Bangor University Students’ Union August 2014 English Language Issue No.240 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk - COMMUNITY ISSUE - THE DOCTOR RETURNS THE STUDENT UNION AND YOU TOM JONES AT EIRIAS PARK

e People’s Pontio

Photo: Warren Orchard Arts innovation centre hosts WW1 commemoration Bedwyr Williams lives and works in ri ce made by the brave men, rather the cultural programme for the First tio, Bangor University’s soon to open by AMY BLACKWELL North Wales and his work takes many than as just one of a number.  e im- World War centenary commemora- Arts and Innovation Centre, is ideally di erent forms, including installation, ages were projected alongside the slow tions which had events in all major positioned to host Bedwyr’s bold new n Monday 4th August 2014 performance, drawing, sculpture and ticking of a clock counting down right UK cities such as Belfast, Edinburgh, work to mark the Centenary. Sand- lights went out all over the increasingly  lm.  e visual included across the city; ‘Traw’ in Welsh means Bangor and London. Williams is one wiched between the city’s Memorial UK to commemorate 100 the names of over 8,500 soldiers, sail- ‘to strike’, just like the clock that sealed of the four international artists com- Arch and the iconic University build- Oyears since the outbreak of the First ors and airmen, projected onto the the fate of these same men 100 years missioned by the programme to pro- ing – the striking projections against World War. As a part of this Bangor’s wall of Pontio just behind the site of ago. duce an artwork that creates a light Pontio o er an appropriate and timely Pontio has teamed up with Artes North Wales’ Memorial Arch to cel- Williams commented: “As a young source that unites the people of Great reminder of the passing of time since Mundi - an international arts organi- ebrate the lives of men from North art student I walked past the memo- Britain. WW1.” sation based in Wales. Established in Wales who gave themselves for the rial arch in Bangor many times and Bedwyr Williams is Pontio’s  rst  e local community were invited 2002, Artes Mundi is committed to future of our country, so close to the I have to admit that I never gave it a resident artist and is currently work- to a series of workshops that aimed supporting groundbreaking inter- university where bright futures are huge amount of thought. Working on ing on a piece for their grand opening, to gather personal stories and family national contemporary visual artists moulded everyday. this project I’ll never be able to walk gaining inspiration from the Univer- connections.  is kind of public ac- whose work engages with social real- Williams made sure to exclude all past this place again without thinking sities archives; Crossley Holland and tivity is one of the many ways Pontio ity and lived experience - they held references to rank and status in this of the lives lost  ghting in the First the Natural History Museum. He will aims to reach out and bene t its com- ‘Lights Out Bangor’, a outdoor public display, cropping uniforms out of im- World War.” be producing a  lm which will air in munity in the coming years. artwork titled ‘TRAW’ by Bangor’s ages to focus solely on faces of the ‘Lights Out Bangor’ was part of a Pontio’s new cinema in November. leading visual artist Bedwyr Williams. men to highlight the personal sac- nationwide campaign 14-18 NOW - Pontio’s Artistic Director said “Pon-

ANGLESEY’S HIDDEN GEM ONE NOW OPEN 10-5 MON TO SUN (EXCL. TUES) FREE COFFEE WITH THIS VOUCHER WHEN YOU THE WALLED GARDEN, LLANFAIR PG, ANGLESEY - 01248 716 386 SPEND £5 OR MORE COMEDI Mercher 8 Hydref, 8pm COMEDI Gwener 3 Hydref, 7.30pm Wednesday 8 October, 8pm COMEDY Friday 3 October, 7.30pm COMEDY Rob Rouse What ever Rhys James happened to MC Kevin McCarthy LaLa Shockette? £10 / £8 CYNNIG MYFYRWYR defnyddiwch LALA am docynnau £10 STUDENT OFFER quote LALA for £10 tickets OPERA £13.50 / £11.50 Mid Wales Opera

Gwener 10 Hydref, 7.30pm THEATR AWYR Friday AERIAL THEATRE 10 October, 7.30pm

Mercher 15 Hydref 1.30 & 7.30pm £20 / £18 Wednesday 15 October, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

NoFit State Circus Mae yna Le

There is a Place MWO Chamber Orchestra / BALLET GwenerCerddorfa 24 Siambr Hydref, OCC 7.30pm Friday National24 October, Tour 2014 / 7.30pm £10 / £5 Taith Genedlaethol 2014 www.midwalesopera.co.uk

THEATR AWYR Sadwrn 1 Tachwedd, 7.30pm AERIAL THEATRE Saturday 1 November, 7.30pm

Sadwrn 25 Hydref - Iau 30 Hydref Saturday 25 October - Thursday 30 October Ballet Cymru Beauty Gravity&Levity and the Rites Beast of War £14 / £12 / Tocyn teulu - Family ticket: £30 £12 / £10

Gwirfoddoli Volunteering Pontio will be a busy venue, with hundreds of events and Bydd Pontio’n lle prysur, gyda channoedd o berfformiadau byw a cinema screenings every year. For each event, a team of ffilmiau bob blwyddyn. Bydd pob sioe angen tîm o wirfoddolwyr dedicated volunteers is needed to welcome customers, ymroddedig i groesawu cwsmeriaid, gwirio eu tocynnau a’u tywys check their tickets and show them to their seats. As a i’w seddau. Mae’r gwirfoddolwyr wrth gwrs yn cael gweld y sioe thank you - the volunteers then get to see the show that honno am ddim! they are helping on for free!

Am fwy o fanylion cysylltwch â Sharon Roberts: sharon. For more details contact Sharon Roberts on: [email protected] neu 01248 343058. [email protected] or 01248 383058.

PontioSeren_Awst14 272x340.indd 1 2014-08-13 4:31 PM Community Issue 2014 | Seren 3 CONTENTS 10 AMY 6 BLACKWELL EDITOR [email protected] Hello Bangor! This is my rst ever issue as Editor and I’ve been so nervous and excited over the past few days. Not to mention busy! This issue is hugely important as I feel like it is my way of repaying Bangor for the two amazing years I’ve spent here. My team have really pulled together for this one and I cannot thank them enough. Stephanie and Scott or “Mr and Mrs News and Sport” have been my rocks, thanks to Emily and Richard for coming down to help, and as always LJ and Dan who are invalua- ble to Seren. Oh and of course eve- ryone who wrote for us this issue! We’ve been mad busy and also a bit mad. We’ve had copious “proper co ee” from Scotts co ee machine which he has now regrettably re- moved from the Seren o ce, a 26 few one in the morning cleaning sessions and we nally discovered 30 how you take home the ramen News 4-7 from Noodle One! Plastic tubs who knew! We’ve been joined in the of- Politics 8 ce by enthusiastic sabbs, funny Comment 9 post it notes and a  y I have named Reggie. Union 10-11 So! On page 10 we have a mes- Yllef 12-13 sage from the Students Union, on pages 11 - 13 are Serens rst ever Feature 14-15 Welsh pages thanks to the brilliant Science 16-17 team at yllef. Also in this issue is a homage to the late great Robin Wil- Environment 18-19 liams on page 22 and on page 30 is a breakdown of Bangor City’s up Music 20-21 and coming season. Film 22-23 I hope you enjoy your custom copy of Seren Bangor and remem- TV 24-25 ber you can see us all year long by Books 26 picking up our student issues at Asda! Breaktime 27 The views presented hereinafter Fashion 28 do not represent the views of Seren Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Travel 29 28 Bangor University. Sport 30-32 Seren is printed by NWN Media. THE TEAM 17

Amy Blackwell Richard Dallison Rhys Taylor Stephanie Laura Sutton Mark Stanley Yeabsley Al Hulley Nicola Pye Scott Willey Nicola Hoban Lydia Richardson Emily Sara Guto Gwilwyn Houlston-Jones Lloyd Williams Manon Elwynn Tom Bickerdike LJ Taylor Daniel Turner Ida Väisänen Medwynn Becki Watson Roberts Chris Glass Eleanor Hirst 20

CONTRIBUTORS Stephen James Megan Stevenson 4 Seren | Community Issue 2014 NEWS In Brief Bangor University levels Oxbridge for student satisfaction Success for

Sioned

A former School of Music student at Bangor University has won the Mu- sician’s Medal at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Carmarthenshire. Sioned Eleri Roberts is a clarinettist currently tutoring at Bangor Univer- sity. Head of the School of Music, Dr Chris Collins said: “ is is a special commendation for Sioned and wor- thy recognition of her talent and ability. It is a delight to congratulate Sioned on her success.” Sioned will go on to join other prominent musician’s alumni of the university including Pwyll ap Sion, Peter Flinn, Guto Puw and Owain Llwyd. Arsonist

given bail

A 14 year old boy has admitted re- sponsibility for the  re at Our Lady Bangor University best in Wales Top 10 in UK Immaculate RC School on Caer- narfon Road last February.  e teen- bridge, Oxford, and Durham in terms and the level of academic support pro- ditional universities such as Glasgow, age boy caused £111,000 damage at of student satisfaction, with each of vided by universities. Durham, and indeed both Oxford the primary school in an arson attack. the four universities receiving a stu- Professor Oliver Turnball, Pro-Vice and Cambridge. It’s a position which Previously the courts had heard the dent satisfaction rating of 91%. Chancellor for Teaching and Learn- again re ects the excellent standard of boy state he was involved in the  re, Cardi University, which was 2013’s ing at Bangor University, has publicly teaching available at Bangor.” but when cautioned by the police he best Welsh university for student sat- commented on Bangor’s performance  e increase in student satisfaction denied any part.  e boy has been by EMILY HOULSTON isfaction, has dropped to second place in the survey, referring to the univer- at Bangor University is part of a wider granted bail until sentencing on Sep- JONES with a rating of 89%. Bangor’s Varsity sity’s “130 year tradition of providing trend, with an overall increase in stu- tember 5th. [email protected] rivals Aberystwyth University have excellent teaching and care.” dent satisfaction being seen through- a student satisfaction rating of 83%, Having expressed his delight at the out the UK, especially on campus uni- angor University has been de- which is below the national average “excellent” results received by the uni- versities, which dominate the top 10. clared the best university in satisfaction rating of 86%. versity, he added: “ ese results are a Greg Clark, the Universities Min- Wales for student satisfaction  e NSS, which is in its tenth year, wonderful endorsement of our activi- ister, commented on the overall in- Bby a national survey. is considered the most comprehensive ties, and of our values. When we com- crease in student satisfaction, saying  e National Student Survey (NSS), higher education survey in the UK, pare our University with others teach- “it is great to see student satisfaction Gwynedd which polls graduating students each with over half-a-million students be- ing a broad range of higher education rates with their university experience year, also stated that Bangor was on ing polled each year. Survey questions subjects, it’s terri c that we are top 10 are continuing to rise.” par with top universities such as Cam- are wide ranging and include quality in the UK, and in overall satisfaction residents of teaching, fairness of assessments, that we now lie level with other tra- speak of Gaza Bangor and Caernarfon back on track? Railway could save £100 million STEVE Collings and Rania Alqass, a Welsh-Palestinian couple now living Increase in tourists would results in  nancial boost in Bethesda have spoken of the trau- ma they have su ered during Israel’s Welsh Government to bring back the Caernarfon Castle. bene t to the town’s economy would military action in Gaza.  ey  rst train linking Bangor to Caernarfon. Saxey also believes a higher number be considerable. met in Rania’s hometown of Bethle- Bob Saxey believes that reopening of visitors would come to Caernarfon A Gwynedd Council spokesman hem where they lived for  ve years. the rail link would be cheaper than due to speed and accessibility of the said: “Establishing a rail link which  ey have watched anxiously as the building the new £100 million bypass train. It would take just 13 minutes connects Caernarfon with the North con ict between Israel and Hamas currently planned. to travel between Bangor and Caer- Wales coast railway line is a long- rages in Gaza.  e couple have been by STEPHANIE  e line was axed in 1970 by Dr narfon and as Saxey points out “it term aspiration set out in the regional through “unimaginable” anxiety as Richard Beeching as part of his over- would be possible to board a train in transport plan for North Wales. How- they fear the spread of the violence. YEABSLEY [email protected] haul of the UK rail network. If the line Caernarfon and get o at Euston just ever, the current  nancial climate in Mrs Alqass said “any news of con- was to be reopened Saxey believes three hours 27 minutes later.”  e cur- which public services operate would  ict in the area brings back traumatic former Conwy council trans- this would result in a “huge  nancial rent bus service is very frequent but make securing resources for such a memories of my life in the area.” port chief believes that pres- boost” by bringing thousands of tour- Saxey believes a number of visitors development extremely challenging.” Asure should be put on the ists annually to attractions such as do not consider the bus system.  e Community Issue 2014 | Seren 5 NEWS Tourism boost for North Wales? In Brief Tourists are staying for less time

contrast trips to England declined by months of this year saw an increase in Approximately half the number of Guto’s 11% and trips all around Britain went day visits to Wales by 25% to 40 mil- day visits to North Wales were from down by 9.8%. 7.8% of the overnight lion, compared to the same period for outside Wales, with 4 million visits trips in the UK were in Wales, com- last year, and a 5% rise in associated from North West England. People ‘Growing’ pared to 6.8% last year, but the num- expenditure. are only spending on average £29 in ber of nights in Wales fell 11%, and the Welsh tourism minister Edwina Hart North Wales, but the annual average by TOM BICKERDIKE average length described bed occupancy rate was the highest Success [email protected] of nights away THE INDUSTRY MANAGED TO the  gures for all of Wales – 49%. for January WEATHER THE STORMS AT THE as “a wel- Hart added: “It seems that the in- A former student of  e School of ales has seen an increase – March was BEGINNING OF THE YEAR come boost dustry managed to weather the storms Welsh has won the National Eistedd- in the number of tourists 2.66, com- to show that which hit the UK at the beginning of fod Crown in Carmarthenshire this visiting from the rest of the pared to 3.08 the industry the year and that quick action and year. Guto Dafydd at 24 is one of UKW according to a major survey. How- for 2013. was still performing well at the begin- investment from the Welsh Govern- the youngest poets to ever win the ever, it has also revealed that they are In terms of average spending in ning of the year a er a very success- ment meant repairs were carried out crown. Receiving his prize at a spe- staying for less time and spending less Wales, there has been a 14.6% fall ful 2013”. Last year, around 89 mil- and tourism trade was not adversely cial ceremony of the Pavilion stage, money. from £246 million in 2013 to £210 lion tourism day visits were made to a ected.” Guto came top in his  eld of 32 During the  rst quarter of this year, million; England fell by 10.7% and destinations all over Wales by British  ere has also been a rise in foreign competitors. His winning sequences the number of domestic trips to Wales Britain (10.3%). residents.  is generated over £3 bil- visits to Wales by over 30,000 from last contained 10 free verse poems on the increased by 3.2% to 1.51 million; by On the plus side, the  rst  ve lion in expenditure. year. theme ‘Tyfu’ (growing). Guto’s  rst collection of poetry will be published by Cyhoeddiadau Barddas in the spring of 2015. Stuart’s Sprout Push Anglesey Show ‘brillaint’

MORE people have attended An- glesey Show than before despite the ‘headache’ of the group of travellers who moved onto the shows site just days before. President Hugh Grif-  ths has hailed this year’s show ‘bril- liant’ owing the success to the perfect weather, and ‘full’ stands and stalls. Speaking over the travellers who were given an eviction notice he said “it was good to get the situation resolved so we could get on with the show. It’s nice for the community and good for the island.”

Pedal power is

lan Cancer support for nearly a dec- He went on to say that when he ini- Since completing the fundraiser ade, and has managed to raise £40000 tially began to fundraise for the char- Stuart has gone viral, receiving phone raising overall. His Snowdon sprout stunt is ity, he “did the normal stu , mara- calls from Sky News and the BBC and the latest in a long line of wacky fun- thons, fun runs and co ee mornings, going international, with attention draising ideas, which have seen Stu- but I wanted to make things a bit more coming from America, Russia, Ger- money for art walking every street in Coventry wacky to generate more awareness.” many, Amsterdam, and Belgium. Of by EMILY HOULSTON wearing stilts and spending a week  e uniqueness of his fundraising the international attention, Kettle said charity JONES suspended in a box. methods posed unusual challenges for “it’s massive.” [email protected] Stuart began his long and fruitful Stuart, who spent much time deliber- Stuart is wasting no time planning relationship with the charity while ating over how many sprouts he’d need for his next fundraiser. Speaking to the HARRI Williams & his son Owain working as a cameraman for Mac- for the challenge, before eventually Daily Post, he said “I’ll keep going, I’ve have completed a 200 mile cyclathon millan making promotional videos. deciding that 100 would be plenty (in got lots of mad ideas, one is to walk to raise money for Alaw Unit in Ys- man who pushed a sprout up He has spoken of how the experience the end, he used 22.) He also prepared from France to England.  ere’s only byty Gwynedd’s Children’s Ward. A Snowdon using only his nose inspired him to do his bit, saying: “I for the foodie feat by strengthening one way to do that, and that’s on the number of other fundraisers includ- has raised over £5000 for saw what they do when I was  lming his neck muscles by dancing, running s e a b e d .” ing friends Matt, Paul, Dylan and Ian Acharity. also took part in a gruelling 80 mile stu for them, I heard so many stories with backpacks, and cycling. He also You can make a donation towards Stuart Kettle, 49, from Coventry, about how amazing they’ve been when did a one mile trial run to prepare for Stuart’s fundraising by visiting www. ride around Anglesey. has been raising money for Macmil- they’ve been supporting people.” the gruelling task. willthemadfoolmakeit.co.uk 6 Seren | Community Issue 2014 NEWS In Brief ‘ e Times’ win for Maisie Davies Bangor University student wins £1000

my dearly loved degree has made me JCB who I am today. Spanish has given me the con dence to just drop everything and go, if only to satisfy that craving Journey of needing to learn more; learn more FUNDRAISER Esmor Davies en- vocabulary, learn more about di er- joyed a night in his own bed a er by STEPHANIE ent food, cultures, and the kindness more than three weeks as he reached YEABSLEY of strangers. To learn what it means to half-way into his 2,500 mile trek. [email protected] be fearless, to be lost in a new place,  e Buckley charity worker is par- to be the only one in the room who taking in a gruelling drive from John is foreign.” O’Groats to Land’s End in a JCB dig- Spanish with International Speaking to Seren, Maisie said “I ger. He hopes his challenge will go Experience student from was really surprised to be a runner towards his £500,000 goal to build Bangor University has been up! Studying Spanish has been such a sensory garden for blind war vet- Anamed as one of three runners up, out a journey but I’m so passionate about erans. Davies was inspired by the of 2,500 students, in this year’s UCAS/ it and I’m really pleased this came Veterans fantastic spirit a er visiting  e Times Love Learning Competi- across in the essay. It’s also amazing the Blind War Veterans centre in Lla- tion. to get some recognition for the sub- ndudno. Anyone wanting to sponsor Maisie Prior, 20, originally from ject as a whole, especially with recent Esmor should call 07877 292394 or Littlethorpe, Leicestershire was chal- drops in university applications for email [email protected]. lenged to write a 500 word essay or modern languages.” a 30 second video to show how her As part of her runner up prize Mai- course has captivated her learning. sie has won £1,000 and a year’s sub- Road In her essay Maisie wrote “I believe scription to  e Times. works Bangor BEDs at cause delays Edinburgh Fringe RESURFACING work on Holy- head Road is already causing tra c problems for citizens of Bangor. De- scribed as ‘essential’ by the council the scheme is being undertaken in phases between the Railway Station and Menai Avenue over a period of  ve weeks.  e scheme is being carried out during the school holi- days to keep tra c to a minimum by avoiding the school, college and university tra c. Gwynedd council are urging motorists to leave plenty of time for their journey as despite e orts to minimise tra c a level of delay is inevitable. Lost Dr Who actors University Society Awards for two port is provided by Robin Boyd and Hall, Nicholson Street, at 7 pm daily WREXHAM Odeon manager Kenny years running) presents their comedic Daniel Hughes. and tickets cost £5.  e tickets can be Kempster is searching for people in- reimagining of Miguel de Cervantes’  e original novel of Don Quixote, purchased from the EdFringe website. volved in long lost episodes of the TV classic novel Don Quixote. published in two volumes in 1605 BEDs Secretary Portia Dodds com- series Doctor Who shot in Gwynedd Directed by Sam Clark and Becki and 1615, is considered to be one of mented “Everyone is incredibly ex- nearly 50 years ago.  e manager is Moss, the BEDS’ adaptation follows a the most in uential works of Spanish cited about performing at the Fringe. keen to invite them as guests of hon- self-proclaimed, bumbling Don Quix- literature, as well as a foundational Getting the chance to perform to the our at the special screening of Peter ote (played by Zoology student An- text in modern Western literature. public is always exhilarating and the Capaldi’s  rst episode as the famous by IDA VÄISÄNEN drew Hull), inadequately assisted by  e novel depicts the adventures of fact that we are performing at the fa- Time Lord. Kempster is looking to [email protected] his companion Sancho Panza (English Alonso Quixiano, who reads so many mous Edinburgh Fringe is a brilliant trace anyone who was an actor, ex- graduate Daniel Chadwick), as he sets chivalric novels that he sets out to be- opportunity as it means not only pro- tra or technical crew in the six-part tudents and graduates of Bangor out to  nd his lost love Dulcinea (Eng- come a knight, proclaiming himself as moting the university and the society adventure ‘ e Abominable Snow- University will be performing lish graduate Imogen Rowe). Don Quixote. to the public. BEDS is growing with man’ shot in the Nant Ffrancon Pass at the largest art festival in the  e supporting cast for the perfor-  e shows will run 11th – 23rd talent and enthusiasm every year and in Snowdonia. worldS this month, as BEDS (Bangor mance are Leila Gwynne, Edward August (except the 17th) at the Ed- hopefully being in the Fringe for a English Dramatic Society, winners Lang-Whiston, and Asher-Megan inburgh Festival Fringe. e perfor- third year will attract even more inter- of ‘Best Performance’ at the Bangor Humphries. Behind-the-scenes sup- mance will take place at Surgeons’ est.” Community Issue 2014 | Seren 7 NEWS Kayakers in dire straits In Brief Did not pay attention to weather warnings Injury at Bounce Below A 15-year-old air cadet su ered a spinal injury and was treated in hos- pital following a visit to the Bounce Below centre at Llechwedd Slate Caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog.  e attraction operator’s say the boy had a pre-existing medical condition and blacked out, however the incident is being reviewed by Health and Safety Executive o cials. Sean Taylor who runs the attraction stressed: “We will get these incidents.  at’s why we have risk assessments and quali ed safety instructors.”  e teenager was discharged from hospital later on that day having made a full recovery. It is still unclear how the boy came to be hurt. New Park rescue the kayakers, who were taking organisers had safety measures in one of the lifeboat volunteers.  e part in a 600km race to Cardi as part place, watch manager Jim Green of wind speed of 30 knots made for very of the INTERA event, a er they had Holyhead coastguard was unaware of rough conditions in the Straits, caus- for set o from Caernarfon and racing to the experience of the kayakers, and ing the volunteer to strike his head on Conwy.  e lifeboats were dispatched therefore decided to act ‘as a precau- the lifeboat console. He was knocked as a precautionary measure a er re- tionary measure’. He said: “I thought unconscious and su ered facial inju- Anglesey ports of a kayaker capsizing, although it prudent to get lifeboats in the water ries. A coastguard spokesman stated: it was later reported that they were not to ascertain that all was well and eve- “ ey were one mile from Trearddur by BECKI WATSON SPEAKING at a packed booth in the a part of the race. ryone was accounted for.’ Bay and conditions were very rough [email protected] Anglesey show, former MP Lleaun  e di cult conditions o of the All competitors in the ITERA race, at the time.  e crew member was Wyn Jones has announced a new west Anglesey coast caused problems which takes place over seven days and rendered unconscious and su ered £10 million science park in Gaerwen xactly 140 kayakers had to be when it came to launching the Beau- attracts competitors from all over the facial injuries when he hit his head on which will be the only one of its kind guided to safety by the coast- maris lifeboat, so the Treaddur Bay world, were uninjured and exited the the console. He was airli ed to Ysbyty in Wales.  e Menai Science Park guard a er being caught in and Porthdinllaen lifeboats were dis- water in Bangor, then continued the Gwynedd where he is under observa- will bring high-paid, high-skilled “veryE choppy” conditions in the Me- patched to aid in the rescue e ort. race on bikes to the  nish point in tion but is said to be OK.” private sector jobs to Anglesey. Jones nai Straits. Although the racers were very ex- Conwy. has stated that the science park will  ree lifeboats were dispatched to perienced kayakers, and the event  e only injury of the day came from be a “place to develop technology, projects and ideas” and that the park is “a very exciting prospect for the is- land.”  e park is hoping to open in ree-legged Snowdon walk 2016 or 2017. Beth Titterton diagnosed with brain tumours Trio aim to raise money for e Brain Tumour Charity Fall in April with two large tumours in her keep my sprits high and for that I can- most amazing feeling.” crime brain. She has since had one removed not thank them enough.”  ose who If you wish to sponsor the group, with surgery and the other has shrunk have supported me through donat- the link to their Just Giving page is due to targeted radiotherapy. Despite ing to  e Brain Tumour Charity are https://www.justgiving.co.uk/thef- rate for the success of surgery Beth remains equally incredible. Knowing I’ve been list. a ‘Cancer with Unknown Primary a part of raising this money is the by STEPHANIE source patient’ as despite numerous Gwynedd YEABSLEY scans and tests doctors have been un- [email protected] able to identify the nature of the can- cer and where it is spreading from. LATEST  gures have shown that Organiser Emily explained that they crime in the Gwynedd region has n August 30th, Bangor Uni- decided to write a bucket list of things fallen by three percent between April versity graduates Katherine they wanted to do with Beth to help 2013 and March 2014. Winston Rod- Seazell, 25, Beth Titterton, 22 her through her treatment. “One of dick the North Wales Police Crime andO Emily Walker, 23 will be walking the things on this list was raise £1,000 Commissioner believes the fallen up Snowdon via the Llanberis Path, for charity.” Emily said “We threw a crime rate is due to an increased three-legged with a group of nearly 50 few ideas around and eventually came con dence in the North Wales Police others. up with the idea of climbing Snowdon force. 70 percent of people surveyed  is group of past and present Ban- three-legged – a mad, tough but hope- stated they had con dence in North gor students have come together in the fully great challenge for a great cause.” Wales Police and 86 percent said they hope to raise £1,000 for  e Brain Tu- Speaking about the amount of sup- had been treated with respect by the mour Charity by completing the walk port she has received Beth said “ e police force.  e recorded levels of and organising a fundraising event. support I’ve been o ered through crime are lower than both the Eng- Beth Titterton was diagnosed in positive messages has really helped land and Wales average. 8 Seren | Community Issue 2014 SEREN DECIDED TO REWARD THE FANTASTIC BUSINESSES OF BANGOR FOR A SECOND TIME!

OUR READERS VOTED AND 4 HERE ARE THE WINNERS:

MOST STUDENT FRIENDLY

BEST HAIR SALON BANGOR’S FAVOURITE BUSINESS

As a way to forge links between stu- dents and local businesses, Seren set up the Local Business Awards to celebrate the businesses that are important to the students. We hope that these awards will bring awareness to the hard working local businesses and add some healthy competition between them. We feel our rst Business Awards were a great success and we hope to continue BEST TATTOO SHOP them for years to come. So remember BEST RESTAURANT to keep visiting your favourite shops, restaurants and pubs and look out for the Awards next year and vote for your favourite hideaway.

BEST LOCAL BEST TAKEOUT VOTERS’ CHOICE AWARD: INDEPENDENT G.WILLIAMS & SON BUTCHERS Community Issue 2014 | Seren 9 POLITICS

The aftermath of an Israeli airstrike in the Al Shejaeiya neighbourhood, July 22 2014 What can social media tell us about the Gaza con ict? by EMILY HOULSTONJONES Gaza strip itself. A quick glance at  e people of Israel were given refugee camps are constant tar- blossoming across the internet my Facebook feed shows me that land by the UN to form a Zionist gets of rockets launched by Israel will solidify into something more ven the most politically una- I am not the only person who has state, in an attempt to rectify the into the Gaza strip, and this has concrete, as seen during the Arab ware among us will have taken note of the long-lasting war con ict between the Arabian and provoked humanitarian outrage, Spring of 2010-2011 (when tweets found it impossible to ignore between two countries separated Jewish inhabitants of Palestine. not only on social networks, but of human rights outrages in coun- theE escalating con ict in Gaza in by a land border and over 70 years Old Palestine was split into two in the UN itself. People are seeing tries such as Egypt led to uprisings the past few weeks. of mutual hatred.  e constant di erent states: Palestine, and Is- the e ect this con ict is having on and protests), or whether the im- In the past month or so I have presence of social media in our rael.  e Arab people of Palestine the people of the Gaza Strip, and ages and stories will end up be- managed to remain almost entirely lives has truly made it impossible were not happy with this solution, they are not liking what they are ing nothing more than a poign- secluded from any kind of news as to ignore any kind of humanitar- and so a decade-spanning con ict seeing. Teenager Farah Baker, who ant reminder of the true cost of a my life became a slowly dwindling ian crisis. began, with the thorny issues of is 16 and lives on the Gaza Strip, con ict. Only time will tell if so- space made up entirely of summer To explain the con ict in-depth land-ownership, national identity, is one such person who is demon- cial media will have any kind of reading and job-hunting. Yet still would probably entail me taking religion, and imperialism (Britain strating the realities of war using sustainable in uence on the Gaza the Gaza con ict, and the hor- up this entire newspaper and still had ruled Palestine for nearly 30 social media, having live-tweeted con ict. ri c stories that have emerged as missing out crucial facts, view- years prior to the UN decision.) an Israeli bomb attack, using the a result, have permeated my lazy points, and events. To explain But it isn’t the history of the con- twitter handle @Farah_Gazan. student existence in North Wales, the con ict at a surface level is,  ict that has a ected us so deeply. It remains to be seen whether or over 2000 miles away from the paradoxically, extremely easy. It is the human cost. Schools and not the proliferation of outrage Scotland...U ‘K? Salmond and Darling face o in televised debate over Scotland’s tenuous future by EMILY HOULSTONJONES pendence came in the form of a tel- people’s decisions on how to vote in land, would be the head of any In- land would use). evised debate on the 6th of August the referendum, the polls answered dependent Scottish government, so Darling was equally evasive when it ith just over a month un- between Scottish First Minister Alex with a resounding: “ ey didn’t.”  e many were listening eagerly for his came to the question of Scotland post- til the Scottish Independ- Salmond ( rmly entrenched in the pro-independence voters have not plans for a newly independent Scot- referendum. Unable to answer what ence Referendum, debate is “Yes” camp) and Alistair Darling, cur- been swayed, nor have those against tish government. Many would have additional devolved powers Scotland heatingW up between the two opposing rent MP for one of Edinburgh’s con- independence. True, a few undecided been disappointed. He de ned any fu- could expect to receive should the sides. stituencies and ex-Chancellor of the voters have migrated to the Yes camp, ture Scottish government according to referendum return a “No” verdict, he  e referendum, which will be Exchequer. but it is very likely that those who what it would not be. It would not be instead focused on minutely attacking held on the 18th of September, will First impressions seem to indicate when  rst asked declared themselves dictated by Westminster politicians, it Salmond’s arguments. An admirable ask the voters one, seemingly sim- that Darling came out top, with every undecided will choose to remain so by would not be subject to unfair taxes quality in a debate, certainly, but one ple, question: “Should Scotland be post-debate poll agreeing on his dom- abstaining from voting. levied by people with no intimate which does not exactly inspire con - an independent country?”  ose ination. But, as we learnt during the Overall, the polls seem to agree that knowledge of Scotland, and it would dence for the future of Scotland. who are arguing for and against the pre-General Election televised debate, the “No” campaign is ahead, as it has (probably) not have a new currency.  e debate o ered no true answers, proposal have been given similarly triumph during a debate does not nec- been for the past year. So, all in all, the His debate style seemed to focus more perfectly representing the current laconic names by the press, having essarily translate to votes (most likely debate seems like a useless exercise. on what is wrong with the current state of Scotland: caught in a limbo been deemed the “Yes” and “No” cam- a very painful truth for Nick Clegg, But even if it cannot predict the out- form of government is Scotland, as between independence and depend- paigns.  ese simple campaign names who was widely considered the star come of the referendum itself, could it opposed to any plans for a new form ence, waiting for a referendum which belie the complicated questions that of the three televised debates and yet give us a few key insights into a future of government (demonstrated by may not provide the answers that the both sets of campaigners must answer. whose party limped into third place in beyond the referendum? his squeamish swerving when asked country needs.  e attempt to answer some of the the General Election).  e short answer is no. about the very important question of more thorny issues of Scottish inde- In terms of if the debates will impact Salmond, as First Minister of Scot- what currency an independent Scot- 10 Seren | Community Issue 2014 UNION Student Student’s Union Fundraising Housing Take your Sport Relief Mile time ast year the Athletic Union or- including via both online and on the ganised the Community Sport day sign-ups and sponsorship. It was to sign Relief Mile at Treborth. a great event, with 200 people from LWe contributed to £70 million that both the local community and univer-  is year, as part of the students’ was raised nationally between 21st- sity involved.  e Sport Relief Mile is unions housing campaign, we have 23rd March. Sport Relief is a national organised every 2 years, so we will be put together a ‘Take Your Time to charity that supports transforming running the event again in 2016. Sign’ campaign focusing on the as- lives both at home in the UK and pects of house hunting that new and across the world. We raised over £1000 returning students should do before signing a tenancy agreement. Starting from Welcome Week on 22nd September right up until 1st De- cember, we will be working with stu- RNLI Fundraiser dents and the housing o ce to keep tenants informed on what standards work, by providing additional equip- to look for. From contract proo ng ithin the Athletic Union, ment and contributing to the running and housing advice, to house hunting there are a variety of wa- of the RNLI. help from our housing hand scheme, ter and coastal based clubs We support the fantastic work of the there is plenty of help available to you andW societies, all of whom are very ac- RNLI at the start of Semester 1 with to ensure the best housing experience. tive.  ey are safe in the knowledge a specially themed Athletic Union that despite their training and activity Night. planning there is a skilled and rapid Our local Lifeboat station is in Landlord resource available should they ever Beaumaris and as an Athletic Union awards need help.  is voluntary Search and we raised £1290.46.  e event will be Rescue service operates 24/7, 365 days repeated in October 2014. Since it’s launch earlier this year, the a year and our funds help support their Landlord Awards have been viewed as an excellent way to highlight the positive experiences that landlords bring to our students and the local community.  is year we are set to run the event again with another award up for grabs and more advertising to make it bigger and better. Look out for the nominations opening on 1st Decem- ber along with further information on our website (www.bangorstu- dents.com) of how to get involved! Tenants’ Forum  is year, as part of the Housing Campaign, we have decided to launch a Tenants’ Forum.  is is where peo- ple from across Bangor can come together to talk about the challenges, positives, and ideas around student housing in Bangor. By bringing to- gether students, the University, local councillors, the police, landlords, and the Students’ Union, we can work together to tackle problems and im- prove experiences.

Housing Hand Student Volunteering Bangor (SVB) Housing Hand is a brand new vol- Children with Cancer UK and a er Appeal in Bangor over a sustained pe- considered for support from Bangor unteering initiative at the Students’ olunteers from Bangor Uni- several months of successful fund- riod of time and ‘ e Lord Lieutenant University RAG in the next academic Union. It will provide students with versity RAG (Raising And raising, each group were awarded of Gwynedd’s Merit Cup’ for the larg- year, should write to RAG at rag.man- the opportunity buddy up with an- Giving), a group within Stu- £1,270.86. est percentage increase of fundraising [email protected] or by post, other student, who has been trained Vdent Volunteering Bangor, recently In addition, RAG volunteers have since last year. Additionally £281.61  e Students’ Union, Oswald’s, Victo- to look for the important things when awarded funds to their four chosen helped raise funds for a number of was raised for the People of Bangor ria Drive, Bangor, LL57 2EN provid- renting, to attend house viewings. charities. At the beginning of each ac- other charities including the Mo- Community Group and £1,128.78 for ing as much detail as possible about As well as providing support to ademic year, the group, who hold nu- vember campaign, KIM Inspire, MS the MS Society. their organisation or fund no later students, the Housing Hand scheme merous fundraising events through- Trust and Tenovus.  e student group Numerous large and small scale than 30th September 2014 . For more will also give new students more ad- out the year, choose four charities for raised £850 for the local Poppy Ap- events were held throughout the year information you can call the Student vice on what they need to look out which to fundraise. peal and were recognised for their and included sponsored leg waxes, Volunteering Bangor o ce on 01248 for and what questions they should  is year, the charities which ben- contribution by being awarded ‘ e pub quizzes, a Harry Potter theme 388021. ask in the future when searching for a e tted from RAG’s support were Ynys Chief Constable of North Wales Police night and several street collections in house, gradually improving expected Môn and Gwynedd Mind, St. David’s Award for Unit Endeavour’ which rec- and around Bangor. standards. Hospice, Prostate Cancer UK and ognises RAG’s support of the Poppy Any local charity wishing to be Community Issue 2014 | Seren 11 UNION Codi Arian Undeb Myfyrwyr Milltir Sport Relief Codi Arian RNLI

 wyddyn ddiwethaf trefnodd ar y diwrnod. Roedd yn ddigwyddiad ae gennym amryw o gly- y  wyddyn, ac mae ein cyllid yn helpu yr Undeb Athletau’r  lltir gwych, gyda 200 o fyfyrwyr o’r gy- biau a chymdeithasau sydd i gefnogi eu gwaith, drwy ddarparu of- Sport Relief cymunedol ar muned a’r Brifysgol yn cymryd rhan. wedi’u lleoli ar y dŵr ac ar y fer ychwanegol a chyfrannu at gynnal Ydrac a chae Treborth. Roeddem ni’n Trefnir y  lltir Sport Relief bob dwy Mglannau, sydd i gyd yn weithgar iawn. yr RNLI. rhan o’r £70,000,000 a godwyd rh- 2  ynedd, felly byddwn yn cynnal y Er gwaethaf eu hy orddiant a’u cynl- Rydym ni’n cefnogi gwaith rhagorol wng 21ain-23ain Mawrth. Elusen digwyddiad eto yn lunio gweithgareddau, mae ganddynt yr RNLI ar ddechrau Semester 1 gyda genedlaethol sy’n cefnogi trawsnewid 2016. dawelwch meddwl bod yna adnodd noson thema arbennig gan yr UA. bywydau gartref ym Mhrydain ac ar medrus a chy ym ar gael os bydd Mae ein gorsaf bad achub lleol ym draws y byd. Bu i ni godi dros £1000 arnynt byth angen help. Mae’r gwasan- Miwmares yn cynnwys rhai a gofrestrodd ar gy- aeth Chwilio ac Achub gwirfoddol fer y  lltir ar-lein a rhedwyr a dalodd hwn yn gweithredu 24/7, 365 diwrnod

Gwirfoddoli Myfyrwyr Bangor(GMB)

Eleni, yr elusennau a gafodd fudd Ymdrech Uned iddynt am gyfrannu’n Dylai unrhyw elusen leol sy’n dy- n ddiweddar cy- o gefnogaeth RAG oedd Mind Ynys ddygn dros gyfnod o amser i Apêl y muno cael ei hystyried ar gyfer ei  wynodd gwir- Môn a Gwynedd, Hosbis Dewi Sant, Pabi ym Mangor, yn ogystal â Chw- chefnogi gan RAG Prifysgol Bangor foddolwyr RAG Prostate Cancer UK a Children with pan Teilyngdod Arglwydd Raglaw yn y  wyddyn academaidd nesaf ys- YPrifysgol Bangor, un o gr- Cancer UK ac yn dilyn misoedd o Gwynedd am y ganran uchaf o gyn- grifennu at RAG ar rag.manager@my- wpiau Gwirfoddoli Myfyr- godi arian yn llwyddiannus, gwnaed nydd mewn codi arian ers y llynedd. fyrwyrbangor.com neu drwy’r post at wyr Bangor, eu cyfrania- cyfraniad o £1,270.86 i bob grŵp. Yn ychwanegol codwyd £281.61 ar Undeb y Myfyrwyr, Bryn Haul, Heol dau ariannol blynyddol i’r Ymhellach, mae gwirfoddolwyr gyfer Grŵp Cymunedol Pobl Bangor a Fictoria, Bangor LL57 2EN a darparu pedair elusen o’u dewis. Ar RAG wedi helpu i godi arian at amryw £1,128.78 i’r Gymdeithas MS. cymaint o wybodaeth â phosib am ddechrau pob blwyddyn o elusennau gan gynnwys Ymgyrch Trefnwyd amryw o ddigwyddiadau eu mudiad neu gronfa a hynny dim academaidd, bydd y grŵp, Tashwedd (Movember), KIM Inspire, ar raddfa fawr ac eraill ar raddfa lai hwyrach na 30 Medi 2014. Gellir cael sy’n cynnal nifer o ddig- Ymddiriedolaeth MS a Tenovus. Co- dros y  wyddyn gan gynnwys cwyro mwy o wybodaeth gan Swyddfa Gwir- wyddiadau codi arian dodd y grŵp o fyfyrwyr £850 i’r Apêl coesau wedi’i noddi, cwisiau tafarn a foddoli Myfyrwyr Bangor drwy onio dros y  wyddyn, yn dewis Pabi lleol ac yn gydnabyddiaeth am noson thema Harry Potter, a nifer o 01248 388021. pedair elusen i godi arian hynny dyfarnwyd Gwobr Prif Gwn- gasgliadau arian yn y stryd ym Man- drostynt. stabl Heddlu Gogledd Cymru am gor a’r cy niau. Y LLEF | Rhifyn y Gymuned 2014 Tudalen 12

GAIR GAN Y GOLYGYDD Rydw i wedi bod yn aelod o bwyllgor i’r brifysgol yn unig. Mae’n bapur- Rydym yn chwilio am ysgrifenwyr, diweddaraf, adolygiadau cy rous a Y Llef, ac yn is-olygydd yr adran newydd y gallwn ni i gyd, fel cyd- hysbysebwyr, dosbarthwyr, llawer mwy. Mynnwch gopi! adolygiadau ers imi gyrraedd Prifysgol fyfyrwyr Cymraeg y brifysgol, fod yn technegwyr, dylunwyr, neu Bangor yn las-fyfyriwr ym mis Medi, falch ohono. unrhywbeth arall yr ydych yn teimlo Manon Elwyn 2013. Mae cael bod yn rhan o dîm Y Dros y ddwy  ynedd bod gennych i’w gynnig i Y Llef. Llef wedi bod yn bro ad amhrisiadwy, ddiwethaf, rydym wedi bod yn uned Cysylltwch â mi am fwy o wybodaeth ac mae ysgrifennu deunydd a dylunio gref iawn o fewn pwyllgor y papur- neu i roi eich enw ymlaen ar gyfer y tudalennau ar gyfer pob rhifyn yn newydd, ac wedi derbyn cyfraniadau tymor nesaf waith helaeth gan fyfyrwyr. Rydym yn (manylion cyswllt ar waelod y cy rous iawn. ddibynnol ar gefnogaeth gref a dudalen). Rydw i’n falch iawn bod papur- chyfraniad myfyrwyr Bangor. Dylwn Bydd Rhifyn y Glas yn cael newydd Cymraeg Prifysgol Bangor bwysleisio felly bod nifer o lefydd ar ei gyhoeddi ychydig ddyddiau cyn yn mynd o nerth i nerth, yn enwedig gael ar y pwyllgor y  wyddyn i Wythnos y Glas ddechrau, felly yn ystod y  wyddyn ddiwethaf. Mae academaidd nesaf, ac rydym yn bydd yr holl wybodaeth y byddwch gennym gynulleidfa lawer ehangach chwilio am unrhyw un sydd yn ei angen ar gyfer yr wythnos ar gael erbyn hyn, yn ymestyn y tu hwnt frwdfrydig i ymuno â’r papur. yn y rhifyn, ynghyd â’r newyddion Facebook: Llef Bangor E-bost: [email protected] GAIR GAN LYWYDD UMCB rydym am weld nifer fwy o ddigwyddiadau fl wyddyn nesaf eto. Bydd yna gyfl e hefyd gyda’r gymuned, yn rhan o galendr UMCB. i fyfyrwyr UMCB fynd i Gaeredin ar gyfer y Gyda chynlluniau am gyfl eoedd gwirfoddoli, daith fl ynyddol i weld un o gemau rygbi'r nosweithiau Clwb Cymru yn agored i’r Chwe Gwlad yn erbyn yr Alban. Mae hyn yn gymuned ac Wythnos Gymraeg ac Ieithoedd gyfl e gwych i bawb gymdeithasu gyda’i gilydd Lleiafrifol ar ddiwedd mis Chwefror. a gyda nifer o fyfyrwyr o brifysgolion eraill. Ac Dros y fl wyddyn ddiwethaf mae UMCB fel dwi’n ei wybod o fl ynyddoedd blaenorol, wedi cael ambell lwyddiant hefyd drwy ennill mae’n siŵr y gwelwn ni ambell i un ohonoch yr Eisteddfod Ryngolegol unwaith eto ac yn chi yno i gefnogi. Mae UMCB yn mynd o nerth i nerth o barod i gadw’r darian pan fyddwn yn teithio Felly cadwch lygad ar beth sydd fl wyddyn i fl wyddyn ac eleni, mae’n argoeli i lawr i Aberystwyth y fl wyddyn nesaf. Roedd ymlaen gyda ni a sut y gallwch chi fod yn i fod yn fl wyddyn lewyrchus arall. Y llynedd tîm pêl-droed UMCB hefyd yn dathlu eleni rhan o weithgareddau UMCB drwy edrych gwelwyd digwyddiadau gan Gymdeithas y ar ôl ennill eu lle ar dop eu cynghrair ac mi ar ein tudalen Gweplyfr newydd a fydd yn Ddrama Gymraeg yn dangos y dramâu enwog fyddent yn ôl y fl wyddyn nesaf i frwydro weithredol ar ddechrau mis Medi. Bobi a Sami a Siwan, nosweithiau Meic Agored unwaith eto am y brig. Mae yna groeso i chi yn Nhafarn y Glôb a chôr Aelwyd JMJ yn ddod i gefnogi’r bechgyn ar eu hymgyrch y Guto Gwilym canu mewn cyngherddau. Y fl wyddyn nesaf Y LLEF | Rhifyn y Gymuned 2014 Tudalen 13 EISTEDDFOD GENEDLAETHOL BETH 2014 YW’R LLEF? Papur-newydd Cymraeg i fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Bangor yw Y Llef. Caiff ei gynllunio a’i ysgrifennu gan fyfyrwyr y Brifysgol, ac mae pob un o’r pedwar rhifyn a gyhoeddir yn ystod y flwyddyn yn cael ei ddosbarthu am ddim i fyfyrwyr Bangor. Mae cynnwys y papur yn amrywiol iawn – o’r newyddion diweddaraf i ffasiwn stryd fawr Bangor! Mae’r Papur hefyd yn cynnwys ‘Yr Hadau’, sef atodiad i fyfyrwyr ail-iaith a Eleni, cynhaliwyd yr Nhalwrn y Beirdd. Roedd Dr myfyrwyr, yn ogystal o werth amhrisiadwy i dysgwyr Cymraeg. Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Llion Jones, Cyfarwyddwr â Maes B, cynhaliwyd ddyfodol yr iaith. Gyda Mae yn y Brifysgol yn Llanelli, Sir Gaerfyrddin. Canolfan Bedwyr, yn un o gigiau Cymdeithas yr Iaith chymaint o ddarpariaeth dros 3000 o fyfyrwyr sy’n Dyma’r tro cyntaf iddi fod feirniaid cystadleuaeth y Gymraeg yn nhref Llanelli, wych i’r di-Gymraeg yn yr siarad Cymraeg fel iaith yn y sir ers pedair blynedd Gadair hefyd! ac roedd Ca Maes B ar y Eisteddfod, mae’n hawdd gyntaf, ac mae llawer o’r ar ddeg, felly mae’n deg Un o’r maes yn dynfa boblogaidd iddynt deimlo’n gartrefol 7000 o fyfyrwyr eraill sydd dweud bod yr ardal wedi ucha wyntiau mwyaf oedd ac yn lle braf i ymlacio yn ar y maes. Dyma sydd gan gennym yn dechrau dysgu bod yn edrych ymlaen at clywed mai Guto Dafydd ystod y dydd a chysgodi yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol pan gyrhaeddant Fangor, ei chroesawu. Dylid nodi a enillodd y Goron – cyn- rhag yr haul tanbaid. i’w ddweud ar eu gwefan: gyda 2000 yn dysgu trwy hefyd mai dyma’r Eisteddfod fyfyriwr o Brifysgol Bangor. Mae’r Eisteddfod gyrsiau’r Brifysgol. Mae Y Genedlaethol gyntaf Yn 24 oed, mae Guto’n “Mae ein stondinwyr Llef mewn sefyllfa unigryw erioed i’r Archdderwydd a un o’r beirdd ieuengaf yn hapus i ddelio fel cyfrwng cyfathrebu  refnydd yr Eisteddfod fod erioed i ennill y Goron gydag ymwelwyr yn y gyda’r boblogaeth fyfyrwyr, yn ferched ar y cyd. Cafodd yn y Brifwyl. Roedd 32 Gymraeg neu’r Saesneg, gan y dosberthir y Papur Dr Christine James ei hethol wedi cystadlu, ond Guto ac mae arwyddion yr mewn amryw o leoliadau yn Archdderwydd yn 2012, a ddaeth i’r brig gyda’i Eisteddfod ei hun a’r ar hyd a lled campws y a hi yw’r ferch gyntaf i ddal ddilyniant o 10 cerdd wybodaeth o amgylch y Brifysgol a’r neuaddau y swydd. Eleni, roedd Elen digynghanedd heb fod Maes yn ddwyieithog er preswyl. Elis wrth y llyw yn trefnu’r dros 250 llinell ar y testun mwyn sicrhau bod pawb Y llynedd, ŵyl, y ferch gyntaf erioed i ‘Tyfu’. Llongyfarchiadau yn gallu crwydro’r Maes dosbarthwyd hefyd gopiau fod yn Drefnydd. lu i Guto. yn hawdd, a gwneud y o gwmpas cymuned Bangor Mae canmol mawr Mae’n newyddion gorau o’u hymweliad.” a’r tu hwnt, ac mae’r papur wedi bod i’r Eisteddfod calonogol bod 143,502 wedi yn lle hynod gymdeithasol wedi cael ymateb da gan eleni, ac mae nifer o ymweld ag Eisteddfod Sir – mae’n amhosib cerdded Mae’n bro ad ysbrydoledig ddarllenwyr o’r tu allan i’r ucha wyntiau yn fy marn Gâr eleni. Er bod hynny ymhell i unman heb stopio i weld bod nifer yn Brifysgol. Erbyn hyn, mae i. Un ucha wynt oedd 10,000 yn llai na’r llynedd i siarad â rhywun yr ydych dysgu’r iaith o ganlyniad copiau electronig o’r Llef gweld cynifer o aelodau o yn Ninbych, roedd y yn ei adnabod ar y maes. i’w hymweliad cyntaf i’r ar gael sy’n golygu bod Brifysgol Bangor yn cymryd nifer ychydig yn fwy nag Mae’n debyg mai dyna sy’n Eisteddfod. rhagor o fyfyrwyr a phobl rhan yng ngweithgareddau’r yn y ddwy Eisteddfod fy nenu i bob blwyddyn Y  wyddyn nesaf, yn gallu gweld y Papur – Eisteddfod, er enghrai ddiwethaf yn y de. Mae’n i’r Eisteddfod; mae gallu cynhelir Eisteddfod rydym hyd yn oed wedi cymerodd Gru udd Antur debyg fod cynnydd yn y edrych ymlaen at gwrdd Genedlaethol Maldwyn a’r denu darllenwyr o wledydd ac Elis Dafydd ran yn gweithgareddau yn ystod â’r rheini nad ydych yn Gororau ym Meifod. Mae’n ar draws y byd gan gynnwys y dydd a’r nos wedi eu gweld yn aml iawn yn rhaid imi ddweud fy mod yn Lloegr, Ffrainc, yr Ariannin denu nifer helaeth o bro ad arbennig i’r Cymry edrych ymlaen ati’n barod, ac America! Rydym yn falch ymwelwyr o bob twll yn ystod y Brifwyl. a hynny, i raddau helaeth, iawn ein bod yn apelio at a chornel o Gymru Ond dros y oherwydd llwyddiant gynulleidfa mor eang, ac yn ystod yr wythnos. blynyddoedd, mae’r ysgubol yr Eisteddfod eleni rydym yn gobeithio parhau I blant, mae mwy nag Eisteddfod wedi bod yn yn Llanelli. i wneud hynny yn ystod y erioed i’w wneud – wal hybu pobl ddi-Gymraeg flwyddyn academaidd nesaf. ddringo, clwb meithrin, eu hiaith i ddod i’r ŵyl. dosbarthiadau dawns, Mewn ardaloedd ble nad Manon Elwyn stondin syrcas, ac oes fawr o Gymraeg yn Manon Elwyn yn y blaen. O ran cael ei siarad, gall hyn fod 14 Seren | Community Issue 2014 INTERVIEW HAZEL MANUEL AUTHOR OF ‘KANYAKUMARI’

Hazel Manuel recently left a successful career as CEO of an education company to write full time. Her homes are nearby in North Wales and Par- is. When not writing Hazel is often travelling and her passion is to explore the wild and beautiful unexplored parts of the world. Hazel loves to explore ideas, concepts and places. Kanyakumari introduces you to the mysteries of Rachel, Gina and Sandrine as they journey through India.

How did you get into writing, has feel excited by this opportunity. I hotel room in Delhi. I knew that my psyche. Being amid so much natural nal check of my e mails in a plane is always been something you en- write every day and I love it! novel was missing something, so beauty and power has allowed both - I was going trekking in the Sahara joy? I took it back to India to continue subtle and not so subtle changes to and I don’t know what I was more I told my English teacher when I What would you say were your working on it there and found San- take place in my creative imagina- excited about! A couple of glasses of was young that I’d be a writer. I fol- main in uences for Kanyakumari? drine and her story. India is a magical tion and certainly my narratives, my Champagne found a good home on lowed a conventional career, but I I had wanted to visit Kanyaku- place characters, my settings have these that  ight! always found ways to write as well. mari since I was a child and having amongst their heritage. So, when I was a teacher I wrote edu- much of my rst novel set there What do you want your readers We’d like to know about the Lon- cational materials and textbooks. is tting. The time I spent in India to get from you work? Tell us a little about ‘Cli ’ and don Welsh Literature Festival and When in business I wrote business- greatly in uenced me in many ways I’d like my readers to move with ‘The Geranium Woman’? your reading at Palas Print, what related articles. I very much prefer and I wanted to get something of my characters through an inner The Geranium Woman is my next can we expect? writing novels though. the power, the contradictions, the journey of their own. My charac- novel to be published in 2015. It Both will be fun. The London Welsh mystery and the life of that country ters are  awed and messy and often follows the fortunes of a bereaved Literature Festival celebrates writing You gave up a successful career into my novel. I also have a need to uncertain. They are deeply human career woman who profoundly with a strong Welsh connection. My to become a writer, what made explore universal human themes - and as such I hope that their fears, questions what is important in her Wales-based publishers Cinnamon you do that? Do you ever regret it? fear, loss, alienation, seperateness, their musings, their little epiphanies life with surprising results. It also ex- Press have an evening showcasing Yes I was a company CEO. And no connectedness, friendship. These speak in a meaningful way to the plores certain facets of business and their authors who, with me me will I dont regret becoming a full time concerns fascinate me and as such reader. boardroom life, the cut and thrust, be reading from their work. The Ban- writer at all. I worked hard and had I am in uenced in my life and in my the ethics, the outcomes. Cli is my gor launch of Kankakumari at Palas a rewarding career which a ored writing by thinkers,and writers who Has North Wales ever been an current work in progress and is,a Print will be a fabulous evening of me lots of interesting opportunites. explore similar themes. The French inspiration for your work or will it psycholical thriller. I am very much literature. There will be readings It was time to make the change Existentialsts have been amongst ever be? enjoying writing it! from my novel, against a backdrop though, being a full time writer was my biggest in uences. Living in North Wales for over 20 of stunning scenes of India, readings calling me powerfully. It was a great years has in uenced me profoundly Congratulations on winning the from other fantastic writers, plus leap of faith but I didn’t take the The style of the novel was inter- and hopefully my writing has ben- Best New Novel Award, how did book signings, all over a civilised decision lightly, and I planned the esting, what made you include e tted from that. Living within an that feel? glass of wine. change with care. Having taken this Sandrine’s Letters? such an extraordinarily powerful Thank you! I found out that Kan- radical step over a year ago, I feel still Ah Sandrine... I dreamed her in a landscape can’t fail to enter in the yakumari had won whilst having a Community Issue 2014 | Seren 15 WHAT’S ON

Main: Last year’s festival had a huge turnout Inset: Lobster seller, Maurice MENAI SEAFOOD FESTIVAL DATE: 29TH  31ST AUGUST 2014  VENUE: MENAI BRIDGE, ANGLESEY by IDA VAISANEN Last year's rst ever festival was a on Menai Bridge or Palas Print in the day from 10am to 6pm. There festival has also teamed up with lo- huge success, attracting over 10,000 Bangor. will be hands-on cookery sessions cal artists, marine biologists and enai Seafood Festival re- visitors. While examining the events On Saturday the 30th the events sponsored and run by Bodnant chefs to run a project for local pri- turns 29 - 31 of August. lined up for this year's festival, you will include a local produce market, Welsh Food Centre, focusing on such mary schools that combines science, M After a successful rst fes- can expect this year's festival to be a champagne & oyster bar, seashore delights as traditional Welshcakes, food and art. tival held in August of 2013, the Me- just as successful. safaris for kids and cooking demos pasta and of course seafood. Cook- If looking for a chance to connect nai Seafood Festival returns to Me- On Friday 29th the festival from local restaurants throughout ing demos will also be arranged by with your local produce of all kinds nai Bridge at the end of this month. opens with a concert featuring inter- the day. From 6pm-9pm the evening such local restaurants as Dylan's, The and enjoy the warm communal spir- The festival was rst set to promote national harpist Catrin Finch as the will continue with lantern proces- Black Lion and the Oyster Catcher it while discovering the wonderful the local shing industry and to re- headliner. Other performers include sion and live music by Elin F ur, Gil- among others. variety of local seafood, the Menai connect people with the array of Casi Wyn, Chris Jones and Côr y Tra- das and Sion Richards. The evening Just like last year the festival will Seafood Festival will surely get you quality sh and seafood available in eth. The concert will take place on will end with a bang with a reworks also include demonstration tents, hooked! North Wales, bringing together local 6pm at the Heritage Centre, Prince’s performance. children's activities, presenta- Festival website: http:// shermen, farmers and producers to Pier, Menai Bridge. Tickets are avail- On Sunday 31st food takes over tions and exhibitions, pop-up arts www.menaiseafoodfestival. display their selection. able to buy online from the Seafood the nal day schedule, with cooking and crafts galleries and live music com/2013/ Festival website, Dylan's restaurant masterclasses running throughout throughout the entire festival. The

THAT’LL BE THE DAY SATURDAY NIGHT BEEGEES AUG 22ND 7.30PM AUG 29TH 7.30PM Popular demand brings this rock ‘n roll variety show Take a journey back through the band’s most iconic back to Llandudno with a brand new performance! hits with this fantastic show! 16 COMMUNITY ISSUE 2014 | SEREN SCIENCE In Brief Stem Cell Trial Success A recent pilot study by Imperial Col- lege London shows promise into stem cell research and stroke recovery. Research conducted by scientists at Imperial College London found that by isolating particular stem cells, known as CD34+, and infusing them directly into damaged areas of the brain, the damaged areas would be stimulated into growing new blood vessels and allowed the recovery of the damaged area.  e pilot study was conducted on 5 patients, 4 of which had su ered se- vere strokes.  e patients were moni- tored for 6 months and their ability to perform certain tasks was recorded. It was seen that 3 of the severe stroke patients had recovered from loss of Ebola Outbreak speech and paralysis to being able to by CHRIS GLASS primarily occur in remote villages in For this reason help has been asked only been tested on small groups and walk and care for themselves, with all Central and West Africa, usually in the from the international community. A none have been licensed.  e most 5 patients being able to take part in arlier this month the World vicinity of tropical rainforests.  e vi- press statement from the WHO’s Di- developed of the experimental drugs everyday tasks with some help. Health Organisation (WHO) rus is transmitted to humans from the rector General, Margaret Chan, urged is Zmapp which has been used on 2  is is the  rst stem cell treatment declared the Ebola outbreak, in fruit bat that is the natural hosts of the the international community to pro- US aid workers who have shown signs to have taken place a er the  rst week WesternE Africa, an international pub- virus. Once the virus has been trans- vide help stating, “Countries a ected of improvement.  e World Health of a stroke. Despite having shown lic health emergency. mitted to the human further spread to date do not have the capacity to Organisation is hosting a meeting of promising results, a larger study will  e current Ebola outbreak has been occurs relatively quickly through di- manage an outbreak of this size and medical experts in Geneva to discuss be needed in order to develop a treat- described as the largest and longest rect contact (through broken skin or complexity on their own. I urge the the use of experimental drugs such as ment of recovery for stroke victims. outbreak in history currently a ecting mucous membranes).  e incubation international community to provide Zmapp on infected patients. Even if 1,779 people.  e current outbreak time for the virus can be up to 21 days support on the most urgent basis pos- the WHO decide that experimental Tractor Beam began in Guinea in December 2013 making it very di cult to identify, iso- sible”. drugs can be used, treatment with the and has been transmitted to Liberia, late and prevent the spread. As there is currently no licensed vac- drug will be problematic as the drug Created Nigeria and Sierra Leone, causing over  e countries which are currently cine for Ebola, the only treatment is would need to be manufactured in 960 deaths. a ected by the outbreak are without based on the use of intravenous  uids large quantities which would take a PHYSICISTS from the Australian  e Ebola virus was  rst observed the necessary resources to manage the and antibiotics. Several experimental great amount of time and investment. National University in Canberra have in 1976 and outbreaks of the virus infection, with healthcare systems that treatments are in the progress of being managed to control the movement of are still in a recovery phase from war. developed, however these drugs have objects by controlling the movement of waves, essentially by tractor beam. A recent article published in the jour- nal Nature Physics explains how by creating a pattern of waves across a tank of water an object, in this case a ping pong ball, will move against the  ow of water and can be controlled to move in speci c directions.  e recent article explains how by changing the frequency and size of wave generation within a tank of water, not only the surface wave will change, but also the central current.  e central current will switch direc- tion and will create a central ‘tractor beam e ect’. According to Prof Mi- chael Shats, the paper’s senior author, surface  ows of any shape can be generated allowing any movements.  e applications of this discovery are numerous, possible examples include collecting  oating objects, manipu- lating boats and clearing oil spills. Pregnant Space and Place by STEPHEN JAMES NLPG are created and maintained by Utility companies completing road- including details on every parcel of Panda? GeoPlace, a partnership organisation works on the public highway have a land, the NLPG is an important source between the Local Government As- duty to inform the Local Highway of data for addressing purposes feed- EDINBURGH Zoo have revealed he Geographical Information sociation and Ordnance Survey, while Authority (LHA), normally a local ing into Ordnance Survey addressing that Tian Tian, one of two Giant Pan- (GI) industry predominantly LSGs and LLPGs are the responsibility authority, about their works. Likewise, products which are utilised by an ar- das loaned to the zoo from China in deals with computerised loca- Ttion data, also known as ‘spatial’ data. of custodians at a local level. as part of the Tra c Management Act ray of users. Applications of address 2011, is believed to be pregnant. Tian  e NSG includes several di erent a LHA is responsible for the mainte- data vary from use in emergency ser- Tian was arti cially inseminated ear- Containing spatial data, the National types of data, but these can be catego- nance of the local public highway and vice response systems to use by com- lier this year, a er attempts to get her Street Gazetteer (NSG) and National rized into a ‘Unique Street Reference ensuring that congestion on it is kept panies for commercial purposes such to mate failed. Iain Valentine of Edin- Land and Property Gazetteer (NLPG) Number’, ‘Street Details’ including to a minimum. By utilities and LHAs as product ordering. burgh Zoo did note caution however, cover one small area of the GI indus- the street name, ‘Spatial Geometry’ using the NSG as a common frame of Given the uses of the NSG and the warning that “the late loss of a cub”, try. in the form of a drawn representation reference, both are able to communi- NLPG there is a need to maintain as happened last year, is still possible.  e NSG and the NLPG are the de- of each street and  nally ‘Additional cate and coordinate much more e - both gazetteers to a good standard. To However, the Panda exhibit at the  nitive sources of street and address Street Data’ such as street restric- ciently in the ful lment of their duties achieve this there is a ranking system zoo will be closed from the 16th of information for England and Wales, tions.  e last category is particularly than would otherwise be possible. and annual awards for the best per- August in preparation for the birth. bringing together Local Street Gaz- important for the use of the NSG as a In comparison the NLPG has far forming local gazetteers to encourage If Tian Tian does deliver successfully, etteers (LSGs) and Local Land and centralised database of streets used by wider applications than the NSG. local custodians to maintain their gaz- the cub will be the  rst giant panda Property Gazetteers (LLPGs) main- the Streetworks industry in the noti - Containing details on every residen- etteers as e ciently and accurately as born in Britain. tained by all local authorities across England and Wales. Both the NSG and cation and coordination of roadworks. tial and non-residential property, and possible. COMMUNITY ISSUE 2014 | SEREN 17 SCIENCE In Brief Hope for the Rare Natterjack Toad SCIENTISTS are attempting to con- struct a photographic record of the endangered Scottish Natterjack toad, in an e ort to ensure the species’ sur- vival. Interestingly each individual toad is identi able by a distinct wart pattern (comparable to the human  ngerprint), making the scientist’s job slightly easier.  is species is found on saltmarshes and in sand dunes. In order to survey the Natterjack properly scientists must enter the site a er dusk armed with torches, a measuring tape and a camera.  e Postage Stamp Brain gathered information from areas such as Solway Firth will help distinguish by RICHARD DALLISON mendra Modha said the processor was inspired, neuromorphic system, and is in total. Each neuron is connected to whether the population rises or falls “a new machine for a new era”, but he a much more e cient way of handling 256 others, meaning there are more in the next few years. It is said that the cientists led by the American did admit that it would be some time large amounts of data simultaneously. than 256 million synapse connections toads presently being surveyed could technology giant IBM have this before the chip was commercially Instead of the usually used binary sys- in the chip, making it incredibly com- live between 10 to 15 years into the week produced a computer chip available.  e delay in the commercial tems of ones and zeros, TrueNorth plex, but nowhere near the human future, moreover, should they be sur- mimickingS the organisation of the hu- implementation of this ground-break- uses ‘spikes’ as a unit of computation. brain it imitates, where each neuron veyed again their existence can now man brain.  e design, published in ing new chip is due to the fact that all When its inputs are active enough, the has over 10,000 synapses. be traced back to 2014. the journal Science, describes the chip new programs must be written from chips neurons generate a spike that Even more impressively, the chip is  is is not the  rst time this toad as the size of a postage stamp, just 3 scratch to run on this new type of gets sent across the chip to other neu- in nitely scalable, with multiple units has been in the news however. In centimetres across, with one million chip.  is is the next generation a er rons, taking them closer to their own being able to be plugged together, to 1999 habitat loss, climate change and computational units called neurons the traditional style chip, conceived threshold.  is is the reason complete- make an ever more powerful device. a fungal infection also threatened its’ squeezed on to it, with each neuron in the 1940s and still in use powering ly di erent so ware must be written  ere are many envisaged applications existence. Despite this in the same connecting to 256 others. Together nearly all modern computers today. for these spiking network systems. of the chip, one of which is a robot for year a population became established these neurons create an immensely  e new chip is revolutionarily dif-  e building blocks of TrueNorth remotely searching dangerous envi- at the RSPB Mersehead Nature Re- powerful chip, which can pick out key ferent as it combines the processors are neurosynaptic cores, containing ronments, in war zones for example. serve near Dalbeattie. Pete Mint- features in a visual scene and uses very and memory that have previously 256 neurons each, Dr Modha’s team While it may be some years before ing, of the Amphibian and Reptile little power. been kept separate.  e new, heavily managed to engineer an intercon- we see this chip in day to day life, it is Conservation Trust stated that only A er over 200 person-years of work, interconnected structure of the chip, nected grid of 64 by 64 cores, creating signi cant that this huge step forward around 200 adults are le and are the projects senior author, Dr Dhar- dubbed TrueNorth, is a biologically a chip with over one million neurons has been reached. clinging on to existence. Scientists are hoping that more will be done to con- serve species closer to home. Mini Orme for Local Botanic Garden TREBORTH Botanical Gardens are helping to assist in the conserva- tion of many rare plant species from the local Great Orme at Llandudno.  e Great Orme is home to a num- ber of rare plants which are unique to the area.  e Orme’s environment is unique, its underlying geology consists of carboniferous limestone which alters the soil making it very alkaline, which coupled with its lo- cation and microclimate means that the Orme supports plant species that other places cannot, however pres- sures such as overgrazing and climate change are putting the Orme species in danger. Treborth Botanical Gardens, as- sisted by the Students for Treborth Rosetta Space Chase Action Group (STAG) from Bangor University, is hoping to create a mini- by CHRIS GLASS comets, how they were formed and months, photographing and mapping order to save power on the cra ESA Great Orme, which will replicate the whether they provided the building the comet in great detail, whilst also sent Rosetta into Hibernation for 31 conditions required for the plants to successfully thrive.  e project hopes new chapter in the space histo- blocks of life on Earth analysing the matter released from the months. However, in January Rosetta to replicate certain features of the ry books was created last week NASA’s previous attempt at studying comet as it orbits the sun. In Novem- emerged from hibernation in order Great Orme, providing suitable crags as the Rosetta Space probe  - the composition of a comet involved ber ESA will attempt to  nd a suit- to carry out a certain number or ma- and recesses for plants to grow. One Anally arrived at its destination comet sending a return sample mission, able landing site and land the lander, noeuvers to slow the cra so it will geological landform in particular that 67P, which is travelling at 55,000 km named ‘Stardust’, which  ew in the named ‘Philae’, on the surface where it travel beside the comet at a similar Treborth is attempting to recreate is per hour. tail of a comet and collected samples will secure itself using harpoons and speed. Rosetta has to  re its thrusters a limestone pavement. Limestone With 10 years,  ve orbits of the sun of ‘dust’ before returning to Earth. grappling hooks. Once secured Philae every few days in order to maintain a pavements are very rare habitats and 6.4 billion km under its belt, the  e Rosetta mission makes Stardust will drill into the comet and analyse hyperbolic orbit 100km above the ro- which have been formed by weather- Rosetta Probe’ journey has been quite look like a walk in the park.  e Ro- the composition in greater detail. tating comet. It is hoped that the mis- ing processes over hundreds of years. the undertaking. Funded by the Euro- setta probe consists of two separate Keeping Rosetta operational sion will answer a certain number of  e quarrying of limestone over the pean Space Agency (ESA), the project parts, the orbiter and the lander.  e throughout its 10 year journey has questions about the transport of com- centuries has dramatically reduced costing £1 billion has been under- mission utilises both these parts to been quite the task. Retaining the ets and the early solar system. the number of limestone pavements taken in the hope of gaining a better the fullest.  e probe is now in orbit probe’s power over the journey has in existence and also the species understanding of the composition of around the comet and it will be for 18 been the main problem for ESA. In found at these locations. 18 Seren | Community Issue 2014 ENVIRONMENT In Brief Revolution for Plas Newydd THE National Trust’s most polluting property is going green. Once heated by an oil boiler, Plas Newydd, located on Anglesey, is now being heated by the Menai Straits. During the winter months , the house used to use 1,500 litres of oil a day, which is the same amount an average house would use in 10 months. Now a er a £600,000 revamp, water is pumped from the straits through a • A view down the Anafon Valley, where the new hydro scheme will be located 53 meter pipe into a heat exchanger which works in a similar way to a re- frigerator only in reverse. Heat is ex- tracted from the seemingly freezing water using the same chemical that a New Hydro for Abergwyngregyn refrigerator uses, and rather than the extracted heat being a waste product, by RICHARD DALLISON through National Trust land.  e wa- soon be o ering shares in the scheme of inspiring other people to become it is used to heat water.  is warm wa- ter will  nally be returned to the Afon to part fund the construction. Shares more sustainable and to reach gov- ter is then pumped around the 18th n exciting new scheme is be- Anafon near its con uence with Afon will be available to purchase from the ernment targets of an 80% reduction Century house providing all of the ing developed in the Anafon Rhaeadr, a er it has passed through beginning of community energy fort- in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 hot water and heating. Valley, near the village of Ab- the turbine house.  is project will night on the 13th of September 2014. and an increase to 15% of UK energy  e scheme is the largest of its kind Aergwyngregyn, Gwynedd.  e com- allow Abergwyngregyn to become To commemorate this landmark stage, consumption to be from renewable in the UK and was developed with munity is getting behind a brand new self-su cient in electricity generation, YAE and the community are hosting sources by 2020. the help of scientists from Bangor hydroelectricity project, harnessing creating 1,000MWh of clean, green “Aber Dabba Doo”, Abergwyngregyn To  nd out more about the hydro University’s School of Ocean Sciences the power of the Afon Anafon in what electricity a year, enough to power 230 Festival 2014, on Saturday the 13th scheme, shares o er and Aber Dabba and conservation experts to ensure will be a 270kW run-o -river scheme. homes, and preventing over 450 tons of September. Starting at 11am, Aber Doo, please scan the QR code below the fragile environment of the straits  e scheme, which was originally an of carbon dioxide being released into Dabba Doo promises to be a fun day with your smartphone. was protected.  e project is expect- idea developed by the Abergwyngr- the atmosphere every year.  e pro- out for all the family, with a traditional ed to save the Trust £40,000 a year in egyn Regeneration Company (ARC), ject will be the largest community run village fête, local celebrities such as running costs, and stops them hav- is now being overseen by Ynni Anafon hydroelectric scheme in North Wales. Iolo Williams, the much loved duck ing to store 15,000 litres of oil on the Energy (YAE), a community Indus- By selling the energy produced back to race, and a whole selection of live banks of the Menai Straits. trial and Provident Society, managed the National Grid, YAE will be able to music including Penrhyn Male Voice by residents of the village. fund community initiatives and ven- Choir, not to mention stalls by local  e project will see water extracted tures in not only Abergwyngregyn, business, local cra s and local food from the Afon Anafon via a 1m high but also the surrounding communi- and drink outlets. Fracking: weir, and channelled into a 45mm ties, via the Abergwyngregyn Com-  is scheme is being backed by, Fit pipe that will descend 234 metres ver- munity Trust. for the Future, a branch of the Nation- A reat to tically over a distance of 3km through YAE are  nally at the stage of secur- al Trust that are giving support to pro- Beauty Spots? the Carneddau mountain range, partly ing investment in the project, and will jects. Fit for the Future has the the aim THE government have released new regulations for the latest round of bidding for fracking licences, which it says are much stricter than be- Changing Tides for Renewable fore. Campaigners have claimed that beauty spots are still at risk from fracking with new regulations not going far enough to protect some of Energy in Wales Britain’s most beautiful areas. Plan- ning permission may be granted in by LAURA SUTTON as an example to the rest of the world, National Parks, the Broads and Areas showing that “we are able to harness of Outstanding Natural Beauty, if it is esidents of St David’s, in Pem- the considerable energy that exists in deemed by planning bodies that they brokeshire, will soon be hav- our seas and that we are able to de- are ‘in the public interest’. However, ing their homes powered by velop the technology necessary to do Eric Pickles, the Communities’ Sec- Ra 400kW tidal power generator that that”. He has also praised the scheme retary, will have the right to overturn was unveiled in Ramsey Sound last as a great opportunity for local people planning decisions, should they not week.  e trial project will run for and businesses. conform to the government’s crite- 12 months generating energy from  e scheme has come under some ria. Environmental campaign group, tidal currents on the sea bed, and is criticism, however, as it is located in a Greenpeace, believe these regulations being hailed as Wales’  rst grid con- Marine Special Area of Conservation make it easier for developers to drill nected free standing tidal turbine. It as one of the best marine environ- in National Parks, believing the Com- is hoped that this trial scheme will ments in Europe, as well as including munities Secretary will use his power lead to a larger project for Tidal En- a busy shipping port.  is means the to overrule authorities who reject an ergy Ltd, which will incorporate nine, area has special legal protection.  e application. Contrary to this, the Na- 150 tonne, seven story high turbines turbine has therefore had to be de- tional Trust gave the news a cautious which are due to be built in Pembroke signed with features that minimise its welcome, with Richard Hebditch, Dock by Mustang Marine. Mustang impacts on the surrounding environ- assistant director of External A airs Marine were recently saved from ad- ment and have as little disruption on for the National Trust saying, “we ministration and, should the project existing shipping routes as possible. welcome the new planning guidance go ahead, it is hoped it will secure the  e project cost £16m, £8m of which which makes clear that applications company and the jobs it provides for was EU funded, with £8m from the should be refused in these areas other the foreseeable future.  e  nished majority shareholder Eco2 Ltd.  is than in exceptional circumstances”. project will produce 10MW which is is not the only tidal energy scheme It is clear that the Government is enough power for 10,000 homes. in Wales; a £70m project o the coast very much in favour of exploiting  e scheme has received high praise of Anglesey is due to be operational shale gas reserves to secure Britain’s from First Minister Carwyn Jones in 2016. Schemes such as this show energy security for the future. With a who openly supports tidal energy how even in protected areas, through general election less than a year away as a way of reducing reliance on fos- specialist design and careful plan- however, it will be interesting to see sil fuels and to meeting green energy ning new technology can be installed how the political parties tackle the targets. He has also hailed the project to help us reach targets for a greener hot political potato that is hydraulic future. Community Issue 2014 | Seren 19 ENVIRONMENT In Brief e Best Tree in Wales? A village near Betws-y-Coed is now proud to be home to one of the eight contenders for the best tree in Wales! A horse chestnut tree in in Pentre- foelas near Betws-y-Coed was an- nounced as a contender for the best tree in Wales last week.  e spectac- ular tree is situated in the centre of Pentrefoelas, next to the Afon Merd- dwr, by the A5; the competition is not looking for beauty however, its objective is to  nd the tree that most brings the community together.  e Woodland Trust has said that the competition is about showing the importance of trees, as they can A Botanical Hidden Treasure in be both a focal point for a com- munity as well as part of the local social history.  e horse chestnut tree, in Pentrefoelas, has provides lo- North Wales cal children with a yearly supply of by AL HULLEY ture ranges under one roof), not to gardens, whether it be cross coun- the array of  ndings before Nigel de- conkers which it has been doing for mention the 16 tree fern in the bog try running, family walks or a casual scribes and selects characteristics of generations, and has also facilitated reborth Botanic Gardens is a garden.  e range of ex-situ climates browse around the gardens. Further- the most interesting specimens.  ere the annual conker tournament in small haven that lies roughly present covers a wide variety of inter- more, many special events are laid on are also less science based events host- the village for many years. Locals in one mile down a track from ests, providing an ideal location for throughout the year, catering to all in- ed by Treborth such as the renowned Pentrefoelas hope their beloved tree Tthe Bangor Side of Menai Bridge. Fol- honours projects. terests.  ese include the famous plant Botanical Beats.  is music and arts has what it takes to become tree of lowing this track through the arbo- Treborth requires regular mainte- sales which attract a high footfall, not festival brings local businesses, arts/ the year. retum, leads to the entrance of this nance from  e Friends of Treborth only for the wide fauna selection but cra s specialists as well as the student  e Competition is running on- aesthetically pleasing location used Botanic Gardens (FTBG), who are also for the delicious a ernoon tea, societies together for an unforgettable line and the winning contestant will by students and the local community assisted by Bangor University student the pro ts of which are ploughed back low-cost festival. be entered in to the European Tree alike. Although small in size, there is society, the Students for Treborth into maintaining this location. Other  is fantastic Botanical and Horti- of the Year Competition next year, a multitude of interesting locations Action Group (STAG). With weekly activities include the very popular cultural resource therefore provides to represent Wales. To vote for your throughout the site, including: the voluntary opportunities on Wednes- fungal forays open to all age groups something for everyone whether it be favourite, scan the QR code below arboretum (a project eventually hous- days and Fridays, there are plenty of and lead by Treborth’s much loved a contribution to a cutting edge scien- with your smartphone. ing Welsh forest history), the tropical opportunities to get stuck in and meet curator Nigel Brown. Participants are ti c report or providing an interesting house (growing Bangor’s best banan- likeminded people. invited to split into groups and then plant to a hobby gardener. as), the temperate house (contain- Aside from volunteering, many of set loose in the grounds to  nd fungi ing cacti of all sizes) and the orchid the public choose to take advantage of of all shapes, shades and sizes. At the house (covering 3 di erent tempera- the recreational aspect of the botanic end of the day families regroup to see Wild Cranes Make Comeback A er 500 Year Absence by CHRIS GLASS they would usually learn from their parents, such as foraging and exer- Peregrines ive hundred years ago, cranes cise. One task that was undertaken were a common sight across was daily walks, over 40 volunteers Poisoned the British Isles. However these walked the birds every day, clock- ON  ursday the 10th of July, four majesticF birds were made extinct by ing up over 700 hours of exercise, as Peregrine Falcons were found dead over-hunting and loss of wetlands. this is very important in the develop- at a local Gwynedd quarry.  e birds Over the past 5 years, a programme, ment of the young birds. When rais- were last seen alive on  ursday 3rd termed ‘ e Great Crane Project’, has ing the birds, the main concern was July, and this has been con rmed by aimed to reintroduce Cranes back making sure that the cranes wouldn’t photo evidence obtained by the po- into the UK.  e project has raised become too familiar with humans as lice.  e police have stated that three and released almost 100 cranes on to this would put the wild population chicks and one adult have died at the Somerset Levels and moors. at risk from poaching. To reduce this Dy ryn Nantlle Quarry, tragically,  e Great Crane Project is a joint risk the volunteers wore grey hooded the chicks were only about a week venture between the Wildfowl and overalls. from  edging.  e RSPB have said Wetlands Trust (WWT), the RSPB, With the last class of birds fully re- that it is highly unusual for four birds Pensthorpe Conservation Trust and leased on the Levels, Damon Bridge, to die in such a way, and therefore Viridor Credits.  e project aims to manager of the Great Crane Project, foul play is suspected.  e most like- restore the Eurasian Crane to areas made it clear that this was only the ly cause of death is poisoning by bait where they used to reside.  e WWT beginning of the recovery of the wild brought back by one of the parents. reserve at Slimbridge has been host crane population, stating “we’re all Today, there are 1,500 breeding to the crane school the past 5 years. looking forward to the next phase of pairs of peregrine falcons in the UK,  is school has raised the cranes from the project with the cranes settling all of which are protected by UK law, eggs, which have been taken from a down to breed and raise youngsters therefore it is an o ence to take, kill healthy wild crane population in Ger- in the wild”. or injure a bird or to take, damage many, and from there raised to adults. In recent years the Eurasian crane or destroy its eggs, nest or young. Cranes are naturally very social has naturally started to recolonize A number of incidents of peregrine birds and are cared for and raised by some regions of eastern Britain, but it falcons being illegally persecuted in their parents for several months, for is hoped that with a large  ock now North Wales have occurred recently. this reason special measures have had fully established in Somerset, the North Wales Police are urging any- to be made when raising the birds. cranes will have a strong foothold in one with information about this or  e project raises the young birds in Britain and will eventually spread out similar incidents to contact PC Evans classes of around 16, these help to and recolonise western Britain. • A  ock of juvenile cranes in Somerset on 101 and quote reference R105499. teach the cranes various skills that 20 Community Issue 2014 | Seren MUSIC In Brief Reading Festival makes U-turn on toilet roll ORGANISERS of the Reading Fes- tival have made a U-turn on their decision not to restock toilet paper in campsite loos at this year’s event.  is new policy would have meant portable toilets would not be re- stocked a er running out of their  rst roll. In a statement, the organisers said: “In an e ort to improve our sustaina- bility policies, we did consider reduc- ing the amount of toilet roll supplied in the campsites. Following feedback from festival fans, the decision has Dropkick Murphys been taken to maintain the supply of toilet roll distributed within the by THOMAS BICKERDIKE al recognition when their song ‘I’m hear the amount of energy they convey Irish Rover’. campsites.” Shipping Up To Boston’ featured in and they display that same energy in I also enjoyed the fact they per- hether it is Newcastle’s O2 the 2006 Oscar winning  lm  e De- their live performances.  e audience formed some of their more, what I Academy or Fenway Park parted. Since then, they signed with certain displayed a similar enthusiasm, would call, underrated tracks like in Boston, the Murphys will Warner Bros. records and released including the ever-popular moshpit ‘Cruel’ and ‘Jimmy Collins’ Wake’. My alwaysW put on a good show. For me, three successful albums – ‘ e Mean- and crowd sur ng.  ey do have an particular favourite tracks of the even- they are the best band around at the est of Times’, ‘Going Out in Style’ and especially loyal fan base, which joined ing were ‘Going Out In Style’ and ‘Rose minute. You do not have to be a hard- ‘Signed and Sealed in Blood’. in with every song. Tattoo’.  e  nal highlight of the even- Iron Maiden core punk follower or a Bruins/Red  eir performance at Newcastle’s O2  ough a lot has changed since their ing was witnessing dozens of girls in- Sox fan to appreciate their brilliance. Academy came a day a er their ap- 1998 debut album ‘Do or Die’ (espe- vade the stage for the penultimate song donate to charity For those of you who have not of pearance on the Saturn Stage at Soni- cially in terms of members), they still ‘Kiss Me, I’m #!@’faced’ and then by a them (where have you been?!?), the sphere. Frontman Ken Casey said that went back to it for ‘Barroom Hero’ group of guys for the last track. Expect A collection of heavy metal memo- Dropkick Murphys are a Celtic punk it was good to performing in front of and ‘Boy on the Docks’.  ere were anything di erent from the Murphys? rabilia have been put up for auction band from Quincy, MA; a cross be- “their people” rather than festival au- also covers of  e Nips’ ‘Vengeance’, Of course not. on eBay for a fortnight to raise money tween  e Pogues and  e Clash. diences. What they enjoyed was the Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s ‘Takin’ By the end of it, my voice was almost for the Teenage Cancer Trust, Child- Formed in 1996, they made a name audience’s desire to get on with the Care of Business’ and nods to their horst; my shoulders were bruised from line and Nordo Robbins Music for themselves for yearly St. Patrick’s next song. Irish roots with ‘Fields of Athenry’, the moshpit and I think my ears are  erapy. Day shows, but received internation- Listening to their records you can ‘Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya’ and ‘ e still recovering. Still, it was worth it. Items include various signed setlists, t-shirts, CDs and guitars. Black Sab- bath have donated an Orange amp and Iron Maiden a signed poster from Sonisphere, which on August 11th was worth just less than £1000. Band manager Rod Smallwood described the auction as “a great op- portunity for fans, industry and mu- sicians to join forces in helping those who need it most”.  e auction closes on August 21st.

Foo Fighters FOO Fighters have announced their new album ‘Sonic Highways’ will be Ed Sheeran: X released on November 10th. Prior by NICOLA HOBAN the  lm ‘ e Fault in our Stars’. Love’, in my opinion, particularly so closely by ‘I’m A Mess’, ‘Photograph’ to a “big announcement” on August Now 2014 welcomes his new album, – this song is Ed’s tribute to his late and ‘Shirtsleeves’, so if you haven’t 11th, the band posted clues of their d Sheeran  rst burst onto the ‘X’, pronounced Multiply, which does grandfather and is de nitely a tear heard them yet, I recommend that eighth studio album on social media, UK music scene in 2011 with feature ‘I See Fire’. However, it is bet- jerker. give them a listen. including an eight-second video of his album ‘+’, pronounced Plus, ter known for the song ‘Sing’ a er its  e album has 16 songs, which Ed Sheeran is now gearing up for UK someone (presumably Dave Grohl) whichE became a hit with songs like accompanying music video sped up range from the slow melody of ‘A re and Ireland tour which kicks o this screaming “All riiiiise!” ‘ e A Team’, ‘Lego House’, ‘Drunk’, the charts, featuring a Muppet version Love’ and ‘One’ to the upbeat anthem October.  e album will feature eight tracks, and ‘Give Me Love’. His fan base grew of Ed where he… well… I can’t really of ‘Sing’, to ‘Don’t’ and ‘Take It Back’ each of which was recorded in a dif- rapidly and, by collaborating with art-  nd the words to describe it, so just which demonstrate Ed’s strange habit ferent US city, and is produced by ists like Taylor Swi and writing songs go and watch it if you haven’t already. of combining rapping with singing, Butch Vig, who worked with Grohl for One Direction, he was soon well- If you have seen it, you know what I despite his singing in ‘Take It Back’ on Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’. It will ac- known in the States too. mean. that “I’m not a rapper, I’m a singer company a mini-series sharing the It wasn’t until two years later though I’m not sure what Ed Sheeran’s fasci- with the  ow”. A rapper he claims he same title on HBO, which documents that we heard anything new from Ed, nation is with having album titles such isn’t, but either way the style works. the recording of the album. when ‘ e Hobbit’ director Peter Jack- as ‘+’ and ‘X’, but the simplicity, to me,  ere are several great songs on this son asked him if he would write and works well and is de nitely easily re- album, some that just aren’t to my perform a song for the  lm. ‘I See Fire’ membered. taste, but overall it’s an album that is was born and once again was an in- Featuring songs such as ‘One’, ‘Don’t’ well-worth buying. stant hit. He also wrote ‘All of the Stars’, and ‘A re Love’, Ed Sheeran has once I have a few favourites on this album: which is not featured on the album, for again swept fans away; the song ‘A re ‘Nina’ is de nitely on that list, followed Community Issue 2014 | Seren 21 MUSIC Lily Allen: Sheezus

by AMY BLACKWELL

LILY Allen takes a leaf out of Be- yonce’s book in her new album ‘Sheezus’, not in style or genre but Tom Jones: Access All Eirias in the name of social criticism. Al- by SARA LLOYD WILLIAMS parents who knew the singer from his Stereophonics).  is was a theme for over 3 minutes in length continued for len attacks society’s ideas of fame, initial rise to fame in the early 60s.  e the evening with a mixture of classic much, much longer as an enthusiastic gender and internet-age-etiquette. n a sunny evening at the end wide appeal he has with all age groups country and blue covers, old classics Jones encouraged the singing crowd to Everyone has heard her retalia- of July, an event occurred in meant that the sporting venue Eirias and songs o his upcoming album. repeat the classic line ‘She stood there tion to Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’ Colwyn Bay that rocked most Park was full to capacity with a 14,000  e quality of Jones’ voice and per- laughing (hahahaha)’ several times, with ‘Hard Out Here’, which high- ofO North Wales.  e Welsh legend that person strong crowd cheering the star formance though meant that o en with the performer clearly enjoying lights the struggle of professional is Sir Tom Jones came to give his  rst on.  e warm weather helped li the they melted into each other, with the the response to his song as much as the women in the music industry. The ever performance in North Wales and mood of everyone in attendance, as audience enjoying unfamiliar songs as crowd enjoyed singing along. album’s namesake ‘Sheezus’ criti- this lucky Seren writer was in attend- customised banners made from knick- much as they did the crowd pleasers. Looking back on his performance, cises societies dedication to and ance. ers were spotted waving across the sta- Despite the consistency of his per- what stood out for me was how easy mocks the extent of fame and the Tom Jones has had a phenomenal ca- dium! formance nothing could beat the at- he sang these incredible songs. At no woman eat woman nature of the reer that has lasted over 50 years and Unlike many big acts that command mosphere in the stadium when the point would you ever question if he media. However, I fear her message the legacy of that career could be seen the power to keep their fans waiting, old favourites came up. ‘ e Green, was using a backing track or miming can be somewhat clouded by her in the varying ages of the audience. Jones’ performance began bang on Green Grass of Home’ and ‘It’s Not along (as is o en the case with modern bitterly edged humour and comes Young children, who came to know 8pm with a rousing version of John Unusual’ had the crowd on their feet, singers); the quality of his voice made o as bratty in some places. Jones through his work as a coach Lee Hooker’s ‘Burning Hell’, before singing along and moving about. But even the unfamiliar songs enjoyable In terms of style the album re- on the popular BBC One programme moving on to a solo version of his this paled into insigni cance com- and mixed with his cheeky banter this turns to the style of Allens rst  e Voice, attended with their grand- classic ‘Mama Told Me Not to Come’ pared to the uno cial Welsh anthem made the whole evening one that any- album ‘Alright Still’ and especially (originally sang with Welsh rockers of ‘Delilah’.  e song originally just one in attendance will never forget. reminds me of ‘Al e’, a satire about her younger brother Al e Allen. As with all of Allen’s albums, some songs are incredibly catchy and others are bordering on the more annoying. This being said I do en- joy ‘URL Badman’ for its humour and ‘L8 CMMR’ and ‘Air Balloon’ for their catchy-ness. The album does include a vocally stunning adapta- tion of Keane’s ‘Somewhere Only We Know’, though it feels mis- matched in comparison to the rest of the album. Lily Allen has always been a little bit controversial in both message and style; her style can only be described as “London” and doesn’t t neatly into a music genre and her message is often double sid- ed. I think Lily Allen is the age old marmite cliche; you either love her or you hate her and the same goes for this album. Is it a blurry mes- sage and mismatched style or is she a social warrior with a catchy edge? I’ll let you decide that one Manic Street Preachers for yourself, but in terms of mod- by THOMAS BIKERDIKE ample, ‘Mayakovsky’ refers to the poet, therefore it is more like electronic rock wards, though this is apparently just a ern day social satire I’ll stick with actor and playwright Vladimir Maya- from the late 70s to me.  is track has coincidence. Queen B. One day we will return, no matter kovsky and ‘Black Square’ refers to a gone down well live, as it did at Glas- Wire also described ‘Let’s Go To War’ how much it hurts. And it hurts.” piece by avant-garde painter Kazimir tonbury. as “a nice marching song”, yet with that Last year, Manic Street Preach- Malevich. Alongside these are in u- ‘Walk Me To  e Bridge’ was leaked amount of anger being conveyed this ers“ ended their “hiatus”, to look for a ences from Simple Minds. back in April and Nicky Wire says it is the kind of song you would expect a better word, with ‘Rewind the Film’; On the opening night of their UK is primarily about the Øresund Bridge younger band to perform, rather than a stark contrast to the more rocky, Tour at the end of March, they debuted connecting Sweden and Denmark and three guys in their mid-40s.To be hon- grumpy and rebellious sounds associ- the title track ‘Futurology’ and ‘Europa how bridges allow for out of body ex- est, it is the only angry song on the al- ated with ‘Generation Terrorists’ and Geht Durch Mich’. ‘Futurology’ seems periences, though at the time (seven bum.  ere are also two instrumental ‘ e Holy Bible’.  eir latest o ering to be foreseeing the “return” of rock years ago) he did say he contemplated tracks – ‘Mayakovsky’ and ‘Dreaming ‘Futurology’ is, to put it in their words, and roll and something good, as there leaving the band when they crossed it. A City (Hugheskova)’. “Post, Punk, Disco, Rock”. is a sense of positivity yet also deter-  e beginning sounds almost serious  is album has been very well-re- Recorded in Berlin, ‘Futurology’ fea- mination to it; a sign of things to come especially with the accompanying bass ceived and, even though they are al- tures several avant-garde German ref- on this album. ‘Europa Geht Durch and beat before the intensity increases, ways experimenting, it is certainly a erences, including bands such as Kra - Mich’, featuring German actress Nina reaching the pinnacle with an explo- return for the Manics to their norm: werk.  ere is also certainly a Russian Hoss, could almost be a Kra werk sion of a chorus. Many have interpret- “We’ll come back one day. We never in uence behind this album. For ex- number, minus the industrial siren ed the aforementioned ‘fatal friend’ to really went away” noises, pounding drums and guitar; be former band member Richey Ed- 22 Seren | Community Issue 2014 FILM

by LJ TAYLOR head. However, their payday plans on the big screen. ings of Coruscant’s undercity - and heavily muscled and aptly named are interrupted when the deadly as- However, it doesn’t all come down that’s fresh and brilliant. Drax the Destroyer who promptly uch more than the ‘silly’, a sassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) turns to being a stepping stone for phase As is the cast. joins the group after meeting them bit more ‘adult’ addition to up to retrieve an orb that Quill had three of Marvel’s lms. It’s interest- The vast majority are newcomers in the prison. The role gives Batista Mthe Marvel Universe than stolen just hours ago. Cue an explo- ing to see how the group adapt to to the Marvel Universe, certainly (real name Dave Bautista) so much trailers paraded it as, The Guardians sive race through the streets of Xan- work with each other and leave be- the principal cast are and its im- more scope to display his acting tal- of the Galaxy stake their claim to dar (the lm’s main planet) which hind their criminal pasts to become possible to pick out one standout ent than his appearances on Mon- become your heroes across cinema lands them all in a high security in- some of the world’s greatest heroes performance because they are all day Night Raw. screens this summer. tergalactic prison - what better way as they slowly uncover the truth great. It was quite surprising when The acting talent, visuals, storyline Centering around perhaps the uni- to get to know your new superhero about the orb. the opening titles revealed Bradley and loveable rogues as charac- verse’s least likely heroes, a space crew? Guardians is not like the other Mar- Cooper as the voice of Rocket but he ters it’s almost impossible to fault raccoon, a tree, an eloquent psy- The main catalyst for the lm’s plot vel movies that we’ve had since Iron gets it spot on, the right amount of Guardians of the Galaxy - especially chopath, the daughter of an evil is this mysterious orb. Quill initially Man back in 2008, but that by no swagger, emotion and comedic tim- once you consider the brilliant 70s titan and a guy who calls himself steals it because he knows he can means is a bad thing. The lm really ing. The same goes for Pratt as Peter inspired soundtrack which subtly ‘Starlord’, it is hardly the comic book get a lot of money for it, the bounty holds its own and introduces us to Quill - it would have been easy to plays an emotional and important heavyweight of its counterparts. is placed on his head because he has a really interesting bunch of heroes cast him and just expect ‘Starlord’ to role in the development of Quill’s However, Guardians (as it’s a ec- the orb and then Gamora reveals and a di erent side to the Marvel be played as a bit of a waste of time, character and includes the likes of tionately known by fans) is a pleas- the incredible price that her secret Universe. trying to be funny character but in- David Bowie, 10cc and The Runa- antly surprising watch that contains buyer would pay for it - it’s a pretty Having Marvel attached to a lm stead he could pull on the stars and ways to name a few. all the elements of Marvel’s recent sought after orb to say that it was means you know that it’s going to stripes, take hold of Mjolnir or take All in all Guardians of the Galaxy success; great actors, great e ects just rotting away on an abandoned be a blockbuster with some top  ight as - okay, only Robert Downey is a great lm, one that Marvel will and great comedy. planet prior to the start of Guard- notch special e ects and their lat- Jr could be Iron Man but the point be proud to put their name to, with Genetically modi ed raccoon, ians. By the end of the lm you can’t est certainly doesn’t disappoint in is that the relatively unknown, Pratt characters that fans will be hop- Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), help but think about how it was that area. The di erent parts of the ts perfectly into the mould of the ing to see make a cameo at least in and bodyguard Groot (Vin Diesel) likely made just to set up the story wider Marvel Universe, and di erent Marvel hero - even if Quill does go phase three - plus it already seems are sure they’ve hit the jackpot when arc of the next phase of Marvel mov- beings are beautifully realised. At about it in a slightly di erent man- as though these guys will be back they encounter devilish rogue, Peter ies, after all without its predecessors times it feels like a Star Wars movie ner. for a sequel. Quill (Chris Pratt) and see the large Guardians would likely be one of where Jedi and Sith are forgotten for Another gem has to be WWE super- bounty that’s been placed on his those franchises not brought to life the bounty hunters and dodgy deal- star Batista who plays the part of the Robin Williams 1951-2014 by MEDWYNN ROBERTS comedy debut impersonating his happiness, love and courage. In his wherever possible are just some of grandmother to his mother. After many interviews spanning forty dec- the acts of good will surrounding beloved actor who single- high school and graduating from ades he gave us some of the follow- Williams’ legacy. handily provided audiences Juliard’s School for Preforming Arts, ing - “You will have bad times, but Amidst all the tweets and mes- with magic and humour in the A Williams got his breakthrough role they will always wake you up to the sages of remembrance that are decade of our childhood has sadly passed away. Robin McLaurin Wil- as the energetic alien Mork in Happy stu you weren’t paying attention still pouring in on this sad day, one liams, 63, who had battled with de- Days and later in the self-titled sit- to” and “There is still a lot to learn stands out the most: “It’s like I have pression died at his home in Tiburon, com Mork & Mindy. The success of and there is always great stu out lost a favourite uncle”. Robin Wil- California. this character helped launch Robin there. Even mistakes can be wonder- liams, a man who brought about so The Academy Award winning ac- Williams’ legendary lm career. ful” Most important of all: “No mat- much joy to our hearts will never be tor has given us a body of work that Much like the Cave of Wonders ter what people tell you, words and forgotten. has made us smile, laugh and cry in in Aladdin, Robin Williams’ IMDB is ideas can change the world.” Bangarang! equal measure. To simply say that lled with gems. Dead Poets Soci- The world is in mourning not just the public is familiar with his work ety, Fisher King, Mrs Doubt re, Jack for a great actor but for an incredible would be one of the greatest under- Jumanji and of course Aladdin, to human being. An individual who statements ever recorded. Many of name but a few, would be nothing paid for fellow actor Christopher our generations rst cinematic expe- were it not for the outstanding per- Reeves’ costly medical bills after riences unsurprisingly begins with formances given by Williams. making a pact of friendship in their Robin Williams. More than simply an actor or co- youth. Creating the Windfall Foun- Robin Williams, a shy boy grow- median, Robin Williams presented dation that has helped countless ing up in 1950s Chicago, made his us with a worldview that inspired causes and donating his earnings 22 Seren | Community Issue 2014 Community Issue 2014 | Seren 23 FILM FILM

by LJ TAYLOR head. However, their payday plans on the big screen. ings of Coruscant’s undercity - and heavily muscled and aptly named are interrupted when the deadly as- However, it doesn’t all come down that’s fresh and brilliant. Drax the Destroyer who promptly uch more than the ‘silly’, a sassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana) turns to being a stepping stone for phase As is the cast. joins the group after meeting them bit more ‘adult’ addition to up to retrieve an orb that Quill had three of Marvel’s lms. It’s interest- The vast majority are newcomers in the prison. The role gives Batista fantastic sequel, and the lm stars mation as before is stunning and the species of dragons and the answer the excitement of the main quest, the Marvel Universe than stolen just hours ago. Cue an explo- ing to see how the group adapt to to the Marvel Universe, certainly (real name Dave Bautista) so much by AMY BLACKWELL M Cate Blanchett, America Ferrera, writing allows for equal amounts of to the meaning of life for a Viking making this lm great for every- trailers paraded it as, The Guardians sive race through the streets of Xan- work with each other and leave be- the principal cast are and its im- more scope to display his acting tal- Gerard Butler and Jonah Hill just to emotion and humour. on the back of a dragon. It is heart body. A great rainy day option to of the Galaxy stake their claim to dar (the lm’s main planet) which hind their criminal pasts to become possible to pick out one standout ent than his appearances on Mon- This summer saw the return of our mention a few. The lm returns ve We join Hiccup (voiced by Jay warming and hilarious all at the keep the kids happy over the long become your heroes across cinema lands them all in a high security in- some of the world’s greatest heroes performance because they are all day Night Raw. favourite dragon-riding-Vikings in years from where the rst left o , Baruchel) and Toothless as they try same time, a real family friendly summer holiday. screens this summer. tergalactic prison - what better way as they slowly uncover the truth great. It was quite surprising when The acting talent, visuals, storyline ‘How To Train Your Dragon 2’. Direc- really allowing fans of the original to take down evil dragon enslaver adventure. As viewers we get to ex- Centering around perhaps the uni- to get to know your new superhero about the orb. the opening titles revealed Bradley and loveable rogues as charac- tor Dean DeBlois, one of the original to see how the characters and their Draco Bludvist. Along the way they perience stunning new scenery and verse’s least likely heroes, a space crew? Guardians is not like the other Mar- Cooper as the voice of Rocket but he ters it’s almost impossible to fault lm’s co-directors returns with this relationships have grown. The ani- encounter long lost relatives, new beautiful family reunions alongside raccoon, a tree, an eloquent psy- The main catalyst for the lm’s plot vel movies that we’ve had since Iron gets it spot on, the right amount of Guardians of the Galaxy - especially chopath, the daughter of an evil is this mysterious orb. Quill initially Man back in 2008, but that by no swagger, emotion and comedic tim- once you consider the brilliant 70s titan and a guy who calls himself steals it because he knows he can means is a bad thing. The lm really ing. The same goes for Pratt as Peter inspired soundtrack which subtly ‘Starlord’, it is hardly the comic book get a lot of money for it, the bounty holds its own and introduces us to Quill - it would have been easy to plays an emotional and important heavyweight of its counterparts. is placed on his head because he has a really interesting bunch of heroes cast him and just expect ‘Starlord’ to role in the development of Quill’s However, Guardians (as it’s a ec- the orb and then Gamora reveals and a di erent side to the Marvel be played as a bit of a waste of time, character and includes the likes of tionately known by fans) is a pleas- the incredible price that her secret Universe. trying to be funny character but in- David Bowie, 10cc and The Runa- antly surprising watch that contains buyer would pay for it - it’s a pretty Having Marvel attached to a lm stead he could pull on the stars and ways to name a few. all the elements of Marvel’s recent sought after orb to say that it was means you know that it’s going to stripes, take hold of Mjolnir or take All in all Guardians of the Galaxy success; great actors, great e ects just rotting away on an abandoned be a blockbuster with some top  ight as - okay, only Robert Downey is a great lm, one that Marvel will and great comedy. planet prior to the start of Guard- notch special e ects and their lat- Jr could be Iron Man but the point be proud to put their name to, with Genetically modi ed raccoon, ians. By the end of the lm you can’t est certainly doesn’t disappoint in is that the relatively unknown, Pratt characters that fans will be hop- Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), help but think about how it was that area. The di erent parts of the ts perfectly into the mould of the ing to see make a cameo at least in and bodyguard Groot (Vin Diesel) likely made just to set up the story wider Marvel Universe, and di erent Marvel hero - even if Quill does go phase three - plus it already seems are sure they’ve hit the jackpot when arc of the next phase of Marvel mov- beings are beautifully realised. At about it in a slightly di erent man- as though these guys will be back they encounter devilish rogue, Peter ies, after all without its predecessors times it feels like a Star Wars movie ner. for a sequel. Quill (Chris Pratt) and see the large Guardians would likely be one of where Jedi and Sith are forgotten for Another gem has to be WWE super- bounty that’s been placed on his those franchises not brought to life the bounty hunters and dodgy deal- star Batista who plays the part of the Robin Williams 1951-2014 by MEDWYNN ROBERTS comedy debut impersonating his happiness, love and courage. In his wherever possible are just some of grandmother to his mother. After many interviews spanning forty dec- the acts of good will surrounding beloved actor who single- high school and graduating from ades he gave us some of the follow- Williams’ legacy. handily provided audiences Juliard’s School for Preforming Arts, ing - “You will have bad times, but Amidst all the tweets and mes- with magic and humour in the A Williams got his breakthrough role they will always wake you up to the sages of remembrance that are decade of our childhood has sadly passed away. Robin McLaurin Wil- as the energetic alien Mork in Happy stu you weren’t paying attention still pouring in on this sad day, one by TOM BICKERDIKE wiped out most of humanity, Cae- ape community there is one side tailed story arcs. tion for the humans, given his treat- liams, 63, who had battled with de- Days and later in the self-titled sit- to” and “There is still a lot to learn stands out the most: “It’s like I have sar and the apes have established a (led by Caesar) that wants peace As with Rise, Andy Serkis is provid- ment in Rise. pression died at his home in Tiburon, com Mork & Mindy. The success of and there is always great stu out lost a favourite uncle”. Robin Wil- ise of the Planet of the Apes in peaceful home in the forest. Howev- with the humans and on the other ing the motion capture for Caesar in Even though there are a few minor California. this character helped launch Robin there. Even mistakes can be wonder- liams, a man who brought about so 2011 was certainly a success, er, they come across a group of hu- (led by Koba),war. It is the same for the same way he did for Gollum in faults (the ape getting drunk scene is The Academy Award winning ac- Williams’ legendary lm career. ful” Most important of all: “No mat- much joy to our hearts will never be Rreinventing one of cinema’s man survivors living in the remains the humans; whereby Jason Clarke’s the Lord of the Rings lms; he is such both cheesy and predictable),this is tor has given us a body of work that Much like the Cave of Wonders ter what people tell you, words and forgotten. great movie franchises and giving of San Francisco. Their attempts at character wants peace yet Gary Old- a pioneer in this eld. The only dif- one of the smarter blockbuster mov- has made us smile, laugh and cry in in Aladdin, Robin Williams’ IMDB is ideas can change the world.” Bangarang! fans of the 1968 original reason to peace are short-lived, thus leading man’s wants to wipe out the apes. ference is the fact Caesar has to do ies to be released this year; therefore equal measure. To simply say that lled with gems. Dead Poets Soci- The world is in mourning not just cheer again after the disappointing to con ict between both species. The lm addresses the balance be- more talking, but he has developed it is always going to be better than the public is familiar with his work ety, Fisher King, Mrs Doubt re, Jack for a great actor but for an incredible Tim Burton remake. ‘Rise’ was very There is also a new director on tween both sides. What is di erent a variety of ape vocalisations which Transformers: Age of Extinction. It is would be one of the greatest under- Jumanji and of course Aladdin, to human being. An individual who similar to the 1972 Conquest of the board; Rise was directed by Rupert from the original franchise is the is taking it to the next level. There up there with Rise both visually and statements ever recorded. Many of name but a few, would be nothing paid for fellow actor Christopher Planet of the Apes, with the premise Wyatt and this one by Matt Reeves, viewpoint of the apes, which was will undoubtedly be another cam- narratively. Plus, Matt Reeves has our generations rst cinematic expe- were it not for the outstanding per- Reeves’ costly medical bills after centred on the apes rising up and famous for directing Clover eld. not fully explored unti the third paign for him to receive an Oscar signed on to direct a sequel, which riences unsurprisingly begins with formances given by Williams. making a pact of friendship in their overthrowing humanity. The lm in the original series that lm. However, in ‘Dawn’, both the nomination for this role. Opposite has the potential to be huge as there Robin Williams. More than simply an actor or co- youth. Creating the Windfall Foun- Approximately ten years after this one compares to most is the - apes and humans are fully-rounded him as Koba is Toby Kebbell, who is still a way to go before everything Robin Williams, a shy boy grow- median, Robin Williams presented dation that has helped countless the outbreak of a Simian  u which nal one, Battle for the Planet of the three-dimensional characters the gives a great performance as an ape is tied up. ing up in 1950s Chicago, made his us with a worldview that inspired causes and donating his earnings Apes, in the sense that within the audience feels interest for, with de- who does not share the same a ec- 24 Seren | Community Issue 2014 TV

doctor? decorated Tardis, of which Clara then cameo role in the episode. the doctor delighting in nally being by STEPHANIE YEABSLEY The BBC have released a ‘secret disapproves of. Mo at has described the Scottish growling, “I can really com- trailer’ urging viewers to share it Written by show runner episode as a “big introduction for Pe- plain about things now, I can really hristmas 2013 saw the end of using the means of social media. Steven Mo at and directed by Doc- ter Capaldi.” There will be “plenty of complain about things now!” Matt Smith’s reign as the Doc- The trailer is accompanied by the tor Who regular Ben Wheatley the action and nonsense and jeopardy, Whether you’re a die-hard Ctor and whether you loved message: “The new Doctor lands in episode will also feature fan favour- as there ever is in Doctor Who.” Fans Whovian, you’ve grown up watching him or hated him; you have to ad- mit he brought something special Victorian London. Share this secret ites Neve McIntosh, Catrin Stewart of Capaldi who know him as sweary the show or are a rst time viewer; to the role. Series 8 will continue to trailer for the rst episode of Series and Dan Starkey reprising their roles Malcolm Tucker will be pleased to Doctor Who can be enjoyed by all star Jenna Coleman as companion 8. #DoctorWho starts Saturday 23rd as Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint and know that there is more than a lit- ages. Personally I still miss David Ten- Clara Oswald, and will introduce Pe- August on @BBCOne.” Titled ‘Deep Strax. And for those fans who don’t tle of the spin doctor in his perfor- nant, but cannot wait to see what Ca- ter Capaldi as the twelfth doctor. So Breath’ the trailer shows a dinosaur want to say goodbye to Matt Smith mance. His character has so far been paldi o ers up. what can fans expect from the new roaring into the screen and a newly just yet he will be making a small described as “grumpy and spiky” with episode, the new series and the new

True Blood’s last bite Similar to Game of Thrones the show terious Bill Compton. I’m still an addict to this show. several characters. by SARA LLOYD WILLIAMS has made headlines for its notori- The original premise was an excit- From the very rst few minutes of But this leads to the season’s great- ously graphic sexual scenes and ing and interesting one, and was the new season the writers made it est problem, and in all honestly the or anyone who has watched extremely violent deaths. The show often executed well for the rst few clear why this season would be dif- shows problem as a whole. Through- True Blood since the very begin- is based on The Southern Vampire seasons, but for the last three sea- ferent. With contracts ending at any out its run seemingly important Fning, it’s hard to believe the - Mysteries book series by Charlaine sons the plot has been over the top, point, characters both main and storylines have mysteriously been nal season is upon us. For 7 years the adventures of the residence of Bon Harris and began in 2006 when going from humorously camp to side, are dropping like  ies. In addi- abandoned mid story. The return of Temps have captured our attention, vampires and werewolves were at just plain bad. Characters became tion to the unsafe element felt for so many past elements only high- but sadly only for a couple more epi- the height of popularity due to the increasingly one dimensional and every character you care about, the lights that many of the shows sto- sodes. And in all honesty, the last 2 Twilight Saga. Following the life of too often good story arches were show also seems to have opened up ry’s from the past 7 years will never episodes really couldn’t come quick Sookie Stackhouse, a seemingly nev- slowed down to concentrate on its little black book of past actors, be resolved, and as a viewer it has enough. er-at-work waitress she navigates a characters no one cared about (I’m and guest cameos from old charac- become a frustrating, rather than For those who have missed the world where vampires have outed looking at you Sam Merlot)/ For this ters are coming in thick in each epi- pleasant experience to watch. experience that is True Blood let me their presence to the world, and all reason, despite having watched True sode. There is de nitely a nostalgic I’ve loved this show from the start, summarise. True Blood is an Ameri- the issues she has to deal with af- Blood since the beginning I was ex- feel to this last season, with many but after 7 mighty years it’s time to can show, originally produced for ter becoming romantically involved cited to learn that this would be its references dating back to the rst nally put these vampires back in the cable channel HBO, the same with one of these creatures, the mys- nal hurrah, because for all its faults season in addition to the return of their co n. one that produces Game of Thrones. 24 Seren | Community Issue 2014 Community Issue 2014 | Seren 25 TV TV

Finding Carter not waiting for the excitement. It hits Denisof, who will be recognised by Imagine if it were you who found living proof of that (don’t judge me) by NICOLA HOBAN you from the get-go. Bu y The Vampire Slayer and Angel out, after living your whole life think- – while at rst I legitimately started From there, Carter (played by Kath- fans as Wesley Wyndam-Price) - a ing it were true, that it was a gigantic watching it to see how terrible it doctor? decorated Tardis, of which Clara then cameo role in the episode. the doctor delighting in nally being TV’s new show Finding ryn Prescott, who previously played writer who is trying to save the family lie. Would you want to go and try and would be (I was not disappointed; by STEPHANIE YEABSLEY The BBC have released a ‘secret disapproves of. Mo at has described the Scottish growling, “I can really com- Carter is pretty darn good. I Emily Fitch on Skins back in 2007) is from bankruptcy by secretly writing live the life that was stolen from you, the CGI was terrible for one thing), by trailer’ urging viewers to share it Written by show runner episode as a “big introduction for Pe- plain about things now, I can really Mknew from the minute that I reunited with her birth family, and a book about recovering his daugh- or would you try and stay in your the fourth season the show and its hristmas 2013 saw the end of using the means of social media. Steven Mo at and directed by Doc- ter Capaldi.” There will be “plenty of complain about things now!” watched the rst trailer that it would chaos naturally ensues. Having a ter, entitled (you guessed it) Finding old one even knowing that it was all cast had stepped up its game dras- Matt Smith’s reign as the Doc- The trailer is accompanied by the tor Who regular Ben Wheatley the action and nonsense and jeopardy, Whether you’re a die-hard be an interesting watch. somewhat rebellious personality, Carter – twin sister Taylor Wilson, and fake? That’s what I nd so captivating tically and I was left wondering why Ctor and whether you loved message: “The new Doctor lands in episode will also feature fan favour- as there ever is in Doctor Who.” Fans Whovian, you’ve grown up watching Finding Carter tells the story of she does not get on well at rst with younger brother Grant, who brashly about Finding Carter, is that it makes my heart had been ripped out of my him or hated him; you have to ad- mit he brought something special Victorian London. Share this secret ites Neve McIntosh, Catrin Stewart of Capaldi who know him as sweary the show or are a rst time viewer; teenager Carter Stevens, whose her new family. She is bent on nd- introduces himself as “the replace- you think and question each charac- chest and was shredded into a mil- to the role. Series 8 will continue to trailer for the rst episode of Series and Dan Starkey reprising their roles Malcolm Tucker will be pleased to Doctor Who can be enjoyed by all whole world is turned upside down ing her mother Lori Stevens, whether ment child”. ter’s motive. lion pieces. star Jenna Coleman as companion 8. #DoctorWho starts Saturday 23rd as Madame Vastra, Jenny Flint and know that there is more than a lit- ages. Personally I still miss David Ten- when she nds out that the woman she is her kidnapper or not, whilst The show has a superb supporting Though we are only at the start I’m just saying, like most shows, Clara Oswald, and will introduce Pe- August on @BBCOne.” Titled ‘Deep Strax. And for those fans who don’t tle of the spin doctor in his perfor- nant, but cannot wait to see what Ca- who she thought was her mother trying to cope with the angry forces cast, none of whom are well-known, of the rst season, one has to start it takes a while for the wheels of a ter Capaldi as the twelfth doctor. So Breath’ the trailer shows a dinosaur want to say goodbye to Matt Smith mance. His character has so far been paldi o ers up. isn’t her mother but her kidnap- of Detective Elizabeth Wilson (Cyn- but none the less bring something to thinking if there will be a second. show to loosen up and for it to really what can fans expect from the new roaring into the screen and a newly just yet he will be making a small described as “grumpy and spiky” with per. We nd this out within the rst thia Watros), her mother, whose sole the show that makes it just that bit I can only hope so, because from get going, but from what I’ve seen episode, the new series and the new ten minutes of the rst episode of focus is on arresting said kidnapper. better. Finding Carter has a some- my experience with watching MTV so far, Finding Carter is on the right course, so that viewers are immedi- She also has to work on reconnecting thing else to recommend it – it shows, it gets a hell of a lot better as track. ately swept up in the aftermath and with her father David Wilson (Alexis makes you second guess yourself. the seasons’ progress. Teen Wolf is

5 of the Best Documentaries

True Blood’s last bite JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI THE IMPOSTER BLACKFISH THE WOMAN WHO TALHOTBLOND David Gelb (2011) Bart Layton (2012) Gabriela Cowperthwaite (2013) WASN’T THERE Barbara Schroeder (2009) Similar to Game of Thrones the show terious Bill Compton. I’m still an addict to this show. several characters. Angelo Guglielmo (2012) by SARA LLOYD WILLIAMS has made headlines for its notori- The original premise was an excit- From the very rst few minutes of But this leads to the season’s great- ously graphic sexual scenes and ing and interesting one, and was the new season the writers made it est problem, and in all honestly the A DOCUMENTARY tribute to the THIS unnerving documentary de- A DOCUMENTARY that has stirred TANIA Head was one of the most SOMETIMES reality outdoes ction! or anyone who has watched extremely violent deaths. The show often executed well for the rst few clear why this season would be dif- shows problem as a whole. Through- lifetime achievements of one of the picts how a 12 year old boy goes great controversy, it explores the visible survivors of 9/11; lobbying When a middle-aged man bored True Blood since the very begin- is based on The Southern Vampire seasons, but for the last three sea- ferent. With contracts ending at any out its run seemingly important best sushi chefs in Japan, it’s also an missing in Texas only to be found background of a certain orca of Sea- recognition for survivors and serv- with his life becomes infatuated with ning, it’s hard to believe the - 3 years later in Spain. What makes F Mysteries book series by Charlaine sons the plot has been over the top, point, characters both main and storylines have mysteriously been exploration of the mindset of a man World that has caused the death of ing as a source of peer support. Still a beautiful teenager named Talhot- nal season is upon us. For 7 years the these events further bizarre is that several of its’ trainers. Instead of cre- an article for the New York Times blond, it is a beginning of an obses- Harris and began in 2006 when going from humorously camp to side, are dropping like  ies. In addi- abandoned mid story. The return of deeply dedicated to his career. When adventures of the residence of Bon the boy who returns is actually a 23 ating hysteria towards the occurred changed all of this, as the back- sive online relationship. When a third Temps have captured our attention, vampires and werewolves were at just plain bad. Characters became tion to the unsafe element felt for so many past elements only high- Jiro is not making sushi or choos- the height of popularity due to the increasingly one dimensional and every character you care about, the lights that many of the shows sto- year old man with a history of false deaths, the documentary concen- ground research revealed her story person becomes involved, the rela- but sadly only for a couple more epi- ing the best ingredients, he dreams identities. As the mystery begins to sodes. And in all honesty, the last 2 Twilight Saga. Following the life of too often good story arches were show also seems to have opened up ry’s from the past 7 years will never trates on the big picture with inter- to be fabricated. The documentary tionship ends with a homicide, this of it. Even if the topics of sushi and episodes really couldn’t come quick Sookie Stackhouse, a seemingly nev- slowed down to concentrate on its little black book of past actors, be resolved, and as a viewer it has unravel, it becomes unclear whether views of marine biologists and whale takes a look at Head’s position in the time in real life. This sets questions enough. er-at-work waitress she navigates a characters no one cared about (I’m and guest cameos from old charac- become a frustrating, rather than Japanese cuisine are not for you, this to question the imposter’s motives professionals. It sticks to its point survivors’ network, as well as her past about the growing presence of in- For those who have missed the world where vampires have outed looking at you Sam Merlot)/ For this ters are coming in thick in each epi- pleasant experience to watch. personal pro le reduced from all un- or the boy’s family. Most interesting without any unnecessary dramatiza- in her native Spain, trying to nd out ternet in our lives and relationships. experience that is True Blood let me their presence to the world, and all reason, despite having watched True sode. There is de nitely a nostalgic I’ve loved this show from the start, necessary hype is very interesting about this is having the imposter tion, leaving the viewers to question why anyone would pose as a 9/11 Watch it, you can’t guess the nal summarise. True Blood is an Ameri- the issues she has to deal with af- Blood since the beginning I was ex- feel to this last season, with many but after 7 mighty years it’s time to and heartwarming for anyone to see. himself interviewed throughout the the ethical side of keeping orcas in survivor. twist! can show, originally produced for ter becoming romantically involved cited to learn that this would be its references dating back to the rst nally put these vampires back in events, which eventually begins to captivity at all. the cable channel HBO, the same with one of these creatures, the mys- nal hurrah, because for all its faults season in addition to the return of their co n. cast some light on the situation. one that produces Game of Thrones. 26 Seren | Community Issue 2014 BOOKS NEW RELEASES

Margaret Atwood Severed Heads, Broken Hearts by BECKI WATSON couring the bookshelves of a lows the life of Ezra Faulkner, a 17- all of the other characters are believ- est  xing all of the problems in your Maddaddam charity shop looking for some year old who thinks he has it all until a ably  eshed out; the one exception is life; what Schneider shows is that no holiday reads, the  rst thing that hit and run accident shatters his knee, Ezra’s ex-girlfriend Charlotte, who is one but you has the power to do this. struckS me about this book was the ti- destroying his future career in tennis, written a bit too much like the spoiled Although this is classi ed as young tle; ‘Severed Heads, Broken Hearts’, and begins his fall from the popular cheerleader stereotype for my liking. adult  ction, anyone who reads Sev- which is published under the di erent crowd at his North Californian high However, the real twist in this book ered Heads, Broken Hearts can get (and less interesting) title  e Begin- school. Trying to  nd his place again, lies with the character of Cassidy. At something out of it, as Ezra’s journey ning of Everything in America, is the he falls in with a group of mis ts, in-  rst, she’s written a bit too obviously of self-discovery, and the lesson that debut novel of Robyn Schneider and cluding his old best friend Toby and ‘quirky ’ to contrast with the other we can never truly know what’s go- was released last year. I was unsure the enigmatic new girl Cassidy. But as girls at their high school, although ing on inside other people’s heads, is whether to give this book a go, but a Ezra’s relationship with Cassidy devel- throughout the course of the novel, she one that anyone can relate to. Severed critic comparing Schneider’s style to ops, the mysteries of her past threaten is given a depth of character that sets Heads, Broken Hearts is a fantastic John Green, whose novel  e Fault to drive everyone apart. her apart from the standard love inter- summer read, which will keep you in Our Stars I adore, convinced me to  is book starts o following the est  gure o en found in Young Adult thinking long a er you’ve turned the give it a try. classic coming of age formula. Ezra is novels. What I love about this is that it  nal page. ‘Severed Heads, Broken Hearts’ fol- an extremely likeable protagonist, and challenges the idea of a romantic inter-

Phillippa Gregory The King’s Curse

The Storyteller by STEPHANIE YEABSLEY ou may have heard of ‘My Sis- takes place seventy years ago. It is not a SS guard. One day he asks Sage to kill ported on her journey from her happy ter’s Keeper’ the tear jerking typical Jodi Picoult novel, but possibly him, to o er him forgiveness for the life, to her bruised and battered barely novel turned  lm by renowned my favourite one. My love of history in heinous crimes he committed. Sage surviving self in Auschwitz. Her love Yauthor Jodi Picoult. Regular readers of novels drew me to it and I didn’t give a  nds herself in a life changing dilem- of storytelling and baking is all that her novels will know they are charac- second thought before downloading it ma, made all the more di cult by her keeps her alive. terised by her emotional portrayal of to my Kindle. Grandmother – a holocaust survivor. I would recommend this book to regular events and their thrilling cli-  e story revolves around Sage, a Sage must ask herself the most dif- those who love a deeper, more chal- Paulo max usually set within a courtroom loner working the night shi in a bak-  cult question – can murder ever be lenging read. Whereas you could read drama. ery to avoid the public eye. She be- justice, or mercy? a lot of Jodi Picoult’s more ‘chick lit’ Coelho ‘ e Storyteller’ brings a fresh per- friends an old man – Josef Weber, eve- A third of the novel revolves around novels and breeze through them, ‘ e spective to the much explored topic ryone’s favourite retired teacher and Sage’s grandma Minka as she tells her Storyteller’ pulls on the heart strings, Adultery of the Holocaust. Set in modern time, beloved member of the community story of survival. As a Jewish child resulting in a powerful and compelling there is no trial and a third of the novel who has a dark secret. He was a Nazi living in Nazi Germany, we are trans- read. Community Issue 2014 | Seren 27

THE SEREN CROSSWORD

Across 3. Animation lm How to Train your ______5. Adventurers stranded in what form of transport 6. BBC drama Doctor _____ 8. Jodi Picoult novel The ______10. Barbara Shroeder documentary 12. Stuart pushed what up Snowdon? 13. Winner of Best Hair Salon 16. Name of disease outbreak in Africa 17. ______Referendum happening in September 18. Student in Monchengladbach 19. ‘upbeat anthem’ on Ed Sheeran’s new album

Down 1. Pregnant animal at Edinburgh 2. Location of the Sport Relief mile SPOT THE 4. First name of our feature novellist 7. ‘The crocs of leather’ 9. Month the new Foo Fighters album will be out DIFFERENCE 10. This club won Club of the Year 11. Bangor University nish 68th in what league Look at these ‘identical’ photos of 14. Name of Newspaper in the Love Learning competition Seren at the Society Awards - 15. Name of Lily Allen album can you nd the ve di erences? SUDOKU! BEFORE EASY

HARD AFTER 28 Seren | Community Issue 2014 FASHION ‘How to have a bikini body: put a bikini on a body’ by ELEANOR HIRST The amount of ‘women’s body types’ around Boyish nowadays is huge (where did banana come Apple Hourglass from?!) To keep it simple, these swimsuits will Figure suit any shape. Figure Figure There is honestly no right or wrong and feel- ing comfortable and confident is most impor- tant.

RIVER ISLAND, ASOS, POUR MOI RIVER ISLAND, BLUE FLORAL PRINT, £25 POLYNESIA, £30 FRILLY BANDEAU, £25 A rounded bikini top illumi- Hourglass gures tend to Low cut bikini bottoms ac- nates the balance that apple look fabulous in classic retro centuate your toned body, BLACK INSERT BOX PLEAT gures have between their looks, high waisted bottoms and frilly bikini tops create shoulders and waist. Whilst accentuate your tiny waist and the appearance of a bigger MESH SWIMSUIT, SWIMSUIT, high cut bikini bottoms high- bikini tops with wide straps buxom. You can also get away RIVER ISLAND £30 TOPSHOP, £36 o er extra support for the par- with wearing tiny bikini tops light your lean legs and keep with thin straps. your tummy in. ticularly buxomed ladies. To Shoe or Men’s Fashion Not to Shoe? Navy Swim Shorts Grey Chinos by ELEANOR HIRST Birkenstocks Jelly Shoes

Birkenstocks are the crocs We are seeing a return to of leather. Created in Scandi- the nineties, ladies and gen- navia, Birkenstocks are a clas- tleman, in the return of jelly Simple and neutral swim shorts can double up as sic example of Scandinavian shoes. Jelly shoes are having a shorts at beach bars. A couple of inches above the attire: comfort at best in a no- huge comeback, being o ered knee assure versatility. nonsense design. You either at Topshop, O ce and many NAVY THIN STRIPE MID LENGTH love them or you hate, haters more. SWIM SHORTS, RIVER ISLAND, £22 regard them as ‘ugly’, lovers They are coming in  ats, heels Chinos can be dressed up or down with ease and regard them as ‘comfy’. The and various designs. The bulki- PLAIN NVAY, ASOS SWIM SHORTS IN MIND LENGTH, £12 grey can be worn easily with many di erent colours beauty of birkenstocks is that ness of the shoe itself gives a and styles, such as patterned shirts or plain polo they are quite versatile, their cute look and really appeals to shirts. If you opt for a slim- tting of straight pair of simple design allows you to the inner child. Shirts chinos, you can easily dress up or down according wear them with jeans, skirts to whether you’re on the beach, or going to a fancy or shorts. restaurant. GREY SLIM-FIT 5 POCKET CHINOS, MANGO £19.99 LIGHT GREY SKINNY STRETCH CHINOS, RIVER ISLAND, £28 Having three di erent types of shirts in your suit- case: patterned, breathable and plain ones allows for you to pick and choose according to the occa- sion. By packing just one type of shirt, you risk it being unsuitable or impractical. BIRKENSTOCKS JUJU MAXI LOW PURPLE GEOMETRIC PRINT, RIVER ISLAND, £25 ARIZONA TWO JELLY SHOE, £20, BLUE CHAMBRAY SHIRT, TOPSHOP, STRAP BIRKO FLOR, AVAILABLE AT OF- £28 £48, AVAILABLE AT FICE. PURPLE COLOUR SHIRT, RIVER OFFICE. ISLAND, £20 Community Issue 2014 | Seren 29 TRAVEL Megan in Mönchen- A Moroccan gladbach Adventure

by MEGAN STEVENSON

am Megan and I am a third year student here at Bangor University. II am currently living in Möncheng- ladbach, Germany as I started my work placement last week. As I study German, along with Business Stud- ies, I am required to complete my third year in Germany. All students can choose to do either a work place- ment, study at a partner university or work for the British Council and com- plete a teaching assistantship. I chose to do a work placement to use my business knowledge and to gain experience in the eld of work I’d like to pursue after my degree. Not a lot of students partake in a work placement as it is a lot of hard work to organise and there is little assis- tance from the university. However, that does not mean they should be avoided! When I rst moved to Ger- many I was beginning to question my decision, but two weeks in I am sure it was still the right decision. The company have been very helpful in nding me a  at to live in and made me feel very welcome. I am living with a German student who goes to the university here in Mönchengla- cool sea breeze that wafted in every holders. My recommendation should dbach so I hope to improve my Ger- by NICOLA HOBAN now and again in Agadir was more you go to Marrakesh: stay there for man by speaking with her and her than welcome when most of our skin more than one day so you can seek friends. ’ve always been interested in trav- was covered in clothing as a sign of respite from the heat during the day, When you rst move to a di erent elling, and have a very long list respect to the Muslim culture. but witness the beauty of it at night. country, it is hard to adapt to the new Iof places I want to see, so when We had no such luck in Marrakesh Essaouira was also extremely beau- environment but the advice I would asked if I wanted to go on a 2-week though, which was inland and twice tiful. Known as the Jimi Hendrix give is that it takes time to get used trip to Morocco, I could hardly say no. as hot as Agadir is. While Agadir is town, it’s pretty hippy. The buildings, to the way of life, speaking a di erent Using up the last bit of my student known as the sea-side city, Mar- painted di erent colours, are lined language all of the time and meeting loan – I’m a recent graduate, so what rakesh is known for its shopping. We with stalls selling hundreds of leather new people. I am still getting used to better way to spend it? – we booked spent 10 hours there, and most of it bags, jewellery, and paintings. Down it, but it does get easier. And it is nor- our trip and a few weeks later we was spent trying to navigate the gi- by the port it is bustling with locals, mal to feel homesick, you’re bound were o on a 4-hour  ight which gantic souk with its confusing alleys, sh vendors, tourists, and a lot of to be. Yes you’ve moved away from had little leg room and stereotypical all of which were lined with stalls that stray cats. home to university but this is just a plane food. were selling the exact same product. We only managed to spend a few bigger step in your life and you will Landing mid-morning, we stepped We got lost plenty of times which hours in Essaouira and it was no- be able to overcome it. I wish luck o of the plane and into the dry, was trouble enough, but at the same where near enough time, so I recom- to others embarking on a similar ad- intense heat of Agadir. This was a time we were trying to avoid snake mend once again spending a few venture and strongly advise people prime location for us, an equal dis- charmers and monkey owners who days visiting. to consider doing a year abroad as tance from Marrakesh and Essaouira, would charge ou for the most ridicu- Should you travel to Morocco in it will certainly change your life and and not too far from Tiznet, so having lous things –we witnessed one tour- future, I would recommend: camel make you a stronger person. Agadir as a base camp worked well. ist get scratched by a monkey as she riding, which I loved; shopping in We stayed at the Agarna Hotel, which talked to the owner, who promptly a souk, where you can haggle your sat at the top of a hill – on one side asked for 400 dirham. arse o and not care about getting you had the sea and our own private While the day was a bit of a disas- lost since you’ll nd an exit eventu- beach among many other private ter for us, the evening was worth the ally; and going on safari - we visited beaches, on the other, the city centre wait. Being in Morocco for the end of a sherman’s village, saw a silver- where you could go and get lost for Ramadan, we witnessed the restau- making factory, and ate traditional hours. rant stalls being set up in the even- Moroccan food with a Berber family. Being from the UK with our normal- ing, against the backdrop of hun- If you do anything when visiting ly chilly and wet climate, the heat in dreds of lit candles as vendors tried Morocco, de nitely try a Tagine. Morocco hit us quite strongly, so the to sell beautifully hand-made candle 30 Seren | Community Issue 2014 SPORT

In Brief

European Trophies Visit Bangor

THE Champions League, Europa League, and UEFA SuperCup trophies were put on display in Bangor recently. As part of the build-up to Real Ma- drid’s 2 – 0 SuperCup win over Sevilla in Cardi , the trophies toured Wales, and were available for fans to take pho- tos with. Before visiting Bangor, the trophies climbed the summit of Snow- don via the Snowdon Railway.

Bangor Cricketeer Will The Citizens be Tops Batting celebrating come the end of the season? Statistics Blake Dean currently sits atop the North Wales Cricket League batting statistics with 1007 runs for the sea- son, and an average of 111 runs per game. Dean is only the third Bangor Bangor City FC: Season Preview player who has reached 1000 runs for a season, with the previous players achieving the total in 1969 and 1975. fying for the Europa League qualify- side face Newtown AFC in both of pions  e New Saints, who  nished Dean recently scored 138 not out in a by SCOTT WILLEY ing play-o s a er victory over Rhyl their  rst  xtures, in the Word Cup 25 points above Bangor in the last victory for Bangor over Brymbo. FC at a packed Nantport last season, and Welsh Premier League respective- campaign. Nev Powell’s side featured a Bangor Cricket Club currently sit in City travelled to Iceland to face Stjar- ly. Finishing in fourth place last sea- young team last season, but they have a mid-table position in the ECB Pre- s Bangor City FC gear up to nan FC. Unfortunately, Bangor found son, Bangor will look to again secure since garnered much experience, and mier Divisioon, with Menai Bridge oc- the kick-o their league sea- cupying the top spot. son this Saturday with a game themselves 4-0 down a er the  rst leg European football for the city, which with a number of new faces it will be Aagainst Newtown AFC, Seren Sport away, and could not turn their fortunes recently hosted the Champions League interesting to see the  nal position of looks to the season ahead. around at Nantport, crashing out 8-0 and Europa League trophies ahead of the Citizens at the end of the season. Pre-season for  e Citizens began on aggregate. the UEFA SuperCup in Cardi . as far back as June, where they played Bangor begin their season on the City face another tough season as a out two friendly defeats. A er quali- back of two wins, including a 13-0 semi-professional side against profes- thrashing of Mold Alex. Nev Powell’s sional sides such as the current cham- Bangor City FC Bangor University Rhyl Fc Cefn Druids Airbus UK Broughton Fixtures 14th Sep, 1:00pm, 17th Oct, 7:45pm, 6th Dec, 2:30pm,  e Book People Away 68th in BUCS 2014 / 2015 Away Stadium Rhyl FC Bangor University Atheltic Union Prestatyn Town Connah’s Quay, 12th Dec, 2:30pm,  nished 68th across in the British Uni-  e New Saints, 19th Sep, 7:45pm, 24th Oct, 7:45pm,  e Book People versities and Colleges Sports League. 22nd Aug 7:45pm,  e Book People  e Book People Stadium Points are awarded to the univer- Away Stadium Stadium sity total throughout the year across Prestatyn Town, various sports, which are cumulated Newtown AFC Connah’s Quay,  e New Saints 20th Dec, 2:30pm, to give a  nal university standing. 7th Nov, 7:45pm, Away 25th Aug, 2:30pm, 26th Sep, 7:30pm, Unfortunately, Bangor  nished below Away Away Varsity rivals Aberystwyth University,  e Book People Bala Town, who stand in 65th place. Stadium Carmarthen Town Newtown AFC 26th Dec, 2:30pm, 4th Oct, 2:30pm, 15th Nov, 2:30pm, Away Aberystwyth Town,  e Book People Away 29th Aug, 7:30pm, Stadium Away Aberystwyth Town Port Talbot 21st Nov, 7:45pm, Airbus UK Broughton 11th Oct, 2:30pm,  e Book People 5th Sep, 7:45pm, Away Stadium  e Book People Stadium Community Issue 2014 | Seren 31 SPORT Bangor Student tours with Great Britain Rugby League Pioneers

Stars and the Ghanaian National sport I enjoy playing and helping na All-Stars.  e team went on to  e Pioneers held local media by SCOTT WILLEY team. it to develop in a new country. It  nish the tour undefeated. press conferences in order to raise Ben Chipper eld, Bangor Uni- was a great trip, seeing a country I Since forming in 2005, the team awareness of rugby league, held GB Rugby League team versity Rugby League’s Captain, would not have visited if it wasn’t have toured various countries impromptu beach matches en- made of students have re- was selected to be part of the squad for rugby league.” around the world in order to couraging people to try the sport, cently returned from a despite having only played rugby To cap o becoming a part of promote and aid in rugby league and donated kit and equipment to Asuccessful tour of Ghana. Spend- league for two years. When Seren Ghanaian rugby league history, coaching. Players are selected from Ghana Rugby League. ing two weeks in Africa, the team spoke to Ben, he said, “I was very which Ben himself described as a across Great Britain and previous coached over 200 schoolchildren, excited and proud to receive the in- “great honour”, he also scored the experience of developing the sport as well as recording victories in vitation to tour with the Pioneers. opening try of the tour, in the Pio- is taken into account in the selec- matches against the Ghana All- It was a great experience taking a neers  rst victory against the Gha- tion process. Trampoline Bounce to AU Club of the Year 2013 / 2014

Greenwell  nished 1st and 2nd in the North Wales. by SCOTT WILLEY advanced category respectively, mak- Eight of the club members also re- ing them the top two competitors in cently completed a “Rebound  era- angor University Trampoline Britain. Overall, the team  nished 5th py” course, which involved learning Club have been named Bangor nationally, triumphing over sporting how to teach movement and balance Athletic Union Club of the Year giants such as Loughborough, Bath, skills to disabled children and adults B2013 / 14. Manchester and Liverpool, bringing via the trampoline.  e quali cation  e club underwent drastic positive the  rst BUCS points the club has ever allows the setup of a Disability Cen- changes in the 2012 / 2013, when the received, helping Bangor University tred session. club’s format was reinvented.  e 2013 place 68th nationally across all sports. In March, Bangor University / 2014 season has reaped the bene ts As well as success in competitions, Trampoline Club hosted a 12 hour of this new format and the club is now the club have had a heavy involvement “bounceathon”, in which volunteers larger and more successful. with trampolining in the local com- took part in a 12 hour relay to keep In the club’s  rst competition of the munity. Coaches from the club have one person bouncing at all times. season in Bath, 15 Bangor representa- become actively involved in the run- Over £500 was raised and given to the tives attended. Bangor returned with ning of Bangoroos Trampoline Club, cancer charity Coppafeel. one 1st and two 3rd place individual a local children’s trampoline club. A Bangor University Trampoline Club medals and the  rst team placed 2nd showcase University vs. Bangoroos were announced as the Athletic Union in the advanced category. competition was organised, with fam- Club of the Year 2013 / 2014 at the an- Next up for the club was participa- ily and friends of the children invited nual Atheltic Union Dinner, and hope tion in BUCS competitions (British to allow the children to showcase their to build on their successes this year in Universities and Colleges Sport). Club talent.  e event is also the only tram- to the following year. Captain Georgia Mitchell and Melissa poline competition for children across Bangor City Season Preview Page 30 SPORT Canolfan Brailsford Opens its Doors

not available to open the new complex two Tour de France titles. Brailsford follows university wide in- by SCOTT WILLEY due to his commitments with Team  e investment in the facility in- vestment in sport, beginning with the Membership Sky and their participation in the Tour cludes £350,000 of brand new equip- sports dome on the FFriddoedd cam- angor University’s £2.5 million de France. Brailsford is credited with ment, which include built-in TV con- pus, which was opened in November Price List gym and sports complex re- the success of British Cycling in recent soles which allow live TV viewing, by Lord Seb Coe. Bangor City FC also cently opened its doors with a years. During his tenure as Director of internet access and a variety of ‘cours- recently made a joint investment with (Gym only / Gym and classes) Bsuccessful open day on 5th July. Can- British Cycling, Brailsford embraced es’ which will take members away Bangor University in a 3G all-weather olfan Brailsford features two sports a marginal gains policy and the be- from the treadmills and cycling ma- pitch at Nantwich.  e pitch will open Students 9-month: hall, three dedicated  tness rooms, lief that many small changes resulted chines of the gym to German forests before Bangor City’s Welsh Premier £90 / £135 international standard squash courts, in large performance improvements. or the streets of Paris. Members can League season kicks o and the facil- a climbing wall and a multi-purpose Brailsford le British Cycling in April, also document their workouts using ity will also be used by Bangor Univer- Sta / Alumni / Over-60s: gymnastics hall. to further concentrate on his work as the LFConnect App, which is available sity’s football teams. £200 / 240 Sir Dave Brailsford grew up in near- general manager of Team Sky, who to download on smartphones. by Deiniolen, but unfortunately was under Brailsford’s leadership have won  e development on Canolfan Public: £280 / 340