28 PAGE SPECIAL!

ISSN 1755-7585 Issue No. 206 End of Year Issue 2009 We’re still standing INSIDE:

More from the Summer Ball

Willow Does Ultimate The future of Bangor Students’ Union looks more certain Frisbee and Seren can exclusively reveal plans for the future he Students’ Union as you know it can be knocked thorough and converted was quick to respond to: “We have been in Bangor are rather limited, Seren thought it will stay exactly where it is for an- into o ces, as well as a large catering hall close consultation with the Students’ Un- was important to nd out what the plans other year, before construction of the for bigger SU events. Although these plans ion user group; John Jackson and the other are for provision of suitable entertain- TArts and Innovation Centre (and the decon- are by no means de nite, Students’ Union Sabbatical O cers throughout this plan- ment in Bangor, whilst construction goes struction of the current, rather attractive President, John Jackson has said Rathbone ning process. A concern raised by the SU at ahead. Both Dr. Roberts and John Jackson building) can begin. is “the most preferable and likely option”. the beginning was the loss of their identity contributed to delivering an answer. “We Until now, the University have been In a recent within the project hope to be able to keep Time open whilst unable to give a de nite answer as to where meeting with the as a whole and the Arts and Innovation centre is built,” our Students’ Union would be operating University Regis- this is something Dr. Roberts told us “the current blueprint from in September, (or if it would actually trar – Dr. David • Union not to be we have been for the new build should allow for Time to be here at all) which has been largely due Roberts - Seren demolished for 12 careful to ensure remain standing until the new centre is n- Creative to the lengthly processes associated with was given an out- months won’t happen. ished, although nothing can be one-hun- the planning and funding of the swanky line of what exact- However, one of dred percent certain at this stage.” Positive new Arts and Innovation Centre. Work on ly is going on with • Rathbone possible the main ideas news then, but what about a replacement the site is now due to commence a er May the Arts and In- behind the Arts for Academi? Your President had the an- Corner 2010. Although this is a slight delay on the novation Centre. location for interim and Innovation swer for this one: “At the moment, we re- initial proposed timescale, ultimately it As Seren reported Centre are the ally aren’t sure what is going to happen, but means less relocation upheaval for the SU back in October, • Time may stay open shared spaces, it is possible that a bar similar to  e Base- sta and us students too. plans for the Arts whilst new building which are avail- ment in the current Students’ Union build-  e aforementioned relocation of the and Innovation is constructed able for anyone ing could operate from Rathbone site.” Students’ Union in May is expected to take Centre have been to use and will So, the word on the street is that we’re us to Rathbone (the older University halls steaming ahead, ultimately bene t here for at least another 12 months… make near Main Arts), which the university is with a feasibility both the students the most of it whilst you can guys, because planning to deck out and make suitable study published at the beginning of the year and members of the local community for soon that ne piece of architecture we call changes to, in order to accommodate a live- and public consultations taking place since whom this project is catering.” the Students’ Union will be nothing more Unsung ly Students’ Union such as ours. Rathbone early November. In October, we raised a Obviously, when the Union is nally than a pile of 1970s rubble. (for those of you who haven’t been lucky concern that the Students’ Union felt a demolished, we are going to lose one (if Heroes hits enough to get a guided tour of the place) little lost in the grandiose plans for Arts not two) of our nighttime venues – Time Jo Caulfield includes reasonably sized bedrooms that and Innovation, a feeling that Dr. Roberts and Academi. As the ‘going out’ options in the decks NEUADD WILLIS STUDENT ACCOMMODATION Luxury ensuite student ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2009 We provide a selection of fabulous studios apartments which have their own living/kitchen accommodation area, and which are for single occupancy. In addition, we have quality accommodation which comprises of fully furnished apartments with en-suite rooms, in clusters of 3, 4, 5 situated within and 6 with a fully fi tted living/kitchen area. walking distance of We can be contacted on: 01248 371450 or 07841 369249 or via email on: Bangor University [email protected] 2 End of Year Issue 2009 EDITORIAL www.seren.bangor.ac.uk “This is the end, my only End of Year Issue 2009 Contributors: Aaron Wiles friend, the end...” Georgia Mannion Daniel Turner hrist, Jim Morrison can be depressing. However, when contemplating the fact that this is my last sleep deprived Sion Wyn Laszek Ceditorial piece (I’ve just hit my 24th hour of awakeness Liz Stevens – hello hallucination!) it seemed only appropriate to focus its Liam Plummer fi nality. This is probably the most overused and trite phrase Willow Manuel related to farewells of sorts, but I really can’t believe how quickly it’s gone. It seems like only yesterday I was shoved Will Pedigrew into the Seren Offi ce and told to edit, and now look at me, Gemma Ellis weeping into this keyboard at the slightest mention of my Rosie Jones abdication. Iain Dalton It truly has been a wonderful year. The team here have Joe Firth (for the most part…) done me proud. The Seren team San Elvin 08/09 should go down in history as the best newspaper team the world has ever seen. That’s right, the world Emma Bailey (I’m talking to you, Piers Morgan). Jake Basford So, a quick run though this issue – we’ve got an Rosie Macleod amazing 28 pages this time! A unprecedented feat Frances Birkett in recent Seren history. We’ve jammed them with Dwight McCarthy so much stuff, I doubt whether you’ll be able to Lewis Brookes take it all in without having a little sit down. The lovely DJ Mouse has offered her services as our Lee Howson unsung hero of Bangor, and what a hero she is. Laura Stephenson Whilst the Seren team were working tirelessly Zoe Perranoud through the night to bring you this marvellous Charles Winnett newspaper, Jess walked through the rain at 2 am to bring us strawberries and cream. We Sam Butcher nearly wept with joy (I actually think a select few Nicholas Cowen Seren members did shed a tear or two at this Jesus-like act Barnaby Gilford of kindness, but I don’t wish to embarrass them, so they can remain anonymous for now). We’ve also got a new Creative Corner, which promises Danny Southward to be a staple in next year’s Serens, so watch that space; an amazing run though the Toby Davidson Summer Ball; Willow Does Seren (woo!); a bit of news here; probably a few spelling errors Nabeel Mansoori there; but overall it’s absolutely lovely. Owain Rice Anyway, onwards and upwards; I would do a whole “highlights of my year” section, but Ed Roberts to be honest, I doubt whether you actually care. So, I would just like to say this year has Gemma Carter been amazing, and thank you so very much for taking the time to read this publication that has literally eaten my life away. Big love to the Seren team, the Union boys who have been Jes Harvery nothing but supportive (that includes you, Aled) and to everyone who’s made me a cup of tea and listened to me whinge about the “bloody newspaper.” Now I’m off to fi nish my Photography: dissertation proposal and try and remember what the hell my degree involves. Aaron Wiles Thank you Bangor, and goodnight. Dan Turner Kirsty Flow Dyas The ever grateful (and now redundant), Jo Caulfi eld Special thanks to: Jess Hughes Jez Harvey Proof reading: Sion Wyn Laszek Emily Collins TEAM SEREN BRINGING NEWS TO YOUR CRIB. RECYCLE Georgia Mannion Editor Jo Caulfi eld Here at Seren, there’s News Stephen Davies nothing we love more Features Bianca Murray than Mother Nature and Music Emma Dixon d’ya know what she Film Mark Varley loves? Recycling! After you’ve fi nished Books Emma McColl Travel Stef Black with us, can you put us in your blue Sports Will Varley box and make sure we get made into Design Dan Turner something else? Thanks very much. 3 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS Swine Flu - What is it and Wednesday should we be worried? afternoons

nless you have been living under a rock for the past few weeks, you free by 2010? will have heard of swine  u, the latestU global outbreak of infection that has t seems that nally, the Univer- penalised for representing their Uni- caused worldwide panic and confusion. sity are working towards mak- versity. I think that by doing this, the Much has been made of the outbreak on ing Wednesday a ernoons free University will be showing real sup- a national and global level, with much of Iof lectures for students to participate port for our representatives and be the information being sensationalised, so in extra-curricular activities (and proud that we have people compet- we here at Seren have decided to give you no, this does not mean hanging out ing for the University.  is is such a the basic facts, and what to do if you are in Yellow pub from lunchtime on- positive thing. Freeing up Wednesday worried about infection. wards). a ernoons is an enormous part of the  e rst reported case of swine  u Many universities across the Sports Strategy that we’ve put for- came from Mexico on April 14th, and country keep Wednesday a ernoons ward this year and I believe it shows more diagnoses swi ly followed within free, so students can play matches that the University are taking it seri- the country. Cases across the world have for their AU clubs, volunteer in the ously and wish to place emphasis on followed, although the worst a ected ar- community or even edit a lovely stu- sport as a part of campus life.” eas remain Mexico, the USA and Canada, dent newspaper, without it a ecting At the moment, the problem lies with 727, 286, and 140 cases con rmed, their courses. Although the Students’ with timetabling. Apparently, there’s respectively (at the time of writing). Union have been pushing for such a so much module choice here at our Symptoms of swine  u are similar to Seren exposes the true source of the disease scheme to reach Bangor for several wonderful university, that currently those of seasonal  u, including fever, years, until now there has been little there is little room for manoeuvre. cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and ever, that deaths have remained con ned turned from a trip to Mexico, and nearly headway. However, in a meeting with However, Dr. Roberts informed us fatigue, and o en additionally, diarrhoea. to Mexico, which has had 26 deaths, and all subsequent cases have had contact Dr David Roberts, the University that they are working like troopers  e pandemic alert status of the dis- with a su erer.  e UK Government also Registrar, Seren was informed that to try and make this happen for us ease is currently at level 5, with the high- has a stockpile of Tami u, the drug being the wheels are in motion to nally in the 2010/2011 academic year. Ulti- est level possible being 6.  e university is “The UK Government used to treat the virus, as an added pre- free up the Wednesday a ernoon mately, this may have to mean there’ll on level 2 of 4 which means they are op- also has a stockpile caution against a possible pandemic.  e slot. be a reduction in module choice UK Government has antiviral drugs to erating under concerned awareness and of Tamifl u, the drug AU President Rob Samuel: across courses, but we’re assured that making preparations should the infection treat 50% of the population. “Wednesday a ernoons o for sport the changes to be made will be noth- become more threatening. Cases in the being used to treat  erefore it would appear at this stage will help all our AU clubs and show ing but positive for the student body UK currently remain limited to Scotland that the virus is being contained. How- that the University is de nitely tak- at large. Watch this space, Bangor… the virus, as an added ever, there are a number of precautions and England (with the Midlands and precaution against a ing sport seriously in Bangor. At the Jo Caulfield London worst a ected); although numer- one can take to safeguard against general moment, it’s almost as if students are ous people have been tested in Wales for possible pandemic.” infection. Government lea ets are wing- the virus (including someone in Gwyn- ing their way to every household in the edd), no diagnosis of the  u have been UK providing information on protec- made as of yet here. the US, with 1 fatality (who was a Mexican tion against the virus, but basic hygiene Citizens of Bangor  e question remains, however, child). With 1,273 total con rmed cases, advice is strongly recommended. Face- should we be worried? Cases in the UK and 27 deaths, the percentage of deaths book groups and Twitter feeds also have are still being con rmed as we speak, but from swine  u only currently stands at updates on the outbreak as well as further continue fi ght will swine  u be recognised in a year as approximately 2%. Seasonal  u is just as advice. As a nal pointer, Seren would nothing more than another moral panic much of a concern to public health, with like to remind you that the virus is being for better city instigated by the British media, or should approximately 250,000 – 500,000 deaths passed human to human; eating pig meat we genuinely have cause for concern? a year. is perfectly safe, with experts stressing Much has been made of the fact that Nearly all reported cases of swine  u that fact. most of the cases have been con ned to have also been mild, particularly in the UK, with most diagnosed and treated the younger generations, with seasonal  u Liz Stevens usually disproportionately a ecting the swi ly and e ectively.  e rst two cases elderly. It is certainly worth noting, how- con rmed in the UK had recently re-

Bangor Pride - Do you have it?

t’s not just the citizens of Bangor that also described plans for a LOVE BAN- have been hard at work establishing GOR discount card, similar to better facilities for the city – a new the NUS Extra card currently Igroup entitled Bangor Pride have been available. Although the lat- established to help bene t the city. ter allows students to ob- Currently separate from ‘ e People tain discounts at outlets ollowing on from a protest march bility of establishing a political party or a of Bangor Community Group’ – although such as Amazon, many last month, which saw over 200 community group to ght for the mem- group spokesperson Nigel Pickavance of the facilities are not attendees, the disgruntled citizens bers and their desires. Voting for the Fof Bangor have taken a step forward in political party was in the negative, how- has stated his willingness to collaborate available in Bangor.  e with the group in a recent interview – the LOVE BANGOR card their ght for a better city. ever, support for the community group group is essentially an amalgamation of would be tailored to stores Dissention began in a Facebook was overwhelming, and steps have been Local Authority gures and community and resources available in group entitled ‘ e Citizens of Bangor taken to establish such a group. players ghting to restore pride in the the city. Once launched, the Deserve Better’, which currently boasts Entitled ‘ e People of Bangor Com- area. logo and its symbolism would over 1000 members. Members took to munity Group’, it has given the views es- It is worth noting that the scheme is also be attributed to other com- the streets to protest about the problems tablished by the initial Facebook group entirely voluntary, and brings together munity causes and bene ts, and currently engul ng the city of Bangor, a more o cial footing, and have es- a number of public and private sector would work alongside other groups including a lack of facilities, dirty and tablished a constitution outlining their agencies working together for the ben- and campaigns to help restore underdeveloped facilities and a failure non-pro t aims and general aims for the to secure adequate resources for fu- city, which include improving Christ- e t of Bangor. Each agency has a de ned some Bangor Pride. role and commitment, and the Students ture generations. Spokesperson Nigel mas lighting and general cleanliness in Union are currently heavily involved in Pickavance has been extremely vocal the short term. the movement, o ering volunteering and Liz Stevens about the ght for the city, claiming in community involvement. newspaper interviews that without their Deputy President Spencer George has ght, ‘the city will die’. Liz Stevens Subsequently, the ght for the city has been taken to the next level, with members meeting to discuss the possi- 4 End of Year Issue 2009 NEWS www.seren.bangor.ac.uk University launches new green agenda angor University have released the details of their new Environmental Policy, originally drafted in December of last year. The plans consider Bthe potential impact an institution of Bangor University’s scale can impose upon its immediate surroundings as well as assessing the University’s role in promoting a ‘green’ reputation for Bangor. As the policy states, Bangor University buildings and installations range across a total of three-hundred and forty-six hectares, including among them the University’s presence at its affi liated institution in Wrexham and so it has a large role to play in improving Honorary joy for the hoi-polloi environmental standards. The plans ensure collective responsibility to maintain and improve the natural environment in and around the University’s grounds. These plans are he University has announced the London Marathon and a former Olym- former coalminer and colliery manager, cogent with those of the ongoing Bangor Werdd project, a network of direct names of seven individuals who pic Bronze Medallist. whilst Mr. John has only recently re- action protesters hoping to maintain and improve sites of environmental will become Honorary Fellows at Also collecting a fellowship for her signed as the Chief Executive of HSBC, interest in the Bangor area, and a possible link for the University’s Tthe graduating ceremonies in July. services to music is Bangor Graduate, and is a native of West Wales. His Hon- Environmental Policy to dovetail with the aims of Bangor citizens. According to University Registrar, Christina Coker OBE, Chief Executive our Mr. Roberts was born on Anglesey, A number of measures are planned in keeping with the aims of the Dr. David Roberts, those chosen ‘have of the UK’s largest children’s music char- educated in Oxford, and served on the policy. Some such as improved waste management and a commitment to excelled in their eld and they represent ity Youth Music. Her fellow Bangor PhD Council of Bangor University for over reducing greenhouse gas emissions are similar to those agreed to by local ne role models for our graduates’, and graduate Sandra Shumway, one of the 20 years. businesses. In addition, the policy is striving to increase knowledge of green stewardship on the part of both staff and students in order to promote a include CBE’s, OBE’s, and former gradu- world’s leading authorities on shell sh Conspicuous by their absence this more conscientious relationship between those involved with the University ates of Bangor. biology, is also set to accept an honorary year are Honorary Fellows from the and the Bangor community as a whole. The policy also promises to keep to  e seven represent a wide range of fellowship. world of celebrity, however, those ac- the Green Dragon Environmental Standard, an independently-checked fi ve- vocations and have each contributed to Taking fellowships for their services corded by the University this year are level standard that displays the quality of an organisation’s Environmental their eld in a unique and signi cant to politics, banking and law and higher well deserving; the majority of Honor- Management System (EMS). Beyond this, more specifi c measures on how manner. Receiving fellowships for their education are Tom Ellis, Dyfrig John ary Fellows with connections to both the the plans will be implemented are yet to be fi nalised and it is yet to be services to sport are, David Brailsford, and His Honour Ei on Roberts QC, University and Wales, and an undeni- seen whether cuts elsewhere in the University will impact on how the CBE, born and raised near Caernarfon, respectively. Former MP for Wrexham able range of impressive achievements in Environmental Policy is put into action. and coach of the successful Team GB and Member of the European Parlia- a wide number of elds. Stephen Davies Cycling team at the Beijing Olympics, ment from 1975 to 1979, Mr. Ellis is also Liz Stevens and John Disley, CBE, co-founder of the the author of a number of books, and a Prospective park revamp promises plenty lans have been unveiled for a and the plans are certainly a vast im- £1million revamp of College Park, provement on the currently seldom used and they’re certainly ambitious. landscape UnveiledP by the landscaping company No timetable or start date for the ren- Gillespie’s, plans have been revealed for a ovation have of yet been decided upon, complete makeover of the currently tired it is however, agreed that the scheme will and largely unused piece of land, with the span a period of several years, as plans hopes of creating a new space for all to are certainly impressive. Plans and ideas enjoy. are currently divided into three main  e Students’ Union are heavily in- subcategories – essential, desirable and volved with the scheme, and along with aspirational. Essential, obviously, is the Gillespie’s, envision an area that is user most important, key work that will be friendly and accessible; something that done to improve the area, with desirable shall become much more than just an and aspirational being achieved if fund- alternative route to Main Arts.  e pro- ing allows. posal is a revitalised park for all to enjoy - A number of ideas have been dis- community and students; an integral and cussed regarding essential work to be enjoyable part of Bangor. done to the area.  e rst is to thin out  e University are keen to stress that the current trees in the area, to allow the project is separate from the new Arts work to be done. Accessibility is a key and Innovation Centre, but it is undeni- feature recurring throughout the plans; able that considerations of the latter will access to the park will be improved by play a role with regards to the Union’s reducing the fence around the park, and involvement in the revamp. Another po- adding in an entrance opposite the Post as opposed to the single one currently in  e nal subcategory of plans is as- It is therefore obvious that the plans tential stumbling block for the park is the O ce on Deiniol Road. Plans are also use. Laws regarding disabilities are also of pirational; those plans which may drain are detailed, varied, and would provide issue of funding. Plans are wide ranging in place, if at all possible, to reduce the principal importance; all plans will have Bangor with a wonderful asset should and optimistic - securing funding for all topography of the park in order to host such considerations in mind. “Plans revealed for a they ever come to fruition. Funding is the of the proposed may prove tricky. Nev- activities and stalls within the area. Walk-  e second stages of consideration are biggest issue that the scheme faces, but ertheless, the scheme is gathering steam, ways are to be widened and improved, as those labelled ‘desirable’ – still of impor- complete makeover of the even some of the proposed would greatly is signage within the tance to the scheme, but their inclusion is currently tired and largely bene t the park and the city. When asked entire area. Walls not a necessary requirement. Such plans about the Student Union’s involvement in will be reduced in include the preservation of a nature area, unused piece of land, with the scheme and his feelings on the entire order to prevent with which societies such as STAG and the hopes of creating a issue, Deputy President Spencer George people using them BIFSA can get involved.  e current plan had the following to say, ‘I am thrilled as seating; the safety is to have such an area in the far corner new space for all to enjoy.” to bits that the scheme is gathering mo- and welfare of us- of the park. Another consideration is the mentum and pleased that the company ers being another inclusion of ‘trim trails’, common within the funding the most but will be the most are taking the Union’s ideas on board’. paramount concern campus universities – a series of gym aesthetically pleasing.  ese plans make Student and community opinions are of the scheme. Im- equipment of cascading di culty to en- provision for a grass amphitheatre, illu- also being actively encouraged; any opin- proved, energy ef- joy within the park. Students with fami- minating the trees at night, creating wi- ions or feelings on the plans can be made cient lighting will lies and families from the locality are also docks within fake trees and lampposts, aware to the Union. be utilised, and a being catered for, with the insertion of cascading the lighting of Main Arts at Liz Stevens number of routes children’s play areas into the park. Health night, and completely changing the drop will be created to- and safety considerations however, may from Main Arts into the park from a wards Main Arts, limit the scope of such areas. steep slope into cascading stages. 5 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk NEWS Dealing with Fee fi ght continues Exam Stress Where do you stand in the war tudents of Bangor, that dreaded to it can help you manage the workload time is once again upon us. Al- e ectively. Study at a time which suits on the cost of your future? though all you can envision is sit- you. Do not even attempt revising at Sting in a warm, sunny (this may be just nine in the morning if you don’t usu- he war on tuition fees remains Perhaps all universities should review the attention of the people it a ects most. a fantasy, we do live in Britain a er all) ally start functioning until one in the infuriatingly far from over. With their accounts to nd a sustainable way To quote her directly, “you can’t get a job beer garden with a nice cold pint; we a ernoon. Make time for yourself, take universities now more in debt than to tackle their monetary di culties rather without a degree, yet you can’t a ord to must rst make our way through the regular breaks and if you want to do Tthey have been for decades, the proposed than jumping to increase their fees which, live with one”. With 36% of students basing sheer bane upon existence that are the something, do it, or you will grow to fee hikes (up to £20,000 a year) could help (for want of a better term) seems like a their university choices on how expensive end of year exams.  is period can resent the work. ease them out of the hard times; the only bit of a cop-out. It may be impossible to it will be the UK Youth Parliament could take its toll not only on us, but Perhaps the most important thing is, everyone else is su ering too. abolish tuition fees in the immediate fu- focus on making their goals more realistic on those around us, but there are piece of advice is to look past the It’s no secret that nobody has any money ture; certainly an unrealistic aim for those and useful by cracking down on this cur- some simple ways of coping and present; think towards the future. 3 at the moment (or that I am thoroughly campaigning for it, but to stop them being rent proposal and moving onto fee aboli- limiting this feeling. weeks of hard work and strug- opposed to raising tuition fees) but if uni- raised can only be a worthwhile pursuit. tion when the rst battle is won. Symptoms of stress are gle now will equate to almost versities are building up debts to maintain Outspoken Skins favourite Naomi wide ranging, and although 3 months of chilling out and standards surely they should be making a Campbell attended a r a l l y Georgia Mannion some are more obvious than enjoying your summer soon plea to the government to ease this strain, with Battlefront others, it a ects enough. Don’t blow things rather than prising the already light wal- to raise the is- us all; particu- out of proportion, lets of students open. As if we don’t have larly during peri- calm down and enough to worry about. ods of heightened move beyond the  e Higher Education Statistics Agency workloads and in- short term. revealed that by the end of 2007 the Uni- tense pressure.  e best If things do get to versity of London had racked up £6.9m possible cure for stress is to be too much to cope of debt, Manchester Universi- remove the cause, but this with, there is a wealth of ty £12.4m and Nottingham may or may not be possible in our in- support systems available.  e Trent University £7.4m. stance. It is therefore crucial that other University itself operates Nightline, a Our university is things are done to limit the possibilities con dential night time service where somewhat clandes- of illness. students can get advice from other stu- tine when it comes A study carried by the UNITE dents, which can be obtained by phon- to revealing nan- Group suggested that 53% of students ing 01248362121. Alternatively, help cial information had become more stressed since begin- can be sought through a number of but they don’t seem ning university, but that overall 96% other outlets, including the Internet, the as worried as the above considered it a worthwhile experience, Students’ Union and through friends universities should be.  ey are showing that stress can be managed and and family. Don’t forget; you’re not looking to “streamline” their outgo- tackled e ectively. alone and you will get through it! ings but aren’t giving anything away when sue to young people across the UK. A Sometimes solutions are so simple it comes to their collective opinion on fee brave move by Channel 4 and a very good that people overlook them. Creating a Liz Stevens hikes. thing in terms of bringing top-up fees to realistic revision timetable and sticking Invisible children rescue in Cardiff n Saturday 25th April, when sleep without shelter for the night? Well, for his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a death sentence for many LRA ‘soldiers’. most students were getting it was part of a worldwide movement; 99 in an attempt to overthrow the govern- But Kony is not only responsible for ab- ready to go out, three members other cities across 10 countries also held ment. Not only does he abduct children ducting children; his ‘army’ has killed Oof Bangor Amnesty Student Society were sleep-outs that evening. It was organised from their families and force them to over 10,000 people in Uganda and been preparing to bed down for the night on by a group called Invisible Children, who live in squalid conditions; Kony also tells responsible for the rape and mutilation of the lawn of Cardi University. Not the visited Bangor before Easter to show their them that by drawing a cross on their countless villagers. Not surprisingly, the most comfortable place to sleep, espe- documentary about Child Soldiers in bodies will make them invincible to bul- International Criminal Court has issued cially with a charming clock tower ring- Uganda. lets. Kony believes he is guided by spirits a warrant for his arrest. Kony is the most ing every quarter of an hour, although it  is lm shows the shocking situa- (indicating his state of mind), and is con- wanted man in Africa. was strangely blissful waking up under a tion caused a man called Joseph Kony. vinced that he is a freedom ghter.  is is why we ended up in Cardi tree…  is man kidnaps children from villages Forcing children with guns to ght (admittedly less dangerous than Ugan- So why did we travel for ve hours to across Uganda and forces them to ght Uganda’s trained army is, quite obviously, da). It was part of ‘ e Rescue’, where ordinary people were ‘abducted’ in cities across the world and waited to be rescued by a politician or pub- lic gure. Quite a luxury, given that Kony’s abducted children have no such rescuer. In Cardi , we were mercifully rescued that evening by Cardi AM Jenny Randerson, who responsible for thousands of deaths; he promised us she would put pressure must be held accountable. It is hard for on the Welsh Assembly to take action us in the UK to imagine what it would in Uganda. We also heard a debate be like if, instead of going to high school, about the pros and cons of using mil- we had been forced to ght for a deluded itary action to sort out the problem man. Kony’s child soldiers must be res- (which would mean ghting against cued from abduction, ill-treatment and children – quite a serious commit- war. ment), and wrote to Gordon Brown and David Milliband, urging them to For more information, see http://www. force the international community to invisiblechildren.com/ confront this issue.  ere was a real sense of com- munity in Cardi ; we were all there Liam Plummer with the same purpose, and we were part of a worldwide movement that was sending out a powerful message to governments across the globe. Joseph Kony has committed blatant violations of human rights, and is 6 End of Year Issue 2009 COMMENT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Bringing you the best in news, views, Gay Times by Emily Collins f you’ve been reading any of my col- Left Leanings umns this academic year you will have noticed that I’m not your average A socialist perspective from Iain Dalton I‘out and proud’ homosexual. I don’t own any rainbow paraphernalia, I have never marched in a parade, and frankly, the ‘gay scene’ freaks me out a little bit (even a er No2EU – Yes to Democracy being on the LGBT Pride committee for a his is quite probably going to be protests against the slaughter in Gaza at EU, what’s that about? year). I won’t launch into yet another rant my last column in this esteemed around 20 universities. Most of these pro- Well, since its con- about the issues within the gay culture (if newspaper, so I guess I ought to tests had demands met such as their uni- ception the European you can get online check out the Seren Tdraw the thread that has run through my versity not investing in arms companies Union has been about archives for this year and you’ll get the previous columns together and conclude. and providing scholarships for Palestinian promoting the interests idea) but su ce to say; I believe it needs Any avid readers I may have may remem- students. More recently there have been of big business at the ex- a change. ber that last year I wrote my rst article protests in workplaces where redundan- pense of their workforces, So, Bangor being the centre of the in Seren about the local council elections, cies were likely.  ese workers were fed- the rest of us have to make world and all, I decided to live a cliché they may also remember that at the time I up with the idea that they could be thrown do with a few crumbs o the and be the change I want to see in the said that none of the parties standing were on the scrapheap whilst the likes of Sir table. For example, the EU Posted world right here in our little city (bear worth voting for.  is is not the case this Fred Goodwin walked away with multi- Workers Directive and subsequent with me).  e LGBT Pride society in Ban- time around. million pound pensions.  ese workers European Court of Justice rulings allow (BNP) may get an gor has been through its ups and downs As usual the press will probably talk have either won their jobs back (Prisme for workers employed by a company based MEP or two in these elections. At NUS in the past few years; losing committee about four main choices to vote: Labour, packaging workers in Scotland) or a much outside of Britain to pay lower wages than conference this year there was great fan- members, coping with poor attendance Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and better redundancy package than they those nationally agreed within an indus- fare about a campaign called ‘Hope Not at events and even risking dissolution at Plaid Cyrmu. Just to recap my previous were o ered (Visteon car parts workers in try.  e part-privatisation of Royal Mail Hate’. It is about going out and engaging one point. It has done well to get this far, summary of these parties: they all really people to go and vote to keep the BNP which is thanks in no small part to the like cuts to public services and privatising “Workers were fed-up with the out. But who do they vote for to do this? members of the committee this year; they stu – well, that’s what they all do when Clearly the pro-New Labour leadership have done an excellent job. However, I felt they are in power! idea that they could be thrown on of NUS wants it to be a vote for Labour that a shake up was needed. Since last year we’ve had a massive eco- the scrapheap whilst the likes of but a sizeable number of people who de- A er last week’s LGBT Pride AGM nomic crisis which seems to have eradi- cide to vote for the BNP do so because of there is a largely new committee made up cated half the shops in Bangor, unem- Sir Fred Goodwin walked away their frustration and anger at the major of like-minded, enthusiastic and commit- ployment has risen above 2 million and with multi-million pound pensions” parties.  e MPs of these parties seem ted LGBT students. I can’t give anything the prospects of getting a job for anyone more concerned with extravagant claims away for certain yet but the new members nishing university (or college or school Basildon and En eld). which the government is currently trying on expenses or second jobs as directors “The ‘gay scene’ for that matter) are looking grim. Despite  at’s where the European Elections to push through is linked to the 2007 EU of multi-national companies. Having de- what Alistair Darling (the Chancellor of come in. Some of the workers who’ve led Postal Services Directive to introduce a cided they don’t want to vote for the nose- freaks me out a the Exchequer) said during his budget these protests are standing in this elec- deregulated postal services market.  e in-the-trough, public-service-cutting par- little bit. I believe announcement; it isn’t going to get better tion as part of the Rail, Maritime and new re-packaged EU constitution (which ties, they are not suddenly going to decide it needs a any time soon.  e economy returning to Transport Workers Union (RMT). RMT originally got voted down in France and to forget about all of that.  is is where the growth by the last quarter is very optimis- initiated the No2EU – Yes to Democracy the Netherlands) has been put to the vote No2EU slate is of vital importance, as it change.” tic – but the governments unpopularity electoral coalition, unlike the major par- in only one country, Ireland. Because vot- provides the chance to vote for a positive are focussed on making a positive change means that their only chance of staying in ties I’ve already mentioned, this party is ers decided to reject it they now face a sec- alternative that is prepared to stand up for for the society and creating something power is by being incredibly optimistic. standing in defence of public services and ond vote in October this year to see if they ordinary people. that everyone can actually have pride You may have heard about are the vari- against the interests of big business. ‘get it right this time’! (shudders) in. ous protests that have taken place across Now some people may be wondering Of course, there is the possibility that Iain Dalton Our currently active members do such the country. In January there were student about the name of the coalition - No to the far-right, racist British Nation Party an excellent job of turning up to our events and keeping the society going but there is a huge bank of LGBT students that would rather drink bleach than walk up to our Serendipity stall, for example.  ere are Rambles of a mature(ish) student also a lot of LGBT students that – fortu- nately – haven’t really got a need for repre- his is my fi rst column in Seren. article. It’s not that I’ve not wanted to writing articles in a towel should regular fl u! Arrgh!”), we’re students sentation, advice or assistance and there- Ever since I came to Bangor as to; it’s just that I haven’t honestly be a shock to the system but isn’t. so we’re going to be scraping to get fore don’t consider being involved with Ta mature(ish) undergrad, my had the time to do that. For instance, It’s amazing how quickly we can by anyway, and we get to stay in our friend Jack was badgering me and this is being written in a 15 minute get used to things. Who really thinks cosy, crumbling little Students Union LGBT Pride. With this new direction the badgering me to write something gap between running an election and about the fact that Barack Obama building for another year, which is society hopes to include as many of these for it. Eventually even the dear old going out to the Storm FM Awards, students as possible; whether it be provid- editor Jo asked me a few times if I’d wearing nothing but a towel. For ing a social event that is good enough to like to plug her gap. Or something. those of you that don’t know me, I’m “Running an election and going out attract all and sundry or running a cam- Sadly, as I said, this is my fi rst 6’2’’, nicely sculpted with brown eyes paign that e ects everyone. that go on forever to the Storm FM Awards, wearing  e important message we are trying and hair as dark as nothing but a towel” to get across to all of those LGBT students night. For those that who frantically avoid ‘out loud and proud’ do know me, don’t ruin it by telling the is black? For me, he’s the man who great as far as I’m concerned. Being campaigns is this: it’s safe to come out of others the truth. keeps giving banks more money as busy as I am it was only last week the woodwork now (not literally come out And that, than I thought actually existed. that I managed to make a complete but, you know). We feel exactly the same eventually, is the Robert Mugabe is still in charge of twonk of myself on Time’s dance as you and we are making the changes point. Since coming Zimbabwe? Well, so what? He was fl oor. For those of you that saw me, needed to be e ective without all of that to Bangor I have last week, last month and last year I do apologise, and to the lady with multicoloured, in-your-face stu . But, we no time. Between and he probably will be next week, the green dress, you shouldn’t have do need your help to make this change, if actually writing my next month and next year. put your drink on the table, it was you have ideas, things you like/dislike or essays (something Something’s of course still surprise obvious I wanted to dance there. want to be involved (even if it’s just behind of a fi rst for me), me. The Daily Express still has an I think most of all what I’ve got being involved with opinion on Princess Diana’s death? I used to is the life in Bangor. Nowhere the scenes) then get in touch. Storm, with the reckon I’ll be forty before that stops else seems to be quite so odd, quite As for all of the lovely members we Union and having surprising me. My Granny thinks so close-knit and quite so divided. have at the moment; don’t think we’ve for- a circle of friends David Cameron is a nice young man? For those like me, who prefer life gotten you; we’re still providing our usual wider than the She may not be the sharpest knife not to make much sense, Bangor is nights out (and maybe the odd rainbow people left in my in the drawer my gran, but surely the perfect place to live. And for that  ag if you nag us enough). home town with an even she can spot what he’s made reason, I’m glad the last year of my  e next year is going to be an excit- interest in suicide by of. Columbia’s fi nest….dark roast life has been here. ing one for LGBT Pride, new people, ap- booze, I fi nd that life coffee if Gordon Brown’s advisors are proaches, socials and a new name (yet to is full. To bursting. anything to go by. And more amazingly Hopefully there won’t be too many be revealed). We need you all on board, Jez Harvey I’m used to it. surprises for us here in Bangor. even if it’s just an email every so o en and From a ridiculously We’re nicely out of the way of swine we hope to start something inspirational sedentary lifestyle fl u (“Oh no, its almost as bad as here in Bangor. 7 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk COMMENT reviews but no cheap booze... Life, the Day of protest, lifetime universe and whatsitsface Naomi from Skins The world according to Joe Firth of indifference cares, why don’t you? THE LAST POST

t used to be that students were OK these students were good percentage his will be my last column. notorious freedom fi ghters, campaigning against unjust political of these must be That’s right, it’s the end of an Iready to paint placards with regimes, we are pretty well looked aware, like you Tera, and just like The Third politically charged slogans and after in comparison, but when and I are, of the Reich, all good things must come burn various items of oppressive apathy is rife who knows what our proposed fee hikes to an end. As I’m hanging up my underwear at any time. They were government is getting up to? Politics (between £4000 and boots (well technically laptop) I opinionated, free thinking and did is boring, no one cares do they? £20,000 a year). They thought I’d share some secrets on the opposite of what their parents are probably outraged the creation of these very words. told them. Do you think we are the “Apathy has by it and yet a fraction of Firstly, writing this column is more same? them seem prepared to do diffi cult than it seems. No, seriously. Chinese students brought the stagnated our anything. Being a university It may appear that I simply pluck world’s attention to Tiananmen student yourself, you are already one of my numerous character fl aws Square in 1989 to bring about student lives so involved in this. The amount of or random thoughts and simply pour economic and political change, just students fi ghting fees is massively out the words in a form of written 3 years earlier Parisian students we forget that outweighed by the number who diarrhoea. In fact, writing a column teamed up with local workforces aren’t which sends a message to nuclear takes dedicated organised thought, and brought the French government things go on the government that we aren’t p o w e r / followed by a comprehensive plan, to its knees for social liberation, really bothered. Well I am bothered. pollution? before fi nally producing a well in 2006 almost 800,000 Chilean outside Bangor” I’d rather not my mother have to re- Do you rounded, balanced and structured students took to the streets to mortgage our house so I can pass care about piece of work. Ok, well done if you pressurise their government into There are about 500,000 people through higher education. You can’t poverty, human rights, gun crime? spotted the sarcasm. waiving tuition fees. attending university in Britain. A get a job without a degree and yet You may have something to say Nevertheless, subject material you can’t afford to live with one. about all of these things but you can be surprisingly diffi cult to come If this were the 70s, 80s or even could actually make a difference. by. I’ve often been tempted to write the 90s the academic population Apathy has stagnated our student about my favourite past time, staring would be up in arms signing lives and being so out of touch blankly out the window devoid of all petitions, lobbying MPs, making with the “real” world we forget thought and reason like the gormless it known that education should that things go on outside Bangor. zombies you fi nd ‘plugged in’ on be available to everyone, not just Whether you’re stirred into action, trains and buses (tip: next time you those who can afford it. At the end slightly more awake than 5 minutes travel, take a pair of scissors and of our time at uni some of us will ago or annoyed by my suggestion start cutting cords). Possibly have stacked up almost £20,000 of that you may want to move from “People who leave debt, that’s if fees don’t change. If your seat there’s plenty of ways they do I’m sure I won’t be the only you can support something you half their pudding person applying for a full time job care about. I’m not asking you to at Tesco. don a Greenpeace tshirt and head at a restaurant Maybe you’re a student who to London to be abused by the should be shot” goes against the grain and wouldn’t metropolitan police, just take an wouldn’t yield enough material for a mind spending that much on an interest. Go global and email Barack whole column, however. Columnists education if it’s worth it. Then looks Obama about the 5000 children that often fi nd subject matter in simply past that issue to innumerable die every day due to a lack of proper going about life. They watch as others you could be involved in. sanitation. Stay local and become seemingly ridiculous events unfold, What about the 3rd runway at a benefi cial owner of a plot of land like a fat person getting stuck in a Heathrow? Supposedly a “green” that may help stop the 3rd runway. revolving door. Yet I tend to fi nd, runway, one where “green” planes They aren’t after your money, they reality bites and life tends to be much which burn “green” fuel, which just want your voice. Why shouldn’t more mundane. produce “green” carbon which puts you give it to them if you agree? Other sources of material can bigger (but still green) holes in the be conversations. For example, ozone layer. How do you feel about Georgia Mannion my housemate just walked in to my room and we talked (moaned) about the rather futile and pointless nature of writing essays. I’m sure I could fi ll a column about squeezing Bangor drunk in internet scandal! out a few more sentences to hit the word limit and the various forms of took you ages. In fact take the previous bit. Let’s ignore the procrastination in avoiding it (I fi nd rest of the day off. No, no, - fact that the video is not far off hoovering to be the best). Typically, the rest of the week. 12 months old and has been however, I fi nd subject matter comes If you have spent the last doing the rounds on mobiles ust after the last Seren went to whilst thinking about something month or so either in the library since pretty much the day it print a scandal gripped Bangor completely different (which in my (trying to fi nd a book that the was recorded, and simply join which plastered the fronts of case, of course, is usually food, but J in with a good old traditional local papers. What was this great does occasionally extend to things media generated public outcry. scandal I hear you cry? A huge cut in like rabbits on pogo sticks). Oddly, “It’s outrageous. It’s outrageous. Won’t someone University funding? Maybe it was to these thoughts only seem to occur pleeeeeaaaaase think of the do with the recession? No. It was far Won’t someone when under pressure, and thus I children! worse. As one paper so ‘humorously’ only seem to come up with them Ok. You’ve got me. I’m not put it, we found ourselves in the grip please think of moments before the Seren deadline really one to join in with media of the ‘Bangor Cathedral Loo Tube’ (no doubt much to the frustration of generated mock outrage. Far scandal. (Top marks to the person the children!” Jo, our long-suffering editor, to whom worse atrocities have occurred who came up with that title. I bet it I would like to publicly apologise for computer says in on the shelf but in than a drunken man supposedly my repeatedly tardy submissions). reality someone has already taken urinating against the Cathedral I suppose it’s like academic off the shelf and is treating it to (I put ‘supposedly’ because one thing if it is little children with deadlines, no matter how much a tour of the library) OR you’ve the people who recorded the their mothers who are desperate you try and kid yourself into setting been trapped in your room under footage claim he didn’t actually for the toilet, but even then not on personal deadlines you inevitably a pile of dirty clothes that have relieve himself, although the video church grounds, and defi nitely not end up working up until the last accumulated since your last trip evidence suggests otherwise). Also, if you’re a grown man”. Quite right possible moment. If only there was home at Christmas, you probably he wasn’t actually by the cathedral Eddie. Toddlers - yes. Grown men - some sort of attachment for your don’t have a clue what I’m on building itself. He was by the wall no. Unfortunately, Councillor Eddie computer which if you failed to churn about. So here’s the brief: a that separates the cathedral from doesn’t clarify if it’s ok or not for out at least 300 words an hour, would drunken man was been caught on the pavement opposite Yates’s bar, grown women. release a boxing glove and punch you camera in broad daylight urinating but who wants to let unnecessary On a serious note though, you in the face. If nothing else, it would against the wall that surrounds facts get in the way of a good shouldn’t urinate in the street certainly liven things up in the library. the cathedral before falling over story. ‘Man urinates next to wall whether its midday or midnight. Anyway, I digress and I’m about to aforementioned wall. The video near Cathedral’ doesn’t quite have It’s disgusting and unhygienic. hit my word limit. I’ll leave you with on YouTube has been viewed well the same ring to it does it? I’m not And in addition, if this man HAD one fi nal thought: people who leave over 35,000 times. I’m guessing condoning this man’s behaviour. actually urinated against the half their pudding at a restaurant the popularity is down to the After all, as Councillor Eddie Dogan By Sam Elvin should be shot. guy falling over, rather than the rightly pointed out: “It’s terrible. It’s 8 End of Year Issue 2009 UNION www.seren.bangor.ac.uk A year at the union This year your Students’ Union has been engaging in loads of activities. From sports, to talent competiions, to Seren- dipity, to elections, to the Freshers’ Ball, loads of stuff has been happening. So, what better way to round off a fantastic year for Bangor Students’ Union than with a collection of photos, reminding you all of the awesome stuff that’s been going down in Bangor town? 9 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk UNION & what a good one! 10 End of Year Issue 2009 FEATURES www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Final farewell Think you could

nd so I bid you farewell. This is my fi nal piece as Features Editor for this fabulous newspaper, and I have a few things to say before I run away and take up my new post as Head of News for Storm be the next AFM. I have had a fantastic year working as part of the Seren Editorial team; I’ve met some fantastic people and made friends that I know I will stay in touch with for years to come. One of my most memorable moments of this year without a doubt, has to be the utterly brilliant Seren 90’S Night which won Event of Barack? the Year at the Society Awards (just in case you hadn’t found that out yet.) I have gained a lot from working on the newspaper this year and what I have learnt would not have been Initiative for young people possible without a few people in particular. Firstly Jo, the best editor in the world so she is!! Thank you for letting me run wild with my features pages and allowing me to put all sorts of crazy stuff in it, I’m still interested in making a difference getting emails about articles that have appeared in Seren; and for the little extras you add to them to make them look so brilliant. To Dan for putting up with trying to teach me how to use InDesign, I’m getting better nterested in global politics? founder BraveNewTalent.com and but I think I may still need adult supervision on it for a while. To all the people who have contributed to the Think you have the ideas and Global Enterprising Young Brit of Features pages this year; especially Charlee, Rosie, Polly and Laura. initiative to make a difference? the Year has spoken in favour of The newspaper would be nothing without the wonderful I Then One Young World wants you. the scheme and the benefi ts it will contributions made by the students of Bangor so thank you very The scheme in association with bring for future generations. “It has much for raising the standard of Seren so highly this year. And BraveNewTalent.com is looking for never been more important for the fi nally I want to say a massive thanks to the Seren Team, it’s been 1500 leaders of tomorrow from next generation to take a leadership a great year working with all of you; Jo, Georgia, Aaron, Stephen, 192 countries to discuss global stance.” Willow, Emma, Stef, Will, Mark, Liz, Dan and Sion. I have had issues. One Young World states that The inaugural summit will feature great moments with you guys this year, memories I will hold on to the summit “gives young people discussions and debates on a for a very long time. So that’s it, nothing left to say; apart from interested in global issues and the number of global social and political a very big thanks to everyone for a great year as Features Editor, future of the world a serious voice, issues such as developing political sunglasses socials, 90’S Night and great craic! I wish Stef every and a platform from which to affect leadership, global business and its success with Features, I know she will do great things and bring you change.” role in shaping society, interfaith lovely students even more random stuff than I have. The competition has attracted dialogues between world religions, serious attention, with links for entry the environment and its protection, Bianca Murray posted on Facebook, MySpace, Bebo media and its identity and power, and on BraveNewTalent.com. For and global health challenges. The Features Editor 2008-2009 the fi rst time in debates and any competition of “Achieving discussions of this kind, a social the group of media based people chosen to voting system will this level of represent their be used, a peer countries will be based process support so heard by universal Help for those with who will select fi gures such as Kofi the fi nal delegates early is a mark Annan, Archbishop who will represent Desmond Tutu their respective of just how and Sir Bob nations at the Geldof. The cost an eating disorder summit in London important this is 3000 euro per from the 8th to candidate and y name is Emma and I am offers individual support sessions, out to organisations such as the the 10th February initiative is.” this can consist in recovery from an eating available on request and by ‘Positive Eating Group’ can help 2010. David Jones of sponsorship, Mdisorder. I’m currently in my appointment. These can be via you on your way to recovery and founder of One Young World stated supplied by the candidates own second year, happy and progressing e-mail, telephone or 1 to 1 in Menai realising that life does not have to that “achieving this level of support means and grants. If you think you well in my studies; however it was Bridge (usually on the 1st Monday be so hard. Everyone has the power so early is a mark of just how could represent Britain at this global not always so. During my fi rst year and 4th Thursday of every month). within them to recover - everyone important this initiative is.” The gathering there are a number of I struggled immensely trying to Group meetings are also available does, regardless of how long you delegates will be selected ways you can enter; juggle the pressures of studying - contact Jan through the address have had your disorder or how bad to represent their Facebook with my eating issues. below for e-mail support for current it is. Do not think you are either countries in apportion (http://apps.facebook.com/ An eating disorder controls your details of these. All facilitators are too sick or not sick enough to be to their population, oneyoungworld/), every move and thought - your b-Eat (Eating Disorders UK) trained helped; everyone has the right to be this will be the fi rst MySpace (http:// life is not your own. It is a vicious, counsellors, as well as having happy in life. time that countries www.myspace. degrading and invasive disease Useful contacts to have. Abbey such as India com/460031865), which is the hardest thing I have Road Centre, 5-9 Abbey Road, and China have Bebo (http://www.bebo. ever had to overcome in my life. “Balancing an Bangor. Phone: 01248 354888. their population com/app/oneyoungworld) Whether you are currently living www.abbeyroadcentre.com. Mental p r o p o r t i o n a l l y or directly on the site at with an eating disorder or are in eating disorder health resource centre offering represented at a www.BraveNewTalent. recovery from one, completing support, advice and pop in sessions. global level. China com/OYW. a degree at the same time is and a degree Training facilities, meeting and for example will send 259 unbelievably diffi cult. You do not counselling rooms available. Mental delegates, India 223 and Bianca Murray have to cope with this alone. I spent is unbelievably Health Users’ Forum, Rear of 10 the USA 61. Lucian many years thinking I could make High Street, Menai Bridge, Ynys Ta r n o w s k i , things better by myself, but I just diffi cult. You do Môn. Phone: 01248 716615. www. CEO and got worse; reaching out for support mhuf.co.uk The forum is for anyone is one of the most valuable things not have to cope who is using or has used mental you could do to help yourself if you health services to gain mutual have an eating disorder. At the end with this alone” support, obtain information and of my fi rst year I came into contact pass views on to the people who with a lady called Jan. accredited qualifi cations in nutrition, plan services. www.b-eat.co.uk. She runs a positive eating group counselling and training. The Mental b-Eat is the working name of the and various other services for all Health Users Forum who host Eating Disorders Association, the types of eating disorders in Menai Positive Eating Group will be hosting leading UK charity for people with Bridge. I e-mailed her telling her seminars and training courses that eating disorders and their families. my background and asking for help are appropriate for those with Eating This website will provide you with all and she replied with kind words of Disorders to attend, where the focus the information you need to know hope, telling me all about how the will be on motivation, building self about eating disorders, where in the group could help me. The following esteem, time management, problem UK to get help, and online support. is information from Jan about the solving, life skills etc. E-mail support www.something-fi shy.org. An services she offers at the Mental on [email protected]. Helpline excellent pro-recovery website for Health Users Forum in Menai Bridge. open 7 days from 8 am - 8pm. suffers, as well as their family and The Positive Eating Group 01407 730135 or 07979 606725 (It friends who are also coping with the is requested effects of their loved one’s illness. that as this is Online support is available 24/7 a volunteer’s through a bulletin board where one private line this can ask questions, share problems, service NOT and communicate with others who be abused or suffer. Motivational exercises are overused). also available, encouraging the You are individual towards recovery. not alone in struggling at University with Emma Bailey your disorder, w h a t e v e r kind it may be. Reaching 11 End of year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk FEATURES Diary of a Space Ship Chef A Day in

requently, at post-Christmas was told second year was the worst, it. Who else can say they’ve acted the Death rehearsals, I asked myself: “I and they weren’t half wrong. But I with pyrotechnics on stage, whilst a Fcan’t cook. So how the hell did blinked too hard one day and we were giant green thing decides to fl y in, of Joe Egg I end up in this role?”. By now, I had at show week – the set was painted, after which you have to dance with gotten over the fact that despite even though it was completed only a robot? No-one. And the sad thing however much I wanted the role, the the weekend before; the tentacle was is, this might be it. This might be big bouncer from Time suited being the last SODA show that is done, the Captain of a Spaceship more “It is totally worth because it is hard, and it is a totally than me, however I was still reeling uphill slog 90% of the time. But it from the fact that not only was I it when you hear is totally worth it when you hear a allowed to speak in English without little kid down the front laughing the pretence of knowing Chinese, I a little kid down inappropriately at something you’ve had to swap the foreign language for just said, or you hear an elderly an even worse one – Shakespearian the front laughing lady in a wheelchair singing along Tongue. But let me rewind a bit. inappropriately at with the song, despite the fact that SODA this year was a lot smaller we have all stopped singing for a than it had been for a while, making something you’ve reason. It was daft, and funny, and the casting even more diffi cult, and chaotic and seemed like the fan as the Director told us on a number just said” splatters were never going to stop of occasions when she was allowed coming. But then the smoke goes space from her incredibly hectic done, although still mildly wet from on, and you’re backstage laughing schedule for a moment to stop and the green paint at the people in the wings opposite think, she had a nigh on impossible I still cannot get off my boots; dancing like Uma in Pulp Fiction. So task. Saying that though, it wouldn’t and we had the pyrotechnics, which yes, I hated it. Yes, I still But yes, have worked another way, despite there was a couple of arguments over, I would do it again in a heartbeat. the temper tantrums, and the feeling but eventually got sorted (and if you Even if my degree suffers as a result. of disappoint some of the chorus see the looks of shock and surprise members, and indeed a couple of the on peoples faces on the DVD – they cameos, felt. That makes me sound were real). So we left all to the last Jake Basford big headed, considering (and this is minute. So we had to run around still a big shock to me despite the fact like headless chickens – it was worth n the words of Woody Allen, were highly thought-provoking, and that the show ended about six weeks “comedy distracts, tragedy embody socio-political observations. ago) I was the youngest lead. I’m only confronts.” The 1967 play A day Teri Howson portrayed a mother 19 (and anyone telling me I look 22 I in the death of Joe Egg by Peter who blamed herself and her former plus gets a mental slap with that one). Nicols unabashedly confronts the promiscuity for her daughter’s My character, however, was perfect. diffi culties and unhappiness faced disability. This guilt is in direct contrast His reactions suited the way I fall over by the parents of a disabled child. to the perhaps over-romanticised the idea of relationships and loving The play, which explores Nicols’ view of 1960’s hippy free love in people, and so it helped greatly when own experience of parenting a Britain. Nicola Churchman’s portrayal I could empathise with his stupid way disabled child, breaks a very big of a young female with cerebral palsy of inferring that Miranda, played by taboo; it is not ashamed to show was hauntingly realistic. The scene the one person I got on with best how challenging it is to raise a child before the interval in which she skips from last years production, fancied with a disability, a far cry from any over the stage reminds the audience him from the fact that she simply politically correct, euphemistic and that disability is a mask; it is so easy didn’t understand his advances. So on rose-tinted vision of the situation. to imagine the person the victim stage, things seemed more together. BEDS unabashedly hit these issues would otherwise be and what they Publicity was a challenge trying to sell on the head in their production of would look like. a show in Colwyn Bay . My personal the play, and the result was a simply The BEDS production of this play and academic lives went on hold so mesmerising performance. ended differently from the original that I could focus more (to the point The 1960’s-style set was highly script, as it was more hopeful. where my lecturers wouldn’t know realistic, which instantly immersed Although this ending did not confront who I am if I walked up to them and the audience into a British mentality the problem as much as I would slapped them) on SODA. This all of the day. This was very helpful personally have liked, it teaches us seems like I didn’t enjoy what I was to the play’s exploration of hostile that the fi rst step towards hope is doing – I did. I love it; because unlike attitudes towards sex before to stop pretending and to accept the last year, where it was my escape marriage, immigrants and poor things we simply cannot change. from work and the mundane, this year people in 1960’s Britain, some other it was my escape from a lot more. I taboos the play is unafraid to break. All the characters in the play Rosie MacLeod Graduating this Year? (Re)Introducing... f you are among the thousands of stu- as unfortunately the fees for a postgradu- dents graduating this year, the main ate course are much greater than that of ell, here we are at the end of another year in Bangor. I have decided thing on your mind is probably disser- an undergraduate. Choosing to complete to leave behind my days of venturing around the world and as a poor Itations and exams. But have you planned postgraduate study is a big decision so student I must stay in Bangor and save my pennies. what you will do once you have your de- think very carefully before you decide, WSo, I am moving onwards and taking over as the lovely features editor of Seren. gree?  e choices for graduating students consider the time and commitment you As we say good bye to crazy Irish we shall welcome the radge Scot! (For those of are wider than ever before, leaving you will have to put in as well as nancial is- you who do not know what a “radge” is, you will by the time I am nished with with much more choice of what to do with sues you may face. you.) I will continue in the footsteps of Bianca and bring you as many crazy and your diploma. Starting a business a er you graduate is wonderful features as I can. I hope to bring you a whole range of new things; such An increasing number of students are another option available. Lots of univer- as the introduction of a student debate taking graduate gap years, whether volun- sities around the UK o er help and sup- page where we have some topical ques- teer work or through employers. Gradu- port to students considering starting a tions argued ‘for’ and ‘against’ by two ate gap years give you the opportunity to business a er leaving. Networking passionate students of Bangor! We will travel and see the world whilst applying with other entrepreneurs and busi- have old favourites like the fashion fea- your skills to positions such as work- ness owners is a great way to gain ture and the introduction of some new ing with children in summer camps, or insight into the running of a busi- things; such as a health feature. working in another global branch of your ness as well as work experience employer. Graduate gap years are a great with successful companies. Whatever If you have any ideas or articles way to broaden your horizons and gain life you decide to do a er you graduate, con- that you wish to contribute to the skills. However if you are considering a sider your options carefully, nding em- Features page then don’t hesitate gap year make sure you plan well ahead, be ployment is just one route you can take. to get in touch features@seren. organised; check if you need visas, special For more information on all your options bangor.ac.uk permission or documents etc. visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAn- I look forward to the year Postgraduate study is an attractive op- dLearning/UniversityAndHigherEduca- ahead and working with you all! tion for many graduating students, wheth- tion/ChoicesA erYouGraduate. er they want to study their subject more I wish all the Bangor graduates every in depth or simply improve their employ- success in their future, and remember; if Stef Black ability prospects. Postgraduate study var- all else fails you can always join the circus. ies from the courses you can take to the Features Editor amount of time it will take to complete 2009-2010 your masters degree. Funding is crucial, Frances Birkett o, you’ve waited, the girlfriend’s waited, the bloke opposite you in halls has waited, we’ve all waited for the Summer Ball 2009 line up to be announced. And what an Sannouncement it was. Grumblings on Facebook were soon silenced when this awesome line up was revealed. Seren is bringing you some behind-the-scenes news, a detailed ticket- price breakdown and even an interview with the ball organiser himself! What more could you ask for? Get excited boys and girls, this year’s event promises to be the best one yet. Here’s a quick guide to some of the acts you may not be familiar with:

o a s i s are the Ndefi nitive tribute to Manchester’s fi ve piece super group Oasis. Noasis recreate songs from resh from his Britain’s Got Talent rejection, Brett Domino every era of Oasis from the hits of the 90’s when Fis proving that he’s not going to Brit Pop was at its height, to their hits of today. let the small matter of Simon Cowell’s Having toured Western Europe extensively playing disdain get him down by performing many of its major venues and festivals Noasis have a medley of his YouTube super hits. a wealth of experience when it comes to stagecraft. Plucked from obscurity by The Chris Their audience continue to sing their hearts out Moyles Show for his good Keytar to the classic Oasis anthems that we all know and and Stylophone skills, Domino love, whilst a glance round the sea of faces will be has been propelled to internet superstardom dragging his two met with that knowing smile of satisfaction from band members Mitch Hutchinson the diehards when they pull out that special B and Steven Peavis along for the side or album track. Noasis are the ride. The Brett Domino Trio will full fi ve piece line up, there’s not a have you partying like it’s 1982, detail missing from this superb act taking you to heights of electro- as their Liam and Noel pick out geekiness that not even Napoleon every vocal harmony you’ve ever Dynamite could have dreamed screamed to yourself in your possible. car right down to that twitch your hands get when you hear those neat guitar licks. No backing tracks or gimmicks, just full on fi ve piece sound the way it was written!

aking inspiration from classic pop, reggae, drum n bass, and funk, writer- producer- singer Steve TAppleton crosses genres to create a sound that is totally distinctive, fresh and original. With an ear for a tune and an eye for an incredible live show he wrote and produced his entire album, ‘When The Sun Comes Up’, by throwing in all sorts of life experiences: everything from funky venues to one night stands and ruling the world. It’s the sound of clubbing until 5am, the sound of nightbuses across town, the sound of the fi rst tube home, crumbled but content in your seat as freshly-laundered commuters hop on board ready for a hard day’s work. It’s a song about being young, which we were all involved in at some point. If you’ve got the mental image of a sound which is both modern and traditional, electronic and acoustic, just wait until you hear his songs. e at Seren like to make things fair. So, we contacted the organiser of the Ticket price WSummer Ball to ask exactly how far that £45 you spend on your ticket goes. Here breakdown are the details: Venue Costs Site equipment Believe it or not, This includes all those little the use of Main Arts things such as... staging, for the day doesn’t lighting, tv screens, speakers, come free, so this mics, amps, wiring, rigging, percentage of your monitors, cameras, putting it 7% ticket pays the all together, taking it all down 7% University to put up in record timing. Wait, that with us. doesn’t seem so little now...

Production 36%

Marketing Acts Only a fraction of the cost pays 36% for promotional posters / fl yers and the snazzy booklet you get when you buy your ticket. 3% Staff 11%

36% of your ball ticket price pays for all those This covers all the bar staff who lovely bands and spend the evening running around performers to come making sure everyone is suitably and entertain you for hydrated (with the beverage of their the evening. Not bad choice) as well as the security staff, really, considering how stewards, car park attendents... much is on offer. SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD

This month: we invaded the Seren offi ce THROUGH THE to expose our editor’s caffeine addiction and the unusual stash of condoms. SEREN If you have traffi c cones galore or mess to impress get in touch! [email protected] KEYHOLE Going Up

Seren Wins Society Award For

Very. Event of the Year!

The door to the most productive room in the world... Summer Ball Line Up Confi rmed Mystery Jets! Wiley! Gold- ie Lookin’ Chain! Defi nitely worth the Why would the editor possibly need wait, Seren these? will be seeing you there.

Exam Stress! Exam period leaves Seren supplys a range of mugs to suit everyone. students stressed and anxious! Brew Is this you? Do you know who it is? If so, up and calm then get in touch and you’ll win a down! HANDPAINTED SEREN MUG! Election Recounts! What more could you want? Voting for the [email protected] same thing again? Whatever next? Last Month’s Winner:

Amie Going Paintain Down

...and her Spotted! amazing Seren mug! SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD A LIST OF THINGS I HATE... by Dwight McCarthy ational football team leaders. Mobile phones that don’t his article was written on the shirts on holidays, work. Cheap energy drinks. Broken ...Deadlines. Presentations. last day before Easter break. Nthere’s no need to doors. Dodgy landlords. The likeli- Course designated reading that Having an essay due in by 4 o’ portray the fact that you hood you got caught snogging on needs to be read otherwise your un- T have no culture, you idiot. facebook. Missing a song at a club derstanding is completely inhibited. clock, I got to the library and having Attention all music nazis, because you’re at the People who achieve better grades got halfway through printing my most music is good you bar/in the toilet. when you’ve worked harder than essay the f**king printer jammed. plank, but evidently there’s Expensive car insur- they have. Noisy printers. Bad serv- This was helped by a sarcastic s**t, you just have to sift ance. Cheese and ice in shops/pubs/when eating out. library assistant who resembled a through it. Overly priced Onion Crisps. Saint- Being outsmarted by Children. Peo- mouse telling me it wasn’t jammed, items - I know the lap- hood of reality tel- ple shredding stuff in the computer Biya Ashraf but rather it was out of paper. I top I’m writing on costs evision idiocy. Lack room. Unhealthy food tasting good, wanted to use the barcode scanner too much, my card state- of sleep. Too much and stuff that’s good for you tasting ment/bank balance tells sleep. TV Talent awful. Getting barred from venues. on the “convenient” check out desk me that. Flat Beer. Pig shows. TV talent Broken utilities and landlords tak- next to me on her but a measure fl u hype. Badly ranged show judges... ing forever to fi x them. False Hope of restraint stilled my hand. This wireless in- high fi ves. Bad grammar. “Click the was followed by more spent printer ternet con- (Takes pause for air.) black arrow” in Indesign. Photoshop credits, which I didn’t really mind. n e c t i o n s . troubles. Bangor Clock Tower being But then came the particularly Too much Geordie Bloke Off The Appren- obscured for too long. the demise of infuriating bit, I’m waiting for my n e w l y - tice. Missing High Fives. Losing Bangor High street. The recession found reli- belongings on a night out. Miss- that was caused by a credit crunch essay to come out (it was fi rst in the ance upon ing that golden opportunity. Wool- that was in turn caused by print queue) and one person insists t e c h n o l - worths shutting down. Confusion A m e r i c a n s . on standing there going through ogy. Rip- between artists and their respective Oh, and last my essay, and those of three others off stu- songs. Not knowing the song playing but by no before relinquishing his spot in front dent nights. Over-used at a club. Inability to act when you means least: of the printer. Knob. So as a result themes of the 90’s after need to. Not being able to get to the negativity. of this i decided to compile a list of one exponentially popu- bar at pound-a-pint events. Lack of Birthday: 13th May lar night. Bad pictures clean cutlery and crockery... things that i truly annoyances within of a good night out. Fa- our world. Enjoy... cebook rape. Indecisive (Grasps for oxygen mask.) Hometown: Crewe Studying: Bangor’s unsung heroes! Psychology Music: Vengaboys, a try and will stay around to listen to she’s not under the same amount of the music. pressure to get better because she Meg and Dia, Hot This month: In terms of set up, Jess doesn’t can practise on creating her own Chip, The Prodigy, get much preparation time. As style. Once again, Jess would just a recently-turned full time body like to express how lucky she feels Steve Appleton piercer, she spends most of her day she is, “I never thought of it as a in Redskin, the tattoo shop on Bangor possible career, once I leave Bangor high street. Her day doesn’t fi nish no one will know who DJ Mouse Films: American until 5:30pm, then she has to rush is, then it’s up to me to make this Pie, Anastacia, 17 home, make herself look respectable happen through my own CD’s and and head down to Academi to set up self promotion.” So in the future, Again, Twilight, and start her 5 hour marathon. All if you ever attend a DJ Mouse set the time the nerves are setting in, somewhere in the world, be sure Juno. she jokes about how she’s shaking to support, it’s no more than she all the way to Academi “every week deserves. Groups: My phone I think I can’t do it, but then I set Aaron Wiles Jess Hughes up and people turn up, then I took a walk down a see the regular faces and this drain...never to be is why I love it, this is why it’s worthwhile.” Jess seen again :(, I Love aka: DJ Mouse says that she would love to speak to the Innuendo in et’s set the scene. It’s Jess’ and choreography became more the crowd at fi rst ever DJ slot, in Academi’s important. Harry Potter, I Love the end of Lcocktail bar faced with a barrage When dealing with requests Jess of controls and mixers and the says there are two kinds, arsey and Willow from Willow t h e nerves set in. She’s getting it though lovely. Arsey requests for example night but Does and it’s fl owing, right up until the DJ are when she has to deal with “STOP unfortunately in the main bar suffers an allergic PLAYING THIS S**T MUSIC!!!”, or they get turfed reaction and is forced to make an exit when she has to explain that she Biya’s acceptance out too quickly leaving Jess to control a roomful of doesn’t have every song and that at closing time. “I ravers. Did she bail because nerves sometimes she won’t be able to speech... did however, receive threatened to ruin her? Of course she play every song that people want. appreciation from some didn’t. She played what she knew “The lovely side of requests is when “Wow, this is all so Japanese girls who asked for best, the songs her and her friends the list gets smaller, not because exciting! I would like to a photo with me whilst heaping had danced to for years, music for people stop going, because it shows praise about my set. It was totally thank THE Sophie Maden the masses, the crowd loved it. It unexpected and left me amazed.” and more importantly was this night that the legend was Jess took her DJ skills to new created, the legend now known as… Mikes Bites! I am also levels recently when she got her DJ Mouse. “It was this night in debt to the Maclabs fi rst personal set of decks from her Jess plays every fortnight, brother in law, now in her spare for allowing me access rocking your Saturday in Academi, that the legend time she spends a ridiculous amount to the internet, facebook and laps it up. “Every Saturday is an of money on iTunes and blogging honour, hearing screams when you and to steal my copies of was created, websites so she can make her own play songs gives me goosebumps, Seren.” CDs and more importantly, create I’m the luckiest girl to have such a the legend now her own mixes. cushy and humbling job.” It’s also Her fi rst ever mix is her favourite, one of the most nerve racking for Santogold’s Creator mixed with a Jess, “My job is to turn up and play known as... song by a Swedish DJ, Vitalic. “That songs that people want to hear, I Fancy a bit of was amazing because I’v e fi gured it am in complete control of how good DJ Mouse.” out, it worked so well.” Without someone’s night is.” the decks, Jess says this? Add us on Jess has to draw a fi ne line a regular crowd who’ve started to that she was basically between her style and what people understand my style.” Jess also learning on the job, Facebook to be want to hear, she says how she understands that when a song isn’t but now that she likes to distance herself from the as well known, some people walk has them in the running cheese but still likes to focus on fi ner away, but recently, it pleases her to moments of the 80’s, when dance see that some are starting to give it next year! SEREN STUDENT CENTREFOLD 16 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk This year, Seren’s roving reporter, Willow Manuel, is dedicating some time to trying out clubs and societies. All photos of Willow in action taken by Daniel Turner and Kirsty Flow Dyas

Ultimate Frisbee or the fi nal society for Willow does (dry your the opponent’s end zone. Or at least that’s what I tears), I decided to try out Ultimate Frisbee, fi gured was occurring. Fhaving no preconceptions of what this would Bangor’s Ultimate Frisbee team are also apparently quite good, evident by them coming 9th involve. Nevertheless I became apprehensive about out of 35 (ish) in the Regional competitions. There Ultimate Frisbee when my friend suggested that is no referee in Ultimate Frisbee, which brought to I should try to avoid getting a black eye from a my mind in-game riots (perhaps that is just my Frisbee being launched into my face. Perhaps more cynical mind); however I was informed that games alarming was my other friend, training to be a learning are based on fair play. Spirit points (not vouchers disabilities nurse, coming to cheer me on - quite fi tting in this instance) are awarded to the team which judging by my abilities! Initially the coach taught me how to throw and catch demonstrates the most fair play. When the game commenced it was evident that you have to be in the Frisbee, which we practiced for a while, bringing good physical condition to play; not only did you back memories of playing catch with a dog on the have to keep an eye on who you’re marking, but beach. I also faced the diffi culty of having long nails, you have to do this across the length of a football which scratched the Frisbee when I threw and caught. pitch. I was then taught the rules of the game, which were When the game had ended I was panting like basically to catch the Frisbee in the opponents ‘end a dog (fi tting considering what we were playing zone’ (a square box at your end of the fi eld). To begin, with). I was then informed that there is actually offensive (the team with the Frisbee) would line up a women’s Frisbee session, which may have on their end zone and choose an opponent who was been easier for me! All the same Ultimate at the same position as them on the defensive side Frisbee is a competitive sport; a bit of a of the pitch. Offensive would then launch the Frisbee cross between netball and football, yet across the pitch and both teams then charge at each is unique in its own way. other attempting to catch the Frisbee and pass it into

...bringing back memories of playing catch with a dog on the beach Seren Nevertheless you do not have to be a sub- lighting, heading off to Academi/Time/ he one and only society that I am actually Racubah and commenting on/tagging/liking a member of, and have participated in for editor or secretary to join in on the fun and excitement of Seren. Articles need to be written way too many pictures on Facebook. Ttwo years is Seren – and for this reason I Seren is a really enjoyable society to be a felt that it would be fi tting to end Willow Does on whatever takes your interest, from sheep grazing at Ffridd Site to rants about Carnage. If member of. There are so many opportunities with my favourite society. and it looks great on your CV. When I fi rst joined Seren I didn’t get involved writing isn’t your thing it is still possible to get involved - without the team who actually put Whatever your interests are much, but knew that I wanted to get more there is no doubt that you will involved. I have managed to do this by being Seren together using InDesign Seren would not be able enhance your lives. Being involved be able to incorporate them the Secretary and through the mind-blowing into the paper. For these feature, ‘Willow Does’, and have found it very with Seren is not limited to just producing the paper, either. We have some amazing socials reasons I urge you to fulfi lling. As the Secretary my role in the paper join Seren in the courtesy of our outgoing Social Sec, is to keep members informed about meetings, next academic which usually involve wearing up and coming events, and what’s generally year. happening within the wonderful world of Seren. sunglasses in inappropriate

Articles need to be written on whatever takes your interest, from sheep grazing at Ffriddoedd site to rants about carnage 17 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk UPDATE Tea Party!

n the 25th of April SVB held another Tea Party for the elderly residents of Bangor. The day was a great Osuccess and the old people once again appreciated seeing a different side to students. On the day there was a performance from SODA singing songs from their most recent show. There was bingo, with Spencer George as the bingo caller and a raffl e presented by John Jackson. There was also an appearance from the soon to be Deputy Mayor of Bangor who was impressed by all the work SVB do. SVB waves goodbye to some legends!

s the end of the year draws nearer,it’s time for SVB to hold its Annual Review and Awards Night which is always a bittersweet affair. Looking back on a great year of brilliant stuff is always Afantastic but it also means that it’s time to say goodbye to some old friends. This year we wave goodbye to Alys Leighton and Gemma Nicholls who have helped rebuild Bangor RAG from the ground up. The amount of work these guys have put in has been phemomenal and we love them for it. Also moving on after 4 years apiece at Bangor are Hannah Stanley, Suzanne Cooper and Louise Carden who have run our Hergest Volunteering Project for the last year and have been involved with the project for a many as 3 years. Harry Ricketts our Sbectrwm Project Leader is also fi nishing this year. Harry has run the Sbectrwm project for the last 2 years and was a volunteer before that. We’re really going to miss him. Finally, to two special ladies who it’s fair to say do huge amounts for SVB. Debbie Wolsey has volunteered since her 1st year and has run our Splodge children’s project for the last one. In addition, she’s also been our Social Secretary. Abi Moore, has been a member of our Promotions Team since her 1st year and has also run our Out and About project. Debbie and Abi have given hours, no days, of their time to SVB. They take part in everything that they can and SVB really wont be the same without them. Goodbye and Goodluck x

RAG Cash Awards 2008-2009 angor RAG have had a very successful year and following the recent fun of RAG week, have drawn their hard work to a close until the new Bacademic year. This means that we’ve got lots of our hard earned cash to give away and this year, the lucky charities are the Wales Air Ambulance and the Little Dragon’s Play Group in Menai Bridge who will each received £1000. The RAG team lead by Robyn Noden are looking forward to visiting the Caernarfon base of the Wales Air Ambulance next week to deliver a ‘giant’ cheque in person and learn a bit more about how useful their cash is going to be. The Little Dragons playgroup will be using their money to buy much needed equipment as their current belongings are fast falling into disrepair and as the group is run by the community, £1000 will go very far indeed. In addition, RAG have also raised whopping sums for a whole host of other charities at various points across the country. Barnardos has been a regular bene ciary of the RAG awesomeness and has received somewhere in the region on £750 with fellow children’s charity Kids doing quite well out of Bangor RAG too! All this suc- cessful work would not have been at all possible without the hard work and dedication of the RAG team, Robyn, Emma, Alys, Gemma, Kim, Clare, Becky and newest recruit Rhodri RAG. 18 End of Year Issue 2009 MUSIC www.seren.bangor.ac.uk The The Enemy - Noisettes – Music for the Wild Young Hearts. People

he Enemy return with their guitar in this song that is anywhere second instalment, Music for near as good as say ‘Good Times Tthe People. They are a three Bad Times’ or ‘Black Dog’, and piece band from Coventry consisting if you fi nd yourself shaking your of Tom Clarke (vocals, guitar and head at these song titles please piano) Liam Watts (drums) and please please check them out now Bye Kids. Andy Hopkins (bass and backing and then you will see what I mean vocals). Music for the People opens straight away. Obviously as usual with an absolute smack in the NME have jumped on the general o this is it, my two year reign as music editor is coming to an chops, not too dissimilar to an Oasis “indie” bandwagon and given Music anti-climactic end. From the good times (interviewing Ladyhawke) warm up at Wembley or another for the People 4/5 and said “Music Sto the bad times (interviewing Pendulum) and the very very bad massive venue - The Enemy seem for the People is certainly gigantic times (interviewing The Twang), the past twenty-four months have been (I say seem) to have cracked beyond reason.” I’m afraid all I a rollercoaster ride of free gigs, Adobe InDesign and ‘no eating in the that tricky second album with the can say in defence of The Enemy computer room, yeh’. Past achievements have included increasing the opening two songs ‘Elephant Song’, was that their fi rst album was a music section from one to three pages, then being decreased back down and ‘No Time for Tears’ a massive generally good middle of the road to two (cheers Jo), recording and producing a ‘Student Bands’ CD, which favourite of Zane Lowe the much indie band fi rst album, it went I have, admittedly, never listened to, and of course taking part in the respected Radio 1 DJ. But then straight to number one and I can’t the album takes a severe nose argue with that but it seems that a almighty Seren SIN night – the original and best 90’s night this side of st the Menai Straits (accept no imitations). But this would not be a farewell dive, the third song ‘51 State’ is a second album of the same quality message without mentioning all the wonderful people that have made strange mix of piano, weird swoosh was too much to ask from the my Seren life possible: my predecessor Chris Thomson for mentoring effects and horrible screaming Coventry three piece, it also seems me, the overrated Jo Caulfi eld, Adam Isbell the ultimate unsung hero, from lead singer Tom, and I hate that it will be a long time coming Dan ‘Photoshop’ Turner, all the rest of the Seren crew who I can’t be to admit it but apart from the odd for anything else new and fresh on bothered to fi nd appropriate adjectives for: Georgia, Liz, Emily, Willow, glimmer of hope in some songs this scene I’m afraid (apart from Sion, Bianca etc…as well as the deceased Jack Peat and the omnipresent the album doesn’t get any better the odd needle in a hay stack.) Emma Dodd. And of course all my contributors, especially Tom Durkin, than that . I really can’t see why This album is just a bit samey and Lee Howson, Alex Farley, Rhodri Barker, Jack Sexty, Liam Randall and this album has received such huge just a general let down that sounds anyone else who has been bribed into writing something for me (Lewis). praise, MOJO a magazine I thought like it’s trying to be everyone else But I’m saving the biggest Dixon love for Aaron Wiles, future music was quite a credible read gave it before them that were successful editor who has apparently been after my identity for 9 months now. Do 4/5 saying “an album rippling with all at once. me proud son. muscular Led Zeppelin guitars, I owe it all to the pregnant mug. Armageddon drumming and sing along choruses,” surely there is no Will Pedigrew Emma Dixon he Noisettes are a London based trio back with their Tsecond offering Wild Young Hearts. Their debut album What’s The Time, Mr Wolf? was described as a “spangly pearl necklace of a debut”, fans loved it. So how does the follow up compare? Well it seems that previous fans aren’t going to be happy with the new direction they’ve taken in their music, away from the punk and rock they go into an era of 60’s pop and jazz, and so far it has been successful. The catchy ‘Don’t Upset The Rhythm’ featured on a TV ad and charted at number two in the singles chart, for me it was a defi nite grower. I wasn’t a huge fan but every time I heard it I seemed to like it that little bit more. It’s one Win 1 pair of tickets to the UK’s largest electronic music of the album’s strongest points. The next single ‘Never Forget You’ festival Global Gathering. is more chilled out and the 60’s Seren are offering 1 lucky reader the chance to win a pair of weekend tickets and a tent kit to the world’s biggest and style comes out a lot in this song, most popular electric and live music festival, Global Gathering. The Prodigy, Orbital and Pendulum will headline, joining a it’s easily for me the best song on the album. Other songs to look out stellar line up that features the greatest DJs on the planet including Armin Van Buuren and David Guetta. for are ‘Wild Young Hearts’ and ‘24 Expect some heavy beats and high-energy hooks at this year’s Global Gathering Festival as 55,000 people congregate at Hours’, the former being the debut the Long Marston Airfi elds for two-days of camping at a non-stop music weekender. The festival takes place at the height single off the album. Both are again of summer on the 24th & 25th July and is set apart slower but have nice beats in the background that you fi nd yourself by its commitment to next generation technology with tapping to whenever they’re being inter-galactic visuals and sound systems guaranteed played. Shingai Shoniwa has a good to take the crowd “to another dimension”. soulful voice that’s able to show Winners will be able to experience nine musical off the emotion in these tracks. However, the rest of the album leaves arenas so get ready to abandon yourselves to a eu- something to be desired, it’s not so phoric marathon of aural ecstasy from all ends of the bad that it’s awful but songs such dance spectrum including House, Trance, Leftfi eld, as ‘So Complicated’ and ‘Atticus’ are Breaks and so much more. This year sees the intro- just dull. I constantly fi nd myself just skipping these songs trying to duction of the brand new Tuborg Stage, which will fi nd something more interesting, include performances from Does It Offend You, and I always end up back at the Yeah?, Sneaky Sound System and The Whip. beginning listening to the same few To enter answer this simple question: Where does songs which is a shame because I was expecting more from what I’d Global Gathering take place? previously heard. In the end, I think Email your answers to: [email protected] I’m more disappointed with this Check out the website, www.globalgathering.co.uk album because of how boring half of for information, behind the scenes interviews and it is. I would however say it’s worth looking into it mainly for the gems regular podcasts. that are ‘Never Forget You’, ‘24 Hours’ and ‘Wild Young Hearts’. Aaron Wiles. 19 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk MUSIC ll good things must come to an end and alas, here I am Awriting my fi nal article for The Future Seren. Thanks a lot to all the editors, Bugged especially Emma for letting me write and forgiving my lack of punctuality in of Music the process. Out Mix I would like to conclude my by Tom Durkin short lived career in the Seren Music section by writing about what I think The Juan Maclean by Hot the future holds for music and the music industry. I thought this would - The Future Will be an interesting change from the Come Chip articles that I have submitted so far, daydream a lot of the time and the old American artists that I about what the future will be have written about. like. Whether it will be full of he Bugged Out! franchise I In our generation we have all kinds of robots, fl ying cars, jet began as a set of club- already seen two revolutions in the packs, virtual reality, or lots and lots nights, according to their T way in which music is distributed. of electro pop. This record led me to website they describe themselves Firstly we saw the tape wiped out by believe that at least the latter will as “Bugged Out! is an all night So digital the internet over the last ten years. the CD and now, it seems that the certainly be true of times to come. electro/techno party that takes music looks like set to be the future, Can you honestly imagine back to CD is slowly being wiped out by the I often use record labels as a place in London, Manchester, with CD and any other form of musical a time where you couldn’t open up increasing popularity of digital media. mark of quality especially if that Milan, Rome and Barcelona.” media dying a slow and painful death a laptop and stick on your favourite Interestingly Radiohead became record label happens to be headed The all night dance parties now in some seagull infested landfi ll site. song, whether you owned it or not? the fi rst band ever to release an album by James Murphey, the man behind happen across the globe, spanning And I can honestly say that I don’t It seems strange by all accounts, but exclusively on a USB stick last year. LCD Soundsystem and massively from Japan back to the now uber really mind. It’s just so much more ten years ago you probably hadn’t The band also famed for releasing, “In enthusiastic music lover. So, in hip sankeys in Manchester. The convenient being able to have all your ever heard of a laptop, never mind Rainbows” via the internet in a style hopes of discovering another The fi rst Bugged Out! was on Friday music on your computer, because thought that one day, you and pretty where the listener was invited to pay Rapture or YACHT I gave Juan November 25th 1994 at Sankeys let’s face it, our generation seems to much every single one of your friends whatever they wanted. Some paid Maclean’s The Future Will Come a Soap Manchester. From this they spend most of its time in front of one. would own one. hundreds, where as others, like me, spin to see if it could get me dancing. went to populate such legendary The one brilliance of digital music is One last note is the way in which paid nothing. It almost feels a little 80s in parts, nightclubs as the Hacienda, also the fact that the quality never illegal downloading has become Although vinyl looked to be making especially some of the synth sounds Bugged Out! is also no stranger to changes, allowing you to listen to your so popular over recent years. The one of those ‘retro’ come backs in and the boy/girl vocal dynamic, which big names having hosted nights by favourite song, week in week out with music industry will defi nitely have recent years, the prices have kept the makes it a decidedly good thing. A the likes of Daft Punk, the Chemical the only worry being some virus may to change in order to survive in buzz fairly quiet. I love the crackle little studio polish that suggests Brothers, and more recently mean you have to wipe hard drive. the next fi ve or so years. It will be and the quality but the average music mainstream dancefl oor aspirations have helped to launch new and The way in which music is being extremely interesting to see what listener doesn’t really want to fork whilst never staying in pop mode pioneering dj’s such as the newly distributed is something that I think defences they try and contrive. out the hundreds of pounds to get a long enough to become boring. crowned prince of club, Erol Alkan. everyone will be keen to embrace, Put your hand up if you have an turntable set up, only to then have to It might not be for everyone but if Off the back of these epic club mainly because the youth of today is entire music collection made of illegal pay around £20 (possibly more!) to like me you enjoy leftfi eld dance, 80s nights we saw the previously live so computer and digitally orientated. downloads… I just raised mine. listen to the latest album release from pop, and any/all of the DFA roster artists commit their devastatingly I also think it’s a result of the boom of Bloc Party. then you should check this out. cool and slick remixes to record, using their setlists to craft entire www.myspace.com/ two CD albums beginning with the thejuanmaclean original Bugged Out! mix by Felix The Specials Live - www.thejuanmaclean.com Da Housecat. Featuring hard to fi nd and absolutely epic remixes New Music (aka by the likes of the Klaxons, Miss Manchester Apollo 03/05/09 Kittin, Squarepusher, Boys Noize Falling Asleep With and Simian Mobile Disco, we see o say I was annoyed when I the albums take a leap forwards found out that Emma Dixon got The Specials Live You Heaphones On) into the realm of Hot Chip. Tfree tickets to see The Specials f like me you are constantly This twisted piece of genius is on a bank holiday and hadn’t searching for lovely music spread across two CD’s but before immediately promised them to me, Ito fi ll your ears with then I even mention the music, the would be a gross understatement. - Manchester perhaps I can interest you in some artwork on the cd is absolutely Not only this but as I got wasted of these under-the-radar bands fantastic as is the packaging the night before, I spent my Bank o say I was annoyed when I that never ever sounds clichéd is that I’ve been excited about. design! The fi rst CD is a sweet Holiday Sunday in a totally shit found out that Emma Dixon still as vital as ever as The Specials Corto Matese ----> Most likely smooth mix of electronica that mood knowing that in a few hours Tgot free tickets to see The roll through what has to be the to make the music press excited doesn’t even need vocals until she’d be watching a band I’ve Specials on a bank holiday and most impressive back catalogue of soon? Austin indie rock that sounds track 14 when a Hot Chip track adored since I fi rst danced around hadn’t immediately promised songs I’ve ever heard. like a more electric Arcade Fire. adds a nicely paced vocal into the my parents lounge to ‘Monkey Man’ them to me, would be a gross I mean, I’m a Specials fan, and Oh Minnows ---->Side project melodic mix which creates a CD of as a boy. understatement. like everyone did at least once in from one half of Semifi nalists with morning after a heavy night before She’s an arsehole, seriously. She Not only this but as I got wasted the audience that night I went: ace sounds of spacey shoegaze. based bliss. CD Two opens up a tells me she’s my friend, right… the night before, I spent my Bank “Fuck, I forgot they did this!”. Internet Forever ----> Lo-Fi world of opportunity from classic Then. Holiday Sunday in a totally shit And “Fuck, how do I know all the London/Cambridge trio popular Hall & Oates tracks to Luther Four o’clock rolls round like my mood knowing that in a few hours words?” with the likes of Huw Stephens Vandross, mixed in with some eyeballs in the dull pits they call she’d be watching a band I’ve At not one stage did I ever for fans of No Age and twee pop. electronica giving us a perfectly sockets, and my telephones ringing. adored since I fi rst danced around think that watching the band rounded CD of pre-club/pub chilled I’m going to see The Specials. my parents lounge to ‘Monkey was like watching a drunken ------danceability. So ideally listen to She is a good friend. Man’ as a boy. uncle embarrassingly fl irt with ------I don’t care that I’m a substitute CD Two while having a beer before She’s an arsehole, seriously. your girlfriend. I’m not a fan of The last Seren of the year + my for some fool who’s just bailed on hitting a nice eclectic night out, She tells me she’s my friend, ‘comebacks’ or ‘reunion tours’. last ever column = sad times! a free ticket to see perhaps one of and when recovering the next right… You can dress it up how you Fear not though, for your fi x of more the most vital bands in British music morning, thank myself, Emma Then. like. Even the split length set, brass obscure indie music and other lovely history. I’m going to see Terry Hall Dixon and Seren for soothing your Four o’clock rolls round like section and glitter ball brought on curiosities you can still visit my blog do what I wish I could do half of. banging head. This CD makes an my eyeballs in the dull pits they halfway, and the almost cabaret at htt p://robotsmademedoit.blogspot.com . amazing addition to the Bugged So with every sweaty forty- call sockets, and my telephones perfect delivery of each song something skinhead, clad head to Out! Legacy of recordings but can ringing. sounding more electric than the * h e a r t s * be enjoyed without all the hype toe in Fred Perry, Dr Marten that I’m going to see The Specials. hallowed recordings, could never and background surrounding it. bumped into me that night, Emma She is a good friend. make this seem less perfect. Dixon is thankfully the reason I am I don’t care that I’m a substitute Uniting everyone with the Lee, x. now able to say that my balls have for some fool who’s just bailed on realist and puerile delivery of these Sion Wyn Laszek tingled listening the ‘Ghost Town’ a free ticket to see perhaps one photographic songs by men you live. of the most vital bands in British just wish drank in your local. Every ounce of sarcasm and dry was music like watching history. a I’m drunken going touncle see wish drank The Specials in your local. are vital. Every wit with the timeless British youth embarrassinglyTerry Hall do flwhat irt I with wish I your could generation The Specials needs are a band vital. to Every do culture reference and that Ska vibe girlfriend.do half I’m of. not a fan of ‘comebacks’ generationwhat they’ve needs done. a band to do what that never ever sounds clichéd is or ‘reunion So tours’. with every sweaty forty- they’veGo listendone. to ‘Too Hot’ now, and still as vital as ever as The Specials Yousomething can dress skinhead, it up how clad you head like. to tryGo not listen to be to swooned.‘Too Hot’ now, and try roll through what has to be the most Eventoe the insplit Fred length Perry, set, Dr brass Marten section that not to I’m be actually swooned. worried I might not impressive back catalogue of songs and bumped glitter ball into brought me that onnight, halfway, Emma top I’m this actually weekend worried ever in I my might life. notI I’ve ever heard. and Dixon the is almost thankfully cabaret the reason perfect I am topdon’t this care weekend either. ever in my life. I I mean, I’m a Specials fan, and deliverynow ofable each to saysong that sounding my balls more have don’t Nicecare either. one Emma Dixon, keep like everyone did at least once in the electrictingled than listeningthe hallowed the ‘Ghostrecordings, Town’ those Nice press one Emma guestlists Dixon, coming. keep those audience that night I went: “Fuck, couldlive. never make this seem less press Fuck. guestlists coming. I forgot they did this!”. And “Fuck, perfect.Every ounce of sarcasm and dry Fuck. I’ve seen The Specials. how do I know all the words?” wit Uniting with the everyone timeless British with youth the I’ve seen The Specials. At not one stage did I ever realistculture and reference puerile delivery and that of Ska these vibe Lewis Brookes think that watching the band photographic songs by men you just Lewis Brookes 20 End of Year Issue 2009 FILM www.seren.bangor.ac.uk 17 Again The Movies: ac Efron puts a cheeky twist on his usually Where you’re sure to fi nd innocent High School Musical character in this Zcomical tale of a man given a second chance at being seventeen. The 'body-swapping' idea might be a familiar theme to comedy fi lms, but director Burr Steers sunshine this summer does a good job of bringing it into the 21st Century. The fi lm begins in 1989; Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron), a 17 year old School Basketball Champion walks off the court in his fi nal big t may not feel like it right now, but summer really game to be with his pregnant girlfriend. Into May isn’t that far away. And whether it’s warm and sunny the present, O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) is or cold and wet over the summer period this year, going through a bitter divorce with his I there is one place to be, at the cinema. wife and is the father of two teens. He Things start off in a big way with May seeing the feels his life has not turned out the way release of several highly anticipated blockbusters. First it should have and has "been in a bad of is the long-awaited ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’. The mood for the last 20 years." fi lm brings back Hugh Jackman in the lead role which In a strange encounter with a charts the early years of his character, showing us how mysterious caretaker at his previous he became the Wolverine we all know. school which his children now go to, Mike May 8th sees the release of J.J. Abrams’ big budget wakes the next morning to fi nd himself re-imagining of ‘Star Trek’. in his old body, but his present life. With Ron Howard’s follow-up to his 2006 adaptation of ‘The the help of his geeky friend Ned, the Da Vinci Code’ with ‘Angels & Demons’ sees Tom Hanks pair decide this is an opportunity to sort once again portraying Robert Langdon attempting to his life out, and enrol him at school. His solve a murder and new classmates include his son; bullied prevent a terrorist attack against the Vatican. by the basketball team, and his daughter who is dating one of the players. In Mike's new predicament he believes he can help his children and repair his marriage, but can he do it? There are lots of laughs along the way, especially from Ned, a fi nancially successful ou’ll be in for a real treat in June Star Wars geek who poses as Mike's Dad With the double whammy of new instalments to get him into School, and repeatedly Y in both the ‘Terminator’ and ‘Transformers’ fails to woo the Principal. Despite franchises. The action begins on with being predictable, 17 Again is an ‘Terminator Salvation’, which sees Christian Bale take enjoyable fi lm you will want to watch on the role of John Connor as we fi nally get to see the over and over, even if it is just to see actual war with the machines. ‘Transformers: Revenge Zac Efron with his top off! of the Fallen’ promises to be even bigger than the fi rst fi lm, expect something truly spectacular. Sarah Staples If you’re more a comedy fan then you might want to check out ‘The Year One’ which stars Jack Black and Michael Cera as two lazy hunter-gatherers who are banished from their primitive village and set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. June X-Men Origins: By Bianca uly brings a torrent of movies. Murray July 3rd sees Johnny Depp and Christian Bale July Wolverine Jget to share the screen in Michael Mann’s latest he wait is fi nally over, after lead a normal life and fi nd happiness, directorial effort ‘Public Enemies’, Julya gangster movie set the huge success of the X-Men these newly granted privileges are in the 1930s. Ttrilogy the second instalment brutally taken from him with the Anyone who loved Sacha Baron Cohen’s politically of the fi lms arrived at British cinema death of his wife. The rest of the incorrect ‘Borat’ will defi nitely want to check out his screens on Wednesday. Bearing in fi lm details his thirst for revenge and latest fi lm which brings to the screen one of his other mind I am not exactly a fi lm buff and ultimately taking part in the weapon creations, ‘Bruno’. I’m probably one of few people that X programme. The fi lm is billed as Harry Potter’ fans will fi nd that their long wait is has not seen any of the X-Men fi lms, an action, fantasy, sci-fi , thriller; a over when the latest instalment ‘Harry Potter and the I went in with limited knowledge mouthful but exactly what the fi lm Half Blood Prince’ is released on July 17th. With David and no expectations of the fi lm, but is. The fi lm provides action to make Yates once again on directing duties this looks to be I was surprised in that not only did I you jump from the very beginning; another very enjoyable and dark fantasy that will have like it, I now m y appeal for viewers both young and old. want to see f a v o u r i t e the X-Men scene of trilogy. the fi lm The fi lm b e i n g tells the when the background b r o t h e r s August story of a r e ugust gets off to an action packed start. Logan (Hugh c h a r g e d with the release of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. The J a c k m a n ) with killing Afi lm directed by Stephen ’The Mummy’ Sommers is based a k a a senior on the toy line of the same name, focuses on an elite military W o l v e r i n e offi cer and unit taking on an evil organisation led by a notorious arms w h o sentenced dealer. Quentin Tarantino fans who have long been awaiting the d i s c o v e r s to fi ring director’s next movie won’t have long to wait as his latest fi lm his mutant s q u a d . ‘Inglorious Basterds’ fi nally hits cinema screens on August 21st. power when W h e n This World War Two set fi lm looks to be exactly what Tarantino his apparent a s k e d fans have been waiting for. So, there you have it. This is going to “father” is shot. His best friend about it later Logan simply replies be one summer with no shortage of cinematic treats to indulge Victor (Liev Schreiber) who has now “it tickled.” For a comic book turned in. become his brother runs away with into an action fi lm I had my doubts him. They fi ght side by side during but I really enjoyed it. The special all the major world confl icts and effects were brilliant; the dialogue become highly decorated. Things although a bit ropey and even at change for the brothers when they certain points cheesy moved the are approached by William Stryker plot along. The great thing about to become part of an elite group of this fi lm was that even if you hadn’t soldiers. Logan disagrees with their seen the previous fi lms, it was still actions and walks away leaving his easy to follow. Robert Mann brother behind. As Logan begins to 21 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk FILM Battle Royale King Of Kong : A his movie is a Japanese disillusioned with life. The rest and they must kill each other language movie based of his classmates are similarly in a sort of twisted game Ton the novel of the disillusioned, and have little show fashion until one is left Fistful Of Quarters same name, this movie made respect for authority. This and they are free to leave in 2000’s Japan refl ects the leads to the stabbing of a the island. I can’t divulge any ot being a fan of King of Kong: A Fistful teacher with a family and Billy, fears of the country when it teacher. This in turn by proxy more for fear of ruining the documentaries I was of Quarters documents self proclaimed champion, came to the millennium of nominates Shuya’s class year fi lm but I can promise it will Ninitially reluctant the rivalry and story Steve hell bent on winning for the youth running riot. This to take part in the gruesome be typically Japanese in both to watch this movie. The Wiebe as he tries to take the whom second place will never movie, in a very dystopian game of Battle Royale. tone and violence so it leaves prospect of 30 something world’s highest score for the suffi ce. He comes across as way proposes a way of The BR act takes place me with just this to say, this nerds and their aspirations of arcade game Donkey Kong is unabashedly cocky and dealing with the rebellious on an island off the coast movie already has a cult beating a world record on the from reigning champion fond of self promotion, these Japanese youth a scheme of Japan and serves as an following and if you haven’t arcade version of King Kong Billy Mitchell. As the movie two incredibly complex yet called Battle Royale. The fi lms example to the other unruly seen it already, watch it. did not hold much appeal, but progresses we see the trials completely different people prologue states that "At the schoolchildren of the nations after the initial introduction I and tribulations of both both show commitment to dawn of the millennium, the as the act states that of a Sion Wyn Laszek was pulled into their video- players and how it affects one goal and that is to have nation collapsed. At fi fteen class only one will come back game rivalry. them. Steve, a high school the highest score on Donkey percent unemployment, ten Kong. million were out of work. This movie is an excellent 800,000 students boycotted piece of cinema and shows school. The adults lost how some people will stop at confi dence, and fearing the nothing to achieve what they youth, eventually passed want, putting themselves and the Millennium Educational friends and family through Reform Act - AKA: The BR various trials to reach that Act..." high score. Don’t let the idea of a foreign fi lm put you off; you tend to Sion Wyn Laszek get sucked into the world of battle Royale and immerse yourself in the movie, picking up more hints off the acting and the body language the movie concentrates on Shuya Nanahara played by a very enigmatic Tatsuya Fujiwara, a charismatic young boy forced to live in the Kanagawa Prefecture, following the life changing events of his mother abandoning him and his father commits suicide, he becomes Seren brings you some fi lm reccomendations his movie falls into a particular ersepolis is one in a line of fi lms favourite genre of mine, the translated from graphic novels Tstudio Ghibli animations. Ponto the silver screen since Sin These Japanese movies are now City was such a massive hit. popular all over the world thanks Although it isn’t as visually to the arrival of manga and stunning as this (less Watchmen and anime within the western world more Felix The Housecat) after a few this animation studio has been moments to adjust you forget your nicknamed the “Disney of Japan” initial reservations and accept what and this label became even truer you’re seeing, which is actually a recently as the ex president of serious fi lm which tackles very real Disney Japan recently took over issues. It begins in 1979. Marjane, as the head of the studio following our heroine, is a nine year old Bruce the former heads standing down. Lee enthusiast living in Tehran, Iran. Princess Mononoke falls into the Her family are cosmopolitan Marxists category that Wikipedia categorizes who have suffered incarceration, as an “animated historical fantasy terrorization and the death penalty fi lm” at fi rst for me this sounded for their beliefs. As they welcome the off-putting, but after fi ve minutes positive change a revolution could I was enveloped in a world of bring about religious extremists fantastical period drama set within seize control and Marjane’s world is in the late Muromachi period of drastically transformed around her. Japan but with numerous fantasy When Iran goes to war with Iraq her based elements and concentrates family send her to school in Europe on the struggle between the and Persepolis is the story of her supernatural guardians of a forest encounters with a different world and the humans who consume its and the people within it. Although resources as seen by the outsider there are some funny scenes these Ashitaka. "Mononoke" is in fact not are balanced carefully with much a name, but a general term in the more ominous ones and moments Japanese culture and language of great tenderness. Her family, denoting a spirit or monster. especially her grandmother, dictate This movie as I previously the morality of the fi lm constantly mentioned deals with the struggle guiding Marjane in her decisions. between the supernatural and In the end, animation is a very the humans over the forest and effective tool to cut out distractions the power it holds. It’s the idea which draw you away from the actual that industry is ruining the forest Princess content of the fi lm. By the end of it, Persepolis Marjane is a young woman and you’ll and that the mythical creatures are fi ghting back to claim what is fi nd yourself caring deeply about the rightfully theirs, this movie is a future of her, her family and Iran. It Mononoke draws similarities with Kite Runner rollercoaster of fantasy as the lush forest makes way (partially) in and The Pianist with regards to parts for the new industry. documenting political circumstances This movie is beautifully and Crash and Amelie in terms of illustrated with a deep plot and A great way to get hold of foreign and independent fi lms social comment. If you liked these storyline and slight animation is lovefi lm.com. You can get hold of some reet good fi lms and are willing to give traditional quirks that will enable you to watch animation a chance, you’ll enjoy this it again and again. stuff on there. interesting take on the middle eastern affairs. Sion Wyn Laszek Georgia Mannion 22 End of Year Issue 2009 BOX www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Weekly on BBC2 The Apprentice Catch up on iPlayer

he Apprentice probably controls where they had to identify the value think I ever saw him do anything about her apparently not speaking up the put downs in the boardroom are way too much of my life, this of certain goods and then sell them of any worth, and the task that wasn’t nice to watch. the most entertaining thing about Tyear more than most. for this price showed that he doesn’t demonstrated this (the one with But then this is the main appeal this show. I often get the feeling Sir Remember Paula, the amazing cope well under pressure, and when the soaps) should have been his of The Apprentice, its cringe worthy Alan’s patter is scripted, but with one, big bushy ginger hair, got fi red? things get tough, he panics. I’m going downfall. He was however, very lucky, viewing; you like to see people fail these two, you know that you’re Well she went to my school, got to say that whilst that alone was nice and went on to get an unworthy win. just to see a bit of action in the getting exactly what they think. taught by my business teacher; I to watch; the icing on the cake would There is of course, another guy that boardroom. Another appeal of The High points of the series so far: may or may not have been served by have been Sir Alan’s fi nger pointing is seriously annoying: Philip. Oh dear Apprentice this year just has to be Paula’s, “Can you clean people?” in her when she did the odd shift at The in his face whilst saying those magic me, the amount of times I’ve looked the lump of emotion also known as her Brummie accent, James’ reaction Old House. This will mean nothing to words. at the laptop screen and wanted to James, the guy who physically feels when Ben almost brought him back you, but to me, I had already chosen But as in previous weeks, the scratch at where his face is makes pain and is generally hurt when into the boardroom, and Mona’s my winner before the series even wrong decision has been made; me sick - he’s so negative all the people cross him. He also says the awful pitch for their awful cereal box. started, so to say I was gutted when or rather the producer’s decision time, and like a lot of previous and funniest things, including how he Finally, who do I want to win? Out of she got fi red is an understatement. has been made. To me it seems current candidates he doesn’t listen. felt that his cat had died because of the remaining candidates, it has to be I even considered quitting watching the biggest characters - those who I actually felt sorry for Lorraine, who Howard’s betrayal of trust by bringing Debra; she’s feisty and ruthless, and the series, but how can I, when it’s cause more trouble - are being regularly stated that she didn’t like him back to the boardroom. also because I feel the favourite Kate so addictive? Plus it means that I will kept to provide more entertainment the idea for the cartoon character on The stars of the show, however, is too good and not as nice as she (hopefully) get to see Ben “I got into value, which is a shame because it a previous task and who regularly are not the candidates. In fact, it’s appears. That’s if Debra is still in by Sandhurst” get his comeuppance. means we don’t really get to see the stated that she thought the rug was not even Sir Alan, yep, I’m talking the time you’re reading this, I don’t This guy deserves to get fi red just abilities of the quieter candidates. worth more in the ‘selling ten items’ about Margaret and Nick. Complete even think Sir Alan knows who he’s for his general cockiness, arrogance Don’t get me wrong though, Noorul task, and they failed on this criteria. legends, the facial expressions when fi ring. and unneeded aggression. The task should have gone weeks ago. I don’t For others to lie in the boardroom things are blatantly going wrong and Aaron Wiles

Available on 4OD The Inbetweeners

would start this review off with a Most of the humour is, predictably, the mundane, something everyone snappy one liner from the series, based around the lads’ sexual has experienced, and does so with Ibut they’re all to crude to print. exploits (or lack thereof, as the aplomb. That pretty much sums up the humour case may be.) Wonderfully written, The series, however, can be of the Inbetweeners, a comedy series each episode brings with it a host of extremely painful to watch at times, on E4 about a group of 17 year olds crude, rude, hilarious one liners, and and may not be to everyone’s who aren’t really cool or geeky, just approximately 10 minutes after the tastes. Some of the hilarious can be stuck somewhere in between. episode is fi nished, I can guarantee at downright cringeworthy, but despite I was introduced to the series quite least 5 status updates will refl ect this. this, each episode doesn’t fail to leave late, only just before the current, Each of the boys has their own me feeling thoroughly entertained. second, series was due to commence. distinct personality; part of the reason Watching the boys struggle to defi ne A 4oD marathon brought me right why I think the series resonates themselves in a world they don’t up to speed with the events of the so well. I fi nd something like Skins really fi t into is something anyone can fi rst, and I fell in love. Centred on diffi cult to follow and unrealistic, no- relate to, and will allow you to do so the lives of 4 middle class, London one at my school was as gorgeous whilst killing yourself with laughter. suburb dwelling sixth form pupils, as Effy or as mad as Pandora. But Let’s hope there’s not another year to Will, Simon, Jay and Neil, the series everyone and their mother went to wait for Series 3. taps into the crude little teenager in school with a Will, Simon, Jay or Neil, all of us, and does so in spectacular and as gross as some of the content fashion. may be, it focuses on the everyday, Liz Stevens 23 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk TRAVEL The Highlands and West Isles

If you travel far enough through the hills and greenery of a rather lifeless space you will eventually fi nd the towns and villages of the north which will give you a little bit more of traditional Scottish heritage. You have the city of Inverness to the east and Loch Ness, home of the SCOTLAND infamous monster, and to the west you have the small towns and villages which are the gateways to the beautiful western isles such as Isle of Mull and Isle of Skye. Some of the world’s most beautiful sceneries and nature conservations can be found here. Checklist: Eilean Donan Castle Fort William, home to Britain’s tallest mountain; Ben Nevis Aviemore and the Cairngorm National Park Glenmorangie Distillery Nessie of Loch Ness; NOT a myth!! St Andrews and Fife Loch Lomond and Named after the patriot Saint of Scotland, the Trossachs St Andrews is home to the third oldest University in Britain and one of the Situated on the west coast of world’s best golf courses. Set on the East Scotland Loch Lomond is amidst coast, tucked in behind the River Forth, one of Scotland's most idyllic and this quiet landscape is known as the city unspoilt areas, with the largest of learning. expanse of fresh water in Britain Checklist: and the backdrop of the mountains Play a game of mini golf on the infamous looming beyond. On the Loch you “Himalayas” can do everything from canoeing to The award winning beach, West Sands windsurfi ng, fi shing to waterskiing. Anstruther Fish Bar Checklist: St Andrews Cathedral Trossachs National Park Stirling Secret Bunker in Anstruther Glengoyne Distillery West Highland Way walk One of the smaller cities of Scotland this Urquart Castle heritage deep site is the perfect stopping place between Edinburgh and Glasgow. This contemporary city is where the highlands meet the lowlands, where culture and history stem from. Apparently the luckiest place in Scotland this is where I call home. A perfect blend of shops, bars, clubs and culture, it is hard not to fall in love with it. Checklist: The Wallace Monument Stirling Castle Old town jail Battle of Bannockburn Heritage Site

The Highlands and West Isles

Edinburgh

From the minute you arrive in this Loch Lomond amazing city you will never be stuck for something to do. The best time to go is and the August when the city comes alive with the world’s largest arts festival: The Fringe! Trossachs The Edinburgh Mela festival from the 7th to 9th of August is a celebration of cultural diversity through the arts. Checklist: Stirling St Andrews The Dungeons Underground ghost walk The Edinburgh Fringe Festival Mela Festival Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh 24 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Creative Just a Dress elcome to the Creative Corner! The delicate fabric W Falls around me, This page is dedicated to your poetic, artistic and A touch of heaven in the crowded room Creative work. If you would like to showcase I wonder wether His your work to the students of Bangor send it to would be as gentle, on either Gemma or Rosie here at Seren! At.... the night [email protected] My smile stretches, stretches As the lacing on the corset pulls. I cannot breathe and Short Story extract still n contrast to Jacks im- Drunkenness, causing a I smile. pressive physique, the riot, Damages, Assault on a They stare, Igaoler in front of him city official. 2 silvers.” was short, squat and what Jack spat onto the floor. Losing Face: Comment, muscle he had once pos- That would practically wipe Adjust my curls, sessed had gone to fat with out everything, well, there What keeps you behind that mask? Stare some more. lack of use. His paunch was was nothing for it. He put The false laugh and tepid grin, evidence a life of luxury, his hand to the pouch he Happiness a constant task, I can see the famil- and his manner spoke of wore around his neck. True self hidden deep within, iar envy in the eyes of abusing his nominal pow- His heart skipped a beat, some. ers over the wretches that though a life time of expe- Petrified of the chagrin? ended up in the city’s gaol. rience let nothing show on But now you cannot restore; I long to tell them, The kind of bully that his face. His hand went to What you were, the mask is more. but I cannot speak. pulled the wings from flies his hips, in a vain hope, I smile and stand, as a child, made into a though Jack was nothing if Danny Southward man, with all of the childish not a creature of habit. The burning. insecurities and cruelties pouch was not there. Damn! English and Creative Writing No matter how dolled grown as large as the physi- He must have lost it last up, cal specimen. night. The gods were cruel, Made up, Jack glared. but at least there was still Strung up, The fat man wilted under hope, as long as he could Fed up I might be… the intensity of the stare, get a message out to... no “You want out, big man?” that wouldn’t do. Not any- Click.Click-click. Jack glared. more. If he could get to his Click. Flash. Click- “You got coin? Pay the lodgings there was always fine, you can go.” his secret stash. That would click. ”How much?” Jack suffice. Congratulation folks, snarled, his voice gravelly. it’s a wrap. Gods, let it not be much, his Extract from a short story coin was cursed low. by Emma Daniels …I am no bride. “Lets see,” Gloating, “Dis- English Literature And this is just a orderly conduct, Public dress. Nicholas Cowan Language & linguistics Zoe Perrenoud English Literature. 25 End of Year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk Corner Charles Winnett Geography ‘Сндмзlеюи’ I tried to change skins and become one of you Escape from that body that I always knew And wear a new coat I would be happy with To give up myself in attempt to outlive The recluse in his room with nowhere to go Connected with no-one, neither friend nor foe I craved fitting in and not being left out I whispered and gagged but I wanted to shout Now, I try to speak; but it still comes out wrong I’d take off my mask but its hold is too strong And even if I could, what would be there to find? Another false face and another false mind Photography by From the last time I tried to become some- Laura Stephenson thing new Theatre and Media And said to myself I’ll be fine without you

Sam Butcher French with Spanish

Your Guardian From Afar... Book of the month: For when the time comes I shall hear your call. Pride and Prejudice With passion, emotion and the fury of storms, and Zombies I will appear swiftly to catch you before your fall. his book is, as the title states, the classic tale that is Pride and Prejudice but it takes the Novel into an alternate 19th cen- Your pain will be vanquished. tury where Zombies roam the once-quaint english country- Your soul cleansed. Tside.  is alternate reality is still populated with the humans that Your misdeeds to be made amends. we have grown to know and that have entered popular culture, al- beit in a brilliantly twisted way.  e main characters are morphed I can replenish your courage. ever so slightly into “monster hunters” and a fearless heroine who Refuel you confi dence. along with her sisters forms a zombie slaying team that are un- Ignite your inner fl ame. paralleled.  is novel,where instead of debates of dresses and etiquette we have deliberation over the zombie-slaying abilities of For I am solely yours. others, and although etiquette does come in a skewed form, in the deliberation of if carrying a musket is ladylike or not.  e background of this novel is actually intriguing, the co- au- For what it’s worth I can only be. thor (Austen being credited as the other author) Seth Grahame- The neglected watchman. Smith was given the task by the Quirk books editor, Jason Rekulak, who had taken an interest in tak- A discarded observant. ing public domain book titles and using “fanboy” related material, such as pirates ninjas and zombies to inhabit these classic works of ction. Grahamae-smith is said to have begun with the original text An underestimated entity. of Austen’s novel, and then added elements of the zombie and the ninja cultures, whilst developing a Which you classify as a nobody. new overall plot-line to the classic material. Grahame- Smith was even quoted as saying that the origi- For I can do all the things that they cannot. nal text was perfectly suited to become a zombie horror story from the moment it was written “ You have this ercely independent heroine, you have this dashing heroic gentleman, you have a militia For if only you would let me in. camped, out for seemingly no reason whatsoever nearby, and the people are always walking here and The change you so deserve could begin. there, and taking carriage rides here and there” and my personal favourite quote on why he created this piece of a newly coined genre of “mashup” literature is that “ It was just ripe for gore and senseless violence. From my perspective anyway.” Barnaby Gilford All i have le to say is that this book is a thoroughly good read with many twists and turns that Geography breath Undead life into an old classic. Sion Wyn Laszek 26 End of Year Issue 2009 SPORT www.seren.bangor.ac.uk ello all, my name is Will Pedigrew and I’m next year’s Hsports editor for Seren, I’d like to take this chance to say hello to all you sports fans and readers and hope you enjoy my page next year. I think Will Varley has done an Bowled over amazing job over the last three years and trying to fi ll his shoes is going to a daunting task but hopefully I’ll be up to it. If you’re a member of an AU club then drop me an email whenever you want a piece in Seren, whether you’ve just thrashed another team 200-0 or you just want the people of Bangor university to know all about your society then get in touch, it’ll be a great way to get new members and also spread the word about your club. Peace out guys. Lions or Pussycats? he latest British and Irish Lions There are only two Scottish squad for the May tour of South players on this year’s tour, both Euan Bangor cricket season review TAfrica has been announced and Murray and Nathan Hines take a I can’t help but feel there are a few rightful place in the squad but there he Bangor University Men’s 1st total of 93 in 25 overs we could not Chris Randall and the Vice Captain is weaknesses in the squad. After a was a shock omission for Scotland’s Cricket team started the season achieve their target and were all out Anthony Shepherd. To support Bangor great Six nations it is not surprising outstanding scrum half Mike Blair. Twith a win against MMU Cheshire for 89 in 29 overs with Rob Godwin Uni please come this Sunday at the to see many recognisable Irish faces Blair was one of Scotland’s high at home on the 26th of April. Batting scoring 20 runs and Nabeel Mansoori Bangor Cricket Ground where Bangor in the squad, with the likes of second points in quite a bleak six nations. fi rst MMU Cheshire scored a total of 43. In their 3rd match at home against plays NEWI (Wrexham) on the 10th row Paul O’Connell captaining the He may however get the chance to 57 all out in 29 overs. In reply Bangor Central Lancashire's 2nd Bangor were of May at 1200 the match starts. You side with Brian O’Driscoll and Ronan put on the Lions shirt as a result achieved their target comfortably in all out for 133 in 39 overs with some can also join the group on facebook by O’Gara in tow. There are however of the injury sustained to Tomas 11 overs scoring 59 for the loss of four good knock from James Van Santen searching: Bangor University Cricket two Irish faces in the touring squad O’Leary in Munster’s victory over wickets with Rick Hannam showing us and Nadeem Mohammad and later in Club 2009. that may not be such household Llanelli Scarlets in the Magners the win and some good bowling from the end by James O'Reilly. In reply names. Munster League. O’Leary Anthony Shepherd. The second game to this Lancashire were all out for Nabeel Mansoori pair Keith Earls has a broken was away against Salford Men's 2nd 111 in 32 overs with James O'Reilly (centre) and Alan “If a player has ankle and could and unfortunately ended badly for and Andy O'Neil bowling Bangor to Quinlan (back miss the tour of Bangor. After restricting them to a victory. The captain for this season is row) are surprising not impressed South Africa. One members of the Englishman who I squad. Although on a national wasn’t too excited playing well for basis then they to see in the squad Final farewell from their club this year is Phil Vickery. For neither player should not be so long now I have appeared in the seen him crumble your AU President 2009 Grand Slam on the Lions under the pressure Squad. If a player of an international ello everyone, the end of my success! has not impressed tour” scrum and come year in offi ce is nearly here I can’t only mention these on a national basis up from that scrum Hand I can’t believe this will successes though, as you are all then they should not be on the Lions with a look on face that reminds me be my last article in Seren as AU probably well aware there is so much tour, whether they have not been of a little child knowing he is in the President. more to the AU. given the opportunity to impress wrong but not wanting to admit. It’s been an absolutely awesome Men’s and Women’s Badminton or not. Another player who I don’t This may be the most frustrating year with lots of successes and fun both won their leagues and reached think is ready for a Lions tour yet sight on a rugby fi eld and will be throughout, and I would just like to their respective cup fi nals, with is Leigh Halfpenny. Clearly a huge enraged if I see it in South Africa. highlight a few things that have been the women going on to win. Rugby talent for the future and with great The clearly over-rated Vickery achieved by the AU this year. League won their league getting technical ability and fl air Halfpenny is should be replaced by a more The AU has seen a huge increase promoted to the Premier North sure to be a Lion on other occasions. dynamic front row, Allan Jacobsen’s in the intramural activities available, Division. Men’s basketball narrowly On this occasion however he should pace was obvious in many games something which I feel very strongly missed out on winning their league best of luck. have been left out of the squad due in the six nations. That combined about as I feel it is vital to promote and women’s fencing, in their fi rst All that’s left to say are some to the extreme physical nature of with his solid scrumaging makes him sport and recreation to everyone. year of competition got to the HUGE thankyous to everyone who South African rugby. Halfpenny a fresh option to the squad which We started off the year trying to fi nal of the cup held at the BUCS has supported me throughout the may fair well against the clubs in was not taken. Other surprising promote sport and a healthy lifestyle Championships in Sheffi eld. On top year. South Africa but when it comes to absentees include James Hook, with a fun sports and crazy games of these huge successes we have Particularly, the AU Committee the tests, facing up against the likes Dellon Armitage, Steve Borthwick, afternoon on the new tennis courts continued to send more athletes and who have helped out with a wide of Brian Habana may well prove too Ryan Jones, Gavin Henson and Tom at Maes Glas on Freshers’ Week teams to competitions throughout range of jobs. Whether taking on physically demanding for the young Croft. weekend. This was to be the ethos the year, and with around 1700 tasks, giving advice, helping make fl yer. for the year – fun!! members of the AU all of our clubs Toby James Davidson We didn’t stop here though. A are achieving at some level, whether decisions or just a friendly chat. 5-a-side football Christmas cup competitively or just making sure Glyn for whom without, Wednesdays was organised for the end of term people get involved. Of course, there would be a living hell, he has been a just before Christmas which was have been ups and downs but the great support. The members of staff a huge success with a total of 12 ups defi nitely outweigh the downs at the Student’ Union and of course teams comprising of around 80 to 90 and seeing the commitment and the sabbatical team who have been people taking part in total. Healthy dedication shown by many towards amazing all year always lending living week was also another huge sport has been fantastic. a welcomed hand when needed. success. A pool party that saw 65 As you can see Bangor sport is They have become some of my best people having loads of fun whilst defi nitely on the up. What, with a friends and I will miss them more getting active, a cycle ride down sports strategy document soon to than I can imagine! the Ogwen cycle track and various be taken to the university executive Finally, not to forget every single classes that Maes Glas very kindly and also back to the students’ to see club captain, committee member agreed to put on for free. We also the vision that the university has and participant in each and every held the annual Crazy Sports Day a for sport, alongside the numerous sport. Without you there would be no couple of weeks ago, helping to raise successes previously mentioned I will AU. You are all a credit to the athletic funds for cancer research in the be happy to leave the AU in a strong union and your dedication to sport is process, and again this was a wicked position and wish my successor the massive and I wish you the very best of luck for the future. 27 End of year Issue 2009 www.seren.bangor.ac.uk SPORT Espace to the mountains Is this the end of football as we know it? ith massive takeovers and rising ticket prices for example an huge bids for players will adult ticket at one of the “big four” Wthe masses of money being clubs costing in the region of £40 injected into the game ruin the for adults and £20 for children so football that we all know and love? for an average family to watch their Things have changed severely favourite team play they are looking since the apparent dizzy heights at around £120 just to watch some of the 1 million pound transfer of men kick a football along the ground, Trevor Francis from Birmingham the main reason anyone from a low city to Nottingham forest, signed income background will not see their by then manager Brian Clough. Not team play in the near future. a surprise that such an amazing However some people believe manager, maybe one of the best that bringing massive names to that this country has ever seen the premier league which in most signed the fi rst player worth such a people’s eyes is the best league in huge amount of money, the signing the world will only make this league however worked in great fashion bigger and better, with bids from as Francis scored the winning goal Manchester city for the Brazilian star for Forest in the 1979 champion’s Kaka and reports that Manchester league fi nal against Swedish side united have recently placed a bid in Malmo, I wonder what the late great the region of £63 for French talisman Mr clough would think about the Frank Ribery. Maybe this is just recent Manchester city takeover by football catching up with the ever Abu Dubai united a business worth fast changing times or is the money around a suspected 14.4 billion recently being pumped into football pounds, I’m sure he would be turning a real danger to the sport only, time ith the exam season upon if you wish to join us for a fun and at the fun centre and a semi away in his grave at the thought of the will tell I suppose us many of you will be after enjoyable day all you need to do trip to the Lakes that unfortunately beautiful game being destroyed like Wan escape, and we at the is bring £4 for the bus, a pair of got rained off. A special mention this. Is this really a danger to football Will Pedigrew University Mountain Walking club walking boots with ankle support, must go to one of our Snowdon or a needed boost, some would see can offer you just that. lunch, suitable clothing (we do offer walks in January, where a few of We meet every Saturday at 9 hats, gloves and waterproofs on our members were lucky enough o’clock outside the SU under the loan for the day if you require them), to meet Chris Moyles of Radio 1 on curved lounge, going out for the and fi nally a smile. It’s been a great a practice walk before attempting day into the mountains. There are year for the club. We’ve had walks Kilimanjaro for Comic Relief! various levels of walks on offer, out every Saturday to all parts of covering the needs and abilities Snowdonia, held our Christmas meal Owain Rice of all that wish to come along, so in Llandudno, had a thrilling evening Mountain Bike Team Do Wheely Well ast weekend the annual BUCS mountain bike championships took place in sunny Dorset. After prepping the bikes with help from Revolution Bikes, a nine man team set off for an epic drive South. L Several fast food stops later and minus one exhaust, the team arrived at the hill top setting of the UK Bike Park. Ample alcoholic lubrication the night before lead to the downhill boys letting rip for the fi rst of two runs of Saturday morning. The guys went all out with some great times being recorded. Joe Corcoran managed a blistering 11th place overall riding the bike like he’d nicked it. Carl James was also letting it all hang out placing a respectable 30th, which he would have bettered on his second run had he not decked it in spectacular style after being distracted by a rather shiney discarded Monster energy can or was it Top Gunn! the monster girls? drian Gunn sealed victory Northumbria tried all that they could Following a few more ales the lights were turned on and promotion for Bangor to get back in it but speed proved the and it was time for the fl oodlight 4X boys to take centre AUniversity’s rugby league team crucial component that they lacked stage. With typical BUCS carnage the event unfolded. in a dramatic play off fi nal against as Gunn collected a kick to race 90 Sam Cain was the best of the Bangor entries, with by far Northumbria in Manchester. Bangor metres to score a scintillating try. the smoothest riding of the entire fi eld. Unfortunately will now be testing their might Complimenting the pace of Bangor’s a bad gate left him an uphill battle which was just too against some of the best University back line was a powerful performance much to make up over the short course, getting knocked teams in the country in the Premier by the forwards. Man of the Match out in the semis. North Division next season. Despite Liam Morton, who could probably After an early night for the Cross country boys, Sunday trailing 10-0 after fi fteen minutes, do a good job of running through a morning saw the start of the XC sport race. Both Wild Bangor hit back through a Thomas brick wall, wore down Northumbria’s Will and Dan Harrison put in a great performance, Mottram score and then Rhodri Aled defence with Ben Richards and taking on three laps of a super technical downhill Davies completed a fl owing move Danny Wright playing through their course followed by a lengthy gruelling (bitch hill- with a try in the corner. Although injuries to keep the Bangor attack esqe) climb. Following the sport race Northumbria led at the break, it in command. Mottram added two the Championship XC race got going was Bangor that took the game by conversions and Max Bracken the with some of the top riders from the scruff of the neck in the second other to make the fi nal score 26-18. around the UK in the fi eld. It half. Mottram, still providing the It’s unchartered territory next year was a fast paced affair. After goods after fi ve years with the but here’s hoping Bangor all the best 6 laps, a lot of energy gels team, powered down the wing to for the new season. and numerous crashes the bring the scores closer but it was Will Varley. winners came in. Our own an unstoppable charge from Luke Ed Roberts and Ben Price Donovan that gave Bangor the lead. came in not far behind placing a respectable 11th and 22nd. A monster weekend was had by all and it Gold for orienteering was great to see Bangor angor University Orienteers travelled up to Newcastle to take part in this cyclists starting to year’s JK event 2009, with one of our members, Gordon Halton, winning a achieve. Bring on gold medal. He came fi rst in his category of Men’s 21N. It is our fi rst gold Scotland next year. B medal achieved as Bangor University Orienteers! Ed Roberts. Gemma Carter WEEKLYEVENTS FROM MARCH 2009

MONDAY

Tired of being a hair brush Diva? Come and sing your socks off! 8pm KARAOKE NIGHT TUESDAY TEXASHOLD‘EMPOKER £7 JUG OF BEER WEDNESDAY BIGSCREENSPORTSNIGHT £7 JUG OF BEER PIZZA&APINTNIGHT THURSDAY

Pitch your wits in a battle of the brains! 8.30pm QUIZ NIGHT FRIDAY Get your dancing shoes on! 8 p m D J N I G H T SATURDAY Fancy yourself as a sharp shooter? 8pm Pool Tournament

Board games available every night — s ee staff

@ Bar Uno - Safle Ffriddoedd Site