Seren - 182 - 2005-2006 - September 2005

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Seren YOUR English Language University Newspaper SEPTEMBER 2005 UNIVERSITY OF WALES BANGOR

FEATURED :

SERENDIPITY: CLUBS & SOCIETIES GUIDE

HEALTHY EATING FOR POOR STUDENTS

FRESHER’S WEEK !!2005!!

By James Ainsworth

Ladies and Gentlemen. Boys and Girls. Mature and Traditional. Welcome to The University of Wales, Bangor. For most of you, this is the start of a three year journey into the unknown. During your university lifetime in Bangor, you should endeavour to take hold of the numerous opportunities available to you as well as take time to explore your surroundings. Take in a scONe (The pronunciation of this noun is at the editor’s disgression and contrary to the SU President’s declaration of “It is pronounced sCONE, due to the vowel-consonant-vowel cluster, where in this case the preceding vowel is pronounced as a capital letter.”) or three at the end of Bangor Pier. Stroll along the pebble beaches. Consider the delights of a walk to Anglesey and for the truly daring, tackle Glanrafon Hill after a night out.

If this is causing you any concern so far, fear not for we have a few words of wisdom from this year’s Students’ Union President, Rob Harris. “My words of wisdom are to enjoy yourself, have fun and frolics and join as many clubs as you can.” Rob believes that “University is as much about life experience as it is about getting a degree.”. Rob started out as an intrepid Seren reporter no less (He even wrote movie reviews for this issue) “Above all we are all here to help, assist and guide you through your university career in whatever way we can.” Rob’s successful campaign was built around the key issues of increasing communication and representation across the campus as well as to gain as much benefit for the students from the university as possible. “The whole executive is in place to support people and there are a number of voluntary positions to support and represent minority groups.”

Rob is keen to emphasise the diverse nature of the student population and the importance of community spirit and promotion of the Welsh culture in which we live. “On behalf of the Students’ Union, we welcome you to Bangor and hope you all have a fun-filled future.”

INSIDE :

SPORT SPORT OPINION OPINION

MUSIC FILMS MUSIC FILMS COMPETITIONS

SU PRESIDENT-ROB HARRIS

2 September 2005

EDITOR’S BRIEF

B

Dear Reader Hello! Welcome to the new look SEREN and this my first issue as editor*. I hope you will all find something of relevance and maybe a hint of provocation and independent thinking from your fellow students in this re-launch issue. It has been hard work getting the Seren name out there and bringing in funding over the summer but now begins the fun and making Seren a publication of which we can all be proud.

This issue was compiled by:

Editor - James Ainsworth editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk Production Editor - Daniel Turner Distribution, Advertising, Finance Chris Snookes

In this issue there are lots of useful pieces of advice for freshers and ‘veterans’ of this university life affirming experience. There is a map outlining the locations of all the clubs, societies and other stalls at Serendipity during Fresher’s Week and how to make the most of your money when it comes to doing your weekly food shop as well as details on up and coming entertainment in the SU. The regular music and film sections will keep you fully clued up on your interests. For those who intend to blag their way through the start of the semester, we have a shed load of competitions.

A big thank you to everyone who has helped put Seren together over the summer(and put up with my moaning) and all those who have contributed to this issue. I hope you have a great year and enjoy reading your student run university newspaper.

Culture Editor - Chris Snookes Music Editor - Christopher Alcock & James Ainsworth

James *The editor reserves the right to make a few mistakes in the first issue.

with contributions from...

Dizzy Hobbs, Stuart Edwards, Huw Pritchards, RiczCo, Student Services, Laurel Morgan, Andrew Valentine, R, Sam Burnett, Esby, Adam Isbell

We have a number of fantastic positions available on the Seren team for this year. Working for Seren is a rewarding experience and is a desirable attribute to put on your CV. Especially if you have an interest in journalism. We all have to start somewhere!

We have positions in the following areas Club & Societies Writer (Anyone who is willing to try out the various activities on offer at Bangor and report back to the masses) Sports Editor (Anyone with a knowledge of all things sport) Web Editor (Experienced computer type to keep website up to date and review websites) Welfare Editor (Has an interest in reporting the issues relevant to the students) If you are interested in any of these positions send an e-mail to: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk explaining why you would be good for the specific position. Good luck.

Get in touch: STUDENTS UNION DEINIOL ROAD BANGOR GWYNEDD LL57 2TH Tel: (01248) 388017

Editor@Seren.Bangor.ac.uk

RS E E S NR

www.seren-bangor.co.uk

NEWS

Briefly...

US DEBT RELIEF

Universities in America have opened up the doors for UK students to take up their Further Education Stateside, after allowing UK students to apply for their 3rd World Scholarships.

These bursary funds are usually only made available for those in Less Economically Developed Countries who wish to study.

Given the introduction of tuition fees and lack of assistance from the Government, it is increasingly becoming a more financially viable option to take up study abroad.

NO MORE JOOT

JOOT is no more – but never fear, trendy wine bar company ‘Varsity’ are setting up shop in their place, ensuring that higherclass Bangor students need not go without. The new-look bar is expected to open within weeks and Varsity are currently recruiting Full and Part Time members of staff.

ASDA COMING SOON

Asda are expected to get the green light to build a superstore in the city centre, planning chiefs reviewed planning permission for the supermarket chain on the site of the former football stadium in Farrar road. Protests came from one unlikely store – Tesco feel the store would have a bad effect on the local economy.

MUMPS STILL AROUND

As reported in Seren last year, MUMPS is still very much a present danger in Bangor. Students are being urged to check their mumps vaccinations are up to date, following recent outbreaks in the area. Student services staff say students should check with their GPs if uncertain.

September 2005 3

BANGOR WELCOMES ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

By James Ainsworth Congratulations to Croeso-Welcome Bangor for their first signs of common sense. This year the Fresher’s Weekend “BIG MOVE IN” has been split over two days to avoid the predictable chaos and congestion on the approach roads to Bangor and the halls of residence that are seen every Fresher’s Week. In an unprecedented move, Croeso-Welcome Bangor have put the student first.

Residents of Elidir, Y Borth, Y Glyder, Cefn-Y-Coed, Bryn Dinas and Tegfan were invited to arrive no earlier than 10.00 AM with a Sun-

By Chris Snookes

day arrival arranged for residents of Emrys evans, Llys Tryfan and Neuadd Reichel. The move was welcomed by Ffridd Site security who have in previous years been stretched at the influx of new and returning students.

In accordance with local police, a colour coded travel route was devised to spread the flow of traffic during the move in period in order to minimise traffic congestion along the A55.

In theory, if you are reading this, the scheme has worked and you have arrived. It would be even more effective to split the arrivals between the old and new residencies over the two days to spread the concentration of traffic. Here is to a full year of quality service and forward thinking from Croeso-Welcome Bangor!

WE ALL LIKE...

Students eat cake. Yes its official everybody, the age old myth has finally been cemented into hard cold reality after a recent Hotpoint survey conducted for Childline revealed that a staggering 34% of us Students are most likely to scoff into an oversized slab of chocolate, yes chocolate cake when we most feel the need to indulge.

Such vital research also claimed to establish links between the Chocolate Cake eaters and their typical lifestyle patterns claiming those who choose Chocolate are therefore more likely to watch DVD’s, go out for a drink and enjoy a good night out. So what about those with less of a sweet tooth and more of craving for a moist rich fruit cake caressing their palate? In a some what staggering twist to the survey it turns out us Welsh students are more likely to be found huddled in a corner of the canteen somewhere clawing through a chunk of our favourite fruit cake than most students in the U.K. The results then go on to suggest that as a student population of ‘fruit cakes’ we much prefer to stay in and perhaps complete a crossword or two or treat ourselves to a night of home computing.

Perhaps the biggest shock of all, aside from the fact that this research was ever conducted in the first place is that male Skoda drivers were identified as the only male sample and an important

one too I might add, who spoil themselves with the chocolate choice. It is in fact women, who gorge the highest percentage of Chocolate Cake in this gastronomic battle of the sexes since the research claims men ‘opt for a healthier treat’. Perhaps a pint. Or seven.

The research was however all in good heart and with good intention, to get us Students baking in time for the ‘Cakes for Childine’ campaign to mark their 19th Birthday. The idea is simple whip out you utensils, whack in your ingredients and whisk up a cake for you and your mates.

Sell your ‘creation’ or get yourself sponsored in whatever crazy-cakebaking-way possible and give the proceeds to Childline so that they can continue the good work they do in providing help and support to children and young people all over the U.K. It’s a great way to get everyone in involved, prove your expert culinary skills under the spotlight and also get something decent in to eat for tea as well as raising money for charity. Simple as.

Cakes for ChildLine is sponsored by Hotpoint, who aim to raise awareness of ChildLine’s work and its need for funds to continue the charity’s vital work. A special pack is available to get you started, with hints and tips and recipes for the nation’s favourite cakes. To obtain your pack, log on to www.childline.org. uk or call 0870 336 2996.

...A NICE BIT OF CAKE

4 September 2005

STUDENT’S SILENT CRY

By James Ainsworth DemARTcracy has arrived in Bangor.

A small group of disillusioned students who have lost faith in the Government they elected have taken to a most visual form of public expression of dissent. DemARTcarcy involves making a defiant statement through the beautiful destruction of an everyday object in order to convey a message, to make one’s voice be heard. In this case, a small group of students residing on College Road Upper Bangor threw out a fully working television set from a window in an action against the UK Government’s stance on tuition fees and their unfair access routes to further education for students across the UK. Previously, such acts of “art” have been witnessed in the film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel ‘Fight Club’. The immortal line: “I felt like destroying something beautiful.” would appear to be the inspiration behind the actions of the group. The rise in student illfeeling towards the introduction of tuition fees which will leave students further crippled by debt isn’t exactly a Hollywood blockbuster story line but is certainly encouraging to see such action being taken to raise awareness and bring about a fairer system that doesn’t have such a crippling effect on society in the long run..

The DemARTcracy group, who refused to comment on the event, felt that their actions spoke enough without any further comment required to cause speculation and conjecture. However, the group insisted they have no intentions of carrying out any illegal activity and will make every consideration for public well being at any future displays. The next planned event is set to take place at Bangor’s Stone Circle on Saturday October 1st at 12Noon.

NEWS

COMPETITION

THE PALGRAVE STUDENT PLANNER 2005-6 STELLA COTTRELL Published by Palgrave Macmillan £6.99 The Palgrave Student Planner 2005-6 is the complete selfmanagement tool designed especially for students. It’s the only planner to offer study skills advice, diary pages structured to help with time management, and plenty of space for personal information in a practical and attractive format. From assignment deadlines to budgeting personal finances, washing symbols and space to write in favourite local take-aways, The Palgrave Student Planner 2005-6 will be an essential purchase for all students wanting to manage their lives effectively.

STELLA COTTRELL is an Inspector for the Adult Learning Inspectorate, UK. Previously, she was Director of Lifelong Learning at the University of Luton and, for many years, specialized in study skills, dyslexia and educational development at the University of East London. She is the author of the bestselling The Study Skills Handbook and Skills for Success: The Personal Development Planning Handbook (both Palgrave Macmillan).

TO WIN ONE OF SEVERAL LOVELY PALGRAVE STUDY PLANNER PACKS SIMPLY E-MAIL THE EDITOR THE ANSWER TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Who Publishes Stella Cottrell’s Student Planner?

MORE COMPETITIONS:

PAGES: 13

14

17

FEATURE ARTICLE

September 2005 5

BUT WITH A MASSIVELY REDUCED MAJORITY

SERENDIPITY JOIN A CLUB! TRY OUT FOR A TEAM! MAKE NEW FRIENDS! PICK UP A FREEBIE OR TWO!

6

SURREALISM

September 2005

PATRICK

prelude to nudity. London is sexy, but not that sexy). Given our current situation and joyous bonhomie with these colourful characters, we accept.

Something strikes me as we enter the house. Something doesn’t sit right. Some sandwich? Oh, thanks. I note the kitchen is bigger than my house. I also note the table football table, with great, possibly too much, interest. Jokes are exchanged and a Good Time had. This strong will to engage is what I love most about socialising with strangers who you clearly have, although none of you are really sure of it yet, a lot in common with. When the dawn’s first light comes a’crawlin’ through the tall windows, our exuberance makes way for sleepiness. Fully prepped of our sleeping arrangements (down the stairs, first door on the left, between the gym and sauna), myself and faithful friend Adam take our weary heads away. Only then do I resolve my misgivings, and make the connection. The photos on the bathroom wall. The library of classics. The ukulele. The surname! I’m in Gruff Rhys-Jones’ house. Is he here? What do I say? I’m not presentable! He’s in Copenhagen? Probably for the best. After my last star struck moment with Mark Little at a cinema urinal, I don’t think I’m ready for a Gruff moment just yet. This would be weird if it wasn’t my birthday.

This is not a problem. There is no animosity between me and Gruff. Not yet.

Buoyed by this discovery, we proceed to find the master of the house’s underwear, slippers, and pinball machine (Another disclaimer: the underwear was by accident).

Excitement. Sleep.

The following morn is a funny one. It appears we are alone in the house.

Where are our hostesses? They said they had things to do, but would they leave us to our own devices? Struggling to cope with the emotional weight of being in the house of the host of Restoration, the funny one out of Smith and Jones, I inadvertently set off one of the house’s many alarms. I panic. Adam remains infuriatingly placid. The ying to my yang. The Ernie to my Bert. The phone rings. There is a knock at the door. I start jabbering, in hindsight, quite comically. How will it look if the police come bursting in to find two dishevelled students, alone in Gruff RhysJones’ house, wearing his fluffiest footwear? Felons they will cry! Visions of a night in Wormwood Scrubs bartering for my life while cigarettes cloud my judgement.

Adam moves to the first floor lounge window. Knowing a sniper situation when I see one, I physically restrain him from reaching his destination. Neighbours are gathering around the doorstep. Our only hope is that we are not alone. Scampering to the top of the house, we find our hostess emerging, panda eyed from her room. A quick phone call to the security company informs them that this particular popular TV personality has not been burgled, in any sense of the word, least of all by these two dancefloor fiends.

The day passes, and we all go our separate ways. We have a capital to flee, and with our dead phone batteries, I’m wondering if our friends and family are curious of our whereabouts. So where did this experience leave us? Well I, for one, marked the passing of my teens in memorable fashion. But what did we learn? We learnt to never stray too close to minor celebrities, or relations thereof. You WILL get carried away. You WILL put said celebrities underwear on your head and dance around singing “I’m Gruff Rhys-Jones!” You WILL be surprised at this man’s guitar collection.

A gig brought us together, and these instruments gave us communion. Maybe music IS a force for social good. Except jazz. Nobody likes that.

MOOREBACHOV

THE OH-SO-REAL SURREAL WORLD OF OUR LOCAL HERO

There are lots of people here, chatting and drinking and dancing. It’s a club, I reason, and therefore this is to be expected. I am one such person, merrily engaged in lively discourse with other sweaty gig goers. One is called Catherine, or ‘Catch’ if you know her well, like I don’t. Her and her friends are charming and engaging, making their invitation for us all to spill onto the streets together a welcome one. Our mischief made, we do indeed spill. I, and my friends, hear stories from our new friends about how London’s Centre Point (a tall building and short fountain) is a magnet for, of all things, human faeces.

Sensing danger in such a location, we high tail it to the nearest Prêt a Manger, because apparently such establishments are open at this hour. What time is it? We missed the last train. I hear an invitation to retire to Catch’s house for tea and biscuits, all though I never partake in at least one of those things (I believe feverishly in the power of disclaimers, and so I state that this invitation was not offered as a

LIE BACK AND SPEAK OF…WALES! Cymdeithas Llywelyn: The Welsh Learners’ Society

We don’t put on plays, dig up artefacts, discuss the Stock Market, take nice photos…

We learn Welsh, however, whenever, and wherever we want!

We’re here for learners of all abilities – whether you’ve only just realized that Welsh exists, or you learnt Welsh at school, whatever, it’s cool.

We provide friendly environments for learners to practice etc. with each other, meet new people – including other learners and fluent Welsh speakers. We have regular social events and provide the opportunity to be part of the Welsh-speaking community in Bangor. We’re always looking for new things to do (as long as they involve using Welsh!). So, if you think you can handle it, come and find us at Serendipity, or contact us at llywelyn@undeb.bangor.ac.uk.

Learners do it twice!

FEATURE ARTICLE

FEED THE POOR

September 2005

7

Healthy eating on a shoestring budget? Help is at hand!

By James Ainsworth

T

his article is intended to give advice on student eating and how to make our Government “borrowed� pennies go that little bit further in the supermarkets of Bangor.

Food is an everyday product that we consume with little thought and hardly a care for its origins, cost and the consequences of consumption. However, this article is not here to preach and from here on in, I am not going to garnish you with food related punnery.

So, we are students. We have a weekly budget of next to nothing...and we need to eat. We are students; so, that lovely social construction-stereotype, dictates we are; fat, unďŹ t, fast food junkies whose only form of exercise is mashing the pad to order a pizza or to change the channel.

We exclusively eat products with little or negative nutritional value and ďŹ ve-a-day is a measure of pints in the bar. Of course this is rubbish, thanks largely to society and media driven guilt, we the student population are also rich in anorexics and other eating disordelies. Sadly, image and social acceptance is everything.

As it is Fresher’s week, for some of you it may well be your ďŹ rst time away from home. Away from home cooking and those cushy mum prepared dinners just in time to watch The Simpsons and you are having to ďŹ ght for yourself to survive.

Where you get your next meal from could make or break your year, even more so if your are self-catered or worse still, have discovered the culinary leftover du jour in your onsite refectory and passed on the opportunity to indulge in such gastro-delights. First things ďŹ rst then, you are going to need to “Do a shopâ€?. Again this could well be another ďŹ rst time experience for you and ďŹ ll you with the fear and let’s face it, not for the ďŹ rst time in this alien environment of university and the ďŹ rst few weeks of this your new life. If you want to make a good start, and you are more than curious as to what you eat, then the basics shopping list (pictured) is a great way to eat cheaply and above all, healthily. While fresh food is best, its not always practical or more crucially, affordable so having a few tins of fruit and some frozen veg to hand will save you money and time when it comes to preparing your meal. (Always check the packaging for in-

structions on freezing foodstuffs and never re-freeze once defrosted or you may get a dicky tum). Sharing on regularly used items which can be bought in bulk, eg rice, pasta and potatoes and milk etc is another way of making the most of your

ď § Your basic shopping list: a great way to eat healthily without breaking the bank

7

communal situation.

The lovely people at the Welsh Food Standards Agency have recently put together a shiny new booklet (see below) aimed at the likes of you and me with lots of helpful and non-patronising advice on how to eat healthily; as well as great tips on how to save money at supermarkets and case studies from fellow students. You can view the booklet and/or request a copy online WWW. FOOD.GOV.UK It really would be a useful thing to have around in your kitchen this year.

We all know what we are supposed to eat and that a good balance of food groups will help keep our ďŹ nely tuned bodies in tip-top condition, but since when do we have the time to prepare a meal a la Jamie Oliver Patron Saint HOT TIPS FOR HEALTHIER of Children? Much easier EATING ON A TIGHT BUDGET to bung a frozen pizza or in stant mega-pie kit or chicken nuggets into the oven, right? # +#)

Ever considered what’s in

"#* ( &

those little shaped golden

#'( #

ďŹ nger pieces we call Chicken Nuggets? Try Beef, crushed

bones, additives; such as MSG

#) #) ( ( ( ( %)%) , $ , $

" (That’s a chemical what makes

you REALLY thirsty and is also a staple ingredient of Chinese Takeaways like) and if you ď § The new guide produced by the Welsh FSA that’s packed with loads of great are lucky, you may come across ways to eat healthily and cheaply. Available online at: www.food.gov.uk

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9

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a reformed water pumped, steroid fed bit of chickenamongst the sawdust and beef derivative gelatine(and you thought the toy was the surprise element of a Happy Meal). Now with a bit of clever shopping and forward planning of what you are going to eat during the week, you can make a far more appetising alternative, for example, a toastie with chicken, pork, cheese, tomato puree, and salad etc or any number of REAL, maybe even FRESH ingredients. You will be surprised how easy it is to quickly rustle up something that will satisfy your insatiable hunger, even if you are a kitchenaphobe.

Never underestimate the potential of the lowly baked potato. This cheeky thing is anyones after a few additions of cheese or tuna and a few minutes in the microwave, or the awesome power of quiche! The little black dress of savoury ans. A versatile number that works with almost anything and can ďŹ ll the hungriest of giants. All we are saying is give quiche a chance!

Sure it’s ok to have a take away once in a while and if you have a “naughty� chocolate bar you aren’t going to die, Also, if you are so inclined, some people choose to avoid Nestle products. WWW. BABYMILKACTION.ORG outlines it’s reasons for why you may opt to do such a thing. they suggest it is the conscientious way to eat happily. Knowing you’re not potentially aiding the death of babies in Africa as a result of diseased water mixed with baby formula which in itself, mother’s can ill afford, tastes soo much better.

If you are trying to eat with a conscience, it is admirable to purchase fair-trade and organic products as it really is important that farmers receive the money they deserve for their labouriously produced goods and the less man made chemicals we put through ourselves the better. However, we are students. We are not ďŹ nancially speaking in a position to make a difference in terms of affording these goods which retail at a premium. There are other means and ways of supporting this cause: Here comes the Bob Geldof bit “www. maketradefair.comâ€?

Hopefully this article has opened your eyes to the importance of eating properly whilst at uni and suggested several helpful and easy ways of going about doing so in the least patronising of ways.

8 September 2005

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Deep in the murky depths of the Seren office is a dark recess leading to another world. A world greater than Narnia, with back issues of every Seren gone before. From the dawn of the printing press to the current day we bring you a glimpse into the past when animals talked and accommodation was cheap. The extensive archives are scoured for the weird, the scandalous and the irreverent. These are the front pages of yester-year that shaped our Bangor today....

De

To stu

Re so

A A LOOK LOOK BACK BACK AT THE AT THE SEREN SEREN OF OF OLDOLD

By CHRIS SNOOKES

Behold! ‘A quantum technological leap into engineering unknowns’ the Charlatans cried as the flying man cage thwarped above the streets of Bangor. It was an industrial feat of monolithic proportion a true icon by sheer scale of mans dominance over the rugged and treacherous terrain of Bangor Mountain that had proved almost impassable for inebriated students crawling back to the St Mary’s site for billions of years.

In the months leading up to its momentous unveiling excitement in North Wales had reached fever pitch with masses descending upon the University City every day to see these ‘Sky Transportation Podules’ as they were known by locals, hurl both the brave, the ballsy and of course students at speeds unknown to man across the bustling streets below. Some came from as far away as Caernarfon others took to horseback along the A55 but all who had made the pilgrimage to see the intricate web of industrial sugar spun steel that so elegantly webbed above the streets of Bangor were staggered by what they saw.

It could so easily have been a pub-lunch-back-ofthe-matchbox scrawling from HG Wells himself. A transcendent vision into the future of Student transportation in Bangor and beyond, perhaps one day the man cage would connect institutions all over the U.K carrying student types, lost tourists and practical jokes the length and breadth of the country. Needless to say like many great wonders of the era the dream that was the ‘Bangor Sky Lift’ as first highlighted in an exclusive report by Seren’s own Isabel Sim will forever remain lost in the eighties. Somewhere between Care Bears and The Goonies no doubt.

Lets not forget at the time this was a ground breaking news story which flung the very boundaries of student journalism into the murky unknown and completely eclipsed many of the other potential front page candidates.

So hot off the press was this story infact that an artist worth his salt just could not be found to provide an adequate ‘impression’ of the ‘Sky Lift’ and so a two-minute scrawling on the back of a napkin in the Union Canteen by the editor had to suffice. It was a Jim’ll Fix it like no other for the students of Bangor who had grew tired of the conventionality and monotony of ‘walking’ to and from lectures and longed only for a industrial sized ‘Tomorrow’s World’ monstrosity to be dumped on the landscape to aid them in their despair. It was left in the hands of an unknown and rather dubious Scottish firm allegedly based in Aberdeen to provide the financial backing, the Jim’ll of the ‘Fix-it’ equation as it were and thus cast a silver lining around everyone’s cloud. But look above your heads on the Deniol Road today and no such dream is visible. Cables are mere wisps of sunlight fleeting through an Autumn sky, concrete supports are all but street lamps dispersed solemnly along the kerbside and lifts full of busy students are simply clouds floating carelessly by on a mellow journey to condensation.

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FEATURE

September 2005 9

MEET YOUR UNION EXECUTIVE Laurel (Welfare Officer) Define your role in no more than 10 words To represent and provide advice to all students on a range of matters (That’s 13-Editor)

These people here have been elected by the students to represent the students for the students ya da ya da...

But who are these people? Here is your inextensive guide to the Student’s Union Executive.

Stephen (AU President) Define your role in no more than 10 words To make sure the sports clubs run smoothly and effectively.

Hobbies?

Playing Football and watching Burnley, Playing Cricket and watching Lancs, Rugby and Squash (Most Sports), Watching Films.

Top-tip for Freshers?

Remember everyone is in the same boat so make as many friends as possible and be there for each other If you were a drink, which would you be?

Probably orange cordial, cos I am always around, quite sympathetic after the night before and almost always guaranteed not to run out on you or let you down.

Favourite Pub in Bangor?

Paddys If you were a drink, which drink would you be?

Lager (pint of) and some some pork scratchings!

Musical taste?

Anything, I know nothing about music

Anything else to add?

Come on you Clarets! Anything to ask about the AU my door is always open!

Plans for this year?

Run lots of campaigns which are relevant to the student body, i.e. my Welfairy Campaign that starts this week (I am so excited!).

By James Ainsworth

Llion (UMCB President) Define your role in no more than 10 words.

Run the Welsh Union, For the Welsh Students.

Hobbies?

Photography, gardening, reading, playing pool & snooker, films, watching rugby,…. The list goes on!

Favourite Pub in Bangor?

Y Glôb If you were a drink, which drink would you be?

Pint of Brains. Welsh through and through, staunch supporter of the (Grand-Slam Winning) Welsh Rugby team.

Plans for the year?

I intend to increase the services which the Welsh Union provides to its members, and build on the successes of last year. Increase participation in the activities and democracy of both the Welsh Union and the Union, and give you the students, more opportunity to tell us at the Union what you want.

Rachael, but lots of people call me Dizzy (CCSO) Hobbies?

I’m a big fan of the outdoors (I love kayaking, climbing, camping and playing games on the beach!) The rest of the time I really enjoy going to the cinema, eating out and dancing (usually after lots of vodka!).

Top-tip for Freshers?

GO TO SERENDIPITY! Plans for this year?

A new website (www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk), a clubs and societies dinner and awards, offices for seren and storm, support for clubs and societies, increased awareness of what the union actually does and lots of fun.

Rob (President) Define your role in no more than 10 words.

Representation, advice, help, support, knowledge, campaigning for student rights Favourite Pub in Bangor?

Belle Vue is great for quiet drink or a game of pool, and Paddy’s is a really good place to start a pub crawl.

Top-tip for Fresher’s?

Join a club or society; it will be the best way to make friends If you were a drink, which drink would you be?

I would be ‘Guinness’ because occasionally I am slightly bitter, but I get easier to drink the better I am poured. I also have a good head on top, which diminishes as the night goes on. Of course the light head and the dark drink represent the inner turmoil of my ying and yang.

10

FILM

September 2005

***Top 5 movies of the summer***

By Rob Harris

Summer 2005 has been pretty poor in the quality of it’s film output, with the odd exception, and so below are 5 of the best from a rather bad bunch.

Batman B

egins (200

5)

he ing Cras

*****

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DVD Review: Sin City ****

By Rob Harris

Out on DVD at the beginning of Welcome Week is Robert Rodriguez’s and Frank Miller’s film of Frank Miller’s comic book Sin City. Unlike any other comic book film to date, Sin City is perhaps the most faithful adaptation yet to grace the big screen.

Sin City is about three vaguely intertwining stories, linked only by location and one character. Each story is about attractive, scantily clad, ladies and tough antiheroes who save the attractive, scantily clad, ladies. Intermixed with the tough antiheroes saving the attractive, scantily clad, ladies is lots of extreme violence. What the film lacks in substance it makes up for in direction, acting, style and flare.

The all star cast perform decently with Mickey Rourke returning to top form as the tough, anti-hero in the first story. Filmed all in digital on a green back drop makes Sin City one of the first fully digital film to date, which Rodriguez uses to the advantage of the film. Sin City’s cinematography is excellent with splashes of colour expertly used in the midst of the black and white film.

Sin City is highly recommended for film connoisseurs although may be a bit to hard going for the casual cinema goer or those of week stomach. The film will not appeal to all tastes so in this case it is best to rent before you buy.

Look out for a new FILM night right here in your SU. Sit back and enjoy the latest in top-notch independent and feature films in the plush surroundings of your Academi Bar. Soak in the opulence. when you have nothing better to do on a Monday night. Let that essay remain untouched and broaden your mind, embiggen the senses. Take in a Gin or two and get behind the SEREN campaign for fresh POPCORN! This new regular night is going to be a favourite. Look out for listings coming soon.

MUSIC

AKIRA THE DON

September 2005

11

By Chris Alcock

We thought it’d be an idea to interview soon-to-be-massive rapper Akira The Don, “The Hip Hop Morrissey”, about the town in which he grew up, (and recently at Christmas for a show at Hendre Hall), that his ruminations might be of benefit to all the freshers. So we did.

What are your favourite places in Bangor?

The Bible Gardens are lovely, or they were. Perhaps they are full of heroin addicts now, I don’t know. I spent many a happy hour sat in there, pondering.

It was all ruined though, by some of my friends and fat kid I think was called Daniel, although I may be wrong. Some of my friends thought it would be terribly entertaining if I were to fight this dude, so they did the necassary tattling, and so it was set up. Now, this kid was a fat little thing when we were 12 or whatever, but around the time this happened, when I was 14, he’d suddenly gone through that ugly growth spurt children do, so I was confronted, in the glory of the Bible Gardens, with this mean faced man-mountain, where I thought a wobbly nerd would be. So I hit the side of his head, with all the strength I could muster. My knuckles left a slight indentation on his cheek, and a smirk, then he drove his mighty paw into the side of my face and I couldn’t chew for a fortnight. That was pretty rubbish.

For eating in Bangor, I used to like Woolies pick n mix after school. Them fifty pees outside Woolies are great, for shoplifter spotting. I got caught shoplifting in Wollies twice, and on both occasions had an audience of my peers to see my shame. If you want a beer I would say not to go to the Greek Taverna, which is where everybody seems to go, as it is draughty, nor the Fat Cat, for it is poncey, but instead opt for the warmer confines of The Old Vaults in lower Bangor, where I used to collect glasses and get in fights with nationalists. And of course, Cob Records is ace, if you’re into that sort of thing.

Sightseers are advised to go up Tregarth, and snog somebody you sort of fancy, as it is the right procedure, then leave Bangor and go to Penmon point. Me and this lad Simon Hughes thought we were going to die once when we fell down a landfill in the quarry. That place rules. When you’re done with Penom, pop to Beaumaris and say hi to my Nan, she’s running the bingo up there right now.

You’re not Bangor’s only Pop export - Any chance of a collaboration with local Electropop genius David Wrench?

I have never met the chap, but have been a huge admirer of his work since I heard that song that sounded like an even more sardonic Nick Cave on the “S4C Makes Me Want To Smoke Crack” EP. His recent stuff is amazing too. One of my old mates from Friars, Gwilym, came across Wrench’s website recently and emailed us all freaking out “that crazy 12 foot albino we used to see wandering about is a genius popstar!” Bangor used to be full of albinos actually, they were everywhere. Couldn’t move for albinos in Upper Bangor on a Saturday evening, I have no idea why.

“Itchily catchy glam-rock stompers” NME “El-Presidente is fun catchy and art-rock enough to be very cool. Think Talking Heads at an electroclash night” Dazed and Confused “The insane missing link between Funkadelic, Led Zepplin and the Beach Boys” The Times

Saturday 1st October// Nos Sadwrn 1 Hydref El-Presidente//The Upper Room//The Heights Doors//Drysau: 8pm-Price//Pris: £5

What do you think of the impact of the student population on Bangor?

Certainly, students add to the city - it was Bangor students that first introduced me to the joys of weed, when I was 14. Back then, we Ysgol Friars childrens would play rugby at break, and I wasn’t into that, because I didn’t like getting trampled on, weirdly, so I started hanging out with this sweet hippie student girl and her mates. They thought I was cool because I knew who Leonard Cohen and The Levellers were and had a home made Rape Me T shirt. No-one else in the whole world thought I was cool, so that was very attractive to me. I do remember noticing that they all chose to live in squalor though, which I thought odd. I have never been one for squalor.

Further from Bangor, you’ve played with GLC (and weathered comparisons to them).

Whats your view on the state of hip hop in Wales?

GLC rep where they’re from, with wit, and the best beats in the country, no-one can say a word against them and not look like a fool. Newport isn’t much like Bangor mind, but we did call hash draw, and there are lots of townies. I hear they’re shutting down Deiniolen, forcing out all the cool little shops where I used to buy chokers. That is sad. Soon every town in the United Kingdom will look like Exteter and we shall all have to throw ourselves in the sea.

I am forgetting the point here, for which I can but apologise. Welsh hiphop has been in an excellent state for 20 years. Probably as it doesn’t seem to concerned with what everybody else is doing, and no-one making it has much money, so it doesn’t all sound the same. It would be better if Mabon was still spitting, but I think he’s very happy chopping wood and making pretty songs about evil, so we’ll leave him be. Mudmowf is pretty rotten though, we like him round my way. Pep Le Pew are harsh. Llanfaerglyndwr are seriously hardcore.

Actually, I am doing a song with Brave Captain for his record. He is one of the acest men in the world. Speaking of ace men, Boobytrap keep is locked down south, SFA rule the world, Richey keeps watch from heaven, and Tom Jones reps from afar in Vegas.

When’s the new single out?

It is out in October, we just had (MC) Bashy fly out to New York to film the live action video, and me and the little bro are finishing up the animated one right now. Danny Saber and Mothboy and Whitey have done remixes. The sample is Alice Cooper’s “Clones (We’re All)” from “Flush The Fashion”, some classic s**t. Alice personally cleared it, and didn’t ask for an arm or a leg, so I am forever in his debt. I used to walk around Bangor in a Trash T Shirt with his lovely face on it when I was 11 you know.

See www.AkiraTheDon.com for a near constant stream of rambling on the state of the world, updates on The Don and downloads of his excellent mixtape series.

For those of you who are musically lactose intolerant and cant hack your cheese or your palette can’t accommodate the acquired “FLAVA” of R n B then *TRASH* is the alternative night for you. Offering two rooms of the finest rock, indie, emo, electro and downright dirty metaaaal (amongst many other genres with silly names), Wednesday nights in Time are the place for you to hear great music played by the finest locally sourced DJs with a keen ear for all types of music and not just your average NME force fed gubbins. Whether you just want to sit and tap your foot with a pint of the purple stuff or throw delicious shapes on the dance floor, *TRASH* is a relaxed attitude free evening of good music and good company. Tasty.

EVERY WEDNESDAY NIGHT. ACADEMI

12

MUSIC

September 2005

The Silent Type-

By James Ainsworth

It has taken me nearly a week to get round to reviewing this album. It has made an impact on me like no other record. A debut effort from The Silent Type. Its not through lack of want or through lack of appeal. It is because of the emotional effort exerted on the listener of this despairingly beautiful record. So striking and considered. On the first listen, it drops upon you such an ache of poignancy and comfort.

Those who seek solace will do better to seek this and let it wrap around you, engulf, calm, hurt and soothe.

The emotion of this record is best encaptured on track five; ‘Some Curious and Beautiful Maps’. So pure and delicate that it fills the most vacuous of silences with its wispy twin vocals and gorgeous tinkling piano line: So expansive and dreamy with its swelling of intensity and simplicity. The power and majesty of this track finds it force in the delivery of the vocals from Amber Blankenship. Not

Of Writing/ Of Violence

since the first hearing of ‘Short Stories with Tragic Endings’ by From Autumn to Ashes has a female vocal struck such a sensitive and emotive chord compounding misery whilst instilling an air of change for the good and gained more than my passing stare out of the window into the August afternoon rain which fills my view as far as the moment. As bleak as my surroundings are, the lyrics reflect, “There once was a world so perfect and flat that men sailed off her edge.” To highlight the distinction of this track is to do a disservice to the other songs on the album yet it is just so hard to not go back again and again for more anguish disguised by the collective musical talents of The Silent Type.

While some may view the lexical depth of the lyrics as irksome and above all contrived, the words are assembled with consideration and aren’t being used for the sake of prentiounsness and pomp. ‘The Gift’ details exactly the respect that Nathan Altice has for words and their immense power. “Whether venom or honey,

whether poison or cure, whether violence or beauty, I present you no more than an offering of words i’ve grown to adore.” Such a simple notion explained in one of their more rousing numbers. To follow this lexical extravagance through, the imagery found in title track ‘Of Writing/ Of Violence’ is worthy of a Scrabble score and a half in itself

Album closer ‘Zeppelin’ is an eerie, insipid atmospheric creation that builds with soft guitars, strings and a mournful vocal musing until the sixth minute ticks across from the fifth and the drums thump the string laden pool of despair to the murkiest of depths. And so, the journey complete from the opening track and the dank optimism from whence it came. Own this record. Not for the sake of adding to a collection or for some light persuasion on my part and weakness on yours. Own this record because you want to experience it and all the touches it offers. Five years in the making. Five years of conjuring and embellishing in the creative mind of Nathan Atice and its fruition

is the most delicate of blossom that will fall to ground so silently and remain so still and unheard by many who have overlooked and neglected to appreciate the beauty of what is on offer.

For those that clamber for a comparison, a benchmark of someone else’s work, then I proffer you the likes of Seafood (Circa: As the Cry Flows and its delicious folksier moments) and/or a more down-tempo and grandiose Rilo Kiley. The Silent Type liberate a tighter melody and flow with such ubiquitous cohesion: the consistency of the songs therefore, impeccable.

The delectable use of one precious word with another to create a silver-thread phrase that hangs itself so humbly prevails throughout.

That this band started out as the vision of one man and has expanded to a full line-up of six accomplished and rounded musicians with a recording so perfectly executed from the vision of that one mind is a testament to the belief in the quality of the songwriting and the drive for substance.

L tive o and c else c you s in the Towe (Purv where track!

A the v such l

Reuben-Very Fast Very Dangerous

By Chris Alcock

£££SPARE CASH???

S P E N D YOUR LOAN ON THE FOLLOWING CDS:

Damn! This record’s broken, and certainly not in the Roy Castle sense. It just keeps repeating itself. Distorted drop-D chugga-chugga riff, dude yelling about alcohol in a sub “Design for Life” manner, dude shouting about his mother...

Arcade Fire: Funeral

Damn! My mistake! How stupid do *I* look? It’s actually just a really one dimensional record by unambitious post-grunge three piece Reuben.

Sigur Ross: Takk

Gone are their early days, those halcyon times of constant tippings as “next mediumsized thing”, days of dumb, catchy, heartfelt crunch-pop wundertunes like “Scared of the Police” and “Let’s Stop Hanging Out” and in its place is this. It’s certainly dumb and crunchy, occasionally catchy and arguably heartfelt, but, and this is a big but, it’s just not nearly as good Of the 13 tracks here (at 50 minutes, it’s hardly “Very Fast” and the only “Danger” is of frustrated boredom) 10 are near indistinguishable “Helmet rip-offs” (the band admit as much in the lyrics to “Return of the Jedi”), 2 are low rent Foo Fighting ballads and one is the narrow-mindedly-titled “Every time a Teenager Listens to Drum & Bass a Rockstar Dies”, a failed attempt at broadening the album’s horizons with a drum machine.

Of the up-tempo “numbers”, current single “Keep it to Yourself ” is sweet like (Mud)honey and shows that they aren’t all that bad, as do a few other nifty riffs and the string coda to “Nobody Loves You Like I Do”. In fact, they’re still fun live, wheeling out the oldies for a little nostalgic pogo, but their entertainment value is mainly due to frontman Jamie Lenman’s immense affability, a charm almost entirely lacking from this record.

When Return of the Jedi complains about having to quit the band and get a real job, given this album’s workmanlike nature, you’d be hard-pressed to see a difference.

Kanye West: Late Registration Finley Quaye: Vanguard

Spice presents : Amser/Time Friday 7th October//Nos Wener 7 Hydref 1XTRA Welcome to Uni Tour//Spice” yn cyflwyno 1XTRA Welcome to Uni Tour Mista Jam~G Child~Ace & Invisable Doors//Drysau: 8pm Price//Pris:£5

Fre ten ket D uniq bus D herb qua D herb Stua

TRA

able

MUSIC

September 2005

13

BLUNT: HIGH CHANCE OF USING THE ‘B’ WORD

JIMMY EAT WORLD: YIPEE EP YIP-EP

Patron Saint of Bland, James Blunt is set to release his follow up single to that one what were real popular for some reason or other. His new single ‘High’ features the ‘B’ word at least four times! According to his website biography, “Blunt ’s family have served in one kind of army or another since 995 A.D. A long line of warriors. Savages really. Not a musical bone in any one of their bodies.” So expect some more Bedlam from the well-spoken one as he gets medieval on the chart’s heiny once again. For more exciting Blunt related frippery, you might like to visit a new-fandangled website contraption or read Top Of The Pops Magazine. Beautiful.

The super-duper masters of emotionally intense rock Jimmy Eat World are set to release a fantabulous EP to bridge the gap between ‘Futures’ and the recording of their next hotly anticipated album. ‘Stay On My Side Tonight’ is a 5 tracked delight which according to the band, “showcases the Jimmy Eat World musical spectrum” 3 never before released tracks (‘Disintergration’, ‘Over’ and ‘Closer’) are backed up with a tantalising cover of Heatmiser’s ‘Half Right’ and a fully deconstructed and messed up version of ‘Drugs or Me’. The original of which featured on JEW’s ‘Futures’ album. The ‘Stay On My Side Tonight; EP is set for CD release on October 4th.

The Bands Of The Future !n B a n g o r (erm...Today!)

By James Ainsworth

L!VE is a brand spanking new night that is a decent alternative offering of joy and rapture that brings you all the latest up and coming bands that are fresher than a Glade Plug-in. Where else can you say to your so-called friends back home that you saw the likes of El Presidente (Suited and Booted in the finest fabrics that Scotland has to offer), The Towers of London (My God these guys have hair!) and (Purveyors of Bass line awesomeness) Apartment, anywhere before your friends try to play this “Wicked new track!” Straight off their NOW 89 Compilation.

All these bands and many more can be yours for the viewing before they appear on CD:UK and the such like, if you get your badself down to Time on a Sat-

urday night. Hey, there are even a bunch of DJs to fill the gaps between 100% L!ve sets of- fering the latest in sonic waves of sounds that will make you wanna move.

This isnt just *BEEF*, this is L!VE Aberdeen Angus Top Quality Choice Cuts of whats going to be on your stereo.

This is a fortnightly event that YOU will talk about just in time for the next show. “How much am i going to have to part with every two weeks for such entertainment? What cost must one pay to have a good time, to avoid a D.I.S.C.O?” 500 pennies! “No!” YES! Just £5 and you are into the Saturday Night L!VE experience you have craved!

MESTER ! !

E S IS H T R O G N BA tree ! ! APPEARING IN R!fles ~ Money e Mart!n! Henry

~

e He!ghts ~ Th ed Hand pper Room ~ Th U e Th ~ e nt Apartment ~ R de ! ~ en ue El Pres cQ M ~ wers Of London arate Plus ~ To K al on ! t na er nt !

The conf!rmed and more to be ~ 2 P A TR ~ nd Ba

COMPETITION Freshers week should be one of the most memorable weeks of your life, but too much partying can often leave you a little jaded and worse for ware! Instead of hiding behind closed doors, why not put the kettle on and invite some new friends round for a Detox Tea break.

Dr Stuart’s Detox tea is a delicious herbal tea blending Dandelion, Burdock, Sage and Ginger, Detox tea. This unique tea is perfect for cleansing and refreshing your system and is bound to leave you feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed!

Dr Stuart’s Botanical teas are unique in that they are currently the only brand in the UK to use DAB 10 grade herbs. (DAB 10, the highest measurable standard in the world which means that the herbs are of high enough quality to be used in medical products.)

Described as ‘the father of modern herbalism’, Dr Malcolm Stuart has been researching the medical benefits of herbs for over 20 years. After experiencing first hand the role of plants in good health whilst studying in Africa, Dr Stuart was asked to develop a range of herbal products RSP £1.39 - £1.89 for 20 bags

The first 10 people to e-mail the editor with the subject DETOX TEATOX will win a Dr Stuart’s Prize Pack!

14

STORM FM

September 2005

Storm FM is Bangor’s official student radio station. It broadcasts to the Ffriddoedd site though out throughout the entire academic year. There are two ways to listen to Storm the obvious radioway on 87.7 fm or via our website, so you can sit in the libary and badger away at that essay while listening to your favorite tunes.

the world in general. If you’re a Footy fan the sports show is a must with live goal flashes from around the grounds.

If you need to know anything more about Storm then you can visit the website at www.stormfm.com for timetables, presenter profiles, news and lots more.

ARE YOU FED UP OF SEEING THIS...

By James Ainsworth

Storm’s tag line is “the best in pop, rock and dance”

...IN YOUR STUDENT NEWSPAPER? THEN GET INVOLVED. COME AND SEE US AT SERENDIPITY THIS FRESHERS WEEK...WE HAVE BADGES! which is rather handy since that is what it does. So whether your taste be The Strokes or Coldplay, Faithless or 50 Cent, Storm will have what you want. Not only that but it will have it as fast as anyone else so you can keep your finger on the pulse of the best new music.

There are shows on Storm most evenings and every weekday lunch with a breakfast show coming soon.

These shows will give you everything from specialist music to a guide to what is going on in Bangor and

If you want to contact Storm for a request, shout out or anything else you can think of you can get hold of the studio in three ways; by e-mail at studio@ stormfm.com, by phone on 01248383235 or text just text STORM to 60300. (standard network rates apply).

COMPETITION There’s nothing worse than venturing into the loo first thing in the morning only to discover a night-time user has missed and sprinkled all over the floor! Now, thanks to the UK launch of Jonny Glow, a must-have product that illuminates the precise location of the toilet bowl, people who are challenged in the “aim department” (most notably men and children) can see where to pee and gain accurate guidance in the dark.

Besides saving energy, Jonny Glow is an ideal “toilet training” and hygiene tool as it helps men and boys with their “target practise”. The product also identifies whether the seat is up or down in total darkness, which can avoid an unfor-

Jonny Glow uses the latest photo luminescent technology to light up the whole inner rim of the toilet bowl.

The product can be fitted to any standard toilet, enabling it to glow in the dark every night without using batteries. Who needs a bathroom light when they can follow the glow?

tunate error. It can even help men who have had a few too many beers differentiate between the toilet and the bathroom cupboard!

Jonny Glow glows for 10 hours after charging for just 15 minutes in natural or

ALTERNATIVELY, E-MAIL THE EDITOR SAYING YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED. ITS THAT SIMPLE!

By James Ainsworth

artificial light. The charging process can be repeated unlimited times. With a userfriendly design, the product adheres easily to any toilet rim, remains inconspicuous when the room is lit, is easy to clean, and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Jonny Glow costs £9.99 and is currently available from www.jonnyglow.co.uk

!!TO WIN THIS AWESOME INNOVATION SIMPLY E-MAIL THE EDITOR WITH THE NAME OF THE CARTOON CHARACTER FOUND ON THE JONNY GLOW WEBSITE!!

THE

RIGHT

CULTURE

TIME

TO

September 2005 15

WRITE

By Chris Snookes Get heard. Get involved. Get writing. Now more than ever creative writing is en vogue, its revival spurred by the ease and accessibility of the internet in the form of blogs and ezines combined with a rising trend in underground periodicals, counter-culture supplements and urban youth magazines have brought to the fore a generation who wittingly bring together some of the most vibrant and exciting social commentary of our time.

Observations maybe, but the number of students enrolling on media related courses and in particular those choosing to specialise in journalism across the U.K has risen dramatically over the past decade. To the point it seems where the torrent of ambitious young hopefuls wishing to break into the industry have forced the demand for places on some courses through the roof. Last year coincidently Sheffield University faced an onsurge of 850 applicants for only 65 places on its specialist journalism course proof if proof were needed that this ‘fashion of the 90’s’ as Peter Cole, the Professor of Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire would have it has gained maximum momentum and for the meantime shows no signs of losing energy.

Some, this trend argue comes at a significant cost to the industry in the future, but I beg to differ. After facing mounting criticism from all angles regarding a lack of credible English and apparent grammatical incompetence under the seering spotlight of both GCSE and A-Level examinations and enduring the wholly unfair and unjust drones from the usual detractors regarding the value and ease of these qualifications themselves. Our undergraduate hopefuls are then confronted by scoffs that the course on which the hopes and dreams of breaking into the industry rest upon and for which a great deal of effort and personal sacrifice has been made, is for all its worth nothing but a “Mickey Mouse subject” as expertly defined by the opposition and tabloids alike. Ironic? Surely. True? Certainly not. For as far as I can see beyond it, this ‘fashion’ is the product of a shift in the life and times of today’s youth culture where freedom of expression, cultural acceptance and much wider appreciation for both technology and the arts are mere tools for your average suburban correspondent themselves one of many acting as the driving catalyst of today’s youth culture.

with creating new student media.

If any of this has left any sort of indelible print on your creative engine if you think your starter motor has the spark, the energy, the passion, the determination and above all if you know you have what it takes, then write. Never again will the opportunities to be as expressive and free with your writing be open to you like they are here at university so take the chance and get involved and have fun! Student Media in whatever form affords the opportunity to have a degree of creative control over what you write, what is printed and how your work looks that is just not available in the commercial industry.

Here at Seren we are constantly looking for people who want to write. People who are reliable, imaginative and in touch with what the readers want and we are looking to fill key positions on the team. If you want to contribute to Bangor’s only official English speaking newspaper then please do not hesitate to get in touch with the editor at editor@seren. bangor.ac.uk Get heard. Get involved. Get writing.

As if to further reiterate these changing times the NUS have recently cemented their support and acknowledgement of the diverse and vibrant mix of student media here in the UK by unveiling a new Student Media sub-section to the already extensive NUS Online at www.nusonline.co.uk/studentmedia with everything you need to know to about getting involved with your universities own media, publications and stations and getting hands-on

COMEDY

By Chris Snookes

@ Theatre GWYNEDD

A Quick What’s On? Looking for filler between lectures and letting you hair down? Tired of Sleeping away Saturday? Why not give these suggestions a some meaningful thought, there’s just so much going on you cant afford to lie-in anymore.

JEREMY HARDY Tuesday 18 October 8pm Tickets £13 EARLY PURCHASE SAVER Tickets £11

A few of the cinema listings at Theatre Gwynedd worth seeing this Autumn…

THE DESCENT – Caves, Girls, Dark and Death.

KUNG FU HUSTLE – Kung-Fu Comedy, Love it!

Sunday 16th October7.30pm

Saturday 1st October to Sunday 2nd October 7.30pm

Price: 5.40 adults 4.40 Price: 5.40 adults 4.40 Students.

Students. [SAVER PAY FOR [SAVER PAY FOR YOUR YOUR TICKET 24 HOURS MILLIONS – Not to TICKET 24 HOURS IN IN ADVANCE 4.90 Adults be missed comedy ADVANCE 4.90 Adults 3.90 Students] from Bangor’s own 3.90 Students] Danny Boyle Friday 16th September to Saturday 17th September 7.30pm Price: 5.40 adults 4.40 Students.

[SAVER PAY FOR YOUR TICKET 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE 4.90 Adults 3.90 Students]

RICH HALL Monday 28 November 8pm Tickets £13 EARLY PURCHASE SAVER Tickets £11

September 2005

WELFARE

16

Starting Freshers Week expect to see your very own welfaries walking around Time/Amser and Accademi giving out free condoms.

As part of the campaigns and promotions the Advice Centre is planning to run this year, a sexual health awareness week is a key focus.

This campaign week will actually commence in early December to incorporate World Aids Day on the 1st. However the welfaries will be visiting your evening venues throughout the term with the hope of raising safe sex awareness and publicising the Advice Centre.

Welcome to the Student Services Centre

The Student Services Centre provides a range of professional support services for students. Located on the third and fourth oors of the Students’ Union Building, it is open daily all year round.

You can contact the Centre by: Calling in between 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday Tel: 01248 382024 Textphone: 01248 371811 Fax: 01248 383588 E-mail: studentservices@bangor.ac.uk www.bangor.ac.uk/ar/main/ssc/

Although the welfaries will be giving away free condoms you can purchase femidoms, Up to date information on services, and information on a range of student support issues is maintained on the Student Services Web Site. condoms (of all shapes, sizes and avours) and lubricants from the Advice Centre at next to • Student Counselling Service: a completely conďŹ dential professional counselling service. To make an apnothing prices, just drop into the Advice cen- pointment please contact Kelly on 01248 382024, or alternatively email studentservices@bangor.ac.uk tre, 3rd oor of the union, between 10am and The Counselling service offer drop-in sessions every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during term-time between 4pm.

11:30am-12:30pm.

Feeling alone? Missing Home? Wondering why you came? Want to see a friendly face?

Come to the Counselling Service Open Door Sessions during Welcome Week. Meet the counselling team along with other students who are having difďŹ culties ďŹ nding their feet, and join us for a cup of coffee and a biscuit!

Wednesday 28th September Thursday 29th September Wednesday 5th October & -Friday 7th October All between 2 & 4pm in Glanrafon Flat.

•Student Housing Service:

for details of private rented accommodation, general help and advice in housing searches. Contact Amy and David on 01248 382034/382032 •Disability Support: for information and advice on provision for disabled students. Contact Carolyn Donaldson-Hughes or Linda Byrne on 01248 382570/382024 •International Student Welfare Adviser: information, advice and support for International students and their families. Contact Jennie Holloway on 01248 388430 •Advice on Course withdrawals/transfers, general welfare matters: a member of staff who can offer guidance on options, liaising with departments and LEA’s. Contact Steph Barbaresi on 01248 382023 •Student Health Services: health services for students; certiďŹ cation; advice on meningitis and mumps. A wide range of medical facilities are provided at the Bodnant

Your Union: Your Campaigns!

Hello all My name is Stuart Edwards and I am the Campaigns ofďŹ cer for the Students’ union here in Bangor. I basically get involved and promote N.U.S national campaigns and arrange local campaigns in our union, university and local issues.

Campaigns currently under construction

However, I need your help! I am looking for a variety of diverse, enthusiastic and expressive people to get involved – helping to get campaign messages out to the people. This involves arranging, developing and expressing a variety of different views through the medium of union campaigns.

• Campaign for a welsh medium federal collage

I will be manning a stall with other volunteers at serendipity so come and say hello (I will have lollipops) and on Tuesday 4th October (Week after freshers’ week) I will be holding a meeting in Academi to recruit a committee and create a members scheme so everyone can get involved. There is not a committee currently in place, therefore there are plenty of opportunities to express ideas, opinions and views on what you feel needs to be shouted about!

• And with your input there could be so much more.

• Sexual and metal health awareness • The ďŹ ght against tuition fees

• Fighting homophobia and racism • Promoting the cultural and social diversity of our university

Contact Stuart at: campaigns@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

LETTERS

September 2005

17

Dear Reader, This is a call to you to fill YOUR page.

Please send in your letters, e-mails, photos of Uni Life etc and we will publish the best of the lot. There will be a Seren Goody Bag (Whatever is lying around in the office) for the best submission. Send your stuff to: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk.

Seren

Didn’t make it to the Caribbean for your holiday this summer? Was it a bit more B&B in Bodmin than beaches in Barbados? Well fear not, as on 21.11.05 and 28.11.05 MALIBU® are set to bring a taste of the exotic direct to your students’ union, with the launch of new MALIBU® Pineapple and MALIBU® Mango and the Seriously exotic parties!

On arrival at the venue everyone** will be given a Seriously exotic booklet on a garland, complete with a voucher for a FREE drink of either MALIBU® Pineapple or MALIBU® Mango – great when served with lemonade and ice! Don your finest Caribbean clobber for some Seriously exotic fancy dress fun, or join in the dance competition to find the best exotic rump shaker. Poke your head through the cut out boards for a photo memento or even take part in a full-on fruit fight, and throw foam pineapples & mangos into giant Fruit Basket Heads to win prizes!

To celebrate and get you in the mood for the Seriously exotic parties on 21.11.05 and 28.11.05, SEREN have a Seriously exotic Party Pack to giveaway to one lucky reader. Containing a bottle of MALIBU® Mango and a bottle of MALIBU® Pineapple, a MALIBU® cocktail pitcher, MALIBU® glasses, MALIBU® swizzle sticks, MALIBU® lip balm and key pouch, it contains everything you could need to prepare for a night of exotic entertainments!

To enter, email the correct answer to the question below, along with your contact details and D/O/B to editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk by 31st October 2005. All those who answer the question correctly, will be entered into a draw to win a Seriously exotic Party Pack.

Q: How is MALIBU® Mango and MALIBU® Pineapple best served?

A. With Lemonade and ice B. On toast C. Medium rare

Terms and conditions apply (for full terms and conditions please go to www.makingwaves.co.uk)

Terms and conditions apply: Please go to www.makingwaves.co.uk

18

September 2005

SPORT

COME AND HAVE A GO IF YOU THINK...

Venue Locations Bangor Swimming Pool

• Located on Deiniol Road at the opposite end to the train station • Walking distance from SU?: YES (10 minutes)

Ffridd Pitch

• Located on the Ffriddoedd site behind Y Borth and next to Maesglas • Walking distance from SU?: YES (15 minutes)

Maesglas

• Located on the Ffriddoedd site behind Elidir • Walking distance from SU?: YES (15 minutes)

Normal Site

• Located on Holyhead Road towards Menai Bridge • Walking distance from SU?: Possibly (30 minutes), only 15 minutes from the Ffriddoedd site

Nantporth Pitch

• Located just before Normal Site • Walking distance from SU?:

NO

Treborth

• The Universities Treborth

Site is located next to the Menai Straits on the outskirts of Bangor.

Past Normal site and the Menai Bridge • Walking distance from SU? NO More details of facilities (including a map) can be found at: http://www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/ au/facilities.asp

http://www.undeb.bangor.ac.uk/au

SPORT

September 2005 19

A WORD FROM THE AU PRESIDENT Hello there and welcome to The University of Wales Bangor and more specifically the Athletic Union (AU). For those of you that don’t know my name is Stephen Connor and I am this years AU President.

This year promises to be a very exciting year within the AU with new clubs being set up and some of the more established clubs moving forward. Two of the newest clubs we have is a Canoe Polo club and a cheerleading club which have been set up for the coming year so hopefully they will both become vital members of the AU. If you are interested in joining the canoe polo team or the cheerleading club please contact their captains at canoepolo@ undeb.bangor.ac.uk and cheerleaders@undeb.bangor.ac.uk respectively.

This year the University of Wales Football Club are starting a 7 ‘a’ side league up at Maes Glas to be held on a Sunday afternoon at 3pm – 5pm so if you and a few pals fancy a game of footy please contact the club captain at mfootball@undeb.bangor.ac.uk.

s

Last year the AU did really well in The Welsh University cup having men’s Basketball win their competition and several other being unlucky in the final. Hopefully the teams can do as well as the teams did last year and even in some cases do one better and win their relevant competitions.

There are close to 50 clubs affiliated to the AU here in Bangor so if there is any sport that you wish to try out it is likely that we have a club. If you know what club or have an idea of which club you would like to join please look at the list of taster sessions and come along.

Finally I would like to wish you all the best with your time here and if you have any questions about any of our clubs please drop me an email at aupresident@undeb.bangor.ac.uk or alternatively give me a call on 01248 388003.

FOLLOW THE BLUE ARMY! CONGRATULATIONS - YOU’VE CHOSEN BANGOR! POSSIBLY – the best-value University in the UK PROBABLY – the most attractive study location in the UK DEFINITELY – the city with the best team in Welsh football.

Playing in the Welsh Premier Football League, Bangor City is one of the most successful teams in the history of Welsh football, having won our national league twice and the Welsh Cup no fewer than five times. Bangor has also represented Wales in Europe many times, playing in Italy, Norway, Spain, Poland, Iceland, Sweden, Yugoslavia, Romania and recently in Latvia, where we challenged FC Dinaburg Daugavpils in the Inter Toto Cup. The international reputation our Club has gained is recognised by the number of fans from all over the world who regularly contact us for information, merchandise and memorabilia.

Under the management of former England international Peter Davenport, Bangor City is once again focussed on adding silverware to the reputation our attacking, attractive football always gains. Eye-catching players include classy defender Paul O’Neil and former Wales international the evergreen Clayton Blackmore, inventive midfielders Leyton Maxwell and Chris Priest and all-action forwards Paul Roberts and Carl Lamb.

Figures show that Bangor is amongst the best-supported teams in the Welsh Premier. Home and away, Bangor always attracts some of the biggest crowds in Welsh football. We have a vigorous Supporters’ Association which raises finds for the club, negotiates discounts for fans and arranges transport to away matches – contact Nigel Pickavance for further details e-mail farrarend@dsl.pipex.com , or phone 07944 694801.

Bangor students have made their names in the team in the past – tigerish midfielder Paul Friel and defenders Shaun Hazledene and Graeme Brett are just three who have come to study at Bangor and become firm favourites in the famous blue shirt. If you fancy a trial, and think you might be good enough, drop us a note at info@bangorcityfc.com, detailing your age, skills and experience, and we’ll pass it on to the Manager.

If you’re happier supporting rather than playing, then why not join hundreds of others in coming to Farrar Road, and find out what Saturday afternoons were made for.

Upcoming Welsh Premier fixtures are: Saturday 24 Sept – away at Caersws Saturday 8 Oct – home to Carmarthen Town Friday 14 Oct – away at Connah’s Quay Nomads Saturday 22 Oct – home to Cwmbran Town Keep up with Bangor City at www.bangorcityfc.com