Research Excellence Recognised N Monday 5Th December, Bangor University Held a New Awards Night Focusing on Re- Searcho Excellence Within the Univer- Sity

Bangor University Students’ Union December Issue 2016 English Language Issue No. 259 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk

CHAPECOENSE TRAGEDY MERRY CHRISTMAS! A YEAR IN MUSIC Research excellence recognised n Monday 5th December, Bangor University held a new awards night focusing on re- searchO excellence within the Univer- sity. e night was held at Pontio and shone a light on outstanding research done by teams and individuals. e Awards were devised to celebrate the individual achievements of academic sta at di erent career points, including rising stars, a Doc- toral student and a Lifetime Achieve- ment Award. Awards celebrating an outstanding project or programmes within the Sciences and the Arts & Humanities and Social Sciences and for an International project were also presented. Professor John G Hughes, Vice- Chancellor of Bangor University said: “Research is an integral part of our teaching and a passion of our sta . Our research is having a major impact on people’s lives, both locally and globally. ese Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise and highlight the world-leading research that we have here.” Professor John Simpson of the School of Ocean Sciences won the Universi- ties rst Lifetime Achievement Award for his career that has spanned over Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award Professor John Simpson (middle) with Professor John G Hughes, Vice-Chancellor (left) half a century with the University. His and Professor Jo Rycroft-Malone, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Impact (right) work has consistently in uenced the eld of physical oceanography and has cussed on bar-headed geese, whose pean Travellers to Wales 1750-2010, colleagues and collaborators, for mak- award and very privileged to have had helped establish Bangor University as migration pattern takes them across e International Research Excellence ing Bangor University such a support- the opportunity to take on this project, a global leader in marine turbulence. the Himalayas, and on the great frig- Award went to Professor Peter Goly- ive and collegiate environment where which has provided a hugely diverse Prof Simpson said: “I feel very proud atebird, which stays alo for weeks at shin, School of Biological Sciences for early stage researchers can thrive.” range of challenges and opportuni- on receiving this award, not just for a time by using air currents above the his work to search extreme marine Finally, e Doctoral student re- ties.“ Professor Jo Rycro -Malone, myself, but for all those colleagues Indian Ocean. Dr Bishop said: “I am environments to nd new microbes search Excellence Award was present- Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Im- and students who have worked with delighted that our work on how di er- which could be used in biotechnology. ed to Dr Claire Szostek, School of the pact gave a view of the overall night: me over the years to raise our game ent environmental conditions can af- is successful project paved the way School of Ocean Sciences for her work “ e nalists at this inaugural event and put the Bangor School of Ocean fect bird ight and migration has been to another major EU funded project, with English Channel shermen to are testimony that research at Bangor Sciences high in the world league of acknowledged with this award for currently under way. understand sustainable levels of sh- University is vibrant and thriving. It’s Oceanography Centres.” research excellence from Bangor Uni- e Rising Star Award was given to ing in the scallop shery. Claire spent a delight to reward and value our very e inaugural Research Excellence versity. I would like to thank all those Dr. James McDonald of the School of a considerable time meeting sher- best researchers and to inspire others.” in Science Award was presented to Dr people who have contributed over the Biological Sciences which celebrates men and on board commercial scallop Following the inaugural Research Charles Bishop of the School of Bio- years, both at home and abroad, and academic achievements in the early shing vessels. Among other outputs, Excellence Awards, these new Awards logical Sciences. Dr Bishop has led in- look forward to participating in future stages of a researchers career, who is her work has resulted in the rst ever will be held on alternate years with ternational research groups research- research discoveries.” showing promise for the future. quantitative map of the distribution of the University’s Impact & Innovation ing exactly how birds manage amazing Other awards including e Arts & Dr McDonald said: “I am delighted inshore scallop shing e orts across Awards. ights through thin air or over vast Humanities Award was won by Profes- to receive the Rising Star Award and the English Channel. Dr Szostek said: oceans. Dr Bishop’s research has fo- sor Carol Tully for her work on Euro- would like to thank my research team, “I feel extremely proud to receive this

December Issue 2016 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 10 35 News 4-5 Politics 6-7 Science 8 Breaktime 9 Arts & Culture 10 Comment 11 EMILY RIMMER What’s On? 12-13 4 EDITOR Union 14-15 [email protected] Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas!! I Societies 16 know we are a bit too early here at Seren but it is that time of year Music 17-19 again when we gain 2 stone worth TV 20-21 of chocolate weight, drink way too many classes of prosecco and Film 22-23 listen to copious amount of Michael Buble. Games 24-25 As we break up a week before Christmas we wanted to get our Books 26 festive cheer out to you just in time before you all start heading home. Christmas 27 If you are like me you cannot wait Fashion 30-31 to be heading home after a long 12 weeks of lectures, assignments Lifestyle 32-33 and unrelenting stress relating breakdowns to be surrounded by Food & Drink 34-35 decorations. Christmas is the time of year I Travel 36-37 30 38 look forward to the most all year, and not just for advent calendars, Sport 38-40 but to spend time with the family cosy on the sofa. I’m sure you all have your own Christmas traditions with your family and friends; mine have changed over the years as family has gotten older but they 26 still ring true to me. We always start Christmas Eve with a trip to the cinema to see the latest release that month, for the past two years it has been James Bond and Star Wars. My sister and me then nish o Christmas Eve with the classic Polar Express in our PJ’s and a tin of Quality Street. And I know I may be way too old to admit it but we keep the festive spirit alive and leave a mince pie for Santa. When 36 Christmas Day arrives it’s downstairs at a reasonable time to open presents and then sit around in your Christmas Onsie until mum shouts for help with the turkey: this year I am in charge of deserts so wish me luck! The rest of Christmas revolves around family getting together, drinking too much and taking the mick out of cheesy Christmas shows. Seren is also getting together to have our annual Christmas meal at The Harp to celebrate all the great success we have had this semester and for all their hard work they have put into their pages. I know it maybe cheesy but wherever you are or whoever you are with this Christmas spare a thought for those who aren’t celebrating Christmas like we all can and who those who cant not be with us. I hope you all have an TEAM CONTRIBUTORS amazing Christmas and stay safe!! ----- Editor Emily Rimmer Arts & Culture Editor Alexander Polanski F on Jones Deputy Editor Emma Jewkes TV Editor Jordan King Natasha Froggatt The views presented hereinafter News Editor Beth Smith Film Editor Joe Caine Tiarna Armstrong do not represent the views of Seren Politics Editor Will Keeley Music Editor Finnian Shardlow Laura Aspin Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Comment Editor J.P. Bebbington What’s On Editor Madeleine Towell Ben Smith Bangor University. Science Editor Azat Kalybay Lifestyle Editor Abbie Howard Conor Glacklin Books Editor Chloe Heath Fashion Editor Sash Deacon Lizzy Dillon ----- Games Editor Megan Richards Food & Drink Editor Charles Ben-Co e Jack Whatley Environment Editor Yendle Barwise Travel Editor Matty Rowland Seren is printed by NWN Media. Sport Editor Jack Hollinshead 4 Seren | December Issue 2016 NEWS IN BRIEF Actor Celyn Jones visits Bangor Uni

CELYN Jones is visited Bangor University’s School of Creative Studies and Media as part of a programme of visits arranged by the school. Students across numerous degree programmes within the school attended a Q&A session with the successful actor, producer and screenwriter. Celyn, who was born and raised in Dentists slam Coca Cola’s Christmas Holyhead, received amazing reviews for his portrayal of Dylan omas in the 2014 award-winning lm, Set Fire truck for ruining their good work to the Stars , produced by Mad as Birds Films, the North Wales-based compa- entists are claiming Coca dental health. NHS is ghting a hard battle against enamel. ny of which he is creative director. Cola’s Christmas truck is ru- ey worry the brightly-lit truck’s the power of multi-billion dollar in- A Coca Cola spokesman said: “ e In the past, the School of Creative ining their good work of edu- seasonal visit is encouraging new gen- dustries who market these products. Coca-Cola Christmas truck tour pro- Studies and Media has welcomed such catingD families about the dangers of erations of young people to drink zzy Coca Cola know the value of using vides a moment of fun for friends and luminaries as lm producer David sugary drinks. drinks, even though studies show they pester power to sell their products to families to come together in the build- Puttnam and Tim Haines, the Creative ousands of people descended on are bad for teeth. parents, and we have a responsibility up to Christmas. As part of the expe- Director of Drama for ITV Studios and Wrexham when the red truck drove Chris Johnson, consultant in pub- to challenge marketing which aims to rience we o er small 150ml cans of Bangor University graduate. ere has city centre on Tuesday, November lic health for public health Wales, make zzy drinks as integral a part Coca-Cola Classic and two sugar-free also been a recent visit from investiga- 29. It was such a popular attraction based in Mold, said: “We support of celebrating Christmas as Santa or options – Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and tive journalist and documentary-mak- last year that it caused hours of traf- the concerns raised by Dental and C aro l s .” Diet Coke. e Christmas truck tour er David Williams, and former war c misery for motorists when it visited Public Health Colleagues across the Experts claim zzy so drinks, operates in line with our responsible correspondent Mark Nicholls will also Colwyn Bay and Newtown. UK about the Coca Cola truck tour- whether they include sugar or are marketing policy so we don’t sample be visiting the school within the next few weeks. Osian Williams, a recent is winter public health o cials ing our communities this Christmas diet versions, contain acids which our drinks directly to under-12s” graduate of the School, whose produc- have voiced concerns over children’s handing out free so drinks. e erode teeth’s protective outer layer of tion company, SSP Media is currently involved in TV and lm projects on both sides of the Atlantic, will also be coming to share his experiences with current students at the school. Chapecoense air crash: Plane ‘ran out of fuel’ olombian o cials say evidence 28th of November. a formal distress call. is lead to an- is growing that a plane carry- Only six of the 77 people on board other plane from airline VivaColombia ing a Brazilian football team the plane survived. having a priority landing because it Ccrashed because it ran out of fuel as it In the tape, the pilot can be heard had already su ered a fuel leak, the co- attempted to land. warning of a “total electric failure” and pilot of another plane in the air at the e plane had no fuel on impact, an “lack of fuel”. Just before the tape ends, time said. o cial said, due to evidence of audio he says he is ying at an altitude of e pilot of the crashed plane is of the pilot asking to land because of 9,000 (2,745m). heard asking urgently for directions to a fuel shortage and electric failure e plane was carrying the Brazilian the airport before the audio recording surfaced. football team Chapecoense, who had ends. Police appeal e capital Bogota was mentioned been due to play a cup nal against O cials say the plane’s “black boxes”, on the ight plan as a possible refuel- Atletico Nacional in Medellin on which record ight details, will be sent a er bike stolen ling stop, but the plane did not land Wednesday evening. to the UK to be opened by investiga- there. Approaching Medellin, the pilot tors. A full investigation into the crash outside Bangor e plane plunged into a mountain- asked for permission to land because is expected to take months. University side near Medellin late on Monday of fuel problems but did not make this

NORTH Wales Police are appealing for information a er a bike was stolen Inventor of the Big Mac dies, aged 98 from outside of Bangor University. e Giant hybrid road bike in silver n 1967, Michael “Jim” Delligatti regular bun, we didn’t have any centre and grey was stolen sometime between came up with the formula of hav- [bread] slice,” Delligatti told Reuters in November 22 and 24 from outside li- ing two lots of everything - beef 2007. “Making it that way made it very brary on Deiniol Road. patties,I lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions sloppy. e next day we put the centre Anyone who may have witnessed the and special sauce - in one burger. slice in, and today it looks the same.” bike being taken or who may know its He was one of the company’s rst In 2007 he opened the Big Mac whereabouts is asked to contact the franchisees, running stores in the US Museum, where visitors can be pho- Investigation Support Team on 101 in the 1950s. tographed in front of the world’s larg- quoting reference RC16177732. McDonald’s described him as a “leg- est Big Mac - which is more than four Alternatively call Crimestoppers endary” person who “made a lasting metres wide. anonymously on 0800 555111 or con- impression on our brand”. He passed away on 28th of November tact the control room direct via the He invented the Big Mac in a restau- in Pittsburgh, surrounded by his new web live chat http://www.north- rant in Uniontown in Pennsylvania. It family. wales.police.uk/contact/chat- had seven ingredients and was more support.aspx elaborate than the other dishes the franchise was serving at the time. “ e rst day we just used the December Issue 2016 | Seren 5 NEWS Clown of Aleppo killed in air strike IN Syrian man who worked as agency reports. a clown to bring comfort to “He lived to make children laugh and BRIEF children in a rebel-held part of happy in the darkest most dangerous AAleppo has reportedly been killed in place,” Mahmoud al-Basha, who iden- an air strike. ti ed himself as Anas’ brother, wrote Anas al-Basha, 24, was a centre di- on Facebook. “Anas who refused to rector for the civil society group, Space leave Aleppo and decided to stay there of Hope. to continue his work as a volunteer, to Government forces have been help the civilians and give gi s for the pounding rebel-held eastern districts children in the streets to bring hope of Aleppo as they continue an all-out for them.” assault to regain full control of the city. Mr Basha’s supervisor, Samar Hijazi, Around 250,000 people are living told AP she would remember him as Injured seal under siege with 100,000 of them be- a friend who loved to work with chil- ing children. dren. “He would act out skits for the found in Conwy ere are no functioning hospi- children to break the walls between tals le , and o cial food stocks are them. All of us in this eld are ex- to be released by exhausted. hausted, and we have to nd strength Mr Basha died in an air strike on to provide psychological support and RSPCA Cymru Tuesday in the Mashhad neighbour- continue with our work.” hood, the Associated Press news A SEAL pup that was rescued in Conwy is recovering well and could be released into the wild in the new year, RSPCA Cymru has said. New £5 note contains animal fat which e seal pup was found on the opposite shore from Conwy town with an eye injury and of a mother earlier in is angering vegetarians and vegans November. It was taken to the Welsh Mountain Zoo where its wounds have thankfully he new £5 note uses animal fat, they come up with something a little healed. tallow, and has been branded bit more modern? Now there’s a huge RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh said: “disrespectful” as a petition amount of people that eat a plant- “It’s fantastic news that this seal pup Tagainst the inclusion of tallow reaches based diet or are vegan. ey are not is on the mend, a er such a tough 5,000 signatures. just disrespecting a tiny minority.” ord e a l .” Fury among vegetarians and vegans On the use of tallow, he said: “It is But he urged the public not to ap- erupted following con rmation by the incredibly disrespectful - we have no proach all lone seals, as they have not Bank of England that the new polymer choice with money. We have to use it. necessarily been abandoned by their notes, released in September, contain ey issue it through ATMs and hand mothers. the suet derivative. them to us in shops. e pup’s release has been planned Doug Maw, of Keswick in Cumbria, “If we refuse them and they haven’t for the rst three months of 2017. started a petition against the use of got anything else, what are we going tallow in the new £5 notes, which has to do? Basically, we are being forced to over 100,000 signatures, and said he have animal products on us.” has been le “disgusted”. He said he has started a second peti- Recorded “I understand old notes contain stu tion on the UK Government petition as well - we can’t do anything about site, which is awaiting authorisation, suicide on the what is in circulation - but the fact they in a bid to get the issue debated and are producing new ones is what really addressed. rise in Wales riles me,” he told the Press Association. A spokeswoman from the Bank of THE number of recorded suicides “ ere is no excuse for it. ere has England said: “We can con rm that has risen sharply in Wales, according got to be other ways of making money the polymer pellet from which the to latest gures from the O ce for without using animal products.” base substrate is made contains a trace National Statistics (ONS). “I don’t think anything will happen of a substance known as tallow. In 2015, 350 people took their own about what has already been made, “Tallow is derived from animal fats lives compared to 247 in the previous but I just hope they produce new ones (suet) and is a substance that is also year. without using animal fats,” he said. widely used in the manufacture of can- However, the charity Samaritans “It is the Bank of England - can’t dles and soap.” said the apparent increase needed to be “treated with caution.” It said the uctuations from one year to another could be put be down “problems Wales organ donations increase a er with accuracy”. In many cases, there can be a substantial delay in register- ing a death by suicide. Out of the 350 consent law changes suicides registered last year, just under half happened before 2015. e ONS said: “Part of the rise in the ore organs are being donated Consultant Dr Chris Hingston, number of suicides registered in Wales and more lives saved a year clinical lead for organ donation in 2015 can be explained by a higher a er Wales became the only at University Hospital of Wales in proportion of suicides occurring in Mnation in the UK to introduce a new Cardi , said: “We’ve seen a big impact previous years being included in this donation law, according to ministers. at the bedside in terms of families ap- year’s gures.” Adults are regarded as having al- proaching us to ask about organ do- Last year’s recorded suicides involved lowed organ donation unless they have nation, but equally families when we 274 men and 76 women. e highest opted out. asked them if their loved ones wished number were in Cardi (34), followed In the last year, there have been to become a donor actually know the by Swansea (18), Newport (16) and 160 organs transplanted and 39 were wishes. Even if that’s not to become a Ceredigion (8). through deemed consent. donor, so they’re refusing, but they’re e chief executive of Samaritans, Wales’ Health Secretary Vaughan con dent that that’s the right deci- Ruth Sutherland said: “Suicide is not Gething said numbers were encour- sion for their loved ones. As a clini- inevitable, it’s preventable and politi- aging and the change had been “good cian that’s all I ever wanted - that there cians, employers, health bodies and n e w s”. wasn’t a grey area where there’s indeci- educators all have a role in identify- In 2016, up to September, there were sion and di culty for families.” ing and supporting those most at risk. 42 deceased organ donors, broadly the With better awareness and education same as the previous year. on suicide prevention, as well as better planning, we will save lives”. 6 Seren | December Issue 2016 POLITICS CASTRO BURIED AT BIRTHPLACE OF THE REVOLUTION

by WILLIAM KEELEY su ered from intestinal issues, which opponents, intellectuals and even for- have taken to the sea in an attempt to are believed to be the cause of him mer allies. State broadcasting became a nd refuge in the United States. Trump threatens ine days a er his death the stepping down in 2006, may be to mouthpiece for the President, while all Castro’s romantic appeal, as a revo- remains of socialist dictator blame. Opinion on the leader remains other forms of media became heavily lutionary in de ance of an oppres- to terminate of of Cuba, Fidel Castro, have divided, with the public outpouring in censored by state o cials. sive United States, continues to create Nbeen laid to rest in the Cuban city of Cuba standing in stark contrast with According to Amnesty International, misplaced eulogies, from the widely US-Cuba deal Santiago, the birthplace of the Social- the hatred of many Cuban exiles in the Cuba has, over more than ve decades, condemned remarks by the Cana- he deal between the United ist revolution which dominated his United States and further abroad, as recorded a relentless campaign of hu- dian Prime Minister, that Castro’s States and Cuba, struck in 2014 life. ousands gathered, lining the well as Cuba’s long history of Human man rights abuses against those who mild improvements in healthcare and between President Barack Oba- Rights abuses. would speak against the Cuban gov- education compensated for a lifelong Tma and President Raul Castro, Fidel’s streets to see the procession and lling Revolution Square to its peak for one Castro rst came to prominence as ernment. Authorities imprisoned dis- history of tyranny, to comments by brother, which saw diplomatic ties re- nal rally for their dead demagogue. part of the small group of revolution- sidents, solely for peacefully exercising Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour stored and trade opened up, has been e event marks the end of nine days aries who launched an attack on the their freedom of expression, associa- Party, who praised Castro as “a cham- threatened in recent comments made of state-sanctioned national mourn- Moncada barracks in Santiago on the tion and assembly, as Castro operated pion of Social Justice”. His legacy will by the President-Elect. ing in Cuba, and the four-day journey 26th of July 1953. e attack failed, but a campaign of “ruthless suppression”. be one covered in the blood of dissi- of Castro’s remains from the nation’s was considered the rst act of revolu- Human Rights Watch reports thou- dents, leaving behind a nation which capital, Havana. tion which would go on to topple the sands were jailed in abysmal prisons, is kept locked in time, and which, Castro, having survived over six- US-backed government six years later. with thousands more harassed and in the words of the Human Rights hundred assassination attempts by In the earliest days of the revolution- intimidated, and entire generations Watch report, still keeps in its arsenal the United States, died at the age of ary republic, critics claim the rebels denied political freedoms.In the words “the abusive tactics developed during 90, a decade a er having purportedly executed hundreds, some say thou- of Castro’s own sister, “Fidel and Raúl [Castro’s] time in power – including stepped down as leader of Cuba. e sands, in kangaroo court-sanctioned made [Cuba] an enormous prison sur- surveillance, beatings, arbitrary deten- cause of Castro’s death has yet to be atrocities. Castro used threats, jail and rounded by water.” Since the birth of tion, and public acts of repudiation”. made public, but reports that Castro banishment as means of suppressing the republic, over a million Cubans Italian Prime Minister resigns following humiliating referendum defeat rime Minister Matteo Renzi has parties and further instability within conceded defeat in an historic Europe. Joining with fellow Populist referendum and announced parties across Europe, Beppe Grillo, plansP to resign within the week. In a leader of Italian anti-establishment Speaking just days a er the death vote which would have seen major party, Five Star, rejoiced at the news of Fidel Castro, Trump and his advis- constitutional reform in Italy, with of Renzi’s resignation and called for an ers have announced that if Cuba does signi cant reductions to the Senate, election “within a week”. Nigel Farage, not make fundamental changes to its and moving political power into the previous leader of UKIP, said the vote government and administration, then hands of Italy’s lower house (similar to re ected “more about the Euro than they will “absolutely” roll back poli- the House of Commons), the govern- constitutional change”. cies initiated under Obama. Kellyanne ment has su ered a humiliating defeat Most analysts see immediate election Conway, one of Trump’s top advisors, with a ‘No’ victory by almost twenty as unlikely. Instead, the Democratic commented that Trump would only points. What had begun as complex Party (previously led by Renzi) will es- open “new conversations” if a “very political reform morphed into a vote tablish a caretaker government untill di erent Cuba” emerged. Trump had of con dence in Renzi’s government, the 2018 election. e result marks a previously condemned Fidel as a “bru- and acceptance of mainstream politics signi cant victory for populism, fol- tal dictator who oppressed his own as a whole. Despite some opposition, lowing on the coattails of Brexit and people for nearly six decades”, and the Yes camp was widely seen as repre- Donald Trump, and has opened the with recent comments by Raul Castro, senting status-quo, with populist par- prospect of Italy leaving the European pledging to protect the legacy of his ties campaigning in support of a No Union and scrapping the Euro, which brother, it seems unlikely that signi - vote. has been blamed for economic stagna- cant change will come to Cuba. e victory of the No camp will have tion in the country. EU Finance Com- Reversing the policies enacted by impact beyond the borders of Italy, missioner, Pierre Moscovici, played Obama would face opposition from with the potential to rattle European down the impact, saying that he was business interests, but would nd sup- and global markets. e Euro sank to “con dent in the capacity of the Euro- port in the Cuban refugee population, a 20-month low as traders fretted over zone to resist all kinds of shocks”. who remain hostile to the Castro ad- the possibility of the rise of anti-EU ministration of their island. December Issue 2016 | Seren 7 POLITICS Saudi woman faces calls for MPs call for UK to catch up on execution over sel e Transgender rights

alak Al Shehri has sparked fury in Saudi Arabia and has faced calls for her execution Mfollowing being pictured (see above) without a hijab on the streets of the nation’s capital, Riyadh. Such an act is strictly against the nation’s extremely conservative rules which dictate women, local or foreign, must wear a full body cloak (an abaya) when in public and that Muslim women must wear a headscarf (a hijab). e picture, which quickly spread across social media, was met with outrage, with one man demanding: “Kill her and throw her corpse to the dogs”. A hashtag demanding Al Shehri’s imprisonment cept transgender ideology, marks the for changes in gender recognition “in amount of information needs to be by WILLIAM KEELEY subsequently went viral, with support- rst time that many MPs have given line with the principles of gender self- gathered by the consultants about the ers demanding “harsh punishment for embers of Parliament from a voice to the usually lesser discussed declaration”. individual before they can begin to the heinous situation”. While many across the major parties have issue. Members of the SNP were most en- proceed.” vented their outrage, others voiced called on the UK to recognise Labour MP Caroline Flint urged cau- thusiastic about progressive changes, UKIP’s David Kurten said that M“gender identity” on passports and in their support, and encouraged Saudis, tion, encouraging MPs to be “mindful with SNP MP George Kerevan saying whilst protecting people who consider also via hashtag, to “stand with Malak”. law and encourage transgender lessons of creating neutral-gender environ- that “gender is a social construct” and themselves as transgender is impor- e controversy follows heated de- and “gender neutral” toilets in schools, ments that actually may prove more of “not primarily a biological construct” tant, children must be protected from bate on the position of women on the among other changes which would a risk to women themselves” pointing which “should be recognised in law”. propaganda and life-changing treat- Arabian Peninsula, particularly that of better accommodate the transgender to incidents of men using gender neu- Fellow SNP MP Angela Crawley insist- ments. He condemned the push to women drivers. Saudi Arabia remains community. While a number of local tral toilets to sexually abuse women in ed the law “be updated to recognise an force teachers and schools to actively the only country to still ban female authorities already produce guidelines UK universities. Flint was promptly at- individual’s gender identity, which has propagandise transgender agenda, and drivers, but recent comments by a regarding transgender issues, with tacked by others in the Chamber, with nothing to do with their birth gender”. teachers who do not comply could nd member of the Saudi Royal Family some guidance targeting children as fellow Labour MP Ruth Cadbury con- Meanwhile, Labour’s Lyn Brown themselves guilty of a ‘hate crime’, say- suggests the nation may soon look to young as four, the system is considered demning the United States for legislat- called for the NHS to o er accelerated ing “Children should not be confused change this decades-old rule to allow “woefully inept” by campaigners. e ing that biological sex should deter- access to “services such as hormone or harmed to suit the politically cor- for female drivers within the con nes debate, the rst following the publi- mine which bathroom one would use. therapy or genital surgery”, condemn- rect ideologies of militant ‘progressive’ of city limits. cation of the Women’s and Equalities Conservative MP Maria Miller called ing the current system where “a large adults.” committee calling for the State to ac- Supreme Court convenes to hear Brexit appeal or the rst time in the history of they claim only Parliament has the the Supreme Court, all 11 judges power to do. have gathered to hear the gov- If the government should go on to ernment’sF appeal on last month’s high lose their case in the Supreme Court, court ruling. e decision, which saw the government is expected to pro- the executive prevented from invoking duce a short bill to be pushed rapidly Article 50 without the permission of through parliament, which would parliament, enraged Brexit supporters authorise the triggering of Article 50. with some newspapers accusing the May has insisted that a parliamentary judges of opposing the will of the Brit- vote would not disrupt her plans to ish people. start the process of exitting the EU. It A parliamentary vote, which would should also be noted that the vast ma- open the door for pro-Europe Mem- jority of MPs have said they will vote bers of Parliament delaying or so en- in support of the government. ing the withdrawal, has been strongly One possible result, albeit less likely, opposed by May’s government. Attor- will be that the case is referred to Eu- ney General Jeremy Wright, who set ropean Court of Justice. is may be out the government’s argument, said down to considerations that a case High Court judges were “wrong to handling European treaties should be relegate, almost to a footnote, the out- handled at the European level. come of the referendum”. Labour has announced plans to seek Foreign Minister, Boris Johnson, amendments to any bill proposed, po- voiced con dence for the govern- tentially delaying the process. Party ment’s argument, saying that there is leader, Jeremy Corbyn, said amend- no precedent “in any EU negotiations ments would ensure Britain retains or any EU treaty talks of the House of access to the European single market, Commons doing anything to fetter the even at the cost of maintaining free- discretion of the government.” dom of movement. He denied seek- Legal Expert Michael Zander, pro- ing to prevent the government from fessor at the London School of Eco- invoking article 50, instead he hoped nomics and Political Science, said “the to remove total power of negotiations government could be looking at losing from the government’s hands. 11-0”. Claimants in the case argue that e case will last for four days, with triggering Article 50 would remove the judges coming to a nal decision in certain rights the British people cur- late January. rently enjoy under EU law – which 8 Seren | December Issue 2016 SCIENCE UK close to allowing creation of babies with three parents

areas where some believe science the UK Human Fertilisation and their technique and now seeks of experiments, during further trials should not go into. Whether you are Embryology Authority (HFEA) gave permission to transplant embryos to a with embryonic-stem-cell lines, 3 by AZAT KALYBAY for or against it, scientists see a lot approval on their third application in human subject from the US Food and of 15 regained the mutated set of of opportunity in tackling diseases 2005 and the Newcastle team began Drug Administration (FDA). During mitochondria. In the process of other itochondria is a fascinating during the most important stage of their work on incorrectly fertilized the meetings chaired by Evan Snyder, experiments to cultivate various organelle accountable for physical development. eggs from an a liated IVF clinic. Five a stem-cell biologist at Sanford- organs from stem cells of the new energy production and Basically, there are two techniques years later, the researchers published Burnham Medical Research Institute embryos, some cases still displayed Mcellular respiration. Widely thought that have been developed to treat a paper where they showed that it in La Jolla, members although carry-over. From these comes a to be once its own organism, it is eggs with mutant mitochondria. was possible to perform pronuclear favorable to the technique as a tool question – what do we need to do to now an inherent part of our cellular First is called pronuclear transfer. It transfer on a human egg cell to tackle mitochondrial diseases were prevent carry-over? structure where it played a crucial involves in-vitro fertilization (IVF) successfully and that the egg would anxious of how little was still known. One possible solution is to nd so- part in the evolution of multicellular of an egg by sperm of a woman contain very few faulty mitochondria. e general impression was towards called matching donors. e idea is to organisms. One big reason why we with faulty mitochondria and then A er that, the Newcastle team asked looking into reproductive patterns of nd egg donors with mitochondrial think that mitochondria used to be transplantation of the resulting nuclear the UK government to change the law the ve monkeys in the future, which DNA (or haplotypes) similar to separate entities is that they have their DNA to a healthy donor egg with that prohibits their procedure from would potentially postpone a decision recipient’s. Mitalipov’s team argue that unique genome, although most has normal mitochondria. e second being trialed on humans. e inquiry by decades. us, the UK looks as unique genetic di erences between been lost a er time. Notably, while is called maternal spindle transfer provoked many hearings, reports and it may become the rst country to mitochondria explain why mutant our nuclear DNA comes from both where the ‘spindle’ of genetic material debates across the country, but so far explicitly allow birth of children with mitochondria occasionally outcompete parents, our mitochondrial DNA is removed from an unfertilized egg none became a major obstacle. is DNA from three individuals. At the the healthy ones. Assigning donors comes exclusively from our mothers and added to a normal egg, where month, the HFEA will be deciding moment, fertility doctors from Mexico that have ‘matching’ haplotypes and this mitochondrial genome, for the egg undergoes IVF in a healthy whether to approve clinical trials on and Ukraine reported such procedure would therefore reduce the chances reasons not yet known, is a lot more egg. e di erence between the two is humans and if so, the rst procedures to have already been done as these of mutant mitochondria taking over. prone to mutation than the nuclear that in pronuclear transfer, IVF takes could start by April 2017. countries do not have laws covering Nevertheless, others disagree that genome. us, various mitochondrial place in the original egg, whereas in Simultaneously, a team of researchers the issue. e concern with it is that matching donors is the best step as Iain diseases a ecting predominantly maternal spindle transfer IVF occurs led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov at the more people are travelling abroad to Johnston, a biomathematician at the high-energy requiring cells in the in a healthy egg and then develops into Oregon Health and Science University get these treatments and the quality of University of Birmingham, UK, who brain and muscles are observed in as an embryo. in Beaverton have been carrying out the procedure is poor. studies mitochondrial inheritance many as 1 in 5,000 newborns. Once a At the beginning, pronuclear similar experiments with monkeys. However, mitochondrial- remarks: “You’re setting up an arms baby inherits faulty mitochondria, the transfer was performed in the 1980s In 2009, Mitalipov’s team reported replacement therapy is not always race between the two mitochondrial disorder is e ectively untreatable. e on mice to understand intricate ways birth of two healthy rhesus macaques e ective. Studies show that up to 2% genotypes and keeping your ngers most famous solution for this issue of cellular development. In the mid who have undergone maternal spindle of the cell’s mutant mitochondria are crossed. I think a better use of time has become a topic of heated debate 1990s, researchers hypothesized that transfer. Subsequently, ve monkeys unintentionally transferred during the and money would be to redouble our and governments across the world pronuclear transfer could prevent have been conceived in total, one procedure, a phenomenon known as e orts to get the carry-over as close are discussing whether to greenlight mitochondrial disease from being from a frozen egg to imitate a likely carry-over. Sometimes, these mutant to zero as we possibly can”. He added human trials. transmitted in human eggs. is clinical scenario. ese monkeys mitochondria outcompete healthy that it would be preferable to nd Reproductive medicine has inspired Douglass Turnbull, professor have since displayed normal health donor’s mitochondria to a degree matching donors, but it should not considerable opposition. In all of of Neurology at Newcastle University, conditions with current plans to breed that a disease would still occur. In be mandatory. At the end of the day, science research, genetic modi cation to try to test this hypothesis with them to observe their fertility. Since Mitalopov’s team experiments with researchers say they cannot ensure of human embryo is one of the few his team and seek approval from these experiments, the US based team human eggs, although there was no total safety without clinical trials. regulators to do so. A er 18 months, claims to have signi cantly improved sign of carry-over in the rst stage December Issue 2016 | Seren 9 BREAKTIME

THE SEREN WORDSEARCH

SUDOKU! EASY

HARD BELLS SEASON GREETINGS CANDLES SLEIGH HOLIDAY CANDYCANE STOCKING JOLLY CARDS TREE JOY CELEBRATE WREATH MERRY CHIMNEY ELVES MISTLETOE CHRISTMAS FROSTY NOEL RUDOLPH GIFT NORTHPOLE SANTA GIVING REINDEER 10 Seren | December Issue 2016 ARTS & CULTURE IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME

booming market of lms, music vehicles festooned with lights, tinsel it in a religious way or not, you can’t as the brief window of opportunity by ALEXANDER POLANSKI and cultural events formed around and other accoutrements of this deny the joy this holiday brings for these shows leaves them sold hristmas has always been a it. ings like Santa’s Grotto, the season. e frozen, huddled masses people, especially with the charity out in moments. time of celebration. Going christmas cinema season and make their way around christmas events like Operation Christmas So, pull your blankets up around back thousands of years to concerts drawing millions of people markets and black friday sales Child, amongst others. you, pour your hot drink of choice Cthe earliest Pagan celebrations, we a year worldwide to see the big man trying to nd the perfect thing for eatres around December are and sit back, rewatching the same have always held this time of year himself, Santa that is, who was that special someone. Trying to t usually lled with the laughter lms and shows we know have as one of family, remembrance and originally garbed in green, before a christmas tree in a car, while still of children and parents as the been and will be on every single togetherness, with relatives you’ve the Coca-Cola company decided to being able to drive it, only to have Pantomime and musical season year. Long live the Two Ronnies, never heard of or met before appearing make him red, which then became the cat pull it down on Christmas rolls on, with tours of “Cinderella” Morecambe and Wise and Only on the doorstep on the 23rd and not his default colour. eve. (Currently featuring Paul O’Grady Fools and Horses. And with this, I leaving til the new year. e air is lled with the sounds ese are just some of the things and Julian Clarey), “Aladdin”, bid you all merry christmas, happy It hasn’t gone without changes of cheesy music round this time, we’ve come to know and love about “Oliver Twist” and the classic “A holidays and have an extra mince though, as we can see with the buildings, gardens and even some this season. Whether you celebrate Christmas Carol” and many more, pie for me!

imaginative ways, along with a cabinet and other pieces of the cluttered yet MACBETH clean staging. roduced by the Swansea-based e performances from Mairi and Volcano eatre company, di- Alex were spectacular, embracing the rected by Paul Davis and star- madness of the piece while perfectly ringP Mairi Phillips as Lady Macbeth encapsulating the feel and ow of this and Alex Harris as Macbeth, this most unique of adaptations, going creative and gripping take on a classic from original lines of the shakespeare piece is both evocative and enthralling, text, to much more contemporary dia- fusing aspects of a number of theatri- logue, breaking the fourth wall repeat- cal styles including the works of Ber- edly but still maintaining character, all tolt Brecht and Antonin Artaud. while lling the stage with the energy is show features ingenious use of of a cast ten times larger audience participation, from opening Volcano eatre made a truly mem- with a conversation with the audience orable performance with this, and I to calling up audience members for the hope they continue their work at this infamous feast, this show kept viewers level of expertise. engaged the whole way through. Marvellous use of props and lighting brought an element of the bizarre, with a musical horn being used in multiple,

Siwan (Johanna Vilay) su ered from SIWAN problems with diction; her accent making it hard to understand some roduced, directed and starring of her lines and breaking the ow of the Bangor English Drama Soci- conversation. is had the e ect of ety (BEDS), this piece was origi- making the story somewhat di cult to nallyP written and performed in welsh. follow properly and her motives hard It is a tale of a french princess, Siwan, to understand. living in Wales and falling for a noble- e ow and tempo of this piece was man while still married to a prince, good, with the pace keeping steady e production of this show was until the climactic moment of Gwilyms quite good, with set, staging, props and death and the a ermath of Siwan costume all working well within the trying to piece together why, with all narrative shown onstage. her questions answered by the rather e acting was strong from most of disappointing nish. the cast, with Gwylim (Byron Dean), Prince Llewelyn (Ryan Proudlove) and Siwans handmaiden Alis (Hannah- Marie Hailes) performing well and expertly delivering the story. However the titular character of Seren | December Issue 2016 11 COMMENT CHRISTMAS DISMAY

by EMMA JEWKES In reality, the best we can hope for are even worse than the originals. is a scattering of snow followed The lack of musical originality at t’s Christmas! The time of snow, by days of sludge. When all that’s Christmas means that we are forced music, food, spending time with required for someone to win a White to recycle the same songs we’ve Ifamily and all manner of good Christmas bet is for a single ake been listening to for the past fteen cheer...or is it? Let’s take a closer of snow to land on the roof of the years. Sure, on the 1st December look because if we’re all being hon- meteorological center in London you they are great but by the 10th they est here, Christmas is just plain pants. curry, turkey surprise, all manner the thing and don’t get me started know the authorities are with me on are just plain annoying. Of course of taste bud destroying culinary on Mince Pies! While many claim to smell chestnuts this! True White Christmas’s just don’t they’ll have been playing on a loop roasting on an open re, the only delights. Brussel Sprouts are another So, Christmas is a disappointment. exist anymore, if in fact they ever did! in the shops since the beginning of staple of the Christmas Roast and An over-commercialised money smell lling my nostrils is that of un- Then the music. Once upon a time, November! ful lled promise. Call me a scrooge why? They taste like actual garbage pit of despair with a soundtrack of the Christmas number one was an So now we turn our attention to from the bowels of hell and make you awful covers and a diet of dry meat but you all know I’m right. Christmas actual Christmas song. These days, the food. Honestly, who loves Turkey, sucks big time. Let’s have a closer produce smells which Satan himself and green stink bombs of death. As there are no new Christmas songs. the ugliest of all the poultry birds. It’s would be proud of. The desserts are I leave you with that assessment, look if you don’t believe me. Yes, we might get another rehash of such a tasty meat that we only eat it First the weather. Honestly, when just as bad. Christmas Pudding, a have a merry Christmas and a Happy Last Christmas or yet another update once a year, if we’re lucky. If not, we dessert in which Chefs have to bake New Year. I’m o to spend December have we ever had a Christmas scene of Band Aid but let’s be honest, those are then force fed turkey pie, turkey resembling that of The Snowman? money into it to get people to eat hibernating!

byCALM EMILY RIMMER women, especially when we our-YOURwas sitting next to a woman who T*TS selves can stand in their shoes at was wearing a low cut top that re- n the past few months or so breast- some point in our lives. It’s fair to say vealed a lot of cleavage. The major- feeding in public has become a that I am still young and don’t plan ity of people that stopped where the Ihot topic amongst people, espe- on having children anytime soon but two women were sitting called the cially through social media. There I do not judge a woman for breast- woman breastfeeding ‘disgusting’! has arisen strong opposing views feeding her child in public as I under- The man conducting the experiment that women should not breastfeed stand why she is doing it. If people asked the members of the public in public as it makes others feel ‘un- look past the fact that a woman has that stopped “why is it ok for this comfortable’. I am always one to lis- her chest out you will see that breast- woman to have her chest out but not ten to both sides of a story and take feeding is a natural human function this one”, pointing to the lady breast- on other people’s views but when it that cannot be helped. The woman feeding. One man had the audacity comes to pure ignorance I am whole- is not getting her chest out to annoy to reply “cause that is hot”, pointing heartedly against these people. you or o end you but to simply feed at the lady with revealing cleavage, Forgive me but I haven’t been in her child when it needs it: would you “and that’s not hot or attractive”. Well cryogenic sleep for 50 years, and it rather her baby go hungry for hours at this point you can imagine that I is 2016 right? Well then why we are and you having to listen to it cry be- was fuming with hatred for human- still stuck with the view point we had cause it is hungry? I get that people kind. I just ask myself how we can still back in the 1960’s that women should are not used to seeing breasts out live in a world where men scrutinise hide away and keep themselves re- in public but let’s be honest it’s not women for the way they look and served. Most of the opinions against like many of us haven’t seen a pair of not be educated enough to know the breastfeeding you would think come breasts for god sake, get over it! implications of having to breastfeed. from men (excuse my judgement) I recently watched this video on There is no law against it and it is a but shockingly young women feel Facebook that conducted a social human right. When you think of all that this action is inappropriate as experiment to shine a light on peo- the other aspects of the world that well. This has to anger me the most ple’s attitudes to women breastfeed- are falling apart, women breastfeed- as women we should support other ing in public. What made it interesting their child is not one of them. ing is that the women breastfeeding 12 Seren | December Issue 2016 WHAT’S ON?

What: Fara Time: 8pm DECEMBER Where: TBT Price: £13 28. What: Jimmy Carr Time: 7:30pm 09 What: Blodeuwedd Time: 10/12:45pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £27.50 Where: TBT Price £10 What: Meet Fred Time: 7:30pm What: Music Society Christmas Concert Time: 7:30pm Where: Galeri Price: £9 Where: PJ Hall Price: £3 What: BEDS – Romeo and Juliet Time: 7:30pm 10 What: Magical Caban Time: 11am-4pm Where: JP Hall Price: £4 Where: Caban Price: FREE 29. What: BEDS – Romeo and Juliet Time: 7:30pm What: BU Dance – Winter Showcase Time: 1:30 & 7pm Where: JP Hall Price: £4 Where: JP Hall Price: £3

What: Meilyr Jones Time: 8pm Where: TBT Price: £10

11. What: Bangor University Symphony Orchestra Time:7:30pm FEBRUARY Where: TBT Price: £5 01. What: Bromance Time: 7:30pm What: Soda Variety Performance Time: 7pm Where: TBT Price: £12 Where: Powis Hall Price: £4 02. What: Bromance Time: 7:30pm 15 What: Raslas Bach a Mawr Time: 6:30pm Where: TBT Price: £12 Where: TBT Price: £9 What: Ensemble Cymru Co ee Concert Time: 10:30am What: TONIC Dolig: Rhys Meririon Time: 2:30 pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £10 Where: Galeri Tickets on waiting list 03. What: Solo Guitars like Never Before Time: 8pm 16 What: Raslas Bach a Mawr Time: 12:30 & 6:30pm Where: TBT Price: £13 Where: TBT Price: £9 04. What: Ensemble Cymru Co ee Concert Time: 10:30am 17 What: Raslas Bach a Mawr Time: 1 &6:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £10 Where: TBT Price: £9 05. Ensemble Cymru @ Pontio Time: 3pm 18 What: Llafn o Wawl Time: 7:30pm Where: TBT Price: £5 Where: TBT Price: £10 06. What: Lady Chatterley’s Lover Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £13

JANUARY 09. What: The Hollow Time: 7:30pm Where: Theatr Colwyn Price: £9.95

10. What: My Body Welsh Time: 8pm What: Seann Wlash: One for the Road Time: 7:30pm Where: Studio Price: £8 Where TBT Price £14

11. What: My Body Welsh Time: 8pm 10. What: The Hollow Time: 7:30pm Where: Studio Price: £8 Where: Theatr Colwyn Price: £9.95

12. What: Elin F ur Time: 2:30pm 11. What: The Hollow Time: 2:30 & 7:30pm Where: Galeri Price: £5 Where: Theatr Colwyn Price: £9.95

14 - 18. What: Sunny Afternoon Time: 2:30 & 7:30pm 14. What: A Night in Vienna Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: various Where TBT Price: £5 18. What: Bangor Music Festival All Day 20. What: A Regular Little Houdini Time: 7:30pm Where: various locations Price: mixture of free and paid events Where: Galeri Price: £11.50 20. What: Mike and the Mechanics Time: 7:30pm 24. What: I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: Various Where: Venue Cymru Price: £26 21. What: Comedy Central Live Time: 8pm What: Comedy Central Live Time: 8pm Where: Studio Price: £8 Where: Studio Price: £8 22. What: Kaiser Chiefs Time: 7pm 25. What: Ross Noble - Brain Dump Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: £29.50 Where: Venue Cymru Price: £25 24 - 25. What: The Odd Couple Time: 7:30pm 26. What: My Body Welsh Time: 8pm Where: Theatr Colwyn Price: £11 Where: Galeri Price: £8 27 - 28. What: Thriller Live Time: 7:30pm 27. What: Brendan Cole – All Night Long Time: 7:30pm Where: Venue Cymru Price: Various Where: Venue Cymru Price: £30 TBT – Theatr Bryn Terfel - Pontio Blue - Music Studio– Pontio Light Blue - Dance and Circus PJ Hall – Main Arts, Bangor Pink - Drama Powis Hall – Main Arts, Bangor Green - Welsh JP Hall – Theatre next to Management Centre Red- Comedy Black - anything else * all prices are based on student admission December Issue 2016 | Seren 13 WHAT’S ON?

n the 9th and 10th December, Christmas nally comes to Bangor in the form of Bangor Christmas Cracker. With a festive christmas market, outdoor Ice Rink, all day and evening entertainment as well as the big man himself (Santa if you didn’t know), this years event is sure to be a fun lled day what ever your age. If you’re still not sure what Oto expect, here’s a handy guide to whats on at the Bangor Christmas cracker this year!

The city centre will be transformed into a bustling mar- Band Jazz Ysgol Tryfan will be performing on Saturday 10th Syrcas Cimera will be performing on the Saturday 10th ket place on the 9th and 10th December at the Bangor December. December! Christmas Cracker! The Jazz Band has appeared on various stages over the years They are a fantastic local community interest company, Most of the products on sale will come from each stall including numerous performances in PJ Hall, the Symphony Hall sharing circus skills and performing. They specialise in stilts holder’s region, where they are produced by small or- in Birmingham, the Luxembourg Gardens Paris, the performing characters for all occasions, re shows, acrobalance, pa- stage at Disney Land Paris and the opening concert at the National rades, carnivals and festivals..you name it, they have some- ganisations such as, family businesses, farms or small Urdd Eisteddfod held in Glynllifon in 2012. The band was also thing to amaze, inspire or include you. factories using traditional methods, maintaining a high invited to perform at a special ceremony to lay the foundation ey are looking forward to entertaining you with some standard of quality! stone for PONTIO in 2013. glow juggling and weird and wonderful christmas characters at the Bangor Christmas Cracker

The main feature of the Bangor Christmas Cracker will be an The Castle, Bangor are providing a BEER TENT at the Ban- No Christmas event would be complete without the main outdoor synthetic ice rink situated on the old bowling green gor Christmas Cracker! man himself paying a visit. Father Christmas wil be taking next to Storiel and opposite Pontio. They will be serving: a quick break in his busy schedule to attend the Bangor The ice rink opening hours will be: - Real Ale Christmas Cracker. - Friday 9th December 2pm - 10pm - Saturday 10th December 10am - 6pm - Mulled Wine - Warm Cider SANTA will be in his grotto within the Deiniol Shopping - Pick a time slot Centre - 30 mins skating time - Co ee Friday 9th December: 3pm - 5pm - Skate shoes included in the price - Much more! & £4.50 per person when booked online Open all day Friday and Saturday until 10/11pm! Saturday 10th December: 10am - 5pm £4.00 per person for a Family/Group booking of 4 when Price: £4 a child booked online £5.00 per person on the door 14 Seren | December Issue 2016 UNION Timeout Bangor Vs Paxman Launch The team that will be competing for Bangor in University Challenge has been revealed SU lauched new Acadami night for societies

It’s nally here! It’s been a long time coming! On the 13th of December Societies and Volunteering will have their very own club night. Timeout will be held in Academi, your student nightclub, every Tuesday night between 10.30 p.m. and 2 a.m. You’ll be able to buy tickets in advanced for only £2 and tickets will also be sold (if we have any left) on the door for £3. This regular night will kick o with the winter launch night; theme: socks and stockings! Expect lots of crazy challenges and a lot of fun! Why not plan your end of year socials to end up here – it’s going to be a night not to be missed! Keep an eye out on the Undeb Bangor page for more info which will be released shortly!

ndeb Bangor recently hosted of four who battled it out in front of will be going on to represent us in Undeb Bangor would like to thank tryouts to determine who an audience and some expert judges the forthcoming stages. Media Studies and Media Production Uwill hopefully be represent- who just so happened to be Undeb It is an honour to announce the Lecturer and University Challenge ing Bangor University on the pres- Bangor Sabbs and University sta . In team as Martin Jones a rst year His- fanatic Dyfrig Jones who’s been an tigious quiz show, University Chal- true University Challenge style they tory student, George Austin, second invaluable part of the selection pro- lenge in front of the legend that is competed against each other an- year music student, Natalya Murden cess. The team are all really excited Jermey Paxman. Our rst round saw swering the starters for ten and the a rst year German student, Tom and cannot wait to test their wits and 36 hopefuls come along and attempt bonus questions. We were impressed wade a third year sociology and his- hopefully appear in the national quiz to answer our testing quiz. We whit- with all the contestants but there tory student and nally; William Tin- show aired on the BBC late next year. tle the hopefuls down to three teams were 5 in particular that shone, and gle a third year Zoology student. Good luck team! Make Change Happen Calling all students! Have your chance to win £500 cash! All students at Bangor University can be in with a chance of winning f you don’t tell us what you want and Union. Bangor (Your Students’ Union), the deb Bangor Council which decides £500 by completing our online con- to change, we won’t know what Any student can submit an idea University or the community better whether to take them forward and if dential survey about your time at to change. Why not let us know to Undeb Bangor to direct the work for students, then you can submit they should become Undeb Bangor university or college and the skills I what you’re passionate about; what of your Students’ Union. If you have an idea using the form on our web- Policy. you develop for getting a job. changes you want in your University an idea about how to make Undeb site. Ideas are then debated at Un- The short survey, which is being run in conjunction with the National Union of Students, will take about 15 minutes to complete. The closing date is 18th December 2016 and students will be entered into a draw to Elections are coming... win £500 or one of 10 £50 runner-up very year at the beginning of out from their studies to run the Stu- a Sabbatical O cer? This year we the timetable and role descriptions. prizes. Semester 2 we host the BIG dents’ Union. The Sabbatical O cers have 5 positions, President, UMCB Know of a friend that would be To take part in the survey log on to EElections! “What exactly are the decide the direction of the Students’ President, VP Education, VP Socie- great at this role? Let them know www.nus.org.uk/uni-skills or visit un- BIG elections?” I hear you say! The BIG Union and work with the students of ties and Volunteering and VP Sport. about it. We want Undeb Bangor to debbangor.com elections are the democratic process Bangor University to improve their Nominations will open on the 10th have the greatest leadership possi- of electing our Sabbatical O cers. student experience. of January and will close on the 6th ble! Not sure what Sabbatical O cers If you’re a student at Bangor and of February. For more information are? Let me explain… Sabbatical Of- you feel that you’re a great candi- on the elections you can visit Undeb cers are students who take a year date, then why don’t you run to be Bangor’s website where you will nd Seren | December Issue 2016 15 UNION 16 December Issue 2016 | Seren SOCIETIES BUTTS CHARITY DRIVE ‘Notice Me Senpai’ Help MIND f you’ve tuned into Storm FM interesting concept. e sta dress as at just a er 2pm on a Saturday, maids and butlers and treat the cus- you may have been greeted by tomers as mistresses and masters of a theI sounds of Korean pop music. private house rather than patrons of Presented by Rachel Whitehead, Jack a cafe. ey even go as far as to ‘wel- Whatley and Seren Arts and Culture come the master home’ when a male Editor Alex Polanski, Storm FM show customer enters the premises! Notice Me Senpai is already gaining e Notice Me Senpai Maids and a cult following. Talking all things Butlers Cafe will be hosted on the anime, cos players and Asia, as well as Tuesday 17th January in the Room playing the hits from Korea and Japan, of Requirement in Pontio at midday. the trio have quickly begun to make Students are invited along to sam- their mark on the Bangor University ple a range of delicious desserts and radio station. hot drinks. Notice Me Senpai co-host Following the theme of their show, Rachel Whitehead said: “we hope to the hosts of Notice Me Senpai will recreate this for all of you with tasty soon be hosting a maid and butler cafe homemade treats and our wonderful in Pontio. ese cafes are very popu- sta who will serve as your maid or those in need. informal social to everyone who stops lar in Japan for their relaxing and de- butler whilst eat and drink. All pro- Ra e tickets will be available to pur- by. No pressure, feel free to grab a tea stressing atmospheres. First popping ceeds will be going towards the charity by NATASHA FROGGATT chase for £1 each, and will be on sale to go or stay and chat with us, we have up in 1999 in Tokyo, the cafes are an MIND so if you can spare just £1 it will throughout the 14th December. e a tea for everyone. Maybe even have a go a long way to helping.” angor Tea Time Society winning tickets will be pulled dur- biscuit or two! (BUTTS) is currently raising ing our collaborative event with the We also love to support our local money for Bangor Women’s Table Top Society on the 14th. Search co ee shops and cafés. We have had BAid! We will be having a charity ra e, ‘Bangor University Tea Time Society’ outings to Two Guys From Brussels, with prizes including a meal voucher on Facebook for more information. Ky n, and Seibiant at Storiel. We are from e Menai, various varieties of BUTTS are also looking for mem- always open to suggestions for café tea, chocolate, and a fabulous Soap and bers! We are a society of tea drinkers visits and would love to hear from any- Glory gi set. (co ee and hot chocolate drinkers are one who is interested in joining our Bangor Women’s Aid is a deserving welcome too – we don’t discriminate!) society. local charity that works with women who like to get together and discuss We are hoping to spread our wings and children who are currently or the wide varieties of tea. Does this even further in semester two, follow have su ered domestic violence. e sound like your cup of tea? Yes? Great! us on Facebook and on the Undeb charity provides direct services includ- BUTTS usually meet weekly, o en Bangor website for more information! ing housing and legal services to help in the Student Union, and o ers an

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Do we still care about the Christmas Number 1? assortment of Christmas number of people decided that they would could and it did. I was so proud and I it coming and that’s what made it so by TIARNA ARMSTRONG one artists including children’s defy all odds and attempt to make remember thinking: “What a time to spectacular. television characters Mr Blobby and American alternative-rap out t be alive!” Since our unforgettable victory in Bob the Builder, to pop idols Westlife, Rage Against the Machine Christmas The following Christmases were the winter of 2009, there seems to very year like clockwork, as soon East 17 and Spice Girls (who attained number one in the UK. lled with like-minded young music be a lack of enthusiasm in general as Halloween ends, our ears are the title for three consecutive years This happened around the time that lovers who wished to overthrow the about the Christmas number one E lled with the jovial sounds from 1996 - 1998). my music taste shifted from popular X Factor winner, but it didn’t work to – the assumption is that if it isn’t of one hit wonders and covers of Then, the X Factor took a nose music to alternative music, but, I the same e ect. In 2010 and 2011, a charity single, it’s an X Factor classics and hymns which epitomise dive into the United Kingdom and still tuned into BBC Radio 1 every Cage Against the Machine (a silent single. Which is true for the six years the Christmas season. dominated the Christmas chart day and indulged in the chart show protest against X Factor) peaked at succeeding 2009, and will most likely Since the o cial UK Singles Chart show from 2005. The public began (then presented by Reggie Yates) number twenty-one and Nirvana’s be the same again this year. But who was created in 1952, our ears have to accept that the X Factor winner on a Sunday afternoon. Listening legendary Smells Like Teen Spirit knows? Perhaps in ten or twenty been bombarded annually with single was synonymous with the to the Christmas chart show unfold peaked at number eleven in the years from now, another wildcard classics such as Merry Xmas Everybody Christmas number one. The streak in 2009 was riveting – could Killing Christmas chart respectively. Even will overthrow one of Simon Cowell’s by Slade from 1973, Do They Know It’s only lasted for four years, however, in the Name, a seventeen-year- if either of these songs had reached many manufactured protégés and Christmas by Band Aid from 1984 and for some people (including myself), old alternative song focusing on number one, it wouldn’t have been to claim the Christmas number one Mistletoe and Wine by Cli Richard it was still four years too long. So, it institutional racism and police the same e ect as Rage Against The and ba e us all once again. We’ll just from 1988, to name but a few. was undoubtedly a shock when in brutality, really top Simon Cowell’s Machine’s victory as it was, for lack of have to wait and see. But the mid-1990s to early 2000s 2009, out of nowhere, a small group latest manufactured pop puppet? It better words, random. Nobody saw saw a particularly haphazard LIVE REVIEW: FICKLE FRIENDS

with intricacy where it counts. blank out opinions – including by FINNIAN SHARDLOW Set list opener, Cry Baby, is a prime mine, which, also, is utterly useless example of this. Killer hooks are – and turn o the internet. These ickle Friends are gliding into coated in a palette of jangly guitar evaluations only serve to discolour 2017 o the back of a UK tour work and stabbing ourishes of your expectations of the music. Fwhich saw them decorate a de- synth. It’s not a kitchen sink job by Fickle Friends aren’t digging up cuple of venues with a kaleidoscopic any means. Fickle Friends embrace a the synth-pop era at all. They’re synth-bleached sunset. The Arts Club profound pop brevity with clean-cut advancing it as modern frontrunners; was just one of a lucky few to be in- and composed palm tree-glistened crafting new, innovative sounds amed by the ve-piece’s arena sized melodies. through their adulation for 80s anthems. For some reason, a cluster of production that, not only aunt It’s the most intensely striking publications delight in pinning the richness on record, but resonate live. thing about Fickle Friends – they Brighton out t as a homage to the In fact, watching as every lyric exude a de ned, palpable class decade that brought us Pac Man, E.T. of Swim is fanatically sung back which, naturally, seeps into live and MC Hammer pants. Absurdly, it’s to vocalist, Natassja Shiner, it’s performances. Make no mistake. fashionable to say that any band who di cult not to ponder: are there any These are big pop songs steeped in dares touch a synthesizer is halted comparable bands generating an Photography by Danny Mo at sophistication, fuelled by a concise in a state of 80s longing. It’s cliché impact to Fickle Friends’ standard? songwriting instinct that blossoms twaddle. Ignore generalisations, I’m certainly scratching my head. 18 Seren | December Issue 2016 MUSIC by FINNIAN SHARDLOW because it catches you straight away with that guitar line and bass line How did Alexis Kings start? together. The minute we nished It started with me and the lead the demo for Squire we knew it was singer Brendan at school together. a great, great song. We knew it was INTERVIEW the best song we’d ever written to One day, we realised that we both played guitar, he sang and he had that point. a little song written down so we The others are slow burners, but thought we’d play it. From there we there’s people still coming up to us just carried on. It was never like: “Oh saying: “Morning Diana or Stawberry let’s start a band!” Members have just Blonde is our favourite.” There’s also come in fairly naturally. Our rhythm a lot of love for Chivalry. We’d love guitarist is also from the same school, to see them in the 100,000s as well our bassist is from the same area (St. but we’re very appreciative of the Albans) and our drummer joined support we’ve received. through a friend of a friend link. As you look back on musical On the music video for the title development. Usually, a lot of bands track Squire – was it fun lming it? start quite fast and slow down a We went to Brugge, Antwerp, bit. We sounded quite rough and Amsterdam, and Rotterdam in ready. As the years have gone by three days. We hired a van on Friday we’ve developed our songwriting morning and got back at 2AM on abilities. At the start it was basically Monday morning. The video was a case of if the lead singer had an always going to be a summer road idea for a chorus we’d just run with trip so we wanted to capture that as it. It was either really poorly recorded much as possible. We hired the van or poorly performed because we’d out, got all the equipment out there drink too much before the gig, as all and just went to do shots in as many bands should do when they start. random places as we could. We wrote a song called Brothers We had a mishap the second night which was one of those rst tunes we were in Amsterdam. When you where we thought: “Right, this is the turn up in this big van and you’re standard of our music.” Lyrically it was lugging music equipment in and out very smart – Brendan really started to then you’re going to attract some think about the lyrics – and musically attention. We went into the B&B to it had great guitar ri s. It’s a song that have a shower and some food. When we still play today. BBC Introducing SAM PRIVETT we came back out to do some more love it and all fans love it. lming, we saw glass on the oor. Someone had bricked the window. How would you describe your It was a heart in the mouth moment. sound to someone now with your Luckily, they didn’t steal anything but new EP Squire? the drivers manual. It did make the On this EP especially, it’s almost drive back home colder though. four di erent bands in one EP but keeping an Alexis Kings style to it. FROM Having fun playing your EP live? I guess you could call it singalong. The response we’ve had from the EP Every chorus we’ve written in this EP, has been going into our live shows at some stage, I’ve had stuck in my with the audience being a lot more head. And people come up to us and animated with our tunes. We had a say: “We just have your song stuck in busy gigging period for 3 months our head!” Chorus wise it’s de nitely just after we released it and every gig much more melodic and anthemic. ALEXIS KINGS we did we were packing out places. There are nicer guitar sounds and we’re about to go into the studio I love Kings Of Leon. It’s what I’ve with him (Chris West) though. He And people you don’t know asking it’s generally more mature, thought with – has come from all of us in the listened to growing up. I’ve loved was open to giving ideas and equally for sel es as well is very weird. through and a little less rushed. practice room playing what sounds what they’ve done. So if you want open to trusting in the fact that Every gig we’ve done, when we All four tracks have got their own good to us. There’s no real: “We’re to call it Kings Of Leon – cracking. we’ve written these songs and we play Squire, we look up and there’s sounds to them. going to write a song that sounds As long as you’re listening to it and have an idea of how it should sound a sea of people on other people’s The whole thing with this EP is like this.” If you don’t enjoy what you enjoying it, that’s all that matters. in the end. shoulders belting the tune back to that there hasn’t really been an us. That’s what you write music for. intention to it. Me and Brendan went IF YOU DON’T ENJOY WHAT YOU PLAY THEN THE Happy with the reaction to the When you’re playing live and there’s away for six weeks in Norfolk to get SONGS YOU WRITE WON’T BE AS GOOD AS THEY EP? people there who’ve memorised away and just write songs. It came Yeah. Can’t complain. It’s been those words and they’re singing o the back of Summer in August/ CAN BE going mad really, especially on it back because they love it. Also September time so I guess it was Spotify. Getting on the viral chart is because they’re very drunk. just Summer within our bones still play then the songs you write won’t On your EP, Squire, did it come up there in one of the best moments. We’ve got a drummer Fabio who and we were just reminiscing over be as good as they can be. We write out the way you wanted? But also just seeing people at gigs hits those drums hard and he ings it. A lot of people have said they are for our own personal enjoyment. You listen to it in the studio so many that you don’t know but who know his long hair about. A lot of the Summery type songs. But there was That seems to be catching on with times mixing it, you end up losing the your tunes, getting messages on energy comes from Fabio going for no intention for it. It just came across lots of people as well. Because the original sound that you had in your Facebook and seeing the reaction it. Brendan is the frontman of the so easy. second best thing to writing a good head. Then having gone away, you has been amazing. What’s nice is band and he creates some crowd song is sharing it. don’t listen to the tracks for a while that Squire (the track) kicked o to involvement. It’s a good atmosphere A lot of bands want to seem and you come back to it, you realise ‘experimental’ but you seem to A lot of people compare you to the songs come across really well. We IT’S BEEN GOING MAD, ESPECIALLY ON SPOTIFY. embrace the singalong nature of Kings Of Leon – how do you feel can say it’s a great sounding EP. GETTING ON THE VIRAL CHART IS UP THERE IN ONE about that? A guy called Chris West produced your music? OF THE BEST MOMENTS. The songs that we like the most We’ve been compared to Kings Of it and it sounds really big. We were are the ones that are stuck in my Leon since we’ve started in some way lucky to get him. He knows his stu , head a couple days later because or another. Especially on Squire, loads he’s done it for many years. It was a di erent level on Spotify, but as a when we play our gigs. It normally the melodies are so simple and so of people say they can hear Kings Of great having someone there who’s result, tracks like Strawberry Blonde comes away with a lot of sweaty brilliant. Bands like Oasis that we’ve Leon sounds on it. Me and Brendan been there and done it with so many are coming through and people are people in the crowd. We don’t get too grown up with epitomise all that have had lots of conversations about bands and so many albums. He loving it. Me and Brendan always focused on trying to play every note simplicity. At the end of the day, we it and we just don’t understand it, wouldn’t change the songs in any said that Strawberry Blonde would perfectly, we make sure we enjoy it. write songs based o what we want especially with the new stu . People way, he would just say: “Maybe try be the one that will take its time It’s always nice to come o stage with to hear. will hear things in songs that will this instead?” Or he’d make sure the but eventually would be everyone’s a happy audience and a happy band. The minute you start chasing remind them of a certain sound, guitar sounds were as they should favourite. People are starting to react something else or you want to be a that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re be. As a producer you’ve got to be to the other songs on the EP other certain style, you start losing sight emulating Kings Of Leon. I also think careful. You’re dealing with people than Squire which is nice to see. FULL INTERVIEW & AUDIO ON OUR of writing a tune where you get that people use Kings Of Leon as a who’ve written these songs with an We knew Squire was going to be WEBSITE: four guys or ve guys in a room and base mark for a guitar indie band; idea in their head. So you’ve got to great. Seeing it take o and get as SEREN.BANGOR.AC.UK seeing what comes out. The new it’s either Kings Of Leon or Arctic make sure you nd a middle ground. much attention as it has got has material that we’ve got now – that Monkeys. At the same time though, We had a nice working relationship been brilliant. A lot of people love it Seren | December Issue 2016 19 MUSIC TOP 15 ALBUMS OF 2016

1 2 3 4 5

Nick Cave & The Angel Olsen Radiohead Bon Iver David Bowie Bad Seeds A Moon Shaped Skeleton Tree MY WOMAN Pool 22, A Million Blackstar

Released: September 9th, 2016 Released: September 2nd, 2016 Released: May 8th, 2016 Released: September 30th, 2016 Released: January 8th, 2016 6 7 8 9 10

D.D Dumbo Holy Esque A Tribe Called Quest Whitney Mitski

Utopia At Hope’s We Got It from Here... Light Upon The Defeated Ravine Thank You 4 Your Service Lake Puberty 2

Released: October 7th, 2016 Released: February 26th, 2016 Released: November 11th, 2016 Released: June 3rd, 2016 Released: June 17th, 2016 11 12 13 14 15

Kendrick Lamar Weyes Blood Car Seat Parquet Courts Eagulls Headrest untitled Front Row Seat Human unmastered. To Earth Teens Of Denial Performance Ullages

Released: March 4th, 2016 Released: October 21st, 2016 Released: May 20th, 2016 Released: April 8th, 2016 Released: May 13th, 2016 20 Seren | December Issue 2016 TV Words and Content by Jordan King Festive Flashbacks ONES TO WATCH New Year:PREVIEW

Gavin & Stacey Sherlock: Series 4 t may or may not have something 2017 is nearly upon us, and as well to do with the fact that James as booze-fuelled renditions of Auld ICorden is probably one of my Lang Syne and resolutions that are favourite men on Earth, but I sim- about as concrete as my student ply cannot go a Christmas without bank balance, there is only one way watching the Gavin and Stacey Christ- to kick o the new year, and that is mas Special. The series’ appeal lies in with a fourth series of suave sleuth- its warts and all characters and relating series Sherlock. For those who able families, and the special is as may be out of the loop with what likely to muster a tear as it is to leave Sherlock is, go and watch all three you crying with laughter. The hilari- series and the Christmas special right ous rendition of ‘Do They Know It’s now and then come back so I can get Christmas?’ is great comedy, yet it is to the nitty gritty. the more tender moments between You nished it? Grand. So Smithy and Gavin, and Nessa also, where was I? *Mind palace accessed* that serve to remind us that more so TV- New Year- Must See- SHERLOCK! than just being a great British com- Now enough pointless fanboy expo- edy, the series stands up as simply sition, the preview is afoot. Following a great story, with an equally great the mind-melting The Abominable cast. Net ix it while you can! Bride, the teasing glimpse of Andrew THE FESTIVE FIVE Scott’s menacingly brilliant Moriarty t’s Christmas time once again, over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, The synopsis itself is low on spoilers from the series three nale seemed and with presents to be shared, promises innuendo in abundance, and very high on intrigue: ‘This Christmas all the more compelling, and whilst food to be gorged on until you baking to salivate over as you nosh sees the Doctor join forces with a masked superhero no o cial word has been given on I a return for the irresistibly cool arch- simply can’t hack another turkey another selection box treat because for an epic New York adventure. With brain-swap- sarnie, and an opportunity to get ‘that’s what Christmas is all about’, ping aliens poised to attack, the Doctor and Nardole nemesis, it appears that there are yet the family together, there is no and the return of a few familiar fac- link up with an investigative reporter and a mysteri- more dark forces at work to bring better time to share in some holly- es from Bake-O ’s past, If all of that ous gure known only as The Ghost. Can the Doctor Sherlock’s world crashing down. jolly television specials. There is a doesn’t have you feeling tantalised save Manhattan? And what will be revealed when Trailers and images have as of yet huge array of programmes about enough, you’ll see the hosting four- we see behind the mask?’ Eagle-eyed view- only teased plots. The rst two episodes shall be entitled The Six Thatch- The Two Ronnies to indulge yourself in this Decem- some in some rather fetching festive ers will remember Nardole (played ber, but here are my personal Fes- knitwear too- the joys! Catch Bake- by the hilarious Matt Lucas) from last ers and The Lying Detective (presuma- nother institution of British tive Five- the ve shows you would O on Christmas Day at 4:45pm, Box- year’s special, and the trailer alludes bly based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s festivities certainly has to be deserve a lump of coal for missing ing Day at 7pm, BBC1. to a couple of familiar foes for the ‘The Case of the Six Napoleons’ and Athe Two Ronnies. The inimi- out on. Time Lord. Also, eye peeling required ‘The Dying Detective’), whilst many table duo of messurs Corbett and Gogglesprogs to see if Pearl Mackie’s Bill makes a fans are presuming the nale may Barker not only produced the nest The Christmas TV planning Bible Revolting Rhymes sneaky debut in the episode. Allons- be the reveal of Sherrinford Holmes- sketch show of all time in the view (praise be the holy box of pixels) If, like myself, you grew up with the y and Geronimo, Catch The Return of Conan Doyle’s planned third Holmes of many, but also some of the most commences with a visit to Channel wickedly funny and brilliantly bonk- Doctor Mysterio on Christmas Day at brother whom many desperately gut-achingly funny Christmas spe- 4 and the ingenious spin-o of telly- ers tales of Roald Dahl, then you’ll be 5:45pm, BBC1. have hoped Tom Hiddlestone shall cials too. Corbett and Barker’s festive ception series Gogglebox, the aptly in for a pleasant surprise this yule- play, especially after a cryptic tweet sketches are pure comedy gold, and titled Gogglesprogs. The platform is tide, as BBC and the team behind earlier this year- #Blud anyone? Else- the intelligence behind the tomfool- unchanged- we watch the irreverent the fantastic Gru alo animations Outnumbered where, glimpses of Mrs Hudson los- ery never ceases to amaze. The un- banter and multitude of reactions to bring us an adaptation of Revolting Following a two year hiatus from ing her temper with Mycroft appear timely loss of two such behemoths various TV shows from households Rhymes. For those unfamiliar with our screens, Outnumbered is mak- to coalesce with the shock of My- of the industry serves only as more across Britain, however, this one’s for Dahl’s collection, Revolting Rhymes ing its return just in time to soothe croft’s endangering his brother’s life reason to reacquaint yourselves with the kids. Expect fresh perspectives was a poetic reimagining of some those post-Christmas Day blues with under the grip of Charles Augustus the unforgettable pair this Christmas on a whirlwind 2016, as well as a bit of our most-loved fairytales, veering some top notch family sitcom ban- Magnussen in series three, and the time, and that’s goodnight from me. of respite from all the adult serious- closer to the original darker roots of ter. In many ways, a lot has changed, sight of Toby Jones as delightfully ness that often engulfs us at a time classics such as Snow White and Lit- the Brockman’s are a couple of years dangerous villain Culverton Smith that’s meant to bring out our inner tle Red Riding Hood. I shan’t spoil the older and- in the cases of breakout only furthers the excitement the long child. Last year’s mini-series and sub- plotlines as the shock factor is what stars Daniel Roche (Ben) and Ramo- wait for series four has generated. sequent special proved such a hit made the book so appealing to my na Marquez (Karen)- almost unrec- The thing about Sherlock, written that Channel 4 are treating us to this pint-sized self, but with a cast boast- ognisable in appearance. However, by the creative collaborators Mark special as an early prezzie, and I think ing the comedic talents of Rob Bry- the writers have assured us that the Gatiss and Steven Mo at, that makes this version of the show is far more don and David Walliams, amongst family is as typically British as ever. it the top of many people’s watchlist, captivating than the vanilla version others, this will surely be yet another With Boxing Day the setting and a seems to be the fact that unlike many we see so much more of, so give it a quality adaptation from the Beeb. special mission to be carried out on series- the creators and cast and crew watch. Catch Gogglesprogs on Chan- Catch Revolting Rhymes at an as-yet Grandad’s behalf, we can be sure that really do take their time in producing nel 4, Christmas Eve, 8pm. TBA time on Christmas Day, BBC1. the usual zaniness and wit will be each round of lm-length and lm- Blackadders’ Christmas on display, a feat made all the more quality episodes. Though the waiting impressive when you remember that is agonising, the pay-o is never less Carol than spectacular, and with hopeful ounding o the blasts from the The Great Christmas Bake O Doctor Who the majority of what we see is impro- plans for a fth series beyond this past is Blackadder’s Christmas Serving up an early evening treat to Hot on the heels of Bake-O , an- vised acting based on given scenari- one, the BBC have a truly remarkable Carol. This twist on Dickens’ kick the tastebuds back into life after other national treasure takes centre os. Seeing the family together again R piece of television which deserves all classic sees Edmund Blackadder and a huge Christmas dinner, is The Great stage, as has been tradition in my will be just like catching up with an of its acclaim. With a cast of world- his loyal yet hopelessly dopey aide Christmas Bake-O . Although many household since 2005 now, the Doc- old friend, and one that you genu- class actors like Benedict Cumber- Baldrick in Victorian England. Black- of us are still in mourning following tor Who Christmas special. Starring inely have missed as opposed to the batch and Martin Freeman, and a adder is warm-hearted and caring, the news that Channel 4 have bought the sublime Peter Capaldi, who is obligatory hanger-on that just never respect for source unlike any adapta- but following some ghostly visita- the show, and because dynamic duo now fully in the ow of his classic- quite knew you’d moved forward. I tion I have seen before, 2017 prom- tions, we soon nd him back at his Mel and Sue shall be leaving along cum-current feeling Doctor tenure, personally can’t wait, Catch Outnum- ises to start with more of a bang than sarcastic and cynical best. If the dry with the one true Mother Mary and entitled ‘The Return of Doctor bered on Boxing Day at 10pm, BBC1. any New Year reworks. The game is humour doesn’t have you in stitches, (Berry of course!), we have one last Mysterio’ (Doctor Who’s Mexican well and truly on. Catch Sherlock on then Bah Humbug to you! outing before BBC’s prized asset de- namebearer), this festive adventure parts. The special, airing in two parts looks set to be one of the best yet. New Year’s Day at 9PM, BBC1. December Issue 2016 | Seren 21 TV

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL REVIEW

The Crown

by EMMA JEWKES. The Crown has been on Net ix for a few weeks now and is yet another great series created by the stream- ing giant. Following on from the likes of Orange is the New Black, Stranger Things and their Marvel output, The Crown really helps to maintain the high standards set by those shows. Set predominantly in the mid f- ties, the series follows the early days of the reign of our current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. While the show is full of standout performances, credit has to go to Claire Foy who plays the aforementioned Queen Elizabeth. She gives a scarily accurate and faultless performance as the young woman thrust into the highest o ce ADS YULE LOVE: THIS YEAR’S in the land. It is clearly a job she never really wanted and her frustration at being forced to take it is made clearer TOP CHRISTMAS ADVERTS through ashbacks to the abdication of her uncle, an event which put her by JORDAN KING project- be it an hour long cheap hours upon hours of world-building to them. However, not only is there in direct line to the throne. lad ick or sprawling franchise- is a and engagement between the char- now a huge in ux of big names from Opposite Foy is Matt Smith as ith an ever-diversifying nancial commitment that is made acters and the viewers. Bryan Cran- lm crossing over to TV, but also vice- Prince Phillip. Smith plays Phillip to reach and a seemingly with intent. In a world where pro- ston’s performance as Walter White versa with TV stars making it in Hol- endless pool of creative perfection as the almost reluctant W ducers are willing to stump up the is testament to this point, as his per- lywood. husband to a strong Queen. His feel- minds working on the next smash- hit series, television as a viewing same kind of cash for a TV series as formance was hailed as ‘the greatest Westworld boasts Sir Anthony ings of emasculation following his medium hasn’t been in a stronger they are for the latest Transformers piece of acting ever’ by Sir Anthony Hopkins, James Marsden, and Ben wife’s sudden elevation in status are position since before I was old summer blowout, a point has to be Hopkins for the love of all things holy Barnes, alongside exec. producer J.J. clearly shown by the talented Smith enough to know the platform as made about where the smart money (and atheistic), and he himself is one Abrams, Sherlock has Benedict Cum- who is showing with every new role anything more than Thomas the lies, and with ambitious series’ such of the greatest actors of all time. So berbatch and Martin Freeman, whilst that he is more than just a sonic Tank Engine. As a result of realisa- as Westworld and even BBC’s £1 mil- there’s your case for TV trumping lm GoT has had the likes of Sean Bean screwdriver wielding Time Lord. tion within the creative world that lion per episode Sherlock drawing on story, slightly biasedly but fairly and Charles Dance on its cast before Rounding out the central cast is TV is as popular as ever before, in huge viewing gures, you can’t nonetheless their inevitable, bloody deaths. The and the arrival of on-demand ser- John Lithgow as the aging Winston vices such as Net ix and Amazon blame producers for being ready to only thing as impressive as names Churchill. While better known for Prime, the nancial scale and nar- throw stacks of money at their hot ADAPTATION such as these appearing on TV, are his comedic performances, Lithgow rative scope a orded to the me- new products. David Benio , co-writer on Game of the shows’ actors landing top Hol- gives a sensitive and nuanced style dium has increased dramatically. Thrones, when asked why the series lywood roles. Aaron Paul and Bryan to his portrayal of the eighty year old All of this begs the question, is tel- STORY TIME wasn’t made into a lm, said it would Cranston have taken on many big- Prime Minister. In many ways, Lith- evision blurring the line between Another thing giving TV a foot- be ‘impossible’, and that the scale of budget lm roles following Breaking gow is an inspired casting choice and series and cinema? Here are a few hold over lm at times, is the narra- its source was ‘far too big for a feature Bad, most notably Cranston though, is de nitely one of the standouts of musings I have come up with on tive freedom that a multi-part, often lm’. He also remarked about how whose performance as Dalton Trum- the series. the matter multi-series show allows; don’t get under Hollywood censorship there bo in Trumbo earned him an Oscar As seems typical of Net ix in house me wrong, lm is a medium more would be ‘no sex, no gore’, which nod. GoT’s Kit Harrington and Emilia content, The Crown is a visual feast. BUDGET than capable of a masterful story in is something seemingly a lot more Clarke have appeared in lead roles Fifties London is brought to vivid One of the most impressive things a time constraint, but there is a cer- welcomed by Sky Atlantic, where the in Spooks and Me Before You most life in all its glory with the period I have unearthed about modern TVs tain appeal in the idea of many hours’ beautifully termed technique of ‘sex- notably, but alongside these are an being portrayed to perfection. The progression, is the ever-growing worth of exploration and character position’ was born- a scene whereby endless pool of young talent who are soundtrack, compliments things amount of money that producers development. key plot points are discussed during earning critical as well as public rec- beautifully with legendary composer seem to be willing to spend on their AMC’s Breaking Bad, sitting pretty at the act of erotica. Thrones also sets a ognition en masse. No longer does Hans Zimmer being responsible for shows. the top of IMDB’s all-time greatest TV precedent for adaptations heading lm hold the monopoly on the big the haunting theme. The average Hollywood lm budg- shows list, is an example of a global forward, as J K Rowling’s Strike series names, it’s very much a free-for-all It is clear that Net ix spent a lot of et, which is to say that of a lm widely phenomenon where the length of is set for release next year on the BBC, money on The Crown. It is a lavish distributed and not incusive of the time spent in the world Vince Gilligan as well as Net ix’s ‘A Series Of Unfortu- FINAL WORD production but one that is worth cost of promotion, is roughly $140 created is one of the primary reasons nate Events’ starting soon, following So I’ve had a look at some of the the expense and time. With multiple million (£113 million to us). For com- for its acclaim. The transformation of the slightly tepid Jim Carrey lm; per- big issues underpinning the cultural star performances from its cast, it is parison, HBO have been spending, on Walter White and the fall and rise of haps TV is just the spiritual home for shift of TV’s resurgence against lm, a thoughtful and interesting look at average, $100 million on each series Jesse Pinkman make for not just one book-to-screen adaptations heading but to nish I would like to just say a the early years of our Queen, espe- of Game of Thrones, which over the of the greatest viewing experiences into the future, but then again, there few things in defence of my beloved cially with the rise in anti-monarchist span of the 6 series’ so far, equates in history, but furthermore one of are a lot of Potter, Hunger Games, and cinema and lm. For all of TV’s inno- feeling. It has certainly made me see to $600 million at least, which even the greatest constructions of a narra- LOTR fans who would strongly sug- vation and diversi cation, lm has in- the monarchy in a more favourable for the average Joe of mathemat- tive and of character in any ctional gest otherwise. spired the movement of the medium light! ics is a huge increase in price tag. form. Where a lm may be able to over the years immeasurably, con- The complete rst season of The Admittedly, 60 hours of television in devote its rst act to establishing a BIG NAMES stantly de ning and rede ning the Crown is available on Net ix now comparison to the average 2-hour person’s morality, before challenging For a long time, the biggest distinc- limits of a lens’ ability to capture the blockbuster is seemingly harsh, but it in its second, and either redeem- tion between TV and its bigger, bold- heart and the imagination of genera- a series alone is not far o the same ing or condemning them in its third, er brother, Film, has been the acting tions. If TV is becoming as brilliant as cost I mentioned earlier, and every Breaking Bad’s ve series arc allowed talent and creative genius signed on lm, I’m all aboard. 22 Seren | December Issue 2016 FILM New Trailers REVIEW to Catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find em

whether the lm will live up to the Scamander, thoroughly deserving All in all, the lm oozes with style as By JORDAN KING hype. And can it? The answer is a re- comparisons at times with the likes Leavesden Studios accurately recre- sounding yes. of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin ate a 1920s New York whilst imbuing The plot is shrouded in mystery in in his manner, and through his char- it with the magical styling of the Pot- his past month saw the re- promotional material, save for the acter and performance it is all too terverse- speakeasies with singing turn of J K Rowling’s Wizarding knowledge that Magizoologist Newt easy to believe in the magic that the Goblins never felt so right, and the TWorld in the form of the rst of Scamander nds himself in 1920s CGI renders so authentically- I for one story feels like one you can hugely a new ve-part franchise, Fantastic THE new up and coming Mummy New York with a case of fantastical am convinced that the elusive Ni er invest yourself in. And what more Beasts and Where To Find Them. With creatures that- spoiler alert- escape, and Demiguise are out there some- could we expect really? Save for the lm, a reboot of ‘The Mummy’ fran- frequent HP director David Yates at chise and also the rst lm as part and havoc ensues. All the while where for me to nd. Elsewhere, the tepid Casual Vacancy and the some- the helm and Rowling predominant however, tension is rising within the rest of the cast excel themselves also, what mixed quality Cursed Child, J K of the Universal Monsters Cinematic in the screenwriting duties, you’d be Universe also released its rst trailer American equivalent of the Ministry with ‘No-Maj’ Jacob Kowalski be- Rowling is a storyteller of an ilk previ- forgiven for expecting more of the of Magic, MACUSA, and the wider ing comically played to great e ect ously unseen since the era of Tolkien this week and there was more than same from the magical world which enough content for a rst trailer on wizarding community, as the threat by newcomer Dan Fogle, whilst, at and Enid Blyton, and she knows her Harry Potter gave us, but you’d be of exposure to muggles is lingering the other end of the spectrum, Ezra world as well as any of us fans could show. The trailer showed an awful very wrong. From the moment Hed- lot of exhilarating action, especially and a ‘dark wind with eyes’ threat- Miller puts in an electrifyingly in- ever hope to; through the medium wig’s Theme begins, a comfortability ens the very lives of all in New York. I tense performance as the troubled of lm, David Yates and Rowling are with the rst sequence on the plane. falls over us like a loyal puppy, who It also introduced Tom Cruise as the shan’t give any more plot-wise away, Credence Barebone. With the likes of bringing us closer than ever to a then surprises us all with some new as Warner Bros. have managed some- Katherine Waterston and Colin Far- world which seems so much more protagonist, as well as brie y show- tricks- James Newton Howard’s rst- ing Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll and thing not often possible these days rell also putting in remarkable char- preferable at times to the bleak one time role as composer begins in for a lm- to not give us everything acter portrayals, it may be a tentative in which we often reside. Ordinary Kingsman’s So a Boutella as the scintillating fashion as our good old mummy, Princess Ahmanet. The lm in the trailer, but it is safe to say that statement, but FB could potentially people with extraordinary abilities, Hedwig piece nosedives into some- there is a darkness underlying the in its run see a recti cation of the and the metamorphic yet always is set for release on June 9th next thing altogether more playful and year. adventure which feels like it has the Wizarding World’s ludicrous poor present ght against good over evil adventurous in the opening credits. strength and depth to carry an ambi- luck at the Academy Awards- after in FB, make this one an instant clas- And thus the tone is set, something tious scaled project. 12 prior nominations and no win, the sic, as beautifully shot as a golden old and yet something new, excite- Eddie Redmayne is absolutely cast and crew have really pushed the Thunderbird through a stormy sky. ment with a lingering anxiety as to magnetic in the lead role of Newt envelope with this lm. Accio 2018! One Top New Pick from Net ix and Amazon Net ix Watch Amazon Watch DESPITE the number of lms in the 2014’s musical fantasy lm which STARING the incredible Edward Transformers franchise it seems that takes inspiration from many well- Norton, who received an Oscar nomi- there is another one to add to the known Brother’s Grimm fairy tales nation for his role as man who chang- list with ‘The Last Knight’. Though such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Ra- es his beliefs about neo-Nazism after very sceptical at rst as I’ve been dis- punzel, Cinderella and Little Red being released from prison for com- appointed with the past few trans- Riding Hood. The lm stars James mitting manslaughter, who in turn former lms, after looking at this Corden as a childless baker and Emily tries to stop his little brother from new o cial trailer it looks like it could Blunt as his wife who set out on a mis- going down the same path. A re- be the best one yet. Set in di erent sion to lift a curse set by a witch (Mer- ally powerful and moving lm which times frames such as world war II and yl Streep) by retrieving certain items deals with serious themes in a clever present day it de nitely looks like in the hope that their curse will be and unique way, such as through its this lm is going all out. The lm also lifted. As well as the enjoyable songs non-linear narrative, which allows us brings back Mark Wahlberg and also and costumes, the lm really stands to see di erent points of view and introduces the outstanding Sir An- out because of its acting, with the changes in Norton’s character. Even thony Hopkins to the Transformers praise going to Streep who received Edward Furlong who plays the little lm universe. This lm is also set for her 19th Oscar nomination for her brother deserves a mention for his a June release next year. role, as well as Blunt and Chris Pine. incredible portrayal. 22 Seren | December Issue 2016 December Issue 2016 | Seren 23 FILM FILM REVIEW New Trailers What Films toWatch this Christmas to Catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find em

MONTHS after the lms rst teaser we nally got the rst o cial trailer and it was more than what we could have asked for. We got to see more of the beloved characters, especially both Rocket and the adorable baby Groot who looks like he’ll steal the show. The trailer also introduced us to a completely new character Man- tis who we didn’t see in the teaser. The trailer despite being very humor- Its a Wonderful The Muppest’s ous and enjoyable didn’t give much Love Actually Elf away with plot details, but we don’t Life Die Hard Christmas Carol expect that with the rst few trailers. WIDLEY regarded as the great- NOT your typical Christmas lm but WHAT would Christmas be with- THIS 2003 romantic comedy writ- ONE of the most famous of all the Due to the fact that this trailer has est Christmas lm of all time. Di- this part of what makes it so bril- out the Muppets rendition of A ten and directed by Richard Curtis most recent Christmas lms. Star- broken the record for most views, the rected and produced by the great liant and memorable. John McClane Christmas Carol? Possibly most (Four Weddings and a Funeral) fol- ring the incredibly funny Will Ferrell lm itself may very well be the most Frank Capra, the lm tells the story (Bruce Willis), an NYPD o cer at- people’s favourite adaptation of lows the love lives of numerous dif- as Buddy, who after being brought anticipated lm of next year. of George Baily (James Stewart), a tempts to save his wife and many Charles Dicken’s classic about ferent people through ten stories up in the North Pole as an elf, sets of business man who loses all hope on other lives when they are taken hos- Ebenezer Scrooge, who is vis- (in which some lives are interlinked) to the big city New York in search of Christmas Eve but is saved by the an- tage during a Christmas party on ited by three ghost on Christ- around a very busy lead up to Christ- his true identity and real father, Wal- gel Clarence after an attempted sui- Christmas eve by a group of terrorists mas eve who show him his past, mas. One of the main stand outs in ter Hobbs (James Caan). It’s certainly whether the lm will live up to the Scamander, thoroughly deserving All in all, the lm oozes with style as cide, who shows Baily what his home lead by the menacing Hans Gruber. present and future in attempt to this rom-com is its all-star cast, such fair to say that Ferrell steals the show By JORDAN KING hype. And can it? The answer is a re- comparisons at times with the likes Leavesden Studios accurately recre- town would look like without him. This is much more than your average get scrooge to change his ways. as Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, in one of his many famous roles, but sounding yes. of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin ate a 1920s New York whilst imbuing Granted, it may not sound at rst like action lm, mainly because its set at This musical comedy is packed Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson and so director John Favreau also does a The plot is shrouded in mystery in in his manner, and through his char- it with the magical styling of the Pot- the most uplifting lm to watch at Christmas but also due to its pace with entertainment from start many more. Each story is very di er- commendable job with it being his his past month saw the re- promotional material, save for the acter and performance it is all too terverse- speakeasies with singing Christmas to begin with but it quickly and memorable classic villain Gru- to nish, with its songs, a very ent to each other yet they all remain rst real big lm. The script is also turn of J K Rowling’s Wizarding knowledge that Magizoologist Newt easy to believe in the magic that the Goblins never felt so right, and the grabs hearts with its great story and ber, played by the late and great Alan memorable performance from entertaining and heart-warming in more than impressive for a comedy, TWorld in the form of the rst of Scamander nds himself in 1920s CGI renders so authentically- I for one story feels like one you can hugely acting, especially from the legendary Rickman. This successful lm also Sir Michael Caine and of course their own unique way. Even if you because as well as having plenty of a new ve-part franchise, Fantastic THE new up and coming Mummy New York with a case of fantastical am convinced that the elusive Ni er invest yourself in. And what more James Stewart, proving why the lm spawned multiple sequels with the the appearances of the beloved are not a the biggest fan of Romantic good humour it also has plenty of Beasts and Where To Find Them. With creatures that- spoiler alert- escape, and Demiguise are out there some- could we expect really? Save for the still remains as powerful as when it second ‘Die Hard 2: Die Hard’er also Muppet characters such as Ker- Comedies, this lm has a little bit of warm and charming moments which lm, a reboot of ‘The Mummy’ fran- frequent HP director David Yates at chise and also the rst lm as part and havoc ensues. All the while where for me to nd. Elsewhere, the tepid Casual Vacancy and the some- was rst released in 1946. being set on Christmas Eve. mit and Miss Piggy it’s de nitely a something for everyone to enjoy this t perfectly, making it a joyful watch. the helm and Rowling predominant however, tension is rising within the rest of the cast excel themselves also, what mixed quality Cursed Child, J K Christmas lm to be watched by Christmas. of the Universal Monsters Cinematic in the screenwriting duties, you’d be Universe also released its rst trailer American equivalent of the Ministry with ‘No-Maj’ Jacob Kowalski be- Rowling is a storyteller of an ilk previ- all this year and every year. forgiven for expecting more of the of Magic, MACUSA, and the wider ing comically played to great e ect ously unseen since the era of Tolkien this week and there was more than same from the magical world which enough content for a rst trailer on wizarding community, as the threat by newcomer Dan Fogle, whilst, at and Enid Blyton, and she knows her Harry Potter gave us, but you’d be of exposure to muggles is lingering the other end of the spectrum, Ezra world as well as any of us fans could show. The trailer showed an awful very wrong. From the moment Hed- lot of exhilarating action, especially and a ‘dark wind with eyes’ threat- Miller puts in an electrifyingly in- ever hope to; through the medium wig’s Theme begins, a comfortability ens the very lives of all in New York. I tense performance as the troubled of lm, David Yates and Rowling are with the rst sequence on the plane. falls over us like a loyal puppy, who It also introduced Tom Cruise as the shan’t give any more plot-wise away, Credence Barebone. With the likes of bringing us closer than ever to a then surprises us all with some new as Warner Bros. have managed some- Katherine Waterston and Colin Far- world which seems so much more Top New Films Coming to Cinemas protagonist, as well as brie y show- tricks- James Newton Howard’s rst- ing Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll and thing not often possible these days rell also putting in remarkable char- preferable at times to the bleak one time role as composer begins in for a lm- to not give us everything acter portrayals, it may be a tentative in which we often reside. Ordinary 1. Rogue One 3. Passengers Kingsman’s So a Boutella as the scintillating fashion as our good old mummy, Princess Ahmanet. The lm in the trailer, but it is safe to say that statement, but FB could potentially people with extraordinary abilities, THE Up and coming new Star UNLIKE many other lms as it Hedwig piece nosedives into some- there is a darkness underlying the in its run see a recti cation of the and the metamorphic yet always 1. 3. is set for release on June 9th next thing altogether more playful and Wars lm is vastly approaching mixes the genres of Sci- and Ro- year. adventure which feels like it has the Wizarding World’s ludicrous poor present ght against good over evil its release on the 16th December mance. Starring Chris Pratt and adventurous in the opening credits. strength and depth to carry an ambi- luck at the Academy Awards- after in FB, make this one an instant clas- And thus the tone is set, something and people couldn’t be more ex- Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence tious scaled project. 12 prior nominations and no win, the sic, as beautifully shot as a golden cited. Set between the events of as two pilots who after being old and yet something new, excite- Eddie Redmayne is absolutely cast and crew have really pushed the Thunderbird through a stormy sky. ment with a lingering anxiety as to the prequel trilogy and the origi- woken up 90 years too soon on magnetic in the lead role of Newt envelope with this lm. Accio 2018! nal trilogy in which a group of re- board a space ship heading to- bels set out to steal plans for the wards a new planet due to a mal- Empire’s new lethal weapon, the function, both nd themselves death star. The lm stars Felicity falling in love with each other. Di- One Top New Pick from Net ix and Amazon Jones as the protagonist Jyn Erso, rected by academy award nomi- Mads Mikkelsen as her father Ga- nated Morten Tyldum (The Imi- Net ix Watch Amazon Watch len Erso as well as Forrest Whitak- tation Game) and written by Jon DESPITE the number of lms in the er, who plays Saw Gerrera. Spaiths (Doctor Strange). 2014’s musical fantasy lm which STARING the incredible Edward Transformers franchise it seems that takes inspiration from many well- Norton, who received an Oscar nomi- there is another one to add to the known Brother’s Grimm fairy tales nation for his role as man who chang- 2. Silence 4. A Monster Calls list with ‘The Last Knight’. Though such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Ra- es his beliefs about neo-Nazism after Set during the 17th century, BASED on the immensely popu- very sceptical at rst as I’ve been dis- punzel, Cinderella and Little Red being released from prison for com- 2. 4. the lm follows two Portuguese lar book by Patrick Ness of the appointed with the past few trans- Riding Hood. The lm stars James mitting manslaughter, who in turn priests, (Andrew Gar eld and same name. Introducing Lewis former lms, after looking at this Corden as a childless baker and Emily tries to stop his little brother from Adam Driver) who travel to Japan MacDougall as the main char- new o cial trailer it looks like it could Blunt as his wife who set out on a mis- going down the same path. A re- to rescue their mentor (Liam Nee- acter Conor, a young boy who be the best one yet. Set in di erent sion to lift a curse set by a witch (Mer- ally powerful and moving lm which son) and as a result face perse- is dealing with his terminally ill times frames such as world war II and yl Streep) by retrieving certain items deals with serious themes in a clever cution and serious violence. This mother (Felicity Jones), who is present day it de nitely looks like in the hope that their curse will be and unique way, such as through its lm has been a long awaited pro- visited by a monster (Liam Nee- this lm is going all out. The lm also lifted. As well as the enjoyable songs non-linear narrative, which allows us ject for the genuis Scorsese who son) in the form of a yew tree brings back Mark Wahlberg and also and costumes, the lm really stands to see di erent points of view and has expressed his admiration for you tells Conor stories as a way to introduces the outstanding Sir An- out because of its acting, with the changes in Norton’s character. Even adapting Shūsaku Endō’s book help x his unhappy life. The lm- thony Hopkins to the Transformers praise going to Streep who received Edward Furlong who plays the little of the same name since the early was shown as part of the Toronto lm universe. This lm is also set for her 19th Oscar nomination for her brother deserves a mention for his 1990s. Safe to say, this Oscar buzz International Film Festival, where a June release next year. role, as well as Blunt and Chris Pine. incredible portrayal. lm will be worth the watch. it was given high praise. 24 Seren | December Issue 2016 GAMES Games To Pick Up This Christmas The Sequel That Underscores A Colourful New Change

Developers: Ubisoft Montreal characters are a large step up from Aiden, and enjoyable to watch and Release Date: 15 Nov 2016 play as, especially the main character Marcus. Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox one Unfortunately, as a fan of the previous game’s simplicity, I found Genre: Hack-The-World, Third the changes to the controls in this Person Shooting, Action Ad- game made it more di cult to play. venture For example, the old pro ler button is now the melee button. A welcome Multiplayer: Yes change, however, is the ability to parkour and the use of drones. It Age Rating: 18 makes traversing San Francisco easier, and stealth is a more varied option now than simply using the security cameras. Especially the drones which highlight the stealthier atch_dogs 2 is the colourful aspects of Watch_dogs 2, and it sequel to 2014’s hack-the- allows you to access di erent areas Wworld, shooting action of the map that you usually wouldn’t adventure Watch_dogs. This game go to. is set in present day, and uses San Graphically, the game is beautiful. Francisco as its open world sandbox It is best shown in the big set pieces, rather than Chicago. The Protagonist and in the environments shown in is no longer Aiden Pierce, but Marcus game. Apparently, the map is a like Holloway. for like down-scaled rendering of the Like it’s predecessor, Watch_dogs 2’s Bay-area and its surrounding areas, weakest point is it’s plot. For the rst while also cutting down on tra c couple of hours the characters have times. However, it should be noted little motivation and your main quest the cutscenes are not as seamless as feels aimless. And once a motivation in other games, and the characters of Watch_dogs. The songs are similar appearing occasionally. The voice than a sequel to the previous game is introduced it feels forced and the will move into place if you want to to how they appear in the game: acting is mostly good, but sometimes in the series. As fan of the previous plot is still full of clichés. However, talk to an NPC. brief glimpses on the radio and certain characters’ delivery can seem game, it didn’t resonate with me, unlike Watch_dogs the characters The music in the game can be hit forgettable. However, this may be a little at. and I found it a di cult game to are far more interesting. They are and miss. Nothing stands out in a matter of opinion than fact. The To paraphrase Jake Baldino’s enjoy. Although, it is not a bad game, colourful, quirky, and actually act the soundtrack, in the same way score is still interesting, with hints to Gameranx video, Watch_dogs 2 feels it has good aspects that do make it relatively like human beings. The nothing stood out in the soundtrack the previous games theme and score more like a hacking mod for GTA V enjoyable. An Eye To Past Greats Developers: Ubisoft Montreal views after you have synchronised a viewpoint. However, the character Release Date: 17 Nov 2016 animations in the cutscenes can vary from being ne to downright Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox one terrifying. Most notably, with the unrealistic movement of the eyes, Genre: Historic Stealth, Action which can oftentimes make Ezio look Adventure like he’s about to steal your soul. While they are easy to use, Multiplayer: No the controls can sometimes be unresponsive and at times make Age Rating: 18 climbing the rooftops tedious. Compared to the subsequent sequels, such as Unity and Syndicate, the free running mechanic does not feel as uid. Sometimes the By LAURA ASPIN controls can be too sensitive and you can nd yourself unintentionally he Ezio Collection is the running up random walls. However, remastered edition of the ‘Ezio the ghting mechanics have been TTrilogy’ that includes the games: vastly improved and are more Assassin Creed 2, Brotherhood and responsive. Although, it can be Revelations, and all the DLC. Also, it confusing when you need to counter contains two short lms: Embers and or dodge an attack, because there’s Lineage. It tells the story of Desmond little indication when you must Miles, who must search through the do so. As well, having to hide in memories of the late master assassin crowds and wait for the perfect Ezio Auditore to nd the Apple of time to assassinate the target makes Eden before the Templars do. the stealth sections even more The graphics have been updated challenging. and a lot of new details has been The plot is a rather compelling with added to the character avatars, many twists and turns. Throughout especially now that you can even see the story, there are many historical note personalities and are quite Overall, this collection of games has an interesting character. However, the embroidery on the character’s gures introduced, such as Leonardo forgettable. Although, the main had a large graphical update, which clumsy and sometimes unresponsive clothing. This level of detail has Da Vinci and Machiavelli, but be character Ezio Auditore is a rounded has added much needed detail to controls can dampen this otherwise also enhanced the settings and aware as their personalities or history character with an interesting the world and character avatars. fun series of games. backgrounds, which sometimes gives aren’t represented accurately. Many character arc. The plot is compelling and Ezio is you the treat of seeing gorgeous of these side characters have one 24 Seren | December Issue 2016 December Issue 2016 | Seren 25 GAMES GAMES Games To Pick Up This Christmas This Month in Games. CONOR’S CORNER The Sequel That Underscores A Colourful New Change 2016 Video Game Awards Winners Evoland 2 Developers: Ubisoft Montreal characters are a large step up from Review: Aiden, and enjoyable to watch and Release Date: 15 Nov 2016 play as, especially the main character he 2016 Video Game Awards Narrative, and Nolan North taking Marcus. happened on the 1st December home Best Performance. A Trip Down Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox one Unfortunately, as a fan of the Tat The Microsoft Theatre in Los Also, DOOM did very well and won previous game’s simplicity, I found Angeles. Best Action Game and Best Music/ Nostalgia Genre: Hack-The-World, Third the changes to the controls in this There were many great games Sound Design. Person Shooting, Action Ad- game made it more di cult to play. nominated, however the Game of The Indie Game Inside won Best venture For example, the old pro ler button the Year went to Overwatch. As well Art Direction and Best Independent Lane is now the melee button. A welcome as the main prize, Blizzard went Game. Multiplayer: Yes change, however, is the ability to home with Best Studio and Best Mul- Finally, Pokémon Go won Best Fam- parkour and the use of drones. It tiplayer Game. ily Game and Best Handheld/Mobile Developers: Shiro Games Age Rating: 18 makes traversing San Francisco Another game that did well was Game. easier, and stealth is a more varied Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, with Best Release Date: 25 August 2015 option now than simply using the security cameras. Especially the Platforms: PC drones which highlight the stealthier atch_dogs 2 is the colourful aspects of Watch_dogs 2, and it Genre: Action Adventure Role- sequel to 2014’s hack-the- allows you to access di erent areas play Wworld, shooting action of the map that you usually wouldn’t PSX Announcements adventure Watch_dogs. This game go to. Multiplayer: No is set in present day, and uses San Graphically, the game is beautiful. ver the weekend, the Chloe, the secondary antagonist of Francisco as its open world sandbox It is best shown in the big set pieces, PlayStation Experience was the fourth game, and deuteragonist Age Rating: U rather than Chicago. The Protagonist and in the environments shown in Ohosted in Anaheim California, of the second game respectively, as is no longer Aiden Pierce, but Marcus game. Apparently, the map is a like by Sony. They announced and playable characters. It is set in war Holloway. for like down-scaled rendering of the advertise several upcoming games, torn India, and happens after the By CONOR GLACKLIN Like it’s predecessor, Watch_dogs 2’s Bay-area and its surrounding areas, which will soon be coming to the events of the main game. weakest point is it’s plot. For the rst while also cutting down on tra c PlayStation consoles withing the A much anticipated remake that ey Listen! Ever wanted to play couple of hours the characters have times. However, it should be noted next few years. was shown was the Crash-Bandicoot a game that was completely little motivation and your main quest the cutscenes are not as seamless as A long expected announcement NSane trilogy, which is to quote the Hdi erent and retro at the same feels aimless. And once a motivation in other games, and the characters of Watch_dogs. The songs are similar appearing occasionally. The voice than a sequel to the previous game that came during PSX was The Last developers is a “remaster” of the rst time? Well you are in luck! Evoland is introduced it feels forced and the will move into place if you want to to how they appear in the game: acting is mostly good, but sometimes in the series. As fan of the previous of Us Part II, which features Ellie as three games in the series. While the and Evoland 2 are the games for you! plot is still full of clichés. However, talk to an NPC. brief glimpses on the radio and certain characters’ delivery can seem game, it didn’t resonate with me, an older character and the main game style has been updated it is You start the game with only the unlike Watch_dogs the characters The music in the game can be hit forgettable. However, this may be a little at. and I found it a di cult game to protagonist. The game is set a few still reminiscent of the art style of ability to move right. Then you can are far more interesting. They are and miss. Nothing stands out in a matter of opinion than fact. The To paraphrase Jake Baldino’s enjoy. Although, it is not a bad game, years after the previous game. the older games. The release date unlock the ability to move left. All in colourful, quirky, and actually act the soundtrack, in the same way score is still interesting, with hints to Gameranx video, Watch_dogs 2 feels it has good aspects that do make it Although, it is still in developement, hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s 8bit graphics. So in essence, you start relatively like human beings. The nothing stood out in the soundtrack the previous games theme and score more like a hacking mod for GTA V enjoyable. we know that one of the themes will expected to be released next year. in the childhood of videogames, and be hatred, to counter act the rst Finally, another game that was as you progress through the game so game’s theme of love. A release date shown was Yooka-Laylee, an old does the timeline. You even have to hasn’t been given, but it is expected school 3D platformerand is a spiritual discover music. to be released within a few years successor to Banjo Kazooie. The Everything that was great about An Eye To Past Greats time. game has been developed using the older generation of gaming, such Another trailer shown was that of money donated by fans through a as: strict movement options, bird’s- Developers: Ubisoft Montreal views after you have synchronised the single player DLC for Uncharted Kickstarter. The colourful art style is a eye views etc, are all available in this a viewpoint. However, the character 4: A Thief’s End, Uncharted: The welcome change to the darker games game. Release Date: 17 Nov 2016 animations in the cutscenes can Lost Legacy. It features Nadine and that are coming out nowadays. Thankfully, this is a nostalgic trip vary from being ne to downright that doesn’t hurt your eyes, as Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox one terrifying. Most notably, with the it doesn’t last for too long – just unrealistic movement of the eyes, long enough to bring back your Genre: Historic Stealth, Action which can oftentimes make Ezio look Fantastic Pokémon happy childhood memories, but Adventure like he’s about to steal your soul. not too long to remember the While they are easy to use, disappointments at not being able Multiplayer: No the controls can sometimes be And Where To Find to complete the game. Well if you are unresponsive and at times make lucky that is, don’t get trapped in the Age Rating: 18 climbing the rooftops tedious. 32 bit music or you might go insane. Compared to the subsequent Them Evoland 2 parodies a range of sequels, such as Unity and Syndicate, Developers: Game Freak ture classics, from The Legend of Zelda the free running mechanic does to Megaman, I mean you can play as not feel as uid. Sometimes the Release date: 25th November Multiplayer: Yes ‘Clink’ (sound familiar?). A must play By LAURA ASPIN controls can be too sensitive and 2016 game for all life-long gamers, young you can nd yourself unintentionally Age Rating: 7+ and old! he Ezio Collection is the running up random walls. However, Platforms: Nintendo 3DS Warning: Nostalgia results may vary remastered edition of the ‘Ezio the ghting mechanics have been from complete enjoyability to rage- TTrilogy’ that includes the games: vastly improved and are more Genre: Role-Playing Adven- quitting! Assassin Creed 2, Brotherhood and responsive. Although, it can be Revelations, and all the DLC. Also, it confusing when you need to counter contains two short lms: Embers and or dodge an attack, because there’s set twelve hours apart, making 12:00 beat the evil team before gaining Pokémon that are in the box system, Lineage. It tells the story of Desmond little indication when you must by BEN SMITH am in real time 12:00 pm in game support from a mythical being. instead of being trapped in a dark Miles, who must search through the do so. As well, having to hide in and vice versa. This switch, which The change of Gyms to Island Trials hole for the rest of existence while memories of the late master assassin crowds and wait for the perfect he latest edition to the Pokémon might make Dialga feeling quite adds a refreshing touch to the game you run around careless and free, get Ezio Auditore to nd the Apple of time to assassinate the target makes franchise showcases a new confused, allows not only for more series as the routine had started to to go on holiday to a series of islands, Eden before the Templars do. the stealth sections even more Tregion of the ever expanding changes in what types of Pokémon become predictable. Though this and make friends, hunt for jewels, The graphics have been updated challenging. world of Pokémon: The Alola Region, you can catch and what evolutions new addition means that several grow berries and much more. It in and a lot of new details has been The plot is a rather compelling with which is based upon the island of are possible. It also results in some new elements have now made their fact helps to encourage you to catch added to the character avatars, many twists and turns. Throughout Hawaii in the paci c. key plot changes between the debut. more Pokémon, as the Pokémon in This game adds many more new games, making choosing between A new hidden game mechanic Poké Pelago seems to be better o especially now that you can even see the story, there are many historical note personalities and are quite Overall, this collection of games has an interesting character. However, creative monsters to the ranks of them quite a task. these games, and by far the best, is than their life in the wild! the embroidery on the character’s gures introduced, such as Leonardo forgettable. Although, the main had a large graphical update, which clumsy and sometimes unresponsive those you can travel with. There is The removal of gym battles has Poké Pelago as it removes any guilt Overall, both of these games are clothing. This level of detail has Da Vinci and Machiavelli, but be character Ezio Auditore is a rounded has added much needed detail to controls can dampen this otherwise now an emphasis on the new “Ultra caused quite a stir, because it had of putting that level ve Pikipek in enjoyable and a brilliant way to also enhanced the settings and aware as their personalities or history character with an interesting the world and character avatars. fun series of games. Beasts”, which seem to play a key part become the norm of the games the “box system” just for the sake of it procrastinate. backgrounds, which sometimes gives aren’t represented accurately. Many character arc. The plot is compelling and Ezio is you the treat of seeing gorgeous of these side characters have one in the story of the games. They are to battle through the gyms and and never touching it again. Now any 26 Seren | December Issue 2016 BOOKS

e year is drawingTIP to a close and it feels onlyTOP right to have a brief overview BOOKS of the best books of the year. Some came IN into the world and2016 caused an explosion of sales, others simply sat there being quietly appreciated by many for years.

I base a lot of my book choices based A non- ction selection has to be on recommendations from friends popped in here somewhere! is and family. One million lovely letters Not the typical novel, but still eccentric memoir to the strains of a quietly creeps onto your bookshelf, but Now, I know that I have mentioned wonderful. JK Rowling, as you have In mine, and in many others eyes, a modern, city way of living provides once you have read it, it has a lasting this book just a few weeks ago, but it probably started to gather right now classic George Orwell book will always us with an insight into the stark truths impact. is book pulls all the heart would be hard not to mention again. is one of my all time favourite authors, be a best seller. A story about consensus that can encompass those in that strings; a true story of a young lady A er all, it is one of the best selling even at the age of 20, she still captivates to the max, and the harrowing part of moment. Told through the perspective whose life gets turned upside down by books of the entire year. As mentioned me. e cursed child, albeit di erent the novel is the fact it feels so very true. of art history and its modern heroes, illness, but uses it in the most positive in a previous issue, I went in with a in ways, did not disappoint. I couldn’t Within a year of many (scary) political such as the likes of Andy Warhol. is way…sending letters, roughly 1 sceptical approach to this book, the put this down and by the look of the events, this book strikes close to a book is something that demonstrates million of them to those who request it whole concept just seemed confusing sales; millions of other people couldn’t nerve and is a book everyone should poignancy of modern living through a in a time of need in their lives. Heart- and bizarre. However, a gripping plot either. read at least once. surreal viewpoint. warming and optimistic; something line, conspiracy and just general edge- we all need in our lives. of-seat reading changed my mind! THE ADAPTATION “I’m skint but have all these DEBATE: A CHRISTMAS presents to buy”: a saving CAROL t’s back again. Christmas provides some cracking books for us all to read. We all in particular will have appreciated this one, either in book or theatrical grace Iproduction form. But, which one is better? THE BOOK THE PLAY

hristmas is fast approaching, it is almost time to leave the Bangor bubble and return back home for TV time, baths and mum’s cooking. However, buying presents on a student budget can be tight, especially when you have spent it all on Beer #noregrets. Books are generally under a tenner, and show that you have at least put some thought into Cthe interests of your loved ones! It’s the perfect combination.

For Mum: e Younger sister: e Brother: e ladybird series has introduced Who doesn’t love Zoella? Chances are Other than socks this year, you could a grown-ups short selection. If your younger sister will be a massive purchase something that will be truly Dickens doesn’t disappoint with the you fancy being the comedian this fan. Don’t lie we all are too. e lovely appreciated. You can’t go wrong with book. is simple and magical con- Christmas, Mum provides a witty, and talented YouTuber Zoe Sugg has a good comedy-based practical book. cept of morality, thrown in with some sarcastic perspective of the life of a only gone and released another book, “Mini weapons of Mass destruction ghosts has shown a combination that mother. She’s a gem, isn’t she? We all Girl online: on tour continues on the provides entertainment for everyone has been appreciated by the masses for Now every year in primary school need a break, and mum of all people, adventure of Penny, experiencing a with DIY tools out of household years and years. e amount of detail for goodness knows how long, we went deserves it most. Run her a bath, open teenage life that we could have only objects. You’ll hate him by the end used can be overwhelming at times.; and saw a production of this show. the wine, and let her relax, especially ever dreamed of! Your sister will enjoy of the day, but at least he’ll be having we are sometimes talking pages de- Complete with icecream, I remember a er the Christmas rush. it…and then secretly we will borrow it a hoot. scribing something so simple. Howev- the simplicity in the set and costumes. a er too. er, we cannot forget the original print But that was all that was needed. With For Dad: For Grandma: form was a chapter at a time in news- powerful, emotive acting, I can still Generally, the dad population e Older Sister: Last and no means least is the little papers (basically he needed the word remember scenes in my head from has a love for random facts about Lauren Graham, well, where do I love that is Grandma. It’s a well-known count, and he needed to make sure we today. e level of detail used in the LITERALLY ANYTHING. A Short begin? Gilmore Girls actress and all fact that all Grannies love to bake. all de nitely understood what he was books really helps to make the play ad- History of Nearly Everything does round super star has only gone and e Great British Bakeo : big book on about!) e overall impact that this aptations so special and intricate. For exactly what it says on the tin. It will written a book. Talking as fast as I can of baking provides yummy recipes book has had on me is great; reading it me, the play has to be a winner. Not keep dad entertained on Christmas tells the tales of her experience with and hilarious snippets. Plus your at an early age, and at many stages in because I ate a lot of icecream and had morning, and a few beverages in, you the show! I am the older sister and I Christmas break will now be lled my life, you learn something new from a great time watching it, but purely be- too will be adorned with the pleasure sure am glad that I introduced my with a tad more cake and happiness. it every time you read it. e messages cause it has had a last impact and has of a not-so-short-anymore history of younger sister to the show. is book it sends are ones that still stick with me created some wonderful memories for everything…. well, the pages he read is sure to be a smashing success, just today. many others and me too. before he fell asleep. like the TV series. December Issue 2016 | Seren 27 CHRISTMAS BUCKET SEREN GIFT GUIDE LIST

1.Stroke a reindeer 2. Eat all your advent calendar in one day 3. Watch a Christmas l m 4. Spend all of Christmas in you PJ’s Want to buy something a little di erent this year? Fed up of buying socks for your family members year after year? Or just want to be the coolest gift-giver of this holiday season? Don’t worry, Seren’s 5. Get far too drunk got you covered! We’ve scouted out some of the best gifts the internet has to o er! 6. Listen to some Christmas hits 7.Try out every present you get in the rst hour of Christmas Day 8. Eat those brussell sprouts OBAMA LLAMA GAME CAT BONNET STAR WARS CROCHET ARGOS - 17.99 FIREBOX - 8.99 FIREBOX - 19.99 9. Play a family board game A celebrity name rhyming game. Not sure it The purrfect gift for the cat owner in your People are pretty into crochet these days... actually involves llamas... :( life! Just look at its ridiculous face! at least try make them look cool... 10. Attend a Christmas Market 11. Go ice skating 12. Sit on Santas knee 13. Camp out for the SECRET SANTA BOX BACK TO THE FUTURE MONOPOLY SUPER LIZARD ROBOT Boxing Day sales FIREBOX - 9.99 365GAMES.CO.UK - 25.99 MENKIND - 17.99 14. Do some Christmas baking Don’t know what to get your Secret Santa? Great Scott! The greatest lm trilogy of all I don’t actually know why anyone would Firebox will choose a gift at random and time (maybe) nally has a Monopoly board! want this but just look at him! 15. Help your mum wrap it terribly! with the Christmas dinner 16. Decorate the tree 17. Set the Christmas pudding on re

TOASTIE MACHINE SUBBUTEO LIGHT EGG HOLDER & TOAST CUTTER FINDMEAGIFT.CO.UK - 6.99 18. Make your way IWANTONEOFTHOSE.COM - 11.50 IWANTONEOFTHOSE.COM - 19.99 through the Christmas co ees in Costa, Some would say a terrible Xmas present... No one plays Subbuteo anymore This is a bargain if you have to buy for a Starbucks and Cafe those people don’t know what they’re saying! Nero (unfortunately), so relive the good old days ‘comic book geek’ wth this light! 19. Go carol singing If you have a friend who 20. Tell your family loves a tv show/movie/game etc then guaranteed you can and friends you love probably get them a cute little them Funko Pop gure of on eof the characters! FUNKO POP FIGURES AMAZON - VARIOUS PRICES

30 Seren | December Issue 2016 FASHION Who wore it better? Mrs Doubt re and Kim Kardashian

by LIZZY DILLON rs Doubt re’s pale accessories, such as her pristine white handbag and her white rimmed glass- im Kardashian wears this out t in quite a di erent way. Her black hair and her dark, es, bring out the pale tone of this out t brilliantly. Her pale hair, with a twenties apper curl is yet simple, makeup really highlights the slightly darker tone of this dress. Her red Monly highlighted by this and make her pearl earrings shine brighter than the vibrant owers. Klipstick also highlights the red carpet she is standing on, brilliantly drawing atten- The splashes of pink highlight her subtle, age appropriate makeup and the matching patterns of the tion to her current soaring fame. Her lack of accessories, subtle hair and makeup, as well jacket and the dress mean you can’t take your eyes o her. The question of where her jacket ends and as the loud pattern of the dress successfully draws attention to both her infamous back- her dress begins, is too exciting. side and her baby bump. Given by her sideways stance, these were clearly the assets she was trying to show o . In my opinion, Mrs Doubt re pulls o this dress in a way that no other could. The dress hangs to her curves as much as anybody would want on a woman her age, and the hidden challenge in her out t meant no one could take their eyes o her. By holding the hand of a little girl, however, one must ask why they would give the crown to anyone other than this caring and loving woman. e winners of the 2016 Fashion Awards are... BEST EMERGING TALENT: Molly Goddard BRITISH MENSWEAR DESIGNER: Craig Green BRITISH WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER: Simone Rocha THE SWARROVSKI AWARD FOR POSITIVE CHANGE: Franca Sozzani ISABELLA BLOW AWARD FOR FASHION CREATOR: Bruce Weber SPECIAL RECOGNITION: 100 years of British Vogue BRITISH BRAND: Alexander McQueen INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LEADER:Marco Bizzarri for Gucci INTERNATIONAL URBAN LUXURY BRAND: Vetements INTERNATIONAL ACCESSORIES BRAND: Alessandro Michele for Gucci INTERNATIONAL READY-TO-WEAR DESIGNER : Demna Gvasalia for Balenciaga INTERNATIONAL MODEL : Gigi Hadid NEW FASHION ICON: Jaden & Willow Smith OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Ralph Lauren December Issue 2016 | Seren 31 FASHION “I can’t feel my ribcage and I love it!”

a “robot transvestite” and “nutter” But we’re all cosplayers. In costume, (among various other unrepeatable who we are, what we usually look like o erings), from the passers-by on my doesn’t matter. We’re all a family, be- trek. I had spent at least two months cause we’re showing the world that previous sewing together the out t we love a certain character or series in my spare time. All to appear at the so much we dress up as them. I could cosplay masquerade, my favourite talk to everyone in the masquerade. part of Comic-Con. Cosplay (turning If we’d met in the outside world, out- up to events like this in a costume side the magical space within the like a speci c character) is amazing. NEC Arena that weekend, we’d never Each year, many attendees of the have so much as exchanged looks; I MCM Expo arrive in their various cos- hope to meet them again. They ll plays, and each is an individual work me with their con dence, their zest of art. for life and the nervous but energetic In fact, I consider it beautiful. It’s like joy they greet each new moment your favourite characters are given a with. Cosplayers have done more for physical form, and hours of prepara- me and my mental state than I could tion put into a costume culminate in ever have achieved without an outlet a grand performance, which inverts like our shared hobby. This year, I met the social rules of the world. Whilst in the whole cast of Overwatch, Rick the streets of Bangor and on the sta- Sanchez and Morty Smith, twenty- tions leading up to Birmingham, I was one Harley Quinn’s, the Power Rang- glared at and shamed for dressing up ers’ Dino Megazord, two other Mikus, as a virtual woman, at the event all Kirito and Asuna sharing a kiss and I received was praise. Clothing and even Ayato Amagiri (from a truly other little otherwise insigni cant ac- terrible anime I can’t even recall the coutrements had made me feel like I name of). had life owing through me. You can look at pictures of it all on- I had ceased to be the somewhat line, and I encourage you to give it a reclusive man who smiles forlornly try yourself. That said, I can’t stress the at others to make them happy, and vital importance of bringing along a become a being for myself, bursting warm coat when one is only wearing with energy and wonder at every a very thin synthetic satin sleeveless new part of the world I happened vest, a skirt and boxer shorts. to encounter, every other cosplayer, every friend I’d met again after time apart. I wasn’t Jack, I was a cosplayer, an actor in a role, not of Hatsune by JACK WHATLEY across the pond, where the lovers of most famous is undeniably Miku, Miku but of someone with the imagi- manga; anime; comics and assorted an anime-style girl that has a cute nation, spark and courage to cosplay n the 19th of November, I was fandoms gather to glorify in their personality despite only existing in not Jack Whatley. I was what as her. hobbies – and I spent the day not as a virtual space. I wasn’t in costume Many fellow cosplayers are better OJack could never be. The best myself, but as Hatsune Miku. Miku is on a whim, however – I was willing at the craft than me. Many are pro- Jack I could be. The day of which one of the darlings of the internet to spend around six hours on a train I speak, was the day of the MCM fessional, can do wiring and sewing and otaku culture, a virtual popstar to and from Birmingham, garner- without drawing blood and swear- Expo- for the uninitiated, this is our (or ‘idol’) known as a Vocaloid. The ing delightful comments of being equivalent of the Comic-Con held ing incessantly (most of the time). SamCam’s new fashion line... Victoria Secret o, what haven’t the Cameron family been Sin the media for? Since Fashion show: being elected as Prime Min- ister due to the public vot- ing for the Conservative party, David Cameron and his wife Samantha have rung up their fair share of press. For the good? For the bad? You decide. Let’s see, there was that time that Saman- tha made the tabloids for being the only female not wearing a hat at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s royal wedding in 2011. The incident where they both left their daughter in a pub. Then there was the pig incident... let us not dwell on that though, that’s a whole other story. of course there has been the Brexit referendum this year, 2016, which concluded with Cameron stepping down and resign- ing as the UK’s Prime Minis- he city of love hosted the Vic- Monday 12 December at 8pm. In the ter. However, a new one on toria's Secret fashion show this meantime, here is a couple photo’s all of us is that Samantha Cameron called Ce nn, which is allegedly in- one want to buy clothes designed Tyear on the 30th November and snap shots of the Victoria Secret will be releasing a new fashion label spired by the initials of her children, by the former prime minister’s wife? 2016. This is the rst time the show show in 2016. Stay tuned and make in 2017. The label will be a 40 – piece Nancy, Elwen, Florence and Ivan. A With that title under her belt, only has been hosted in Paris. Previously sure you don’t miss out of getting to – collection that will be up for sale family friend has said that, ‘’she has time will be able to tell. Who knows, being hosted in places such as New see the show for yourself. through retailers like Selfridges and always wanted to do this’’. Well, she she may be the next Alexander Mc- York, London, Los Angeles, Miami the designer fashion website Net-a- may have always wanted to have Queen. I guess and Cannes. For UK viewers, the porter. The name of the label will be released a fashion label, but will any- show will be aired on 4Music on 32 Seren | December Issue 2016 LIFESTYLE DON’T GET YOUR TINSEL IN A TANGLE s you’ve probably work, as well as increas- dipped clementine slices. been told numerous ing motivation, boosting The clementine contains vi- times by the radio, it’s moods and preventing the tamin c and dark chocolate Athe most wonderful time behavioural fatigue that is a source of magnesium, of the year. Yes, it’s almost causes us to become so known to boost moods and Christmas. For most of us, easily distracted. So why improve focus. It’s no Ter- this simply means count- not pop on some familiar ry’s Chocolate Orange, but ing down the days until Christmas tunes to enhance it’s halfway there, right? we can spend time with that creativity! Instrumental Finally, now you’ve heard our loved ones, indulging covers are considered to be and tasted a bit of Christ- SEASONAL SASS in ne foods, singing our less of a distraction, whilst mas, why not have a smell ecember brings the If you’re not quite feeling hearts out to a bit of Bublé songs that are rhythmic and of it too? Try scents such as month of all things the glitter lips, add a smidge (you can’t deny it, his al- sound happy have a strong cinnamon, which helps to glamorous and ex- of glitter on your eyes and bum is de nitely a staple positive e ect on produc- ght fatigue, pine, which citing,D especially those pair with a smudged black Christmas favourite) and tivity as they increase en- boosts energy, and citrus numerous festive parties. liner. embracing the chaos that ergy and improve brain ac- scents (lemons, oranges, So instead of fretting over last-minute present prepa- tivity. grapefruits and clemen- what to wear and how your ration brings. The last thing If you’re a peckish work- tines) which reduce stress, make-up could possibly Switch up the Smoke. we want to do is be sat at a er, you’re in luck. It’s been improve focus and boost complement your admit- Instead of the typical black, desk working, motivation shown that gingerbread your mood. Many of the tedly overpriced (but de - opt for a sultry deep red in can dwindle, but who says cookies not only taste listed are often used within nitely worth it) out t, why your smoky eye. Blend with you can’t bring a little bit like Christmas, but they aromatherapy for improv- not step away from the ba- sparkling greys for a power- of that Christmas spirit into also boost your iron ining workers productivity, so sics and boundaries of your ful, yet beautiful look. your work? take which withholds an it’s worth a shot. Anything comfort zone and try some- Previous studies have de- important role in energy to get you through until the thing a little di erent this picted that music has posi- production. If you’re still big day and keep that spirit year. No Nonsense Nails. tive e ects upon our pro- attempting to keep that on top notch form. Whatever colour you ductivity, said to improve health-kick in check, then choose, make sure it’s bold. e ciency and accuracy in why not try dark chocolate Glitter Glamour. Test the waters of tradi- How about a glitter lip? tional silvers and golds, try Just apply some make-up- out some chrome, nourish grade ne glitter on top of those nails. Whatever you your freshly applied lipstick choose, be sure everyone is with a nifty little cotton admiring those gems with bud. To really make those every sip you take, present lips lock all of the attention, you open and hand-shake keep the rest of your make- you give. up simple as can be.

CALMING THE CHRISTMAS CHAOS hristmas can be an in- granted. We come to realise feel more relaxed, it is im- within our diets, especially more than these temporary credibly challenging that there is so much more portant to remember that for us to be in good physi- feelings and thoughts ever Ctime for many of us, of- that goes into perfecting alcohol is in fact a depres- cal form and withhold suf- will be and you’re stronger, ten raising our stress levels that perfect Christmas sea- sant. Therefore, excessive cient energy, this also ena- braver and far more beau- to the extremes. It’s an even son; from planning, prepar- amounts can result in low bles improved moods and tiful than you will ever more challenging time for ing, shopping and wrap- moods, irritability and po- avoids irritability. see. If you’re a guardian or those of us with a mental ping - to cooking, cleaning tentially aggressive behav- friend of somebody suf- health issue. and decorating. We place iours. Drink reasonably and If you are a su erer of any fering, please refrain from such enormous pressures minimally, everyone is enti- form of eating disorder, presenting an overbearing We spend our child- upon ourselves attempting tled to a tipple or two, just remember that there are front. Support is essential, hoods surrounded by the to organise an idealistic few remember that too much numerous online and local but it is also important to excitement and the mys- days, when what we really will never end pleasantly. services to you that can of- refrain from treating some- tery of the most magical need to focus upon is or- fer you support and reas- body as if they are di erent time of the year, where all ganising our thoughts rst. FOODS surance within this time. from everybody else and that really matters is wak- To truly appreciate Christ- Christmas is also syn- The constant presentation singling them out around ing up to the smell of the mas, we need to truly ap- onymous with over-indul- of indulgent foods in ad- meal times. Do not make Christmas dinner already preciate ourselves and that gence, a mere encourage- verts and social events fo- the focus of Christmas food, cooking and tearing from means confronting a few ment for numerous diet cused upon food can lead make the focus on creating our beds to discover if ‘San- demons in order to keep industries to prompt us to to feelings of guilt and memories and looking to- ta’s’ really left us a few pre- them at bay. lose weight within the New disapproval within our- wards the future. Celebrate sents under the tree. Yet, as Year. This can be extremely selves. This is unfounded the moments you have to- we age it’s only then do we ALCOHOL damaging, triggering and and temporary. Do not let gether. A diagnosis does discover the many things Often associated with the unbearable for those su er- your disorder disrupt such not de ne a person, do not occurring around us that celebratory spirit of Christ- ing from eating disorders. a precious and joyful time, treat them as if they are we’ve so easily taken for mas and New Year, whilst It is important to try and a time you once longed con ned to the boundaries it may seem to make you maintain a good balance for as a child. You’re worth of a medical label. December Issue 2016 | Seren 33 LIFESTYLE SHINING A LIGHT ON... FESTIVE FEASTING DEMENTIA he word dementia de- ments and preventions in the biggest cause of death in scribes a set of symp- order to bene t the lives of England and Wales, overtak- Ttoms, such as memory those su ering from Demen- ing heart disease as Britain’s loss and di culties with tia. They are currently funding biggest killer, and account- thinking, problem-solving or a broad range of research pro- ing for almost one in eight language. It is a progressive jects and over 1,000 dementia deaths recorded in England disease caused by damage to researchers across 15 centres and Wales 2015. That’s a total the brain from diseases such within the UK to accomplish of 61,686 people, according SPROUTS WITH CRISPY as Alzheimer’s disease or a se- a better understanding of to the O ce for National Sta- PROSCIUTTO 2) Remove from pan and ries of strokes. This means that dementia, followed by bet- tistics. Last year alone saw the SERVES 8 set aside. over time, the symptoms will ter diagnosis, treatments and dementia-linked death rate gradually worsen. Dementia preventions. jump by almost 20 per cent £0.32 PER SERVING, ASDA 3) Steam or boil the is not a natural part of ageing, among women and 16 per sprouts for 7-8 minutes, un- though the chance of devel- In North and West Wales cent among men. If that isn’t INGREDIENTS til they are tender. oping dementia does increase there are over 18,000 people a cause for concern, then I’m 4 SLICES PROSCIUTTO signi cantly with age. In fact, with dementia, It is predicted not sure what is. 750G MEDIUM SPROUTS 4) Drain and return to the one in 14 people over the age that this number will rise to 50G BUTTER pain with butter, lemon zest of 65, and one in six people just under 23,000 by 2021. Many of you will have un- FINELY GRATED ZEST ¼ and seasoning. over the age of 80 has de- There are numerous support doubtedly seen the undeni- LEMON mentia. However, more than groups and local services ably touching ‘Santa Forgot 5) Turn the sprouts un- 40,000 of those under the age available, providing day care Christmas’ by Alzheimer’s Re- METHOD til well coated, tip into a of 65 have dementia within and home care for those with search UK. (If not, I’d highly 1) Heat a large frying pan serving bowl, tear over the the UK, this is called early-on- dementia, as well as support recommend giving it a quick and cook the prosciutto in crispy prosciutto and sea- set or young-onset dementia. and befriending services avail- look!) A short video narrated batches, laying the slices son with freshly ground able to help partners and fam- by Stephen Fry and created at until brown and crispy. pepper. However, dementia research ilies cope with the demands to raise awareness of the most is hugely underfunded; re- of caring for their loved ones. common cause of dementia, ceiving almost ten times less In order to help support those Alzheimer’s, a disease that funding than cancer research. su ering and their families, as can a ect anyone at any time. This may potentially be due well as funding for research Christmas can be an incred- to a lack of understanding into dementia, there is the ibly lonely time for those of towards the disease, as well chance to attend the Carols us who do not feel supported, as the common error that it is by Candlelight Concert 2016 and especially for those of us simply a natural part of age- being held on Saturday 3rd su ering. If you can do any- ing. It isn’t. There is also a re- December 2016. This is an thing to show your support, maining stigma attached that event being held at the Holy from attending a local event or has not yet subsided, mean- Trinity Church, in Llandudno. donating some money, please ing many are reluctant to talk The evening o ers festive do. A small gift can make a hu- about their experiences. Alz- treats for all, with any pro ts mongous di erence. heimer’s Research UK wants going towards transforming to change this, encouraging the lives of those a ected by people to speak out about the disease. Doors open at Community Fundraiser their experiences and knowl- 7pm, with the even beginning - here to give you a hand by edge of the disease, as well at 7.30pm. Tickets range from o ering you support, materi- as encouraging young scien- £4 for children under 12, £8 als and advice. tists to work on dementia and for adults and £12 for a person Ruth Owen PIGS IN PUFF PASTRY 3) Unroll the pu pas- therefore enabling the oppor- with dementia and their carer. Community Fundraiser - BLANKETS try into an A4 sheet, cut tunity to build up the UK’s re- All are available to purchase North Wales SERVES 6-8 16x10cm long strips. search capacity. now. Tel: 07885 231607 or 01492 543946 £0.53 PER SERVING 4) Wrap each chipolata in Alzheimer’s Research UK Earlier this year, o cial g- Email: ruth.owen@alzhei- a strip of pastry, winding it funds pioneering research ures presented that demen- mers.org.uk INGREDIENTS round like a corkscrew. into discovering new treat- tia and Alzheimer’s are now ½ TBSP VEGETABLE OIL, FOR GREASING 5) Place on the baking ½ SHEET READY-ROLLED sheet and chill in the fridge PUFF PASTRY for 15 minutes. 16 PORK CHIPOLATAS 1 EGG YOLK, BEATEN 6) Mix the egg yolk with 2 TBSP SESAME SEEDS 1 tsp water and use to glaze the top of each pastry spi- METHOD ral. 1) Heat oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7 7) Sprinkle with sesame seeds and bake for 25-30 2) Grease a large baking minutes, until the pastry is tray. pu ed and golden and the sausages are cooked.

verybody knows cheese tolerant or vegan, of course, joy brought to the lives of gouda. Annem achieved so is a staple and tradition- then that’s a whole di er- every cheese chugger out much attention for her crea- CHEESE-Eal part of Christmas, a ent story.) there when they discover the tion she’s begun work towards time to indulge in all that e orts of London-based blog- to making a commercially creamy, cheesy, crumbly ger Annem Hobson, a young available calendar for Decem- MAS goodness without a sec- lass who created her very own ber 2017. ond thought. After all, it is cheese advent calendar. Yes, Christmas and there’s noth- you better brie-lieve it and Interested? Then register ing that a wooden board step aside with your chocs, your interest at cheeseadvent- lled with all those dairy her calendar consisted of 24 calendar.com in order to be delights can’t solve. individually-wrapped cheese one of the rst informed of CHEER pieces; ranginging from stil- when your cheesy countdown (Unless you’re lactose in- So just imagine the pure ton, to goats’ cheese and even will be on sale next year! 34 Seren | December Issue 2016 FOOD AND DRINK

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD What does Christmas taste like around the globe? ere in the UK we’re accus- Iceland, the country not the shop, Africa to line up perfectly with Christmas. Asia tomed to certain things on it’s not unusual to be served pu n In Egypt, Christians tend to eat their Whilst this might sound horrible In Japan Christmas is not a recog- HChristmas, but what about our or roasted reindeer. Although to be main Christmas meal late on the eve many cherish it as a delicacy and it’s nised holiday, as only 1% of the pop- worldly neighbours? honest you could probably nd that after mass. Although since Egypt still a great source of protein, so for eve- ulation is Christian, however with a in the Iceland on the highstreets. observes the Coptic Calendar, Christ- ryone trying to make gains but stay bit of marketing KFC has managed to Europe Lamb is eaten by many countries mas eve doesn’t take place until festive this is for you. become the de-facto meal on Christ- Most of Europe, eat their main on Christmas day however in Norway January 6. The most common meal mas day. In the Seventies a market- Christmas meal on the 24th and very they do away with a shank or a rack is known as fata, a kind of lamb stew Americas ing campaign managed to convinced few eat turkey. In Poland, the tradi- of ribs and serve up Lamb’s head for with rice, bread and garlic, to get Over in South Americas, Christmas the Japanese that KFC was the only tion is to tuck into a banquet called their traditional Christmas dinner. them in the holiday mood. In East Af- is a spicy business. On Christmas Eve, thing to eat on Christmas day using ‘Wigilia’ and then follow it up with a The delicacy known as ‘Smalahove’ rica, goats are commonly purchased Mexicans nosh into traditional stews the slogan was “Kurisumasu ni wa Christmas breakfast on the 25th. is a whole sheep’s head, salted and at the local market for roasting on and sh dishes, with spicy tamales kentakkii!”, or “Kentucky for Christ- Italians tend to avoid meat in gen- dried, smoked, boiled or steamed. Christmas day. and sweet fritters known as buñue- mas!” and now people queue around eral in favour of ‘The Feast of the Sev- Whilst the skin and eece are re- Down in South Africa you can ex- los. Peruvians have a taste for turkey, the block to get their hands on a fes- en Fishes’ where delicacies such as moved the brain is kept most of the pect something slightly di erent on and as much hot chocolate as they tive bucket in December. fried eel are the star of the show. On time to be eaten with a spoon. your Christmas dinner plate, fried can handle. Christmas day pasta and meat dishes moth caterpillars. Mopane is the cat- such as il cotechino, a sausage made erpillar of the Gonimbrasia belina from pig’s intestines, are served. In species and its harvest season tends FOOD AND DRINK CHRISTMAS WHAT’S NEXT FOR GIFTS YELLOW PUB? FROM NORTH WALES WILD HORSE SNOWDONIA AERONA BREWING CHEESE COMPANY COMPANY

nitial plans have been submitted “We see this building as an impor- to transform the former pub Yr tant part of the latest development IHen Glan into a brand new restau- in this area of Bangor, the square rant and student ats. in front of the Glanrafon has ben- AERONA use handpicked produce ESTABLISHED on last year, The THE Snowdonia cheese company Yr Hen Glan, known to many as Yel- e ted from investment in Pontio, all grown on their own family farm to Wild Horse Brewing Company is a stock a luxury range of over 10 low pub, was closed earlier this year landscaping and the Storiel devel- create a wide range of unique prod- small craft brewery located in Llan- cheese varieties using products however new owners MJF Pension opment.” ucts that would make the perfect dudno. Passionate about brewing, all grown in the Snowdonia range. Trustees plan to convert the pub into gift. Mostly known for their Welsh they have set out to brew the most Known throughout the cheese world a restraint called ‘Y Glanrafon’. Plans Not everyone is happy a the plans berry liqueur but also stock great liq- natural beers they possibly can and the Snowdonia Cheese Company has also include 16 student ats on the for more student accomodation in- uored chocolate and fudge. do not include ltering or pasteuris- expanded massively in the 15 years rst and second oors. cluding Local student Simon Anetts ing. They’re range of brews include it’s been running and recently won In the submission to the council, everything from single hop IPA’s to a four awards at the British Cheese they said: “Adding to an already saturated chocolate orange milk stout Awards. student accommodation mar- Where to nd them? “Our clients have recently bought ket seems stupid when Bangor is Where to nd them? Where to nd them? the Glanrafon and are proposing to de nitely not saturated with good www.aerona.wales redevelop the site to become an im- pubs” wildhorsebrewing.co.uk www.snowdoniacheese.co.uk portant hub for the City of Bangor.” December Issue 2016 | Seren 35 FOOD AND DRINK

10 FACTS YOU WHY DO WE EAT TURKEY’S AT DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT BRUSSLES CHRISTMAS, ANYWAY? SPROUTS

real unsung hero of Christ- mas, the Brussels sprout is Aa solider that keeps coming back year on year even if not one likes it. But it turns out the leafy green is good for all sorts of stu hristmas is full of old tradi- a farm favourite as it allowed farm- time they were seen as common, so New Year’s Day however due to other than throwing at siblings or tion like; listening to the ers to keep hold of their chickens for it was swapped with turkey as it was Prince Albert’s in uence feeding to pets. So here’s a list of 10 queen’s speech, January exam eggs rather than their meat also as still seen as relatively exotic. Christmas became more important things you didn’t know about Brus- C sels sprouts. stressand forced interaction with dis- turkeys were so much bigger than Turkey was nally cemented onto and small gifts like fruits and nuts tant relatives. But one tradition is im- chicken’s, farmers where able to get the Christmas menu in Charles Dick- were given on Christmas day. This portant than the rest. A turkey roast. almost double the payload from tur- ens published ‘A Christmas Carrol’ af- tradition grew and grew and now 1. They are named after the Bel- In fact 76% of UK households will keycompared to chicken. ter Scrooge gifts the Cratchit family a in the modern day we receive socks gian capital “Brussels” even though serve up a succulent roast turkey on But why Christmas? Well after the Christmas turkey. and lynx box sets. they originate from Afghanistan December 25 th . But why? Why is it marriage of Queen Victoria and We have the Victorian era to thank that turkey, a bird that is forgotten Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg. The for our obsession of turkeys on 2. There are 50 varieties of Brussels for about 364 days of the year, the British slowly began adopting a Christmas day and it turns out we only thing people want at Christmas? more German Christmas complete have the Victorians to thank for many 3. In 2010, bitterly cold tempera- After being introduced to the withChristmas markets, trees and a of the things we associate with tures between -5C and -11C cut United Kingdom over 500 years ago, goose dinner. Christmas. Cards, crackers, decora- harvesting short by two months by a Yorkshire man on his way back However the British aristocrats tion and even gift giving. and led to fears of a sprout shortage from American, turkey soon became didn’t want to eat goose ,as at the Gifts were traditionally given on over Christmas. 4. In December, Morrisons sells about 650 tonnes of sprouts each week. That’s more than an A380 MULLED WINE TO PUD OR NOT Airbus. 5. Overcooking sprouts makes RECIPIE TO PUD? them smell like rotten eggs due to ight lets face it, no one like brook, summed up the decline of the the high levels of sulforaphane they Christmas pudding. The ad- steaming pudding perfectly in a talk contain. verts of a slow motion Christ- with the guardian. R 6. The sprout industry is worth mas pudding covered in brandy, set blaze with the sultry voice over lady “The decline of the Christmas pud- £650,000,000. mentioning how ‘rich’ It is and it’s ding isn’t just a re ection of chang- ‘garnishes of spice indulgence’ you ing palates, but a changing nation,” 7. The heaviest ever sprout was might think you do really like ol’ plum grown in 1992 and weighed 8.3kg pudding but then the time when you “Britain has a diverse, multicultural have to eat and you remember that community. It was exotic to get a sat- 8. The area covered by Brussels it’s actually a little bit rubbish. suma in a stocking back in our par- sprout elds in the UK is the equiva- Alright, I might have been too ents’ day, but today’s generation has lent of 3,240 football pitches harsh but Christmas pudding is on access to so many di erent avours If you’re planing on geeting boozy this festive season try this recipe to really 9. Two-thirds of our total sprout make it feel like Christmas. the decline. A recent study showed and cuisines, it’s no surprise we’re that less than half of British people opting for more decadent, exciting consumption occurs outside the Ingredients Method still like Christmas pudding and that options.” festive season in the UK and Britons up to athird of us will be trying some- eat more Brussels sprouts than any- 1 bottle red wine 1. Put the wine in a saucepan with thing else for Christmas. one else in Europe. the orange, sugar, bayleaf and the 60g/2oz demerara sugar spices. 10. Adventurer Stuart Kettell Aidan Brooks, sous-chef at Eel- rolled a Brussels sprout to the top of 1 cinnamon stick 2. Heat gently until the sugar has Mt. Snowdon using only his nose, to dissolved. Taste to see if you want the raise money for Macmillan Cancer grated nutmeg wine sweeter, support 1 orange, halved and add more sugar to taste.

1 dried bay leaf 3. O the heat, stir in the sloe or damson gin if you are using it. 60ml/2 oz sloe or damson gin (op tional) 4. Strain into heatproof glasses and serve at once. 36 Seren | December Issue 2016 TRAVEL Perks of the job ost jobs come with some just in case. translate a menu. you’re visiting and top it up online to Santa has a tough job working kind of a perk, with such a Entertainment for the journey – International currency cards – More use it like a debit card. The post o ce year-round preparing for his travels. Mwide variety of professions Let’s face it, long journeys are boring practical than a Christmas card, but is one option with their travel money Whilst you don’t have to put quite so worldwide in the modern day, it’s im- and even if your ight is powered less glittery and not as pleasant to cards. They’re secure and it does of much thought into your holiday, be- possible to single one out as the best. by reindeer, the novelty probably read. You can choose a card of the course mean that you can carry less ing a little organised helps things go Or is it? wears o by the time you’ve reached relevant currency for the country cash about your person. a lot smoother. There is a job which requires an Finland. It’s essential to pack a good individual to delegate all day, every book in your hand luggage, or at day, all year, every year with the ex- least your own headphones – noise ception of just one day. Imagine a job cancelling headphones if possible. where having to wear comfortable, Long haul ights have entertainment loose tting clothes was a require- systems and most provide head- ment, you don’t ever have to shave, phones, but nothing beats having just one more mince pie is seen as your own. going the extra mile rather than being a bit greedy and you get to travel the world in a day. “...more practical than a This is, of course, the job of Santa Christmas card, but less Claus. If Santa was to carry every glittery...” comfortable, loose tting Santa suit with him, Rudolf & co. would strug- Eat well – Time zones are horrible gle carrying that weight around the and even Rudolf needs carrots. The world, so here, in no particular order, chances are you’ll be wanting your are Seren’s top 5 tips for Santa’s ex- breakfast long after it should be bed- tensive winter travels: time. Take snacks. It’s the only reason Pack e ciently – If Santa doesn’t Santa eats so many mince pies (or at need to pack the kitchen sink, neither least that’s what he tells Mrs Claus). do you. Save vital space by packing Do your research – Think of it as your socks into your shoes, wear your writing up your own naughty and bulkiest items, use your coat pock- nice list, but save yourself the e ort ets to save space and weight in your and focus on the nice. TripAdvisor is bag and buy non-essential toiletries an excellent resource to save your- at your destination. On planes, air self valuable time at your destination conditioning can be harsh so make and to give yourself an idea of what sure you don’t pack all of your warm you want to do. Look at the best clothes away. Sleighs aren’t tradition- places to eat at and the things to do. ally air conditioned, but if travelling Also, nd an o ine translation app by sleigh, it could be worth putting you can download to your phone so a pair of gloves in your coat pocket that if you need to, you can at least Who does it better? hristmas comes but once a mingham, Glasgow, Cardi and Not- Christmas market is one of the larg- you can be fairly certain that there does Christmas markets the best, we year and with it come the tingham to name just a few. But how est and best in the UK. The German will be a Christmas market there reach an interesting conclusion. At Cfestive traditions; Christmas do we compare to the good king of food on sale such as bratwurst and somewhere at this time of year. Like the same time as there being no com- songs overplayed on the radio, THAT the Christmas markets in Europe – ammkuchen (a German style pizza Christmas trees shedding needles, petition, it is also a tough one to call. bulb that’s gone out on the tree Germany? with cheese and meat) is of course they’re everywhere. It really depends on what you prefer. lights, large businesses competing to From the start, it’s hard for the UK outstanding, but it goes without say- Each German Christmas market If you would prefer more of a multi- tug at the heartstrings of the public to compete with Germany, and for ing that it would be better in Germa- has its own unique glühwein mug cultural market, perhaps you would with advertising, ghting for person- good reason. Germany was one of ny. Perhaps what the British Christ- (pictured below centre from Berlin’s be better looking closer to home al space whilst shopping and Black- the countries where the Christmas mas markets have going for them is Charlottenburg Christmas market) within the British Isles. If you like pool illuminations seemingly pop- market originated, with some mar- that there is a real mix of culture. For which, for a small fee, can be kept tradition and the sense that you’re ping up in every high street as soon kets being traced back to the four- example, at the Manchester Christ- and re-used which makes a great following some of history’s most as Halloween’s had its night. So this is teenth or fteenth centuries. Whilst mas market there’s traditional Ger- souvenir as well as making re lls popular trend-setters, then there are Christmas, and it would be safe to say Germany have had a bit of practice man, Dutch, British, Luxembourgian cheaper. Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, few alternatives coming close to Ger- that the modern day Christmas tradi- at the Christmas market, we’ve been and Italian food on sale. In Germany, Nuremberg and Cologne (pictured man Christmas markets. It’s similar to tions have altered slightly from what playing catch up for centuries. because there is a strong sense of bottom right) host some of the larg- collecting paintings – the imitation they used to be. German tradition at the Christmas est of the Christmas markets in Ger- might look nice, but it isn’t quite the That isn’t to say that the old tradi- markets, it’s less likely that there is many. Along with the incredible Ger- same as knowing you’re experienc- tions are gone. Carol singing, log res “...there is a strong sense food other than the German classics. man food and drink, the Christmas ing the original. There is also the sim- and good old Christmas markets are of German tradition at the That goes for the drink too, but you markets do of course sell all kinds of ple truth that travelling to a foreign alive and well. In the UK, there are can’t go too far wrong with a good souvenirs too, with the vast major- country with a di erent language, large Christmas markets in London, Christmas markets...” Bavarian beer or the delightfully ity of them being handmade and of culture and currency is a feeling that Manchester (pictured bottom left), warm glühwein. course, traditionally German. cannot be replicated here in Britain. Bath, Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh, Bir- The award winning Manchester Where there is a city in Germany, When it comes to considering who December Issue 2016 | Seren 37 TRAVEL Top December sunny escapes ere in Britain we nd ourselves be out of place if it was lifted up and Moving the focus away from Aus- into the depths of winter once placed down somewhere in Europe tralia now, Cape Town in South Africa Hagain. It’s cold, rainy, cold, or even America. As one of Australia’s gets an average of 11 hours of sun- gloomy, cold, windy and cold. Fortu- largest cities, famed for its diverse light each day in December and a nately, not everywhere is experienc- arts and culture, it has much to o er comfortable average maximum tem- ing our British winter and there are and it is well worth a visit. It’s easy perature of 19.8°C, compared with plenty of places around the world to to travel around with regular trams Melbourne’s 25.5°C. Cape Town is a go to escape everyone’s least favour- and regular trains. If you can’t get port city on the coast of South Africa, ite season. somewhere on a tram or a train, you situated between the sea and the Back in July, the Met O ce released can probably get there via bus. Mel- dramatic Table Mountain (pictured an article outlining some of the bourne’s public transport network below & named as such due to its warmest average December temper- utilises a MyKi system, where every- at top). The mountain is accessible atures with some very tempting des- one has a card and when they get via cable car and o ers exceptional tinations. Many of the destinations on to a bus, tram (pictured right) or views of the city and its harbour. The are smaller islands such as Tenerife, train, they ‘tap on’ and ‘tap o ’ and harbour is alive with activity on a dai- Lanzarote, Cancun, Madeira, Cape that deducts the fee of the journey ly basis, with boats heading for Rob- Verde, Barbados and the Dominican directly from the card. The card can ben Island, where Nelson Mandela Republic. With these destinations, be topped up at some stations us- was imprisoned. Where he was im- you’re quite limited in what you can ing ticket machines or at certain prisoned is now a museum which of- do as the main draw of these loca- stores around the city. The di er- fers daily tours led by a former politi- tions are the fantastic beaches which ent Australian states use di erent cal prisoner of the island for unique they o er. The other three locations transport cards, so whilst it’s MyKi in and incomparable insights into the the Met O ce have chosen are Mel- Melbourne, Sydney uses Opal which islands history. bourne (pictured right) and Brisbane is exactly the same, but a MyKi card The beaches at Cape Town are spe- in Australia as well as Cape Town (pic- won’t work in Sydney. cial, known for some of the most tured below) in South Africa. picturesque beach communities and It goes without saying that to be beachfront bars as well as some more warm in December, you need to “...safe, vibrant, diverse natural beach dwellers – penguins. travel South. From the UK, you can’t and easy to get around...” Boulders beach (pictured right) is really get much further away than home to approximately 3,000 pen- Australia and we perhaps don’t real- Melbourne is worth a visit to expe- guins although the St. Kilda region ise just how big Australia is. People rience some of its many cafes, roof- of Melbourne is also known for its are put o by the extreme heat, the top bars, beaches, iconic street art, happy footed visitors. Other than us- idea that everywhere you go there’s sports events ranging from the Aus- ing Table Mountain and the beaches something that could kill you and tralian Open to Australian football, to forget about the buzz of the city of course, the distance. For us weak museums, markets and other events life, Kirstenboch Gardens o ers an- Brits, visiting Australia in December which pop up somewhere around other extraordinary escape allowing through to February is ideal as the the city every day. There’s a reason you to wander through an abun- temperatures are cooler. Whether why Melbourne has been voted the dance of plants and owers so exotic you see some of the wildlife that most liveable city in the world for the that you were completely oblivious Australia is renowned for largely de- past six years running. In short, Mel- to their existence previously. In the pends on where you go, but there is bourne is safe, vibrant, diverse and South African summer, Cape Town is quite a safe option in the wonderful easy to get around and if you were described as a paradise. city of Melbourne. going to go all the way to Australia, It’s just a shame the same can’t be Melbourne is a city which wouldn’t it’s a must visit. said for the British winter.

City of Chester hester is the closest city to Ban- is your thing, a short trip to the zoo alongside, the museums are free to gor in England or Wales and it’s is never a bad idea. Chester zoo is enter and the Cathedral is also free Cwell worth a visit when you can ranked as the best zoo in the UK, the to enter. The Cathedral is currently purchase a return ticket for around second best zoo in Europe and the raising funds for the Chester Cathe- £10 if you have a 16-25 railcard. sixth best in the world on TripAdvisor dral Education Trust by recreating Chester itself (pictured right) isn’t and it’s right on Bangor’s doorstep. a scale model of the Cathedral us- that large and it’s fairly easy to walk ing LEGO bricks – 350,000 of them everywhere. There are lots of ma- to be exact. To help them build it, jor shops along the high street or in “...raising funds for the it costs £1 to buy a brick which you the Grosvenor shopping centre but Chester Cathedral Educa- can then add to the model yourself. if they don’t quite have what you’re tion Trust...” They’re currently on 70,000 bricks, looking for, buses run regularly to so it’s an opportunity that could be Cheshire Oaks, which is a designer there a while yet! outlet shopping centre and would But you don’t have to spend to Whether it’s for a shopping trip, to only cost a few extra pounds on top enjoy Chester. The Roman city walls play with LEGO or to see some el- of your train fare. which border the city are free to ephants, Chester has something for If getting on a bus to go some- walk around, the Roman gardens are everyone and it’s well worth a visit. where outside of the city of Chester free to explore, the river is free to sit 38 Seren | December Issue 2016 SPORT Sport in 2016: A Review of Festive Fixtures the Year

What’s on during the nal weeks of 2016 and into the beginning of 2017 in the world of sport. Saturday December 10th: Anthony so far. Joshua v Eric Molina 15th December – 2nd January 2017: Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF PDC World Championship Darts heavyweight title against Eric Mo- At the infamous Alexandra Palace, lina in Manchester. Joshua will look the World Championship of Darts will to maintain his unbeaten streak as a take place. e likes of Phil Taylor, Mi- professional ghter in the hopes of a chael Van Gerwin and co will be on future bout against either Wladimir display in a bid to secure the World Klitscho or Tyson Fury. On the un- Championship Crown. der card, Dereck Chisora faces Dillian Saturday 30th December: UFC 207 Whyte, as they look to see who comes e second UFC event of December A look back at some of the sporting triumphs and moments out on top in their rivalry. In addition, and nal of 2016 welcomes the return over the past 12 months as we move into the new year. Dave Allen faces Luis Ortiz as well of Ronda Rousey to the octagon as as Scott Quigg returning to face Jose she faces Amanda Nunes for the Ban- 10th-17th January: Dafabet Snook- the league, and came out winners to same Olympic games. Usain Bolt made Cayetano for the vacant WBA Interna- tamweight Championship. is will er Masters Tournament secure their rst top ight champion- history by completing a ‘triple-triple’ tional Featherweight title. be Rousey’s rst appearance since her Ronnie ‘Rocket’ O’Sullivan secured ship; a fairy-tale story. of gold medals (3 gold medals in 3 Saturday December 10th: UFC 206 defeat against Holly Holm earlier on in his 6th Masters victory by defeating 10th June – 10th July: European di erent events at 3 separate Olympic e rst of two UFC events see’s Max the year. Barry Hawkins by 10 frames to 1. Championship 2016 games), alongside swimmer Michael Holloway take on Anthony Pettis for 14th January 2017 – 5th February 6th February – 19th March: Rugby Portugal beat host nation France Phelps who became the most deco- the Interim Featherweight Title; the 2017: Football African Cup of Na- Six Nations 1-0 in extra-time to secure their rst rated Olympian of all time (28 medals winner taking on Jose Aldo to become tions England claimed a Six Nations Grand major championship victory. ey in total, with a record 23 being gold). undisputed Featherweight Champion. e African Cup of Nations will Slam for the rst time since 2003. Un- quali ed for the knockout stages a er 7th-18th September: Rio Paralym- e ght became a title contest when showcase the best of Africa’s national der the new coaching of Eddie Jones, nishing third in their group, and de- pics Conor McGregor was forced to relin- teams and players as they battle to they looked revitalised a er a disap- ed the odds to claim a historic win. Team GB Paralympians endured quish his Featherweight Title upon become champions. e three-week pointing World Cup last year. Wales It was another poor tournament for huge success in Rio, accumulating a winning the Lightweight Belt in No- tournament will run in tandem with nished second with Ireland third and England, who crashed out a er a hu- total of 147 medals, 64 gold, to nish vember against Eddie Alverez. the domestic seasons across the globe Scotland forth. miliating defeat to a well-drilled Ice- second in the medals table. Sarah Sto- 8th-12th December & 16th-20th so there will be no shortage of football 6th February: Denver Brancos win land team. Wales won the hearts of rey became Britain’s most successful December: England’s remaining Test in the New Year. Super Bowl 50 millions watching, as they reached the Paralympian of the modern area a er Matches against India 16th-29th January 2017: Tennis e Denver Brancos (AFC) defeated semi- nals, smashing Belgium along securing two medals at the games. England face india in their remain- Australian Open the Carolina Panthers (NFC) 24-10 at the way 3-1. 18th September: Alister helps his ing two test matches of the year. Hav- Andy Murrary will look to continue the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Cali- June 19th: Cleveland Cavaliers vic- brother Jonny nish triathlon ing lost the rst two, Alister Cook’s his domination as world number 1 in fornia to secure their third Superbowl torious in basketball playo s in th nal race of the 2016 World Tri- men will be looking to bounce back the rst major tennis tournament of Championship. A rst NBA playo title for the athlon Series in Cozunel, Mexico, Alis- and level the series to end 2016 on a 2017. 8th March – 3rd April: ICC World Cleveland Cavaliers came a er they ter Brownlee helped his brother Jonny high, a er some disappointing cricket Cup 2016 beat the Golden State Warriors 4-3 in over the nishing line a er Jonny was India hosted the ICC World Cup in the best of seven games. LeBron James in a com able lead, but began to su er Premier League Fixtures: 26th December 2016 – which England came runners up a er was recognised as the MVP. from heat and exhaustion. In a gener- 4th January 2017 losing to the West Indies in the nal by 2nd-24th July: Tour de France ous act of sportmanship, Alistar gave Boxing Day, Monday 26th Decem- 15:00pm – Southampton v West 4 wickets. Chris Froome (Team Sky) won his up his chance of winning to assist his ber 2016: Brom 7th-10th April: Danny Willett wins third, Tour de France title and became sibling over the line, meaning Jonny 12:30pm – Watford v Crystal (Sky 15:00pm – Swansea v Bournemouth the masters the rst man in 21 years to defend his nished 2nd and Alister in 3rd. Sports 1) 17:30pm – Liverpool v Manchester Danny Willett won his rst major crown. Earlier on in the year, Froome 30th September – 2nd October: Ry- 15:00pm – Arsenal v West Brom City championship, beating Lee Westwood received an OBE for services to cy- der Cup 2016 15:00pm –Burnley v Middlesbrough New Year’s Day, Sunday 1st January and defending champion Jordan Spei- cling. USA won their rst Ryder Cup since 15:00pm – Chelsea v Bournemouth 2017: th. Willett battled back, shooting a 67 10th July: Andy Murray claims his 2008 at the Hazeltine National Golf 15:00pm – Leicester City v Everton 13:30pm – Watford v Tottenham on the nal round, a er Speith let his 2nd Wimbledon title Club in Chaska, Minnesota by 17 15:00pm – Manchester United v (Sky Sports 1) lead slip. Andy Murray defeated Canadian points to 11. America were dominate Sunderland 16:00pm – Arsenal v Crystal Palace 9th April: Anthony Joshua’s claims Milos Raonic in straight sets (6-4, 7-6, over the weekebnd of golf, with Eu- 15:00pm – Swansea v West Ham (Sky Sports 1) the IBF heavyweight title 7-6) to claim his second Wimbledon ropes team struggling at the crucial 17:15pm – Hull City v Manchester Monday 2nd January 2017 Anthony Joshua’s continuous rise victory. He then went on to retain his moments. City 12:30pm – Middlesbrough v Leices- through the world of heavyweight box- Olympic gold in Rio before becoming November 2nd: Chicago Cubs win Tuesday 27th December 2016: ter City (Sky Sports 1) ing showed no signs of stopping when World Number 1 towards the end of the World Series 17:15pm – Liverpool v Stoke City 15:00pm – Everton v Southampton he beat Charles Martin for the IBF the season; the rst time for a men’s For the rst time in 108 years, the (Sky Sports 1) 15:00pm – Manchester City v Burn- heavyweight title. is is Joshua’s rst British tennis player since 1973. Chicago Cubs won the world series Wednesday 28th December 2016: ley world title as he looks to eye up a po- 4-3 in the best of seven games, com- 19:45pm – Southampton v Totten- 15:00pm –Sunderland v Liverpool tential ght with Wladimir Klitschko 5th-21st August: Rio Olympics ing from 3-1 behind to claim a historic ham (Sky Sports 1) 15:00pm – West Brom v Hull City at some point next year. Team GB came second to USA, triumph. Friday 30th December 2016: 17:15pm – West Ham v Manchester 2nd May: Leicester win the Premier achieving 27 gold medals and 67 med- November 12th: Conor McGregor 20:00pm – Hull City v Everton (Sky United (Sky Sports 1) League als in total. Justin Rose won gold in the creates history at UFC 205 Sports 1) Tuesday 3rd January 2017: 5000/1 outsiders Leicester City rst ever golf tournament at an Olym- On an iconic in New York City, the New Year’s Eve, Saturday 31st De- 19:45pm – Bournemouth v Arsenal shocked the world when they won the pic games, with Max Whitlock achiev- ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor became cember 2016: (Sky Sport 1) Premier League back in May. With the ing Britain’s rst ever gold medals in the rst ghter in UFC to hold two 15:00pm – Burnley v Sunderland 20:00pm – Crystal Palace v Swansea appointment of Claudio Ranieri, many gymnastics (men’s oor and pommel championship belts across seperate 15:00pm – Chelsea v Stoke City 20:00pm – Stoke City v Watford eyebrows were raised, but he rallied horse and success in cycling as Jason weight divisions as he beat Eddie Al- 15:00pm – Leicester City v West Wednesday 4th January 2017: a team whose spirit was unbeatable. Kenny became the second British ath- varz for the lightweight title (whilst al- Ham 20:00pm – Tottenham v Chelsea (Sky ey went toe-to-toe with the best in lete to win three gold medals at the ready holding the featherweight title). 15:00pm – Manchester United v Sports 1) Middlesbrough December Issue 2016 | Seren 39 SPORT WWE Survivor Series 2016

photo BY JASON HOLLINSHEAD Rugby Union: England Unbeaten in 2016 ince Eddie Jones was appointed and capped the year o by beating head coach of England’s Na- Australia for the fourth time this year tional Team in November 2015, - the score 37-21. theyS have gone unbeaten in all games Jones has taken the side from 4th to played this year, capping o a perfect 2nd in the world rankings, and has Goldberg demolishes Brock; but what year with wins against South Africa, seemed to have galvanised a squad that Fiji, Argentina and Australia to clinch is full of talent and depth as they look does this mean going forward creatively? the Old Mutual Wealth Series. to keep pushing towards the All Blacks by JACK HOLLINSHEAD can? ere is nobody that matches the was the rst tradition Survivor Series ey started the year wonderfully at the top of the rankings. A positive size and strength of Goldberg other match up for most competitors, there- with a dominant Six Nations Grand for home nation rugby enthusiasts is ith the release of WWE than Lesnar. Both have announced fore may be down to a lack of experi- Slam win, followed by a clean sweep that with the Lions Tour on the hori- 2k17, the ‘fantasy warfare’ they will participate in the Royal ence in that environment. in three match test series against the zon, any England players in contention ideal has never been more Rumble match, so there are a num- Tag-Team: Wallabies. roughout November into will be full of con dence to contribute realistic.W e cover of the new video ber of possibilities. Lesnar eliminates e unlikely pairing of Cesaro and December, they continued their form to the squad. game is none other than the unde- Goldberg, clean or dirty, and the feud Shamus ensured Monday Night Raw feated WCW legend (Bill) Goldberg, continues to Wrestlemania. Could Le- came out on top in the tag team elimi- who le WWE back in 2004. To tie snar nally defeat Goldberg if the pair nation match as they pinned the Uso’s. in with releasing the new 2k game, are to meet again? Is Goldberg going Some impressive tag teams on display Goldberg appeared on Sports Center, to win the Rumble and get a title run? with the WWE allowing the continu- stating that he “owed Brock Lesnar a But then who is big enough to beat ation of Cesaro and Shamus to bring rematch” a er the pair clashed and re- him one-on-one? a combination of good wrestling and spectively le the company at Wrestle- For me, Lesnar eventually defeating decent promotional skills to carry on mania XX, and if he was to come back, Goldberg at Wrestlemania seems the into the weekly episodes of Raw. “that would be the match”. Goldberg most sincere way. Goldberg is defeat- Intercontinental Championship appeared on Monday Night RAW, an- ed by a worthy competitor and Brock Match: e Miz (C) (w/ Maryse) vs nouncing that he still had “one more avenges his 86 second lost. en none Sami Zayn match, one more spear, one more jack- of the main roster see their hard work Fresh of his title victory against hammer le in him” and that the beast and dedication go to waste. Dolph Ziggler, Smackdown Live’s e incarnate Brock Lesnar would be his Monday Night Raw vs Smackdown Miz faced Raw’s Sami Zayn, with win- last victim. Live Traditional Survivor Series ner keeping or taking the Interconti- At the main event of Survivor Se- Match-Ups: nental Championship to their respec- Formula 1: Nico Rosberg becomes ries, Lesnar enters with Heyman, but Men’s: tive brand. It was good match, with the crowd waited in anticipation for e men’s traditional survivor series sequences running back and forth. e World Champion Goldberg’s iconic entrance. e se- match saw Smackdown Live come Miz ultimately came out on top with ico Rosberg became Formula berg drive away with the Champion- curity guard knocks on his door, and out victorious. An enjoyable, and well the interference from his wife/manag- 1 World Champion for the ship win. is came thirty-four years Goldberg marches to the ring, burst- thought out bout meant Bray Wy- er Maryse, meaning the title remains rst time in his career a er a er his father, Keke Rosberg, won his Nan action-packed season and closely world championship ing through his pyro and in to face the att pinned Roman Reigns to win the on Smackdown, but a match that was beast. e pair exchange a stare down. contest; a much needed push for Bray, fair nonetheless in terms of wrestling contested battle with teammate Lewis A er missing out last year to Ham- As the bell rings, Lesnar carries Gold- who has been put over so many times and storyline. Hamilton. Continuing from last year, ilton, Rosberg certainly proved he can berg into the corner and stares him this year. A notable, fan-favourite mo- Cruiserweight Championship there was a fair amount of hostility be- go toe-to-toe with the three-time world down. Goldberg pushes Lesnar to the ment was the mini Shield reunion. An Match: e Brian Kendrick (C) vs tween the pair, but the Mercedes team champion. But just ve days a er his ground and towers over the beast. As already eliminated, Smackdown Live Kalisto looked as strong as ever. Rosberg and title win, he announced his retirement Lesnar gets to his feet, Goldberg snaps member Dean Ambrose couldn’t set In another high-stakes champion- Hamilton looked untouchable as they from Formula 1, stating he has reached him in half with an almighty spear. his rivalry with partner AJ Styles aside. ship contest, the entire cruiserweight won all but two races between them the “pinnacle” of his career. is now Stunned and winded, Lesnar is hit by He returned to attack him at ringside division, along with the title were on and Red Bull looking the closest rival poses the question of who will replace another spear before Goldberg n- and as security tried to eject Ambrose, the line when Monday Night Raw’s followed by Ferrari. the German at Mercedes? Despite Jen- ishes the match with his jackhammer his former Shield companions Seth e Brian Kendrick faced Smack- Heading into the nal race of the season Button announcing his retirement, nisher; leaving the match time at 86 Rollins and Roman Reigns (Monday down’s, high- ying luchador, Kalisto. son at Abu Dhabi, Rosberg needed to he could be in contention given his ca- seconds. Night Raw) lent a hand. is lead to a An actioned packed match, like every secure a podium nish a er Hamilton pable driving skills and experience as a is was a ‘where were you when’ vintage Shield triple power bomb from cruiserweight bout since the summers had manage to close the gap. e Brit- world champion. ere is also talk of moment for a WWE fan. e moment the three of them, putting AJ Styles CWC (CruiserWeight Classic), was ish driver started the race on pole, with the likes of Max Verstappen, Fernando will ring throughout the business for through an announce table; a moment interrupted when Barren Corbin at- the German second, and it remained Alonso and Sebastian Vettel taking the a prolonged time, as Lesnar has deci- for all wrestling fans to cherish. tacked Kalisto, which meant Kendrick that way for the entirety of the race, reins, but only the future will tell as to mated the entire roster; from breaking Women’s: retained and the cruiserweight super- concluding the season and seeing Ros- who will replace Rosberg. the Undertaker’s streak at Wrestlema- Bayley and Charlotte were the survi- stars continue on Raw. nia XXX, to manhandling John Cena vors for team Raw in the women’s elim- oughts on Survivor Series 2016: at Summerslam 2014 and beating ination match. A Bayley-to-Belly for Overall, even though the main event For even more Seren Randy Orton in a brutal TKO victory Bayley saw her pin Smackdown Live’s was headlined by two, albeit mesmer- during this year’s Summerslam. Women’s Champion Becky Lynch for ising, part timers, it was a good pay- But what does this mean creatively the victory before Charlotte attacked per-view. Some of the story telling in Sport content, head to for WWE? No doubt that bringing her to show her dominance as Raw the matches played out well and some Goldberg back will boost the viewing Women’s Champion. is was a fairly of the wrestling on display helped to our website! ratings and sell a lot more merchan- good match up, but got fairly scrappy carry a packed card. e main event dise. But Goldberg has never legiti- at times, compared to the unbelievably suprised everybody watching and the mately lost a singles match up in either amazing and talented matches we’ve traditional survivor series match-ups his WCW or WWE career; and if the been accustomed to recently from were enjoyable. 7.5/10 seren.bangor.ac.uk beast incarnate couldn’t stop him, who the Women’s division. However, this Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT Football Unites to Support Chapecoense

Clubs from around the world mourn the plane tragedy which took many lives within the Brazilian football club. by JACK HOLLINSHEAD ing established themselves in recent pure disbelief and shock at what has the club have been in nite. Atlectico a return from such a horri c tragedy. . years in Brazil’s top ight, they earned transpired. You cannot imagine what Nacional demanded that the trophy Footballing icon Ronaldinho has also Date written: 4th December 2016 a well-deserved chance at obtaining is going through their minds, as they the two sides would be playing for be said he will come out of retirement and some silverware. have lost friends and teammates who awarded to Chapecoense, and it was play for Chapecoense for free - a bril- uring the early hours of Tues- But tragically, for everybody a li- are irreplaceable. Goalkeeper Nivaldo, presented to them in their home sta- liant gesture from a treasured man of day November 29th 2016, it ated with the club, their plane crashed who did not travel, has chosen to re- dium where thousands upon thou- the beautiful game. was reported that a plane had just outside the Colombian town of La tire from football to honour his fellow sands of fans attended along with play- As painful a loss this is for the world, crashedD in Columbia, where 71 people Union, leaving the world stunned and players. ers who did not travel with the squad, it is beautiful to see people unite to were killed and 5 severely injured. e heart broken. Many of the rst team, In the wake of this catastrophe, hun- to give the players and sta no longer help those in need. With what has plane was carrying Brazilian Serie A along with coaching sta and several dreds of clubs, and players, past and with us a wonderfully touching re- happened in recent months regarding side Chapecoense AF. Brazilian journalists were taken from present of all nationalities poured in membrance. disturbing incidents and scandalous Chapecoense were on their way to us too soon, while remaining survi- tributes of condolences and support. In addition, clubs from all of Brazil’s politics within football, it is heart- arguable the biggest game in the club’s vors sustained critical, life threatening Mid-week and weekend xtures held domestic teams have o ered the ser- warming to see that there is still good history: the Copa Sudamericana nal injuries. a minutes silence and wore black arm- vice of their players to Chapecoense, to in the game and that Chapecoense are rst leg against Atletico Nacional. e As images surface following the in- bands, with many players such as Wil- help them accumulate a squad of play- receiving the support they need in or- club have had a meteoric rise in Bra- cident, the most haunting are those lian and Emre Can dedicating their ers for the next season. ey cannot der to get back on their feet. zilian domestic football. In 2009, they of the players who did not y with goals. be relegated from the rst division for were in the fourth division, and hav- the team, sat in the dressing room in Acts of kindness and respect towards three years as the club looks to make