Seren - 193 - 2006-2007 - May 2007

End of Year Issue 2007

SUMMER BALL 2007 ��������������� ����������������������������������������������������

In This Issue...

��������������������� ���������������� ���������������������������������

���������������

������� ��������������� �������������������

The Bludgeoner

News

Tales From The Queer Side

�����������������������������������

���������

��������������������

�������������

����������

�������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������ �����������������

Sport

From Bangor To Bangor

The BIG Interview with the Vice Chancellor

The Great Orme

Travel

��

� �����������������������������������

�����������

�����

��������������������������������

�����������������

�������������������� ��������������� �������������������������������������

����������������������������������

�����������������������������

�������������������������

������������������������������ �������������������� � ����������������������������������

B

angor certainly loves its celebrities, especially if they have appeared in Big Brother. Over the past year we have accepted Glyn Wise will be one of our fellow students, we have witnessed guest appearances from Lea Walker, and now, our very own Summer Ball is been headlined by the infamous Ordinary Boys and front man Preston.

Any students who have attended a Summer Ball here at Bangor in the past will certainly reminisce about the spectacular transformation to PJ Hall and the surrounding area. This year, we are set for more extravagant decorations, lavish gaming, and childish festival rides, plus many additional bonuses. Anyone lucky enough to purchase a ticket for this year’s event can expect to be greeted with champagne and strawberries, chocolate fountains, and a luxuriant feast provided by

Java Restaurant. On top of this there will be casino tables, circus entertainers and most impressively of all, fun fair rides. The halls will of course be equipped with striking decorations, state of the art visual screens and an eagerly awaiting stage, ready for the night’s acts. For those who attended previous Balls, there will be distinct differences.

There will be no need to purchase drinks vouchers this year; the three bars that will be in operation throughout the night will be cash bars, simplifying getting a drink. There has been a new ‘chill-out room’ created, which is essentially a room within a room with mellow lighting and additional seating.

The event will last all night and this room will surely make the difference when it gets to the early hours of the morning.

If all this is not enough, the Students’ Union have also invited some impressive acts to entertain the masses throughout

��������������

the night. Headlining this year, are the Ordinary Boys. Trademarked by hits such as ‘Maybe Someday’ and ‘Week In, Week Out’ and ‘Boys Will be Boys’, the Ordinary Boys boast an archive of many dance-worthy songs. Their much praised album Over The Counter Culture has been dubbed one of the best albums Britain has produced in recent years, and certainly contains an impressive collection of indie classics.

American band Wheatus are also making a call at Bangor on their UK tour. Their name often conjuring up pop-punk hits such as the ‘Loser’ soundtrack ‘Teenage Dirtbag’, and their popular cover of ‘Little Respect’. The Ukuele Band of Great Britain, described as ‘immortal before their time,’ are also to feature, as well as tribute band Green Dayz who will keep the audience bouncing throughout the early hours of the morning. Other acts include The Welsh

Male Voice Choir and Bangor University Jazz Orchestra. In the marquee, sax and percussion band Bandabacana are to perform, featuring Nigerian born vocalist Loulou Edwards. Locals The Screaming Citizens will also perform, as well as the uncannily named Alien Jazz Band. The Half Cut Club are to provide the finest grooves of the night, featuring Sonny Woods, Neil Jankes and friends.

Tickets for the ball are now on sale, and are priced at £45 per ticket. Events continue through the night until around five o’clock, where breakfast at Mike’s Bites is the most common stop for many ball goers.

Jack Peat

The Adventures of Stuart Dent Music One Minute Welsh

Film

Adventures From Across The Pond

Storm Forecast

Sport Features

R E M M U S S T N E I K W C I T L L BA

���������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������� WIN WIN������������������������ WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN ���������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������

2 CONTRIBUTORS

Editor: Emma Dodd Lexi Hindley Claire Stapleton Rebecca E Hussey James Kerr Chris Thomson Siobhan Holt Jennifer Stanley Jess Hughes Spencer George Kerrie Gardner Sophie de l’Orme Dr Rashesh Mehta Lucy Digney Amy Garrett Loran Perkins John Jackson Jack Peat Carolan Goggin Sam Burnett Ross Butler Ian Davies Thomas Hecht Gemma Plowman Noellin Imoh Mark Hawkins Becky Fountain Paul Seymour Dave Moreton Felicity Snow Valentina D’Ericco Luke Wilsher Claire Mann Alex Farley Jon Anderson Joe Chapman Gary Brown Shiran Devakumar Pete Banks Alex Trebul Mark Varley Robert Mann Edward Rogers Mike E Shepperd Emma Dixon Adam Pearce Will Varley Andrew Redfearn Rob Samuel

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007 Dear Reader, Welcome to the End of Year edition of SEREN – our last issue for the year and my last issue in charge. I would like to thank everybody who has contributed to and read SEREN this year – it’s Bangor’s student population who make SEREN what it is. I have loved my year as editor – I have laughed and I have cried over this paper and I wouldn’t change my experience for the world. Special thanks go out to Dan ‘the technical man’; John and Chris for being there when it’s been hard and Lexi for preparing me for what was to come. Also a big thank you to Carolan for her support.

SEREN has come a long way this year and I hope that it continues to grow into the future. Next year’s editor will be Jack Peat, our current Sports Editor and I hope that you will all be as good to him as you have been to me. Please continue to send your contributions to editor@seren. bangor.ac.uk. I look forward to reading your articles next year and look forward to seeing in what direction Jack decides to take the paper.

I hope you enjoy this issue, with articles ranging from the Summer Ball, to how to cope with your exam stress. All that remains for me to say, is good luck with your exams and have a great summer.

Emma.

PS. Well done to those of you who worked out that the article about the president and I being engaged was in fact the April Fools’ joke and thanks to those of you who sent their congratualtions! I’m still living that one down.

Printed through www.quotemeprint.com 0845 1300 667

HAVE YOU GOT A HEALTH PROBLEM? NO TIME TO GO TO THE DOCTOR? LET THE GP COME TO YOU! THE BBC ARE FILMING A NEW SERIES OF BBC ONE’S HEALTH SERIES, STREET DOCTOR IN BANGOR AND NORTH WALES ON THE FOLLOWING DATES

TUESDAY 15TH MAY - SUNDAY 20TH MAY INTERESTED? CALL US 07802 470 442 OR EMAIL kylie.raynor2@bbc.co.uk

3

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

BOTANICAL BEATS 2007 T

he sun was shining and the folks of Bangor were all out catching some rays on Saturday 21st April at Botanical Beats. There couldn’t have been a more beautiful day to attend the fundraising event at Treborth Botanical Gardens, hosted by the University’s own Student Treborth Action Group in order to raise much-needed money for the gardens, the funding of which has been under debate for the last few months. This day was certainly a huge success in both the monetary and entertainment value, raising a huge £2022.53 despite tickets only costing £5 for the whole day, and leaving Bangor residents smiling and sun-kissed.

The day was accompanied by some

fine festival tunes, presented courtesy of Gwilym Morus and Band, Martin Daws and Band, the coolly named Amphibian Monks, Bangor Community Choir, DJ Hippyad and Signor Tim. There was also the opportunity to have a go at circus activities (not just for kids! I’m a dab-hand on stilts now!) and, the personal pinnacle of my day was discovering the refreshments room, selling a selection of delicious and wholesome homemade vegan and non-vegan cakes with tea or coffee for a mere pound. Now that’s value. Overall, a superb day! The only question is, when’s the next one...?

Rebecca E. Hussey

ay 3rd saw the regional and constituency elections take place across Wales. Voters turned out in their thousands to have their say and Storm FM sent an outside broadcast team to Canarthen Leisure Centre to be first with the results as they were announced.

With an outside broadcast unit at their side, Pete Banks, Ashley Fishman and Spencer George spent the evening interviewing the main five candidates standing in the AM elections and providing pre- and post-result analysis. The night was a huge success with Lib Dem candidate Mel Ab Owain commenting that Storm’s was the best interview he had taken part in during the past five years of his political career.

Former Station Manager, Spencer George commented, “It was a fantastic evening. For Storm FM to be able to provide a fantastic service such as an outside broadcast shows just how far they have come in the past twelve months. The whole night was a tremendous success and I look forward with great enthusiasm to Storm’s next outside broadcast.” For more local, national and international news, make sure to tune into The Forum, every Monday from 8pm until 9pm only on Storm 87.7FM.

hose of you who occasionally raise your heads above the University’s ramparts to take a peek at what the rest of the world is doing may have noticed that the elections for the Welsh Assembly Government were held on 3 May. Wales has a somewhat complex ‘mixed member’ electoral system giving each voter two separate votes.

The first is for a local candidate elected by the ‘first past the post’ system. In Arfon, our constituency, the local candidates were Martin Eaglestone (Labour), Alun Ffred Jones (Plaid Cymru), Mel ab Owain (Lib Dems), Gerry Frobisher (Conservative) and Elwyn Williams (UKIP).

The second vote is for a regional closed party list of candidates. In other words, you vote for a particular party but not which candidate within that party; the order in which candidates get elected will have been determined by the party before the elections.

So what happened in our constituency?

Well, Bangor alumni Alun Ffred Jones was (unsurprisingly) re-elected. What was surprising was the margin by which he defeated his closest opponent, Martin Eaglestone: Alun Ffred gained 10,260 votes to Martin’s 5,242, a swing of 3.5% from Labour to Plaid Cymru. And in the northwest region, Welsh Conservatives gained two

T

O

n Monday 26th of February Bangor University student Chris Stokes competed in the Revel Student Comedy Awards. He didn’t have support from a University society and very few students are even aware that he competed on Bangor’s behalf. But budding comedian Chris needs your support.

The Revel Comedy Awards heat took place at Birmingham University, and Chris narrowly missed out on a place in the final, which will take place at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. But all is not lost: if Chris wins the people’s vote which is currently taking place on the internet, then he will be invited to compete in the final.

The winner of this year’s competition will be awarded a trip to Canada, where they will be able to enter a similar comedy competition, plus £2,500, while the runner up will receive a £500 cash prize. But Chris admits that “it isn’t about the money, it’s about the contacts”. Competing in the heat has already led to him being booked to perform stand up gigs, and he hopes that by progressing in the competition his reputation will be boosted further.

Fourth year Chris, who credits comics Peter Cook, Milton Jones and Stewart Lee as his biggest influences, has been involved with comedy around the University. He has performed at both “Speak Easy” and The Amnesty Society open mic nights in Jocks bar, and has contributed to various SIN nights. Fellow student Jack Green says “I’d recommend that people see him while he’s cheap to see, because give it a few years and you’ll be paying £30+ for the privilege.” But if you don’t get the chance to see Chris live over the coming weeks, then you can catch him on Storm 87.7 FM, where he co-presents the show ‘Voxpop’ which is aired on Sundays between 2pm and 4pm. You can also look him up on www.myspace.com/boycottdeathtrap Bangor University is not exactly renowned for its comedic talent. Chris did attempt to set up a comedy society here in Bangor, but unfortunately it did not take off. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t help send Chris to the final. Visit www.chortle.co.uk, follow the links to the Revel Comedy Awards, watch Chris Stokes’ stand up act, and give him your vote. Voting ends at midnight on May 31st 2007. Come on Bangor! Show your support.

Claire Stapleton

Got the shoes?

Got the bag?

Not got a ticket?

Go to www.seren.bangor.ac.uk for your chance to win a Summer Ball ticket

����������������������������������������������������

���������������

Spencer George

IS CHRIS SET FOR COMIC SUCCESS?

Got the dress?

WIN THE BALL TICKET

ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS

M

ER M UM TS S N WI TICKE L BAL

seats and Plaid Cymru and Lib Dems gained have primary legislative powers, it does Wales for five years after finishing university one each. have secondary legislative powers in areas and the Lib Dems planning to abolish However, Labour is still the largest party including education. In other words, it tuition fees altogether. ��������������������������������� in the Welsh Assembly, but with 26 out of 60 cannot create new acts, but can amend Voter turnout in our area was quite high seats they lack that crucial overall majority existing ones. So while top-up fees exist this year, at 49.1%. But the total number ����������������������������������� required for a stable government. As we in both England and Wales, for example, of votes was just short of 20,000, and the ��������� in Wales go to press, a coalition government looks they have not yet come into effect student population here in Bangor is almost likely, but the shape that will take is still and the Assembly has increased grants for 10,000, giving us the potential to have a unclear. Possible options are a Labour-Plaid Welsh-domiciled students. significant impact on election results in Cymru coalition (giving a total of 41 seats), Labour is the main proponent of top-up our constituency. If we want to see serious a Labour-Lib Dem coalition (a total of 32 fees in the Assembly, but this may ��be an issue representation on educational issues by our seats) or a ‘rainbow coalition’� ����������������������������������� of, say, Plaid they are forced to concede ground on if they local AM, we need to use this strength in our ��������������������������������� �� Dems numbers and go vote.

Cymru, Welsh Conservatives and Lib Dems enter coalition. Plaid Cymru, Lib (a total of 33 seats). and Conservatives all oppose top-up fees, ������������������������ �������������������������������� Carolan Goggin So what does this mean for students? with Plaid wanting to pay the student loan Although the Welsh Assembly does not repayments of graduates who remain in

��������������������� ����������������

���������������

������� ��������������� ������������������� ��������������������

���������� �������� �������

������������� ��������������������

�������� ����������������� �������� �������� � ������������������������� ����� ������������������ ������� ��������� ������������������ ������������������� �� �� ������������������������������������� �� �� ���� ����������������������������� � � ���������������������������������� � � ����������� ��� ��� ������������������������� ������������������������������ �������������������� � ��� � ��� ���� ����� �� ����������������������������������� �

�����������

� � � � � � � �� � � � � �� � � �

��� ��� ����������������

�

������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������ ���������������������������������

�

� ���� ����� ���� � ��� ����� ��� �

����

�

�

�

�������� ���������������

��������� ������������

�������������� ������������������������

���������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������

��������������� ����������������� ����� ������� ��������������������� �����������������������������������������������

4

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

THE BLUDGEONER

T

he Bludgeoner is feeling green at the moment – and that’s not simply because of the pleasant day he spent in a small yacht off Llandudno fishing for compliments the other week. It has become most fashionable to be a greeny these days, sticking bottles in your blue box and using both sides of the loo roll. The Bludge is reminded of that classic story from World War 2 (although it doesn’t quite rank on a par with the Battle of El-Alamein, it is worth a titter) where housewives were encouraged to spend a second away from blubbing over their probably dead husbands to rip up the railings and ship their pots off to the government for smelting down and using for tanks.

What happened in reality is that there are now a load of rusty old fences hanging around the bottom of the North Sea and no-one in the country had anything to cook with. In a perverse way many historians probably credit this with winning the war for the plucky Brits, ever-strong in adversity.

Mainly because it’s sixty years on and they’re struggling for things to talk about.

The relevance of this is such; the Bludgeoner wonders whether bundling up the Sunday Telegraph for the local Council every two weeks is really going to save the

polar bear from terrible sunburn and most of East Anglia from becoming a diving resort.

Every little helps, though, one supposes – although there is a certain note of irony in using that particular slogan from a company with the ethics of a minor royal at a fancy dress party. It’s heartening, for instance, to hear from UCAS that the brightest students choose the greenest and most environmentally friendly companies when they graduate. The Bludgeoner has several problems with this – how do they know? Do they ring them up?

“Hello, are you smart? Now tell me, do you have plastic cups by the water machine at your place? No? Thank goodness! That would’ve buggered up our contrived press release designed to get us into the papers around application time!”

The statement in itself implies that there’s some discernment in choosing where you end up after graduation. The Bludgeoner was always under the impression that finding a graduate job was always something akin to playing 23 bingo slips at once and hoping one of the little buggers will come good.

It’s all very well being all environmental, but where does it get us? It’s no good recycling carrier bags because you’re still using them, perhaps it would be better not to buy a newspaper at all rather than a big belching lorry sweeping the streets for discarded rags.

Still, readers – all the best for the holidays, enjoy your trips abroad, the long journey home, etc, etc. Don’t forget to recycle Seren once you’re finished with it – or you can keep it on hand as emergency toilet paper…

The Bludgeoner lives in a nuclear power station with three cows in Norfolk.

PLANS FOR A SUSTAINABLE STUDENTS’ UNION

S

ustainability is something of a ‘buzzword’ at the moment, with everyone from politicians to farmers using the term. There’s a reason for this: it’s important and indeed necessary to be sustainable and our Students’ Union is no exception to this.

There has been a stirring of excitement in the SU recently (more so than usual) with the forming of a new group – The Students’ Union Environment and Sustainability Steering Group. The group is made up of SU Executive Officers (the President, CSO, AU President and Education and Welfare Officer), members of the society ‘Subject to Change’ and other interested parties. Nonstudent involvement comes in the form of outside ‘experts’ from Gwynedd Council and other organisations.

The first task for the group was to look at the broad spectrum of sustainability issues that our Students’ Union faces.

Waste, transport, utility consumption,

T

his will be my last Summer Ball, as it will be for a lot of other final-year students. Well, my last one at Bangor: maybe I’ll go to another ball, summer or otherwise at another point in my cocktailparty-congested, jamboree-jam-packed, shindig-stuffed life. Therefore, footwear is an important consideration. The premise is simple: don’t wear small, stupid, pointy, high shoes. Why? Because they hurt. Reason enough. OK, so they look nice…but you won’t be the one still on your feet at 5am.

Taking them off is cheating (your shoes, not your feet, as that would be just weird…cool, but weird).

Anyway, to cut a long rant short, I propose wearing trainers (or maybe, if it’s too horrifying a prospect for you, I can just about advocate those sparkly little pump type things) Why? Because they don’t hurt (unless you choose them really badly). Looking cool is all well and good, but where’s the style in being a bleeding (literally, obviously), crying, whinging mess at the end (or maybe closer to the beginning if you pick some truly killer heels) of Bangor’s biggest bash? And, unless you have an occasional smug side which barely gets to see the light of day, no one has to know about your furtive footwear. My smug side is sure to want an airing on June 2nd – I’ll be the one in the blue dress, purple trainers, with no blisters. Cue smug smile from me, and look of intense pity from the fashion columnist.

Plimsoll Princess, Lexi Hindley

e all know the classic game of Monopoly, but there are actually hundreds of editions of the board game out there. Everything from Star Wars to the Simpsons is represented, but Parker games are about to create a new edition, which they are calling ‘Here and Now’ Monopoly.

The difference is that this time they are asking for our input. You can go online and vote for which places in the UK should be represented and the top twenty-two cities will feature on the new Monopoly board. Bangor is currently at position forty-three with 3244 votes. So if you fancy Bangor as the next Old Kent Road or even Mayfair, make sure you get on and vote. You can vote once a day at www.monopoly.co.uk/vote until 25th May 2007 when voting closes. The game will then go into production and onto the market in October.

Caroline Alvarez

home), creating a completely sustainable environment is not an overnight fix.

So what else is happening? We’re investigating car-sharing schemes, as well as using bio-fuel for the SU’s fleet of vehicles.

But the biggest idea of all is to integrate sustainable thinking into every action that happens within the SU and hopefully with you, the users of the building. There will be a website with useful advice on how to calculate and reduce your carbon footprint, which should be up and running in the new academic year.

Want to be involved? Get in touch with Sam Burnett, the Students’ Union President at sam.burnett@undeb.bangor.ac.uk for more information.

his July, the University will not only be awarding students with their hard-earned degrees, but also famous men and women who have contributed to raising the profile of Wales.

One such person is Hollywood superstar and BAFTA award winner Rhys Ifans. The actor, who has made such films as Notting Hill, Not Only but Always and Vanity Fair and who was also the original lead singer of the Super Furry Animals, will be awarded with an Honorary Fellowship. This is the highest honour the University can bestow.

This award honours his contribution to Welsh film and television.

Also Iolo Williams, the BBC presenter

and Nature expert is receiving an Honorary Fellowship for his services to the study of wildlife. Owain Arwel Hughes OBE will also be receiving a Fellowship. He is the Principle Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the founder of the Welsh Proms. He is being honoured for his services to music.

All that remains to be asked is, will Rhys be wearing grey to the ceremony, because women just love grey!

James Kerr

RHYS FOR THE STARS T

GOLA NOT GUCCI

W

and sustainability awareness are all areas in which our SU can excel at and lead by example.

An Environmental Policy is currently being drafted and a final version detailing the SU’s aims and targets will be presented to SU Council for its approval in October.

This will be reviewed bi-annually to keep targets relevant and to embrace new and relevant research and technologies.

So what will you notice about a Sustainable Students’ Union? Well, the first idea, and the easiest to implement in our current building are recycling bins. Actually, more than that – we want you to be able to recycle as much as you can, so we’re going make the SU a ‘drop-off-point’ for all of your recyclables. We also hope that small changes like setting printer defaults to double-sided and draft printing will help cut down of the use of paper and ink. While these are little steps (that you can also do at

Siobhan Holt and Chris Thomson

5

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

The Rant

TALES FROM THE QUEER SIDE

O

n the day I was leaving to come back to Bangor after Easter my grandparents passed me an article they’d read and picked out of the Guardian. It described the differences in law and society’s tolerance towards LGBT relationships and so-called lifestyle across the entire globe. Although it’s something I had already researched and thought I knew quite a lot about, to see it presented in such a no frills way and for it to grab the attention of two people of a completely different generation was something that made me realise just how much more needs to be done outside of the UK for liberation and protection of LGBT people all over the world.

Some countries are literally living in the past, with Russia’s Nikolay Koryanovich proposing to recriminalise homosexuality, imposing punishment of at least five years imprisonment, which is almost exactly the same as Stalin’s criminal code written in 1933. Russia only decriminalised homosexuality four years previous to these proposals, with Putin blaming decreasing birth rates on the law change.

Nigerian authorities made similar proposals to those made in Russia. Clubs, societies and organisations offering similar services to that of UWB Pride and other external groups are severely punished and individuals can face the death penalty in certain states that are run underneath Sharia law. One family, so scared of being punished for their son’s sexuality, reported their child to the authorities and requested the maximum penalty of death by stoning. He sought asylum in the UK and was deported back less than a month after. On the other side of Africa in Uganda a local tabloid released the names of forty-five gay and bisexual men outlining that homosexuality was “an abominable sin…that goes against the nature of humanity”. Neighbouring Zanzibar’s government out-right banned gay sex less than three years ago, giving gay men a twenty five years prison sentence for engaging in any sexual act with another man, but lesbians are given an incomparable seven years. They face a constant threat of gang rapes, beatings and murders in South Africa, whose constitution is surprisingly seen as one of the most inclusive and progressive of all less economically developed countries.

In Iran more than 4,000 men, women and children as young as nine have been killed under draconian laws since 1979 with the articles 108 right through to 140 in the penal code referring in detail to the punishments acceptable for homosexual acts. Iraq prefers to call these murders “honour killings”.

Although sometimes it most definitely does not feel like it, here in the UK we have an amazing number of support networks, protective laws and specialist amenities, which should be used more often and whose combined voice speak for a national community against global homophobia.

Has this shocked you as much as it has me?

Get involved in campaigning and contact UWB Pride and/or Amnesty International who are continually campaigning against breaches of human rights.

Jess Hughes

They think it’s all over...

A

s I sit watching the television, waiting for the inevitable middle order collapse of England’s batsmen against Bangladesh, I wonder why it is that Britain is so abysmally bad at sports compared to the rest of the world.

Our national football teams are so full of promise, yet deliver nothing. Our rugby teams offer fleeting moments of brilliance, only to undo all their good work by losing to a country with part-time players. Our cricket teams only win when the opposition have a bad day and as for tennis, the poor saps sat on Henman Hill are fooling themselves if they think Tim will ever win a major tournament again before he retires.

So where did it all go wrong? Why can’t the four nations of Britain produce teams that can go out, compete with what the world has to offer and, on occasions,

I wonder why it is that Britain is so abysmally bad at sports compared to the rest of the world. actually win something?

There is of course the argument that the influx of foreign players into Britain’s domestic leagues has hindered the development of young British players. For example, over 60% of the players in the Premiership are foreign. Compare this to

Italy whose top league is made up of less than 20% foreign players and this may explain why Italy won the 2006 World Cup, whilst England bowed out with a whimper. Personally I don’t agree with this argument. I believe we can only learn from the talent that foreign players have to offer and we should develop our own players accordingly.

Then there is the argument that we the public and the media put too much pressure on our sporting idols to go out and win a trophy or two. Yes, the media are quick to pick up on the smallest mistake a team makes and yes, the public does heap pressure onto its superstars, but with the ludicrous amounts of money they earn through salaries, bonuses and product endorsements, the least we can expect from them is to win once in a while. However, with the celebrity status that many sports stars live with, pressure from the media and the public is commonplace so should not affect them. So in my opinion, it’s certainly not the media and British public’s fault that we can’t win anything.

So if the influx of foreign players, the media and the British public aren’t to blame, who must take responsibility for our sporting failures? The answer, my friends, is the British Government. It started off under the Conservative government of the 1990s who started selling off playing fields for housing developments. This trend

continued under the Labour government who in the last five years have given the go-ahead to build on over a thousand small playing fields. How can children be expected to take part in sports if they have nowhere to play them?

On top of this, the Labour government has severely undermined grass-roots sports by failing to deliver on its 1997 promise of

...but with the ludicrous amounts of money they earn through salaries, bonuses and product endorsements, the least we can expect from them is to win once in a while. investing £750 million into projects around the country. To date, only £8.1 million have been invested, a far cry from the original figure pledged. As if this wasn’t enough, the government also promised to promote sport in impoverished areas by introducing ‘Action Zones’. The government gave an assurance that it would set up thirty Action Zones across the UK The current number set up stands at twelve. And that number looks set to remain the same as any available finance that could have gone into promoting grass roots sport, has been raided to help fund the 2012 British Olympic Games.

The future success of Britain’s sports

men and women rests on the shoulders of today’s young people. If they aren’t given the opportunity to learn and enjoy what sport has to offer, then we can go on expecting to celebrate nothing but mediocrity and unfulfilled potential for decades to come.

In 1997 Tony Blair said “We have underinvested in sport for far too long.” If that was his assessment then, I’d love to hear his assessment of the current situation. Previous governments may have under-invested in sport, but this Labour government has ripped out its heart and soul and it’s high time they recognise this fact and start fixing the damage they have caused.

Spencer George P.S. I hear that an environmentally friendly concert has been organised to help promote the dangers of climate change. The event is going to be called ‘Live Earth’ and acts such as Madonna, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Genesis are set to perform. The concert is going to be as carbon neutral as possible with electricity being provided by solar panels and transportation provided in the form of hybrid cars. Now it’s all very well and good using solar panels, and hybrid cars, but what are the events organisers going to do to combat the hot air escaping from Al Gore’s mouth?!

6

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

COSMIC KERRIE Taurus (April 21st – May 21st)

Y

Leo (July 24th – August 23rd)

S

R

corpios prove lucky and make the first week of May more interesting. Travel problems turn out to be a blessing in disguise as they offer a chance to try something new. Apologies you owe from a weekend night out must be made sooner rather than later. Swallow your pride Leo.

esist the urge to work on your own and gain speed and control by working as part of a team. You’ll soon realise the benefits when you see how far in the lead this can put you, especially mid-May. Remember to balance your work with play. In love, Scorpios may seem like they’re playing games, but their only looking after your best interests.

Y F

ou seem short of energy early in the month. You’ve had a lot on your mind though, and until you take time out to think about what all your recent dramas have meant to you, you won’t be able to proceed with confidence. In truth, you’ve already made your mind up; you just have to tell those concerned.

Aquarius (January 21st – February 19th)

ou’ve upset a close one, but seem unsure as to how to make it up with them. Time is the answer. It would seem that this time you went a bit too far with your words and both of you need some time to heal.

The first Thursday of the month is ripe for reconciliations.

And remember, actions speak louder than words.

riends are using you and you’re allowing them to do so. But the good news is that now you have all the know-how about who is at the root of all your troubles. A polite word never went amiss. A change in direction may come towards the end of the month.

Make sure you’ve thought it through, don’t go leaping before you look, research and study!

Y

W

Libra (September 24th – October 23rd)

Pisces (February 20th – March 20th)

Virgo (August 24th – September 23rd)

ork and social links come together at the beginning of May, and the chance to move up in status and meet faces that previously you’ve only dreamt of will arise. An ex may start causing problems for you, but if you bite you’ll only encourage them further. Tell them straight, and stick to what you’ve got.

T

close one needs more emotional support, but you’re growing tired of giving it.

Come on Sagittarius, just a few days more and they’ll be standing on their own two feet, and the two of you can frolic once more. New opportunities for the both of you will come if you can just give that final push!

eople you thought you could trust are likely to let you down this week. So, if you want a job done, you best do it yourself. As you enter May, you start to get a clearer picture of who is a help and who is a hindrance. Keep an eye out for the number five, and lose the impediment that holds you down.

Cancer (June 22nd – July 23rd)

he past is on your eager mind more than usual. It seems you can’t move forward until you’ve solved an issue from a time gone by. You’d be best to move on, but if that doesn’t feel right then stick with what you sense and not with what others tell you. Be your own person, go your own way.

A

P

our family are very important to you Taurus, but that doesn’t mean they should dictate your life. They’ve done that before, and look what you lost, so stand your ground.

Take a chance on Friday the 11th May and you’ll be celebrating. Travel could also be important to you this May.

Gemini (May 22nd – June 21st)

Sagittarius (November 23rd – December 21st)

Aries (March 21st – April 22nd)

Capricorn (December 22nd – January 20th)

L

ove and romance get much more interesting..! And it’s not just the face you’ll be showing to the outside world, but the things that’ll be going on behind closed doors. You’ve changed, and a new you has emerged which is sure to make for a happier future.

Just what you deserve after being a rock for so many souls.

Scorpio (October 24th – November 22nd)

F

eeling lazy recently Scorpio?

It’s OK to rest a bit, but not if your reputation is on the line. There are things to be done, and your friends can’t work out why you’re not behaving how you usually do. A Gemini can help you gain back control, if you’re willing to open up.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERING ENDS THE YEAR WITH A BANG

W

ell the year is nearly over, and what a long year it has been!

Although some of us may be leaving and venturing out into the world to get a ‘real’ job (or at least trying to) others may be looking forward to the summer break and then back they come for more full on fun and excitement in Bangor. But either way this academic year is coming to a close, which gives me an ideal opportunity to review the success of the year behind us. Yet again Student Volunteering Bangor (SVB) has gone from strength to strength this year, becoming bigger, better and all round more brilliant than it was the year before. The achievements of the volunteers and SVB as a whole are endless, and in true SVB style they do not go unrecognised.

On Thursday 3rd May we held our annual review to bask in the glory of our accomplishments, but this was a review with a twist. Not surprisingly, tickets were a sellout and off we all went in our glad rags out into the country to the Seiont Manor Hotel, in Llanrug. It was a great evening packed full of awards, amusing speeches, dancing, plenty of laughing and the occasional tear from those volunteers just too overwhelmed by the whole thing. I don’t think anyone really knew what to expect from Andy’s (SVB Manager) presentation but what we got was an enjoyable and at most times slightly embarrassing review of the year gone. All the volunteering projects that have run this year, with no exceptions, have gone down a storm not only within the University, but also throughout the local community

with all projects helping to improve the quality of life for individuals from all age groups and walks of life. Without those dedicated volunteers who offer their time freely and unconditionally this wouldn’t have been possible. The annual review provided a great opportunity to award those who have contributed so much to this community, and congratulations to all those

who received an award.

SVB is about more than the fantastic projects we run, it’s also a chance to enjoy great socials and raise money for charities at the same time. Some of you may remember our brilliant Moulin Rouge SIN night from back in January (if not you really missed

out), well yet again SVB has put on another great spectacle on 8th of May, simply entitled “Grease Night”. For one night only the 50s were alive and kicking again as a vast array of T-birds and pink ladies appeared at the doors of Academi. The dance club opened the event with their amazing, synchronized choreography to the hand jive whilst the (mostly) in-tune wailing from those brave (or drunk) enough to get up for karaoke could be heard during the night.

Numerous Dannies and Sandies made for quite a spectacle while the themed cocktails gave a good punch.

With entertainment throughout, you couldn’t help be in the mood for a jive!

Overall the SIN night was another great success and raised over £300 for the local homeless shelter, so here’s looking forward to the next one. A big thanks to those who organised and contributed to the event and for all those who attended we hope you had a great time.

On a separate note, I would also like to thank on behalf of SVB all of this year’s volunteers for their hard work and dedication, and special thanks goes to Andrew Wilson, Jenna Hughes and Xanthe Larcombe: we couldn’t have done any of it without you.

The last project held by SVB this year will be the BIG GIVE in which we will be placing big boxes in halls and asking you to donate any unwanted items of clothing, general cool stuff from your rooms and unopened food still within its sell by date (these boxes are not just a good opportunity to dump your rubbish and dirty dishes). On 4th June we will then take it all and donate it to the local homeless shelter and charity shops. So

whilst you are packing up your belongings ready to go home and reflecting on the year gone by, spare a moment to think about those who have no home to go to, and donate some of your stuff.

So although the year is coming to an end it is not over for SVB, in fact it has just begun. I leave Bangor with the belief that from here we can only get better, onwards and upwards so to speak and you, yes that’s YOU, can make the difference next year. So don’t put it off any longer, join SVB and never look back.

Becky Fountain

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

THE GREAT ORME F

ashion may be the last thing on your mind at the moment, what with work and exams, but with such wonderful weather, summer clothes are in. The weather is so gorgeous that it makes it even harder to do any work. Lying in the sun with a glass of Pimms would be ideal.

Big this summer is the colour blue and it always sets off a tan nicely. You can wear a bright t-shirt or accessorize it up. The choice is yours. The miniskirt is back, but stunning as they may be, they require a lot of maintenance. Take the easy option and

shave your legs, or be brave and get them waxed. The benefits last longer, but apart from that it’s pretty painful. If you dare, try a bit of fake tan, though an easier option are the ranges of tanning moisturisers. Let’s see those pins ladies, give the Bangor men an eyeful.

Oversized bags are still in, which is my favourite trend of the moment, but don’t load them up too much, or there is serious dentege on your shoulder. Along with the old minis, team with some chunky shoes: platforms, wedges or stack heels. They will

DOC SPOT I

n my opinion there are ten great foods for losing weight. There is a common delusion that to lose weight you have to barely eat, and the calories you do eat should be no more than what is required by a mouse. But research has shown that finding good quality food is more important than quantity when it comes to weight loss.

Combined with adequate exercise, your meals can be regular serving sizes. The food just needs to be, well, wholesome. Don’t skip meals. When you want to lose weight it may be tempting to starve yourself – but eating small amounts of food frequently can help you maintain a healthy, balanced calorie intake throughout the day. Also, your blood sugar level will be adversely affected if you don’t eat often. You can even divide the standard allotment of three meals into five or six smaller meals. There are some essential healthy foods for anyone who wants to lose

weight and/or retain good health. § Yams and sweet potato: Great diet foods because they are low on the socalled glycemic index. The glycemic index measures the values of various foods based on how quickly they break down and are absorbed into the bloodstream. The slower the digestion, the lower the score, the better the food is for regulating blood sugars, insulin, and over all metabolism- all of which affect fat deposition. § Oranges, apples and grapefruit: These particular fruits contain high levels of soluble fibre pectin. Fibre slows digestion, helps eliminate toxins stores in body fat, and gives you a feeling of fullness. § Killer sandwiches: To lose 40 pounds in 21 weeks, gorge on plenty of hearty sandwiches stacked with vegetables, such as tomato, cucumber, sprouts lettuce and onion. For bread choice, anything brown

7

Health

Sophie talks health, beauty and fashion tips

make your legs look inches longer and can make an outfit.

Nu-Rave is in. This means neon, acid and bright colours - eighties smiley culture is back, be it a t-shirt, bag or earrings. At the moment Topshop have a great jewellery section, go for a browse, the prices are a bargain too. Accessories of the moment include massive sunnies, the kind that swamp your face. Pretty headscarves are in, they are cute and keep you cool, wear as a headband or wrap it around a bun.

Statement eyeliner is back, try some

vibrant colours to give you a striking look; char kohl (for trash), neon if you dare, new metal (metallic and gold eyes), try popart hot-pink kohl, and finally why not try electric blue.

That should be enough to keep you going ladies, enjoy the sunshine, bring on the summer. Also a sad farewell to all third years, good luck with your futures, Bangor will miss you x x

with lots of seeds and heavy grains you can actually see, because less-milled ingredients contain much more fibre. § Cereal: Low sugar cereals packed with protein and fibre are good and can make you feel fresh with cold milk. § Salad: If you eat a salad, make it valuable. Get field greens and add a yoghurt dressing. Plus you need plenty of vegetables and some good lean protein, like grilled salmon. § Yoghurt: and other dairy goods that are great-tasting, low fat products. § Almonds: nuts are loaded with monounsaturated fats – the good fats that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known to lower cholesterol. Fats are as necessary to a healthy diet as protein and carbohydrates.

Small amounts of nuts are a good starting point. § Nut butter: likewise, nut butters

are a great source of those healthy, monounsaturated fats. Use almond or cashew butter as a much healthier option instead of peanut butter. § Hummus: it is great if used instead of butter and in wheat pitta bread or organic corn chips. § Salsa: this dip is great if made at home, doesn’t take much time to make and is a healthy option for snacking.

Don’t forget to exercise! At least 15-20 minutes of physical activity a day will ensure your health and help you lose weight (and not to mention, firm up those muscles).

Weight-bearing exercises are especially great ways to burn those pesky calories

Sophie de l’Orme

Dr. Rashesh Mehta For more details,

suggestions or queries mail: health4u_ 78@yahoo.com

BELIEVE IN WALES’ SMOKING BAN O YOURSELF Your guide to exam stress and how to deal with it

E

xams are a difficult time for every student but Seren is here to help! Here are our top tips on how to battle exam stress and advice for revising.

The most important thing is not to panic.

Just as long as you allow yourself plenty of time to revise and avoid cramming then you will feel more confident walking into that exam room. And don’t delude yourself into thinking that these exams are the be-all and end-all. Believe it or not, there is life beyond exams!

Whilst revising, it is important to be organised and plan just how you are going to go about acing that test. Write yourself up a revision plan, detailing how and when you are going to tackle each section of the work.

Remember to stick to the revision plan; it’s no good making it if you’re going to spend your time down the pub. Also, think about each topic separately, grouping all of your revision together and getting worried about how much you have will not motivate you at all.

Take regular breaks. It is vitally important that you don’t get too weighed down and information overload doesn’t set in. Every couple of hours take a half hour break; go watch an episode of Friends; make a sandwich; go annoy your housemates whilst they’re revising; it doesn’t matter what you do, just make sure you don’t soldier on

pretending you don’t need a break, because you do.

Eating and drinking sensibly is also essential. Avoid snacking and eating fatty foods as this affects your attention and concentration span. However, once a day treat yourself to a little chocolate as this releases endorphins in the brain – the cause of happiness. It is also a myth that drinking tea or coffee will increase your concentration. It may well keep you awake, but the caffeine will have an adverse effect on your attention span.

Regular moderate exercise is a great way to stay focused and relieve some stress. If you’re a member of a gym then great, but don’t worry if you’re not, just go for a light jog or a kick around in the park. You’ll feel better afterwards and it will help you settle back into your routine.

Exams are stressful times but by implementing just a few of these steps you will feel much happier in yourself and this will be mirrored in your impending exam success. Good luck!

Siobhan Holt and Chris Thomson

n 2nd April, Wales saw the introduction of its smoking ban. I’m sure most of us weren’t around at that point – a lot of us were probably in England where we were all still free to smoke in public places.

After a night out at the pub we would still come home and have to spray our clothes to get rid of the smell.

Whatever your stance on the matter, the ban has come into force in Wales and its mark has certainly been put on Bangor. The High Street and other areas with pubs are littered with smokers standing outside, in some cases providing an intimidating entry to the buildings in question.

What of the pubs and clubs of Bangor though?

Arriving back the week after the ban came in and going to watch the football in the Yellow Pub, I was pleased to say as a non-smoker, how much better I felt.

I’d never before realised how intrusive other peoples’ smoke was. Nights out in Academi were never too smoky but the difference now is still noticeable.

The efforts made by pubs to cater to smokers even with the ban in place are interesting. I read in the Bangor and Anglesey Mail a few times about some pubs applying for outdoor seating areas or even just a canopy for their customers to smoke

under. Much to the displeasure of pub owners and smokers alike, the plans were rejected for fears of drunkenness and noise on the streets of Bangor. Some of our chain pubs provide sand buckets for smokers, and some don’t, either way I hope that our streets don’t become a graveyard for used cigarettes.

All in all I think that people who don’t like smoke are enjoying their nights out more. At the moment, in the warm weather, the smokers seem to be alright with standing outside. Overall I think there has been an

increase in the number of older people spending their nights out in bars and pubs since the ban has come in, making places a little less student vs. local. I myself am enjoying not having to wash or spray my clothes back to a clean smell after a night out. Nights out in Bangor have certainly become more pleasant since April 2nd.

Jen Stanley

8

Travel

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

travel@seren.bangor.ac.uk Backpackers Guide to the World

A

s much as I love the summer, I can start to suffer from cabin fever.

Living in a small town and working nearly everyday can start to take its toll on my natural inclination to wander, so each summer I like to see where I can go and rekindle my exploring desire.

Personally I think backpacking is by far the best way to travel if you want a flexible, affordable holiday. It allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of a country, you can go wherever you want, you don’t have to be tied into holiday company days out or hotel day trips. Backpacking is synonymous with students; this is mainly because it is affordable and can be done with minimal effort in planning or commitment once you are at your destination. It allows you to get to remote places that other tourists will not see. The simple act of wandering from place to place with everything you need slung on your back is a very liberating experience, but it can turn into a nightmare for the unprepared and the naive. A few simple dos and don’ts can make the difference between a memorable trip and an unforgettable trip.

Don’t travel alone. There is a great allure to travelling alone and meeting new people and going with the flow, but being on your own makes you an obvious target for criminals. Plus you will rarely be able to leave your stuff and have the peace of mind that it is safe. This should be taken more seriously by females wishing to travel. A lone woman is a much more attractive target than a lone man. In some cultures women are not equal to men and female travellers can become objects of leering or banter as many cultures perceive western women as easy. A simple ring worn on your wedding finger will discourage men from pestering you, and women should not go out into towns alone or unaccompanied by a male.

Respect the local culture. Western ideals about how we dress can come into conflict with other cultures. If it is the custom for women to cover up then it is considered good manners to follow these customs.

This also goes for behaviour. While in India a guy I was travelling with put a few noses out of joint by standing in front of a load of Buddhist monks, drunk as a sailor, telling them how much of a f*****g great time he was having.

Preparation is key. Research of your destination is one of the most important things you can do before you go off gallivanting. Finding out everything about a place before you leave can give you a massive head start. History, currency, political situation, economic problems,

national holidays and events; all of these give you a greater insight into the culture of the place you’re visiting. For instance, I did some research before I went to India and found out the Taj Mahal is best at five in the morning as soon as it opens as there are no people in the back of your photos.

How you pack your bag can make a difference to the comfort of a trip.

Weight should be packed close to the bottom of the bag and up against your back; anything that is bulky can then be put around the heavy items and towards the top. Travelling light is what backpacking is all about. Things such as toiletries need not be taken from the UK either as nearly everything you would want can be bought in most countries, and generally for cheaper.

Sharing things can also reduce your bulk.

Shower gel, shaving cream, shampoo, sun cream, etc can be shared between a few people to stop you carrying useless weight.

Joining the international youth hostelling movement means that you can get discount at all youth hostels world wide. The card can also gets you into historic or cultural sites for a discount. www.hostelworld.com, www.hostelbookers.com, www.hosteltraveller.com, are all good sites when researching a hostel. Some hostels won’t have the luxury of separate rooms and you can find yourself sharing with other people. Some places will provide lockers for your belongings but they normally come without a lock, so a small padlock is an advised purchase for peace of mind.

Getting sick can be part of travelling.

A well stocked travel first aid kit will make you more comfortable. Some countries will require vaccinations before you travel so while you’re there ask the nurse about what drugs and things to take with you. Drugs to stop diarrhoea should be stocked piled! Even just the heavy mineral contents of water of foreign countries can cause stomach upsets.

Water purification tablets are another handy addition to your medical kit. Iodine based purification tablets are the best but should

not be taken for more than a month due to the risk of poisoning; they also taste horrid.

Travel wash is handy for when you are not in civilization and you get fed up with smelling like a farm. Some people prefer to have one set of clothes to travel in which will not be washed and have their other clothes for best once they’ve arrived and freshened up. Be careful not to wash in a river that might have a village up stream, and don’t wash in stagnate water as it will make your clothes even more dirty. Laundry services can usually be found everywhere though.

Safety. Travellers’ cheques are essential if you need to carry large amounts of cash with you, but be careful as some places charge commission to change them. Banks are normally safe bets when changing money. Don’t take credit or debit cards, as if stolen they will be hard to cancel from abroad and you’ll be stranded without money. A money belt should be taken with you, and in it you should carry all your lifeline valuables: passport, travellers’

cheques, large amounts of money, and medical papers. Your money belt should go under your trousers on your front, not worn as a bum bag as I’ve seen people do before.

It should never, ever be accessed in the view of people, if you need to then you should go into a shop changing room or toilet somewhere. You should carry all the money you will need for each day in your pockets in small notes spread around your person. An old wallet with a small amount of money in and a few old plastic cards should be in one pocket as a mugging wallet. If cornered give the mugger this without hesitation as you know there is hardly any money in it and no cards or documents of importance.

When you arrive at your destination you should go to the British embassy and report yourself to them telling them how long you will be in the country for and what you will be doing there. You should give them copies of your passport, travellers’ cheques, medical forms, and itinerary. If any of these are lost then you need not fear. A European Health Insurance Card, www.ehicard.org, give you free or reduced medical costs in Europe.

Pick-pocketing is a real problem for travellers, especially around tourist sites or street theatres. Have your eyes peeled at all time and make sure you not only watch your own stuff but all your companions too. Another way is to have your hand in your pocket at all times but this can be a bit impractical. Stay on the look out for group of homeless children, they slash the bottoms of bags and pockets, also don’t let anyone push your or crowd you as they maybe trying to pick your pocket. Common sense should prevail when stopping a pickpocket.

Backpacking is the best way of getting out into the wilderness and seeing things off the beaten trail. You need to be on your toes though, more so than when on a normal holiday as you will have to be self-sufficient in your trip. Preparation is a big part of your trip and vital if you want a smooth trip. The beauty of backpacking is that it can be done at the last minute and need not be a trip across the Amazon or Gobi desert, it can be a trip to one of Britain’s national parks, or inter-railing around Europe.

Whatever your plans or goals, I wish you luck and safe travels.

Luke Wilsher Travel Editor

From Bangor to Bangor

Adventures from across the Pond

ell this is my last installment from the now gloriously sunny Maine. Last week the University celebrated ‘Maine Day’. We were given the day off lectures in the hope that students would turn out at 8am…..yes 8am, to do community service. Although surprisingly not too many students are up at 8am and eager to go on a Wednesday morning when they have no classes; but do not fear - a handy parade, comprising of a marching band, and bizarrely, tractors and a fire engine, swooped round campus to wake everyone up! The University put on a free BBQ at midday, which was fantastic.

It was accompanied by live bands and outdoor games: ‘ooozeball’, paintballing and tug of war over jelly. ‘Ooozeball’ is basically mud volleyball, a foot deep pitch is dug out and filled with mud- well I’m a big kid at heart and I just couldn’t resist, it was absolutely freezing but so much fun.

After our unsuccessful and extremely messy game (when coated in mud it is an effort to keep your shorts pulled up at a respectable level let alone hit the volleyball), a few of us jumped into the river next to the pitch to wash off…not one of the wisest ideas I’ve ever had as it had only recently thawed from winter but it cleaned us up a bit!

If anyone is planning on going abroad next year and especially to Maine here are some tips: Do not forget your thermals, do not underestimate how cold it will get.

Bring as much chocolate and British snacks as you can carry…trust me you will never like Hershey Bars. Do not panic when you discover the delights of the Bat Bus….make friends with a car owner and if you have to take the bus at least find the origami dude who gives you free stuff. Girls, don’t bring gorgeous shoes. I brought a truckload and I have ditched them for snow boots or flip flops as the weather requires…… Mainers will wear flip flops in -24 and 3ft of snow!

Make sure you have a good contact in your department as the International Office at home seem to be rather busy and often very late at communication. Do not expect any quick solutions from them if any at all.

Remember you will probably never see most of these people again so try all the crazy stuff they have to offer and get involved. The international community here is fantastic and as long as you go to ‘Oronoka’ you will be fine!

If you want any questions answered about going on exchange feel free to send me an email at elu267@bangor.ac.uk Good luck with finals, have a brilliant summer and I’ll see you in Wales………..

adly this is my last article from the Good ‘Ole US of A (yeehaw!) as I am now starting my final month here at Oregon State. Spring fever has now officially gripped the campus, which brings both rampant stupidity (drunken midnight rugby with glowsticks anyone?) and the excessive consumption of beer.

With long, hot weekends stretching before me, sightseeing is one of my top priorities. With the end in sight, I want to see everything Oregon has to offer. So, a brave group of British students and I decided to venture on a trip to Oregon’s premier theme park, the Enchanted Forest.

Unfortunately no one told the Enchanted Forest that they were a theme park. ‘Shabfest’ was the most effective description we could come up with. There were three main rides on offer. One was the thrilling ‘Mountain of Mordor’ which involves sitting in a slow moving kart, with a gun, shooting at blue lights. The highlight was the tinfoil cave, which looked like someone had been left alone with a large role a tin foil and staples and had made the best of a bad job. I thought I had stepped into a bad Sci-Fi movie.

The log flume was surprisingly decent, with a fair drop and some scream inducing parts. However, all four of us piled into one log, and almost sank it on the first drop. I then spent the rest of the ride sitting in a good six inches of brown water, praying I didn’t get dysentery.

The winner though, for both the shoddy construction and potential death trap award, had to be the ‘Ice Mountain Rollercoaster’. We were sat in something that can only be described as a Perspex coffin, before being hurtled around a track that looked like something a class of five year olds had put together out of Lego. The corners were brutal, with the kart lurching horrifically, and I think I gave myself a mild concussion when my head slammed against the coffin lid.

Upon exit of this ride I felt the urge to run to the nearest church and say a few Hail Maries to repent for whatever sins I had done to deserve that horror. Thankfully I will soon be back in Bangor, where the most exciting ride is the walk down Bitch Hill.

Bring it on!

W

S

Amy Garrett

Lucy x x

15 Peak Challenge for Charity

A

long with three friends from Bangor University, I am going to attempt to walk all fifteen mountains over 3000ft in Snowdonia National Park in one day. We will be walking for approximately 14 hours over a distance of 52km, and 3635m of incline.

By doing this walk we hope to raise money for North West Cancer Research Fund. The North West Cancer Research fund provides grants for cancer research, and has a research unit at Bangor University. If you would like to sponsor us and help raise money for this worthwhile charity then go to http://www.justgiving.com/welsh15peaks, to donate.

Paul Seymour

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

Memories of a leaver

R

Beach trip I have many favourite memories of Bangor, but one that sticks out is the very first summer beach trip to Rhosneigr in the first year. All of my friends, beers, food and a great campfire in the sand dunes made out of an old door we found. I spent all day in the sun, playing frisbee and football with friends. What better way to spend a summer’s day!

Features

emember the Ffridd Bar? Remember eating a Dodgy Derek’s after a night out? Remember Supergrass at the ball? You do? Chances are you’re a leaver then. For the last features page this year and for my last features page ever here’s something a little different, a trip down memory lane with some of your fondest moments at Bangor University.

Pound a pint For the rest of you, here’s to the many more fond memories at Bangor to My favourite memory would have to come. be the pound-a-pint nights in Ffridd Bar Claire Mann, Features Editor in our first year when they were still good.

There was nothing like getting there early to claim the huge tables and then slowly Schizophonic launch everyone you knew turned up and drank the night away. The Ffridd had some good My favourite Bangor memory has to be when I launched the first Schizophonic towards nights, JK and Joel, Scott Mills and the the end of second year, getting all my friends dancing in Academi. It was an awesome night Halloween parties were the best!! with a great atmosphere and an after-party till the wee hours at mine. In a way this also

Joe Chapman

started me on my new career path as a DJ/producer and so has completely changed my life. Id like to give massive thanks to the Academi guys for letting me put those nights on and a big-up to Bangor for being the place that it is, I’m sure I’ll be visiting next year!

Dave Moreton Studying abroad I am an exchange student from Italy at the University of Bangor, Wales. I have been in Bangor since last September and I am so excited to say that I had a wonderful experience. Going to study in another country gives you many opportunities, allowing you to improve your skills and leaving you with astonishing memories. Spending one year far away from my country in a different cultural and social environment has enriched my personality in a special way. My English is much better today than when I arrived here and I am more outgoing and confident. I had the chance to get involved in many activities with other English students, who were friendly and helped me with my language difficulties. As I am studying Drama and Media I found it useful to join the Bangor drama clubs, in fact I acted in Macbeth for Rostra and in The Tempest for BEDS and other plays for my drama modules. I also have my own show on Storm FM ‘The Big Mix Up’. I tried several sports and at the moment I am enjoying the lovely weather and landscape by cycling and running around Bangor. I have learnt about other cultures, because I made a lot of good friends from all over the world, who are exchange students like me and it has been amazing to share this extraordinary adventure with them. Unfortunately the time is over and I have to leave in June. I am very sad to leave everything and all my new friends but I am sure I will keep in touch with them. I will be taking home with me a huge suitcase of remarkable knowledge and skills.

Valentina D’Errico First day My fondest memory of Bangor has to be the first ever day we got here. My parents had just left and was feeling a bit daunted about the coming weeks. A few of us got together and after introductions we went for a wonder ending up in the Ffridd bar. It felt nice knowing that I wasn’t the only one in that position and I knew I would always have people there. It was such a nice feeling, I felt so welcome from the very first day.

I will miss Bangor greatly.

Felicity Snow Tenerife It was simple enough to ask other people to write their fondest memories but when it came to writing my own it’s only then I realised how hard it is! I’ve had many great nights out in Bangor but I think the memory I’ll never forget is a biological science field trip to Tenerife in November 2006. On the last full day we were taken by bus to the Barranco de Masca, a beautiful rocky valley. After a horrifying experience of the bus losing control and hitting the cliff barriers we arrived at the start point of the walk. The sun bounced off the tall cliffs and the views were just spectacular. At the end of the walk the valley opened out to the ocean. We jumped off the rocks into the water to cool down, and then we were taken back to a local town by boat. We even got to see bottlenose dolphins hunting a shoal of fish on the way, it couldn’t have asked for a better day!

Claire Mann

9

Gary Brown Three blind mice…and Stevie Wonder

Snow in Bangor

So many to choose from but one that stands out is Halloween this year.

Bobby, James and I wanted a famous trio, so we naturally chose the Three Blind Mice. After reaching the limits of our costume making abilities, we all thought we had done a pretty good job. However, as we entered the pub, I was immediately asked, “Who have you come as? Stevie Wonder?? I think it was the walking stick that did it. Anyway, much hilarity ensued and I will always think of our three drunk, blind mice stumbling around Bangor with great affection.

My fondest memory of Bangor is when it snowed here last year. Only a few inches of snow fell, but the whole place ground to a halt. Lectures where cancelled and everyone seemed to revile in the winter holiday we had. I remember everyone having a cheeky glint in their eyes as they made snowballs, and the good atmosphere going around. I also remember slipping on some ice and falling flat on my ass in front of a car load of people, but I didn’t really care as the snow made everything seem so much more care free.

Luke Wilsher

Shiran Devakumar Film-making on a budget I thought it would be easy choosing my fondest memory from my three years in Bangor. However, when racking my brains and sifting through the plethora of laugh-out-loud moments I have had here, it became glaringly obvious that it was not such and easy task. Despite this, there is one memory that stands out above all others, and this was when I, along with several of my friends, made a film in our second year. As part of our course we were required to write and produce a film of about fifteen minutes in length. On a shoestring budget of precisely zero, we had to beg, borrow and steal all that was needed to construct our masterpiece that told a tale of love, obsession and murder.

Spooky! Although the equipment we used can best be described as prehistoric, every aspect of making the film was an absolute riot, from filming in Tesco at two in the morning to drinking excessive amounts of smoothie whilst doing all-nighters in the editing suite. So, despite the soaring stress levels and sleepless nights, making that film will stay with me forever, and so I would like to say a big thank you to absolutely everyone involved.

Walking in Snowdonia My favourite memories from Bangor are when I have been walking in Snowdonia with the University Mountain Walking Club. One that springs to mind is last January when it snowed heavily throughout the whole of the Snowdonia National Park, and we were walking to the top of Moel Siabod. On the way up we had snow ball fights, and had amazing views across Snowdonia covered in snow.

Before we started the walk, we all bought plastic bivy pags, so we could sit on them and slide down the other side of the mountain once we had reached the top. I think that was the least amount of walking I have had to do when coming off a mountain.

Paul Seymour

Chris Thomson Glam rock Dressing up as ‘Kiss’ for a friends Glam Rock birthday. There were four of us and we all thought we had slacked off and produced four very bodged costume/makeup jobs. But when we got to the party, we found that most people had opted for a bit of neon eye-shadow, or a trendy neck scarf! We all went to Academi and I’ve never felt so self-conscious of the fact that I looked like a maniac.

Still, the photos are great and the perfect souvenir from my days in Bangor.

Alex Farley

Freshers’ week My favourite memory of uni will have to be my first Fresher’s Week in 04/05. I was last to arrive in Elidir R (top floor) and was a bit behind all my hallmates who had already settled in and (mostly) started drinking.

After our first night together in Time the rest of the week was a bit of a blur but it was the most fun I have ever had and I was really privileged to be with a great bunch of people.

We struck up friendships with each other as well as with students in other halls and locals very quickly. We were wise enough to make the most of uni life before all the work and inevitable arguments about washing up kicked in! I would be very lucky if a time like that ever came round again.

Jon Anderson

10

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

THE BIG INTERVIEW W

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

T

hank you for agreeing to have a chat, I wanted to start with ViceChancellor stuff. You started back in 2004 and it’s been seen as a modernising period in the University - a couple of years in, how do you think the University has changed?

I

formally started back in 2004, having been acting Vice-Chancellor [VC] for a period and I had also been Pro-Vice-Chancellor [PVC] for some years, 6 years actually - because I’d been a PVC for quite a long time and because I’d been acting VC, I think I was very aware of what needed to be done.

A major part of the first two years was to ensure that we have a much more transparent and efficient management system – for a purpose, though, for the achievement of excellence and particularly the emphasis on improving our research reputation and performance, increasing student recruitment, improving our estate for staff and students and a whole range of other things – getting degree-awarding powers, trying to attract major research council funding, those are all things which we have achieved in the first two and a half years.

T

hat’s quite a quick turnaround – have you got more things to achieve, or is it just a case of improving on what you’ve got now?

When the Students’ Union President, Sam Burnett volunteered to interview the Vice Chancellor of the University, Merfyn Jones, SEREN leapt at the chance to print the interview. Armed with a dictaphone and Sam’s own pressing questions, he set off up the hill with the aim of getting to the bottom of what makes the VC tick. Out came a fascinating 5000 word interview. An abridged version is printed here, but for the full version log onto www.samburnett.co.uk

I

think we’re in a period now where there will be a certain amount of change; it was necessary at the beginning to get a lot of things done – we need to consolidate and make sure that the new college structure works properly, which means a certain amount of devolution in responsibility to the colleges.

And aiming to look again at the student experience more generally – we need to be constantly improving.

T

alking about student expectation improving the product – are students customers these days?

I

’m an old-fashioned chap really, I find it really difficult to think of students only as customers.

I

I B

T

hat experience can strongly affect students’ lives, – I wasn’t even thinking of politics when I came to Bangor, but when I came to University and got involved with the Students’ Union… it’s quite a strong influence on people’s lives we’ve got as a university.

t makes me wince.

W

ell, having taught for 35 years, I still see students as people you work with, you teach, but there is no avoiding the cultural shift, which is a long-term one over the past 20 years, where people see themselves as customers and are more demanding and want a better product. We’re operating in a different environment. There’s also the issue of student fees – once students are paying individually for their educations then they technically do become customers, and one has to be conscious of that. There’s a direct link between the student and the product...

I’m always a bit nervous about taking these terms and applying them to higher education, but they do have a force.

I

imagine it’s quite difficult for the University, because you’re not just giving an education; it’s a lifestyle as well. How does the University meet a challenge like that? eing at university, if one is a full time student, is a crucial period in people’s lives – of course the education you receive is central, but so are all the other activities. I think there are times in higher education where that can be lost sight of. In some larger institutions they do think entirely in terms of the product, rather than seeing it in terms of a much broader experience.

I

think the whole idea of a University is something we need to think about for the future. We can see elements of it clearly – the environment in Bangor is an influence, part of the Bangor experience. There are other things as well accommodation, interaction students have with each other, social life. Bangor has many features of a campus university, in that it feels like a campus, but actually it isn’t, because it’s in this small city.

I see this area where the University is as more of a student village really. Perhaps the Ffriddoedd development, another thousand students there, will allow us to do that. But I think you’re right, we have to think outside of teaching and learning.

I

’ll give you that one. I’d like to talk more about you now – how do you become a VC? Is it something you can set out to do? When did you start wanting to be one?

didn’t realise until recently that Sian Hope and Meri Huws were the first women PVCs the University has had - was that a natural progression, or is it hard to challenge academics in some areas?

I

t still remains the case that across HE within senior management women are few and far between. I think there are only two or three female VCs out of 120 institutions – as a lifelong feminist I find that difficult to accept - that cannot reflect the talent that is available. By saying that I’m a lifelong feminist – I should explain that I attended the first women’s liberation meeting in Oxford in 1969, I think it was…

T

hat was brave. Higher education, is it more forward thinking than forward doing? Academics are very… thoughtful people; does that not necessarily translate into practical things? There’s that old saying isn’t there – “those who can, do…”

I

don’t buy that – HE has actually changed phenomenally over the past 30 years or so, in terms of numbers of students, responding to challenges.

It’s unfair to say that universities, academics are thinkers rather than doers. Academics can be very active in changing their environment. I genuinely don’t share that view of ivory towers, dreamy academics and so on – academics live in the real world, more so than people give them credit for.

I

don’t think I’d be in a position of how to write a manual on how to become a Vice-Chancellor. I can’t say it’s been a burning desire throughout my career.

Looking back I can see that it has been a long apprenticeship, if not being a vice chancellor then doing something similar. From a very early point in my academic career I found myself being asked to carry a certain amount of managerial responsibility.

I

’ve found as President that when you take on a title or a job like that, people tend to depersonalise you, or treat you in a certain way and assume certain things about you... I always find it important to have things that I’ve always done like hobbies, to get away from it. Did you find the same sort of thing and how do you maintain Merfyn Jones outside of work?

I

t shouldn’t have surprised me, but it did, because people see you as the Vice-Chancellor rather than ‘me’ and I suppose that there is a certain kind of something that goes with being a VC but it can be depersonalising, you’re right. There are two ways I counter it – I try to be myself…I’m quite open and informal, there’s no ceremony or status issues – my approach is informal and my approach is to treat everyone as equals. This is reinforced as I don’t live in a VC’s lodge on a leafy part of the campus as many do – my house is actually in the centre of Caernarfon, airs and graces wouldn’t see me to the end of the road! Once I’m at home I’m just another guy in the street.

ith students from more than seventy-one countries, Bangor’s international student population is growing rapidly. During the academic year 2002/03, it was as low as 290. A survey for the academic year 2006/07 shows that UWB international students have increased in number, up to 580. However, it’s still growing. The campus has attracted the interest of many students worldwide with its natural environment and low crime rate.

Most students who have studied or already studying tell friends and family about the quiet and friendly campus, while students searching for the best campus to study find Bangor interesting and attractive.

The majority of students who won scholarships over the years through organisational bodies such as the Commonwealth have also chosen UWB, and from experience they weren’t disappointed, and highly proud of what they will achieve in their studying environment.

While international students make Bangor their second home, with the help of the Students’ Union they can meet and interact with other international students; award bodies such as SHINE also give them the opportunity to express their feelings and knowledge. SHINE helps international students all over UK by asking applying students to write a “letter home” to families and friends. Students use this opportunity to express themselves and what they have achieved while studying abroad.

A regional winner this year, Yusi Liu, 22, from China, brightened up the year for other international students by making them aware of such award bodies. The 3rd year psychology student has wide experience in travelling and volunteering work. When she became Welsh International Student of the Year 2007, she inspired a large number of other students who have undergone an interesting and stunning experiences while studying.

Yusi came to study at the University in late 2003, and started an English course.

While thinking of studying abroad, she searched the net and had a wide range of other universities and English schools to choose from, but had her eye fixed on Bangor, “I wanted a quiet and nice place to study, so when I read about Bangor, the mountains, Snowdonia and mostly, the low crime rate, then I knew it was the right place for me”. She said “with help from people in the nice friendly environment, I felt for the town and decided to do my degree in the University.”

Yusi won the Welsh International Student of the Year and a £1000 prize money, hosted by the British Council. She headed to London for the finals, and even though she wasn’t the chosen one, she has done Bangor international students proud. “I was very lucky to be chosen to sit on the top table with the Chairman of the British Council – the Rt Hon. Lord Neil Kinnock, the BBC news presenter Moira Stuart OBE, and the famous shoe designer Dato Professor Jimmy Choo, OBE” she said. “The whole ceremony was well organised and I got my trophy as the Wales International Student of the Year 2007 on the stage” she added.

Alan Edward, the International Students Welfare Adviser adds that Bangor specifically is a beautiful place to live, has a cheap student environment and is in a low crime area. His advice to international students is to get involved in both student and local life activities, see and experience, take part and try as many helpful things as you can”.

Bangor has helped its international students in a variety of ways, from a good welfare service to scholarships. It is now left up to these students to be active and effective, participate and help make people aware of both the university and themselves.

“There is no place like home, Bangor is my home”, said Xavier, 24, a student from the English and Literature department, originally from Martinique. Something that most international students are also proud to quote.

Noellin Imoh

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

ONE MINUTE WELSH

SHOPAHOLIC & BABY SOPHIE KINSELLA

A

s the tagline from the publishers proclaims – “Becky Bloomwood is back… with a bump!”

Shopaholic & Baby is the 5th volume of the immensely popular ‘Shopaholic’ series by former financial journalist Sophie Kinsella. Newly-married Becky Bloomwood discovered at the end of the last book that she was pregnant. This book picks up a few months later, when in true Becky style, she manages to embarrass herself when having a simple scan!

Ever the fashion freak, when Becky discovers that the current must-have celebrity obstetrician has moved to London, she becomes fixated on becoming her patient and wangles a spot on the coveted ‘list’.

However, things aren’t what they seem, and during her first appointment with Venetia Carter, Becky discovers that her husband Luke dated Venetia when they studied at Cambridge together. Venetia and Luke renew their friendship and Becky slowly becomes convinced that their friendship is in fact a full-blown affair. What starts as reading Luke’s text messages quickly takes a downward spiral and ends with a desperate and heartbroken Becky hiring a private detective to tail Luke. Things come to a head when Venetia herself informs Becky about the affair. But is it all as it seems?

Despite all this action, Becky still manages to spend excessive amounts of money, and there are a couple of pointless sub-plots that see Becky single-handedly saving the sinking department store where she works, securing the purchase of a new home and arranging a photoshoot with Vogue.

Apart from those minor niggles, Shopaholic & Baby is a hilarious addition to the series and another winner for Kinsella, but perhaps for hardcore fans only!

Loran Perkins

11

Books

ROMANTICISING OUR FEMALE AUTHORS R ecently, it has felt like not a week goes by when there isn’t a period drama being shown on TV. At the time of writing, huge amounts of fuss was being made about the BBC’s latest costumed offering, Miss Marie Lloyd – Queen of the Music Hall, and it doesn’t seem five minutes since ITV screened their Jane Austen season, featuring adaptations of her three less-known novels. And it seems that Hollywood is also jumping on the bandwagon.

In recent years we’ve seen adaptations of such British literary classics as Pride and Prejudice and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

But the trouble with these classics is that the authors in question are dead. Unlike Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code, there will never be another book to adapt for the big screen. So how to satisfy the apparent literary cravings of the cinema-going masses?

The big studios think they have the solution. The current in thing in Hollywood are biographical films concentrating on the authors and examining how events in their own lives influenced their work. But have the studio executives over-embellished the

facts for the sake of a good film?

In a word, yes. The newest biographical film about an author, Becoming Jane starring Anne Hathaway in the title role, is based on Jane Austen’s early writing career, although it centres on her factual romance with her young neighbour, Tom Lefroy.

Lefroy actually existed, in fact, he went on to become Chief Justice of Ireland, but there is little evidence to suggest t h a t their

re l a t i o n s h i p was anywhere near as serious as it is portrayed to be in the film.

A much more factual and truthful biopic was January’s Miss Potter starring Renée Zellweger as celebrated children’s author, Beatrix Potter. It follows her struggle for freedom from her repressive parents, her search to find a publisher, and ultimately,

her search for love. It needed only a little Hollywood exaggeration of the facts to turn it into a gripping film. Beatrix was secretly engaged to her publisher, Norman Warne, who sadly died before the wedding could take place. Following Warne’s death, she used money earned from the sale of her books t o buy a farm in the Lake District, where she continued to write alongside caring for her many pets. It was during this time that she met and married solicitor William Heelis, who had helped her purchase many other pieces of land in the surrounding area.

So now we can only wait and wonder which author is next in line to have their life drastically exaggerated for the purpose of mass entertainment!

Loran Perkins

12

Games

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

Halo 2

With the release of two new Halo games soon, Seren takes a quick look back at the series so far and looks ahead to the future to see what we can expect from these eagerly anticipated titles.

H

S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl STALKER is THQ’s newest PC first person shooter (FPS) on the block.

T

he game is set in 2012, six years after a second explosion in Chernobyl and twenty-six years after the original in 1986. Known simply as ‘Stalker’, a generic name used for all those living within the irradiated zone, you arrive in the game in the back of a truck, carrying the dead out of the centre of Chernobyl. You are the only survivor to come from one of the so-called “death cars”, but you have no recollection of what you were doing there, or even who you are. The only thing you know is you were on a mission to find a man named Strelok.

You are delivered to a trader, someone who profits by buying and selling items found in ‘The Zone’. He gives you your first mission and instructions for getting around, as well as some basic plot information.

The first thing you notice when you enter the world, as you stand in the office of the trader, is how graphically stunning the game is. When you throw in the dark, moody area of the game with high graphical settings, the game is beautiful with detailed shadows and realistic lighting effects that really bring the game to life and set the mood. One problem however, is that after only several minutes in the game I was clicking around the advanced graphics options menu working out how to actually get a decent performance on the game without sacrificing too much in graphical quality. Despite turning most of the graphical features down, I still found the game to be sluggish in places, with distracting drops in the frames per second.

I found some of the lighting to be buggy as I went through the game, with areas often becoming simply too dark to see anything in, even with the Stalker’s torch turned on.

Stumbling around outside in the middle of two battling factions in virtually pitch black, wondering where the road is and avoiding trees and various other unseen obstacles isn’t a lot of fun. It had me straining at my monitor trying to see what to do.

The game’s missions are pretty linear, but you don’t feel cramped as you have plenty of space to roam free and scores of optional extra missions you can take to improve your standing with the various factions of the game. Factions build up an important part of the game, with certain missions increasing your reputation with certain groups, and others decreasing your reputation, determining whether you are allied or hostile with these groups. As well as that, STALKER is an open ended game, with a number of possible endings that could take place, depending on the path you choose to take through the game. Will greed get the better of you as you profit from The Zone, or will you seek to leave The Zone and

move on? However, I felt detached from my character and the factions because I didn’t feel any connection as such and thus, didn’t care much about what happened to them.

The only reason I felt compelled to keep playing the single player mode was to see what the next stunning area would look like.

The audio of the game really helps to add depth to the areas in the game, with silence accompanied by only the quiet crackling of your Geiger counter, often being just as eerie as hearing distant rumbling from what it is that lies ahead of you. The music can become a bit repetitive with only one track actually working, but at the time of writing there’s a mode to unlock music that was never used for some unknown reason.

The online mode sadly only has three game-play modes. Your standard Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and a new mode named ‘Artifact Hunt’ in which you play as either The Stalkers or the Mercenaries and seek to control the artifacts that are spawned on the map and return them to your base before the other team can. Surprisingly, the one class you’d expect to see, your standard ‘capture the flag’, is missing. There’s a decent choice of maps to choose from, ranging from train yards to abandoned military bases. Whether the maps are enough to keep players entertained for long remains to be seen however. I didn’t try multiplayer out too much, as the clunky, heavy game-play controls were only made to feel worse online. It’s more spray and pray rather than many other titles where good aiming and planting that headshot would be all important and it didn’t appeal to me.

Hopefully as time goes on, the user community will generate new content for the multiplayer mode to advance it, as there’s a huge amount of possibility with the game. A number of mods have already surfaced, mainly unlocking features that were never implemented such as vehicles and graphical/audio modifications.

If your PC hasn’t got a strong heart, don’t waste your time with this title, so be sure to check what the minimum specifications are, then make sure your machine surpasses them by a fair amount to actually get a decent experience. The game is definitely worth a play, but it might be a good idea to hold on for a couple of patches to let the game mature slightly. One major problem was that the first patch invalidated all previous saved games, thus resetting your progress in the game.

The game can feel unrefined in places, but it’s still a strong title worthy of a look into if the sound of an atmospheric shooter appeals to you.

Alex Trebul

alo began development in 1996 by Bungie Studios as an RTS title for the Mac platform. Several years on Microsoft on the verge of releasing the Xbox console, snapped up the outfit and the rights to the game. Work began on building the game for the Xbox and had, by this point, evolved into an FPS. In 2001, Halo was complete and ready to ship with the Xbox as the main launch title for the system. It featured graphics never seen before on any console platform, solid game-play and a strong storyline. While the game was not overly innovative, it got high ratings across the board and helped boost sales of the Xbox.

After a couple of years in waiting, in 2003, PC gamers got a slice of the Halo pie. The PC version ported by development studio Gearbox Software featured many improvements over the original Xbox title, namely, an online multiplayer mode which came with several new maps, a new weapon, use of the Banshee and a new Warthog.

After having to wait several years for the ageing game to be brought to the PC platform, PC gamers found the game was far from perfect. It lacked support for user created content, something which had been pretty much standard in PC games since the dawn of the FPS genre without hideous hacks and workarounds. It also suffered from a number of multiplayer problems.

Initially, there was no dedicated server software available and because the online code had been poorly developed for 56k users at the request of Microsoft, the online mode suffered from severe latency problems which were never corrected in the various patches that were released.

Roughly a year after the release of the PC title, Gearbox released a standalone multiplayer only version of the game to support multiplayer maps named Halo Custom Edition. Along with the game, they released an editing kit to help with the creation process for those seeking to make their own maps. Since this update was released as a separate program, it served to split the already small community in two, resulting in a swift death for the Halo Custom Edition version of the game.

At the E3 trade show in 2004 the world began to get glimpses of what Halo 2 had to offer. Stunning graphics, radical changes to the game-play and a promising storyline.

After many delays, the game came out in November once again on the Xbox platform.

It became a record breaking game, beating top-seller GTA in sales and raking in $125 million on the first day of release alone.

However, what gamers saw at E3 and what they got in game were quite different.

The storyline turned out to be lacklustre and many of the anticipated features had been removed without warning from the game.

The biggest disappointment of all turned out to be the ending of the game which was

as abrupt as a car crash.

In face of a huge number of returns from disappointed fans, the saving grace of the game turned out to be online mode supported by the Xbox Live service. The online mode saw tens of thousands of gamers logging millions of hours played in total. That doesn’t mean to say the online side of the game didn’t have problems. Thanks to the lack of any dedicated server, cheating became commonplace in the game, which led to players’ ranks being reset, undermining the very reason why many players continue to play the game - to increase their rank.

Accompanied by what was generally considered to be an immature player base as well as a fleet of other problems, many gamers turned off from the game.

Later this month we’ll be seeing the release of Halo 2 for the PC after over two years of waiting. The game has already been delayed at the last minute, but hopefully is not a sign of things to come.

Just as the original Halo was used to push sales of the Xbox, Halo 2 is being used to push sales of the new Windows Vista operating system and their ‘Live for Windows’ service which essentially is the equivalent of Xbox Live for the PC. Opinions on the Live for Windows service have been a mixed bag. On the one hand you can have a free account to play, but on the other hand to make the most of the game you have to pay a subscription fee, something many PC gamers are unhappy about.

Halo 2 was developed by a small team in conjunction with Microsoft known as Hired Gun. This time the game will feature a map editor and user created content straight out of the box. Details on the title have been a bit sketchy, but it looks to bring nothing much new to the table. It will lack the anticipated co-op modes, support for rankings, full model and textures changes for higher resolution modes and single player custom content support. It will however support ‘Gamer Achievements’, giving you points for completing certain tasks within the game.

The game looks set to have little success due to poor sales of the Windows Vista operating system, and may drive away much of the hardcore FPS gaming crowd by the move to support Xbox controllers and integrating auto-aiming into the game.

Halo 3 is set to be released in the later months of this year. So far little has been given away about the storyline and the details on multiplayer mode are a bit unclear, though with an online beta test beginning later this month, we’ll soon start to hear a lot more about the game.

As for other games in the Halo franchise we’re set to see two more games. Although one is completely under wraps for the moment, the second is being developed as an RTS named ‘Halo Wars’ by Ensemble Studios, however no details have been revealed for this title as of yet either. Plans had been rumoured for a movie adaptation which are reportedly still on hold due to the original studio pulling out.

Only time will tell what else is in store for Halo, but the future looks bright with another three titles on the way following the release of Halo 2 this month.

BANGOR LEAVERS 2007

A

m gonna miss all you guys and our Trash Wednesdays. Especially Baz’s ferret-related ‘incident’. Good luck with your exams John, Mark, Andrea, Jen and Andy.

- Mark Fielding

H

ey Candice, remember the chocolate sandwich we had?

Ecstasy.

- Pete Smith

T

o all the art crowd, Seren, hill walkers, Phil de la skill (but not so skill when it comes to keeping tea vertical and pub lunchist), Liz (she likes the sound of cars on gravel and the smell of blown-out candles don’t you know) Catrin (known for her whirlwind romances on the aisles of Tescos), Matt (Storm’s whiz-kid), Tim (frequenter of charity shops in search of pensioners clothes), Eilian (master of mysteries), Mark (mathematical mastermind and squire of the shire), Ruth (BA, LLC, QC, MC, PHD, MSC, DJ), Sam (sue-star superstar), Catrin C (lecturer extraordinaire), Adam and KJ good luck with your exams and have a great summer. Enjoy the festival season and have a good life. :-) - Ross Butler

B

est wishes for the future to John, Ellie, Pete, Emma, Lexi, Chris and Sean. For future reference Sean, when a barmaid asks how much head you’d like, that’s not what she means.

- Jennifer Knotts

G

ood byes to the geography third years especially Elizabeth and her quality map reading skills on our field trip.

- Tony Harris

S

torm FM would like to thank third year leavers and wish them lots of luck: Tom Giddings Matt Woonton Hailey Whittaker Sean Clements Claire Stapleton David Hood Ashley Fishman (and Spencer, but he’s staying!)

Ross Butler

S

EREN would like to say goodbye to all their wonderful third years who have invested so much time into the paper and wish them all the best: Chris Thomson Claire Mann Luke Wilsher Lexi Hindley Ross Butler

T

o all those who ran in the elections and are now leaving, good luck.

- Pete Banks

13

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007 Spiderman 3 (12A)

City of God (18 DVD)

Bridge to Terabithia

W I

t’s time to get those spidey-senses tingling again and dust off that not-atall gay spandex for the latest instalment in the Spiderman series. The first of this summer’s four threequels, Spiderman 3 sees the web-slinger battle with his inner demons as well as those terrorising the streets of New York City. After finally feeling like he has found the balance between being your local neighbourhood Spiderman and spending time with the love of his life, Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is on top of the world. However, as his self-confidence slowly turns to arrogance he pushes Mary Jane into the arms of his friend-turned-foe Harry Osborn (James Franco), who is still mourning the death of his father at the hands of Spiderman. During a restless night’s sleep, Peter’s Spider-suit becomes possessed by an alien parasite known as Venom that amplifies his new found self assurance, heightening his powers whilst also turning him into an insufferable, egotistical chauvinist.

Meanwhile, escaped convict Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church), on the run from the police, unwittingly stumbles into a forbidden testing site, resulting in Marko’s ability to turn into and manipulate sand at will. Attempting to rob a bank to pay for surgery for his daughter, Marko, now the Sandman, comes to blows with Spiderman and vows to get his revenge. However, Spidey isn’t the only one with his card marked, as Peter’s job at the Daily Bugle is under threat from new kid on the block Eddie Brock.

With both Peter and Spiderman facing their greatest adversities yet, they must overcome their own shortcomings in order to once again triumph over evil.

As per usual the special effects are

nothing short of stunning, in particular the rendering of Sandman, something I’m sure will have given the SFX departments more than a few headaches. Also, the long-awaited realisation of Venom is spectacular, if a little brief, although it is sure to be enough to put a smile on the faces of diehard Spiderman fans. In the previous two movies, director Sam Raimi has made a conscious effort to limit the bad guy count to one. However, in Spiderman 3 it triples, leading the plot to become a little too busy and disjointed in places. That Venom’s screen time is minimal is an issue that really should have been addressed as he feels somewhat shoehorned into the script, and could (and should) have easily had a film of his own. That there is so much going on in the film means it feels a little on the long side despite it only clocking in at around 2hrs 20mins, and the lack of character development from most individuals may leave fans feeling a little short-changed.

However, this should not detract from the film as a whole, as there are some excellent performances, namely from James Franco and the ever-brilliant J.K. Simmons as ruthless newspaper tycoon J. Jonah Jameson. What the film does well, it does very well. The action sequences are the same heart-pounding thrill rides we have come to expect, and the love triangle of Parker/ Dunst/Osborn really makes you feel for all involved. On the other hand, you do feel as if they have tried to do maybe a little too much with this film, and whilst by no means is it a disaster of X-Men 3 proportions, you do wonder whether it could have been so much more.

Chris Thomson

The Grindhouse Travesty

H

ad American Airlines not lost my bag at Chicago airport, there was a very good chance that I could have seen Grindhouse whilst I was in Los Angeles last month. Not only that, I could have seen Grindhouse the way it was MEANT

to be seen. Unfortunately, I doubt I’ll get that proper chance for a very long time.

Momentum Pictures who are distributing the film in the UK have decided to pull the film from the 1st June release date, and split up the film, with Death Proof being released in September, whilst Planet Terror has no fixed release date.

Why is this such a travesty? First off, it proves that distribution houses believe socalled negative buzz far too much, without allowing us to make up our own minds.

The fact of the matter is that the film was

critically well received in the States (it is still tracking at 81% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of writing). But of course, critical reaction does not always translate to Box Office Gold. That must mean that we are exactly the same as the Americans then! We will not go and see it either!

Rubbish. We are a different breed of cinema goer, and we are far more willing to see something that will challenge us. To those who are dismissing the running time as the major flaw, they are only partially right.

Whilst it may be that the film is a victim of its own hubris (the individual films were meant to be just under an hour, rather than a good 90 minutes each), Titanic and Return of the King have proven that audiences can be seated for over three hours and come back for more.

Perhaps the main problem is that Tarantino and Rodriguez were attempting something that just did not sit right with the American public. The Grindhouse form has never been the most popular in America, and for pundits, critics and movie moguls alike to expect a massive summer smash, well, maybe they were just a bit too ambitious. This does not change the fact

inner of Best Foreign Language Film at the 2002 Oscar ceremony, City of God is a powerful and blistering look down the mean streets of Brazil’s capital Rio de Janeiro which follows two individuals growing during the sixties. One, Li’l Dice who quickly shows his colours as a psychopath who grows up to be the local kingpin of the drug industry, rapist and mass killer. The other, Rocket, grows up with ambitions of being a photographer and hopes to escape his surroundings for a better life. The attention is focused more on Li’l Dice’s rise to power which is unflinchingly portrayed as he literally kills his way to the top from a very young age of around nine or ten. His recruitment of gangsters involves testing children’s ability to kill other people (children if necessary in one testing scene in which a kid under Li’l Dice’s wing has to choose between two children which to kill). Despite these moments of uncomfortable tension, the film is never less than gripping, entertaining and is hard to take your eyes of with its striking visuals, lavish cinematography and frenzied inventive editing. The performances are all first rate and add to the realism of the film as many of the actors were non professionals who were inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro’s slums. Dialogue was also improvised to add authenticity to the proceedings.

City of God is strongly reminiscent of Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas, with its use of voiceover narration from the film’s character Rocket and the storyline which follows in the same style as Goodfellas with action taking place over three decades.

There is also an underline of dark humour, again reminiscent of Goodfellas.

The character of Li’l Dice is also comparable to Goodfellas’ Tommy played by Joe Pesci. The performance by Douglas Silva (Li’l Dice) is just as good, if anything, more dangerous than Joe Pesci’s in portraying the scary, menacing unpredictability of someone fuelled only by violence.

Director Fernando Meirelles (The Constant Gardner) has created a truly exhilarating adrenaline rush of a film, full of hyperkinetic action, a lightning fast pace and a riveting storyline. The film is a very original take on the gangster movie and feels fresh despite previous gangster movie classics such as Goodfellas, The Godfather and Scarface. The realism and authenticity of the film’s visuals, performances and important messages about the state of life and the only way for children to survive in Rio de Janeiro’s slums is resorting to crime and violence makes City of God stand alone from the rest.

The extras for the DVD are disappointingly sparse, totalling with just one documentary highlighting crime culture in Brazil’s capital city. Apparent reports of a dangerous and difficult shoot for the director within the slums would have made an interesting commentary or behind the scenes documentary.

Mark Varley that we should be seeing the film as it was intended. If you are at all annoyed by this turn of events, write to Momentum, tell them that you want to see Grindhouse in its full, uncut form. Other than that, rumours are circulating that there might be a quick Region 1 DVD release of the full feature, possibly by the end of the summer. The choice is yours.

Ian Davies

W

hen it was released in America many moviegoers were disappointed with Bridge to Terabithia, largely due to misleading trailers that make it appear that the film is another film like Narnia about children discovering a real magical kingdom. The film actually has considerably more to offer than Narnia or other similar films, in that it is actually a very realistic account of how two kids deal with very real issues such as young love and companionship, bullying and loss. Produced

by Walden Media who have previously made films like Charlotte’s Web and of course Narnia, this film is definitely a rewarding experience in many ways.

The film’s protagonists are Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (Anna Sophia Robb), two kids who are pretty much outcasts at school. Jesse is a poor farmer kid with a talent as an artist and Leslie is a well-off city girl with a gifted imagination. Despite being very different the two fast become friends. Leslie comes up with the idea of creating a place just for them that no one else will know about, and this leads them to wander into the woods where they find an old disused tree house, and a tree so high that they view all the land around for miles. Together they create the magical land of Terabithia, an imaginary world in the woods that only they can experience, and where they must face numerous threats from the mystic creatures.

And the only way there is a rope swing over a stream. Over time they live both their lives in the real world and their imaginary lives in Terabithia, gradually rebuilding the tree house, creating somewhere that is truly theirs. It isn’t long before they are using ideas from their fantasy world to deal with real life problems such as the school bully Janice Avery (Lauren Clinton), who actually turns out to be as much a victim as those she picks on. Things are going well for Jesse and Leslie until one day when he is invited on a day trip with his favourite teacher (Zooey Deschanel), leaving Leslie alone to go over to Terabithia, leading to a tragedy that will change everything. Jesse’s grief and guilt for not being there for her drives him to despair

as his life comes crashing down around him.

When his sister May Belle (Bailee Madison) wants to go to his magical world he is at first hostile towards her but he sees a chance at redemption and builds the titular bridge so that she can see it for herself.

First off I will make it clear that Bridge to Terabithia is not The Chronicles of Narnia.

That film saw a group of kids discovering a real magical world, but here the magical kingdom is entirely imaginary, and a terrific representation of the ability of a child to imagine beyond what is real and create a whole new world. Even though we do see the magical kingdom of Terabithia as seen through the eyes of the young characters, and the visual effects are pretty good, it isn’t simply for the sake of visual spectacle, it’s purpose instead being to show the creativity and talent of the two protagonists, and also how they deal with a world in which they seem out of place. In addition, it shows how they learn new ways and attain the courage to deal with real life problems, with their real lives being what the film is really about.

Outside of Terabithia they have to deal with everyday problems but all those disappear in their imaginations. All this is done in a very convincing manner thanks to a wellwritten script, brilliant direction by family entertainment veteran Gabor Csupo (of Rugrats fame) and brilliant acting from the entire young cast, with Hutcherson, Robb and Madison all standing out by a mile. The grown-up actors generally fail to stand out amongst all the talented kids, with Robert Patrick as Jesse’s father seeming particularly underused, but the highlight is the always delightful Zooey Deschanel.

Overall, Bridge to Terabithia is an extremely well executed family movie that is visually spectacular but never at the cost of being a heart-warming, moving, meaningful, and sometimes quite said film. It is also a superb example of why Walden Media are the masters when it comes to producing high quality family entertainment. I highly recommend this film as it is an extremely rewarding viewing experience.

Robert Mann

Thanks for reading this year, enjoy the Summer blockbusters, and see you in September!

r

to

Ia

m Fil n

i Ed

14

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

m Music

Maximo Park - Our Coachella and Earthly Pleasures Rage Against the robably one of the most underrated bands of the moment, Maximo Park Machine - £700 follow up their critically-acclaimed well spent? debut album A Certain Trigger with this, Our

P

Arctic Monkeys - Not just a flash in the pan

Arctic Monkeys Favourite Worst Nightmare

A

little over a year on, the Northern Foursome have released the follow to their critically acclaimed debut Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. New bassist in tow, Alex Turner et al have done the unthinkable and have produced an album that matches, punch for punch, the quality of their first.

After a relentless year of touring and an EP to boot, it is surprising that they have had the time to somehow squeeze in an album so meticulous in construction. Displaying a much more mature sound, both in style and content, it is evident the Sheffield boys have grown up a lot over the past twelve months.

Gone are bashings of chav culture and in are the more autobiographical musings of a band that have experienced life at the very top.

However, that’s not to say they have lost their sense of fun or the ability to pull people onto the dancefloor, first single ‘Brianstorm’ being perfect proof of this. Everything on the album feels slightly more polished and thought through, and although some fans may see this as the band losing their raw edge, it is testament to how much they have learnt over a relatively short period of time.

Favourite Worst Nightmare is a veritable smorgasbord of indie hits, with tracks such as ‘This House is a Circus’ and ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ sure to instigate dancefloor hysteria in the future, whilst ‘Do Me a Favour’ and ‘505’ demonstrate a more subtle and understated side to the album. Though perhaps not as instantly accessible as their first offering, the album does warrant repeated listenings, each one revealing a little more than the last.

With Sheffield bands seemingly ten-apenny these days, it would have been all too easy for the Arctic Monkeys to slip into mediocrity and disappear under the radar.

However, they have proved that they are not merely a flash in the proverbial pan, and have shown bands such as Razorlight how to properly produce a second album.

With the superbly executed Favourite Worst Nightmare, the Arctic Monkeys have boldly conceived one of the defining albums of the new era of Britpop.

Kings of Leon Because of the Times

T

he four-piece from Tennessee have set up a perfect backdrop to their UK summer tour with their third offering, Because of the Times. After a magnificent follow-up to their debut Youth and Young Manhood, it was always going be difficult to produce a third album which rivalled the brilliance of the first two.

Whilst the first two albums followed similar veins in terms of style and substance, this new album seems to hail in a new era of the KoL brand, and it’s not to everyone’s taste. Much like the Strokes’ disastrous third album, many fans have dubbed this a new ‘mature’ KoL sound, and with the first track an epic seven minute monster entitled ‘Knocked Up’, this certainly seems to be the case.

Don’t be mistaken, the Kings of old are still hiding in there somewhere – Caleb Followill’s voice still has it’s uniquely raw, strained edge, the riffs and melodies are still as catchy, and the sense of fun is still there. But the boys have grown up, and so have their talents as musicians.

Technically, the album is far more complex than the previous two; thumping beats and pulsating, distorted bass lines feature throughout the album – particularly in ‘My Party’ and ‘Mcfearless’.

This album won’t immediately grab you. Give it a week. Two weeks. As long as it takes – but eventually it will grow on you. As a certain fictional barman once said: “Change ain’t lookin’ for friends.

Change calls the tune we dance to” – and I’m dancing.

Edward ‘Coach’ Rogers

Porcupine Tree Fear of a Blank Planet

T

his is not going to be a track-by track review. This album deserves and demands something more. Walls of intricate sound carried by surging urgency crafted from the orgasms of angels will creep into every corner of your mind within seconds of this record’s spin.

There is a frantic yet still beautiful lyrical delivery in place of Wilson’s trademark soothing vocals. Instantly recognisable as Porcupine Tree, the sound of easterninfluenced guitar licks encompassed by wailing atmospherics and ambient soundscapes is music to write to, to feel inspired to, to scream to, to meditate to, to toke to, to plot murder to. Is this music as it never was, yet perhaps, should always have been?

Few singers can claim to match the gushing-from-the-heart pleading and preaching of Wilson, who leaves us with the conviction that he is truly singing for his life. The sound on FOABP slinks back four albums to the more Floyd-influenced (effortlessly deserving in comparison) sounds that were ripped into the millennium by a more band-orientated sound. With track ‘Anesthetize’ weighing in at 17.42 minutes, this is a record for those who can look beyond 3 minutes of the safe music that promises not to encourage anything new to ignite in your heart, and delve into the cool freshness of Porcupine Tree’s secret art.

This is not the raping of the senses that falls clumsily from the instruments of so many fleeting bands that lurk around every corner of the current music world. This is an intelligent and subtle take over. Prepare to be seduced by Porcupine Tree…yet again.

Mike. E. Sheppard.

Chris Thomson Kings of Leon - A Royal Offering

Earthly Pleasures. Overshadowed by similar sounding bands such as The Futureheads and Franz Ferdinand, Maximo Park don’t seem to have commanded their fair share of media attention despite being nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.

The problem is that Maximo Park seem to have emerged in the aftermath of the art-rock fad which at the moment seems to have recoiled having experienced a somewhat saturated market. This has made it a challenge to establish a unique identity to help them stand out from the crowd.

Hopefully Our Earthly Pleasures should see this change with a veritable plethora of radio-friendly catchy tunes sure to garner mainstream attention.

Leading the charge back into radio-land is the single ‘Our Velocity’, an energy-packed riot of a track which charted at number 9.

‘Our Velocity’ is representative of about half the album, namely the half that is what could only be described as a spring-loaded sing-along rock-athon. The other half is a bit more country sounding – think an uptempo catchier version of Idlewild (of which the second single from the album, ‘Books From Boxes’, is a good example). There are fantastic tunes to be found on this album such as the beautiful piano-laden ‘Your Urge’ which retains an upbeat feeling, but blends it with a sprinkling of melancholy.

If you enjoyed A Certain Trigger, you certainly shan’t be disappointed by this – Maximo Park have kept true to their sound, producing another energetic offering but with refined lyrics and an emotional aspect to every track lending depth to the album.

Ross Butler

Rhythms Del Mundo, Cuba.

C

ontempory artists have joined up with the Buena Vista Social Club, a band made up of mainly octogenarian Cuban musicians in order to create an album for climate change awareness. What this means in practice is modern tunes that we’re all familiar with, getting put to a Cuban beat, as well as classic songs translated into Spanish, all wrapped up in an environmentally friendly package.

Strange as it may seem, but the Arctic Monkeys do in fact translate surprisingly well when put to a Cuban beat, with Rhythm Del Mundo’s version of ‘Dancing Shoes’. Jack Johnson’s ‘Better Together’ however doesn’t fair so well, but the rest of the album more than makes up for it. There’s a stirring Spanish version of ‘Killing Me Softly’ as well as U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’. Other modern classics, such as Radiohead’s ‘High and Dry’ get the Cuban treatment, as well as Franz Ferdinand’s ‘Matinee’.

Other tracks include songs with a climate change message, such as ‘Fragilidad’, sung in Spanish and outlining the fate the world if climate change continues. A highlight for any Buena Vista fan is a version of ‘As Time Goes By’ sung here by the late, great Ibrahim Ferrer, a founding member of the band. Whether it’s hearing some of your favourite songs done a bit differently, or you love Latino beats, Rhythms Del Mundo is something very appealing and a little bit different.

Emma Dodd

F

or the majority of this decade, a promotions company called Goldenvoice have been hosting what they feel is the American Glastonbury in the California desert, a little festival named Coachella. This year, they extended it to three days, after the success of the previous years. Not only that, they convinced one of the greatest bands of our generation, Rage Against the Machine, to reunite for what was meant to be a one off gig. I never got to see them back in their heyday, thanks to partially over-zealous parents unwilling to take me to one of those horrible rock concerts (my first gig was Coldplay in the Manchester Apollo back in 2000 for gods sake). Naturally, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to unite a much needed holiday, my annual festival trip, and a once in a lifetime opportunity into one crazy six day trip. So, here’s a few tips and thoughts about the American festival scene.

1) If you are going over purely for Coachella, DO NOT fly to LA. If you’re feeling brave enough, rent a car. But getting to and from LA to Indio (where the festival is held) can be more hassle than it’s worth thanks to a horrendously run Greyhound service. Palm Springs is a much closer airport, and should not be too hard to get to and from.

2) Ensure that any taxi services are running the meter, you can get ripped off quite easily.

3) Take plenty of sunscreen, hats and loose clothing. It was 100 degree Fahrenheit weather all weekend, which seems like an oven to those of us used to the Welsh climate!

4) Queues can be ridiculously long, so ensure you have enough water for the queue, you can only take one sealed bottle of water in with you, and you will NOT be allowed re-admittance to the arena if you come back to the campsite.

Despite all this, the festival was pretty well run. The campsite was gorgeous, with toilets that were actually a pleasure to use and plenty of showers! There was plenty to do without having to resort to tatty festival shops or £5 a pop Oxygen tubes (I can’t be the only one sick of those).

Coachella is a chance to see some pretty incredible art on display, a lot of which truly comes alive at night, such as huge tesla coils and light displays. The arena itself was well contained, and each tent was within quick walking distance from each other (a godsend, as I had to run from Arcade Fire to LCD Soundsystem to ensure a decent spot). The atmosphere was ridiculously friendly, without the need to resort to alcohol, which was too expensive and rubbish to drink regardless. And all of it was set in one of the most beautiful environments I’ve ever seen a festival held in, every day affording a wonderful view.

Overall, if the lineup is as good as it was this year (http://www.coachella.com to see who was playing this year), I may well pay another visit.

However, I was only truly there for one band. And boy was it worth it. I’ve never experienced a more electric crowd, brimming with anticipation before I saw these guys. Opening with Testify, the crowd literally exploded, with no end to the mosh pit in sight. Zack, looking a bit aged in all fairness, looked as though he was having the time of his life. They blasted through classics such as Guerilla Radio, Bulls on Parade, Bombtrack, Wake Up (which afforded Zack a moment to reflect on the Bush administration) and closed with the always incendiary Killing in the Name Of. Coupled with the atmosphere, the beautiful setting, and the feeling that we were part of one incredible night, it easily added up to the most amazing hour of music I have ever witnessed. Welcome back Rage, we have missed you.

Ian Davies

15

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

SEREN Bangor University’s Star Publication

Festival Guide 2007

McFly - What is the one on the right doing?

Caught Live: Festival McFly @ Survival Venue Cymru, Guide Llandudno s students I’m sure many of you are regular festival-goers and don’t give 23/04/07 a second thought to the dos and

O

n 23rd of April, chart-topping band McFly brought their ‘Up Close and Personal’ Tour to Venue Cymru in Llandudno. As a big fan, I was eager to go, but it took the offer of four free front-row tickets to convince three of my friends to accompany me.

As support acts go, it didn’t sound very promising. Lil’ Chris (aka Chris Hardman of ‘Rock School’ fame) isn’t someone any of us would normally listen to, but he was surprisingly entertaining, even though it was slightly disturbing to hear someone who is barely legal themselves asking 14 year-olds if they are ‘Gettin’ Enough’.

McFly were on top form. They opened with their latest single, ‘Friday Night’ and went straight into a number of songs from their most recent Motion In The Ocean album, including the #1 hits ‘Please Please’ and ‘Star Girl’. From our seats (which were practically ON the stage), it was clear that all four boys were really enjoying themselves, and this came across in their banter between songs, as they spent most of the time winding each other up and mocking each other for making mistakes during songs.

Although occasionally their comments were slightly inappropriate considering there were younger children in the audience, us 20 -year-olds were very amused. They rounded off a great set with new single ‘Transylvania’ (out now), and old favourite, ‘Five Colours In Her Hair’. Surprisingly, the highlight of the evening was Lil’ Chris joining them on stage to perform a cover of ‘Fight For Your Right’.

Despite their previous two tours both taking place in Arena venues, the energy in the rather tiny Venue Cymru was brilliant.

All in all, a bloody fantastic evening. I think my friends may have been converted.

Result!

Loran Perkins

Adieu!

W

ell that’s it. This is my last ever music page as I shall be leaving this summer hopefully to go on to bigger and better things. A big thank you to everyone who has contributed over the past year, without you it would not have been possible. Well that’s a lie, it would have been but I would have had a lot more work to do.

We haven’t always seen eye to eye, you and I. Although a lot of you didn’t like my Lily Allen review and my grasp of Renaissance composers apparently leaves a lot to be desired, I feel I have done an adequate job in keeping you up to date with the music scene in Bangor, as well as bringing you reviews of the latest albums. I shall be leaving your musical needs in the capable hands of your new Music Editor, Miss Emma Dixon. She’s alright I guess.

Chris Thomson

A

don’ts of festival survival. However, it is very important that you go fully prepared, especially for those festival virgins among you. There is nothing worse than getting yourself all geared up and excited just to realise when you get there that you have forgotten a load of vital kit. Fortunately, help is at hand with the Seren Festival Guide™.

Presumably you have booked your tickets for your festival/s of choice, but what about actually getting there? If you are travelling by car then make sure you have the relative car parking permits as without them you could be refused entry. An excellent way of getting to and from the festival is by organised coach travel. Check with National Express coaches to see if there is one from your hometown.

If possible take as much food and drink with you as you can to avoid paying the festival prices. You can pay up to a couple of quid just for a bottle of water and you’re looking at least a fiver for any sort of food. The food in general is fairly good quality, ranging from burritos to Yorkshire puddings. However, be warned, glass bottles are not permitted at any time and will be confiscated.

It’s amazing how many immaculately dressed girls you see at festivals with perfect hair and make-up. So what is their secret?

Gas-powered hair straighteners are the answer for those who can’t live without their GHDs, and apply make-up sparingly as you’re likely to get more than a little sweaty. You can always nip back to the campsite if necessary. Rolling your clothes rather than folding them is also a great way to get that straight off the hanger look. And most importantly, be prepared! Pack your suncream as well as your wellies and anorak as we all know how unpredictable the British weather can be.

Location. Location. Location. Where you pitch your tent is more important than you think. If you like a good night’s sleep then do not camp next to the dance tent, and try and avoid camping at the bottom of a hill, as you will end up sleeping in a puddle.

Make friends with your neighbours. If you get on well with them then it can really enhance your weekend. However, get off on the wrong foot and expect a weekend of hostility.

Finally, festival toilets are simply horrific.

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it so simply grin and bear it. Just make sure you have plenty of loo roll.

Follow these simple tips and you can’t go wrong. Seren wishes you all a happy festival experience!

Emma Dixon and Chris Thomson

Glastonbury

Carling Weekend: Reading and Leeds

Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th June

Friday 24th – Sunday 27th August

Razorlight Kings of Leon Interpol Red Hot Chili Peppers Arcade Fire Bloc Party Fall Out Boy Smashing Pumpkins Nine Inch Nails The View Klaxons CSS Jamie T

Arctic Monkeys Kasabian Bjork The Killers Shirley Bassey The Who Kaiser Chiefs Babyshambles Arcade Fire Chemical Brothers Hot Chip The Fratellis Lily Allen

V Festival

Download

Saturday 18th – Sunday 19th August

Friday 8th – Sunday 10th June

My Chemical Romance Velvet Revolver Wolfmother Linkin Park Marilyn Manson Slayer Iron Maiden Evanescense Stone Sour Korn Motley Crue Porcupine Tree Dream Theatre Reel Big Fish

The Killers Kasabian Foo Fighters Snow Patrol Pink Kanye West Manic Street Preachers Lily Allen Mika Basement Jaxx Amy Winehouse The Fray Jarvis Cocker Dizzee Rascal T in the park Friday 6th – Sunday 8th July

Arctic Monkeys Bloc Party The Killers Razorlight James Morrison Snow Patrol Scissor Sisters Kings of Leon Avril Lavigne The Kooks My Chemical Romance Queens of the Stone Age Sinead O’Connor Brian Wilson Kasabian

k toc kes 20th – a W ay ly st Ju Frid 21 y a urd Sat very ings

Fly Th Bra pe.

The Pretty ear Ca y Dirt ape. W C t Ge

Isle of Wight Friday 8th – Sunday 10th June

Muse The Rolling Stones Snow Patrol

Fes de tival I B Th enic nter n urs a a day ssim cion al Sun 19 th day – 2 2 nd Arc Jul tic y M M

use Hum an

onk eys

Lea g

ue

Creamfields Saturday 25th August

Chemical Brothers Groove Armada LCD Soundsystem

16

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

Seren’s Radio Times

Storm

Forecast

studio@stormfm.com MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Bangor’s Student Sound 87.7FM

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

7am: Storm In A Tea Cup - Storm’s morning mainstream mix, with various hosts.

SATURDAY

Bangor’s Student Sound Non-stop music

9am: Bangor’s Student Sound - Non-stop music

SUNDAY 7am: Sunday Sessions

9am: Sunday Service with the Christian Union

11am: Storm Bites Varying presenters with a mid-morning mix of music, including ‘The Votes’ on Mondays & Thursdays, and Ryan & Jack on Tuesdays.

12pm: The Saturday Sessions

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

12pm: The Sunday Roast mainstream music & chat.

2pm:

2pm: Music Through The Ages with Jon Gauaghan

4pm: Homeward Bound...

The PJ Show with Peter & Jack

6pm: The Time Tunnel - Warm-up for Time/Amser, with Spencer, Alex & Tom.

8pm: The Forum John Jackson hosts the debating panel show, with ‘Your Forum’.

2pm: Connections Friday Jones & Sam Slater

4pm: Homeward Bound...

6pm: The Text Session Your txt requests with DJPJ, Claire Stapleton & Kayleigh Evans, with the Facebook group riddle of the week.

8pm: Alternate Unsigned/unknown Local/National/ International Bands.

2pm: The Big Mix Up Claire Moor-Smith & Valentina D’erico

4pm: Homeward Bound...

Jack Jack & Isa Wilson

6pm: Welsh Rock Huw Parry

7pm: Society Slot A different society each week.

2pm: Welsh Show with Huw Parry

2pm: Plektrum with Martyn & Rob

4pm: Homeward Bound...

Huw & Tom hosts, Huw Parry & Tom Lansley

4pm: Homeward Bound...

Spencer’s Training Show

6pm: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - Eclectic mix of old and brand spanking new.

6pm: Sioe Laura Laura Parry

7pm: Ultrasound New, classic & obscure Indie with Storm’s head of music, Sean Clement.

8pm:

7pm: The Sound of the AU A different club each week.

8pm: Solid Gold Soul Best in northern Motown & funky soul, with Will Geldart.

2pm: The Back Pages Saturday sports show with Spencer George, Alex Lidell and Tom Lindsay (the man who loves the ladies!)

Claire Stapleton, Jack Jack & The Other One

4pm: The Classical Show Pete & Jen with a classical mix.

6pm: The Sunday Forum - Storm’s news team with political chat.

7pm: The Motel with Alex Thomas & Sarah Clinton

7pm: The Helpdesk at The Motel with Alex Thomas & Sarah Clinton.

9pm: LIVE Lounge & Something A Bit Different- Live bands in-studio

9pm: Sin Roc Gymraeg - mainstream music & entertainment

9pm: 9pm: Café Americana Trash DJ Holly with alternate music from across the pond.

10pm: WelshBoy Rap Show with Mike Walsh & his protegé Pimpasaurus

11pm: My Hood

Pre-Trash warm-up with Tom Giddings & Keira Ring.

9pm: The Jazz Show with Jack Baker

9pm: No Added Sugar

10pm:

10pm: Gary Brown Drum ‘n’ bass

11pm: The Parry Show

10pm: The Underground Colonel Kirkham’s LIVE dance mix.

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

10pm: Ed and Bob Show Non-stop music 10pm: The Dead Air Show! ?????????????

11pm: The Sounds of Gray coming soon...

Interested in radio? Want to get involved?

Join the Storm FM team and get your voice heard.

Or not!! It’s not just presenting - you could work in marketing, news, production, I.T. and much more.

today...

Contact Storm rmfm.com to s @ io d tu s il E-ma 48 internally) 0 8 r (o 8 4 0 8 8 3 Phone - 01248 to 60300 g s m + rm to s Txt Compiled by John Jackson

General Knowledge Cryptic Football IMAGEinative

What’s Up Doc?

Who are the famous doctors, and which film or TV programme are they from?

1. Glass mansion?

2. Wild dogs?

3. Steel city day?

4. Cattle cars together?

5. Heavy-weight toilet?

6. Organ of small lake?

7. What children might say after parent’s illness?

8. Royal leisure area guardians?

9. Always weight?

10. Sound of a prison clock?

11. Smashes things up?

12. Dirty water?

13. Where Wombles met McEnroe?

14. Cotton factory barrier?

15. Professor of rollers?

16. Tardy on the Far East?

17. Needed to live?

18. Bond parked outside Spanish mansion?

19. Male meadow?

20. Naked light of candle?

Compiled by John Jackson

Morocco; 11. France, Brazil and West Germany; 12. Vietnam; 13. Black Panther; 14. William Hartnell; 15. 8 - one at the top of each leg; 16. Taurus, Virgo & Capricorn; 17. Zinc; 18.

Occluded front; 19. Seven swans-a-swimming; 20. Old Kent Road & Mayfair.

Sudoku - Just for Fun...

D R A T E E A S Y

2 9 8 7 1 5 6 3 4

Y E E A S A T D R

6 5 3 2 4 8 9 7 1

A T S R D Y E E A

1 7 4 3 9 6 5 2 8

R A Y D A T E E S

3 4 9 1 6 2 8 5 7

T A D E E S R Y A

5 6 1 8 7 4 2 9 3

E S E A Y R A T D

8 2 7 9 5 3 4 1 6

A D T Y R E S A E

7 1 6 4 2 9 3 8 5

S Y A E T A D R E

4 3 2 5 8 1 7 6 9

last issue:-

this issue:9 8 5 6 3 7 1 4 2

EXPOSEitive

The purpose of life is to produce the highest and most comprehensive indivuality; therefore, every state of life which is not progressive is dead or retrograde...

Using the cryptic clues given below, work out the names of the British football team names...

E.g. “Latest fort merged” = Newcastle United

inQUIZitive

1. Which coloured ball is closest to the triangle of reds at the start of a game of snooker?

2. What is the name of Emily Bishop’s current lodger in Coronation Street?

3. What is the title of Star Wars: Episode II? 4. What were the first names of the Everly Brothers?

5. How many players are there in a cricket team?

6. How many and which colours are found on the Welsh flag?

7. By which process to plants convert light into energy?

8. Which monkey is the loudest land animal?

9. What is archontology the study of?

10. Which African country only shares land borders with Western Sahara and Algeria?

11. Which three nations won the football World Cup in the 1990s?

12. Which Asian country is bordered

by China to its north, and Laos and Cambodia to its west?

13. Which fully grown adult cat weighs more on average, the cheetah or the black panther?

14. Who was the first actor to portray the character of the Doctor in Doctor Who on TV? 15. How many eyes does a spider have?

16. What are the 3 ‘earth’ signs of the zodiac?

17. Which metal is used to galvanise steel?

18. What name is given to a meteorological front that is neither significantly cold nor warm?

19. What gift was given on the 7th day of Christmas, according to the famous song?

20. What are the cheapest and the most expensive properties in standard London Monopoly?

6 3 2 7 2 6 9 4 8 2 6 9 9 4 7 3 8 6 1 2

9 8 7 5 6 3 1

Wordo “END-O ku F-YEAR ”

The holes under the chocolate and caramel layer on a TWIX are placed in the cookie-biscuit to allow the chocolate to contract without cracking, and also to prevent expansion of the cookie during baking.

E

O Y A O

E A

E

E

O Y N

N R E D

F O

u Sudok r fun...

Just fo

FACTive 1

N E D R

A E E A

O R F

Same rules as number Sudoku, but the letters from “END OF YEAR” are in place of the numbers 1 to 9.

Note though that there are 2 ‘E’s !!!

FACTive 2 FACTive 3 The “Ig-Nobel Prizes” are a parody of the Nobel Prizes that are awarded annually.

In 2000, the “Ig-Nobel Prize for Public Health” was awarded to 3 doctors from the Glasgow Western Infirmary for a case report they had prepared on “wounds sustained to the buttocks by collapsing toilets”!

“Toadfish” is not just the nickname of Jarrod Rebecchi in the Australian soap opera Neighbours!

They are ray-finned fishes (whose colourings resemble that of toads), found on the mud-bottoms of coastal waters all around the world. Several species are also venomous.

Cryptic Football: 1. Crystal Palace; 2. Wolves; 3. Sheffield Wednesday; 4. Oxford United; 5. Luton; 6.

Liverpool; 7. Motherwell; 8. Queens Park Rangers (QPR); 9. Everton; 10. Celtic; 11.

Wrexham; 12. Blackpool; 13. Wimbledon; 14.

Millwall; 15. Doncaster; 16. Leyton Orient; 17.

Ayr or Hearts; 18. Aston Villa; 19. Mansfield; 20.

Berwick. inQUIZitive: 1. Pink; 2. Norris Cole; 3. Attack of the Clones; 4. Don & Phil; 5. 11; 6. 4 - White, Green, Red & Black (outline of the dragon); 7. Photosynthesis; 8. Howler monkey; 9. Study of Important Offices of State (E.g. monarch/bishop/dictator); 10.

IMAGEinative

IMAGEinative - Mr Men?: 1. Mr Funny; 2. Mr Rush; 3. Mr Bump; 4. Mr Grumpy; 5. Mr Noisy; 6. Mr Happy; 7. Mr Small; 8. Mr Tickle; 9. Mr Nosy; 10. Mr Forgetful; 11.

Mr Messy; 12. Mr Impossible; 13. Mr Greedy; 14. Mr Nonsense; 15. Mr Strong.

IMAGEinative - What’s Up Doc?: 1. Dr Bones McCoy - Star Trek; 2. Dr Teeth - The Muppet Show; 3. Dr Who (Colin Baker); 4. Dr Quincy ME; 5. Dr Karl Kennedy - Neighbours; 6. Dr Chris Steele - This Morning; 7. Dr Sam Beckett - Quantum Leap; 8. Dr David Bruce Banner - Incredible Hulk; 9. Dr Octopus Spiderman/Marvel Comics; 10. Dr Evil - Austin Powers.

P

The prize puzzle this issue is the End-Of-Year Wordoku (below).

E-mail your answer to editor@seren.bangor.ac.uk or cut it out and hand it 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 from the correct entries and fantabulous prizes will be awarded by 08/06/07.

UZZLEs, osers & roblems

E E Wordoku R “EASTER- S DAY” A answers D Y A T

17

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

18

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

Mountaineers tackle Scottish highlands

T

he Mountain Walking Club recently left the Welsh valleys behind and departed for the Scottish highlands and beautifully scenery of Aberfeldy. The town is situated at a bend of the mighty River Tay (the UK’s largest) and 5km down stream from Loch Tay. “Seventeen members of the club, all of whom share a common love for walks and mountains, endless horizons of adventure and exploration; not to mention dedicated photo-snap shooters of moments that dominate the memory for years, went on a trip to Aberfeldy, Scotland a couple of weeks ago. Walking some mysteriously wild, beautifully spread and generously offered to the world ranges and

peaks was the objective.”

After an eventful journey to the northern location, managing to crash both the vehicles into each other, they arrived at their destination to discover a picturesque bunkhouse, with all they could ever wish for apart from any sign of a pub, bank, or

supermarket, all of which are obviously essential for a week away. After a 40 minute walk through a neighbouring golf course, all their troubles were solved however, and their hike for necessities certainly proved to be quite fitting considering the nature of the club. After a good night’s sleep, the team was fully prepared for their first climb of the week. It was to be the relatively low peak of Faragorn, that boasted quite an impressive distance and bogjumping to boost. The wildlife was also rather impressive in the form of vast herds of deer and big yellow toad. The next day held host to a far more gruelling challenge, taking on the first two Munros (a mountain characterized by a) being in Scotland, and b) being at least 3000 feet and c) having a certain amount of drop-off between it and the next one (i.e they must be quite distinct from one another as hills). The snow on the mountains seemed to be the most pleasurable (if not distracting) aspect of the hike, at points becoming meters deep. By the time they reached the top of Benn Lawers the sun was shining and the clouds were well below them. The beautiful scenery was of course reason for celebration, and how better to celebrate at the top of a mountain then build an Igloo and a snow-hole, as well as taking the time to slide around the peak before starting the decent.

The team took Wednesday as time to recuperate and explore the lower lands of the highlands. After a brief walk through the nearby forest, they visited Aberfeldy World of Whisky, where is distilled the famous Dawer’s Whisky. After a

exhilarating tour (made so by the ample free samplers), the team headed back for a meal at the local pub and pool competitions with the locals.

Two groups went into the peaks on Thursday, one of them taking on the challenging prospect of six peaks, four of them being Munros. The other group climbed the third Munro. After a hard days walking the team took a well earned rest, before travelling back via Glasgow the

next day.

The week (which has become something of a tradition within the club) was an obvious success, and the reports from it really emphasised what a good week it was.

Check out the club’s impressive website for all other blogs and news at

www.umwc.org.uk Jack Peat Adam Pearce

A

best place to go for the beach, best sports venues, best clubs and bars and the best reps and officials. On arrival to the resort the clubs are welcomed by their reps, and have the first night to relax, drink, and dress audaciously for their first night’s fun. The next morning the clubs participate in their first day of sport, enjoying competition from clubs from around the UK that they would not necessarily compete against in their domestic BUSA league. After the day’s events are over, buses are on hand to transfer students to Altro Mondo Studios nightclub, home to Europe’s largest laser show. The next day sees all the finals played out, and then, inevitably, back to the task of drinking, socialising and soaking the Italian nightlife up to the max. All that is then left is the gruelling coach ride home, and the week draws to a conclusion, where the students, (and often their memories) depart sunny Italy for colder climates.

Calella played host to the other three teams departing for tour. The Men’s Rugby Union, Netball and the Dance team all headed to the south east coast of Spain to enjoy the sizzling hot weather. Described as “an extension of the events that were packed into your introduction to student life,” it is set in the fantastic beach resort of Calella (near Barcelona), with each night lined with entertainment and specialist DJs that set the tone for CalellaFest’s unrivalled social

Staffordshire University 24-26 Bangor University

B

angor once again played heroically to pull off a remarkable win against Staffordshire. A nightmare start, similar to the one against Manchester in November, saw Bangor concede two tries in the first five minutes. On paper it looked as if the match was already slipping away.

However, for Staffordshire, the danger signs were already appearing.

They continuously lost possession due to tough Bangor tackling and their own poor handling under pressure. Aled Williams, playing a superb game on Bangor’s left wing, began the reply by scoring his first try for the club under the posts, collecting a long pass from Tom Bradfield after the stand off ’s powerful run to race in from 45 metres.

In a see-saw game the lead changed hands more than once and, even after Bradfield’s two impressive tries from far out and John Wilkins’s show of strength to squeeze in the corner, Bangor were behind 24-22 early in the second half.

A gale force wind made conversions difficult, as Staffordshire’s kicker found out in the first half, missing three attempts at goal. Luckily Jamie Temple had remembered to bring his kicking boots for Bangor as he succeeded with three conversions at the other end. Will Varley took Bangor into the lead, beating the full back on his way to the line after a determined run from Danny Wright had put the centre clear.

With twenty-five minutes left at this point, the game turned into a battle.

Staffordshire desperately needed the ball but when they did have possession they were hit by a ferocious defence, especially from

reputation. As the students arrive into the resort, they are welcomed with information packs, and given the chance to purchase wristbands that entitle them to free entry and drinks in the nightclubs throughout the week. They are then straight into their first night of frivolous audacity. The students then depart to the sports facilities the next day for the first day’s events, and in similar style to the Italian festival, the games are wrapped up with eventual victors the following day (obviously separated by the night’s social affairs). The lucky winners of the set tournaments are rewarded with a three course dinner and an exclusive VIP night. The following day is aside set for either relaxing with volleyball and football on the beach in Calella, or taking the short train ride to Barcelona to check out its sights.

Both tours have become something of a tradition within the participating clubs, and they certainly play a noteworthy role in their social life. Although clubs are often reluctant to reveal the events of tour, abiding by the age old “whatever goes on tour, stays on tour” motto, the reaction from their week away is certainly positive and to them it seems to play a momentous role within their lives at university and their time within their sports teams.

Jack Peat

Tom Hughes who threw all of his nineteen stone bulk in midfield. Matt Davies left the field concussed after a brave tackle and Temple produced a try-saving tackle in the dying moments, forcing a knock on in the process.

The final minutes saw both teams lose possession cheaply which pointed out Staffordshire’s desperation but also Bangor’s inexperience when defending a lead.

Team Captain James Fleming, close to tears at the final whistle, said that he was proud of everybody’s performance and was looking forward to the next round.

Bangor will only be losing one player next year: the excellent Joe Smith who has never missed a game for the club during his three years at the University. With next year’s freshers to boost the team further, it’s looking to be another successful season.

Bangor versus Loughborough A After only being behind 16-12 at half time, Bangor let Loughborough run away with the match in the second half as they scored five unanswered tries. However the hard determined rugby played by Bangor in the first half clearly rattled the visitors and this type of team work will build a definite title contending side for next season’s BUSA competition. Try scorers for Bangor were James Fleming, Tom Bradfield and Danny Wright.

With only friendlies left to play, the team look to set up matches against Chester University, Aberwystryth University, Bangor City and the much anticipated Bangor University Rugby Union Team

Will Varley

Cricket season commences

B

Bangor heads East fter a full year of domestic sport various Bangor teams decided to cap it off by entering tournaments in the heartland of sunny Europe. Joined by universities from around the UK, competing in a vast amount of different sports, the teams headed to tournaments in Calella (Spain) and Rimini (Italy).

Festival Italia (Rimini) is located on the north east coast of Italy, and this year it held host to both the Women’s Rugby team and the Ultimate Frisbee team as well as 1500 other excitable students. The festival recently added Ultimate Frisbee to its events and this provided a unique chance for the up- andcoming Bangor team to ‘strut their stuff ’ on foreign soil. Its attractions were obvious from the start, with the frisbee tournament being hosted on the warm Italian beach with the soft sounds of the Adriatic Sea lapping at miles of beautiful golden coast in the gentle spring breeze. “Rimini-bathed in glorious sunshine was a massive success with Ultimate Frisbee hogging the limelight” (as quoted in the recent newspaper). As a relatively new sport, it also allowed the team to play universities from around the country. The Women’s Rugby team joined the Frisbee team, after having a successful tournament in Rimini in 2006, they decided to make it a traditional getaway for the team.

The festival, that took place between the 9th to the 15th April, maintain that it’s the

Rugby League roundup

angor’s cricket season got off to a successful start to the season after dismissing Liverpool University 2nd team for a mere 116 runs. They triumphed by 124 after they notched up an impressive 240 all out in their first match of the summer. They previously lost to Manchester narrowly, after been bowled out for 183.

Liverpool are currently top of the table, after beating both Salford and Huddersfield, both of whom Bangor have to face next.

After the team’s comfortable victory over Liverpool, they should be hoping to give a repeat performance in the remaining

matches that will considerably stregnthen their league position The team who have been in training at Normal Site since before Easter, have Manchester and Huddersfield to play away, and will play host to Salford on 13th May. The team plays at Bangor City cricket ground and any support would be welcomed for a game that would make perfect drinking conditions.

Jack Peat

Seren - End of Year Issue 2007

End of year review

A

fter many months of competing, the sporting season came to a close for most of Bangor’s Athletic Union clubs and sporting teams. After the awards dinner, Athletic Union President Andrew Redfearn took the time to reflect on the years events and the progress of the AU and Bangor sports.

He believes it has been a good year for Bangor, especially for smaller clubs, as is reflected by the many awards been taken by our once smaller clubs. This seems to be a good way forward, and when we’re so isolated here in our part of North Wales, its nice to see some high class athletes coming out of the network. Tennis have had a good season and we will be entering both Men’s and Women’s teams into BUSA next year. In a time when their facility has been taken for the Ffriddoedd development, it is nice to have a club carry on regardless, and overcoming adversity and getting on with it.

Golf has been resurrected in the past years and, led by Matt and Daniel, has gone on to compete well in BUSA. While their results barely do them justice, they have had the will and drive to succeed and we wish them the best for the 2007-08 season. BUMS, again, have outdone themselves. Led by Theo they went to BUSA and brought us back second place. Riding have also done well this year, and are able to enter two teams into BUSA next year, their success is certainly inspiring considering the bigger universities that they compete against. Canoe Polo have shown tremendous gusto also, with travelling not on their sides, the finances a problem and being the underdogs at many of the tournaments they enter could certainly have held the club back, however they have shown tremendous fighting spirit throughout their year and indeed since their foundation, achieving success that will surely be taken through to the future years.

Jack Peat

19

Sport

Bangor sports teams compete in crazy sports day

O

n Sunday 29th April the Athletics club held their Crazy Sports Day in aid of the North West Cancer Research Fund Institute, a centre of excellence for molecular cancer studies located within the School of Biological Sciences at the university.

It was perfect weather for the event with a great turn out! Special thanks go to rowing, fencing, sub-Aqua team, women’s rugby, rugby league and Amnesty for providing such enthusiastic people to make up the teams!

Various events were held throughout the afternoon with fierce competition as each team strived to be crowned Crazy Sports Day Champions. The shouting and cheering from each team told the story – everyone one was having fun, but secretly, all wanted to win! At one point the Athletics team even made an informal complaint towards the Rowers for fielding the same person twice in the same event. This added to the fun and rivalry between the two teams, with each team being great sports!

Eventual winners by the margin of only three points over the athletics club were the Rowing team. They were very worthy winners, with each member receiving a printed mug kindly donated by Blue Room Promotions (www.blueroompromotions.co. uk). Other prizes donated by local businesses were also given out for good performance in various events.

Of all the events, welly wanging was particularly close, with many tactics being used to ensure the welly was thrown as far as possible. Debates within teams were centred around whether heel first or toe first would yield the best results. Even with these heated

discussions, some competitors managed to throw the welly further behind them than they did in front, and this was met with many laughs.

The three-legged race was also quite strategic, although at one point two members of the sub-Aqua team seemed to result to crawling to try and get themselves over the line. Unfortunately this was to no avail as Amnesty just beat athletics to the line to finish in first, with the dive team eventually bringing up the rear in style.

Other events included the traditional egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow races, skipping races, and many more.

But this isn’t the only club with some crazy facts to its name!

Archery for example; apparently in Chester you can only shoot a Welsh person with a bow and arrow inside the city walls and after midnight. Also, the first hockey puck ever used was a frozen piece of cow poo and a ‘face-off ’ in hockey was originally called a ‘puck-off ’.

If you hear a rower bellow that he caught a crab, they aren’t talking about marine life or an undesirable social disease. When the oarblade enters the water at an angle, it can get caught beneath the surface. The oarblade drives into the stomach, and has the potential to toss the rower out of the boat and into the water!

For those tennis buffs amongst you, 24 tons of succulent Kent strawberries are ordered for The Championships at Wimbledon each year!

The origins of the frisbee flying disc are in New Haven Connecticut (USA) where long ago, people began tossing and catching the pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company.

For those speed demons out there, the current world record for 500m course on a windsurf is 48.70 knots, that’s 56 miles per hour! However, spiking is volleyball’s most dramatic and offensive manoeuvre, with ball speeds reaching about 100 mph. Faster still, a badminton shuttle easily travels at 112 mph!

The flea can jump up to 350 times its body length. For a human, that would be equivalent to jumping the length of a football field! In basketball, dribbling only became a major part of the game around the 1950s as manufacturing improved the ball shape. On that note, it is often cited that rugby balls are oval shaped because that was the natural shape of a distended pigs

in her category, she has been North Wales champion in both 2005 and 2006 and over the summer she represented North Wales shooting out of her category. The second went to the Athletics Captain Rob Samuel, who has had an excellent season.

His performance placed him in the top five of nearly every race he entered, his commitment and drive are second to none.

On top of this, he successfully led the largest Athletics team Bangor has sent to BUSA in recent years and his personal results there

place in his category at BUSA and is on the UK level 6 sponsored canoe team. The final blues award of the year went to Rugby League member Joseph Smith. Joseph played every competitive game since his clubs beginning and since arriving here in Bangor three years ago he has been a large part of the team and has done a lot to aid the clubs progression over the years. He has been selected to play for Scotland, he’s been selected to play for Great Britain, and he’s scored a try at international level.

were exceptional, with him being chosen to race for the Welsh Universities. The third of the Blues awards went to Tom Laws, who spent the year competing in a sport that is renowned for being non-competitive. His expertise and contribution to the club over the years has been excellent, organising and taking extended coaching sessions for the members. This year he achieved second

Preceding the Blues awards were the AU awards, decided upon and awarded by Andrew Redfearn. The first of these to be given out was the Spirit of the AU award.

This is awarded to a club that has shown outstanding effort and commitment. This year it went to one of our smaller clubs, who have expanded over the recent years increasing their participation dramatically.

The Athletics Club have been entering and achieving good performances in many events, sending a big contingent to BUSA and achieving impressive results.

The Women’s Badminton Team were the next to receive an award for the Team of the Year. The team have trained hard and played even harder. They won 5 out of 7 BUSA league matches placing themselves at the top of their group, pushing themselves through to the knockouts. In the knockouts they performed well but in the end they unfortunately lost out at the university finals in a close match against Sheffield. The Club of the Year was the subsequent award to be given. It is awarded to the club that excels in any of the following areas: recruitment and retention of members, excellence in training members, excellence in managing the clubs activities, excellence in socials and fundraising and/ or high results in their relevant competition. The Fencing Club have ticked nearly every box, their membership is at a high, being one of our smallest clubs in previous years it now has over 40 members.

The training of their members is excellent, with a dedicated coach and skilled members, they’ve been training their new recruits and less experienced members to competition level. Fundraising, with some cheeky sales and hosting competitions, they’ve raked in the money allowing themselves to update much of their old kit and they are now ready for next year’s intake. The two remaining awards presented by the AU were the Sportsman and Sportswomen of the Year. The sportswoman was the first to be awarded, and this year it went to Elizabeth York. Over her years in the AU, she has gone over and above what is expected of her, taking on extra jobs other than her role and ensuring that they get done. She has single handily organised trips, meals and events for her club and she is always on hand to share her expert advice and knowledge

bladder, the original rugby ball. Golf is the only sport ever played on the moon - on 6th February 1971 Alan Shepard hit a golf ball.

Last but not least, since the beginning of the modern Olympic games, only Greece and Australia have competed in every single one!

Now the Sports Day wasn’t the Olympics but people are already talking about training for next year! The day was a complete success raising just over £140 for the North West Cancer Research Fund Institute, much needed money for this very worthy cause… watch this space!

Rob Samuel

Athletic Union recognise sporting acheivement

A

fter a year filled with physical attainment, emerging diversity and controversy on and off the field, this years sporting events finally boil down to the AU dinner; where the university takes its place in recognising the personalities and teams that have excelled in their sporting fields. The prestigious event is to many teams the highlight of the year, where all their hard work and effort is rewarded, and an outlook for next year can be cast. To many of the sportsmen and women leaving the University, it also plays host to their final night in a team that surely played such a pivotal role in their university experience.

The awards are unique in that they aren’t specifically designed to honour the clubs that have won the most matches. They also don’t necessarily outline those who have tallied the most points. Moreover, they are designed to credit those who have shown commitment to their sport, outstanding effort and achieving high levels of participation. To many of the clubs that have spent the year building on their foundations, creating a buoyant team and in many cases significantly building on their team of old, it is just reward for their outstanding effort.

Andrew ‘Frodo’ Redfearn, the Athletic Union President who has spent the last year dealing with and monitoring all the clubs within the AU, has dealt with both the highs and the lows of the Bangor University sports. His job as the Au President is surely made much easier by those clubs who maintain good club moral, and those clubs who endeavour to push themselves forward.

The first awards of the night were decided upon by the Colours Committee, who present the Blues awards, designed to recognise the AU members who have excelled in their chosen field, playing at the highest level. The first of the four blues awards was presented to Archer: Elizabeth York. Last year she won every competition

with the clubs members. She draws a fine example of outstanding sportswomanship.

Her competition performance is excellent too and by her captain, she has been referred to as ‘one of the best archers this university has ever seen and will see for quite a while’.

The Sportsman of the Year was the final AU award. For his outstanding performance while representing Bangor at high level competition and for sportsmanship during his time at Bangor, the award went to Rob Samuel. In his years at the University, he has been instrumental in expanding and developing his club, organising their training and always encouraging his fellow sportspeople. His personal performances have been of the highest standard setting the benchmark of what he expects and always pushing himself to develop. With the aid of his committee, he organised an event for all students of Bangor, encouraging them to get out and raise money for charity.

The last award of the night was a personal award presented by the Athletic Union President. It is for the contribution to sport and for overall outstanding service to the AU and its members over the year. The last minute decision went to the Rowing Club. The club has expanded a lot, their participation is on the up and they are now flourishing. They have consistently badgered the AU President and constantly raised the issues that really mattered to them, and their efforts have paid off. Extensive work has been carried out this year and more is due over the summer. Led by two outstanding captains, Ed and Hannah, both of which will be missed next year, the award was given to them for their constant hard work all year.

Jack Peat Andrew Redfearn