Seren - 188 - 2006-2007 - October 2006 by Seren

POLITICS KILLED THE RADIO STAR A

fter Storm FM failed to receive any nominations for the Student Radio Awards on 12th October, they were dealt another blow when Station Manager, Spencer George resigned. Like the true politician he is, Spencer said, “I’ll have more time to spend with the girlfriend.” This was the optimistic side of the decision, which has obviously saddened him. The shock decision was supposedly based on discontent from within Storm FM’s Executive, but as far as I can tell,

So it seems that Storm FM will not only have a new studio and a new logo when it starts broadcasting again soon, but also a new Station Manager most members of Storm are sad to see him go. After a year in charge of the station and one which has involved many changes for Storm FM, it is a shame that Spencer felt the need to resign before they took up broadcasting from their brand new studio in the basement of the Students’ Union. Work on the studio has taken place over the summer, converting what were once the showers into a purpose built base for the station. In the twelve months that Spencer has been in charge at Storm, he has been well known throughout the Union as being a strong and very loud voice for Storm, working hard to move the station forward. Spencer does intend to continue to have an active part in Storm FM, still presenting his shows, but without the stresses of running a Standing Committee in his third year at university. Former Programme Controller Mike Walsh has been voted in by the Storm Executive and the Students’ Union Councilas the new Station Manager. So, it seems that Storm FM will not only have a new studio and a new logo when it starts broadcasting again soon, but also a new Station Manager.

Emma Dodd

In This Issue…..

The Bludgeoner

Tales From The Queer Side

Serendipity 2006

News

The Rant

Travel

From Bangor To Bangor

The ‘S’ Team

The Great Orme

One Minute Welsh

Halloween Flicks

The Adventures of Stuart Dent

Adventures From Across The Pond

Vox Pop

Puzzles

Film

Sport

Doc Spot

Star Sailing

Music

See page 10 for the new Storm FM Schedule. Spencer George, the former Manager of Storm FM

Serendipity, page 6

Glyn, page 3

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

CONTRIBUTORS

Dear Reader,

Editor: Emma Dodd Gemma Plowman Jennifer Stanley Dr Rashesh Mehta Sophie de l’Orme Chris Thomson Stephen Clifford Rebecca Hussey Siobhan Catherine Holt Cat Prince Luke Wilsher Claire Mann Vicky Brewster Lucy Digney Amy Garrett Spencer George Jack Peat Sam Burnett Lexi Hindley Emma Prout John Jackson Loran Perkins Ian Davies Michael Mooney Emma Dixon Ross Butler Mark Jessett Rebecca Cook Kerrie Gardner Simon Dando Abby Golightly Emlyn Williams Kieran Dixon David Eykelestam Robert Mann Natalie Pierce-Jones Yasmin Hayat Phil Rhymes Jeni Freeman Amy Wallis Proof reader: Carolan Goggin Production Consultant: Dan Turner

Welcome to the Halloween edition of SEREN. As well as our usual instalment of news, features and reviews, we’ve gone all Halloweeny in some of our articles too. Now in our second issue of the year, I hope you’ve all settled back into life in Bangor. SEREN certainly has, having elected a brand new team of sub editors, we’re well set up for the year. I’m really excited to see people with lots of new ideas for the paper. This issue includes some new features. My favourite is our very own cartoon strip. The character of Stuart Dent has been created especially for SEREN and you will be able to follow his adventures throughout the year. We had a great response to the first issue and I’m very happy to see so many people contributing to the paper. If you haven’t yet, there’s still plenty of time to get in touch, just drop me an email. Have a happy Halloween. Emma editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Hi,

I’m sure you’re glad to receive feedback regarding articles in your paper...so here is some! I have to disagree with the Music writer’s review of Lily Allen and her ‘Alright, Still’ album! In a British music scene currently dominated by these sort of indie bands I think its refreshing to have something that’s a bit different out there. Unlike a lot of the other non-indie acts in the British popular music scene, she’s a spot-on singer that takes influence from --and appreciates -- a wide range of music, and she likes to be backed by a proper band in her gigs (unlike the awful Girls Aloud who came to our Summer ball a few years ago and just sung along to a backing track (or maybe even mimed. I couldn’t work it out)). Loads of her songs are underlined by a cool groove and are decorated with good horn parts. Although I’m probably biased because my younger bro plays trumpet for her... Tell your music writer to check out the iTunes exclusive live recording of “LDN” from Bush Hall in London (my bro’s first Lily gig)...the live horns sound phat! ..... One other thing, in the article, he seems to not be sure whether the Guardian and the Times dug lily’s work...being a Guardian reader I can say that yes, the Guardian did! Cheers, Jim Birchwood.

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Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

PRESIDENT CENSURED BY S.U.

COUNCIL OVER BB’S GLYN W

hen Big Brother’s Glyn Wise appeared at Time/Amser last month, he was presented on stage with various accolades. After singing a song about boiling an egg for the very first time and another about Blaenau Ffestiniog, the UMCB President, Gerallt Wyn Roberts, came onstage to make the presentation. Glyn, who will be attending the University of Wales, Bangor next year, has been made an Ambassador of the Welsh Language for UWB Students’ Union. As well as this, Glyn was given an UMCB hoodie and Life Membership of the Students’ Union. Various members of the Students’ Union Executive had made the decision to grant Glyn Life Membership, despite the fact that it is usually reserved for students who have consistently worked hard on behalf of the Union. The Constitution states that Life Membership should be granted to “Any person nominated and approved by the AGM in recognition of service to the Union.” Glyn hasn’t even started at the University yet. At a Students’ Union Council Meeting earlier this month, it was brought to everyone’s attention that the members of the Executive do not have the power to grant Life Membership of the Union, as this is reserved for the Annual General Meeting where representatives from many aspects of Union life get to take a vote on people who

What defines a mature student at Bangor?

have been nominated for the honour. The President seemed to take the brunt of the criticism and Councillors took a vote to have him censured. What this means in real terms is that the President was told off. Glyn however has not been stripped of his Life Membership, since it could not technically have been given to him in the first place, but it will not come into effect until the Annual General Meeting at the end of the academic year, when it can be properly voted on. Glyn’s appearance at Time/Amser on the whole was very popular, with somewhere in the region of six hundred and fifty people turning out to see him. Not bad numbers for a Tuesday night. Members of the crowd included Lizz Bell, a first year student and Glyn fan, who has seen him five times. Glyn seemed to please the audience for the twenty minutes he was on stage. He then went on to sign autographs in the Curved Lounge. Talking to SEREN, he announced that we could have put a better picture of him on the front page, one of the ones he did for Heat magazine for example! He flicked through the paper and seemed genuinely interested in what was happening in Bangor. All in all, he seemed like a nice enough fellow, largely unaffected by his fame.

Emma Dodd Basically the fact that you started your course at the age of 21+. If you’re interested in… …meeting up with other mature students in the same boat as you… …representing mature students to the Union Council and the University (via the

Sam Burnett, back stage at Time with Glyn Mature Students Standing Committee)… …trips to Dublin and Cardiff later in the academic year… OR …helping out with a OAPeer Guiding (!)… …then contact your MATURE STUDENTS’ OFFICER, JOHN JACKSON.

E-mail to john.jackson@undeb.ba ngor.ac.uk or go along to the Mature Students’ Common Room (in Main Arts Music Annexe) on Monday or Wednesday lunchtimes. Mature Students Social Evenings in the Harp pub on the High Street from 7:00pm on Mondays - 30th October, 13th November

BIFSA @ TREBORTH O

n Sunday 1st October, volunteers from Bangor International Forestry Students’ Association (BIFSA) spent the day getting their hands dirty down at the University’s Botanic Gardens, Treborth. The Curator, Nigel Brown, gave the volunteers a personal guided tour of the gardens before they got down to work which included removing a diseased tree stump, raking the hay meadows and relaying paths around the gardens. With the recent changes in management at the gardens, and the loss of the dedicated groundsman there, the work of the volunteers on the site is now vital to keep them up and running. Barry Roberts, President of BIFSA said “The work the volunteers did on the day was fantastic and shows how passionate we all are at keeping Treborth going. Over the next year we will be working further with the Friends of Treborth and the Students for Treborth Action Group to ensure the gardens have a future for all students to enjoy and to maintain the essential learning environment it possesses”. As well as being good for the Gardens, the day was also good for those students who wanted to develop their practical skills with opportunities to use axes, saws and a host of other tools on the site. Nigel Brown was overjoyed by the work done by the volunteers and the level of enthusiasm shown by them all despite the frequent showers on the day which didn’t dampen their spirits. The next Student Volunteer day at Treborth will be run by the Friends of Treborth and will be at the start of November. All the details will be posted on the Intranet.

Sam Burnett, back stage at Time with Glyn

Stephen Clifford

& 27th November. Mature Students Social Afternoons in Freddy’s in the Students’ Union from 12: 30pm on Thursdays - 2nd November, 9th November & 23rd November.

PARKING

PERMIT

PROBLEMS

he University discriminated against people with a surname starting with the letter M and anywhere after it in the alphabet when it came to parking permits this year. The permits were issued at registration on a first come first served basis, yet the registration system is done alphabetically. How did they expect people with a surname beginning with a Z to ever get a permit? Some students were given temporary permits, but talking to a fellow student, I was told the parking permit desk at registration had actually gone before people had finished registering, so she didn’t even get a temporary permit. The 1st years registered before any other undergraduates, so what about the 2nd and 3rd years living in halls or commuting? Then came a posting on the intranet notice board that a limited number of permits would be available. They were to be put on sale at the Estates Office for one day only from 9.30am to 2pm, on Tuesday 10th October. People started queuing at 7.30am in order to obtain one of these permits and not all of those in the queue were successful. And what if you had a lecture at 9am the day the extra permits went on sale? Were we expected to miss lectures to get a parking permit? All of this is contrary to information given on the University facilities website, which explains that parking permits will be allocated by draw. There was no draw, just an unfair system based on surnames.

Gemma Plowman

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

THE BLUDGEONER

lbert Schweitzer said once that “the awareness that we are all human beings together has become lost through war and politics” – something that ran through the Bludgeoner’s mind as he learned by way of that last vestige of upright and honest journalism, The Times, (save this fine tome, of course) that 73% of Britons are now considered to be members of “officially-recognised victim groups”. Forgive me readers if I’m wrong, but this seems to mean that either 73% of people in this country are paranoid, or 27% are a bit mean. Or maybe in denial - it depends how you look at it. We do live in a victim/blame culture, it has to be said. Everything that happens is someone else’s fault, something has to be done, someone has to be punished. If you trip in the street you’re entitled to recompense from the bumbling oaf that caused you pain, nothing said about the fact that you’re a flat-footed fool who should have been looking where they were going. We also live in a society that is plagued by a lack of identity; what does British even mean anymore? The blight of post-modernism has left us young people incapable of respecting authority

(and what did authority ever do for us anyway?) It’s understandable, then, that we like to pigeonhole ourselves in this way. Look at the student community – a microcosm of the world we live in. From the outside we’re just students; from the inside we’re hundreds of little cliques and groups made up of depressed, bland individuals who cling to each other like bacteria to survive. You go from being Joan Bloggs to a onelegged black lesbian who has rights and representation. We find personification through surrendering our individuality to a network of like-mindeds, comfort in being something that everyone isn’t. These groups thrive like any others have through history – by creating an enemy without. Every group does it, probably because humans are incapable of getting on with each other…fear binds us together like glue. Homophobia, Islamophobia, Anglophobia (I kid you not, it’s a sexy word in some circles) – gross mutations of small problems executed by a tiny minority that ensure the healthy survival of ‘victim groups’. David Davis spoke recently of the ’voluntary apartheid’ that threatens to tear apart Britain, as if it was some phenomenonal new idea thrashed out on a napkin at one of those Conservative Party HQ champagne lunches, but alas, voluntary apartheid is human nature, something that has existed in our minds since early man looked around at his chums and discovered envy. With the fashionablity of it all there’s got to be some breakage point at which minority groups outweigh their horrid oppressors – and 73% is as good a figure as any.

WANT TO WRITE FOR SEREN?

email the editor at editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk

HALLOWEEN

WICCAN STYLE

o, Halloween is upon us again (huzzah! Much fun and sugary snacks ensue), but what does Halloween mean for the Wiccan, and general earth religions. None are definitive, and please don’t consider me a spokesperson for all earth religions, as each individual has different perspectives. “To truly become whole as Witches and as human beings we must learn to dance the edges of being, to balance waxing and waning within ourselves as the earth finds a balance of her own.” - Dianne Sylvan This is the essence of Halloween to those involved with earth religions. For Pagans it goes by the traditional name of Samhain (pronounced sow-een), and is arguably the most important Sabbat, or festival day, in the cycle of the year because it is considered the New Year. The energetic whirligig of summer has passed, and nature appears to draw within itself as leaves fall, animals begin to hibernate, the once-vibrant colours become muted and the earth takes a deep breath in order to ready itself again for the coming year. This is a time for humans to also turn inwards, to rest, and to face the realities of the previous year and release them. This is a time for letting go, and welcoming change and renewal. By clinging to guilt, questioning what could have been done differently or berating ourselves, then stagnation follows, and lives become lived

in a past tense. Letting go of those who have left this life is also an important part of Samhain. This is not to say that we should lose the memories, or the lessons of the past, but instead honour them and integrate them within ourselves before progressing. Those involved in earth religions perhaps feel more acutely the transience of human life; just as the Wheel of the Year turns, so every human must eventually cross the veil. This should be no cause for dejection, but should instead breed an appetite for Carpe Diem! Seize the day, and leave no room for regret. A fitting Wiccan Samhain ritual is to keep the seeds from your pumpkin, attributing each one with an occurrence, memory, feeling, disappointment or failure which no longer serves any positive purpose from the past year and while standing by running water, the Menai Straits for instance, throw each seed in whilst consciously letting go of its attributes. Allow the current to wash away these negativities and make the conscious decision to dispel them from your life. Have a happy Halloween!

Rebecca E Hussey

ALAN CARR TOUR 2006

lan Carr is the first mainstream comedian I have seen, so when I initially bought my ticket I was extremely excited. The dates for his 2006 tour included a night at Theatr Gwynedd here in Bangor. I have watched him as a presenter before on such shows as, ‘Eight out of Ten Cats’ and ‘The Friday Night Project’ so I was eager to see him do standup in front of a live audience. The overtly camp comedian didn’t disappoint! His jokes were like many of today’s comedians’ about family life, but he mixed it with elements that are relevant to what’s happening at the moment. He started a lot of his gags with, “Have you read in the news…” As a girl from Manchester and a Tesco employee, I found his jokes about my city and Britain’s leading supermarket hilarious, although at one point I was thinking he went slightly overboard about my beautiful homeland! Steady on now Carr! He does use his sexual orientation to his advantage and the audience seemed to love it. Those familiar with his work know its part of his style. He is a hilarious comedian and his facial expressions and elaborate gestures are enough to set you off. I also want to say how good his support act was, John Richardson. He was extremely funny and I loved his jokes about being a control freak. I hope to see him rising to fame over the next few years. On the whole it was a great evening’s entertainment.

Siobhan Catherine Holt Like live comedy? Check out Jeff Green at Theatr Gwynedd on 4th November.

VOLUNTEER

FAIR

angor Students’ Union played host this month to the Gwynedd Volunteer Fayre. Voluntary Organisations from all four corners of the County attended to raise awareness and advertise their latest volunteering opportunities. Student Volunteering Bangor assisted in the organising of the event and had their very own stall raising awareness of the amazing projects that student volunteers run in the local community. Among the guests attending were Russell Grant, famous for his Horoscopes and being on Celebrity Fit Club, Dafydd Wigley and Bangor Mayor, Douglas Madge. Mayor Madge thanked the student volunteers for all their hard work and pledged his support for any future activities.

SIGNING IN AT THE S.U. DJ SOCIETY

hat does signing someone in to the Students’ Union really stand for? People are asked to sign in members of the public whom they don’t know regularly on nights out. Also, in Welcome Week, students were asked to sign in freshers because they didn’t have their NUS cards yet. Where does this place responsibility on students and how can this responsibility be laid down fairly? It is indeed the choice of the individual as to who they sign in and whether they sign anyone in at all. For this, admittedly, they should be responsible for that person. However, do Bangor’s students really know their rights and responsibilities with regards to signing people into the SU? Most asked know roughly about paying for damages and being faced with a possible ban, but it is quite apparent that Bangor’s students don’t know enough about this issue. Anyone may assume that this sort of information would be made available on the Union website, but if it is, it is very hard to find and a general enquiry made by email was similarly no help. More literature needs to be made available to students with regards to this matter and the responsibilities made more explicit. Bangor’s SU isn’t known for its problems, but if its students are unaware of their obligations, maybe we are lucky that this is the case.

Jennifer Stanley

ttention all music lovers! We are currently in the process of starting a DJ society, which will be called SPUN. If you’re a DJ or you want to learn how, GET INVOLVED. Through this society we hope to organise trips to clubs and organise our own events so that local DJs can play out. If you can’t DJ, that’s not a problem as we are more than prepared to teach you how. Not only that, but we intend to set up a DJ agency so that clubs and societies can access DJs of preferred genres for fundraisers and other events. The only way we can do this is with your help! It doesn’t matter what music you’re into. All are welcome. For more details on SPUN contact Simon Tel: 01248353499 Email: shime_core@hotmail.com

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

The Rant

TALES FROM THE

QUEER SIDE

elcome to Bangor. You’ll find gay people here. And lesbians. And bisexual and even transgender people. You’ll find us doing Forestry, Theology, Zoology and Sports Science. We’re doing all the courses you can think of. We get everywhere and do everything. One thing about Bangor’s LGBT community is that it proves that stereotypes don’t always fit. And for a small corner of North Wales, there’s a thriving LGBT community here. At UWB Pride, we’re here to ensure that’s always the case. What does Pride do? Well, our most well-known event is Fruit Salad. This is the first Tuesday of every month in Academi and it’s the night we take over the bar. We say that this night is ‘straightfriendly’ and it doesn’t matter what sexuality you identify with as long as you leave any hang-ups at home. The music on the night is an incredibly broad spectrum with Britney and Kylie at one end to Nine Inch Nails and Nirvana at the other. UWB Pride isn’t just about having a good time once a month though (although Fruit Salad is always a very good night). We’re also here to campaign against discrimination. Did you know the National Blood Service still bans outright any gay or bisexual man from donating blood even if they’ve only ever had ‘safe’ sex? See below Coming to University is a huge change. And if you’re unsure of your sexuality as well, it’s all the more confusing. In Bangor you’ll find support to help with this. The Advice Centre and Nightline are both there to talk to and UWB Pride has some friendly faces if you want an informal chat. You can take it as fast or as slow as you like – it’s your life and no-one else’s and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. What we hope UWB Pride does, though, is provide a face for LGBT students. We’re here to show that we’re not hiding and we’re not ashamed. We’re proud and we’ve good reason to be. That’s why we’re called UWB Pride. So, I hope to see you all at Fruit Salad on 7th November.

Stephen Clifford

ationally blood supplies are currently running short; a lack of volunteers means that at this moment there is a less than four-day supply of some types of blood. Yet the policy on who can donate remains hideously out of date. If you are male, you cannot donate blood if you have had sex with another man, with or without a condom or other form of protection. This puts gay men in the same category as drug users, prostitutes and those carrying hepatitis C, B and the HIV virus. On the 13th - 15th of November the National Blood Service once again visit the University of Wales, Bangor. You will be able to donate blood between the hours of 10:30 – 13:00 and 14:30-17:00. UWB Pride members will be there asking you to sign letters requesting for the policy on blood donation from gay and bisexual men to be changed. I ask that you go along and donate blood on our behalf, as doing so will help to save a person’s life. I would then ask that you see us, show your support and assist us in getting this highly unjustified ban overturned. Please give blood because we can’t!

Mark Jessett

A Revolution in Social Responsibility

his last month has been the ‘Conference’ season for our three main political parties: the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives and the Labour Party. These conferences provide a chance for party members to debate the course of action they think their party should be taking. First up, on the sunny shores of Brighton, were the Lib Dems. It’s appropriate that the Lib Dems should hold their conference by the sea as their policies have always been somewhat ‘wishy-washy’. All in all the Liberal Democrat Conference was nothing short of pointless, the only noticeable moment being the reappearance of former leader Charles Kennedy. Everybody waited with baited breath as Charles took the stage. This surely was his chance to prove to everybody that the party was wrong to replace him with the out of date Ming Campbell. As soon as he opened his mouth though we were reminded why he was replaced as leader: boring, monotonous and uninspiring. Much like the rest of the Lib Dem Conference. The Labour Party Conference, held in Manchester the following week, was a platform for Labour ministers to persuade the country as to why they should succeed Tony Blair as Prime Minister. Gordon Brown made a passionate speech about poverty, the NHS and his ability to run

the economy, yet neglected to mention the mass borrowing needed to keep the economy afloat. John Reid gave a speech about terrorism and crime in the UK, yet failed to mention his and his predecessor’s failings as Home Secretary (the issue surrounding the deportation of foreign criminals, or lack of it, is just laughable). And finally we were treated to the ‘farewell’ speech by Prime Minister Blair. There is no doubt that Tony Blair is one of the best public speakers Westminster has ever seen. His ability to manipulate his audience

It’s appropriate that the Lib Dems should hold their conference by the sea as their policies have always been somewhat “wishy-washy” through tone of voice and gesticulations are unparalleled by any other politician. However, had he been under oath during the speech he would have been arrested for perjury. “[We have] achieved record numbers of police and cut crime.” (Tony Blair – 28th September, Labour Conference)

Violent crime in my home constituency increased by 66% between 2001 and 2005. Every sentence that emanated from his lips was nothing more than a lie. Finally we had the Conservative Conference in Brighton, a chance for party members to take part in policy debate through the means of modern technology. Their intentions were good but watching 80-year-old men and women try and fathom how to work an electronic voting pad was painfully funny. As with anything the Conservatives have to offer at the moment, the conference was full of sizzle, but no steak. The speeches were delivered in a positive and energetic manner, but the lack of concrete policy, even at this early stage in Cameron’s leadership, is somewhat concerning. Even more worrying is the new Conservative party logo. Apart from the fact it looks like a piece of broccoli, the new ‘oak tree’ logo is more suited to a building firm than a political party. All in all it was a poor conference season and out of the three there was only one soundbite worth paying attention to, and it was delivered by the Conservative leader, David Cameron. “It’s time for a revolution in social responsibility,” he declared from behind his lectern. How right he is. It’s time for the government to stop interfering in our lives and it’s time for the public to take

more of a responsibility in their day to day life. Parents need to instil values into their

…the conference was full of sizzle, but no steak children from a young age. It doesn’t matter what end of the income ladder you are; teaching your child manners, respect and a willingness to learn costs nothing. Home owners need to slow down the effects of climate change. We complain about global warming yet do very little to slow the process down. How many of you can say you replace your broken bulbs with energy -saving bulbs? Businesses need to better cater for their employees’ needs, making the working environment more comfortable and offering more flexible hours, especially to employees with families. It’s time for the nanny state to be abolished and it’s time for us, the British public, to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and take some responsibility for our actions. We can’t rely purely on politicians to improve our standard of living; we need to be accountable as well.

Spencer George

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

SERENDIPITY 2006 E

ach year the Serendipity Freshers’ Fair serves the purpose of promoting the University’s clubs and societies, enticing potential new members to peruse a wide range of extracurricular and social activities. Due to its format, it is considered to be the most important event in recruiting new members due to its success in creating a fun, diverse and informal atmosphere in which each society can discuss their field in person with prospective members. This year the clubs and societies of UWB put on another colourful display at the Serendipity Freshers’ Fair. On the 27th and 28th of September, freshers and current students alike were greeted with lively enthusiasm from society members, promoting societies from sports to Amnesty to Biscuit Appreciation. The busy atmosphere began right from outside the Students’ Union with a live DJ promoting Time/Amser nightclub.

Several sports clubs, including Fencing, Frisbee, Snow Sports, Walking and Surfing, to name but a few, greeted students with flyers, banners and (in some cases) videos, to promote their activities and free trial sessions. BWRPS (Bangor War-gaming and Role Playing Society) made a huge effort dressing up for the occasion. Inside, the mass of stalls, banners, music, costumes, matching hoodies and team colours served to promote an enticing range of extracurricular and social activities. Team sports representatives, volunteer groups, historical, religious, dramatic and racial societies alike competed for students’ attention with bright banners sporting names and slogans and examples of their societies’ previous work and triumphs. Even representatives from Green Peace and the Red Cross turned out in order to promote their local work within the community.

SEREN volunteers in our sexy T shirts

o was Serendipity a success? Asking several stallholders, general opinion was of a good turn out, with many students signing up for more than one society. Each society has recruited many new, enthusiastic members and some societies are reporting more new members than ever. Students commented that society members were friendly, helpful and enthusiastic about their particular activity. Most enjoyed the buzz of the atmosphere and appreciated the sheer hard work that went into the production of the banners, flyers, displays and freebies that

complimented each society. However, it was suggested by a minority that Serendipity’s chaotic format might be preventing students from joining the societies they want. Several students also commented that they couldn’t find the societies they were looking for and found overenthusiastic society members imposing. Others were talked into signing up for societies that they didn’t whole-heartedly wish to attend. Arguably, the atmosphere of Serendipity is often competitive, but, for the most part, feedback is in favour of the lively atmosphere and enthusiastic society

members that make Serendipity what it is. Although some students sign up for societies and clubs they don’t intend to join, by and large, many students find clubs and societies that interest them, and a large percentage of those who sign up stay on as members. But, in general, Serendipity this year has been a successful and fun experience to all involved.

Rebecca Cook

A juggler, outside the Union

Enthusiastic volunteers

The BIFSA (Bangor International Forestry Students’ Association) stand

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

THE GREAT ORME

ight, I have held back the wrath, but I can’t contain it any longer; shorts and those footless tights. Let’s move on, ladies, into the next season that is autumn and winter fashion, please put those goose-pimpled, pale legs away. Reasons why: A) those mini shorts require serious maintenance and B) I’ll spell it slowly- t h ew e a t h e r- i s- c h a n g i n g. If you hadn’t already noticed it’s colder, windier and welly-worthy rainier. For we are in North Wales, move on; unless you are a stunner with pins to die for, you alone can carry the shorts fever into the winter. What’s in, as most of you have probably noticed and bought into, is animal print. It’s here and staying with us a little longer than I anticipated. It’s everywhere; accessories, tops, coats, shoes where isn’t it? Remember

less is more, don’t do it to excess, as you will just look like a fashion victim with a desire to look like a cheetah. Ankle boots adorned with cute buttons and bows are also in fashion, coming in loads of colours and materials; though I can’t see how they work with a skirt; unless you have the aforementioned stunner pins, again this rule won’t apply to you. I suggest you team them with jeans, maybe your skinnies, to brighten up your outfit. New Look is the place I suggest you go as they have a varied shoe selection. Grab yourself a stylish coat: of considerable length (below waist), statement (colour red, blue, other) most come with a fetching tie to cinch in your waist, or large buttons all of which make it more fashionable and fetching to wear.

Result: you look gorgeous as well as warm. Another fashion item that gets me thinking ‘nooooo’, is those waist belts. Just don’t do it, they don’t make your waist look smaller, they do the opposite by creating bulge, they don’t look cool and they never will. Stuff it back in your wardrobe and wear your belts around the normal waist line. Sick of stripes? They seem to have been in our shops for months and they’re BORING. I can’t wear them, as one of those with a larger cup size it doesn’t mix well, and can make you look like a Pamela Anderson shoot with clothes on (a rarity). Wear in moderation if you have to at all. A final moan is sunglasses past September: no, gives a celeb-wannabe look and it just doesn’t match winter wear. Squint and lose the shades till next summer. Forgot this is a Halloween issue - the

Health

Sophie talks health and beauty tips Goth look is back, fits in nicely. Make your look vampy with a red lippy: pillar-box, strawberry or berry depending on your skin tone. Team with chocolate, rouge or black nails. Add with your leopard print look to impress. (Remove colour when starting to chip, it ain’t pretty). Autumn make-up: eyes are strong and smoky, cheeks in berry or peach tones, lips are pearlescent glossy, all dominating this seasons catwalk. Adjust to personal style. Remember, don’t be a sheep, individual style is the key. What have I learned from this month’s Vogue? Not much; an abundance of ads confirmed by June Sarpong’s ‘Slave to Fashion’ (great show by the way), and a complete Kate Moss portfolio. Don’t get me started. Xx

Sophie de l’Orme

STUDENT SAFETY ONE FLEW OVER

ccording to Home Office statistics, students own more expensive consumer goods than the rest of the population. Sadly, 1 in 3 students become the victim of a crime each year, with mugging, burglary and vehicle-related theft the most common affecting students. Even though Bangor is a relatively safe place to live, like in any other city you are always at risk of becoming a victim of crime. By adopting a safety-conscious attitude and habits, you reduce your vulnerability and your appeal to an attacker. Always trust your instincts and judgement and be alert to what is going on around you! Safety – out and about ♦ Avoid walking home alone ♦ Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas ♦ Keep to well-lit areas ♦ Walk on the same side as oncoming traffic – that way you can see approaching vehicles ♦ Have your door key ready for when you arrive at the door ♦ Don’t hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers ♦ Carry a personal attack alarm Safety – at night ♦ When out drinking with friends make sure you take care of one another ♦ Arrange to go home with one

another or in a taxi ♦ Keep an eye on your drink – don’t be a target for drink spiking ♦ If possible use a cash point during the day ♦ Be vigilant when using your mobile phone ♦ Don’t leave your belongings unattended Safety – at home ♦ Lock your windows and doors ♦ Don’t leave things out on display – especially in the car ♦ Use an ultraviolet pen to mark electrical items ♦ Make a list of personal property and serial numbers ♦ Keep cash cards and cheque

books in a separate place Other thoughts... Think confidence – even if you feel insecure, don’t let it show! Remember, attackers are looking for someone who looks like an easy target – someone who is preoccupied easily. So, walk tall, be positive. BE ALERT, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS For further information please contact the Advice Centre, second floor of the Students’ Union. 01248 388015 or advicece ntre@undeb.bangor.ac.uk Personal attack alarms can be purchased from the Advice Centre, second floor of the Students’ Union for £2.00

DOC SPOT A

ll of us are subjected to time, space and matter, and in the normal course of existence to factors such as light, motion and mass. As a result we are reduced from human beings to humanoids. The never-ending race of life deteriorates the quality of existence. The malfunction of various systems of our bodies, losing to the ultimate balance of energies, results in collapse; ultimately leading to degeneration

and erosion. To counteract this one must understand and begin taking an integrated approach towards the five dimensions of wellness - physical, psychological, physiological, emotional and spiritual. Humans are subjected to ‘entropy’ which is ‘universal tendency to break from orderliness into disorderliness’. It is said ‘One never grows old, but when one stops growing, one becomes old’. So how do we continue growing? What do we need to

undertake to continue growing? Appropriate food: There are certain foods which are specifically designed for digestion such as fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts, seeds, grains and herbs (in their most natural form as they have healing and regenerative properties). “ALWAYS REMEMBER TO CATER FOR YOUR HUNGER, NOT YOUR APPETITE”. Fulfil it with nourishment and avoid cravings. Exercise: Exercise is essential to remove all energy blocks and challenge the musculo-skeletal structure. This results in transcendence of the subject-object duality and experiencing the transformation into wholeness? Workouts need to be done at least four times a week, preferably in the mornings with warm ups and slow conscious breathing throughout. Stretching and contracting every part of the body can be achieved through either yoga, Pilates

THE EMPTY NEST...

niversity is the first time away from home for many of us. It can be one of the most thrilling, daunting and challenging phases in our lives as well as a stage of massive readjustment. However, not many of us consider the effect our moving out will have on those left at home. Our parents, who have spent some of the best years of their lives bringing us up, are suddenly without their ‘little darlings’. Although some may be glad to see the back of us, others can see the beginning of this new part of our lives as the end of theirs. This reaction is very common and is usually referred to as Empty Nest Syndrome. ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’ (ENS) is the term given to the emotional and psychological condition that can happen to parents when one or more of their children leave home. ENS is basically the term used to encapsulate the feelings of sadness and loss that parents feel now that their children no longer need day to day care. ENS can appear in many different guises and symptoms can range from the very minor to the very major. Are your parents calling you at least 10 times a day? This is a way of checking that you are, in fact, still alive. It can also be used as a way of checking where you are and what you’re doing as they have not yet become used to not knowing

postures, dynamic surya namaskars. Slow activities such as bouncing jacks and mockskipping build up cardiovascular endurance, stamina and the immune system. Do push-ups and pull-ups for strength, power and to increase muscle and bone density. Each workout should finish off with an abdominal workout; targeting the lower, upper and mid-abdomen exercises using slow deliberate movements. All these improve the sense of equilibrium, co-ordination, assist in reaching an ideal metabolic state and give a new life to the nervous system, thereby improving reflexes, responses, alertness and spontaneity. The last and the most important bit is to sit or lie down with your eyes shut, in a state of pure being, becoming conscious of within and without, thus sinking and connecting with the centre of one’s being, whereby everything comes to a standstill. In this state of bliss; rejuvenation and buoyancy of

your every move. Obsessively cleaning the family home? This is mainly a method used to distract them from the fact that you have left. Another variation on this symptom is the desire to decorate. Irrational over concern that you are making friends, eating correctly, going to lectures etc? This is a last, vain attempt to have some control over your life and feel that they are still, in some way, fulfilling the role of a parent. This period of readjustment is bound to be unsettling for your parents; they have, after all, spent the last 18 years with you under their feet, making a mess and emptying their fridge. A family friend always joked she knew her son was home from university because her washing machine was full and her fridge was empty. The theory is that your parents will be so glad that you have thought to visit them they won’t mind having to do your laundry. Although this may be true, it’s probably best not to take advantage of them. Bizarrely, the first thing my mother did when I left home was decorate my room. It didn’t particularly need doing and the fact that it involved, in effect, deleting my existence within that room could have been seen as a very odd cause of action. However this could be considered good therapy for ENS as it not only took her mind off it and

spirit grows. This state of basic meditation changes the linear concept of time into it being eternal and infinite. This immediately helps get rid of psychological stress. It also alleviates emotional trauma collected and upheld in the innermost recesses of memory which destroys one from within. As the physical, psychological and emotional faculties are balanced and corrected, one begins to heal physiologically and the balance of dynamic non-change is maintained, which keeps one’s health ever-generating and blossoming. This state of bliss results in an ever-existing and never-ending fountain of youth that leads to youthfulness in all bodily functions, including sexual activity. To sum it up, this integration brings about the awareness of being conscious, that one is conscious and that life is completely streamlined and harmonised. In this state, one doesn’t become prey to the predatory systems of the modern era, which makes

gave her something to do, it also gave her the opportunity to do something nice for my return at Christmas. She decorated in a way she knew I would like and still felt that she was performing some kind of parental role. There are simple ways we can help our parents through this difficult time in their lives. Contact home: this does not have to be a daily phone call, a text or email would work just as well (maybe a little more cost effective too!) Try not to rely on them too much: the occasional tenner in an emergency or having your laundry done when you go home won’t hurt but there is a line. Not depending on your parents for everything will benefit you as well as them. You’ll need to learn how to survive on your own eventually and continual dependence on your parents will only make things harder for them in the long run. After a while, your parents will readjust to not having you about in their day to day lives, given time. Nobody likes change, but in this case it is for the better. You will find your independence, and your parents will regain theirs.

Cat Prince

one wither away with time.

Dr. Rashesh Mehta

Travel

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

FROM BANGOR

ADVENTURES FROM ACROSS THE POND TO BANGOR

Romania: Home Of Legends and Myths

omania is set to join the EU on the 1st of January 2007. Its inclusion means that Romania’s tourist profile will be lifted and many more people will be heading to the land of Dracula and werewolves. Romania is the second largest country in Eastern Europe behind Poland. It is mainly rural and over 90% is made up of mountains, forest, farming land and river plains. Romania’s climate is much like the UK’s; it has four distinct seasons with hotter summers and much colder winters than we experience. Romania’s population is small for such a large country; 22 million people counted in the 2006 census. Romania is relatively cheap, one British Pound being the equivalent of 5.23 Romanian Lei. The Carpathian Mountains dominate the centre of Romania, with fourteen of its peaks reaching above the altitude of 2,000m. This geographical diversity means that Romania is a great place to experience the great outdoors. It has the highest population of Brown Bear, almost extinct in the rest of Europe, and also home to wolves and Lynx. This make Romania’s wilderness more challenging than most of Europe and anyone heading into the back country should consult the Romanian tourist board and experienced guides. Tourism in Romania focuses upon the country’s natural landscape and history. Transylvania is a popular tourist destination for many while in Romania. The Dracula legend is Romania’s biggest pulling factor and there are a range of tours that take in the most important places in the legend. Dracula was based upon the 15th century ruler of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler. Dracula tours can include the town of Sighisoara — Vlad’s birth place. Other Dracula sights are: the

Snagov Monastery — where, according to legend, Vlad is said to have been buried after his assassination; Castle Bran (Castle Dracula); the Poenari fortress; the village of Arefu — where many Dracula legends are still told; the city of Brasov — where Vlad led raids against the Saxon merchants; and, of course, Curtea Domneasca — Dracula’s palace in Bucharest. Bucharest, Romania’s capital, is situated on the river Danube which flows through the whole of Romania. Bucharest, though not as famous as other eastern European cities such as Prague or Warsaw, has much to offer for those who venture there. The nightlife is excellent and there are many casinos, pubs, clubs and “exotic” bars a bottle of beer costing L0.60, and kebabs from L0.50. The city is easy to navigate via either the Metro or the tram and bus service RATB (Regia Autonoma de Transport Bucuresti) short trips from L0.40. There are many landmarks to see also including the Palace of the Parliament, and the Memorial of Rebirth built to commemorate the Romanian Revolution of 1989 which overthrew communism. Skiing is also popular in Romania, and for those who tire of over-crowded ski runs Romania is an ideal destination. 7 nights skiing in a 4 star hotel at half-board will start at £389. Romania is a destination

that is full of surprises and excitement.It is a year round tourist destination and has much to offer for those who like to try something different. To find out more about Romania visit virtualtourist.com, or romaniatourism.com.

Luke Wilsher Travel Editor

Uncultured person’s guide to Cardiff

or a trip closer to home, why not check out Cardiff? You can get a direct train from Bangor (it does, however still go through England) for about £30 return with a railcard, and Wales’ capital could rival many a metropolitan city on the continent. WHATEVER! I’m a skint third-year student, with not much taste culture-wise. I can’t be affording these trendy cafés and wine bars, cocktails which cost more than my budget for my whole night out etc. Noooo. So, when I went to Cardiff (with two of me mates), we stayed in the Backpackers hostel and ate a surprisingly small amount of take-away! We did have a lovely meal in a nice little Italian restaurant one night, complete with posh wine and over-enthusiastic little waiters. If only one could remember the name. The Backpackers was a great deal, with lovely views of the River Taff and the everimpressive Minnellium Stadium. Oh, I said it wrong again. I’m sure you know where I mean though. Anyway, the hostel cost about £30 each for three nights, in a dormitory. Cheap, and we got to meet random people from across the world! Well, we met their luggage and their sleeping backs, we partied too hard unfortunately! The bar was 24 hours and the staff were uber-friendly. What more did we need?! MORE MONEY is the answer. Recent research has shown that this super-trendy city is the most expensive city to live in, putting paid to the popular belief that London is the most exorbitant. Apparently, “almost £1,059 a month of Cardiff residents’ income goes on essential living costs from an average salary of £1,088, including £160 a month on credit cards.” Shock horror! (Information courtesy of www.funkydragon.org)

If you’re looking for information and reviews of afore-mentioned posh and trendy cafés, you’re reading the wrong article. Cardiff Bay is infested with posh little places, but we sauntered on by, sat on the waterbus jetty and ate food from Tesco Express. Class-sy! But, hey, don’t get me wrong, we did some cool things too. We looked at the uber-posh Assembly building, the Senedd, and the Minel … Limeli… the Millennium Centre! We oohed and ahhed over the wonders of the shiny architecture and had extortionately-priced ice creams from Cadwaladrs. Seriously, I’m trying to write like a travel journalist now. Cardiff has all the High Street chains you’d expect in a bustling metropolis and its fair share of quirky little independent shops too. Piss-up wise, there are the usual favourites, Wetherspoons (four of them,

greedy!), Flares, Liquid and the like. We did venture into a nice Mexican?-themed bar “¿Que Pasa?” They have scary zebra-print sofas and reasonably-priced spicy food, as well as two entrances, which turned out to be a handy shortcut across the high street. If only we’d known that at the time! On the attractions side of things, there’s a great amount of things to do and see. Landmarks aside, there’s Techniquest, an interactive science museum thingy, we didn’t go in, so I don’t have details. The National Museum of Wales, free entry, has many exciting exhibitions and arty-farty doodahs. My friend was very impressed to see Rodin’s sculpture, ‘The Kiss.’ And instead of reading this, the Tourist Information Centre has a comprehensive array of friendly advisers, and a wide selection of leaflets. Oh yeah, and if you’re into Doctor Who, Cardiff, is just like, well, heaven.

ell, I have been in America for 7 weeks now and have just about settled into their weird and wonderful ways. Classes have started and so far so good, the work amount is slightly higher than at home (and called ‘homework’ which I still find odd) but it is made up of smaller tasks so it seems more, but is in fact easier content! Unfortunately, being the only Brit in class does make me a target for the lecturers, they presume I will be a fountain of knowledge on all things British - they seem to forget that although I’m old (22, its old to me) I did not personally know Wordsworth, Shakespeare or Queen Elizabeth I! Last Saturday, the University put on a night in a local bar for international students which was really good fun, gave us a chance to dance and get drunk, although I failed to realise that their standard shot is a double measure- the next morning I suffered! The nightlife here is somewhat different to home; it makes Bangor look like the epicentre of the world for clubbing! I am missing Saturday nights in Academi. Evening entertainment really is what you make it and the university do try and put on a variety of events, we have movie nights where they show the latest films for free in a big auditorium, comedy nights and various bands play here- Dashboard Confessionals are playing here Dec 4th, I’ve been promised that I will like them and they are quite big at home so I’m going to go investigate. Went to my first ice hockey game last Friday, it was the first home game of the season; we had to start queuing at 3pm- the game started at 7pm! It was definitely worth the wait, I had so much fun. We were even given a list of chants to shout and every time we scored they dangled a long line of sieves over the balcony and pointed at the opposing teams goalie screaming ‘sieve, sieve, sieve’ at him! Harsh, but fun. I went to the ‘Big Apple’ for fall break with five other Brits and three other international students - it was fantastic. We only had three days in the city, so we went on a mad tour trying to fit in as much as possible; we went ice skating at the Rockefeller Centre, up the Empire State building at night, ate at the Hard Rock Café. If only for the massive Ferris Wheel in Toys‘R’Us! Until next time…

Lucy x x

fter living in America for about 3 weeks now, I am beginning to notice subtle differences between Americans and the English. Mainly the complete lack of knowledge they have about England. By FAR the dumbest question I have been asked is “Do you have Christmas in England?” The biggest difference, by far, is cheese. Yes, the sandwich filler of choice for the majority of the nation has undergone a severe reconstruction over here in America. Now, I love cheese. A cheese and Marmite sandwich was present in my lunchbox most days throughout both primary and secondary school. On my gap year, I took with me four tubs of Marmite, and my parents posted more out to me. I was prepared for a Marmite shortage, but I was not prepared for the cheese. I will warn you now. Sit down. Put down anything breakable and listen… Cheese, over here, comes in a can. Yes, I know. Breathe. The shock will soon pass. Now, I don’t think cheese should ever be liquid. You should never need a spoon to eat cheese. If you do, something has gone wrong. Now I know, if you melt cheese there are liquid-like qualities, but what you started off with can only be described as solid. Here? I have yet to see cheese that doesn’t either resemble soup or that awful packet cheese that comes in pre-cut slices. That really processed stuff that feels like you are munching on a carrier bag. America is an amazing place, but if you are planning on studying here, make sure you like E numbers, or you pack your own sandwiches.

Amy Garrett

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

Halloween costumes on a shoe string (or your female friends’ if you’re a guy) to recreate a couple of moles and warts and to blacken the eyes. The cauldron is used for added effect, but please don’t try burning things at any parties

Features

A Jam for Oxfam Regular night Schizophonic came together with the Screaming citizens on October 15th for a fantastic night of live music in aid of charity.

or nights out! The Mad Professor A great costume for the guys. Uses a lab coat, magnifying glasses and a bit of fake blood. Price list: Lab coat: free (if you’re not a science student, I’m sure you know someone who is!) Magnifying glasses: £1.99 from Bargains Galore

ave a Halloween party to go to, dressing up for a themed night out? Well SEREN’s here to help. Here are 2 fantastic Halloween costumes, both for under £3, showing you just how resourceful students can be, especially with Bangor’s infinite variety of pound shops! The Witch Probably the most simple and traditional

costume for Halloween. Requires a bin-liner as a cape, a witch’s hat and a broomstick. Price list: Bin liner: from any supermarket or household goods shop Witch’s hat (complete with fake green hair): £1 from Diskos Broomstick: £1 from Diskos Dig through your makeup selection

Vampire blood: 69p from Bargains Galore Put the fake blood over the lab coat for a ‘splattering’ effect. Backcomb your hair and fix it with hair spray. Finally, try and look slightly unhinged and mad. The knife is for added effect only; please don’t take them out, knives and alcohol don’t mix, and you will be arrested! These are just a couple of ideas to show you what you can do on the cheap. There’s plenty of discount shops along the High Street selling a variety of cheap Halloween fancy dress bits. Happy Halloween! Claire Mann Features Editor

How Secure Is your Student House?

Tips for keeping your house secure

ock it up: Half of all burglaries happen on the spur of the moment through unlocked doors or windows. Always lock your doors, even in they day when you are in. Don’t show it off: Make sure your TV, video, computer and other valuables can’t be seen from the window, and never leave cash lying around. Keys: Remove keys from doors, as thieves are sometimes able to reach them through the letterbox. Don’t leave house or car keys in view, always put them in a drawer out of sight. Insurance: A startling 33% of students said they had no room insurance. It may be an inconvenient expense, but with the cost of a student theft being £900 and room insurance being around £70 insurance is cheaper! Keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen. Visit www.endsleigh.co.ukfor student room insurance, recommended by the national union of students. Postcode your valuable property: Use an ultraviolet pen to mark your stuff with your postcode or university name and student ID number. Holidays: If you can’t take your valuables with you during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, arrange for them to be held in secure storage or left with a friend.

recent spate of crimes in Bangor is raising the serious issue of the security of student houses. Most student households will contain thousands of pounds worth of equipment. An average student household may contain a computer or laptop per person, printers, digital cameras, CD players, bikes, mobile phones, mp3 players and musical instruments making it an appealing target. A survey amongst nearly 400 students across the UK by Accommodation for Students has revealed that 55% of students

‘3 out of 10 students said their home security was poor or very poor’ have been the victim of at least one crime. Amongst those to have suffered a crime, burglary and theft, affecting 80% of victims, were the most common. It appears that along with the large amount of valuables students have in their household, a lower level of security on student houses also contributes to higher levels of theft. 71% of students said they had excellent or good security on their property. By the same token, nearly 3 out of 10 said their home security was poor or very poor. If the locks on your house are broken or damaged, the Advice Centre in the Students’ Union advise that you write a letter to your landlord asking for them to be fixed, and give a copy of this letter to the Advice Centre in case your landlord does not respond. In this event they will contact them on your behalf. If you have specific concerns over the safety of your property, you can contact the Police-University Liaison Officer on the following e-mail address Gwenno.Jones@north-wales.police.uk, and in some instances a visit to examine the security of your property to give advice could be arranged. It is important to stress, however that this should be used only in serious circumstances as there are not sufficient resources to do this on a large scale. With round-the-clock onsite security, Halls of Residence are much more

secure than student housing. The main disadvantage though, is the number of people coming and going in and out of flats. So, if you live in halls you should definitely purchase room insurance, which for halls will also be much cheaper. You should also get into the habit of always locking your room door when you leave the flat, and always making sure the main door to the flat is locked. If there are any problems with the coded door into your flat inform Security immediately. Student properties can be an easy target for thieves, especially during holiday periods. If your house looks secure, this acts as a good deterrent to opportunist thieves. It is important to stress that you are not unsafe in your homes. If you follow the simple rules listed in this article you are much less likely to be targeted. The main point to raise is that if you have any concerns over the security of your house, do something about it. Contact your landlord or onsite security accordingly. And for private housing, if needs be, contact the Advice Centre. Don’t let yourself be an easy target for thieves. Claire Mann

Can you spare an hour or more a week? We need a Volunteer Van Driver / Stock Collector urgently! For children’s charity bag drop & pick up around the Bangor and Anglesey areas For more information please contact Hope House Charity Shop on 01248 355 644 or call in to the shop for a chat with Anna or Rhian at 280 High Street, Bangor.

chizophonic rocks Academi once a month on a Monday, with DJ Public Ellion, Mr. Gary Brown and Sam Bogdos. They bring to you a mix of Classic Hip Hop, Dirty Drum and Bass and, according to Gary ‘Top-Notch Turntablism and anythin else that will keep the people dancin”. It is the perfect alternative to Amser/ Time’s Monday night cheese, and let’s face it, even we students need a break from cheesy music from time to time. This year’s opening night was combined with a charity night for OXJAM, Oxfam’s biggest, most ambitious, music event. The charity is asking musicians to put on all kinds of music events during October to raise thousands of pounds to fight poverty. Local band Screaming Citizens, comprised of brothers Scott and Frasier McDonald, Kev Mooney and Dave Browning, put in a special appearance, bringing the crowd a hip swinging performance of jazz, funk, rock and soul. They filled the dance floor with their funky beats, flute and sax solos and Scott’s enormous vocal talent.

Schizophonic managed to raise nearly £200 with a fantastic night of live music so well done to all involved! But if you missed

‘Top-Notch Turntablism and anythin else that will keep the people dancin” it, don’t worry! Schizophonic is running throughout the year in Academi. Screaming Citizens are currently putting aside gigs to record their new album but check out their myspace profile for regular updates. Oxjam has not yet left us either! A night of funk, soul, drum & bass and afro beats is happening at Hendre Hall on October 27th to raise money for the charity. It is open 7pm-3am and costs £8. Buses leave from outside Theatre Gwynedd at 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Claire Mann Features Editor

Want your club or society to feature in Seren? We will send a member of the Seren team along to one of your sessions and your club or society will be featured on this page! Email features@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

Seren’s Radio Times

Storm

MONDAY

TUESDAY

6am: Welsh Show

Forecast

Bangor’s Student Sound 87.7 FM

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

6am: Bangor Student Sound - Non-stop music

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

6am: Bangor Student Sound - Non-stop

7am: Storm In A Tea Cup - Storm’s morning mainstream mix, featuring Storm soap “LL57” on Mon/Wed/Fri.

music

9am: Bangor Student Sound - Non-stop music

9am: Storm In A Tea Cup

11am: Storm Bites - Varying presenters with a mid-morning mix of music and chat to accompany your elevenses and essay deadlines!

1pm: The S.U. Show - All the latest news, chat & happenings from your Students’ Union, hosted daily by various members of the

11am: Bangor Student Sound - Nonstop music

2pm: The Back Pages - Sports show

4pm: Storm’s Homeward Bound - Drivetime early evening mix, featuring new episodes of Storm’s soap, “LL57”, on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays.

6pm: The Time Tunnel - Warm-up

for Time/Amser, with Spencer George, Alex Liddell & Tom Lindsay.

8pm: The Forum

- Debating panel show with ‘Your Forum’ & news round-up.

9pm: R+B Show with Hayley Whittaker 10pm: WelshBoy Rap Show - with

Mike Walsh & his protegé Pimpasaurus.

6pm: The Text Session - DJ-PJ &

Kayleigh Evans reside over your txt requests.

7pm: Bangor Student Sound 8pm: Alternate Local & unsigned bands, with Rachel Sullivan & Kate Jarvis. 9pm: Café Americana - Trash

DJ Holly with alternate music from across the pond.

10pm: Thomas Lansley 11pm: Welsh show

11pm: Bangor Student Sound Non-stop music

6pm: Welsh Rock

12am: Bangor Student Sound - Nonstop music

Interested in taking part in radio drama? Script-writing, acting or production? LL57 needs you! Contact Claire Stapleton for more details... elu039@bangor.ac.uk

6pm: Something Borrowed, Something Blue

- Old & new music from DJ-PJ, with her crazycoloured links!

7pm: Ultrasound

- New, classic & obscure Indie with Storm’s head of music, Sean Clement.

8pm: Rock Stock Pre-Trash warm-up with Tom Giddings & Keira Ring.

10pm: Bangor Student Sound - Nonstop music

12am: Acoustic -

mellow out post-Trash.

9pm: The Chillout Zone - with Alex Liddell

10pm: The Underground -

Colonel Kirkham’s LIVE dance mix.

6pm: Welsh Show

7pm: Bangor Student Sound 8pm: Benn the Radio Man

6pm: Something A Bit Different

7pm: The Motel - with Harry Perry & Sarah Clinton

9pm: Bangor Student Sound - Non-

2pm: Vox Pop 4pm: The Classical Show - with Pete Banks

6pm: The Referendum

- Political chat with Spencer George & Sam Burnett

7pm: Alex’s Ear - Audience phone-in with Alex Thomas.

8pm: Lowri Jones - Welsh language & Welsh music

9pm: Sunday Night Live -

mainstream music & entertainment

stop music

11pm: Solid Gold - Soul with William Geldart

12am: Bangor 12am: Bangor Student Sound - Non- Student Sound - Nonstop music

with Tom Lindsay (the man who loves the ladies!)

9pm: No Added Sugar - David

Pallant & Jack Green (Mancunians & music) with ‘The Weird Weekly’ & a film quiz.

12pm: The Sunday Roast - mainstream music & chat.

Union’s Executive Committee.

2pm: Bangor Student Sound - Non-stop music

11am: Bangor Student Sound

stop music

Join the Storm FM team. Contact: stormfm@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

12am: The Storm Sleepover - Join Cat, Tom & Kate for late night, eclectic, relaxed entertainment.

11pm: Bangor Student Sound Non-stop music

The Forum is looking for guest panellists for its debating show on Monday evenings. If you or your society is/are interested in debating various topics (political, social & not-so-serious) then contact John Jackson... john.jackson@undeb.bangor.ac.uk

Seren - Freshers’ Issue 2006

ONE MINUTE WELSH W

elcome back to One Minute Welsh. This month’s instalment of phrases should supply you with everything you need to be able to say for Halloween.

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Harp Inn

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ay d r u Sat s DJ 0 9 80s &

Sunday A choice of S unday Lunch 12:00 – 18:0 0

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Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

Corpse Bride

ooking for the perfect Halloween flick but not sure that your stomach is up to yet another blatant remake of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre? Or maybe you’re just looking for more of a chilled Halloween this year? If so, then Corpse Bride is the film for you on the spooky October day in question. A must view for fans of director Tim Burton’s earlier foray into animation The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride is 76 minutes of humorous adventure set in a stunning palette of macabre colour. The film can be recommended on the visual presentation alone, which has the feel of morbid artwork set in motion. As we can expect from Burton, the film is very definitely set in his inimitable, fantastically grim style which some critics have said, rather unfairly, makes this piece feel unoriginal. This is the style on which Burton has built his name and which fans know and love; therefore such comments should be treated with a pinch of salt. Corpse Bride tells the tale of shy Victor Van Dort who is due to be betrothed to Victoria Everglot. There is one snag however, and that is that the clumsy Victor can’t seem to get his vows right. As he practices them one night on his way home through the gloomy forest, he accidentally awakens the ghoulish murdered bride who has been slumbering underground until the day that she is finally married to her true love. Cue singing skeletons and dancing ghouls in a series of merry showstoppers sprinkled throughout the film. Voiced by an all-star cast including Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham-Carter, Paul Whitehouse, Joanna Lumley and Christopher Lee amongst others, Corpse Bride is guaranteed to provide an injection of comic relief to your Halloween.

Final Destination

y favorite scary movie is not one of the ones with the scary monsters or the axe murderers, and it is not one set in a scary house or a secluded wood. Films like The Grudge, Saw and The Ring simply make me laugh or throw up, not at the gory details, but at the cheap rip-off of Japanese films because the American industry is struggling to come up with its own original ideas. Frankly the only film Hollywood has not stolen from another country or a book recently is Snakes on a Plane...enough said (having said that it was a hilariously good watch!) Anyway, sorry to go off on a tangent...my favourite scary film is Final Destination...”What?” I hear you cry...Well, it may be a really simple idea, and quite poorly scripted, but that is what is scary. It is not complicated, and it is straight to the point; death is quite scary! The concept of people about to die any minute did keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the film. Think about it this way; scary films try and trick you into thinking everything is OK although you know something bad is about to happen...In Final Destination you know it is about to happen, you just don’t know how, no people jumping out of wardrobes, no spooky phone calls, just plain unexpected sharp objects dropping and limbs being severed and sparks firing and vehicles coming from nowhere. Brilliant. Yes they did milk it with number three, but I will admit I enjoyed the first two. Sorry!

Emlyn Williams

Halloween Flicks Ross Butler

Fancy a scary night in this Halloween? Check out SEREN’s horror film recommendations.

The Shining

ow I’m not a big fan of horror films as I have the nerves of a World War II veteran on firework night but for me, my favourite scary film has got to be The Shining. Based on the novel by Stephen King, it still stands head and shoulders above many of the generic slasher flicks that are being churned out nowadays. Only films like Saw even come close to matching the psychological torment it inflicts on the viewer. Scenes such as those of the twins in the hallway and the woman in the bathtub are just downright freaky and will have you reaching for the cushions in no time. Stanley Kubrick’s masterful cinematography combined with Jack Nicholson’s inspired performance come together to make this the quintessential horror film that will surely be remembered forever, and ever, and ever… Also, Spice Girls: The Movie – scares the hell out

Pet Sematary

n my opinion it is quite rare to stumble across an 1980’s horror movie that actually scares you. Horror was said to have had a golden period from the late 70’s to the mid 80’s. After this time, all new films have been said to be bland imitations. When you consider films such as Nightmare on Elm Street or The Exorcist they would have certainly terrified the audience back then and possibly viewers of today. But you will find that most movies of that era have inadequate effects and storylines when compared to modern day movies, which can leave you breathless with fear, for example The Grudge. But there are exceptions. I am talking specifically of a film released in the year of 1989, which completely took me by surprise. It goes by the name of Pet Semetary. It was a couple of years ago when I first saw this movie, broadcast on Channel 5. I think that the main reason this masterpiece is so scary is because that it is based on the novel written by none other than the master of the macabre, Stephen King. It is a story about the Creed family. They move into a new home with a new life ahead of them. But what they don’t know is that they now live next door to a place which children before them have built, with broken dreams: the Pet Semetary. This tiny patch of land hides a more sinister secret as the father of the family, Louis (Dale Midkiff) finds out from the aged but kindly next-door neighbour Jud (Fred Gwynne). Once Louis has discovered the secret and its powers, he abuses it and the wise words of Jud and finds out the hard way that “Sometimes dead is better”. The story develops with pace and effect and the characters, especially Jud, are what makes it unique. The very ideas and concepts of the tale are interesting and towards the end, simply evil. The film is punctuated by flash backs of past events, which give the audience an insight to what might happen. This creates a large amount of suspense and atmosphere that haunt the very corners of the room you’re sitting in. I don’t want to give too much away to those who haven’t seen it, but I promise you that this film is in a word, disturbing and will probably give you trouble sleeping for a couple of nights after.

of me!

Chris Thomson

Kieran Dixon

The Scream Triology

ooking for some light-hearted horror this Halloween? Wes Craven’s Scream films could be for you. Without too much gore but enough scares to keep you going, these are horror films for the more faint-hearted, ably carried by some of Hollywood’s better known actors. With that mask the Scream Trilogy epitomised a horror film that actually had some semblance of plot. It also provided horror which is watchable for those who find the more recent editions to the genre a bit OTT.

Abby Golightly

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

The Departed (18) ****

t’s refreshing to see three of American cinema’s biggest names return to something like top form. Since Goodfellas, Scorsese, Hollywood’s crime lord, has seen switches in genre proved unsuccessful at the box office and amongst critics: period pieces, Kundun, Gangs of New York and The Aviator. Damon and Di Caprio also make searing returns to form, the former finally coming out of the shadow of that infernal puppet in Team America (remember, he wrote Good Will Hunting) in this thrilling Boston crime epic from the master of the genre. A remake of the Hong-Kong 2002 thriller, Infernal Affairs, The Departed sees the divide between both sides of the law blur as an all-star Hollywood cast swear, kill and even butcher their way through the complexities of life in the Boston-Irish mafia. There are rats on both sides and no one can be sure who has the sharpest teeth until Scorsese pulls back the curtain for his

tense, seat-gripping finale. This is an 18 certificate movie so: vulgar profanity. Check. Lots of blood. Check. And Jack Nicholson’s sublime gangland boss hitting on an underage girl asking if she’d got her period yet. Check. It sounds wrong but trust me; this is comedy but damn is it dark. The movie has its problems: it’s a ‘bumnumber’ i.e. a little long for some tastes and the female character who becomes involved with Di Caprio and Damon feels at times somewhat inconsequential, but these are very small needles in a gloriously entertaining haystack. In a nutshell: awesome! The most entertaining picture this year. Not for the faint hearted but if you loved Goodfellas, if you love Scorsese, you will not be disappointed.

David Eykelestam

R-Point (15) ***

here is a strategically important island, called R-Point south of Ho Chi Minh City. Every night they receive a transmission begging for help. The transmission is from a scout mission of nine men which went missing 6 months previously. This is when Choi Tae-in, a hardened lieutenant and his team are sent in to see what is happening and try and recover the missing scout group. However what they uncover is horrifically terrifying and only one of them will make it back alive. The film is set in a stunning location which really adds to the feeling of isolation. The film has a very moody atmosphere brought about by good cinematography and a positive performance from the cast.

Although this is a film not exploited to its full potential in terms of its ability to build tension, it is definitely a film to get the blood moving. At first the group of soldier seem more like scouts on a day trip rather than a fighting force; yet, as the film develop this feeling of amateurism helps fuel the fear. The film is quite slow to pick up, and it is a long time before anything scary actually happens, but once the fear gets going you will start to hope that nothing scary happens for a very long time.

Michael Mooney

Film Four for freeShould you be watching?

ver the summer break, Channel Four decided that after eight years of charging around £6 per month for their premium film channel, that they would make it available for free to all across the entire digital platform. They rolled out the changeover with a high profile advert campaign starring Hollywood actors such as Ewan McGregor and Willem Defoe. I for one was quite happy by this decision. Ever since Channel

But why should you at least give Film Four a bit of your time? Four’s inception in the 80s, they have been one of the few channels to pay attention to interesting, lesser known films and try to get them out to a wider audience. They seemed to move away from this during the 90s however, and instead moved the more interesting arthouse and less commercial properties to their specialist film channel. So what made them decide to make it free for all? Some may argue that it simply wasn’t making enough money as a subscription channel (it had 300,000 subscribers at the time of changeover) whereas it now reaches over 18 million households. As it is the only real film channel available for free to everyone with digital television, the adverts during the film are justified. After all, you can only rely on the other channels showing films (which are few and far between these days, thanks to Sky having a stranglehold on film rights) or you can just rent a DVD. But why should you at least give Film Four a bit of your time? To my mind, if you want to at least watch something different, Film Four caters for that every night. In the past month, they have had a Korean Cinema special, showcasing six of the finest films to come out of Korea in recent years, such as Oldboy and Brotherhood. World Cinema is a big part of the night time programming on the channel, and is a perfect gateway for those who are just becoming interested in films outside of the standard Hollywood fare that we all travel to Llandudno Junction to see on a regular basis. The downside to the channel is as said previously, adverts. But also the fact that perhaps the films are repeated too often, although this isn’t as bad as some other digital channels (At the time of writing, ITV2 showed Back to the Future Part 2 three times in 24 hours!) I for one hope that this does change, and a wider selection of films is shown each month. This is just my opinion of course, but if you have no work to do this evening, and there is nothing else on TV worth watching, give night time Film Four a try. You might see something really cool!

Ian Davies

Film

The Last Kiss (15) **

think that it is fair to say that Zach Braff is one of the more recognisable comedic actors of our generation. He shot to fame in Scrubs, and wrote, directed and starred in one of my favourite films, Garden State, two years ago. In The Last Kiss, he plays against type as Michael, a 29 year old man, scared by the prospect of turning 30 very soon and feeling as if “there are no surprises left” in his life. In steps Kim, a 20 something college student who literally throws herself at Michael and suggests to him there is more to life than his steady career, devoted girlfriend and forthcoming baby. The film also looks at the relationships of Michael’s close friends, and Jenna’s (Michael’s girlfriend) parents imploding marriage. With a great ensemble cast, a likeable leading man and a script from an Oscarwinning screenwriter (Paul Haggis, he of Crash fame), where exactly does The Last Kiss go wrong? Maybe our preconceptions of Braff ’s earlier roles and the way the film has been advertised suggest that it is a romantic comedy, when it really is neither of those things. Whereas films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind look at the failure of relationships in an almost wistful manner, lamenting our lost loves, this just

seems to be almost nihilistic in its approach to a similar subject. Not once do we feel that being in love, being happy and stable in life is anything to really be thankful for, because we will always look for something more elsewhere. The film does raise a few laughs, mainly with Michael’s friends and their misadventures. That left me wishing that the film had focused more on them, rather than Michael’s own torturous experience. The film does offer some glimmers of hope for the characters at the end, but by that point, you really will not care about them at all. It is a shame really, as Braff proves here that he is more than capable of playing a dramatic role. Not once did I think of his lovable JD character from Scrubs, and I did sympathise with him when he realises what a mistake he is making. The rest of the cast play their parts well, but they are just not developed well enough to really leave a lasting impression. If you are in a happy relationship, this film may well leave you wanting to erase the two-hour running time from your mind, I know I did.

Ian Davies

Open Season (PG) ***

pen Season is yet another computer animated film intended for young children and as such I went to see this with low expectations. However, even though the target audience is obviously young children, this film does have something to offer people of an older age group. The humour, at times pushes against the boundary of the film’s PG rating with some examples of mild black humour and there are some fun movie in-jokes too. This tale of a grizzly bear (voiced by Martin Lawrence) a deer with one antler (voiced by Ashton Kutcher) leading an animal rebellion against the hunters has

enough laughs to even entertain viewers of a more demanding nature and young kids. It features a terrific voice cast featuring Billy Connolly, Debra Messing, Jon Favreau and Gary Sinise, with Kutcher stealing the show whenever his character is on screen. There are also some great one-liners that help to raise this above more typical animated fare. If you are looking for some simple entertainment ‘Open Season’ is definitely worth seeing but remember this is a film for kids so don’t expect too much.

Robert Mann

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

Music

Costello Music – The Fratellis

he Fratellis’ debut album, Costello Music is, in my opinion, the best thing since sliced bread. In fact, it is sliced bread. If you liked singles Henrietta and Chelsea Dagger then you will love Doginabag and Creepin’ Up The Backstairs. With lyrics and themes that may shock some straight-laced parents, it is the perfect student album. Tip – sing the words fast enough, like The Fratellis themselves, and no-one will notice the rude words. When asked what they thought about Fruitella sweets, the band said they were “fantastic”, which pretty much sums up their album.

Natalie Pierce-Jones

Sam’s Town – The Killers

his is the long awaited follow up to Hot Fuss, released back in 2004 and for those who loved that album, Sam’s Town shouldn’t disappoint. After having listened to ‘When You Were Young’, you could be mistaken for thinking that The Killers have left the indie world behind for a more mainstream angle, but if anything, the album still stays true to what we have come to expect of The Killers. Even from the first track ‘Sam’s Town’, the album displays traits already known to us like the catchiness of ‘All These Things That I Have Done’ and the 80s synth sounds of ‘Somebody Told Me’, which can be found throughout the album. That’s not to say that Sam’s Town is just a regurgitation of Hot Fuss. By all means, the style of the two albums suggests the mark of a group who know who they are but it is clear that a transformation has taken place in the two years since their debut album was released. Indeed the group have kept and further established their 80s style sound to the point where some songs, such as ‘Bling (Confession of a King)’ and ‘Bones’ wouldn’t have sounded too out of place twenty years ago. However, songs like ‘Read My Mind’ and of course ‘When You Were Young’ show a successful development of an already established and successful style. The similarity to Hot Fuss shouldn’t put you off if you didn’t like it. Sam’s Town explores a mixture of characteristics already expected of The Killers as well as new ones. The lyrics are arguably a little poorer in places, in that they still use a lot of repetition for choruses as before (which looking at their past success is a good thing), but also the lyrics seem a little clichéd “we’re burning down a highway skyline” and unoriginal. The references to American culture offer something a little different to other chart albums. For Killers fans, the album is a great follow up and for those not so keen, there is something to be found in there.

Jen Stanley

Calling all music lovers! Want to write a review? SEREN get sent loads of CDs, and it could be you reviewing them. Get it touch with me at music@seren.bangor.ac.uk for more details.

Shine On - Jet

ow an established name following the success of their debut LP Get Born, Jet now face the difficult ‘second album challenge’. Already the band have been criticised for drawing too heavily on the Oasis influence, with whom they toured in 2005. It’s true that, had you been living on another planet for the past few years and had never heard of Jet, you might plausibly close your eyes and picture the tracks of Shine On being penned by the Gallagher brothers. Such comparisons are inevitable when both bands draw heavily on influences such as the Beatles, The Stones et al and without doubt, Jet capture the sound of the early seventies perfectly. A few years ago this would have been a quality they could have capitalised on. However, with the market now becoming saturated with groups such as Wolfmother producing sounds reminiscent of the 60s / 70s era, the approach no longer feels as fresh and original as it did. Often the tracks on this album feel as if the band have attempted to play it safe and stuck too rigidly to their original influences, rather than living dangerously and experimenting with different sounds. Having said this, there are a few gems to be found with tracks such as “Rip It Up” and “That’s All Lies” which come when the group are most at ease with their own raucous style. One of Jet’s strengths is that they are equally at ease in delivering ballads as they are in knocking out energetic riffrife anthems, as tracks such as “Eleanor” and future single “Bring It On Back” demonstrate. If you are a fan of Jet or the other aforementioned artists then you will still enjoy this album and it’s likely to prove commercially successful (in Australia the album has already gone platinum), just don’t expect another Get Born otherwise you may find yourself disappointed.

Ross Butler

The Freedom Spark - Larrakin Love

nna F J Morris is a student singersongwriter studying psychology in her 3rd year. Seren met up with her to ask her a little bit about her new album At Sea and this is what she had to say…

How would you sum up your style of music?

here are few bands quite like Larrikin Love. For a start, their uncompromising style and wardrobe choices, for example, suggest that they would be more comfortable in 19th century rural Britain rather than in modern-day London. Even their choice of instruments deny modern-day conventions – mixing fiddles and trumpets with guitars and a wide variety of percussion. This all combines to make a sound that is lively and vibrant. It is country music with a ska edge and to see them live is much more like attending a barn dance than a gig. The problem, therefore, in Larrikin Love producing an album is whether it is feasible to convey the raw, disjointed and slightly unhinged energy that is impossible to escape in their live music on a simple compact disc; and on the most part the album delivers. In particular, the intro track draws the listener into the album, into Larrikin Love’s world, sampling strains of ‘Six Queens’ – the second track on the album. However, in some ways the album disappoints. ‘Meet Me By The Getaway Car’, for example, has clearly fallen victim to overproduction with the presence of too many instruments and too fast a tempo. There is also the sense that Larrikin Love didn’t use their best songs on this album and inclusion of such songs as ‘Raggady Anne’, or ‘Little Boy Lost’ which perfectly showcase the band’s witty lyrical style would have been welcome. Despite this it is impossible not to enjoy ‘The Freedom Spark’. It is an album that clearly shows just how exceptional the band are, as it perfectly combines unusual yet genuine lyrics with exciting and uplifting music. This is the magic of Larrikin Love and I defy you not to dance along.

Emma Dixon

It’s sort of like funky jazzy music but, because I’m a classically trained person as well, it’s got this weird element of Tallis and Bird and old fashioned styles of music. You’ll have to decide for yourself! Who are your influences? My biggest influence is probably the stuff I did with my choir because I was in choir for a very, very long time. Then from more popular music I’m a big fan of Jeff Buckley and Joni Mitchell and Damien Rice, but I’m not sure I would say they are influences because I’ve always written, since I was a little kid. I think my biggest influence is just everything around me. I write about the things that I see rather than listening to a musician and thinking I want to sound like that. Are you proud of the album and pleased with how it’s turned out? I’m getting there with it! I found it a bit difficult recording and I found it a bit difficult to listen to it recorded. I couldn’t have asked for more though really, it’s gone so well. It’s just a bit strange listening to myself on a CD. How are people able to get hold of a copy of the album? Yes! I have an email address (see below) where they can order the CD from. It’s £6 and it’s hopefully going to help me pay for my masters. I know it’s not cheap but at least it’s not a tenner or more! Where can people see you playing around Bangor? My first gig this year will be at the Rathbone formal on 26th October! I do hope to do some more gigs but I need to get settled with my work first. When I’m a bit more underway into the year then hopefully I can do a few gigs here and there. Sometimes I busk as well in the town centre! Being dyslexic, do you find it affects your writing or playing? It’s probably the reason I am a songwriter. I’ve had fifteen years of classical training and I still can’t read music, it’s just like garbage to me! It’s even worse than words. I know I have the

musical knowledge there because I can still sing everything but if you put music in front of me that I haven’t seen before I don’t understand it at all. I do struggle a lot to express myself with things and my music is the only way I can concisely put down what it is that I feel. It is quite a major influence in my music and it’s what makes my music so unique I think, the fact that I have all this musical knowledge but can’t express it properly.

At Sea – Anna F J Morris

hroughout the country I’m sure there are thousands of young women sat on bar stools with a microphone propped up in front of them, but I’m also sure that very few of them sound anywhere as near as good as Anna Morris. Now with a title like that it was never going to be Napalm Death or anything at that end of the spectrum. However, it could easily have just been a girl sat with an acoustic guitar pouring her heart out. Actually that’s pretty much what it is, but it’s also so much more. Anna’s voice has a definite calm to it and if you closed your eyes you really could imagine yourself floating away on a tranquil ocean. Now I bet if Mr Tom Hanks had had this CD for company rather than a coloured in football then he may have been able to manage a smile or two. None of the songs are technically that complex but that’s exactly what makes At Sea work so well. Simplicity truly is the key. Arpeggiated chords and rhythmic bass notes provide the backdrop for Anna’s touching vocals that range from a mere whisper to heart-aching wails. Comparisons with other singersongwriters such as Jeff Buckley and Eva Cassidy are inevitable, but songs such as Answers and album highlight Affirmation show that, although inspiration is obvious, Anna’s style is truly her own, and may be more akin to edgier artists such as Regina Spektor. When listening to the album it is difficult to believe that Anna is barely into her twenties and although done before in the past, the music is now, once again, fresh and to have such a talent on our doorstep is something we should all be thankful for. If you like what your hear and would like a copy of the album then feel free to email Anna at: say.hello.to.anna@goog lemail.com

Chris Thomson

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

want you to think back to the last time you read a book that wasn’t for one of your modules. Can’t remember? Don’t feel guilty, because you’re certainly not alone. Reading for the sheer enjoyment of it seems to be a dying art these days, despite the gushing comments of literary critics, teachers and smarmy government officials, who claim that JK Rowling and Harry Potter have saved the hobby of reading from near-extinction. It looks like reading, that simplest of pleasures, just doesn’t cut it in the increasingly digital world of internet and iPods. Already, we’ve got telephones, the World Wide Web, music and video in the palm of our hands; traditional diaries have been chucked away in favour of ‘blogging’ sites such as LiveJournal and Xanga. Even our social lives are being dictated by sites such as MySpace and Bebo. Is the humble book next in line for the digital revolution? Well, yes, if the latest technological reports are to be believed, in the not-so-distant future, we’ll be able to download entire books to a hand-held reader such as a BlackBerry or PDA. Now readers, I don’t want you to think I’m a technophobe – I’m currently typing this on my wireless-enabled laptop, playing digital format music, and I’m as addicted to MySpace as everyone else, but what I want to know is, is digitising novels going to mean more people will read? What difference does the format of the material make? It’s the same principle, whether it’s in a book, or a swanky hand-held computer. There’s nothing like a good book to provide you with complete escapism. A book can take you to any place, and any period of time, and they allow you to see events from many different perspectives. Could the internet really provide such a real world? I know what my opinion is, guys, but what’s yours? Before I leave you to ponder that question, I’ll say this – which would you rather curl up with in front of the fire? Somehow, I don’t think the answer will be ‘a laptop’! I don’t want this page to be about what I’m reading; I want to know what you’ve been reading lately. If you’ve read something brilliant lately and want to review or recommend it, email books@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Books

We Need To Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lionel Shriver is a book that explores the lives of a family destined to be directly involved in an American High School massacre. The narrative is told from the perspective of the teenage killer’s mother, Eva, in the form of letters to her estranged husband, in which she tries to account for the tragedy by closely analyzing her son’s upbringing. These letters, however, really act as a form of confession for Eva, who is daily blamed for her son’s actions. Shriver’s witty prose draws on themes of American culture and fear of motherhood, as well as an in-depth and obviously wellresearched look at the High School massacre phenomenon. Her take on these subjects makes the novel a page-turner and one that’s impossible to put down. Even after the cover has been closed you keep on considering the novel’s ambiguity: Who is really to blame? Can Eva’s story be trusted? Was it love or hate that caused Kevin to commit his crime, or was his fate sealed from the day of his

SHORT STORY COMPETITION

birth? The book has been a subject of wide debate purely because no two people have precisely the same opinion on it. In addition, “We Need to Talk About Kevin” speaks volumes about not only the apathy of modern teenage and child culture – at one point a young Kevin very astutely points out that he would much rather do nothing and be given free money than work hard to get a job – but also about the current legal and judicial systems in America. Published in the same year as Booker Prize winning Vernon God Little by D.B.C. Pierre and within a few years of the release of Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine”, the High School massacre and the culture that breeds it is clearly a topic that requires discussion. In my opinion, no fictional source has yet done this as well as “We Need to Talk About Kevin” in terms of exploring the ripples of cause and effect within these tragedies.

Vicky Brewster

Students are invited to enter a short story competition run by the website stories4u.co.uk.

£100 IN CASH PRIZES

Do you enjoy writing stories? If so, this competition is for you. Each submission should be a work of fiction, and should be not more than 2,500 words long.

SEE YOUR WORK PUBLISHED

The deadline for submissions is 6pm on Friday 12th of January 2007. Entrants must be students. Full details can be found on the website www.stories4u.co.uk. Get writing, and good luck.

Your horrorscopes for November with Cosmic Kerrie Aries (21st Mar – 20th Apr) I’m afraid that if something’s been getting on your nerves lately, then chances are it will continue to bug you through most of November. You know you should be direct and just get it sorted, but it’s likely that your hot temper will just have to boil under the surface for a while. Try distancing yourself from your worries. Take up a new sport or go out with some different people, for this November is the time for you to start fresh enterprises. And if ever there is a month for you to take a walk on the wild side or fire up a sexual liaison, November is it. It’s all very saucy indeed…

Taurus (21st Apr – 21st May) November’s shaping up to be a profitable month for you Taurus, both financially and socially. Expect to meet some interesting new people (especially whilst out on the town!) who, although they might not hang about for long, will leave you feeling in a very happy mood. However, as you meet these new people, remember not to forget the other people who are close to you. Just remember to be reliable, tactful and loyal to the friends who came first, and November will be a very good month for you…you lucky sod!

Gemini (22nd May – 21st Jun) This November, your best bet is to stick with it. I know it sounds boring, but you need to tackle routine chores (yawn) and tie up all your lose ends. You’ll feel like letting lose and flitting off to do something new, but don’t. Look after what you have right now. Finish present topics before you move

on to others, it’ll benefit you in the long run. (Even if it does bore you to tears right now!) Try not to tinker with any machinery either, be it your car or your hairdryer. (It might blow up!) And try not to get angry with a new person…they can’t help being so dim!

Cancer (22nd Jun – 23rd Jul) Someone from your past, like an old flame, might pop up in November. If you’re already in a relationship, then be resolute. You’ll be attracted to a new romance but should not risk what you have now. And if you stick with your current partner, then expect your passion together to burn! If you’re single, prepare to feel indecisive about what to do. Just don’t rush into things. Make sure you think it through first because any relationship started in November could be very steamy indeed. Be careful with you’re money and your heart.

Leo (24th Jul – 23rd Aug) November is the month for you to reflect, Leo. Think about where you are in your life right now, where you want to be going to and how you can get there. Also chew over the people in your life. (No, don’t eat them, just think about them!) Try to work out who is beneficial to you, and who you should chuck. If something is bothering you, this is the time to work out how to fix it. But don’t react to any of this just yet. Wait until later in the month before you do anything. And when you do do it, do it fast. That way, you’ll find you have far fewer complaints!

Virgo (24th Aug – 23rd Sep) You may be subject to some confusion this November, so make sure you double check everything you do. (Hang on, you’re a Virgo, you probably do that anyway – ok, triple check everything you do!) Try to stick with any problems, because they will sort themselves out, but if you need some time alone, explore a new location. Take a walk by some water and clear your head. If you go out on the town, keep an eye out for a sexy stranger. Although any romance is likely to be short lived, it will make for some exciting stories! Don’t feel that daring? Try reading a book instead, although I don’t think it will have quite the same effect!

Libra (24th Sep – 23rd Oct) If somebody owes you some money, then make sure you get it back; otherwise you might be out of pocket for a long time, and Christmas isn’t all that far away! If you’ve got a job, don’t think about leaving and getting another one, because chances are that throughout November, you won’t be able to find one. You’ll feel quite nostalgic this month, and will remember past flames fondly (unless they made your life a living hell, in which case you’ll remember then with a little less fondness!) Any work you do this month will be successful, so get writing up that assignment and enjoy the rewards!

Scorpio (24th Oct – 22 Nov) You will be feeling very passionate throughout November. If already with a partner, then they should thank their lucky stars! If single, then your sexual magnetism will soar, leading to some interesting

unions. And this month, it’s not just love you feel passionate about, it’s your work, family, friends and beliefs too, so God help the person who insults them, for you will not be best pleased. You’ll find yourself full of energy this November, like a rabbit on heat, so make sure you use it to your advantage! (21st Jan – 19th Feb) Sagittarius (23rd Nov – 21st Dec) Aquarius You need to finish a job you’ve neglected

Although you have a lot of oomph, it’s best for you to rest this November. Don’t promise to do anything by the beginning of the month, and certainly don’t start anything new until the end of November. Keep and eye on your health. Be creative, but just don’t overdo any physical activities. Although you’ll bounce back, they may have you more worn out than usual. Also keep an eye on your finances. And if you find yourself being tempted one night, then just make sure you’re honest. Nobody likes a liar; their pants often smell rather smoky.

Capricorn

(22nd Dec – 20th Jan)

If you meet a potential love partner before the 16th of November, prepare for indecision and confusion. However, if you meet them after this, then roll on the good times! (Hint hint, nudge nudge!) November is the time for you to let your hair down and really live it up. Give work the elbow for a change and take more time to extend socially. Mingle, chat and discover what makes other people tick. Just one word of advice…keep an eye on your bank account as you do this!

this November. Don’t be tempted to put it off because otherwise you’ll land yourself in a big pile of dirty brown trouble! You’re best to stick with current affairs this month and not begin anything new. Do stuff that you already know you’re good at, and you can’t go wrong. It’s probably best if you apply this rule to your love life as well, even if you are charmed by a new face. Make time to relax. You like to socialise but sometimes it’s good for you to be alone too.

Pisces (20th Feb – 20th Mar) You need to concentrate on solving problems in November, which will probably be of an educational matter, or might be to do with travel. If an old flame contacts you, and if there were no bad feelings, then why not meet up for a chat? You’ll be feeling particularly charismatic in November, and so you never know where it might lead. Make sure you finish all your projects, and don’t start dreaming about new ones until you’ve completed the old ones. Expect to have a giggle if you go out. You’ll be feeling very content this November, just like a marshmallow surrounded by warm chocolate.

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

The prize puzzles this issue are the Wordoku (below) and the Crossword (bottom). E-mail your answers to editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk or cut them out and hand them in at the Students’ Union reception, marked “Seren”. Don’t forget to put your name, tel no. and Uni e-mail address with your completed entry! Winners will be selected at random and prizes will be awarded by 01/12/06.

UZZLEs, osers & roblems

inQUIZitive

1. Which number does the letter D represent in Roman numerals? 2. Which country’s football association is responsible for the introduction of the penalty kick? 3. In which year was the United Nations founded? 4. In relation to radio, what do the initials VHF stand for? 5. Which has the multi-

coloured tail feathers, the male peacock or the female peahen? 6. What type of animal was Boxer in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”? 7. How many children does the character Peggy Mitchell have in EastEnders? 8. What is Africa’s largest land predator? 9. Which girl’s name is also the Italian title of address for a woman? 10. Which city is overlooked by Sugar Loaf Mountain?

EXPOSEitive Film Anagrams Sudoku Traditional

3 9 8 1 4 2 7 6 5

2 7 4 9 6 5 3 8 1

5 3 1 8 9 6 2 4 7

4 2 7 5 1 3 6 9 8

6 8 9 7 2 4 5 1 3

8 4 3 6 7 9 1 5 2

9 1 5 2 3 8 4 7 6

7 6 2 4 5 1 8 3 9

B N N I R U O G A

A R I G N O N U B

O U G N B A I R N

N O R B U G N A I

N A U R N I G B O

I G B O A N R N U

R I N A O B U N G

U B O N G N A I R

G N A U I R B O N

PRIZE-CROSSWORD

1 5 6 3 8 7 9 2 4

Wordoku “Bangor Uni”

last issue:-

P O L I C E C A R S

R O P A G R V E E D S R E D U A T S T I R E I O A G E S E E G R A S S

A N D A P D E D I T T O E O L I R E X C T E E D O O D Z O R R O S G E R O O T S

this issue:inQUIZitive: 1. 500; 2. Ireland; 3. 1945; 4. Very High Frequency; 5. Male Peacock; 6. Horse; 7. 3 - Phil, Grant & Sam; 8. Lion; 9. Donna; 10. Rio de Janeiro. IMAGEinative: A. Marvin the Martian; B. Shakira; C. Groundkeeper Willie; D. The Omen; E. Richard Madeley. Film Anagrams: 1. Psycho; 2. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; 3. The Exorcist; 4. A Nightmare On Elm Street; 5. Lord Of Illusions; 6. Village Of The Damned; 7. Damien, Omen Two; 8. Pet Sematary; 9. Interview With The Vampire; 10. Hellraiser. enCRYPTtive: A. Be seeing you; B. Mixed grill; C. Kitchen sink; D. No use grumbling.

Compiled by John Jackson

3 4 5 6 7 8

SHY COP SEX MANIAC TEACHERS WHAT ASS HEROIC TEXTS ANGEL SAINT THERMOMETER ILL SOD RUINS FOOL FLOG MEAN HATED DEVIL NOW I DEMON MATE PAY TEAMSTER

I’M WITH WHITE NAIVE PERVERT 10 REAL RELISH 1

ACROSS:To trick ogres, remotely (8)

FACTive

O E

Same rules as number Sudoku, but the letters from “HALLOWEEN” are in place of the numbers 1 to 9. Note though that there are 2 ‘L’s & 2 ‘E’s!

IMAG

Einat

ive

D. Film? 1

6 across, anglicised (5)

Attack flying mammals back (4)

Questions (4)

18 A coded artist in a half-shell (8)

E H

A L L

17 Ploughs through cash registers (5)

16 Legally remove (5)

O H L

L W A

After ski but also before! (5)

12 Passing seconds emit backwards (4)

L W E L

enCRYPTive

10 Marilyn mite have one after 7 years (4)

In some parts of Ireland Halloween is referred to as “Pooky Night”, named after the mischievous spirit “puca” who appears (as “Puck”) in William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. ~~~~~~~~~~ Any month that begins on a Sunday will contain a “Friday 13th”! ~~~~~~~~~~ Many Alfred Hitchcock films have won Oscars over the years, but the man himself never won an Academy Award for his directing.

Wordoku “HALLOWEEN”

DOWN:A greyhound racer renamed by Vauxhall (5) The condition of a Scottish lake (4) Harvest (4) Can’t remember being seated, crosslegged in an Esprit (5)

Honest recipients (8)

Descended from (8)

PRIZE-CROSSWORD 1

5 7

14 Hilda’s better half and Marshall’s No.1 (4) 15 Seren (4)

8 11 10

11 Sounds cold in South America (5) 13 Cold abode (5)

12 14

15 17

ow) s to and ked no. try! l be /06.

s rs ’s!

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

` ` THE S TEAM Film Editor

ello! I’m Ian Davies, 21 and in my second year of studying English and Film Studies. General interests are film, music (preferably indie and rock), video games and reading. I decided to give editing the film section of Seren a try, as films have been a huge part of my life since about the age of 2. There’s nothing finer than watching a good film with a bunch of friends, and I want to bring that mindset to the page. I hope you like it!

In 2006 a crack reporting unit was sent to prison by a union court for a crime they didn’t commit. These students promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Bangor underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as reporters of fortune. If you have a story, if no one else can report, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire the `S` Team.

Secretary

ello! My name’s Lexi Hindley and I am Secretary for Seren. The reasons for this are simple. I like pens A LOT (my current favourite being a sparkly purple number), but I also enjoy writing minutes. And seconds, and hours. Sorry, that wasn’t funny. I’m in my third year (finally!) of a Linguistics degree, which I love. When I grow up, I would like to be a subtitler; but only if I can pick which programmes to work on.

Music Editor

ello to everyone, my name is Chris Thomson and I will be your new music editor for the coming year of Seren. Music is a real passion of mine and although I am not particularly gifted at playing it, I just can’t get enough of it; you will rarely see me walking around without headphones in my ears. Over the coming year I aim to focus on some more local aspects of music, up-and-coming bands, live gigs etc. Of course I will also be bringing you a roundup of the biggest albums released each month and a selection of other music related articles.

Sports Editor

y name is Jack and I’m studying history. I’m the new sports editor and hope to keep you up to date with all of Bangor’s sports news, in and out of the University. This year I hope to really expand and develop our sports section and make it the best sports section Seren has ever had.

Film Editor

Union Correspondent

ello, my name is Cat Prince and I am this year’s Union Correspondent for Seren. I am currently a second year studying English and Journalism and in my spare time I am an Independent Councillor on the Students’ Union council and also Head of News on Storm FM. I decided to become Union Correspondent because I feel that it is very important that students know what is happening within the university they attend. I was actively involved in the SU elections last year and I was shocked at the number of students who had no idea that there was even an election taking place. My aim is to bring this information to the students.

Web Designer

Features Editor

Books Editor

’m Loran Perkins, I’m 19, and I’m from Nottinghamshire. And contrary to what you might think, I’m not an English student. I’m a second year French and Spanish student. I decided to run for the position of Books Editor, because I like to write, and also because it combines two of my favourite things - books and being bossy! My main aim for the books section this year is for it to be very much about what you lot are reading, not about other people telling you what you should be reading! So with that in mind, if you’d like to submit a review or recommend a book, please email me at books@seren.bangor.ac.uk

Travel Editor

’m Luke the new Travel Editor. I’m a third year studying English with Journalism. I aim to go into travel writing and Journalism after Uni so writing for Seren will give me some of the skills I’ll need to go into this. I’ve done trips climbing, rafting mountain biking and canoeing in places such as India, Mexico, Ecuador and all around Europe. I hope to give you features on countries to visit, days out in and around Bangor, and issues for students such as the state of the national rail.

` ` EAM THE S T e: Nam S. DENT Position: R REPORTE

ID No.: 43 00021582

Marketing and Sales

’m Michael and this year in the film section I’m hoping to cater to the needs of the DVD watcher by telling them all the great films out there and getting your opinions on which DVDs you like to watch. I’m looking forward to working with Ian to fill you in on all aspects of film and to help you spend your money wisely.

hen I’m not in Bangor I live in South Devon, where I enjoy spending time walking, camping, climbing and caving, as well as spending as much time as possible on the beach with my friends. I was originally planning to study broadcasting engineering and I spent a lot of my time organising the lighting and sound for various school productions. However after taking part in two 5 week expeditions to Iceland in 2003 and 2005 to carry out glacial research, I developed a keen interest in environmental issues. I am now here at Bangor studying Sustainable Development.

’m Yasmin, in my second year of Linguistics and this year’s Head of Marketing and Sales for Seren. I also do promotion for Time/Amser and Academi, work at the Harp,

and am secretary for the Debating Society. I wanted to become Head of Marketing for Seren because I believe our student paper is the perfect medium for transferring information of what’s going on locally and around the University, yet not enough people get to read it. I want to make things bigger and better this year - more promotion, more interest and definitely more people reading the paper. If you’d like to advertise in Seren, or get hold of a copy, contact me on sales@seren.bangor.ac.uk

i, my name’s Claire and I’m the new features Editor of Seren. I’m a third year studying Zoology with Conservation. It’s a little different to most courses the Seren team do but I am hoping to do a journalism masters next year and eventually want to be a science journalist. Therefore writing for the paper is giving me invaluable experience. I aim for the features section to give students lots of information about what’s going on in Bangor with features on different nights out and topical issues for Bangor students, such as student accommodation and any issues students may have.

Treasurer

ello, my name is Jen. I’m a second year studying Linguistics and English Language. I stood for treasurer because I wanted to become more involved in the committee.

WANT TO BE PART OF THE ‘S’ TEAM? Here at SEREN we’re always looking for people to write for the paper. If you have an idea or an article, don’t hesitate to get in touch. e-mail: editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk website: http://www.seren.bangor.ac.uk

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

INITIATION CEREMONIES A rite of passage to join a club or society. The weirder, the better. Some people will never have experienced this. But those who have, remember. We asked the students of Bangor what they thought about initiation tests, or ceremonies. We also asked if they had ever taken part in one.

Matthew Evan Matt Bonney - Linguistics English Rugby – “After a Language training session, we had to sit, fully clothed, in a bath of cider. We then had to drink the cider through a straw. The ones that weren’t sick, were allowed to join the team!”

Snooker – “We just set up our club, and we think our new members will have to drink a pint of wine. Maybe something like Echo Falls, white or red, we don’t discriminate!”

Jodi Roberts - Viv Sim Italian and Psychology Rowing – “This year we Spanish “I’ve never had to do initiation, but I think they’re really good! They’re so much fun to watch, at least! I’m not sure I’d want to do one myself though…”

are making the freshers come on a fancy dress pub crawl. The boys have to dress as Angels, the girls as devils. Last year it involved lots of lycra and wellies…”

Joey Redhead Engineering

“You shouldn’t have to do an initiation test, but it wouldn’t necessarily stop me joining a club or society if there were one.”

Sas Allen Creative Writing

“If you want to join a club you shouldn’t have to prove yourself by doing some silly test”

Fancy Dress Gwisg Ffansi

Ymunwch ‚ ni am

Barti Calan Gaeaf Snowsports club SODA Mens Football

Varsity

31st October 7.30 pm Hydref 31ain 7.30yh

Seren - Halloween Issue 2006

Sport

CHEERING BANGOR H aving watched the cheerleading flick, ‘Bring It On’ we felt confident to pull out the pom poms and give it a go for ourselves. The girls at Serendipity assured us that despite our low fitness levels and lack of experience we were welcome to come and train with the current team. This is a new club to Bangor set up by JoJo in an attempt to offer a varied and exciting way for people of any ability to get fit and show Bangor University spirit. The club is now running strong and the committee members; JoJo, Sam, Alex and Vicki all work hard to ensure everyone feels welcome and becomes a

part of this large friendship group. Far from the stereotype of a cheerleader, I didn’t think this sport would be for me. However George Bush captained his university team and if he could do it then surely so could I. This club is truly inclusive with all sizes, shapes and abilities taking part. I had many misconceptions about cheerleading and would recommend that anyone interested in a new sport doesn’t disregard cheerleading before trying it for themselves. Cheerleading offers a great all-round workout pushing everyone to their own capabilities in a friendly atmosphere where you feel like part of a team. Training is a fun workout without realising how much you’re doing. Training starts off with a varied warm-up including the classic playground sailor game; involving different actions for every word, e.g. throwing yourself to the floor when ‘hit the deck’ is called. The team captain, JoJo, adds the incentive of avoiding the more intense

Bangor T City F.C.

exercises for the winner. The cheers themselves are fun and easy to learn but if you find this a little difficult (like us) the cheers are in writing. Routines are taught in slow

and easy steps with one-on-one teaching. The first social of the year, themed ‘Moulin Rouge’ was a huge success. True to the theme everyone was underdressed for this occasion in corsets, tights and frilly knickers. The night started off with a pub-crawl, ending in Time. There are 2 socials a month - one pub-crawl and one get-together, including fundraising events and cinema trips. For anyone interested in joining cheerleading, now is the perfect time to get involved as training is still in its early stages. The team is interested in hearing from anyone with Gymnastic Qualifications to teach and any teams interested in having cheerleaders. Training currently takes place on Wednesdays from 6pm till 8pm at Normal Site Gym, although an additional day is likely to be added. It’s £15 joining fee with a free t-shirt. The team will be cheering at university matches allowing you to show off your skills and support for various university teams. The one thing cheerleading is lacking is BOYS. So any strong boys out there interested in an intensive workout with 30 fantastic girls please don’t hesitate to contact JoJo at peu06e@bangor.ac.uk or just turn up.

Jeni Freeman & Amy Wallis

here’s always a warm welcome at the Farrar Road stadium – home of

Bangor City Football Club. Playing in the Principality League of Wales, City is one of the most successful, and best supported, sides in Welsh football. Always challenging for honours, City is again amongst the front-runners in this season’s League, and under the shrewd management of Manchester United and Wales legend Clayton Blackmore we are

sure to be there or thereabouts come next spring. City has a great history, having won our national league twice, and with cup honours aplenty. We also have a proud European record – playing in various competitions over eight seasons – and recently campaigns have taken us to Romania, Yugoslavia and Latvia. Look out for more European adventures come next spring! The future is also exciting as we are gearing up for a move to a new out-of town

stadium at Nantporth on the Holyhead Road. Look out for exciting players in City colours such as all-time Welsh record goalscorer Marc (Jiws) Lloyd-Williams, wingers Sion Edwards and Ashley Stott, and classy defenders Paul O’Neill and Martin Beattie. Keep up with all City news at www.bangorcityfc.com

Jack Peat

s si

he Seren Editor has asked me to write a short piece about the fantastic new go-karting club that will hopefully be joining the swelling ranks of AU clubs shortly. To be honest, I thought I’d got away with leaving the office at 3pm on a Friday (in order to support a new student initiative, mind), but I’m happy to evangelise on a niche-filling set-up that will provide a welcome vent for any petrolheads at UWB. According to my ‘Pocket Oxford Dictionary’ (which hardly fits in any rucksacks I own, let alone any cavernous pockets, but anyway) a go-kart is a ‘miniature racing car with a skeleton body’. That’s my job done then - if you fancy pounding round a few local tracks in a miniature racing car with a skeleton body then the go-karting

club is just the thing for you. But that, of course, is never going to do justice to the artform that is driving fast. Make no mistake: professional racing drivers are poets, creative minds of the highest order. There’s a beauty in watching a great driver at work, mastering the car, taming the road, wringing quick lap after quick lap out of precision machinery. There’s also a great deal of hilarity in watching me spin off the track having overcooked it in the first corner and three people having to scamper across the grass and run-off tarmac: racing is that diverse. All the top drivers started off in karts – I couldn’t really name any for you at the moment, but I’m sure they did. (Aha! Michael Schumacher’s dad Rolf owns a kart

track in Kerpen, near Cologne) It’s not merely the bottom rung on the motorsports ladder, either – there’s a thriving international scene in which middle-aged men who aren’t good enough for proper racing cars frequently get together to try and blow 7-year-old child prodigies into the weeds. On a personal level, though, the satisfaction of improving your lap time by 3 seconds over an afternoon on your first ever trip karting is addictive to the extent that I’m thinking of sneaking back to Cartio Môn to get in a few practice laps before the next club meeting. It’s that much fun.

Sam Burnett