Seren - 177 - 2003-2004 - May 2004

MAY 2004

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seren

THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER OF UWB STUDENTS’ UNION

INSIDE

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FREE

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! A YEARS SUPPLY OF CONDOMS

PLAYSTATION 2 FOOTBALL GAMES

LORD OF THE RINGS DVD

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STUDENT IN RACE FOR YOUR NEW PRESIDENT (lets hope this one stays!)

LOCAL ELECTIONS

SEE PAGE 7 FOR MORE INFORMATION

SEE PAGE 8 FOR MORE INFORMATION

2 MAY 2004

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seren

STUDENTS’S UNION, STUDENTS’S UNION, DEINIOL ROAD, BANGOR, DEINIOL ROAD, BANGOR, GWYNEDD, LL57LL57 2TH 2TH GWYNEDD, Tel: (01248) 388017 Tel: (01248) 388017 EDITOR - Clare Chadwick Editor editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Production Assoc. Editor PRODUCTION - Daniel Turner News production@seren.bangor.ac.uk Sports NEWS - Matt Jarratt Lifestyle news@seren.bangor.ac.uk Music Movies SPORTS - Keyan Milanian Culture sports@seren.bangor.ac.uk AOB MOVIES - Rob Harris movies@seren.bangor.ac.uk MUSIC- Manoj Koeri music@seren.bangor.ac.uk CULTURE - Dafydd Launder culture@seren.bangor.ac.uk Contributers: Dafydd Launder, Emma Gascoigne, Emma Roose, Tony Heaney, Bethan Jones, Rick Higham, Richard Buckley, Katherine Croft, Sam Burnett

What is Seren?

Seren is the official English-language newspaper of the Students’ Union of the University of Wales, Bangor. It is written and produced entirely by students and is published monthly during term time.

Get involved!

If you’d like to write for Seren, or get involved in any other way, e-mail the relevant section editor or contact the editor directly at editor@s eren.bangor.ac.uk.

CONTENTS Page 4 News Page 5 Landlords Page 7 Local Elections Page 8 SU Elections Page 10 Competitions Page 11 Films Page 15 Culture Page 16 Travel Page 17 Sport

A.K.J.

NEWS

Letter from the Editor.

Hi and welcome to our final issue of Seren this academic year. It’s been a great year for us, we joined BAM in a three year contract, changed our format from an A4 paper to a tabloid size and more than doubled our membership. New sections have been added such as Travel and GiveAways; more interviews have been made available to us such as Shed Seven, Lost Prophets, the comedians from the Comedy Network and Keith Chegwin (I don’t know whether to be proud of that one or not?); and we have developed much stronger links with Bangor’s clubs and societies so we can provide you with all the news about what’s going on.

As always we are looking out for new faces on the team, particularly now that many are departing from us, but more prominently I am seeking a replacement as Editor and someone to fill the position of Production Editor. When applying for these it is essential to bear in mind the commitment required for at least the full year (we have been ; you will be working closely together to produce something which ideally will appeal to all students. You will have to attend council meetings and the AGMs, produce a paper twice a term and hold meetings throughout the year to keep the rest of the team informed and up to date with the paper’s progress. I personally think the most important quality in any person on a newspaper team is the ability to communicate ideas clearly and with enthusiasm; it is this ability which allows the team to work together to achieve all of their goals.

This issue is a prime example of our goals being reached. When we started this academic year we wanted a tabloid size paper with 4 colour pages and enough PR links and advertising to provide our readers with competitions and prizes. We also wanted to inform students about how well our sporting teams are doing; they really don’t get praised enough for their dedication throughout the year. Tony Heaney has been more than helpful in providing us with the information we needed to write our sports pages so thanks certainly go to him.

It is so sad to see the state that some students have to live in when they move out of Halls, the article on page 5 demonstrates the lack of interest Landlords pay to their tenants purely because we are students and the majority of us are first timers when it comes to renting houses or rooms. If you relate to what you read in the article please do not hesitate to contact the Welfare Officer in the Student Union, even if you are coming to the end of your contract you could at least warn others through the SU not to sign contacts with the same Landlord.

If nobody speaks out then they will continue to take advantage of students for a long time to come.

Other students are doing fantastically well, take Mike Quinn for example, who is running in the local elections next month. The Seren team wish you the best of luck Mike and will certainly be taking your advice on postal voting. You can read our interview with him on Page 7.

Other than that all I have left to do is thank you for picking this issue of Seren up, I hope you enjoy it and have a lovely summer. I will be Editor until after the production of the Freshers’ Issue in September, so do email me over summer if you have any news stories or if you want more information about filling any of the positions available on the team.

Thanks again,

Clare Chadwick, Seren Editor.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE ON THE SEREN TEAM The time has come to replace those of us who have been on the team since our first year and now need to reserve our weekends to (start) working towards our degrees in our third years. Training will be given to all new members and we will all be happy to help and support you throughout as many issues as it takes you to get in to the swing of things. If you are interested in any of the positions listed below then email me at: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk and we can talk about what would be required of you.

Please don’t think you have to be armed with an endless supply of experience to run or be in a newspaper team; it’s about being able to communicate with others and listen to their ideas as well as put forward your own. It is also valuable experience for those planning to go in to writing or Journalism as a career.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR PRODUCTION EDITOR (some experience with computers required) ADVERTISING EDITOR NEWS EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR MUSIC EDITOR MOVIES EDITOR LIFESTYLE EDITOR WEB EDITOR (experience with web design essential)

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

NEWS

Briefly...

STUDENT SENT GUN INSTEAD OF MP3 PLAYER A Canadian student who bought an MP3 player on the internet auction site eBay, was sent a handgun instead Brandon Buchan, an English student at the University of Saskatchewan, was sent an unloaded .22-calibre Smith & Wesson gun and a licence by mistake.

A Canadian customs official said not all parcels coming from the US were X-rayed at the border. The package, sent by courier, was labelled as containing an MP3 player, says BBC News Online. Mr Buchan told the Star Phoenix newspaper: “I was really shocked to see it was a gun. I’m not a hit man. I was mostly confused about it all. I thought ‘How did this end up here?’, and I figured it must just be a mistake.”

The third-year student called the police, who removed the weapon.

He also e-mailed the shop, who are arranging for his MP3 player to be sent to him. Mr Buchan says he’ll keep a photocopy of the gun licence as a souvenir of the incident.

DRUGS IN HALLS Drugs estimated to have a street value of £10,000 have been found in student halls at the University of Luton.

Bedfordshire Police executed search warrants at the halls of residence in Buke Street last week. A significant quantity of crack cocaine was found by officers along with small amounts of heroin and cannabis.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and were being questioned at Luton police station.

A police spokeswoman said: “The search warrants were carried out following a full consultation with the university which fully supports the police action to stamp out alleged drug dealing on its premises.”

“STUDENT WARDENS” TO REPLACE HALL TUTORS

By Matt Jarratt

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wo months ago, tutors in university halls of residence were told they would be losing their jobs.

No prior warning, no consultation, just one meeting. The reason given for this decision was that Croeso Welcome Bangor announced that the system of halls tutors as it has been until now was to undergo a massive overhaul, and that the role of the tutor was to be the main subject of this.

The change would see experienced and mature tutors replaced by ‘student wardens’.

Essentially the impression given was that students in halls would be asked to take on the role of tutors in return for living rent-free for the year. This role, according to Tony Jones, the Head Warden, involves not only looking after the day to day welfare of students, but also dealing with extremely complex and dangerous issues such as drug abuse, depression and self-harming. Naturally the tutors themselves were outraged by the proposals, firstly because of the perceived compromise of student safety made in the interest, they believe, of commercial gain; and secondly because of the lack of consultation they received prior to the announcement.

Ifan Wyn, UMCB President, says that the Students Union were extremely concerned about the perceived lack of thought given to the safety of students, as well as recognising

issues such as potential abuse of the role of tutor, and lack of respect afforded to student tutors. Tony Jones believes that if student tutors are brought in to replace the existing tutors, then there could be a student death. He “if student tutors are brought in...there could be a student death” does not say this lightly. He cites many examples of occasions where tutors have crucially helped students during very stressful and difficult times, and believes that if the tutors were less mature and experienced then the quality of support would diminish dramatically. This was a view supported by the Students Union.

The action taken by the Union was immediate, they sent out a petition to students, gathering five hundred signatures against the decision, and they organised a meeting with John Clayton, the head of Croeso Welcome Bangor, who are responsible for implementing the change.

However do these concerns represent the full story, and how have Croeso Welcome

Bangor reacted to them? Fran Tate, the head of Student Services, is anxious to emphasise that the changes, although hurried, are being done in the best interests of students. Firstly, she says that the Student Wardens will not, as had been feared, be selected from 18, 19 and 20 year old undergraduates, but will in fact only be chosen from post-graduate students and mature undergraduates. This, she says, will in fact mean little change from the current personnel in place on all sites except the Ffridd. She says the reason behind the change is essentially a desire to maintain the current strengths of the warden/ tutor system, but increase the levels of welfare and supervision.

This will be done by increased training, and more guidance from the newly created post of Head of Residences, and the Senior Wardens in all halls.

Fran Tate says then, that initial fears about Student Wardens were misplaced, that welfare will not be compromised and that, if anything, it will be increased. Naturally this is the most important aspect of concerns, but what about the lack of consultation? She says that although the basic framework for change was agreed prior to it being announced, the details have been thoroughly discussed with all relevant groups, including student groups.

However the Students Union remain extremely concerned that the speed and nature of this change represents a dangerous precedent being set in a lack of initial communication.

STUDENT VOICE

STUDENTS LEFT BROKE A computer-training firm that closed down without notice has left hundreds of students out of pocket, dashing their hopes of a career in IT. When Croydon based Top Choice Computer Careers opened a branch in summer 2002 offering advanced courses and guarantees of work, people flocked to sign up. Some paid £3,000 or more. But the company is now in liquidation with assets of just £35,000.

MAY 2004 3

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Emma Gascgoine gives her opinion on student wardens

ext year will see a lack of wardens if a move by Croeso Welcome Bangor gets the go ahead.

Ken Griffith, assistant manger at Croeso Welcome Bangor said: “The idea which will take place in some form will involve two student wardens in Rathbone and JMJ and 16 on the Ffridd site. All student wardens will receive support from student services, security, management and receive adequate training.

“We have looked at similar models in other University’s and they are very successful.”

It is proposed that the Student Wardens will not actually be given a different room to other students, therefore the only benefit they will receive is not paying for their room.

A member of security believed that the pressure would be immense on a young student warden and that students may suffer for sharing wardens. Jonathan Kenyon said: “This is too much responsibility for someone.

Who will listen to him/her if they are a similar age?”

Elinor Elis-Williams, Press Officer said: “An important aspect of the new system will be an intensive training programme for student wardens. Senior Wardens will be appointed from the University staff and student wardens will be sought from the student body.” Applications are now advertised on the intranet, if you have any views on this issue please email the editor.

4 MAY 2004

SUMMER HARDSHIP FUNDS

The University has funding set aside to help full-time first and second year ‘home’ undergraduate students who are unable to support themselves during the summer vacation period. The fund is very limited and distribution to individuals is at the discretion of the University and is subject to certain conditions laid down by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

To be eligible to apply for an award from the Summer Hardship Fund, a student must be able to demonstrate that they are unable to work because of family circumstances, disability or ill health.

Closing date for applications: 4th June, 2004.

If you need further advice or assistance please contact the Money Support Unit in the Student Services Centre (Tel: 01248 38 3566).

Tenants ‘owed millions’ in withheld deposits Thousands of private tenants feel cheated out of millions when their landlords refuse to return their deposits, research revealed today.

The survey, carried out by Mori in conjunction with housing charity Shelter and Citizens Advice, showed that almost a quarter of private tenants who had paid a deposit for rented property in the last five years did not receive the full deposit back at the end of the tenancy.

The two charities today called on the government to include a national rental deposit scheme in the Housing Bill, which was first voted on in the House of Commons yesterday. Amendments to improve the definition of a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO) and ensured all student properties would be covered by the new legislation were also rejected.

NUS Vice-President, Welfare, Verity Coyle, said: “NUS is extremely disappointed that MPs have decided not to use this opportunity to protect students. There was widespread cross-party support for university halls of residence and typical student houses to be included in the definition of HMO and it is a crying shame that this support has not manifested itself in to votes in the House.”

“By voting through the Bill as it stands MPs have failed to protect hundreds of thousands of students from rogue landlords who can now continue to exploit them by providing sub-standard and unsafe accommodation.”

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NEWS

SU PRESIDENT JOINS NUS TEAM

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ndrew Wilson, Bangor’s SU President 2003/04, was elected as Deputy President of NUS Wales last month after a hugely successful campaign.

Andrew, who begins his job on July 1st, first became involved in student politics when he joined Student Volunteering during his time as a student at Bangor University, through this he began attending council meetings which he found he enjoyed. Being the kind of person who wants to have a go at improving things for himself and those around him, he decided to go for Student Union President in 2002 to see if he could make some improvements in the Union. It was his time as President that introduced him to NUS Wales and all who ran it.

Andrew spoke to Seren, saying: “I felt NUS Wales could be doing more for students, who automatically become a part of it when they start University in Wales. It is important for everyone involved in the NUS, including myself, to remember that we listen to the Student Unions, not the other way around.

Ultimately they are our bosses.”

Having already been to various meetings, Andrew feels he is well on his way to making some important changes to NUS and the bills passed by the National Assembly. He said: “Student funding is moving to the National Assembly and I am going to be pushing for variable fees to not come to Wales.”

Andrew is also a strong supporter of the national campaign currently running to give students their Wednesday afternoons off so more time can be spent doing productive activities such as Student Volunteering and getting more involved with their clubs and societies, including AU events; something which Bangor’s SU President for next year, Matt Jarratt, avidly supports.

What with being so busy, one would expect him to have little time left for his infa-

mous charity work, but he is quick to point out that he is already planning his next fundraising stunt. Past money-raising ideas of his have included parachute jumps and marathon running for charities such as Mencap and Refuge.

No doubt we will be hearing about Andrew’s further achievements in the not too distant future! We wish him all the best in his new job at NUS Wales.

WHY COME TO THE AGM? An Awfully Gloaty Meeting? An Angry Goat’s Meeting? Maybe it’s an Actually Good Meeting…

Whatever, not enough people came to the last Annual General Meeting and we don’t want people to miss the chance to give us a hard time…I mean, ask questions.

The Student Union is ruled by its’ Constitution - our backbone of democracy, a pillar of truth and openness, the rock on which our fair Union stands. It says we need 150 people to turn up so we can carry on and do all the good stuff we do - thats where you come in. Why not come? - think about what Bangor would be like without it’s clubs, societies and teams, which are all after all dependant on the Students’ Union for most of their money and resources.

If we didn’t hold an AGM, for instance, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy this freshly

printed copy of Seren, or get involved with all the clubs and societies here in Bangor. You wouldn’t be entitled to great advice and free pregnancy test kits from the Advice Centre, either.

What with motions being debated on matters like top-up fees and Nestle, why miss out? Make sure you come along and bring as many members from your clubs and societies because the group that brings the biggest percentage of it’s members is to be awarded £100!

So if you fancy it, the AGM will be held in Time between 6 - 8pm. For those of you who are really keen why not have a glance at the agenda beforehand, which contains reports for the year and the policies to go to the meeting - they’re available now from www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/dem/gmagenda.asp

NIGHTLINE STILL

THERE FOR YOU Nightline, the student information and conversation line, is still open to any students who need to talk or get information about anything from contraception and health to exam times and academic issues. Nightline, which has been running for over 20 years, has had great success recently with more than 50 new members joining from their last training weekend and more students interested in their next one, which will be held in October.

Nightline is a confidential listening service run entirely by anonymous students and is available from 8pm to 8am every night until the end of term on June 4th.

If you need to talk or get information on a variety of things then give Nightline a call.

You do not have to give your name and you can end the call whenever you want to.

If you want to get involved with Nightline they will have a stall at Serendipity during Freshers’ Week in September for students to give information about the next training weekend. The stall will also be distributing condoms and information leaflets.

To contact Nightline call 01248 362121

NEWS

MAY 2004 5

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HOUSE OF HORRORS

By Kathryn Emma Roose

WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO AID HOUSING CONTRACTS

I

f you were living at home, you would not expect to return there after a hard day’s work to find that the only thing in your cooking pots were a delicious assortment of insects. If your toilet had a crack in it, you wouldn’t leave it until it had leaked all over the bathroom floor.

If your bed was broken, I doubt that you would superglue it back together. And if there happened to be a fire in your home, you wouldn’t look up to the alarm and find its wires dangling from the ceiling and without a battery.

This is a worst-case scenario of the student accommodation in Bangor. There are some houses that would rival a showroom, but the best ones come at a ridiculous price.

A landlord showed me around one of these, asking for a £400 retainer, £200 deposit, and £70 per week. This, in my opinion, would only suit those who had a large supply of gold dust to spare.

They say ‘take what you can get’.

As a student, this phrase is normally used in conjunction with the terms ‘overdraft’ and ‘student loan’ and the pitiful amount that is left after tuition fees, essentials and the inevitable student social life. And for those of you that were in the annual January rush to secure your private accommodation for next year, you more than likely took what you could get.

Elinir Evans, Student Support Officer at Bangor Student’s Union, recognizes that this is a massive problem and that the rush for houses means that many students sign a contract which is unsuitable and often badly composed. Inevitably, this creates huge problems.

“We advise all students to have their contracts checked by our officers,” she said. “Housing law is so complicated, many students don’t know what they are signing.”

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One-third of the contract queries put to the Student Support Centre regard problems in the contract. The remaining two-thirds are usually regarding the rights the student has if the house is in a state of disrepair. blaming them for faults that existed before they moved in This is why understanding the contract is vital, as more and more landlords are able to take their tenants to the small claims court, blaming them for faults that existed before they moved in.

A recent case involving a group of students at Bristol University successfully won against their landlord who took them to court over a cleaning bill of nearly £900. However, this is unusual, and as Ms Evans pointed out, it is the contract that can be detrimental to the tenants’ case in most circumstances.

Landlord: ‘Don’t put anything in this cupborad because it will catch on fire and burn through the fire alarm’

“We have many enquiries from students who have been threatened with an order for the small claims court,” she said, “but sadly it is the law jargon which has been misread by the tenants which means their case is a difficult one to fight.”

It is not just the contract that poses problems to the tenants. Last semester, a Bangor landlord, who cannot be named for privacy reasons, was taken off the University’s rolls as a suitable student landlord when Environmental Health had to be called to one of his houses to remove rats.

Unfortunately, the lack of publicity that both the Students’ Union Support and Housing Office receive, prevent students from hearing about these problems before they sign the contract. Louise Dawes, 22, and a student at the University wished she knew this before signing her contract, as she rents a house from this landlord. somebody would be living in a caravan in his back garden “Our fire alarms do not work, our toilet leaks, our landlord dumps his rubbish in our back garden, and we have all sorts of bugs climbing our walls,” she said angrily. “Why last year’s tenants didn’t warn us, I do not know.”

Miss Dawes is by no means in the minority. Daniel Horscroft, 21, was not warned before he moved into his house on Deniol Road that somebody would be living in a caravan in his back garden. “I can see the funny side,” he said, “but we have virtually no privacy, and we are unable to use our garden.”

Whilst poor accommodation tends to be the expectation of the majority of students, it is the expectation of many landlords to up their profits and avoid spending. Students should take the advice of Elinir Evans and the Student’s Union. Get your contract checked!

To contact Elinir Evans at the Student Support Centre, call 01248 388015, or e-mail her at: elinir.evans@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

ne of the country’s leading professional associations for landlords is taking a turn at championing a cause that affects students throughout the UK. The Residential Landlords Association - whose members are responsible for more than 100,000 rented properties in the UK - is supporting aggrieved tenants who complain of having no written tenancy agreement with their landlords.

To help them the RLA has now launched an accessible web page where anyone can download a quality agreement, free of charge, for the landlord to use.

And the move has been welcomed by the National Union of Students (NUS), which is campaigning for improvements for its members.

“It’s an award-winning legal document that defines expectations and obligations, so everyone has a clear understanding of their agreement in case a problem arises,” says Alan Ward, Chairman of the RLA. “It would also include a properly completed inventory of furnishings and contents, stating the precise condition of everything as well as terms for the return of a deposit - which would reduce the causes of many later disputes.

“To offer no agreement at all is disrespectful to tenants and deprives them of the right to the fair treatment that they have every cause to expect and every right to insist on.”

NUS Vice-President, Welfare, Verity Coyle, said: “The launch of this accessible agreement is a win win situation for students and landlords. It simplifies the process and should ensure that neither gets ripped off.”

The RLA - whose members are responsible for over 100,000 rented properties in the UK - teamed up with specialist solicitors and barristers to develop the user-friendly agreement in consultation with the Office of Fair Trading. It complies with all legislation to protect the best interests of both tenants and landlords.

And the jargon-free document has been praised by the Plain English Campaign who made it the first such agreement to receive their prestigious Crystal Mark for clarity.

The RLA initiative is the most determined bid yet to ensure that Shorthold Tenancy Agreements - which record the letting terms agreed by both parties are used, as standard practice, by all the country’s 820,000 landlords.

“A clearly defined contract takes away the kind of ambiguity that leaves Judges free to decide who they are going to believe if disputes go to court - so ignoring an agreement makes no sense to anyone,” says Alan Ward.

The agreement is available from www.tenantdocs.co.uk

6 MAY 2004

PIZZA…THE NEW BRAIN FOOD?

Giving students some food for thought…

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ccording to research released today by the pizza delivery experts, Domino’s Pizza, stressed out students should no longer fill up with a hurried plate of beans on toast during exam time, but opt instead for a pizza, because it may help to reduce stress levels.

Eating a good quality pizza provides a well-balanced source of all major food groups including plenty of slow-release carbohydrate, it is also believed that the psychological up-sides of sharing a sociable meal can make a beneficial contribution when it comes to coping with nervousness. And, of course, not cooking means more time to swot up or wind down.

The high levels of complex carbohydrates found in the Domino’s pizza fresh dough base ensure a sustained release of energy ideal for maintaining mental performance throughout the duration of an exam. The fresh vine ripened tomato sauce and deliciously fresh vegetables high in magnesium, zinc, vitamin C and amino acid tryptophan can help reduce feelings of anxiety. It is also packed with antioxidants that can help prevent some of the physical side effects of stress, such as a poor immune system.

Pizza has a positive psychological effect as the ‘bread’ component of pizza dough triggers the release of tryptophan - nature’s own prozac - from the brain, and lowers anxiety levels. Together, these effects boost students positive mental attitude in the immediate run up to a nerve-wracking exam.

Domino’s Pizza has made ordering a delicious piping hot pizza even less stressful with the introduction of a national hotline - wherever you are, simply call 087 12 12 12 12, and order yourself a pizza, completely stress-free!

DRUGS FUEL EXAM CRAMMING Students are risking their lives by taking a powerful brain “steroid” to get through exams, it was claimed yesterday. Insiders at the St Andrews university, claim Ritalin - used to calm hyperactive children - is being taken in high doses to fuel all-night cramming sessions.

NUS President, Mandy Telford, said: “The pressure on students at this time of year is immense. The added workload of coursework and exams at a time when funds are running low means many students are working long hours in parttime work and then trying to stay on top of their studies through the night. However, instead of turning to substances to keep them awake, students should seek advice from the welfare officers in their students’ unions on how to manage their time and their budget. Using drugs to try and stay awake is certainly not a long-term solution and will not necessarily enhance their performance in the short-term.”

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NEWS

STUDENTS OUTRAGED

BY “UNFAIR” EXAM A

s every student knows, preparation is the key to exam success.

But supposing you’ve worked hard and revised extensively for an exam, yet still find it impossible to do? That is what happened recently for a number of English students taking their ‘Late Twentieth Century Literature’ paper.

The course is taught by 24 twiceweekly lectures and a weekly seminar, with students divided into six seminar discussion groups. Each seminar focuses on a single text, the choice of which often varies from group to group. Assessment is by one threehour exam, without pre-released questions.

This year, many of the 90 or so students felt that the structure of the questions was unfair, because they required them to compare texts they had studied in their own seminars with ones they had not. The paper also asked students to consider ideas and themes relating to

the texts that were different from the ones discussed in lectures and seminars.

One student said: “I thought the exam was so unfair. I seemed to spend more time trying to pick a question than plan it. My two major grouches are the fact that books I had prepared on extensively were either paired with ones I had no clue about, or the question seemed to focus on something that we hadn’t even looked at in lectures or seminars so was impossible for me to answer. Why on earth didn’t the lecturers match what they were teaching to the content of the exam? Of all the criticism I read nothing was relevant to the final questions.” Another said: “I know the tutors will argue that we shouldn’t just concentrate on the texts in the seminars, and that we should have read all the books, but I for one would not have felt comfortable writing about a text that I had only been to a lecture

on. Again, the counter argument could be that we should have attended other seminars if we wished to pursue our reading further, but surely they cannot expect us to attend every seminar that we’re not even enlisted for?” Several students claim that they and many others left the exam feeling angry and upset.

The English Department prides itself on contact with its students and a ‘Staff Student Consultative Committee,’ made up of representatives of staff and students exists to listen and respond to their concerns. Helen Knight, a second-year representative on the committee says: “If anybody wants to raise a complaint about the Late Twentieth exam, I would be more than happy to try to bring it to the attention of the staff. If they want to remain anonymous, I would keep all names and details to myself.” Helen can be contacted on elua95@bangor.ac.uk.

VIRTUAL REALITY’S NEXT PHASE

SET TO COME FROM BANGOR

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omorrow’s surgeons and clinicians will increasingly be trained in various surgical procedures using highly developed computer simulations, and many of those simulations may well be developed at the University of Wales, Bangor.

Virtual reality programmes already exist for a limited number of surgical and radiography procedures. Along with these powerful simulations, a newer generation of ‘augmented reality’ programme is now being developed. Augmented Reality creates unique and individual three-dimensional representations based on patient information from a CT scan or other source. These can assist the surgeon in planning for surgery for example, by illustrating how thing such as tumors lie inside the patients body. Bangor is set to become one of a few centres in the UK where this area of

leading-edge virtual reality is being researched, developed and taught.

Professor of Computing, Professor Nigel John, is the expert who brings this new research activity to the University. Professor John heads the new High Performance Visual and Medical Graphics Unit at the University’s School of Informatics. The Unit is dedicated to developing state of the art high technology graphics for various medical, clinical and training applications. He is the former head of the Manchester Visualization Centre at the University of Manchester.

“Virtual reality environments have a range of possible applications in medical imaging for both diagnostic and surgical training purposes,” Professor John explains. “One of the great advantages is that we can develop simulators to model various surgical procedures exactly, enabling surgeons to practice without

risk to real life patients. The great challenge for us is to construct accurate and understandable visual interpretation from vast amounts of data and to be able to create real-time visual images that the surgeons can manipulate much as they would in real-life.”

As a result of this new development, the University’s School of Informatics is able to offer a new post graduate degree course in Advanced Visualization, Computer Animation and Virtual environments from September 2004. Students completing the course need not necessarily follow the medical applications route but will have a firm grasp of the current practices and directions in computer graphics techniques and be able to apply them to scientific visualization, virtual environments, and computer animation.

STUDENT SOCIETY RESURRECTED TO TEACH WELSH

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he Llywelyn Society was set up within UMCB to support Welsh learners, and to give them the opportunity to be a part of UMCB and of the Welsh-speaking community in Bangor. For the previous few years, the Llywelyn Society has not been prominent within the Union, but starting this year we hope to resurrect it - recruit members and a full committee and go from there.

The society aims to give learners of every level of ability the chance to meet and take part in activities. We also try to offer the help of supportive Welsh speakers.

As a society we try to attend Clwb Cymru (at Main Bar, every other Thursday), this is an extremely friendly environment where we can practise and mess up Welsh without getting laughed at (much). When budget and membership allows, we plan to organise trips, bring in guest speakers, make links with Liverpool University, whatever the membership want to do really.

To find out more about the society, or to join them, please contact the Chairperson, Lexi at: Llywelyn@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

NEWS

MAY 2004 7

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STUDENT RUNS IN LOCAL ELECTIONS

By Clare Chadwick

B

angor student Mike Quinn is running to be a Bangor City and Gwynedd councillor in next month’s local elections.

Mike, 22, has much experience with both students and the community, having worked as a Special Constable and working as a classroom assistant in a special needs school. This, Mike says, “gave me a great deal of experience and skills and in many different areas.”

He goes to on to explain: “Since moving to Bangor I’ve built on this by being involved in voluntary work with Student Volunteering Bangor (formerly Student Community Action). Through these activities and more I have been privileged to have met many people and learnt a great deal.”

Mike, who studies Criminology, is currently carrying out a survey of Menai Ward residents to establish what his main concerns should be if he is elected so, he claims, “I can be sure to know what the priorities are and work for the best interests of our community.” Mike says that people who run in local and national elections always promise to deliver on local issues, but he questions if they really know what the issues are. He already has specific ideas he would like to follow up on, such as to resolve the parking issue in Upper Bangor, reduce littering and take measures to reduce anti-social behaviour between locals and students.

When asked about his view on extending the license of Time until 2am he says: “It is a matter of talking to everyone involved, consulting with the residents, students and authorities. There are obvious advantages, it would reduce binge drinking, it would stagger the time people left the club so it wouldn’t be one rush at 1am.” He believes the most

important thing to do with this issue is have everyone involved work together to come to a fair decision for everyone.

Mike, originally from Dover, would like to see more student involvement in local elections, particularly as the last turn out for this election was just 31%. He comments: “We must remember that the people who are elected are there to represent their ward’s opinions, I would like to see more people contacting their MPs and if we are advising them what to do then they can be better represented.”

When asked about how he plans to communicate with students if he is elected he answers: “I would have a time when people can come along to ask me questions and put forward their own ideas. I could go around knocking on peoples doors in halls and student houses in the whole of the Menai ward

including Normal Site. I would find out what they thought of what I had done and plan to do. The situation of students on Normal Site is a lot different to those of Ffriddoedd Site, for example, the people on Normal Site are generally much more concerned with the public transport and if it is sufficient. We need to look in to if there are enough busses passing there, particularly in winter months.”

After the 10th of June the Student Union will be within the Menai Ward. Mike, who was Chairperson of the SU 2003/04 points out: “luckily I already have good relations with many of the people in the SU so I believe I can resolve any problems between students and locals as well as represent them both.”

Many students will be home away from Bangor by the time the elections take place on the 10th of June; Mike thinks this is the

key reason for low turn out at the last local elections. The answer however, is postal voting. If you go to the website address provided you can fill out a form requesting to be able to vote by post. Your local authority must receive your completed ballot papers before 10pm on election day. Your local authority must receive your application by 5pm on June 2nd.

Alternatively, if you will be in Bangor on June 10th then you can vote at Cae Top School on Hill Road in Upper Bangor between 7am and 10pm.

To apply for a postal vote either contact your local authority’s elections office or download a postal-vote form at: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk To contact Mike email him at: mike@s-quinn.freeserve.co.uk Or call 07968 749336

Should Time and Main Bar have their Licences extended until 2am?

Year Marine Biology

Ciara Backwell –

Environmental Science

Terry Roberts - 1st

“It’s definitely a good idea, because when friends come up to visit from home its embarrassing that everywhere closes at 1.00! Also, it would mean there wasn’t a rush to get drunk so quickly.”

“I think it’s a really good idea, because at the moment the night ends too quickly.”

“Its definitely a good idea, with more drinking time people are less likely to get slaughtered really quickly, and it gives us more time for enjoyment!”

Alison Towner – 1st

Year Chemistry

Zac Dehaney-Steven - 1st Year Chemistry

“It’s a good idea of course, it gives us more drinking time!

Also, it would stagger the people leaving, so there would be no mass exodus as there is now.”

8 MAY 2004

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

ELECTIONS

Election Results 2004 Sabbitical Officers

Matt Jarratt

Sarah-Jane ‘Sarge’ Taylor

Alec McKenzie

CCSO

WELFARE OFFICER

UMCB PRESIDENT

Age: 21 From: Leeds “I’m determined to enjoy being President next year, so it justifies the fact that running in the elections has caused my degree to take the same direction as Leeds United’s season!”

Age: 21 From: York “After three years of continual research in the local public houses on Bangor, I have come to the conclusion that BEER makes the world go round. However, Whisky makes it go faster!!

Age: 20 From: The Midlands I was born on the 29th of Feb so I’m actually just five!! My only real claim to fame is being sacked from the Ffriddoedd bar in my first year because I kept forgetting to turn up to my shifts… partly due to an excessive amount of time spent on the other side of the bar!!!

Age: 21 From: Llanfaethlu, Anglesey My Dad is actually from across the Mersey, I’ve heard all the jokes!! I’m really good at three card brag, but sadly I never won enough to prevent me from having to be a Dinner lady for the past 2 years in Rathbone!!

Age: 21 From: Waunfawr,near Caernarfon.

“I’m looking forward to working in the union provided there’s no mention of playing ‘I have never’ at handover.

Some people in the Union know far too much about me after the last time!!!”

PRESIDENT

AU PRESIDENT

Nicola Ferry

Llion Dafydd

Non-Sabbatical Officers UNION CHAIRPERSON Matt Kelly

EXECUTIVE WITHOUT PORTFOLIO Polly Taylor

DISABILITIES OFFICER Yvonne Mather

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICER Kayode “KJ” Decker

LGB OFFICER Nicke “Scully” Johnstone

Positions Still Available There are still Voluntary Executive positions unfilled which are:

Campaigns Officer Welsh Affairs Officer Women’s Officer

Mature Students Officer Union Secretary

To stand you must be: for Welsh affairs officer a Welsh Speaker for Mature Students Officer a Mature Student and for Women’s Officer a Woman

To stand for these positions you must be present at the AGM (Thursday 27th), bring some friends along to nominate you, and you will have to give a short speech to let people know why you think you’re right for the position. After all candidates are heard there will be a vote (this is where your friends come in handy) and the successful candidate will join the Student Union 2004/2005 team.

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ADVERTS

SU SEEKS STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

Y

ou’re first freshers week is perhaps one of the most exiting periods of any student’s time at university, yet at the same time it is also one of the most intimidating. Every department in the University runs a peer guide scheme that is designed to aid their students into the academic side of university life.

To fill the gaps that the peer guide system does not necessarily fill the Student Union runs a separate scheme along side the peer guide system. This scheme is designed to help any student who is moving into halls settle in to their new surrounding and discover the other aspect of university life in Bangor ranging from what to do in Bangor on a night out to

what the Students Union does and how to get involved in Clubs, Societies and Sports teams.

As a volunteer you will receive food on the days you work, if you live in halls we will arrange for you to move in a day early and you will also receive free entry into TIME/ AMSER for the first fortnight of the year. If you manage to bring a group down you will be entitled to a couple of free drinks!! There will also be other rewards throughout the year and all this on top of the satisfaction of knowing you have helped someone have a brilliant fresher’s week!!!

If you’re interested in being a volunteer please email ccso@undeb.bangor.ac.uk to receive a form directly to your inbox!

Would the Ball be better if it cost less, but there were less well known acts?

Nicholas Patfield Aiko Ito – 1st Year Chantel Morgan st st Year Psychology 1 ELCOS 1 Year History

“I would only go if it cost less money, even if it meant a less well known act.”

“I’m not going, because its too pricy, but I would like to see some less well known acts, and maybe would go if it was cheaper.”

“If it was £30 and we didn’t have as many big bands I’d be more likely to go, £45 is stupid money.”

MAY 2004 9

seren Give-aways

10 MAY 2004

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COMPETITIONS

To enter any of the competitions on this page send the answer, along with your name, address and telephone number to: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk by 21st Feb

Win A Bag of Pure Pleasure!

Y

A YEARS SUPPLY OF

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PS2 Football Games

Win both UEFA Euro 2004 and This is Football 2004 51 teams, 16 Finalists, 1 Winner. Can you handle the pressure and lead your country to Euro 2004 glory? In the deepest championship mode ever released, you will be immersed in the highs and lows of qualification and the challenge of selecting the perfect team to win in the new Playstation 2 game. Take your team through qualifying matches and friendlies to the EURO 2004 Finals. You’ll have to pit your wits on and off the pitch to qualify and win for your country in the official game of UEFA Euro 2004.

All new skill moves have been introduced further enhancing player movement, passing, shooting, heading and dribbling making the game easy to pick up and play but still a challenge to the real gaming fan. All new features include 10 and more Right analog skill moves including drag backs, step-overs and the nutmeg. New Through Passes for you to split the defenders, New Chip Shot to lift the ball over the goalkeeper and leave him stranded, New Fake Shot to confuse the defenders while you keep hold of the ball and New Bicycle Kicks and Diving headers where you can perform spectacular moves.

For your chance to win a copy of the game, simply send in your answer to the following question: How many teams go through to the final of UEFA Euro 2004?

This is Football 2004 has had a complete make-over and is now the true football fans’ video game. The deep management options allow for an even more immersive and compelling experience than anything seen before.

And is available to play for free exclusively on the PlayStation 2 student Network.

With over 300 photo-realistic players from around the world, 22 leagues, 30 divisions, 900 teams and 18,000 players this is THE most realistic football video game ever.

The updated attribute system allows the in-game player to act more like their real life counterparts, so Beckham will be able to ping 40 yard passes with ease and Zidane will be able to dribble past players like they aren’t there.

A new timing based heading and volleying system has also been added to give a more realistic feel to the game. So there’ll be no jammy diving headers or over head bicycle-kicks for ‘button bashers’, real skill is needed for that all important real-life feeling.

The transfer market has been improved further, allowing more than one team to bid for a player! The Career mode allows users to build and play with a novice team and eventually taking them to the heights of the Euro Cup!!

To celebrate this new release we have a copy of TIF 2004 to give away.

For your chance to win a copy of the game on PlayStation 2 format simply send in your answer to the following question: How many different players are there in the game?

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Win

Vouchers

£25 worth of vouchers could be yours

S

un, heat waves and holidays are about to hit us, and Miss Selfridge have a new line of clothing to get you in the mood. With a 10% discount for students, splashing out on a hot new summer outfit won’t break the bank!

Miss Selfridge’s summer collection introduces several fresh and vibrant new themes including: Fluoro Exoctica brings a strong 1960’s resort vibe, where exotic flowers and tropical prints of birds and butterflies in a bold graphical format create an explosion of colour for a hot summer.

Madam Butterfly combines Kimono styles with Kaftans and tunics with low backs and asymmetric lines creating sexy silhouettes for a soft and feminine, yet bold evening look.

Romantic Fantasy is inspired by the 1920’s and 1940’s this vintage look has a feeling of romance and fairy tales.

Layers of delicate lace, chiffon and silk are embellished with diamante

brooches, corsages and ribbons. All can be mixed with sheer knits for girly glam or denim for a more modern twist.

What’s more, Miss Selfridge has relaunched its Online Boutique, so you can shop ‘til you drop by just lifting a finger!

The Online Boutique means shoppers can check out the latest trends from the comfort of their keyboard. Choosing from an exclusive selection of skirts, tops, jeans and footwear across several key looks. For more information visit the Miss Selfridge Online Boutique at: www.missselfridge.co.uk Website fanatics can also get fashion tips at the site by clicking into Style Talk, or span the Decades of Fashion for a glimpse of yesteryear. An animated store locator map even means Miss Selfridge girls can track their favourite store across the globe.

For your chance to win £25 worth of vouchers to spend on a stunning new summer outfit, log onto the Online Boutique at www.missselfridge.co.uk and find out the answer to the following question: What two ways can you shop by online?

Send your answer to: editor@seren.bang or.ac.uk

Win Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on DVD

The King makes his return in filmmaker Peter Jackson’s stunning conclusion to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, to be released by Entertainment In Video on DVD and VHS on May 25, 2004.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King will follow the groundbreaking success of the multi-tiered platform releases of both The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, and will be available on a two-disc DVD and VHS for £27.99 and £16.99, respectively. The title will also be released simultaneously onto the rental market.

Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure of good versus evil, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King will be released separately in both widescreen and full screen versions, each including a second disc offering hours of additional content.

Disc Two will feature exciting behind-the-scenes specials, featurettes, theatrical trailers, TV spots, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy supertrailer, a preview of the upcoming

The Lord of the Rings based video game from Electronic Arts and a link to exclusive online content about the three films.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is the most successful box office film of the trilogy, becoming the second film ever to earn more than $1 billion and the first to hit this mark in only ten weeks. The film also made Oscar history on February 29, winning Academy Awards in all eleven categories in which it was nominated – including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay – and tying with Ben Hur (1959) and Titanic (1997) for the most wins ever.

Courtesy of Entertainment In Video, two DVDs of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King are on offer to you lucky Seren readers if you send in the correct answer to the following question: Q: How many categories did The Return of the King win at the Academy Awards this year?

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

films REVIEWS

Sunshine of the Spotless Mind E ternal comes from the mind of Charlie

Kauffman, if you have no clue as to who this genius is he wrote the similarly bizarre, unique and original Adaptation and Being John Malkovich. Like his previous films Eternal Sunshine demonsrates an entirely unique and original concept.

Kate Winslet stars as Clementine who, when her relationship ends badly to Joel Barish, she erases the memory of her former love from her head. When Joel accidentally finds out he opts to have the procedure himself.

Whilst his memories are being erased Joel finds his love for Clementine all over again and decides he does not want to forget her so

MAY 2004 11

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starts placing her into memories she doesn’t belong in.

Beautifully realised by director Michel Gondry; the scenes where Joel places Clementine into different memories are highly amusing and clever. Putting in a surprisingly restrained and emotional performance Carrey is more suited to this role than anyone could have imagined, but it is Winslet as his fiery girlfriend who steals the film.

This is one of the most clever, original and thought provoking romantic dramas that has been committed to celluloid. Never becoming overly sentimental and slushy this is a film worth seeing, especially if you have ever wanted to forget a particular someone.

by ROB HARRIS

his previous popcorn flicks, The A fter Mummy and its sequel The Mummy

Returns, writer/director Stephen Sommers returns with the undemanding Van Helsing.

Hugh Jackman stars as Abraham Van Helsing sent by a secret Catholic order to aid gypsy girl Kate Beckinsale and kill Dracula.

Aided by an impressive multitude of weapons Van Helsing is suffering from amnesia and it appears Dracula may hold the key to why he has memories of events that happened hundreds of years ago.

The films greatest feature is the special effects which are very effective in bringing the vast array of Van Helsing’s foes to life.

Despite containing a large quantity of classic villains (Frankenstein’s Monster, werewolves and Dracula) the plot is simple, and the mystery of Van Helsing’s past is flat with character development almost non-existent.

Jackman and Beckinsale performances are more than adequate as Hero and Heroine of the story but it is a surprisingly comic David Wenham as a bumbling, genius, friar who steals the film. Formerly seen as the warrior Faramir in Lord of the Rings, the transformation from hero to geek is astounding.

Sadly for Sommers, Van Helsing, is not the great success that The Mummy was, nevertheless it is still a cut above the average, but only just.

ROB’S TOP 5 FILMS THIS ACADEMIC YEAR

an extended wait Kill Bill 2 has A fter finally arrived. The question is: ‘does

it live up to its predecessor?’ In some aspects, Vol. 2 is superior yet, where it matters most, it isn’t. The film follows The Bride’s continuing mission to kill the rest of the Deadly Viper Squad and its former boss Bill, played by David Carradine.

What the first film lacked in depth, story and emotion the second makes up for, and that is the sole point where the Vol. 2 is superior to Vol. 1. Sadly and to its disadvantage, the sequel has less style than the first volume.

The action is no where near as good as that in the first film and those expecting more of the same will be in for a surprise.

Vol. 2 is not so completely different from

Vol. 1 but enough to show that these are two very different films. It appears Bill has been given more dialogue than the first film had in its entirety and this detracts from the story and the much wanted action. Tarantino also fails to give Madsen, superbly playing Bill’s brother Budd, enough screen time. If the second and first film had been edited together, then any problems could have been sorted, but it is that decision that failed the film.

Criticisms aside Kill Bill is still a very good, fun film, and Thurman is again excellent as The Bride. The direction is superb and what action there is in the film is great to watch.

More action, more Budd and less Bill would have given this film the whole 5stars. Sadly it isn’t that worthy, but still a great film.

5 4 3 2 1

ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND A bizarre and truly original tale of forgetting love is a triumph for all involved. Jim Carrey is more of a revelation than he ever was in The Truman Show.

LOST IN TRANSLATION A simple story romance in a foreign land, beautiful direction and great acting from Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson make this film what it is.

FINDING NEMO Pixar and Disney come up trumps again with this great Oscar® winning story about fatherly love in the ocean. Not just for kids!

KILL BILL: VOLUME 1 After a long seven year wait Tarantino returned with this homage to all things Samurai. Thank goodness it was worth the wait.

LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING An amazing and magnificent finale to the best fantasy trilogy ever committed to celluloid. And now you can have a chance to win a copy of the new DVD with Seren, see our Competitions Page.

THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST

12 MAY 2004

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

By Giles Gough

L

ast month saw the release of easily the most controversial film of this year, a film that has divided both audiences and critics.

Mel Gibson’s The Passion of The Christ, is a no holds barred interpretation of the last twelve hours before Jesus’ death starring Jim Cavaziel as Jesus Christ.

There are several reasons for the controversy surrounding this unconventional film; firstly, it goes further than any other film in attempting to authentically depict Jesus’ torture. Normally religious leaders mercilessly condemn these levels of extreme violence in film, but in this case the opposite could not be truer. However this pales in comparison to accusations from certain areas of the Jewish community, who claim that The Passion Of The Christ is anti-Semitic.

Groups, such as the anti-defamation league, claim the film ‘represents a potential setback for Jewish-Christian relations.’ This opinion stems from the interpretation that the film ‘portrays Jews as evil, responsible for the crucifixion, and such a depiction will re-stimulate old anti-Semitic stereotypes and hatred.’

Abraham H Foxman compares the treatment of Pilate to Caiaphas (the head of the Jewish priests) saying that Pilate is portrayed as being much more sympathetic to Jesus’ plight than Caiaphas. The film has original scenes showing Pilate agonising over what to do whilst omitting canonical lines from Caiaphas, where he argues that it is better for one man to die for the people so that the nation can be saved.

Foxman believes that had Gibson included the line it may have helped to defuse the issue of anti-Semitism.

Mel Gibson’s view on the subject is clear: ‘To be certain, neither I nor my film is anti-Semitic… it is a movie meant to inspire, not offend.’ One point that is made by the Chicago

REVIEWS

Times is that ‘in this story set in a Jewish land, there are many characters with many motives, some good, some not, each one representing himself, none representing his religion.’ Other Jews are viewed positively; Simon helps Jesus to carry the cross, Veronica brings a cloth to wipe his face, and so on. This shows that the film has a broad depiction of Jews and is not resorting to any stereotypes.

Placing blame on the Jews as a people is a rather odd middle ground. Taking it to one extreme, one can see responsibility being placed solely on the people involved, and the absurdity of blaming an entire religious group for the actions of individuals should be self-explanatory. Orthodox Christians tend to view it in the other extreme, of holding mankind responsible for the death of Jesus, corresponding with the doctrine that Christ

died for the sins of humanity.

The film opens with a quote from Isiah dating it at 700 BC, which in the context of the film establishes the events within as pre-ordained.

Taken in this light the entire question of establishing blame for the death of someone who had to die becomes an irrelevant point. All Gibson has done in making this film is try to convey a valid interpretation of the Gospels; “For those concerned about the content of this film, know that it conforms to the narratives of Christ’s passion and death found in the four Gospels of the New Testament.” This is a movie about faith, hope, love and forgiveness -- something sorely needed in these turbulent times.

Jewish demonstrators gather in Times Square,New York to protest the depiction of Jews in The Passion of the Christ

M

Music LOSTPROPHETS MUSIC

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MAY 2004 13

speak to Music Editor Manoj Koeri

W

hen I meet Mike Lewis (guitars) and Stuart Richardson (bass), members of Pontypridd outfit Lostprophets, they both crash out on the sofas of Birmingham academy, and scream in unison, “we are sooo tired!”

Stu asks Mike, “Are you awake there?”

“I’m fucked!”

“Tell me about it. I’m like woooah!” says Stu, whilst lobbing his water off the balcony.

And they have a right to be. Since the release of Burn Burn and the completion of current album Start Something (Visible Noise), the six piece have been touring to the extent which is reminiscent of the early days when debut album “Fake Sound Of Progress” was unleashed onto the world of metal to critical acclaim. Touring to an extent which, since their return to UK after recording in the USA, have seen these Valley boys taking their unique band of metal from everywhere to Glasgow to Norwich and the Big Day Out Festivals in Australia. After an abstinence from touring it was an idea to play a few low key dates last October to get back into the swing of things of playing in front of people. Stu was especially nervous. “The first night back was incredible, after a year. Watching Eden Maine (support for 2003 tour) on the side I was shitting myself. They went fucking crazy, and I couldn’t play the first song because we were so fucking hyped up.”

The second album “Start Something” was the second full-length from Lostprophets being released on the 2nd February 2004. It reached number four in the album charts, which was hailed as a great achievement for a home grown alternative band in the face of times where cheap hip hop acts and fake rock is churned out by the truckload.

It is an album which the band has been shouting about as they are clearly proud of the 13 tracks they have created. The guys speak passionately about it’s content, Stu explains: “It’s about fighting apathy and it’s about getting up off your fucking arse and not letting other people tell you what to do or what you should be doing with your life. You can do what ever you want you know? Fuck anyone who tells you what to do. That’s what it’s about. It’s a tough cookie to explain. But if you get it, you get it.”

Apathy is clearly the main theme of this album and how after the release of the first album, they still had a lot to prove to the people who back then thought of Lostprophets as a record company produced metal band.

Stu adds how the early days were hard for the band to get a break and the rec-

ognition they deserved, which then formed some of the inspiration for this album. “It’s like when we came out we did what ever we wanted and then everyone started to put restrictions on what we should be, you know?

It’s the same fucking album but they were trying to put us into categories and we were like, “fuck that!” We did what ever we wanted and hopefully we can start something ourselves.”

Working with the producer Eric Valentine who has worked with such artists as Queens of the Stone Age and Good Charlotte was a key factor in why the latest offering is such a definite and defining piece of music.

Being locked away in a LA studio for four months, Valentine helped to squeeze every last piece of energy and melody from these six working class valley boys.

Mike knew the decision to work with him was a big one. “He’s totally dedicated. If one thing wasn’t right he would spend four days on a single noise, to make sure that was absolutely perfect. He was just a complete perfectionist. And I think we need that because we were like a little bit “That’ll do.”

The things that you notice straight about Mike and Stu that they are extremely blunt and very opinionated by not being scared to speak what is on their mind. Most people who have met the band and some that haven’t call this self-belief arrogance, but it’s not really. It’s a just a pure genuine belief in their music, their live show and the music they produce.

Mike Lewis is a very articulate guy

who seems very shy but has a lot to say on matters that he cares about. He is very happy with this album and hopes it will help to change certain people’s preconceptions about various forms of music.

“I think it just mixes everything you know, like hopefully, I think you’ll get kids who maybe like pop music and stuff, we’ll get them into heavier music bud. But maybe they’ll go and pick it (Start Something) up because they like Last Train Home. And then they’ll listen to the heavier stuff like Start Something or Godzilla and then they’ll go out and check out Hatebreed.”

Stuart Richardson on the other hand is definately not too shy to speak his mind. He is funny but serious when he knows he has to be. He also believes that Start Something will be the album which will kick-start the metal scene again in 2004.

“Hopefully it will inspire Metal kids because the last five years of Metal albums have been like, first songs wicked, then the rest of the songs have pretty much been exactly the same. I’m sick of that shit. It’s like “Have you heard this new band?” and it’s like “Ahh! There’re amazing” And I listen to one song and I think “Yeah. That’s cool. I’ll buy the album” Then it’s just like a carbon copy of the fucking first song. And I’m sick of that man. So sick of it. Try some variation.”

Now signing to a major international Columbia, many feel the band have “sold out” and now the way in which they produce their music will change. But many don’t realise that

making and having 100 per cent input into what happens on their CDs is something the band have done since the start and will continue to do so. “Not at all. We wrote this record exactly the same way in which we wrote Fake Sound of Progress,” Mike says.

Stu adds, “The only thing is that it has enabled us to fucking get things done properly. But Ian still designs the album cover, we still wrote all the songs, we still design our merch... we record all the b-sides our selves.”

At this point I get a scream in my ear. It’s Lostprophets tour manager who says “That’s it mate. Times up.” I’ve already had ten minutes over my allotted time. It’s cool the fact that the band treat their fans the same since day one and still make time to talk to the likes of me, unlike some bands who grow egos over night.

I just get the chance to ask the clichéd question of “Where do you hope to see yourselves as a band in five years times?”

Mike duly obliges. “Doing another record and hopefully not treading water. Still progressing and stuff. Like I hate bands that fucking, release the same album again and again and again. It’s like Korn, like “fucking hell boys, give it up.” It’s like the same record time after time after time, and it just gets tired, and I think I don’t want to be one of the bands that does do that. And when we start treading water and not progressing as a band, we’ll knock it on the head. So, in five years time I hope we’re still making cool music...”

I hope so too.

14 MAY 2004

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

CULTURE

A STREET CAR NAMED DESIRE

by Tennessee Williams

Thurs 18th March–Sat 20th March 2004 Directed by: Kate Holder Reviewed by: Richard Buckley

A

ny Williams’ play would make for a challenging amateur production, but, perhaps, none more so than A Streetcar Named Desire. It is relatively long and emotionally subtle and complex with each character requiring an extensive range in order to maintain momentum in a performance driven entirely by dialogue.

The success of the piece is wholly reliant upon the actor’s talent and understanding of their characters; a difficult demand in amateur dramatics where other commitments often compete for precedence. Couple this with the setting, the J.P hall, a notoriously cold and uncomfortable venue with plastic chairs for seating, feeling more like a school hall than a theatre, and you would be forgiven for expecting an unmitigated disaster; however, you would have been mistaken. For anyone, like me, disappointed with the recent professional production of another well known William’s play, which will remain anonymous, at the Theatr Gwynedd, this production would have

come as a welcome surprise. It was a powerful, engaging, perhaps even compelling, performance which succeeded in transcending its setting and budget restrictions to create an experience of the first rate.

The cast was good, even superb; the interaction between the principle characters was in turn touching, terrifying, and always convincing. This could have been attributable to the numerous late night / early morning cast poker sessions, mirroring those in the Kowalski flat from the play, which helped the cast to bond and ensured a hangover for every rehearsal; true method acting. This bond between the cast created an environment in which the actors appeared comfortable and relaxed with each other allowing for their characters to shine through.

Julie Neild gave a harrowing performance

Amy Swales and Graeme Hurd playing Stella and Stanley Kowalski respectively

Julie Neild and Keyan Milanian playing Blanche Dubois and Mitch respectively

as the unstable sister Blanche Dubois whose arrival and progressive breakdown in the face of her past provides the backbone of the plot.

This, coupled with a sensitive and powerful performance by Keyan Milanian as her would be suitor, made any exchange between them gripping. A mention must go to Graeme Hurd who gave a brooding, bestial performance as Stanley Kowalski reminiscent of Brando in the film version, most notably, in his interaction with the two female leads; his raw aggression against the feminine sensibilities of Amy Swales, who played his wife, Stella Kowalski, was particularly memorable.

Of course no performance is perfect and there were a few minor niggles. The sound was not always subtle and occasionally grated quite violently against the action on stage, especially the terrible cat noise, tearing the audience away from the world in which they were

immersed and making them conscious of their position as an audience watching a play. The lighting was, on the whole, good, but in the rape scene between Stanley and Blanche the red light was a clumsy and unnecessary touch, out of sync with the naturalist character of the rest of the play. There were a few slips of accent but nothing noticeable to those not looking for them and they were, on the whole, impressive, especially David Nevins’ Mexican as Pablo. These were, however, minor problems and, perhaps, only noticeable because of the exceptionally high quality evident elsewhere.

If this is Kate Holder’s debut as director she should be congratulated for her vision, intricate knowledge of story and characters, and attention to detail. I look forward to her next production and, if this is indicative of things to come, Theatr Gwynedd should watch their backs.

CULTURE

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

BEDS EATS LINEN -

MAY 2004 15

The Golden Duvet Theatre Awards

By Dafydd Launder

T

he words “Student” and “Theatre” and “Devised” fill me with the same sense of dread I would experience if Anne Widdecombe turned up at my front door in a see through négligé. So many times I have had to sit through what seems to be just an excuse for an evening of swearing and a smidge of nudity all in the name of Brechtian alienation. So my heart wasn’t exactly wriggling with glee at the prospect of The Golden Duvet Theatre Awards.

Five short plays made up the evening, ranging from comedy to drama to horror, all written by BEDS members and one offering from the team who brought us the stunning ‘Scenes From A French Restaurant’. OK, I thought, maybe this isn’t going to be too bad.

‘Dark God of the Desert’ by Joseph A. McCullough V was a ‘contemporary horror piece’ involving British and American troops searching in vain for some pesky WMDs. On the way, things don’t turn out how they’d expected. The absence of any other light source, other than that of the torches held by the soldiers, gave the piece a really mysterious feel but perhaps went on a little too long before I started to get frustrated at not being able to see anything. But, hey, credit should be given for having the bravery to do it that way and the piece was a brilliant start to the evening.

‘Stairs’ I think would have to be one of my favourites, simply for the fact that it was so… well… simple. ‘Stairs’ merely tells the story of two ex-lovers who met at university

thirty years previously, who are reunited at a party and remember their times together as a couple. That’s it. But it displayed two beautiful performances by Daphne Kaufman and Laith Jawzi, this so easily could have been embarrassingly saccharine, but the actors played it

subtly enough to make it moving.

‘The Liar, The Hitch and The Wardrobe’ injected a bit of satire into the evening. Minister Ellen Payne tries in vain to hide the contents of her wardrobe from her assistant Anna Booth with inevitable consequences. Again,

the piece did well in its limited time slot and keeping the energy up with interplay between only two characters. The script was quick and funny, carried along with effortless glee by the assembled cast.

Filled with the warmth of free tea, the second half provided us with the genius of Chris Stokes. I say genius, I mean genius. ‘Ron Eats Spoons’ was cheek-achingly funny, the darkly comic almost Tarantino-esque script was only let down due to the laughter blocking out a hell of a lot of it. Ron’s wife is sleeping with someone else and Ron hires an inept hit man to sort the whole ugly business out. Strands from other characters’ lives pull together to create a fantastic play brimming with humour and bringing me as close to wetting myself as I ever have been. ‘Supper With Hitler’ followed with equal face pain and bladder spasms, the prospect of two old ladies from good old blighty enjoying an evening of supper, coffee and twister with Herr Adolf proving just the right note to end the evening on.

We came out of the performance giggling like school girls who have just found various rude words in a dictionary, this was devised theatre that surpassed my expectations as an evening of flesh and a “fuck” count. The dramatic portions were skilfully orchestrated, yet unfortunately I think everyone will remember the second half more than the first. This shouldn’t detract from any of it; any company that can do such a wide range of styles in one evening should be proud of what they’ve done, and all without embarrassing the audience. There’s good.

BEDS Actors (left to right): christopher stokes and ashley fishman

COMEDY NETWORK GOES DOWN A TREAT

O

n the evening of Monday 24th May, Natalie Haynes and Steve Williams brought their performances to Bangor’s Student Union. With Steve’s playful banter and Natalie’s quick witted and personal-to-her-own-life jokes, the audience were left in no doubt that every penny they spent getting in was well worth it. In our interview Steve continues with his friendly banter and Natalie maintains the quick wit and sharpness she demonstrates on stage. Steve, from Newport, says his method of performing is to decide what he will talk about before he goes on and just “sell it from there”. This proved true when, on stage, he spent a large proportion of his time making jokes on what the audience answered to his questions, such as “what is Bangor famous for?”

Natalie however, seemed to be less concerned with the audiences own experiences and opinions and more devoted to jokes about her own. When she appears on stage, one of the first things she warns the audience about is her fast delivery of words. One might get the impression this stems from nerves, but afterwards Natalie explains: “I’m not scared of my job, after eight years why would I be? I feel great when I’m up there,

it’s just that when men speak fast it’s ‘rapid delivery’, when women do it they call it nerves.”

Her come back to my suggestion of nerves is hard-hittingly true. You would have thought that me, being a girl myself, would have sensed my own sexism in my suggestions, but obviously I didn’t; I appear to have sub-consciously joined the masses in distinguishing between nerves and talent purely on the basis of the individual’s gender.

Natalie explains how her jokes have matured over the years. What with her grandmother passing away last February her performances have developed from naive teen angst to something “more mature, more vile, more hurt.” She points out that jokes for many comedians are becoming more sinister, commenting that: “If you create a culture of prohibition you must expect to get a backlash.”

The student who had her banned from Keale Uni because of her personal jokes about sex and cancer argued that she couldn’t go around joking about sensitive issues like she does, Natalie however, argues that: “Yes I can!” It is so refreshing to listen to somebody who is not afraid to speak her mind, to overcome taboo subjects with wit and laughter. Definitely a comedian to keep an eye on, she’s going places.

16 MAY 2004

Travel

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

TRAVEL

BITTEN BY THE BUG

Keyan Milanian visited some amazing places during his gap year before he came to Bangor.

Here, he tells us about his experiences and how you can do the same over summer.

By Keyan Milanian

F

ear has swept Britain of yet another epidemic outbreak. Experts are trying to determine the cause of an infection that seems to be spreading through millions of young men and women through the country.

They believe the bug originated outside the U.K. and have narrowed the search for its origin down to the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia and Antarctica, in short, all of them.

Doctors have named the virus, the ‘Travel Bug’.

Victims suffer from a wish to spend every spare moment of their time abroad, preferably in hotels that their parents wouldn’t touch with chopsticks, eating concoctions their parents wouldn’t even look at and smoking substances on a beach that their parents probably smoked themselves twenty or thirty years ago. W.H.O. have offered the following advice to the gener-

al public, ‘The World Health Organisation advise that the public stay safely locked away in their homes and do not try and have the time of their life horse trekking over mountains in Central China, lazing their days away in a hammock on a beach in Thailand or walking on the brink of the Himalayas in the North of India. The W.H.O. also advise the public to avoid travel agents where bargain flights to Bangkok, Hong Kong and Delhi might be found.’

I am a Travel Bug victim. I’m not sure how long I’ve been infected, but I think I caught it in South-East Asia, probably Thailand, holidaying with my parents. I took all the precautions offered, I was inoculated up to my eyeballs! I think it was China that really did it though, a plethora of contrast, hot, cold, high, low, quiet, busy. I spent eight out of my ten gap-year months there, working for four of them.

One of the best experiences I had was a three-day horse trek through stunning views of snowy, tree-covered peaks with friends. Our

guides insisted on doing absolutely everything for us, making our food, pitching our tents and even tucking us in at night under furs!

Another ‘interesting’ experience involved some of Thailand’s infamous ‘katoy’ or lady boys and myself. Having arrived late in the evening my friend and I (don’t ask why, I still don’t know!) decided to have a walk around the Khao San road area at about two in the morning. Minding our own business we were approached by two katoy (I think, wasn’t sure about one of them) who politely inquired as to whether we wanted ‘a good time’. We politely replied that we believed we could have an excellent time without their company. They followed us for a good three minutes, I was obviously the mentally weaker looking of these two foreigners because my friend escaped relatively easily whilst I was grabbed in various places, while they giggled amongst themselves before leaving.

It was only the following morning that I realised that not only had my bum been

pinched that previous evening but so too had my wallet and passport! We went straight to the police station that morning where a very professional policeman insisted I write a full report. Looking over my shoulder as I was writing, he burst into laughter at least three times and I almost expected him to ask me to retell the story to his friends.

It is China, though, that feels like a second home now with its chopsticks, beer (served with a straw) in a plastic bag, internet bars and old men and women practising Tai Chi at five or six in the morning on a (normally) busy street corner.

I’m already planning on going back during the summer and if you don’t know what to do during the break I suggest you head down to your local travel agents or the ‘Travel Shop’ in the S.U. building and be ready for the time of your life.

Return tickets to Bangkok between are approx. £3/400

G

SPORT

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

MAY 2004 17

Men’s Football:Year Summary

By Rick Higham, Club Captain & 1st Team Captain

A

fter a long 8 month season, the players from Bangor University’s four men’s football teams can finally have a rest! Each team has performed admirably this year in both the BUSA and local league competitions. Recently, the 2nd team brought home the league cup following a solid 1 - 0 victory in the final over Gwynedd League, First Division champions, Llanwrst United Reserves.

The University’s first team have enjoyed their best season in many years and have finally

managed to lose their nickname as the ‘whipping boys’ of the division. The team, managed

by Andy Homer and Paul Squires, challenged for the Gwynedd League Premier Division title all season long and were favourites to finish in top spot right up until February. Unfortunately, the blue and black university army dropped points in important games against teams such as Porthmadog and Caernarfon Town, who both fielded players signed on second forms from League of Wales and Cymru Alliance clubs. The uni lads ended the year in a highly respectable third place in the league.

Two of the three final games of the season for the university first team were cup finals!

A.U. President’s Letter

To think that this time one year ago I had just finished my degree is unbelievable! They say that time flies when you’re having fun and one year has gone in what has seemed only a couple of weeks. The previous year has been so much more fun and exciting than I thought it would be and the highlights of it have been numerous.

There are many things I’ll take away from this year and my (however big or small) part in the NEWI intervarsity (trophy pictured), AU dinner, BUSA and UWAU competitions and dealings with all of the clubs will be among the many happy memories I’ve had.

My special thanks will go to Ellie Roberts (AU Administrator), Karen Hankinson (AU councillor, non-competitive sports rep. and Octopush Captain), Jessica Day (AU councillor, Swim Club Captain and BUSA Rep.), all the captains, treasurers and secretaries that c a m e in to see me (repeatedly!!!) and last but not least EVERY SINGLE AU MEMBER!!

Also congratulations to the following: Canoe Club for Club of the Year, Men’s Basketball for Team of the Year, Martin Parry for Sportsman of the Year, Joanne Alcock for Sportswoman of the Year, Sarge for AU Person of the Year and finally to Paul Hagenbarth and Heather Ratcliffe for achieving Blues from the AU. Also a word of thanks and congratulations to all who received full and half colours!

At this point I would like to take the opportunity to wish Sarah-Jane “Sarge” Taylor all the best for her coming sabbatical year and wish every student, sporting or not, Tony Heaney, all the best for whatever lies before you AU President 2003-2004. in life! Thanks again and good luck!

On Saturday 15th May they met their arch rivals Porthmadog in the Final of the Gwynedd League Eyri Shield competition. Bangor won the game 2 - 0 with both goals coming from the pacey Mike Linnacer, putting an end to the 4 game losing streak against Porth. The victory was fully deserved and the trophy now stands proud in the Athletic Union’s trophy cabinet!

In their second final in a matter of 4 days, the university met Nefyn United in a fiercely competitive match for the Gwynedd League John Smiths Cup. The AU provided transport for a large number of fans who created an exciting atmosphere from the first whistle.

Both sides had chances during normal time, however, despite forcing the excellent Nefyn goalkeeper into a number of unreal stops, the game ended 0 - 0. No goals were scored in extra time, which meant penalties. Again the Nefyn goalkeeper was superb, pulling off a fantastic stop in sudden death to win the cup for his team 7 - 6.

Despite losing the match, the University 1st team can be incredibly proud of their efforts and, after playing 41 matches, can rest over the summer knowing they’ve earned it.

The new season starts in October and if this year is anything to go by, it will prove to be a thriller!

King of Beers Sponsors Bangor Uni 1st XI Football Team

B

udweiser, the Official Beer of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, has become the official sponsor of Bangor University Football Club 1st team.

The sponsorship deal provides each team with full Budweiserbranded football kits, branded banners and team sheets, as well as clean, crisp and refreshing Budweiser to be enjoyed at celebratory award dinners later in the season.

Randall Blackford, AnheuserBusch’s UK marketing director comments: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Bangor University Football Club’s 1st team this season. Budweiser has

been sponsoring student football for three years, and we continue to be the only UK beer involved in football from grassroots through to the FIFA World Cup™. This sponsorship is a great opportunity for Budweiser to give something back to both football fans and players. Good luck to Bangor University this season.”

Rick Higham, first team captain of Bangor University said: “It is fantastic to be sponsored by such a premium well-known brand such as Budweiser.

We have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season, and the team regularly looks forward to enjoying a couple of cold Buds after each game!”

18 MAY 2004

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

SPORT

WOMENS RUGBY

By Bethan Jones

A

fter battling in two different leagues this season our success has varied.

Though the North Wales proved to be tough for our new team, we battled through every game and got better as the season progressed. We did better in the BUSA league games, winning all but 2 of our games.

Our main aim for this season has been to develop our team as well as getting members to be socially active! Many players are new this year to the team, and also many are new to playing rugby. However we’ve gotten stronger and stronger through practising, trials and errors.

Being social is very important for any team and that’s no exception to us. No team can be successful without the members or players being dedicated to themselves as well as their team members. We frequently arrange small gatherings and nights out.

Sixteen of us recently went on a very successful tour to Rimini, Italy. We played many a game over the course of two days, 15s on the Saturday, and 7s on the Sunday. We succeeded to gain second place over all, and some silver wear to put in the trophies cupboard!

There were a lot of teams of different sports from Universities from all over Great Britain and overall everybody connected and got on extremely well. As a team, most of our time was spent together on the beach, having dinner, and in the pubs!!! Those of us new to the tour experience were christened ‘Tour Virgins’ and therefore were summoned to complete tasks and errands for our tour committee. All tasks were met by most, no matter how embarrassing. We held our court session on the beach, and we gave out tour fines, which had been collected since we set foot in Stanstead Airport, to the guilty. The

Tour Diary

tour was a great success and since we’ve been more social as a team.

More recent was the Old Girls weekend, where previous members of years before returned for the weekend. The whole weekend was successful. We drank, had fun, played a rugby match (old girls V current team) then…we drank some more!

At the end of the season, even though we weren’t successful in winning all our games, we have gained valuable experience. This experience will hopefully better us next year, along with lots of practice and dedication.

We’re always willing to welcome new members of any standard to join the team. Hopefully there will be more joining next year so that the team can go from strength to strength. Our only requirement is that you’re female!

To join the Womens Rugby Team visit the stall at the next Serendipity or email the Club Captain, Sam Slater at: psucb4@bangor.ac.uk

Day 1: Issued porn cards before plane was boarded. Arrived in Italy early,

rooms, went out soon after. Ann, Lee and Orla danced in the local fountain at to a toilet gushing water and a wet bed.

got given 4am then returned

Day 2: Some went for a walk on the beach in their PJ’s in the morning. Club committee decided the tour virgins had to wear their bras over their tops and earn Brownie Stickers through different tasks.

There were 2 hour nipple erections, flange exposure and Bethan got buried in the sand. Numerous shots of Sambucca.

Day 3: Got entertained by some Plymouth males who taught new songs and games. Played rugby

but ground was very hard. Sian “Teapot” found this out when she broke her arm two mins in to the first game. Adopted a player from York, called Ann. Bangor won 29-0. That night was Porn Star Night, tour virgins had to wear granny knickers (see “H” in photo above). Then got drunk on the beach.

Day 4: Sam threw up twice before the bus took off on a 40 min ride to the pitch. After the match everyone changed in to tour shirts and ties, headed off to dinner. Had presentations evening where the team won second place and a trophy. Another team piss on the beach, then to the pub.

Day 5: Shopped in the morning then met up on the beach for a court session. Issued with eggs which had to be taken care of until the end of the day. Nobody managed this past 8/9pm. Pewb’s egg was the last to break after she was spun and spun on a kid’s round-a-bout. Had a Hawaiian themed night at a club that had a stickier floor than the Occy!

Day 6: Spent the last full day on the beach, May did a fantastic replica of Wembley stadium!

Top and bottom: Team photos

In the middle (left to right): May Sly, “H” and Cora

SPORT

MAY 2004 19

http://seren.bangor.ac.uk

BANGOR DOES SWIMMINGLY WELL

By Neil Carpenter, Club Captain

T

he University of Wales, Bangor Swimming Team qualified for the British Universities National Grand Final at the Team Championships Southern Round in November. Of a total of 20 teams, UWBangor came 4th, meaning that they would meet with the top four Universities from the Northern counties.

The Team came 7th in the Second Division in this weekend’s final held in Nottingham University’s 25m pool, a result clearly aided by the Team’s new coach, Tegwyn Roberts from Bangor City SC. Tony Heaney, President of the Athletic Union, drove nine swimmers to compete against Bath 2nd, Leeds Met, Liverpool JM, London, Sheffield, UW Aberystwyth and Warwick. Myself and most of the current committee (Ruth Baldwin, Rob Brimacombe and Jessica Day), we were joined by members of the 2004-2005 committee (Paul Carrier, Carl Jackson, Chris Lydon and Niamh O’Malley) and Karen Sunnucks. The unfortunate timing of the competition led to many people’s withdrawal but the nine of us covered the events pretty well.

Niamh, Jess, Karen and Ruth opened the gala with a convincing 7th place in their Medley Relay. The men’s team, consisting of Carl, Chris, Paul and Neil, also worked hard for their 4th place in a time of 1:58.72. The first individual events of the day were Karen and Rob competing in the 100m Individual Medleys. They gained a 6th and a 4th place respectively in 1:16.72 and 1:11.00, very fast times. Chris added to our points total by swimming the 100m Freestyle against some top quality swimmers. Paul’s 100m Butterfly in 1:04.72 won him a 6th place and Carl’s speedy time of 1:05.04 for 100m Backstroke earned him a 4th placing.

Chris was up again, for the 100m Breast-

stroke this time. His 8th position can easily be blamed on his earlier efforts. Neil only had the Relay to blame for his 8th place in the 200m Free with a time of 2:21.48.

Karen’s 34.19 in the 50m Fly earned the team its first 3rd placing of the day and Paul matched it with a 28.73, immediately afterwards!

Niamh’s first individual of the day was the 50m Back where she won 7th place in 45.94. Carl’s 30.38 in the same event gained the team a 5th place. Karen’s 50m Breaststroke in 39.94 won her the second 5th place of the day and Rob won us the third 5th with a time of 34.34. Ruth’s 50m Free in 33.68 was good enough for 7th place and Neil’s 50m Free was closely contested, like so many other races, but he managed 6th place in 27.36.

The last events of the day were amazing to watch. There were fierce battles and roaring white water matched only by the cheering crowds. UW Bangor’s women’s and men’s teams came out at the end with two, well deserved 7th placings in times of 2:20.57 and 1: 49.29 respectively.

The competition closed with Marie Atkinson, the British Universities Sports Association’s Sports Programme Manager, announcing the results and presenting the winners with their Speedo Swimming League trophies.

Loughborough University won the Division One Final and Team Bath’s Second Team won Division Two. UW Bangor had earned its 7th place, making them the best Division Two team in Wales, due to some great swims, some personal best times and a lot of luck passed on from well wishers in the Club and University.

My thanks go especially to my eight teammates, to Tony Heaney for driving us the 350 mile round-trip, to BUSA for their organisation, to Nottingham ASA for providing officials and to The University of Nottingham for hosting this year’s event. Very well done to them all.

The swimming team that competed in the BUSA finals

ROWING TEAM REACH BUSA FINALS

T

he rowing club had a great weekend at the BUSA championships on the first weekend in May, beating some serious competition to claim a place in the final with the men’s first four and the quarter finals with the men’s eight.

In what was the biggest regatta in Britain, with over 700 crews, the best university rowing crews in the country were in Nottingham

to compete. On the Saturday the men’s eight rowed a good time to qualify through time trials ahead of thirty other crews to reach the top 24 in the quarter finals. However, the best was yet to come on Sunday when the men’s first four beat some of the best rowing universities in the country to come fourth in the final of the novice fours. This represents an awesome achievement by rowers Tom Dingwall, Andy Maiden, Edward Cowley, John Evans and cox

Keelan Purcell. The women’s eight also did well, missing out on the quarter finals by only three seconds. The men’s second four also rowed well narrowly missing out on a quarter finals place. This fine display by Bangor crews has raised the standard of rowing at Bangor and set a precedent of things to come.

This success is the culmination of a good season for rowing at Bangor with wins at Northwich, for the men’s four and the men’s

pair, and at Bristol earlier in the year. With the regatta season coming up things are looking promising for some of the best crews Bangor has had in recent years. This good performance is due to the hours of training put in on the water and in the gym, and to the dedication of the every body involved which make the rowing club the hardest training and fittest club in the AU.