DEALS • CAREERS GUIDANCE • ARTWORK • FEATURES • GIGS • REP DIRECTORY
Produced for students, by students • Issue 4 • April/May 2013 In with on ssociati
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University Barbers
April 2013
26Art Forum
Hi! Welcome to the fourth edition of Forum! Everything you see inside has been produced by students in the Welsh Capital - a big thank you to everyone who’s been involved! Want to get involved? It’s not just articles we’re after; send us your photos, artwork, reviews or anything that takes your fancy! For your chance to feature in future issues or to learn more about how you can get involved please email us with a little about yourself: editor@forumcardiff.co.uk
Dan Green and Shermin Tan show you some photos
4Porter’s
31Fashion
6Forum Music
36Into the wild
9MMP
42Budget Asia
Introducing Cardiff’s most eclectic bar
A week in live music from Cariff’s best venues
The Miniature Music Press lend us some stuff
15Forum Film
Online niche fashion tips from Forum Fashion
Listen to us talk about Summer and beyond
How to travel South-ast Asia on a shoestring
44Deal with it
Cult and current films
The best deals, all for you
18Eat me
46Credits
22Ten things...
Rep Directory
Local reviews, summer treats and Supertramp
...to do before you graduate
With love to all our friends and countrymen
Visit www.forumcardiff.co.uk for tickets to Cardiff’s clubs
www.forumcardiff.co.uk • twitter@forumcardiff • facebook.com/forummagcardiff
Porter’s
JH & OR
Respect. Not the first word you’d think of as you stumble into many of the city centres licensed establishments. But then again, Porter’s isn’t your average watering hole. Sitting down with co-owner Dan (Mr. Porter) on a typically grey afternoon in April, the former actor describes his vision of a drinker’s utopia. There are no special cases, no exclusive passes or exceptions made; even the man himself queues at the bar. The 50s style decor, industrial yet remarkably cosy finish proffers a melting pot for creativity. Open to all walks of life Porter’s looks to encompass a broad range of local and international talent, whether it be comedians, musicians or even aspiring artists and filmmakers. As the miniature hourglass timer signalled our tea had sufficiently brewed, Dan ran us through his mantra, “We’re an ideas place” he says, “Open to everyone”. Endorsing schemes such as ‘A Box Full’, which sees professionals team up with “artsy” students to produce new displays of talent in the form of film, music and art. Combining the old (or perhaps the established) with the new. To the left of stage is a bare wall, acting as a blank canvas, ready to exhibit upcoming artistic talent for all patrons to admire. Tucked away behind the grand leather furniture is Porter’s very own “Room of Requirement”. A retro style cinema ideal for lazy Sundays, but come midweek it transforms into a veritable ping-pong arena. Dan wasn’t joking when he said they wanted to play host to all; your average pint of Becks in the city centre would set you back the best part of four quid but in Porter’s at just £3.05 it’s not just the interior that makes you question whether you’re still in 2013. Student nights run Monday to Wednesday every week, starting with a pub quiz, (entry only £1) winner takes all. On a Tuesday you can hear Cardiff’s finest local and student talent at their Open Mic night and there’s no excuse for drummers to duck out as there’s an inhouse kit on permanent display. Wednesday nights establish who’s got the biggest competitive streak (or just who hasn’t drunk enough) as you battle it out on the aforementioned ping-pong table. For the less pro-active of us, or those who just want to soak up that refreshing vibe, the bar is stocked with an admirable collection of bottled beers. A staff favourite, Kwak, knocks your blocks off at 8.4%, served in its unique glass and at a very reasonable £5 a bottle. 4
Oh, and they do food... No nonsense, good tasty grub; a ¼ pizza and salad for £3.50, all day, everyday. And not forgetting, Dan’s nan’s coveted coleslaw. Free entry every night, no matter the event or occasion, it’s gotta be worth a visit (if only for the coleslaw).
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A week at Cardiff’s free live music nights Cardiff has a lot of live music to offer, from jazz to rock to dance, but students, of course, have a limited choice. If you leave out clubs (where people don’t go for music anyway, let’s be honest) then the bars and pubs of the town centre have a plethora of regular music nights to try out. So not long ago, during a quiet week in mid-March, I did just that and tried one for each night of the week, with certain criteria to make it all fair (for science...). The night had to be free, I had to stay for at least 30 minutes and no more than an hour, and the music had to be played live by musicians, not DJs. Each night is also being ranked on drinks prices and atmosphere. On with the science music!
Read more about live music in Cardiff over on page 11...
Monday - ‘Live Mondays: Tangent Duo’ Taff - Park Pl, Cathays, Cardiff CF10 3QN
Tuesday - ‘Kickback Open Mic’ - Old Library – The Old Library, Cardiff CF10 1BH
I stayed for the minimum half-hour as the place was quite quiet, but as most students know, the Taff normally has a great atmosphere and excellently priced drinks, letting me get a Guinness (not a can!) for £2. The particular group, Tangent Duo were a good quality group, with a very melodic sound that made it great eating music. For students wanting a pint at the pub, cheaply and quietly (as it’s a Monday), this is ideal.
Only managing to catch the tail end of the Open Mic from 10:30pm to 11, it was again a quiet night but the format put the focus on the music; the small but enthusiastic audience made the Old Library a nice place to be. It was great to see the musicians and their friends really getting into it, and in a venue which is as pleasant to be in as it is to drink in, with a nice range and good/average prices (My Brains Smooth was £2.50). For quality amateur music and meeting other musicians, this is your best bet.
Wednesday - ‘Open Mic Night’ – North Star – 131 North Rd, Cardiff CF14 3AE From 9:30pm to 10:15, I was able to enjoy the North Star’s broad but pricy drinks range which included ales as well as the Open Mic music - £3.20 for a Carling, especially when Guinness is £3.50, is a lot for a student from the nearby Talybont halls like myself! It might explain the slightly older audience, but there was still a good atmosphere of people eating enviably good pub dinners and applauding each act, all very melodic, acoustic and local singer-songwriters. This is a night for more mature students willing to spend a little and savour the evening slowly.
The week continues on page 8... 6
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Thursday - ‘No Sweat: Acoustic’ – Full Moon Bar – 14 Womanby St, Cardiff CF10 1BR The Full Moon Bar prides itself on ‘fine music and hard liquor’, and neither was in short supply! Though I’m no connoisseur, the ‘liquor’ range seemed comprehensive and, for spirits, reasonably priced. Through the tagline the bar has given itself, certain tastes are suggested. If a slightly more club-like atmosphere (drinks included) is what you prefer, this could be a good regular live music night for you. Friday - ‘Live: Smokin’ Aces’ – O’Neills Trinity Street – Trinity St, Cardiff, CF10 1BH You will see Smokin’ Aces billed to play everywhere in Cardiff’s city centre, and the solid standard of this covers group reflected the pub itself. Smaller than the St Mary’s Street branch nearby, you have a choice if you want to go bigger but I found it nicely sized for my tastes. The drink range was good too, especially for the Celts and ale-drinkers amongst us and the food being ordered around certainly look good! Little is left to desire as an all-rounder music night! Saturday - ‘Live: Chris Summerill’ – The Yard – 42-43 St Mary St, Cardiff CF10 1AD From about 9pm to 10, The Yard had Chris Summerill on the live music menu. The bar has a great look to it (it was a brewery after all), but with Heineken as both their ‘continental guest beer’ and a regular, and £3 each for Brains Dark and Bitter, range and price could have been better. The music setup was very professional however, with a great P.A. and stage covered in monitors, all improving the sound quality for everyone. The atmosphere was excellent, spurred on by the music - I would say this is, above all, a night for those who want bigger, busier and louder pubs with louder music for the weekend. Sunday - ‘Live: Colum Regan’ – Live Lounge - 9 The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA Live Lounge – either the most infamous or famous live music joint in Cardiff, depending on how you look at it – has to go on this list. On a Sunday, which was also St Patrick’s Day and the day after Wales’ 6 Nations triumph over England...[Bah - eds], it was inevitably filled to the brim. Seeing the earlier acts to keep in line with Saturday’s half-hour (rather than going later at peak time), Colum Regan was a great act and coupled with the positive atmosphere and cheap drinks to leave a very pleasing impression. This is also a fun night for people who want a busier, more atmospheric venue, but with a cheaper, more student-y feel that might appeal to more than bar like The Yard for a weekend night out.
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The definitive guide to music in Wales
Little Arrow – Wild Wishes
Music with a sense of childlike adventure and imagination in a place of incredible natural beauty, but the apparent innocence on the surface is shadowed by something frightening lurking just out of sight at all times.
Firewheelbombfire Peg, Square Hole
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The MMP is the definitive guide to music in Wales. Since 1908 we’ve been providing a print platform for any and all up and coming Welsh musicians to get their music out there. Recently we’ve gone fully digital, pumping out more news, reviews, interviews and features than ever before. The following pages are a snippit of what the MMP get up to, kindly donated for the readers of Forum. Content has been adjusted for Forum, for full versions plus a host of interviews, features, news and reviews please head to themmp.tv
Square
The soundtrack to some nightmarish cyperpunk thriller about the imminent collapse of human civilisation, you can practically hear the words of William Gibson floating just out of ear shot. In a word - Fantastic
Scriber – Every Particle
Every conceivable vein of folk music whirled together, with mixed in elements of garage rock and something oddly sinister lurking below the surface to forge a tremendous and consistently interesting debut.
MPFree Head to the MMP website for a selection of free downloadables from some of this months featured artists; a gift from us to you, because despite what all those old women say, we’re actually very nice people.
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How not to make it in the music industry There are fewer combinations more dangerous in music than the words ‘punk’ and ‘rock; to some it’s an attitude, to others it’s a hairstyle. Personally, after many years of putting on gigs with the word ‘punk’ involved, the only thematic link I can see is the continuous use of cider. Misuse of the phrase can and will cause arguments, and as much as I’ve always tried to keep my opinions to myself, I once found myself in a strange sort of punk rock sandwich situation … I’d been tasked with running two shows over two floors. One event saw the man behind anti-folk, Lach take the stage while upstairs the godfathers of British punk The UK Subs would be playing to a lot of leather jacket clad aging men. Now, I’m not here to question which band rightfully deserves what, or who is ‘better’…. Far from it, instead the slippery question that crystallised in my mind that night and has remained there unanswered ever since is “Just what the hell is punk rock anymore?” To me, Lach was the physical embodiment of punks D.I.Y aesthetic; the man created his own genre and kick started a scene completely alone for Christ’s sake! He was consistently charming, asked only for a small fee and slept on a fans floor that evening. The UK Subs were what you might consider to be the “classic” variety of punk rock i.e leather jackets, Oi’s, spit and anger. But that was years ago and there seemed to be an element of playing dress up about it all; the fans enjoying an opportunity to relive their youth As I sat watching Lach, I couldn’t help thinking about what the band upstairs were earning in comparison to his small fee…and the stress that had caused us. I knew that the show upstairs was ticketed as one of our most expensive to date, whilst the downstairs one was totally free. I knew that the band upstairs, despite all of this, turned up 3 hours late for soundcheck, whilst Lach came in early and happily chatted to me and other fans… Does punk rock even know what it is anymore?
Lower Than Atlantis @ Clwb Ifor Bach Tuesday 16th April Good old punk inspired British RAWK – Throw up the devil horns folks.
MMP’s top upcoming gigs
Little Comets @ The Gate Friday 19th April
Sweet Baboo @ Clwb Ifor Bach Saturday 11th May
By their own description, they produce “Kitchen Sink Indie” – So think Ken Loach directing an episode of Skins
The idiosyncratic cult Welsh folk artist launches his new album “Ships” (terrible pun only slightly intended)
The Correspondents @ 10 Feet Tall Thursday 25th April
Scott Ian (Anthrax) @ The Gate Saturday 25th May
Bonkers Electro swing duo fronted by just about the greatest lindy-hopping cosmic jester you’ll ever lay eyes on.
The thrash guitarist performers a storytelling evening of Henry Rollins style spoken word tales from his 30 + years as a musician.
Lotte Mullan @ The Moon Club Sunday 5th May Charming distinctly British folk tunes spun by a charming distinctly British folk singer
The Jeffery Lewis and Peter Stampfel Band @ Moon Club Monday 27th May A totally unmissable (and no doubt slightly off kilter) gig. Anti folk hero meets folk legend.
Killswitch Engage @ Solus Monday 6th May
Tall Ships @ Buffalo Bar Friday 31st May
Arguably the only decent metal core act to emerge from the short lived and often maligned genre
Preposterously intricate, hyper kinetic math-rock fuelled brainiac indie to make those toes tap and hands ache. 11
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Your geographical guide to Cardiff’s music scene
Map
Quick Fifty @ The Vulcan Sunday 28th April
The Skints @ Cardiff Uni Wednesday 29th May
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06 Hells Bent @ The Full Moon Saturday 20th April Don’t see your
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Levellers @ The Coal Exchange Tuesday 14th May
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06 The Coal Exchange Dog Is Dead @ The Globe Tuesday 30th April 27
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37 Motorpoint Arena Bobby Kaner’s NewBlood @ Gwdihw 06 Friday 31st May
Don’t see your venue listed? Contact Us info@themmp.tv
38 The Old Library 39 The Yard 40 GH2 41 The Full Moon / Moon Club 42 Bogiez
The Big Reunion @ Motorpoint Arena Saturday 11th May 13
Love a bargain… Every Day - £5 Lunch & Early Dinner Menu from 12pm - 6pm Tuesdays - 2 for 1 on all our Stone Baked Pizzas Thursdays - Free Starter or Dessert with your Main Course Saturdays - 2 Courses for £10 between 5pm – 7pm Sunday Lunch - Roast Dinner, 2 Courses for £10 Sunday Evening - 2 Gourmet Beef or Grilled Chicken Burgers with Hand Cut Chips for £10 5pm – 9pm
We do NOT use microwaves and cook all your food fresh to order. Use your NUS Card at any time to receive Student only prices on some of our Drinks including Draught for £2.50 a pint, Spirits £2.20 & Wine £2. North Star Kitchen, Lounge & Courtyard 131 North Rd, Cardiff Twitter - @NorthstarCdf Tel: 029 20621736 www.northstarcardiff.com
The Place Beyond the Pines 12/4/13 Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendez star in The Place Beyond the Pines an epic tale of two generations battling to leave the events of yesterday behind. When motorcycle daredevil Luke (Gosling) turns bank robber and uses his riding skills to commit spectacular heists, his criminal stunts put him on a crash course with tough cop Avery Cross (Cooper), whose pursuit is as relentless as that of the demons from Luke’s past.
Evil Dead 18/4/13 Director Fede Alvarez lifts the lid on the 1980s cult classic Evil Dead for a new legion of horror fans made with the blessing of original production team Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. When a young woman and her friends head for a break in a remote cabin in the woods, they discover a mysterious Book of The Dead whose pages open up a gateway to a terrifying and deadly world. An evil presence possesses them until only one is left to fight for survival.
Forum Film: The ones not to miss
Promised Land 19/4/13 A salesman for a natural gas company experiences life changing events after arriving in a small town, where his corporation wants to tap into the available resources. What seems like an easy job becomes complicated when a slick environmental activist arrives, and the stakes, both personal and professional, rise to boiling point. An Academy Award winning cast includes Matt Damon and Frances McDormand, plus John Kransinski, star of The Office US. Dead Man Down 3/5/13 The maker of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Niels Arden Oplev brings us a fast-paced story of crime, secrets and retribution. Colin Farrell is a feared New York hit-man whose evil employer has the city in his grip. When he is seduced by one of his boss’s intended victims, his loyalties are torn between love and duty as he is drawn into a deadly cycle of violence and revenge. The Great Gatsby 16/5/13 In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale of glamour and greed in the age of jazz is brought back to the big screen in glittering style by Baz Lurhman. When an aspiring author becomes captivated by the lavish lifestyle of his new neighbour, playboy Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his circle of privileged friends, his experiences inspire him to write his own story of decadence, love, tragedy and deceit. A must-see film to kick off the summer.
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Some you may have missed...
Withnail & I is a hilariously quotable timeless cult classic, and a must have for any student film collection. Loosely biographical, Withnail & I follows the early career of writer and director Bruce Robinson. Differing only slightly from Robinson’s original unpublished novel, most characters and scenes within the film portray real events that occurred throughout two years of Robinson’s early career. The year is 1969, the greatest decade in human history is coming to an end and both Withnail (Richard E. Grant) and “I”, AKA Marwood (Paul McGann), two unemployed actors struggling to find some purpose to their alcohol and drug infused lives, embark on a weekend getaway to the country to escape the squalor of their Camden Town flat. But hostile locals and the unexpected arrival of Withnail’s uncle Monty (Richard Griffiths) turn the relaxing weekend getaway into a test of endurance and survival skills.
This comedy also works on a much deeper level. Behind the laughter lies a dark tragedy, an almost poetic story of two men struggling to survive against their own nihilism and disillusionment. Every quotable joke and cringingly funny situation is a masquerade, hiding the darker side of Withnail & I.
Make no mistake; this film can be taken very lightly. Many students might want to treat Withnail & I as a quintessentially British ode to drinking oneself under the table. The film does lend itself to this reputation, and some notorious drinking games have sprung up honouring Withnail’s character.
It doesn’t matter how you watch Withnail & I, whether you’re attracted to its comedy or its darker nature, what matters is that you do watch this film. Bruce Robinson together with Richard E. Grant has managed to create a timeless British classic, one that can never be repeated.
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Brick
Take a step into Rian Johnson’s world where if you miss a trick you’re likely to lose the plot.This dreamlike, derelict suburbia is the mise-en-scene for this new age high school film noir with enough quick-witted lingo to well and truly throw you off. It’s no secret that to watch Brick you need to closely follow the script because it truly complements the allure of cool the film so greatly possesses. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has dipped his toes into an array of film genres, from Mysterious Skin to 500 Days of Summer to 50/50, but personally I feel this is one of his all time best performances. Brendan, played by Levitt, tackles his high school crime ring, assuming the role of detective investigating the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend, Emily (Emilie De Ravin).
“...if you miss a trick you’re likely to lose the plot.” A single phone call from Emily provides Brendan with four cryptic clues: “brick”, “tug”, “poor Frisco” and “pin” to follow up his case. These utterances, along with his somewhat irrevocable yet unrequited love for Emily, propel him to risk all to find an answer. On his journey to discovery he meets the beautiful temptress Laura (Nora Zehetner) who provides him with a link to an underground scene where we meet many characters who seem wise beyond their years. The lineup of suspects we encounter, from burnouts to jocks, all help to piece together a puzzle; the solution to which forms a haunting conclusion. The slick, enigmatic style that Brick captures, is reminiscent of a Dashiell Hammett mystery, and helps to cement this masterpieces’ status as a cult classic. The use of black humour and a dark-lined, hard-boiled narrative proves this classic is more than just a hypedup student flick but an insight into ingenious vision. Chloe Sideserf 17
Forum Food As summer approaches we’re looking for any excuse to escape the books and bask in Cardiff’s (temperamental!) sunshine. A popular relaxation spot has always been Roath Park, complete with its charming lake and gardens. Whether you’re kicking a ball about or perhaps just firing up one of Tesco’s “Finest” disposable barbeques, (other supermarkets are available) either way there’s nothing better than a good old fashioned ice cream to round it off. As luck would have it, recently opened Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour sits adjacent to Roath Park. With its sleek ‘Bubblegum America’ style as cool as the ice cream itself, Joe’s has been serving up some of South Wales’ finest frozen desserts for over 90 years. Founder Joe Cascarini combined the finest ingredients in Wales with his own Italian secret recipe.
Joe’s Ice Cream
Looking for the perfect revision break? Joe’s catchphrase is ‘Everything else is just ice cream’. A bold statement we know, but having sampled their goods we have to agree. An absolute must is their famous Vanilla. Sticking to the same recipe since its inception, the creamy Welsh-Italian blend gives a taste quite like no other. Don’t just take our word for it though; the Cardiff team are always on hand with free samples. “Vast array of flavours” –With plenty of variations to choose from including the classics, why not try a Coffee Crunch or Welsh Cake. “One scoop or two?” – With sundaes, milkshakes and other dairy delights you’re spoilt for choice. So when revision gets too much, pop down to Wellfield Road and see what all the fuss is about. Go on, you deserve it. Find Joe’s at 69 Wellfield Road, Roath, CF24 3PA Or go to joes-icecream.com
Mega Deal - £13.95
Starter, Main, Rice, Naan & Side dish - Includes all seafood!
Special Meal - £10.95
Starter (exlcudes platters), Main meal, Side dish, Boiled or Pilau rice & Plain Naan
Takeaway offer Buy 2 main meals or more, get third one free! Free Home Delivery! (Min. order £12) (Excludes seafood, haryali chicken sizzling & mixed grill)
Awarded Best Value Indian Restaurant South Wales Echoo Food and Drink Awards 2012
129 Cwrys Rd, Cardiff, CF24 4NG
www.kasturicurry.co.uk
Mezza Luna Eds.
Adorned with faux stone carvings, Mediterranean greenery and ambient lighting, we were transported to a Middle-Eastern and Moroccan hideout upon entering Mezza Luna. Make no mistakes the intricate design, sculpted curves and bespoke clay oven, ensures this authentic venue is far from tacky. Located on City Road, rubbing shoulders with all walks of life and varied cuisines Mezza Luna maintains its own individuality and visiting on a weekend meant we were fortunate enough to experience the restaurants very own belly dancer. Entertaining for one or two songs at a time she provided an unusual but welcome addition to the evening. Stuck for choice with the diverse menu our host Anna recommended several mezze for us to start, including stuffed vine leaves, chicken liver, halloumi and spiced potatoes. Portions were generous and for those in search of a light meal a few mezze would more than suffice. Mezza Luna have a reputation for their grill so of course we felt obliged. The mixed grill with two types of lamb and chicken was packed with flavour and accompanied with healthy portions of rice and salad. The chicken shawerma was tender, inoffensively spicy and aromatic. Enough said really. But, the outright winner was the lamb shank tagine. Slow cooked for hours the meat was quite literally falling off the bone and remained moist in its original cooking sauce. The staff kept both our bread and beer supplies topped up, and a special mention should go to Almaza, a Lebanese beer with a distinctive taste.
Full to the brim we graciously declined the offer of dessert but a quick glimpse at the menu revealed Lebanese and Moroccan specialities such as serpent cake and Baklava at reasonable prices. While on the subject of price, although Mezza Luna is not the cheapest its large portions and charming service make for one of the best Middle Eastern and Moroccan restaurants in town. Mezza Luna offer 25% student discount Sun-Thurs and are open 5.30pm-11pm all week Twitter: @MezzaLunaCdf Facebook: facebook.com/MezzaLunaRestaurantCardiff
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Roasted Tomato and Pesto Tartlets
Amy Murnan
At the moment, summer food is my way of celebrating the slight increase in temperature. These tartlets (really more like mini pastry pizzas) fit the bill; light, vibrant and simple. They are perfect for sharing, make a stylish addition to any party or picnic and can also be adapted for veggies, carnivores and fussy eaters. Even better, you can freeze them and always have a couple on stand-by – very impressive to visiting parents. In truth, though, my tartlets are extremely simple, and can be changed to suit your tastes. If the prospect of making pastry is daunting, try readymade. You can even get it frozen!
Ingredients (makes 4): 170g short-crust pastry (half a pack of ready-made) 10 roasted cherry tomatoes, halved 3 heaped tbsps tomato pesto Drizzle olive oil Chunks of feta or cream cheese Preheat the oven to 180C. Cut the pastry into 4 portions and roll into circles or squares. Spread pesto evenly, and top with the tomatoes, seeds up. Add the cheese and olive oil last. Bake for around 20 minutes, or until the bottoms of the tartlets are hardened and an even colour, with golden edges. Serve immediately with a fresh salad, or alternatively eat cold. They freeze well, too. To reheat, defrost and bake at 180C for about 10 minutes. Why not also try variations with: Olive paste and parmesan Chicken and green pesto Caramelised onion and anchovy Blue cheese and spinach Pickle and cheddar Any pizza toppings
Follow me @trampstudent to get involved – recipe suggestions are always welcome! For more ideas and tips, visit trampstudent.wordpress.com 21
JH & OR
10 things to do in Cardiff before you graduate
Chapter Arts: Chapter is one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic arts centres with cinema, theatres, exhibition spaces, studios, cafes and bars and over 60 cultural workspaces and more. Located in Canton, surprisingly close to Cardiff’s city centre, Chapter Arts provides an alternative to Cineworld or other huge corporate cinemas and filmhouses. Specialising in local and foreign films, the centre also provides many options to wet your artistic appetite. So if you fancy a film, a play, or even just a great bite to eat then head to one of Cardiff’s real hidden gems soon. Roath Lake: When the sun does occasionally emerge from behind the seemingly permanent grey that dwells over Cardiff there’s nothing quite like a Pedalo ride on Roath lake. Throw in a few beers and you can pull your very own Freddie Flintoff. Alternatively, for those that suffer from sea sickness there are plenty of swans to feed. (Drink responsibly and all that). Raft Racing down the Taff: In the post examination period when the water in the Taff is a little more temperate it has become something of a tradition for students to build/buy/steal rafts and dingys (or at least something that might get you down the river) and race them from the Weir by Talybont Halls. Great fun on a hot day, although it may be wise to designate a (sober!) lifeguard just in case. The Taff Trail: Running parallel to the River Taff from its source in the Brecon Beacons until it meets the sea at Cardiff bay, the Taff trail offers a beautiful cycle ride. At over 55 miles long we are not suggesting you have to go the whole hog, but a ride up to Castle Coch affords a glimpse at some of South Wales’ finest scenery. Plus there’s the added bonus that it’s pretty much flat all the way! Cardiff Castle: While history might not be everyone’s favourite subject, Cardiff’s castle is a tourist haven. At first we laughed at the idea, but having visited, there is something special about seeing the huge battlement once you’re inside. Similarly, it’s great to stand on top of the walls of a medieval site overseeing the likes of Greggs, Subway and the Owain Glyndwr.
Welsh cakes: As Englishmen through and through we’re reluctant to admit it but it’s hard to beat a Welsh cake from Cardiff’s market on St Mary’s Street. Best described as a mixture of an American pancake and a scone with a handful of sultanas thrown in for good measure, two stalls in the market sell these delicacies. Actually, thinking about it, just a trip to the market full stop is a must! The Clink: The Clink Cymru at HMP Cardiff opened to the public in September 2012, and combines the interesting phenomenon of current prisoners cooking for the general public. Over 30 category D prisoners from HMP Prescoed and HMP Cardiff work full-time within the 96 cover restaurant and kitchen. Perhaps not a first date location for some, The Clink is a worthwhile, eye-opening experience for all, and if nothing else; a great ice-breaker at any party. Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey: The Cardiff Bay Ice Arena is home to Cardiff’s very own ice hockey team, the Devils. Whilst no-one is gonna try and convince you that ice hockey could ever rival rugby as the Welsh national sport, the atmosphere and spice of an intoxicating game on the ice will definitely leave you wanting more. There are plans to build a new home for the Devils that, when completed, will be another great arena to add to Cardiff’s ever-increasing list. The Millennium Stadium: Of course it’s hard to beat the atmosphere that rings through Cardiff on game day for the international rugby team, although the Welsh Varsity gives them a run for their money. Even for those of you that aren’t rugby fans we strongly recommend booking yourself for some form of entertainment in the magnificent stadium. In fact, against our better judgement we were dragged to the Michael Jackson tribute concert last year and have to admit it was a great night out. There’s nothing quite like the sound of 69,000 crazed fans filling a stadium that has brought Cardiff to life in the 21st century. Explore the Arcades: Looking for something quirky, eccentric or just a downright bargain? Then the city centre’s maze of traditional indoor shopping arcades is an absolute must. From vintage to fancy dress, antique to chic you’ll often find yourself entering with an idea of what you want only to come out the other end with something completely different. Plus, if you’re like us and cant shop on an empty stomach there’s a plethora of cafés, creperies and delis to suit all tastes. 23
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I’ve been the Safe Foundation photographer since 2010 and have had the pleasure of documenting some of their projects in Ghana, Cambodia, Nepal and India. Hopefully Uganda will be next. The Safe Foundation is a local run NGO and provides money and support to many projects worldwide. My latest work has involved pasting my pictures up in various spots in Cardiff which need a bit of a facelift and where people can appreciate the effort and work put into improving the location. I recently pasted a range of portraits from around the globe on Lowther Road, Roath. Permission was granted to do this and the response from the public has been brilliant. I’m looking forward to doing more of this type of work soon and you can check out my blog for updates: dangreenphotography.com
I’m a freelance photographer based in Cardiff, South Wales. I specialise in capturing people and communities in their n involved documentary photography and portraits of the Ghanaian people I encountered during a volunteer school bui project is currently being exhibited at the W
Art Forum
natural environment and relish the opportunity to get involved in the project I document.One of my most recent projects ilding project with the Safe Foundation charity in 2010.Check out my online project book: goo.gl/ZGBjS - alternatively the Waterloo Gardens Teahouse, Penylan, Cardiff. 27
My foray into photography all began 2 ½ years ago when I got my first DSLR camera. When I came to Cardiff University to study Architecture my intention was to document my life as an overseas student whilst taking pictures of my projects. Very quickly I was fascinated by how the same DSLR can produce drastically different photos in different individual’s hands, and begin to play and experiment with my skills. About a year later I had a chance to cover a wedding for a family friend, and it was a life changer. Being able to capture the moment and expressions of the groom and bride struck me and I realised that I wasn’t just simply taking photos, but capturing the kind of pure and sincere expressions from them. It’s like seeing one’s soul through my DSLR and slowly photography becoming a passion and a way of life. At the moment I am experimenting with fashion photography, again trying to capture the essence and beauty of a person’s soul through their eyes and expressions. Even though I am not sure where this will lead me I hope there will be some connection between photography and architecture in my future career.
Shermin Tan Facebook.com/sherminTphotography Welsh School of Architecture, Year 3
Forum Fashion “Be prepared for your bottom half to look like an upside down pear.”
As the weather supposedly changes from winter to summer, so should our wardrobes. The first thing on my, ‘I will wear the hell out of you when the weather lets me’ list is the humble ‘mom’ jean. Don’t be fooled by that classic SNL skit, they are back and I reckon will be around for a while. Yes, they’re not flattering. Be prepared for your bottom half to look like an upside down pear. But looking cool over looking good right? Everyone was dubious when the skinny jean first burst into our lives and now look at them. Positively dominating. The ‘mom’ jean is not only bang on trend right now (need to stop referencing Timmy Trendy, sorry), but they are incredibly comfortable. Team them with a crop top for casual cool or a shirt and blazer for all the time chic. Oh, and with loafers is a must: they tend to be cropped so steer clear of those high tops or boots. I was going to attempt a men’s fashion segment. But alas, it wasn’t to be. If I had it my way you males would be strutting around in tailored suits and speaking as if you were from the 20s. In my opinion it’s not that hard for you anyway. There are fewer shops, less choice and it’s generally cheaper so you can’t go that wrong. However if I were a man, besides wearing my tailored suits I would invest in a nice denim shirt, a chunky knit and some nice loafers ... all of which I own, so perhaps don’t listen to me. If you need any advice, look at the bearded French Connection man. He’s got it right.
Esha Glen 31
Some more of our favourite fashion blogs...
Blogging is all about having your say, and fashion blogs are all about opinions and creativity. Following on from last month’s column, here are a few of the best UK fashion and style blogs.
Retro Chick - A personal favourite: www.retrochick.co.uk by Gemma Seager. A vintage style blog. Not only has this blog been nominated for awards, it looks at vintage fashion as well as modern acknowledging how fashion has developed over the years. Style Bubble - Personal opinions on fashion and style by Susanna Lau, visit her blog: stylebubble. typepad.com Fashiontoast - beautiful images of fashion and photography: fashiontoast.com Coco’s Tea Party - by Fashion Journalist and Stylist Ella Gregory: cocosteaparty.com Discoteque Confusion - A successful BlogSpot blog by Stevie Mackenzie Smith: discothequeconfusion.blogspot.co.uk/
Be inspired and do it yourself! With new media becoming prominent in our day to day lives, it is easy for people to have their say. Are you motivated by the success these fashion blogs have gained? Then head on over to a blogging website to begin! The following are all free to use: blogger.com wordpress.com blog.co.uk Each of these is a prefect host to start your blog today, gain followers and have your say about fashion, whether you want to talk about up and coming trends or just general opinions on style; it is fun quick and easy to set up. WordPress is a particularly well developed and versatile content managment system (CMS). The free software allows you to quickly update your personalised blog and design it with a proffesional finish. For some fantastic tutorials on how to set up your own WordPress head over to lynda. com and start today!
Jessica Hallas
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SIMPLY STUNNING N Joe’s Ice Cream Parlour NOW OP69EWellfield Road, Roath, Cardiff
Pop in and try our famous Vanilla ice cream. A secret recipe unchanged for 90 years !
Little Empire Cardiff market’s new vintage shop gets a visit from Forum Fashion Helena Wealleans
We Cardiffians are blessed with our shopping options. Our enormous high-street, the fun new fashion quarter and the treasure troves hidden in the arcades offer something for everyone, but with summer just around the corner, I can feel myself looking for something new, something with that individual edge the city’s branded shops just can’t deliver. And fear not, fellow fashionistas, I have found a solution. Allow me to introduce to you Little Empire, Cardiff’s latest addition to the retro clothing scene. Located in the centre of Cardiff Market, the lovingly decorated stall offers a delicious selection of clothing ranging from the 50’s to the 80’s, to modernites, all hand-picked by stall owner Ilyas. “I studied fine art two years ago, which led me to designing and printing my own t-shirts. It slowly moved over into fashion. I guess I’ve always been interested in this stuff.” Just a quick rummage through the racks revealed dresses, coats, shirts and blouses by Saks, Wrangler, Harrod’s, Harris Tweed, Mary Quant, Eli Tahari, Ted Baker, as well as the exclusive Little Empire handprinted tees. The collection also boasts several ‘upcycled’ DIY pieces for that vintage feel with a modern twist. 34
facebook.com/LittleEmpireVintageClothing “Everybody loves vintage”, Ilyas told me. “The high-street is plugging into the retro vibe, but this is the real thing, you won’t see these pieces anywhere else.” And in the quirky setting of the indoor market, the stall looks at home. Ilyas explained to us how he hoped his stall would encourage younger shoppers into the market, and open it up to those who might have overlooked the hidden gem before. “This is such an amazing building, and I loved coming here as a student. It’s slowly developing into something new, but I’m excited to say I was here first, pathing the way.” So for an exceptional bargain, head on down to Cardiff Market and check out the fantastic pieces Ilyas has to offer. You can also find him in the St. Mary’s St. Market on Sundays.
Graduation gear With examinations around the corner and deadlines looming graduation is probably the last thing on your mind right now. If you are anything like me then the thought of organising those extra tickets for your family, choosing who to take along and sorting out a gown for the big day feels like an additional hassle during this busy period. Yet, surely graduation is what all this hard work is all about. The culmination of your degree, a chance to celebrate with your family and friends, and most importantly enjoy your last taste of student life! Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m sure you’ll agree such a celebration probably doesn’t involve queuing for hours to hire your gown or returning it within an hour or so of the ceremony! I’m envisaging a few too many photos with a very proud grandma, champagne, no stress and lots of sunshine…. Ok so as we’ll all be graduating in Cardiff perhaps the sunshine part is a bit ambitious but with the help of Get Gown and Graduate the rest doesn’t seem like too much to ask. Revolutionising the graduation attire market, Get Gown and Graduate work on the simple premise why would anyone pay to rent their graduation outfit when you can buy it for the same price?
For just £45 you can sort your full outfit for the big day, ordering online and delivered straight to your door. No time wasting and it’s yours for keeps. Plus grandma can have all the photos she desires in the comfort of her own home, and if you’re lucky she won’t feel the need to come to the ceremony and embarrass you in front of your mates at all. Everyone wins. Ok so not all grandmas are as embarrassing as mine but you get the idea.
“For just £45 you can sort your full outfit for the big day, ordering online and delivered straight to your door.”
More time with your friends and they can even inscribe a memento or two on the inside of your gown to keep as a souvenir. What’s more, with the likelihood that the champagne will be flowing a little too quickly, your very own gown could prove to be a wise choice, avoiding any unwanted dry-cleaning bills. Student friendly, quick and easy, it seems to me to be a no-brainer. Why rent when you can buy?
Visit www.getgownandgraduate.com or if you fancy a chat give them a buzz on 0203 086 8750 35
Into the Wild Robin talks about his adventures after stumbling out of Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a great place to be – no really. Forget the dissertation, ignore that one snotty tutor and disregard that woman who insists on going in to the graphic details of her weekends misadventures to her best girlfriend before each lecture starts. Actually you may as well listen in to that last one – it’s better than daytime television and already in 3D. Ignoring all the passing gripes you have to agree that Cardiff is great. It’s safe, it’s got a lot going on and as long as we’re all at university we know what we’re meant to do. This isn’t another article trying to impress into you the fear of the unknown. I’m not going to tell you about joblessness hiding under the bed and beer-guts lurking in the closet. For me, it is easier than most to avoid talking about the post-uni lull because around a month after I graduated I found myself working in Bangalore (that’s Bangalore – India, not, as a few believed, a mispronunciation of Bangor - Wales). I had nothing in place for after my studies - I won’t say that I was terribly proactive with my job hunt while moving through Cardiff’s hallowed halls. Flatmates had been firing off CVs and cover letters years ahead of me and even as the end approached, the majority of my decisions were along the lines of “one more episode before bed”, “she definitely wants me to go over and talk to her” and “lying-in counts as revision as long as I’m kinda thinking about the subject.” It wasn’t until I was waist deep in final exams that I began to feel the pinch. Milkround began to hold a strange allure for me – I started to open their emails. Even still, my initial attempts were half hearted at best, an inquiry here an application there and I chugged along feeling as though I was making progress. It actually took a fairly messy breakup for me to finally get my arse in gear and it was just good luck that I spoke the words “I hope this makes you happy”, put down the phone and opened up an invitation to the other side of the world.
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Ok so it was a job advert and it’s not that I was running away – I had wanted to leave town for a while, India had always been on my list and it was work. The work excited me more than I had expected: structure. Structure in India. It seemed like the travelling equivalent of ‘lite’ chocolate cake – all the fun and none of the guilt. The application stuff is boring – I sent off what I could and immediately commenced alternating cycles of being sure that I would fail and picking holes in success. I didn’t tell a soul about the job until I had been through one interview (which I didn’t realise was an interview until around half way) and another (for which I somehow repeated the same trick). When I was six hours into a nine hour plane ride to Bangalore and realised that that was where I was going I began to suspect that I really needed to work on my attention to detail. India was India – I’ve tried time and time again to describe it and I’m going to keep trying. I’m sure that I would be much more effective if I stopped using tautologies but I have the opportunity to work on it now that I’m back. Now that I’ve got some experience under my belt. In my two months in that country I got to visit newspapers, write press releases, meet with famous authors, direct two adverts and publish a book with the words “edited by Robin Lord” on the front cover. I also drove a rickshaw, met Mr Bangalore, climbed a palm-tree and watched a chicken being sacrificed at a black-magic temple. Then again, three weeks in the life of another intern on the same trip included standing in for fashion shoots, meeting the president and winning a free Ipod for walking down the street – it’s like the place actively avoids being boring.
“I got to visit newspapers, write press releases, meet with famous authors, direct two adverts and publish a book with the words “edited by Robin Lord” on the front cover. I also drove a rickshaw, met Mr Bangalore, climbed a palm-tree and watched a chicken being sacrificed at a black-magic temple.“
Last week I received an email from the man who owns the company that set me up – luck permitting I’ll be going back to Bangalore next March with the simple purpose of meeting new interns and showing them the mad fantastic things that can happen every day. In the meantime I’m editing work that’s going to be published in professional magazines, putting things in place for my second anthology and have found out about this great new project called ‘Forge’ – maybe you’ve heard of it? I finished my exams firm in the belief that I had nothing but choices and time and it’s true, I have a lot of both, either you do too or you will soon enough. It’s taken a bit of work to get to where I am and it’s going to take a bit more to get to where I’m going but apparently there’s adventure left in this world and following it is actually a viable life choice. Personally I had no idea until recently – just thought I’d let you know.
Robin Lord 37
It’s the old catch-22 that I’ve heard myself and others ranting about for the last few months as we gradually get closer to those final exams. Closer to the reality that we can’t be students forever and that we need to find something else to do other than procrastinate in the library, get a take away or have the odd night out…just about every night. Some of you may in fact be extremely lucky and have a plan of action: a masters, a year out, a job perhaps? Others of you may feel a little deflated now that your final years of education are slowly drawing to a close, that there’s no money in the bank and a rather large debt looming over your educationally frazzled brain. You may not know what it is you want to do for sure, but you at least want to give something ‘decent’ a go, right? To give yourself the satisfaction of a moderately respectable job, perhaps impress your family and friends and live up to their expectations, or maybe just get a few bob in the bank after living under the poverty line for 3 years. But how do you even begin to go about getting a decent job after university? Without getting all current affairs on you, the present economic climate and employment industry isn’t looking too fabulous. Most employers want that ‘experience’ over educational qualifications, experience that a lot of us may be lacking in. If you want to find out how to get a decent job... this isn’t the article to read. However, if you do want to hear from someone who is just as lost as you are then read away! So, ultimately the question to ask is: ‘is a degree enough?’ I often get told by my mother that ‘the world is your oyster, so long as you put your mind to something you will achieve it.’ As lovely as that sentiment is, I dare to question the reality of it. After all, where is my oyster? I’m a third year ‘historian’. Over my time at university I’ve learnt a lot about myself and my skills (or lack of). In my youth and naivety, I had originally assumed that this degree alone would lead me on to greater things, ‘where the grass is greener’ kind of thing. And yet, for an unpaid, week-long work experience placement I was rejected for not having enough ‘experience’. This seemed a little contradictory, and it led me to the conclusion that, unless you fancy serving pints to those people who did have it all figured and got that decent job, or being detested by all who hate cold callers (the cold caller being you), the world certainly won’t seem like your oyster. In most cases, it takes a lot more than that certificate of honours to make it in the real world. You need that elusive ‘extra’ to make you stand out, and it’s up to you to figure out what that ‘extra’ is and fight to the bitter end to get it! 38
Is the World really your oyster? Life after Uni
Thinking about it logically, how many 22-23 year olds are in their dream jobs? Okay, so maybe some. The lucky few, the vocational graduates, the trust fund brigade, or those ‘actors’ from Made in Chelsea. But for the most part, many of us will leave uni for a job that we don’t particularly want, and doesn’t pay particularly well. We’ll have to make compromises for a couple of years to get to where we want to be, and work our way up from the very bottom of the pack, earning minimum wage and making those terrible coffee’s. Because, let’s face it, a degree won’t automatically put that 4 litre Maserati Gran Turismo on your driveway (not that I’ve been dreaming about it or anything). But it’s not all doom and gloom for the graduate with no money, experience or clue as to where to go next. Okay, so maybe a little bit, at first. But nothing worth doing is easy to achieve. First off, you have a degree! Although it may not initially be enough in a world where 1,700 people battle it out for 8 positions at Costa Coffee, that’s got to count for something, right? You may not have it all figured out right now, but you know you’re capable of something. It’s how you use those skills that counts, as well as your attitude. I realised pretty early on that my pessimistic attitude about my non-existent oyster would get me nowhere. You need to think long-term, think outside the box. Think of the bigger picture, and whatever direction you decide to follow, work your little butt off to make the most of it. Don’t focus on the target…focus on your actions and the rest will follow. Jessica Bean
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Embassy Summer “The young people are lovely, and so eager to learn. Perhaps not like the stereotypical British youngster at all!“
When the summer break from university comes around, all you can think about is the festivals you want to go to, travelling and general relaxation of the mind. Free from deadlines, dissertations and exams, the problem that usually rears its ugly head is the pure fact that you are absolutely skint, with a maxed out overdraft. Finding a job for the summer is hard work, so around this time last year I thought to myself what on earth am I going to do? After surfing the internet, I came across a company called Embassy Summer, an organisation that sets up English teaching summer camps in four different countries! They have 34 centres in 20 cities worldwide so the choice of where to apply for was vast. The concept of Embassy is that a group of foreign students travel to one of these centres and have half a day of formal English teaching and the rest of day of activities. The centres are based in universities across these countries creating a real campus feel to the experience. I was placed in Bristol at UWE and although I commuted from home, you have the option to stay on campus as most of the employees did. This means you can apply for anywhere you fancy! Great for if you’re not keen on moving back in with the parents and losing that beautiful freedom.
There are lots of job roles you can apply for within the camp: if you’re doing a teaching degree or have a TEFL qualification you could apply for a teaching role, or there are management opportunities as well. I was lucky enough to be appointed as an ‘Activity Leader’, a role that I would strongly recommend! The job entailed 42 hours work a week, leading various activities including football, rugby, badminton, netball, rounders, arts and crafts and many more. The average evening consists of optional activities including: discos, film screenings, arts and crafts and my favourite: karaoke. On a Tuesday and a Thursday we would lead half-day trips, which, being based in Bristol, would mean visits to Cheddar Gorge or Bath. Our Saturdays comprised of full day trips, which could be Cardiff, London, Oxford and many other cities. I was often sent here to Cardiff as I was considered ‘a local’, which was great as I actually saw inside the Castle for the first time in my three years of living here! The young people are lovely, and so eager to learn. Perhaps not like the stereotypical British youngster at all! The countries they originated from ranged from China, France, Italy, Spain and Poland. Another perk of the job was that most of the other activity leaders were students too! You get to meet like-minded people that are up for a laugh and make the experience even more worthwhile, cheeky drinks at the on campus bar happened very frequently when the students were tucked up! The pay is £235 per week for 1820 year olds and £291.36 for over 21. There is a deduction of £30 per week for accommodation and food for the residential staff. Overall my experience of Embassy Summer was unforgettable, I earned a decent amount of money, explored parts of the UK that I never had, made some great mates and got a brilliant notch on my CV. If you haven’t thought about what you’re doing this summer, why not go for it? Find out more at embassysummer.com
Dotty Baker-Hassan 41
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Thailand: Party, Beach, Adventure... Volunteer? Joshua James Offering the student travel dream, for decades students from all over the world have been flocking to Thailand to experience its pristine beaches, warm waters and wild parties. The southern islands have the beaches, with Koh Phangan home to the famous Full Moon Party. The north of the country offers a totally different experience – oozing with culture and wildlife. The experiences Thailand has to offer are endless and you can experience it all on a shoe string budget.
Stuck with ideas for your summer plans? Thailand could be your answer to a trip of a lifetime.
“I travelled Thailand for 2 months on £20 a day and was able to experience such a range of things.” (some guy, 2012)
Why not make a trip to Thailand even more life changing and volunteer. I visited Thailand in 2011 and spent 2 weeks teaching English in schools and orphanages. Volunteer Teacher Thailand offer volunteers the opportunity to teach English in Thai schools all for a small contribution of £80. This contribution covers costs of your day to day travel to and from the schools, as well as providing the schools with the funds to purchase the materials needed in order to teach. You can volunteer with Volunteer Teacher Thailand for as long as you like which is great if you want to include volunteering with the other experiences Thailand has to offer. So what would the volunteering involve? No teaching experience is needed, all that is required is that you are passionate to teach and volunteer. Volunteers are based in Khao Lak (a small coastal town), meeting each morning from Monday-Friday to take the mini bus and travel to schools in the local area. The schools range from junior to senior level. This provides an opportunity to work with all ages of children. Volunteers also have the chance to work and teach in an orphanage which is such a worthwhile experience to do. Part of the volunteering experience involves planning the lessons you will teach. The lessons must be fun and engaging for the children whilst enabling them to learn English. This part of the volunteering allows you to get to know the other volunteers well and work as part of a team. When teaching, volunteers will usually be split into groups of 5 to teach classes of 30+ students. You will teach a few lessons each day. The children have an immense desire to learn and it really does make the teaching experience even better. What’s more lunch is provided by the school every day and is a great opportunity to get to know the other staff and students outside of the classroom.
The scheme does not provide accommodation for volunteers. However, this was a blessing in disguise as it meant that I could stay where I wanted to suit my budget. Also volunteers do not teach on the weekends. This gave us the chance to visit places of interest in the local area. There is a lot to do and see around Khao Lak including the amazing national park of Khao Sok. Volunteering really did make my trip that bit better.
Top 5 things to do whilst you’re there
1.
Visit the bustle of Bangkok.
2.
Party under the Full Moon – Koh Phangan.
3.
Experience an Elephant and hill tribe trek in Chiang Mai.
4.
Explore Phi Phi and The Beach beach.
5.
Dive in to the lakes at Khao Sok.
If you are interested in this great opportunity to teach in Thailand visit... www.volunteerteacherthailand.org
Deal with it!
Peri-peri meal
1/2 peri peri chicken with chips and salad £4.95
o
Platter for tw
Platter for two with chips, rice, salad, naan & sauce £15.00
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Dear Reader, We hope you’ve enjoyed the story so far. A massive thank you to everyone involved; contributors, advertisers and of course not forgetting you guys for reading each month. A special thanks must also go to our recent collaborators The Miniature Music Press for a great few pages in this issue and the start of what we hope will be a long-lasting partnership. These first four issues have been a steep learning curve but have been great fun and there is plenty more to come from Forum. We hope to have made student life here in Cardiff that little bit better; it has been great hearing from our readers and contributors about all the hidden gems in this rapidly expanding capital city. We’ve loved our time here and also having the opportunity to bring this magazine to print and showcase everything the city has to offer. Enough of the sentimental stuff, good luck with all your exams/ essays/ deadlines. Seeing as we got our timetables last week, we figured it is probably about time we did some uni work now, so we will see you again in September! Oh and one last thing before we go, always remember you are beautiful, no matter what they say, words can’t bring you down. You are beautiful in every single way, yes words can’t bring you down. Oh no, so don’t let them bring you down today. Yours truly,
Thanks for reaading, see you soon! Editors: Joe Hobbins, Owen Reeves & Paul Thompson Design: PT, Amber Luscombe Events: Dotty Baker-Hassan Contributors: Dotty Baker-Hassan, Jessica Bean, Harry Brennan, Esha Glen, Jessica Hallas, JH, Joshua James, Robin Lord, Thomas Lindsey-Turner, Amy Murnan, OR, Chloe Sideserf, PT, Helena Wealleans. Photography and Artwork: BLOCK Film, Dan Green, Joshua James, OR, Shermin Tan All artwork, photographs and editorials remain the property of the author/s.
46
FORUM MAGAZINE 5 Senghennydd Place, Cardiff CF24 4AF www.forumcardiff.co.uk Enquiries: 07798720317 editor@forumcardiff.co.uk Advertising: 07745223855 advertising@forumcardiff.co.uk Rep directory: repdirectory@forumcardiff.co.uk
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