hope inordinately pro t-led business model. can be found at the campaign website, which were sent o ering the course to all schools that they got a good impression of the School Photos by Laurie As such the NUJ fears that quality in is www.standupforjournalism.org.uk. in not only North Wales, but parts of mid- of Welsh, but that they took home useful Phillips; Tom Hecht; journalism standards will be adversely af- November 5th, the day of action, is be- Wales, and pupils attended from all over. and relevant information, from noted guest fected in light of these changes and point ing orchestrated through a number of con- According to Professor Gerwyn Wiliams, speakers Chief Poet Ceri Wyn Jones, whose Raju Acharya out that the industry’s ability as a collective nected protests across the country, including Head of the School of Welsh, they are eager cywyddau (alliterative poems) form part of to speak out against actions from above with outside the National Assembly for Wales, the for more pupils from North Wales to attend the curriculum, and Dr Sara Elin Roberts. autonomy will likewise face compromise. o ces of the BBC and the Society of Editors this extremely valuable lecture. Not only do He couldn’t have put it better himself when Proof reading: Lexi e number of students taking on jour- conference in Manchester, the latter forming the School of Welsh o er assistance to First he said, “We had an excellent day and it was Hindley; Carolan nalism and media-related university courses the crux of the campaign on the day. A re- Language pupils, but according to Prof. Wil- great to see Pritchard Jones Hall full of pupils has seen signi cant increases in the last few lated multi-union protest is also taking place iams, earlier in the year, they also organised and students.” Perhaps what is most pleasing Goggin years. erefore, the plea from the NUJ acts in Paris, just one of a number of a liated a revision lecture for Second Language pu- for Prof. Wiliams, and the university in gen- not only a call to those who value integrity protests taking place under the European pils, attended by over 100 pupils. eral, is when asked later about the course, and a strive for objectivity in the media, but Federation of Journalists banner, which is Numbers like this are a great source of the schools all gave extremely positive re- Production also students planning to embark on a career also lending support to the initiative. pride for Prof. Wiliams, who hopes that not sponses – which proves students took out of Consultants: Daniel in journalism or its myriad o shoots, be it in Further campaign information can be only does this kind of assistance aid pupils the day what Prof. Wiliams hoped, as well as television broadcasting or online. found at www.standupforjournalism.org.uk. with their A-Level studies, but that it en- o ering a possible clue to the destination of Turner; Emma Dodd Related e orts to increase awareness prior courages more students to consider studying future students! to the day itself include the NUJ’s petition to Stephen Davies Welsh at Higher Education, in particular at Elizabeth Stevens LATEST ISSUES COMPETITIONS SURVEYS LINKS SEREN: also available online CONTACTS www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 3 ARE THE WELSH REALLY LOCAL POWER- OBSESSED WITH RUGBY? PLANT DISPUTES ylfa, the nuclear power plant on that a safe way may be found in the future is Anglesey, has been operating just their way of passing the buck and storing there since the 1960’s. It is cur- up big problems for the future. Wrently coming towards the end of its life and e precedents for a campaign against is due to close in 2010. When the govern- another plant on Anglesey, however they are. ment last year proposed a second generation In the mid-1980’s the atcher government of nuclear power plants, Anglesey County proposed a new nuclear power station on Council and the local Labour MP, Albert the site, which a local campaign (under the Owen heralded the coming of a new power same name) organised successfully against, plant at Wylfa, which they said would bring contributing to the proposal being dropped. jobs and prosperity to local community. e present campaign features some of e reality is far di erent. e island’s the members of the original group (the or- two main employers are Wylfa and Anglesey ganisers continued to monitor the situation Aluminium which gets a supply of energy between themselves), alongside local com- from Wylfa at a discount. Local politicians munity activists and some alternative energy s many Welsh Rugby fans may have why they appear to under perform, as the where over 10,000 Welsh rugby fans gath- have argued that if Wylfa closes, so will An- researchers who have been working on pro- noticed, Wales have not got through Welsh rugby team have never won the rug- ered on “Henson Hill” to watch a big screen glesey Aluminium with a huge loss of jobs. posals on how the area’s energy needs could to the  nal of the World Cup again. by World Cup and the performance of the of Wales v. Ireland that gave Wales its  rst However, many jobs will be retained in the be met through renewable energy, which A is is surprising as rugby is Wales’ national Welsh Rugby team has been in decline since Grand Slam since 1978. Part of Wales’ en- game. However, Prof. Duncan Tanner has the 1990’s. Prof. Tanner therefore thinks that thusiasm for rugby can also be seen in the challenged the myth that Welsh people are the slating that the Welsh rugby team receive opening of Cardi ’s grand Millennium Sta- obsessed with rugby in a lecture that he re- from the media is unfair. dium in 1999. cently delivered in Nantes. e lack of Welsh men who actually play Are the Welsh really as obsessed with According to Prof. Tanner, on a typical rugby can also be seen in the Bangor univer- Rugby as we once thought? e answer ap- Sunday a ernoon more Welsh men would sity Rugby teams which are no more popular pears to be no, as Welsh men do not appear be playing golf rather than playing rugby. than the Bangor Football teams. e Bangor to play Rugby as o en as the stereotype may Prof. Tanner believes that Rugby is not one University Rugby team is also not comprised suggest. Also because three times as many of the most popular sports actually played by mainly of Welsh players as one might expect. people turn up to watch Cardi play football Welsh men in Wales as he has stated, major is further highlights the fact that not as than go to watch Newport Gwent Dragons football teams in Wales attract more fans to many Welsh men play Rugby as we may have play rugby. watch them than the major rugby teams. imagined. Despite the lack of enthusiasm for actu- Footballs popularity in Wales can be seen Nevertheless, it is undisputable that ally playing rugby in Wales it is indisputable decontamination process that could take Anglesey is ideally located to harness. through the many great football players that Rugby is envisaged as part of Welsh culture that there is an immense amount of enthu- several years and workers would be needed e campaign organised a public meeting Wales has produced, such as Ryan Giggs. and Welsh identity. Prof. Tanner states that siasm towards supporting the Welsh rugby to maintain any renewable power genera- of about 40 people last February in Menai Prof. Tanner also suggests that if we want opinion polls claim that people see rugby team in their National games. It appears that tion. Bridge, and has launched an online petition an example of a really Rugby obsessed nation as part of being Welsh, more so, he claims watching Welsh national Rugby is conclu- Also, Anglesey Aluminium survived for (www.petitiononline.com/nonuke) as well as we should look to New Zealand where twice than the Welsh language. Many people put sively a way of expressing Welsh national 18 months whilst Wylfa was closed down, so carrying out lea eting of the whole of the is- as many men actually play rugby and where on the scarlet shirt and  ock to the pub to pride, more so than playing Rugby. how much of a di erence will be made by land. Last year the House of Lords threw out women’s rugby is also more popular. watch Welsh national games as part of show- a permanent shutdown? Even Anglesey Alu- Blair’s phony ‘consultation’ on new nuclear e fact that Wales is not as obsessed with ing their pride in being Welsh. is can be Willow Manuel minium’s managing director has stated the power stations and told the government to Rugby as people thought could be a reason seen in the 2005 match against Scotland future of the company doesn’t depend on a go back and carry out the a real consulta- new nuclear plant at Wylfa. tionthey had promised. Since then, the issue Furthermore, the local politicians don’t has temporarily stalled and the local politi- talk about the inherent dangers of nuclear cians behind the proposals have kept quiet. STUDENT SUPERBUG RISK power. British nuclear power generation has e campaign, however, is still active, hold- niversity students are one of the that the bacteria strains are quickly spread surprised if they don’t pick up more resist- far from a spotless safety record and Wylfa it- ing regular stalls in Llangefni and running groups most at risk of an outbreak around the world. ance determinants. Every case of MRSA, self has been closed several times. Moreover, fundraising events to support the campaign. of community-acquired MRSA (C- C-MRSA can be more lethal than MRSA regardless of whether it causes infection or the big problem with nuclear power is what Iain Dalton MRSA),U a close cousin of the hospital super- due to a pair of genes that produce a deadly is just colonisation, is a transmission pos- to do with the waste which stays radioactive bug that has wreaked havoc throughout the toxin called Panton-Valentine leucocidin sibility.” for thousands of years. ere is currently no NHS. e close proximity that most students (PVL) which distroys the body’s immune is increase of resistance against antibi- safe way of storage. Government suggestions live in, and the sharing of bathroom facili- system by making holes in the membrane otics means that many new drugs are needed ties in many residential halls such as Emrys of white blood cells, rendering them use- to keep up the demand. However the sup- Evans and Rathbone, means that bacteria less. is means the infected body is unable ply of new drugs is not keeping up with the is passed quickly and easily be- diminishment of the old LAGERven though Bangor is one LIFEGUARDSof the safest drink. Paramedics have seen too many stu- tween large groups of people. ones. Development of new university towns, students, especially dent deaths occur a er them drinking until Almost a third of people antibiotics has decreased by  rst years, still need to be wary when they are unconscious; one of the main causes carry the bacterium S. aureus almost 50% over the last 10 Ethey go out drinking. It is best never to walk is choking on their own vomit a er being le in its standard form, either on years, while more and more home alone at night wherever you are, but by friends. e survey carried out for ‘Know their skin or inside noses. While of the commonly used old- this scenario can become much worse when Your Limits’ found that in the past year 53% in most cases it is mostly harm- er drugs are now useless. you have been drinking. I always stick with of 18-24 year olds agreed that drinking too less and very treatable, a strain Unless something is done my friends when I’m drunk because it is re- much ruined their night out. Shockingly, one resistant to the common anti- soon, there will be little we ally important to look a er each other. is is in four women (26%) admitted to putting biotics used to treat it was  rst can do against the spread what leading para- their own safety at found in a group of patients in of resistant superbugs. Pro- medic Steve Evans risk by walking home a Chicago hospital almost a dec- fessor Robert Daum, an believes too. With alone a er a night out. ade ago. e case was unusual American paediatrician be- 36 years’ experi- e NHS guidelines in that all of the patients had lieves “ ere needs to be a ence and working are 3-4 units of alco- picked up the superbug before research call to arms.” with the ‘Know hol a day for men and they had been admitted to the It seems that a di er- Your Limits’ cam- 2-3 units per day for hospital. Nine years on and the ent, more rapid, approach paign, Evans has women. If you have C-MRSA has spread throughout is needed. In the UK some seen a lot of stu- been drinking heav- Northern America, Asia, Aus- hospitals carry out screen- dents who have put ily, it is recommended tralia and Europe. In some areas ing for superbugs on peo- themselves at risk. that you give your it is now more common than the ple scheduled for certain e ‘Know Your body a 48 hour break! non-resistant strain. types of operations. is Limits’ campaign So just But how do these antibiotic means that if an infection is was launched in consider Steve Evans’ resistant superbugs come about found, it can be treated on October 2006 by advice: “If someone in the  rst place? In optimum the spot and will stop the the Department in your group re- conditions bacteria constantly potential spread of the bug of Health and the ally is the worse for reproduce themselves; multiplying at a fast to defend itself against spread of the infec- around the hospital. is, however, would Home O ce. It wear, make sure they rate, and o en mutating due to their genetic tion, and in the worst cases can lead to death be very costly to an already budget-stretched is not discourag- get home safely. Re- structure. Within the large range of muta- within hours. NHS, especially if the practice is extended to ing people from member, it’s o en the tions, a few bacteriua develop the ability to Until recently, C-MRSA was treatable all incoming patients, which is what is be- drinking, just quiet ones who will withstand the antibiotics. rough survival with a range of antibiotics such as clindamy- ing called for by some doctors. It is argued striving to make need your help most. of the  ttest, the advantageous antibiotic- cin and tetracycline which no longer work on that it would save a lot of money in the long people aware of ey’ll certainly be resistant bacteria quickly outnumber the hospital superbugs. However, now it seems term, but whether this is true remains to be the consequences grateful in the morn- original weaker form of the strain. Antibiot- the option of these is running out. Robert seen. e only thing that is clear is that the linked to excessive ing.” is advice could ic resistance can also spread between di er- Skov, head of the Danish National Centre for next few years are vital in the  ght against alcohol consumption. To  nd out more visit come in handy tonight! ent species of bacteria due to DNA-carrying Antimicrobials and Infection Control stated superbugs. www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk. proteins, and viral infections of the cells. in New Scientist recently, “Once these com- Evans wants students to be ‘Lager Life- e global increase in trade and travel mean munity strains get into hospitals I would be Katy Sandford guards’, which basically means looking out Zoe Dean for your friends who have had too much to t was a glorious day for Labour. Imagine the scene; at the recent Tory conference. His pictures mingling a er what seemed like an eternity they  nally broke with social yobs in the ‘hugging with hoodies’ campaign Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 the domineering right wing Tory party and shook wasn’t ground breaking politics, it was pathetically dim 4 Ithe electorate with a landslide victory. e Tories were witted and desperate. stunned, Labour were jubilant. 97 was gateway into the Browns recent decision to delay the elections are in 21st century, it was new and it was revitalizing. Change no way a sign of Tory recovery. e time taken in the was on the agenda, and change we certainly have seen. next few months will be used to settle in, as New Labour CHANCE TO COMMENT ON BANGOR’s NIGHTLIFE Many quarrel over the success of the party since that are here for a while. e constant twittering, jibes and insults played hosts to DJ’s such as MR Scru and * What music would you like to hear day, but most  nd it hard to disprove the state it le the Politics thrown at Bangor’s nightlife are in no way MR C. You certainly have to understand the more of? Tories in. What e Conservatives are under Cameron unprecedented. People who come from large limitations and impracticality of having big *What incentives would make you go to is what Labour were under !!!!!!!!. Conservatives op- towns or cities constantly make disgruntled night clubs in Bangor, and the infeasibility clubs earlier/ stay later? posed the Blair era just as Labour fought atcher, how references to its lack of variety and monoto- of sharing the nightlife’s of the bigger towns *How would you improve Jocks bar? times have changed. nous predictability. Even those who come and cities, but something can be done. (Include internet access/ games/ chill e Catalyst of change was certainly Mr Blair. His from smaller towns would rate their own as As one of the main media outlets (and in out) appearance and political style exuded unmarked crea- better than Bangor. With only three night- this way one of the key student voices) we *How would you improve Main Bar? tivity and was radiant with anticipation. e party was clubs, limited space and little incentive there are to put the question out to the student *How would you improve Time? unrecognizable as the past Socialist, le wing party of for the big bands and acts to come, Bangor is population. In conjunction with the event *Would you like to see non- alcohol relat- welfare and equality, and was now more familiar with falling short in many aspects of a good night organisers, we will strive to get the opinion ed events organised by the Students Union? the preaching’s of business and prudent  nance. Whilst HAVE out. of the people that really matter, you! Our not completely abandoning their roots, they had moved Time and Academi are striving to o er survey will be online on our website, as well All questions can be answered at: with the times, and promoted a full recognition of the something di erent. Academi in particular as the one underneath, that can be submitted www.seren.bangor.ac.uk countries current and future needs. It was Labour, but YOUR has weekly events ranging throughout all by post or simply dropped in at the Student for further information or to submit not the Labour you would read about in schools. It was SAY music genres and interests. Time is showcas- Union. So to all those people that have an comments please contact Adam Isbell: a party of the 21st century, and was more than a worthy ing some chart topping bands and has also opinion (of which I am sure most you do) advisory of its new designation- New. A RANT FROM make a di erence, and  ll in the survey. [email protected] To date the Tories have struggled. ey have toyed and  ddled with various di erent schemes, leaders of THE RIGHT old, leaders of young, catchy slogans and witty manifes- tos aimed a dubiously duping the voter- all with limited Spencer George Ming Campbell R.I.P. (Retire In Peace) (if any success). Recent events are rather dissimilar to ou may or may not have noticed that strange obsession from the and a hint of a tear in his eye. Give the man smirk at the irony of the whole situation. policies that are going to in capture the im- what we have seen thus far, but still they were always in the last week, Sir Menzies Camp- media about his age, the pressure simply be- an Oscar. Ming Campbell, the man who only two years agination of the British public. e problem predictable. We no longer live in a political environ- bell resigned as leader of the Liberal came too much for poor Ming. You could have been forgiven for think- ago orchestrated the downfall of Charles for the Lib Dems is that with Labour and e ment that is su ced to the dealings of the le and right. DemocratY party. A respected parliamentar- Whether he walked the plank, or was ing that we were guests at Sir Menzies’ wake Kennedy, was now having to taste his own Conservatives vying for the centre ground, Today the UK stands  rmly in the middle, giving way ian, Sir Ming had only been leader of the pushed I doubt will never be known. How- and not the announcement of his resigna- medicine. I believe they call it Karma. how can they di erentiate them selves and to a happy medium of varying policies. is new shi party for two years and his resignation came ever, if he was going to walk then his fellow tion. It was le to Vince Cable to o er some ere is a now a huge question mark stand out from the crowd? stands as the very reason why New Labour have been as quite a shock to those in the world of Poli- colleagues certainly weren’t going to stop humility and professionalism to the an- hanging over the Lib Dem party. Where do I honestly hope the Lib Dems manage to able to secure their political powerbase so strongly in him. Comments from Vince Cable, Simon nouncement. He spoke of the party’s “grati- they go from here? What direction does the sort themselves out. I hope they manage to tics. the last decade. ey dropped the old socialist roots, Hughes and Nick Clegg in the weeks run- party go in and who do they chose to lead reorganise themselves and once again be- Sir Ming said he had resigned “In the and borrowed some atcher- esque policies. In this ning up to his resignation certainly didn’t the way? come an in uential player in the playground interest of the party.” He was right to do so. “Where’s the body?” screamed way, they have planted themselves right where the Brit- help. When asked by Andrew Marr at the Lib ere is no doubt that the resignation of of politics. For it is only through e ective op- With ICM polls placing the Lib Dems on a the pack of ravenous reporters ish public want them, and dug their heels in. is poses Dem conference whether or not he was a vi- Ming is a huge victory for David Cameron. position that the Government can be held to lowly 14%, David Cam- outside the Lib Dem head quar- quite a dilemma for the Tories. ey know full well that able candidate for party leader, Nick Clegg’s Marching his party into the centre ground account for its action. eron and the they need to be in that place, but as hard as they may response was “If there was a vacancy in the ters. has thrown the Lib Dems into turmoil. Not Andrew Neil on the BBC’s ‘ is Week’ Conservative try, there is currently a Scottish political giant squatted near future, I wouldn’t rule myself out as a only that, as much as many people try to asked this simple question. “What is the Party tak- right in their place, and he will be unwilling to budge. candidate.” Hardly rousing support for his tude, respect, and a ection” for Ming. en deny it, politics is as much about style as it point of the Liberal Democrat Party?” What ing the Cameron’s recent approach in many ways has mir- party leader. with a swi turn of the heels, they headed is about policy. Voters don’t just vote for the ever the answer is, the Lib Dems need to politi- rored Blair’s  rst move in to power. He has abandoned And then came the announcement of back into the building, probably to toast a party, they vote for its leader. make sure the public are made aware of it cal ini- many traditional Tory ethos. In Blair’s  rst manifesto, Ming’s resignation. e statement came not job well done. Ming Campbell, unfortunately for him, and fast. Otherwise, just like Ming Camp- t i a t i v e he hardly mentioned Socialism at all and promoted new from Ming himself, but instead was deliv- “Where’s the body?” screamed the pack came up against a vibrant, enigmatic and bell, the party will disappear into political with eye things such as education, business and  nance to be at ered by party chairman Simon Hughes and of ravenous reporters outside the Lib Dem young opponent in David Cameron. Ming obscurity. catching the top of his agenda. Today on the right, traditional deputy leader Vince Cable. Short of a trilby head quarters. Simon Hughes declined to was seen as the frail, elderly man who in- p ol i c i e s hot-topics such as immigration, were barely mentioned hat and a New Jersey accent, the scene could answer. His mind instead must have been stead of questioning Brown at PMQs, should P.S. If you’re a gambling man, I’d put and a have been reminiscent of the Godfather focused on where to hide the knife that ear- instead have been tucked up in bed with a money on Ming becoming the next Speaker movie. Hughes, the man e ectively respon- lier that day, he had plunged into Sir Menzies blanket and a cup of cocoa. of the house of commons. Mr Martins time sible for this political assassination spoke Campbell’s back. e Lib Dems now need to do two things. as speaker is fast approaching an end and with an unconvincingly sympathetic tone. Ming Campbell  nally broke his silence ey need to choose a younger, charismatic Ming, despite recent events, is very well re- “Ming Campbell has resigned with immedi- on the matter in an interview with the BBC leader who can grab the attention of the me- spected by those in Westminster and would ate e ect” he said, brow furrowed, face pale the next day. However one can’t help but dia. ey then need to come up with some be a favourable candidate. Watch this space. LEFT Wilderness Years THE BLUDGEONER Westminster sta ers. It certainly is nice, LEANINGS similar to what we have seen thus far, it wasn’t handled correctly. It was however, though, that students are being validated in but still they were always predictable. done expertly. e rosy red face of David such a friendly way by the powers-that-be – Nathan Lee We no longer live in a political environ- Cameron as he stood to applaud the Prime nothing will be achieved by the creation of ment that is su ced to the dealings of Minister at his last question time, and the the new position, but at least students now t was a glorious day for Labour. Imag- the le and right. Today the UK stands professional changing of roles as Brown ever have someone o cial to ignore them. ine the scene; a er what seemed like  rmly in the middle, giving way to a happy so con dently entered at number 10 really ere are of course plenty of things for an eternity they  nally broke the domi- medium of varying policies. is new shi capped o a great performance. e nation the minister for students to bring up with Ineering right wing Tory party and shook the stands as the very reason why New Labour trembled, but then settled very eloquently the Prime Minister in passing as they sip electorate with a landslide victory. e To- have been able to secure their political pow- back in to position. His strong and powerful tea together between cabinet meetings; the ries were stunned, Labour were jubilant. 97 erbase so strongly in the last decade. ey  gure really emanates all that he has done in doubling of the interest rates on loans over was gateway into the 21st century, it was new dropped the old socialist roots, and bor- the last ten years. He has steered the econ- the summer, for instance (the Bludge knew and it was revitalizing. Change was on the rowed some atcher- esque policies. In omy in a prudent and tight-mannered way, this sort of naughtiness would ensue once agenda, and change we certainly have seen. he Bludgeoner is terribly distressed this way, they have planted themselves right overseeing the longest period of sustained the Son of the Manse had sold o student Many quarrel over the success of the party this month – he’s afraid that this where the British public want them, and dug economic growth. e population were debt to grubby private hands), or the longer since that day, but most  nd it hard to dis- month’s contribution might not be their heels in. is poses quite a dilemma surely feeling safe in the knowledge that he Tup to his usual high standard as he has been licensing hours that were designed to ease prove the state it le the Tories in. What e for the Tories. ey know full well that they can do the same to the country. the burden of vomiting drunkards on our Conservatives are under Cameron is what stuck in a tra c jam on the Deiniol Road need to be in that place, but as hard as they What can we expect from Brown? accident and emergency departments but Labour were under !!!!!!!!. Conservatives for the past three weeks. He wrote an e ort- may try, there is currently a Scottish politi- So what can we expect from Brown? have in fact eased the burden on our pub opposed the Blair era just as Labour fought lessly witty polemic on the windscreen one cal giant squatted right in their place, and he e  rst is that he knows the country. For and clubs whilst somehow tripling the atcher, how times have changed. night as the mist formed and his teeth chat- will be unwilling to budge. months before the changeover he travelled chaos in episodes of Casualty across the e Catalyst of change was certainly Mr tered fecklessly together, but it disappeared Cameron’s recent approach in many ways throughout the country, listening to peoples land. Looking through the fascinating NHS Blair. His appearance and political style ex- three days later as the sun made an appear- has mirrored Blair’s  rst move in to power. beliefs and views. As a Prime Minister, he Wales website, the Bludgeoner was able to uded unmarked creativity and was radiant ance as brief as a schoolgirl’s skirt. e Red He has abandoned many traditional Tory will certainly be in touch with the needs of  nd out that 47% of men in Wales when with anticipation. e party was unrecog- Cross very kindly brought food and water, ethos. In Blair’s  rst manifesto, he hardly the country. He is a man of modern ways. they drink, drink over the recommended nizable as the past Socialist, le wing party but the rather common-looking family in mentioned Socialism at all and promoted He is not tied down to strict fundamental daily guidelines, that when questioned, 19% of welfare and equality, and was now more the SUV behind weren’t quite so lucky as new things such as education, business and Labour folk law, but is a man who “will reach of adults reported binge drinking in the familiar with the preaching’s of business they set upon their rather chubby daughter  nance to be at the top of his agenda. Today out beyond narrow party interests.” He is past week, and that over 800 people were and prudent  nance. Whilst not completely as starvation set in. on the right, traditional hot-topics such as dissimilar to many New Labour techniques admitted to hospital in 2005/6 with malig- abandoning their roots, they had moved with e Bludgeoner was very excited to hear immigration, were barely mentioned at the also, he has interestingly distanced himself nant neoplasms of male genital organs. e the times, and promoted a full recognition the announcement of the wonderful new recent Tory conference. His pictures min- away from the legacy of spin, and moved for Bludgeoner blames supermarkets for every of the countries current and future needs. It post of ‘Minister for Students’ by the vener- gling with social yobs in the ‘hugging with a far more honest approach to politics. e little helping by selling cheap vodka by the was Labour, but not the Labour you would able and honourable Mr Brown of Downing hoodies’ campaign wasn’t ground breaking  nal bonus he will bring to the country is his bucket load, no doubt distilled in some din- read about in schools. It was a party of the Street. A poisoned chalice if ever there was politics, it was pathetically dim witted and ‘reach to the sky’ attitude. gy ai sweatshop by small blind children. 21st century, and was more than a worthy one, for some poor schmuck who thinks he’s desperate. “I want the best of chances for everyone. Perhaps the Bludgeoner ought to go and advisory of its new designation- New. a rising star. Perhaps the post should be like Browns recent decision to delay the elec- at is my mission - that if we can ful l the have a lie down before his neoplasms come To date the Tories have struggled. ey a sabbatical position in a students’ union tion is not a sign of a Tory comeback, it is potential and realise the talents of all our – the minister could be a 21-year-old on a back… have toyed and  ddled with various di er- a stark sign that Brown feels comfortable people then I’m absolutely sure that Britain ent schemes, leaders of old, leaders of young, gap year, mildly stupid, wet behind the ears enough to go into election mode if he wants. can be the great global success story of this e Bludgeoner lives in a camper van on catchy slogans and witty manifestos aimed a and willing to be paid peanuts. Of course e changeover between himself and Blair century” - Prime Minister Gordon Brown. they’d spend all their time in the Commons Snowdon with three Russians. dubiously duping the voter- all with limited was one that could have broke the party if (if any success). Recent events are rather dis- Bar, no doubt cutting queues and upsetting Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 5 CONTINUED FROM Mature and International student exclusion? FRONT PAGE Letters have been sent by Neuadd Willis angor University boasts a wide cul- ates should they choose to do so; perhaps of the students, honest, most of us would not know an inter- anywhere from two weeks to two months tural diversity with international stu- living with people who are closer to their our job is to national or mature student unless we lived a er occupants have  nished their tenan- dents from over 70 countries studying age group is more suitable than  rst years make the tran- with them or are part of societies that we are cy, demanding payment of large amounts Bhere. is, along with many mature students who think  aming sambuca is a good idea sition into a members of. Aside from this there appears of money within the next seven days. that are accepted onto courses every year, at 4am! According to acting O cer for Ma- new life, place to be little interaction between these groups Students can be billed for redecorating makes Bangor’s range of students one of the ture Students, John Jackson there have been and in some and the wider student body that resides here their whole bedroom (£175) for leaving widest in the UK. However there are some issues raised from mature international stu- cases language, in Bangor. Perhaps the concerns that foreign marks on the wall. Many students have who feel that mature and international stu- dents about noise levels in halls they share smoother.” To students will not understand our humour been charged £30 (later reduced to £15) dents  nd it more di cult to integrate into with  rst years. is situation has meant that gain an inter- and interests; or that mature students are for replacing their shower curtains, some- student life. Is this through lack of under- hall wardens have been noti ed and hope- national stu- out of touch with the youth of today makes thing which you would expect to replace standing by the wider student community fully the problems that have arisen will be dent’s point of it more problematic for us to make the e ort each year. ere’s also the possibility that or simply a clash of age and culture? Seren dealt with swi ly. Mature students have view on this to get to know them. For many students this the residents of your  at will be charged a reporters Bianca and Emma took it upon been welcomed socially thanks to OAPeer issue Charo, Valeria Moreno, head of the Inter- is the  rst time in their lives when they are minimum of £70 to cover the cost of clean- national Students’ Commitee themselves to  nd out. A er speaking to a Guides. Student Services’ Mature Students’ a  rst year lin- living with people of di erent backgrounds, ing your kitchen. number of people both students and o cers Adviser Wendy Williams has also been a guistics student races and nationalities and this can make Other cleaning jobs are also charged to who represent them within the university, great help with integrating mature students. from Hong Kong o ered us her opinions on the prospect of mixing with these students the student if the management isn’t satis- we have discovered a range of reasons as to To gain a mature student’s opinion we spoke student life in Bangor. “I  nd [it] very di er- a little daunting. On the other hand maybe  ed, such as the bathroom and bedroom, why this issue has arisen. to a Clinical and Health psychology  rst year ent to life in Hong Kong, there are a lot less the problem does not lie in the barriers of and students are charged for the disposal Overall in academic circumstances ma- who currently lives in halls with 7 standard people and it is cleaner. I found the town very language and age, but interest and lack of of any items le in the room, all of which ture and international students are accepted aged  rst year students. He said “I haven’t boring at  rst but I am becoming more used understanding of di erent world societies. could add up to a total of £170. In con- within the University and the societies within had any interaction with mature students, I to the area. My greatest di culty being here So a er gaining the viewpoints of ma- trast to University halls, where kitchens it. ey bring di erent ideas from their cul- have been invited to functions but have not is understanding people because my English ture and international students and their are cleaned twice a week, Neuadd Willis tures and traditions and ultimately educate attended through my own choice. I don’t feel is not very good and sometimes people here representatives from the University we have expects residents to maintain their own us about how other societies are juxtaposed I need to socialise with students my own age talk too fast.” is has proven a problem for drawn the conclusion that they are not en- shared kitchens. to our own. e number of issues that have to  t into college life.” a lot of international students who come to tirely excluded from the student lifestyle. In e Government recently introduced a risen are mainly domestic and social mat- From the perspective of international study at Bangor as there are a lot of di er- many aspects such as their presence in halls, new Tenancy Deposit Scheme to provide ters. However, there have been a number students the feeling is a little di erent. A er ent accents that they might have di culties on various degree courses and various soci- for a fair, transparent deposit return proc- of issues raised in regards to living in halls speaking to the International Students Of- understanding, therefore creating a language eties makes them generally accepted by the ess with an independent arbitrator (the of residence. Mature students mixed in with  cer Valeria Moreno about how the interna- barrier; along with the presence of the Welsh student body. Although it is felt that more of Alternative Dispute Resolution service) to freshers tends not to be a good combination, tional students are welcomed and integrated language. Although some students have un- an e ort needs to be made by these groups settle any disagreements over deductions especially if they have had a few too many on into student life at Bangor, she told us “there dertaken Welsh lessons to better understand and the university community as a whole to made and the de nition of ‘wear and tear’. a ursday night at Varisty! is can create are many di erent cultures within the uni- the place and culture that they are studying make international and mature students feel is system aims to stop landlords simply complications and tension within the halls, versity, they are welcomed, however I felt in. However this can be improved with peo- more welcome in the social aspect. So the billing tenants as they see  t and sets a and can make living situations uncomfort- that there was not enough information given ple talking slower and understanding that next time you plan a crazy night out around deadline by which the landlord must re- able for other residents should a dispute on arrival particularly in regards to locations their accent might be di cult for some stu- Bangor or a night in with your friends in turn your deposit to prevent landlords re- arise. e University has proposed moving before they had the tour of the town.” We dents to understand. halls, invite them along; you may be sur- taining your money for months a er your mature students into halls with post gradu- felt that this would have created problems in With mature and international students prised at the perspective you gain about stu- tenancy has ended. For more information that students did not know where to go and making up a large proportion of the student dent life from their point of view. about deposits in general and the Tenancy so would not have been able to attend social body perhaps their supposed exclusion from Deposit Scheme, see http://www.shelter. events arranged for them by their peer guides, the student lifestyle is not entirely their own Bianca Murray and org.uk. ultimately making the transition more awk- fault. Perhaps the barriers of language and Emma McColl Over the next few months Bangor stu- ward. However in regards to Freshers’ Week, age make it di cult for these students to dents, having settled into their current ac- Valeria told us that the peer guides were es- interact with younger students who do not At the SU General Meeting on Tuesday 23rd commodation and current environment, sential as they helped the students mix with understand their language, culture, inter- October Rhi McCrorie was elected to replace will start thinking about the possibilities other people from di erent backgrounds ests and views. Possibly more events could John Jackson as head of the Mature Stu- of rented accommodation for the next aca- that they would be studying with on their be organised during Freshers’ Week to help dents’ Committee. She can be contacted at: demic year. e choice used to be simple: courses. “ e International Students O cer international and mature students amalga- Rhi McCrorie & John Jackson, current & former [email protected] either move into a house or go back into heads of the Mature Students’ Standing Committee is vital to the integration and social mixing mate with new and current students. Lets be University Halls of Residence. 25 YEARS OF SEREN 1983-2008

“Studies suggest beer “Student sent builds healthy bones” SEREN, October 2004 gun instead of MP3 2 2 player.” SEREN, 0 0 3 - 0 0 7 May 2004. aving a university ack in September 2003 SEREN was a twelve newspa- page A4 publication, printed in black and white, with a colour banner on the front. Hper is a great thing 25 YEARS OF SEREN BPreviously in its history, SEREN had made it for Bangor and we’re all familiar with the to a tabloid size, but at the beginning of the academic year 2003-2004 SEREN was working format of SEREN and Freshers’ Issue 2007 the types of stories it FOR within a small budget and by December had OUT proved itself, achieving the size and twenty covers, but how did it CRIES INVESTMENT come to be like this? SPORT page format we see today.

Limited e Freshers’ Issue 2003 included a We can trace a student  Gym Limited facilties  sports halls But this means that it is jam packed at train- Freshers’ Week Survival Guide’ – top tips 1 ing times throughout the week.  e three  ASTRO TURF football teams, two hockey teams, lacrosse newspaper here at Bangor PITCH team and many more who practise there of town to  nd suitable facilities.  e rugby 1 team in particular have to travel to every (including the public groups entitled to use  FLOODLIT training session and every game. Potential the facility) mean that usage of the pitch is extremely limited. New leagues (such as the GRASS PITCH responsibility at the hands of the club. But team players that would make all the dif- ference to some teams are being held back 7-a-side league) are proving to be a huge 8,000 the results of a recent survey has indicated success, but are again limited, with new included, at number  ve, the British fry up, by the overly demanding commitment they STUDENTS that the lack of facilities in the University is teams unable to break through due to short- having a detrimental e ect on our teams and have to make. Football teams fare slightly back to1903. It has gone ing Bangor University’s successes. Many better, as they have priority over the  oodlit ages of space. TO: their performances.  e Ffriddoedd Site expansion has lead traditional sports within the Athletic Un- grass pitch. However, this pitch can only be ion have su ered a streak of disappointing used for match games and training sessions to a perfectly placed rugby  eld being sac- urrent students in Bangor will al- Better facilities seasons, with relegations and underachieve-  e campaign for better therefore have to be held on the Astroturf – ri ced for new halls of residence, and any- ready be aware of how stretched ment being prominent throughout the ironic really considering most match games body wishing to play tennis in Bangor will the University’s facilities are when sports facilities around the leagues. It is easy to blame this on the lack University has been a are played in daylight. struggle due to the temporary loss of the at number three, sleep, and my personal tennis courts.  e watersports clubs also fare Cit comes to sports. Many University clubs of talent within the University, and lay the central issue over the Spectators rather miserably, and while the construction through many guises: for are being constrained by the poor facilities last few years.  e re-  is also creates a big problem for those of new, modern residential accommodation we are provided with, and the BUSA league sults of this year’s Ban- is taking place elsewhere on campus, they tables o en tell a disappointing story regard- gor Student Satisfac- that might want to watch these games.  e tion Survey show that lengthy trip out of town o en becomes too have to struggle on with a decrepit storage student satisfaction much of a hassle for all but the most com- shed, with just one working lightbulb and a with sports facilities is mitted spectators, which almost categorical- few pieces of rope that span the room.  is is favourite, at number one, staying drunk down 14.2% compared ly guarantees empty sidelines as our teams hardly the kind of facilities we would expect with last year. It is the play. In total, supporting just one of our  eld from a university that is attracting increas- years it was called ‘Fore- teams would mean a round trip of nearly 40 ing numbers of students based on its “ideal largest decrease of any Turn to page 3 area in the survey, and miles each season, and taking part in a team location for canoeing and kayaking” in “ad- it is quite obvious why. would mean travelling double the distance. venture capital of the UK” to quote its own  ere are currently  e Astroturf pitch on the Ffriddoedd only two  oodlit pitch- Site is  oodlit, and (although in need of GO! TEAM Note this survival guide came with a es, and teams such as some maintenance) is a good facility to use. WIN!! rugby and football of- TICKETS cast’ and for a brief spell, ten have to travel out WIN!! NEW SUPPLEMENT warning that you followed their advice ‘Gra ti,’ but at the end of Inside

SOUNDCLASH This at your own risk! this year, we will be mark- RETURNS Issue 25 YEARS OF SEREN ing the twenty   h birthday of SEREN. Yes, twenty  ve years ago we gained the n May 2005, SEREN reported the news that UWB PUB GUIDE name ‘Y SEREN’, meaning e Star in Welsh, and apart from losing the ‘Y’ pre x Students’ Union were sending Prince Charles and somewhere along the way, the name has stuck ever since. In the run up to our twenty Camilla Parker Bowles a wedding present. As chan- Icellor of the university, this seems appropriate, the gi , a pink   h birthday celebrations, we shall look back at  ve years of SEREN every issue: the stories, the headlines and the milestones it has encountered along the way. toilet roll holder on the other hand, I think not.

“Bouncer faces jail over students exploding eyeball.” SEREN, February 2004 “ e rowing team’s mens coxed fours with their cox in their hands.” SEREN, December 2003 “Plas Gwyn is Plas Grim!!” SEREN, February 2005 “Chemical spill disrupts lectures” SEREN, May 2005 “Treborth century plant grows six foot in two n May 2004 SEREN gave away a year’s sup- days.” SEREN, September 2007 ply of condoms. “Politics killed the radio star.” SEREN, October 2006 I Emma Dodd 25 YEARS OF SEREN 6 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 Features Is there something strange in your neighbourhood? who ya gonna call? THE SPECULATIVE ANALYSIS SOCIETY felt someone pushing me” recalls courage of someone in the S.A.S. to do some e 22 year old is quick to point out that ghost hunter, James Etheridge; of this stu . It’s such an adrenaline rush. I however exciting Plas Teg is “it is only one “ en pulling me in a di erent di- would de nitely recommend joining to any- of many trips we do a year. On average I “Irection. Sharyn suddenly had a  t and faint- one – unless maybe they have a weak heart, think we do about one a month, and all of ed.” James, a history student here at Bangor of course.” them prove to be an interesting experience University, then saw a shadowy  gure ap- More commonly known as the Parapsy- for the participants. Well, for the living ones proach him. “We were all in the Cradle room chological Group, or “ e Spooks Society” at least!” at Plas Teg mansion. I saw outlines of people by some members, almost all of us have “In fact ghost hunting is only one of the walking around the room. at’s when I got experienced a brush with the paranormal. things we do in the society.” Explains Nicola, really scared.” Many witnesses recall seeing Founding member Sharyn Williams, has “We also investigate such things as Spiritual the same thing. “It was strange” says Nicola seen “ghostly orbs  oat about the place” at Healing, Meditation, Local Mythology, Divi- Watson, also a third year history student, “I Plas Teg and is convinced of its ghostly repu- nation, Palmistry and Psychic Phenomena, felt someone touch me on the shoulder and tation. “It de nitely deserves its reputation so if you’re too afraid to go ghost hunting then all these shadowy  gures that were as North Wales’ most haunted place”. then there is still plenty to do in the society. walking around the room just disappeared.” It would appear that at least one famous Every now and again we even host a Para- “Plas Teg is one of the most important all-girl pop act would agree with her. “Last psychological fair so people can come and Jacobean houses in Wales.” Built near the vil- see what it’s all about.” Pictured: are society members Nicola Watson and Bryn Young-Roberts lage of Pontblyddyn between Wrexham and erefore Samhain (pro- James is enthusiastic to add that “this year of the society!” lately” admits Sharyn, 21, “due to popular Mold in the early 17th century, the house has we have decided to add UFOs to the list of “We take pride in our spiritual, as well as demand we now have our own Facebook site a very spooky history. “People were hung in nounced Sow-ain), otherwise our interests” and quips “so now we are be- our scienti c approach to uncovering mys- and Radio show on Storm Fm. We are also the Indian room of the house,” says Nicola, known as Halloween is a very ing compared to Torchwood, as well as the teries of paranormal a airs, which is prob- giving more talks and activity sessions this “sometimes for menial and petty crimes. e Scooby Gang!” important day for Pagans, as it year than ever before.” presence of the Judge, Sir George John Jef- “Yeah, the Scooby Gang is another of our “Yeah, the Scooby Gang is Speculative Analysis meetings are always fries, is o en felt in there.” heralds the beginning and the nicknames, but believe me the society is no another of our nicknames, but open to newcomers and are held on Tues- “Also, one of the previous owners, Sir end of the Wheel of the Year. cartoon,” says Nicola, “we use some of the days at 7.30 pm Main Arts Lecture Room John Trevor, murdered his wife in the house latest high-tech gadgets and accommodate believe me the society is no car- 5, followed by a social at the Menai Pub at during a  t of rage when he discovered she many guest speakers on paranormal a airs. toon,” 8.30 pm. had been having an a air. He later died in year Girls Aloud came here to  lm a Most Last year we had author Gary M. Rowe give e Speculative Analysis Radio Show can the house the following month. ese are just Haunted special” explains Nicola, who is a talk and a Q&A session, and some of his ably one of the reasons why the Society has be heard on Wednesdays at 7pm – 8pm and some of the reasons why the house is consid- also one of the society’s founding members. work was an inspiration for an episode of the been going from strength to strength. I think the society can be contacted via Facebook as ered to be the most haunted in the country, “It scared the hell out of them. It scares the X-Files!” people feel comfortable expressing their ‘Speculative Analysis’ in the Wales or Bangor and why it appeals to so many groups such as hell out of me too to be honest, but I always “We also conduct E.S.P. tests throughout views in the Society, whether they are con- University networks. ours”. at group is the Speculative Analysis come back for more. I think the reason they the year in order to view people’s psychic vinced of the supernatural world or if they Society, which is also known as the S.A.S. for decided to  lm here was because you’re abilities” adds James, “and we’re always look- are completely sceptical of it.” short. more or less guaranteed a ghostly encounter ing for volunteers. Unfortunately so far I’ve Now in its third year the Speculative Bryn Young-Roberts According to James, 21, “it takes the at Plas Teg.” turned out to be the least psychic member Analysis Society has “made some adaptions Earth Religions Society - what on earth is it all about? angor’s Earth Religions Society, af- own path, and if that happens to include is simply when there is more than one full wish to visit the living. is is also the time the ancestors and the God and Goddess in fectionately referred to as ‘UWBERS’ Earth Religions then the society is there to moon in a month. is happens once a year. when the Wild Hunt takes place, continuing order to thank them, o er sacri ce (nothing was begun four or so years ago. It was educate, but never to preach. erefore Samhain (pronounced Sow- throughout winter, when the horned God, bloody, just an apple!) and ask for a particu- Bspawned by a local coven of like-minded e Pagan calendar, utilised in general by ain), otherwise known as Halloween is a very Cernunnos gathers up those souls who tarry lar request for the coming year, or to be rid students, who felt that they should organise a UWBERS, follows the waxing and waning of important day for Pagans, as it heralds the overlong in this world (re ecting the higher of something negative from the previous society, a liated with the Student Union de- the moon, the changing of the seasons and beginning and the end of the Wheel of the death rate in the winter months). At this year. In the past this has worked to great ef- Knock, Knock, who’s there? Pictured:Dawn voted to teaching interested students about the cycle of the sun throughout the year, tak- Year. It would have been when people would time of year the Goddess also takes on her fect, and has been a very empowering and Butters and Nicola Watson the path of religions widely termed as ‘Earth ing an approach dedicated to following the have taken stock of their supplies for the role as Crone (or Wise One), progressing bonding event, and this year should prove Religions.’ ‘Earth Religions’ includes Pagan- cycles of nature. is calendar therefore em- coming winter, and made preparations. It is from the fullness of Mother in the summer no di erent. ism, Wicca, Buddhism, Druidism, Odinism phasises the Solstices (winter and summer) an intercalary day of the old Celtic calendar, months. is encourages Pagans to develop Happy Samhain to all! and various others and our aim is to learn and the Equinoxes (spring and autumn) therefore a day outside the normal bounds. a more re ective and introspective manner If anyone is interested in joining UWBERS more from these various fresh minds and and has eight Sabbats (or festival days) and A day when the veil between the worlds was in order to know themselves and therefore email us at [email protected]. perspectives. UWBERS does not make any tracks the progress of the lunar calendar supposedly thinnest and therefore the spirits improve themselves in the coming pro-ac- ac.uk. attempt to net new members apart from a with monthly Esbats (full moon celebra- of those passed were closer to contact. e tivity of spring. stall at Serendipity. e general consensus tions). For example, the 26th of this month candle in a lantern was the origin of our cur- UWBERS always create and carry out a is that people will  nd their is a full moon, termed as the ‘Blood Moon’. rent pumpkin-lantern carving tradition, to ritual at Samhain, and this year it shall be Rebecca E. Hussey A ‘Blue Moon’ welcome and guide back those spirits who of a Druidic bent, invoking the elements, Haunted places in Bangor... Godspell: missing the mark and Gately his Halloween our reporter couldn’t make the long journey to our  ne capital For those of you daring enough to go out this to see ‘Wicked’, so she made do with Stephen Schwartz’s other main attraction, Halloween in search of ghosts and ghouls why ‘Godspell’ instead. Rachel Eales took a trip to Llandudno to see if the musical Treally was spellbinding. not head to some of the most haunted sights in My favourite musical of all time is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. North Wales. In going to see ‘Godspell’, I thus had high expectations. Like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s One of the most famous haunted buildings lo- show, Stephen Schwartz’s ‘Godspell’ presents a musical account of the last days of Jesus’ cally is Beaumaris jail on Anglesey. Even ex-Blue life. e two have o en been compared as the religious rock operas of their time. ‘Godspell’ was  rst performed way back in the seventies and was conceived as a Peter presenter, Yvette Fielding has been seen way for a young audience to identify with religion. In the performance I saw at Venue around this little haunt presenting her television Cymru they had tried to make the piece more relevant to a modern day audience, inter- spersing anecdotes from adverts, extracts from more recent songs and a variety of jokes show, ‘Most Haunted’. into the original show. Whilst the jokes made the audience laugh, the juxtaposition of However, if a spooky castle is what you are these with the sombre scene of the cruci xion made the whole piece jarr. looking for this Halloween why not visit Penrhyn Preceding the cruci xion, the piece consisted of miniature performances of stories from the Bible - all of which seemed disjointed and out of place. Without a solid story Castle, just on the edge of Bangor. line the piece lost clarity and was di cult to follow. To begin with I found it di cult to You don’t have to walk that far to nd haunt- work out which character was Jesus and which character was Judas, they didn’t really ed places in Bangor, apparently even Rathbone Hall de ne them very well and that’s not a mistake someone should be able to make! e cast had also lost its star member at the last moment, with Stephen Gately (for- is haunted. Although, I was a Rathboner in my merly of Boyzone) having to pull out due to what the local paper reported as ‘problems with the contract’. is lead to many disappointed rst year and the only thing I found eerie was faces on the night, with several young girls wondering “where’s Stephen Gately?” e cast themselves were not phased by his departure, and they pulled o an energetic performance with jokes and gestures that kept the piece as a whole entertaining. ey worked hard, and various students roaming the corridors which was to their credit, they looked good. due to alcohol consumption and not ghostly go- My expectations aside, a lack of story meant I couldn’t follow the events onstage, the musical numbers were average and they appeared ings on! to be promoting Jesus to me rather than telling me his story. Numbers such as “Prepare ye the way of the Lord”, a quote I believe by John the Baptist seemed to be preaching as apposed to entertaining. All told, ‘Godspell’ did not inspire me to sing along. Godspell is on in Cardi and Swansea. For more details see www.godspelluk.com Rachel Eales Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 7 THE FOOD CRITICS THE OLD GLAN Lifestyle (yellow pub) Are the Welsh and Will Varley Spencer George English languages Equal? he Yellow Pub is a traditional student pub situated in the he Yellow is arguably one of the best loved student pubs in ere at Bangor University the Stu- don’t our politicians agree with the need for heart of Bangor. Sky television, pool tables, jukebox and Bangor. Its prices, entertainment and food are all aimed at the dents’ Union prides itself on the a new one? Cymdeithas yr Iaith has been the all important Itbox are a must now in pubs today but student market. Placed right in the heart of Bangor, the Yellow TPub is easily accessible and prides itself on providing a ordable food fact that it has a bilingual policy pushing for many years now but the govern- Tso is good, healthy and a ordable food. So how does the Yellow Hthat all students have to stick to. is is to ments haven’t listened. Pub fare in this department? I visited late a ernoon a er a long and drink to the students of Bangor University. ensure that the Welsh language has equal e new Welsh Language Act would day of lectures and simply fancied something quick and tasty that e question remains though, is the food actually any good? status. However, outside the Union are mean that all signs in shops and all materials wasn’t going to break the bank balance. e menu was well laid out Recently, Will (my fellow food critic) and I headed to e Old things the same? given out would have to be bilingual and this and featured an extensive range of light snacks along with salads, Glan to answer that very question. Whilst I might not quite match the You only have to walk down Bangor is what is causing the most worry. Shopkeep- vegetarian options and main meals. I opted for the chilli con carne standards of Anton Ego (Of ‘Ratatouille’ acclaim) I enjoy my food and High Street to see that things are very dif- ers and managers worry about extra costs for for £4.25 which was excellent value as the portion was  ne for the I know what I do and don’t like. ferent. Look into their windows and what them. ose against a new Welsh Language price although more could have been given for the side salad. Serv- Here is what I made of one of Bangor’s best loved student pubs … do you see? Signs that are written only in Act are using this as ammunition against the ice was excellent and the food itself was hot and tasty. I was pleased Time: 4:30pm Food Ordered: Mango, Strawberry and Cajun English. Go into the shops and you’re faced idea. ey are arguing that small businesses with my choice however previous experiences at the Yellow had Chicken Salad. with more monolingual signs. is is quite won’t be able to a ord the changes. Granted, been disappointing so things look to be changing for the better. Atmosphere: Always welcoming and comfortable, the Yellow Pub alarming especially considering that here in it may be more di cult for them but it would ere are a selection of main meals available in the ‘2 for £6.50p’ has a good vibe about the place. (7/10) Bangor, we are supposed to be in one of the be something that happens over time, not in range so if you’re with a friend then eating at the Yellow is very Service: Service with a smile is what I like and service with a smile key areas in North Wales where the Welsh a few days or even weeks but years. good value. I have eaten in a lot of pubs/restaurants in Bangor and is what I got. e bar sta are always friendly, approachable and will- language apparently thrives. Still, it isn’t fair Recently, a chip shop in Connahs Quay I’d say that if you’re a er value for money, quick service and a pleas- ing to have a chat. (8/10) to say that the Welsh language is dying out argued that there are very few Welsh speak- ant, safe atmosphere then the Yellow pub is the place for you. Price: e whole menu is great value for money. Whether it’s a completely and that very few people speak ers in the area, and that they can’t see the quick snack or a full on meal you’re a er, the Yellow provides for all, at it- but it’s very restricted. Some shops have a bene t of spending money on something a ordable prices. (9/10) Atmosphere: 8 out of 10 few permanent bilingual signs but even the that will only pro t a small number of peo- Quality of food: I deliberately ordered a salad because in many  yers they have up and the temporary signs ple. Why should Welsh speakers in Caernar- Service: 8 respects they are so easy to prepare, yet so easy to get wrong. I was are all in English only. Although some shops fon have more right just because they live presented with a fresh, vibrant salad that thoroughly pleased the taste Price: 9 have Welsh speaking sta , a lot don’t. ere in an area where more people speak Welsh? buds.(6/10) have even been cases recently where some Surely, if there are less Welsh speakers then Quality of Food: 7.5 Overall: e Yellow pub o ers good honest food at a ordable prices shops have not allowed the sta to speak it’s more of a reason to ensure that the Welsh in a comfortable environment  t for any student! (7.5 / 10) Welsh to one another in their workplace. are seen and heard day to day? Some argue One county council has even had bilingual that because most, if not all, Welsh speakers Paella road signs removed to replace them with today can speak English, what does it mat- STUDENT monolingual English ones because appar- ter if the country is bilingual? Well it’s the Ingredients ently bilingual signs are dangerous. How  rst language of many Welsh speakers and 2 chicken breasts Parsley other county councils and other countries surely they should be allowed to use and RECIPES 1 onion Paprika Read and Green pepper Chilli  akes in Europe manage bilingual signs then is a be able to read Welsh in their day to day Garlic Black Pepper mystery! life. You wouldn’t expect to go to France or Paella rice Stock cubes Green Thai Curry Lemon butter Cymdeithas yr Iaith or the Welsh Lan- Germany and not to see any French or Ger- Ingredients Tomatos guage Society, a national pressure group, is man road signs. About 18% of people living 2 chicken breasts fresh coriander calling for a new Welsh language act. What in Wales speak Welsh and it’s important to Green beans Rice Preparation would this entail? keep a language with such history alive, the spring Onions Chilli Chop two chicken breasts into chunks. Chop up the peppers and onion. Chop up Coconut milk the tomatos into chunks. ey are asking for: Welsh language is one of the oldest living Thai grren paste 1. e Welsh language to be considered languages that is still used today. What hope Lime juice Method as an o cial language, is there for the preservation of the language Preparation Fry the chicken breasts, peppers, onions and garlic in oil until browned. The add half a 2. A Welsh language commissioner to if restrictions are put in place upon it? Welsh Chop chicken breasts, onions. packet of paella rice with a pint of boiling water and squeeze in the juice of the lemon. Add the stock cubes, black pepper, quarter tbl spoon chilli and 2 tbl spoons paprika. replace the Welsh Language Board which is is also more than just a language; there’s a Method Simmer until all the juices are absorbed. Add more water or white wine if needed. put going to be dissolved soon strong historical and cultural tradition that Gently fry chopped spring onion wock/ pan with the green beans. Chop into an oven dish and put in the oven for 10 minites at 180 degrees c. Remove from 3. e right to use Welsh everywhere. is carried with it. Not all of these traditions chicken breast and add to pan. Allow to cook through, add a couple of the oven and stir in lemon rind (grated lemon skin), chopped tommatos, fresh parsley spoons of Thai green curry paste and add chopped chilli. Add Coconut milk and square of butter. is will all mean a major shake up are fully dependant on the Welsh language once the chicken is thouroughly cooked. Allow to simmer until maunge tu is because the current Welsh Language Act however some are. Without it you would tender, add corander. Add lime juice to own taste. Luke May (1993) only includes the public sector. Since lose them and Wales would just become a then several businesses have moved from country empty of any culture or tradition. the public to the private sector. It also has So, is the Welsh language equal to English lead to the creation of the Welsh Language at present? No, not really. Board which is going to be written o . It’s The Great Orme quite clear to see then that the Welsh Lan- to you is get some originality, it’s a bore for trying to. With winter round the corner, guage Act of 1993 is out of date, but why Bethan Williams everyone to wear the same. You want to  t get yourself a decent coat. Colours include in, but that’s one step too far, we’re no longer greys and blacks. Leather is back, but that Kill Bill Shakespeare: Macbeth Review teenagers and should now feel like we can shouldn’t be your only coat. With coats wear what we want and express our own there are such a range of styles: simple zips, the quirky style of Tarantino would gel style, whatever that may be. e chequered pockets, button coats, the long coat, and the together quite as well - on the whole it scarves are another example of this copycat short. To be quite frank, the range is endless. did; however there were certain points culture and for the women it’s those tights. You can smarten your look by teaming your that took the edginess of Tarantino a lit- Right men, in the season now moving coat with a shirt and jumper underneath tle too far. Perhaps the best example was on from summer’s rugged torn denim and or a look I like is a nice coat open, with a the dancing scene between Macbeth and t-shirt logos is traditional style mixed with hoodie underneath. Lady Macbeth; it could be argued that added trendy accessories. You’ve got bean- Boys, the choice is yours, get yourself a this was a bit gratuitous, as it did not ies, shoes, belts and scarves, all of these can few signature winter classics and these can seem wholly relevant to the plot. Some be the item that makes your style unique. be mixed and matched to whatever style of the scenes involving drug taking could Take a break from the jeans and get some you’re going for. I think we have tried to be seen as a little too graphic for some of dark cords and a smart shirt, if you’re a pass the stereotyping of emo, chav, indie boy the younger members of the audience, as ell, I have been asked a few times sporty type then get yourself some stylish or whatever, but make your look  t to your well as the various sexual innuendos. Yet to write about men’s fashion and sports hoodies, which can be worn to the style and not just a copycat stereotype. And udging by the dry ice and sparse set the cult “Royale with cheese” scene, allud- my response has always been “I gym or any other time. the most important thing that goes with a at the beginning of the performance, ing to Tarantino’s ‘Pulp Fiction’, was the Wdon’t know that much about it”. For this I Get yourself some winter gems; V-neck well-dressed lad is if you smell good too. A I wasn’t expecting much from a yer perfect way for the actors to introduce the have done some research. I especially think jumpers that come in a range of styles, you’ve wa of a nice men’s fragrance as you walk Jthat read “What if Quentin Tarantino had complex narrative, language and dark hu- now, that men are catching up with the probably noticed stripes are in, checks and past is yummy. I’ll leave ‘man grooming’ up directed Macbeth?” How many Taran- mour synonymous with both Shakespeare women in the fashion stakes. In the past, also geometric prints. e casual cardigan to you, as you all pretend you don’t do it, but tino  lms begin with an empty set and a and Tarantino. men’s fashion has to me always seemed a is back and can add to a nice layered look, we know you do. Hair-straightener boys and bloody pregnant bride? OK bad example.  e play was a Tarantino fan’s dream bit bland, tasteless, and nothing more than don’t be afraid of it, it’s cool and geek chic is moisturiser users are out there and there is However, to say that this performance and a classic literature lover’s nightmare. a t-shirt and jeans. But I think men’s fashion back. You can layer yourself with a t-shirt or nothing wrong with that. was humorous from the outset was an However, if I could o er one piece of has evolved and men themselves pay more shirt under a V-neck jumper, top this with If you want to write about fashion or understatement, the cast were fantastic advice to the director it would be wise attention to what they’re wearing and their a cardigan and you’re set. Some jumpers al- have an opinion on how important or un- in their duplicitous roles throughout the to invest in a thong for the rather tight own style. ready come with a shirt attached, it’s simple, important it is please write to health@seren. performance.  e juxtaposition of classic jumpsuit that MacDu sports at the end. Particularly, with the mass spread of the stylish and keeping you warm at the same bangor.ac.uk. What I would really like now, Shakespearian script with a vast amount Some scenes were not only unsightly for emo culture, you can now see this fash- time. is a bloke to write his view on women’s fash- of swearing, drug taking, stabbing, crotch the children! ion style from a mile o . e skinny black Jeans come in plenty of di erent styles to grabbing and rather impressive dancing ion. What do you really think and like? jeans; Vans; a hoodie with some skulls on;  t you; straight leg, slouch, bootcut or vin- from Macbeth in a kilt was nothing short the  oppy over the eye hair style, you know tage, try a style that you wouldn’t normally of pure comic genius. Bianca Murray and what I’m talking about. is is all well and go for and you may be surprised and have Sophie de l’ Orme x I honestly did not think that com- good, but what I stress to the ladies and now vamped up your wardrobe without even bining a classic English tragedy with Tabitha McGuinness 8 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 Travel Britain’s very own shores Fly into London, Not out! Newquay t’s amazing just how many British peo- Whilst I was in London I thought it only ple have not once visited London and right to sample just a taste of the high life. very year on a warm and windy week nice cup of tea and bag of chips on the beach become a fully  edged tourist, I’m talk- A group of us went to ‘Fi een’ –Jamie in September, my friends and I board would be much better suited. Iing Union Jack hat and an I heart London Oliver’s restaurant, which was an amazing a train to Newquay for a few days of How wrong we were. e  rst time you Esur ng fun. England’s most popular sur ng stand up on your board and ride a wave all T-shirt! experience. e menu was a set menu which Seriously though, London is just on our consisted of Mediterranean delights such as destination is host to a variety of beaches, surf the way to the beach will have you hooked doorstep yet we are all so quick to jump on a a cured meat, mozzarella, olives and pate schools and cheap, hostel-like accommoda- for life. Granted, the  rst time I managed A break plane and head abroad. Well if you’re feeling starter followed by a sea food risotto that tion to enhance your extreme sports experi- it I was being pushed and yelled at by the adventurous and can brave the fantastic Brit- proved very popular with everyone. And the ence. e  rst year we went we stayed in a sarcastic surf instructor, but it was amazing. ish weather next summer then London is the chocolate brownie that followed was to die surf lodge near Fistral, the most popular surf Not only do you think you look ultra cool from place to go. in Newquay, which was very basic but  ne to all the hot surfer guys around, but the Being a stu- for showers, sleep and Hollyoaks. We were adrenaline rush is fantastic. We were gutted clueless as to what to do with a sur oard so when the two-hour lesson, which started o Bangor dent of course, I tried my best to took lessons from the two quirky, incredibly feeling like manual labour, was over and we i everyone. Some of you will know do things on the laid-back lodge owners and walked what felt had to get the boards back to the lodge. e me, but most of you won’t. I’m cheap, however, the like 3 miles in itchy wetsuits, shoeless and walk back was even more di cult on tired Loran and I’m a third year French occasional splurge carrying heavy foam boards under our arms. muscles, but the excitement and grati cation Hand Spanish student, which means at the of the money vari- On top of this hideous expedition we had to at our new skills meant we couldn’t think or moment, I’m on the  rst of two Socrates/ ety was in order. manoeuvre the big, awkward things down talk about anything else. e rest of the day Erasmus exchange placements. Up until Student dis- slippery, stone steps and across pebbles in was spent collapsed on the beach, half want- Christmas, I’m living in Brest (no boob count train tickets order to reach the sea. And even then we still ing to hire our own boards and get back in, jokes, please). For the geographically chal- will get you there couldn’t enter our cold, salty destination, our bodies more inclined to sleep and soak lenged amongst you, Brest is located on slightly cheaper as we had to learn the technique of paddle, up the little sun there was. e rest of the the very western edge of Brittany, in north- than normal (de- paddle, paddle, jump facedown in the gritty week brought much of the same success, and west France. pending on where sand. Slightly less enthusiastic than when we we travelled home with huge smiles on our I’ve been here for a month now, study- in the country you woke up that morning, we entered the sea to faces, planning the next year’s trip. ing at the Université de Bretagne Occiden- are travelling from) have our  rst attempt. With numb toes we Subsequent years saw us face the sea tale. Or University of Western Brittany, for and transport in walked out to deeper water to try and catch alone, hiring boards and suits from the near- non-linguists. Culture-shock isn’t even the the capital is easy, some surf. e waves on that  rst day were est shack and spending as much time in the word. For the unluckiest students, lectures for those that don’t few and far between, which in retrospect was icy water as we could manage before the cold here start at 8.15am, and can continue un- know a pay as you perfect for bumbling beginners who could forced us back to our lodge for hot showers til 8pm at night. I am honestly never going go Oyster card will barely lie  at on their boards without getting and a ernoon naps. Overall, sur ng holidays to complain about 9am or 5pm lectures get you nicely from a mouthful of seaweed. Dejected, and per- in Newquay are addictive, exhilarating and in Bangor again. Luckily, my personal tu- place to place on public transport. for! e bill came to roughly £50 per person, forming the ‘wave dance’ to try and entice completely worth the grizzly start. I highly tor here is Irish, so whenever it all gets too One of the  rst stops on the map for me this included wine, beers, cocktails and of them to come, we started to believe the holi- recommend it if you are looking for a new, confusing for me, she’s there to help. had to be Buckingham Palace of course, it course the meal. It sounds expensive but for day had been a silly idea, we were perhaps exciting, action-packed and cheap holiday. A lot of things are strange here. For a was even more impressive than I imagined, the experience it is well worth the money. I not cut out for the physical exertion and a Katrina Hanford country that has some of the most impa- the Queen wasn’t in though. would highly recommend it to anyone that tient drivers in the world, the French do en it was on to the London Eye, of visits London. a lot of waiting. And this is coming from which I was kindly treated to queue jump e total cost of the weekend came to someone who was born in the land of the champagne tickets. It sounds fancy and ex- roughly £200 which included accommoda- orderly queue. You wait for EVERYTHING pensive but a ticket costs £29.50 which is tion, food, drinks and even a little something here. Even something as mundane as buy- only £15 extra and there was no three hour from Harrods! ing some stamps in the Post O ce takes a queuing which is a huge bonus. London is a fast paced and exciting city good   een minutes. ere’s no such thing e views from the top are amazing, on which is full to the brim with history, culture as ‘nipping’ out to buy anything. God help a clear day you get 360 degree views of Lon- and a million and one things to do, most of you if you’re in a hurry to get somewhere. don which was fantastic. ere is an option which are free. Also, the weather here has gone mad for a night ‘ ight’, this I believe is even more So next time you need a break or are con- lately. It’s in the west, on the coast and close brilliant. sidering where to jet o to, spare a thought to the Atlantic, so the weather is meant to en it was on to Oxford Street which for our capital, but if you’re thinking about be very similar to that of Bangor, but for was impressive. ings are a little more ex- going next summer, don’t forget your um- some bizarre reason, it’s been really hot and pensive in London, but the atmosphere on brella! Oxford Street was just worth the visit, as were Rachel Bellian e strange behaviour of les the infamous signs in Piccadilly Circus. Français is a constant mystery A day out in Dublin to me (without even drinking!) sunny lately. Last Saturday was absolutely ow I know you’ve already taken river, was surprisingly beautiful. e bridges made of lapis lazuli brought all the way from scorching, and today has been more of the advantage of the Holyhead port to all lit up reminded me of the centre of Paris, Afghanistan, the ink a mixture of rotten ap- same. I’ve actually spent today sat on the cross the Irish Sea for an extended and the cobbled Temple Bar area has a won- ples, ash and excrement. beach. With bare legs. Eating ice cream. In Npub crawl and a look round the Guinness derful atmosphere. OCTOBER. It’s amusing me quite a lot to factory. But believe me, there’s so much e next morning we plotted our mas- Dublin Castle – more a palace now, think of you all getting soaked and cold in more to Dublin. Go there just for the beer ter plan. I’m no beer girl and my boyfriend 3though you go underground to see the Bangor right now. and you’ll be missing it all. had already experienced Guinness-related remains of the old castle. e guided tour I’m going to close with a piece of advice Last December I was loitering around Dublin, so we focused on the city’s historical through lavish rooms is very informative for any second years heading to France Bangor on a dismal grey day and had the and cultural attractions. Dublin’s small size about the history of Ireland, and shows the next semester or next year. DO NOT sudden urge to escape. My boyfriend like- means the major attractions are within walk- throne Queen Victoria sat on, the room wear short skirts and heels to go out here. wise felt the tedium, so we legged it to the ing distance of each other. We  t in: Margaret atcher stayed in, a portrait of French boys get over excited and follow Earl Grey (of the famous tea). you around. And not just one or two, we’re I’m no beer girl and my boy-  e National Museum – amazing. If you talking huge, creepy, pervy gangs who ig- friend had already experienced 1only do one place, do this. e (grue-  e National Gallery – lots of quality nore you when you tell them to bugger o . some) highlight is the prehistoric bog bod- 4works here, particularly an exhibition And French girls look at you like you’re Guinness ies, astonishingly well preserved by Ireland’s devoted to Irish artist J. B. Yeats. a complete slut. Yes, my friends and I are peat bogs – their hairstyles and even the lines still getting these looks, three weeks later, station to  ee the country by the fastest on their palms are still discernable. Also see  e National History Museum – the despite the fact that we’ve all worn jeans means! – Ended up in Dublin around dusk the  nest collection of prehistoric gold jew- 5only disappointment: a large room of since then. and traipsed around youth hostels in search ellery in Western Europe. stu ed animals. I found it creepy; my boy- More from me next issue. In which I of a room for the night. e city was deco- friend was devastated by the lack of dino- will probably be ranting about something rated for Christmas, so our ‘Any rooms at  e Book of Kells – exquisite Celtic saurs! else. e strange behaviour of les Français the inn?’ ‘No rooms at the inn’ act felt kinda 2manuscript well worth a look. e dis- is a constant mystery to me. Don’t get me festive, though thankfully I was not about to play features enlargements of the illumina- All in all, it was great fun and I’ll certainly wrong though, I’d rather be sunning myself give birth. Anyway we  nally found a good tions in stunning glowing colours, so the go again. Maybe I’ll even visit the Guinness here than being rained on in Bangor – de- apartment for 80€ – reasonable compared to manuscripts themselves at the end of the factory next time…. spite the 8.15am starts! other capitals. exhibition are almost an anticlimax. I was Dublin at night, wandering alongside the fascinated to learn that the blue pigment was Sophie Shanahan Dublin Castle Loran Perkins Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 9

THE NEW SEREN SUPPLEMENT GUIDE TO NORTH WALES ATTRACTIONS PILI PALAS VENUE CYMRU CHESTER ZOO

1 2 3

Venue Cymru is located on the promenade in Llandudno on the Pili Palas Nature World is well known as Wales’ premier butter y beautiful North Wales coast. e venue, which consists of a eatre, Chester Zoo o ers a fun and stimulating day out for everyone, farm, with a steamy environment full of lush vegetation and water- Conference Centre, and Arena, has recently undergone an £11million no matter what age or ability. As well as our 500 di erent species falls with LIVE butter ies  ying all around you.A er your encounter enhancement project to become the largest, purpose built conference and of animals and award-winning gardens, we o er  rst class facilities with the butter ies and birds, move on to the reptile house and forget entertainment venue in North Wales. that ensure your day out really is as enjoyable as possible. about the myths and discover the reality of the snake world. Next For more information on Venue Cymru follow the links below or visit ere is a wide range of shops, cafes and ice-cream kiosks lo- door at lizard land you’ll come face to face with iguana, dragons, the Venue Cymru website. cated around the Zoo; which cater for all tastes and budgets. skinks and geckos from around the world. en we dare you to visit Upcoming Acts: If your feet get a bit tired, there is also a monorail and a waterbus the tropical lair of tarantulas, scorpions,  re bellied toads and hissing e Proclaimers 25/10/07 that circulate the zoo, as well as some superb catering facilities. cockroaches. Don’t forget pets corner where the rabbits, guinea pigs, Freddie Star 14/11/07 www.chesterzoo.org hamsters, gerbils & rats live. Jim Davidson 01/12/07 www.pilipalas.co.uk www.venuecymru.co.uk/ CAERNARFON CONWY CASTLE CASTLE 2 1 3 6 BEAUMARIS HARLECH CASTLE CASTLE 4 5

Llanfairpwll SNOWDONIA

GLASFRYN PARK PORTMEIRION ROPES AND LADDERS 4 5 6 Glasfryn Park is one of the premier places for all you outdoor people. Activities include: Go Karting, Ten pin bowling, Quad trecking, Archery and  shing. Glasfryn Parc is conveniently sited FREE ENTRY TO on the A499 just four miles outside of Pwllheli on the way to Caer- narfon….just look out for the  ags. SEREN READERS!!! Ropes and Ladders is the new high ropes adventure centre situ- Positioned at the gateway to the majestical Snowdonia National e beautiful town of Portmeirion is located on the Welsh pe- ated in a beautiful woodland setting in the Padarn Country Park, Park, Glasfryn Parc is located in an area of outstanding natural ninsular next to Portmadog. Portmeirion welcomes visitors both for Llanberis. beauty. the day and to stay the night, either in the Hotel Portmeirion on the e centre provides instructor led courses around an exciting ar- Surrounded by mountains and fringed by miles of sandy shore, in the cottages that make up the village, or in Castell Deudra- ray of obstacles and challenges high up in the treetops for groups and beaches, the Llyn Peninsula can be enjoyed by foot, boat, bicycle eth overlooking the estuary. All details of the village’s history and fa- individuals with all equipment provided. or car. With all of this as well as the activities we o er, a weekend cilities can be found on the website: e site is conveniently situated in the Padarn Country Park with just isn’t long enough. http://www.portmeirion-village.com spectacular views of the adjacent lake and surrounding mountains. www.glasfryn.co.uk/ For free entry bring a copy of the paper. http://www.ropesandladders.co.uk/ To enter, email: [email protected]

Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 11 ENTERTAINMENT COMPETITIONS GUIDE A YEAR LONG PASS FOR FRIDAY

music. Anything goes: from classic funk to Racubah: rare groove; from reggae to drum and base; NIGHTS IN TIME After last years knockout shows the Racubah from hip hop to Balkan beats- if its got the soundsystem welcomes you to another season funk it is in .. This year also sees us holding of funk fuelled party madness.. Our nights WIN! our eighth birthday and we will be pulling are famed for their friendly atmosphere, out all the stops to bring you our best party excellent music selection and great choice of so far… There will be special guest DJ’s and guests. This year we will be delivering the live band appearances throughout the year so fun across three rooms: In the main room you please keep a look out or visit our Myspace will hear a diverse mix of all things funky, site (www.myspace.com/racubah) . Often in the cocktail room Bugalu will be offering imitated but never equalled, Racubah is by far Latin of all styles and downstairs in the Dub the funkiest party in North Wales- come and Shack you will hear a wide range of roots check it out yourself. SEREN HAS 10 TO GIVE AWAY To enter, simply answer the following question: A) Amser What is the Welsh for Time? B) Lampser C) Trampser TICKETS TO SEE WIN! ALAN Main Room: In Loco!’s main room, you can Loco: expect to hear anything from fi lthy dirty house Powered by sheer hands- in- the- air party to bassline breaks, from prog house to indie spirit rather than musical elitism, Loco! Is FLETCHER aka with one thing in common- the groove. here to rip up the conceptions about what a Cocktail Bar: Latin beats and ucy, sultry club night should be in the 00s- relentlessly rhythms will have anyone jiving on the dance eclectic, never cheesy, always banging and fl oor. The ever relaxed European style atmos- Karl Kennedy fi rst and foremost- A party. Having built up phere oozes charm and sophistication, get out a devoted following in a comparatively short your maracas and start ‘livin la vida loca.’ space of time, Team Loco are here to put it Jocks Bar: A lot can happen at 174 beats per down for anyone who knows what Friday minute- and anything that can happen, will nights are really all about!- three rooms, SEREN HAS TO GIVE AWAY happen in Loco!’s Drummin’ Bassment. 4 three vibes, always fl awless! To enter, answer the following question: A) Home and Away www.myspace.com/locoparty Which TV Soap Opera does Alan Fletcher star in? B) Neighbours WIN TICKETS TO: WE ARE SCIENTISTS- FULL YEAR AT TIME- ALAN FLETCHER THE BAND C) Coronation Street Seren will be interviewing Alan Fletcher for the next issue. If you have any questions you would like us to put to him please e-mail: [email protected] The constant twittering, jibes and in particular has weekly events signifi cantly. Many people are now conjunction with the event organis- (Include internet access/ games/ insults thrown at Bangor’s nightlife ranging throughout all music genres opting to drink at home, and then ers, we will strive to get the opinion chill out) TICKETS are in no way unprecedented. Peo- and interests. Time is showcasing head to the clubs far later than they of the people that really matter, you! ple who come from large towns or some chart topping bands and has use to. Drinking at home may be Our survey will be online on our How would you improve Main Bar? FOR WE cities constantly make disgruntled also played hosts to DJ’s such as slightly cheaper, but it certainly website, as well as the one under- references to its lack of variety and MR Scruff and MR C. You certainly doesn’t carry the atmosphere and neath, that can be submitted by post How would you improve Time? ARE monotonous predictability. Even have to understand the limitations vibes that going to a club would. or simply dropped in at the Student those who come from smaller towns and impracticality of having big This social utility has the benefi ts of Union. So to all those people that Would you like to see non- alcohol WIN!SCIENTISTS would rate their own as better than night clubs in Bangor, and the infea- space to chat and dance, get carried have an opinion (of which I am sure related events organised by the Stu- Bangor. With only three nightclubs, sibility of sharing the nightlife’s of away with the music and meet new most you do) make a difference, and dents Union? WORTH £12.50 limited space and little incentive the bigger towns and cities. To take people. So what would encourage fi ll in the survey. there for the big bands and acts to a practical stance, look at what we you to go to a venue earlier? Please email opinions to: And what is more, a different live band come, Bangor is falling short in have got, and then ask how we can What music would you like to hear The Blue Room showcased each night. Not your fame hungry, Bangor’s fi rst electro/ indie night. Playing a music by numbers, treacle paced blandness SEREN HAS TO GIVE AWAY many aspects of a good night out. improve them. Survey more of? Adam Isbell hybrid of the indie and dance genres from the 2 or local bands still learning how to play their best independent labels, made by and played instruments; but dynamic, high tempo bands, To enter, answer the following question: A) Kaiser Chiefs by the people who love music. here to party. Limitations Drinking early As one of the main media outlets, What incentives would make you go For further information and the A playlist not dictated by the radio one Which band do We Are Scientists support the B) Coldplay This is not Trash under a different name! masses but music played from the heart. and in this way one of the key stu- to clubs earlier/ stay later? internet survey please visit: www.myspace.com/theblueroomnorthwales night before Bangor? C) U2 Good quality, danceable tunes with electric Time and Academi are striving to The drinking traditions in and dent voices, we are to put the ques- guitar sounds and pulsating beats. offer something different. Academi around Bangor have changed quite tion out to the student population. In How would you improve Jocks bar? www.seren.bangor.ac.uk ACADEMI= EMAIL YOUR ANSWERS TO VARIETY [email protected] WHAT DO YOU WANT? 12 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007

Puzzles, Posers & Problems Name:...... Bangor Uni E-mail:......

ACROSS 1. To trick ogres, 1 Xword remotely (8) compiled by John Jackson WIN 1 2 3 4 6. After ski but also 10. How many players are 5 there on a Quidditch team? yourself before! (5) inQUIZitive ---FILMS--- 7. 6 across, anglicised 6 7 Just for Fun 11. Which actor played a SEREN (5) Dracula in the 1992 fi lm 8. Attack fl ying mammals ---BLOOD--- “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”? back (4) 8 9 9 1. What name is given to pint glass 12. Which actor played the disease that affects the 9. Questions (4) Dracula in the 1931 fi lm of 11 ability of the blood to clot? 10. Marilyn mite have the same name? (or 2)!!! 2. What is the liquid part of one after 7 years (4) 10 11 12 13 13. Which actor WHAT TO DO... blood called? 12. Passing seconds played Frankenstein’s Complete 14 15 3. Do arteries carry blood emit backwards (4)

monster in the 1931 fi lm (1) X-Word

16 17 away from or to the heart? Beetlejuice. 15. Niro;

“Frankenstein”? or (2) SERENoku 16. Legally remove (5) 4. Who killed the hydra de Robert 14. Karloff; Boris

14. Which actor played - or you can 17. Ploughs through but later died from its toxic 13. Lugosi; Bela 12. Oldman; Frankenstein’s monster enter both! cash registers (5)

blood? Gary 11. 7; 10. Watson; Emma 18. A coded artist in a 18 in the 1994 fi lm “Mary 9. Hedwig; 8. Dursley; 7. Next, fi ll in your name

5. What colour is a Shelley’s Frankenstein”? Kathleen; Joanne 6. Blue; 5. and Bangor Uni e-mail half-shell (8)

lobster’s blood? 5. In which 1988 fi lm did Heracles/Hercules; 4. Away; address (at the top)

---HARRY POTTER--- DOWN

Alec Baldwin, Geena 3. Plasma; 2. Haemophilia; 1. and hand this page in 1. A greyhound racer 2 SERENoku 6. What do Harry Potter’s ANSWERS - FUN FOR JUST Davies and Michael Keaton author’s initials stand for? to main reception at renamed by Vauxhall (5) play 7. What is the surname the Students’ Union. 2. The condition of a 6 1 7 ghosts? of Harry’s aunt, uncle and Alternatively, you can Scottish lake (4). 3 1 5 cousin? FACTive e-mail your answers to: 3. Harvest (4) vampire” comes from 8. What is the name of The English “ [email protected] German “Vampir”, in turn from early Old 4. Can’t remember being 2 8 4 5 Harry’s owl? Polish “vąper”, in turn from Old Slavic Winners will be seated, cross-legged in opiri”. 9. Who plays Hermione “oper” or Old Church Slavonic “ selected at random an Esprit (5) 8 Granger in the Harry Potter This Slavic word is very closely related to from correct entries 5. Honest recipients (8) fi lms? “netopyr” (meaning “bat”) and originates and will be awarded by from the Proto-Indo European root 6. Descended from (8) 2 3 9 1 6 7 01/12/07. meaning “to fl y”. 11. Sounds cold in South 4 Seren’s Radio Times Compiled by John Jackson America (5) 13. Cold abode (5) 6 2 9 7 14. Hilda’s better half and Marshall’s No.1 (4) 6 2 5 Storm Forecast 15. Seren (4) 5 3 8 Friday Monday Thursday FACTive Tuesday Wednesday 07:00 - 09.00 The “Gunpowder Plotters” of 1605, including Guy 07:00 - 09.00 07:00 - 09.00 07:00 - 09.00 Storm In A Tea Cup Fawkes and Robert Catesby, got close to the old

Storm In A Tea Cup Storm In A Tea Cup 07:00 - 09.00 Storm In A Tea Cup House of Lords by renting out an undercroft beneath morning mix Storm In A Tea Cup morning mainstream 11:00 - 13.00 Parliament. They fi lled the room with 36 barrels of approx. 2.5 tonnes of gunpowder! If they’d succeeded mix Storm Bites - The 11:00 - 13.00 in lighting the fuse, it is estimated the blast would have 11:00 - 13.00 Dave and Ryan Show taken Westminster Abbey with it, and that it would’ve Storm Bites - Geek Storm Bites Mainstream music and been heard well over 5 miles away!! Chic chat Jack 13:00 - 14.00 Green 11:00 - 13.00 The SU Show 11:00 - 13.00 13:00 - 14.00 and Storm Bites with Xanthe Larcombe, Storm Bites The SU Show Isa Wilson Education & Welfare 13:00 - 14.00 Offi cer 13:00 - 14.00 14:00 - 16.00 13:00 - 14.00 The SU Show The SU Show Plektrum The SU Show 14:00 - 16.00 with Bethan Williams, Saturday UMCB President with a with Carolan Goggin, 16:00 - 18.00 The Big Mix Up 16:00 - 18.00 18:00 - 20.00 Sports show. Welsh language show Communications and Homeward Bound - Clare Moore-Smith with Homeward Bound Bach A Tew If you’re interested in Societies Offi cer (CSO) Out Loud and Proud mainstream music and (Little and Phat) rounding up the weekend’s Music and chat from chat 16:00 - 18.00 18:00 - 20.00 Kerry Walton’s Welsh sporting action, both nationally and locally, then 16:00 - 18.00 Pride with Aimee Homeward Bound Sound of the AU language show 16:00 - 18.00 get in touch with Storm’s Homeward Bound ‘Cherry’ Hamilton (LGBT The best of the Athletic Programme Controller, Homeward Bound 18:00 - 20.00 Storm FM are currently Offi cer) Union, hosted by Adam Peter Banks - peter.banks@ looking for a team to host 18:00 - 20.00 Something Borrowed, James undeb.bangor.ac.uk The Time Tunnel 18:00 - 19.00 Something Blue their Saturday afternoon The Society Slot DJPJ with an eclectic 21:00 - 23.00 18:00 - 18.30 A different society is mix of old and brand- No Added Sugar Sunday 7 into 30 showcased each week spanking new Winner of the Best The news team present 13:00 - 15.00 Mainstream Show the week’s happenings The Chart Show Spencer, Lex & Tom 19:00 - 20.00 19:00 - 21.00 award 2006-07 - hosted 18:00 - 20.00 Weekly countdown in 30 minutes, with Kate with the best of the 60s, The Text Session The Speculative Ultrasound by Jack Green and Barratt 70s & 80s, including the Analysis Show Lee Howson & Sean Dave Pallant, with lots DJPJ with your requests 15:00 - 16.00 30 Second Challenge - text STORM and ur Highlights from Lashec with their Trash of challenges 19:00 - 21.00 SpecAnal’s weekly cool-off of new, classic Around the World in msg to 60300 60 Minutes The Motel 20:00 - 21.00 experiments and tours, and obscure indie Em & Jen with a Sarah & Alex with funk 20:00 - 21.00 with music and chat of a and big tunes, including spooky variety 21:00 - 22.00 whistle-stop tour around Warm Up To Trash the music world the Helpdesk John Jackson hosts the Prepare for Trash a The Jazz Hour 23:00 - 00.00 debating panel show, 20:00 - 22.00 with Jack Baker The WelshBoy Show night early with Zara 16:00 - 18.00 21:00 - 22.00 with the news team and Rock Stock Station Manager Mike The Classical Show Sin Roc Gymraeg special guests Tom Giddings with a 22:00 - 00.00 Walsh - mainstream, 22:00 - 00.00 Classical tunes you Welsh rock music Trash warm-up The Underground with a little edge Bangor’s New Music know, mixed with those 21:00 - 22.00 Alex ‘Colonel’ Kirkham towards Welsh bands Storm’s music team you may not 22:00 - 00.00 Kate’s Kloset review their pick of the 22:00 - 02.00 hosting underground Dead Air Hip Hop and R&B with latest CDs Trash LIVE! dance at its best 00:00 - 02.00 Mainstream chat, music Kate Barratt coming in January The Saturday Sessions and madness! Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 13 Skye: The Misty Isle here has always tains are second to none. if you’re interested in  nding out more about been a lot of ro- Any keen mountain walker is spoilt for Bonnie Prince Charlie and Flora McDonald, mance associat- choice on Skye with the double bene ts who helped him escape. ere is even a lock Ted with the Isle of Skye, of both the Red and Black Cuillins. ese of hair, which she kept as a momento of him. a er all, Bonnie Prince ranges o er mountains to suit all abilities Skye’s very own serpentarium is great for Charlie  ed there, and the aptly named Inaccessible Pinnacle, kids and big kids alike and they let you hold dressed as a maid back set amongst the Black Cuillins is an open the snakes. Another great place to visit is the in the eighteenth cen- challenge to any self respecting climber. As toy museum, where you can play with toys tury in order to avoid well as mountains, there are plenty of coastal dating back years, including original Mec- capture by French walks and beaches to explore, including a cano sets. troops. ese days the coral beach. e island’s capital is Portree, with its pic- chances are you won’t Even if you’re not interested in climbing turesque harbour and independent shops, be singing ‘Speed Bon- mountains, they provide a beautiful back- restaurants and pubs. A happy a ernoon can nie boat’ on the ferry as drop for the other activities available on Skye, be spent sitting by the harbour eating  sh you come across from most notably drinking. e Sligachan Inn at and chips whilst the seagulls try and outdo the mainland, as in the foot of the Black Cuillins, with a view of you for them. ere are great opportunities 1995 construction was Sgurr nan Gillean is a great place to recuper- to buy unique gi s at Skye Batiks and Skye  nished on the contro- ate a er a day’s walking, or to just drink and Silver. versial bridge, linking have a meal. Any self respecting Scottish It may be a long way from Bangor, up the island to the rest of island has its own distillery and Skye is no in the north west reaches of Scotland, but Scotland. Despite this, exception. Tours of the Talisker distillery are whatever your interests, the Isle of Skye has a lot of the romance fun and informative and even include a wee a diverse mix of attractions for everyone and remains. Skye is known dram of the Scottish malt to taste. has a truly beautiful landscape. as the Misty Isle, but Other attractions on the island include on a clear day, views Dunvegan Castle with its interesting history of and from the moun- and beautiful gardens. is is the place to go Emma Dodd Cyclists who go “baaa”… ith an expensive gap year ahead Granton-on-Spey I had ton and I actually fell familiar ground. e camel trail is a marked of me, the summer of 2004 saw to refrain from scream- o my bike and into cycle route that runs from Wadebridge to me gathering sponsorship and ing “Weeeeeeee!” all the a heap on the pave- Padstow. We had come down this way as Wtaking to the road in a big way. e end to way down. We made it ment. Nothing was children, and it provided a nice change to get end challenge is an established route set up down to Edinburgh, and damaged, except my o the road. e camel trail runs through for sports elite as well as fundraisers like just south of there we hit pride. I ashamedly wooded country-side, and also next to a myself. the Grampian mountain got up, brushed the river. It meant cycling on dirt track, a more e current record for cycling end to range. ere is no better blood from my knee di cult terrain, but to not smell car fumes end is 41 hours 4 minutes and 22 seconds, way to see the country- and walked until we for the a ernoon it was worth it. having traversed the route in 3 weeks, I can- side than cycling through were on the  at. e From Padstow to Newquay and from not comprehend how the aforementioned it. You can smell the air pedestrians near by Newquay to Perranporth. We were less than record is at all possible. As the crow  ies see all the details you miss gave me a concerned a days ride from Lands End. We arrived early the distance between Britains two furthest when your in a car and it look. e motorists into Perranporth and savoured our last day points is 875 miles, this is impossible to fol- is a beautiful place to be. next to me, didn’t. on the road in anticipation of tomorrow. low to plan though and our end speedom- However when your cy- Travelling Our last day of cycling was the easi- eter reading was just short of 1000 miles. cling through a mountain through Scotland and est I’ve ever done. e road from Penzance My sister had already completed the range and dusk is closing the North of England to Lands End was horrible, it went up and route once before in a very respectable time in and you can see no sign was principally coun- down far too frequently, which lead to us of 2 weeks. We le for John O’Groats on the of the town you expected tryside. Here we were walking up the last few hills. (Of course it 12th of July and the following day we started to  nd half an hour back, use to passing  elds was at this moment that my parents, who our journey. We shook hands as we crossed panic does set in. On the of livestock. So much had come to meet us, came past in the car, the start line ( so popular is the challenge plus side it can make you so that it became a beeping their horns in support. ree weeks that there is actually an o cial start/  nish move faster, even up hills. personal challenge of solid cycling and they passed us when we line painted on the tarmac at both ends). e e prettiest thing I saw of ours to make were walking!) From that point on we raced road out of John O’Groats is comfortingly all that day was a sign post these animals jump up every hill as if they were nothing. We up hill and struggling up there put the inevi- to Braemar. ankfully at every opportunity. came into Lands End on the 2nd of August. table thought into my head of - ‘oh my God we made it before dark. is lead to us cy- Few moments since then have come close to what the hell am I doing?’ e mountains cling along and yell- the elation I felt as I crossed the  nish line In the  rst day we cycled 79 miles, a dis- were physically challeng- ing “Baaaa!” at  elds that day. ree weeks, a thousand miles and tance motivated through sheer enthusiasm ing. To the extent that of sheep. We were we’d made it. I hugged my sister, my parents, and determination. Having been on my bike on one occasion,when I cycling in silence for ours friends. Hell, I would have hugged any- from dawn till dusk the day before, the fol- had been struggling up a most of the day, and one that day I was so happy. lowing morning I was struggling to walk and shallow gradient for what this provided a valu- I had completed a sporting challenger I had absolutely no enthusiasm to get back seemed like hours, I got able form of enter- for the  rst time in my life. I had seen the on my bike. None the less I did, and we spent o my bike and picked it tainment. However length of the country in detail- from camp- the next 3 days travelling along the rather up, panniers and all, and rather than making sites, B‘n’Bs and youth hostels to rather uninspiring A9. threw it into the hedge. the animals scatter disgruntled sheep and motorists. It was an We stuck to the eastern side of Scot- I proceeded to scream your essay is due next week and there’s no as we had hope, this amazing journey, both beautiful and ful ll- land, pushing ourselves up hills, relishing at my frightened looking sister a variety of way around it, you have to work. usually just lead to sheep, yes sheep giving us ing. And the best part of it? e certi cate going down them. ere is nothing better choice phrases, the gist of it being “I can’t do We crossed into England and shi ed bizarre looks. It was entertainment none the that’s hung on my wall. e o cial slogan than to be  ve miles o your destination it!”. A chocolate bar and a short walk later gradually over to the west coast, travelling less. reads “I’ve done it!” for the day and  nd the rest of the way of and I was pedalling again. It’s no worse than through Carlisle and Lancaster. It was when When we reached Padstow in the Rachel Eales all down hill- coming into the town of the dawning moment when you realise that we got to Lancaster particularly that our luck southern end of Cornwall, we began to cross ran out with the weather, we found a B‘n’B on the outskirts of the city and arrived drip- ping wet. If you spend so long cycling in the rain, it no longer matters how wet you are. You simply accept it and keep going. You rarely feel the cold. Down past Wales we crossed the Severn bridge and had the daunting task of navi- gating through Bristol. I am sure to those among us who drive, cyclists are a nuisance, one to be overtaken as quickly as possible. For a cyclist though, tra c is scary. Particu- larly when the cars are stuck in a tra c jam, and you are not. Motorists are apt to give you looks of disgust as you pass between them and the pavement, travelling at least 10 times faster than they are (them being stationary). is feeling of joy was going to back  re on me later though. Passing a tra c jam at speed down a lovely steep hill never seemed so fun. Until I lost my concentration at Okehamp- 14 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007

Sugababes - Change

like the Sugababes, but I’ve never gone out of my way to buy an album. With a cheap o er I thought ‘Why not? At the number one spot it must be alright, right?’ Music On  rst listen of the album I was surprised that I liked most songs, normally an Ialbum takes a few listens for me to really enjoy it. If you’re a girly girl, into pop, electro rock, dance beats and catchy lyrics this is the album for you. e main theme throughout is ‘love life’. ere is a song for almost every situation you have been in; fallen in love with the wrong bloke, been dumped and then he wants you back, getting over an ex, falling for Babyshambles – Shotter’s Nation someone you didn’t want to. If it’s happened it’s on this album somewhere. It’s fabulous - not an album to take seriously - but something you can put on when Love him or hate him, Pete Doherty is never out of the media. you’re getting ready for a night out, o ering a few slower songs mixed with faster tunes. His tabloid fodder antics have forced nearly everyone to have One particularly cheesy slow song is ‘Back When’, which o ers the puke- worthy lyrics: some sort of opinion about him. Here, two Seren writers with “You promised me we’d plant the seed to love and let it grow. “Joining the cheesy ranks very differing views give their verdict on his band’s new album, is ‘Mended By You’ which is cute, a little syrupy, but listenable. At the moment it doesn’t seem like I’m selling it to you, but I promise it’s really a catchy little album that has some Shotter’s Nation. funky beats. Some of the catchy numbers include ‘My Love Is Pink’ - a little naughty but it will get Hate you bopping around (Seventy di erent ways to misbehave / Betting that by tonight we’ll make it eighty). Cheesy no doubt, but with a funky under beat it’s a winner. ‘Surprise’ is another goodie; I imagine we have all been there with the best line: While you call me up h Pete. I once had a modicum of late at night / Expecting me to wanna die / I’m busy here with some other guy. Brilliant Foo Fighters - respect for you. You were in one (not the wanting to die part) but being called up by an ex and not wanting him. of the  nest and most in uential ‘Back Down’ is a hot number about how they like their men. It’s a song I could imagine Echoes, Silence, Oindie bands of our generation, with squawk- in the background of a Coke advert as a gorgeous man graces our screen. It’s like a list, ing, rabid followers wherever you went! with funny lines including I like my man tough / But he’s gotta be smooth / When he’s Patience & Grace You went to jail, but that was okay because giving my love / I like my man clean. you said you had cleaned up, and who was Overall it’s a fun, pop-tastic album for anyone and I recommend it; if you liked the choes, Silence, Patience & Grace is I not to believe that?! en the Libertines single ‘About You Now’ then you should enjoy listening to all. You can never have enough Foo Fighters’ sixth studio album. fell apart, and you decided to carry on with cheese. Whilst it maintains the ‘classic’ Foo EFighters identity through songs such as ‘ e a slightly suspect side project, which you’re still clinging on to today. I was willing to give Sophie de l’Orme Pretender’, this album is also a vehicle for the you the bene t of the doubt, hell, ‘Killaman- progression of the band’s sound. e album giro’ wasn’t THAT bad. begins with ‘ e Pretender’ which hooks the en I watched, in person, your perform- listener with its infectious feel and sound, ance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2005. I a process continued to a degree by ‘Let It Love stared aghast at your “singing” and “show- Die’ and ‘Erase/Replace’. It could be argued manship” croaking over some horribly mis- that with the inclusion of these tracks at he in uence of e Libertines on timed playing. It was (excuse the pun) sham- the beginning of the album the band have British indie can not be understat- bolic to say the least. en the tabloids really opted for the ‘spoon full of sugar approach’. ed. Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, got their claws into you. In those two years Despite this, the album does o er an impres- Tpractically re-invented indie in the 00’s sive range of songs stylistically, ranging from past, I have come to associate the word “Do- bringing it back to its independence, from herty” with “horrible, writhing pain”. Down orthodox rock to acoustic/country, whereas mainstream music. Especially with guer- in Albion was a horrendous abortion of the inclusion of ‘Home’ o ers a style verging rilla gigs where they were extremely close tunes, and Kate Moss didn’t help either. So, on orchestral, making the album stretch the to their fans, forming a personal relation- capabilities and shape future expectations of ship with them - not the norm for such a the band. Both the sound and lyrics of Ech- high pro le band. It was shambolic to say the oes… mark the band’s maturity when com- Doherty is picked over by the press, this least pared with their  rst albums. Lyrically the is too harsh, yes he uses drugs, but so did album is meaningful and in places deep ex- John Lennon, David Bowie and Ozzy Os- I come to your follow up, Shotter’s Nation, tolling the importance of family, home and born, musical revolutions are nearly always with a fair amount of trepidation. Despite a identity, with ‘ e Pretender’ questioning accompanied by prodigious drugs. slightly disconcerting start, I’m stunned. It’s “So who are you?”. e skinny tie and black suit were virtu- IN TIME. Your voice isn’t irritating me that Songs such as ‘Home’, ‘But, Honestly’ and ally invented by Doherty, and I’ve no doubt much! You might have actually ful lled a bit ‘Come Alive’ highlight an explorative aspect many people have seen e Libertine fans of that promise we all knew you had!  rst seen in In Your Honour, showing the in red military jackets. is has even led ‘Delivery’ has been playing on the radio band’s desire to develop equally acoustically Pete to become the face of Roberto Cav- incessantly the past few months, and I  nd and in a more mainstream manner. is can alli’s autumn fashion range. myself singing along to it. Everytime it starts be seen through the almost double ending He is an intellectual man, a fan of great though, I keep expecting Ray Davies to come of the record: ‘Home’ brings the album to a poets such as William Blake. At times re- in on vocals. Can I dislike it because of that? thoughtful mature close showcasing a new ferring to Britain as the ship Albion, the I guess not, but kudos there Pete, you’ve avenue for the band while the bonus track old Celtic name, and to the ancient Greek written a nice little pop tune that I can enjoy. ‘Once And For All (Demo)’ brings back paradise as Arcadia where cigarettes will e rest of the album is essentially in that the Foo Fighters some fans may have been grow on trees. vein: surprising. Of course, your voice can missing; shattering the calm vibe le from I was, to tell the truth, a bit worried still irritate me at times. at tuneless droll ‘ H o m e’. about what was going to come from Baby- which I associate with two years of tabloid Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace of- shambles the second time round. But they hell rears its ugly head at random points. fers a new take on the Foo Fighters’ direc- have impressed. Much of the guitar work And please Pete, “I like getting leathered” is tion, which is more re ned than In Your is admirable and Doherty’s vocals shine something that even the bloody Reverend Honour. is album shows the band’s desire throughout. Shotter’s Nation very quickly and the Makers would be ashamed of. Let’s to create a new kind of music whilst wishing picks up, ‘Delivery’ is Doherty as his better have some of the poetry back please! Per- to maintain elements of their beginnings. It self, it’s a decent bit of indie rock No won- haps what I like best about this album is that falls between the extremes of In Your Hon- der it’s the  rst single of the album. you’ve harkened back to a 60s/70s style of our and the early material of albums such as e next track worthy of mention is, rock and roll, especially on ‘Crumb Begging e Colour and the Shape, which makes a ‘Side Of e Road’, with its clever lyrics and Baghead’. Some of the guitar work is pretty good listen for those looking for something fast hard chorus. en the album seems to retro, yet utterly compelling. Are you being a both old and new from the band. go o in another direction. ‘Crumb Beg- bit ironic here? A er being likened with the ging Baghead’, is something e Stone gods of Hendrix and Morrison, is this your David Horn Roses could have made. pithy comeback at those naysayers? If so, I ‘French Dog Blues’ provides a perfect like it! warm up to a beautiful little blues number, I’m stopping short of calling it great, Radiohead – In Rainbows ‘ ere She Goes’. It’s a good e ort for Do- because well, it isn’t. It’s a nice album that herty and shows o his great musical tal- I’ve enjoyed, but that’s probably because it fter releasing one of the best guitar albums ever- The Bends in 1995- Radiohead became progressively more ex- ent. reminds me of everything that in uenced perimental and diffi cult with each album, alienating all but their most dedicated and open-minded fans. 2003’s Hail to the Thief marked a return to a much more accessible and mainstream sound, but felt like a regression for fans of Continuing on a good streak, ‘Baddie it. ‘Crumb…’, as mentioned is probably the A the bleak and fragile Amnesiac (2001), and was overlong and inconsistent. In Rainbows addresses these problems and is Boogie’ paints a marvellous lyrical picture standout track, whilst ‘ ere She Goes’ play- a more concise and consistent effort. It is their most enjoyable and likeable album in over a decade. of some interesting characters, and as well: ful reminds us of Robert Smith in better it’s a damn good tune. Finishing, with a The album is musically energetic and innovative, without ever losing sight of melody or becoming pretentious. High- days. Apparently, your bandmates essential- lights include the arresting, inventive opener ‘15 Step’, the achingly beautiful ‘Arpeggi’, and the moving and dramatic moving internal monologue by Doherty, ly blackmailed you into making this album. ‘Lost Art Of Murder’ tells about lost dreams ‘Reckoner’. ‘Jigsaw Falling Into Place’, too, is brilliant -and one of the most melodic and immediately accessible songs ey should do it more o en as it obviously of the band’s career. of paradise and his drug addiction. has some kind of positive e ect. Bravo sir, Unfortunately the noisy and scuzzy ‘Bodysnatchers’ jars in tone with the rest of the album and ‘Videotape’ doesn’t Shotter’s Nation proves Doherty still has you’ve turned my hate and disdain into sul- quite live up to the closing track standards expected of a Radiohead album – just think of ‘Street Spirit’ at the end of The more to give. I hope he  nds his Arcadia, len appreciation. ird time’s the charm eh? Bends as a perfect example. These are, however, minor criticisms, and In Rainbows remains an exceptional record. In a before the law or the press destroy him. now-famous move the band released the album without a set-price, allowing downloaders to decide what to pay for the Ian Davies album. Surely this leaves no excuse for any music fan to be without it. Ralph Dutton Chris Carter Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 15 NME Fresher’s Tour hits Bangor

o freshers week came and went and the new University year began and with it the hard work began, right? Well, maybe not straight away because the  rst proper week of the new term saw the triumphant return of live music to Bangor. Music to make the kids to sway, bop and dance the night away. NME Freshers Tour brought some of the hottest young bands around right to our very own doorstep and it was quite exciting really. SFirst up were e Satin Peaches who warmed up the crowd nice and toasty with their very own slice of powerful alt-americana. Although they have been likened to an early Radiohead maybe more than a little unrealistically in a couple of reviews, there is de nitely some angst in George Morris’ raw vocals and wave a er wave of guitar ri s. en we had the fresh-faced upstarts all the way from Australia, Operator Please, who long-hauled some fantastic indie-pop gems to the UK with them. Looking like the coolest kids in all of the southern hemisphere had been gathered up, had instu- ments glued to their hands, then been fed too many sweets - for surely it take an extreme sugar rush to make such frantic pop songs. e highlight was undisputedly the moment that ‘Just A Song About Ping Pong’ kicked in and everyone, including this very reviewer, went a bit ballistic. Air was punched, hips collided, and everyone got just a bit sweaty. In a good way. Finally, headliners e Go! Team came out to show eveyone how its done. As soon as they ran on stage a sonic bombardment to the senses commenced from the light/video extravaganza and hyper-energetic perfomance they managed to pack into the small stage. Searing guitar noise and not one but two drummers kept the rhythm to masses of dancing feet. Frequently swap- ping members between all the instruments and even vocal duties, from Ninja’s awesome MC skills (whilst dancing like her life depended on it), to Chi’s sugary sweet pop melodies. It didn’t matter if you only knew a handful of songs or none at all, the urge to dance and jump was irresistable. e crowd were hungry for more and two more atomic dance-bombs were dropped in the encore. A fantastic  nish to the  rst of many fantastic gigs heading our way this year. See you at Pigeon Detectives anyone?

Lee Howson ing waved, as he sang a slow and beautiful world, who sings in Spanish, French, Portu- Manu Chao in rendition of ‘Welcome to Tijuana’ in Span- guese and English. e highlight for many Manchester ish. e whi of marijuana emanating from was when he came on for his second encore a joint being smoked by a man beside me, (he performed three encores in total) and Buen Chico seemed to  t well with the revolutionary played the somewhat silly, but enchanting he Manchester Apollo seemed an bent to the whole gig. He interspersed his ‘Bongo Bong’. Right to austere setting for the frenetic live songs with short political speeches, but as His album has been eagerly awaited for act that is Manu Chao on October always with Manu Chao, the music spoke six years and in this time he has had other T8th, when he performed one of only four Re-Arrange for itself – even the beautiful ‘Que Hora projects, such as producing the 2004 al- British gigs on his latest tour. Coming in the Son?’ Which starts with the lyric Que hora bum Dimanche a Bamako by Malian duo overs of bunny-related wake of his new album, La Radiolina, Chao’s son mi corazon? – What time is it my love?, Amadou and Mariam and I personally have artwork and sprightly in- rare visit to the UK was met with much de- culminates in a mighty Que hora son en waited four years to see him live, since I die-pop should endeavour to light from fans. ose expecting him to play Washington? e most notable absence in originally came across his music and fell in Lcheck out the debut album of youth- mainly new tracks from the album would his set, however was ‘Politik Kills’, the politi- love with it. Manu’s set this month was well ful three-piece Buen Chico. be surprised; the show consisted of a wide cally charged stand out track from his latest worth the wait and I’m sure I’m not the only In the post-Arctic Monkeys  rma- mixture of songs, ranging from those on his album. one to think so. ment that is today’s guitar- xated indie 1998 album, Clandestino to a few from La By the way everyone were singing along, comparisons largely because the hints of scene too many bands have gotten away with Radiolina. his audience was made up of people who’d promise displayed through the majority of cribbing the now dog-eared blueprint of the Supported by his band, Radio Bemba, been fans for years and were more than hap- Emma Dodd these tracks purports to even better music same anachronistic post-punk  xated sound as well as the drummer from Mano Negra, py to hear their old favourites played live. from this trio. It’s also refreshing to see a for too long with precious little criticism for the band he fronted before going solo, Chao In fact, Manu Chao seems to have taught a Emma will be hosting a new world mu- band pursue an ecologically-friendly agen- their meagre and o en interchangeable ef- performed a range of his best loved songs. whole host of Mancunians to speak Span- sic radio show, Around the World in Sixty da, implicit within the lyric sheet, but writ forts. Although Buen Chico display elements e atmosphere was lively and almost a ish. is is certainly not a bad thing for a Minutes with co presenter Jenny Holder on large on the back with the emblazoned “ is of these Libs/Cribs styled sounds, there are little retro. ere were several lighters be- man who is a multicultural citizen of the Sundays from 3pm til 4 on Storm 87.7FM. CD is carbon neutral” tag. also signs of an e ort to remove themselves at is not to say, however, that there from these over-grazed musical pastures and a woman pulled a T-shirt out of her bag and are not stumbling blocks present on this into fresher territory. Right To Re-Arrange Interview With asked them to sign it later) musical journey. e somewhat downcast marks the tentative  rst steps of this nascent Nizlopi: “A lady’s pregnant belly, by her hus- lyrical slant o en works wonders with the band to carve out their own identity. Nizlopi band when we were playing in Glasgow, “I unabashed positivity of their instrumental Tracks such as singles ‘Choosing My Re- think it was a joke”” chops, but it also has a habit of descending ligion’ and ‘Giving Your Gi s’ set up their ack: e JCB song was a fantastic song, Jack: Nizlopi is an odd name for a band, into haphazard banality at times when great- stall with aplomb; the insistent guitar hooks was there a story behind it to in uence where did it come from? er focus and insight would aid them greatly. and subtle tempo changes indicates a band its writing? Nizlopi: “ ere was a family in the local Equally, Morgan’s vocals tend to get lost in Nizlopi:J “It’s based on Luke’s true life as a whose little details prove to be signi cantly area called Nizlopi, a Hungarian name, there the mix at times given the predominance of more than the sum of their parts. At their kid. His Dad’s side of the family is Irish and was Nina Nizlopi and Di her mother. We the guitar sound overall, whilst it’s a shame best, evidenced in the perky and upbeat he has always been in the building busi- were good friends with Nina, I loved Nina, that bassist Kirsty’s vocal contributions are ness. Luke was writing a song one day, but guitars of ‘Turning Myself Red’, they bring the open air as opposed to underground she was great, and one day we were practis- not towards the forefront more o en, but thought “Ah no, this isn’t right” and went to to mind the work of Canada’s Tokyo Police gigs, in front of a crowd of 20,000 people it ing in the kitchen and my mum said some- then I am a sucker for female harmonies in his dad and was like: “Hey, dad what should Club, one of the few ‘80’s in uenced indie was very di erent and exciting.” thing about Di Nizlopi and we thought how bands wherever I can  nd them. I write about?” and he said “what? I dunno... bands to emerge in recent times who have Jack:Are you eager to establish yourselves as about Di-Nizlopi as a name? And it sort of A greater sense of musical adventure and diggers.” So Luke thought “yeah, why not?” surpassed those that have gone before as a big names in the UK Top 40? just stuck. Sounded cool like a dinosaur or the removal of the small amount of  ller So he wrote a song to show what it was like, result of their ability to take those in uences Nizlopi: “No. Independence is a thing we are something.” lurking within the corners of their music how he remembers his life because he and and transport them directly to the here and very proud of and want to keep an individual Jack:Last question, e X Factor or Strictly will come later, so to criticise them for play- his dad and family have always been so now. I get the feeling that this level of quality slant on our music. We take pride in not be- Come Dancing? ing to their strengths throughout the 40-ish proud of what they’ve done.” is within reach for Buen Chico, if they can up ing commercialised and love to do what we Nizlopi:(no hesitation, just a laugh) “It’s got minutes that comprise Right To Re-Arrange Jack: What was the biggest gig you’ve played their consistency. do because it’s something we believe deeply to be Strictly Come Dancing!” seems somewhat churlish. Fans of promising and how did it feel? e vocal in ections of guitarist and in and want to inspire and change people.” new bands, investigate further. Buen Chico Nizlopi: (thinks lots) “02 wireless festival. We frontman Morgan remain notably English Jack: What is the most bizarre thing you’ve Jack Green have something to o er you. are used to playing more intimate gigs from whilst recalling those of James Mercer’s e been asked to sign by a fan? places like the day and night to fans’ living (The Storm Pet) Shins and Wolf Parade. ey survive these (ironically this question was asked just a er Stephen Davies rooms. So to play at Hyde Park, outside in WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! Alton Towers Tickets It’s the last chance to get your heart racing and escape to UK’s favourite theme park resort for 2007! Alton Towers’ Adrenalin Week runs 5th-11th November and celebrates the end of the theme park season with nothing but pure adrenalin-pumping thrill rides from 12-6pm everyday. And with almost 2 hours of darkness each day, the most terrifying thrill rides will only get even scarier in the dark!

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Stereophonics Interview – Bassist Richard Jones mma: Let’s talk about the new album, same place as we were at the time of the  rst up to you and explain that we’ve changed Richard: De nitely not. All the mistakes Emma: So what do you think the future holds ‘Pull e Pin’. How do you feel about two albums – all singing, all dancing and them, a part of their lives with something we’ve made we’ve learnt from. We’ve stuck for you, do you think you’ll be getting back to it? wanting to conquer the world! that we’ve just written and played. by everything with our hands on our hearts. that? ERichard: Really con dent, it was great fun to Emma: Do you have a favourite new track, Emma: How do you think the band has When people have slagged us o we’ve been Richard: Yeah, de nitely. We’ve got a UK record and we had a great laugh. We  nished then? changed? like, “Well fuck you! We believe in it!” As a tour coming up in November and we’re recording it last November, it’s been a bit of a Richard: It tends to change every so o en. Richard: I think we’ve changed in the overall result some people stuck with us and some just looking forward to playing the album wait for it to come out. We’ve been playing them live recently around con dence in the band. In the beginning we people didn’t which is all just part of the live. Hopefully we can get in some festivals Emma: Is that because of Kelly releasing his eastern Europe – tracks like ‘Pass the Buck’ were doing everything to please everybody. parcel. next year and a er the tour cycle  nishes solo work as well? and ‘I Could Lose Ya’, ‘Crush’, the title track We’re beginning to prioritise now and not Emma: So do you have any highlights then we’ll probably get back into the studio and Richard: Well that was recorded at the same ‘Soldiers Make Good Targets’- they’re all work ourselves to death because that just from the past ten years of being in the band? be recording the new album. We’ve always time, during the last couple of weeks in the kind of really rocking tracks to play live. ends up being counter-productive. We’ve Richard: I suppose playing with all of our wanted to be a band which lasts around and studio. He had the idea of using a few of the Emma: e band has been going for ten years realised that we don’t need to be changing heroes. We’ve been fortunate to tour with you can only do that by making good albums tracks that didn’t quite  t the album and start now, how does that feel? U2, David Bowie, Rolling Stones, Red Hot and making sure you play good live in or- a side project of all girls names, writing sto- Richard: Well, we’ve always wanted to be You can lose yourself in music Chilli Peppers. Doing festivals with people der to entertain people when they come see ries about them in all di erent situations and one of those bands that just makes a great like Beck and R.E.M. Being in the band and us.Me and Kelly have always wanted to be the di erent things that girls get into. catalogue of work and doesn’t stick around and to be part of that, it’s amaz- playing with all these bands that you grew the sort of band that has recorded perhaps Emma: e title of your album has got quite for the right styles and right haircuts but that ing. up listening to and speaking to these people ten, twenty albums. We didn’t get into it to ‘explosive’ connotations behind it hasn’t it? are actually sounding good and playing good and realising who they are, just normal peo- become superstars we were in it to be in a Richard: Yes, I think it could be quite so- live. people’s political views or anything we are ple just in the same situation as we are. band and record music and play live. cial with what’s happening with the war in Emma: ere are a lot of good haircuts around entertainers, we’re the ones that people put Emma: Do you still get starstruck then? Emma: Well thankyou very much, Iraq, but for us the title comes from when at the moment, though. on in their car or on their I-Pod and just sing Richard: I still get starstruck. You’ve got to. I’m going to have to say goodbye now. we were teenagers, from when we started go- Richard: It’s got to be like that though! e along to. A big highlight was 2001, and playing Glas- Richard: Give my love to all the students in ing out to all the pubs and clubs and if one music industry, a lot of it is just about style Emma: A lot of bands are very politicised tonbury and V Festival so that in the space Bangor, goodbye. but what people actually like is the sub- nowadays and they think that they can change of about six weeks we ended up playing to stance. the world. You hold a very down to earth at- about 400,000 people in four gigs. It was re- Emma We’ve always wanted to be a Emma: Well that’s what makes you stick titude in comparison. ally surreal because you don’t actually soak band which lasts around around for ten years. Richard: Well some bands are doing really it up when you’re there because you’re more Dixon Richard: Yeah, exactly. I mean, that’s a long well, such as Bono from U2, he’s speaking focused on what you’re doing but then when of us was a little bit indecisive about what to time to get the right haircut! Hopefully we about what he believes in. ere needs to you watch it back on DVD, to us it was like, do next then somebody else would just say, won’t change our hair in the next couple of be people like that rather than some bands “Fucking hell, we did that as well!” well, “Just pull the pin.” It basically just  ts years now as they seem to be serving us al- that don’t know fuck all really. To us, in with the con dence and the attitude of right! we never wanted to mix politics the band while we were recording the album Emma: For many of the students here in Ban- with what we do because out of all and at the moment we’re pretty comfortable. gor your band will have shaped their teenage the best rock ‘n’ roll bands of the We know what the band is, we haven’t got to years. I can remember being 11, sitting on the past, they’re all about entertain- prove anything to anybody. school bus and hearing your  rst album and ing people and making people Emma: at’s a good attitude to have. now here I am interviewing you 10 years later, forget about all the bullshit Richard: Well out of all the incidents and all so how does that feel? that goes on in the world. the ups and downs that we’ve been through Richard: It’s great to be part of somebody’s Emma: Would you have ever since the You’ve Got To Go ere To Come life. rough what can be a lot of di cult done anything di erent? Back album it’s a pretty good place to be. We times in your teenage years, with all the shit found ourselves at that time talking more that goes through your head: “Is this right? about you know like solicitors and lawyers Is that right? Am I wrong?” at’s how I  nd and accountants rather than playing music, music - it can take you to di erent places, which got us down a bit. e last album just you can lose yourself in music and to be part boosted our con dence and we’re back in the of that, it’s amazing. You have people come Hard-Fi Interview – Bassist Kai Stephens mma: You’ve just come back from Aus- Emma: Really? Anything unusual then? Emma: You went back to Staines then to we lived o microwave meals for quite a long Mick Jones, there was one tralia, then, how was that? Kai: Yeah - I got some socks and some record the new album? time but it felt really good to kind of do it time when it all broke down Kai: Australia was great, it’s just start- collages made out of photos with a beau- Kai: Yep we recorded it in pretty much the our own way again. We also recorded a song and the only thing that was going were my Eing to get warm over there. I  nd it’s a really tifully written letter inside it. ey’d ba- same place as we recorded the  rst one so for Radio 1 there, a cover of Britney Spears’ voice and Mick Jones’s voice. I was singing nice change as it’s so unlike the UK in some sically gone to a lot of e ort with it. instead of spending our money on a really ‘Toxic’. Every band got given a year to choose with Mick Jones at Brixton Academy. For respects, and in other respects it isn’t. e Emma: ‘Once Upon A Time In e West’ is posh studio we bought our own equipment a song from, if we had been given say ‘67 or me, Weller was the one where it was sort of audiences in Melbourne were really rowdy, it your second number one album – how does – monitors, mixing desks, some new amps, maybe ‘71 or ‘77 it would have been a bit like, “Where do you go a er Paul Weller?” was like playing a Scottish audience! In Syd- that feel? more up our street - but no, we got 2004. Emma: With the success of this album you’re ney it was a little more like playing a London Kai: A er one week of its release it had gone clearly on the cusp of something huge, does or Manchester audience. to the number one spot, which was a real Would you have wanted to Emma: We’re going to have to go on to the that scare you at all? Do you ever get fright- Emma: A bit more reserved? touch because it took so long and it meant have been my friend before- whole ‘No Cover Art’ issue – I bet you’re really ened? Kai: Yeah, then we went to Tokyo because people were still waiting for us. e  rst time hand? When I was working for bored of that by now! Kai: No not at all I’m de nitely not scared. the album came out there. round with ‘Stars Of CCTV’ it was a surprise Kai: Not really because we’re bringing out I’m still quite a normal person - I’ve got a Emma: Aren’t they really fanatical in Japan? because it happened a er so long and at the Rentokill? ‘Can’t Get Along’ as our second single at the baby daughter and a girlfriend so when I Kai: Yeah they were very keen. ey re- same time e Editors were right on our tails moment and emails are  ying backwards come back from Hard-Fi I just come back ally get excited when they see you, you as well so we didn’t think that we were going and forwards saying “Come on, what are to my house and just chill out or whatever just have to look at them and wave and to get it. en Arctic Monkeys were released guitars and some decent microphones and we putting on the front?” Obviously it’s go- some of the younger girls would be re- the next week which just wiped the  oor a computer. We didn’t pay any attention to ing to be the theme now. We really like it! We didn’t pay any attention ally giggly. But they bring you presents. with everything. basic amenities such as running water and It’s given us a concept to work with for our to basic amenities such as run- whole campaign. It came about because we were having a reaction to the pressure on us ning water to market us in a certain way. We just didn’t agree with that. e album ran over and we watch telly and just get loads of early nights. weren’t thinking of artwork until people Emma: So no famous girlfriends for you lot were starting to pull their hair out so when then? the ‘No Cover Art’ was suggested it was Kai: Well I don’t know about the other lads! unanimous – everyone really liked it and I I meet people all the time and it’s just seems think people who have not liked it were the a bit super cial it’s like “Would you have people who didn’t like us anyway. We believe wanted to have been my friend beforehand? with another band, maybe with more of an When I was working for Rentokill? Would intellectual claim than Hard-Fi, like Radio- you have wanted to know me? When I was head, had come up with that concept… up in attics killing wasp nests and stu ?” I Emma: Oh it would have been genius! met my girl before all Hard-Fi came about Kai: Yes, exactly. It’s almost as if Hard-Fi so I know she loves me for who I really am. aren’t allowed to be intellectual. Emma: For the pest-controller in you. Emma: You certainly do have your support- Kai: For the pest-control, yes. ers though: Mick Jones is a big fan of yours Emma: Well, I’d better leave you now but I’d and you’ve played with Neville Staples, Jerry just like to ask, as this is going to be in our Dammers, Paul Weller. Halloween issue, what will you be dressing up Kai: I’ve got a picture up on the wall actu- as this year do you think? ally of me playing onstage with Neville Sta- Kai: A Vampire. Yeah I haven’t done that be- ples and Jerry Dammers performing ‘Ghost fore, they always seem a bit too obvious but Town’ - that’s something that will be with me I’m going to be a vampire this year. forever. Also when we played the 5 nights at Brixton Academy in 2006 one of the nights Paul Weller was up there and another night Emma Dixon Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 17

RATATOUILLE Film gerous and unwelcoming place. When Lin- a triumph, even by Pixar’s standards. e rating: guini realises that it was Remy who  xed the voice cast is another area where this  lm de- ***** soup a partnership is born between the two livers excellence. e voice actors all manage ollowing in the footsteps of last year’s and soon they are shot to stardom in Paris to grasp their characters perfectly and are TOO MANY JUMPED OVER ‘Flushed Away’ from DreamWorks for their unique brand of cookery. At  rst clearly well chosen for the parts, but while and Aardman, Pixar’s latest animation their partnership goes well but things start they are do a very good job, they also never SHARKS IN THE WORLD Fe ort tells the tale of a rat who has found to go wrong when Remy’ family  nd him overpower or undermine any of the other nyone who saw Spider-Man 3 will unsettle the very core of our being. himself in a world that he is not familiar and encourage him to get them food from elements of the  lms. is is in part because have endured the sight of Tobey For me, the ‘Halloween’ series jumped with. However, that is pretty much where the kitchen, and when Linguini’s scheming of the decision to cast voice actors for being Maguire impersonating John Tra- the shark when unstoppable murderer boss Skinner (Ian Holm) cottons on to what talented rather than for being big names, like Avolta circa Saturday Night Fever complete Michael Myers was Kung Fu’d by Pussycat the similarities with that  lm end as ‘Rata- touille’ is completely devoid of the pop cul- he is up to and tries to put a stop to it. At the with many other computer animated mov- with Emo haircut, a bizarre concoction, Dolls collaborator Busta Rhymes. Rob ture references and more lowbrow/slapstick same time Linguini and Remy must prepare ies. e humour is one of the  lm’s strongest made all the more horrifying because it was Zombie’s Halloween remake attempts to style humour, instead delivering a far more for a visit by the dreaded food critic Anton points, though, with the kind of laughs that supposed to show that Mr Maguire had “re- take Myers back to his dark roots, but in sophisticated movie with a much greater Ego (Peter O’Toole), who with one review you’re unlikely to  nd in any other movies venge in his heart”. Such moments of mad- the process crucially loses the suspense of emphasis on plot than on humour. at’s not will make or break them. this year. e laughs all come from the situ- ness in popular culture have their own spe- the 1978 original in favour of relentless to say that it isn’t funny, though, just that the ‘Ratatouille’ is undoubtedly one of the more ations, never from pop culture references or cial term, ‘jumping the shark’,  rst realised violence, which is simply nasty and fatally humour doesn’t come from the in jokes, and every time you by fans of Happy Days upon seeing that their not frightening. As well as being indica- same source as many other mod- laugh it is almost like you are beloved TV show had openly embraced a tive of the state of contemporary horror, it ern day animated movies, partic- laughing with the characters doomed-to-failure level of absurdity when goes to no length in attempting to eradicate ularly ones produced by Pixar’s rather than at. is is testa- the character of e Fonz jet-skied over a the memory of Busta’s lamentable martial main animation rival Dream- ment to the shear heart that shark. e series never recovered, commit- arts display. Instead of looking at why the Works animation. As with Pixar’s the humour is built around, ting a piece of YouTubery forever destined character worked in the  rst place, Zombie other movies the humour comes with the Pixar team not to remind creative minds how not to handle has sel shly acceded to the Torture Porn from the heart with the laughs simply settling to make you their intellectual property...or so it seemed. School of Film-making and unjusti ably being of the variety that both chil- laugh, rather trying to make e brooding chins on display in ‘Batman de-mysti ed his leading man. dren and adults alike can enjoy. It something that you will re- Begins’ went some way to freeing us from As Batman Begins proved, there are ways is because of this that ‘Ratatouille’ member. is is why Pixar is the misery of that one point in history to overcome jumping the shark, but it’s a stands out from all the other re- so di erent to other anima- when somebody put latex nipples on a vigi- great shame when people who should know cent computer animated movies. tion studios. ey don’t just lante psychopath and, even more chillingly, better positively welcome the chance to hop Unlike this summer’s ‘Shrek the want to make a  lm that you Warner Bros executives thought it a good on e Fonz’s water-skis. ird’ this is a  lm that everyone will enjoy once and never thing. Indeed, such folly is human nature can enjoy, not just younger and think of again. ey want but when it is caused by people appointed Kevin Smith far less demanding viewers. to make a  lm that will stay with protecting our icons, it cannot help but ‘Ratatouille’ tells the tale of a with you for a long time and small rat named Remy (voiced this is exactly that kind of by Patton Oswalt) who has an  lm. Also, the humour has Are You a Movie B.U.F.F. ? uncanny sense of smell which al- appeal for a broad audi- ence with both children and lows him to detect the di erent tion to the chance to make your own  lms, adults being catered for, even odours given o by a variety of ove watching  lms? Want the chance B.U.F.F.S. is also planning  lm screenings for though younger children food ingredients. Unlike his fam- to make your own and meet other anyone who likes to watch  lms. So, whether may not fully appreciate the ily and colony Remy doesn’t want likeminded individuals? Well, if you you like watching  lms or you want to make more sophisticated humour. to settle for eating garbage and Ldo, you should most de nitely check out your own, why not check out the Bangor e reason this  lm works so constantly seeks the  ner things in the world B.U.F.F.S. (Bangor University Film Foun- University Film Foundation Society and if original ideas that Pixar has come up with well isn’t any of the individual elements but of food. Dreaming of becoming a chef, in dation Society). Run by  lm fans for  lm you have any  lm ideas bring them along. and this is one of the things that makes this all the elements combined. e animation, the footsteps of his idol, the top French cook fans, B.U.F.F.S. was created several years ago Meetings are held on Sundays in Varsity at  lm so great. Unlike many other computer the story, the voices and the humour all work Gusteau (Brad Garrett), Remy soon  nds and has since overseen the production of a 6.30. If you would like to know more you can animated movies of later this does not rely together to make the  lm so good, like they himself in the sewers of Paris and separated number of student  lms. O ering equip- email the society president at bu s@undeb. on the audiences knowledge of pop culture are a recipe for success. Overall, ‘Ratatouille’ from his family. And it just happens that he ment and resources such as video cameras bangor.ac.uk. to be funny or entertaining. e screenplay is one of Pixar’s best looking and most enjoy- is right beneath the restaurant of his now de- and computer editing so ware, the society is expertly written by Brad Bird, one of Pix- able movies. It is also about as sophisticated ceased culinary hero Gusteau. Looking into gives Bangor university students the chance ar’s top chefs, combining witty dialogue with a family movie as you’re ever likely to  nd. If Robert Mann the window he sees gormless garbage boy to bring their own  lm ideas to life. In addi- Linguini (Lou Romano) accidentally ruin a charming and original storyline. Brad Bird you are looking for an animated movie that the soup then Remy steps in to  x it. When also delivers cooks up a treat as director too, has something di erent to o er then you the soup is served to a customer who loves it perfectly bringing the story to life with su- should de nitely check out ‘Ratatouille’. It is HORROR MOVIES Linguini suddenly  nds himself in demand perb animation, which could quite possibly a piece of delicious family entertainment that by the customers but there is one problem be the best that Pixar has ever produced. e is cooked to perfection and really should be THIS HALLOWEEN - he can’t cook. Conversely, Remy, is a great attention to detail is simply astounding with appreciated for what it is. TOP cook but being a rat  nds the kitchen a dan- the food really looking good enough to eat. Robert Mann PSYCHO ALIEN e animation really is that beautiful and is CLASSIC DVD REVIEW form of Asami (Eihi Shiina). Up until around search of her. 45 minutes, the  lm seems to be a gentle ro- From here on, the  lm becomes a scary 8 Audition. mantic tale of two lost souls that have been and surreal nightmare for both Aoyama The Rocky 18. **** lucky enough to meet. However, Asami and the audience as Asami’s true colours are doesn’t appear to be the woman she makes exposed to psychotic e ect. Director Miike Horror n 1999, controversial Japanese direc- out, as the  lm delivers some stark warn- ratchets up the tension to almost exceed- Picture tor Takashi Miike made his name to ing signs of impending doom for Aoyama, ingly intense heights with potent imagery Show western audiences by delivering argu- one of which is guaranteed to frighten you. and unnerving use of sound encased in a Iably, one of the menacing atmosphere, until a greatest horror climax of prolonged torture, Nightmare  lms with Au- which gives the Saw and Hostel SILENCE OF dition. A rar- movies a run for their money. on elm THE LAMBS ity with horror e harrowing  nal half hour street  lms, Audition is however slightly confusing as manages to be the director never makes clear genuinely chill- whether what Aoyama is going ing. through is an attack of psycho- e story logical guilty conscience, an all follows a wid- too real nightmare or a combi- Night ower of eight nation of both. of the years, Aoyama Audition won’t be for every- living (Ryo Ishibashi) one, it’s an uncomfortable watch HALLOWEEN whose son and isn’t much fun as it aims dead thinks that it’s only to terrify you. Personally, SHINING time for him to horror  lms don’t appeal to me  nd a new wife. but Audition is a true original, Lonely for eight one that manages to be scary years, Aoyama Also, scenes of normality between the cou- and not overly gratuitous in its violence, a doesn’t have the con dence to simply go out ple now begin to ooze menace. is is one classic of the genre and a great one to watch and meet someone until his movie producer of the best skills brought forward by direc- this Halloween. friend suggests holding a fake audition for a tor Takashi Miike: the ability to turn some- female lead so Aoyama can seek for a new thing ordinary into something eerie. During Mark Varley. wife. rough the audition process Aoyama a romantic weekend away, Asami suddenly thinks he’s found the right woman in the vanishes. To his confusion, Aoyama goes in 18 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 Books HALLOWEEN HORRORS: OLD AND NEW OLD CLASSICS by Emma MODERN HORRORS McColl Frankenstein by Mary Shelley We all Misery by Stephen King his modern horror novel has formed suspense more his novel is recognised as the basis where the monster know the basis for the horror kidnappings. than horror as of the horror genre through the use is coping with hu- the With amazing characters and situ- there are always of language to describe the monster man feelings or Tations you can see that King is the master- situations where Tto us. when he unleashes basis mind that everyone knew he was. you are afraid to To begin with Shelley is able to portray his anger at Victor of the is Novel Begins with a distant memory turn the page in Victor Frankenstein as the god like charac- Frankenstein and suddenly abandoned by the main character case the worst ter who has only made a mistake. However tries to kill him. horror Paul Sheldon. From this point we experience has happened. the further this characteristic is portrayed, is horror genre everything the way he wants us to causing is novel gives the more Shelley reveals about the mon- novel does jus- the reader to be entrapped in the novel. King a new meaning sters feelings. is area of the novel is an eye tice for the clas- which is why the old uses this novel to show that horrors are not to the once in- opener for  rst time readers. sic horror novels. classic novels are of always full of abnormal monsters like Frank- nocent line ‘I’m e story begins with a journal entry It excludes all of great importance, but enstein and Dracula. In this novel we just your number with Captain Walton; from here we learn the elements that have Annie Wilkes, a villain in a whole new one fan.’ that he has seen both Frankenstein and his ensure that it is the question is… level. monster. From here we hear Victor Franken- a classic, horror, fear, anger and the classic is novel is perfect for those who enjoy stein recapping his story of the monster he murder scenes. is is a novel for those who Are they better than the created and then tried to destroy. At times enjoy there horror novels to be slightly tame modern horror writers? Hannibal Rising by Thomas Harris within this novel there are emotional scenes and subdued. For this Halloween homas Harris is recognised for such Understanding this horror classics as ‘Red Dragon’, ‘Si- helps us to see that Dracula by Bram Stoker edition the old classics lence of the Lambs’ and ‘Hannibal’. Harris has estab- will be compared to the TWith the release of his new novel ‘Hannibal lished the Lecters his classic horror book created the T h i s Rising’, horror fans will have a new level to character through basis for nearly all of our horror novel is modern horrors. For take the Lecter to. his bitterly trou- movies and typical stereotypes of the prefect this I will be reviewing is new novel has the ‘origin story’ of bled past and how Tthe horror sense, including Halloween. is read again Harris’ most renowned character, ‘Hannibal he only killed for novel begins with Jonathan Harker leaving and again Frankenstein by Mary Lecter’, the cannibal who can lure his unwit- revenge at the be- England to visit a client in his Transylvanian no matter Shelley and Dracula ting victims to their untimely death. is ginning of the nov- castle. From the beginning the reader can see what the by Bram Stoker for the novel begins with the reader witnessing the el. is novel uses a that this novel will be full of di erent plots mood you Lecters’ childhood and how it haunts him. new perspective to including Dracula’s plot to travel to England are in. the old classics and Misery e main area of this torment is when the help the reader see and prey on the young and vulnerable. is suspense by Stephen King and Lecter witnesses his family dying and his 12 the villain through. Harris says “Hannibal includes another main character Mina Mur- is built up year old sister being taken away and eaten had entered his hearts long winter. He slept ray, Jonathan’s  ancé and Van Helsing. is through Hannibal Rising by by a gang of local Nazi sympathising thugs. soundly and was not visited in dreams as hu- novel shows the beginning of the feud be- the di er- Thomas Harris is is one of the main starting points of the mans are.” is is used to create a new level tween Dracula and Van Helsing. ent areas novel which leads to the Lecters  rst killings, of fear of the horror genre and it works. e various areas where this novel is at of horror for the ironically those of the Local thugs who killed is novel shows Harris’ gi for the hor- it’s best are the hunting scenes where we can that have modern his sister. ror genre and how he can make the reader see Dracula hunting for fresh blood and then influ- By seeing the Lecter as such a young age weary of everything, especially those dark Jonathan and Van Hesling trying to track enced us over the years. horrors. killing helps the reader to understand his nights were a young teenager stops you and down and kill Dracula. urge to kill and why he kills certain people. is exceedingly nice to you. OTHER POPULAR Nazareth Hill FREEZER BURN The House at Riverton Ramsey Cambell JOE R LANSDALE by Kate Morton HORRORS A rebellious teenager’s Bill has no job, no money and no mother ate Morton’s  rst novel, e House eration and The 37th tense relationship with her ‘... his mother was dead and kind of freeze- at Riverton, has gained much atten- what it is father liberates fearsome dried in her bedroom’. She doesn’t smell as tion since it was put on the reading to grow up Mandala monsters of English his- bad as she used to, but her welfare checks are listK for e Richard and Judy Book Club this with social tory. Amy Priestly has always piling up and Bill doesn’t feel smart enough summer. Since then it has been subject to expectations Marc Laid- dreaded ‘the spider house, to forge her signature. So he decides to rob rave reviews, and not without cause. in the a er- law ‘ as she privately calls the a  recracker stand across the highway from It’s no wonder that Morton’s debut went math of the When Derek Crowe at- abandoned Nazareth Hill his house, for cash and may be a few loud down so well with the public, using easily Great War tempts to turn the unseen monastery. When she and bangs into the bargain. e heist goes horri- accessible language and a highly accessible and the be- mandalas into guardian her father, Oswald, move into an apartment bly wrong and Bill winds up on the run with storyline through the memories of the main ginning of spirits to enrich his bank account, the cyni- in the newly gentri ed ‘Nazarill, ‘ her fears a freak show. Could it be that Bill’s loser days character, Grace. a new age cal New Age charlatan uncovers the reasons are reinforced by the building’s gloom-- are over? Nope ... ‘Should please Lansdale’s e story begins in Southern England in with a new past occult masters have le them alone. crawly things seem to crouch in its shadowy many devoted followers . . . Fast, furious, 1998, but the main bulk of the story is set set of aspira- hallways. Worse, her father is becoming in-  nger-lickin’ pages’ e Times at Riverton Manor between 1914 and 1924. tions. In par- creasingly tyrannical. (publishers Weekly) Spanning the Great War and the roaring ticular, we twenties, the novel addresses some of the observe the forgotten issues in British history across the frustrations of the Hartford sisters, Hannah GIANT FELLING AT THE BOOKERS classes, always looking at how they a ect and Emmeline, through the eyes of Grace for his year’s Booker prize has just been Imogen Stubbs, all got on well whilst mak- prize. is will presumably have a huge ef- the individual characters as the century un- a decade. e sisters are at the heart of the announced and you’d be forgiven for ing their decisions. is level of agreement fect on the writer and boost her book sales, folds. Morton manages to explore the highs story and it is their complicated relationship saying “Who?” when you’re informed is rare in the history of judging the Booker something not really necessary for McEwan, and lows of both upper and lower class life that makes this novel such a rewarding read. Tof the winner. In a shake up that has had the prize and credit must be given to Sir Howard who despite missing out on the prize has sold through some of the most pivotal events and We also have an insight into the changes be- literary world divided, this year’s Booker Davis of the London School of Economics more copies of On Chesil Beach than the rest times that have a ected life to make it what it low stairs as well. prize has overlooked many well established who chaired the judges. of the books on the shortlist combined. So is today. It may sound like a historical novel, If you have any interest in  lling a hole authors, focussing on books, whose sales up e books that made it to the shortlist in- maybe it’s a good thing that this year’s prize but all the events and issues are cleverly ex- in your historical knowledge or you just en- until recently have been relatively few. cluded two immensely political works: e focussed on the dwarves instead of the giants plored through the characters’ experiences joy a good love story, e House at Riverton In fact, from the beginning, things have Reluctant Fundamentalist by Moshin Hamid of the literary world. and emotions. can ful l that and more. At 600 pages, it’s a been di erent. e long list was relatively and Animal’s People by Ludra Sinha. On e characters in this novel are Morton’s big read, but all the more to explore. short, with only thirteen books appearing Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan and Mr Pip by Emma Dodd greatest accomplishment. As a reader, you on it, where there are normally eighteen and Lloyd Jones were the two that had been her- Jen Stanley can sympathise with all of the younger gen- Ian McEwan being the only author which alded as most likely to win, you’re likely to have heard of. Writers, with the immense Dark- such as Jeanette Winterson have spo- mans by Nicola Barker ken out in horror and the judges have and e Gathering by been criticised for the speed in which Anne Enright the rank they read, and in fact dismissed many of outsiders. It was the the candidate novels put forward for the latter, Irish writer, prize. e judges have gone on record say- Enright, who was ing that they read the books at a speed of inspired by the eighty pages an hour and many say that it likes of James would be impossible for them to judge fairly Joyce, growing under such pressure. It is reported that the up in Dublin, judges, a group of Oxbridge graduates rang- who scooped ing from poets and journalists to the actor, the £50,000 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 19 WOMEN’S BADMINTON angor University’s Women’s Badmin- for selection. Unfortunately on Wednesday erpool John Moores and they’ll have to put ton Club has been promoted to the 17th the women’s team lost 7-1 to Lancaster on another top performance in their next set highest league in their division and whereas the men’s 2nd team were unlucky of matches at Manchester to maintain their Bthey expect to face some strong competition to lose 5-3 to Liverpool, though this score is winning streak. Sport as a reward. ey will be hoping for more under dispute at the moment. Laura Reilly success in their next set of matches at home A terri c performance by the men’s when they will have more players available  rst team saw them triumph 6-2 against Liv- WALKING ave you ever looked up at the hills enough, we also o er unique away trips to behind Bangor and thought to the Lake District, Scotland and beyond! WHY NOT WALK OUT?! yourself “I wonder what the Walking less your style? Don’t worry, as o you really have to apply for a gym surance. Walking is one of the easiest exer- e weather is not that bad this autumn, Hworld looks like from up there?”, or even the Walking Club also enjoys card, pay for it and use it once in a cises you can do without realising it. It is fun giving a bit of sunshine every now and then, “I wonder what it would be like to climb an active social scene, meeting every blue moon? Do you really have t o and entertains, cheap and easy to adopt. Un- can not only set you into the mood, it makes that”? Well the University Tuesday at 8pm in the Albion. Events last makeD up your mind every now and then to like visiting the gym, you can add walking it much easier. Running is also a good exer- Mountain Walking Club do just that eve- year included a trip to the Caernarfon Fun register with a gym class? Or have you al- on your daily or weekly routine and stick to cise. e hill from Morrisons down to the ry week during term time. Leaving for walks Centre, pub crawls, pub golf and more. In- Student’s Union is a perfect one or and scrambles from the Students’ Union eve- terested? Find out more at our website www. you can also enjoy a good run at the ry Saturday morning, the UMWC provides umwc.org.uk. seaside. a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of Walking in University of Bangor Adam Pearce Bangor’s unique location. As if that weren’t is seen by students as a big job. No- body wants to do it, they choose the easy way to lectures and back. Even when they’ve got that spare time at home, they prefer to relax on their couch and watch TV. at is cool, but can also be wrong sometimes. Challenge yourself and go for a walk to see what hidden treasures Bangor has to o er. Also give yourself a treat sometime by eating foods that give you energy and vitamins. Food like vegetables and fruit, they give you an extra strength that makes you wonder sometime, “what can I do now, I’m so bored. Right! I will take a walk”. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water as well. You should watch out for the amount of alcohol you take in every week because this can be a nightmare for the whole programme and would make a big ways thought of doing some exercise some it. An easy going stress it is! di erence. point in time? About 65 percent of students are wor- Come on, hurry up before the autumn Why not walk it out? Bangor is one of ried about their weight and do nothing ends and shed those little pounds o . If you the best places for a walk, coming from up- about it. Some engage in foods like weight can’t make it over the winter, you can take per Bangor to “lower Bangor”, from the high watchers, slim fast, slimming pills etc. I don’t some months o and start in spring and be street and heading to the pier or up the hills think that will work if you don’t add a little ready for the summer. You don’t really have at St Mary’s. Not only that, there are many e ort of exercise into it. Majority of students to plan much for a walk. You can do it with places for you to exercise your legs too. e like exercising and sports, but don’t take it friends or without as it’s just a walk a er all. hills, seaside and mountains are a great as- that seriously. Noellin Imoh Bangor University RUGBY LEAGUE MATCH REPORTS 58-4 Aberwystryth ATHLETICS University of University re you looking to improve your  t- Liverpool 26-28 angor University’s new look rugby ness or simply enjoy a great work- league team began their season with out? e Athletics Club run a circuit Bangor University. a friendly win over Aberystwyth who Atraining session every Friday at 6pm at the hat a start to the new rugby Bwere competing in their  rst ever game of Normal Site gym. Well planned with a va- league season for Bangor! Yet rugby league. It was the visitors though that riety of exercises in a friendly atmosphere, to secure a single league vic- started the match with more composure circuit training will improve your general Wtory over Liverpool in four years, su er- which enabled them to pressurise the Ban-  tness, strength, power and endurance and ing sizeable defeats in the process, Bangor gor line on more than one occasion, without for a very reasonable price. Participation is produced a performance of championship ever breaching it. Bangor broke the deadlock free if you are a paying member of the Ath- quality, showing bravery, courage and utter on the   een minute mark and didn’t look letics Club (£10 for the full year) and only determination to crush what was probably back a er that. Eleven tries were scored by 50p per session if you are a non-member. It the strongest Liverpool side that Bangor had Bangor throughout the match. Tom Mot- is de nitely the most challenging circuit that faced to date. tram scored seven conversions to add to the I’ve tested, so come and give it a go! Despite the nightmare start, Bangor score. Mark Varley scored his try on his de- If you’re interested in joining the Ath- were soon  nding their rhythm and mid- but for the team and Gethin Francis made a letics Club you can come along to any of way through the  rst half Liverpool started welcome return a er missing last season due our training sessions. ere are groups for to falter. eir second row forward le the to work placement and injury. sprinting, middle distance,  eld events and pitch a er a heavy tackle by Will Varley and Bangor’s rugby league team is now enjoy- we will have several groups for long distance Francis and a sin bin followed immediately ing its fourth year in BUSA and the team of varying ability. From beginners to those a erwards to reduce the home side to twelve has come a long way since their  rst season who have experience in their event. men. e introduction of debutant Max defeats to Manchester Met: 72-0 and 74-1 Also if you’re interested in competing Bracken at centre boosted Bangor’s attack the dam that had been set up by the Welsh energy out of Liverpool with a  ne display (the latter being a cause for celebration for then we have many opportunities for you to as the Irishman scored a  ne individual try defence. e score was now 22-20 to Ban- on his debut helped by the other Bangor for- at least scoring a point down to a last minute do so, including BUSA events, open compe- with his  rst touch of the match. Francis gor and it was looking as if all of Bangor’s wards. Just when it looked like Bangor were Tom Mottram drop goal!) rough the years titions, cross-country races, and road races, crashed over to bring the scores level and hard work was going to go to waste. Liver- home and dry an intercepted pass led to a the club has become a success story, winning but don’t feel you have to compete. We train Bracken’s boot took Bangor into the lead by pool once again threw all that they had le try that gave Liverpool a chance but in the the spirit of the AU in 2005 and the Team on Tuesday and ursday evenings from landing the conversion. Brett Chandler was at Bangor but were forced to knock on at the dying seconds a knock on by the home side of the Year award in 2006. e club now has 6pm to 7.30pm at Treborth athletics track safe as houses in defence at full back helped halfway line. meant that Bangor had defeated the champi- an active squad of over thirty players and near Menai Bridge. (Long distance starts by wingers Mark Varley and John Wilkins e player that put Bangor two scores up ons of the last two years. All eighteen players is looking to establish an ‘A’ team to ensure at the athletics track and go on some great in returning the ball to begin attacks. Olly again was Charlie Parker. Picking the ball up played out of their skin and rewarded head that everybody will get to play a game in the routes around the Bangor and Menai Bridge Rowley and Phil Holland played their part directly from the base of the scrum, he broke coach Gerrard Keenen for all of his hard newly formed Merit League. area). in the three quarters defence too. through two tackles to score a try under the work and dedication in coaching them. Next Unfortunately Aberystwyth will have to We have a FREE mini bus leaving at In the second half Bangor furthered their posts from   y metres out. Now 28-20, with for Bangor is a home tie against arch rivals wait until next year to join a BUSA league. 5.30pm from the Ffridd security lodge, and lead with two excellent solo e orts by Wright Brad eld’s third successful conversion, it Manchester Met whom they defeated away By that time they will undoubtedly be ready Normal site main entrance at 5.40pm. e and Tom Brad eld, each charging through a looked like the game was safe again. It was in last season in another classic contest. A er for competition because they showed great bus will of course drop people of at both sites number of attempted tackles on their way these last eight minutes that Bangor began to this performance the possibilities are end- enthusiasm against Bangor and scored a well a er training. If you want any more informa- to the line. roughout the match Bangor’s dominate physically with the home defence less! taken try in the second half a er mounting tion then feel free to e-mail me at the above scrambling defence was superb; holding Liv- rusting away like a piece of metal le out substantial pressure against the hosts. Ban- address or [email protected] or ring me erpool out from close range time a er time. in the rain too long. Fleming controlled the gor meanwhile will be looking forward to on 07849300898 However the pressure eventually told shortly play from dummy half and Ian Skinner kept Reports by what promises to be a tough but successful Hope to see you soon! a er the visitor’s fourth try when Liverpool his cool to spread the ball when the options Will Varley hit back with two tries of their own to breach were there. Liam Morton’s power sapped the year. Andy John 20 Seren - Halloween Issue 2007 Sport owing in Bangor; not many people know we even have a club, and we’re not as recognisable as Oxford and Cambridge,R but the club at Bangor is grow- ing and developing. With this season being ROWING IN BANGOR the most successful for a long time, build- ing on 2006/07 successes, we are appealing for more people to join and make this year a year to remember for Bangor University Rowing Club, one of the Athletic Union’s oldest clubs being established in 1901. Rowing as a sport has several bene ts. e rowing stroke encompasses all of the major muscle groups, with no impact, re- ducing the risk of injury. Socially Rowing in- troduces you to a group of friends that work together in a crew for a single goal, sharing the highs of winning and the lows of total exhaustion together, as a team. Stresses of University study can be released when row- ing, both through exercise and the calming e ects of being on the water. e enjoyment for the sport is always shared, with the boat’s crew, Cox, coach and the club as a whole. So far the club has held numerous taster sessions to allow people a chance to row the Menai Straits in the club’s racing eight man boats. e events were heavily attended and we retained a large amount for further train- ing into the season. e club is extremely ac- Paul Johnson rowing in the Menai Straits tive in both training and racing at a national winning both the Men’s 4 and 8 at Chester fours, doubles and singles, with our own Patrick’s Bar at 9pm; an ideal opportunity to e club meets throughout the week, level through BUSA and the ARA (Amateur Regatta. safety launch to aid coaching. Coaching in come and meet the club. water training is split between men’s and Rowing Association.) We attained all the We are based in our own boathouse, nes- the club is at its strongest for many years, If you think Rowing is the sport for you, women’s training on alternate mornings, the major student regattas through BUSA com- tling on the banks of the Menai Straits, near with many experienced members and a ded- there is still time to get involved with the club holds circuit sessions at Normal Site peting against Oxbridge, and other rowing Normal Site. is gives the club a truly spec- icated coaching setup aiding development of men’s and women’s teams as they prepare for Gym at 6pm with Ergo (rowing machine) heavyweights such as Durham and Newcas- tacular stretch of water on which to train novices to seasoned oarsman by the regatta the inaugural race of the season. e BUSA and cross training sessions organised during tle, claiming some massive scalps along the and prepare for race seasons. is facility season in spring. Splash ‘n’ Dash is aimed squarely at freshers the week. Remember with the club you can way. e club also competes at a regional UPCOMING HOME has been with the club for decades and al- e socials at the club are a big feature; and novices of the sport and this could be do as much, or as little as you like. and national level, attending the prestigious lows us to train independently from other our AU night in Freshers’ Week was a great the opportunity for you to represent your If you would like any more information FIXTURES – Head of the River races through central Lon- clubs in the local area, an option that few success, supported by hundreds of freshers University. For some people, competitive on the club, visit our new website at www. don, the events attract over four hundred University clubs retain. A er much appeal- in truly appalling attire. e three main so- training can be just a tad too much, the club undeb.bangor.ac.uk/rowing or email the crews from all over the World, and Bangor Sat 27 Oct v Porthmadog FC KO ing to the Students’ Union, we received vast cials of the year: the Club Introductions, the appreciates this. If you want to join, and row club at [email protected] will be there in 2008. Regional regattas such 2.30 funding through the Estates Department Christmas Dinner and the end of the year when the sun shines, without committing to as Chester and Northwich are also important for some new decking and steps which has Pimms Party are ‘oarsome’ events, which all of the training, and come to the legendary to us, this season we are defending the ‘Ad- Sun 18 Nov v Carmarthen Town made the boathouse a brilliant facility once are heavily attended by the club. Each week socials, that’s  ne with us, please still get in Paul Johnson miral of the Dee’ title the club won last year, again. e club owns a range of boats; eights, we hold socials a er our training sessions at touch. KO 2.30 BANGOR CITY FC UPDATES FIRST CHAIR OF UK UNIVERSITIES’ SPORT APPOINTED ollowing an extensive recruitment for sport (he is even training to do his  rst appointment Mr. Smith said “I am delighted process, Ed Smith has been appointed London Marathon in 2008!) and currently to take on the Chair of this important new as the  rst chair of UK Universities has two children active within sport in the organisation to help drive University Sport FSport, the new body established to oversee University sector. Ed will o cially begin his in the UK to even higher levels and to ensure delivery of sport within the Higher Educa- role in January and, as well as overseeing the it plays a full part in student and commu- tion Sector. Ed retires as the Global Assur- appointment of the CEO for UK Universi- nity life. Whether you watch, participate or ance Chief Operating O cer for Price- ties Sport, he will lead the organisation to volunteer, sport is a fantastic motivator and waterhouseCoopers in December, where its formal launch in the summer of 2008 at it is a powerful tool for people in develop- he has also been a Senior Partner and which stage the predecessor bodies, BUSA ing themselves as individuals and as team the Global Assurance Chief Strategist for and UCS, will cease to operate. players. I look forward to building on this this leading Accountancy  rm. Ed is also Both the Chairs of BUSA, Philip Attwell through the new organisation. We will also here’s always a warm welcome at the Look out for exciting players in City colours on the main board of HEFCE, the fund- and UCS, Stewart Ross have expressed their be working to ensure that we support and Farrar Road Stadium – home of Ban- such as goal-hungry strikers Ashley Stott, ing body for Higher Education in England delight at Smith’s appointment and look for- leverage the great national pro le the UK gor City Football Club. Playing in Mark Smyth and Les Davies (nicknamed where, amongst other things, he is chairing ward to working closely with him through- will have with the 2012 Olympics already in Tthe Principality League of Wales, City is one e Runaway Truck) and classy defenders the group working on the review of league out the transition to this exciting new our sights and placing HE Sport at the heart of the most successful and best supported Lee Webber and Martin Beattie. tables within the sector. Ed has a passion organisation. On the con rmation of his of the national sporting agenda.” sides in Welsh football. Always challenging Keep up with all City news at www.ban- for honours, City is picking up momentum gorcityfc.com, check out the fans’ site www. in league and cup competitions a er a slow citizens-choice.co.uk, or why not enjoy CYCLE PATHS IN NORTH WALES start to the season, and under the shrewd yourself at fans’ events, and help raise funds o you have a keen interest in cycling? upgraded and now has an excellent hard sur- wander o the path and explore local attrac- management of former Tranmere Rovers for City through our hard-working Support- North Wales is home to some of the face all the way except for the  rst 100 yards tions such as Glynllifon Country Park, and professional and City legend Neville Powell, ers’ Association www.bcfcsa.com best cycle routes in the country and at Caernarfon and half a mile near Dinas. the scenic Nantle Valley with its old quarries we are sure to be there or thereabouts come thereD are few to rival the breathtaking set- For much of its course it is wider than most from where you can see the impressive sight next spring. Will Varley ting of the Lon Ei on cycle track, starting at cycle paths- as wide in fact as many coun- which is Snowdon. Why not combine your City has a great history, having won our Fri 30 Nov v Llangefni Town Caernarfon (6 miles west of Bangor). try lanes. e important thing to remember visit with a trip on the narrow gauge Welsh national league twice, and with cup honours Some people might say that Lon Ei on is that this cycle path is suitable for racing Highland Railway, that runs parallel to Lon aplenty. We also have a proud European is the most well-known and well-used cycle bikes as well as mountain bikes and people Ei on for 5km (3 miles) from Caernarfon to record – playing in various competitions KO 7.30 route on the national cycle network. Lon Ei- of all ages can enjoy it. Dinas station? over eight seasons – and recently campaigns STUDENTS ADMITTED  on is a green avenue of trees and plants that Adjacent to (but just o ) the path there Lon Ei on is part of Lon Las Cymru, have taken us to Romania, Yugoslavia and FREE TO THIS MATCH – stretches between the busy historical town of is a café at Inigo Jones slate museum about 5 route number 8 on the National Cycle Net- Latvia. Look out for more European adven- Caernarfon (the cycle path starts 400 yards miles south of Caernarfon. It is open all year BRING YOUR NUS CARD work. tures at the end of this season. south of Caernarfon Castle car park) and from 10am till 4pm, so if you’re a er a rela- e future is also exciting as we are gear- the rural village of Bryncir to the south. e tively short cycle and a cup of tea then this Will Varley ing up for a move to a new out-of town sta- AS ID scenic 12.5 mile cycle path has recently been is the cycle path for you! Take the chance to dium at Nantporth on the Holyhead Road.