Bangor Students’ Union’s Festive English Language Newspaper

ISSN 1755-7585 Issue No. 209 Christmas Issue 2009 LOAN-FREE THIS INSIDE: CHRISTMAS Willow gets an umbrella

We have a chat with Peggy Sue

Stacey does online festive fashion! Student anger at University response to loans crisis question here, is why? ship loans so far this year, which is an im- stando sh.” Liz Stevens & Jo Caulfield Bangor University o ers a hardship pressive gure and one which the University She went on to say: “I enquired about leven weeks, or roughly 77 days. fund to help students in crisis. According deserves praise for. Some of the students the Hardship Fund but was told as I wasn’t At the time of writing that was the to their website: “the Hardship Fund pro- who’ve received this money have become in the priority group and therefore was re- amount of time that had elapsed in vides nancial help to ‘home’ students who eligible due to their student loan problems. fused.” When Miss Lewis demonstrated that Esemester one of this academic year. 77 days face di culty in meeting their living costs However, Seren has been approached by a she could not pay her next month’s rent due had passed since students were supposed for whatever reason, whether it is due to number of students who feel inadequately to her overdra limit; “I just told there was to receive the rst payment of their student their personal circumstances (e.g. mature supported by their University. nothing they could do about it.  at was it.” loan, yet 77 days later and around 70,000 students, or disabled students), or because One of these students is 1st year Imogen  is isn’t an isolated case. A second students are still yet to see a penny. they fall into hardship unexpectedly. Assist- Lewis, who attempted to apply for a hard- year student (who wishes to remain anony- In Bangor, there are still a large number ance is given in the form of a non-repayable ship loan a er being told by the Student mous) also tried to apply for a hardship loan of students in this situation, many of whom grant.” Surely, under this criteria all students Loans Company that her application could over the summer a er, due to unexpected will not receive their loans until a er Christ- who are yet to receive their loans have there- take until week 10 to process. Entering week family circumstances, having to move to Win stuff in mas. As such, they’re scraping the bottom of fore fallen “into hardship unexpectedly” and 11, she is still to receive her loan. “I can’t pay Bangor permanently. “I was at the bot- their overdra s to pay rent and buy food. should be eligible. It seems this isn’t the case. my hall fees and it’s really stressful. I went to tom of my overdra by May this year and Books&Box! It is surprising then, given these statistics It is important to note at this stage that the Money Support Unit and they’ve been a then, when it turned out I had to pay 4 that the University’s money support scheme the University has (through their Money bit rude about it. Although they say they do months rent over the summer, I went to the hasn’t been handing out more loans and Support Unit) given out £147,000 in hard- understand the situation, they’re still quite grants to their students in need… and the [continued on page 3] Student Christmas Special Come and enjoy a 3 course Christmas meal with your mates £7.99 Soup or Melon Free Jug of Beer or Soft drink with every 4 Turkey or Nut Roast dinners booked Mince Pie or Chocolate Brownie Tel: 01248 388888 - Booking Essential - £2.50 deposit required 2 Christmas Issue 2009 EDITORIAL www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Festive Issue 2009

Contributors: Jez Harvey Thom Flint Stephanie Williams Lucy Orchiston Stephen Clear Adam Sandland Mike Huntley Kenneth Padley Tigz Noyce Dan Marsh Lizzie Blowey Milo Mannion Gareth Davies Emily Collins Nik Hughes Tom Clarke Gemma Howell Ian Davies Daniel Smith Hello readers! Kev Spruce Kim Pemberton Lucy Baird Danny Southward Here is your Christmas edition of Seren. There’s a lot of good stuff in this one. My Gregory Keeling favourite part (although I’m biased) is the interview with Peggy Sue on the music pages. VIcky Osten They are lovely, you can check out their music on Myspace – it’s well worth a look. Florian Breit Catherine Johnston The Travel pages and Creative Corner are also looking especially good this issue. Aimee Robyn Carter Willow’s trip to Rhyl is brilliant, she has some festive headgear too which you can’t miss. Gemma Brook Thanks to the Seren team for being so good again. We’ve been working on the Seren Matthew Cox mantra and have thus far come up with “Made with paper, fi lled with love (and stress, and Callum Rymer Katie Dyer redbull)”it’s not offi cial yet but I’m sure we’re onto something. John Price Have a good holiday, eat too many mince pies and I’ll see you back here in January. Luke Patchett Happy Christmas. George Aungier Anni Nurminen Robert Fell Love long distance, Photography: Aaron Wiles Georgia Xx

Special thanks to: Jez Harvey PS. Incase you are wondering, in the picture I was playing Fleet Foxes. Wak Le Mouse

Proof reading: The Sabbs THE SEREN TEAM Editor Georgia Mannion RECYCLE News Liz Stevens Here at Seren, there’s Features Stacey Gannon nothing we love more Music Aaron Wiles than Mother Nature and Creative Corner Gemma Ellis d’you know what she Film Louise Cotteril loves? Recycling! After Travel Rachel Stretton you’ve fi nished with us, can you put us Sport Martyn Singleton in your blue box and make sure we get Design Team Dan Turner made into something else? Thanks very Jo Caulfi eld much. And Merry Christmas! 3 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS

increase in the numbers of students visit- George are submitting a policy for motion intense problems and delays in process- Bryn Eithin: [Continued from front page] ing the MSU for advice and information. to speci cally deal with the problem. An ing student’s loans. But the situation has University to apply for a hardship Of the rst years whose student loans extract from the motion says: “according become a laughing stock; with applica- Quality of loan. I couldn’t believe it when I was told were delayed, only a very small number to speci c instances, there appears to be tions being made from January of this I wasn’t even allowed to take a form be- have required nancial support which we confusion on both the part of students and year onwards, the gures up to November Life? cause I wasn’t in a ‘priority group’. When have given in the form of short term loans. the University sta as to exactly what type 1 reveal 23,000 applications are still being I showed them all my bank statements and  e majority have with our help received of nancial aid is available to students af- processed, 13,000 maintenance applicants Questions have been raised re- told them I was selling my belongings to their funding or will receive their funding fected by these issues.” It goes on to say that have been approved, and up to 34,000 stu- cently about the quality and state pay my rent they still wouldn’t give me a soon.” the Union resolves “to request clari ca- dents have been asked to provide further of accommodation o ered at form. In the end we had to refuse to information. Bryn Eithin. Residents at the site leave the building unless we le with Seren would like to advise all stu- “I showed them my bank statements and do not have access to a common a form. It was only then that we man- dents that the Students’ Union Advice room or laundrette, and in the aged to get one.” told them I was selling belongings to pay Centre can o er a £50 crisis loan to any past few weeks complaints about Although the last case is not directly student in hardship, which is repayable the condition of rooms have in- related to the Student Loan Crisis, one rent they still wouldn’t give me a form” and the terms can be negotiated accord- creased due to the bad weather. has to wonder what would have hap- ing to your needs. Email advicecentre@ Independent senators have and are pened to that 2nd year if he didn’t receive  e Money Support Unit has been help- tion” as to what support these students are undeb.bangor.ac.uk for more details. Any planning to raise the issue at Sen- his loan in September.  ankfully, the stu- ing students negotiate with landlords, the entitled to and to email this information to student struggling nancially should also ate, but a number of people have dent in question got his hardship fund by halls o ce and banks to see them through all students.  ey also pledge to raise the visit the Money Support Unit sooner expressed dismay at the Halls Of- the end of the summer, but it’s still disap- their troubles. Contacting banks to extend above issues with the University’s Student rather than later for advice, information or ce and the University at the lack pointing that the University were unwill- students’ overdra s is a method employed Support Services and to work with them to guidance on any aspect of student funding, of e ective action taking place. ing to help in the beginning of his trouble. by the Money Support Unit to see students avoid these problems arising again. budgeting etc. In response,  e University’s Money though a tough nancial time. It does Spencer George told Seren “I feel the We leave you with the words of Imogen Support Unit has said: “Since the start of seem to be a little backward however, for system needs to be fairer and more accessi- Lewis – who, at the time of printing, has the academic year we the University to be encouraging students ble to all students.  e ‘priority group’ sys- still not received her student loan or any in the MSU have seen to get into more debt, rather than helping tem needs reviewing to make this support support from the University: ‘It’s so frus- Bye Bye a dramatic them with additional emergency grants. available to as many students as possible. trating because it means I can’t participate Wrexham? In light of these problems, the Why should a third year student be more in simple things, ‘I’ve phoned the Student Students of Healthcare Sciences Students’ Union is concerned eligible for University support than a third Loans Company about 5 times, as have my at Bangor’s campus in Wrexham with the University’s response year?  ey are both students, a er all.” parents, but every time they are incredibly were informed during Fresher’s to the crisis. At the next meet- Obviously, the University are not vague and o er no explanation as to the Week that there was a good pos- ing of Senate (the democratic wholeheartedly to blame for the wider is- delay. My halls fees haven’t been paid and I sibility that the campus was go- body responsible for passing sue.  e shambles surrounding Student have to live o my overdra . It’s devastat- ing to be closed down and they’d Union policy), President John Finance England are no secret; only those ing and no one seems to want to help.” have to transfer either to Glyndŵr Jackson and Deputy President Spencer living under a rock will be unaware of the University or move to Bangor to continue their studies.  is brings obvious problems for many, either moving them and their families 100 miles (as many students are Fees, Glorious 3 strikes and mature students) or transferring to a less recognised University.  e Students Union are continu- ing to lobby the University to Fees you’re out make sure the best outcome is achieved for students of Wrexham. Ministers launch review into how Government’s new monitoring system students pay H.E fees for International students causes a stir he Government has launched a review will pave the way for higher fees he Government has once again one week. Pensions review into how, and how much, and a market in prices that would see been fanning the  ames of con- Perhaps most startling of all is the Polava students should be paying for poorer students priced out of more pres- troversy by introducing a new declaration that the above is not an ex- It is not just students su ering Thigher education. Although the review tigious universities and other students Tmonitoring scheme for international haustive list; a request is included for a nancial de cit; recent plans is not set to be completed before the next and universities consigned to the ‘bargain students in UK universities. feedback from universities regarding announced by the University to General Election, ministers will consider basement’.  is would be a disaster for  e scheme will come into force on the actions. Students are also required amend the pension’s scheme will the question of increased participation in UK higher education and must not be al- the 16th of this month, and its e ects to report to a designated monitoring leave a large proportion of Univer- university, and the need to simplify sup- lowed to happen.’ will be backdated through November point on a regular basis to report their sity sta out of pocket. Blaming a port for students; the suggestion being Worry also stems from the gulf be- and October. Students are to be sub- presence. Should the student in question service de cit and the increasing that the review will consider much more tween what students want and what poli- jected to a points system; misbehaviour remain in constant breach of the provi- costs of providing occupational “NUS have warned the review cannot and non-attendance will accrue points sions, they may be reported to the UK pensions, major changes are be- against the student concerned, when a Border Agency. become a ‘stitch up’” ing made to the operation of sta certain number of points are gained, the  is has not sat well amongst Stu- pensions, which will see admin- student is hauled before their respective dents’ Unions, in particular here in Ban- istrations sta the worst hit, suf- than just raising the current £3225 tuition ticians have arguably accepted as inevita- university panel for interrogation. gor. Students’ Union Deputy President fering the loss of personal pen- fee for English students. ble; NUS also warning that there is little Many have expressed dismay at the Spencer George has dra ed a proposal sions account and protection. In  e question is raised, however, just public sympathy for an increase in fees, a plan, which has resulted in a new visa to present before Senate, undersigned by response to these proposals, an- what the options available are, and how recent survey suggesting only 12% of the system, comparing it to a tagging of stu- Union President John Jackson, criticis- gry sta members staged a large this will a ect students in university edu- public support such a move. It is no se- dents, and claiming that it is discrimi- ing the provisions, which states Union protest outside the University’s cation. Controversy surrounds the debate cret, however, that universities are eager nating against them. User guides for opposition to such a scheme, purport- Finance O ce on Friday 27th of raising the current cap on fees; a thorn to see the current cap li ed - two thirds of the scheme refer to ‘anything to report ing that it is discriminatory to monitor November, vehemently oppos- in Labour’s side for years, with the Con- Vice Chancellors anonymously advocat- on a student’, and expresses that if their simply international students, and could ing this proposed new scheme. servatives too hinting that an increase is ing to the media their desire to see fees points accrued should reach 6, then ac- be detrimental to their university expe- likely inevitable. Some have called for a ranging between £4000 and £20,000. Al- tion should be taken to interrogate and rience. range of prices re ecting the prestige of though politicians have been warned that investigate the student.  e system will  e scheme for the near future, how- a degree – but such a proposal was met they cannot accept increases as inevita- European with disdain, claiming on the lower end ble, it remains to be seen if this will cease of the spectrum degrees would become to be the case. “Many have expressed dismay at the scheme, Excellence devalued. If the review is to become a question comparing it to a tagging of students, and  e issue of bursaries and grants will of fee increase and bursary limitation, Bangor’s School of Psychology also be considered – just how students it will not sit well with students or their claiming it is discriminating against them” has been awarded an ‘excellence’ are awarded their income and the need Unions. Student leaders in November ranking by a Europe-wide review to simplify the system will be a much threatened to name and shame MP’s who of universities. Bangor was one of wrangled point.  e review has been did not show their support to a campaign prolong for the time the student spends ever, will remain in place as legislation. only 22 UK universities included instructed to consider that the univer- against tuition fee increases, with a clear at their respective university. How this a ects international students in the rankings, which provide sity landscape is now not limited to just and simple message: ‘Candidates must 6 may appear a fair number, but it however, will remain to be seen; the prospective European students school leavers and live-in students; how vote with us, or students won't vote for is realised as incredibly disproportion- conditions imposed on them are cer- with a comparison of the best re- this new array of student body funds their them.’ ate when the points system as a whole tainly stringent. It will be imperative to search rankings. Regarding the education will be scrutinised.  e review therefore, is likely to ruf- is considered. One ‘unjusti able’ or analyse whether such strict rules can be publication, Bangor’s Head of Psy-  ere are fears, however, that the date  e a number of feathers before its results unexplained absence from a tutorial imposed without negating their experi- chology, Professor Oliver Turn- of publication will allow politicians to are published next year. Unfortunately will incur 1 point, subsequent unjusti- ence in the UK. bull, commented: ‘I was pleased continue to skirt the issue of fees and sup- however, in the meantime all that can be able absences 2 points, unjusti able to see that the other Psychology port, and the National Union of Students done is to speculate on the results; its full absences from personal tutor meetings departments in the list include in- have warned that the review cannot be impact and e ect will not be clear for a 3 points, missed examinations 4 points, stitutions such as Oxford, UCL, allowed to become a ‘stitch up’. Speaking great while yet. and missed laboratory sessions 2 points. York and the like - departments we to the BBC, NUS President Wes Streeting Most national students would them- Liz Stevens have traditionally competed with. warned: ‘ ere is a real danger that this Liz Stevens selves admittedly incur 6 points within So, again, we’re in good company.’ BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF BANGOR IN BRIEF

4 Christmas Issue 2009 NEWS www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Wales on Sunday shame United we stand National media accuse students of being violent cheats Students and communities stand side by side in the fi ght against racism

Students at the event show their support

aturday the 21st of November saw Police described their operations on far-right campaigners and anti fas- Saturday as a success, with Regent Street cist demonstrators converge on closed down for a short time. Temporary SWrexham in what many feared would be deputy chief constable Ian Shannon said: a dramatic confrontation. Welsh Defence “I am pleased with the success of the po- League (WDL) spokesman Mickey Smith lice operation today. Our aim had always had announced plans to dra in mem- been to allow the protest to pass peacefully bers of the anti-Islamic movement, which whilst taking into account the rights of Violence and cheating? Just a normal Monday in Bangor... has been likened to the National Front of the people of Wrexham to go about their the 1970s, from across the UK to protest normal business. People have a right to against the construction of a mosque in protest, but our priority is to safeguard e all own guns, cheat our way Carnage (which will not be taking place dents in a disproportionately negative the town. the public and maintain order, which I am to our degrees and threaten in Bangor this academic year) to further light and the idea that this is an accurate  ey were opposed by anti fascist and pleased to say we achieved today.” to kill each other along the highlight our ‘debauched’ antics. picture of student behaviour is highly of- le ist groups such as Unite against Fas-  e two main groups were kept sepa- Wway –that’s at least what the Wales on Bangor University currently has ap- fensive to our membership. Such misrep- cism, the Wales Trade Union Congress, rate by a strong police presence.  e Sunday thinks being a student in Wales proximately 10,000 – 11,000 students; resentation of students is unacceptable.’ the Fair Trade Foundation, the Socialist weather played a strong element in the in all about. 66 punishable cases of unfair practice It would appear, however, that this will Party and Unison, under the title Wrex- day’s events, with many protesters de- With accusations that would put even are highlighted by the article. In reality, not be the case; the newspaper taking the ham Communities against Racism. Over terred by the heavy rain and gale force certain local media outlets to shame, the whilst there are those who seek to cause decision, apparently based on ‘a lack of 200 police o cers were brought in from winds. Bangor student and protester Han- WoS recently red a malicious attack at trouble for others, this number accounts space’, to publish a much edited version of Chester, with hundreds more rumoured to nah Gentiles said: “ e weather really students across all universities in Wales; for a very small percentage of students. the Unions’ response, thus allowing such be standing by, hoping to prevent a repeat was dreadful. It was a great day out and a the allegations levelled extraordinarily Why has the name of every student in biased views to stand. Regarding this de- of major riots caused by the WDL’s English worthwhile cause, but the rain and wind disproportionate, serving once again to Wales been dragged through the mud cision, and the accusations made by the counterpart. certainly put a lot of people o . highlight the disparities and falsities even alongside the small minority who cause newspaper, Students Union President  e WDL’s protest took place entirely All the same, I’m really glad we could national media possess when it comes to trouble, and why is a reputable media John Jackson commented: ‘‘We simply outside  e Elihu Yale pub on Regent go”. separating myth and reality with regards outlet allowing such assertions to see the don't have space’ is not an acceptable re- Street, despite plans to hold speeches in the First year psychology student Becky to student life. light of day? sponse when they managed to nd plenty centre of town. Police con ned approxi- Cleasby said: “It made me realise how im- Claiming to ‘expose’ and ‘unearth’ our Welsh University Unions have banded of space to write the poor attempt at an mately forty far-right demonstrators near portant it is for people outside the com- antics, the WoS have trawled through dis- together and responded admirably to the article in the rst place. Writing such an the franchise, leading to ghting that saw munity to go in and support a community ciplinary les dating back to the academ- allegations by writing an open letter to the unbalanced piece is a contributing factor four arrested on public order o ences and and a cause like that. It’s very important ic year 2007/08, and have found instances newspaper, arguing that the allegations as to why journalists have such a poor others requiring emergency medical care. that people who are like minded can sup- of plagiarism, disciplinary hearings for put forth by the outlet were both ‘unfair’ reputation in the rst place.’ Wrexham Communities Against Racism port each other.” violent and harassing behaviour, and in and ‘unrepresentative’. Undersigned by He continued: ‘ e student body is held a ‘festival of community’ throughout  e Festival of Community was attend- one of the most ‘horri c’ of instances, a the Presidents of all the individual Welsh a microcosm of society, and there are the day in the town centre, with speeches ed by a small group of Bangor students, student in Bangor threatening to kill his Student Unions, including the President bound to be cases of crime and negativ- from trade union leaders and politicians, representing Bangor Students Union. Stu- peers. of NUS Wales, the response reiterates that ity within it, as it represents the wider so- including Wrexham MP Ian Lucas, along dent Union Chairperson Jez Harvey told It is not to disagree that such behav- it is the minority that is represented in the ciety as a whole. Students should not be with music and displays. Event organiser Seren: “It was great that students went. I iour took place, or to deny that it should allegations, highlighting that in actuality painted as complete angels, but to paint Dylan Roberts told reporters: “We want think it’s fantastic that we’re starting to get be condemned and the culprit appre- many of the o ences referred to in the ar- them in such a negative light is not cor- to create the atmosphere of a village fete, some actual political movement within the hended appropriately. But sensational- ticle were simply alleged cases. rect either.’ only on a bigger scale, with music, food Union- it’s been a long time coming. ising and generalising such behaviour  e letter also seeks to emphasise the stalls and dancing”.  e event, devised as Hopefully the Students Union will be across the entire Welsh student body is positive role and e ect the students have “a celebration of Wrexham and its diverse able to support more protests in the fu- unfair; the article accuses students of on their local communities, whilst the Liz Stevens society” was attended by around 200 over- ture”. routinely verbally threatening sta and WoS simply chose to stress the negative, all, according to local press. engaging in violent behaviour, using stating the article ‘aimed to portray stu- Thom Flint Societies join together to mark Seeing (red) 21st annual World Aids Day n the rst of December this year, Founded as part of a public informa- rst recognized death from AIDS wasn’t West have given those of us with access to AIDS by showering a er sex. and for the last 21 years, people tion campaign by the World Health Or- until 1981. these programs the information we need As well as this, the Catholic Church, around the world gathered to ganisation, it is a day marked by services Perhaps the most challenging thing to protect ourselves, and done much to which still holds a lot of in uence over Omark World Aids Day. Bangor played its around the world to mourn those who about the disease is that those it a ects stem the tide in Western nations, and the many Africans still refuse to allow the use part as well, with people from the local have passed, spread some hope to people now are usually the most separated from anti-viral medicines are available to most of condoms, and Pope Benedict has said area and University gathering in the ca- and perhaps most importantly of all, to Western society. Far from it being the “gay of us with relative ease. that condoms do not stop the spread of thedral at a service organised raise funds for AIDS charities. disease” as some think, it is now the dis- For many sadly, they don’t have ei- AIDS. Some Catholic groups in Africa by Unity Bangor, RAG and AIDS, as all of us should know, kills ease of the poor, the abandoned and the ther the information they need or the were found in 2003 to be telling people the Anglican Chaplaincy. many people around the world daily, one abused. From intravenous drug users to medicines if they succumb. In many sub- that condoms have tiny holes in that make As one of several events every ten sec- Saharan African them useless. to mark World AIDS Day onds. In 2007 it “Whilst in danger of sounding like Terry countries AIDS  is is the sort of misinformation that around Bangor, residents was estimated denialism has AIDS charities across the world are try- and students have raised that 33 million Wogan, these charities need your support, done much to ing to prevent, and need your help to do over £1000 to give to people carried hurt the popula- it. Whilst in danger of sounding like Terry AIDS charities, the disease, and your help and mostly your money” tions of countries Wogan, these charities need your support, both nation- over 2 million like Zimbabwe your help and mostly your money. ally and people succumbed to it during that year refugees raped by soldiers, it is a disease or South Africa. In fact, the President of i n t e r n a - alone, bring the total deaths to 25 million. that hurts those already most in need of South Africa Jacob Zuma once said that Jez Harvey tionally.  at’s nearly 1 million people a year, as the help. Social education programs in the he had protected himself from contracting 5 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS Dawn of a We are Supreme new day Will judges of the UK’s new Supreme Court fl ex their muscles? EU’s President and Foreign Affairs ack in 2003 Tony Blair made it justice services. What we had under the old system i.e. judges will want to stretch their powers Representative sound easy. Abolish the post of Estimates indicate our new court will having the Law Lords sit in the House of that little bit further, and the new physical Lord Chancellor, replace the Law cost nearly £10.8 million a year to run. Lords, blurred this separation. In order for independence may see judges  exing their appointed BLords and introduce a new Supreme  ere are obvious fears amongst justice a Bill to become law, the House of Com- muscles, particularly on administrative is- Court. At last, in October 2009, we have groups that this will put up court costs, mons are required to pass it for considera- sues such as judicial review; a means by espite much wrangling and al- our new Supreme Court; the new highest and thus the cost of justice.  e obvious tion by the House of Lords. It was simply which public bodies are held to account, legations of string pulling, the appeal court in the United Kingdom, in ef- question that comes to mind, therefore, is deemed by Parliament too risky to have a way of putting checks and balances on new President of the European UnionD and the EU’s High Representative fect replacing the judicial functions of the the Lords each of the institutions, if you will. What House of Lords. To use the term ‘replac- and Law we can expect, as many commentators for Foreign A airs have been announced ing’, however, is somewhat misleading. It Lords sit- have already suggested, is a rise in public - Herman Von Rompuy and Baroness may be more appropriate to say ‘relocat- ting togeth- interest cases, in e ect a shi of power Cathy Ashton respectively. Von Rompuy ing.’ A er all, the same ‘Law Lords’ are er in one from Parliament to the judiciary.  e past will take o ce in January 2010 at the end making that short, but signi cant, walk House (even 25 years have certainly seen a rise in cases of Sweden’s presidency; Baroness Ashton across Parliament Square to their new though this of judicial review on grounds of public in- taking the helm in December 2009 when ‘home’ to sit as ‘Justices.’  e Government has been terest, for example the arms deal and the the Lisbon Treaty comes into force. has described this constitutional reform as the case for war in Iraq, and this slight shi of powers, Prime Minister of Belgium as of De- “vitally needed modernisation.” centuries.) combined with new physical independ- cember 30th 2008, Von Rompuy has been Getting there, however, was no short Now the ju- ence may see the judiciary simply ignor- appointed to steer the Union through task. Expensive and time consuming de- dicial role of ing Parliament. what will be a di cult few years; po- lays were incurred whilst o cials con- the House On the 1st of October, when the Justic- litically and economically, nationally and templated where exactly to put the thing. of Lords as es made their move to their new home, one abroad. Although a relative unknown Far be it from me to ‘judge’ progression the highest seat was vacant. Lord Neuberger le . He internationally, the 62 year old Belgian on this matter, but surely with a budget appeal court openly spoke of his fears that the creation soon became the front runner in the race of 59 million pounds and a time scale of in the UK of the new court “may encourage judges to be appointed President; a change in di- over ve years, even Phil and Kirsty would has ended. to assert their authority against Parliament rection from many EU nations in favour- A new £60million building? No wonder they look so have been able to realise a bit quicker that From 1 Oc- in a way that they did not when they were ing a ‘chairman’ over ‘statesman’ resulted smug... the perfect “Location, Location, Location” tober 2009, members of it.” in the candidacy of Tony Blair becoming was just across Parliament Square? Per- why was a new Supreme Court necessary? the United Kingdom Supreme Court as- Surely these discussions, fears and increasingly unlikely, with smaller Eu- haps then this expensive move would not Lawyers, academics and politicians all sumes jurisdiction on points of law for all worries should have been dealt with years ropean nations fearing that a statesman have taken place in the midst of a reces- accept that one of the core, fundamental civil law cases in the UK, and all criminal and millions of pounds ago. What will be “Although lacking the sion. requirements of our unwritten constitu- cases in England and Wales and Northern interesting now is to see the judgements gravitas of a well known In order to keep things in best t with tion is the doctrine of the separation of Ireland. our new Supreme Court make. As the new true British tradition, the Middlesex powers. In its simplest form, this means So what can we expect? Constitutional- Supreme Court Justices take up their new fi gure, both have Guildhall was renovated with grand Vic- that there should be a clear separation of ly nothing should change.  e function of residence, we will see just how far they are produced diplomatic torian-Gothic ttings, with the nal bill the legislators, the people who make the the Justices in the Supreme Court should going to  ex their muscles. All one can do results” reaching just over £59 million; signi cant- law; the judiciary, the people who enforce be the same as that of the Law Lords in the is to watch this space! ly more than the £34 million our former the law; and the executive, which runs the House of Lords. However, there could be from one of the heavyweights would un- Lord Chancellor, the then Lord Chancel- government. In order to maintain a demo- other consequences of this new separa- Stephen Clear dermine their own ambitions. lor Falconer, predicted in 2004. Most of cratic state the divisions between these tion.  e move of the highest court to an As President, his tasks will include this will be met by legal fees paid to the bodies should be clear. entirely separate building may mean the liaising with EU leaders and arrang- ing summits, and importantly, he will become a central ‘go to’ gure for the world’s superpowers. But despite the even handed demeanour he is not free from controversy. He is a passionate Federalist Blood Bank Bonus and is keen to see the use of exclusively European symbols in replacement of na- tional ones. Perhaps more divisive is his opposition of Turkey joining the EU; his fear that Europe’s ‘fundamental values of Christianity will lose vigour with the en- try of a large Islamic country’. Ashton’s selection is perhaps more Sweden lifts ban to allow homosexual men surprising than Von Rompuy’s. Not many people would have heard of Baroness to give blood Ashton, let alone understand her role in British politics. Although e ectively f you have ever tried to donate blood with behaviours, rather than sexualities.  ere were no sex education classes or be wise to categorise a potential donor by Britain’s fourth choice, she nevertheless in the UK, you will have been faced Conversely, in the UK, a woman who has government campaigns about STIs and, his or her lifestyle. ‘Do you inject drugs?’ ensures Britain has a say at the top seats with a proverbial labyrinth of ques- had sex with a di erent man every night sadly, a lot of gay men were infected with for example, or ‘do you engage in unpro- of EU politics. Like Von Rompuy, she is Itions on everything from your travel hab- tected sex?’ Sweden has decided to place (contrary to many commentators) expe- its to your exposure to ‘Mad Cow Disease’. “Sweden has decided to listen to the calls of LGBT the period of abstention at 12 months (i.e. rienced in both domestic and European Tucked among these probing questions is and HIV/AIDS organisations to classify the term if you’ve engaged in any ‘risky’ behaviours a airs, if not an easily recognisable gure. a particularly interesting one; ‘Are you a ‘high risk’ in accordance with behaviours, rather within 12 months, you aren’t eligible to do- In 2007 she took over from Lord Man- man who has had oral or anal sex with an- than sexualities” nate).  e reason behind this is that HIV delson as EU Trade Commissioner. It is other man (even if you used a condom)?’ can take up to 6 months to present itself, here she built a repuatation, not unlike  e UK National Blood Service currently for a year could give blood straight away, HIV.  e rushed ban probably saved quite either on a test or by showing symptoms. Von Rompuy’s, for her ability to negoti- bans any man who has ever had sex with but a gay man who hasn’t had sex in 10 a few lives at the time; considering ap- Monica Axelsson, a spokeswoman for the ate and build consensus on ‘key issues’. another man from donating blood. Ever. years could never donate.  e NBS here proximately 200,000 people were infected health board, told AFP that donors would Her controversial past, however, has been No questions asked. Well, except the really in Britain has been petitioned for years in these early years. However, homosexual have to ll in a questionnaire about their used to criticise her appointment; in par- ambiguous one about your sexual habits. to judge potential donors by their behav- men were by no means the only people sex lives and all blood would be tested ticular he role in the CND and alleged ties So, what is all this fuss about Sweden iour rather than banning a whole, diverse with HIV. before being used, as usual. Axelsson has with the former Soviet Union. welcoming abstinent homosexuals to ll group of people based on an inaccurate Now, we are about 20 years on and al- also said that a number of other countries At the head of the European Union their blood banks, then? It does seem like prejudice (that gay men are more likely though we are yet to nd a cure for HIV or in Europe have already li ed bans on gay there is now a balance between le and fairly random criteria to present, doesn’t to have HIV/AIDS). It seems Sweden has AIDS, we have made some huge steps for- blood donors. right, and not insigni cantly, of gender. it? Well, if you are lucky enough to be a gay decided to lead the way forward in a new, ward.  e most prominent of these steps On a lighter note for UK citizens; the  ough lacking the gravitas that a well Swede and you’re planning to be in Swe- more accepting era. must be the development of antiretroviral government's Advisory Committee on known gure would have brought to the den on or a er March 1st 2010, you will So, why the ban in the rst place? When drugs to treat HIV; lessen the symptoms the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs table, both have in the past produced dip- be able to give a blood donation (provided the HIV epidemic began in the early 1980s and decrease the likelihood of developing (SaBTO) is currently undertaking a review lomatic results. As the European heavy you haven’t had sex with a man for a year). there was a massive rush to stop anything AIDS. Another important development of whether the comprehensive ban should weights seek to dominate, the smaller  is – in the light of the UK’s status at the putting people at risk from this devastat- has been the blood testing procedures put remain. It is expected to report back next nations will hope that the faith placed in moment – is a brave move and one that ing disease. Vaccines were stopped, in- in place by the NHS and NBS in the UK. year. LGBT organisations are expected to these individuals will be justi ed, and the has been met with rm congratulations fected people were stopped from working Anyone can now go to their GP and re- be placing increased pressure on this re- e ects of both appointments will be inter- from National AIDS Trust, Stonewall and and all gay men were banned from giving quest a HIV test; in fact, they are encour- view, so watch this space. esting to monitor. the Anthony Nolan Trust. blood. At the time - because homosexual- aged to.  e NBS also tests every single Oh, and a big ‘well done’ to Sweden. Sweden has decided to listen to the calls ity was such a taboo - sex between men donation they receive for HIV and other Martyn Singleton of LGBT and HIV/AIDS organisations to was o en a rushed and clandestine a air, infections. Emily Collins classify the term ‘high risk’ in accordance leaving little time or thought for condoms. So, in light of all this, surely it would 6 Christmas Issue 2009 COMMENT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Hot new men! Positively discrimination Audrey’s feelings about dating websites NUS Gender Balancing: why is this predjudice acceptable? was ecstatic the other day to much more interesting things than all he NUS currently have a policy in really one for labels so I’d like to do it the horses and burning our bras was relevant fi nd my freeview was working, I becoming Cupid’s bunny boiler. place that dictates to associated old fashioned way; with an analogy. and important, but now it’s got to a point Ihaven’t watched TV in months, I Adverts from dating agencies put even started to appreciate the adverts more pressure on those between the Unions that they must ‘gender So, there’s a conference to attend in the where business and political choices until I saw match. com. I cannot ages of 25 and 35 because they feel Tbalance’ their delegations to conferences. next month and four people are allowed should surely be about the person, not understand the obsession with people that that’s the time they should be In plain English, this means that Union’s to attend from MadeUp Ltd.  e topics to the gender. having to fi nd the one, the love of your settling down and having a family. wishing to send members to attend any be voted on are fairly non-consequential I can practically hear the roar of an- life, your soul mate. The likely hood Unfortunately it’s affecting more than conferences must send an equal amount and unrelated to gender equality.  ere gry feminists as I write this and I’m not of you staying with your partner for their target audience. People as young of females and males. Now, before I con- are 6 people who have shown an inter- sure what to say to quell them. I think my the rest of your life is slim. People as 18 are joining because of this need tinue I would like to make it clear that est in attending, 4 male and 2 female major issue with all of this is that enforc- change, you change and your partner to be in a relationship. I could be totally I am a woman. I am fully appre- (because that’s roughly the percentage ing gender equality feels so redundant. will change. wrong and we’re all going to end up ciative of my right to vote and split of males to females in the average  ere will always be a quiet, downtrod- It seems today that people expect in a fairy tale like Snow White, but too much from others. I’m not saying then again that shows such a brilliant am aware of and understand business workplace) and the most quali- den section of every group of people. that there isn’t someone reading this representation of reality, because the implications of sexism. ed and experienced candidates are the 4 But the ironic thing is that most of the that in 50 years time will be celebrating seven dwarfs will come running to However, I think the afore males. Now, as a manager of this situa- people involved in proposing and debat- their golden wedding anniversary you once you found a bad apple and mentioned policy is com- tion, I’m having a lot of trouble. My 4 ing the NUS policy were women.  ere because out of 100 there will be at then prince charming will sweep you pletely unreasonable. male employees are more quali ed are women in positions of power every- least two who are off your feet and I’m writing this ar- and more likely to further my busi- where, in business, politics and the arts; happily committed “People expect too much you’ll live happily ticle in the shadow of ness prospects, regardless of their why do we need to force them anywhere to each other. from one another!” ever after. Leave a greater news story: gender, yet I am legally obliged to else? Obviously there need to be support People today give anything you ever Nicolas Sarkozy’s cen- send two males and two females? groups for people who do su er abuse up too easily. Why aspired to do search so hard for because it doesn’t tre-right party in France How could this be considered (the same is true of racism and homo- something that fi t in with your life has proposed legislation fair on anyone involved?  e two phobia) but you would never dream of you can throw right now because that would see women rejected males lose out on an op- mandating racially- or sexuality- bal- away because it your other half is make up half the gures in portunity and the two females are anced delegations, would you? got too tough? To having it off with French boardrooms by 2015. thrust into a situation that causes ani- Women and men are equal, regard- me it seems that if their secretary In short, this would enforce mosity among sta and a lack of repre- less of how many of each gender are in it’s that important and you’re gender equality in the busi- sentation at a conference. a certain room at a certain time. Women to you, if you stop stuck paying a ness world and, in my opinion; According to Daniel Randall’s report can stand up for themselves. If they want searching it will mortgage you make it harder for employers to on the NUS conference where gender to go to a conference, they should ensure hit you right in can’t afford, but the face. It’s like I’m sure that’s make judgements based on skill balancing was debated, the general re- they are the best person for the job, not when you lose just one case in a and/or sponse seemed to be  aunt their women’s society card and your keys and million. quali- “gender inequality waltz amidst a cloud of bitter feminism. search for them for hours on end, give I just think you should enjoy your cations. doesn’t really exist, so why up and they’re staring blankly back at life and stop worrying, value your At this point do we need this?” Whilst you, sitting there the whole time. time, have fun make friends and the term ‘positive obviously there is evidence Emily Collins This subject confuses me beyond see what happens or in the words of discrimination’ of sexism in some areas, I have belief. Why can’t be people be happy Melissa Joan Hart “Prince charming is usually starts being touted around liber- to agree with this sentiment.  ere was a without someone by their side? We a d*ck, bring on the frogs.” ally and a stale-mate is assumed. I’m not time when throwing ourselves in front of have so many cultures, countries and

A disturbing trend

uman Rights Watch have we stand for. imprisonment…which is problematic offers a depressing picture when put use of foreign security forces to recently published a report New Labour’s ID cards scheme due to the malleable way in which together with the fact that the UK is extract information in a manner that Hdetailing allegations of UK (put on hold while the budget defi cit ‘glorifying’ can be interpreted (e.g. is one of the most watched places in constitutes torture; the proposed complicity in the torture of 5 British concentration in the hands of the nationals by Pakistani authorities state of personal information of between 2004 and 2007. Whilst the “Another example of a heavy handed response by the every citizen over the age of 16; the report stresses that no UK offi cials enacting of laws that are wide open took place in such practices as state at the expense of individual liberty which provide to abuse by the powers that be; all whippings, beatings, sleep deprivation scope for abuse by the powers that be” responses to the threat of terrorism, and the pulling out of fi ngernails, it that threaten to berate and alienate alleges that they were fully aware of is addressed. You would have expressing sympathy with an animal the world with various methods of innocent people who these measures what was happening, even putting thought with it supposedly being so rights activist who damages property surveillance tracking everything from are supposed to protect. Edmund pressure on the Pakistani authorities important for our safety it would have ‘glorifying’ terrorism?). The 90 day store transactions to car number Burke once said “Whenever a to ‘get results’. If true then this stayed on the agenda, but hey ho) detention without trial for terror plates. separation is made between liberty constitutes a violation of international cited terrorism as one of the things suspects that Tony Blair attempted to Whilst allusions to 1984 are and justice, neither, in my opinion, is law, not to mention being indicative of that it would prevent despite the push through parliament in that same clichéd as well as an exaggeration of safe”. Let us hope that this protracted a level of hypocrisy which condemns distinct lack of empirical evidence to act provides yet another example of a the current state of affairs, there is divorce of these two ideals proceeds that from which it benefi ts. In this back up this assertion. The Terrorism heavy handed response by the state cause for alarm at this lurch towards no further. report we have another disturbing Act of 2006 contained a clause at the expense of individual liberty authoritarianism and hypocrisy response to the threat of terrorism relating to ‘glorifying’ terrorism which provide scope for abuse by the that has occurred in response to which undermines the liberties that which carries a maximum 7 years powers that be. Taken together, this the terrorist threat; the apparent The Popinjay 7 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk COMMENT Banglesey Did the BBC give in to Fail Griffi n? Local newspapers' battering of students has gone on too long When a national institution be- or as long as I have been in Completely ignoring all the hard right. Bangor (and presumably since work that went into the scheme and Yes, I admit, it’s bloody annoying comes a platform for fascism is Fbefore then too), there has been the success that followed; a local when you get to the bread section it time to pull the plug on free a dark undercurrent that subtly shapes newspaper which remains decidedly in Morrisons and all that’s left is a life for students here. Let’s start with hostile towards students reported Kingsmill Little Big Loaf and you speech? some obvious facts: Bangor is proud probably can blame everyone on of its Welshness and it’s a university "The students and Ffridd Site for that. But students are town. the ones who blow their loans in the he appearance of Nick Grif- Newspapers were unanimous in de- During the summer the population the locals live in high street shops, who take trips to n on BBC1’s Question Time nouncing him, all but one that I could more or less halves as students trundle explore the local landmarks, who get off home for a rent free, care free few their parents to foot the expensive generated, as you may have no- nd dedicated their front page to such. two dimensions" Tticed, just a little bit of derision from Interviewees and talking heads on months. Bangor is a ghost town from restaurant bills when they come to July to September. For the brave few visit and who selfl essly volunteer in members of the public. Watching the every channel reprimanded him but who stay behind propping up HMV’s on the planning permission which the local community on a regular basis show in time to people’s updates on Fa- assured us that his glaring ineptitudes DVD sales and taking the odd scone on was recently refused for another as they have been doing for years. cebook and Twitter, it seemed as if the were laid bare for all to see. Yet I believe the pier, Bangor shows its other face multiple tenancy house on Deiniol The same newspaper published whole world was watching, and venting more was laid bare on that show than and it’s not a very nice one. Road. It quoted a letter in opposition later an article on The People of their exasperation online. In fact, some just Mr. Gri n’s gross inhumanity.  e The duplicity of the city is refl ected to the build “The student population Bangor Community Group which hopes of us had seen most of show already, inability of intelligent, politically aware everywhere. From the geographical is essentially transient, makes no to “reach out” to students. As much released segment by segment as ‘sneak people to challenge such horri c bigot- split of Upper and Lower Bangor right investment in and has no interest in as this is a step in the right direction down to the fact that we have two the needs of the local community.” the entire article maintains the “us peeks’ on BBC News the hour previ- ry appropriately should worry us even WH Smiths (why?). The students and The newspaper makes no attempt to vs them” sentiment that the paper ously, interspersed with clips of riotous more. Don’t get me wrong, the BNP the locals also live in two dimensions. balance the argument and seems to be has been propagating and barely Anti Fascists being used to polish the leader’s monstrous ideology could For a lot, fi rst year is spent blissfully applauding the writer for adding to the acknowledges the achievements of the  oor of Television Centre. not have been much more intensely unaware of how unwelcome students list of things that make students awful. Love Bangor scheme. It is profoundly worrying when an mauled than it was on Question Time. are here but when second year brings The housing situation for families in It almost seems like the local avowed fascist can be given airtime Yet here we had an unprecedented the inevitable decent closer to town Bangor is dire, but is it the students’ residents’ resentment is being fuelled on the BBC. Many people, not least chance to destabilise the BNP, to reveal and into shared houses, the great responsibility to fi x this? Are they not by the one sided, lazy journalism the 500+ protesters baying at the gates their policies for what they really are- divide becomes much more diffi cult to as deserving of roofs over their heads? posted through their front doors of BBC HQ for Nazi a cocktail of thinly ignore. Surely the attack should be being every Thursday brewing up unhealthy Only last year a local shop owner made on those who are exploiting the tension in a city which needs more blood, hold the opin- "It is profoundly veiled opportunism, blamed the global recession on us. fact that more money can be made investment into it’s peoples’ lives be ion that such people worrying when an rampant, Victorian Hilarious as that was, it was just a from students than families? In a city them student, local or both. It’s about should be forced from narrow-mindedness, small part of the unrelenting animosity as small as Bangor you wouldn’t be time this propaganda machine stopped the airwaves. Yet there avowed fascist can and pure ignorance- aimed at us every day as we’re blamed considered foolish to expect rent to be pointing the fi nger at the easiest is something more be given airtime to the public and to for all that is wrong in Bangor’s low. In fact, some student housing is target and did some actual work to worrying still about their supporters.  e community. cheaper in Manchester and Liverpool help the people it exists for, asking real the response he got, on the BBC." BNP could have been Our Union, instead of administering where students are welcomed and not questions and getting real answers. and not just from driven back to its un- a swift back hand to the face of shunned. his supporters. On the show the BNP derground origins, lurking in darkened this cold contempt, came up with a One student’s immediate reaction solution to show how working together to the article was “So the city doesn’t Georgia Mannion leader was brutally derided, attacked alleys and whispering racist slogans in is ultimately extremely benefi cial: benefi t from the £3,750 investment by the audience and his fellow panel- crowded bars. Instead, abuse and un- Love Bangor. we all make every year?” and she is lists. Why? What was the purpose of al- intelligent questioning dominated the lowing him on the show, only to attack broadcast.  is is what the BNP is him there? In the months prior to lm- used to getting from those who oppose ing, controversy engulfed the proposal; them, they are immune. It is their lan- with people attacking the idea of him guage. It shouldn’t be ours. Mr. Gri n’s appearing fearing he would receive the policies should have been toppled one ‘oxygen of publicity’. Invariably, these by one, starting with the postal strike. outcries were answered with the meas- He should have le Television Centre a ured response that, if challenged in a destabilised leader, grassroots support fair and open debate, he would fall  at melting away as his half-baked policies Adam Sandland describes on his face. Yet when it came down to in lay shreds. He did not. Instead, he life as a Unity newbie it, there was nothing fair or open about le strengthened, knowing he would the debate. He was mocked and abused appear to his supporters as the helpless brainlessly, even childishly. His fellow victim of bullying tactics by those who ’ve told myself every year I’ve been at discussion mature yet fun, and I realised for never bothering to turn up before. It’s panellists indulged in the opportu- ought to know better. He had made his Bangor that I would join a society, but the scope of the society was much bigger saddening to think in hindsight: ‘Wow, I’ve nity to savage the MEP alongside the breakthrough into the mainstream po- I never quite made it until this year. I than I thought. I even stayed behind at the been here for three whole years and I’m audience. Not a sin- litical scene. Iwent to Serendipity, I signed up for the end to have a little chat with people to learn only just getting in on the fun now, way to gle BNP policy was "[Mr Griffi n] should We have to ac- mailing lists, I received the e-mails telling a few names and faces rather than scurrying go!’ But it does me no good to dwell on it. mentioned, let alone cept that, however me where to be and when to be there. But home. I’m in Unity now and I’m enjoying it, and scrutinised. have left Television vile a person, how- I never ended up going to anything, and I I’ve only been involved a few weeks that’s what really matters. Of course he had Centre a destabi- ever mind-numb- never ended up joining Unity in previous now but I’ve achieved and enjoyed plenty: But re ecting on this, I would say en- the right to appear ingly putrid their incarnations. I tried joying your time is the on the show, despite lised leader... He policies, once they to excuse myself with “I realised the scope of the society most important thing what some say. He did not." secure a national various reasons for you can do while at Uni- had the right because elected position, not going, late lec- was much bigger than I had thought” versity. It will probably almost a million people voted BNP in the rules change. If they are as ignorant tures and the like, but only happen just the the European elections in June. He had as we assume, their downfall should be frankly I was too scared to go along to talk I’ve made lots of new friends to irritate (via once, and as I‘ve learnt, a lot of that enjoy- the right because he is an elected MEP easily brought about, but by intelligent to a group of people I didn’t know about a Facebook), I’ve helped in preparing Fruit ment can come from societies and for me, who is paid by the public to represent debate.  e BNP see themselves as hav- topic I wasn’t sure if I was comfortable dis- Salad and actually gone along for the rst from Unity. So my message I direct towards us –god help us- in Brussels. Yet how ing le the streets, as being beyond the cussing.  at all changed very quickly when time; I’ve learnt about charities and foun- everyone, not just LGBT people, sat at can we stop him and his prejudiced, slogan-chanting and the abuse.  e I turned up for my rst meeting. dations that campaign for equal rights; home thinking to themselves, “Hey, I’ve got ignorant views if we allow him into the question that faces us is whether we ac- My nal year had just started and it I’ve learnt about World Aids day and other an interest in that, but I don’t know about public arena, only to silence him with a cept that the ght back against them, dawned on me that this really was my last events - ones that would have passed me the society” and I say: Go for it. Chances torrent of abuse? Where is the freedom and their million or so supporters, year of University life. My last year of living by; and I’m anticipating helping out with are you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll make a whole of speech in that? And if all we can do takes place there or not. in Bangor, taking advantage of the things to the December Fruit Salad, as well as all the bunch of new friends - and more impor- is point and yell, how much better are do and the things to be a part of - so I pulled other future activities that are coming up. tantly you won’t be sat where I am two or we than the mindless thugs that elected myself together and went along. Naturally I While I’m glad that I’ve participated even three years later thinking “I should Mr. Gri n? turned up a good twenty- ve minutes late, and enjoyed everything thus far (espe- have done this earlier”, because regrets A er the show, everyone was quick, but I quickly realised what a fool I‘d been. cially learning the magic art of ‘turning won’t get you anywhere, and of course, you perhaps too quick, to announce how Everyone was friendly and welcoming, the up on time‘), I nd myself berating myself only live once. much of a fool he made of himself. 8 Christmas Issue 2009 FEATURES www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Hark the Herald Angels Sing!

he 2009 University Carol Service student focus. is being held in Bangor Cathedral As well as leading the singing, Tat 7pm on Monday December the Anglican Chaplaincy Singers are 14th. Organised by the University also working hard on several choir Chaplaincy Team this bilingual service anthems. With wine and minced pies is especially for staff and students afterwards, what more seasonal cheer plus their friends and families. could be asked for? Please come along We will be hearing again familiar and extend this invite to your friends! Christmas readings and singing traditional carols. However, there will be plenty of modern twists. Kenneth Padley, Several of the readings will be Chaplaincy Team dramatised by members of BEDS, including - so I’m told - the story of Coordinator Adam and Eve! It is also hoped to include a welfare speaker to give the service a contemporary, Bangor and

Rostra - A Midsummer Night’s Dream A review by Tigz Noyce A review by Mike Huntley

s I braved the wet weather the stage with his presence. all me a grubby cynic, but I “But what about the cast? Get to go and see ROSTRA I was perplexed by the role Midsummer Night’s Dream is an early comedy was under the impression on with it!” I hear you scream Aperform A Midsummer played by the fairy interludes; that Shakespeare’s at the inanimate print before written by William Shakespeare in the early C Night’s Dream I was thinking they seemed to distract from comedies had aged about as well you. Well, I haven’t forgotten back to their last stab at the main storyline and didn’t AElizabethan era. The play is based around four as an old wrinkly thing. They them. The cast were by and Shakespeare; Hamlet. A play I seem to add value to the overall Athenian lovers, a group of actors and their encounter with the fairies who dwell in the forest. The story is were always (Ancient) Greek large a treat; Neil Ellis Jones thoroughly enjoyed, presented performance. to me, with their “hilarious” brought a hilarious swagger unusually and imaginatively; Backstage efforts had introduced with Hermia & Lysander, Helena & Demetrius and their complicated story of love. This is tale is twisted misunderstandings, twisty-turny to the character of Bottom, much to my disappointment my obviously been made; the plots and sub-Tommy Cooper a character whose status expectations were somewhat lighting fi tted the mood and further by entering the forest of The Fairies, King Oberon and Queen Titania. King Oberon’s companion Puck is a puns. I’m sorry, but there it is. (and name) precedes him in left wanting. While I am far helped create the atmosphere And if this statement hasn’t yet Shakespearean comedy. In from a Shakespeare afi cionado for each scene; the use of the major character who is mischievous and full of trickery within the Forest. Joining the Athenian lovers, the group got you tutting at a deafening fact, the entire amateur group I do like classic plays and A stage was effective. Due to volume, or ripping up your copy threatened to steal the show Midsummer Night’s Dream is an such varied scene locations of amateur actors Bottom, Snug, Snout, Quince and Flute rehearse their version of Pyramus and Thisbe of Seren in an apoplexy of book- at some points, particularly iconic Shakespeare piece. a black background was a wormy rage, then you may well during the delightfully botched Overall I did enjoy the sensible choice. The use of the understand my apprehension performance in honour of performance however there whole stage was good however when I heard that Rostra were Thesesus and Hippolyta’s Royal were a couple of things that some use of the area in-front putting on a production of A Wedding in Act 5. Other stand- distracted me; most notable of the stage may have created Midsummer Night’s Dream. out moments included the love of those were noisy shoes and more depth and brought the I will admit, reader, I went “square” between the young unclear voices. I understand audience closer to the tension in along to the Friday Athenian lovers Lysander (Tom that some of the the build up to the fi nale. The performance with Warlow), Hermia (Emily Cox), D e m e t r i u s The lighting fi tted the mood Rostra’s spirited (Dan Roach) and helped create the “ production almost “ atmosphere for each scene completely seduced me a fi ne collection of piss-and- and Helena (Karen cast needed to wear heals, to costumes seemed something” of vinegar lambasts in mind and Attoney), and although the fi t their parts and adhere to the a mismatch between modern ” a massive TESCO bag full of enunuciation could have been script, however it was hard to and themed. Helena was in rotten cabbage at the ready more polished at times, the hear them talking when they a red backless dress (hardly (okay that bit’s a lie). However, performers brought such vigour were moving around the stage, authentic for the time) yet her much to my irritation, Rostra’s to their roles that the whole also you could hear them in contemporary Hermia was a spirited production almost affair never lost its sense of fun. the wings which distracted pretty full length period dress. completely seduced me. It was Medwyn Roberts also stood out from events on stage. Some I think that the Shakespeare an almost unmitigated triumph. as a rather blithe Puck , although of the voices were unclear I plays fi t far better into So damn them. Damn them that may be partly because he know there are no microphones minimalist acting such as that for pulling the whole thing off inexplicably resembled a sort and it isn’t the easiest thing shown with ROSTRA’s Hamlet with such surprising deftness. of panto Ziggy Stardust, - all to project your voice round rather than the more elaborate Curse Martin Pritchard for his bleached hairdo and face paint. the room (some say I may be theatre used here with A admirably well-judged reading The only real let-down came able to) however slowing down Midsummer Night’s Dream. of a play that interweaves three during the musical interludes, what you are saying and talking Sadly I was left disappointed separate narrative strands into which were shoehorned in with louder will make you clearer. by the performance; I know one messy whole. Damn them as much grace and subtlety as a There were several the team have better in them and applaud them, because it’s lazy journalistic analogy. These characters that stood out and so fi ngers crossed that their a tricky one. moments threatened to tarnish I feel that without them the New Year offerings will be more In the fi rst place, the action everything that Rostra had performance may not have satisfying. of the play may be daunting made, and whilst I appreciate gone so well. Puk / Phillostrate When I went to see to newcomers, juggling as it that they were supposed to (played by Medwyn Roberts) Hamlet the cast seemed more his production has been put on by Rostra. If you are interested in seeing some of their work, their does the amorous adventures convey the artless mischief was very passionate and his experienced and the play of four Athenian lovers with of the fairies, it all looked a performance was strong and seemed like it had more fl uidity; TChristmas play, Brief Encounters will be held in Powis hall on the 11th of December at 6.30pm. It will the endeavours of an amateur bit like a Primary School gym entertaining. The actor who unfortunately with Midsummer dramatics troupe and the and dance class; worse still, played Bottom (Neil Ellis Jones) Night’s Dream I didn’t see also be in JP hall at 1.30pm and 7.30pmon the 12th of December. machinations of Theseus, the extremely modest musical did an excellent job, in all the this. I hope this review is seen Hippolyta and all manner of accompaniment failed to drown performances I have seen more as constructive criticism supernatural beings, including out the pachyderm thundering him in, his character has been than a 600 word rant at their Oberon and Titania (King and of feet on stage. Still, a fun time believable and genuine, A performance. I will attend their Queen of all things Fairy). And was had by all as they say, and Midsummer night’s Dream was next show and look forward to yet despite all this, Rostra’s most of all, Rostra made me eat no exception. Theseus / Oberon seeing what I have come to love If you are interested in reviewing for seren please send them to [email protected] direction was both kinetic and my bitter words in the end. And (played by Daniel L. Cummings) and expect from ROSTRA. lucid, and the performances for that, I take my hypothetical was another strong actor his bore the mark of a director trilby off to them. words were clear and he fi lled who knows this territory well. 9 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk FEATURES

Hand-drawn artwork! with Stacey Gannon

TisFashion the season to be jolly, tralalalala lalalala, escape the crowds and ditch the trolley , trala- lalala lalalala... Enjoy seren’s online shopping review. This month I conducted a survey of your favourite online shops to help beat the Christmas rush and grab those bargins in the January sales in the happiness of our own home and hopefully with a cuppa . Number 1 Pretty our favourite online clothing store was ASOS. This year they are Ydoing delieveries up to the 24th of december if ordered before 2pm (if you live inside the M25 area. If not it’s next Monstrous day delievery where orders must be in very woman needs a good show hosted in Milan. Standing before 6pm on the 23rd December pair of heels to elongate your 12 inches tall the armadillo is a Elegs makes you feel and look complete monster compared to stunning on a night out; even if the normal stiletto. Is there such by the end of the night you are a point to designing shoes this tottering after dancing for way too high? I have decided no. Of course long. A recent fashion show has they’re intriguing to look at and brought up the concern of “How you really want to try it on just to high is too high?” as shoes are see how far you can get (well I do becoming more outrageous and anyway) but I really can’t see any extravagant. Alexander McQueen point to them. No movement, no a well known shoe designer has dancing, no getting to the bar, sore brought the world’s attention to feet: seems like a bad night to me. Number 2 the armadillo, after two models Plus they really weren’t made for bay is creating a large space fell down during the Prada fashion wales and B**** hill. in the market for unknown Edesigners to place their clothing lines for people to buy. These orignals and inspiring ideas are fresh and great for when the ‘fashion’ doesn’t suit you.

TIP: Numbers one of the biggest online trading companies 3 it wasn’t a suprise to fi nd schuh on the list. Keep eye make- AWith they’re amazing offers and outstanding up minimal this quality it’s easy to see why. Schuh are delievering Christmas, espe- for free up until the cially if wearing 20th of december bright colours. and are doing next day delievery until Apply highlighter the 22nd. & mascara to accentuate your features Number 4

outeone is a sportwear online site that caters for more than just that, from selling clothes, Raccessories and shoes to inlines and bikes. Defi nately one to keep an eye on. 10 Christmas Issue 2009 UNION www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

UMCB – a WelshReasons Union to separate: for all? Only active members of UMCB will be able to vote for future UMCB Presidents.

6pm on the 15th of December. This means The Students’ Union constitution will not that of the 3,000 students that UMCB p until September, UMCB (Bangor currently represents within the Union over-rule UMCB’s. Welsh Students’ Union, a and the University, and who would have department of Bangor Students’ U been automatic members in previous The UMCB President will have a seat on Union) counted all 3,000 of the years, only 196 are currently members of the Union’s Senate and there will defi nitely be University’s Welsh speakers and learners UMCB. This means that a major decision a Welsh voice on the body which forms the as automatic members. But due to an regarding the future representation of Union’s political policies. outcry in the Sabbatical elections of 2009 Welsh students and the Welsh language is by members of UMCB who hadn’t realised in the hands of less than 7% of those who The Students’ Union will continue to provide that non-Welsh speakers are allowed to will be affected. UMCB with an annual grant. vote for the UMCB President, a group of Any person who defi nes themselves UMCB members requested that the way as a Welsh learner, Welsh speaker or in which an UMCB President is elected be has an interest in the Welsh language or Reasons to stay: changed so that only Welsh-speakers who culture can opt to become part of UMCB An UMCB President should represent all are active within UMCB may vote for their by purchasing a card from the Students’ president, however, the only way for this Union for £2 (or £1 with your Love Bangor Welsh speakers and learners, but will only to be done within the confi nes of the law card). Without being an offi cial member be answerable to those who are active within is for UMCB to become constitutionally of UMCB a vote on its future will not be UMCB and therefore happy with the status separate from the Students’ Union itself, possible. quo. Although UMCB will not be able to be weakening its’ members’ voices within the A similar debate recently took place discriminatory against any group that wishes Union and therefore the University. at one of our neighbouring Universities. to join – therefore those who do not want non- Union policy was passed by senate and UMCA (Abersytwyth’s Welsh Students’ Welsh speakers to be able to vote will still not then ratifi ed at general meeting ensuring Union) recently decided to become a get their wish as anyone who has an interest that the possibility of this separation department of their Students’ Union in joining will be able to do so. and forming an Association of Welsh and allow all students at Aberystwyth Students was considered for this year’s University to vote on their future UMCB will still have to keep to certain Union sabbatical elections. UMCB cards were Presidents due to the fi nancial instability policies in order to stay connected to it and created as part of the Students’ Union that constitutional independence would use its facilities. It will also be easier for an Activity Cards scheme so that this would mean. But what will UMCB decide? UMCB President to act against the members’ be possible should the members of UMCB wishes as it will not have the Union’s checks vote to change the system at the General and balances which make the Sabbatical Meeting which will take place in JMJ at Offi cers answerable to several bodies and committees.

The UMCB President will not have a vote on the Union Executive committee, which Demand your voice - makes day-to-day decisions on behalf of the Union, nor will they have a voice on demand an UMCB card! the Trustee Board which makes corporate decisions on behalf of the Union, e.g. fi nancial decisions.

UMCB will have to make an application UMCB General meeting: JMJ – for its grant in the same way as the Union’s 15/12/2009 6pm clubs and societies do. The UMCB President will have no voice in the decision over the amount that will be provided. UMCB will also have to pay the Union for using some of its

services e.g. holding elections. shoeboxRotary appeal

Ho! Ho! Ho! From John P. Jackson & all at Bangor As part of Give it a Go scheme and with SVB, Bangor Students’ Union are once again running the Rotary Shoebox Students’ scheme. Last year we fi lled 25 boxes which were gratefully received and so this year we are going to try and do it again! Union. Have You can come and pick up a box from Ceri or Helen on the third fl oor of the SU building, fi ll it yourself and then bring it back or if you would rather you can simply drop off a few items and we will a great do the rest. Anything you can give will be much appreciated. Visit www.bangorstudents.com/giag/ Christmas! rotary.asp to fi nd out more information. Thank you! Ceri and Helen 11 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk UNION

SpencerGeorge 1,378 Tweets To Tweet or not to Tweet? Latest: SpencerGeorge is running a nice bubblebath for @jezharvey about 2 hours ago

For years the Students’ Union has looked at ways to improve its communication with the student body. Trust me, as the sabbatical in charge of overseeing the SU’s communication strategy, it’s certainly not an easy task. We spend literally thousands of pounds every year on communication. Everything from printing this wonderful newspaper through to producing thousands of handbooks for new students. We are only one of a handful of Students’ Unions to have a year round radio station and after months of negotiation with the university, we’ve finally got our own student mailing list. Despite this however, the question remains, how do we, the Students’ Union, communicate with as many students as possible at any given moment in time? This is the question that the Students’ Union Communications Committee is currently looking into. The committee is made up of students and representatives from our media groups (Y Llef, SEREN and Storm FM) and their task this year is to produce the SU’s first ever communications strategy. The strategy’s aim is to clearly identify who we want to communicate to (Students, University, Local community etc), what message(s) we want to deliver and how we go about delivering that message. Already the committee have looked into furthering last year’s re-branding exercise and are looking at introducing more modern forms of communication into the strategy. For example, The SU has already successfully embraced Facebook as a less formal approach to keeping students updated (over 2000 students are now on the SU Facebook group) but should we be following in the steps of many other Students’ Unions by embracing Blogging and Twitter? With the introduction of Bangor TV, should the SU be providing visual and audio communication via its website? In my opinion, whilst we will always be restricted by finite resources (especially our financial resources) we are behind the times when it comes to communication. Whilst there will always be a place for pen and paper, posters and face to face contact, we need to embrace these new communicative tools if we are going to inform and enthuse students about their Union. Not only would doing so allow the SU to inform students about events and issues, but it would also allow us, the sabbatical officers, to update you on our activities. Which meetings we are going to, who within the university we are talking to and what issues we are talking about. Whilst it’s not as black and white as I make out, I honestly believe it’s the direction in which we need to be heading. The Communications Committee is always looking for more students to get involved. Whether you’d like to have your say on the above issues or maybe you’re a student whose degree would benefit from being involved then please feel free to come and join in. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday the 9th December at 13:30 in the Students’ Union Committee room.

Love Bangor hits the ground running… s you will have read in previous articles, Love Bangor be putting together a proposal for a government grant to is the Students’ Union’s big campaign of the year, pilot such a project over the course of one year. It’s a big Afocusing on improving community relations. So far task but we’re up for the challenge. the campaign has been widely welcomed and has received Moving away from the Card scheme, Love Bangor is positive press from local media outlets. The Love Bangor also focusing its efforts on the promotion of recycling and Card has been snapped up by over 1000 students here in environmental responsibility. Whilst I can’t say too much at Bangor and this has incentivised more businesses to get this stage, the end of semester 2 will see the culmination involved. of months of work on a fun and exciting campaign the likes Trespass, one of the newest high street retailers of which haven’t been seen in Bangor before. immediately signed up to the In conjunction with this, SVB have applied scheme and now offers 20% off “It is believed that such a for funding to create a hybrid environmental selected items to holders of the project which would see the continuation of Love Bangor card. Bar Uno will be move would see a huge beach cleans accompanied by the introduction offering Christmas meal dinners increase in the number of of inner city clean ups. Such moves have been in a Love Bangor week later this welcomed by all stakeholders involved with both month and we are currently in businesses offering discounts Love Bangor and its parent initiative, Bangor talks with several other businesses which would benefi t students Pride. The Students’ Union will also be looking including Debenhams at how to and local residents alike.” at how Love Bangor can be incorporated into further develop the scheme. One other community projects including working option which businesses are keen with local residents groups and helping run events where on is the introduction of a Love Bangor card accessible to all the whole community comes together. For more information members of the local community who could then, as is the about Love Bangor and Bangor Pride, please visit: www. case for students, benefi t from high street discounts. It is bangorpride.org.uk believed that such a move would see a huge increase in the number of businesses offering discounts which would benefi t students and local residents alike. The Students’ Union will Spencer George 12 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

This year Willow is breaking free from the confi nes of Bangor to bring you reports from places as exotic as Llandudno and Anglesey. So I think you’ll agree that this year promises to be an even better one than the last.

Not one to always do the obvious I decided to check out one of North Wales’ seaside resorts: Rhyl. Rhyl is located in Denbighshire and was once an elegant Victorian seaside town prior to the Second World War. If you do the research Rhyl has some surprising modern history: John Prescot was egged there by members of the public during the 2001 general election. Rhyl has had some notable inhabitants such as Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the UK in 1955 and the serial killer Peter Moor who murdered four men apparently ‘for fun’. It has however had some happier citizens such as Lisa Scott-Lee from steps, Carol Vorderman and Lee Evans. Rhyl still receives a lot of tourists from North West England in the summer time and is easily accessible by train and car from Bangor. My tour of Rhyl was hosted by a native Rhylonian and started with a night out in the town on a Friday night. This sounds scary but it was fun and involved eighties bar and various clubs/ pubs. Feeling slightly worse for wear we took a trip around Rhyl the next day to see what it has to offer. We visited the ‘Sun Centre’ which boasts being the best swimming attraction in Rhyl, it’s also fi tting with the North Wales weather that a ‘Sun centre’ is in fact indoors. We then took a walk along the promenade and saw one of the famous parts of the Rhyl skyline: the Sky Tower. The promenade also holds the new ‘Drift Park’ development which is part of a regeneration scheme in Rhyl. We then visited ‘Terror Tombs’ one of the many amusement arcades in Rhyl and played on racing games and on the dance revolution machine, which I sadly lost and got a grade D for my dancing. We then visited two of Rhyl’s other attractions: Lisa Scott Lee’s home and the picturesque Rhuddlan castle which was erected by Edward I in 1277 following the First Welsh War. I actually enjoyed my trip around Rhyl and will defi nitely go back for a visit. I think that the regeneration schemes which have been put into place and include the satellite of Llandrillo college and reconstruction of the West end of Rhyl will benefi t Rhyl a lot. I hope that it can be restored back to its original prestige.

Rhyl has some surprising modern history: John Prescot was egged there by members of the public during the 2001 general election.

There are many go-carting tracks around North Wales and for a fun fi lled twelve minutes I decided to try out ‘CartioMôn’ race track on Anglesey. CartioMôn is located just outside of Holyhead in Bodedern so it only takes about fi fteen minutes to get to from Bangor along the A55. There is no need to book days in advance as the track is quite relaxed, just call up on the day. Racing is not dependant on the weather, and there is also fl oodlighting when required which is handy owing to the Welsh weather for if you really fancy a challenge! I decided to try out CartioMôn in the summer and my fi rst blunder was that I turned up wearing fl ip- fl ops which was not a good idea; fortunately the lady who worked there had the same size feet as me and lent me her trainers. After being fully clad in racing gear we hit the track wacky racers style. 12 minutes doesn’t sound like long, however when you’re vibrating about two inches from the fl oor it is more than long enough. After the chequered fl ag was waved a competitive spirit ignited within me and I sped off as fast as I could. On approaching a corner I then had to slam the breaks on and ended up spinning off the track into the barriers. This was then how I approached racing for the whole twelve minutes and meant that I crashed four times. To my disappointment I was in fact the only one to crash and I was worried that I might get a yellow fl ag or even get sent off. After twelve minutes on the track my knuckles were white and aching from griping on so hard. The track will arrange Grand Prix’s - with heats, a semi fi nal and a fi nal, and for everyone who takes a ride you will get your own print out of your lap speeds, courtesy of the transponders carried within each go-kart. When we got our print out My fi rst blunder was that I I was ,needless to say, at the bottom of the leadership board. There are however many different carting centres in North Wales, CartioMôn also have turned up wearing fl ip- fl ops a small track with battery operated cars for children which might be more suitable to my driving skills. Another popular carting centre is Redline Certio dan do, indoor carting located in Caernarfon. Prices vary from £6 for 6 minutes to £26 for a half hour session. So if you fancy doing something different in North Wales I would defi nitely recommend go-karting. 13 Freshers’ Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk STORM & SVB

Marc Freddie Collinson (some illiterate bloke who appeared from Yorkshire) and Will Faithfull (a refi ned Hampshire resident) have paired up to present RADIO BLAH BLAH on Storm FM. The show promises topical chat with guests, a bizarre collective sense of humour and music befi tting its hosts and their erratic musical tastes. The hosts urge you to not adjust your set and kick off your Wednesday with a bang: All we hear is...RADIO BLAH BLAH.

The SVB Sbectrwm Project – Volunteering with children with Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

t’s busy times for Student Volunteering Bangor this week as not only have we had a ed theme night to organise and attract people to but we are also (this week) being assess by the Welsh Assembly Government for an Investors in Volunteers Award. Join Dan Williams and Ian Scott every Monday from 6-7pm for the best hits from the 60s, 70s I and 80s. Featuring classic tunes from artists like Queen and Journey, The Time Tunnel provides Investors in Volunteers is a lot like Investors in People and if we’re deemed worthy of it, you with you weekly dose of nostalgia. The guys also keep you up to date with Students’ Union it’s going to show the university and the community that our volunteering opportunities are events. With all the classic tracks, The Time Tunnel is the perfect way to get ready for a Monday top notch! It will have taken us 2 years to achieve it, so by Christmas, we’re really hoping night in Time/Amser! to have something to celebrate! So, what else has been going on in SVB-land apart from that? Well, RAG are having a very productive time of it at the moment with their Children in Need night in the Basement raising well over £200. This year, RAG’s chosen local charities are ‘Pathways’ (support for ex- servicemen with post traumatic stress) and Body Positive (a local charity for HIV sufferers). In addition to these very worth causes, RAG will this year also be helping Shelter Cymru and the Everyman Cancer Charity. un The Promotions Team also have a couple of exciting projects coming up in the r up to Christmas that you should defi nitely look out for. We’re doing Candy Canes, ‘Meanself The Forum is a weekly discussion of all the major news stories, and a few local ones that Girls’ style. So, if there’s a special someone in your life (or you’ve recently caught your ety matter to you. The show is hosted by the Storm News Team with different guests each week. lecture lecturing) and want to make known your feelings… this year, say it with SVB swe The Forum is back for another year with new presenters and new topics. With even goodness! more hot debates your Tuesday night is not complete without your weekly dose of topical news and discussions. Hosted by our brand spanking new presenters Alison Kennedy and Cassie Alltree, it’s better than Charlie Brooker having a rant about WI-FI on Nandos. Is there are topic that matters to you? Perhaps we can feature it in an edition of The Forum. All you need to do is e-mail [email protected] and let us know!

Is there something you would really like to be played? Get in touch with us via the Nifty Little Form on www.stormfm.com or text STORM + your message to 60300! Do you want something we may not have? E-mail [email protected] and we’ll get right on the case! Seren’s very own agony aunts are here to answer all your problems. Big or small, they’ve got an answer for you. Contact them on advice@seren. bangor.ac.uk if you have a question you need solving Social Q – My housemates consist of a fl at mate from fi rst year, a girl who lived downstairs from us and another girl I met on my course. We all got on really well last year, although I had only lived with one of them I had no worries about us living all together. However this year, it is impossible for us to agree on the smallest of things. I thought we would all make dinner together and have a really good laugh but it has been far from it. How can we resolve this?

A – Try and create a rota, so arguments can’t stem from issues such as housework and cooking. Also try and communicate in an adult fashion. Despite how you feel right now, at one time you were all very close. Maybe try to suggest a night in watching a DVD together and you can have a discussion about why things went wrong.

Disclaimer: They aren’t professionals, Relationships just two sensitive souls who hope to help. Q – I am in my fi rst year and have meet a lovely boy however he is from Ireland and I live in Surrey out of term time. I really like him and he has told me he feels exactly the same. Finding him has really helped me settle here and I’m really happy. But Christmas is approaching and I am worried we will grow apart and the distance will become too much.

A – You may be reading too much into the situation. The Christmas holidays are only 3 weeks. Your time will be fi lled by spending time with family, seeing old friends and revising for your January exams. Whilst you are apart try to communicate as much as possible, but remember you have a life away from him as well. The distance may be a test to see if you are both as keen when you come back from the holidays. It could be a positive sign of what may come. If you fi nd you do really want to see each other over Christmas, what is stopping you from spending a weekend with each other? Sexual Health Q – After seeing this guy for a while, one night things got a bit carried away and although I was comfortable to sleep with him as I really like him, we didn’t use a condom. I’m on the pill but I am still worried there’s a chance I may have caught something. But I’m too embarrassed to go to the GP. Is there another way?

A – We’re afraid not, if you want proper results and tests carried out in a professional manor then a GP is the only way. There are tests that you can purchase over the counter but this doesn’t test all the potential sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) you could catch. It is wise that you are tested immediately as you may not see any signs until it becomes a real problem. We suggest in the future you use protection, if you go to the Students’ Union you will fi nd you can get £1 x10 condoms. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Lifestyle Q – Because of excessive nights out, shopping, food and numerous other things I have frittered my money away. I can’t tell my parents, they will be so disappointed and aren’t fi nancially stable themselves and I wouldn’t want to put the pressure on them to try and help me. What can I do?

A – Don’t panic, it happens to the best of us. First of all think about what it is exactly you spend all your money on and whether these are vital necessaties. Then try and allocate your money and budget accordingly. Try to do one weekly shop and plan your meals so there isn’t any waste. Instead of buying new clothes when you go out shopping, try to accessorise and customise your existing clothes. If there is a part time job which is heard about, ask for details. This will provide you with extra cash and experience. If things hit rock bottom, go to the Students’ Union and talk to a money adviser on the second fl oor, they should be able to help you.

IN THE WILD!

WANTS YOU!

Promising reporter, developing design geek, or potenti al paparazzi, we have something for you. There’s loads of ways to get in touch, fi nd us on facebook, send us an email to [email protected] or check out our website: www.seren.bangor.ac.uk ONE MINUTE WELSH Na, dydw I ddim eisio sws No, I don’t want a kiss. Do you want to learn Welsh or Nah, duh-doo ee thim a-sho soos. even just a couple of phrases? Gai peint os gwelwch yn dda? Cymdeithas Llywelyn (the Welsh Can I have a pint please? learners Society) is right up your Gah ee paint os goo-el-ooch un tha? street! We offer taster sessions at 6.30 on the last Wednesday of every month in lecture room I need a cup of tea 5 to help you learn those handy Dwi angen panad. phrases. We also hold social Du-ee ahng-ehn pa-nahd. sessions every Wednesday night in the Glôb at 8pm; this Does dim byd dda ar y teledu offers a chance to practice what There’s nothing good on the telly you’ve learnt. Email llywelyn@ undeb.bangor.ac.uk for more Dois deem beed dah argh ugh tell-eh-dee information.

Mae gennai gormod i ‘neud. Dwi eisio ysgrifennu i Seren I have too much to do. I want to write for Seren My geh-nye gohr-mod ee naid. Du-ee a-sho us-gree-venee ee Seh-rehn Dwi’n casau gwneud gwaith. I hate doing work. Doo-een cah-sai goo-naid goo-ithe.

16 Christmas Issue 2009 14 DVDs to get you www.seren.bangor.ac.uk through Christmas

Whether you are decking your halls halfway through November or boycotting supermarkets for stocking advent calendars too early, we have some films to tide you over this season. For an Childhood classics Miracle on 34th Street Basically, Richard Attenborough thought older audience History forces its David was getting a bit much attention Die Hard with his Life programme and tried to out Classic, cheesy, American fi lm where Bruce Willis do him by being Santa. runs around in a vest being blown up and saving way into the present children. What Christmas is all about. fter a night of drunken revelry involving Home Alone Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies (and my Mcauley ends up hilariously fi ghting off Love, Actually Apersonal favourite, a girl dressed as a Cacti!), two stupid thieves who try to break into I love this fi lm, actually (sorry I couldn’t help I woke up on the afternoon after Halloween ready to his house, he wins and everyone lives myself). It’s really 8 Christmas stories in 1, a lot of recharge my decaying brain cells with some high brow happily ever after…until the sequel brilliant actors, a very funny Rowen Atkinson cameo intellectual entertainment courtesy of Storm FM’s when pretty much the same happens, and even Martine McCutcheon wasn’t bad. A round of resident Time-Lord, JPC, presenter of the wonderful but somehow it’s funnier. applause for Richard Curtis please. Past Force. What came out of my computer however was far from what I was expecting. Instead of the The Grinch Gremlins usual stuff, which normally reads like an episode Jim Carey in a Dr Seuss story. What So you receive a cute but slightly weird of Blackadder turned into a documentary (Nelson more could you want? creature for Christmas, name it sprawled out on the deck of the victory singing “I’m Gizmo and then it starts to So Ronery,” springs to mind,) I was confronted with Elf ruin your life. Now THAT is a a listening experience like nothing I had ever heard Will Ferral plays a man raised by sucky Christmas present. before. For coming from my computer were the elves who has gone to New York sounds of JPC interviewing none other than JACK THE to fi nd his real father. This is not the RIPPER! Anchorman of Christmas but it isn’t bad either. At fi rst, it seemed like one of James’ usual jokes- I scoffed at the absurdity of it all and hoped that it simply served as the intro into the fi rst song. As the hour long extravaganza continued however- I became Blackadder’s Christmas carol more and more convinced that what I was listening to Surely this doesn’t need any explanation. was genuine. At times, it gave me goosebumps and at It. Is. Hilarious. Oh! TV others at I was clutching my sides in hysterics. James was clearly in his element as he piled up the evidence Gavin and Stacey 2008 Christmas alongside some strangely appropriate music- Sir special Charles Warren, commissioner of the yard and who Oh! Oh! Oh!....Merry Christmas! Specials! later went on to help Baden Powell with the founding of the Scout movement was seized upon with a The Hogfather comedy take of the Village People by Billy Connolly This is a fi lm based on the Terry Pratchett book of the same name. It isn’t actually entitled In the Brownies, for instance. Kerry Morris about Christmas at all but the intriguingly similar holiday of Hogswatch. It’s meanwhile played a blinder as an extraordinarily dark, weird, funny and avoids most seasonal clichés. Well worth a watch. convincing Jack the Ripper, denying most of James evidence, putting his own spin on the evidence and Christmas with Morcambe & Wise laughing at the failures of the police. Christmas wouldn’t be the same without them. The most praise however must be heaped on the fantastic dénouement. James’ evidence has more than convinced me that he was right about Jack’s Some Girls identity- and I don’t think I’ll ever look at Alice in Like The Family Stone but better and without Sarah Jessica Parker. Has the old “everyone’s family Wonderland in the same way again. is crazy!” moral that’s supposed to make us feel better when the actual day rolls around. It is here that Past Force has fi nally come of Something age. No longer is it just a small nothing tucked away Tokyo Godfathers in the corner of the schedules- it is a power to be A Japanese anime fi lm about 3 tramps who fi nd a baby and decide to return it to its parents. reckoned with. Whenever listening to James, now I Bizarre, funny and unconventionally heart warming. can’t help but think of the wonderful Fred Dibnah, a bit who so enchanted me as a child with his entertaining La Buche wit. Somewhere, I like to think, he is smiling down With tagline “‘Tis the Season to be jolly!” this fi lm starts off sarcastically, and what else would on James and his new order. We can only hope that you expect from the French? The story revolves around 3 sisters and their mother and they the future is as terrifying, exciting and as hilarious as different couldn’t be any more different. Despite their differences and diffi cult lives they show love for one this was. Dan Marsh another and a new side of Christmas that Hollywood rarely captures. Buy a 6” sub & 21oz drink get a 6” sub FREE with this coupon!

Regular subs only, Love Bangor card holders get any sub! Coupon only valid at Subway Bangor. Not valid Remember every Sunday 2pm-6pm is BOGOF! in conjunction with any other offer. 17 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk BOOKS & BOX

“You go round saying someone’s a slag, you’re going to get a slap!” hen I fi rst saw the trailer for Misfi ts I to discover his power. The interesting thing about thought it was going to be Skins meets their powers is that they all relate closely to the WHeroes and all a bit naff. characters’ fears, hopes and regrets. After the fi rst episode I was hooked. A bunch They are reluctantly bound together when of chavvy teenagers wearing their ASBOs on their their probation offi cer attacks them and is killed sleeves get caught up in a storm which changes by a swift blow to the head with a paint tin. The their lives forever. Kelly is easily my favourite situations they fi nd themselves in are bizarre, character. She can hear what you think but interesting and almost comic book in the way the paradoxically seems unable to express her feelings way they unfold which sets the series apart verbally. With her scraped back hair and huge from anything else on TV right now. hoop earrings those who make snap judgements It’s not serious but you’ll fi nd about her often regret it as in the third episode yourself being drawn into it and she brazenly declares “You go round saying really caring about the believable someone’s a slag, you’re going to get a slap!” and and genuine characters. subsequently head butts the girl she was talking It’s a well thought out, fresh and to. It sums up her character beautifully. truly funny new drama from Channel Alongside Kelly there are Alisha the party animal 4. WIN!Email [email protected] who stirs men into a frenzy, Curtis who discovers with your best idea for a super power. he can turn back time, Simon who can turn invisible The funniest will recieve a copy of the and Nathan who is an arrogant pillock who is yet Georgia Mannion fi rst series of Misfi ts on DVD! The Time Traveller’s Wife

picked out this book because I loved the author’s surname immediately; sharing strange, rude and Isexually-orientated surnames with people is one of my hobbies; because I have one myself. OK, that’s a lie, I admit; I committed the heinous crime of seeing the fi lm before I read the book. So shoot me, it was an AMAZING fi lm, and Rachel McAdams and the very handsome Eric Bana made a perfect on-screen couple. I am not a hopeless romantic, but the fi lm, and indeed the book makes for a passionate, heart-rendering story that will give even the most heartless of people (even supposedly-manly individuals - my boyfriend was in tears at the end of the movie) a lump in their throats. I’m not going to tell you why, because it will ruin the plot, which I will now briefl y explain. Henry DeTamble is a librarian who suffers from f you haven’t seen spooks to date, slowly convinced that things of national a rare condition that causes him to time-travel I’ll start by telling you that it is and global safety are constantly being randomly back and forward to periods in his life and Ione of the most dramatic, gripping battled by this team of unsung heroes, the book focuses on him and his wife Claire Abshire, and vivid programmes ever to hit our saving our lives without us ever an artist as they struggle to maintain a relationship. screens. Created for the BBC, it is knowing we were under any threat. At the start of the book Henry, at 28; meets 20 now in its eighth series and after 67 Every week there is a new serious year old Claire having never met her before, episodes, you might be asking “What threat to the country or MI5 but the even though she has known him all her life. is it and why is it so good?” So I plots for each episode are so well It is Henry’s constant disappearances and must answer this question before we written that every terrible event about reappearances into his and Claire’s life, continue, I suppose. to go down in the country is thoroughly meeting her for the fi rst time when she Spooks is about MI5 – the British believable. There’s something pretty is six years old, that revolves around secret service as far as internal matters special about Spooks. I don’t know how their relationship is at the same are concerned. The series follows a of many TV series that have run into time strengthened and tested. particular group of “Spooks” (or spies) their eighth series without even a hint The stunning imagery, plot sequence and their efforts to constantly fi ght of stagnation, but Spooks just has. It’s and characterization all link to that fact the forces of terrorism, corruption and a programme to really get into, one that Audrey Niffenegger is herself an general matters of national security. where the untimely death or otherwise artist. The book was originally meant They counter terrorism; they deal loss of a character genuinely saddens to be a picture book, but she realised with unwanted, clandestine American, you. On that note, Spooks is again one that time-travel could not be depicted Russian and Far Eastern operations of the only TV shows to my knowledge particularly well in this medium, and yet on British soil, they even do their own that regularly re-shuffl es/kills off main the metaphors of her own experiences are dodgy black ops dealings. The current characters. refl ected throughout the book, and Claire’s “main” character, so to speak, is Lucas You don’t have that “well it’s alright, frustration and longing at Henry’s absence are North. everyone will live and it’ll end happily”, beautifully transcribed through her artwork. Lucas, unlike the previous team Hollywood feel, it’s darker and more This is starting to sound like an essay, but if you’re leaders is a troubled character, thrilling and unpredictable than that. looking for a sci-fi romance with a twist (and why indeed wouldn’t sometimes seeming unstable as a Spooks isn’t just for those with a real you be?) this is a great read that explores the love and loss of result of his 7 years of torture in a feel for spies though, it really is just a male and female whose lives are twisted together by fate and Russian prison and he, along with the an outright thrilling drama that is controlled by time and the lack of it. Not quite a chick-fl ick, but hard-faced Ros Myers, bring an extra defi nitely worth an hour of your time defi nitely a comforting winter read for those having discovered or gritty feel to the 8th series, comparable on a Wednesday night, 9pm on BBC1. lost, love. Now I sound like an agony aunt. Happy reading. with the effect of Daniel Craig on It’s my midweek saviour, and I’d the James Bond fi lms. The tag line is recommend it to be yours too. Lizzie Blowey very appropriate – “Your life depends on us”. In watching Spooks, you are Battleship Williams 18 Christmas Issue 2009 MUSIC www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

In the kitchen of a back- room in a little bar in Man- Music Editor, Aaron Wiles, brings you the best chester, Seren sat down and worst seasonal favourites for a chat with Peggy Sue’s Rosa, Katy and Olly. This interesting alterna- PEGGY tive folk trio began in the bars of Brighton and are Ashanti - Metro Station - incredibly hard to con- Ashanti’s Christmas Last Christmas fi ne to a music genre as Cheating a bit here because this SUE Yep, the band that brought you the is a whole album, I know! Ashanti annoying Shake It have covered they’ve been known to made a Christmas album, what Wham’s classis Xmas track, and take on anything from Port more could you want?! completely ruined it. by Georgia Mannion. O’Brien to Missy Elliot, Rihanna - I Just Don’t Lady Gaga - Feel Like Christmas Christmas Tree they fear nothing... Without You I never, ever thought I’d fail a Lady Gaga track but google the lyrics I just stumbled on this older track, Do you have favourite songs to R: We were doing 17 hour drives to into fi nding out who we are. We’re not and you will understand. it’s not well known but it’s got the play live? get from city to city. It was incredible that easily accessible. The people that typical Xmassy music style, very Rosa: All the songs in the set I really though, I don’t think I liked it that like us here are music people and the nice. Cliff Richard like. Some people ask us to play old much as a place until we toured it and people who like us there are music songs and we’re not really into that it’s beautiful. people. How many Christmas songs has he Girls Aloud - I Wish It because it was kind of a different K: We drove up the Pacifi c coast O: Especially there. done now? Either way, it’s one too band. highway which just goes up the West K: People mostly know us through Could be Christmas many. Katy: As soon as we have a new coast and you follow the mountains another artist or because they’re like EVeryday The Darkness - song we add it in and take out our and the sea is next to you on the other super music geeks and are really into Girls Aloud also made a Christmas least favourite so it’s like a constant side, incredible. looking for new interesting thing. album but their cover of this classic Christmas Time process. K: I wanted to move to pretty much R: It was nice, every show we played Olly: Every song is fun to play every city. there was someone who had trekked is the album’s highlight. I have no other words to say how K: My favourite song to play at the from somewhere. When we played in rubbish this, well I did but the Bo Selecta - moment is Saltwater ‘cause it’s really Are the crowds different over Seattle and we’d gone for a drink in editor wouldn’t let me print them. Proper Crimbo loud and we can rock out. there compared to home? a bar and this group of girls came up How could this have not gone in? R: They move more. They do funny and were like “it’s you!” and I was like I bought the CD, I’m not even You’ve just come back from dances what the f*** I’m in Seattle, I have ashamed. America, how was that? O: I don’t think they’re that different no idea who you are and she was like R: Absolutely incredible. We’ve been though “we’ve been searching for two hours to America about 3 times this year. K: Yeah I think there’s something to fi nd your gig” and it was really nice Then we did the fi rst proper tour we’ve different about people that like us so we gave them all CDs and stuff. done there. I say proper tour, we did ‘cause you have to search us out, 3 weeks and we still only covered a it’s not like Peggy Sue saturation How do you fi nd time to tour and small area. everywhere. If you like us you’ve record like your monthly CDs? K: It’s ridiculous how big it is. probably had to put a bit of research R: We never had time to do that!

Rated & odern ‘heavy’ music has B-Side. These releases offer more to brink when it sounds near collapse found itself in a frankly fans than a lifeless digital download, under its own weight, holding YOUR Reviewed Mawful state as we trudge and establish a greater relationship everything together without towards the end of the decade. In between band and followers. making the band sound restrained. the new-millennium we’ve endured But what of the music itself? Vocalist Jamie Burne is in fi ne form, Nu-Metal berks imploring us to Kingdom Of Dogs is seven tracks reminding of Poison The Well’s Jeff continue ‘rolling’, ‘Punk’ acts making of intense modern Hardcore Moreira, only with enough of his own hypocritical statements, bands that that does not falter, from fl air to give the band a sound that is This Month: re-package ideas that were executed r o a r i n g opener ‘Crooked very much their own. His delivery is far better in the 1980’s, and in more H ands’ to the so convincing that listeners may fear recent times, bands that make use s q u e a l i n g for his health, as he forces the lyrics jezbangor of controversial effects such as auto- feedback of from him with such desperation, tune, and perform to a backing- ‘Heir Of as evident on standout ‘Matriarch’. track. One of these bands features T h e Crowds up and down the country Track Times played a member whose is role to turn on D o g ’, will be yelling “KILL THE KING” right the lights and the fog machine. God back at him in the coming months. Ray LaMontagne 135 knows how his performance fares at Another highlight is the jagged three in the afternoon at a summer ‘Her Casket Holds No Bones’, which festival. Oh, and a genre dubbed has impressively earned a place Noah & the Whale 134 ‘Crabcore’ has emerged. Yeah, on heroic Holy Roar Records’ third you read that name correctly. anniversary tape. Kings of Leon 116 Fortunately, Hardcore Kingdom Of Dogs is a stunning Punk and its DIY ethic may effort by a young band with just be able to save the enormous potential, and a John Mayer 111 heavier end of music victory for music as an art from degenerating any form, not just a product further. Bands of the to be sold. If you have Kate Micucci 87 genre are reviving even a passing interest formats such as the in how modern heavy Modest Mouse 59 seven-inch and music should present cassette tape, itself, make sure r e l e a s i n g that you are in Martin Sexton 55 m a t e r i a l attendance for on these Bastions’ return f o r m a t s to Rascals Bar Feeder 46 with the in Bangor on a d d e d the 10th of John Martyn 45 December. promise of rare or exclusive tracks played by four men with no studio with handmade artwork, which fans trickery and no bulls***. The sound Gareth Davies The Beatles 44 will undoubtedly clamour for. Their is fi ercely intelligent and absolutely refusal to represent themselves as colossal, reminiscent of US legends anything other than what they are, Converge and Botch. Guitarist Seren and constant pursuit of originality is Jamie McDonald excels himself at Wiles’ comments: something to be admired. every turn, with a heavily distorted Recommends Noah and the Whale are known for possibly the happiest Anglesey’s Bastions present yet pleasantly organic tone, and one of the fi nest examples of the math-y riffs juxtaposed against Converge - song around, shame the rest is so depressing. However aforementioned ethic. Having just experimental sections that hint at a You Fail Me Kings of Leon = good, as does The Beatles. You listen to released third effort, Kingdom Of Post-Rock infl uence. John Potgeiter’s Dogs, the EP will feature varied bass bolsters this, creating a dense a lot of credible acts Jeremy, good stuff! artwork for every hundred printed, yet defi ned backdrop, along with The Chariot – The and is available on both CD and Drummer Danny Garrod, who Fiancée Music Taste Rating: 7/10 limited edition tape with an exclusive wrestles the music back from the 19 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk MUSIC

usic for Men other tracks off the album, Heavy K: We toured a lot though last year didn’t really work either. them tend to just like music so the is an album Cross, Men In Love and my when we did them. crowd is always quite responsive. Mthat has personal favourite Love R: We made them with so many You managed to write a Mariners Children are a really featured a lot in my Long Distance as people; we recorded at our friends’ dissertation and tour? good band to tour with, especially life since the summer t h a n k s well as performing houses or in a shed and backstage R: Yeah. Well… now that our bands seem to be to Bangor’s own DJ Mouse, and previous album areas. We did them all over the K: No completely crossing over. I don’t since then the love for the Gossip, material, You’re Mangled place really. R: I wrote 2. One in 3 weeks and think we make that much sense well mainly Beth Ditto has taken over. Heart and Listen Up! As the K: Elvis Perkins is our absolute one in 2 days. It was…really bad. with Dan Le Sac and Scroobius Pip So it’s of no surprise that I was never gig comes to an end and the band says favourite and I wrote him a geeky (Hilarious but irrelevant side- but they’re really great guys. going to turn down the chance to see their goodbyes, the crowd are sure an message saying “I really love you, conversation about dropping them live. The gig was in Manchester’s encore is inevitable as the song that you’re playing in London on my things) If you could play with anyone Academy and we were quite lucky pretty much made them hadn’t been birthday, can we support you?” and who would it be? that it was still going ahead, the band sung yet, and as expected, they return we didn’t hear anything back and You’ve supported a lot of people K: I wanna tour with Pink! had to cancel their Birmingham and on stage to sing the song they are most then we went to New York to record with different styles such as R: Oh f*** off! Belgium shows due to doctor’s orders famous for, Standing In The Way Of our album and a week before my Johnny Flynn and then Dan Le K: Ok I don’t really want to tour as Beth is currently suffering from Control. This wasn’t to be all though, birthday we got an email asking if Sac vs Scroobius Pip. Who has with Pink. I’d like to tour with Bronchitis, something which was easily Beth then gets the crowd into a full on we wanted to support him at the been your favourite? Bright Eyes to be honest. noticeable as she coughed her way in- chant of We Are The Champions and ICA. R: A lot of the time, the people we O: I’d like to tour with the Rolling between songs, but surprisingly not then most surprisingly, she’s left on K: I looked up fl ights and was like play with are friends so it’s weird Stones during as her voice was spot on as she stage on her own, requests that the “We’ll just fl y back and play the because certain tours have been R: I genuinely don’t want to meet belted out the band’s hits. lights are turned down, and begins to show and fl y back and carry on a lot better for us as a band and people that I love, I quite like the The band kick off with Hannah on sing the Etta James classic, At Last, as recording!” and everyone was like playing with people and some have distance. I like just touring with the drums, Nathan on guitar and Beth the saying goes, they defi nitely saved “No Katy we won’t!” So that’s the just been really fun. friends. nowhere to be seen, as they start the best till last. one time touring and recording Blood Red Shoes are playing the music the crowd can here This was to be their last stop of this didn’t really work. r e a l l y g r e a t Beth singing from somewhere, then tour, but if in the future you R: Also when I was writing friends a n d she steps out on stage and get the chance, tickets my dissertation and we p e o p l e everyone goes wild, she to the Gossip were touring, that who like makes her introduction live are highly and then gets right recommended, stuck into Dimestore I’ve been to a Diamond. Amongst few gigs this the singing, and then year, and the coughing, Beth this was always manages to arguably keep the crowd on the best. side as she makes jokes about how tough she is and how she’s scared of no one, apart from the devil, as “Satan is Aaron quite scary”. Wiles The band c o n t i n u e i n t o THEM CROOKED hen the members of with their self titled debut? or the First Breath You Take which some of the world’s most Well for starters the members is by no means a bad song (kind Wsuccessful bands come have more than a little in the way of like the ginger one from Girls together the results can be as of credentials. Lead singer and Aloud - sure she’s good looking, VUL UR S unpredictable as the behaviour guitarist is none other than king but she’s no Cheryl Cole). New of the musicians themselves. of stoner rock Josh Homme. Dave Fang is powerful and energetic T E Audioslave came along in 2002 Grohl, Foo Fighters front man is with a slide guitar that wouldn’t and though largely successful back where his musical career be out of place on a Primus record. and critically acclaimed, they did started, behind the drums, and Elephants is very reminiscent sound simply like Chris Cornell fi nally there is bassist John Paul of a Led Zeppelin epic and had accidentally stumbled into Jones, hailing from the godfathers Scumbag Blues feels like a hidden a Rage Against the Machine of rock and roll, Led Zeppelin. Big gem from one of Homme’s Desert rehearsal. Similarly when Velvet names, check. But what about Sessions records. The album is Revolver formed from the outcast the sound? As the line up does certainly most infl uenced by Josh Guns n Roses members, Stone not disappoint, neither does the Homme, the psychedelic sound of Temple Pilot’s front man Scott music. Them Crooked Vultures QOTSA’s early albums is far more Weiland and some bloke with a is something fresh and new; as evident than the radio friendly dodgy porn star moustache, it awesome as a blend of Queens riffage of the Foo Fighters. Having was simply Guns n Roses with a of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, said that, whether you are a fan different voice. Hardly much Nirvana and Led Zeppelin would of Queens, the Foo’s or Led Zep, pressure then for the project undoubtedly sound, Them Them Crooked Vultures is insanely dreamt up by Dave Grohl Crooked Vultures manage to catchy and once started you will back in 2005. create their own unique sound not be able to stop listening to this It seems that at the that is entirely worthy of standing masterpiece of musical fusion. moment, the ‘supergroup’ next to the members original is the in thing; with Jack records. Nik Hughes White’s Dead Weather, Testament to the anticipation Chad Smith and a couple of the band is their forthcoming Seren of Van Halen types in UK tour; Deserve the Future, Chickenfoot, the little selling out in 12 minutes. At the Recommends one from Hanson in Tinted point of the tickets going on sale Windows and a splash of the group had yet to release any Queens of the metal legends in Cavalera offi cial material, take from that Stone Age - Songs Conspiracy. You get the point; what you will. For The Deaf there’s been the odd collaboration It is hard to pick a particular or two of great musical minds highlight from an album teeming Soundgarden - recently. So what do Them with such brilliance, with the badmotorfi nger Crooked Vultures have to offer exception of the laboured Warsaw 20 Christmas Issue 2009 CREATIVE www.seren.bangor.ac.uk REATIVE CORNER MiraC Dane was an old school sweetheart

Mira Dane was an old school sweetheart But our love was lost when we said goodbye  e schools days passed and the hard days came Kim Pemberton Even yesterday when Mira died

When we met we were barely twelve We were sat in a park called " e Apple Grove" She was eating strawberries, while I was feeding ducks With Warburton’s mouldy bread

She gave me a smile But I turned away It was always a chase To catch each other’s attention

We were near  een When holding hands became a kiss on the cheek It was from that day I did not stop smiling But yesterday I lost my smile

She was eighteen And I bought a ring of friendship With so much happiness I made her cry And yesterday I cried Paper Copy We were 21 when Mira was ill Lucy Baird  e Cancer had spread My sheets are stained with ink,  ere was nothing could be done (Rubbed) from her back, legs and naval. And yesterday Mira stopped I wrote my mind all over her When i needed correcting I am 25 and still my days are young i made her sweat like a sailor. Remembering  e Apple Grove  e smell of strawberries I wrote this round the pillar, And a beautiful Mira Dane From her hips to lower back: “get to know her branch by branch Mira Dane was an old school sweetheart Like an avalanche, (in slow motion). Who I never had the chance to Wed All consuming, All giving, no more grieving”. She will stay in my thoughts forever Even in my dreams, when I rest my head And i hated that last word so we made like spring My quill was wet and my canvas smeared blue; “Like a humid midnight, (condensation captivates our Mira Dane... I love you! passion)”

Kev Spruce Where you lay that night on the pillow- Oh so sweetly- read, “ e ellipses of light” in backwards print, An extract from Dave: Just to remind me, (that like a dove you’ll take  ight), Unlike a bird and more like a kite Busy day today, had to separate the Sinclair sisters by a couple of hours a er their Ill hold your string give you lots of slack ght last week. And when you, inevitably crash, Took on a new patient, Dave Winceson, to ll the space between the two. Passed on to me by another counsellor. Very closed man, will have to pay more attention to him Ill be there with a paper copy, of what, really, but my usual attendees keep demanding more attention. I wrote on your palms, nger webbings and hands back Emily continues to su er from paranoid delusions that make her believe her sister “Your voice makes my strings ring is out to get her.  is week she believes she predicted a future in which her sister was You don’t o en nd love resonating that way, coming at her with a knife and refused to listen to reason. She said that the dreams In the ellipses of night; wouldn’t lie, which was worrying. You’re my morning. . .” Rachel is similarly su ering from paranoid delusions and I am beginning to be- lieve that I may have to check for other clinical characteristics of schizophrenia. Not extremely rare that both twins should develop the same psychological problems. Gregory Keeling Danny Southward 21 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk CREATIVE

Want to see your creative work in print?

Whether painting is your passion or you just enjoy the odd doodle we want your work! Poetry, short stories, and artwork are all welcome and can be sent to:

[email protected] Kim Pemberton

Park at Midnight: Rainbow Sparkling promise glist’ning brightly o’er us, A sign of God’s eternal love for all. Singing silently the Angels’ chorus,  at echoes through God’s splendid shining halls.  is bow which, Heav’n and Earth, together ties, Filling the Earth with its most glor’ous dreams.  is arch that bends the never-ending skies. Encompassing all with its wondrous beam.  is miracle so rarely does appear, But, when it does, all share its golden light. To hearts brings joy, to eyes it brings a tear, And where it shines it lls all with delight. In all my life no beauty has there been To equal this wonder that I have seen. Catherine Johnston

The Legates of Enragement Darkness reaping, slowly falling in the light.  e riders of the doomed are just and right: A sheering envoy of the rising night. Do not here, young man!, do not alight!

Rageing grasps of dying sprites, Aimee Robyn Carter Spreading wings and  ying in the nights. Pulsing wights on mountain hights: Envoys of their innate ghts.

Sullen horses carry darkness' freight, Only troth remains of one's last plight, Short story extract: Held up by the masons of the legit rite! On the outside she is  oral, slow, and beige; a fan of CountryFile, church fetes and Do not here, young man!, do not alight! Viennese Whirls? She lugs her trolley, it is heavy on her arms; the pain pulls out the memories, little stabs on her nerves. O hearten thee, keeper of the lights! It’s been almost a year now, but she still buys two pork chops – double wrapped, of Hearten thee, taker of the merry lights! course.  e butcher suspects nothing; his super cial concern lasts only a few moments. Dieth you, ghters of the darkened knights!  ey talk about the weather, the litter on the high street and his niece’s engagement: If only yester were these gloomy nights... it’s been so windy lately, the streets such a mess, and it’s hard to believe the little girl is now so grown up. She says a polite goodbye, without the fretting.  at stopped months ago. Outrageous wrath of dwarfeous might, wrestling with that old man's deir blight! It’s two potatoes in Marks and Spencers’ and a bag of carrots too. Organic today, she is One last ray of hope by dusk in sight: feeling slightly under the weather. Some English butter and a pint of milk; it’s all so Do not here, my son!, do not give up your right! commonplace for her thin white curls. A polite exchange is even easier here, briefer and less personal. She is ne, thank-you madam. And no, she does not need a bag. Vicky Osten Florian Breit 22 Christmas Issue 2009 FILM www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

DVD Review Bruno acha Baron Cohen's fi rst feature, the infamous Ali G In SDa House was derisory and meagre to say the least and even A Christmas Carol Where The Wild everyone’s favourite Kazakhstan man, Borat was not everyone’s Things Are cup of tea. His most contemptible creation to date is, as each person knows, exceptionally offensive in more ways than one. Bruno suffers Twilight: the same problems as Borat in to the way in which a fi lm is drawn (Out 11th December) out of a seemingly random spread of sketches. Bruno's plot is easily dapted from the well loved (Out now) its worst attribute, with many skits children’s novel by Maurice New Moon warranting no vindication at all, and Sendak, this fi lm promises to irector Robert Zemeckis A ampires, werewolves and a The artistry of this fi lm shows while this would for most fi lms be a be the ultimate piece of escapism new re-telling of the classic love so strong it’s almost scary. itself in the scenes when Bella is fundamental fl aw, for Bruno it is a this festive season. When little boy DChristmas story is well VLet out the breath you’ve been alone to deal with her grief. Without cataclysmic error of approach. The Max bites his mother after a tantrum, worth a look. The fi lm is made in holding, ladies, New Moon is fi nally Edward, Bella stumbles, speechless, experience renders more a long TV he runs away into the forest of the performance capture animation here. through beautifully constructed scenes episode and even though Bruno is wild things, a place that is inhabited (Beowulf (2007), The Polar Express For the uninitiated, New Moon, in many stunning locations in the riotous, the crude wit oversteps the by scary yet cuddly creatures (2004)) and stars Jim Carey as directed by Chris Weitz, is the second woods or along the coastline. Not all mark in so many senseless and futile known as the wild things. This fi lm Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas fi lm in the moving Twilight Saga, of the scenes can be achieved through ways that you will be recoiling more is guaranteed to wake up the inner past, present and yet to come; it’s picking up where the 2008 fi lm Twilight nature alone, CGI is used constantly than laughing. The sexual situations kid in even the most grown up of the perfect fi lm to get you in the left off. Our heroine, Bella Swan, throughout the fi lm, notable scenes are not exactly what I would call individuals. Christmas mood. is ready to forget the near death involve Bella’s hallucinations and the endearing or winning momentous encounters, shocking revelations and very real werewolves. That is, very achievements in fi lm, but then beautiful, bloodthirsty vampires that real to the plot, unfortunately not as Bruno was never about cohesion and made up her fi rst year in the rainy real to the eye as viewers have come common sense, it was about pushing Avatar town of Forks, and start a peaceful to expect with recent developments the boundaries to the limit, and they life with her beloved Edward Cullen. in technology. Nor do the too-pale have been breached injudiciously. But things are not destined to go so vampires seem quite as ethereal as, Ramming down all the crude humour smoothly. When a birthday party goes perhaps, they should. down peoples throats is hard to bare awry, Edward is convinced that nothing Still, not even these small slip-ups for most people, but I felt that even less than leaving Bella will keep her could detract from what is, essentially, though Bruno simulates and exposes safe. a fi lm about love. Whether it be the prejudice against homosexuals In the absence of one of the romantic, fatherly, brotherly or sisterly, he is doing no one any favours by protagonists, the character of Jacob it has a place in New Moon. Although portraying and exaggerating every (Out 17th December) comes into the fore, affording female the fi lm tackles both sides coin, cliché and stereotype shaped by viewers more than their fair share of audiences will not fail to feel uplifted as the medias disclosures. It reminded rguably the most anticipated fi lm this winter, Avatar is director James eye candy. It would be nice to argue the last lines are spoken and although me very much of Scream3 where Cameron’s biggest fi lm project since his mega blockbuster Titanic in that the many topless scenes are primarily a fi lm for the girls, it engages the fi lm very much became what A1997. Sam Worthington (Terminator Salvation) stars as paralysed ex integral to the plot and not merely a with issues that all viewers can relate it was mocking and for that Bruno marine Jake Sully. He takes part in the Avatar program, something which will ploy to attract more female viewers, to. The only thing left is to await to is truly indefensible. The bravery enable him to walk again, while also helping his fellow humans infi ltrate the but, alas, no such claims can be made. continuation of the saga. of Sacha Baron Cohen cannot go alien planet of Pandora. Combining action, romance and stunning CGI, Avatar Still, though it is a shameless tactic, Katie Dyer without reference but his fl amboyant is the fi lm I’d spend my last tenner on this festive season. I’m sure it will not go unappreciated. creation has created a true rift of love/hate from fi lm-goers. I feel that And a few reviews from our Facebook friends... Bruno levels out at an even, though f ever there was an excuse Sherlock Holmes Daniel J K Smith: average rating with far too many to leave the house on Boxing Three wet rags mope about feeling sorry for themselves for 2.5 hours. Done. fl aws (more subliminal than others) IDay then this re-vamp of the that override the hit and miss laughs Sherlock Holmes world is defi nitely Gemma Howell: that are produced. Overall Bruno it. The classic detective character of Girl decides between necrophilia and bestiality, with bad acting and the same feels forced, strained, artifi cial and Holmes is played by Robert Downey facial expression. Done. slightly embarrassing which means it Jr and his faithful partner Watson cannot avoid a bad recommendation. is being played by Jude Law. With Ian Davies director Guy Ritchie on board you As a former editor of the page in question, I feel compelled to write a review in can guarantee that everything you defense of the fi lm. But my other half’s [Gemma Howell] comments about said knew about Sherlock Holmes is fi lm have rather taken the wind out of my sails. Callum Rymer about to go out the window… (Out 26th December) In summary: it’s trash. But god damn if it ain’t a lot of fun! The Men Who Stare At Goats nyone remember Wanted? It commander, Bill Django (Jeff some extent) based on a true story, had an excellent cast, full of Bridges), is essentially a glorifi ed that seems like a problem. Awell-known actors clearly just hippie. Cassidy himself runs a dance You can't ignore this movie's having a good time on set. You sense studio. multiple assets though. As has been James McAvoy had more fun curving However, this is the ultimate said, The Men Who Stare At Goats has bullets around Angelina Jolie than downfall of The Men Who Stare at a superb cast, and they perform with a he did moping around with Keira in Goats; it gets lost in its own zaniness, freedom only achievable in something Atonement. with plot being the victim. The fi lm like this, an offbeat, somewhat bizarre Similarly, you can be sure George really lacks a suitable climax. The comedy which doesn't take itself too Clooney had more fun parting clouds fi nale feels contrived and, when seriously. Special mention has already and calling himself a "Jedi Warrior" in combined with an ineffective plot been given to Clooney, but Kevin Grant Heslov's The Men Who Stare at twist, leaves a bitter taste in the Spacey also does an excellent job as Goats than he did in Michael Clayton, mouth. the fi lm's "villain". He's just as spaced even if the latter was more satisfying. The fi lm is also somewhat confusing out (pun intended) as the others, but The fi lm follows Ewan McGregor's in that it (or you) never really knows he represents the "dark side", adding reporter, Bob Wilton, as he goes whether to take the "jedi" seriously some much-needed confl ict to the through a nasty divorce and, seeking or not. As mentioned, at one point laid-back adventure. Watch out for a new purpose in life, fl ies out to Cassidy seemingly parts clouds with the scene where he tries to guess Kuwait to investigate the Iraq War. his mind. This implies some pretty what's in a drawer without looking at Ultimately, he gets caught up with serious psychic ability, but then you it, it's particularly hilarious. psychic spy Lyn Cassidy (Clooney), have Kevin Spacey's character, Larry All-in-all, Men Who Stare at Goats and they're soon tearing through Iraq. Hooper, giving Cassidy a "palm tap is a good way to spend an hour and Undoubtedly the scenes involving of death". Cassidy explains that the a half. It's not without its fl aws, but these two are the highlight, where "palm tap of death" has been known only if you examine it more than the Clooney's religious faith in the "Jedi to kill people...18 years after the fact. concept merits. It is, after all, a fi lm order" and psychic ability meshes Of course, this is funny, but that's not about psychic spies staring at goats. with McGregor's understandable the point: is Lyn a fraud or isn't he? scepticism. Everything about the The fi lm itself seems confused about fi lm screams "offbeat". Cassidy's the answer, and considering it is (to Matthew Cox 23 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk FILM

e’ve all seen the fi lms predicting Guard. Here he meets Helmsley who saving humanity. I admit I welled up a the end of the world due to recognises him as the author of a book few times during this, but whether you Wsome sort of natural disaster, predicting a threat to humanity from a laugh, cry or simply go to pick holes in witnessed how these men fearlessly natural disaster (coincidentally), and the continuity, I heartily recommend a strive to save loved ones and inevitably Charlie Frost (Woody Harrleson), a big dose of 2012. 158mins represents a humanity, heard the speeches made by radio show host and conspiracy theorist heavy investment in time and popcorn government heads declaring the end of who claims not only to possess proof of but Emmerich has outdone himself the world, and watched as the heros the existence of an ark project, but also this time, dwarfi ng the formidable eventually lead the world to safety. maps showing their location. So 30mins Independence Day, However, as predictable and unoriginal in and the scene is pretty much set. and giving us as the story line may appear, 2012 is We’ve got scientists trying to persuade front row a defi nite must see for any disaster the government to act quickly, a crazy seats to the movie fanatic. ‘prophet’ spreading his theories to the apocalyptic This fi lm is big in every sense. The masses, a broken family ready to be event of the huge scale of destruction is brought endangered and a government trying year. vividly to life with some of the best CGI to shield the entire population from the sequences ever fi lmed and amazing devastating truth. Basically we now get Gemma special FX. The action is truly alarming, 2 hours of incredible mass destruction Brook demonstrating the undoubtable force interspersed with unsurprising dialogue of 'Mother Nature'. From collapsing and tear jerking sentimentality - buildings to crumbling roads, erupting Emmerich ensuring that the special volcanoes and giant tidal waves, this effects are nothing less than jaw- really is a feast for the senses and a dropping. movie made to be viewed on the big 2012 seems to have split the critics, screen. The movie begins in the present some saying the unrealistic build up, day. Having discovered some disturbing poor acting and bad taste left by the sciencey correlations that will ultimately ending makes this fi lm nothing more lead to the end of the world, American than a pathetic attempt to rival its geologist Adrian Helmsley (Chiwetel predecessors, however there Eijofor) rushes back to Washington are also many who brush off D.C. to inform the US President (Danny these cynical views and hail Glover) and Chief of Staff (Oliver Platt). 2012 as a masterpiece, Shortly thereafter other heads of state perfecting the formula of are made aware of the situation and a blockbuster. You may together design a plan to strategically not be surprised when choose 400,000 people for admission Curtis’ estranged wife to a series of huge arks which they (a solid performance secretly commission for construction in from Amanda Peet) the Himalayas. happens to be dating an Jackson Curtis (a rather old looking amateur pilot, but you’ll John Cusack) is the heroic fl ailing writer certainly be blown away as we / part time father of two who leads the see him navigate their way out of a cast from Los Angeles on the trip of a crumbling city, weaving a small aircraft lifetime. During a camping trip with his through collapsing buildings and huge kids in Yellowstone National Park, Curtis fi reballs. And so, with a multitude of discovers that their usual camping nail biting twists and turns, it inevitably 2012 spot fenced off and is surprised to be ends with the usual moral dilemma escorted from the site by the National and heart wrenching speeches about Actor Profi le: Michael Caine FILM FATALE as Leben der Anderen/The Lives participate in unwanted sexual liaisons with of Others is an outstanding fi lm. Minister Hempf. In the aftermath of these DA German fi lm directed by Florian two events, Dreyman is urged to take action Henckel von Donnersmarck, The Lives of in any way that he can against his totalitarian Others combines story, characters and state. He decides that with help of friends setting to create a powerful and moving from the west, he will publish a damaging story. article exposing the cover up of the high The fi lm starts off in East Berlin, 1984. suicide rates in the east. Although Wiesler East and West Berlin are still separated now has damaging evidence to incriminate by the Berlin wall, the East Berlin Dreyman he fi nds himself torn for the fi rst government are suspicious of anyone and time in his life. Wiesler has become so everything that may have inclinations of wrapped up in the couples lives that he has loyalty towards the West. Main protagansit began to question his own life and loyalties. Captain Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), is Wiesler withholds this information from assigned to spy on playwright Georg his superiors, risking his own career and Dreyman (Sebastian Koch)and his girlfriend, freedom in the process. When the article is actress Christa-Maria Sieland (Martina published in a West Berlin publication the Gedeck). High offi cer, Minister Bruno East Berlin state declare it a public disaster. Hempf has instructed that Dreyman be Dreyman becomes the prime suspect in the bugged as he suspects him of western writing of the publication when he is exposed loyalties, although it soon becomes by Christa-Maria after she is threatened by clear that his motivations for doing Minister Hempf. In a dramatic turn of events ith over a hundred fi lms to He is one of only two actors to so are for another reason entirely. Wiesler chooses to help Dreyman one last his name, Michael Caine is be nominated for an Oscar in every Wiesler and his colleagues break time by going into his fl at and disposing of Wundeniably one of the fi nest decade since the 1960’s. The two that into Dreyman’s apartment and bug the typewriter that will identify him as the actors that our British shores have he has won were for his performances every corner. He and a colleague writer of the article. Dreyman is relieved ever produced. Michael decided to in the fi lms Hannah and Her Sisters hide up in an attic listening and and dumbfounded when government offi cial turn to acting when he returned home (1986) and The Cider House Rules recording all the activities that go s search and fi nd that the typewriter is now from serving in the Korean War. (1999). on within the apartment. It soon gone from its hiding place. He got his stage name ‘Michael In more recent times he has becomes clear that the couple The grimy, real life reality of the German Caine’ by simply looking around appeared in the Austin Powers and live for each other, their art streets in the 1980’s are perfectly captured Leicester square for inspiration. A Batman franchises, and his recent and their friends. in the fi lm, they also provide an essence of fi lm called ‘The Caine Mutiny’ was fi lm, Harry Brown, more than proves When Dreyman’s close bleakness and drama to the lives of Georg being advertised, Michael Caine was that age is only a number and that friend commits suicide and Christa-Maria. Ulrich Mühe who plays instantly born. After a few minor he still has what it takes to fulfi l the after years of being Wiesler puts in an outstanding performance theatre roles, his big break through lead actor role. Since it’s the festive blacklisted by the East from start to fi nish, the awards he won for came when he was cast as a snobby season what better way to show German state he is torn his performance are more than justifi ed army offi cer in epic Zulu (1964). Caine you’re appreciation for Sir Michael with grief. During this when viewing the fi lm. I haven’t revealed made many great and now iconic than by watching him play a fantastic time he also discovers the dramatic and moving events that end fi lms during the 1960’s and 70s. Alfi e Ebenezer Scrooge in A Muppets that Christa-Maria the fi lm but all I can say is that The Lives (1966) and Get Carter (1971) are two Christmas Carol. Michael Caine and is having to of Others left me speechless and I fully of Caine’s fi lms from this period that Muppets, arguably the most genius recommend that you go and watch it. A true I personally recommend everyone to idea ever. Film Fatale masterpiece. go and watch. Get Carter is arguably one of the best vengeance fi lms ever Louise Cotterill made. Louise Cotterill 24 Christmas Issue 2009 TRAVEL www.seren.bangor.ac.uk The market days are coming... hristmas is fast approaching and Now in its sixth year, this Welsh what could be more seasonally- market will have around sixty he way we plan our trips abroad how much it’s going to cost and what you role of the armchair traveller. Anyone Capt than a visit to a festive stalls and be found around Church is changing. Of course, this has should do when you get there. (If you who has travelled for an extended period marketplace to stock up on fun, joy Street and St Giles’ Church. From been going on for a long while haven’t, then come see me and we’ll talk of time will, I’m sure, share my frustra- and merriment aplenty. Although Christmas trees and ornate cards, to Tnow, ever since the internet began, pretty about how the smell of old books is in- tion at having had to write practically the Christmas markets originated in the hot chestnuts and mulled and spiced much, but I’ve always been a bit slow to toxicating.) same email twenty times in a dimly lit German-speaking part of Europe as beverages, there is plenty to see, catch on, especially when it comes to It was with some di culty therefore, cafe where the internet cuts out on aver- early as the middle ages, to tie in with taste, touch, and try from December technology. Out walking a few weeks that I put aside my cynicism and precon- age once every four minutes, to send to the celebration of advent, they have the 10th. ago, I passed a group of scouts as they ceptions when I began the research for friends and family who, bless them, love since spread out and hit the U.K too, So, forget the mistletoe and wine, so there is no need to traipse halfway it’s all about hand-styled crafts and were being shown how to use their GPS this article.  e blogs, for the most part, to hear about your adventures. With across the continent in order to enjoy trackers.  ey looked at me, and my were exactly what I expected: Badly writ- blogs, they can simply subscribe and your a little bit of a Christmassy hot cider, don’t you think? dog-eared map, with something akin ten, unreliable and self-indulgent, rather email is cut down to a few lines of per- treat. So grab a scarf and to the curiosity you o en see etched like someone’s journal that had been sonal greetings, leaving you more time to your spirit of adventure onto people’s faces in museums. I’m published on the net for popular con- actually explore. and why not visit one of the the same with travel guide books. Call sumption. Of course, this is essentially Forums cover advice on everything fairly-local and completely- me old fashioned, from buying a rucksack to awesome markets listed but nothing quite “I took a whirlwind trip around the heart of Ethiopia, getting a visa, from where below that are running this beats sitting down to travel to how to travel, year.... and reminisced with a stranger about gruesome statues at Chester’s Continental when you’re sup- and whilst they may not Prague Castle.” Market: posed to be pack- always be completely reli- This is based in the Town ing or sorting out able, they have again that Hall Square and is open something boring like travel insurance what travel blogs are. What I wasn’t ex- personal touch. You can ask questions from the 5th till the 20th and reading the culture section or the list pecting however, was my reaction to the directly to someone who has been where of December, and it is open of sights and deciding exactly what you’re blogs. A er a whirlwind trip around the you’re trying to get to. until 8pm - enabling you going to do when you get there. heart of Ethiopia, I looked up to discover  is doesn’t mean I’ll be throwing out to make a twinkly evening Of course, even I can admit that books that an hour had slipped away without my Lonely Planets of course.  ey are re- of it too. Stalls are set up with 1000-odd pages aren’t the most my noticing. I reminisced with a com- liable and unbiased where blogs and fo- as wooden chalets which look incredibly cosy and practical thing to be carrying around in plete stranger about gruesome statues at rums are personal and open to interpre- welcoming selling all sorts your rucksack, although I know one girl Prague Castle, sympathised with another tation. Many guidebooks include a short of bits and bobs. Virgin who got around this problem by massa- as I read about her experiences of being guide to history and culture, which can trains are offering a special cring her Rough Guide to India and sim- ripped o in Italy and was hooked by at least be glossed over at the airport if it £11 day return deal up ply carried around the pages that related jealousy to an entry describing the cel- sounds a bit too much like work to read until Christmas Eve! to the cities she would be visiting.  ey ebrations in Berlin a few weeks ago. them beforehand, and of course it’s in- Manchester’s City of also go out of date quickly, even more so  ere’s something raw and personal valuable to have a list of hostels and use- Markets: with the stressed Euro-Sterling relations about travel blogs that is simply lacking ful phone numbers you can carry around Situated around caused by the recession, and I am rather in a guidebook. It isn’t hard to imagine with you. I like to think it’s not just my numerous central locations, this is one of the biggest and ashamed to add, my Lonely Planet Ger- a traveller taking time out in an internet tendency to be old fashioned that makes most spread UK markets many has battle scars from when I’ve felt cafe halfway around the world to update me believe that guidebooks will not die going. Traditional European insulted on behalf of smashing little Ba- their blog for a virtual audience. out as more people rely on internet blogs. music and delicacies are a varian towns that simply don’t feature in Blogs ful l a variety of functions. I Both can be useful in di erent situations. strong feature, with stalls it. Even 1000 pages isn’t enough it seems. nd that they are an e ective balm in Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a band- bursting with gifts, from So this is where the internet comes case of an attack of itchy feet, a tempo- wagon to jump on. the delicate and pretty to in. Of course, you already know this. rary one at least, and a friend who has the wacky and unique. Just You have probably been using travel no intention of ever actually travelling, Rachel Stretton a £7.25 train ride away f r o m blogs and forums for years to discover for various reasons, rather enjoys being Bangor if you book in advance! Wrexham’s Victorian Christmas Victoria Osten the best countries to visit, where to stay, able to experience the world within the Market:

hristmas has never been so 2001. exciting as in Cardiff this year. Sport has always been a dominant CSt. David’s 2 has 88 new stores feature in Cardiff. In 1999, built for as well as a city centre face lift to the Rugby World Cup, the Millennium compete with other big shopping Stadium is Wales’s national stadium. complexes such as Bristol Cribbs Seating 72,500 people now is Causeway and London Oxford Street. competing with Twickenham and Opened earlier this year, Cardiff has Murrayfi eld with the capacity and also opened Wales’s fi rst John Lewis. glamour. The stadium which is It is the second biggest in the UK. fully visible from the River Taff Costing £675 million to develop the also has a roof which opens and new centre, Cardiff is now within closes, depending on the weather the top fi ve shopping destinations in conditions. It has witnessed some Britain. great competitions including the FA In the last two decades, the Welsh Cup and Heineken Cup. Every year, capital city has been transformed. the rally GP’s fi nishing line is at the The Cardiff Bay, for example saw stadium. It’s not just sport which people dumping rubbish bags to the Millennium Stadium is used for. docks. Now heading towards 2010, Madonna, U2 and Rolling Stones have it is where Doctor Who is fi lmed and performed live in front of fi ve-fi gure has Cardiff’s only fi ve star hotels, St. audiences. David’s Spa. Also built to tourist’s It is very easy to access Cardiff satisfaction “Tiger Bay” now has from Bangor. By car, you have two Wales Millennium Centre, the biggest options. The longer route is through opera house in Wales. Not to mention, the A470 from Llandudno. The road one of the most historic buildings – will take you through breathtaking The Pierhead Building. This landmark views and will eventually you’ll is situated next to the new Welsh arrive to the centre of Cardiff in fi ve Assembly building built in 2006 and hours. The other choice will take you opened by the Queen costing less a shorter time. Follow the A55 to than £70million. Chester and go down the M6, then You can’t visit Cardiff and not see M5 until you make it to the M4. This the backbone to the capital city. The will take about four and a half hours Cardiff Castle, built in 55AD by the and the same applies for the train. A Normans to protect themselves from direct train is available from Holyhead the Romans. Some original bricks to Cardiff. are still found scattered across the So come on and visit the “European Christmas in castle. It has witnessed some great City of Sport 2009” and don’t miss acts in front of live audiences. In this year’s Winter Wonderland outside 1998, Stereophonics sung in front of the National Museum of Wales. 10,000 people whilst Green Day also performed live in 2002. Tom Jones also came and entertained back in John Price Cardi 25 Christmas Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk TRAVEL The Wild West’s Disney Land  er four months in the shadow of of equally rich and equally greedy strangers Wyoming’s personal chapter of the appease their lust for the western spirit Rockies, living in ‘ e Cowboy through stereotypes and overpriced trinkets. AState’, in a cowboy town, I can only conclude When I questioned a passer-by on just that Jackson is a very peculiar place... how much of a cowboy town he believed Decorated with a spider web of wooden Jackson still is, he  ashed an arrogant and boardwalks and with station carriages trun- all-knowing grin, that only a comfortably dling down the streets, the town’s western wealthy man in his mid 50’s could gurn, and theme is indisputable.  ere is no doubt drivelled “Tourists can still feel it, that spirit. that Jackson’s previous credentials as a wild I was raised on a ranch in Utah, and I can west trading town, and the spirit that gives feel it”. I’m sure he may have been right, but birth to Morricone-serenaded clichés is still if this man was indeed the Cowboy he was very much alive. It is only when you see the so keen to convince me he was, the bright majestic, hand painted wagons creak to a yellow T-shirt he sported, that obnoxiously halt alongside snarling jags at red lights, do bragged the word “WYOMING” seemed you question whether the town still remains to personify the values of the ‘tourists’ he a legitimate incarnation of a world it once distanced his own ego from. His chubby, helped create. spongy stature also suggested that if he in- Jackson is proud of its history. It’s hard deed once did sweat and bleed on a ranch, to learn anything of the place without be- his position in our (and by ‘our’, I suppose ing referred to its grand centrepiece; a I refer to the ‘tourists’) societies nancial town square cornered with looming arches spectrum had evidentially succeeded in sub- constructed entirely from the horns of Elk. duing his rugged, sh*t-kicking soul. However, while it genuinely remains similar  en again can the tourists really feel it? to the way it stood years before, nowadays For me, it wouldn’t be farfetched to specu- it’s impossible to pass under an arch with- late that many of Jackson’s visitors travel to out being sniped at with the  ash of a dozen the mountain refuge in search of a western cameras, as families grin moronically in the haven from the worlds they regularly oper- structure’s wake. I’m quite sure if you were to ate in. Working in a shop that caters exclu- search for pictures of the arches on Google, I sively to tourists in search of a pair of boots would be in the background like some spec- to prove they embody the spirit of the Wild tre perpetually stalking the area. West, I watched a swarm of city-dwellers If it is indeed a holidaymaker’s town, it sweep through the town, ready to revel fa- isn’t in the same boat as resorts that have natically in any crumb of a western cliché begun to fester in the bacteria of cheap tour- they could nd.  e place, regardless of ism. Jackson is a rich whisky-sipping high- whether it still is the town it once was, re- tipping town. A town where greedy faces, lies on the delusional fantasies of those who disgustingly smug on account of the pro t stay in it, just as much as it does on its rich they make from the place, huddle around history. tables in cosmopolitan cafes and sip cosmo- politan co ees. Tummy-tucked middle aged Luke Patchett women, dog in handbag, cling to their hus- bands side and success and watch a stream

George Aungier goes in search of adrenaline in Eastern Europe

was rst introduced to image of the canyoner whizzing canyoning while crawl- down fast  owing rivers had ing around in pitch black lodged rmly in my mind whilst Icaves below Budapest with white water ra ing in Bosnia a group of backpackers. We and cli jumping in Croatia. got talking about our latest  is would be the nal chal- exploits and I heard of a new lenge. craze that had been spreading  e next morning I awoke to through the mountains of Eu- the sound of the surging Soča rope.  e craze was canyon- River, refreshed and ready for ing; an adventure sport that adventure. Our guide kitted the had become available to the group out with wet suits and 45€pp for a half day casual adrenaline junkie. We hard hats before trekking up canyoning and ac- were informed by our fellow the Sušec gorge.  e trip down commodation costs spelunker that it consisted the icy Sušec consisted of deep 9-15€ppn. of  inging yourself down pools linked by steep waterfalls, • Or for a local waterfalls, leaping into clear as high as 12m, which became alternative there are mountain pools and pos- our slides. But when the slides canyoning activities sibly breaking bones. It were too small we had to jump. in Snowdonia with sounded fun, like a giant  is was the heart pounding prices from £45pp for natural water park full of reason why so many risked life a half day experience. slides and diving boards. and limb whilst canyoning; the Visit www.adrenal- Fast-forward ve weeks chance to leap into the unknown inantics.com, www. and I’m in Slovenia travel- from ledges between 6 and 12m outdooradventu- ling on the rst bus from its high. It was worth it, to stand on reactivities.com or capital Ljubljana to Bovec; the edge, heart racing, adrena- www.up4adven- a town devoted to adven- line pumping and then dive into tures.co.uk. ture sports in the Triglav the bracing depth below. National Park. A er ar- riving in the Julian Alps I Do it yourself. pitched the tent in the Eco • For more information Camp I’d be staying at and on the Eco Camp and its ac- settled down for a night of tivities visit www.adrenaline- DIY barbecued pizza.  e check.com. Prices start from 26 Christmas Issue 2009 SPORT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk HERE’S SOME NEWS FROM THE AU Varsity - *not the Pub* they can defeat us on our home soil, and it’s up to us to prove them with the range of sports on offer wrong and emerge victorious. there will certainly be something Watch out for more details in the Marchsuch a 20thmassive event, our planning you’ll want to see. New Year is well underway and there is loads arsity is coming back to The day of non-stop action will of stuff in the pipeline you’re going Bangor, but is the trophy? be followed by an ‘aftermath’ party Andy John to be really excited about. Varsity is the annual sports where Aber will join us for the AU president V This will be an opportunity to see awards ceremony, and the moment competition between Bangor and some of our fi nest sportsmen and of truth. We were stripped of our Aberystwyth. The event is hosted in women in action. We’re expecting title as Varsity champions last year turn by each Uni and now in its third between 250-300 competitors in Aber with a stinging defeat. The year will be coming back to Bangor! from Bangor alone, so if you’re not tally stands at 1-1 so this is the This year is going to be bigger competing yourself, you’ll defi nitely decider! Aber are convinced that and better than ever consisting know someone who is! Our sports of around 16 different sports with facilities will be near capacity and more than 22 matches, all on a sin- gle day. Sounds exhausting!Being

in the grand stadium that is Maes Glas. Athletes will need your support to perform at Upcomming AU Intramural Events (casual their fi nest so come along and watch as our best AU Intramural Eventscompete to become… Bangor’s superstars! sport) ll of our clubs are friendly, approachable Varsity Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 MarchV and open for anyone to join. They also Re-freshers’ Tournament Saturday 30 2010 organise countless social events alongside January 2010 A weekend of sport at its best, Bangor A Aberystwyth. their sport. We also offer a number of one-off Varsity is coming back to Bangor this Intramural (casual sport) events so whatever Superstars Saturday 13 February 2010 The toughest event of the year! This is an year, but is the trophy? your ability, we’ve got everything you want right Don’t miss the sporting event of the here! individual event for our best athletes, a very Don’t want to actively participate? Or perhaps demanding series of challenges showcasing year! you just want to enjoy some live sport? Come Bangor’s sporting talent. There will be a male and watch and support our teams in action. and female category and athletes will compete Details of where and when they compete can be found on the fi xtures page of the website…

What is Ki-Aikido?

Aikido literally means the way to mentally, to win with mercy and The emphasis thus became union with the Ki of the universe. Ki-Aikido without need to fi ght. Its infl uence the ‘Ki’, the universal energy, in Through the study of Ki-Aikido we upon Aikido is easy to see, as the function of aikido techniques. learn to coordinate mind and body, studying the art is as much about Techniques are performed in a to work with others positively, and learning technique, as developing relaxed way, using your opponent’s The Ki-Aikido club is one of the realize our full potential. We learn your state of mind; thus harmony momentum and aggression, rather to lead our opponents instead of oldest societies in the Students between body and mind. than by application of force. Tohei colliding or fi ghting with them, At the core of aikido is the sensei devised a list of four basic Union, with members from within and apply these same principles philosophy of peace, non- principles to simplify his teachings; directly to dealing productively aggression and “loving protection - Keep one point and outside the university, all with people in daily life. of all things”. However, this does - Relax completely Originally developed in with different backgrounds. Many not prevent joint locks from being - Keep weight underside the 1920s-1930s by Morihei bloody painful! - Extend Ki Ueshiba, who is referred to as began with no prior martial arts Ki-Aikido itself was founded These are the key principles O-Sensei (great teacher); it was by Koichi Tohei sensei, who was for attaining mind and body co- experience, so if you have never derived mainly from the martial a student of O-Sensei. He was ordination. Though Tohei sensei art of Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, largely responsible for introducing has now retired from teaching, the attempted martial arts before, but incorporated other arts he aikido to the Western world, fi rst Ki no Kenkyukai is now headed studied. Emphasis is placed upon don’t be deterred and give it a go! teaching in Hawaii in 1953. Some by his son, Sinichi Tohei sensei. neutralising your opponent or years after O-Sensei’s death in The university’s dojo is linked to enemy early, mainly through 1969 he split from the Aikikai the main UK headquarters, which throws or joint manipulation; but organisation to create his own Ki is directly linked to the Ki no also by defeating your attacker no Kenkyukai. Kenkyukai HQ in Japan.

Contacts; How to join and what do you need? Captain: Andrew Gates There are no specifi c fall; beginners will learn gradually Mutual respect and assistance ([email protected]) introductory classes so you can through the learning. Therefore are fundamental. Always address join at any time of the year. The Secretary: Anni Nurminen regular attendance is advised if the instructors as sensei and classes around serendipity and ([email protected]) not compulsory. always bow when entering and serendipity II are more beginner For further information It’s not easy, but that’s the leaving the dojo, as well as bowing friendly, but we can always please e-mail the club at: point, it wouldn’t be worth doing to your training partner before accommodate new people. You if it was. The most valuable and after exercise. [email protected] will need to have an AU card things that you can take away Training is at Normal Site Or visit the website; and joining the club costs £5. with you are the ability to remain Gym 2, Wednesdays and Fridays www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/kaikido Clothing should be loose and calm and relaxed in diffi cult between 8-10pm, and on Sundays or fi nd the clubs facebook shirt and trouser sleeves long, situations, concentration and 12-2pm specifi cally for weapons: page. to avoid matburns. Slippers are spatial awareness. In terms of self wooden staff and sword as well as advised for off the mat as this defence, you will learn to protect techniques against knife attacks. will prevent the transport of dirt yourself without the need to injure It would be helpful if you arrived into the practise area. You don’t your attacker, but mastering early to help lay the mats ensuring need to be super fi t to join, and these techniques will take a lot of that there is more training time. Anni Nurminen don’t worry if you can’t roll or practice and patience. Thanks! Christmas Issue 2009 27 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk SPORT

and as yet unsuitable to Dekker’s side was mixed. Although pleased encounter but making choices on navigation, undertake the endeavor that they acknowledged her ability, they were the myriad chores of trying to keep a small that could last two years. disappointed, as it would signifi cantly reduce boat at sea when everything requires constant The Utrecht court ordered the window to complete the voyage in time. maintenance and repair and the battle against OPINION.... Dutch authorities to take Outside the courts; criticism still remains loneliness.’ temporary guardianship of Is Dutch Sailor Laura Dekker, 14, Laura until psychologists “It is true that records are there to be broken. But could determine whether too Young to Sail Solo Around she is able to undertake there must come a point at which, too young, is too such a diffi cult voyage. young” the World? Confusingly, Judge Mirjam Oostendorp said the investigation by a psychologist and t 14 years of age, the Dutch sailor Laura the Dutch Child Protection Agency showed that about her suitability and experience. Although it At her age she is in the middle of her Dekker intends to set sail on a is claimed, by her parents, that she was born at adolescence. Mental and physical strain will Around the world voyage, if sea this is pathetically irrelevant. She began take its toll on such long voyages, exacerbated completed in her planned time, sailing at 6, and solo at 10; by her age. More sinister is the potential danger she would become the youngest navigating Dutch rivers she will face in many ports; a concern shared person to do so. The current and crossing the North by her mother, ‘She can sail like the devil — record for youngest assited solo Sea from Holland to that’s not the problem, but I see problems round the world circumnavigation, Lowestoft once, earlier when she stays in Third World ports, and in the is held by the British sailor, Mike this year. Incidentally psychological challenge of being alone at sea. Perham 17. He won the record it was it was when she She is not yet grown up.’ from the American Zac Sutherland, made port in England, was Senior and experienced sailors among others also 17; who had only held it four her ambition revealed; the applaud her ambition. Despite being barely old weeks. Harbour Master alerting enough to ride a bike safely on the road, she Her plans however, have child authorities in the is showing a degree of maturity and ambition seemingly been scuttled by a UK, who then alerted for one of the toughest challenges in the world; Dutch court ruling, preventing her their Dutch counterparts. that should be admired. A more suitable role from embarking on her venture. Experience wise, it may well model for upcoming and existing generations Such action raised not just legal be true that she is technically that is currently available. issues but also moral questions. Is able; but as her lawyer Her route is the safest possible, she will she too young to undertake such a argues; ‘they say she has not at all times be shadowed by another vessel, challenge or should she be granted got much experience of solo manned by an experienced yachtsman; and with all the luck and encouragement round-the-world sailing. That it is not nonstop. But it will still be an ordeal. possible? is a bit weak, how do you get It is possible, as the Dutch Courts agreed. But Perhaps unsurprisingly, the experience? By doing it.’ But should it still be allowed? Agonizingly, it may press has been almost unanimously this ignores many important even be futile. If she does set sail without legal in favour of the Dutch courts. issues. consent, and completes the voyage, she will Psychologists and sociologists Issues of fatigue and to an not be offi cially recognized by the Guinness both advised and ultimately infl uenced their Laura, who extent safety, can be controlled book of records, as it will not recognize entries turned 14 only last too some degree by stopping that are that dangerous without proper legal “Although it is claimed, by month, appeared emotionally, regularly and having others consent. Furthermore, if she does take the two intellectually and physically fi t for such a nearby to keep a lookout for you. years planned to complete the endeavour, she her parents, that she was venture. Concerns were raised primarily in Isolation could be that signifi cant boundary will be 16. The youngest yes, but not quite the reference to knowledge of fi rst aid, sleep that is pushed just barely, out of reach. ‘Yet non-stop solo effort by the two 17yr olds, Mike born at sea, this is management and overall safety plan; as well as Laura will still be short of the most valuable Perham and Zac Sutherland. pathetically irrelevant” arrangements for distance schooling, to meet weapon in a solo sailor’s armory: experience.’ It is true that records are there to be broken. the compulsory standards of Dutch education. You can be as prepared as much as you like, But there must come a point at which, too Not all hope for her is lost however. The court but experience on the water is something that young is too young. As this is written a young decision, that she is too young. At the October told Laura Dekker that, if a further investigation cannot be substituted for. Australian schoolgirl, Jessica Watson, 16, has hearing, and overruling parental consent for the contradicted the present doubt of her suitability ‘There is almost no limit to the range of not long set off on her own quest to become voyage, Judge Oostendorp agreed that; ‘She and safety, she could begin her voyage as early problems a solo sailor can face and all of them the youngest round the world sailor. It could or would be confronted with diffi cult situations as July next year. Her sailing skills and technical are easier to face with experience. This goes maybe should be the last such attempt. that will challenge her mentally and physically’, ability were not in doubt. So the response from not just for the inevitable storms Laura will Martyn Singleton Terrace Talk..... STOKE CITY, the season so far......

toke City this season are be rosy. Well not quite. Portsmouth, was not a classic by A great goal being viewed in a completely any stretch of the imagination and which deserved to Sdifferent light to last year. In The last 3 games have seen a Pompey were arguably the better grace a better game the 08/09 season all the pundits and string of poor performances and team. Stoke simply weren’t at than this one. Andy so called experts predicted Stoke many supporters baffl ed some of the the races in the fi rst half and had Wilkinson Stoke’s would be unable to cope with the selections being made by Tony Pulis. ‘keeper Thomas Sorenson to thank right back and clear rigors of top fl ight football. One The 2 games before Saturday saw for a penalty save within 10 minutes Man of the Match was bookmaker even paid out on Stoke the Potters throw 5 points away from of the game starting. The second unlucky not to get his being relegated after Stoke’s very leading positions against half saw a better offering from fi rst Stoke goal when seems fi rst Premier League game a 3-1 strugglers Wolves and Phil ‘Tango’ Stoke with clearly unfi t Salif Diao he intercepted a pass in to be defeat to Bolton. Well everyone his own half then beat 3 frustrating the Turkish knows how the season panned out. or 4 Portsmouth players captain as much as the fans. Stoke surpassed all expectations before smashing a shot In truth 9th at the moment is fi nishing 12th, comfortably away “A great goal which deserved to narrowly over the bar. He in truth great for Stoke, but the Potter’s from the relegation zone and with an deserved a goal for that move and grace a better game performances need to improve and it attitude that stuck two fi ngers up to his efforts throughout the game. would to see the handcuffs loosened all the doubters. The whole back 4 deserve credit than this one...” and start having a go at teams a This season all last seasons for working well on the day but little more. Especially those below doubters are clambering to get on Wilkinson a local lad was a shining us in the table. This is not a call the Stoke bandwagon predicting Brown’s Hull City. Tuncay seemingly before the hour mark with Delap light. for Stoke to think they can play like them to be comfortably in mid-table can’t get a game and Rory Delap moving to his natural position in the Stoke fans should be grateful to Brazil, everyone saw what happened or some predicting a top 10 fi nish. (the man with the rocket propelled middle. Stoke now had a far better Tony Pulis for how well we’re doing. to West Brom when they thought Make no mistake about every Stoke throw-in) is playing on the right wing balance and were coming into the However, the truth is we tend to see they could. supporter would be happy if they instead of one Ireland’s recent star game more. Late in the second half more talent sat on the bench than But Stoke have real quality in get it right this year. In the summer performers Liam Lawrence. Delap Stoke’s fi rst move of real quality actually starting games and really their squad now and it would be nice Robert Huth and Tuncay were the simply isn’t a right winger. he told. The bang in-form Matthew this needs to change. Lawrence has to see a bit more of it. two most notable signings pushing provides great ability in the center Etherington swapped passes with to start on the right as Stoke look a £11million combined for the pair tracking opposition runners but he’s Dean Whitehead then laid the ball to better team when he’s on the pitch, from Middlesbrough. Stoke have now 34 and it shows when he plays the charismatic talent Ricardo Fuller and Tuncay ought really to get his Robert Fell made a very respectable start to the on the wing. who turned majestically on the edge chance alongside Fuller in place of a season currently sitting 9th in the Sunday’s match at the Britannia of the box, before bending the ball clearly unfi t James Beattie. It seems table just 3 points behind Aston Villa Stadium in front of the Premier around the Pompey keeper into the though Pulis doesn’t think Fuller and who lie 5th. So all would appear to League’s loudest supporters against bottom corner of the net. Tuncay can play together which Get Fit At Maes Glas

Mondays Lunchtime Precision ‘The Beast’ Kickaerobics Aerobics Cycling circuit 1:10 - 1:50 pm 5:00 - 5:45 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm Tuesdays Balltastic Precision Step Combo Cycling 1:10 - 1:50 pm 5:15 - 6:00 pm 5:15 - 6:00 pm Wednesdays Morning Lunchtime Boxercise Circuits Aerobics Mix toning 9:10 - 9:50 pm 1:10 - 1:50 pm 5:10 - 5:50 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm Thursdays Boxercise Precision Cycling Legs, Bums & Balltastic Tums 12:10 - 12:50 pm 5:15 - 6:00 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm Fridays

Body Max Precision Trim & Tone Boxercise Cycling 1:10 - 1:50 pm 5:15 - 6:00 pm 6:00 - 7:00 pm 7:10 - 7:50 pm Saturday Sunday Precision Cycling Precision Cycling 11:15 - 12:00 pm 9:15 - 10:00 m (01248) 382571 www.maesglas.co.uk or call in for details [email protected] Maes Glas Sports Centre Ffriddoedd Road, Bangor LL57 2EH